Stresses

Infertility has a remarkable global impact affecting approximately about 48 million couples worldwide. One of the most contended concerns in reproductive biology is the prospective influence of psychological stress on pregnancy rates. Individuals struggling to conceive face a stupendous amount of emotional turbulence and have a greater risk for psychological vulnerability. Both stress and infertility reinforce the impact of each other; hence, there exists a reciprocal relationship. Stress may be the major contributor to subsequent infertility. Infertility treatments may enhance stress levels as well as reduce treatment outcomes. The biological mechanisms that interlink stress and infertility are the outcome of the hormonal actions at the brain level, where they stimulate or suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and have a potential influence on the secretion of the respective hormone by the reproductive organs and the pregnancy outcomes. Sex hormones play an essential role in reproductive biology as well as in general physiology where they generate the cycle and provide a potential environment for pregnancy. This article reviews the impact of stress on reproductive rates and the implications of sex hormones on infertility. Additionally, it suggests strategies to overcome the stress conditions and the scenarios that may lead to stress. Full article

Lignification is a vital function in plants for improving tolerance against stressors. This article presents studies conducted on the relationship of wheat straw lignin with enhanced plant adaptation against lodging and stressors. Herein, we provide a thorough discussion of the chemical structure and lignin composition of straw and its alteration and uses. Lignin plays a critical role in withstanding harsh environments (biotic and abiotic). Resistance to accommodation in wheat also plays a critical role. Lignin can also produce several products, e.g., costly petroleum-based materials and other vital products, such as resins and composites, and new materials, such as biofuels and chemicals. In this study, wheat straw lignification analysis highlighted that lignin formation regulates cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis. In addition, the analysis showed considerable encouragement of lignin growth inside wheat straw and the formation of lignin interfaces, as for cellulose and hemicellulose. Wheat straw lignin is an important source of many essential bioactive moieties, particularly lignocelluloses, straw-based biofuels, and various chemicals. We also explored the molecular tools that influence lignin formation in wheat and the significant strides taken in broadening our understanding of nanotechnology tools. This knowledge could assist in the development of advanced wheat cultivars, increase lignin content, and strengthen feedstock efficiency, reducing the impact of other lignin-associated agronomic gains. Full article

Semen quality plays a crucial role in poultry production; however, it may be impaired by the presence of numerous bacterial species. This study researched the impact of bacterial contamination of Lohmann brown rooster semen on the biochemical parameters of seminal plasma to evaluate its potential consequences on the sperm progressive motility. Semen was collected from 27 stud roosters, and the sperm concentration and progressive motility were measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Seminal plasma was separated, and selected biochemical parameters were measured using commercially available assays. An aliquot of each semen sample was cultured, the colonies were counted and the MALDI Biotyper was used for bacterial identification. The samples were divided into three categories based on their sperm progressive motility and the data were compared and statistically evaluated. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed. The results showed that the lower the sperm progressive motility, the higher the level of colony-forming units. Moreover, sperm concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group with the highest bacterial occurrence and the lowest proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa. Calcium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins significantly changed in semen samples with the lowest proportion of progressive motility. In conclusion, seminal plasma biochemistry may mirror changes occurring in semen as a result of bacterial presence in the reproductive tract of poultry. Full article

(1) Background: Soil salinity impacts plant growth and productivity in steppic regions. Thus, the current study aims at producing, at low cost, an inoculum composed of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains adapted to saline soil management. (2) Methods: The propagation of the native AMF strains was carried out in three natural saline soils presenting increasing salinity levels (4.5, 8.5 and 9.3 dS·m⁻¹ in Boughzoul (BG), Salt Rocket (SR) and Zaafrane (ZA) sites, respectively). Three host plant species (alfalfa, clover and leek) were tested as trap cultures. AMF spore richness and diversity, the quantification of soil microbial biomass and the determination of the most probable number (MPN) were carried out before and after 24 months culture. Moreover, the mycorrhizal rates of the host plant species were assessed. (3) Results: The moderate saline soil (SR) planted with alfalfa was found to be the most suitable for AMF inoculum production with a maximum of 650 spores, 10 g⁻¹ of soil, a mycorrhizal rate of 86%, 70 propagules·g⁻¹ of soil and the highest microbial biomass content. (4) Conclusion: This study points out the best combination for the production of a more adapted AMF biofertilizer for saline soil management and proposes several indicators for biofertilizer quality evaluation. Full article

