Search Results (3,260)

Almost one in three firefighters develop mental health disorders at some point during their careers, a rate double that in the general population. Frequent exposures to potentially traumatic situations can contribute to symptoms of these disorders, two of the most common being depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While various psychological interventions have been implemented among this group, reports of their effectiveness include mixed results. To this end, the current study endeavored to test the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention combining occupationally-tailored high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and psychological resilience training (RES) in reducing depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), as well as increasing psychological resilience and mental wellbeing, in career firefighters. Thirty career firefighters completed four mental health measurements over 17 weeks while anthropometrics and physical performance (i.e., number of stations completed in 20 min during an eight-station simulated job-task circuit workout [T-CAC]) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Pre to post comparisons were made via repeated-measures t-tests. Significant mean differences were observed for T-CAC stations completed, PTSSs, and psychological resilience between pre- and post-intervention. In future interventions, researchers should actively engage firefighters, maximize integration with daily operations, and employ culturally-relevant practices to explore the links between physical and mental health. Full article

This study explores the revival of cotton (Gossypium spp. L.) farming in Italy through sustainable practices, addressing economic and water-related challenges by integrating cultivar selection, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, and deficit irrigation under organic farming. Field trials evaluated two widely grown Mediterranean cultivars (Armonia and ST-318) under three irrigation levels (I-100: 100% crop water requirement; I-70: 70%; I-30: 30%) across two Sicilian soil types (sandy loam vs. clay-rich). Under I-100, lint yields reached 0.99 t ha⁻¹, while severe deficit (I-30) yielded only 0.40 t ha⁻¹. However, moderate deficit (I-70) maintained 75–79% of full yields, proving a viable strategy. AMF inoculation significantly enhanced plant height (68.52 cm vs. 65.85 cm), boll number (+22.1%), and seed yield (+12.5%) (p < 0.001). Cultivar responses differed: Armonia performed better under water stress, while ST-318 thrived with full irrigation. Site 1, with higher organic matter, required 31–38% less water and achieved superior irrigation water productivity (1.43 kg m⁻³). Water stress also shortened phenological stages, allowing earlier harvests—important for avoiding autumn rains. These results highlight the potential of combining adaptive irrigation, resilient cultivars, and AMF to restore sustainable cotton production in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of soil-specific management. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial global food crop. The intensive crop farming, monoculture cultivation, and impact of climate change affect the susceptibility of wheat cultivars to biotic stresses, mainly caused by soil fungal pathogens, especially those belonging to the genus Fusarium. This situation threatens yield and grain quality through root and crown rot. While conventional chemical fungicides face resistance issues and environmental concerns, biological alternatives like seed priming with natural metabolites are gaining attention. Polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are attractive priming agents influencing plant development and abiotic stress responses. Spermine in particular shows potential for in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium. Optimising spermine concentration for seed priming is crucial to maximising protection against Fusarium infection while ensuring robust plant growth. In this research, we explored the potential of the polyamine spermine as a seed treatment to enhance wheat resilience, aiming to identify a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Our findings revealed that a six-hour seed soak in spermine solutions ranging from 0.5 to 5 mM did not delay germination or seedling growth. In fact, the 5 mM concentration significantly stimulated root weight and length. In complementary in vitro assays, we evaluated the antifungal activity of spermine (0.5–5 mM) against three Fusarium species. The results demonstrated complete inhibition of Fusarium culmorum growth at 5 mM spermine. A less significant effect on Fusarium graminearum and little to no impact on Fusarium oxysporum were found. The performed analysis revealed that the spermine had a fungistatic effect against the pathogen, retarding the mycelium growth of F. culmorum inoculated on the seed surface. A pot experiment with Bulgarian soft wheat cv. Sadovo-1 was carried out to estimate the effect of seed priming with spermine against infection with isolates of pathogenic fungus F. culmorum on plant growth and disease severity. Our results demonstrated that spermine resulted in a reduced distribution of F. culmorum and improved plant performance, as evidenced by the higher fresh weight and height of plants pre-treated with spermine. This research describes the efficacy of spermine seed priming as a novel strategy for managing Fusarium root and crown rot in wheat. Full article

