Utilizing Morphological and Physiological Parameters of Lemna minor for Assessing Tetracyclines' Removal.

Antibiotics with significant environmental toxicity, e.g., tetracyclines (TCs), are often used in large quantities worldwide, with 50-80% of the applied dose ending up in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and minocycline hydrochloride (MIN) on L. minor. Our research evaluated the phytotoxicity of the TCs by analyzing plant growth and biomass and evaluating assimilation pigment levels and fluorescence. The research was extended with the ability potential of duckweed as a tool for removing TCs from water/wastewater. The results demonstrated that both TCs influenced Ir, Iy, biomass, and photosynthetic efficiency. The uptake of TC and MIN by duckweed was proportional to the concentration in the growth medium. The TC was absorbed more readily, reaching up to 8.09 mg × g-1 of dry weight (DW) at the highest concentration (19.2 mg × L-1), while MIN reached 6.01 mg × g-1 of DW. As indicated, the consequences of the influence of TC on plants were slightly smaller, in comparison to MIN, while the plants could biosorb this drug, even at the lowest tested concentration. This study has shown that using plants for drug biosorption can be an effective standalone or complementary method for water and wastewater treatment.

The chances in the redox priming of nondormant recalcitrant seeds by spermidine.

The problems posed by seed sensitivity to desiccation and aging have motivated the development of various techniques for mitigating their detrimental effects. The redox priming of seeds in antioxidant solution to improve their postharvest performance is one of the approaches. Spermidine (Spd) was tested as an invigorating solution on nondormant recalcitrant (desiccation-sensitive) seeds of the silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.). The treatment resulted in an 8-10% increase in germination capacity in seeds subjected to mild and severe desiccation, while in aged seeds stored for 6 months, no significant change was observed. The cellular redox milieu, genetic stability, mitochondrial structure and function were investigated to provide information about the cellular targets of Spd activity. Spermidine improved the antioxidative capacity, especially the activity of catalase, and cellular membrane stability, protected genome integrity from oxidative damage and increased the efficiency of mitochondria. However, it also elicited a hydrogen peroxide burst. Therefore, it seems that redox priming in nondormant seeds that are highly sensitive to desiccation, although it positively affected desiccated seed performance, may not be a simple solution to reinvigorate stored seeds with a low-efficiency antioxidant system.

The Effect of Quinolones on Common Duckweed Lemna minor L., a Hydrophyte Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution.

Plant growth and the development of morphological traits in plants are inhibited under exposure to pharmaceuticals that are present in soil and water. The present study revealed that moxifloxacin (MOXI), nalidixic acid (NAL), levofloxacin (LVF) and pefloxacin (PEF) at concentrations of >0.29, >0.48, >0.62 and >1.45 mg × L-1, respectively, inhibited the growth (Ir) of duckweed plants and decreased their yield (Iy). In the current study, none of the tested quinolones (QNs) at any of the examined concentrations were lethal for common duckweed plants. However, at the highest concentration (12.8 mg × L-1), LVF increased Ir and Iy values by 82% on average and increased the values of NAL, PEF and MOXI by 62% on average. All tested QNs led to the loss of assimilation pigments. In consequence, all QNs, except for LVF, induced changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), without any effect on phaeophytinization quotient (PQ) values. The uptake of NAL, MOXI, LVF by Lemna minor during the 7-day chronic toxicity test was directly proportional to drug concentrations in the growth medium. Nalidixic acid was absorbed in the largest quantities, whereas in the group of fluoroquinolones (FQNs), MOXI, LVF and PEF were less effectively absorbed by common duckweed. This study demonstrated that biosorption by L. minor occurs regardless of the plants' condition. These findings indicate that L. minor can be used as an effective biological method to remove QNs from wastewater and water and that biosorption should be a mandatory process in conventional water and wastewater treatment.

Retrospective Study from a Single Center in Poland of Postoperative Outcomes of Muscle Strength in Patients After Surgical Suturing of the Achilles Tendon Using a Kessler's Suture and 28 Weeks of Supervised Postoperative Physiotherapy.

