Phosphate solubilizing Aspergillus Niger PH1 ameliorates growth and alleviates lead stress in maize through improved photosynthetic and antioxidant response.

Among the several threats to humanity by anthropogenic activities, contamination of the environment by heavy metals is of great concern. Upon entry into the food chain, these metals cause serious hazards to plants and other organisms including humans. Use of microbes for bioremediation of the soil and stress mitigation in plants are among the preferred strategies to provide an efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly solution of the problem. The current investigation is an attempt in this direction where fungal strain PH1 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Parthenium hysterophorus which was identified as Aspergillus niger by sequence homology of the ITS 1 and ITS 4 regions of the rRNA. The strain was tested for its effect on growth and biochemical parameters as reflection of its potential to mitigate Pb stress in Zea mays exposed to 100, 200 and 500 µg of Pb/g of soil. In the initial screening, it was revealed that the strain has the ability to tolerate lead stress, solubilize insoluble phosphate and produce plant growth promoting hormones (IAA and SA) and other metabolites like phenolics, flavonoids, sugar, protein and lipids. Under 500 µg of Pb/g of soil, Z. mays exhibited significant growth retardation with a reduction of 31% in root length, 30.5% in shoot length, 57.5% in fresh weight and 45.2% in dry weight as compared to control plants. Inoculation of A. niger to Pb treated plants not only restored root and shoot length, rather promoted it to a level significantly higher than the control plants. Association of the strain modulated the physio-hormonal attributes of maize plants that resulted in their better growth which indicated a state of low stress. Additionally, the strain boosted the antioxidant defence system of the maize there by causing a significant reduction in the ascorbic acid peroxidase (1.5%), catalase (19%) and 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (33.3%), indicating a lower stress condition as compared to their non-inoculated stressed plants. Based on current evidence, this strain can potentially be used as a biofertilizer for Pb-contaminated sites where it will improve overall plant health with the hope of achieving better biological and agricultural yields.

Effect of exogenous taurine on pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants under salinity and iron deficiency stress.

Soil salinity and Fe deficiency affect plant growth and survival by changing nutrient availability and disrupting water balance. Natural and human activities, such as evaporation and deforestation, can intensify these soil conditions. Taurine, a novel growth regulator, holds promise in mediating plant defense responses. Its effects on defense responses are still unclear. Previously, taurine showed potential in improving clover tolerance to alkaline stress and manganese toxicity. Taurine impact on plant growth under Fe deficiency and salinity stress remains uninvestigated. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of taurine on pea plant growth, ion uptake, and defense strategies in response to salt stress and Fe deficiency. Iron deficiency was established by substituting 0.1 mM FeSO4 for 0.1 mM Fe-EDTA in the nutrient solution. Salinity stress was induced by incorporating a mixture of NaCl, MgCl2, KCl, Na2SO4, Na2CO3, NaHCO3 and CaCl2 in a 1:1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio to produce a salinity concentration of 100 mM. The simultaneous imposition of salinity and Fe deficiency significantly exacerbated oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of relative membrane permeability, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radical (O2•-), methylglyoxal (MG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased activity of lipoxygenase (LOX). Salinity stress alone and the combination of salinity and Fe deficiency resulted in substantial accumulation of Na+ ions that impeded acquisition of essential nutrients. Taurine (100 and 200 mg L-1) notably improved osmotic adjustment and oxidative defense to diminish water imbalance and oxidative injury in plants under stress. These results suggest that exogenous taurine may serve as a promising means of mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress and Fe deficiency in plants.

Insights on Phytohormonal Crosstalk in Plant Response to Nitrogen Stress: A Focus on Plant Root Growth and Development.

Nitrogen (N) is a vital mineral component that can restrict the growth and development of plants if supplied inappropriately. In order to benefit their growth and development, plants have complex physiological and structural responses to changes in their nitrogen supply. As higher plants have multiple organs with varying functions and nutritional requirements, they coordinate their responses at the whole-plant level based on local and long-distance signaling pathways. It has been suggested that phytohormones are signaling substances in such pathways. The nitrogen signaling pathway is closely associated with phytohormones such as auxin (AUX), abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinins (CKs), ethylene (ETH), brassinosteroid (BR), strigolactones (SLs), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA). Recent research has shed light on how nitrogen and phytohormones interact to modulate physiology and morphology. This review provides a summary of the research on how phytohormone signaling affects root system architecture (RSA) in response to nitrogen availability. Overall, this review contributes to identifying recent developments in the interaction between phytohormones and N, as well as serving as a foundation for further study.