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop in Mediterranean agriculture, valued for its nutritional profile and adaptability. However, its productivity is severely impacted by drought stress. To identify microbial solutions that enhance drought resilience, we isolated seven Mesorhizobium strains from chickpea nodules collected in southern Spain and evaluated their cultivar-specific symbiotic performance. Two commercial cultivars (Pedrosillano and Blanco Lechoso) and twenty chickpea germplasms were tested under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions, both with and without drought stress. Initial screening in a sterile substrate using nodulation assays, shoot/root dry weight measurements, and acetylene reduction assays identified three elite strains (ISC11, ISC15, and ISC25) with superior symbiotic performance and nitrogenase activity. Greenhouse trials under reduced irrigation demonstrated that several strain–cultivar combinations significantly mitigated drought effects on plant biomass, with specific interactions (e.g., ISC25 with RR-98 or BT6-19) preserving over 70% of shoot biomass relative to controls. Whole-genome sequencing of the elite strains revealed diverse taxonomic affiliations—ISC11 as Mesorhizobium ciceri, ISC15 as Mesorhizobium mediterraneum, and ISC25 likely representing a novel species. Genome mining identified plant growth-promoting traits including ACC deaminase genes (in ISC11 and ISC25) and genes coding for auxin biosynthesis-related enzymes. Our findings highlight the potential of targeted rhizobial inoculants tailored to chickpea cultivars to improve crop performance under water-limiting conditions. Full article

Heat stress in dairy cows, caused by high temperature and humidity during summer, has led to significant declines in milk production and severe economic losses for farms. Exosomes—extracellular vesicles carrying bioactive molecules—are critical for intercellular communication and immunity but remain understudied in heat-stressed Holstein cows. In this study, we extracted exosomes from three heat-stressed (HS) cows and three non-heat-stressed (Ctr) cows and employed proteomics to analyze plasma exosomes. We identified a total of 28 upregulated and 18 downregulated proteins in the HS group compared to the control group. Notably, we observed a significant upregulation of key protein groups, including cytoskeletal regulators, signaling mediators, and coagulation factors, alongside the downregulation of HP-25_1. These differentially expressed proteins demonstrate strong potential as heat stress biomarkers. GO and KEGG analyses linked the differentially expressed proteins to actin cytoskeleton regulation and endoplasmic reticulum pathways. Additionally, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as a central node in the cellular response to heat stress. These findings establish plasma exosomes as valuable biospecimens, provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress response, and may contribute to the development of precision breeding strategies for enhanced thermal resilience in dairy herds. Full article

The National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh identifies eleven climate-stressed zones, placing nearly 100 million people at high risk of climate-related hazards. Vulnerable groups such as the poor, floating populations, daily laborers, and slum dwellers are particularly affected. However, there is a lack of data on climate-sensitive diseases and related hospital visits in these areas. This study explored the prevalence of such diseases using the Delphi method through focus group discussions with 493 healthcare professionals from 153 hospitals in 156 upazilas across 21 districts and ten zones. Participants were selected by district Civil Surgeons. Key climate-sensitive diseases identified included malnutrition, diarrhea, pneumonia, respiratory infections, typhoid, skin diseases, hypertension, cholera, mental health disorders, hepatitis, heat stroke, and dengue. Seasonal surges in hospital visits were noted, influenced by factors like extreme heat, air pollution, floods, water contamination, poor sanitation, salinity, and disease vectors. Some diseases were zone-specific, while others were widespread. Regions with fewer hospital visits often had higher disease burdens, indicating under-reporting or lack of access. The findings highlight the need for area-specific adaptation strategies and updates to the Health National Adaptation Plan. Strengthening resilience through targeted investment and preventive measures is crucial to reducing health risks from climate change. Full article

