Thorough examination of the potential biological implications of the cuproptosis-related gene LIPT2 in the prognosis and immunotherapy in pan-cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the expression levels and prognostic value of the Lipoyltransferase 2 (LIPT2) gene in a pan-cancer view. METHODOLOGY: Our study comprehensively investigated the role of LIPT2 in pan-cancer, combining bioinformatics analyses with experimental validations. RESULTS: Analysis of LIPT2 mRNA expression across various cancers revealed a significant up-regulation in 18 tumor types and down-regulation in 8 types, indicating its diverse involvement. Prognostic assessment demonstrated a correlation between elevated LIPT2 expression and poorer outcomes in Overall Survival (OS) and Disease-Free Survival (DFS), particularly in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), and Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (PCPG). Protein expression analysis in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG affirmed a consistent increase in LIPT2 levels compared to normal tissues. Examining the methylation status in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG, we found reduced promoter methylation levels in tumor samples, suggesting a potential influence on LIPT2 function. Genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal indicated a low mutation frequency (< 2%) in LIPT2 across GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Immune correlation analysis unveiled a positive association between LIPT2 expression and infiltration levels of immune cells in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Single-cell analysis illustrated LIPT2's positive correlation with functional states, including angiogenesis and inflammation. Enrichment analysis identified LIPT2-associated processes and pathways, providing insights into its potential molecular mechanisms. Drug sensitivity analysis demonstrated that elevated LIPT2 expression conferred resistance to multiple compounds, while lower expression increased sensitivity. Finally, RT-qPCR validation in HCC cell lines confirmed the heightened expression of LIPT2 compared to a control cell line, reinforcing the bioinformatics findings. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study highlights LIPT2 as a versatile player in cancer, influencing diverse aspects from molecular processes to clinical outcomes across different cancer types.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray attenuates high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice are related to the modulation of gut microbiota and the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bile acids in fecal bile acid profile.

Previous findings showed that anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) reduced HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia by regulating gut microbiota, but the mechanism has not been fully understood. The objective of this research was to know whether the cholesterol-lowering impact of ACN in HFD-induced ApoE-/- mice is related to the gut microbiota-bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty-four male ApoE-/- mice were divided into three groups: the Control group, the HFD group, and the HFD + ACN group. Here, we showed that ACN intervention reduced HFD-induced body weight serum concentrations of TC and LDL-C and ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues. Besides, ACN altered gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that ACN intervention significantly increased the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated BAs in feces induced by HFD, attributed to the increase in conjugated BAs and decrease in unconjugated BAs. Finally, the correlation analysis indicated that the above changes in fecal BA profile were linked with an increase in Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum and a decrease in Ileibacterium, Helicobacter, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter. In summary, ACN could alleviate HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice, which was associated with the improvement of gut microbiota and modulation of fecal BA profile.

Phytogenic-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus and Its Integrated Potency against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria.

In the current research study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via a green synthesis technique using the seed extract of Citrullus lanatus. The study further intended to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of ZnO-NPs with antibiotics against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. It was observed that C. lanatus seed extracts obtained by n-hexane and methanolic solvents revealed the presence of constituents, such as tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Furthermore, the extract of n-hexane displayed the strongest antibacterial activity against Yersinia species (17 ± 1.2 mm) and Escherichia coli (17 ± 2.6 mm), while the methanolic extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (17 ± 0.8 mm). Additionally, the ZnO-NP synthesis was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible analysis with a characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the absorption peaks in the 500-3800 cm-1 range, which corresponds to various groups of tertiary alcohol, aldehyde, amine, ester, aromatic compounds, thiol, amine salt, and primary amine. The scanning electron microscopy spectra of ZnO-NPs demonstrated the presence of zero-dimensional spherical particles with well-dispersed character. Moreover, encapsulation with ZnO-NPs improved the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics against the panel of MDR bacteria, and the increases in the effectiveness of particular antibiotics against MDR bacteria were significant (P = 0.0005). In essence, the synthesized ZnO-NPs have the potential as drug carriers with powerful bactericidal properties that work against MDR bacterial strains. These outcomes are an indication of such significance in pharmaceutical science, giving possibilities for further research and development in this field.

