Abstract Thymus bovei is one of the most well-known medicinal plants in Jordan. Due to the growing demand and limited availability of planting material, it is important to establish an effective protocol for the in vitro propagation of T. bmg/ovei. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to develop a novel in vitro propagation protocol for T. bovei by examining the influence of nanoparticles on its propagation. Microshoots were cultivated in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with benzylaminopurine (BA), or in MS medium without any growth regulators, then both treatments were supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles: silica celite (SiO2), copper oxide (CuO), and silica−copper oxide (SiO2CuO), for a five-week growth period. The maximum multiplication rate of T. bovei (7.3 shoots/explants) was achieved from microshoots proliferated on MS medium augmented with 1.5 to 2.0 mg L−1 BA and 5.0 mg L−1 SiO2CuO. T. bovei extracts were derived from different plant tissue sources; plants from the field (ex vitro plants), plants cultured in vitro on MS medium (in vitro plants), plants cultured in vitro on MS medium with nanoparticles (nano-plant), and plants cultured in vitro on MS medium with nanoparticles and BA hormone (nano-BA-plant) using acetone, ethanol, and methanol solvents. Then, the antibacterial activity of all plant extracts was tested against Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts of T. bovei from both ex vitro and in vitro sources exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria in a varied degree of inhibition zone diameter, ranging from 1.1 to 3.9 cm. The highest inhibition zone was recorded in Salmonella sp. in response to acetone and ethanol nano-plant extract (3.3 cm and 3.9 cm respectively), which was comparable to the positive control meropenem (3.4 cm). S. aureus and B. subitilis exhibited high sensitivity to all plant extracts. While antimicrobial activity against E. coli was reported in response to T. bovei extracts from acetone in vitro plants, methanol and ethanol nano-plant. Consequently, this study showed that SiO2 and CuO nanoparticles in MS media gave a positive effect on shoot growth of T. bovei in in vitro culture, and highlighted the antibacterial activity of ex vitro plants, in vitro T. bovei extracts.
Abstract This article presents the results of research on the productive and incubation indicators of ducks from the mother flock of the “Kyzylzhar”, “Cherry Valley”, and “Ansar” crosses at the “Bishkulskaya poultry farm” LLP in the northern region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main factor hindering the development of duck farming in Kazakhstan is the lack of breeding and selection work. The intensive technology of industrial duck farming and housing involves maintaining and improving the breeding and productive qualities of the birds, as well as the specialized lines and promising breeds. The improvement of existing crosses and the development of new ones is a continuous breeding process. The incubation and productive qualities of ducks of three crosses were evaluated in the northern region of Kazakhstan. The indicators characterizing the reproductive and economically important traits of ducks adapted to the climatic conditions of the region were established. The obtained data allow for targeted selection to create and preserve highly productive poultry capable of efficient egg and meat production, adapted to both industrial and farm conditions. The analysis of our research results demonstrates that purposeful breeding work with the “Ansar” cross ducks ensures a stable annual improvement in their productive and reproductive characteristics. In particular, the “Ansar” ducks significantly outperform the “Kyzylzhar” cross, demonstrating a higher live weight (by 689.8 g) and a higher hatchability rate (by 7.3%). Taking into account that the heterosis effect is directly related to genetic differences, we propose using combinations of crossing “Ansar 1” with “Cherry Valley 2” and “Ansar 2” with “Cherry Valley 1”. Our data indicate that these pairs have greater genetic divergence compared to the “Kyzylzhar” cross lines, which opens up opportunities for achieving more pronounced heterosis and, consequently, improving productive traits.
Abstract Induced resistance has an advantage over constitutive resistance, as the plant’s resources are used for defense only when attack by herbivorous insects occurs. In this study we evaluated the induced resistance of twelve bean genotypes to Chrysodeixis includens. Larval feeding preference was evaluated using dual-choice and no-choice bioassays, employing foliar discs to quantify larval distribution and tissue damage. Biological performance was measured through nutritional indices (relative consumption rate and relative growth rate). All tests compared undamaged plants with plants previously damaged by C. includens. Analysis of the data showed induced resistance in the following genotypes: BRS Sublime (non-preference), IAC 1850 (non-preference), Pérola (non-preference and growth inhibition), IAC Sintonia (Nova seleção) (non-preference and growth inhibition), BRS FC 402 (non-preference and growth inhibition) and ANFC 9 (growth inhibition). To our knowledge, this is the first report of herbivory-induced resistance in these cultivars against C. includens. These findings provide valuable insights for identifying bean materials with induced-resistance capacity against C. includens herbivory.