Effect of exogenous taurine on growth, oxidative defense, and nickel (Ni) uptake in canola (Brassica napus L.) under Ni stress.

Nickel (Ni) contamination and its associated hazardous effects on human health and plant growth are ironclad. However, the potential remedial effects of taurine (TAU) on Ni-induced stress in plants remain obscure. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the effect of TAU seed priming (100 and 150 mg L‒1) as an alleviative strategy to circumvent the phytotoxic effects of Ni (150 mg kg‒1) on two canola cultivars (Ni-tolerant cv. Shiralee and Ni-sensitive cv. Dunkeld). Our results manifested an apparent decline in growth, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, leaf relative water content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total soluble proteins, nitrate reductase activity, and nutrient acquisition (N, P, K, Ca) under Ni toxicity. Further, Ni toxicity led to a substantial increase in oxidative stress reflected as higher levels of superoxide radicals (O2•‒) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) alongside increased relative membrane permeability, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and Ni accumulation in leaves and roots. However, TAU protected canola plants from Ni-induced oxidative damage through the amplification of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production that intensified the antioxidant system to avert O2•‒, H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Further, TAU-mediated increase in H2S levels maintained membrane integrity that might have improved ionomics and bettered plant growth under Ni toxicity. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01359-9.

Exogenous menadione sodium bisulphite alleviates detrimental effects of alkaline stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Menadione sodium bisulphite (MSB) is known to augment plant defense responses against abiotic and biotic stresses. Wheat is an essential cereal with significant sensitivity to alkaline stress. The present study investigated the effects of MSB seed priming (5 and 10 mM) in alleviating the damaging effects of alkaline stress on hydroponically grown wheat cultivars (salt-sensitive cv. MH-97 and salt-tolerant cv. Millat-2011). Our findings revealed a significant reduction in growth, chlorophyll contents, total soluble proteins, free amino acids, K+, Ca2+, P, and K+/Na+ in wheat cultivars under alkaline stress. In contrast, a noteworthy accretion in lipid peroxidation, H2O2 production, proline levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, soluble sugars, antioxidant compounds, and Na+ levels was noticed in wheat plants grown in alkaline hydroponic medium. MSB priming significantly lowered chlorophyll degradation, Na+ levels, and osmolyte accumulation. Further, K+/Na+ ratio, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant enzyme activities were higher in plants primed with MSB. Therefore, seed priming eminently protected plants by regulating osmotic adjustment and strengthening oxidative defense under alkaline stress. Plants administered 5 mM MSB as seed priming manifested better tolerance to alkaline stress. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01250-z.

Hydrogen sulfide mediates defense response in safflower by regulating secondary metabolism, oxidative defense, and elemental uptake under drought.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a newly recognized molecule mediating plant defense responses under drought. The role of exogenous H2 S in regulating plant responses under drought has been reported in a few plant species including spinach, wheat, Arabidopsis, soybean, and citrus plants. However, no report is available on the outcome of exogenous H2 S on drought response in safflower plants. Therefore, the present study was planned to get insight into H2 S-mediated regulation of growth, secondary metabolism, oxidative defense, and uptake of minerals in two safflower cultivars (Safflower-16427 and Safflower-16493). Plants were exposed to two NaHS (0.5 and 1.0 mM) and two drought levels (70 and 50% field capacity [FC]). We found a notable depression in growth, yield, chlorophyll, and potassium (K+ ) uptake under drought. The decline was more significant in plants facing 50% FC. The oxidative injury in plants was higher under severe drought and led to the decline in chlorophyll, plant biomass, and yield production. Drought induced a noticeable accretion in the accumulation of total soluble sugars, proline, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and secondary metabolites that protect plants against oxidative damages caused by drought. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased substantially in safflower cultivars under drought. Besides, plants pretreated with NaHS (0.5 mM) subsided the oxidative damage by increasing the accumulation of secondary metabolites and strengthening the antioxidant capacity under drought. Further, drought plants suffered significant disturbances in ions homeostasis that was circumvented by exogenous H2 S. The interactive effect of drought and H2 S did not display a significant difference between the cultivars.