Identification and expression analysis of SBP-Box-like (SPL) gene family disclose their contribution to abiotic stress and flower budding in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).

The SPL gene family (for Squamosa Promoter-binding like Proteins) represents specific transcription factors that have significant roles in abiotic stress tolerance, development and the growth processes of different plants, including initiation of the leaf, branching and development of shoot and fruits. The SPL gene family has been studied in different plant species; however, its role is not yet fully explored in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan ). In the present study, 11 members of the CcSPL gene family were identified in C. cajan . The identified SPLs were classified into nine groups based on a phylogenetic analysis involving SPL protein sequences from C. cajan , Arabidopsis thaliana , Cicer arietinum , Glycine max , Phaseolus vulgaris , Vigna unguiculata and Arachis hypogaea . Further, the identification of gene structure, motif analysis, domain analysis and presence of cis -regulatory elements in the SPL family members were studied. Based on RNA-sequencing data, gene expression analysis was performed, revealing that CcSPL2.1, 3 and 13A were significantly upregulated for salt-tolerance and CcSPL14 and 15 were upregulated in a salt-susceptible cultivar. Real-time qPCR validation indicated that CcSPL3, 4, 6 and 13A were upregulated under salt stress conditions. Therefore, molecular docking was performed against the proteins of two highly expressed genes (CcSPL3 and CcSPL14 ) with three ligands: abscisic acid, gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid. Afterward, their binding affinity was obtained and three-dimensional structures were predicted. In the future, our study may open avenues for harnessing CcSPL genes in pigeon pea for enhanced abiotic stress resistance and developmental traits.

Repurposing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant S. aureus of bovine reproductive tract origin.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become the predominant etiology in bovine female reproductive tract infections and thus require effective treatment approaches. The main goal of this study was the molecular detection of mecA, blaZ, tetK, and aacA-aphD genes in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) responsible for methicillin, beta-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistance respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to check the homology of staphylococcal genes with NCBI sequences. The in-vitro efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination therapies against MDR S. aureus was evaluated using well diffusion assay and checkerboard method. Vaginal swab samples (n = 384) collected from bovines suffering from endometritis, pyometra, and retained placenta were tested for S. aureus. Results showed a 17.96% overall prevalence. Both phenotypic and genotypic resistance was observed among S. aureus isolates with 50.72% and 37.68% isolates being confirmed as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 36.23% and 18.84% isolates exhibiting beta-lactam, 40.58%, and 27.54% isolates showing tetracycline, and 33.33% and 36.23% isolates showing aminoglycosides resistance based on disc diffusion and gene confirmation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with previously reported Pakistani isolates suggesting the possibility of MDR S. aureus transmission within and between animals. Synergy testing indicated that combinations of ceftriaxone-ketoprofen (153.77%), ceftriaxone-meloxicam (149.55%), amoxiclav-flunixin meglumine (106.06%), and oxytetracycline-flunixin meglumine (104.47%) showed synergy on well diffusion assay. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index by checkerboard method, oxytetracycline-meloxicam and gentamicin-ketoprofen combinations exhibited synergistic interaction. In conclusion, MDR S. aureus resistance was mitigated in-vitro through the combination of antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin) with NSAIDs (meloxicam, ketoprofen) that could be used to create therapeutic strategies for bovine reproductive issues.

