Stresses, Volume 3, Issue 1 (March 2023) – 28 articles

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

The proboscis extension response (PER) assay revealed the responsiveness of three subspecies of the honeybee Apis mellifera [A. m. jemenitica (AMJ), A. m. carnica (AMC), and A. m. ligustica (AML)] to water and different concentrations (0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 M) of three sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) during the summer and fall seasons. The tested bee subspecies showed significantly different PERs to sugar types across the seasons. The water responsiveness of AMJ, a native bee subspecies, was significantly lower than that of AMC and AML, which showed an equally higher water response in both seasons. During the summer season, AMJ and AMC were equally responsive to each sugar type at all tested concentrations. AML was relatively less responsive to glucose at 0.001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 M than to fructose and sucrose during the summer season. During the fall season, AMJ was equally responsive to glucose and sucrose at all tested concentrations but showed a significantly different response between fructose and sucrose at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 M concentrations. The PER of AMJ to fructose was lower than that of glucose and sucrose. AMC was equally responsive to all tested sugars at all concentrations, and AML showed a differential response between glucose and sucrose at different concentrations during the fall season. The inter-specific species comparisons revealed that all tested subspecies were equally responsive to fructose at all tested concentrations, and AMJ was more responsive to glucose and sucrose than AMC and AML during both seasons. AMC and AML showed no differences in PER to glucose and sucrose in either season. The AMJ, AMC, and AML nectar and pollen foragers showed no significant differences in PER to glucose and sucrose. The AMC nectar foragers were highly responsive to sucrose than pollen foragers at higher sucrose concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 M). The AML (nectar forager vs. pollen forgers) showed identical PER to sucrose and glucose but a higher response of nectar foragers to high glucose concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 M) than pollen foragers. For water responsiveness, AMJ nectar and pollen foragers showed similar PER to water, whereas AMC and AML pollen foragers were significantly more responsive to water than nectar foragers. Full article

From the data in our possession derived from the literature, it has been shown that men have a high risk and appear to have a specific higher risk of suffering from thromboembolism than women, regardless of age group. Furthermore, at present, this difference between the two sexes has not yet been justified by scientific evidence. Taking this evidence into account, this review was designed to find information in the literature that could be potentially useful and that is crucial to knowledge about the differences between men and women in the genesis of thromboembolic disease. The role of the constitutional and physical factors underlying the difference between the two sexes, the different habitual lifestyles, the role of sex hormones, and what happens in situations such as venous thromboembolism in the course of a neoplastic disease or in the case of pregnancy. We have also focused our efforts on correlating the gender differences between men and women in thromboembolic disease with the dysregulation of the metabolism and the activation of the inflammatory response that often underlies this pathology. Full article

We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected more than half a billion people, killing nearly 7 million people worldwide. Now various variants of SARS-CoV-2 are causing mayhem and driving the global surge. Epidemiologists are aware of the fact that this virus is capable of escaping immunity and likely to infect the same person multiple times despite adequate vaccination status. Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions who are considered high-risk are likely to suffer complications. While it is tempting to frame complications and mortality from COVID-19 as a simple matter of too much of a virulent virus in too weak of a host, much more is at play here. Framing the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in the context of the Chrousos and Gold model of the stress response system can shed insight into its complex pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms of pharmacologic modification of the sympathetic and hypothalamic response system via administration of clonidine and/or dexamethasone may offer an explanation as to why a viral pathogen can be well tolerated and cleared by one host while inflaming and killing another. Full article

Nitrogen (N) is essential for sustaining life on Earth and plays a vital role in plant growth and thus agricultural production. The excessive use of N fertilizers not only harms the economy, but also the environment. In the context of the environmental impacts caused by agriculture, global maize improvement programs aim to develop cultivars with high N-use efficiency (NUE) to reduce the use of N fertilizers. Since N is highly mobile in plants, NUE is related to numerous little-known morphophysiological and molecular mechanisms. In this review paper we present an overview of the morpho-physiological adaptations of shoot and root, molecular mechanisms involved in plant response to low nitrogen environment, and the genetic effects involved in the control of key traits for NUE. Some studies show that the efficiency of cultivars growing under low N is related to deep root architecture, more lateral roots (LR), and sparser branching of LR, resulting in lower metabolic costs. The NUE cultivars also exhibit more efficient photosynthesis, which affects plant growth under suboptimal nitrogen conditions. In this sense, obtaining superior genotypes for NUE can be achieved with the exploitation of heterosis, as non-additive effects are more important in the expression of traits associated with NUE. Full article

Acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, mainly affects the vulnerable population, especially those with comorbidities, such as pregnant women. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to cause multiple manifestations, one of which is preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, uric acid is excessively produced in the ischemic placenta and is released into circulation by placental reperfusion. Another effect of uric acid is oxidative stress with the production of oxygen free radicals associated with severe preeclampsia and fetal hypoxia. In our case report, we present the situation of a 38-year-old pregnant woman who developed preeclampsia after infection with SARS-CoV-2 with rapid evolution and an increased level of uric acid. We discuss the option of Allopurinol treatment in the third trimester of pregnancy instead of premature birth, with excellent benefits for both the mother and newborn. Additional clinical correlations between antioxidant treatment with Allopurinol and placental findings are needed. Full article

