Optimizing germination: comparative assessment of various growth media on dragon fruit germination and early growth.

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), known for its captivating appearance and remarkable nutritional profile, has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Despite its popularity, there's a dearth of research on optimal conditions for seed germination and early growth stages such as seedling shoot length, which are crucial for optimal crop yield. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating various growing media's performance on dragon fruit germination and early growth stages. Dragon fruit seeds were obtained from local markets in Pakistan and evaluated in five different growing media: cocopeat, peat moss, sand, vermiculite, and compost. Germination parameters were observed for 45 days, including seed germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination percentage, among others while early growth was monitored for 240 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Significant differences were found among the growing media regarding germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination. Vermiculite exhibited the highest germination rate (93.33%), while compost showed the least (70%). Peat moss and sand media facilitated rapid germination, while compost showed slower rates. Stem length was significantly influenced by the growth media, with compost supporting the longest stems. Vermiculite emerged as the most effective medium for dragon fruit seed germination, while compost showed slower but steady growth. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing dragon fruit cultivation, aiding commercial growers and enthusiasts in achieving higher yields and quality. Further research could explore additional factors influencing dragon fruit growth and development.

Development and characterization of polyethylene oxide and guar gum-based hydrogel; a detailed in-vitro analysis of degradation and drug release kinetics.

Herein, we synthesized hydrogel films from crosslinked polyethylene oxide (PEO) and guar gum (GG) which can offer hydrophilicity, antibacterial efficacy, and neovascularization. This study focuses on synthesis and material/biological characterization of rosemary (RM) and citric acid (CA) loaded PEO/GG hydrogel films. Scanning Electron Microscopy images confirmed the porous structure of the developed hydrogel film matrix (PEO/GG) and the dispersion of RM and CA within it. This porous structure promotes moisture adsorption, cell attachment, proliferation, and tissue layer formation. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) further validated the crosslinking of the PEO/GG matrix, as confirmed by the appearance of C-O-C linkage in the FTIR spectrum. PEO/GG and PEO/GG/RM/CA revealed similar degradation and release kinetics in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium, Simulated Body Fluid, and Phosphate Buffer Saline (degradation of ∼55 % and release of ∼60 % RM in 168 h.). The developed hydrogel film exhibited a zone of inhibition against Escherichia. coli (2 mm) and Staphylococcus. aureus (9 mm), which can be attributed to the presence of RM in the hydrogel film. Furthermore, incorporating CA in the hydrogel film promoted neovascularization, as confirmed by the Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay. The developed RM and CA-loaded PEO/GG-based hydrogel films offered suitable in-vitro properties that may aid in potential wound healing applications.

Functionality of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi varies across different growth stages of maize under drought conditions.

Physio-biochemical regulations governing crop growth period are pivotal for drought adaptation. Yet, the extent to which functionality of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) varies across different stages of maize growth under drought conditions remains uncertain. Therefore, periodic functionality of two different AM fungi i.e., Rhizophagus irregularis SUN16 and Glomus monosporum WUM11 were assessed at jointing, silking, and pre-harvest stages of maize subjected to different soil moisture gradients i.e., well-watered (80% SMC (soil moisture contents)), moderate drought (60% SMC), and severe drought (40% SMC). The study found that AM fungi significantly (p < 0.05) affected various morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters at different growth stages of maize under drought. As the plants matured, AM fungi enhanced root colonization, glomalin contents, and microbial biomass, leading to increased nutrient uptake and antioxidant activity. This boosted AM fungal activity ultimately improved photosynthetic efficiency, evident in increased photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis. Notably, R. irregularis and G. monosporum improved water use efficiency and mycorrhizal dependency at critical growth stages like silking and pre-harvest, indicating their potential for drought resilience to stabilize yield. The principal component analysis highlighted distinct plant responses to drought across growth stages and AM fungi, emphasizing the importance of early-stage sensitivity. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating AM fungi into agricultural management practices to enhance physiological and biochemical responses, ultimately improving drought tolerance and yield in dryland maize cultivation.

