Search Results (2,087)

In recent years, plant stress biology has moved beyond single-pathway descriptions toward an integrated framework in which stress perception, hormonal control, and gene regulation are tightly interconnected. Early events such as membrane-associated sensing, calcium influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and kinase activation converge with phytohormonal networks to shape context-dependent responses. Within this framework, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, jasmonates, ethylene, auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, brassinosteroids, and strigolactones function not as isolated regulators but as components of a dynamic signaling matrix that balances survival, defense, growth restraint, and recovery. These hormonal signals are ultimately translated into adaptive outcomes through extensive transcriptional and post-transcriptional reprogramming mediated by transcription factors, RNA-based regulators, chromatin remodeling, and stress memory mechanisms. This review synthesizes current understanding of how plants integrate stress perception, phytohormonal crosstalk, and transcriptional regulation to establish stress tolerance. We first examine the molecular basis of stress sensing and early signaling. We then discuss the central functions of major phytohormones and the logic of hormone–hormone interaction networks in coordinating stress adaptation. Next, we analyze transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms that determine response specificity, intensity, and persistence. We further highlight points of convergence between abiotic and biotic stress responses and discuss how combined stresses challenge traditional single-stress models. Finally, we consider the roles of omics, systems biology, and translational technologies in decoding and engineering stress-resilient phenotypes. By integrating these perspectives, this review presents plant stress tolerance as a multilevel systems property and outlines key priorities for future research aimed at developing climate-resilient crops. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are integral components of plant signaling networks that mediate interactions between plants and their environment, thereby regulating diverse physiological and biochemical processes. While controlled ROS production is essential for stress perception and signal transduction, excessive ROS accumulation induces oxidative damage. ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to the formation of highly electrophilic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds collectively referred to as reactive carbonyl species (RCS). Under severe abiotic stress conditions, excessive RCS accumulation exerts cytotoxic effects and causes widespread cellular dysfunction. In contrast, at subtoxic levels, RCS function as important secondary messengers that modulate stress-responsive signaling pathways, including programmed cell death, stomatal regulation, and adaptive responses to abiotic stresses. This review critically synthesizes current advances in understanding the dual roles of ROS and RCS as both damaging agents and signaling molecules in plants. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanistic basis of ROS-RCS crosstalk and their interactions in abiotic stress tolerance. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging research gaps and outlines future perspectives aimed at translating redox signaling insights into strategies for improving plant stress resilience under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) has become a cornerstone in the management of acute respiratory failure (ARF), offering an alternative or a bridge between conventional oxygen therapy (COT) and invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV). While NRS techniques—including non-invasive ventilation (NIV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO)—have demonstrated efficacy in reducing intubation rates and improving outcomes, patient tolerance and synchrony remain critical determinants of success. Analgosedation, the strategic use of analgesics and sedatives, has emerged as an important adjunctive therapy to optimise NRS delivery, reduce patient–ventilator asynchrony, and improve comfort. However, the delicate balance between adequate sedation and the preservation of spontaneous breathing, airway protection, and hemodynamic stability presents unique challenges. This comprehensive narrative review synthesises current evidence on analgosedation strategies during NRS use, examining pharmacological agents, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, comparative studies, indications, monitoring parameters, clinical settings, and safety considerations. We also review existing guidelines, discuss special considerations in paediatric populations, and propose practical clinical approaches. Understanding the nuanced application of analgosedation is essential for clinicians to maximise therapeutic benefit while minimising risks of NRS treatment failure and adverse outcomes. Full article

Soil salinity limits ginger productivity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. The 14-3-3 proteins are conserved regulators in stress signaling. Here, we genome-wide characterized the 14-3-3 family in Zingiber officinale and examined the possible involvement of Zo14-3-3-03 in salt response. A total of 21 Zo14-3-3 genes were identified and classified into four groups with uneven chromosomal distribution. Among them, Zo14-3-3-03 was strongly salt-responsive: transcript levels increased 9.91- to 33.82-fold during 1–7 days of treatment and reached 62.47-fold in leaves at day 14. NaCl treatment elevated GUS expression driven by the Zo14-3-3-03 promoter. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of Zo14-3-3-03 resulted in silenced plants exhibiting higher malondialdehyde (up to 73.6%), lower antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX: 18.9–31.9% reduction), reduced osmolytes (proline, soluble protein, sugars, and ascorbic acid: 23.2–36.2% reduction), excessive reactive oxygen species, and decreased relative water content. Several antioxidant-related genes were significantly downregulated. Protein interaction assays suggested a possible interaction with ZoSOS2, and the expression of SOS2 pathway genes was altered in silenced plants, indicating a potential link to calcium signaling and ion homeostasis. Taken together, these results suggest that Zo14-3-3-03 participates in ginger salt stress response possibly through redox balance, osmotic adjustment, and calcium-mediated pathways which would provide a basis for understanding 14-3-3-mediated stress responses and nominates Zo14-3-3-03 as a candidate requiring deeper validation for salt tolerance improvement in ginger. Nevertheless, due to limited functional validation, its role as a positive regulator and breeding target remains preliminary. Further genetic and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm causality and assess field-level applicability. Full article

