Search Results (223)

Our main goal was to determine whether the accumulation of Cd and Cu is harmful for L. perenne or whether this plant can be used in the bioremediation, e.g., of wastewaters or contaminated soils. The IC50 values (concentration at which the tested parameter is inhibited to 50% against the control) for root and shoot inhibition after 14 days showed that Cu, as an essential element for plants, was more toxic than Cd. The translocation factor (TF), which refers to metal transport from the root to the shoot, did not exceed values of 0.228 and 0.353 for Cd and Cu, respectively, indicating their accumulation mostly in the roots rather than in the shoots. The protein thiol (-SH) groups as a parameter of the increased level of reactive oxygen species did not confirm the significantly higher level of oxidative stress for Cu, which is a redox-active cation. We confirmed a statistically significant positive correlation between -SH groups and chlorophyll a (r = 0.79; p < 0.05) and chlorophyll b (r = 0.84; p < 0.01) in the presence of Cd. We concluded that bioaccumulation of the tested metals occurred mostly in the roots, and the photosynthetic pigment content in the shoots was not significantly impaired by the increased presence of Cd or Cu in the shoots. Therefore, we suggest L. perenne as a suitable candidate for the phytomining or phytoextraction of metals, mostly from wastewater, in cooperation with other plant hyperaccumulators. Full article

Ethylene is a multifunctional phytohormone that regulates plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic/biotic stresses. RTE1 (Reversion-To-Ethylene Sensitivity1) acts as a negative regulator of the ethylene responses in Arabidopsis by positively regulating ethylene receptor ETR1. However, the role of RTE genes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), an import food crop worldwide, remains largely unknown, particularly their involvement in abiotic stress adaptation. In this study, we identified 23 RTE genes in sweet potato, distributed across 21 chromosomes and one scaffold BrgTig00017944. The phylogenetic analysis divided them into two groups, the RTE1 group and RTH (RTE1-Homolog) group. Synteny analysis revealed that whole genome duplication (WGD) was the major force of expansion of the IbRTE gene family. Multiple cis-acting elements responsive to hormones and stress were found in the promoter region of IbRTE genes. The transcriptome expression profiling showed that the majority of IbRTEs have tissue-specific and differential expression under drought and salt stresses. Meanwhile, the qRT–PCR results showed that the 14 representatives IbRTEs have differential expression profilings under salt (NaCl) and drought (PEG) treatments. These findings suggest that the IbRTE genes may be involved in sweet potato’s adaptive responses to salt and drought, providing a valuable foundation for further functional studies. Full article