Individuals of the Western honeybee species, Apis mellifera, live in large groups of thousands of worker bees, a queen, and a few drones. Workers interact frequently with related individuals while performing various tasks. Although it is well understood why and under which conditions sociality can evolve, the consequences for individuals living in permanent groups are less well understood. As individuals of solitary species become stressed when kept at high density, it might be the opposite in obligate social species. Here, I use an experimental laboratory set-up to study the effect of varying group sizes on the magnitude and within-group variance of stress responses towards energetic and heat stress. While only a weak difference was found in the magnitude of an energetic stress response as a function of group size, the within-group variance showed a statistically significant positive relationship with group size for the glucose/trehalose ratio, a marker for energetic stress. The heat stress marker, hsp70AB gene expression, did not show any relationship to group size. Individuals of obligate social species seem to benefit from adaptations to permanent group living, e.g., buffering against stress, especially at a higher density of individuals. The consequences of infections and immune system activation in isolated individuals are discussed. Full article

The striking similarity of disc edema without leakage on fluorescein angiography, which is pathognomonic of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), was present in a patient with cystic fibrosis with antibiotic toxic optic neuropathy. This similarity suggested the common effect of oxidative stress on retinal ganglion cells in inherited mitochondrial and antibiotic optic neuropathies. We present the case of a patient with advanced cystic fibrosis on chronic antibiotic treatment who experienced a rapid painless bilateral visual decline over a course of a few weeks. At examination, his corrected visual acuity was reduced to 0.3 in both eyes, with dyschromatopsia and central scotoma. The appearance of the fundus resembled the typical clinical features of acute LHON with hyperemic optic discs and tortuous vessels with no dye leakage from the optic discs on fluorescein angiography. Ganglion cell layer loss was seen on optic coherence tomography, with all findings pointing to LHON. Genetic testing did not reveal any LHON-specific mutations. After extended genetic testing, a heterozygous variant c.209C>T in the OPA3 gene on chromosome 19, g.46032648G>A, classified as a variant of unknown significance, was also found. After discontinuing antibiotics and general improvements in his health, surprisingly, his visual function completely improved. Later, he also received a bilateral lung transplant that further improved his general condition, and his vision remained normal. Excluding LHON, the transient optic neuropathy in our patient could be mainly due to antibiotic toxicity of linezolid and ciprofloxacin, which have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and advanced cystic fibrosis with hypoxic status. We suggest the possibility that patients with cystic fibrosis may be more prone to developing mitochondrial optic neuropathy, especially with additional risk factors such as chronic antibiotic therapy, which affect mitochondrial function, and can perhaps serve as a model for LHON. Full article

Salinity is a major challenge for agricultural productivity, adversely affecting crop growth and yield. In recent years, various techniques have been developed to increase crop tolerance to salinity, including seed priming. This study was carried out to assess the effects of salicylic acid (SA) priming (0-, 10- and 20-mM) in comparison with hydropriming on growth, physio-biochemical activities, and yield of two wheat varieties (AARI-11 and Ujala-15) under 0- and 170-mM sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity. The exposure of wheat plants to NaCl led to a significant reduction in various growth factors, including fresh weight (40%), total chlorophyll (39%), stomatal conductance (42%), shoot Ca²⁺ (39%), and 1000-grain weight (34%). In contrast, salt stress triggered the activities of POD, SOD, CAT, glycine-betaine, phenolics, and proline. The application of 20 mM SA through seed priming was found to greatly improve the fresh root weight, chlorophyll b, POD activities, shoot Ca²⁺, and overall yield (up to 71, 66, 35, 57, and 44%, respectively) under salt stress. While hydropriming also enhanced wheat tolerance to salinity. Full article