In the past three decades, localized research has highlighted shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature trends in central Ethiopia, a region vital for agriculture and economic activities and heavily dependent on climate conditions to sustain livelihoods and ensure food security. However, comprehensive analyses of long-term climate data remain limited for this area. Understanding local climate trends is essential for enhancing agricultural resilience in the study area, a region heavily dependent on rainfall for crop production. This study analyzes historical rainfall and temperature patterns over the past 30 years and projects future climate conditions using downscaled CMIP6 models under SSP4.5 and SSP8.5 scenarios. Results indicate spatial variability in rainfall trends, with certain areas showing increasing rainfall while others experience declines. Temperature has shown a consistent upward trend across all seasons, with more pronounced warming during the short rainy season (Belg). Climate projections suggest continued warming and moderate increases in annual rainfall, particularly under SSP8.5 by the end of the 21st century. It is concluded that both temperature and rainfall are projected to increase in magnitude by 2080, with higher Sen’s slope values compared to earlier periods, indicating a continued upward trend. These findings highlight potential breaks in agricultural calendars, such as shifts in rainfall onset and cessation, shortened or extended growing seasons, and increased risk of temperature-induced stress. This study highlights the need for localized adaptation strategies to safeguard agriculture production and enhance resilience in the face of future climate variability. Full article

Population aging poses significant challenges to the sustainability of pension systems. This study presents an integrated methodological approach that uniquely combines actuarial life-cycle modeling with agent-based simulation to assess the potential of Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a dual lever for enhancing retiree welfare and supporting pension system resilience under demographic and financial uncertainty. We explore Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a potential financial instrument to support retirees while alleviating pressure on public pensions. Unlike prior research that treats individual decisions or policy outcomes in isolation, our hybrid model explicitly captures feedback loops between household-level behavior and system-wide financial stability. To test our hypothesis that RMLs can improve individual consumption outcomes and bolster systemic solvency, we develop a hybrid model combining actuarial techniques and agent-based simulations, incorporating stochastic housing prices, longevity risk, regulatory capital requirements, and demographic shifts. This dual-framework enables a structured investigation of how micro-level financial decisions propagate through market dynamics, influencing solvency, pricing, and adoption trends. Our central hypothesis is that reverse mortgages, when actuarially calibrated and macroprudentially regulated, enhance individual financial well-being while preserving long-run solvency at the system level. Simulation results indicate that RMLs can improve consumption smoothing, raise expected utility for retirees, and contribute to long-term fiscal sustainability. Moreover, we introduce a dynamic regulatory mechanism that adjusts capital buffers based on evolving market and demographic conditions, enhancing system resilience. Our simulation design supports multi-scenario testing of financial robustness and policy outcomes, providing a transparent tool for stress-testing RML adoption at scale. These findings suggest that, when well-regulated, RMLs can serve as a viable supplement to traditional retirement financing. Rather than offering prescriptive guidance, this framework provides insights to policymakers, financial institutions, and regulators seeking to integrate RMLs into broader pension strategies. Full article

Elodea nuttallii is a significant submerged macrophyte utilized in shrimp and crab aquaculture, yet it exhibits low thermotolerance. This study investigated the physiological responses and transcriptomic characteristics of E. nuttallii under high-temperature stress (HTS). The results indicated that HTS significantly reduced the absolute growth rate (AGR) and photosynthetic efficiency of E. nuttallii while concurrently elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and concentrations of osmotic adjustment compounds. Furthermore, the apical segments of E. nuttallii demonstrated greater sensitivity to HTS compared to the middle segments. Under exposure to 35 °C and 40 °C, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA content, and osmotic adjustment compound levels were significantly higher in the apical segments than in the middle segments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 7526 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the apical segments at 35 °C, a number substantially exceeding that observed in the middle segments. Enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed significant upregulation of key metabolic regulators under HTS, including carbohydrate metabolism genes (HXK, FRK) and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis enzymes (4CL, COMT). This transcriptional reprogramming demonstrates E. nuttallii’s adaptive strategy of modulating carbon allocation and phenolic compound synthesis to mitigate thermal damage. Our findings not only elucidate novel thermotolerance mechanisms in aquatic plants but also provide candidate genetic targets (HXK, 4CL) for molecular breeding of heat-resilient cultivars through transcriptomic screening. Full article

