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Polymers May 2024The impact of methyl salicylate (MeSA) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in chitosan (CS)/Gum Arabic (GA) mixture on physio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant status...
The impact of methyl salicylate (MeSA) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in chitosan (CS)/Gum Arabic (GA) mixture on physio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant status during the postharvest ripening of green tomato fruits was studied. CS/GA-MeSA at a 1 mM formulation was the best treatment to retard firmness and titratable acidity (TA) losses. Moreover, this formulation retarded pigmentation progress where it had the lowest significant values of total carotenes (TCs) and lycopene (LYP) contents until the 15th day of the storage period, as well as efficiently faced the rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities of tomatoes treated with CS/GA-SNP at 2 mM were significantly better than that of control in the primary stages of storage. CS/GA-SNP at a 2 mM formulation showed an extremely high significant content of total polyphenol (TP) in the early stage of storage, while CS/GA and CS/GA-MeSA at 1 and 2 mM accumulated higher significant TP contents than uncoated fruits at the late stage of storage. All formulations were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the polymer formulations exhibited strong antifungal activity against and as major pathogens of postharvest tomatoes. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations for the mycelia of both fungi treated by CS/GA-MeSA at 2 mM revealed serious ultrastructural damage, including distortion of the cell wall and cell membrane and degradation of cytoplasmic organelles.
PubMed: 38891464
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111518 -
Polymers May 2024Partial nitrification-Anammox (PN-A) is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient method for removing ammonia (NH-N) pollutants from water. However, the...
Partial nitrification-Anammox (PN-A) is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient method for removing ammonia (NH-N) pollutants from water. However, the limited accumulation of nitrite (NO-N) represents a bottleneck in the development of PN-A processes. To address this issue, this study developed a composite carrier loaded with nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and zeolite to enhance NO-N accumulation during short-cut nitrification. The modified composite carrier revealed electropositive, hydrophilicity, and surface roughness. These surface characteristics correlate positively with the carrier's total biomass adsorption capacity; the initial adsorption of microorganisms by the composite carrier was increased by 8.7 times. Zeolite endows the carrier with an NH-N adsorption capacity of 4.50 mg/g carrier. The entropy-driven ammonia adsorption process creates an ammonia-rich microenvironment on the surface of the carrier, providing effective inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). In tests conducted with a moving bed biofilm reactor and a sequencing batch reactor, the composite carrier achieved a 95% NH-N removal efficiency, a NO-N accumulation efficiency of 78%, and a doubling in total nitrogen removal efficiency. This composite carrier enhances NO-N accumulation by preventing biomass washout, inhibiting NOB, and enriching PN-A functional bacteria, suggesting its potential for large-scale, stable PN-A applications.
PubMed: 38891453
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111506 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Sprouts' consumption has become popular due to their wide availability, easy cultivation process, and proven biological activity. Moreover, stress factors, such as...
Sprouts' consumption has become popular due to their wide availability, easy cultivation process, and proven biological activity. Moreover, stress factors, such as limited access to light or disturbed gravity during growth, may contribute to the increased activity and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. In this study, for the first time, the examination of the impact of darkness and simulated microgravity conditions on the white clover sprouts from the family was conducted. Among several species, used in the preliminary attempts, only white clover was satisfactory sprouting in the disturbed gravity conditions, and thus was chosen for further examination. A random positioning machine setup was used during the cultivation process to simulate microgravity conditions. Additionally, the sprouts were cultivated in total darkness. Simulated microgravity and/or darkness during the first few days of the sprouts' growth caused biomass reduction, the increased synthesis of bioactive compounds (isoflavones and phenolics), and changes in the level of abscisic acid and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Moreover, it increased the antioxidant properties of the sprouts, while the enhancement of their cytotoxic impact was observed only for androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells. To conclude, the presented results are promising in searching for novel functional food candidates and further studies are necessary, directed at other plant families.
PubMed: 38891323
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111515 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study aimed to reveal the impact of MeJA and ZnSO treatments on the physiological metabolism of barley seedlings and the content of phenolic acid. The results...
