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Biochemistry of microwave controlled Heracleum sosnowskyi (Manden.) roots with an ecotoxicological aspect
AbstractSosnowski hogweed is an invasive weed in eastern-middle Europe that is dangerous to human health and the environment. The efficacy of its control using chemical and mechanical methods is limited. Electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) could be an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling this species. This study aims to: (1) Determine the effect of varying microwave treatment (MWT) durations on the control of S. hogweed using a device emitting microwaves at 2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2; (2) Evaluate the impact of MWT on soil by an ecotoxicological bioassays; (3) Analyze biochemical changes occurring in the roots during the process. A field study was performed to assess the efficacy of S. hogweed control using MWT in times from 2.5 to 15 min. The MWT-treated soil was collected immediately after treatment (AT) and tested using bioassays (Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit, and Microtox). Fourteen days AT, the MWT hogweed roots were dug out, air-dried, and analyzed for the content and composition of essential oil, sugars, and fatty acids. According to the ecotoxicological biotests, the MWT soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. The regeneration of hogweed was observed only in non-treated plants (control). Hogweed MWT for 2.5–15 min did not regenerate up to 14 days AT. The average weight of roots in hogweed MWT for 15.0 min was ca. two times smaller than the control plants. Those roots contained significantly higher amounts of sugars and saturated fatty acids than the control. We did not find a correlation between S. hogweed root essential oil content and composition and MWT time. The main compounds of essential oil were p‑cymene and myristicin. No highly photosensitizing compounds were identified in the tested root oil. We conclude that MWT of S. hogweed could be an environmentally safe and prospective control method, but more studies are needed.
Can Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests harbour natural regeneration of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)?
Identification of SNP and SilicoDArT Markers and Characterization of Their Linked Candidate Genes Associated with Maize Smut Resistance
The implementation of biological advancements in agricultural production is the response to the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century, enabling increased production and improved food quality. Biological progress in the maize breeding and seed industries is unique in terms of their social and ecological innovation aspects. It affects agricultural productivity and the adaptation of cultivated maize varieties to market demands and changing climate conditions without compromising the environment. Modern maize resistance breeding relies on a wide range of molecular genetic research techniques. These technologies enable the identification of genomic regions associated with maize smut resistance, which is crucial for characterizing and manipulating these regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify molecular markers (SilicoDArT and SNP) linked to candidate genes responsible for maize smut resistance, utilizing next-generation sequencing, as well as association and physical mapping. By using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and statistical tools, the analyzed maize genotypes were divided into heterotic groups, which enabled the prediction of the hybrid formula in heterosis crosses. In addition, Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations < 10%) were used. Among the selected markers, 61 were highly statistically significant (LOD > 2.3). Among the selected 61 highly statistically significant markers (LOD > 2.3), 10 were significantly associated with plant resistance to maize smut in two locations (Smolice and Kobierzyce). Of the 10 selected markers, 3 SilicoDArT (24016548, 2504588, 4578578) and 3 SNP (4779579, 2467511, 4584208) markers were located within genes. According to literature reports, of these six genes, three (ATAD3, EDM2, and CYP97A3) are characterized proteins that may play a role in the immune response that develops in response to corn smut infection. In the case of genotypes belonging to the same origin groups, markers linked to these genes can be used to select varieties resistant to corn smut. These markers will also be tested on genotypes belonging to other maize origin groups to demonstrate their universality.
Development of Delivery Systems with Prebiotic and Neuroprotective Potential of Industrial-Grade Cannabis sativa L.