SnRK kinases, central regulators of plant stress response, remain uncharacterized in Taxus—an ancient gymnosperm valued for paclitaxel production. This study aimed to identify the Taxus SnRK family and elucidate its functional roles. Specifically, we identified SnRK genes through genomic analysis and assessed tissue-specific expression via transcriptomics, while regulatory networks were deciphered using WGCNA. To overcome experimental constraints, a PEG-mediated protoplast transient expression system was developed using calli, followed by dual-luciferase assays. Consequently, 19 SnRK genes (2 SnRK1, 4 SnRK2, 13 SnRK3) were identified, with tissue-specific expression revealing TaSnRK1.2 upregulation under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and in stress-resilient tissues (bark/root). Subsequently, WGCNA uncovered a bark/root-specific module containing TaSnRK1.2 with predicted TF interactions (TaGRAS/TaERF). Critically, homologous dual-luciferase assays demonstrated TaSnRK1.2 activates TaGRAS and TaERF promoters (4.34-fold and 3.11-fold induction, respectively). This study establishes the Taxus SnRK family and identifies TaSnRK1.2 as a hub integrating stress signals (e.g., MeJA) to modulate downstream TF networks, while the novel protoplast system enables future functional studies in this medicinal plant. Full article

Stomata, highly specialized structures that evolved on the aerial surfaces of plants, play a crucial role in regulating hydration, mitigating the effects of abiotic stress. Stomatal lineage development involves a series of coordinated events, such as initiation, stem cell proliferation, and cell fate determination, ultimately leading to the differentiation of guard cells. While core transcriptional regulators and signaling pathways controlling stomatal cell division and fate determination have been characterized over the past twenty years, the molecular mechanisms linking stomatal development to dynamic environmental cues remain poorly understood. Therefore, stomatal development is considered an active and compelling frontier in plant biology research. On the one hand, this review aims to provide an understanding of the molecular networks governing stomatal ontogenesis, which relies on the activation and function of the transcription factors SPEECHLESS (SPCH), MUTE, and FAMA; the EPF–TMM and ERECTA receptor systems; and downstream MAPK signaling. On the other hand, it synthesizes current discoveries of how hormonal signaling pathways regulate stomatal development in response to environmental changes. As the climate crisis intensifies, the understanding of the complex interplay between stress stimuli and key factors regulating stomatal development may reveal key mechanisms that enhance plant resilience under adverse environmental conditions. Full article

Soil salinization constitutes a major constraint on global agricultural production, with marked divergence in salt adaptation strategies between salt-tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgare) and salt-sensitive rice (Oryza sativa). This study systematically investigated the evolution and functional specialization of the C3HC4-type RING zinc finger gene family, known to mediate abiotic stress responses through E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, in these contrasting cereal species. Through comparative genomics, we identified 123 HvC3HC4 genes and 90 OsC3HC4 genes, phylogenetically classified into four conserved subgroups. Differences in C3HC4 genes in phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, motif composition, gene duplication events, and cis-elements in the promoter region were observed between barley and rice. Moreover, HvC3HC4s in barley tissues preferentially adopted an energy-conserving strategy, which may be a key mechanism for barley’s higher salt tolerance. Additionally, we found that C3HC4 genes were evolutionarily conserved in salt-tolerant species. The current results reveal striking differences in salt tolerance between barley and rice mediated by the C3HC4 gene family and offer valuable insight for potential genetic engineering applications in improving crop resilience to salinity stress. Full article

