Seed quality is a critical factor in ensuring successful germination and uniform crop development. However, the relationship between metal stress in maternal plants and the agronomic quality of their seeds remains debated. In this study, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants and their associated rhizosphere soils were sampled along visible gradients of copper (Cu) phytotoxicity in two areas historically affected by Cu mining in Russia. Soils at the study sites were classified as Calcic Chernozem (Aric) in the Orenburg Region and Phaeozem (Albic) in the Republic of Tatarstan. Total soil Cu concentrations reached up to approximately 4500 mg/kg. Concentrations of other elements were comparable to background levels, indicating Cu-dominated contamination. Our results show that Cu contamination reduced barley shoot dry weight and the number of seeds per plant. Yes, the agronomic quality of first-generation seeds, assessed through germination and radicle length, was not significantly affected by Cu stress in maternal plants. Although the initial hypothesis was not supported, these findings contribute to a more complete understanding of plant responses to metal stress. Reporting such outcomes is essential for accurately representing the range of responses in contaminated agricultural systems.
Bythinella Moquin-Tandon, 1856 is a well-known and widespread genera in Balkans. Two Bythinella species have been known so far in Kosovo (Bythinella drimica alba Radoman, 1976 and Bythinella istoka Glöer and Pešić, 2014). In this study one new species is being described (Bythinella aulonae n.sp.) and new locality record is provided for Bythinella opaca from Accursed mountains national park in Kosovo. B. opaca is first record for the Kosovian fauna, the species was known before from the Western Balkan Peninsula countries; Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Serbia in Western Balkan Peninsula. Molecular data analyses based on sequencing of DNA barcoding fragment of mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI). COI barcodes obtained from 17 specimens were processed and validated using ONT barcoder, aligned with GenBank sequences, and subjected to phylogenetic analyses in MEGA. Additionally, species compared with morphological description of Bythinella drimica alba, Bythinella istoka and some other Western Balkan Bythinella species.
Spermatogenesis occurs in distinct stages defined by specific cellular associations and morphological features. Periodic Acid Schiff-hematoxylin staining (PAS-H) is the most commonly used methodology in defining the exact stage of the seminiferous epithelium according to the development of the acrosome along with the morphology of the spermatids. However, identification of different spermatogenic cell types based solely on morphological features using PAS-H is problematic mainly due to undesirable and in some cases inevitable background staining. To date, various approaches such as Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry have been used to circumvent such shortcomings of the PAS-H staining. In an attempt to provide another antibody-based approach for the staging of the spermatogenic cycle, we aimed in the current study to demonstrate the expression of p53, p63, and p73 in mouse spermatids throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Cells expressing p53, p63, and p73 were determined by immunohistochemistry. The PAS-H method was used to determine the cycle of spermatogenesis. The results of the current study demonstrate that only the expression of p73 is confined to the acrosome in round and/or elongated spermatids throughout the spermatogenic cycle from stage I to stage XII. Most importantly, the expression of p73 in the acrosome closely mimics PAS positivity. The distinct and novel expression of p73 throughout the ontogeny of the acrosome in round and elongated spermatids can be used as a specific marker for accurate staging of the seminiferous epithelium in mice.
The nun moth (Lymantria monacha) is widespread throughout Eurasia and frequently experiences outbreaks. Significant increases in L. monacha numbers were repeatedly recorded in the Leningrad Oblast and adjacent regions until the mid-20th century. No outbreaks of this pest have occurred in subsequent years. In contrast, increasing population density has been observed in Scandinavian countries and Estonia. To assess the spread of L. monacha, moths were collected in 2023 and 2024 in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Oblast, and the northern parts of the Pskov and Novgorod oblasts. Unitrap and pheromones produced in Russia (VNIIKR) and USA were used. Species identification was determined using genitalia. The highest capture rates were observed in 2023, as two pheromones were used simultaneously—those of the nun moth and the spongy moth. In 2024, only one pheromone was used one targeting the spongy moth. The number of L. monacha collected was approximately half that. A total of approximately 1500 specimens, exclusively males, were collected. The most intense flight of moths occurred in the third ten-day period of July. Traps located in or near pine forests was caught the largest number of individuals: 150 or more per trap in the northern part of the Leningrad Region (Karelian Isthmus); 85 in the Pskov Region. Overall, population density is relatively low; low-density pine forests support a stable population of nun moths.
