6-Methoxyflavone antagonizes chronic constriction injury and diabetes associated neuropathic nociception expression.

Neuropathy is a disturbance of function or a pathological change in nerves causing poor health and quality of life. A proportion of chronic pain patients in the community suffer persistent neuropathic pain symptoms because current drug therapies may be suboptimal so there is a need for new therapeutic modalities. This study investigated the neuroprotective flavonoid, 6-methoxyflavone (6MF), as a potential therapeutic agent and gabapentin as the standard comparator, against neuropathic models. Thus, neuropathic-like states were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) mononeuropathy and systemic administration of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce polyneuropathy. Subsequent behaviors reflecting allodynia, hyperalgesia, and vulvodynia were assessed and any possible motoric side-effects were evaluated including locomotor activity, as well as rotarod discoordination and gait disruption. 6MF (25-75 mg/kg) antagonized neuropathic-like nociceptive behaviors including static- (pressure) and dynamic- (light brushing) hindpaw allodynia plus heat/cold and pressure hyperalgesia in the CCI and STZ models. 6MF also reduced static and dynamic components of vulvodynia in the STZ induced polyneuropathy model. Additionally, 6MF reversed CCI and STZ suppression of locomotor activity and rotarod discoordination, suggesting a beneficial activity on motor side effects, in contrast to gabapentin. Hence, 6MF possesses anti-neuropathic-like activity not only against different nociceptive modalities but also impairment of motoric side effects.

Natural allelic variation in GRAIN SIZE AND WEIGHT 3 of wild rice regulates the grain size and weight.

Grain size is important for yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Although many genes involved in grain size have been isolated, few can be used in breeding due to their interactions and phenotypic effects. Here, we describe natural variation in the granule-type quantitative trait locus GRAIN SIZE AND WEIGHT 3 (GSW3) located on chromosome 3 in wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) that encodes a GTPase-regulated protein and negatively regulates grain length, grain width, and 1,000-grain weight. The insertion of a 232-bp fragment of the genomic sequence in the wild rice, a natural allelic variant gene (GSW3), increased the expression levels and reduced the grain length and width and 1,000-grain weight. Knockout of GSW3 in the wild rice inbred line Huaye 3 increased the grain length and width and 1,000-grain weight. Introducing GSW3Huaye3 into cultivated rice line KJ01 and overexpressing GSW3Huaye3 in Huaye 3 resulted in reduced grain length and width and 1,000-grain weight, and grain size and 1,000-grain weight changes were closely related to GSW3 expression levels. GSW3 regulated the grain length and width simultaneously by promoting grain glume cell division and longitudinal and transverse cell growth. GSW3 was also involved in regulating the gibberellic acid signaling pathway and negatively regulated plant growth. Furthermore, a critical SNP in the GSW3 coding region was obviously correlated with grain size variation in a core collection of cultivated rice. This SNP resulted in an amino acid substitution from Gln to Arg at position 161 in GSW3, which reduced the grain size. Our study shows that GSW3 negatively regulates the grain shape, which could explain different grain shapes in modern cultivars and wild rice. GSW3 may also be used for breeding rice varieties with improved grain shapes and higher yield.

OsRH52A, a DEAD-box protein, regulates functional megaspore specification and is required for embryo sac development in rice.

The development of the embryo sac is an important factor that affects seed setting in rice. Numerous genes associated with embryo sac (ES) development have been identified in plants; however, the function of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family genes is poorly known in rice. Here, we characterized a rice DEAD-box protein, RH52A, which is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm and highly expressed in the floral organs. The knockout mutant rh52a displayed partial ES sterility, including degeneration of the ES (21%) and the presence of a double-female-gametophyte (DFG) structure (11.8%). The DFG developed from two functional megaspores near the chalazal end in one ovule, and 3.4% of DFGs were able to fertilize via the sac near the micropylar pole in rh52a. RH52A was found to interact with MFS1 and ZIP4, both of which play a role in homologous recombination in rice meiosis. RNA-sequencing identified 234 down-regulated differentially expressed genes associated with reproductive development, including two, MSP1 and HSA1b, required for female germline cell specification. Taken together, our study demonstrates that RH52A is essential for the development of the rice embryo sac and provides cytological details regarding the formation of DFGs.

Micro- and Nanoplastics Produced from Textile Finishes: A Review.