Novel antiarthritic mechanisms of Azelaic acid against CFA-induced arthritis in rats by modulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines network.

An immunologic system attacking the body's own tissues is a hallmark of autoimmune disorders, which encompass a wide range of unique conditions. Numerous essential biologic functions, including the regulation of the immune system, inflammation, cell division, and tissue repair, are carried out by cytokines. Natural compounds are an effective treatment for autoimmune illnesses by modulation of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of leukocytes into the inflamed tissue. Here, anti-arthritic study was carried out using oral administration of Azelaic acid (AzA) for 28 days with doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model. AzA ameliorated the adjuvant-induced arthritis by decreasing arthritic score, paw volume, improved body-weight alterations and serum levels of PGE2, 5-LOX and anti-ccp. AzA showed significant down regulation of NF-κB, COX-II, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1ß, IL-6, and up regulation of IL4 and IL10. Hemoglobin and RBCs count remarkably increased and ESR, CRP, platelets, WBCs levels markedly reduced in post treatment. In addition, the weakened SOD (superoxide dismutase), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) activity and the increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were all reversed by AzA treatment. And showed improved radiographical and histologic alterations in the structure of the joints. Molecular docking studies targeting COX-II, iNOS, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL4, IL10, IL-6, and IL-17 establish a correlation between theoretical and experimental results. Results showed that AzA inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-II, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL-17, NF-κB, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, which supported the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential of AzA.

Lie symmetry analysis and solitary wave solution of biofilm model Allen-Cahn.

The investigation presented in this study delves into the analysis of Lie symmetries for the bistable Allen-Cahn (BAC) equation with a quartic potential, specifically applied to the biofilm model. By employing the Lie symmetry method, we have acquired the Lie infinitesimal generators for the considered model. Using a transformation method, the nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) are converted into various nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NLODEs), providing the numerous closed-form solitary wave solutions. The obtained solutions manifest in various forms including dark, bright, kink, anti-kink, and periodic types using diverse strategies. To enhance the physical interpretation, the study presents 3D, 2D, and contour plots of the acquired solutions. Every graph's wave-like structure contains information about the structural behaviour of the bacteria that build biofilms on surfaces where rectangles have different densities. This analysis enhances comprehension of the complex dynamics present in areas like fluid dynamics, fiber optics, biology, ocean physics, coastal engineering, and nonlinear complex physical systems.

Regulatory Mechanism of Proanthocyanidins in Grape Peels Using vvi-miR828a and Its Target Gene VvMYBPA1.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are considered to be essential secondary metabolites in grapes and are used to regulate metabolic processes, while miRNAs are involved in their synthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins to regulate metabolic processes. The present research work was carried out to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism of target genes in the grape cultivars 'Italia' and 'Benitaka'. miRNA and transnscriptomic sequencing technology were employed to characterize both the profiles of miRNAs and the transcripts of grape peels at 10 and 11 weeks post flowering (10 wpf and 11 wpf). The results revealed that the expression level of vvi-miR828a in 'Italia' at 10 and 11 wpf was significantly higher than that in 'Benitaka'. miRNA-seq analysis predicted MYBPA1 to be the target gene of vvi-miR828a. In transcriptome analysis, the expression level of the VvMYBPA1 gene in 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that in 'Italia'; in addition, the TPM values (expression levels) of VvMYBPA1 and miR828a also showed an evident negative correlation. The determination of the proanthocyanidin (PA) content in 'Italia' and 'Benitaka' peels at 11 wpf demonstrated that the PA content of 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that of 'Italia'. The outcomes of RT-qRCR analysis exhibited that the expression levels of the VdPAL, VdCHS, VdCHI, VdDFR, VdMYB5b, VdANR, and VdMYBPA1 genes related anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin pathways were reduced, while the expression levels of all of the above genes were increased after the transient expression of the VvMYBPA1 vector into grape leaves. The results of the transient overexpression experiment of vvi-miR828a before the veraison period of strawberry fruits showed that vvi-miR828a can significantly slow down the coloration of strawberries. The vvi-miR828a negatively regulates the accumulation of proanthocyanidins in grape fruits by inhibiting the expression of VvMYBPA1.