The sustainable use of diverse plants accustomed by different ethnic groups in Sibi District, Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to analyze the utilization of medicinal plants (traditional as well as cultivated) and there recipes accustomed by different ethnic groups of Sibi District (SD), Balochistan, Pakistan. The study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 by using semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire.. The randomly selected methods applied for this study were mainly based on household surveys walk through and interview with indigenous communityage 40 to 80, a total of 75 plants, belonging to 63 genera and distributed among 33 plant families were recorded. The dominant Plant families were the Fabaceae (12%) of all studied taxa, followed by the Amaranthaceae (7%), Asteraceae (6%), Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae (4% each), Rhamnaceae and Zygophyllaceae (3%). Thirty traditional Food Recipes (TFR) and Traditional Medicinal Recipes (TMR) were novel being first time reported from SD., which are utilized by the local communities in their daily routine. These ethnic TFR and TMR have a tremendous role in preservation and sustainable use of traditional food habits and culture. It was also documented that along with cultivated, the wild edible and medicinal plant preparations play a significant role in in the economic potential and primary health care system of the local communities. The study recommends the specific measures, such as small industries, improved export means, tourism and educational activities, to protect the traditional knowledge and biocultural heritage of the region before its erosion.

Isolation, characterization, and cloning of thermostable pullulanase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus ADM-11.

This study aimed to identify thermo-stable pullulanase-producing bacteria in soil samples of potato fields and food-producing companies. Pullulan agar medium was used to screen 17 bacterial strains, which were incubated at 65 °C. The isolate with the maximum activity (375U/ml) was selected and recognized as Geobacillus stearothermophilus ADM-11 by morphological, biochemical characterization, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The pullulanase production required optimum pH of 7 and temperature of 75 °C, respectively. The electrophoresis of purified pullulanase on SDS-polyacrylamide gel revealed 83 kDa of a molecular weight that is active at 70 °C and pH 7.0. It was also stable at 90 °C but its activity was decreased by 10 % at 100 °C. The action of pullulanase was increased and stabilized by Ca+2 among the metal ions. Beta and gamma-cyclodextrins inhibited enzyme activity while ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) have no significant effect on pullulanase activity. A full-length pullulanase gene was amplified from G. stearothermophilus ADM-11 using genomic DNA 2.1 kb of PCR product which was then purified and ligated in the cloning vector pTZ57R using the TA cloning technique. Colony PCR confirmed cloning on the positive clones after the pullulanase gene had been ligated and subjected to restriction digestion. It revealed 74 % similarity with the reported pullulanase gene from Geobacillus sp. 44C. The thermostability of pullulanase and its ability to degrade raw pullulan may therefore have wide-scale applications in starch processing, the detergent business, and new biotechnological applications.

Investigating seasonal air quality variations consequent to the urban vegetation in the metropolis of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Urban atmospheric pollution is global problem and and have become increasingly critical in big cities around the world. Issue of toxic emissions has gained significant attention in the scientific community as the release of pollutants into the atmosphere rising continuously. Although, the Pakistani government has started the Pakistan Clean Air Program to control ambient air quality however, the desired air quality levels are yet to be reached. Since the process of mapping the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants in urban areas is intricate due to its dependence on multiple factors, such as urban vegetation and weather conditions. Therefore, present research focuses on two essential items: (1) the relationship between urban vegetation and atmospheric variables (temperature, relative humidity (RH), sound intensity (SI), CO, CO2, and particulate matter (PM0.5, PM1.0, and PM2.5) and (2) the effect of seasonal change on concentration and magnitude of atmospheric variables. A geographic Information System (GIS) was utilized to map urban atmospheric variables dispersion in the residential areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were performed to establish the relationship between urban atmospheric pollutants, urban vegetation, and seasonal variation. The results showed a positive correlation between urban vegetation, metrological factors, and most of the atmospheric pollutants. Furthermore, PM concentration showed a significant correlation with temperature and urban vegetation cover. GIS distribution maps for PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, and CO2 pollutants showed the highest concentration of pollutants in poorly to the moderated vegetated areas. Therefore, it can be concluded that urban vegetation requires a rigorous design, planning, and cost-benefit analysis to maximize its positive environmental effects.

Physiological and biochemical variations of naturally ripened mango (Mangifera Indica L.) with synthetic calcium carbide and ethylene.

