Untreated Control Research Articles

Effects of Meditation and Breathing Therapy on Anxiety Improvement before and after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of worldwide mortality, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has long been used to alleviate its symptoms. However, patient anxiety has been noted to exacerbate the negative symptoms of CAD, as well as reduce the effectiveness of PCI. Numerous techniques have been developed for alleviating patient stress, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises, though their efficacy with respect to improving PCI outcomes has still not been fully defined. In this study, we aimed to shed light by examining whether CAD patients who underwent such exercises demonstrated lowered anxiety and improved functional outcomes post-PCI compared to CAD patients who did not undergo these procedures. Methods: One hundred and sixty CAD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two 80-member groups, one of which (intervention) was prescribed meditation therapies, in the form of 6-min mindfulness videos, breathing therapies carried out 12 times per cycle, for 3 times/day, as well as targeted psychological counseling. The other 80-patient group served as the untreated control (Con). Anxiety was monitored during that time period using the Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), while sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); furthermore, various cardiac functioning parameters, such as heart rate, were measured. In addition, the occurrence of serious adverse events (SAEs) was monitored during the 3-month follow-up period post-PCI. Results: No significant differences were present between the intervention and Con groups for baseline patient characteristics, except for body mass index. However, the intervention group had lower stress levels, in the form of lower SAS, compared to baseline, while the opposite was true for the untreated Con group. Lower SAS also corresponded to lower PSQI pre-PCI in intervention, indicating that this group had improved sleep quality, while PSQI remained unchanged from baseline to PCI in Con. Along with lower stress levels, intervention had lower blood pressures, heart rate, and SAEs, compared to Con, both pre-PCI and during the 3-month follow-up period, illustrating that meditation and respiratory therapies are able to reduce stress pre-PCI, in turn improving PCI outcomes and reducing complications postprocedure. Conclusion: Meditation and respiratory therapies are able to effectively alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality pre-PCI, in turn improving cardiac functional parameters and facilitating smooth PCI procedures. All of these improvements resulted in increased PCI success rates, lowered hospitalization time, and reduced postsurgical complications in the form of SAEs, enabling these strategies to be of great clinical utility for better preparing CAD patients for the procedure. Public Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT05320848.

Efficacy of Certain Insecticides against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Gueenee) on Brinjal Crop Solanum melongena (L)

A field experiment was conducted at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2023. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments replicated thrice along with untreated control plot. Eight treatments viz. Novaluron @ 10% EC 0.5ml/lit, Spinetoram 11.7% SC @0.4g/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @0.4g/lit, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC@0.5ml/lit, Flubendiamide 39.35% SC @0.5 ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @20ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana1x108 CFU @ 2.5g/lit and untreated control were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer. During the investigation, it was revealed that the lowest percent shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) infestation after 1st and 2nd spray was observed in the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC i.e. 2.32% and 2.16%, followedby Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (3.21 and 2.97), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (3.81 and (3.30), Novaluron 10% EC (4.62 and 4.05), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 5.39 and 4.903, Neem oil 2% 5.98 and 5.38 and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48. The treatment Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48 was found to be least effective among all the treatments against Leucinodes orbonalis. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (241.75 q/ha, 1:13.14) was found most effective with highest yield and cost benefit ratio among all the treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (190.61 q/ha, 1:10.34), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (150.58 q/ha,1:7.92), Novaluron 10% EC (124.49 q/ha, 1:6.38), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (104.34 q/ha, 1:4.34), Neem oil 2% @ (85.81 q/ha, 1:3.01) and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU @ (65.83 q/ha1:2.80) as compared to untreated control plot (59.06 q/ha, 1:2.68).

Evaluation of fungicides to manage rice false smut (Ustilaginoidea virens) in the hills of Nepal