The problem of increasing plastic pollution has emerged as a significant societal issue. Plastics can originate from various sources, and there is growing concern among researchers to study and investigate this new category of pollution. The plastic waste is found at the macro, micro, and nanoscale, and its study has had great significance according to the perspective of posing hazardous impacts on living organisms. Given the high demand for functional textiles, the textile industries are supporting the coating of different polymeric based finishes on the surface of textile products. The plastic debris emitted from these coated finishes are in the ranges of nanometric scale, so-called polymeric nanoplastics (PNPs). With the new terminology, polymeric nanoplastics (PNPs) released from textile finishes or coatings are being increasingly mentioned, and the term fibrous microplastics (FMPs) can be seen as outdated. This study is based on an intensive review of a very novel category of debris plastics (PNPs) mostly produced from textile finishes or coatings. In fact, FMPs and PNPs released from synthetic textiles and textiles coated with plastic-based finishes during washing activities are considered to be a major cause that contributes to the current overall load of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. A link between the concentration of NPs from textile fibers and NPs from textile polymeric-based coatings in freshwater and sediments within a particular local setting and the extent of activities of the textile industry has been demonstrated. Invested efforts have been paid to consider and concentrate on plastic pollution (nanoplastics from textile polymeric coatings). We also summarize existing methodologies to elucidate the identification and proactive quantification of nanoplastics shed from the textile polymeric coatings. To this end, more than 40 studies have been done to identify the physical, chemical, and mechanical parameters and to characterize nanoplastics.

Regulatory mechanism of C4-dicarboxylates in cyclo (Phe-Pro) production.

Cyclo (Phe-Pro) (cFP), a cyclic dipeptide with notable antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, shows great promise for biological control of plant diseases. Produced as a byproduct by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), the regulatory mechanism of cFP biosynthesis remains unclear. In a screening test of 997 Tn5 mutants of Burkholderia seminalis strain R456, we identified eight mutants with enhanced antagonistic effects against Fusarium graminearum (Fg). Among these, mutant 88's culture filtrate contained cFP, confirmed through HPLC and LC-MS, which actively inhibited Fg. The gene disrupted in mutant 88 is part of the Dct transport system (Dct-A, -B, -D), responsible for C4-dicarboxylate transport. Knockout mutants of Dct genes exhibited higher cFP levels than the wild type, whereas complementary strains showed no significant difference. Additionally, the presence of exogenous C4-dicarboxylates reduced cFP production in wild type R456, indicating that these substrates negatively regulate cFP synthesis. Given that cFP synthesis is related to NRPS, we previously identified an NRPS cluster in R456, horizontally transferred from algae. Specifically, knocking out gene 2061 within this NRPS cluster significantly reduced cFP production. A Fur box binding site was predicted upstream of gene 2061, and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed Fur protein binding, which increased with additional C4-dicarboxylates. Knockout of the Fur gene led to up-regulation of gene 2061 and increased cFP production, suggesting that C4-dicarboxylates suppress cFP synthesis by enhancing Fur-mediated repression of gene 2061.

Immunomodulating melatonin-decorated silica nanoparticles suppress bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through fine-tuning of oxidative signaling and rhizosphere bacterial community.

BACKGROUND: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is severely threatened by bacterial wilt, caused by the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Recently, nano-enabled strategies have shown tremendous potential in crop disease management. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the efficacy of biogenic nanoformulations (BNFs), comprising biogenic silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and melatonin (MT), in controlling bacterial wilt in tomato. METHODS: SiNPs were synthesized using Zizania latifolia leaves extract. Further, MT containing BNFs were synthesized through the one-pot approach. Nanomaterials were characterized using standard characterization techniques. Greenhouse disease assays were conducted to assess the impact of SiNPs and BNFs on tomato plant immunity and resistance to bacterial wilt. RESULTS: The SiNPs and BNFs exhibited a spherical morphology, with particle sizes ranging from 13.02 nm to 22.33 nm for the SiNPs and 17.63 nm to 21.79 nm for the BNFs, indicating a relatively uniform size distribution and consistent shape across both materials. Greenhouse experiments revealed that soil application of BNFs outperformed SiNPs, significantly enhancing plant immunity and reducing bacterial wilt incidence by 78.29% in tomato plants by maintaining oxidative stress homeostasis via increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (31.81%), peroxidase (32.9%), catalase (32.65%), and ascorbate peroxidase (47.37%) compared to untreated infected plants. Additionally, BNFs induced disease resistance by enhancing the production of salicylic acid and activating defense-related genes (e.g., SlPAL1, SlICS1, SlNPR1, SlEDS, SlPD4, and SlSARD1) involved in phytohormones signaling in infected tomato plants. High-throughput 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed that BNFs promoted growth of beneficial rhizosphere bacteria (Gemmatimonadaceae, Ramlibacter, Microscillaceae, Anaerolineaceae, Chloroplast and Phormidium) in both healthy and diseased plants, while suppressing R. solanacearum abundance in infected plants. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that BNFs offer a more promising and sustainable approach for managing bacterial wilt disease in tomato plants.

