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Sea barley is weedy grass in agricultural landscapes and infrastructure habitats (roads, railroads, etc.) in Golestan province (the northern part of Iran). This study investigated the germination of sea barley in response to temperature, water potentials, salinity, pH levels, waterlogging, heat stress and also seedling emergence in response to burial depth. Results showed that sea barley seeds germinated over a wide range of temperatures from 5 to 35 °C, with the highest germination at 25 °C. Seed germination was rapidly reduced with increasing osmotic potential so that germination declined by 36% at –0.2 MPa. This was also the case for the salinity stress, and germination declined by 30% at 40 mM NaCl. Seed germination was the highest (> 65%) in 6 to 7 pHs and no germination was observed at alkali levels. Heat stress completely inhibited the germination of seeds at all tested temperatures and durations. Sea barley seed germination was higher than 50% after being waterlogged for 45 days, and some germination (12%) still occurred 60 days after waterlogging. The highest seedling growth occurred at 1–2 cm soil depth and was negligible at ≥5 cm soil depths. The results of this study indicate that deep tillage or flamethrower may be good options to mitigate the negative impacts of this weed.
Two new associations of natural acid Norway spruce communities (the order Piceetalia abietis Pawłowski ex Pawłowski et al. 1928 nom. corr.) from Slovakia are introduced: Solidagini virgaureae-Piceetum abietis and Parido quadrifoliae-Piceetum abietis. Their original relevés and floristical characteristics are published as well as their differentiation against the most common acid Norway spruce community in the Central Europe – the association LophozioPiceetum abietis Volk in Braun-Blanquet et al. 1939 (syn.: Vaccinio myrtilli-Piceetum Šoltés 1976, Calamagrostio villosae-Piceetum auct. non Schlüter 1966). The distribution of hitherto known phytocoenological relevés of the two considered communities Solidagini virgaureaePiceetum and Parido quadrifoliae-Piceetum and the field experience indicate that their distribution within the Western Carpathians is bound to high mountain ranges (hochgebirge mountain ranges).
Using medicinal plants for healthcare practices in indigenous communities presents a chance to discover natural remedies. This study aims to provide a detailed account of the ethnoveterinary knowledge of medicinal plants utilized for therapeutic purposes. From December 2020 to December 2021, a field investigation was carried out within the Oulad Heriz tribes. Two hundred local farmers were interviewed using open-ended, semi-structured discussions, free listing and focus groups. A total of one hundred medicinal plants belonging to 87 genera and 33 families were discovered to be employed for ethnoveterinary purposes. Rosmarinus officinalis L. was the most frequently utilized ethnoveterinary plant species in the study area (70 citations). Leaves are shown to be the most commonly employed plant parts (55%). However, digestive disorders were the most often mentioned ailment (33 medicinal plants, 599 citations), and most herbal medicines were made by infusion (46.2%). According to the current investigation findings, local farmers in Oulad Heriz have continuous knowledge of ethnoveterinary plants. This ethnoveterinary medicinal heritage needs to be incorporated with contemporary medicine to use plants and their products as potentially viable medications for various cattle illnesses.
Abstract
Infectious diseases pose a formidable global challenge, compounded by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, researchers are actively exploring novel antimicrobial compounds as potential solutions. This endeavor underscores the pivotal role of methods employed for screening and evaluating antimicrobial activity—a critical step in discovery and characterization of antimicrobial agents. While traditional techniques such as well-diffusion, disk-diffusion, and broth-dilution are commonly utilized in antimicrobial assays, they may encounter limitations concerning reproducibility and speed. Additionally, a diverse array of antimicrobial assays including cross-streaking, poisoned-food, co-culture, time-kill kinetics, resazurin assay, bioautography, etc., are routinely employed in antimicrobial evaluations. Advanced techniques such as flow-cytometry, impedance analysis, and bioluminescent technique may offer rapid and sensitive results, providing deeper insights into the impact of antimicrobials on cellular integrity. However, their higher cost and limited accessibility in certain laboratory settings may present challenges. This article provides a comprehensive overview of assays designed to characterize antimicrobial activity, elucidating their underlying principles, protocols, advantages, and limitations. The primary objective is to enhance understanding of the methodologies designed for evaluating antimicrobial agents in our relentless battle against infectious diseases. By selecting the appropriate antimicrobial testing method, researchers can discern suitable conditions and streamline the identification of effective antimicrobial agents.
Abstract
The Giant Elm Bracket (Rigidoporus ulmarius) is a widely-distributed necrotrophic polypore species that causes white heart rot in deciduous trees. Despite its recognition as one of the largest species known for forming basidiomata, this perennial polypore had not been documented in Hungary. However, in recent years, two specimens macroscopically resembling this species were collected on old horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees from two different places in Hungary by amateur mycologists. In this study, subsequent morphological and molecular-genetic analyses of these fungal samples confirmed their identity as R. ulmarius. This study represents the first documented occurrence of this plant pathogenic polypore species in Hungary.
