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Capture of a photon by an opsin visual pigment isomerizes its 11-cis-retinaldehyde (11cRAL) chromophore to all-trans-retinaldehyde (atRAL), which subsequently dissociates. To restore light sensitivity, the unliganded apo-opsin combines with another 11cRAL to make a new visual pigment. Two enzyme pathways supply chromophore to photoreceptors. The canonical visual cycle in retinal pigment epithelial cells supplies 11cRAL at low rates. The photic visual cycle in Müller cells supplies cones with 11-cis-retinol (11cROL) chromophore precursor at high rates. Although rods can only use 11cRAL to regenerate rhodopsin, cones can use 11cRAL or 11cROL to regenerate cone visual pigments. We performed a screen in zebrafish retinas and identified ZCRDH as a candidate for the enzyme that converts 11cROL to 11cRAL in cone inner segments. Retinoid analysis of eyes from Zcrdh-mutant zebrafish showed reduced 11cRAL and increased 11cROL levels, suggesting impaired conversion of 11cROL to 11cRAL. By microspectrophotometry, isolated Zcrdh-mutant cones lost the capacity to regenerate visual pigments from 11cROL. ZCRDH therefore possesses all predicted properties of the cone 11cROL dehydrogenase. The human protein most similar to ZCRDH is RDH12. By immunocytochemistry, ZCRDH was abundantly present in cone inner segments, similar to the reported distribution of RDH12. Finally, RDH12 was the only mammalian candidate protein to exhibit 11cROL-oxidase catalytic activity. These observations suggest that RDH12 in mammals is the functional ortholog of ZCRDH, which allows cones, but not rods, to regenerate visual pigments from 11cROL provided by Müller cells. This capacity permits cones to escape competition from rods for visual chromophore in daylight-exposed retinas.

Background and Objectives Microorganisms make changes to their lives, when they are exposed to contaminants. These changes include physiological and genetically changes. Antibiotics are widely used in the livestock industry, agriculture, as well as in medicine, and enter soils via waste waters and manure applications. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of the most consumed antibiotics in the livestock industry. Its half-life in soil has been reported up to 79 days depending on soil conditions. Increasing levels of antibiotics in soil environment will results in physiological or genetically changes (tolerance) in microbial communities. Although, physiological changes are usually reversible, but the genetically ones are almost permanent. Several methods have been suggested for assessing the risks of contamination of soil ecosystems, among them the pollution induced community tolerance (PICT) has been accepted as valuable procedure. The principle of the procedure is as follow. The increasing levels of a contaminant are added to the soil and incubated for a defined time period. At several time points, the microbial populations are extracted and subjected to the same levels of contaminant. The amount of microbial activity is determined using appropriate procedure, for example, determination of dehydrogenase activity in soil. The IC50 (contaminant level at which the microbial activity is inhibited by 50%) is calculated for soil samples treated with different levels of contaminant. A contaminant level at which a sharp change occurs in microbial tolerance to the contaminant at defined time point, is called PICT. Methodology In this study, the effects of different levels of oxy-tetracycline (OTC) on microbial activity were investigated in a silty loam soil. Different levels of OTC (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg.kg-1) were applied to the pots containing 2 kg of soil with three replications and kept at room temperature (25±2℃) for 120 days. The soil moisture level was adjusted to 50-70% of field capacity by daily weighing and adding distilled water. Soil dehydrogenase activity as an indicator of soil microbial activity was measured at 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of incubation. Tri-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) was use as a substrate for dehydrogenase enzyme. The amount of tri-phenyl formazan produced by the reduction of TTC, was accounted for dehydrogenase activity. The ΔIC50 diagram (PICT) was plotted against different soil OTC concentrations for each time point and the trend of microbial tolerance changes was evaluated. Findings The results showed that with increasing incubation time and concentration of OTC, induction of tolerance in the microbial population was gradually enhanced. The amount of PICT was increased by increasing OTC level in soil on day 3, but without showing critical point on the diagram. However, it was declined toward the day 7. By increasing OTC level from 30 to 40 mg.kg-1, a marked decrease in ΔIC50 was seen on day 15. Overall, the increase of tolerance in microbial population started after day 15 and reached the highest values on days 30 and 60 at OTC concentration of 50 mg.kg-1. After that, PICT levels gradually increased toward the 50 mg/kg OTC, but were very low on days 90 and 120. A marked change (critical point) in the slope of ΔIC50 was occurred on day 30 at 30 mg.kg-1 OTC. Conclusion Based on obtained results it can be concluded that the increasing of OTC concentration to 30 mg.kg-1 in soil would likely led to occurring permanent tolerance to OTC in soil microbial community after 30 days. Therefore, this concentration can be regarded as critical level of OTC in soil at this time point. Continues application of manures containing OTC residue will results in accumulation of OTC in agricultural soils, hence we should regularly assay the concentration of OTC in soil to avoid of occurring permanent tolerance (also regarded as genetically resistance) in microbial community against OTC. Although this critical concentration and time point may differ for other soils and antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of soil moisture, texture and organic matter content on the edaphic microbiological, dehydrogenase, urease and acid phosphatase activity of the Mapire floodplain, State of Anzoátegui, Venezuela, which is located in an igapó. The wetland in question was segmented into three sectors according to the flood condition of each one, namely zone of maximum, medium and minimum flooding. The results suggest that dehydrogenase activity increases with waterlogging time and soil humidity, that the absence of oxygen promotes acid phosphatase activity when samples come from the zone of maximum flooding, that the zones of medium and maximum flooding could constitute suitable environments for the proliferation of anaerobic microbial life, and that acetate consumption reaches the