Genome-Wide Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Genes in Daucus carota: Novel Insights Into Structure, Expression, and Binding Interaction With Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Under Abiotic Stress Condition.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins are important antioxidant enzymes that help plants to grow, develop, and respond to a variety of abiotic stressors. SOD gene family has been identified in a number of plant species but not yet in Daucus carota. A total of 9 DcSOD genes, comprising 2 FeSODs, 2 MnSODs, and 5 Cu/ZnSODs, are identified in the complete genome of D. carota, which are dispersed in five out of nine chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, SOD proteins from D. carota were categorized into two main classes (Cu/ZnSODs and MnFeSODs). It was predicted that members of the same subgroups have the same subcellular location. The phylogenetic analysis was further validated by sequence motifs, exon-intron structure, and 3D protein structures, with each subgroup having a similar gene and protein structure. Cis-regulatory elements responsive to abiotic stresses were identified in the promoter region, which may contribute to their differential expression. Based on RNA-seq data, tissue-specific expression revealed that DcCSD2 had higher expression in both xylem and phloem. Moreover, DcCSD2 was differentially expressed in dark stress. All SOD genes were subjected to qPCR analysis after cold, heat, salt, or drought stress imposition. SODs are antioxidants and play a critical role in removing reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). DcSODs were docked with H2O2 to evaluate their binding. The findings of this study will serve as a basis for further functional insights into the DcSOD gene family.

Evaluation of Green Super Rice Lines for Agronomic and Physiological Traits under Salinity Stress.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important staple food crop worldwide, especially in east and southeast Asia. About one-third of rice cultivated area is under saline soil, either natural saline soils or irrigation with brackish water. Salinity stress is among the devastating abiotic stresses that not only affect rice growth and crop productivity but also limit its cultivation area globally. Plants adopt multiple tolerance mechanisms at the morphological, physiological, and biochemical levels to tackle salinity stress. To identify these tolerance mechanisms, this study was carried out under both a controlled glass house as well as natural saline field conditions using 22 green super rice (GSR) lines along with two local varieties ("IRRI 6 and Kissan Basmati"). Several morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters along with stress-responsive genes were used as evaluation criteria under normal and salinity stress conditions. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggested that shoot-related parameters and the salt susceptible index (SSI) can be used for the identification of salt-tolerant genotypes. Based on Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster (AHC) analysis, two saline-tolerant ("S19 and S20") and saline-susceptible ("S3 and S24") lines were selected for further molecular evaluation. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed, and results showed that expression of 1-5-phosphoribosyl -5-5-phosphoribosyl amino methylidene amino imidazole-4-carboxamide isomerase, DNA repair protein recA, and peptide transporter PTR2 related genes were upregulated in salt-tolerant genotypes, suggesting their potential role in salinity tolerance. However, additional validation using reverse genetics approaches will further confirm their specific role in salt tolerance. Identified saline-tolerant lines in this study will be useful genetic resources for future salinity breeding programs.

Natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals for lung diseases: Traditional significance, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections like influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and pneumonia lung cancer (LC) are common causes of sickness and death worldwide due to their remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions, and inaccessible health care facilities. PURPOSE: Many drugs have already been proposed for the treatment of lung diseases. Few of them are in clinical trials and have the potential to cure infectious diseases. Plant extracts or herbal products have been extensively used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurveda. Moreover, it has been involved in the inhibition of certain genes/protiens effects to promote regulation of signaling pathways. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven with remarkable bioactivities and are considered a cheap and safe source for lung disease. METHODS: This comprehensive review highlighted the literature about traditional plants and their metabolites with their applications for the treatment of lung diseases through experimental models in humans. Natural drugs information and mode of mechanism have been studied through the literature retrieved by Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus and Medline PubMed resources against lung diseases. RESULTS: In vitro, in vivo and computational studies have been explained for natural metabolites derived from plants (like flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids) against different types of lung diseases. Probiotics have also been biologically active therapeutics against cancer, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, antiviral, and antioxidants associated with lung diseases. CONCLUSION: The results of the mentioned natural metabolites repurposed for different lung diseases especially for SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated more by advance computational applications, experimental models in the biological system, also need to be validated by clinical trials so that we may be able to retrieve potential drugs for most challenging lung diseases especially SARS-CoV-2.