BACKGROUND A retrospective study from a single center in Poland was aimed to evaluate the effect of 47 supervised physiotherapy (SVPh) visits on relative peak torque (RPT) and relative isometric torque (RIT) of foot plantar flexion muscles (FPFM) and foot dorsiflexion muscles (FDFM) with a frequency of 1.7 visits per week conducted for 28 weeks after surgical suturing of the Achilles tendon using a Kessler's suture (ATSSKS). We hypothesized a higher number, frequency, and intensity of supervised physiotherapy visits (HNFISVPhVs) would correlate with and significantly improve RIT and RPT for FPFM. MATERIAL AND METHODS Group A included 20 patients (x=47 visits) after ATSSKS with one SVPh protocol who were divided into subgroups: with HNFISVPhVs (x=72) and with a lower number, frequency, and intensity of SVPh visits (LNFISVPhVs, x=33). Twenty participants without Achilles tendon rupture were included in group B (control). Both groups (≥7 Tegner activity scale) underwent RIT, RPT, and Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) measurements using Biodex Medical System 3. RESULTS FPFM RIT were significantly lower in operated limbs in group A than for non-operated limbs in group B (P≤0.001). HNFISVPhVs correlated with higher FPFM RIT and LSI in operated limbs (from r=0.444, P=0.05 to r=0.585, P=0.007). HNFISVPhVs obtained higher LSI of FPFM RPT of 180°/s (P=0.022) and 30°/s (P=0.049) than LNFISVPhVs. CONCLUSIONS SVPh with 47 visits after ATSSKS for 28 weeks was insufficient to obtain equal values of RIT for FPFM and FDFM, but HNFISVPhVs correlated with higher RIT values and considerably improved RIT and RPT for FPFM compared with LNFISVPhVs.

Supervised Physiotherapy Improves Three-Dimensional (3D) Gait Parameters in Patients after Surgical Suturing of the Achilles Tendon Using an Open Method (SSATOM).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of 38 supervised postoperative physiotherapy (SVPh) visits conducted between 1 and 20 weeks after SSATOM on the values of 3D gait parameters measured at 10 and 20 weeks after surgery. MATERIAL: Group I comprised male patients (n = 22) after SSATOM (SVPh x = 38 visits) and Group II comprised male patients (n = 22) from the control group. METHODS: A non-randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was performed in the two groups to obtain the following values: Step length (cm), stride length (cm), step width (cm), next stance phase (%), swing phase (%), double support (%), gait velocity (m/s), and walking frequency (step/min). The measurements were carried out using the BTS SMART system (Italy). RESULTS: Orthopedic examination showed no pain, a negative result of Thompson and Matles tests, and proper healing of Achilles tendon (ultrasound image). In Group I, between 10 and 20 weeks after SSATOM, there was a statistically significant improvement in all tested gait parameter values (p ≤ 0.001 to 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Conducting 38 SVPh visits significantly improved the values of the analyzed kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients in the twentieth week after SSATOM, which were mostly close to the non-operated side and the results of the control group. However, the gait speed and stride length were not close to the results of the control group.

Ground Reaction Forces during Vertical Hops Are Correlated with the Number of Supervised Physiotherapy Visits after Achilles Tendon Surgery.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of, and the correlation between, an average of 42 supervised physiotherapy (SVPh) visits for the vertical ground reaction forces component (vGRF) using ankle hops during two- and one-legged vertical hops (TLH and OLH, respectively), six months after the surgical suturing of the Achilles tendon using the open method (SSATOM) via Keesler's technique. Hypothesis: Six months of supervised physiotherapy with a higher number of visits (SPHNVs) was positively correlated with higher vGRF values during TLH and OLH. Group I comprised male patients (n = 23) after SSATOM (SVPh x = 42 visits), and Group II comprised males (n = 23) without Achilles tendon injuries. In the study groups, vGRF was measured during TLH and OLH in the landing phase using two force plates. The vGRF was normalized to the body mass. The limb symmetry index (LSI) of vGRF values was calculated. The ranges of motion of the foot and circumferences of the ankle joint and shin were measured. Then, 10 m unassisted walking, the Thompson test, and pain were assessed. A parametric test for dependent and independent samples, ANOVA and Tukey's test for between-group comparisons, and linear Pearson's correlation coefficient calculations were performed. Group I revealed significantly lower vGRF values during TLH and OLH for the operated limb and LSI values compared with the right and left legs in Group II (p ≤ 0.001). A larger number of visits correlates with higher vGRF values for the operated limb during TLH (r = 0.503; p = 0.014) and OLH (r = 0.505; p = 0.014). An average of 42 SVPh visits in 6 months was insufficient to obtain similar values of relative vGRF and their LSI during TLH and OLH, but the hypothesis was confirmed that SPHNVs correlate with higher relative vGRF values during TLH and OLH in the landing phase.