highest values in this last area, which would be linked to methanogenic bacterial activity. Urease and acid phosphatase activity seem to have a positive relationship with organic matter content in the period of low soil humidity. Microbial activity, estimated by fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, is maximum in the medium flood zone during edaphic low humidity season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract l-2-Keto-3-deoxyfuconate 4-dehydrogenase (l-KDFDH) catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidization of l-2-keto-3-deoxyfuconate (l-KDF) to l-2,4-diketo-3-deoxyfuconate (l-2,4-DKDF) in the non-phosphorylating l-fucose pathway from bacteria, and its substrate was previously considered to be the acyclic α-keto form of l-KDF. On the other hand, BDH2, a mammalian homolog with l-KDFDH, functions as a dehydrogenase for cis-4-hydroxy-l-proline (C4LHyp) with the cyclic structure. We found that l-KDFDH and BDH2 utilize C4LHyp and l-KDF, respectively. Therefore, to elucidate unique substrate specificity at the atomic level, we herein investigated for the first time the crystal structures of l-KDFDH from Herbaspirillum huttiense in the ligand-free, l-KDF and l-2,4-DKDF, d-KDP (d-2-keto-3-deoxypentonate; additional substrate), or l-2,4-DKDF and NADH bound forms. In complexed structures, l-KDF, l-2,4-DKDF, and d-KDP commonly bound as a α-furanosyl hemiketal. Furthermore, l-KDFDH showed no activity for l-KDF and d-KDP analogs without the C5 hydroxyl group, which form only the acyclic α-keto form. The C1 carboxyl and α-anomeric C2 hydroxyl groups and O5 oxygen atom of the substrate (and product) were specifically recognized by Arg148, Arg192, and Arg214. The side chain of Trp252 was important for hydrophobically recognizing the C6 methyl group of l-KDF. This is the first example showing the physiological role of the hemiketal of 2-keto-3-deoxysugar acid.

Soil enzymes and microbial activity are an indicator of soil quality for assessing the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. The present study determined the persistence of metribuzin and clodinafop-propargyl and response of soil quality indicators to (1) conservation agriculture (continuous zero tillage and surface residue retention) and conventional agriculture (continuous tillage and removal/incorporation of residues) practices and (2) weed management practices in a wheat field under rice-wheat system. The shift from conventional to conservation agriculture practices increased the dissipation of metribuzin and clodinafop propargyl and significantly enhanced soil dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease activity. The residues of metribuzin and clodinafop in grain and straw samples from all treatment were below maximum residue limits (<0.01 µg g−1). Post-emergence application of clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin caused significant inhibition in DHA and urease activity at 7 days after treatment (DAT) compared to unsprayed control. However, from 31 DAT till crop harvest (115 DAT), herbicide treated plots had higher enzymatic activity than unsprayed plots. Intervention of one hoeing following herbicide application had greater stimulation in enzyme activity than sole herbicide. Conservation agriculture practices had higher colony development (CD) and ecophysiological (EP) indices than conventional agriculture practices for heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. All tillage, residue and weed management practices had non-significant effect on alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphate solubilizers, in soil. Adoption of conservation agriculture practices along with integrated weed management seems to be the best way of sustaining the soil biological parameters and cycling of various important soil nutrients which may potentially alter vital soil processes resulting in increased agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to assess the impact of sprinkler irrigation on the activity of selected soil enzymes in terms of nitrogen metabolism and oxidation–reduction processes in soil with different doses of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. An Alfisol was sampled from an experimental field of spring barley within the University Research Center in the central part of Poland, namely the village of Mochełek with a moderate transitory climate, during the growing seasons of 2015–2017. The soil resistance (RS) was derived to recognize the resistance enzymes during drought. In the maturity phase, nitrate reductase activity was 18% higher in irrigated soil and the activities of other enzymes were higher than in the non-irrigated plots by 25% for dehydrogenase, 22% for peroxidase, 33% for catalase, and 17% for urease. The development phase in the barley influenced nitrate reductase activity. Enzymatic activities changed throughout the research years. During the maturity stage, a lower ammonium nitrogen content in the soil resulted from a higher spring barley uptake due to drought stress. Irrigation probably contributed to increased leaching of nitrate in the soil. The highest index of resilience was found in the soil catalase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes of water retention and movement and the hydraulic conductivity are altered in the rhizosphere. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical-hydric properties of soil aggregates in the rhizosphere of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cropped in a Kandiudalfic Eutrudox, taking into account aspects related to soil aggregate stability. Soil aggregates from rhizosphere soil (RZS) and soil between plant rows (SBP) were used to determine soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). In addition, properties related to soil aggregate stability, such as water-dispersible clay, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial activity, were also assessed. The higher microbial activity observed in the RZS was facilitated by increased SOC and microbial activity, resulting in improved soil aggregation (less water-dispersible clay). For nearly all measured matric potentials, RZS had a higher water content than SBP. This was attributed to the stability of aggregates, increase in SOC content, and the root exudates, which improved soil water retention. The increase in total porosity in RZS was associated with improved soil aggregation, which prevents deterioration of the soil pore space and results in higher Ksat and hydraulic conductivity as a function of the effective relative saturation in RZS compared to SBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil enzymes play a critical role in the biogeochemical cycles of essential nutrients and protect soil against the accumulation of harmful organic compounds. However, there is limited information on the effect of pesticides on enzyme activities in both old and newly reclaimed Egyptian soils. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effects of two nematicides (carbofuran and oxamyl) and two herbicides (ametryn and bentazone) on dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities in alluvial soil (clay soil) and calcareous soil (sandy soil) at concentrations of 25 and 100 µg/g soil over eight weeks. The results showed that dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities were generally enhanced in both clay and sandy soils treated with all tested pesticides. However, oxamyl had the lowest effect on dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities in both soil types compared to the other pesticides used in this study. Dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities in treated or untreated clay soil were higher than those in sandy soil. Additionally, the highest enhancement of dehydrogenase activity was observed at low concentrations of carbofuran and oxamyl, while a high concentration of ametryn and bentazone had a similar effect in both soil types. The highest stimulation of phosphatase activity was achieved at low pesticide concentration in clay soil, whereas high concentration was more effective in sandy soil. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the pesticide concentration, the soil type, and the incubation time are important factors affecting the pesticide-soil enzyme relationship. Accordingly, such a study can be used, which indicates the induction of such important enzymes in the soil, which can be used as an indicator to measure pesticide contamination in the soil within 60 days of exposure to pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of zinc (Zn) nutrition on enzymatic activity in soil and plant systems of zinc-deficient soils. Additionally, it aimed to understand the impact of solubilizer (such as Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria) and mobilizer (like AM Fungi) on enzyme activity and zinc nutrition in plants across calcareous and non-calcareous soil environments. A pot experiment was carried out with two different soils with three Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO and Zn-EDTA), organic manure (FYM) and microbial inoculants - Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AM F). The DTPA-Zn and plant Zn content increased with applied sources of Zn. The microbial inoculants and FYM enhanced the use efficiency of all sources of Zn compared to unapplied treatments. Regarding soil enzyme activity, FYM and AM fungi played a major role which in turn altered the dehydrogenase (SDHA) and alkaline phosphatase (AlP) activities in both soils. The Zn sources and ZSB addition enhanced the plant enzyme activity. Calcareous soil recorded higher CA, SOD and alkaline phosphatase activities compared to non-calcareous soil the latter registered higher dehydrogenase activity and fruit Zn content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of diamides on structure and functional activities of soil microflora and soil health has not been well studied. Effect of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole on the activity of dehydrogenase, acidic, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, invertase and urease enzymes in chilli planted soil was assessed. Two applications of chlorantraniliprole @ 30, 37.5 and 60 g a.i. ha−1 and cyantraniliprole @ 60, 75 and 120 g a.i. ha−1resulted in adverse effect. Dehydrogenase activity was reduced by 21.34 and 22.07 per cent on 7thday, in double dose chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole respectively. Activity of both acidic and alkaline phosphatase enzyme reduced by 4.98 and1.06 per cent at 5th day after application of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole @30 and 60 g a.i. ha−1 respectively. On the other hand, amylase and invertase activity showed non-significant reduction and urease enzyme activity was slightly reduced (0.02–3.44%). The recommended doses of these two diamides had short term adverse effect on these enzymes, while higher doses led to 20 -30 per cent reduction in enzyme activity). However, activity of enzymes was restored after some time which could be due to adaptive capacity of soil microbes and dissipation of the pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Tunisia, the olive is the most cultivated fruit crop in the northern region, where annual rainfall exceeds 400 mm. This olive-growing area is characterized by a wide coverage of marginal soil with a high slope gradient. Therefore, the inclusion of cover crops in olive orchards is a sustainable solution to enhance ecosystem productivity, improve soil fertility, and increase oil yields. This study aimed to investigate the short-term (two cropping seasons in 2021 and 2022) effects of different seeded cover crops and soil management practices on soil characteristics, as well as soil health by measuring soil enzyme activities and microbial diversity. Six cover crop types consisting of wheat, vetch, oat, fenugreek, a vetch–oat mixture, and spontaneous vegetation were tested in association with rainfed olive trees (cv. Chetoui) in the north of Tunisia and compared to a control (which was tilled periodically three times per year without intercropping). During the first cropping season, cover crops were cut as animal feed, and only residues were incorporated into the soil. However, during the second year, all cover crop biomass was incorporated into the soil. The results indicated that the dry biomass production and carbon uptake were significantly higher in grass species (wheat and oat). All of the cover crops, including the spontaneous vegetation, significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) and macronutrient levels, mainly, available phosphorus. On the other hand, the highest level of soil nitrogen was found in the fenugreek cover crop. The soil enzyme activities in the cover crops of wheat, oat, and the vetch–oat mix were higher than those in the control. Together with the increase in soil organic matter (SOM), this demonstrates a significant improvement in soil health with cover crops. Furthermore, this study proves that the utilization of carbon sources was dominated by amides, amines, and amino acids in the fenugreek plot, while it was dominated by polymers and carboxylic acids in the case of the wheat and oat. Overall, this study demonstrates that seeding cover crops is a sustainable management practice not only to integrate livestock but also to improve soil health in semiarid olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N -Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a