Like some bacterial species and all animals, plants synthesize dopamine and react to its exogenous applications. Despite dopamine’s widespread presence and activity in plants, its role in plant physiology is still poorly understood. Using targeted experimentation informed by the transcriptomic response to dopamine exposure, we identify three major effects of dopamine. First, we show that dopamine causes hypersensitivity to auxin indole-3-acetic acid by enhancing auxin activity. Second, we show that dopamine increases oxidative stress, which can be mitigated with glutathione. Third, we find that dopamine downregulates iron uptake mechanisms, leading to a decreased iron content—a response possibly aimed at reducing DA-induced oxidative stress. Finally, we show that dopamine-induced auxin sensitivity is downstream of glutathione biosynthesis, indicating that the auxin response is likely a consequence of DA-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, our results show that exogenous dopamine increases oxidative stress, which inhibits growth both directly and indirectly by promoting glutathione-biosynthesis-dependent auxin hypersensitivity. Full article

Preclinical studies on rodents should follow the 3R principle minimising the suffering of the animals. To do so, some researchers use inhalation anaesthetic induction even before intraperitoneal injection. However, several studies suggested that both interventions might influence the behaviour of the animals. We aimed to test whether intraperitoneal injection alone or in combination with isoflurane anaesthesia is a preferable treatment method 30 min before a social test. Male C57BL/6 mice were studied using a behavioural test battery comparing three groups (one control group and intraperitoneal saline-treated groups with or without short isoflurane inhalation). Our results confirmed that both interventions had no profound influence on the conventionally measured parameters of social tests (interest in sociability, social discrimination memory, social interaction as well as resident–intruder test) and were not acutely stressful (measured by similar ACTH levels between the groups) not even after repeated administration (similar body weight gain during the one-week observation period). Taking into consideration the possible long-term harmful effect of isoflurane inhalation, we recommend using intraperitoneal injection without it as saline injection did not violate the 3R principle inducing only mild stress. Full article

The accumulation of ions due to increased salinity in the soil is one of the major abiotic stressors of cultivated plants that negatively affect their productivity. The model plant, Medicago truncatula, is the only Medicago species that has been extensively studied, whereas research into increased salinity adaptation of two important forage legumes, M. sativa and M. arborea, has been limited. In the present study, the expression of six genes, namely SOS1, SOS3, NHX2, AKT, AVP and HKT1 was monitored to investigate the manner in which sodium ions are blocked and transferred to the various plant parts. In addition, in silico miRNA analysis was performed to identify miRNAs that possibly control the expression of the genes studied. The following treatments were applied: (1) salt stress, with initial treatment of 50 mM NaCl and gradual acclimatization every 10 days, (2) salt shock, with continuous application of 100 mM NaCl concentration and (3) no application of NaCl. Results showed that M. arborea appeared to overexpress and activate all available mechanisms of resistance in conditions of increased salinity, while M. sativa acted in a more targeted way, overexpressing the HKT1 and AKT genes that contribute to the accumulation of sodium ions, particularly in the root. Regarding miRNA in silico analysis, five miRNAs with significant complementarity to putative target genes, AKT1, AVP and SOS3 were identified and served as a first step in investigating miRNA regulatory networks. Further miRNA expression studies will validate these results. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying salt-responsiveness in Medicago and could be used in the future for generating salt-tolerant genotypes in crop improvement programs. Full article

The present study was undertaken with the objective to reconnoiter the role of Zat12-related biochemical activities in temperature stress tolerance in wheat transgenic lines Z-8-12 1A, Z-8-12 1B, Z-8-19, and Z-15-10, which were produced by transforming wheat-cultivar PBW 621. Zat12 transgenics (ZT) along with non-transgenic (NT) wheat cultivars (PBW 621, PBW, 550, and HD 3086) were assessed at the three-weeks seedling stage under chilling (−2 °C and −4 °C) and heat (30 °C and 32 °C) stress. Specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and antioxidants (proline and ascorbate) were profoundly increased under temperature stress in ZT related to NT. However, under −4 °C and 32 °C, a significantly higher increase was reported. In contrast, H₂O₂ and MDA were found to be much lower in ZT than in NT. Similarly, lesser decreases in length, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedlings were reported in ZT at 30 °C and 32 °C. RT-PCR studies revealed the enhanced expression of Zat12 in the roots of seedlings at the 5, 10, and 14 days after germination (DAG) stages in ZT under the stress conditions. Upregulation of the antioxidant defense system in ZT and their better tolerance depict an alternative for wheat cultivation under temperature stress-prone areas. Full article