Rice False Smut (RFS) caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is a major emerging disease of rice due to expanded area of hybrid rice cultivars, increasing use of nitrogenous fertilizers and change in climate. Due to the increasing incidences of this disease across the globe, there is a pressing need to develop techniques for false smut management. The application of fungicides with high efficiency, low toxicity, and low residue is currently the best option to control RFS. Therefore, current research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of fungicides to manage RFS. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications of seven treatments at RFS-prone subtropical hills of Nepal in the main rice growing season, during 2020 and 2021. The fungicides include trifloxystrobin 25 % + tebuconazole 50 %, chlorothalonil 75 %, carbendazim 12 % + mancozeb 63 %, propiconazole 25 %, azoxystrobin 50 %, carbendazim 50 % and untreated control. Fungicides were applied as two foliar sprays, one at booting and the other at flowering. Fungicide spray significantly increased number of tillers per plant (P ≤ 0.01) and reduced the number of false smut-infected tillers per plant (P ≤ 0.05), false smut severity (P ≤ 0.05), and incidence (P ≤ 0.05). False smut incidence percentages were significantly reduced by all the fungicides except mancozeb + carbendazim compared to the non-treated control. The reduction in RFS incidence was 70 % in propiconazole, 71 % in trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole sprayed plots compared to the non-treated control plots. Thus, the application of suitable fungicide at the appropriate stage would give the satisfactory suppression of RFS in a farmers' field in Nepal.

Antioxidant and antielastase activities of antiaging granules containing aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) and rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.)

Abstract Skin aging can be overcome with natural ingredients acting as antiaging agents. Several compounds in aloe vera gel (Aloe vera) and rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) have antiaging activity. This study aims to determine the effect of granule products containing combinations of aloe vera gel and rosella in a 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 ratio on the physical and chemical characteristics, as well as antioxidant and antielastase activities. This study used a laboratory experimental research design using a completely randomized design (CRD). Solubility time, color, and viscosity tests were used to determine the physical characteristics. Moisture content, pH, total anthocyanins, total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, total polysaccharide, o-acetyl polysaccharide, antioxidant, and antielastase were used to determine the chemical characteristics. Antioxidant and antielastase were used to determine the antiaging activity of granules. The result revealed that the combination of aloe vera gel and rosella at 1:3 significantly increased antioxidant and antielastase activity of antiaging granule products compared to untreated granule control. The granules containing aloe vera gel and rosella in this study showed antioxidant and antielastase activities.

Engineered Lipids for Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging in Steatotic Hepatocytes

AbstractIntracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in steatotic cells pose a problem due to their potential to cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Delivering engineered phospholipids to intracellular lipid droplets in steatotic hepatic cells, using the cell's inherent intracellular lipid transport mechanisms are investigated. Initially, it is shown that tail‐labeled fluorescent lipids assembled into liposomes are able to be transported to intracellular lipid droplets in steatotic HepG2 cells and HHL‐5 cells. Further, an antioxidant, an EUK salen–manganese derivative, which has superoxide dismutase‐like and catalase‐like activity, is covalently conjugated to the tail of a phospholipid and formulated as liposomes for administration. Steatotic HepG2 cells and HHL‐5 cells incubated with these antioxidant liposomes have lower intracellular ROS levels compared to untreated controls and non‐covalently formulated antioxidants. This first proof‐of‐concept study illustrates an alternative strategy to equip native organelles in mammalian cells with engineered enzyme activity.

Effects of Promalin on Fruit Growth and Cuticle Properties of ‘Pinova’ Apple

Promalin (Valent BioSciences, Libertyville, IL, USA) is a proprietary mixture of gibberellin A4 + 7 and 6-benzyladenine that is widely used in apple production to improve the fruit shape, size, and skin quality. Promalin typically increases fruit size and length. However, the increased growth likely increases the strain in the fruit skin, which may exacerbate microcracking of the cuticle and, consequently, russeting. This study aimed to monitor the growth-stimulating effect of Promalin in three different regions of fruits and investigate whether Promalin affects cuticular microcracking via effects on the deposition of cuticular components or via the accumulation of strain in the cuticle. Four Promalin sprays (20 mg⋅L−1) were applied to runoff; the first was applied at full bloom, and the remaining sprays were applied at approximately weekly intervals thereafter. Fruit surface areas and fruit surface area growth rates of the Promalin-treated fruits were higher than those of the untreated control fruits. Promalin increased the fruit length, but it had no effect on the fruit equatorial diameter. In Promalin-treated fruits, the base of each sepal extended, thickened, and became fleshy as early as 15 days after full bloom (DAFB). Allometric growth analyses revealed higher constant differential growth ratios of the pedicel and calyx length (before 36 DAFB) in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. After 36 DAFB, the difference in constant differential growth ratios between Promalin-treated fruits and control fruits decreased. Cuticle mass per unit area increased with time in all regions of the fruit surface and was slightly (+3.3%) but significantly higher in fruits treated with Promalin than in control fruits. Additionally, the biaxial strain release was slightly and significantly lower in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. When the isolated, cuticle was ablated from the inner surface and dewaxed, strain relaxation in the control fruits was higher than that in the Promalin-treated fruits. It was concluded that Promalin treatment increases the length of the fruit by increasing the lengths of the pedicel and calyx regions early during fruit development. Promalin only slightly increased cuticle deposition and fixation of cuticular strain. Promalin had no effects on microcracking or russeting.