thiol group modifier and antimicrobial agent. Arthrobacter sarcosine oxidase (SoxA), a diagnostic enzyme for assaying creatinine, loses its activity upon the addition of MIT, and its inactivation mechanism remains unclear. In this study, SoxA was chemically modified using MIT (mo-SoxA), and its structural and chemical properties were characterized. Spectral analysis data, oxygen consumption rates, and reactions were compared between intact SoxA and mo-SoxA. These demonstrate that the oxidative half-reaction toward oxygen is inhibited by MIT modification. The oxidase activity of mo-SoxA was approximately 2.1% of that of intact SoxA, and its dehydrogenase activity was approximately 4.2 times higher. The C-to-S mutants revealed that cooperative modification of 2 specific cysteine residues caused a drastic change in the enzyme reaction mode. Based on the modeled tertiary structures, the putative entrance for oxygen uptake is predicted to be blocked by the chemical modification of the 2 cysteine residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chickpea is a highly nutritious protein-rich source and one of the major crops to alleviate global malnutrition, but poor seed quality affects its productivity. Seed quality is essential for better crop establishment and higher yields, particularly in the uncertain climate change. The present study investigated the impact of botanical priming versus hydropriming and bavistin seed treatment on chickpea seeds. A detailed physiological (germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index) and biochemical (amylase, protease, dehydrogenase, phytase, and lipid peroxidation) analysis was carried out in order to assess the effect of priming treatments. Turmeric-primed seeds showed better germination rate (94.5%), seedling length, enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the expression of minor polypeptides of albumin and globulin in the primed seeds. Moreover, field experiments indicated increased crop growth, vigour, days to 50% flowering, yield and its attributing traits in turmeric-primed seeds. Botanical priming can increase chickpea yield by up to 16% over the control group. This low-cost and eco-friendly technique enhances seed and crop performance, making it a powerful tool for augmenting chickpea growth. Therefore, chickpea growers must adopt botanical priming techniques to enhance the quality of seed and crop performance. Moreover, this approach is environmentally sustainable and can help conserve natural resources in the long term. Therefore, this new approach must be widely adopted across the agricultural industry to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Multifunctional enzyme, type‐1 (MFE1) catalyzes the second and third step of the β‐oxidation cycle, being, respectively, the 2E‐enoyl‐CoA hydratase (ECH) reaction (N‐terminal part, crotonase fold) and the NAD+‐dependent, 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) reaction (C‐terminal part, HAD fold). Structural enzymological properties of rat MFE1 (RnMFE1) as well as of two of its variants, namely the E123A variant (a glutamate of the ECH active site is mutated into alanine) and the BCDE variant (without domain A of the ECH part), were studied, using as substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA. Protein crystallographic binding studies show the hydrogen bond interactions of 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA as well as of its 3‐keto, oxidized form, acetoacetyl‐CoA, with the catalytic glutamates in the ECH active site. Pre‐steady state binding experiments with NAD+ and NADH show that the kon and koff rate constants of the HAD active site of monomeric RnMFE1 and the homologous human, dimeric 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HsHAD) for NAD+ and NADH are very similar, being the same as those observed for the E123A and BCDE variants. However, steady state and pre‐steady state kinetic data concerning the HAD‐catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction of the substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA show that, respectively, the kcat and kchem rate constants for conversion into acetoacetyl‐CoA by RnMFE1 (and its two variants) are about 10 fold lower as when catalyzed by HsHAD. The dynamical properties of dehydrogenases are known to be important for their catalytic efficiency, and it is discussed that the greater complexity of the RnMFE1 fold correlates with the observation that RnMFE1 is a slower dehydrogenase than HsHAD.

Bidens tripartita L. is a cadmium (Cd) accumulator. However, the real-time influx or efflux of Cd2+ around its root apex has not yet been performed. The object of this experiment was to compare the roles of added ions in solution on dynamic Cd extraction by B. tripartita root tip. Quartz sand was used to grow the seedling of B. tripartite. The Cd concentrations of all samples were determined by using ICP-OES after digestion. The Cd2+ influx around the root apex was measured in vivo, i.e., using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). The results showed that the Cd2+ influx was found to be decreased by 35.9%, 43.7%, 20.6%, and 57.5% under 10 μM Cd combined with high content Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, or K+ (16 mM, 8 mM, 0.5 mM, 18 mM, respectively), compared to that under 10 μM Cd stress. But Cd treatments with low content ions with 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S increased the Cd2+ influx in roots by 20.5% and 34.6%, respectively. It was also found that Cd treatment with high concentrations of Ca2+ or K+ increased the shoot biomass of B. tripartita seedlings. Chl a and b contents were significantly decreased in the Cd treatments with low concentrations of Fe3+ or S compared to those under Cd stress alone, and the dehydrogenase activity of the roots decreased in the treatment of Cd with 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S. Our results indicate that the addition of 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S promoted Cd2+ influx and Cd uptake by B. tripartita. Unlike traditional measurement, the Cd2+ movements of three-dimensional space around the B. tripartita root tip had been performed by NMT. It was suggested that the effects of S and Fe3+ on the remediation potential of B. tripartita need to be further researched in the future. The results of this study provided a real-time and micro-dynamic theoretical basis for phytoremediation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a highly nutritious protein-rich source and one of the major crops to alleviate global malnutrition, but poor seed quality affects its productivity. Seed quality is essential for better crop establishment and higher yields, particularly in the