Salt-Tolerant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (ST-PGPB): An Effective Strategy for Sustainable Food Production.

Soil is the backbone of the agricultural economy of any country. Soil salinity refers to the higher concentration of soluble salts in the soil. Soil salinity is a ruinous abiotic stress that has emerged as a threatening issue for food security. High salt concentration causes an ionic imbalance that hampers water uptake, affecting photosynthesis and other metabolic processes, ultimately resulting in inferior seed germination and stunted plant growth. A wide range of strategies have been adopted to mitigate the harmful effects of salinity such as efficient irrigation techniques, soil reclamation, habitat restoration, flushing, leaching or using salt-tolerant crops, but all the methods have one or more limitations. An alternative and effective strategy is the exploitation of salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (ST-PGPB) to mitigate salt stress and improve crop productivity. ST-PGPB can survive in salinity-tainted environments and perform their inherent plant growth-promoting and biocontrol functions effectively. Additionally, ST-PGPB can rescue plants via stress-responsive mechanisms including production of growth regulators, maintenance of osmotic balance, aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, exopolysaccharides (EPS) activity, improvement in photosynthesis activity, synthesis of compatible solutes, antioxidant activity and regulation of salt overly sensitive (SOS) signaling pathway. Several well-known ST-PGPB, specifically Azospirillum, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Pantoea, are used as bioinoculants to improve the growth of different crops. The application of ST-PGPB allows plants to cope with salt stress by boosting their defense mechanisms. This review highlights the impact of salinity stress on plant growth and the potential of ST-PGPB as a biofertilizer to improve crop productivity under salt stress.

A comprehensive study of adverse effects of chemotherapy on female breast cancer patients in NORI Cancer Hospital, Islamabad in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the top three malignancies worldwide. While radiotherapy, hormone replacement therapys, and chemotherapy are treatments, chemotherapy causes adverse effects that hinder daily life activities. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence, severity, and association of symptomatic toxicities in female breast cancer patients affecting various organ systems post systemic chemotherapy (adjuvant and neoadjuvant), and their impact on daily activities. Additionally, to determine the severity of adverse effects in specific age groups and their association with family history and disease stage. METHODOLOGY: An observational study was conducted on 253 female breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at NORI Cancer Hospital from May to October 2023. Data collection tools included the NCI-PRO-CTCAE standardized questionnaire and patient medical records. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Among the 253 patients, 41.4% were aged 41-50. Significant weight changes (p = 0.034) were observed with more than three chemotherapy cycles. Notable associations included increased chemotherapy cycles with gastrointestinal (mouth/throat sores p = 0.031, vomiting p = 0.021), respiratory (cough p = 0.04), cardiovascular (arm/leg swelling p = 0.007, palpitations p = 0.052), integumentary (hair loss p = 0.000, skin dryness p = 0.054), and musculoskeletal (fatigue p = 0.002) adverse effects. Positive family history and the 18-30 age group also showed significant associations with adverse effect severity. Disease stage significantly influenced the nervous system (stage 2 p = 0.007, stage 3 p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The severity of adverse effects varies among age groups, depending on disease stage, genetics, and treatment duration. These patient-reported outcomes highlight the need for better management strategies considering prognostic factors and treatment adverse effects.

Efficacy and Safety of Colchicine in Pediatric Pericarditis: A Systematic Review and Future Directions.