Pesticides leaching and run-off to nearby freshwater sources are a major ecological concern. The emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds led to the increased usage of fomesafen, a diphenyl ether herbicide inhibiting protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). This recent rise in demand and use for this molecule invariably increases the chance of this herbicide entering freshwater environments and affecting non-target organisms. However, there is still a lack of information in the literature regarding the impact of this herbicide on the physiology of freshwater phytoplankton. This study aimed to determine the impact of five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 40, 320 µg · L⁻¹) of a fomesafen-based herbicide (Reflex^®) on the physiology of two species of green microalgae (Raphidocelis subcapitata FACHB-271; Chlamydomonas snowii) and one cyanobacterial species (Microcystis aeruginosa CPCC 632). While physiological biomarkers (growth, photosynthesis, pigment content, oxidative stress and morphology) of R. subcapitata were significantly affected by the fomesafen treatments, no significant effects were observed in the physiology of C. snowii and M. aeruginosa. We hypothesize that this difference in fomesafen resistance is most likely due to intracellular morphological and genetic differences between species. Modeling of fomesafen uptake in R. subcapitata showed that alteration of cell biovolume is unlikely to be an efficient mechanism modulating fomesafen toxicity and that potential fomesafen efflux or breakdown would need to be very fast (and operate at a high energy cost) in order to protect against uptake and toxicity. This study provides new insights into the sensitivity of different algae species toward fomesafen as well as the associated cellular toxicity mechanisms. Full article

Hypoxic stress, caused by the low cellular oxygen in the events of flooding or waterlogging, limits crop productivity in many regions of the world. Hypoxic stress in plants is often dynamic and followed by a reoxygenation process that returns the oxygen level to normal. Although metabolic responses to hypoxia have been studied in many plants, less is known about the recovery processes following stress removal. To better understand the dynamic metabolic shift from a low-oxygen environment to a reoxygenated environment, we performed time-course measurements of metabolites in Arabidopsis seedlings at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h of reoxygenation recovery after 24 h of hypoxia stress (100% N₂ environment). Among the 80 metabolic features characterized using GC-MS, 60% of them were significantly changed under hypoxia. The reoxygenation phase was accompanied by progressively fewer metabolic changes. Only 26% significantly changed metabolic features by the 24 h reoxygenation. Hypoxia-induced metabolic changes returned to normal levels at different speeds. For example, hypoxia-induced accumulation of lactate decreased to a basal level after 6 h of reoxygenation, whereas hypoxia-induced accumulation of alanine and GABA showed partial recovery after 24 h of reoxygenation. Some metabolites, such as gluconate, xylose, guanine, and adenosine, constantly increased during hypoxia reoxygenation. These dynamic metabolic changes demonstrate the flexibility and complexity of plant metabolism during hypoxia stress and subsequent reoxygenation recovery. Full article

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels can impact plant photosynthesis and productivity and threaten food security, especially when combined with additional environmental stressors. This study addresses the effects of elevated CO₂ in combination with low nutrient supply on Lemna minor (common duckweed). We quantified plant growth rate and nutritional quality (protein content) and evaluated whether any adverse effects of elevated CO₂, low nutrients, or the combination of the two could be mitigated by plant-microbe interaction. Plants were grown under controlled conditions and were either uninoculated or inoculated with microorganisms from a local pond that supported L. minor populations. Under low nutrients in combination with high CO₂, growth (plant area expansion rate) decreased and biomass accumulation increased, albeit with lower nutritional quality (lower percentage of protein per plant biomass). Inoculation with plant-associated microorganisms restored area expansion rate and further stimulated biomass accumulation while supporting a high protein-to-biomass ratio and, thus, a high nutritional quality. These findings indicate that plant-microbe interaction can support a higher nutritional quality of plant biomass under elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels, an important finding for both human and non-human consumers during a time of rapid environmental change. Full article

(1) Background: Chronic psychosocial stress can lead to oral dysesthesia with tongue pain. We examined whether psychosocial stress causes orofacial pain, and analyzed the comprehensive gene expression patterns of circulating cells and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) expression in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in a mouse model of psychosocial stress. (2) Methods: Mice were divided into two groups: one group was kept in confrontational housing, and the other group was kept in single housing. Blood, adrenal gland, and tongue were collected. The head withdrawal threshold (HWT) of mechanical stimulation to the whisker pad skin was measured. TRPA1-positive TG neurons were immunohistochemically examined. DNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. (3) Results: The HWT was significantly lower in mice under the psychosocial stress condition compared to non-stressed mice. In stress-loaded mice, the number of TRPA1-positive TG neurons was significantly increased. Moreover, we showed that trace amine-associated receptor 7f expression was upregulated in circulating cells in blood and downregulated in the tongue. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicated that chronic psychosocial stress induced the orofacial mechanical allodynia through enhancement of TRPA1 expression in TG neurons with changes in the levels of trace amine-associated receptor 7f. Full article