Dietary supplementation of protease and organic acid in poultry by-product meal-based diet in broilers.

Objective: This study investigated the impact of supplementation of protease and organic acid on growth performance and other biological parameters in broilers fed poultry by-product meal (PBM) based diet. Methods: Five hundred-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed into five treatments with 5 replicates, each pen having 20 birds, and fed each group one of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in two phases: stater phase (1-21 days) ME 3000 kcal/kg; CP 22%, and a finisher phase (22-35 days) ME 3200 kcal/kg; CP 19.5%. The dietary treatments were: 1) standard broiler ration (Cont); 2) The control diet with 25% of the soybean meal replaced by poultry by-product meal (PBM) on an equivalent protein basis (PBM); 3) PBM diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of protease (PBMP); 4) PBM diet supplemented with 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMO); and 5) PBM diet addition with 0.5 g/kg protease and 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMPO). Results: The overall data showed that FCR was improved (P<0.05) in the PBMP group. Apparent crude protein digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in both Cont and PBMP groups. Jejunal villus height (VH) increased (P<0.05) in PBMP and PBMPO groups, while only the PBMO group exhibited a higher (P<0.05) crypt depth (CD). Lipase activity was increased (P<0.05) in the PBMP, PBMO and PBMPO dietary treatments. However, trypsin activity showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the PBMP and PBMO groups. Serum biochemistry increased (P<0.05) globulin and total protein levels in the PBMP group. Conclusion: PBM could partially replace the soybean meal with supplementation of either protease or organic acid in broiler diets without impairing overall growth performance. Furthermore, careful optimization must be considered when combining protease and organic acids.

Machine learning powered CN-coordinated cobalt nanoparticles embedded cellulosic nanofibers to assess meat quality via clenbuterol monitoring.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited the use of clenbuterol (CLN) because it induces anabolic muscle growth while potentially causing adverse effects such as palpitations, anxiety, and muscle tremors. Thus, it is vital to assess meat quality because, athletes might have positive test for CLN even after consuming very low quantity of CLN contaminated meat. Numerous materials applied for CLN monitoring faced potential challenges like sluggish ion transport, non-uniform ion/molecule movement, and inadequate electrode surface binding. To overcome these shortcomings, herein we engineered bimetallic zeolitic imidazole framework (BM-ZIF) derived N-doped porous carbon embedded Co nanoparticles (CN-CoNPs), dispersed on conductive cellulose acetate-polyaniline (CP) electrospun nanofibers for sensitive electrochemical monitoring of CLN. Interestingly, the smartly designed CN-CoNPs wrapped CP (CN-CoNPs-CP) electrospun nanofibers offers rapid diffusion of CLN molecules to the sensing interface through amine and imine groups of CP, thus minimizing the inhomogeneous ion transportation and inadequate electrode surface binding. Additionally, to synchronize experiments, machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to optimize, predict, and validate voltametric current responses. The ML-trained sensor demonstrated high selectivity, even amidst interfering substances, with notable sensitivity (4.7527 µA/µM/cm2), a broad linear range (0.002-8 µM), and a low limit of detection (1.14 nM). Furthermore, the electrode exhibited robust stability, retaining 98.07% of its initial current over a 12-h period. This ML-powered sensing approach was successfully employed to evaluate meat quality in terms of CLN level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of using ML powered system for electrochemical sensing of CLN.

Seed priming with potassium nitrate alleviates the high temperature stress by modulating growth and antioxidant potential in carrot seeds and seedlings.