Nine isolates of Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltNPV) collected from different provinces of the Mekong Delta were evaluated for their pathogenicity against S. litura larvae under laboratory conditions. Each isolate was propagated in vivo, and standardized suspensions were used to assess larval mortality across early instars. All isolates were infectious, but virulence varied notably among them. The most potent isolates, SpltNPV-AG, SpltNPV-HG, and SpltNPV-CT, showed significantly lower LC50 values and faster kill times, particularly in first and second-instar larvae. In contrast, isolates such as SpltNPV-ST and SpltNPV-TG exhibited reduced infectivity, requiring higher viral concentrations for comparable mortality. Larval susceptibility decreased markedly with age, with fourth instars showing the lowest infection rates across all isolates. No additional pathogens were detected during assays, allowing clear comparison of viral performance. These results indicate that virulence differences among SpltNPV isolates are substantial and that early-instar targeting is essential for adequate control. The high-performing isolates identified in this study provide promising candidates for development into region-specific biopesticides to manage S. litura populations in the Mekong Delta.
The biological system is an invaluable reservoir of a wide array of bioactive compounds, which exhibit an impressive capacity to enhance and modulate defensive mechanisms in various organisms. Among the threats faced by plants is Xanthomonas campestris, a notorious soil-borne Gram-negative bacterium known for its role in causing a range of detrimental plant diseases, such as unsightly leaf spots and devastating blights. This virulent pathogen typically gains entry into plants through injuries or natural openings, where it wreaks havoc on normal physiological processes by secreting harmful extracellular polysaccharides and enzymes. In the battle against such aggressive pathogens, medicinal herbs stand out for their environmentally sustainable approaches to protection and recovery. One such noteworthy plant is Boerhavia diffusa, renowned for its rich variety of phytochemicals, which have shown significant effectiveness in combating an array of pathogens, including those as formidable as Xanthomonas campestris. This paper delves into the intricate protective interactions of Boerhavia diffusa against Xanthomonas campestris, utilizing advanced molecular docking studies to provide a detailed analysis using CB Dock 2 platform. By meticulously examining the interaction potency of the diverse phytochemicals found in Boerhavia diffusa, this study seeks to unravel the complex mechanisms that enable this medicinal herb to effectively manage and mitigate the threats posed by pathogenic organisms in agricultural systems. This study shows special emphasis on the interaction of newly discovered pathogenic proteins of Xanthomonas campestris with the plant. Through this research, we aim to shed light on the valuable contributions of Boerhavia diffusa to sustainable agriculture and its potential role in enhancing plant health.
To assess the racial identity of Apis mellifera in the Armenian Highlands due to the importance of local adaptations for sustainable beekeeping and to understand the evolution of eastern bee lineages in the Caucasus ecoregion, the genetic diversity of the bee mtDNA CO1 locus was studied. The identified haplotypes were compared with known haplotypes of Apis mellifera caucasiсa, Apis mellifera anatoliaca, Apis mellifera meda, and Apis mellifera syriaca from different regions. The haplotypes of bees from the Armenian Highlands correspond to those of A. m. caucasica. Of the 14 newly described haplotypes, eight, including three unique haplotypes, belong to bees from Armenia. To study the morphological diversity of the bee samples, wing indices were examined: cubital index, hantel index, and discoidal shift, as well as phenotypes based on abdominal color. The same coefficient was observed for the cubital index for both spring and autumn samples. Minor differences were revealed for the hantel index between the samples. In terms of discoidal shift, neutral shift predominates, with the proportion of positive shift increasing in spring and negative shift increasing in autumn. Significant differences in the proportion of abdominal color phenotypes were revealed between individual specimens. The dark phenotype is more characteristic of spring samples, while the yellow phenotype is more characteristic of autumn samples. A. m. caucasiсa from the Armenian Highlands apiaries is polymorphic in wing indices and abdominal color, and in the CO1 gene locus of mtDNA, it is close to the haplotype of the A. m. meda and A. m. anatoliaca races. The data obtained for the divergence of the A. m. caucasica lineage in the Caucasus-Iranian region, based on mtDNA CO1 analysis, is 381 000 years, with the youngest haplotypes emerging approximately 150 000 years ago. The widespread distribution of the H2 haplotype in A. m. caucasica suggests the possibility of using bees of this haplotype from other regions for sustainable beekeeping and the restoration of the bee population in the Armenian Highlands.