Abstract Piper anisum (Spreng.) Angely is an aromatic species native to Brazil, traditionally used for ritualistic purposes and in folk medicine for its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compile and integrate available scientific evidence regarding the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of P. anisum. An narrative review was conducted across electronic databases (Embase, SciELO, LILACS, CAPES, and MedLine) with no language or time restrictions, resulting in the selection of 10 relevant studies. Phytochemical investigations identified a high yield of essential oil in leaves (2.0%), predominantly composed of 1-butyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene (up to 99% depending on the season). Roots are characterized by alcamide-type metabolites, including piperine and various aristolactams. Preclinical pharmacological studies provided supporting evidence for its traditional use, demonstrating significant local anesthetic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models. Additionally, extracts showed selective antifungal activity against Candida albicans and cytotoxic potential against several human tumour cell lines (MCF-7, HCT116, HepG2, and HL-60). Piper anisum possesses a diverse chemical profile and broad biological potential, confirming its ethnopharmacological relevance and highlighting it as a promising source for the development of new bioactive compounds.
Abstract Plastics are used in the composition of various types of packaging but exhibit high resistance to degradation. Fungi play an important role in polymer degradation because they produce extracellular enzymes responsible for their biodegradation. The objective of this study was to select fungi isolated from Amazonian soils with the potential to biodegrade PET plastic. The fungi were isolated from contaminated soil on a lipase selective medium and identified by the microculture technique. Enzymatic production was evaluated by the formation of degradation halos, phenol red precipitation, or changes in the color of the culture medium. The biodegradation experiment was conducted in liquid medium containing 0.5 g of PET, with treatments consisting of Aspergillus tubingensis (4.1218), Penicillium ludwigii (4.1229), Penicillium sp. (4.1132), Fusarium oxysporum (4.1087), a coculture treatment, and a control group. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey test. A total of 127 fungi were isolated and grouped into 33 morphospecies belonging to the genera Aspergillus (36.04%), Penicillium (31.53%), Trichoderma (16.22%), Cunninghamella (4.5%), Fusarium (1.8%), Curvularia (1.8%), Acremonium (0.9%), and sterile mycelium (7.21%). Lipase activity was detected in P. ludwigii (4.1229), cutinase in Penicillium (4.1132), protease in A. tubingensis (4.1218), and peroxidase in F. oxysporum (4.1087) and Curvularia (4.1178). Fungi positive for more than one enzyme were identified by molecular methods. In the biodegradation assay, weight loss values were 3.19% for P. ludwigii (4.1229), 3.01% for the coculture treatment, 2.79% for Penicillium sp. (4.1132), 2.78% for A. tubingensis, 2.62% for F. oxysporum (4.1087), and 0.69% for the control. Optical density values were 1.38 for Penicillium sp. (4.1132), 0.79 for A. tubingensis, 0.61 for F. oxysporum, 0.63 for P. ludwigii, 0.92 for the coculture treatment, and 0.08 for the control. Thus, fungi isolated from contaminated soils can be applied in biotechnological strategies to promote the biodegradation of plastic waste.
Abstract Toona sinensisleaves are a potential source of bioactive compounds, yet the combined effects of tree age and extraction solvent on their phytochemical and biological properties remain unclear. This study evaluated extract yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of leaves from 16-, 27-, and 34-year-old trees extracted with water and 30%, 70%, or 96% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, while α-glucosidase inhibition was determined using a p-NPG-based in vitro method. Extract yield increased with tree age but decreased with increasing ethanol concentration, with the highest yield obtained from 34-year-old leaves extracted with 30% ethanol (19.48%). In contrast, TPC, TFC, TTC, DPPH, and FRAP increased with tree age and ethanol concentration. The highest TPC (392.29 mg GAE/g extract), TFC (84.46 mg QE/g extract), TTC (24.30%), DPPH capacity (1,130.26 µmol TE/g extract), and FRAP activity (837.94 µmol TE/g extract) were obtained from 34-year-old leaves extracted with 96% ethanol. The highest percentage inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed in 27-year-old leaves extracted with 96% ethanol (96.79%). However, IC50 analysis identified the 34-year-old–96% ethanol extract as the most potent plant extract (7.30 ± 1.80 µg/mL), whereas acarbose showed an IC50 value of 0.63 ± 0.03 µg/mL. Multivariate analysis distinguished the 34-year-old–96% ethanol extract by its high phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity, whereas the 27-year-old–96% ethanol extract was more closely associated with percentage α-glucosidase inhibition. These findings show that tree age and ethanol concentration should be selected according to the targeted functional property.