Early season carrot (Daucus carota) production is being practiced in Punjab, Pakistan to meet the market demand but high temperature hampers the seed germination and seedling establishment which cause marked yield reduction. Seed priming with potassium nitrate breaks the seed dormancy and improves the seed germination and seedling growth potential but effects vary among the species and ecological conditions. The mechanism of KNO3 priming in high temperature stress tolerance is poorly understood yet. Thus, present study aimed to evaluate high temperature stress tolerance potential of carrot seeds primed with potassium nitrate and impacts on growth, physiological, and antioxidant defense systems. Carrot seeds of a local cultivar (T-29) were primed with various concentration of KNO3 (T0: unprimed (negative control), T1: hydroprimed (positive control), T2: 50 mM, T3:100mM, T4: 150 mM, T5: 200 mM, T6: 250 mM and T7: 300 mM) for 12 h each in darkness at 20 ± 2℃. Seed priming with 50 mM of KNO3 significantly enhanced the seed germination (36%), seedling growth (28%) with maximum seedling vigor (55%) and also exhibited 16.75% more carrot root biomass under high temperature stress as compared to respective control. Moreover, enzymatic activities including peroxidase, catalase, superoxidase dismutase, total phenolic contents, total antioxidants contents and physiological responses of plants were also improved in response to seed priming under high temperature stress. By increasing the level of KNO3, seed germination, growth and root biomass were reduced. These findings suggest that seed priming with 50 mM of KNO3 can be an effective strategy to improve germination, growth and yield of carrot cultivar (T-29) under high temperature stress in early cropping. This study also proposes that KNO3 may induces the stress memory by heritable modulations in chromosomal structure and methylation and acetylation of histones that may upregulate the hormonal and antioxidant activities to enhance the stress tolerance in plants.

Management of Tomato Bacterial Canker Disease by the Green Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles.

Bacterial canker disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis is a substantial threat to the cultivation of tomatoes, leading to considerable economic losses and global food insecurity. Infection is characterized by white raised lesions on leaves, stem, and fruits with yellow to tan patches between veins, and marginal necrosis. Several agrochemical substances have been reported in previous studies to manage this disease but these were not ecofriendly. Thus present study was designed to control the bacterial canker disease in tomato using green fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Nanosilver particles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR showed presence of bioactive compounds in green fabricated AgNPs and UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the range of 350 nm to 355 nm. SEM showed the rectangular segments fused together, and XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs. The presence of metallic silver ions was confirmed by an EDX detector. Different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm) of the green fabricated AgNPs were exogenously applied on tomato before applying an inoculum of Clavibacter michigensis to record the bacterial canker disease incidence at different day intervals. The optimal concentration of AgNPs was found to be 30 µg/mg that exhibited the most favorable impact on morphological (shoot length, root length, plant fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll contents, membrane stability index, and relative water content) as well as biochemical parameters (proline, total soluble sugar and catalase activity). These findings indicated a noteworthy reduction in biotic stress through the increase of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities by the green fabricated AgNPs. This study marks a first biocompatible approach in assessing the potential of green fabricated AgNPs in enhancing the well-being of tomato plants that affected with bacterial canker and establishing an effective management strategy against Clavibacter michiganensis. This is the first study suggests that low concentration of green fabricated nanosilvers (AgNPs) from leaf extract of Moringa oleifera against Clavibacter michiganensis is a promisingly efficient and eco-friendly alternative approach for management of bacterial canker disease in tomato crop.

EMG gesture signal analysis towards diagnosis of upper limb using dual-pathway convolutional neural network.

This research introduces a novel dual-pathway convolutional neural network (DP-CNN) architecture tailored for robust performance in Log-Mel spectrogram image analysis derived from raw multichannel electromyography signals. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of the proposed DP-CNN architecture across three datasets (NinaPro DB1, DB2, and DB3), encompassing both able-bodied and amputee subjects. Performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, are employed for comprehensive evaluation. The DP-CNN demonstrates notable mean accuracies of 94.93 ± 1.71% and 94.00 ± 3.65% on NinaPro DB1 and DB2 for healthy subjects, respectively. Additionally, it achieves a robust mean classification accuracy of 85.36 ± 0.82% on amputee subjects in DB3, affirming its efficacy. Comparative analysis with previous methodologies on the same datasets reveals substantial improvements of 28.33%, 26.92%, and 39.09% over the baseline for DB1, DB2, and DB3, respectively. The DP-CNN's superior performance extends to comparisons with transfer learning models for image classification, reaffirming its efficacy. Across diverse datasets involving both able-bodied and amputee subjects, the DP-CNN exhibits enhanced capabilities, holding promise for advancing myoelectric control.