This work presents the design and evaluation of cerium and zinc oxide-incorporated indium oxide (Ce/ZnO-In₂O₃) nanocube composites synthesized via a hydrothermal process for advanced ethanol gas sensing. The incorporation of Ce and ZnO effectively modified the surface chemistry and electronic structure of In₂O₃ without causing significant morphological degradation. Compared with pristine In₂O₃, the Ce/ZnO-In₂O₃ sensor exhibited a significantly enhanced response of 33.2 toward 100 ppm ethanol at 300 °C, corresponding to an 8.7-fold improvement, along with a low detection limit of 0.8 ppm. In addition, the composite sensor demonstrated stable and reversible sensing behavior, excellent repeatability over 100 cycles, and long-term operational stability. Notably, improved humidity tolerance was achieved, with approximately 77% of the initial response retained at 80% relative humidity. The enhanced sensing performance is attributed to the combined effects of heterojunction formation between ZnO and In₂O₃ and Ce-induced lattice distortion, which promote oxygen adsorption and facilitate charge transfer during gas reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed the improved discrimination of ethanol against interfering gases. These results underscore the synergistic effects of Ce and ZnO incorporation in tailoring electronic structures and surface chemistry, thereby emphasizing the potential of this strategy for reliable ethanol detection in environmental and industrial applications. Full article

Fungal endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that establish strong relationships inside plant tissues, providing potential advantages, especially in grasses, by enhancing tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This review investigates the molecular mechanisms through which fungal endophytes mediate stress tolerance, targeting host–pathogen interactions. By modulating pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and effector proteins, fungal endophytes may contribute to priming the plant’s immune system, enhancing its resistance to pathogen invasion. Moreover, endophyte colonization regulates core processes such as osmotic regulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis that enable plants to tolerate environmental stresses like drought, heat, and salinity. The review highlights the impact of endophytes on immune priming, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and the regulation of non-coding RNAs that regulate host gene networks associated with stress tolerance. Furthermore, the integration of advanced multi-omics techniques genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics has revealed emerging insights into the genetic and metabolic pathways driving these symbiotic associations. However, grass-specific molecular datasets remain limited, and the consistency of endophyte-mediated tolerance across host species and environmental conditions is not yet fully resolved. Fungal endophytes increase grass stress resilience through coordinated pathogen recognition, RNA regulation, and metabolic reprogramming while AI-assisted multi-omics approaches are emerging as tools for identifying candidate regulatory networks, although empirical validation in grass–endophyte systems remains limited. Together, these advances highlight the potential for climate-smart and sustainable crop improvement. Future research integrating functional genomics, field validation, and biosafety assessment will be essential for translating endophyte-based strategies into reliable agricultural applications. Full article

Oxidative stress is one of the few defined causes of male infertility affecting at least one third of patients attending infertility clinics. Human spermatozoa are vulnerable to this form of attack because their stripped-down architecture means that they possess limited antioxidant protection and little capacity for biochemical repair. They also compound their vulnerability by being active generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possessing multiple substrates for oxidative damage. The major sources of ROS in these cells are their mitochondria, an L-amino acid oxidase (IL4I1) and a calcium-dependent NADPH oxidase (NOX5). Spermatozoa tolerate the risks associated with ROS generation because their biology is heavily dependent on redox regulation. ROS are important mediators of sperm capacitation, stimulating the generation of cAMP and prostaglandins, inhibiting protein phosphatases and encouraging removal of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, during fertilization, the ability of ROS to activate metalloproteinases facilitates penetration of the zona pellucida and sperm–oocyte fusion. While ROS are physiologically important for sperm function, the over-production of these metabolites can impair sperm function. Antioxidants have therefore assumed some importance as a possible therapy for the infertile male. However, before this potential can be realized, we need to optimize the composition and dose of reagents used in such formulations and develop improved methods of diagnosing oxidative stress within the patient population. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a commercially produced, ready-to-use probiotic supplement, dominated by lactic acid bacteria, on the growth performance and selected health indicators of salmon (Salmo salar L.) fry, parr, and presmolts reared for restocking purposes. The results indicated a stage-specific response to probiotic application. In salmon fry, short-term immersion baths were associated with reduced juvenile mortality and improved tolerance to fluctuations in temperature and dissolved oxygen. In parr, immersion treatments were linked to improved growth performance, condition factor, and a lower incidence of gill-cover necrosis compared to the Control group. In presmolts, short-term dietary supplementation with probiotics was associated with increased growth rates relative to Controls. Probiotic application was associated with changes in bacterial isolates and, in some groups, lower antimicrobial resistance (AMR) indices, particularly after 14 days of immersion treatment. Probiotic supplementation was associated with improved growth and increased tolerance to environmental stressors, indicating its potential to support fish welfare and sustainable aquaculture. Full article