Exogenously applied 5-aminolevulinic acid modulates growth, secondary metabolism and oxidative defense in sunflower under water deficit stress.

The present experiment was set-up to appraise protective role of ALA in sunflower cultivars (FH-1581 and FH-1572) under water scarcity stress. The  ameliorative role of ALA in sunflower under water stress is not fully understood. Results showed significant decline in growth parameters, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll but marked increase in MDA, H2O2, total soluble proteins, flavonoids, proline, phenolics, total free amino acids as well as enzymes activities namely CAT, POD and SOD in plants under water scarcity. ALA application reduced oxidative damage by lowering H2O2 and MDA contents. ALA application differentially affected two cultivars under stress. Higher biomass accumulation was manifested in cv. FH-1581, while cv. FH-1572 was inferior in this context. Greater drought tolerance in cv. FH-1581 was related to higher cellular levels of proline, total free amino acids and efficient antioxidant system.

Interactive effect of drought and cadmium stress on soybean root morphology and gene expression.

Recent climatic changes and low water availability due to unpredictable precipitation have reduced the productivity of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivars. Limited information is available on how drought affects the accumulation and translocation of cadmium (Cd) by affecting soybean root. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG; 5% and 10%)-induced drought and Cd (0.2 and 0.5 mg L-1) stresses on soybean root morphology, Cd uptake and gene expression; plants not exposed to these stress (0% PEG and 0 mg L-1 Cd) served as a control. The results showed that drought affected roots morphology and Cd uptake. The reduction in root length, root area and root diameter and increase in catalase activity was less prominent in drought tolerant cultivars (Shennong20 and Liaodou32) than in drought sensitive cultivars (Liaodou3 and Liaodou10). Genes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) degradation, gibberellin and salicylic acid biosynthesis, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Cd transport were up-regulated, while those involved in zeatinriboside (ZR), indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) biosynthesis were down-regulated under Cd and drought stress. Biosynthesis genes of gibberellin (Glyma03G019800.1), IAA (Glyma02G037600), ZR (XM_003550461.3) and MeJA (Glyma11G007600) were expressed to higher levels in drought tolerant cultivars than in drought sensitive cultivars. These genes represent potential candidates for the development of drought and Cd tolerant soybean cultivars.

Investigations of Phytochemical Constituents and Their Pharmacological Properties Isolated from the Genus Urtica: Critical Review and Analysis.

The genus Urtica belongs to the family Urticaceae. The plants of this genus are known as nettles or, quite often, as stinging nettles. These plants can be easily identified by the presence of stinging hairs. Urtica species have previously been used for various medicinal purposes. The history for the use of these plants for medicinal purposes starts from the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC). Medicinally, the genus Urtica has been used to treat several disorders, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, sprains, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, flu, cough, fever, and ulcers. Scientific reports on the phytochemical analysis of this genus has so far revealed more than 123 compounds from this genus, including terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, sterols, and polyphenols, have been isolated. Various biological activities have been exhibited by these compounds, such as antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antiurolithiatic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antinoceceptive, antidiabetic, antiviral, , and immunomodulatory. In this article, we mainly emphasize the phytochemical composition, therapeutic applications, and ethnopharmacological values of various species of genus Urtica.

Ethnopharmacological Investigations of Phytochemical Constituents Isolated from the Genus Cuscuta.

The genus Cuscuta, of the family Cuscutaceae, is present in plants and has been traditionally used medicinally against many diseases and conditions, notably depression, mental illness, headache, spleen disease, jaundice, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Large numbers of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, lignins, oxygen heterocyclic compounds, steroids, fatty acids, phenolic acids, resin glycosides, and polysaccharides have been isolated from different species of Cuscuta. Ethnopharmacological studies conducted on such constituents have also been shown Cuscuta to possess anticancer, antiviral, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antioxidant, diuretic, and hair-growth activity. Many tribes and traditional communities have long used the different forms of Cuscuta for treatment and prevention of many diseases. In this article, we comprehensively summarize relevant data regarding the phytochemical, ethnopharmacological, and traditional therapeutic uses of Cuscuta. In addition, we review the parts of the plants that are used as traditional therapeutic agents, their regions of existence, and their possible modes of action. To conclude, we provide evidence and new insights for further discovery and development of natural drugs from Cuscuta. We show that further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of action and safety profile of phytochemical constituents isolated from Cuscuta.