Safety and Efficacy of SGLT2 Inhibitors for Amyloid Light-Chain Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundSodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated benefit in patients with heart failure, but minimal data exists around the use of these medications in amyloid light-chain cardiomyopathy (AL-CM). We performed a retrospective study assessing the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in AL-CM. MethodsWe queried our institutional registry and identified 27 AL-CM patients who received SGLT2i. The safety analysis included all 27 patients and assessed SGLT2i-associated adverse events, hospitalizations, and deaths. To decrease confounding, the efficacy analysis included only a subset of patients with stable disease (on stable anti-plasma cell therapy for ≥2 months prior to baseline and achieved at least a hematologic Very Good Partial Response) and compared disease marker changes in these patients (n=17) with those of a contemporaneous untreated control cohort from our registry (n=21). ResultsThe mean age of the overall population was 68.6 (standard deviation 9.4) years. Seven (14.6%) patients had diabetes, and 19 (39.6%) had chronic kidney disease. In the safety analysis, median follow-up time was 10.9 (interquartile range 7.2) months. Two (7.4%) patients discontinued SGLT2i due to hypovolemia and genital irritation, and 6 (22.2%) additional patients temporarily held SGLT2i due to an adverse event, commonly related to volume depletion. Thirteen hospitalizations, all considered unrelated to SGLT2i use, and no deaths occurred. In the efficacy analysis, SGLT2i-treated patients had more severe disease at baseline than controls, demonstrating significantly higher median troponin-T and loop diuretic dose (P<0.05). Compared with controls, SGLT2i treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in loop diuretic dose (P<0.001) and NTproBNP (P=0.033) across 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up timepoints. SGLT2i treatment was also associated with a significantly greater reduction in mean arterial pressure at 12 months (P=0.031) but not at other timepoints. No significant differences were observed on changes in weight, eGFR, troponin-T, proteinuria, or albumin. ConclusionsIn this small-scale retrospective study, we demonstrate that SGLT2i is well-tolerated by most patients with AL-CM, but volume depletion symptoms may limit continuous use. SGLT2i may aid management of congestion in AL-CM as evidenced by reduced diuretic dose and NTproBNP without adverse renal effects. Larger long-term studies are needed to build on our findings.

Repeated dose, 28-day oral toxicity study of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to examine the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats. MethodsFor this purpose, forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6 each), encompassing untreated controls and experimental groups treated with curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite. Three rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under di-ethyl ether anesthesia after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for serum chemistry. All of the animals' livers, hearts, and kidneys were removed and sent for histopathological examination. ResultsAfter two weeks of inquiry, certain groups displayed higher hematological values, while others had lower values compared to the control group. AST, CK, and LDH enzyme activity were higher in groups 2–8, but urea concentrations were higher in groups 6 and 8. After four weeks, the Hb, MCH, and MCHC values in group 4 were greater, as were the WBC levels in groups 4 and 6, whereas other groups had lower MCV and WBC values. The weekly body weight gain was insignificantly different between treatment groups. Throughout the experiment, none of the animals perished. Male rats' liver, kidney, and heart underwent histopathological changes after ingesting curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin. ConclusionBased on the findings, rats were more detrimental when curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin were ingested together than when they were consumed individually, as evidenced by histopathological abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Mitigating Effect of Matricin Against Benzo(a)pyrene-induced Lung Carcinogenesis in Experimental Mice Model.

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that is still prevalent worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the effects of matricin, a sesquiterpene, on the carcinogenic agent benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]-induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Lung cancer was induced by oral administration of B(a)P at 50 mg/kg b. wt. in model Swiss-albino mice (group II) as well in experimental group III, and treated with matricin (100 mg/kg b. wt.) in group III. Upon completion of treatment for 18 weeks, the changes in body weight, tumor formation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (GSH, SOD, GPx, GR, QR, CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM), apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl-xL), tumor markers (carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE)), and histopathological (H&E) alterations were determined. The results indicate that B(a)P caused a significant increase of tumor formation in the lungs, increased tumor markers and inflammatory cytokines in serum, and depletion of enzymatic/ non-enzymatic antioxidants and immunoglobulins, compared to the untreated control group. Matricin treatment significantly reversed the changes caused by B(a)P as evidenced by the biochemical and histopathological assays. The changes caused by matricin clearly indicate the cancer-preventive effects of matricin against B(a)P-induced lung cancer in animal models, which can be attributed to the antioxidant activity, immunomodulation, and mitigation of the NF-kβ pathway.