Abstract
The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), relies on multimodal sensory information to find food, mates, mating and ovipositional grounds. Successful phytosanitary monitoring demands for the bait for the field traps to obtain the most reliable representation of pest abundance. Attraction to light and blend of key components of host plant odor, was tested both in the laboratory and field conditions. Ultraviolet light, which was the most effective in the wind tunnel experiments, was further tested in the field alone and in combination with bisexual lure. Bisexual lure, being attractive in the lab, as well as in the field, did not improve responses to ultraviolet in both experimental designs. All three baits attracted significantly more females than males in the field. Wind tunnel experiments revealed that ultraviolet elicited the shortest response latencies either alone or paired with the odor bait. The lack of synergistic effect between attractive light and odor stimuli is an important issue for pest monitoring. The possible reasons for the observed lack of synergy are the hierarchy of behavioral responses to different stimuli or the intensities of both stimuli are critically important for attractivity of combined stimulus and differ from separately presented ones.
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect and mechanism of the total alkaloids of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DENA) against cholesterol esterase (CE). DENA was characterised by SEM, 1H NMR, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The inhibitory effect and mechanism of DENA against CE were investigated through fluorescence chromatography, circular dichroism, and molecular docking. DENA inhibited CE activity (IC50 = 1.08 ± 0.09 mg mL−1), characterised by a non-competitive inhibition mechanism. Furthermore, DENA induced a fluorescence quenching in CE, causing a blue shift in the λmax. This coincided with a transition in the secondary structure of CE from a layered to a helical structure by circular dichroism, indicating a significant reduction in its stability. Moreover, molecular docking confirmed that DENA binds to amino acid residues in the enzyme through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, leading to structural changes and reduced enzyme activity. These results suggest DENA has the potential to lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting CE activity.
Abstract
Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis and it is generally recognised as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The study aimed to determine the presence of nisin-resistant Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Listeria spp. in 157 raw milk and 125 cheese samples. As a result of the isolation procedure, a total of 282 bacterial strains were isolated. 83/282 strains showed resistance to 300 ppm nisin concentration and they were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The two most common species were Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. In both raw milk and cheese samples, nisin-resistant Listeria could not be detected. Generally, enterococci (59/65) showed higher biofilm formation ability than staphylococci (13/18). 38% (25/65) of enterococci and 88% (16/18) of staphylococci were determined to have protease activity in at least one of Skim Milk Agar, Casein Agar, or Milk Agar. In addition, the most common antibiotic resistance in nisin-resistant enterococci was against chloramphenicol. This study revealed that nisin-resistant staphylococci and enterococci are present in raw milk and cheese. In addition, the presence of some virulence factors such as biofilm production, protease activity, and antibiotic resistance in resistant isolates needs to be drawn attention to. Consumption of nisin-resistant microorganisms with virulence factors through food is a food safety risk.
Abstract
This study aimed to prepare water-in-oil-type gelled protein emulsions. Sorghum, chickpea, and barley proteins were extracted from the seed flours with an alkaline procedure, and 2% protein solutions were used as an aqueous phase with Span 20 emulsifier to create sunflower oil emulsion gels. Prepared gels were analysed for main physicochemical properties, polymorphism, and rheology. Results showed that stable emulsion gels were creamy-greenish in colour and had mechanical stability. They included β and β′ type fat crystals. Rheological analyses indicated that they were soft-gel-like preparates, having certain levels of structural recovery ability after shear. These emulsion gels could be spreadable-fat-like products or shortening alternatives in processed foods. They might provide an extra advantage due to plant protein content. Food application studies are anticipated in future studies.
Abstract
Abdominal pain has been rarely reported in individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The aim of this study was to determine the association between T. gondii infection and abdominal pain. Two hundred and ninety-nine patients with abdominal pain (cases) and 299 age- and gender-matched people without abdominal pain (controls) were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Twenty-four (8.0%) of the 299 cases and 12 (4.0%) of the 299 controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.02–4.25; P = 0.03). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in women with frequent abdominal pain than in women without this clinical feature (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.06–4.96; P = 0.02). Twelve (4.0%) of the 299 cases and 7 (2.3%) of the 299 controls had high (>150 IU mL−1) anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 0.67–4.49; P = 0.24). Seven (29.2%) of the 24 cases with anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and 3 (25.0%) of the 12 controls with anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were positive to anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.25–5.97; P = 1.00). Results suggest an association between T. gondii infection and frequent abdominal pain. Further research to confirm this association should be conducted.