This study aimed to reveal the impact of MeJA and ZnSO treatments on the physiological metabolism of barley seedlings and the content of phenolic acid. The results showed that MeJA (100 μM) and ZnSO (4 mM) treatments effectively increased the phenolic acid content by increasing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (PAL) and cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and by up-regulating the expression of genes involved in phenolic acid synthesis. As a result of the MeJA or ZnSO treatment, the phenolic acid content increased by 35.3% and 30.9% at four days and by 33.8% and 34.5% at six days, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, MeJA and ZnSO treatments significantly increased the malondialdehyde content, causing cell membrane damage and decreasing the fresh weight and seedling length. Barley seedlings responded to MeJA- and ZnSO-induced stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and controlling their gene expression levels. Meanwhile, MeJA and ZnSO treatments significantly upregulated , , and genes in barley seedlings. This suggested that Ca may be the signaling molecule that promotes phenolic acid synthesis under MeJA and ZnSO treatment. This study deepens the understanding of the phenolic acid enrichment process in barley seedlings under MeJA and ZnSO treatments.
PubMed: 38891320
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111512 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Sweet basil ( L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China....
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Candidate Gene Modules Involved in Salt Stress Response in Sweet Basil and Overexpression of and Enhanced Salt Tolerance of Transgenic .
Sweet basil ( L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China. In recent years, environmental problems, especially soil salinization, have seriously restricted the planting and spread of sweet basil. However, the molecular mechanism of the salt stress response in sweet basil is still largely unknown. In this study, seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll synthesis in sweet basil were inhibited under salt stress conditions. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, the gene modules involved in the metabolic processes, oxidative response, phytohormone signaling, cytoskeleton, and photosynthesis were screened out. In addition, the landscape of transcription factors during salt treatment in sweet basil was displayed as well. Moreover, the overexpression of the WRKY transcription factor-encoding gene, , and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase-encoding gene, , enhanced the seed germination, seedling growth, and survival rate, respectively, of transgenic , suggesting that they might be important candidates for the creation of salt-tolerant sweet basil cultivars. Our data enrich the study on salt responses in sweet basil and provide essential gene resources for genetic improvements in sweet basil in the future.
PubMed: 38891295
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111487 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Submerged macrophytes in eutrophic aquatic environments adapt to changes in ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) levels by modifying their levels of free amino acids (FAAs) and...
Interspecific Differences in Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism and Leaf Epiphytic Bacteria among Three Submerged Macrophytes in Response to Elevated Ammonia Nitrogen Concentrations.
Submerged macrophytes in eutrophic aquatic environments adapt to changes in ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) levels by modifying their levels of free amino acids (FAAs) and soluble carbohydrates (SCs). As symbionts of submerged macrophytes, epiphytic bacteria have obvious host specificity. In the present study, the interspecific differences in the FAA and SC contents of (Linn. f.) Roylep, Hara and Gmelin and their leaf epiphytic bacterial communities were assessed in response to increased NH-N concentrations. The results revealed that the response of the three submerged macrophytes to NH-N stress involved the consumption of SCs and the production of FAAs. The NH-N concentration had a greater impact on the variation in the FAA content, whereas the variation in the SC content was primarily influenced by the species. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Nitrospirota on the leaves exhibited specific differences, with the order > > The dominant genera of epiphytic bacteria with denitrification effects on and leaves were and , respectively. When faced with NH-N stress, the variation in epiphytic bacterial populations associated with ammonia oxidation and denitrification among submerged macrophytes could contribute to their divergent responses to heightened nitrogen levels.
PubMed: 38891236
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111427 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Nitrogen (N) and silicon (Si) are mineral elements that have shown a reduction in the damage caused by tan spot ( ()) in wheat. However, the effects of these elements...
Nitrogen (N) and silicon (Si) are mineral elements that have shown a reduction in the damage caused by tan spot ( ()) in wheat. However, the effects of these elements were studied separately, and the N and Si interaction effect on wheat resistance to tan spot remains elusive. Histocytological and biochemical defense responses against in wheat leaves treated with Si (+Si) at low (LN) and high N (HN) inputs were investigated. Soil amendment with Si reduced the tan spot severity in 18% due to the increase in the leaf Si concentration (around 30%), but it was affected by the N level used. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in +Si plants and inoculated with , leading to early and higher HO and callose accumulation in wheat leaf. Interestedly, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was induced by the Si supplying, being negatively affected by the HN rate. Meanwhile, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activities showed differential response patterns according to the Si and N rates used. Tan spot severity was reduced by both elements, but their interaction does not evidence synergic effects in this disease's control. Wheat plants from -Si and HN and +Si and LN treatments recorded lower tan spot severity.