Exploration of morpholine-thiophene hybrid thiosemicarbazones for the treatment of ureolytic bacterial infections via targeting urease enzyme: Synthesis, biochemical screening and computational analysis.

An important component of the pathogenicity of potentially pathogenic bacteria in humans is the urease enzyme. In order to avoid the detrimental impact of ureolytic bacterial infections, the inhibition of urease enzyme appears to be an appealing approach. Therefore, in the current study, morpholine-thiophene hybrid thiosemicarbazone derivatives (5a-i) were designed, synthesized and characterized through FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. A range of substituents including electron-rich, electron-deficient and inductively electron-withdrawing groups on the thiophene ring was successfully tolerated. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated in vitro for their potential to inhibit urease enzyme using the indophenol method. The majority of compounds were noticeably more potent than the conventional inhibitor, thiourea. The lead inhibitor, 2-(1-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)ethylidene)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (5g) inhibited the urease in an uncompetitive manner with an IC50 value of 3.80 ± 1.9 µM. The findings of the docking studies demonstrated that compound 5g has a strong affinity for the urease active site. Significant docking scores and efficient binding free energies were displayed by the lead inhibitor. Finally, the ADME properties of lead inhibitor (5g) suggested the druglikeness behavior with zero violation.

First principle study of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) double perovskites: structural, mechanical, vibrational, electronic, optical, SLME, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties for solar cell applications.

The structural, mechanical, vibrational, electronic, optical, SLME, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb), a double perovskite material, were computed by employing Density Functional Theory (DFT). CASTEP and Quantum ESPRESSO were used to perform first-principles calculations. X2GaAgCl6 possesses a cubic structure with the space-group symmetry Fm-3 m. The lattice parameters of Cs2GaAgCl6 and Rb2GaAgCl6 were optimized using the energy-volume curves, resulting in values of 7.357 Å and 7.365 Å, respectively. The population analysis confirmed the charge transfer among transition metals and halogen atoms. The stability of crystal X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) is effectively demonstrated by analyzing phonon dispersion curves with no negative frequencies. The band structure calculations indicated the semiconducting nature of compounds with energy gaps of 0.96 eV and 0.88 eV for Cs2GaAgCl6 and Rb2GaAgCl6, respectively. The optical characteristics results confirm that the examined materials are suitable for devices working, primarily in the electromagnetic spectrum's visible region. SLME results showed that Cs2GaAgCl6 has 30% and Rb2GaAgCl6 has 27% efficiency, respectively, suggesting their use in photovoltaics. The thermoelectric properties of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) were calculated by using the BoltzTraP code in the temperature range of 300 to 800 K. The quasi-harmonic Debye model was applied to calculate the thermodynamic characteristics.

Revealing the dynamics of saffron growth: Optimizing corm size and planting depth for increased yield synergies.

Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.

Emerging technologies for the removal of pesticides from contaminated soils and their reuse in agriculture.

Pesticides are becoming more prevalent in agriculture to protect crops and increase crop yields. However, nearly all pesticides used for this purpose reach non-target crops and remain as residues for extended periods. Contamination of soil by widespread pesticide use, as well as its toxicity to humans and other living organisms, is a global concern. This has prompted us to find solutions and develop alternative remediation technologies for sustainable management. This article reviews recent technological developments for remediating pesticides from contaminated soil, focusing on the following major points: (1) The application of various pesticide types and their properties, the sources of pesticides related to soil pollution, their transport and distribution, their fate, the impact on soil and human health, and the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect the remediation process are the main points of focus. (2) Sustainable pesticide degradation mechanisms and various emerging nano- and bioelectrochemical soil remediation technologies. (3) The feasible and long-term sustainable research and development approaches that are required for on-site pesticide removal from soils, as well as prospects for applying them directly in agricultural fields. In this critical analysis, we found that bioremediation technology has the potential for up to 90% pesticide removal from the soil. The complete removal of pesticides through a single biological treatment approach is still a challenging task; however, the combination of electrochemical oxidation and bioelectrochemical system approaches can achieve the complete removal of pesticides from soil. Further research is required to remove pesticides directly from soils in agricultural fields on a large-scale.