uncertain climate change. The present study investigated the impact of botanical priming versus hydropriming and bavistin seed treatment on chickpea seeds. A detailed physiological (germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index) and biochemical (amylase, protease, dehydrogenase, phytase, and lipid peroxidation) analysis was carried out in order to assess the effect of priming treatments. Turmeric-primed seeds showed better germination rate (94.5%), seedling length, enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the expression of minor polypeptides of albumin and globulin in the primed seeds. Moreover, field experiments indicated increased crop growth, vigour, days to 50% flowering, yield and its attributing traits in turmeric-primed seeds. Botanical priming can increase chickpea yield by up to 16% over the control group. This low-cost and eco-friendly technique enhances seed and crop performance, making it a powerful tool for augmenting chickpea growth. Therefore, chickpea growers must adopt botanical priming techniques to enhance the quality of seed and crop performance. Moreover, this approach is environmentally sustainable and can help conserve natural resources in the long term. Therefore, this new approach must be widely adopted across the agricultural industry to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicide degradation is one of the key processes determining whether the use of herbicide will have any impact on environmental quality, and it is dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors. The present study evaluates the impact of various abiotic factors such as soil type, application rate, incubation temperature, soil pH, soil microorganisms and sunlight on persistence of metribuzin and its effect on soil enzymes. Half-lives (DT50) varied significantly with application rate of metribuzin and physicochemical properties of soil and ranged from 15.17 to 46.59 days. Metribuzin degraded 2.2 to 6.5 times slower in sterilised soil (DT50 = 35.21 to 115.60 days) as compared to unsterilised soil, indicating microbial degradation is one the most predominant contributors towards degradation of metribuzin in soil. Increase in degradation rate on exposure to sunlight indicated photodegradation also contributes significantly to the degradation of metribuzin. Deaminometribuzin, diketometribuzin and deaminodiketometribuzin metabolites of metribuzin were detected in all treatments. Dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly affected by application of metribuzin while urease activity remained unaffected. The physicochemical properties viz. pH, organic matter content and temperature should be considered along with application rate of metribuzin in order to achieve satisfactory weed control and reduce environmental risk associated with the use of metribuzin in different crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The plant roots pay a vital role in the uptake of water and nutrients. This experiment evaluated the changes in root growth and soil enzyme activity with respect to different rice cultivation methods. Methods: The study was carried out during Kuruvai (July-November) 2022 at Wetlands farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Experiments were carried out with five treatments viz., T1-100% Saturation under drip irrigation, T2-150% Saturation under drip irrigation T3-200% Saturation under drip irrigation, T4-System of Rice Intensification (SRI), T5-Conventional method. Result: The result of the experiment shows that higher root growth, enzyme activity was observed in SRI method of rice cultivation. Higher grain yields were recorded in SRI method. It can be concluded that most favourable method of rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional enzyme, type‐1 (MFE1) catalyzes the second and third step of the β‐oxidation cycle, being, respectively, the 2E‐enoyl‐CoA hydratase (ECH) reaction (N‐terminal part, crotonase fold) and the NAD+‐dependent, 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) reaction (C‐terminal part, HAD fold). Structural enzymological properties of rat MFE1 (RnMFE1) as well as of two of its variants, namely the E123A variant (a glutamate of the ECH active site is mutated into alanine) and the BCDE variant (without domain A of the ECH part), were studied, using as substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA. Protein crystallographic binding studies show the hydrogen bond interactions of 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA as well as of its 3‐keto, oxidized form, acetoacetyl‐CoA, with the catalytic glutamates in the ECH active site. Pre‐steady state binding experiments with NAD+ and NADH show that the kon and koff rate constants of the HAD active site of monomeric RnMFE1 and the homologous human, dimeric 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HsHAD) for NAD+ and NADH are very similar, being the same as those observed for the E123A and BCDE variants. However, steady state and pre‐steady state kinetic data concerning the HAD‐catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction of the substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA show that, respectively, the kcat and kchem rate constants for conversion into acetoacetyl‐CoA by RnMFE1 (and its two variants) are about 10 fold lower as when catalyzed by HsHAD. The dynamical properties of dehydrogenases are known to be important for their catalytic efficiency, and it is discussed that the greater complexity of the RnMFE1 fold correlates with the observation that RnMFE1 is a slower dehydrogenase than HsHAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Macroalgae blooms are particularly common in the coastal zone of the Neva Estuary situated in the eastern Gulf of Finland. Accumulation of green opportunistic algae on sediments is associated with a decrease in redox potential, changes in sediment function, and deterioration of the coastal zone. The aims of this study were to assess the role of macroalgae in the spatiotemporal distribution and activity of sediment microbial enzymes involved in biogeochemical cycles; and to evaluate biochemical indicators sensitive to macroalgae dynamics. Methods: Samples of both surface sediments and macroalgae were collected at nine sites located in the coastal zone of the eastern Gulf of Finland. Sixteen sampling campaigns were performed from 2014 to 2019. Sediments were analyzed for pH, Eh, total organic carbon, ammonia–nitrogen, and phosphate content. Algal biomass and sediment enzyme activities were measured. To compare sediments at different sites according to the level of algal biomass, the geometric mean of enzyme activities (GMea) index was applied. Results: The results revealed shifts in enzyme activity