To meet the increasing consumer demands for fruits, the implementation of artificial ripening techniques using synthetic chemicals has become increasingly commonplace among less ethical fruit production companies in today's global market. The objective of present work was to establish a difference in the physiological and biochemical and profiles of naturally ripened mangoes vs. those ripened by application of synthetic calcium carbide and ethylene. The application of calcium carbide at 10 g/kg mangoes resulted early ripening in 2 days, with a 3-day shelf life, as compared with 5 and 6 days, for mangoes ripened by ethylene and naturally, respectively. Higher levels of calcium carbide reduced moisture, fiber, protein and carbohydrates content and increased the ash content of mangoes, as compared to higher levels of ethylene, whereas in naturally ripened mangoes the content percentages were 80.21, 3.57, 3.05 6.27 and 4.74, respectively. Artificial ripening resulted in significant loss of ascorbic, citric and malic acid, as values were recorded 35.94, 2.12 and 0.63 mg/g, respectively, in mangoes ripened with 10 g/kg of calcium carbide. However, in naturally ripened mangoes the amounts of these acids were recorded significantly (p < 0.05) high as 52.29, 3.76 and 1.37 mg/g, respectively. There was an increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and reducing sugars, and a decrease in titratable acidity in calcium carbide (10 g/kg) treated mangoes. Elemental analyses revealed high levels of minerals in naturally ripened mangoes, with significant values of iron (0.45 mg/100 g), zinc (0.24 mg/100 g) and copper (0.17 mg/100 g). The organoleptic quality of the fruit decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as a result of the use of calcium carbide. Although use of artificial ripening techniques provides speedy ripening of mangoes, there are obvious limitations. Consequently, natural ripening should be promoted in order to have safer and more nutritious mangoes.

Levilactobacillus brevis MZ384011 and Levilactobacillus brevis MW362779 can mitigate lead induced hepato-renal damage by regulating visceral dispersion and fecal excretion.

Heavy metal pollution is a global issue. Current study provides evidence on Pb toxicity ameliorative potential and safe nature of Levilactobacillus brevis MZ384011 (S1) and Levilactobacillus brevis MW362779 (S2), isolated from carnivore gut and human milk, respectively. In a 60-days experiment, the rats were distributed into six groups. G-I, G-V and G-VI were kept on normal diet, while GII-IV were fed on lead nitrate (500 mg/kg) supplemented food, throughout experiment. After confirmation of Pb toxicity in GII-IV at 15th day, S1 was orally administered to G-III and G-V while S2 was given to G-IV and G-VI at a dose of 1 × 109 CFU/animal/day. On day 60 of experiment, positive control (G-II) displayed significant reduction in body weight, total protein, albumin, globulin, mineral profile, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and hematological indices and elevation in leukocyte count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, uric acid and creatinine along with alterations in hepato-renal architecture. With reference to G-II, the G-III and G-IV displayed significant improvement in all aforementioned parameters, 40-60% reduction in tissue Pb levels (blood, liver, kidney and adipose tissue) and elevation in fecal Pb contents (p = 0.000). The groups V and VI did not show any sign of toxicity. The findings confirm that strains are safe for biological application and can reverse Pb toxicity by facilitating fecal Pb excretion and reducing its systemic dispersal. To best of our information this is the first report on Pb toxicity ameliorative role of Levilactobacillus brevis from human milk, the safest source.