The low level of mechanization in the production process of cumin seeds is one of the primary factors limiting their yield and economic efficiency. To enhance the mechanization of cumin seed production, this study focused on cumin seeds as the research subject. Physical parameters of cumin seeds were determined through physical experiments; based on these parameters, a discrete element model of cumin seeds was established, and the shear modulus was calibrated using angle of repose tests. The established model was used to simulate the seeding process of a seed drill, the model’s accuracy was verified by analyzing the seed trajectory, movement velocity, seeding quality, and the dynamic angle of repose of seeds inside the drill. Results indicated that the collision recovery coefficient, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient between cumin seeds and ABS plastic, stainless steel plates, and other cumin seeds were 0.3, 0.35, and 0.21; 0.49, 0.39, 0.24; and 0.24, 0.38, 0.18, respectively. Calibration via simulated cylinder accumulation tests yielded a deviation of 0.28% between the simulated accumulation angle and the physical accumulation angle at a shear modulus of 100 MPa; the simulated seed trajectory during dispensing closely matched physical dispensing tests. The average deviation in particle drop velocity within the bridge channel region was 4.23%, with a maximum deviation of 6.07%; the average deviation in dynamic packing angle from start to finish for the particle group was 2.84%, with a maximum deviation of 4.18%; and the average mass discharged from the 14 simulated seed nozzles was 0.0446 g, compared to 0.043 g in physical tests, with a deviation of 3.72%. These results demonstrate the high accuracy and reliability of the established cumin discrete element model and its parameters, providing technical support for the design and optimization of full-process mechanical cumin production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) are critical components of the plant cell wall, playing vital roles in development and abiotic stress responses. However, a systematic genome-wide analysis of the FLA family in soybean (Glycine max L.), a major legume crop susceptible to drought, is lacking. This study aimed to comprehensively identify GmFLA members and investigate their potential functions in drought tolerance. Methods: We identified GmFLA genes via BLASTP (v2.16.0) and Hidden Markov Model (HMM) searches against the soybean genome. Subsequent analyses encompassed their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, phylogenetic relationships, conserved domains, cis-acting elements, and subcellular localization. Drought-responsive candidates were screened using a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, and their expression profiles were validated under drought stress using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: A total of 55 GmFLA genes were identified and unevenly distributed across 14 chromosomes. Most genes featured a single-exon structure and contained a conserved Fasciclin domain, with predicted localization primarily to the chloroplast. Phylogenetic analysis grouped them into three distinct subclasses with Arabidopsis homologs, suggesting lineage-specific expansion. Promoter analysis revealed an abundance of stress- and hormone-related cis-elements. Expression analysis identified five candidate genes (GmFLA5, GmFLA15, GmFLA40, GmFLA47, and GmFLA54) that showed tissue-specific expression changes under drought treatment. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive genomic characterization of the GmFLA gene family and identifies candidate GmFLAs with drought-responsive expression patterns. Our findings establish a foundation for future functional research to investigate their potential roles in soybean drought response. Furthermore, these candidates serve as potential targets for further investigation in strategies aimed at improving soybean drought tolerance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Intertrochanteric femur fractures are very common, especially in the elderly population, and cause serious morbidity and mortality. Today, the most commonly used implants in the treatment of these fractures are proximal femoral nails (PFNs). This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent surgical treatment with a proximal femoral nail (PFN) for intertrochanteric femur fractures and later required revision surgery for various reasons. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent surgical treatment PFN due to intertrochanteric femur fractures between 2022 and 2025 were included in the study, and the patients were divided into revision and non-revision groups. Demographic information, postoperative radiological measurements, complications, and reasons for revision surgery were noted, and risk factors leading to revision were determined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 207 patients, 97 revision (46.9%) and 110 non-revision (53.1%), were included in this study. Cut-out was identified as the most common revision cause (n = 52, 53.6%), followed by loss of reduction (n = 15, 15.5%), implant failure (n = 14, 14.4%), nonunion (n = 6, 6.2%), infection (n = 4, 4.1%), cut-through (n = 3, 3.1%), and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (n = 3, 3.1%). When bivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision, it was observed that female gender (p = 0.004), presence of posteromedial comminution (p < 0.001), operation under spinal anesthesia (p = 0.023), surgery in supine position (p < 0.001), using closed reduction techniques (p < 0.001), presence of infection (p = 0.004), and higher Charlson comorbidity index values (p < 0.001) increased the risk of revision. Additionally, positive and neutral medial cortex support (p < 0.001) decreased the risk of revision. Multivariate analysis was also applied to the parameters found to be significant in bivariate analysis. As a result of this analysis, surgery in the supine position (p < 0.001), using closed reduction techniques (p < 0.001), and higher Charlson comorbidity index values (p < 0.001) remained significant. Conclusions: Careful evaluation of the fracture morphology, ensuring optimal reduction, and considering the accompanying comorbidities of the patients in the surgical planning of unstable trochanteric fractures stand out as key elements in increasing surgical success. Full article