Assessment of Effectiveness of 15 Weeks of Physical Therapy on Biplanar Ankle Mobility, Gait and Pain Level in Patients Following Operative Repair of the Achilles Tendon.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of 15 weeks of physical therapy on biplanar ankle mobility, gait and pain level in patients following operative repair of the Achilles tendon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled two groups of patients; a group of men (n=40) after operative repair of the Achilles tendon, who underwent 15 weeks of postoperative physiotherapy (Group I) and a group of men (n=40) without Achilles tendon injury (Group II). The ranges of motion for supination, pronation, plantar and dorsiflexion of the foot were measured in both groups. The ankle and shin circumferences were also measured. 10-meter unassisted walking, the Thom-son test results and pain according to a VAS scale were assessed. In Group I the tests were carried out after 5 and 20 weeks following open Achilles tendon repair. A test for dependent samples was used to compare within-group statistics and the ANOVA and Tukey's tests were used for between-group comparison. RESULTS: After 15 weeks of postoperative physical therapy, the patients in Group I had regained the ability to walk unassisted, all measured ranges of motion had improved significantly (from p=0.0001 to p=0.001), the ankle circumference on the operated side had decreased (p=0.002) and no pain was reported. However, the between-group comparison showed persistent, significantly decreased values of supination and plantar flexion on the operated side (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 1. 15 weeks of postoperative physical therapy after open Achilles tendon repair restored painless function of the ankle joint and unassisted walking. 2. Despite a significant improvement in the range of motion, supination and plantar flexion of the foot on the operated side were not fully restored.

Successful Outcome of Phytostabilization in Cr(VI) Contaminated Soils Amended with Alkalizing Additives.

This study analysed the effect of three alkalizing soil amendments (limestone, dolomite chalcedonite) on aided phytostabilization with Festuca rubra L. depending on the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) level in contaminated soil. Four different levels of Cr(VI) were added to the soil (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). The Cr contents in the plant roots and above-ground parts and the soil (total and extracted Cr by 0.01 M CaCl2) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The phytotoxicity of the soil was also determined. Soil amended with chalcedonite significantly increased F. rubra biomass. Chalcedonite and limestone favored a considerable accumulation of Cr in the roots. The application of dolomite and limestone to soil contaminated with Cr(VI) contributed to a significant increase in pH values and was found to be the most effective in reducing total Cr and CaCl2-extracted Cr contents from the soil. F. rubra in combination with a chalcedonite amendment appears to be a promising solution for phytostabilization of Cr(VI)-contaminated areas. The use of this model can contribute to reducing human exposure to Cr(VI) and its associated health risks.

Exposure of Lemna minor L. to gentian violet or Congo red is associated with changes in the biosynthesis pathway of biogenic amines.