The study investigated the genotoxicity of thiram on Allium root tip cells and Drosophila somatic wing cells. In the Allium test, onion root tips were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/L concentrations of the fungicide for 24 h. After exposure, root tip preparations were analyzed to determine the Mitotic Index (MI) and Chromosome Aberrations (CA). In the wing spot assay, 72 ± 4 h transheterozygous larvae obtained from mwh males and flr3 virgin females were exposed to 0.0005, 0.001 and 0.002 g/L concentrations of fungicide. Clone induction frequencies and wing trichomes were assessed from preparations obtained from the wings of developed flies. The results of the Allium test indicated a statistically significant decrease in MI and an increase in aberration rates with increasing Thiram concentrations compared to the negative control. Thiram was found to induce irregularities, disorientation, stickiness, and vagrant-type chromosomal aberrations in Allium root tip cells. The wing spot assay results indicated a concentration depend on increase in clone induction frequencies, with a statistically significant increase small single type clones at 0.002 g/L. These findings suggest that Thiram may have harmful effects on both plant and animal systems. Therefore, careful consideration in the use of thiram in agricultural practices is important for the health of ecosystems and living organisms.
Western blot is a conventional method for the detection of proteins using specific antibodies and several experimental steps. Expression analysis of transmembrane proteins such as ABCB1 and ATP1A1 by Western blot is challenging due to target protein-specific variations in experimental procedures. The standard denaturation temperature for proteins (95°C and 5 min) interfered with the detection of ABCB1 and ATP1A1 proteins. The aim of the study was to determine the denaturation of ABCB1 and ATP1A1 proteins in HepG2 cells by Western blot at different temperatures and durations and to optimize the denaturation temperature for the best results. In addition to transmembrane proteins, phospho-AMPK-α proteins in the nucleus and cytoplasm were also analyzed. Initially, 70°C (3–10 min) was used as the lower temperature to optimize denaturation. The protein bands of ATP1A1 reached an optimal level for Western blot analysis. However, there was no change in ABCB1. The study found that optimal denaturation of transmembrane proteins occurs at ambient or cold temperatures, while higher temperatures may lead to protein aggregation or loss. We propose to consider the denaturation of transmembrane proteins at ambient and cold temperatures, although each protein needs to be confirmed separately in different cell types.
The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius), is a major pest of legume vegetables including French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and can cause significant yield losses if left unmanaged. However, there is limited data on its oviposition behaviour across different cropping cycles and plant strata as are influenced by weather conditions and plant strata by food availability. This study investigated the oviposition patterns of M. vitrata in five cropping cycles (C1–C5) and three vertical plant strata (60, 90, and 120 cm) of P. vulgaris by egg abundance in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia and examined their relationships with recorded rainfall data. Larval abundance was also monitored to complement the oviposition data. Weekly rainfall and humidity data were also recorded for each cycle. French bean flowers were collected from nine planting beds (22 planting points per bed), dissected under a stereomicroscope, and the number of M. vitrata eggs was counted. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results showed no significant difference in the number of eggs oviposited between cropping cycles (p = 0.853), although the highest egg count (235.7 ± 44.6) occurred during the cycle with the lowest rainfall (94.4 mm), and the lowest egg count (185.1 ± 90.5) during the cycle with the highest rainfall (307.4 mm). In contrast, egg numbers differed significantly between plant strata. The number of larvae also varied significantly between cycles (p = 0.01). Additionally, the parasitoids Triclistus aitikini and Therophilus javanus were recorded in the three crop cycles, with no significant difference in their occurrence across cycles (p = 0.56), but a significant difference between strata (p = 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of managing plant height or supporting structures to reduce M. vitrata infestation effectively.
This study presents 50 nm silica nanoparticles doped with Mn2+ ions and modified with denatured bovine serum albumin (BSA-Mn@SNs), which exhibit high MRI contrast. The effects of these nanoparticles on mouse mortality and behavior were studied for 72 h following injection of aqueous colloids at varying concentrations into the tail vein of mice. The nanoparticle concentration was varied to achieve the maximum recommended manganese concentrations for use in commercial Mn-containing contrast agents, as well as to address the known limitation of silica nanoparticles associated with mouse mortality. It was found that mice exposed to high doses of nanoparticles (up to 1 g/kg) showed no mortality over a 3-day period, despite the nanoparticles’ ability to penetrate liver and kidney cells. This was visualized using HR-TEM of liver and kidney cells in corresponding tissue samples obtained from mice euthanized 6 and 72 h after nanoparticle injection. Specifically, it was found that the nanoparticles had the most significant damaging effect on renal tubular epithelial cells.