Green-synthesized lignin nanoparticles enhance Zea mays resilience to salt stress by improving antioxidant metabolism and mitigating ultrastructural damage.

Soil salinity poses a substantial threat to agricultural productivity, resulting in far-reaching consequences. Green-synthesized lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as significant biopolymers which effectively promote sustainable crop production and enhance abiotic stress tolerance. However, the defensive role and underlying mechanisms of LNPs against salt stress in Zea mays remain unexplored. The present study aims to elucidate two aspects: firstly, the synthesis of lignin nanoparticles from alkali lignin, which were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results confirmed the purity and morphology of LNPs. Secondly, the utilization of LNPs (200 mg/L) in nano priming to alleviate the adverse effects of NaCl (150 mM) on Zea mays seedlings. LNPs significantly reduced the accumulation of Na+ (17/21%) and MDA levels (21/28%) in shoots/roots while increased lignin absorption (30/31%), resulting in improved photosynthetic performance and plant growth. Moreover, LNPs substantially improved plant biomass, antioxidant enzymatic activities and upregulated the expression of salt-tolerant genes (ZmNHX3 (1.52 & 2.81 FC), CBL (2.83 & 3.28 FC), ZmHKT1 (2.09 & 4.87 FC) and MAPK1 (3.50 & 2.39 FC) in both shoot and root tissues. Additionally, SEM and TEM observations of plant tissues confirmed the pivotal role of LNPs in mitigating NaCl-induced stress by reducing damages to guard cells, stomata and ultra-cellular structures. Overall, our findings highlight the efficacy of LNPs as a practical and cost-effective approach to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in Zea mays plants. These results offer a sustainable agri-environmental strategy for mitigating salt toxicity and enhancing crop production in saline environments.

3D-printed polyether-ether ketone/carboxymethyl cellulose scaffolds coated with Zn-Mn doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles.

Patient-specific fabrication of scaffold/implant requires an engineering approach to manufacture the ideal scaffold. Herein, we design and 3D print scaffolds comprised of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and sodium-carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). The fabricated scaffold was dip coated with Zn and Mn doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (Zn-Mn MBGNs). The synthesized ink exhibit suitable shear-thinning behavior for direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing. The scaffolds were crafted with precision, featuring 85% porosity, 0.3 mm layer height, and 1.5 mm/s printing speed at room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal a well-defined scaffold with an average pore size of 600 ± 30 µm. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed a well dispersed/uniform coating of Zn-Mn MBGNs on the PEEK/Na-CMC scaffold. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy approved the presence of PEEK, CMC, and Zn-Mn MBGNs. The tensile test revealed a Young's modulus of 2.05 GPa. Antibacterial assays demonstrate inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli strains. Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane assays also present significant angiogenesis potential, owing to the antigenic nature of Zn-Mn MBGNs. WST-8 cell viability assays depicted cell proliferation, with a 103% viability after 7 days of culture. This study suggests that the PEEK/Na-CMC scaffolds coated with Zn-Mn MBGNs are an excellent candidate for osteoporotic fracture treatment. Thus, the fabricated scaffold can offer multifaceted properties for enhanced patient outcomes in the bone tissue regeneration.

Synergistic effect of biochar with gypsum, lime, and farm manure on the growth and tolerance in rice plants under different salt-affected soils.