The intensive global use of glyphosate has led to the evolution of glyphosate resistant (GR) weed species, including the economically damaging horseweed (Conyza sumatrensis). We evaluated the glyphosate resistance mechanisms of C. sumatrensis. While 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase activity was similar between the glyphosate resistant (GR) and nonresistant biotypes, plants from the GR population accumulated lower shikimate levels than susceptible ones, suggesting the absence of target-site resistance mechanisms. Decreases over time in glyphosate concentrations in GR leaves were not accompanied by increases in glyphosate concentrations in their stem and roots, indicating lower glyphosate distribution rates in GR plants. The early appearance of aminomethylphosphonic acid (the main glyphosate metabolite) in leaves, as well as its presence only in the stems and roots of GR plants, suggests faster glyphosate metabolism in GR plants than in susceptible ones. GR plants treated with glyphosate also showed greater antioxidant (ascorbate peroxidase [APX] and catalase [CAT]) and cytochrome P450-enzyme activities, indicating their great capacity to avoid glyphosate-induced oxidative stress. Three non-target mechanisms (reduced glyphosate translocation, increased metabolism, and increased antioxidant activity) therefore confer glyphosate resistance in C. sumatrensis plants. This is the first time that APX, CAT and P450-enzyme activities are related to GR in C. sumatrensis. Full article

The morphological plasticity of plant roots is a key factor in their ability to tolerate a wide range of edaphic stresses. There are many unanswered questions relating to nanotechnology and its potential uses for sustainable agriculture. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of salinity-induced morphogenic responses and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on root characteristics, growth, MDA content, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and root ion accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in a hydroponic culture containing 50 mg/L of ZnO-NPs and different concentrations (60, 80, and 100 mM) of NaCl for 14 days. The results indicated a decrease in rice root growth due to exposure to salinity (length, fresh, and root dry weight). The results showed that salinity caused a reduction in rice root growth (length, fresh, and root dry weight). Higher root sodium (Na⁺) accumulation, MDA content, and potassium level decreased with increasing salinity. Root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root K⁺ content, and root antioxidant enzymatic activity were all enhanced by applying 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs often in salinity. SEM analysis revealed that ZnO-NPs treatments significantly improved root morphology. There was a notable decrease in root Na⁺ content as a result, which improved the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in the rice’s root system. These findings suggest that O. sativa, when treated with ZnO-NPs, can thrive under salt-stress conditions, opening up the possibility of cultivating the plant in extreme climates. Full article

Food production and global economic stability are being threatened by climate change. The increment of drought episodes and the increase of soil salinization are major problems for agriculture worldwide. Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa), as a resilient crop, is capable of growth in harsh environments due to its versatility and adaptive capacity. Quinoa is classified as an extremophile crop, tolerant to salinity, drought and low temperature. Furthermore, quinoa is recognized as a pseudo-cereal with outstanding nutritional properties. The phytohormone ABA is a key regulator of physiological responses to salinity and drought, among others stressful conditions. In this article we want to revise recent discoveries regarding ABA perception and signaling in quinoa, and evaluate its implications on stress-tolerance breeding of this pseudocereal and other crops. Full article

Solid-based residues (SBRs) of Cordyceps militaris are often considered as waste after the cultivation of the fruiting body. To demonstrate the value of this by-product, different ratios of two favorable green solvents (EtOH and water) were employed to optimize the yields of cordycepin (Cor) and adenosine (Ado) and investigate relevant activities of plant growth inhibition (allelopathy), antioxidants, and xanthine oxidase. The SBR extracts of 60% EtOH-40% water (W4) and 40% EtOH-60% water (W6) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity as well as yielded the optimum content of Cor and Ado. The W4 and Wt (hot water) exhibited maximum inhibitory effects on the growth of Raphanus sativus (radish), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and two noxious weeds, Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass) and Bidens pilosa (beggarticks). Furthermore, GC-MS scan analysis revealed the presence of 14 major compounds in the SBRs. W4 is the best solvent to optimize yields of Cor and Ado, as well as having the strongest levels of antioxidant activity, xanthine oxidase, and growth-inhibitory activity. This study reveals that SBRs are a potential source of medicinal and agricultural utilization. Full article

The role of sedation in patients with acute respiratory failure in the intensive care unit is crucial for improving the adaptation to mechanical ventilation, avoiding lung injury, and reducing stress related to the over-stimulated sympathetic tone. The drug class alpha 2 agonists, alone or in synergic association, can help the clinician achieve these goals. Understanding the principles of pharmacology and applying them to the alpha 2 agonists, clonidine and dexmedetomidine, can lead to different pharmaceutical choices to adapt various sedative approaches to the different stages of acute respiratory failure. A scheme is proposed using these two drugs as a pharmacological continuation for an early weaning and recovery from the intensive care unit. Full article