A rest–pause (RP) technique involves performing one or more repetitions at high resistance to failure, followed by a short rest before performing one or more repetitions. These techniques can affect neuromuscular conditions and fatigue by changing the rest time between repetitions. This study compared the effect of 12 weeks of RP and traditional resistance training (TRT) on myokines (myostatin (MSTN), follistatin (FLST) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)) and functional adaptations. The study recruited 29 men between the ages of 20 and 30 who had performed resistance training for at least 6 to 12 months. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: RP, TRT, and control; resistance training was performed 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The training methods of the two groups were largely similar. The results showed that RP increased IGF-1 and FLST/MSTN more than the TRT group (% change = 19.04, % change = 37.71), and only the RP and TRT groups had significant changes in the FLST/MSTN ratio compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). In addition, FLST levels increased and MSTN decreased in the RP and TRT groups, but the rate of change in FLST was significant in the RP and TRT groups compared to the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Leg press and bench press strength, and arm and thigh muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA) increased more in the RP group than in the others, and the percentage of body fat (PBF) decreased significantly. The change between strength and MCSA was significant (p ≤ 0.05), and the PBF change in RP and TRT compared to the control (ES RP group = 0.43; ES TRT group = 0.55; control group ES = 0.09) was significant (p = 0.005, p = 0.01; respectively). Based on the results, the RP training technique significantly affects strength and muscle hypertrophy more than the TRT method, which can be included in the training system to increase strength and hypertrophy. Full article

Basil is susceptible to biotic or abiotic stress, negatively interfering with growth and production. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological effects of the application of plant regulators in basil plants that suffer from water deficit. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, including plants that were subjected to water stress and those that were not. In addition, plants also received five doses of Stimulate^® composed of indolylbutyric acid (IBA) + gibberellic acid (GA3) + kinetin (Kt) with four repetitions each. The experiment was evaluated through the biochemical analyses of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and lipid peroxidation performed 20, 35, and 50 days after transplanting (DAT). The mixture of plant regulators attenuateds the effects through the increasing activities of these enzymes. The plants that received the highest dosages (9 and 12 mL L⁻¹) offered the best protetion. Parameters of growth measures such as number of leaves and leaf area also showed significant responses regarding the application of the plant growth regulators. The use of a mixture of plant regulators, despite satisfactory results, does not make basil economically viable because it presents inaccurate results regarding its use. Full article

The most successful alternative to traditional surgery for ocular muscle spasm treatment is the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (BTX), which allows the maintenance of the muscle dynamics and the absence of scars. However, the main BTX disadvantage is its nonpermanent effect. A possible way for overcoming this obstacle could be represented by the enzymatic surgery using plant toxins known as ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). In this paper, two highly toxic RIPs, namely, ricin and stenodactylin, were considered in a preliminary study for their possible use in the treatment of strabismus and oculofacial dystonias, as alternatives to BTX. Both RIPs showed a strong cytotoxic effect against rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines and myotube differentiated cells, with stenodactylin being about 10-fold more toxic than ricin. Moreover, stenodactylin showed a much higher cytotoxicity on myoblasts than on rhabdomyosarcoma cells. In our experimental conditions, stenodactylin did not damage conjunctival cells. Despite the limitations due to in vitro experiments, our data show that the high cytotoxicity of stenodactylin allows the use of a very low dose and, consequently, of very low injection volumes. This can represent a great advantage in the case of in vivo locoregional treatment. Furthermore, it is possible to modulate the chemoablation of myocytes while destroying myoblasts, thus reducing regenerative phenomena. The risk of cytotoxicity to surrounding tissues would be strongly reduced by the low injected volume and the relative resistance of conjunctival cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that stenodactylin and ricin could represent potential candidates to substitute BTX in ocular dystonia therapy. Full article