In the literature, there is a lack of data on the effect of gentian violet (GV) and congo red (CR) dyes on the biosynthesis pathway of biogenic amines (BAs) in Lemna minor L. (common duckweed). This plant species is an important link in the food chain. Both dyes inhibited growth, biomass yield and the biosynthesis of chlorophyll a in common duckweed. The predicted toxic units demonstrated that GV had a more toxic effect on the growth rate and biomass yield of common duckweed than CR. Decarboxylase activity in the biosynthesis of BAs in common duckweed is also a useful indicator for evaluating the toxicity of both dyes. Gentian violet also exerted more phytotoxic effects on the analyzed biochemical features of common duckweed because it changed the putrescine (Put) biosynthesis pathway, increased tyramine content 1.6 fold, inhibited the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase by 40% and the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) by 80%. Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) was most active in plants exposed to the highest concentration of GV. Similarly to control plants, in common duckweed exposed to CR, Put was synthesized from ornithine; however, spermidine content was 86% higher, Put content was 51% lower, and ODC activity was 86% lower.

The effects of glyphosate-based herbicide formulations on Lemna minor, a non-target species.

Research into plants plays an important role in evaluations of water pollution with pesticides. Lemna minor (common duckweed) is widely used as an indicator organism in environmental risk assessments. The aim of this study was to determine by biological Lemna test and chemical methods the effect of glyphosate (GlyPh) concentrations of 0-40 µM on duckweed, an important link in the food chain. There are no published data on glyphosate's effects on the activity of enzymes of the amine biosynthesis pathway: ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, tyrosine decarboxylase, lysine decarboxylase and arginine decarboxylase, and the content of shikimic acid and glyphosate residues in the tissues of common duckweed. It was found that glyphosate was taken up by duckweed. In plants exposed to 3 µM of glyphosate for 7 days, glyphosate content exceeded the acceptable Maximum Residue Level (MRL) 10-fold. Glyphosate accumulation in plant tissues exerted toxic effects on duckweed by decreasing its growth and yield, inhibiting the synthesis of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids, and decreasing the photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII). However, glyphosate increased the concentration of shikimic acid in the tested plants. The activity of ornithine decarboxylase increased 4-fold in plants exposed to 20 µM of the herbicide. As a water pollutant, glyphosate increased the content of biogenic amines tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine. The activity of peroxidase and catalase was highest in duckweed exposed to 20 µM and 7 µM of the herbicide, respectively. The predicted toxic units were calculated based on glyphosate content and the computed EC values. The mean effective concentration calculated for all morphological and biochemical parameters of duckweed was determined at EC10 = 1.55, EC25 = 3.36, EC50 = 6.62 and EC90 = 14.08 µM of glyphosate. The study demonstrated that glyphosate, the active ingredient of Roundup Ultra 360 SL herbicide, induces morphological and biochemical changes in non-target plants and exerts toxic effects on aquatic ecosystems even during short-term exposure.

Are the knee extensor and flexor muscles isokinetic parameters affected by the duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision in patients eight months after ACL reconstruction with the use of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons autograft?

PURPOSE: The observational study evaluated isokinetic parameters in patients at eight months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) utilizing semitendinosus and gracilis tendons autograft, with two different modes of physiotherapy, and investigated whether analysed parameters were affected by the postoperative physiotherapy supervision duration. METHODS: Strict exclusion criteria were employed on a group of 259 ACL-reconstructed patients to identify two groups of males preoperatively well trained and frequently participating in sports, with different durations of postoperative physiotherapy supervision: Group I (n = 18; x = 27.67 weeks) and Group II (n = 20; x = 10.75 weeks). The patients underwent knee extensor and flexor muscles torques measurements with the 180°/s and 60°/s. The torque, position and time parameters were analysed. Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) was calculated. The parametric tests for dependent samples, parametric tests for independent samples, and linear Pearson's correlation coefficient calculations were performed. RESULTS: There were significant between-limb differences in the Group II in the knee extensor and flexor muscles torque parameters, with LSI ranging from x = 75.72 to x = 78.75 and from x = 78.69 to x = 87.82, respectively. The knee extensor muscles torque parameters and LSI values were positively correlated with the physiotherapy supervision duration. The inter-limb differences in the Group I and II in knee flexor muscles PT angle amounted to x = 10.94° (180°/s), x = 9.39 ° (60°/s), and x = 12.00°(180°/s), x = 9.75° (60°/s), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The longer postoperative physiotherapy supervision was more effective for improving knee muscles torque parameters. The knee flexor muscles PT angle was shifted towards extension in the ACL-reconstructed limb, regardless of the time of postoperative physiotherapy supervision duration.