CT texture analysis for differentiating between peritoneal carcinomatosis and peritoneal tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and peritoneal tuberculosis (PTB) have similar clinical and radiologic imaging features, which make it very difficult to differentiate between the two entities clinically. Our aim was to determine if the CT textural parameters of omental lesions among patients with PC were different from those with PTB. METHODS: All patients who had undergone omental biopsy at our institution from January 2010 to December 2018 and had a tissue diagnosis of PC or PTB were eligible for inclusion. Patients who did not have a contrast-enhanced CT abdomen within one month of the omental biopsy were excluded. A region of interest (ROI) was manually drawn over omental lesions and radiomic features were extracted using open-source LIFEx software. Statistical analysis was performed to compare mean differences in CT texture parameters between the PC and PTB groups. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were included in the study of which 38 and 28 had PC and PTB, respectively. Omental lesions in patients with PC had higher mean radiodensity (mean difference: +32.4; p = 0.001), higher mean entropy (mean difference: +0.11; p < 0.001), and lower mean energy (mean difference: -0.024; p = 0.001) compared to those in PTB. Additionally, omental lesions in the PC group had lower gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) homogeneity (mean difference: -0.073; p < 0.001) and higher GLCM dissimilarity (mean difference: +0.480; p < 0.001) as compared to the PTB group. CONCLUSION: CT texture parameters of omental lesions differed significantly between patients with PTB and those with PC, which may help clinicians in differentiating between the two entities.

Unveiling the significance of foliar-applied silicon, selenium and phosphorus for the management and remediation of arsenic in two different rice genotypes.

Under paddy soil conditions, rice plants are vulnerable to arsenic (As) accumulation, thus causing potential threat to human health. Here we investigated the influence of foliar-applied phosphorus (P: 10 and 20 mg L-1), silicon (Si: 0.6 and 1.5 g L-1) and selenium (Se: 5 and 10 mg L-1) on As accumulation, morphological and physiological attributes of two contrasting rice genotypes (KSK-133 and Super Basmati) under As stress (25 mg kg-1 as arsenate). Silicon foliar dressing significantly (p < 0.05) reduced grain As uptake (up to 67%) and improved rice growth and chlorophyll content (28-66%) in both rice genotypes over their controls. Phosphorus foliar application resulted in a notable decrease (17%) in grain As uptake of coarse rice genotype (KSK-133), while it slightly increased grain As uptake in the fine one (Super Basmati; 6%) compared to controls. However, foliar-applied Se did not show significant effects on rice plants growth attributes and As uptake in both genotypes. Similarly, biochemical and enzymatic attributes (i.e., lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, peroxidase and catalase) were improved with Si application in rice plants, except for P treatment that was only effective for coarse one. Foliar-applied Si also resulted in reduced cancer risk and hazard quotient (< 0.10) for both rice genotypes. This study advances our understanding on critical role of different foliar-applied nutrients and rice genotypes, which is imperative to develop effective As remediation and management strategies in coarse and fine rice genotypes and protect human health.

This study provided new insights on the significance of foliar-applied phosphorus, silicon and selenium for the management and remediation of arsenic in fine (Super Basmati) and coarse (KSK-133) rice genotypes. Foliar-applied silicon was the most promising strategy to mitigate arsenic uptake and minimizing health risk in rice grain of both genotypes, while phosphorus was effective only for coarse one, thus showing a genotype dependent response. Interestingly, selenium foliar application had no significant effect on arsenic accumulation in both rice genotypes.

Identification of arsenic oxidizing genes fragment in Microbacterium sp. strain 1S1 and its cloning in E. coli (DH5a).

Microbacterium sp. strain 1S1, an arsenic-resistant bacterial strain, was isolated with 75 mM MIC against arsenite. Brownish precipitation with silver nitrate appeared, which confirmed its oxidizing ability against arsenite. The bacterial genomic DNA underwent Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, revealing a distinctive cluster of genes spanning 9.6 kb associated with arsenite oxidation. These genes were identified within an isolated bacterial strain. Notably, the smaller subunit (aioB) of the arsenite oxidizing gene at the chromosomal DNA locus (Prokka_01508) was pinpointed. This gene, aioB, is pivotal in arsenite oxidation, a process crucial for energy metabolism. Upon thorough sequencing analysis, only a singular megaplasmid was detected within the isolated bacterial strain. Strikingly, this megaplasmid did not harbor any genes responsible for arsenic resistance or detoxification. This intriguingly indicates that the bacterial strain relies on the arsenic oxidizing genes present for its efficient arsenic oxidation capability. This is especially true for Microbacterium sp. strain 1S1. Subsequently, a segment of genes linked to arsenic resistance was successfully cloned into E. coli (DH5a). The fragment of arsenic-resistant genes was cloned in E. coli (DH5a), further confirmed by the AgNO3 method. This genetically engineered E. coli (DH5a) can decontaminate arsenic-contaminated sites.