toward higher relative levels of dehydrogenase, catalase, phosphatase, and urease at sites subject to algal bloom. The relationships between algal biomass and enzyme activities were dependent on the seasons. The geometric mean of enzyme activities was a suitable index to incorporate the set of sediment enzyme activities in a single numerical value, which was sensitive to changes in algal biomass. The organic carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen contents have been identified as factors potentially involved in the regulation of enzyme activity providing additional information to link the amount of macroalgae biomass during blooms, nutrient content, and metabolism of sediment microorganisms. Conclusions: This enzymological study demonstrated the important role of macroalgae in the spatiotemporal distribution of sediment microbial enzymes involved in the main biogeochemical cycles. The findings of this study can provide a basis for understanding the impact of macroalgae on biogeochemical processes in sediments, which is important for the monitoring and assessment of the ecological effects of macroalgal blooms in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the biogas production from sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) pretreated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide and reveal the influence of zeolite dosage and TE on the anaerobic digestion performance, as well as the synergistic effect of zeolite dosage and TE, three dosages of zeolite and trace elements (TE) were used as additives for batched biogas production from pretreated sweet sorghum bagasse slurry (PSSBS). The results showed that the maximum methane production of 274.5 mL/g volatile solid (VS) from the group of PSSBS + 5 g/L zeolite + 1 mL TE could be obtained and 58.4% higher than that of untreated sweet sorghum bagasse. Modified Gompertz model estimation demonstrated that the PSSBS + 5 g/L zeolite + 1 mL TE group caused the highest methane production rate to improve by up to 41.6% from SSB and by at least 39.9% from PSSBS. Moreover, with the zeolite and TE addition, activities of cellulase and dehydrogenase of the digestate analysis indicated a positive influence on biogas production and the high alkalinity maintained the stability of the system. This work will provide experimental reference for biogas production from sweet sorghum bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Oil contamination can be treated by physical, chemical and biological approaches. The first two methods have limitations such as high costs, inefficacy and altering natural ecosystem. Today, biological treatment is a more interesting process to remove petroleum contamination. Bioremediation is a technique in which biological systems such as microorganisms are applied to degrade or transform harmful chemicals. In recent years, employing hydrocarbon degrading bacteria to cleaning a petroleum contaminated soil has become a prevalent, efficient and cost-effective technique that converts toxic wastes to non-toxic end products. Soil contamination with oil compounds such as heavy naphtha can threaten soil, environmental and human health. In bioremediation process, soil microorganisms use these hydrocarbons as a carbon source and, while making a microbial biomass, play a role in its decomposition and conversion to carbon dioxide. Furthermore, this type of contamination can affect soil microbial population and its enzyme activity. Soil microbiome, in turn, has effect on this contamination using relevant enzymes. Application and comparison of various bioremediation methods such as biostimulation, bioaugmentation and integrated treatment were the main aims of this study to bio-remove heavy naphtha from contaminated soil. Moreover, mmonitoring of soil enzyme activity changes (including dehydrogenase and lipase) in this condition under different bioremediation treatments was another goal of this research. For this purpose, in a heavy naphthacontaminated sandy loam, a variety of bioremediation treatments, including biostimulation (including supply of nitrogen and phosphorus elements, addition of manure and Tween 80), bioaugmentation treatment (using a consortium of efficient bacteria) and integrated treatment (including all biostimulation and bioaugmentation treatments together) were tested. Methodology: In this study, a sandy loam soil was used. Heavy naphtha was applied at a rate of 7% V/W to soil samples and various bioremediation treatments were performed as mentioned above. This experiment was carried out in a pot scale (containing 3 kg soil) based on split plot factorial design (pollution factor, bioremediation factor and time) with 3 replications, at room temperature for 120 days. During the experiment, the pots were aerated once a week and the soil moisture content was adjusted to 70-80% (W/W) of the soil water holding capacity twice a week. For bioaugmentation of bacterial isolates, a bacterial suspension (108 cfu mL-1) having a consortium of Arthrobacter sp. COD2-3, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens COD5-6 ، Stenotrophomonas asidamainiphila COD1-1 with a ratio of 5% V/W were used. In biostimulation treatment, cow manure with 5% W/W was used. In NP treatment, N and P elements from ammonium nitrate and potassium phosphate (K2HPO4), were used with a ratio of 20:5:1 (C: N: P), considering soil organic carbon. Tween 80 as surfactant in the relevant treatments, was used at a rate of 0.3% V/W. In the integrated treatment, all the mentioned treatments were used together. On days 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120, subsamples were taken from each pot to measure the activity of dehydrogenase and lipase enzymes. Findings: The results showed that during the experiment, bioremediation treatments reduced heavy naphtha contamination and the highest value for removal rate of this compound was 81% in the integrated treatment. Contamination also affected the enzymatic activity of soil so that the activity of dehydrogenase and lipase in all bioremediation treatments showed a decreasing trend. Dehydrogenase enzyme activity in cow manure treatment decreased from 1.67 to 0.59 (μg TPF g-1 h-1) and activity of soil lipase enzyme decreased from 33.82 to 26.24 (mU g-1) in the integrated treatment during the experiment. Among the bioremediation treatments, cow manure and integrated treatment had a greater effect on the elimination of heavy naphtha contamination than other treatments (p <0.01). It seems that the use of the above treatments were able to remove more heavy naphtha by providing optimal nutritional, moisture and aeration conditions while intensifying the activity of soil microorganisms. Conclusion: In this study, to reduce heavy naphtha contamination