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread environmental endocrine disruptor associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, its short-term effects at low, environmentally relevant concentrations are still poorly understood. Methods: Adult zebrafish were exposed to 5, 20, or 100 µg/L BPA for 48 h, 7, or 14 days in a pilot test. The lowest effective condition (20 µg/L for 7 days) was selected for a complete experiment. Fish were divided into two groups: control and BPA-exposed (n = 50/group). After exposure, livers were collected for histological (HE, Oil Red O, Nile Red) and molecular (RT-qPCR) analyses. Results: Exposure to 20 µg/L BPA for 7 days induced moderate to severe hepatic steatosis, characterized by vacuolization, hepatocyte ballooning, and lipid accumulation. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of fasn (fatty acid synthase), acc1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1), srebp-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c), nfkb (nuclear factor kappa B), il-6 (interleukin-6), gpx1 (glutathione peroxidase 1), sod (superoxide dismutase), cyp1a (cytochrome P450 1A), and cyp2ad2 (cytochrome P450 2AD2), while adipor2 (adiponectin receptor 2) and gpx4 (glutathione peroxidase 4) were downregulated (decreased activity). Conclusions: Short-term exposure to a low, environmentally relevant concentration of BPA was sufficient to trigger hepatic steatosis in zebrafish. These effects were associated with enhanced lipogenesis, inflammation, oxidative imbalance, and altered xenobiotic metabolism, suggesting that even brief, low-dose BPA exposure may contribute to early events in MASLD pathogenesis. Full article

This study investigated the impact of a Science-Technology-Society (STS)-based nature education program on the creativity levels of middle school students. Recognizing creativity as a crucial human capacity for individual and societal progress, the research focused on its core elements, including the generation of novel solutions, diverse perspectives, and original ideas. The STS approach, which emphasizes constructivist learning and problem-solving within real-world contexts, was employed to enhance skills such as visualization, mental image formation, combining objects and ideas innovatively, generating alternative uses, and designing tools and machines. A quasi-experimental single-group pre-test–post-test design was utilized. Participants included 60 middle school students (15 from each of grades 5 to 8) comprising 30 gifted students enrolled in Science and Art Centers simultaneously. Students’ creativity levels were assessed using the Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT-DP), which is a figural test measuring holistic creativity across 14 criteria. Data were analyzed using arithmetic means, paired-sample t-tests, and independent-sample t-tests. The results demonstrated a statistically significant and large improvement in overall creativity following the intervention (t(59) = 7.14, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.92). Notably, no significant differences in creativity were observed between the gifted and non-gifted groups either before or after the program. These findings align with previous research indicating that out-of-school environmental and nature-based activities can enhance students’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The study suggests that STS-based nature education effectively fosters creativity and should be integrated into curricula to strengthen problem-solving, perspective-taking, and idea generation skills. Full article

Soil salinization and autotoxicity are major abiotic stresses constraining melon production. The ACE gene family (also known as HOTHEAD, HTH) encodes flavin-containing oxidoreductases involved in stress responses and RNA cache-mediated non-Mendelian inheritance. This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the ACE/HTH gene family in melon through integrated bioinformatic and experimental approaches. We identified 14 CmACE genes encoding proteins of 457–595 amino acids. This gene family underwent significant expansion through tandem duplication events, particularly on chromosome 5. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into three distinct clades with conserved gene structures and motif compositions. Promoter analysis identified abundant stress- and hormone-responsive cis-elements, with ABRE elements being predominant. Expression analyses revealed that multiple CmACE genes, including CmACE3, CmACE5, CmACE6 and CmACE14, were significantly upregulated under salt-alkali and autotoxicity stresses, showing distinct tissue-specific and time-dependent expression patterns. Notably, CmACE3 and CmACE6 were strongly induced under both stresses, while the tandemly duplicated pair CmACE6 and CmACE7 exhibited divergent expression patterns, suggesting functional specialization. Our findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of the CmACE gene family in melon, revealing its evolutionary history and stress-responsive regulation. These results not only offer valuable genetic resources for breeding stress-resistant melons but also lay a foundation for future research into the potential role of this conserved gene family in integrating stress adaptation with epigenetic regulatory pathways in crops. Full article