Guar gum/poly ethylene glycol/graphene oxide environmentally friendly hybrid hydrogels for controlled release of boron micronutrient.

The present study was aimed at synthesis of polymeric hydrogels for controlled boron (B) release, as B deficiency is a major factor that decreases crops yield. Thus, graphene oxide incorporated guar gum and poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels were prepared using the Solution Casting method for boron release. 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMOL) was used as a cross-linker. Characterizations of hydrogels were carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis and Scanning Electron scope. The FTIR outcomes confirmed the existence of functional groups, bindings and development of hydrogel frameworks from incorporated components. The quantity of GLYMOL directly increased the thermal stability and water retention but decreased the swelling %. The maximum swelling for the hydrogel formulations was observed at pH 7. The addition of GLYMOL changed the diffusion from quasi-Fickcian to non-Fickcian diffusion. The maximum swelling quantities of 3822% and 3342% were exhibited by GPP (control) and GPP-8 in distilled water, respectively. Boron release was determined in distilled water and sandy soil by azomethine-H test using UV-Visible spectrophotometer while 85.11% and 73.65% boron was released from BGPP-16, respectively. In short, water retentive, water holding capacities, swelling performances, biodegradability and swelling/deswelling features would offer an ideal platform for boron release in sustained agricultural applications.

Soil nutrient levels regulate the effect of soil microplastic contamination on microbial element metabolism and carbon use efficiency.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants in soil ecosystems that disrupt the soil carbon (C) pool. Therefore, the response of microbial metabolism to MP-contaminated soil is crucial for soil-C stabilization. We undertook factorial experiments in a greenhouse with three types of soil microplastics with three levels of soil nutrients and undertook soil physiochemical analyses after 60 days. The present study revealed how the presence of degradable polylactic acid (PLA) and non-degradable polyethylene (PE) MPs affects soil microbial nutrient limitation and C use efficiency (CUE) at varying nutrient concentrations. The presence of PLA in soil with low nutrient levels led to a significant increase (29%) in the activities of nitrogen (N)-acquiring enzymes. In contrast, the presence of MPs had no effect on C- and N-acquiring enzymes. The occurrence of PE caused a 41% reduction in microbial C limitation in high-nutrient soils, and microbial nutrient metabolism was limited by the occurrence of MPs in soils amended with nutrients. A strong positive correlation between microbial C and nutrient limitation in the soil indicates that addressing C limitation followed by amendment of soil with MPs could potentially intensify microbial N limitation in soils with varying nutrients. In comparison, the microbial CUE increased by 10% with the application of degradable MPs (PLA) to soils with a low nutrient status. These findings highlight the significant influence of both degradable PLA and non-degradable PE MPs on soil microbial processes and C dynamics. In conclusion, PLA enhances metabolic efficiency in nutrient-rich soils, potentially aiding C utilization, whereas PE reduces microbial C limitation, offering promise for soil C sequestration strategies. Our findings underscore the importance of considering MPs in soil ecosystem studies and in broader sustainability efforts.

Recent advances in catalytic and non-catalytic epoxidation of terpenes: a pathway to bio-based polymers from waste biomass.

Epoxides derived from waste biomass are a promising avenue for the production of bio-based polymers, including polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polycarbonates. This review article explores recent efforts to develop both catalytic and non-catalytic processes for the epoxidation of terpene, employing a variety of oxidizing agents and techniques for process intensification. Experimental investigations into the epoxidation of limonene have shown that these methods can be extended to other terpenes. To optimize the epoxidation of bio-based terpene, there is a need to develop continuous processes that address limitations in mass and heat transfer. This review discusses flow chemistry and innovative reactor designs as part of a multi-scale approach aimed at industrial transformation. These methods facilitate continuous processing, improve mixing, and either eliminate or reduce the need for solvents by enhancing heat transfer capabilities. Overall, the objective of this review is to contribute to the development of commercially viable processes for producing bio-based epoxides from waste biomass.