Abstract Lignin is the most important component of plant cell walls; however, the complexity of its structure hampers the processing of lignocellulosic raw materials. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of copper ions (Cu2+) on plant biomass processing. During the research, pure cultures of microorganisms were isolated from plant waste, three of which (Aspergillus spelaeus 02, Aspergillus niger 04, Cladosporium cladosporioides 016) were selected for solid-state fermentation with straw as a model example of plant raw material. The efficiency of microorganisms and the effect of copper ions (1 mM CuSO4) on their fermentation systems were evaluated using three independent parameters: free sugar content, total residual nitrogen content, and phenolic compounds. Comparative analysis was performed with a control sample without copper ion addition. The results obtained demonstrated species-specific effects of copper. For C. cladosporioides 016_Cu2+, an increase in all degradation parameters was observed: phenols increased by 36%, nitrogen by 58%, glucose by 69%. Conversely, for A. spelaeus 02_Cu2+ and A. niger 04_Cu2+, all parameters decreased: phenol content decreased by 38% and 14%, nitrogen content decreased by 47% and 45%, respectively. An important indicator is cellulose preservation: for C. cladosporioides 016_Cu2+, cellulose loss was 71.3%, whereas for A. spelaeus 02_Cu2+ and A. niger 04_Cu2+ it was 85.8% and 77.8% respectively. The results demonstrate species-specific effects of Cu2+ on the ligninolytic activity of fungi. The strain C. cladosporioides 016 showed high potential for biotechnological application in plant waste processing.
Abstract Fungi, particularly the edible mushrooms, are recognized as efficient producers of hydrolytic enzymes playing an essential role in various industrial processes, including food, beverage, leather, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its promising biotechnological potential, the enzymatic capacity of Pleurotus eryngii remains largely unexplored. Thus, this study investigated the production of hydrolytic enzymes by P. eryngii DPUA 1816 using purple-skinned sweet potato as a substrate under submerged fermentation. The fungus was grown in different culture media containing purple-skinned sweet potato under constant stirring at 150 rpm at 25 °C for 15 days. The enzymatic activities in the fermented broths were determined using specific substrates: p-nitrophenyl palmitate (lipases), starch 1% (amylases), carboxymethylcellulose 1% (cellulases), xylan 1% (xylanases), polygalacturonic acid 1% (pectinases) and azocasein 1% (proteases). The results showed the presence of hydrolytic enzymes, with highest proteolytic activity (60.84 U mL−1), followed by pectinolytic activity (8.78 U mL−1). Moderate activities were obtained for amylases, cellulases and lipases, with maximum means of 0.94 U mL−1, 0.86 U mL−1 and 1.38 U mL−1, respectively, and lower activity for xylanolytic enzymes (0.03 U mL−1). The findings suggest that cultivation of P. eryngii on purple-skinned sweet potato represents a promising and sustainable strategy to produce hydrolytic enzymes with potential biotechnological applications.
Abstract The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the main pests of corn crops, causing significant damage to plants and yield losses. Control of this pest is predominantly achieved through synthetic insecticides, the continuous use of which can lead to environmental contamination and the emergence of pest populations resistant to their active ingredients. Therefore, this study evaluated the performance of a wood-vinegar-based product (SDfender) combined with the insecticide methomyl for fall armyworm control and increased maize yield. Additionally, the SDfender's production parameters were assessed. To assess product quality, the absence of contaminants and the chemical profile of its organic fraction were evaluated by instrumental techniques. Different doses of the combination were evaluated for defoliation levels, control efficacy, and grain yield. The results demonstrated that the combination of methomyl and SDfender potentiated the control of S. frugiperda, reducing plant defoliation and increasing productivity. The application of 1.0 L ha−1 of the insecticide methomyl, combined with 3.0 or 4.0 L ha−1 of commercial SDfender, proved an excellent strategy for controlling the fall armyworm in corn crops, consistently outperforming methomyl alone. SDfender is manufactured to stable physical and chemical properties and a consistent chemical composition. This ensures that, over time, the product can be purchased by corn growers and applied to their crops with the same expected performance.