Influence of propiconazole and metconazole formulations on Bacillus subtilis vegetative cell growth and disease control of fruit crops.

Biological control agent (BCA) Bacillus subtilis formulated as Theia® is registered for control of fungal and bacterial diseases of fruit crops. Combinations of Theia® and strategic concentrations of two demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides were investigated to explore potential synergisms. Bacteria were cultured in nutrient broth and combined with technical grades and two formulations of propiconazole (EC and WP) and metconazole (EC and WDG) at 0, 10, 50, 100, and 150 µg/ml active ingredient. After co-cultivation, optical density (OD600) and colony forming units (CFU/ml) were evaluated. In contrast to EC formulations, the WP or WDG formulations at 10 or 50 µg/ml of both DMIs did not affect vegetative cell growth. The mixture of Theia® and each formulated DMI at 50 µg/ml active ingredient resulted in a significant reduction of Monilinia fructicola lesion development on apple, Colletotrichum siamense lesion development on cherry, and Botrytis cinerea lesion development on cherry. The combination of Theia® with EC formulations showed weaker disease reduction due to antagonism. Only Theia® + non-EC formulated propiconazole and metconazole significantly reduced brown rot disease incidence of apple compared to the respective solo treatments and anthracnose disease incidence of cherry compared to the untreated control. Our results indicated that at least some DMI fungicides possess bactericidal effects depending on the formulation and concentration. The combination of Theia® with a lower than label rate concentration (50 µg/ml) of the DMI fungicides propiconazole and metconazole showed potential for synergistic effects especially when non-EC formulations were used.

Larvicidal and feeding deterrent properties of extracts from Dieffenbachia maculata (Dumb cane) against Spodoptera frugiperda in maize (Zea mays)

This study examined the larvicidal and feeding deterrent properties of extracts from Dieffenbachia maculata against Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall army worm) in growing maize. A 9 m x 7 m space in the green house was divided into forty-two plots of 1 m by 0.75 m with 0.5 m discard between rows. This is to allow for a 2 x 3 x 4 factorial experiment replicated three times. Maize seeds were sown at two seeds per hole at a spacing of 90 cm by 60cm in each plot. Each plot was barricaded with wire mesh to prevent the migration of larvae from plot to plot. The irrigation system in the greenhouse supplied equal volume of water at the base of the maize seedlings every morning. Infested maize plants were treated with different Dumb cane plant extracts at the concentration of 25ml/l and30ml/l along with positive and negative controls. (The positive control was treated with Cypermethrine at 3l/ha) to compare the effect of concentrations on the fall army worm activity. In this experiment, the numbers of leaves affected was assessed every week and recorded. Leave perforation index was calculated. Dead armyworms were observed by prodding the larvae for movement and were recorded. Plant vigour was obtained by measuring plant height and the number of leaves formed. Effect of the worm on yield was determined by comparing total yield from sampled maize plants and this was compared to expected yield from the variety of maize used for the research. The positive control group exhibited a significantly lower level of infestation after treatment with a corresponding yield increase, (16.06% and 80.14%) respectively when compared to the treated groups. Similarly, leave extract using acetone at 30ml record significantly better results with 17.73% level of infestation after treatment application and 66.44% yield increase. This was closely followed by leaf extract using methanol at 30ml with significantly lower level of infestation and increased yield respectively. (21.35% and 60.42%). Conversely, the lowest value was recorded for the negative control. Among the extract treatments, the leaf extract using acetone at 30ml showed the highest efficacy in reducing infestation levels and demonstrated the most significant increase in maize yield. In this study, it was observed that application of the 30ml leaf extract of Dumb cane using acetone was effective and significantly increased army worm larval mortality, reduced leaf damage, and increased maize grain yield compared to the untreated control. The results indicated that the extracts from dumb cane leaves and stems exhibited promising capacity in the control of Fall army worm in maize. Further research is warranted to optimize the application protocols and evaluate any residual effects of the extracts on maize grain and ecosystem dynamics