PubMed: 38891235
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111426 -
Cells May 2024has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia. This study aimed to compare the anti- activity and gastroprotective effects... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia. This study aimed to compare the anti- activity and gastroprotective effects of three typical herbal formulas used for gastrointestinal disorders in Korea: Shihosogan-tang (ST), Yijung-tang (YT), and Pyeongwi-san (PS). Firstly, we assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidative capacity. Additionally, we evaluated the antibacterial effect on using an ammonia assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the disk agar diffusion method. Furthermore, we examined alterations in the gene expression of tight junction proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cellular vacuolation using an AGS cell model infected with . While ST exhibited a higher total phenolic content, superior free radical scavenging, and inhibition of compared to YT and PS, YT more evidently inhibited gastric cellular morphological changes such as vacuolation. All formulations significantly ameliorated changes in inflammatory and gastric inflammation-related genes and cellular morphological alterations induced by infection. Overall, the present in vitro study suggests that all three herbal formulas possess potential for ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders, with ST relatively excelling in inhibiting infection and inflammation, while YT potentially shows greater efficacy in directly protecting the gastric mucosa.
Topics: Helicobacter pylori; Dyspepsia; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Helicobacter Infections; Antioxidants; Flavonoids; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Gastric Mucosa; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38891033
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110901 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A miniaturized solid-phase extraction of two tropane alkaloids (TAs) and twenty-one pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from infusions of dry edible flowers using optimized...
Simultaneous Determination of 23 Pyrrolizidine and Tropane Alkaloids in Infusions from Dry Edible Flowers Using Optimized μSPEed Microextraction Prior to Their Analysis by UHPLC-IT-MS/MS.
A miniaturized solid-phase extraction of two tropane alkaloids (TAs) and twenty-one pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from infusions of dry edible flowers using optimized µSPEed technique was developed. The optimization of the µSPEed methodology involved testing different cartridges and comparing various volumes and numbers of loading cycles. The final conditions allowed for a rapid extraction, taking only 3.5 min. This was achieved using a C18-ODS cartridge, conditioning with 100 µL of methanol (two cycles), loading 100 µL of the infusion sample (seven cycles), and eluting the analytes with 100 µL of methanol (two cycles). Prior to their analysis by UHPLC-IT-MS/MS, the extracts were evaporated and reconstituted in 100 µL of water (0.2% formic acid)/methanol (0.2% ammonia) 95:5 (/), allowing for a preconcentration factor of seven times. The methodology was successfully validated obtaining recoveries ranging between 87 and 97%, RSD of less than 12%, and MQL between 0.09 and 0.2 µg/L. The validated methodology was applied to twenty samples of edible flower infusions to evaluate the safety of these products. Two infusion samples obtained from and were contaminated with 0.16 and 0.2 µg/L of scopolamine (TA), respectively, while the infusion of was contaminated with intermedine and lycopsamine (PAs) below the MQL.
PubMed: 38890967
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111740 -
Microbial Ecology Jun 2024Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined...
Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined the antagonistic potential of spore forming-Bacilli isolated from organic farm soil samples of Allahabad, India. Eighty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated and characterized based on their morphological, plant growth promoting traits and molecular characteristics. The diversity analysis used 16S-rDNA, BOX-element, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus. Two strains, PR30 and PR32, later identified as Bacillus sp., exhibited potent in vitro antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanaceorum. These isolates produced copious amounts of multiple PGP traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (40.0 and 54.5 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (4.4 and 5.3), ammonia, siderophore (3 and 4 cm), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (8.1and 9.2 μM/mg//h) and hydrogen cyanide. These isolates were subjected to the antibiotic sensitivity test. The two potent isolates based on the higher antagonistic and the best plant growth-promoting ability were selected for plant growth-promoting response studies in tomatoe, broccoli, and chickpea. In the pot study, Bacillus subtilis (PR30 and PR31) showed significant improvement in seed germination (27-34%), root length (20-50%), shoot length (20-40%), vigor index (50-75%), carotenoid content (0.543-1.733), and lycopene content (2.333-2.646 mg/100 g) in tomato, broccoli, and chickpea. The present study demonstrated the production of multiple plant growth-promoting traits by the isolates and their potential as effective bioinoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of phytopathogens.
Topics: Bacillus; Soil Microbiology; Biodiversity; India; Plant Roots; Cicer; Solanum lycopersicum; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Rhizosphere; Phylogeny; Antibiosis; Siderophores; Indoleacetic Acids
PubMed: 38888737
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02397-w