Abstract Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production in Latin America is severely affected by cacao frosty pod rot disease caused by Moniliophthora roreri. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of plant extracts and mineral compounds on the sporulation of Moniliophthora roreri. The pathogen was isolated from symptomatic fruits collected from cacao plots in the Bigote and Canchaque river sub-basins in Piura, Peru. Isolates were cultured on PDA medium supplemented with tetracycline and incubated at 28 °C for 3 days, followed by purification using monohyphal cultures. Identification was based on morphological characteristics and pathogenicity tests in healthy fruits inoculated with a suspension of 1 × 104 conidia mL−1. Thirteen plant extracts and mineral compounds, in addition to a control, were evaluated on infected cacao discs. The experiment was established under a completely randomized design with 14 treatments and 4 replicates. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons with Benjamini-Hochberg correction (P ≤ 0.05). Morphological characteristics and pathogenicity tests were consistent with the presence of M. roreri in Criollo Blanco cacao pods from the evaluated area. Pathogenicity manifested at seven days with necrotic lesions and abundant sporulation at 21 days. The lowest sporulation severity values were recorded with Origanum vulgare and 3% urea, both at 0.0 ± 0.0%, while coffee ash extract, lime, and uric acid showed 2.25 ± 0.75%. The results suggest that these compounds could represent potential alternatives for integrated management programs for cacao frosty pod rot disease.
Abstract Paullinieae is a tribe of Sapindaceae that includes several genera of climbing plants widely distributed in Brazil. Despite their ecological and taxonomic relevance, the anatomical features of nodes, petioles, and midveins remain poorly explored as diagnostic characters. In this study, we analyzed the nodal structure and leaf anatomy of representative species of Cardiospermum, Paullinia, Serjania, and Urvillea, and compared them with Allophylus edulis, a former member of Paullinieae with an arboreal habit. Samples were collected from branches and processed for light microscopy. The species of Paullinieae investigated showed lobed stems with epidermis, cortex, and a sclerenchymatous sheath surrounding the vascular cylinder. Three species exhibited cambial variants, whereas Allophylus edulis lacked both sclerenchyma sheath and cambial variant. Nodal structure varied among taxa: Paullinia elegans had a unilacunar node, while most other species exhibited trilacunar nodes with three leaf traces. Petiole shape and vascular organization differed among genera, providing useful taxonomic characters. Midvein anatomy also showed diagnostic features, such as the presence and composition of the sclerenchymatous sheath and the number of vascular bundles. These findings demonstrate that nodal and leaf anatomical traits are valuable tools for distinguishing species within Paullinieae and contribute to a better understanding of their taxonomy and phylogeny.
Abstract A comprehensive study of the morphological, anatomical, and ecological characteristics of six Eremurus M. Bieb. species (E. robustus, E. tianschanicus, E. fuscus, E. cristatus, E. inderiensis, and E. anisopterus) was conducted in the Almaty Region and the Northern Tien Shan. The study aimed to identify interspecific differences and adaptive traits formed under arid and mountainous environmental conditions. Field material was collected during expeditions in 2025. For each species, 10 individuals from natural populations were examined, and at least 30 quantitative measurements were performed for each morphological and anatomical trait. Morphological analysis revealed considerable variability in plant habitus, leaf morphology, inflorescence architecture, and the dimensions of the perianth and fruits. Fruit diameter (M ± SD) was analyzed as a reproductive morphological trait with potential taxonomic relevance.One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated a statistically significant effect of the factor “species” on plant height, leaf width, perianth length, and fruit diameter, confirming their diagnostic and adaptive significance. All studied species exhibit pronounced xeromorphic features, including a single-layered epidermis with a well-developed cuticle, sunken stomata, differentiated mesophyll, and water-storage cells. Quantitative anatomical parameters vary considerably among species. The most pronounced xeromorphic and water-accumulating traits were recorded in E. anisopterus and E. inderiensis, which inhabit sandy and highly arid environments. The novelty of the study lies in the first integrated comparative morpho-anatomical assessment of six co-occurring Eremurus species in southeastern Kazakhstan, demonstrating the ecological and taxonomic significance of anatomical traits in arid mountain ecosystems. The practical significance of the study lies in the identification of diagnostic morpho-anatomical traits that can be used for species identification, ecological assessment, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning of Eremurus species in arid and mountain ecosystems of southeastern Kazakhstan.