Pediatric pericarditis presents challenges in its management, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. Colchicine, known for its efficacy in adults, requires further investigation for its application and safety in pediatric cohorts. A systematic search across renowned databases identified relevant literature on colchicine use in pediatric pericarditis. Twenty-nine articles underwent rigorous screening, with 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Data extraction, quality assessment, and synthesis were conducted meticulously. Included studies comprised case reports, case series, and retrospective cohort studies. Colchicine demonstrated efficacy in reducing recurrence rates and symptom burden, with doses ranging from 0.25 mg/day to 2 mg/day. Adverse events were minimal, predominantly gastrointestinal. Notably, nausea was the most common side effect reported. The safety profile of colchicine was favorable, with rare instances of hepatic and hematologic toxicity. Colchicine emerges as a promising therapeutic option for pediatric pericarditis, demonstrating efficacy in reducing recurrence rates and alleviating symptoms. Its favorable safety profile suggests potential as a preferred long-term therapy. However, further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety and explore potential combination therapies.

First Report of Wilt Caused by Fusarium nanum (FIESC 25) on Mungbean (Vigna radiata) in Pakistan.

Mungbean, Vigna radia (L.) R. Wilczek, is ranked 2nd next to chickpea (Cicer arietinum) in total cultivation and production in Pakistan. In August of 2022 and 2023, mungbean plants (cv. PRI Mung-2018) were found wilting in a field at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Wilted leaves turned yellow, died, but remained attached to the stem. Vascular tissue at the base of the stem showed light to dark brown discoloration. Roots were stunted with purplish brown to black discoloration. Symptomatic mungbean plants were collected from fields at five different locations (20 samples/location). Disease incidence was similar among the five fields, ranging from 5 to 10% at each location depending upon type of germplasm and date of sowing. For fungal isolation and morphological identification, symptomatic stem and root tissues were cut into ~5 mm2 pieces with a sterilized blade. Tissues were surface-sterilized for one min in a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, rinsed twice in sterilized water, air dried on sterilized filter paper, and aseptically placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 0.5 g/L-1 streptomycin sulphate. Plates were incubated for 3-4 days at 25 ± 2°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Single-spore cultures were used for morphological and molecular analyses. Isolates on PDA grew rapidly and produced abundant white aerial mycelium that turned off-white to beige with age. Macroconidia were hyaline, falcate, typically 3-to-6 septate with a pointed apical cell and a foot-shaped basal cell, measuring 24.5-49.5 x 2.7-4.7 µm (n = 40). Globose to obovate chlamydospores measuring 5.8 ± 0.5 µm (n = 40) were produced singly or in chains and were intercalary or terminal and possessed roughened walls. The morphological data indicated the isolates were members of the genus Fusarium (Leslie and Summerell 2006). To obtain a species-level identification, a portion of translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2) region were PCR amplified and sequenced using EF1/EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998), Fa/G2R (Hofstetter et al. 2007), and 5f2/7cr (Liu et al. 1999) primers, respectively. DNA sequences of these genes were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers MW059021, MW059017 and MW059019, respectively. The partial TEF1, RPB1 and RPB2 sequences were queried against the Fusarium MLST database (https://fusarium.mycobank.org/page/Fusarium_identification), using the polyphasic identification tool. The BLASTn search revealed 99.9% identity of the isolate to F. nanum (Xia et al. 2019), formerly FIESC 25 of the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (MRC 2610, NRRL 54143; O'Donnell et al. 2018). To confirm pathogenicity, roots of 3-5 leaf stage mungbean seedlings were soaked in a 106 spores ml-1 conidial suspension of the fungus for 15 min and then planted in 10 cm pots containing sterilized soil. Mock-inoculated plants with sterile water served as a negative control. Twenty pots that were used for each inoculated and control treatment were maintained at 25 ± 2°C, 14:8 h photoperiod, and 80% relative humidity in a growth chamber. After 15 days, leaf yellowing, internal browning from the base of stems and root discoloration was observed in all the inoculated plants. The uninoculated negative control plants remained asymptomatic. Fusarium nanum was re-isolated from artificially inoculated plants and identified by colony growth, conidial characteristics on PDA and molecular analyses (TEF1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of wilt caused by F.nanum on mungbean in Pakistan. In Pakistan, mungbean cultivation in irrigated areas has increased in recent years. It has been introduced frequently in citrus orchards, crop rotation of maize and sesame, intercropping with sugarcane and as green manure. However, citrus, maize, sesame and sugarcane are also hosts of Fusarium spp. Therefore, this information warrants sustainable crop protection and may have an impact on further interaction of F. nanum with other wilt pathogens.

Investigating the relationship between heat load and shade seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes.