This study delves into the transformative effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) cannabis extracts and prebiotic substances (dextran, inulin, trehalose) on gut bacteria, coupled with a focus on neuroprotection. Extracts derived from the Białobrzeska variety of Cannabis sativa, utilising supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), resulted in notable cannabinoid concentrations (cannabidiol (CBD): 6.675 ± 0.166; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 0.180 ± 0.006; cannabigerol (CBG): 0.434 ± 0.014; cannabichromene (CBC): 0.490 ± 0.017; cannabinol (CBN): 1.696 ± 0.047 mg/gD). The assessment encompassed antioxidant activity via four in vitro assays and neuroprotective effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The extract boasting the highest cannabinoid content exhibited remarkable antioxidant potential and significant inhibitory activity against both enzymes. Further investigation into prebiotic deliveries revealed their proficiency in fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while maintaining antioxidant and neuroprotective functionalities. This study sheds light on the active compounds present in the Białobrzeska variety, showcasing their therapeutic potential within prebiotic systems. Notably, the antioxidant, neuroprotective, and prebiotic properties observed underscore the promising therapeutic applications of these extracts. The results offer valuable insights for potential interventions in antioxidant, neuroprotective, and prebiotic domains. In addition, subsequent analyses of cannabinoid concentrations post-cultivation revealed nuanced changes, emphasising the need for further exploration into the dynamic interactions between cannabinoids and the gut microbiota.
Evaluation of Changes in the Chemical Composition of Grasses as a Result of the Methane Fermentation Process and Biogas Production Efficiency
Methane fermentation, which is one of the key processes in biogas production, plays an important role in the conversion of biomass to energy. During this process, changes occur in the chemical composition of organic feedstocks, including the chemical composition of grasses. The assessment of these changes is crucial for the efficiency and productivity of biogas production. The material for this study comprised fully mature grass blades with leaves and inflorescences and was collected from extensively used meadows and pastures, as well as cultivated and set-aside areas in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, the communes of Białośliwie and Trzcianka, Poland. The aim of this study was to compare methane fermentation efficiency in nine grass species and identify the biomass component involved in biogas production. The results indicate that the fermentation process, as expected, changed the cellulose content. The lignin content of the grasses before fermentation varied more than the cellulose content. The content of holocellulose (sum of carbohydrate components) in the grasses ranged from 59.77 to 72.93% before fermentation. Methane fermentation significantly reduced the carbohydrate content in the grasses, with a low degree of polymerization. Grassland biomass-based biogas production is a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
Hesperidin as a Species-Specific Modifier of Aphid Behavior
Hesperidin is a highly bioactive natural flavonoid whose role in ecological interactions is poorly known. In particular, the effects of hesperidin on herbivores are rarely reported. Flavonoids have been considered as prospective biopesticides; therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of hesperidin on the host plant selection behavior of three aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species: Acyrthosiphon pisum Harrris, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and Myzus persicae (Sulz.). The aphid host plants were treated with 0.1% and 0.5% ethanolic solutions of hesperidin. Aphid probing behavior in the no-choice experiment was monitored using electropenetrography and aphid settling on plants in the choice experiment was recorded. The results demonstrated that hesperidin can be applied as a pre-ingestive, ingestive, and post-ingestive deterrent against A. pisum, as an ingestive deterrent against R. padi, and as a post-ingestive deterrent against M. persicae using the relatively low 0.1% concentration. While in A. pisum the deterrent effects of hesperidin were manifested as early as during aphid probing in peripheral plant tissues, in M. persicae, the avoidance of plants was probably the consequence of consuming the hesperidin-containing phloem sap.
Further remarks on permissible covariance structures for simultaneous retention of BLUEs in linear models
We consider the partitioned linear model M12(V0) = { y, X1β1 + X2 β2, V0 } and the corresponding small model M1(V0) = { y, X1β1 , V0 } . We define the set V1/12 of nonnegative definite matrices V such that every representation of the best linear unbiased estimator, BLUE, of μ1 = X1β1 under M12(V0) remains BLUE under M12(V) . Correspondingly, we can characterize the set V1 of matrices V such that every BLUE of μ1 = X1β1 under M1(V0) remains BLUE under M1(V). In this paper we focus on the mutual relations between the sets V1 and V1/12 .