Advances in microbe-assisted reclamation of heavy metal contaminated soils over the last decade: A review.

Contamination of agricultural soils with trace metals present lethal consequences in terms of diverse ecological and environmental problems that entail entry of metal in food chain, soil deterioration, plant growth suppression, yield reduction and alteration in microbial community. Metal polluted soils have become a major concern for scientists around the globe. Phytoremediation involves the hyperaccumulation of metals in different plant parts. Phytoremediation of metals from polluted soils could be enhanced through inoculation with metal resistant plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria. These PGP bacteria not only promote plant growth but also enhance metal uptake by plants. There are a number of reports in the literature where PGP bacterial inoculation improves metal accumulation in different plant parts without influencing plant growth. Therefore, there is a need to select PGP bacterial strains which possess the potential to improve plant growth as well as expedite the phytoremediation of metals. In this review, we have discussed the mechanisms possessed by PGP bacteria to promote plant growth and phytoremediation of metals. The central part of this review deals with the recent advances in microbial assisted-phytoremediation of metals.

Dural Tears In Patients With Depressed Skull Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The presence of skull fracture in patients sustaining traumatic brain injury is an important risk factor for intracranial lesions. Assessment of integrity of dura in depressed skull fracture is of paramount importance because if dura is torn, lacerated brain matter may be present in the wound which needs proper debridement followed by water tight dural closure to prevent meningitis, cerebral abscess, and pseudomeningocoele formation. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of dural tear in patients with depressed skull fractures. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Neurosurgery Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. All the patients of either patients above 1 year of age with depressed skull fracture were included in this study in consecutive manner. Patients were operated for skull fractures and per-operatively dura in the region of depressed skull fracture was closely observed for any dural tear. The data were collected on a predesigned pro forma. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included in this study out of which 57 (68.7%) were males and 26 (31.3%) were females. The age of the patients ranged from 1-50 (mean 15.71±13.49 years). Most common site of depressed skull fracture was parietal 32 (38.6%), followed by Frontal in 24 (28.9%), 21(25.3%) in temporal region, 5(6.0%) were in occipital region and only 1 (1.2%) in posterior fossa. Dural tear was present in 28 (33.7%) patients and it was absent in 55 (66.3%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In depressed skull fractures, there are high chances of associated traumatic dural tears which should be vigilantly managed.

The incidence of increased ICP in ICU patients with non-traumatic coma as diagnosed by ONSD and CT: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Unexplained coma after critical illness can be multifactorial. We evaluated the diagnostic ability of bedside Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter [ONSD] as a screening test for non-traumatic radiographic cerebral edema. METHODS: In a prospective study, mixed medical-surgical intensive care units [ICU] patients with non-traumatic coma [GCS < 9] underwent bedside ultrasonographic ONSD measurements. Non-traumatic radiographic cerebral edema [NTRCE] was defined as > 5 mm midline shift, cisternal, sulcal effacement, or hydrocephalus on CT. RESULTS: NTRCE was identified in 31 of 102 patients [30.4 %]. The area under the ROC curve for detecting radiographic edema by ONSD was 0.785 [95 % CI 0.695-0.874, p <0.001]. ONSD diameter of 0.57 cm was found to be the best cutoff threshold with a sensitivity 84 % and specificity 71 %, AUC 0.785 [95 % CI 0.695-0.874, p <0.001]. Using ONSD as a bedside test increased the post-test odds ratio [OR] for NTRCE by 2.89 times [positive likelihood ratio], whereas post-test OR for NTRCE decreased markedly given a negative ONSD test [ONSD measurement less than 0.57 cm]; negative likelihood ratio 0.22. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ONSD as a bedside test in patients with non-traumatic coma has diagnostic value in identifying patients with non-traumatic radiographic cerebral edema.

Review-Medicinal plants and management of Diabetes Mellitus: A review.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated with dysfunction and failure of various body organs. Alarming increase in prevalence rate has made this disorder a major health problem globally. The available treatment modalities are not sufficient to combat diabetes and associated complications. A number of medicinal plants have a significant antidiabetic potential against diabetes mellitus. We have listed the use of important medicinal herbs for the treatment and management of diabetes in this review.