Chlorophyll fluorescence and grain filling characteristic of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in response to nitrogen application level.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to understand the influence of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters on yield of winter wheat in some areas of China. Nitrogen (N) application is believed to improve photosynthesis in flag leaf ultimately increase final yield. METHODS AND RESULTS: To understand the response of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of wheat, flag leaf and the effect of N fertilization was carried out at booting stage under greenhouse during year 2018-2019 using winter wheat cultivar "Yunhan-20410' 'Yunhan-618". The results showed that the maximum chlorophyll content of flag leaves occurred at booting stage. Under, Yunhan-20410 condition, maximum photochemical quantum efficiency (FV/Fm), potential activity (ΦPSII), potential activity of PSII (FV/FO), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qp) showed "high-low" variation, and the maximum values were observed between May 4 and May 12. However, Yunhan-20410 showed FV/Fm, FV/FO, and qp showed "low-high-low" curve at booting stage. Compared to Yunhan-618, Yunhan-20410 at booting stage significantly decreased FV/Fm, FV/FO, qp, and ΦPSII (P<0.05), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The outcome of present investigation suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence parameters could be valuable insight to understand yield stability under stress condition. Moreover, the investigated parameters could be useful criteria for selection of genotypes under varying nitrogen application levels.

Protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract against oxidative stress, inflammation, depression, and apoptosis in a mouse model of hepatic encephalopathy.

The present study aimed to assess the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anti-depression impacts of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanolic extract (MOLE) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of CCl4-induced hepatic encephalopathy mouse model. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect marker compounds: rutin and ß-sitosterol. Animals were divided into four groups: vehicle group, CCl4-treated group, MOLE-treated group, and (CCl4 + MOLE) group treated with MOLE for 14 days before CCl4-induced neurotoxicity. MOLE decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, corticosterone, and ammonia levels in serum and improved the antioxidant status of CCl4-treated mice in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. It reduced the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR2, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes and the protein levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. MOLE also attenuated apoptosis, as revealed by the reduced expression of caspase3, and prevented histological deterioration. Furthermore, MOLE attenuated CCl4-induced anxiety and depression-like behavioral changes. Collectively, MOLE modulates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, TLR4/2-MyD88/NF-κB signaling, and apoptosis in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the hepatic encephalopathy experimental model.

The diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen section biopsy for diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) sampling is important for evaluating the nodal stage of breast cancer when the axillary nodes are clinically free of metastasis. The intraoperative frozen section (IFS) of SLN is used for lymph node assessment. This meta-analysis aims to provide evidence about the diagnostic accuracy and the applicability of IFS of SLN in breast cancer patients. Data were collected by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases for trials matching our eligibility criteria. The statistical analysis included the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and pooled studies' diagnostic odds ratio outcomes. The analyses were conducted using the Open Meta-analyst software. This meta-analysis pooled the results of 110 studies. The overall sensitivity of IFS for SLN metastasis was 74.7%; 95% CI [72.0, 77.2], P < 0.001. It was 31.4% 95% CI [25.2, 38.3], P < 0.001 for the micro-metastasis, and 90.2%; 95% CI [86.5, 93.0], P < 0.001 for the macro-metastasis. The overall specificity was 99.4%; 95% CI [99.2, 99.6], P < 0.001. The overall positive likelihood ratio was 121.4; 95% CI [87.9, 167.6], P < 0.001, and the overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.226; 95% CI [0.186, 0.274], P < 0.001. The overall diagnostic odds ratio of IFS for diagnosing SLN metastasis was 569.5; 95% CI [404.2, 802.4], P < 0.001. The intraoperative frozen section of SLN has good sensitivity for diagnosing breast cancer macro-metastasis. However, the sensitivity is low for micro-metastasis. The specificity is very satisfactory.