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are a promising treatment for immature teeth with pulpal necrosis. However, the outcomes remain unpredictable, partly due to scaffold limitations. Beta-glucan (BG), a bioactive polysaccharide with regenerative properties, may enhance scaffold performance. This study aimed to fabricate BG-coated polyvinylpyrrolidone/cellulose acetate (PVP/CA) electrospun scaffolds and evaluate their physicochemical properties and cell attachment. Electrospun scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning a 10% w/v PVP/CA (70:30) solution in acetone and N,N-dimethylacetamide (2:1) (PC). BG (8% w/v in 1 M NaOH) was electrosprayed onto the scaffold at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL volumes, generating PC-BG01, PC-BG02, and PC-BG04, respectively. Scaffold characterization included SEM, FTIR, BG enzymatic assay, water absorbance, degradation, and cell adhesion assays. SEM images of the scaffolds exhibited smooth cylindrical fibers (547.3–585.9 nm diameter) with high porosity (42.37–49.91%). BG particles were confirmed by elemental analysis and BG enzymatic assay. At 28 days, the PC group showed significant fiber diameter and porosity reduction. BG particle degradation was observed at 14 and 28 days. Notably, BG-coated scaffolds significantly enhanced initial apical papilla cell adhesion at 1 and 24 h. These findings highlight the potential of BG-coated scaffolds as bioactive scaffolds for REPs. Full article

The Bcl-2 associated athanogene (BAG) family is a multifunctional group of proteins that perform diverse functions, ranging from apoptosis to tumorigenesis. In plants, BAGs play a key role in growth, autophagy, and stress response. However, the BAG family has not been explored in sweet potato. In this study, we identified 15, 14, and 14 BAGs in cultivated hexaploid sweet potato (I. batatas, 2n = B₁B₁B₂B₂B₂B₂ = 6x = 90) and its two diploid relatives I. trifida (2n = 2x = 30) and I. triloba (2n = 2x = 30) by sequence alignment, genome structure analysis, and phylogenetic characterization. Based on their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis, we divided these BAGs into three subfamilies. Protein physicochemical properties, chromosome localization, collinearity and Ka/Ks analysis, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, promoter cis-elements, protein interaction networks, and expression patterns were systematically investigated to explore the possible functions of these 43 BAGs in the development and abiotic and biotic stress response of sweet potato. The results suggested that homologous BAGs have differentiated functions and play various vital roles in plant growth, tuberous root development, and abiotic and biotic stress response in sweet potato and its two diploid relatives. This work provides a comprehensive comparison and understanding of the BAG genes in sweet potato and its two diploid relatives, supplying a theoretical foundation for their functional study and further facilitating the molecular breeding of sweet potato. Full article

This study systematically investigates soil and stream sediment along the 165 km Ibar River to examine the origin and transfer of pollutants. The research focuses on the environmental impact of long-term mining and irregular waste management, as well as natural enrichment related to weathering processes. A comprehensive sampling campaign was conducted, collecting 70 samples from 14 locations. At each location, samples of river sediment, floodplain soil (0–5 cm and 20–30 cm depths), and river terrace soil (same depths) were collected. The contents of 21 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify statistically significant differences in element contents between defined zones, sampled materials (river sediments, floodplain soils, and river terrace soils), and sampled soil horizons (topsoil, 0–5 cm, and subsoil, 20–30 cm). Multivariate analysis, including correlation coefficient, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis, revealed two distinct groups of elements with highly significant correlation coefficients (r > 0.7). The first group, comprising Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn, indicates anthropogenic enrichment, likely resulting from mining and smelting activities in the middle flow of the Ibar River (The Mining and Metallurgical Complex Trepča). The second group, consisting of Cr, Mg, and Ni, suggests enrichment related to the weathering of elements from the ophiolite zone in the lower Ibar River. The study found high enrichment ratios of toxic elements like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc, particularly in stream sediments and floodplains. Notably, arsenic contents exceeded European averages by up to 57 times in stream sediments, posing a significant environmental concern due to its high content. Full article