Novel solid-phase membrane tip extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry methods for the rapid analysis of triazine herbicides in real waters.

Novel, fast, selective, eco-friendly and reproducible solid-phase membrane tip extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry methods were developed and validated for the analysis of triazine herbicides (atrazine and secbumeton) in stream and lake waters. The retention times of atrazine and secbumeton were 7.48 and 8.51 min. The solid-phase membrane tip extraction was carried out in semiautomated dynamic mode on multiwall carbon nanotubes enclosed in a cone-shaped polypropylene membrane cartridge. Acetone and methanol were found as the best preconditioning and desorption solvents, respectively. The extraction and desorption times for these herbicides were 15.0 and 10.0 min, respectively. The percentage recoveries of atrazine and secbumeton were 88.0 and 99.0%. The linearity range was 0.50-80.0 µg/L (r(2) > 0.994), with detection limits (<0.47 µg/L, S/N = 3) and good reproducibility (<8.0%). The ease of operation, eco-friendly nature, and low cost of solid-phase membrane tip extraction made these methods novel. The Solid-phase membrane tip extraction method was optimized by considering the effect of extraction time, desorbing solvents and time.

Chiral xenobiotics bioaccumulations and environmental health prospectives.

The chiral xenobiotics are very dangerous for all of us due to the different enantioselective toxicities of the enantiomers. Besides, these have different enantioselective bioaccumulations and behaviors in our body and other organisms. It is of urgent need to understand the enantioselective bioaccumulations, toxicities, and the health hazards of the chiral xenobiotics. The present article describes the classification, sources of contamination, distribution, enantioselective bioaccumulation, and the toxicities of the chiral xenobiotics. Besides, the efforts are also made to discuss the prevention and remedial measures of the havoc of the chiral xenobiotics. The challenges of the chiral xenobiotics have also been highlighted. Finally, future prospectives are also discussed.

MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) is the most frequently diagnosed type of facial pain. In idiopathic type of TGN it is caused by the neuro-vascular conflict involving trigeminal nerve. Microvascular decompression (MVD) aims at addressing this basic pathology in the idiopathic type of TGN. This study was conducted to determine the outcome and complications of patients with idiopathic TGN undergoing MVD. METHODS: In a descriptive case series patients with idiopathic TGN undergoing MVD were included in consecutive manner. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of detailed history and clinical examination. Retromastoid approach with craniectomy was used to access cerebellopontine angle (CP-angle) and microsurgical decompression was done. Patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients underwent MVD with mean age of 51.6±4.2 years and male predominance. In majority of cases (58.4%) both Maxillary and Mandibular divisions were involved. Per-operatively superior cerebellar artery (SCA) was causing the neuro-vascular conflict in 33 (62.2%) of the cases, anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in 6 (11.3%) cases, both CSA and AICA in 3 (5.6%) cases, venous compressions in only 1 (1.8%) patient and thick arachnoid adhesions were seen in 10 (18.9%) patients. Postoperatively, 33 (68%) patients were pain free, in 14 (26.45%) patients pain was significantly improved whereas in 3 (5.6%) patients there was mild improvement in symptoms. Three (5.6%) patients did not improve after the primary surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was encountered in 7 (13.2%) patients post-operatively, 4 (7.5%) patients developed wound infection and 1 (1.8%) patient developed aseptic meningitis. Three (5.6%) patients had transient VII nerve palsy while one patient developed permanent VII nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: MVD is a safe and effective surgical option for treating patients with idiopathic TGN with better surgical outcome and fewer complications.

FREQUENCY OF EXTRADURAL HAEMATOMA IN PATIENTS WITH LINEAR SKULL FRACTURE.