In the last decade, a sporadic tree health syndrome affecting high-density apple plantings in North America has become known as Rapid Apple Decline (RAD) or Sudden Apple Decline (SAD). The affected apple trees were typically grafted on small dwarfing rootstocks, often displayed necrosis at the graft union, and suffered from sudden mortality that occurred over 2–3 weeks amid the growing season or a gradual decline. In 2019 and 2020, we conducted a multi-site investigation in the south Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada, to assess the stem hydraulic characteristics, stomatal conductance, leaf δ¹³C‰, and fruit dry matter accumulation of the declining trees during disease progression. In trees that died, mortality appeared to be associated with severe disruption in xylem water transport at the damaged graft union, followed by abrupt hydraulic failure. In contrast, symptomatic trees that did not die exhibited the moderately declined plant water relations and a reduction in fruit dry matter accumulation followed by either further deterioration or eventual recovery. This pattern indicates the risk of carbohydrate depletion over gradual hydraulic decline and the importance of timely horticultural remedies. In the present study, we discuss potential horticultural practices to mitigate hydraulic dysfunctions and enhance crop tolerance. Full article

Fruit diseases brought on by fungus infestation leads to postharvest losses of fresh fruit. Approximately 30% of harvested fruits do not reach consumers’ plates due to postharvest losses. Fungal pathogens play a substantial part in those losses, as they cause the majority of fruit rots and consumer complaints. Understanding fungal pathogenic processes and control measures is crucial for developing disease prevention and treatment strategies. In this review, we covered the presented pathogen entry, environmental conditions for pathogenesis, fruit’s response to pathogen attack, molecular mechanisms by which fungi infect fruits in the postharvest phase, production of mycotoxin, virulence factors, fungal genes involved in pathogenesis, and recent strategies for protecting fruit from fungal attack. Then, in order to investigate new avenues for ensuring fruit production, existing fungal management strategies were then assessed based on their mechanisms for altering the infection process. The goal of this review is to bridge the knowledge gap between the mechanisms of fungal disease progression and numerous disease control strategies being developed for fruit farming. Full article

Nowadays, population growth, the global temperature increase, and the appearance of emerging diseases in important crops generate uncertainty regarding world food security. The use of agrochemicals has been the “go-to” solution for the control of phytopathogenic microorganisms, such as Magnaporte oryzae, causing blast disease in rice and other cereals; Botrytis cinerea, causing gray mold in over 500 plant species; and Puccinia spp., causing rust in cereals. However, their excessive use has harmed human health, as well as ecosystems (contaminating water, and contributing to soil degradation); besides, phytopathogens can develop resistance to them. The inoculation of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) to crops is a sustainable strategy for increasing the yield and quality of crops and mitigating biotic stresses. Likewise, PGPMs, such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Trichoderma, can trigger a series of signals and reactions in the plant that lead to the induction of systemic resistance, a mechanism by which plants react to microorganism stimulation by activating their defense system, resulting in protection against future pathogen attack. These plant defense mechanisms help to mitigate biotic stresses that threaten global food security. Thus, the study of these mechanisms at molecular, transcriptomic, and metabolomic levels is indispensable to elucidate how stresses affect globally important crops. Full article

For decades, the Barker hypothesis and thrifty phenotype hypothesis have driven researchers to explore the development of metabolic syndrome through fetal programming. In this short review, we provide peer-reviewed support for the fetal programming of neural genetic activity and behavior in multiple neural regions: the prefrontal cortex, the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. We also introduce ionizing radiation as a purported indirect driver of phenotypical changes. The predisposition of brain and behavioral phenotypes after gestational exposure to stressors can lead to aversive and harmful outcomes, rather than protective adaptations. Full article