Abstract Studies on fish diversity in peat swamp waters using direct capture methods are often hindered by limited accessibility, high water turbidity, and complex habitat structures, frequently resulting in underrepresentative data. To address these challenges, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region using MiFish universal primers has emerged as a robust alternative, capable of detecting species that are difficult to observe directly, including rare, cryptic, or extremophilic species inhabiting harsh physicochemical conditions such as peat swamp waters. In this study, we employed eDNA metabarcoding (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) to characterize the species composition and community diversity of fish in the peat swamp waters of East Kalimantan. A total of 29 fish species, spanning 7 orders and 16 families, were identified across three sampling areas: Sabintulung, Muara Kaman, and Tuana Tuha. The species exhibiting the highest individual relative read abundance values were Helostoma temminckii (32.62%), Thynnichthys polylepis (27.69%), Trichopodus pectoralis (23.60%), and Channa striata (21.94%), each representing their relative contribution within their respective sampling profiles. Alpha (α) diversity indices indicated that the highest levels of diversity and evenness were located at the Muara Kaman station, whereas the Tuana Tuha station, situated along the Belayan River flow, exhibited the lowest diversity. Furthermore, beta (β) diversity analysis revealed a significant similarity in fish community structure between the Muara Kaman and Tuana Tuha stations. These findings demonstrate that eDNA technology is a highly effective tool for detecting fish species composition and diversity in East Kalimantan’s peat swamp waters, offering significant potential for long-term biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.
Abstract This study investigates consumer perceptions and behaviors concerning plastic packaging, focusing on demographic factors, shopping habits, Purchasing Considerations and Influences, Reasons for Choosing Plastic Packaging, Importance of Plastic Packaging Features and health and environmental impacts. A survey was conducted with 400 participants, distributed from December 2023 to October 2024 using Google Forms via online links and social medians and email. The results reveal a significant awareness of the negative effects of plastic, yet many consumers still prioritize convenience, cost, and brand loyalty when purchasing plastic-packaged products. Participants indicated that quality and brand were the most significant factors influencing their choices regarding plastic food packaging, followed by appearance, preservation Single-use and recycling. The most frequently cited advantage was ease of transport or opening, followed by cost-effectiveness, visibility of the product, and protection and hygiene. Many respondents assigned very low importance ratings to several plastic packaging features. Concerns about health and environmental impacts were widespread, with many participants agreeing that chemicals from plastic can transfer to food and that plastic waste poses significant ecological risks. These findings underscore the need for educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic, aligning with initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. By addressing these concerns and promoting sustainable alternatives, the study contributes to discussions on responsible consumer behavior in the context of environmental stewardship.
Abstract Composting mixtures of urban organic waste and treated domestic sewage sludge has increasingly been adopted to recycle nutrients and reduce fertilizer dependency in agriculture. However, the microbiological safety of these materials remains insufficiently explored, particularly regarding the occurrence and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study investigated the occurrence and phenotypic profiles of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Enterobacterales isolated from compost produced from organic fractions of municipal solid waste and treated domestic sewage sludge. A total of 74 isolates were identified, including Klebsiella spp. (n = 36) and Escherichia coli (n = 17). Among these isolates, 64.9% were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), whereas none met the criteria for extensively drug-resistant or pandrug-resistant phenotypes. The highest resistance rates were observed for cephalosporins (68.9%), aminoglycosides (55.4%), and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (48.7%). These findings demonstrate that composted biosolids can harbor diverse populations of MDR Enterobacterales even after treatment processes. The results highlight composted biosolids as potential environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance and provide baseline microbiological data for future investigations on resistance persistence in waste-derived organic amendments.
Abstract This study aimed to conduct a floristic survey of aquatic and palustrine plants and to assess environmental impacts in two municipalities of the Baixada Maranhense. Between January and August 2024, we recorded 99 species, distributed in 68 genera and 39 families. We report the first records of Wolffiella neotropica and Luziola subintegra for Northeastern Brazil, Euploca lagoensis for Maranhão, eight new records for the Amazon region of Maranhão, and three for the Baixada Maranhense. Cyperaceae, Onagraceae, and Poaceae had the highest species richness (8 spp. each), followed by Fabaceae (7 spp.). Ludwigia and Cyperus were the most diverse genera (8 and 6 spp., respectively). Palustrine (58 spp.) and emergent (9 spp.) life forms predominated. Floating life forms comprised seven free-floating and seven rooted-floating species. The most widespread impacts were fires, irregular waste disposal, and urban expansion. Inventories are essential in poorly studied wetlands, as they contribute to understanding environmental dynamics and support biodiversity conservation.