The study presented in this Research Communication aimed to investigate the relationship between physiological responses, body surface temperature and shade-seeking behaviour in Nili Ravi dairy buffaloes during summer months. We enrolled 60 buffaloes, and each animal was observed for three consecutive days starting before sunrise until they moved towards the shade structures. A repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the changes in physiological parameters and body surface temperature between the early morning and the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour. The average temperature humidity index and heat load index during the behavioural monitoring period (0400 to 1200 h) were 81.3 ± 6.5 and 92.9 ± 17, respectively (mean ± sd). There was no significant difference in core body temperature between sunrise and the time of shade-seeking event. However, the buffaloes had a slightly higher respiration rate at the time of shade-seeking (19.2 vs. 22.4 breaths/min). In addition, body surface temperature, measured at the flank region, shoulder, base of the ear and forehead was significantly higher at the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour compared to the early morning. On average, the buffaloes sought shade when the surface temperature was 2°C higher than the temperature recorded before sunrise. Overall, the current findings suggest that body surface temperature, rather than core body temperature was strongly associated with shade-seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes. These findings could be useful in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of heat stress in dairy buffalo herds and thereby improve animal welfare.

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.

Role of organic and inorganic amendments on physiological attributes of germinating pea seedlings under arsenic stress.

There are scarce data regarding the effects of soil amendments on biophysicochemical responses of plants at the early stages of growth/germination. This study critically compares the effects of ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic-acid (EDTA) and calcium (Ca) on biophysicochemical responses of germinating pea seedlings under varied arsenic levels (As, 25, 125, 250 µM). Arsenic alone enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level in pea roots (176%) and shoot (89%), which significantly reduced seed germination percentage, pigment contents, and growth parameters. Presence of EDTA and Ca in growth culture minimized the toxic effects of As on pea seedlings, EDTA being more pertinent than Ca. Both the amendments decreased H2O2 levels in pea tissues (16% in shoot and 13% in roots by EDTA, and 7% by Ca in shoot), and maintained seed germination, pigment contents, and growth parameters of peas close to those of the control treatment. The effects of all As-treatments were more pronounced in the pea roots than in the shoot. The presence of organic and inorganic amendments can play a useful role in alleviating As toxicity at the early stages of pea growth. The scarcity of data demands comparing plant biophysicochemical responses at different stages of plant growth (germinating vs mature) in future studies.

Till date, abundant research has focused on plant biophysicochemical responses to different types of pollutants. However, the majority of these studies dealt with pollutant exposure to mature plants (generally after a vegetative growth period of 1­2 weeks). Despite significant research, there are still limited data regarding the biophysicochemical responses of plants at their early stages of germination and growth. In fact, stresses at germination or at an early stage of growth can be highly fatal and may significantly affect the ultimate plant growth and potential to remediate the contaminated sites. Therefore, the current study deals with the exposure of germinating pea seedlings to arsenic (As) stress under varied amendments. This experimental plan helped to understand the initial biophysicochemical changes induced in pea plants under As stress.

A critical review on the separation of heavy metal(loid)s from the contaminated water using various agricultural wastes.

Wastewater contamination with heavy metal(loids)s has become a worldwide environmental and public health problem due to their toxic and non-degradable nature. Different methods and technologies have been applied for water/wastewater treatment to mitigate heavy metal(loid)-induced toxicity threat to humans. Among various treatment methods, adsorption is considered the most attractive method because of its high ability and efficiency to remove contaminants from wastewater. Agricultural waste-based adsorbents have gained great attention because of high efficiency to heavy metal(loids)s removal from contaminated water. Chemically modified biosorbents can significantly enhance the stability and adsorption ability of the sorbents. The two mathematical models of sorption, Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, have mostly been studied. In kinetic modeling, pseudo-second-order model proved better in most of the studies compared to pseudo-first-order model. The ion exchange and electrostatic attraction are the main mechanisms for adsorption of heavy metal(loid)s on biosorbents. The regeneration has allowed various biosorbents to be recycled and reused up to 4-5 time. Most effective eluents used for regeneration are dilute acids. For practical perspective, biosorbent removal efficiency has been elucidated using various types of wastewater and economic analysis studies. Economic analysis of adsorption process using agricultural waste-based biosorbents proved this approach cheaper compared to traditional commercial adsorbents, such as chemically activated carbon. The review also highlights key research gaps to advance the scope and application of waste peels for the remediation of heavy metal(loid)s-contaminated wastewater.