Growing environmental concerns and the desire for healthy food options are increasing consumer demand for sustainable and novel food sources. Marine macroalgae emerge as a promising candidate due to their rich nutritional profile including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and antioxidants. In our study, biochemical contents (total proteins, total carbohydrates, total phenolic contents, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyl-b, and total carotenoids), antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Ulva lactuca, Phyllophora crispa, Ceramium virgatum and Laurencia obtusa species collected from Black Sea coasts were evaluated. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found significantly higher in P. crispa, while total carbohydrate (34.2
This study aimed to investigate the bioactive and functional properties of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) seeds, an important commercial and nutritional crop in Türkiye, at different stages of maturity (August and September). For this purpose, the fatty acid composition (GC-MS), total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP), and antimicrobial potential of the seeds were evaluated. The results showed that the crude oil content significantly increased during maturation and reached its highest level in September (47.65
Abiotic stressors such as heat and drought are major limiting factors in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, particularly during germination and early seedling development. In this study, we evaluated—for the first time—the effects of karrikin 1 (KAR1), a compound isolated from plant-derived smoke water, on seed germination performance and stress-responsive gene expression in the heat- and drought-sensitive tomato cultivar ‘Celebrity’ under combined abiotic stress conditions. Smoke water was prepared following the method described in the literature, and KAR1 was subsequently purified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) through a commercial service provider to obtain a highly pure compound. Tomato seeds were divided into four treatment groups: control (G1), KAR1 pre-treatment (G2), stress without KAR1 (G3), and KAR1 pre-treatment under stress (G4). While germination rate and germination speed index (GSI) were significantly reduced under stress, pre-treatment with smoke-derived KAR1 notably improved both parameters under adverse conditions. Gene expression analysis revealed strong up-regulation of key antioxidant and transcription factor genes (CAT, SOD, SlWRKY31, ERF84, and NHX1) in response to stress, which was moderated by KAR1, indicating a priming effect. These findings suggest that KAR1 derived from plant smoke water can enhance early seedling performance and modulate molecular responses under abiotic stress, presenting a promising strategy for improving crop resilience in the face of climate change.
The Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is listed under the CITES and CMS conventions. Two distinct subspecies highlight: S. tatarica tatarica in Kazakhstan and Russia and S. tatarica mongolica in western Mongolia, isolated by the Altai Mountains. However, Saiga’s classification still controversial whether they are subspecies or separate species? Therefore, it is essential to clarify their genetic differentiation—particularly to determine whether the Mongolian Saiga represents a genetically distinct group. To address this, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (COI and CR) and eight microsatellite markers to compare nuclear genetic variation. Our phylogenetic and haplotype analyses based on mtDNA control region sequences suggest that the Mongolian Saiga is genetically separated from other populations, whereas COI sequences showed limited differentiation. In contrast, microsatellite-based STRUCTURE analysis (K = 2) revealed clear genetic differentiation between the Mongolian and other Saiga populations. These results support the recognition of the Mongolian Saiga as a genetically different subspecies potentially requiring specific conservation strategies.
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure has been demonstrated to induce permanent damage to the nervous system, attributable to its toxic effect on the neuronal system and its inhibitory effect on acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Quercetin, a flavonoid found in numerous plant sources, has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and possesses the capacity to repair cellular damage. The present study sought to investigate the neurotoxicity that developed due to CPF exposure in SH-SY5Y cells and the changes in cellular functions such as DNA damage, apoptosis, and autophagy. It was observed that CPF increased DNA damage and induced apoptosis and autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells, while quercetin reversed this effect at low doses. The study determined that the lipophilic structure of quercetin, in addition to its capacity to block AChE activity at high doses by affecting membrane stability, hindered its ability to reverse cellular damage and counteract CPF neurotoxicity. The findings revealed that the combination of low doses of CPF and quercetin led to the suppression of DNA tail, caspase-3, and LC3B gene expression in cells, accompanied by an enhancement in cell viability. Consequently, the quantity of quercetin present in nutrients and the dosages to be ingested as supplements are pivotal for the restoration of cellular functions in reducing the damage that develops in the neuronal system due to CPF exposure.
