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Rice (Oryza sativa L.), one of the most important commodities and a primary food source worldwide, can be affected by adverse environmental factors. The chromosome segment substitution line 16 (CSSL16) of rice is considered salt-tolerant. A comparison of the transcriptomic data of the CSSL16 line under normal and salt stress conditions revealed 511 differentially expressed sequence (DEseq) genes at the seedling stage, 520 DEseq genes in the secondary leaves, and 584 DEseq genes in the flag leaves at the booting stage. Four BTB genes, OsBTBZ1, OsBTBZ2, OsBTBN3, and OsBTBN7, were differentially expressed under salt stress. Interestingly, only OsBTBZ1 was differentially expressed at the seedling stage, whereas the other genes were differentially expressed at the booting stage. Based on the STRING database, OsBTBZ1 was more closely associated with other abiotic stress-related proteins than other BTB genes. The highest expression of OsBTBZ1 was observed in the sheaths of young leaves. The OsBTBZ1-GFP fusion protein was localized to the nucleus, supporting the hypothesis of a transcriptionally regulatory role for this protein. The bt3 Arabidopsis mutant line exhibited susceptibility to NaCl and abscisic acid (ABA) but not to mannitol. NaCl and ABA decreased the germination rate and growth of the mutant lines. Moreover, the ectopic expression of OsBTBZ1 rescued the phenotypes of the bt3 mutant line and enhanced the growth of wild-type Arabidopsis under stress conditions. These results suggest that OsBTBZ1 is a salt-tolerant gene functioning in ABA-dependent pathways.

Stigma development and successful pollination are essential for the continuous existence of flowering plants. However, the specific mechanisms regulating these important processes are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the development of the stigma in Fraxinus mandshurica, dividing it into three stages: S1, S2, and S3. Transcriptome data were used to analyze the gene expression patterns across these developmental stages, and 6,402 genes were observed to exhibit variable expression levels. Our analysis revealed a significant enrichment of pathways related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and flavonoids, as indicated by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes. Further examination by cluster analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that 58 genes were associated with ROS synthesis and seven genes were linked to flavonoid synthesis during the S2 and S3 stages. ROS accumulated during stigma development, which decreased rapidly upon pollen germination and pollen tube elongation, as confirmed by H2DCFDA staining. Moreover, ROS levels in mature stigmas were reduced by treatment with ROS scavengers, such as copper (II) chloride, sodium salicylate, and diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidases, which enhanced pollen adhesion and germination. These findings suggest that the balance between ROS production and sequestration plays a critical role in regulating stigma development and pollen germination in Fraxinus mandshurica.

Background: In other to curb the resurgence of drug resistance, there is need to find cheaper, environmental friendly and readily available alternative chemotherapy for all patients for all ages. Extracts from plants has proven to be potent against wide range of pathogen such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites of which Citrus sinensis is an important example. Both the aqueous and ethanoic extracts of Citrus sinensis were evaluated on some Bacillus species which were isolated from vegetables in nearby farm around the Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytocompounds and antimicrobial activities of the coat of Citrus sinensis on some Bacillus species. Methods: The aqueous and ethanoic extract of the dried plant coat was evaluated for its antimicrobial activities on the isolated organisms using Kirby bauer disc diffusion method. The isolates were subjected to molecular identification using the polymerase chain reaction and subsequent Sanger sequencing techniques. There was high correlation between the isolates' identity at all the levels and sequencing except in few. The FASTA format of the nucleotides sequences were submitted at the GenBank at NCBI database for accession numbers which were MW362290 (Bacillus cereus), MW362291 (Bacillus cereus), MW362292 (Bacillus weidmanii), MW362293 (Bacillus cereus), MW362294 (Bacillus cereus) and MW362295 (Bacillus thuringiensis). Results: The active phytocompounds present in the aqueous and ethanol solvent were saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, coumarin, steroid, terpenoid, cardiac glycosides, quinones, anthraquinones and phenol while Anthocyanin was present only in aqueous extract. These extracts both showed high antibiotics activities on all the isolated organisms. All the extracts recorded considerable antibiotic potency against all the isolates making the extracts of Citrus sinensis coat a suspect containing active biocidal agents. Conclusion: The coat of Citrus sinensis showed high antimicrobial properties against some Bacillus species, the antimicrobial effects was as a result of active phytochemicals present in the coat. This study established biocidal activities in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Its utilization for its pharmaceutical would be of great advantage both economically and environmentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptation of plants to land requires sophisticated biological processes and signaling. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate several cellular and metabolic activities, as well as signaling pathways in plants during stress and growth and development. The WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) genes are TFs that are part of the homeodomain (HD) family, which is important for the maintenance of apical meristem, stem cell niche, and other cellular processes. The WOX gene family is divided into three clades: ancient, intermediate, and modern (WUS) based on historical evolution linkage. The number of WOX genes in the plant body increases as plants grow more complex and varies in different species. Numerous research studies have discovered that the WOX gene family play a role in the whole plant’s growth and development, such as in the stem, embryo, root, flower, and leaf. This review comprehensively analyzes roles of the WOX gene family across various plant species, highlighting the evolutionary significance and potential biotechnological applications in stress resistance and crop improvement.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of an ethanolic extract derived from Agaricus subrufescens on rat models exhibiting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole. Methods A total of thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats. The negative control group was administered a volume of 1 mL of a 0.5% solution of carboxy methylcellulose (CMC). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered to additional groups for a duration of 21 days in order to induce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Animals designated as positive controls were euthanized on the 22nd day. Both the test group and the standard group were subjected to treatment from the 22nd day to the 36th day. The experimental group was administered ethanolic extract of Agaricus subrufescens at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o, while the control group received clomiphene citrate at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The study observed various physiological markers in individuals with polycystic ovarian disease, including estimated blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and hormonal fluctuations such as increased testosterone and estrogen levels, as well as decreased progesterone levels. The presence of menstrual irregularities was confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological changes in the ovaries. Results The consumption of Agaricus subrufescens was found to have a significant impact on various physiological parameters, including blood glucose levels, testosterone levels, anovulation, and menstrual irregularity. All therapeutic interventions significantly normalized the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were induced by Letrozole exhibited increased levels of urea and creatinine. The findings of this study indicate that the administration of Agaricus subrufescens therapy has a protective effect on renal function, as evidenced by a reduction in serum levels of urea and creatinine. In rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole, the inhibition of hepatic synthesis, promotion of ovarian follicle immaturity, and elevation of androgen secretions result in an increase in the weight of the liver and ovaries. The weight of endocrine organs exhibited a decrease across all treatment groups. The histopathological examination of PCOS specimens revealed an increased presence of cysts and theca lutein cells. The group of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that did not receive treatment exhibited a higher number of cysts compared to the groups that received treatment. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the administration of Letrozole orally resulted in the development of polycystic ovarian disease. The results indicated heightened levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as alterations in hormone levels such as increased testosterone and estrogen, and decreased progesterone. These hormonal changes were accompanied by menstrual irregularities, which were confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological analysis of the ovaries in the control group with polycystic ovarian disease. The treatment groups that received Agaricus subrufescens exhibited a decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and testosterone levels.