Modulation of plant polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis; and brassinosteroid signaling during Bacillus endophyticus J13-mediated salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Salinity stress adversely impacts plant growth and development. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to confer salinity stress tolerance in plants through several mechanisms. Here, we report the role of an abiotic stress-tolerant PGPR strain, Bacillus endophyticus J13, in promoting salinity stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana, by elucidating its impact on physiological responses, polyamine (PA) and ethylene biosynthesis, and brassinosteroid signaling. Physiological analysis revealed that J13 can significantly improve the overall plant growth under salt stress by increasing the biomass, relative water content, and chlorophyll content, decreasing membrane damage and lipid peroxidation, and modulating proline homeostasis in plants. Evaluation of shoot polyamine levels upon J13 inoculation revealed an overall decrease in the levels of the three major PAs, putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm), under non-stressed conditions. Salt stress significantly increased the levels of Put and Spm, while decreasing the Spd levels in the plants. J13 inoculation under salt-stressed conditions, significantly decreased the Put levels, bringing them closer to those of the untreated control plants, whereas Spd and Spm levels did not change relative to the non-inoculated salt-stressed plants. The modulation of PA levels was accompanied by changes in the expressions of key PA biosynthetic genes under all treatments. Among the ethylene biosynthetic genes that we studied, ACS1 was induced by J13 inoculation under salt stress. J13 inoculation under salt stress resulted in the modulation of the expressions of BR-signaling genes, upregulating the expressions of the positive regulators of BR-signaling (BZR1 and BES2) and downregulating that of the negative regulator (BIN2). Our results provide a new avenue for J13-mediated salt stress amelioration in Arabidopsis, via tight control of polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis and enhanced brassinosteroid signaling.

Expression of PD-L1 Is Increased by Methionine Restriction Using Recombinant Methioninase in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

It has been recently demonstrated that a methionine-restricted diet increases the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) via an increase in PD-L1 in a syngeneic mouse colorectal-cancer model. Our laboratory has developed recombinant methioninase (rMETase) to restrict methionine. The aim of the present study was to determine if rMETase can increase PD-L1 expression in a human colorectal cancer cell line in vitro. We evaluated the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of rMETase on HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells. HCT-116 cells were treated with rMETase at the IC50 Western immunoblotting was used to compare PD-L1 expression in HCT-116 cells treated with and without rMETase. The IC50 value of rMETase on HCT-116 was 0.79 U/ml. Methionine restriction using rMETase increased PD-L1 expression compared to the untreated control (p<0.05). Methionine restriction with rMETase up-regulates PD-L1 expression in human colorectal cancer cells and the combination of rMETase and ICIs may have the potential to improve immunotherapy in human colorectal cancer.

Mating Disruption of a Flighted Spongy Moth, Lymantria Dispar Japonica (Motchulsky) in Japan.

Mating disruption of a flighted spongy moth, Lymantria dispar japonica (Motchulsky)(Lepidoptera: Lymantridae), with a synthetic version of its sex pheromone, (+)-disparlure ([7R,8S] -cis-7,8-epoxy-2- methyloctadecane), was tested in the forests in Japan. Pheromone trap catches and the percentage mating of tethered females were measured in the pheromone-treated and untreated control forests. The attraction of male moths to pheromone traps placed at a height of 1.5m was significantly disrupted when the pheromone dispensers were placed at 1.5m height, but many moths were captured in control plots. Mating of tethered females placed at 1.5m was inhibited entirely, while 44% of females were mated in an untreated control forest. We report the first trial of mating disruption against a flighted spongy moth, and these results suggest that mating disruption with the synthetic sex pheromone appears promising for reducing damage caused by L. dispar japonica.

The Effects of Boron-Containing Compounds against Monilinia fructigena Mycelium Growth

Monilinia fructigena is the causative agent of brown rot in pome fruits, contributing to substantial economic losses, especially in storage facilities. The effects of boron-containing compounds have been considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to fungicides. The objective of the study was to determine suitable boron-containing compounds for inhibiting the mycelium growth of M. fructigena. Eight different compounds with pH adjusted to neutral (pH 7) and non-neutral were tested with concentrations of 0 (untreated control), 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mM in vitro conditions. The mycelium growth of the pathogen was totally inhibited with the application of 20 mM of potassium tetrafluoroborate and 10 mM of sodium tetrafluoroborate. The tested concentrations of ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate, antidot-67, sodium metaborate, and sodium tetraborate decahydrate were not sufficiently effective in inhibiting the mycelium growth of M. fructigena, but the experiment of higher concentrations of them could be utility against the pathogen. The pH of boron-containing compounds was crucial in improving the efficacy of compounds, and the non-neutral compounds showed better results against to inhibition of M. fructigena mycelium growth. The results showed that boron-containing compounds may be pathogen-specific and that the activity of these compounds is related to pH.