Evaluating the influence of straw mulching and intercropping on nitrogen uptake, crop growth, and yield performance in maize and soybean.

Introduction: Intercropping and straw mulching are sustainable agricultural practices that can positively affect crop growth and development, especially together. Methods: A split-plot experimental design was used to investigate the effects of intercropping and straw mulching on crop growth, crop yield, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthetic characteristics. The main plot focused on three planting patterns: soybean monoculture (S), maize monoculture (M), and maize/soybean intercropping (I). The subplot structure consisted of four levels of straw mulching (0, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6 t ha-1). Results: Interaction and variance analyses showed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction had significant effects on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, nitrogen uptake, photosynthetic characteristics, and crop yield. Based on two-year averages for maize and soybean, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was up to 51.6% higher, stomatal conductance (Sc) was up to 44.0% higher, transpiration rate (Tr) was up to 46.6% higher, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) was up to 25.7% lower relative to no mulching. The maximum increases of Pn, Sc, and Tr of intercropped maize were 15.48%, 17.28%, and 23.94%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 17.75% lower than that of monoculture maize. The maximum increase of Pn, Sc, and Tr of monoculture soybean was 24.58%, 16.90%, and 17.91%, respectively, and the maximum Ci was 13.85% lower than that of intercropped soybean. The nitrogen uptake of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 24.3% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment; the nitrogen uptake of intercropped maize was 34.2% higher than that of monoculture maize, and the nitrogen uptake of monoculture soybean was 15.0% higher than that of intercropped soybean. The yield of maize and soybean in the mulching treatment was 66.6% higher than that in the non-mulching treatment, the maize yield under intercropping was 15.4% higher than that under monoculture, and the yield of monoculture soybean was 9.03% higher than that of intercropped soybean. Discussion: The growth index and photosynthesis of crops are important parts of yield formation. The results of this study confirmed that straw mulching, intercropping, and their interaction can ultimately increase crop yield by improving crop growth, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthesis. This result can be used as the theoretical basis for the combined application of these measures in agriculture.

Effect of probiotics on hematological parameters of male and female Wistar rats.

In the present study, the effect of probiotics on the hematology of Wistar rats was examined. Locally isolated Lactobacillus plantarum MZ707748 (Pro 1), L. plantarum MZ710117 (Pro 2), Weisella confusa MZ727611 (Pro 3), and L. plantarum MZ735961 (Pro 4) were used. One strain of probiotic, L. acidophilus-14 (Pro 5), was purchased commercially. Different groups were designed as G1, G2, G3, G4, and 5, G5/PC consisting only pro 5 and NC & 0 day were untreated. Different groups have different probiotics like G1 containing Pro 1 and Pro 2, G2 comprising Pro 3 and Pro 4, G3 containing Pro 2, Pro 3 and Pro 5, G4 having Pro 1-5, and G5 containing Pro 5. A complete count of blood, serum chemistry, fecal analysis, and histopathological examination of the thymus and liver were done. Statistical differences were seen in the complete blood count parameters (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin, IL-6, and IgA (p > 0.05) except for TP, creatinine, and globulin (p < 0.05). Fecal strains of probiotic groups were antibiotic-resistant. In males, Lactobacillus helveticus OQ152020, Enterococcus lactis OQ1519891, E. faecium OQ152017, L. gasseri OQ152017, and E. lactis OQ152019 were isolated from positive control, G1, G2, G3, and G4 respectively. In females, Enterococcus sp. OP800231, Limosilactobacillus fermentum OQ151985, E. lactis OP800267, L. plantarum OP800244, and E. faecium OQ151988 were isolated from positive control, G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. It was concluded that all probiotic strains were safe to use and had beneficial effects on the hematology of Wistar rats.