Abstract The objective of this study was to establish regional grain yield benchmarks for chia (Salvia hispanica L.) cultivated in sandy soils of northwestern Paraná State, Brazil, through the integration of results obtained from field experiments conducted between 2015 and 2019 under different management strategies. Data were compiled from four independent studies evaluating nitrogen fertilization, phosphorus fertilization, sowing dates and the residual effect of fertilization applied to the preceding bean crop. Grain yield data were organized and analyzed to characterize the productive potential of chia under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. Chia grain yield ranged from 113 to 1,546 kg ha−1, with an average yield of 842 kg ha−1. The highest yields were obtained in experiments involving phosphorus fertilization and residual nutrient availability, exceeding 1,400 kg ha−1. In contrast, delayed sowing markedly reduced crop performance, resulting in yields as low as 113 kg ha−1. The results indicate that soil fertility and sowing date are the main factors affecting chia grain yield in northwestern Paraná. Under favorable management conditions, the crop showed a yield potential greater than 1,500 kg ha−1. These findings provide important regional grain yield references and contribute to the development of management strategies aimed at expanding chia cultivation in southern Brazil.
Abstract This pilot study evaluated net CO2 production in suspended-growth biofloc bioreactors operated under controlled laboratory conditions. The objective was to assess how nominal substrate C:N ratios affect net CO2 production and to evaluate whether carbon input management can improve the resource efficiency of biofloc systems within a circular economy framework. The laboratory setup included three 600 L biofloc bioreactors operated simultaneously at nominal substrate C:N ratios of 6:1, 9:1, and 12:1. CO2 concentration in the outlet gas was continuously monitored using NDIR sensors, and net CO2 production was calculated as the difference between outlet and inlet CO2 flows. Water quality parameters, including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and ammonium (NH4+), were monitored during the experiment. Molasses was used as an external organic carbon source, and NH4Cl was used to standardize nitrogen input. The results showed that the nominal substrate C:N ratio affected both the intensity and temporal stability of net CO2 production. Under the tested laboratory conditions, the 9:1 treatment showed the best compromise between CO2 production intensity and temporal stability, whereas the 12:1 treatment produced the highest peak followed by a stronger decline. These results indicate the potential of suspended-growth biofloc bioreactors as a biogenic CO2 source, although practical application requires further testing and complete carbon and nitrogen mass balances.
Abstract Riparian vegetation plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating ecological processes in the Pantanal, one of the most dynamic ecosystems and one of the most sensitive to seasonal hydrological fluctuations. This study assessed the alpha and beta diversity of a riparian area located in the Sesc Pantanal Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Sesc Pantanal) through phytosociological parameters, diversity indices, spatial dispersion patterns, and floristic similarity among six sampling plots. A total of 170 individuals were recorded, distributed across 19 species and 12 families. Alpha diversity showed values consistent with those reported for riparian formations in the Pantanal (H’ = 2.48 and J’ = 0.84), with Fabaceae standing out as the most representative family. The rarefaction curve and the Chao1 estimator (22 species) indicated sampling sufficiency and a low number of undetected species. Beta diversity was high, with low overall floristic similarity among plots, as evidenced by clusters formed only at lower similarity levels—approximately 20% in the Bray–Curtis index and 44% in the Sørensen index. Only plots P1 and P2 showed higher similarity, while P5 stood out due to its greater dissimilarity. The results indicate a structurally stable and functionally preserved vegetation, primarily influenced by local hydrological variations, reinforcing the relevance of the RPPN Sesc Pantanal for flora conservation and for monitoring environmental changes in the Northern Pantanal.
Abstract The Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is a glycoprotein that belongs to the transforming growth factor-β family and is known for its crucial roles in embryonic development and cellular differentiation. Attempts to produce recombinant MIS using bacterial and yeast expression systems have faced challenges, including insufficient post-translational modifications and low expression efficiency. In this study, the MIS gene was successfully cloned into the pBacPAK8 transfer vector and expressed using the Bombyx mori baculovirus - insect cell expression system. Co-transfection of BMN1 insect cells with the recombinant plasmid and baculoviral DNA led to the successful generation of recombinant baculoviruses. Sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses of lysates from infected cells confirmed the expression of a ~70 kDa MIS protein with significant antigenicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the recombinant production of human MIS protein using the B. mori baculovirus system. This expression platform provides a promising approach for synthesizing structurally complex human proteins and lays the groundwork for future research and biomedical applications.