BACKGROUND: Apparently normal looking patients after traumatic brain injury can have serious neurological deterioration, and one of the common causes of such deterioration is extradural haematomas. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of extradural hematoma and common types of trauma leading to it among patients presenting with skull fracture due to head injury. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Neurosurgery Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from June 2011 to June 2012. All patients who were suspected to have Skull fracture on X-ray skull, during the study period, were included in study after informed consent and later on CT-Scan brain was done to see for extradural hematoma. Findings were recorded on a predesigned pro fonna including demographic data, radiological findings and the type of head trauma. RESULTS: Out of 114 patients 85 (74.5%) were males and 29 (225.4%) were females. Age ranged from 2 to 70 years (18.23 +/- 16.5 years). Among these patients the most important cause of head injury was fall from height in 65 (57%), followed by road traffic accidents in 39 (34.2%), and assault in 10 (8.8%) patients. The most common site of fracture was parietal in 49 (43%) of patients, followed by frontal bone in 28 (24.6%) of patients, occipital bone in 24 (21.1%) of patients, and temporal bone in 23 (20.2%) of patients. Frequency of extradural hematoma among linear skull fracture was in 34 (29.8%) patients. Extradural hematoma was most common with parietotemporal linear skull fractures (73.5%). CONCLUSION: Extradural haematoma occurs commonly with linear skull fractures, so patients with linear skull fracture should be properly evaluated with CT brain.

Salicylic Acid and Gemma-Aminobutyric Acid Mediated Regulation of Growth, Metabolites, Antioxidant Defense System and Nutrient Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Arsenic Stress.

Background: Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in soil and water, posing significant risks to human health and plant growth. Objective: The objectives of this study to evaluate morphological, biochemical, and physiological markers, as well as ion homeostasis, to alleviate the toxic effects of As in sunflowers through the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and their combination. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted using two sunflower genotypes, FH-779 and FH-773, subjected to As stress (60 mg kg-1) to evaluate the effects of SA at 100 mg L-1, GABA at 200 mg L-1, and their combination on growth and related physiological and biochemical attributes under As stress. Results: The study revealed that As toxicity had a detrimental effect on various growth parameters, chlorophyll pigments, relative water content, total proteins, and nutrient uptake in sunflower plants. It also led to increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), along with As accumulation in the roots and leaves. However, the application of SA and GABA protected against As-induced damage by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. This was achieved through the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as an increase in osmolytes. They also improved nutrient acquisition and plant growth under As toxicity. Conclusions: We investigated the regulatory roles of SA and GABA in mitigating arsenic-induced phytotoxic effects on sunflower. Our results revealed a significant interaction between SA and GABA in regulating growth, photosynthesis, metabolites, antioxidant defense systems, and nutrient uptake in sunflower under As stress. These findings provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and strategies to enhance stress tolerance in contaminated environments. In the future, SA and GABA could be valuable tools for managing stress in other important crops facing abiotic stress conditions.

Postcardiac Injury Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery: An Evidence-Based Review.

Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) serves as a comprehensive term encompassing a spectrum of conditions, namely postpericardiotomy syndrome, postmyocardial infarction (MI) related pericarditis (Dressler syndrome), and post-traumatic pericarditis stemming from procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention or cardiac implantable electronic device placement. These conditions collectively give rise to PCIS, triggered by cardiac injury affecting pericardial or pleural mesothelial cells, leading to subsequent inflammation syndromes spanning from uncomplicated pericarditis to substantial pleural effusion. A thorough literature search conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed utilizing search terms including "postacute cardiac injury syndrome," "postcardiac injury syndrome," "postcardiotomy syndrome," "postpericardiotomy syndrome," and "post-MI pericarditis" was instrumental in collating pertinent studies. To encapsulate the amassed evidence, relevant full-text materials were meticulously selected and amalgamated narratively. The pathophysiology of PCIS is proposed to manifest through an autoimmune-mediated process, particularly in predisposed individuals. This process involves the development of anti-actin and antimyosin antibodies after a cascade of cardiac injuries in diverse forms. Treatment strategies aimed at preventing recurrent PCIS episodes have shown efficacy, with colchicine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, demonstrating positive outcomes. Conversely, corticosteroids have exhibited no discernible benefit concerning prognosis or recurrence rates for this ailment. In summary, PCIS serves as a unifying term encompassing a spectrum of cardiac injury-related syndromes. A comprehensive review of relevant literature underscores the autoimmune-mediated pathophysiology in susceptible individuals. The therapeutic landscape involves the proficient use of colchicine and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to deter recurrent PCIS episodes, while corticosteroids do not appear to contribute to improved prognosis or reduced recurrence rates. This nuanced understanding contributes to an enhanced comprehension of PCIS and its multifaceted clinical manifestations, potentially refining its diagnosis and management.