The demand for sustainable weed management and the limited discovery of new herbicide molecules have led to high interest in plant-derived bioherbicides, such as the water residues (WRs) from the hydrodistillation of aromatic plants, which contain biologically active secondary metabolites. Here, the bioherbicidal activity of WRs of four aromatic plant species was investigated. Chemical composition of WRs was determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their effect was assessed on seed germination and seedling growth characteristics of Avena sterilis, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Zea mays. Five concentrations, i.e., 0, 10, 20, 50, and 100% (v/v), with 100% representing pure WR, were tested. Phenolic monoterpenes dominate WRs in oregano and thyme, and oxygenated monoterpenes in laurel and lavender. Germination and growth responses were dose-dependent and species-specific. Oregano and lavender WRs exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, reducing weed germination by 82% and 79%, respectively. In contrast, laurel extracts showed weaker germination inhibition. Across all tested species, germination delays were observed, making WRs a promising candidate for weed control. The results also showed that WR reduced root growth by up to 95% and shoot growth by 70–80%. Maize exhibited greater tolerance than the weed species, maintaining higher germination. Overall, WRs represent a promising tool for integrated weed management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy to repair ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and atrial septal defects (ASDs) is less invasive than conventional surgical repair via median sternotomy. However, right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) may result in unilateral lung injury, a serious postoperative complication requiring extracorporeal circulation and unilateral lung collapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether repeated lung recruitment provides enhanced respiratory compliance and lung oxygenation in children who have undergone right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) to correct a congenital heart defect. Methods: Eligible participants were children with a common congenital heart defect corrected via RVIAT. Seventy-seven children were randomly classified into two groups. In group A (n = 39), an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) was performed immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. Children in group C (n = 38) did not receive any additional interventions during surgery. Results: The ARM group tolerated open lung ventilation without significant hemodynamic instability. Compared to controls, intraoperative PaO₂, PaO₂/FiO₂ and lung compliance (Com_dyn) improved in group A (p < 0.05), who also showed a significantly lower IL-6 (p < 0.05). In addition, group A had a lower incidence of lung injury and lung atelectasis than Group C at specific post CPB time points. Conclusions: Our findings provide some indication that the application of ARM could effectively improve the oxygenation profile, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, and attenuate the postoperative inflammatory response in children with a common congenital heart defect corrected via the RVIAT technique. Full article

Electrolysis of water is a promising emission-free approach of hydrogen production, making water electrolyzers important for many renewable energy systems. Electrochemical electrodes enriched with nanocatalysts can significantly advance such technologies, but the use of nanomaterials, deployed as packed powders or painted films, is generally limited by durability and reusability challenges. To overcome these deficiencies, we have fabricated hierarchical hybrid electrode (HHE) monoliths comprising carpet-like arrays of multiwalled carbon nanotubes covalently bonded to porous reticulated carbon foams that are further functionalized with strongly attached nanocatalysts. This paper presents our investigation of HHE materials with CNT carpets and palladium nanoparticle (PdNP) catalysts in two key electrolysis reactions: hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Their performances in different electrolytes have been evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and Tafel analysis. This architecture provided multi-faceted advantages, and the contribution of each nanocomponent in the monolith has been analyzed. The presence of Pd-NP in the HHE also improved the electrode’s tolerance to Cl⁻ ions, which is very promising for saline water electrolysis. These studies indicate that the HHE architecture of electrochemical electrodes can be a versatile and tunable option for future electrochemical systems relevant to renewable energy applications. Full article