Barren to green in a single application: Revitalizing brownfield soil with simulated root exudates

Barren, metal-contaminated soils lack plants and root exudate inputs, exhibit low microbial abundance and functioning, and often require soil revitalization to revegetate. While the effects of simulated root exudates (SRE) have been investigated in uncontaminated, vegetated soils, their potential for remediating post-industrial barren, contaminated soils has not been examined or leveraged. We asked whether priming brownfield soils with a laboratory-prepared SRE solution stimulates native soil microbial metabolism and functioning and how long the effects last. Moreover, we compared a cost-effective single SRE addition to repeated SRE additions. We collected soils from a metal-contaminated, abandoned industrial rail yard (barren and vegetated sites) and a vegetated agricultural reference site, established microcosms, and treated the soils with either a single or repeated SRE addition/s. By day 30, SRE-enriched barren, brownfield soils showed significantly higher soil respiration rates than the untreated control soils. Phosphatase activities were significantly higher even 210 days after a single SRE addition. Plants were introduced 282 days after the single SRE addition. The average shoot height (16 ± 0.3 cm) and total plant biomass (0.5 ± 0.02 g) of plants grown in single addition SRE enriched barren soil were significantly higher than the controls (9 ± 0.9 cm and 0.3 ± 0.02 g, respectively). The increased soil microbial functioning and productivity indicate that a single SRE application holds promise as a field-ready technology to revitalize barren, poorly functioning brownfield soils. SRE application may also be a pragmatic and innovative approach to enable successful phytoremediation and re-greening of industrial barrens.

Anti-aging and immunomodulatory role of caffeine in Drosophila larvae.

Drug repurposing is a promising approach to identify new pharmacological indications for drugs that have already been established. However, there is still a limitation in the availability of a high-throughput in vivo preclinical system that is suitable for screening and investigating new pharmacological indications. The aim of this study was to introduce the application of Drosophila larvae as an in vivo platform to screen drug candidates with anti-aging and immunomodulatory activities. To determine whether Drosophila larvae can be utilized for assessing anti-aging and immunomodulatory activities, phenotypical and molecular assays were conducted using wildtype and mutant lines of Drosophila. The utilization of mutant lines (PGRP-LBΔ and Psh[1];;ModSP[KO]) mimics the autoinflammatory and immunodeficient conditions in humans, thereby enabling a thorough investigation of the effects of various compounds. The phenotypical assay was carried out using survival and locomotor observation in Drosophila larvae and adult flies. Meanwhile, the molecular assay was conducted using the RT-qPCR method. In vivo survival analysis revealed that caffeine was relatively safe for Drosophila larvae and exhibited the ability to extend Drosophila lifespan compared to the untreated controls, suggesting its anti-aging properties. Further analysis using the RT-qPCR method demonstrated that caffeine treatment induced transcriptional changes in the Drosophila larvae, particularly in the downstream of NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways, two distinct immune-related pathways homologue to humans. In addition, caffeine enhanced the survival of Drosophila autoinflammatory model, further implying its immunosuppressive activity. Nevertheless, this compound had minimal to no effect on the survival of Staphylococcus aureus-infected wildtype and immunodeficient Drosophila, refuting its antibacterial and immunostimulant activities. Overall, our results suggest that the anti-aging and immunosuppressive activities of caffeine observed in Drosophila larvae align with those reported in mammalian model systems, emphasizing the suitability of Drosophila larvae as a model organism in drug repurposing endeavors, particularly for the screening of newly discovered chemical entities to assess their immunomodulatory activities before proceedings to investigations in mammalian animal models.