Plant opal particles, known as phytoliths, play a significant role in taxonomic research, and their long-term preservation in sediments makes them a valuable tool for reconstructing ancient plant communities and understanding past plant–human interactions. To strengthen species-level reference data for such applications, this study characterizes the silica content and phytolith assemblages of selected Asteraceae species. Phytolith extraction and silica content estimation were done using the dry ashing method, and morphotypes were identified following International Code for Phytolith Nomenclature (ICPN)-2 guidelines. Results showed that Anthemis cotula and Bellis perennis had the highest silica content, followed by Inula racemosa, Saussurea costus, and Artemisia absinthium. Each species exhibited distinct dominant phytolith morphotypes, including ACUTE in A. cotula, TRAPEZIFORM in B. perennis, ELONGATE ENTIRE in A. absinthium, BLOCKY in I. racemosa and ELONGATE FACETED in S. costus. The presence of diagnostic phytolith morphotypes at higher frequency highlights the potential of phytolith profiling as a reliable tool for species identification and for enriching reference datasets used in taxonomic and paleoecological research. Furthermore, the comparatively high silica content in A. cotula and B. perennis suggests that silica accumulation may contribute to the invasive tendencies of these species, a possibility that demands further investigation.
Tropical montane species, which often have narrow climatic niches and high rates of endemism, face a significant risk of extinction due to climate change. A typical case is Pinus krempfii Lecomte (Pinaceae), a flat-leaved pine endemic to the Central Highlands of Vietnam. This species is not only evolutionarily distinct and a keystone in its ecosystem, but it is also highly vulnerable to human activities. To guide its conservation, an ensemble species distribution model (EM) was used to project how its range will shift in response to climate change. The EM combined five algorithms (GAM, GLM, MaxEnt, RF, SVM) with 50 occurrence records and 12 environmental predictors, and achieved high simulation accuracy (AUC = 0.985, TSS = 0.939). It identified altitude as the most critical factor, followed by precipitation seasonality (BIO15) and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO08). Currently, suitable habitat covers approximately 3040.96 km2, primarily located in the border region of Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa provinces, with Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong province at its core. Looking forward, projections across multiple climate scenarios (SSPs 1-2.6, 2-4.5, 3-7.0, 5-8.5) indicate that the distribution centroid is shifting northeastward and upward. By 2090, under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, this shift could exceed 180 m in altitude. While some habitats may expand at the edges, we anticipate a net loss overall, with the 2050s being a particularly critical period. The extent of stable climate refugia depends heavily on the emissions pathway, shrinking dramatically under high-emission scenarios. Our findings highlight the severe threat to P. krempfii from climate-driven range contraction and spatial shifts that outpace its natural dispersal. To ensure its long-term survival, we recommend taking urgent actions, such as protecting identified refugia, creating ecological corridors, and exploring assisted migration, while emphasising that global climate mitigation remains crucial.
New microcloning techniques were developed and tested in order to propagate valuable cultivars (cv) of Vaccinium vitis-idaea (‘Red Pearl,’ ‘Koralle’) and Oxycoccus macrocarpus (‘Early Black,’ ‘Crowley’) plants. Sterile cultures were obtained and propagated. It was shown that sterilization with 0.1
Spartium junceum L. has been traditionally used in folk medicine, and recent studies suggest it may possess significant biological activities. However, its potential antibacterial, anticancer, and genoprotective properties require further scientific validation. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer activities of methanol extracts of S. junceum, and to assess its protective effects against genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage. The methanol extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The most pronounced effects were observed against Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus durans, with inhibition zones of 8.0 ± 0 and 8.5 ± 0.5 mm at 800 mg/mL, respectively. MIC values ranged from 100 to 400 mg/mL, particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis. In anticancer assays using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, the extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with an estimated LD50 between 400 and 600 ppm. High concentrations induced necrosis, while lower doses-maintained cell viability. The Allium cepa root assay confirmed its protective effects against CuSO4-induced toxicity, showing improved mitotic index and reduced chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, the extract does not show protective effect against hydroxyl radical-induced damage to supercoiled DNA in a plasmid relaxation assay. Spartium junceum methanol extract demonstrates promising antibacterial and anticancer activities. These findings support its potential application in the development of novel therapeutic agents.