Soil salinization and sodication harm soil fertility and crop production, especially in dry regions. To combat this, using biochar combined with gypsum, lime, and farm manure is a promising solution for improving salt-affected soils. In a pot experiment, cotton stick biochar (BC) was applied at a rate of 20 t/ha in combination with gypsum (G), lime (L), and farm manure (F) at rates of 5 and 10 t/ha. These were denoted as BCG-5, BCL-5, BCF-5, BCG-10, BCL-10, and BCF-10. Three different types of soils with electrical conductivity (EC) to sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ratios of 2.45:13.7, 9.45:22, and 11.56:40 were used for experimentation. The application of BCG-10 led to significant improvements in rice biomass, chlorophyll content, and overall growth. It was observed that applying BCG-10 to soils increased the membrane stability index by 75% in EC:SAR (2.45:13.7), 97% in EC:SAR (9.45:22), and 40% in EC:SAR (11.56:40) compared to respective control treatments. After BCG-10 was applied, the hydrogen peroxide in leaves dropped by 29%, 23%, and 21% in EC:SAR (2.45:13.7), EC:SAR (9.45:22), and EC:SAR (11.56:40) soils, relative to their controls, respectively. The application of BCG-10 resulted in glycine betaine increases of 60, 119, and 165% in EC: SAR (2.45:13.7), EC: SAR (9.45:22), and EC: SAR (11.56:40) soils. EC: SAR (2.45:13.7), EC: SAR (9.45:22), and EC: SAR (11.56:40) soils all had 70, 109, and 130% more ascorbic acid in BCG-10 applied treatment, respectively. The results of this experiment show that BCG-10 increased the growth and physiological traits of rice plants were exposed to different levels of salt stress. This was achieved by lowering hydrogen peroxide levels, making plant cells more stable, and increasing non-enzymatic activity.

Emerging trends to replace pesticides with nanomaterials: Recent experiences and future perspectives for ecofriendly environment.

Despite the widespread usage to safeguard crops and manage pests, pesticides have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The necessity to find sustainable agricultural techniques and meet the growing demand for food production has spurred the quest for pesticide substitutes other than traditional ones. The unique qualities of nanotechnology, including its high surface area-to-volume ratio, controlled release, and better stability, have made it a promising choice for pest management. Over the past ten years, there has been a noticeable growth in the usage of nanomaterials for pest management; however, concerns about their possible effects on the environment and human health have also surfaced. The purpose of this review paper is to give a broad overview of the worldwide trends and environmental effects of using nanomaterials in place of pesticides. The various types of nanomaterials, their characteristics, and their possible application in crop protection are covered. The limits of the current regulatory frameworks for nanomaterials in agriculture are further highlighted in this review. Additionally, it describes how standard testing procedures must be followed to assess the effects of nanomaterials on the environment and human health before their commercialization. In order to establish sustainable and secure nanotechnology-based pest control techniques, the review concludes by highlighting the significance of taking into account the possible hazards and benefits of nanomaterials for pest management and the necessity of an integrated approach. It also emphasizes the importance of more investigation into the behavior and environmental fate of nanomaterials to guarantee their safe and efficient application in agriculture.

Arbutin attenuates CFA-induced arthritis by modulating expression levels of 5-LOX, NF­κB, IL-17, PGE-2 and TNF-α.

Arbutin, a naturally soluble glycosylated phenol has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The current exploration appraises the treatment of arthritis by use of Arbutin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) orally in CFA-induced rat arthritis model. Body weight changes, paw size, and joint diameter were recorded till the 28th day in the arthritic-induced rats. Hematological, biochemical, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were measured through the blood samples of anesthetized rats. Arbutin markedly decreased paw volume, PGE-2, anti-CCP and 5-LOX levels, however, maintained metabolic and hematological balance and prevented weight loss. Radiology and histology changes improved significantly in the ankle joints of rats. Moreover, Arbutin increased gene pointers such as IL-10 and IL-4 while significantly reducing the levels of CRP and WBCs, whereas Hb, platelets and RBCs count markedly raised in post-treatments. Antioxidant levels of SOD, CAT and GSH were improved and MDA level was reduced in treated groups. Rt-PCR investigation showed a significant reduction of the interleukin-1ß, TNF-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB and IL-17 and increased expression of gene pointers like IL-4, and IL-10 in treated groups. Assessment of molecular docking revealed a strong binding interaction of Arbutin against 5-LOX, IL-17, TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, IL-4 and iNOS providing a strong association between experimental and theoretical results. As a result, Arbutin has significantly reduced CFA-induced arthritis by modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-10 and IL-4, the pro-inflammatory cytokines panel such as NF-κB, TNF-alpha, IL-1ß, IL-6, PGE-2, 5-LOX and COX-2 and oxidative biomarkers.