The possible effects of α-tocopherol against amiodarone-treated lungs in rats: vimentin detection, lipid peroxidation assay, and histological and ultrastructural evaluations.

The purpose of this study was to learn more about the pathogenesis of amiodarone (AD) on alveoli and also the possible preventive effect of α-tocopherol (α-T) against these hazards. Rats were divided into 4 groups, one of which acted as a control, the second received α-T, the third AD, and the fourth AD and α-T for 2 weeks. Light microscopy (LM), immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity were analyzed in sections of lung tissue. Alveoli of lung tissue AD examined with LM showed dilatation of alveolar spaces, aggregation of red blood cells, and narrowing of alveolar septa. When stained with vimentin (VIM), alveoli showed a positive reaction in the majority and a moderate reaction in others. In the pneumocytes of the type II, some cytoplasmic vesicles had been deflated, whereas others contained lamellar bodies, a damaged nucleus, and vesicles in their heterochromatin. In the interstitial space, collagen fibers with aggregation of red blood cells and a disrupted blood-air barrier were detected. In rat lung alveoli treated with AD and α-T, the alveolar septum thickened and the alveolar spaces expanded as estimated. The alveoli of this group had more or less intact type I and II pneumocytes and a better appearance of the blood-air barrier. In the cells of the alveolar lining, the VIM staining leads to a diffuse positive response. Finally, lung parenchyma also improved, suggesting that α-T may help minimize the effects of AD.

The effectiveness of vitamin C on quinalphos ileal toxicity: a study of histological, ultrastructural, and oxidative stress markers.

There is a significant hazard of human exposure to the organophosphates which is a constant threat, and they are responsible for numerous cases of poisoning and mammalian toxicity annually in non-target wildlife. The antioxidants, including the vitamin C (Vit C), have a protective effect on some organophosphorus compounds-induced organ damage. Quinalphos (QP) is one of these compounds. The investigation's objective is to see if there was any effect of QP on the rat ileum which could be rectified by using Vit C. Three groups of 24 animals were created. As a control, the first group was given pure water. Second group subjected to oral gavages of QPs. Third group rats were given oral gavages of Vit C plus QPs for 10 days. The reaction of ileal enterocytes to food-borne QPs was marked by poorly organized microvilli, numerous vacuoles within them, disrupted nuclei with chromatin margination, disoriented mitochondria, and an expanded intercellular space. The absorptive columnar cell illustrated many vacuoles inside with herniation of microvilli, and normal goblet cells were also seen. Many Paneth cells towards the lumen of intestinal gland contained secretory granules of different sizes and shapes. The histological architecture of the ileal mucosa in the QP plus Vit C group was found to be close to those of healthy controls. The outcomes of this study suggest that administering Vit C in rats treated with QPs protects them from ill dysfunction caused by QP.

The ameliorative effect of kaempferol against CdCl2- mediated renal damage entails activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-kB.

This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl2) -induced nephropathy in rats. It also investigated if activation of Nrf2 is a common mechanism of action. Adult male rats ((150 ± 15 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as a control (1% DMSO, orally), control + kaempferol (200 mg/kg, orally), CdCl2 (50 mg/l in drinking water), and CdCl2 + kaempferol (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. All treatments were conducted for 8 weeks. Kaempferol significantly attenuated CdCl2-induced weight loss, reduction in kidney weights, and the injury in the glomeruli, proximal tubules, and distal tubules in the treated rats. It also significantly lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, increased urine output and urinary creatinine levels and clearance but reduced urinary levels of albumin urinary albumin exertion (UAER), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in these rats. In parallel, kaempferol downregulated renal levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and unregulated those of Bcl2. In the kidney tissues of the control animals and CdCl2 rats, kaempferol significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and significantly boosted levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Also, and in both groups, kaempferol suppressed the nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, downregulated Keap1, and stimulated the nuclear activation and protein levels of Nrf2. In conclusion, kaempferol is a potential therapeutic drug to prevent CdCl2-induced nephropathy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects mediated by suppressing NF- NF-κB p65 and transactivating Nrf2.