Rosa roxburghii Tratt., a fruit crop known for its high Vitamin C content and other nutritional compounds, has not yet been studied for its auxin response factor (ARF) family members. ARFs are important proteins in auxin-mediated pathways, playing a vital role in plant physiological and biochemical processes such as plant development, and flower and fruit maturation. In the present study, we identified 14 ARF genes (designated as RrARFs) in R. roxburghii, which are distributed across seven chromosomes and grouped into four subfamilies. An analysis of cis-acting elements revealed that these genes might be involved in various biological processes, including plant development, flower development, light responses, cell cycle regulation, phytohormone responses, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. A gene expression analysis demonstrated differential expression of RrARF genes across different tissues and stages of fruit development, with four members showing higher expression during the fruit ripening stages. Furthermore, a coexpression analysis identified that RrARF5 was highly coexpressed with RrMDHAR1, a key enzyme involved in Vitamin C biosynthesis. Moreover, transactivation assays and transient overexpression experiments confirmed that RrARF5 activates the transcription of RrMDHAR1. The findings of this study suggest a potential role of the ARF gene family in Vitamin C accumulation in R. roxburghii and enhance our understanding of the diverse regulatory function of the ARF gene family in plants. Full article

Background: Fatty acyl–ACP thioesterase (FAT) genes regulate fatty acid composition and content, yet the FAT family in maize has not been systematically characterized. Methods: Ten ZmFAT genes were identified from the maize genome and analyzed for gene structure, protein properties, phylogeny, collinearity, cis-acting elements, and predicted interactions. Transcriptome and qRT–PCR data were used to assess expression patterns during seed development. Results: The ten ZmFAT genes were grouped into two subfamilies (three ZmFATA and seven ZmFATB genes). Two pairs of collinear genes were detected within maize and one pair between maize and rice. Promoter analysis revealed light- and development-responsive elements. Two genes were functionally annotated in fatty acid biosynthesis, while five proteins exhibited interactions and 14 miRNAs were predicted to regulate ZmFAT genes. Expression analysis showed that ZmFATA1/2 and ZmFATB4/6/7 maintained high expression in both upper and lower seed parts, and qRT–PCR confirmed their gradual upregulation during seed development. Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the maize ZmFAT family, offering insights into fatty acid metabolism and valuable genetic resources for improving maize oil composition. Full article

Background: Considering the lack of studies regarding the localized evaluation of the macular inner retina in multiple sclerosis patients without optic neuritis (MSnoON eyes), we investigated the structure and function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) located in different macular areas. Methods: In 24 MSnoON patients (mean age: 45.22 ± 5.57 years; 14 females and 10 males; mean MS disease duration: 11.07 ± 5.88 years) and in 30 age-similar (mean age: 45.09 ± 5.08 years) control subjects, complete ophthalmological examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multifocal photopic negative response (mfPhNR) were performed. The ganglion cell layer thickness (GCL+-T) via OCT and the response amplitude density (RAD) through mfPhNR were measured from localized macular regions, including rings and Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. Results: When comparing MSnoON data from all tested areas with respect to the controls, macular GCL+-T and mfPhNR RAD mean values were found to be significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.01) reduced. In the MSonON group, considering both rings and sectors, the GCL+-T values were significantly and linearly correlated (Pearson’s test, p < 0.01) to the mfPhNR RAD values. Conclusions: In MS, even in the absence of optic neuritis, potential primary morpho-functional involvement of the inner macular elements can occur. This impairment widely involves all macular areas and sectors. Full article

To enhance the anti-overturning performance of poles and prevent tilting or collapse, a prefabricated foundation for distribution lines is developed. Field tests are conducted on five groups of foundations. Based on the test results, finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to investigate the influence of different factors—such as pole embedment depth, foundation locations, soil type, and soil parameters—on the anti-overturning performance of pole prefabricated foundations. The results indicate that under ultimate load conditions, the reaction force distribution at the base of the foundation approximates a triangular pattern, and the lateral earth pressure on the pole follows an approximately quadratic parabolic distribution along the depth. When the foundation size increases from 0.8 m to 0.9 m, the bearing capacity of the prefabricated foundation improves by 8%. Furthermore, when the load direction changes from 0° to 45°, the foundation’s bearing capacity increases by 14%. When the foundation is buried at a depth of 1.0 m, compared with the ground position, the ultimate overturning moment of the prefabricated foundation increases by 10%. Based on field test results, finite element simulation results, and limit equilibrium theory, a calculation method for the anti-overturning bearing capacity of prefabricated pole foundations is developed, which can provide a practical reference for the engineering design of distribution line poles and their prefabricated foundations. Full article