This review provides new information and insights on the potential utilization of agriculture-based biosorbents for the removal of contaminants, especially heavy metal(loid)s from toxic water/wastewater, as well as their mechanisms, adsorption efficiency, and regeneration ability. For practical perspective, biosorbent adsorption efficiency was elucidated by using various types of wastewater and economic analysis studies.

Exploring the potential of bacterial-augmented floating treatment wetlands for the remediation of detergent-contaminated water.

Due to industrialization and urbanization, the use of detergents inadvertently led to contamination of aquatic environments, thus posing potential threat to aquatic organisms and human health. One of the main components of detergents is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which can cause toxic effects on living organisms, particularly aquatic life in the environment. In this study, floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) mesocosms were developed and augmented with LAS-degrading bacteria. The plant species, Brachiaria mutica (Para grass), was vegetated to establish FTWs and bacterial consortium (1:1:1:1) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PJRS20, Bacillus sp. BRRH60, Acinetobacter sp. strain CYRH21, and Burkholderia phytofirmans Ps.JN was augmented (free or immobilized) in these mesocosms. Results revealed that the FTWs removed LAS from the contaminated water and their augmentation with bacteria slightly increased LAS removal during course of the experiment. Maximum reduction in LAS concentration (94%), chemical oxygen demand (91%), biochemical oxygen demand (93%), and total organic carbon (91%) was observed in the contaminated water having FTWs augmented with bacterial consortium immobilized on polystyrene sheet. This study highlights that the FTWs supported with immobilized bacteria on polystyrene sheets can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for the remediation of LAS-bearing water, especially for developing countries like Pakistan.

This pilot-scale study provided insights to resolve the detergent-contaminated wastewater issue, using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) augmented with bacteria. The FTWs augmented with bacteria immobilized on a polystyrene sheet and vegetated with Brachiaria mutica led to high degradation of LAS, a toxic compound of detergent, from the contaminated water.

Evaluating Federated Learning Simulators: A Comparative Analysis of Horizontal and Vertical Approaches.

Federated learning (FL) is a decentralized machine learning approach whereby each device is allowed to train local models, eliminating the requirement for centralized data collecting and ensuring data privacy. Unlike typical typical centralized machine learning, collaborative model training in FL involves aggregating updates from various devices without sending raw data. This ensures data privacy and security while collecting a collective learning from distributed data sources. These devices in FL models exhibit high efficacy in terms of privacy protection, scalability, and robustness, which is contingent upon the success of communication and collaboration. This paper explore the various topologies of both decentralized or centralized in the context of FL. In this respect, we investigated and explored in detail the evaluation of four widly used end-to-end FL frameworks: FedML, Flower, Flute, and PySyft. We specifically focused on vertical and horizontal FL systems using a logistic regression model that aggregated by the FedAvg algorithm. specifically, we conducted experiments on two images datasets, MNIST and Fashion-MNIST, to evaluate their efficiency and performance. Our paper provides initial findings on how to effectively combine horizontal and vertical solutions to address common difficulties, such as managing model synchronization and communication overhead. Our research indicates the trade-offs that exist in the performance of several simulation frameworks for federated learning.

The Combined Use of Cinnamaldehyde and Vitamin C Is Beneficial for Better Carcass Character and Intestinal Health of Broilers.

The use of cinnamaldehyde and Vitamin C can improve immunity and intestinal health. A two-way factorial design was employed to investigate the main and interactive effects of cinnamaldehyde and vitamin C on the growth, carcass, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day-old female Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four treatment groups, consisting of six replicate cages with 12 birds each. Four treatments were basal diet or control (CON), supplemental cinnamaldehyde (CA) 300 g/ton (g/t), vitamin C (VC) 300 g/t, and cinnamaldehyde 300 g/t, and vitamin C 300 g/t (CA + VC), respectively. The results showed that supplemental CA did not affect the growth performance or slaughter performance of broilers at 21 days (d), 42 days (d), and 1-42 days (d); however, it could improve intestinal barrier function at 42 d of age and reduce the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the intestine at 21 d and 42 d of age. Supplemental VC showed a trend towards increasing body weight gain (BWG) at 21 d (p = 0.094), increased breast muscle rate (at 21-d 5.33%, p < 0.05 and at 42-d 7.09%, p = 0.097), and decreased the abdominal fat (23.43%, p < 0.05) and drip loss (20.68%, p < 0.05) at 42-d. Moreover, VC improves intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function and maintains a balanced immune response. The blend of CA and VC significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD-88) in the intestine at 21 d of age, the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), Occludin, Claudin-1, Mucin-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in the intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01), and downregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the intestine at 21-d and 42-d of age, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) mRNA in intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01). This study suggested that the combination of CA and VC had the potential to regulate intestinal health and result in better carcass character of broilers.