The use of temperature based indices for estimation of fruit production conditions and risks in temperate climates
Temperature is the basic factor that differentiates vegetation around the world. All field experiments require the indication of the range of temperatures occurring in a given growing season. Temperature is an important factor determining fruit plant production, both in the growing season and in the winter dormant period. Various air temperature indicators were developed in a way that allowed the best possible description of adaptations of species, cultivars, and regions of adaptations to cultivation. They are based on experimentally obtained data and calculated optimal temperatures of growth and development of plants in particular development stages. In horticulture, the description of dependencies of the growth and development of plants on weather began to be accompanied with the development of simulation models. The aim of this manuscript was a new review of fruit plant temperature indices to predict abiotic and biotic hazards in fruit production for various selected types of fruit crops in a seasonal temperate climate. This is especially important due to the growing risk of climate change, which significantly alters local growing conditions. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate and present a set of specific indicators for producers, which we have reviewed from the current literature and presented as follows. Climatic conditions characteristic of a given region should be of key importance for the selection of species for commercial cultivation and planning of protection measures.
Gallic and ferulic acids suppress proteolytic activities and volatile trimethylamine production in the food‐borne spoiler Rahnella aquatilis KM05
AbstractBACKGROUNDRahnella aquatilis is a recognised microbial threat that alters the sensory properties of seafood. The high frequency with which R. aquatilis is isolated from fish has prompted a search for alternative preservatives. In the present study, in vitro and fish‐based ecosystem (raw salmon‐based medium) approaches were used to validate the antimicrobial effects of gallic (GA) and ferulic (FA) acids against R. aquatilis KM05. The results were compared with data describing the response of KM05 to sodium benzoate. Bioinformatics data of the whole genome were used to analyse the potential for fish spoilage by KM05 in detail, and the results revealed the main physiological characteristics that underlie reduced seafood quality.RESULTSIn the KM05 genome, the most abundantly enriched Gene Ontology terms were ‘metabolic process’, ‘organic substance metabolic process’ and ‘cellular process’. Through an evaluation of the Pfam annotations, 15 annotations were found to be directly involved in the proteolytic activity of KM05. Peptidase_M20 was the most abundantly represented (abundance value of 14060). Proteins representing the CutC family (abundance value of 427) indicated the potential for KM05 degradation of trimethyl‐amine‐N‐oxide. Subinhibitory concentrations of GA and FA suppressed the proteolytic activities of KM05 both in vitro and in RS medium by an average of 33–45%. These results were confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR experiments, which also showed that the expression levels of genes involved in proteolytic activities and volatile trimethylamine production were also decreased.CONCLUSIONPhenolic compounds can be used as potential food additives for preventing quality deterioration of fish products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Suitability of Algae Solution in Pea Microgreens Cultivation under Different Light Intensities
Homocysteine thiolactone and other sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites are associated with fibrin clot properties and the risk of ischemic stroke
AbstractHomocysteine (Hcy) and Hcy-thiolactone (HTL) affect fibrin clot properties and are linked to cardiovascular disease. Factors that influence fibrin clot properties and stroke are not fully understood. To study sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites, fibrin clot lysis time (CLT) and maximum absorbance (Absmax) in relation to stroke, we analyzed plasma and urine from 191 stroke patients (45.0% women, age 68 ± 12 years) and 291 healthy individuals (59.7% women, age 50 ± 17 years). Plasma and urinary levels of sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites and fibrin clot properties were significantly different in stroke patients compared to healthy individuals. Fibrin CLT correlated with fibrin Absmax in healthy males (R2 = 0.439, P = 0.000), females (R2 = 0.245, P = 0.000), female stroke patients (R2 = 0.187, P = 0.000), but not in male stroke patients (R2 = 0.008, P = ns). Fibrin CLT correlated with age in healthy females but not males while fibrin Absmax correlated with age in both sexes; these correlations were absent in stroke patients. In multiple regression analysis in stroke patients, plasma (p)CysGly, pMet, and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism were associated with fibrin Absmax, while urinary (u)HTL, uCysGly, and pCysGly were significantly associated with fibrin CLT. In healthy individuals, uHTL and uGSH were significantly associated with fibrin Absmax, while pGSH, and CBS T833C 844ins68 polymorphism were associated with fibrin CLT. In logistic regression, uHTL, uHcy, pCysGly, pGSH, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and Absmax were independently associated with stroke. Our findings suggest that HTL and other sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites influence fibrin clot properties and the risk of stroke.