Salmonella is one of the main causes of food-borne illness worldwide. In most cases, Salmonella contamination can be traced back to food processing plants and/or to cross-contamination during food preparation. To avoid food-borne diseases, food processing plants use sanitizers and biocidal to reduce bacterial contaminants below acceptable levels. Despite these preventive actions, Salmonella can survive and consequently affect human health. This study investigates the adaptive capacity of the main Salmonella enterica serotypes isolated from the poultry production line, focusing on their replication, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation under stressors such as acidic conditions, oxidative environment, and high osmolarity. Using growth curve analysis, crystal violet staining, and microscopy, we assessed replication, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance under acidic, oxidative, and osmotic stress conditions. Disinfectant tolerance was evaluated by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of sodium hypochlorite. The antibiotic resistance was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer method. The results indicate that, in general, acidic and osmotic stress reduce the growth of Salmonella. However, no significant differences were observed specifically for serotypes Infantis, Heidelberg, and Corvallis. The S. Infantis isolates were the strongest biofilm producers and showed the highest prevalence of multidrug resistance (71%). Interestingly, S. Infantis forming biofilms required up to 8-fold higher concentrations of sodium hypochlorite for eradication. Furthermore, osmotic and oxidative stress significantly induced biofilm production in industrial S. Infantis isolates compared to a reference strain. Understanding how Salmonella responds to industrial stressors is vital for designing strategies to control the proliferation of these highly adapted, multi-resistant pathogens. Full article

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are highly sensitive to cold, but grafting onto cold-tolerant rootstocks can enhance their low-temperature resilience. This study investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which exogenous vitamin C (Vc) mitigates cold stress in grafted cucumber seedlings. Using cucumber ‘Chiyu 505’ as the scion and pumpkin ‘Chuangfan No.1’ as the rootstock, seedlings were grafted using the whip grafting method. In the third true leaf expansion stage, seedlings were foliar sprayed with Vc at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L⁻¹. Three days after initial spraying, seedlings were subjected to cold stress (8 °C) for 3 days, with continued spraying. After that, morphological and physiological parameters were assessed. Results showed that 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc treatment was most impactive, significantly reducing the cold damage index while increasing the root-to-shoot ratio, root vitality, chlorophyll content, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT). Moreover, this treatment enhanced levels of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline compared to control. However, 200 mg L⁻¹ treatment elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating potential oxidative stress. For transcriptomic analysis, leaves from the 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc and CK treatments were sampled at 0, 1, 2, and 3 days of cold stress. Differential gene expression revealed that genes associated with photosynthesis (LHCA1), stress signal transduction (MYC2-1, MYC2-2, WRKY22, WRKY2), and antioxidant defense (SOD-1, SOD-2) were initially up-regulated and subsequently down-regulated, as validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, we found that the application of 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc enhanced cold tolerance in grafted cucumber seedlings by modulating gene expression networks related to photosynthesis, stress response, and the antioxidant defense system. This study provides a way for developing Vc biostimulants to enhance cold tolerance in grafted cucumbers, improving sustainable cultivation in low-temperature regions. Full article

Climate extremes threaten the resilience of Eucalyptus plantations, yet hybridization with drought-tolerant species may enhance stress tolerance. This study analyzed xylem anatomical and functional drought responses in commercial Eucalyptus grandis (GG) clones and hybrids: E. grandis × camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis × tereticornis (GT), and E. grandis × urophylla (GU1, GU2). We evaluated vessel traits (water transport), fibers (mechanical support), and wood density (D) in stems and branches. Theoretical stem hydraulic conductivity (k_Stheo), vessel lumen fraction (F), vessel composition (S), and associations with previous hydraulic and growth data were assessed. While general drought responses occurred, GC had the most distinct xylem profile. This may explain it having the highest performance in different irrigation conditions. Red gum hybrids (GC, GT) maintained k_Stheo under drought, with stable F and a narrower vessel size, especially in branches. Conversely, GG and GU2 reduced F and S; and stem k_Stheo declined for a similar F in these clones, indicating vascular reconfiguration aligning the stem with the branch xylem. Almost all clones increased D under drought in any organ, with the highest increase in red gum hybrids. These results reveal diverse anatomical adjustments to drought among clones, partially explaining their growth responses. Full article