Insecticidal Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth and Botanical Powders against Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus analis F. in Stored Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

The pulse beetle is the most damaging insect pest of legumes causing huge economic losses. The experiment was conducted to find out the insecticidal effects of diatomaceous earth (DE) combined with three botanical powders in three different combinations of 25% plant powder with 75% DE, 50% plant powder with 50% DE and 75% plant powder with 25% DE. The results indicated that the least number of adult beetles settled on grains treated with T9 (75% GP + 25% DE and T3 (75% NP + 25% DE) whereas maximum number of adult beetles settled in T4 (25% TP + 75% DE). After 168 hours, all the treatments showed significant mortality (100%) of adult beetles compared to control (43%). All the treatments reduced the number of eggs (3.60 to 6.80 eggs per 20 grains) in comparison to control (17.00). The maximum (28.80) days to adult emergence were documented in T9 whereas; minimum (21.40) days were recorded in untreated grains. Among all the treatments, T9: showed minimum emergence (36.40) of adult beetles whereas; the maximum (125.20) adults emerged in control. The lowest grain damage (5.50%) was observed in T9 as related to the maximum grain damage (28.96%) in the untreated control. The minimum weight loss (3.49%) was recorded in T9. The maximum weight loss (21.08%) was recorded in untreated grains. The use of diatomaceous earth in combination with garlic powder is recommended for the management of pulse beetle under storage conditions.

Therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles from Helianthemum lippii extract for mitigating cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity: liver function parameters, oxidative stress, and histopathology in wistar rats.

Introduction: This study explores the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized using a Helianthemum lippii extract in mitigating cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Given the increasing environmental and health concerns associated with cadmium exposure, novel and eco-friendly therapeutic strategies are essential. Methods: Ag NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectrometry, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with scanning electron microscopy, confirming their formation with a cubic crystal structure and particle sizes ranging from 4.81 to 12.84nm. A sub-acute toxicity study of Ag NPs (2mg/kg and 10mg/kg) was conducted, showing no significant difference compared to untreated control rats (n = 3 animals/group). Subsequently, adult Wistar rats (n = 5/group) were divided into a control group and three experimental groups: Ag NPs alone, exposure to 50mg/kg CdCl2 in drinking water for 35days, and CdCl2 exposure followed by 0.1mg/kg/day Ag NPs intraperitoneally for 15days. Results: In the CdCl2-exposed group, there was a significant decrease in body weight and increases in alanine and aspartate transaminase levels (p < 0.05 vs. control), indicating hepatotoxicity. Additionally, antioxidant defenses were decreased, and malondialdehyde levels were elevated. Liver histology revealed portal fibrosis, inflammation, necrosis, sinusoid and hepatic vein dilation, and cytoplasmic vacuolations. Treatment with Ag NPs post-CdCl2 exposure mitigated several adverse effects on liver function and architecture and improved body weight. Discussion: This study demonstrates the efficacy of Ag NPs synthesized via a green method in reducing cadmium-induced liver damage. These findings support the potential of Ag NPs in therapeutic applications and highlight the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly nanoparticle synthesis methods. By addressing both toxicity concerns and therapeutic efficacy, this research aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious practices in scientific research and healthcare.

Soybean Response to Seed Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and/or Nitrogen Fertilization

Seed inoculation with symbiotic bacteria is a commonly employed practice in soybean cultivation. As a result, nodulation proceeds properly and plants self-supply atmospheric nitrogen, requiring either minimal or no additional nitrogen fertilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of soybeans to the application of the recommended or double dose of commercial inoculants (HiStick® Soy or TURBOSOY®) and/or mineral nitrogen fertilization compared to the untreated control. It was demonstrated that a double dose of the tested preparations had the most favorable effect on nodulation. However, the impact of weather conditions modified their effectiveness during the study years, which was especially visible in 2022. Sowing seeds without inoculation (control) resulted in the formation of sparse root nodules and consequently the lowest leaf area index (LAI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) measurements. In addition, the values of SPAD and LAI indices varied across the years of the study, indicating that weather conditions modified nitrogen uptake by plants. Overall, seed inoculation and/or nitrogen fertilization positively influenced the chemical composition of seeds compared to the control. The only decrease observed was in the oil content, while the double dose of HiStick® Soy preparation reduced the polyphenol content. The double dose of the tested inoculants had the most favorable impact on yield components and seed yield. However, applying inoculation at the recommended dose or in combination with nitrogen fertilization yielded similar or slightly worse results, depending on the year. Therefore, soybean seed inoculation should be recommended, although the effectiveness of the procedure will depend on various factors, including the type of inoculant, dosage, nitrogen fertilization, and weather conditions.