There is some level of uncertainty as to whether private sector credit interacts with finance sources for growth to significantly influence channeling funds for investible purposes in Nigeria, given the nation’s unique characteristics. This study examines the role of various sources of growth finance on private sector credit in Nigeria. For this purpose, the study utilizes secondary data (1980–2018) sourced from CBN statistical annual reports. The study further employs the ARDL-Bounds Co-integration test to test out the hypothesis after stationarity testing. The study finds that stock market capitalization had a positive and significant influence on private sector credit compared to remittance inflows and gross domestic savings in the long run among the sources of growth finance indicators. Furthermore, remittance inflows reported a positive but statistically insignificant relationship, while gross domestic savings had a negative and insignificant coefficient. The study concludes that only stock market development inflow transmits to the private sector’s credit at 10 percent among the various growth finance sources.

The prevalence of helminths in horses may vary, depending on climatic factors and host susceptibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of helminth infection in grazing horses, from October 2015 to September 2016. In total, 104 crossbred horses of different age groups, males and females in a single herd, participated in this study. Individual fecal samples were collected every 28 days for counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and fecal cultures. The horses were evaluated individually for weight, body condition score (BCS) and clinical status. Climatic information relating to the farm was also collected. The categories most affected by helminths were foals and senior horses, with EPG averages of 1271.9 and 1186.5, respectively. The EPG averages for all animal categories together, in the four seasons were: 1042.1 spring; 1508.9 summer; 817.8 autumn; and 571.1 winter. Through the body condition evaluation, it was seen that senior animals presented the lowest BCS in all seasons. It was concluded that the season in which these animals were most affected by helminth infections was the summer and that the most susceptible categories were foals and senior horses.

Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) are important components of the environmental system and changes in it mirror the impacts of human activities on the environment. These impacts needed to be determined in order to get a clear picture of the extent at which different land use practices affect hydrologic regime and water quality. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of LULC on Eleyele reservoir for a period of 32 years. Landsat images of 1984, 2000 and 2016 covered by path 191 and rows 55 were acquired, a modified version of Aderson scheme of LULC classification was used to stratify the images, while the LULC map was analyzed and projected until year 2032 using IDRISI Selva 17.0 and ERDAS 2013 softwares respectively. Changes that have occurred within the study area were determined using LULC MARKOV. Land Use Land Cover built up area increased from 688.30 ha to 952.68 ha and from 952.68 ha to 2164.5 ha between years 1984 to 2000, and 2000 to 2016 respectively. LULC maps of 2000 and 2016 showed the open water also reduced from 101.6 ha in year 2000 to 61.74 ha in 2016. DEM showed that 8.5%, and 1.9% transitioned to vegetation cover and built up area in 1984 and 2000 respectively. Land Use Land Cover MARKOV chain analysis shows that by projection, the reservoir area will reduce further to 39.08 ha by the year 2032. The study has established that reserved forest zone suffered degradation with a noticeable increase in encroachment on the reservoir. LULC approach can be used to predict the effect of land use on reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]