Uptake and reaction to roundup ultra 360 SL in soybean seedlings.

Due to the widespread and frequent use of Roundup Ultra 360 SL in crops production, the active substance glyphosate is often present (in the soil or in post-harvest remnants) and may be toxic to plants, including the non-target species. The aim of the current study was to determine the sensitivity of young soybean seedlings to glyphosate in concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 µM. It was demonstrated that the seedlings take small quantities of soil glyphosate up. More of the active substance was found in the shoots than in the roots. From the doses applied, the plant absorbs up to 4% of soil glyphosate, while over 96% remains in the soil. This suggests that only 4% of glyphosate taken up from the soil affects plant seedling development and water management. It modifies the contents of the biogenic amines cadaverine and putrescine as well as the activity of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis, i.e. ornithine decarboxylase and lysine decarboxylase. The free radical content of the roots increased with increasing herbicide doses and time of exposure. The main enzyme involved in the rapid removal of free radicals was superoxide peroxidase, activated by the herbicide treatment, while catalase was not significantly stimulated.

Effects of Postoperative Physiotherapy Supervision Duration on Clinical Outcome, Speed, and Agility in Males 8 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether the duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision by a physiotherapist affects clinical outcome, speed, and agility in males 8 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MATERIAL AND METHODS From a group of 248 patients 8 months after ACLR, we used strict exclusion criteria to identify 2 groups of men who were well trained and frequently participated in sports pre-injury, with different durations of postoperative physiotherapy supervision: Group I (n=15; x=27.40 weeks) and Group II (n=15; x=8.07 weeks). Group III (n=30) were controls. Clinical evaluation (manual ligament assessment, knee joint and thigh circumferences, range of motion), pain assessment, and run test with maximal speed and change-of-direction manoeuvres, was performed. RESULTS No clinically significant abnormalities were noted in any studied groups in terms of clinical and pain assessments. The time of the run test was significantly increased in Group II (x=23.77 s) compared with Group I (x=21.76 s) and Group III (x=21.15 s). The average speed was significantly reduced in Group II (x=2.05 m*s-1) compared with Group I (x=2.22 m*s-1) and Group III (x=2.27 m*s-1). The duration of physiotherapy supervision was significantly negatively correlated with the time results of the run test (r=-0.353; p=0.046) and positively correlated with the average speed (r=0.360; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS Both shorter and longer duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision resulted in successful clinical outcomes in terms of studied features in males 8 months after ACLR. Nevertheless, longer physiotherapy supervision was more effective for improving speed and agility to the level of healthy individuals.

Content of biogenic amines in Lemna minor (common duckweed) growing in medium contaminated with tetracycline.

Aquatic plants are continuously exposed to a variety of stress factors. No data on the impact of antibiotics on the biogenic amines in duckweed (Lemna minor) have been available so far, and such data could be significant, considering the ecological role of this plant in animal food chains. In the tissues of control (non-stressed) nine-day-old duckweed, the following biogenic amines were identified: tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine. Based on the tetracycline contents and the computed EC values, the predicted toxicity units have been calculated. The obtained results demonstrated phytoxicity caused by tetracycline in relation to duckweed growth rate, yield and the contents of chlorophylls a and b. The carotenoid content was not modified by tetracycline. It was found that tetracycline as a water pollutant was a stress factor triggering an increase in the synthesis of amines. Tetracycline at 19, 39 and 78µM concentrations increased biogenic amine synthesis by 3.5 times. Although the content of tyramine increased fourteen times with the highest concentration of the drug (and of spermidine - only three-fold) the increase of spermidine was numerically the highest. Among the biogenic amines the most responsive to tetracycline were spermine and tyramine, while the least affected were putrescine and spermidine. Despite putrescine and spermidine being the least sensitive, their sum of contents increased five-fold compared to the control. These studies suggest that tetracycline in water reservoirs is taken up by L. minor as the antibiotic clearly modifies the metabolism of this plant and it may likely pose a risk.