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) arises from hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude and still lacks effective pharmacological treatments. Although hypoxic preconditioning via gradual ascent prevents AMS, the underlying molecular adaptations have not yielded therapeutics. Here, inspired by metabolic reprogramming during stepwise altitude adaptation, we screened for anti-hypoxia compounds and identified H0802 (N-(pyridin-2-yl) pyridine-2-carbothioamide) as the most promising candidate. H0802 markedly enhances hypoxic tolerance in mice, prolongs survival under acute hypoxia, improves survival during simulated high-altitude exposure, and attenuates hypoxia-induced lung injury, accompanied by combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Transcriptomic profiling shows that H0802 elicits a gene expression signature resembling hypoxia, including key hypoxia-related genes (Edn1, Angptl4, Mt1, Gdf15, Slc7a5, and Hif-3α) involved in glucose and oxygen metabolism. Mechanistically, H0802 stabilizes endogenous hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) proteins under normoxia by preventing ubiquitin-dependent degradation, thereby activating hypoxia-responsive genes. In vivo, H0802 pretreatment lowers circulating glucose and hepatic glycogen while increasing brain glucose uptake, suggesting a metabolic shift that preserves cerebral energy during acute hypoxic stress; it also modulates whole-body oxygen consumption. H0802 represents a candidate for anti-AMS therapy, and phenotypic optimization of H0802 provides a potential route for drug discovery. Full article

Monolithic ceramic catalysts are a key technology for the industrial treatment of coal mine ventilation air methane (VAM). The preparation of straight-channel NiO/CeO₂ monolithic ceramic catalysts via phase inversion addresses critical bottlenecks for industrial VAM abatement. However, high-temperature sintering leads to irreversible NiO agglomeration and coarsening, severely reducing catalytic activity. In this study, an in situ reduction–oxidation reconstruction method is developed to regenerate sinter-degraded NiO. The reconstructed catalyst increases methane conversion from below 70% after sintering to over 95% at 550 °C and achieves full conversion at 600 °C. The catalyst maintains near 100% conversion during 400 h of continuous operation at 600 °C and shows no performance degradation over 15 thermal cycles. Moreover, the reconstructed catalyst exhibits excellent steam tolerance with fully reversible deactivation. The reconstructed catalyst presents a refined porous structure with BET surface area rising from 4.5 to 11.4 m² g⁻¹, an elevated Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺ ratio (1.47 to 1.97), a higher surface adsorbed oxygen proportion (36.8% to 48.7%) and significantly strengthened NiO-CeO₂ interfacial interaction. This work provides a facile and efficient in situ regeneration strategy, greatly enhancing the VAM oxidation activity and stability of sinter-degraded monolithic ceramic catalysts. Full article

Phenol derivatives display a prominent role in many biologically active molecules. Boron-containing molecules are considered valuable precursors for their synthesis. Therefore, the rise of photochemistry has led many researchers to develop novel, sustainable protocols that exploit the advantages offered by different irradiation sources. For this reason, the application of novel photocatalysts that promote challenging organic transformations is highly valued. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a semiconductor photocatalyst widely used in organic chemistry for promoting complex organic transformations. Herein, we report a green and efficient methodology for the hydroxylation of boronic acids to the corresponding hydroxyl derivatives, using g-C₃N₄ as the photocatalyst. The heterogeneous photocatalyst (g-C₃N₄) was prepared by thermal polycondensation of melamine and characterized by XRD, FESEM/EDS, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Green LED irradiation was employed as the energy source and air as the active oxidant. A variety of substrates were tested, showcasing excellent functional group tolerance in the aerobic photochemical protocol. Mechanistic studies were conducted to investigate the reaction pathway and to identify the oxygen species generated. Full article

Copper is a crucial cofactor that sustains multiple cellular electron-transfer reactions, making it an essential element for life. However, cytotoxic levels of copper can cause structural damage and cell death through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nonspecific attacks on proteins. Moreover, immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, accumulate copper to induce oxidative bursts that kill engulfed pathogens. Therefore, a well-regulated copper homeostasis system is required for the human commensal fungus Candida albicans to thrive in extreme host environments. Remarkably, C. albicans exhibits higher copper tolerance than the nonpathogenic model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suggesting the presence of a specific copper tolerance mechanism that supports its adaptability to copper stress. Ndt80 is a versatile transcription factor that regulates several biological processes in C. albicans, ranging from morphological control to drug resistance. This study further reveals that Ndt80 may contribute to copper tolerance by regulating copper transporters and copper-dependent superoxide dismutases (Sods). Additionally, RNA sequencing and complementary approaches uncovered the involvement of Ndt80 in plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial respiration under copper stress, further linking Ndt80 to copper tolerance. Together, these results broaden our understanding of Ndt80 functions and provide new insights into copper tolerance in C. albicans. Full article