Characterization of fertility alteration and marker validation for male sterility genes in novel PTGMS lines hybrid rice.

Photoperiod and thermosensitive genetic male sterile (PTGMS) lines have become one of the main sources of global rice production increasing. This study was conducted to evaluate the fertility alteration and validate the male sterility genes using validation markers in novel Egyptian Indica and Japonica PTGMS lines under natural conditions. The study revealed that the new genetic male sterile lines belong to the type of photo-thermosensitive genetic male sterility (PTGMS). The fertility alteration of these lines has influenced by photoperiod and temperature interaction. The new PTGMS lines have three sensitive periods of fertility alteration; transformation, sterility, and fertility period. Furthermore, the sensitive stage of fertility transformation might be from secondary branch primordial to pollen mother cells (PMC) meiosis. Under the natural Sakha condition, the new PTGMS lines were stable sterile under the condition of day length upper 13,75 h and temperature over 25 °C, while its convert to fertile under day length under 13 h, and temperature lower than 24 °C. The co-dominant markers identified the pms3 and tms5 genes in the new PTGMS lines, indicated that the fertility alteration in these lines controlled by photoperiod and thermosensitive stages.

Biochar and jasmonic acid application attenuates antioxidative systems and improves growth, physiology, nutrient uptake and productivity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) irrigated with saline water.

The effect of foliar treatment with jasmonic acid at 0.5 mM (JA) and biochar (15 ton ha-1) as a soil amendment for the faba bean (Vicia faba L. Sakha 4) was studied under salinity conditions. Salt stress led to a significant decrease in leaf numbers, leaf areas and plants, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and yield parameters. In contrast, reactive oxygen species, the proline concentration, level of malondialdehyde, and amount of electrolyte leakage were noticeably increased during both seasons under salt levels of 1500 and 3000 ppm sodium chloride (NaCl). Also, enzyme activities (i.e., of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were increased, especially under a high level of salinity stress (3000 ppm). Application of biochar, jasmonic acid, or biochar + jasmonic acid significantly reduced the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities in salt-stressed plants to values approaching those of the control (unstressed) plants, especially under 1500 ppm of NaCl stress. Biochar and jasmonic acid treatments mitigated the damaging effects of salinity and improved the plant status as indicated by the plant height, leaf area, relative water content, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations. Moreover, biochar and jasmonic acid treatments of the salt-stressed plants enhanced plant productivity, number of flowers, number of seeds per plant, and weight of 100 seeds during two successive seasons. Overall, this study suggests that biochar or jasmonic acid treatments might be promising for mitigating the detrimental impact of salt stress on faba beans.

Evaluation of Silicon and Proline Application on the Oxidative Machinery in Drought-Stressed Sugar Beet.

Drought stress deleteriously affects growth, development and productivity in plants. So, we examined the silicon effect (2 mmol) and proline (10 mmol) individually or the combination (Si + proline) in alleviating the harmful effect of drought on total phenolic compounds, reactive oxygen species (ROS), chlorophyll concentration and antioxidant enzymes as well as yield parameters of drought-stressed sugar beet plants during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. Our findings indicated that the root diameter and length (cm), root and shoot fresh weights (g plant-1) as well as root and sugar yield significantly decreased in sugar beet plants under drought. Relative water content (RWC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents and chlorophyll (Chl) concentration considerably reduced in stressed sugar beet plants that compared with control in both seasons. Nonetheless, lipid peroxidation (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2●-) considerably elevated as signals of drought. Drought-stressed sugar beet plants showed an increase in proline accumulation, total phenolic compounds and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to mitigate drought effects. Si and proline individually or the combination Si + proline considerably increased root and sugar yield, sucrose%, Chl concentration and RWC, MDA and EL were remarkably reduced. The treatments led to adjust proline and total phenolic compounds as well as CAT and SOD activity in stressed sugar beet plants. We concluded that application of Si + proline under drought stress led to improve the resistance of sugar beet by regulating of proline, antioxidant enzymes, phenolic compounds and improving RWC, Chl concentration and Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) contents as well as yield parameters.