Evaluation of the Ameliorative Potential of 3,5-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione against Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by cognitive impairment. Currently, the available treatment provides only symptomatic relief and there is a great need to design and formulate new drugs to stabilize AD. In the search for a new anti-Alzheimer's drug, 3,5-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione (THTT), a tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione derivative, was investigated against a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model. The selected test compound was administered intraperitoneally in three doses (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg). The test compound exhibited an IC50 value of 69.41 µg/mL, indicating its ability to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. An antioxidant DPPH assay revealed that the IC50 value of the test compound was 97.75 µg/mL, which shows that the test compound possesses antioxidant activity. The results of behavior tests including the Y-maze and elevated plus maze (EPM) show that the test compound improved short-term memory and spatial memory, respectively. Furthermore, in the Morris water maze (MWM) and light/dark model, the test compound shows improvements in learning and memory. Moreover, the results of histological studies show that the test compound can protect the brain against the harmful effects of scopolamine. Overall, the findings of our investigation suggest that our chosen test compound has disease-modifying and neuroprotective activities against the scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model. The test compound may be beneficial, subject to further elaborate investigation for anti-amyloid disease-modifying properties in AD.

Comparative Cytological and Gene Expression Analysis Reveals That a Common Wild Rice Inbred Line Showed Stronger Drought Tolerance Compared with the Cultivar Rice.

Common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) is an important germplasm resource containing valuable genes. Our previous analysis reported a stable wild rice inbred line, Huaye3, which derives from the common wild rice of Guangdong Province. However, there was no information about its drought tolerance ability. Here, we assessed the germination characteristics and seedling growth between the Dawennuo and Huaye3 under five concentrations of PEG6000 treatment (0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Huaye3 showed a stronger drought tolerance ability, and its seed germination rate still reached more than 52.50% compared with Dawennuo, which was only 25.83% under the 20% PEG6000 treatment. Cytological observations between the Dawennuo and Huaye3 indicated the root tip elongation zone and buds of Huaye3 were less affected by the PEG6000 treatment, resulting in a lower percentage of abnormalities of cortical cells, stele, and shrinkage of epidermal cells. Using the re-sequencing analysis, we detected 13,909 genes that existed in the genetic variation compared with Dawennuo. Of these genes, 39 were annotated as drought stress-related genes and their variance existed in the CDS region. Our study proved the strong drought stress tolerance ability of Huaye3, which provides the theoretical basis for the drought resistance germplasm selection in rice.

Oryza glumaepatula and calcium oxide nanoparticles enhanced Cr stress tolerance by maintaining antioxidant defense, chlorophyll and gene expression levels in rice.

Chromium (Cr), a potent heavy metal, threatens rice cultivation due to its escalating presence in soil from human activities. Wild rice contains useful genes for phytoremediation; however, it is difficult to use directly for metal mitigation. Here, a single segment substitution line (SSSL), SG001, was developed by crossing O. glumaepatula and Huajingxian74 (HJX) to evaluate the survival ability of plants against Cr. Further, we explored the potential effect of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) (50 µM) to minimize the toxic effect of Cr (100 µM) in rice cultivars, SG001 and HJX. The findings of this study indicated that Cr toxicity led to increased oxidative stress. This was shown by higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which was increased by 104% in SG001 and 177% in HJX, and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased by 79% in SG001 and 135% in HJX. Furthermore, it also depicted that Cr toxicity considerably declined shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weight by 30%, 27%, 25%, and 20% in SG001 and 44%, 51%, 42%, and 45% in HJX, respectively. This mitigation was evidenced by decreased Cr contents, increased calcium (Ca) levels in SG001, and the maintenance of chlorophyll, antioxidant defense, and gene expression levels. Moreover, there was a notable reduction in MDA and H2O2, while the defense mechanisms of key antioxidants, including ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and peroxidase were upregulated, along with an increase in soluble protein contents in both rice cultivars after applying CaO-NPs. CaO-NPs effectively restored cellular and subcellular structural integrity and growth in both lines, which had been seriously disrupted by Cr toxicity. Overall, our findings suggest that SG001, in combination with CaO-NPs, could serve as an effective strategy to mitigate Cr toxicity in plants.