in the soil, bioremediation treatments including biostimulation, bioaugmentation and integrated approaches were used. According to the results of changes in dehydrogenase and lipase activity in naphtha-contaminated soil, each treatment was able to reduce contamination individually, while the integrated treatment was both biostimulatory and bioenhancing treatments. However, in the integrated treatment, the efficiency of bioremediation process was higher, due to the simultaneous use of biostimulation and bioaugmentation treatments. The use of integrated treatment in soils contaminated with petroleum compounds, including heavy naphtha, can help to biologically eliminate these contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and their enzyme activity can be used as a sensitive and reliable functional indicator. The activities of soil dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and β-glucosidase were investigated in soils under Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst) stand at 1550 m a.s.l. located in Parangalitsa Reserve, Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. Soil samples were collected in five repetitions in randomly selected sampling plots. The soil characteristics were studied along a depth profile at 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm, respectively. Obtained results showed that acid phosphatase had the highest average activity (1069.37 ±798.5 µg/g), and dehydrogenase the lowest (0.28 ±0.25 µg/g). Acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase activity decreased with increasing soil depth, and dehydrogenase activity increased but these relationships were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in enzyme activities among the three sampling depths as the overall average enzyme activity decreased with increasing depth. There was a negative correlation between soil carbon and nitrogen content and soil depth, but no correlation was found between nutrients and soil enzyme activity. Differences in the microbial activity among sampling points and depths prove the enzymes' sensitivity to environmental conditions even on a local scale. Further analyses should be conducted to identify the trend in enzyme activity during the seasons and years and additionally for possible inclusion of the most appropriate enzymes as indicators in the monitoring program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplains are vital and productive ecosystems that provide essential biological, and hydrologic functions. However, human modifications to floodplains, such as urbanization, and agriculture have increased the need to assess the impacts of land use changes on the sustainability of their functions. Riparian forest (RF), agroforestry (AF), and row-crop agriculture (AG) are among common land-use systems in the lower Missouri River Floodplain (MRF) region in New Franklin, MO. This study tested the hypothesis that variations in soil physicochemical and biological parameters in relation to land management could affect soil enzyme activities. Soil samples were collected from three land use systems, and enzyme activities were measured in three seasons fall 2019, summer 2020, and spring 2021. Soil properties such as soil C and N, bulk density, organic matter, and water-holding capacity were measured. The results revealed significantly higher levels of β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and dehydrogenase activity in agroforestry (AF) and riparian forest (RF) treatments relative to agriculture (AG) management in all three studied seasons. No substantial differences in total PLFA were detected among land use systems. This research demonstrated that tree-based systems can substantially enhance soil bulk density and organic matter concentration, leading to increased activity of the selected enzymes. Efforts to incorporate agroforestry systems help to create a more diverse and complex ecosystem compared to monoculture cropping systems. This, in turn, stimulates connections among diverse plant species, microorganisms, and soil fauna, leading to improved nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic cardiomyopathy describes heart disease in patients with diabetes who have no other cardiac conditions but have a higher risk of developing heart failure. Specific therapies to treat the diabetic heart are limited. A key mechanism involved in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy is dysregulation of cardiac energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine if increasing the expression of medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (MCAD; encoded by Acadm), a key regulator of fatty acid oxidation, could improve the function of the diabetic heart. Male mice were administered streptozotocin to induce diabetes, which led to diastolic dysfunction 8 weeks post-injection. Mice then received cardiac-selective adeno-associated viral vectors encoding MCAD (rAAV6:MCAD) or control AAV and were followed for 8 weeks. In the non-diabetic heart, rAAV6:MCAD increased MCAD expression (mRNA and protein) and increased Acadl and Acadvl, but an increase in MCAD enzyme activity was not detectable. rAAV6:MCAD delivery in the diabetic heart increased MCAD mRNA expression but did not significantly increase protein, activity, or improve diabetes-induced cardiac pathology or molecular metabolic and lipid markers. The uptake of AAV viral vectors was reduced in the diabetic versus non-diabetic heart, which may have implications for the translation of AAV therapies into the clinic. Key messages: The effects of increasing MCAD in the diabetic heart are unknown. Delivery of rAAV6:MCAD increased MCAD mRNA and protein, but not enzyme activity, in the non-diabetic heart. Independent of MCAD enzyme activity, rAAV6:MCAD increased Acadl and Acadvl in the non-diabetic heart. Increasing MCAD cardiac gene expression alone was not sufficient to protect against diabetes-induced cardiac pathology. AAV transduction efficiency was reduced in the diabetic heart, which has clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense soil cultivation and climate change have detrimental effects on soils. Solutions are needed to improve the biological quality and water holding capacity of agricultural soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effect of compost application and drought stress on a soil/plant system in order to determine the improvement of soil quality and plant growth and the alleviation of drought stress. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was grown under greenhouse conditions in a sandy soil with sufficient mineral fertilizer application to test the effect of five compost types (three made from municipal garden and park wastes with differing nutrient contents, one from municipal household waste, and one from farm plant residues) applied at 30 Mg ha-1 dry weight, with which we compared soil quality and plant growth to soil without compost application. Treatment pots were irrigated or subjected to drought conditions during the last 14 days of lettuce growth. Assays of potential N mineralization during 28 days, dehydrogenase and ß-glucosidase activities, and a phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis were performed to assess effects on soil biological quality. Gas exchange, leaf relative water content, biomass, nitrogen accumulation, and root tip growth of lettuce were measured to investigate compost and drought stress effects on lettuce physiology. All composts improved indices of soil biological quality significantly, except for fungal abundance, relative to soil without compost. The greatest increase was obtained from farm compost, which significantly increased potential nitrogen (N) mineralization and soil enzyme activities of ß-glucosidase and dehydrogenase by factors of 4, 2, and 43, respectively. Furthermore, soil with farm compost generally showed a higher abundance of soil microbial organisms compared with soil without compost, which could be related to its high cellulose and hemicellulose contents. The lowest abundance of microbial organisms was generally found in soil with garden and park waste compost with a medium nutrient content, which could be related to its low organic matter content. The beneficial effect of compost on soil biological quality did not lead to improved lettuce growth, which suggests that soil biological quality (ameliorated by compost application) is not important for a fast-growing crop, such as lettuce, that is sufficiently fertilized. Drought stress reduced aboveground lettuce biomass, root tip growth, and the abundance of most soil microbial groups significantly, but compost in soil did not alleviate these negative effects. In conclusion, the farm compost made from grass-clover, straw, and vegetable residues is superior to garden and park waste and household waste composts in terms of beneficial effects on soil biological quality. Compost clearly improved soil biological quality, but did not influence lettuce's response to drought stress. The knowledge gained in this study is useful for producing tailor-made compost with desired effects of improved soil biological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation is a commonly used method to treat seawater polluted by petroleum. In addition to its ability to selectively degrade pollutants, it is also important to investigate the effectiveness of degradation and the benefits of restoration. This study focused on selecting a group of bacteria that can degrade diesel from marine sediment. The bacterial consortium called MB11 was found to be the most effective in removing diesel, with a removal rate of 53.77 ± 0.59 %. The consortium MB11 consists mainly of 6 types of bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabillis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Raoutella planticola, Enterobacter soli and Oceanotoga teriensis. The effective bacterial consortium MB11 was integrated with the floating MFC for electricity generation. The maximal open circuit voltage (OCV) and power density (PD) of 676.88 ± 5.94 mV and 0.16 ± 0.02 W/m3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with the biodegradation of phenol by Acinetobacter sp. strain DF4 through the use of differential display (DD) methodology. The bacteria were grown in YEPG medium, and total RNA was extracted and analyzed using labeled primers to detect gene expression differences. Three distinctively expressed cDNA bands (ph1, ph2, and ph3) were identified, cloned, and sequenced. DNA analysis involved searching for open reading frames (ORFs), verifying results with the NCBI database, predicting promoter regions, and constructing phylogenetic trees using bioinformatics tools. The ph1 gene displayed a 97% identity with the AraC transcriptional regulator, suggesting its potential role in regulating the ortho-catabolic pathway of phenol. The ph2 gene showed a 98% identity with aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in phenol degradation. The ph3 gene had a 93% identity with acetyltransferase. Essential transcription factors, such as TATA, GTGTGT, CACA, and CTTTT, were detected, and the three genes promoter regions were predicted. This study successfully identified functional genes involved in the metabolism of cyclic chemicals, particularly phenol, using the DD technique. These findings provide insights into the biodegradation pathways of phenol by Acinetobacter sp. Strain DF4 and may contribute to the development of more efficient bioremediation strategies for phenol-contaminated environments.

Soil health depletion due to intensive tillage operations is a global issue in the agricultural sector. Conservation tillage (CT) which involves non-inversion tillage and leaving ∼30% of the soil surface covered with crop residues, is a strategy designed to enhance soil health. However, no comprehensive study to investigate the long-term effect of CT on soil biological activity and the soil nutrient supply has yet been widely carried out. Biological and chemical soil properties were assessed at depths 0–5, 10–15, and 20–25 cm depths after 18 years of CT and conventional tillage practice (PT). Various stages in the vegetative growth of maize were investigated in 2021 in Hungary. The findings indicated that tillage intensity, soil depth, and growth stages all significantly influenced soil enzyme activities and the concentration of soil nutrients. Less soil disturbance resulted in a significantly larger concentration of soil carbon parameters (total organic carbon and labile carbon) in CT plots, where the activity of β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase (DHA) in the upper soil layer increased significantly (0.7–2.6 and 2.6–4.7 times, respectively) compared to PT. The high amount of organic matter and the greater resistance to erosion observed in CT also contributed to the higher concentration of available nutrients (NH4, NO3, Ca, K) and total P in the surface soil layer. Phosphatase activity was highest in the mid-stage of vegetative growth and was positively correlated to the total P concentration. The alterations in soil water content were clearly negatively correlated with the change in DHA and phosphatase activity. Overall, due to the more balanced environmental conditions, the decomposition of organic substances was more balanced and slower in CT than in PT. This implied that the mobilization of nutrients in the soil was more balanced as well, and that the nutrients were released gradually. The enhancement of the soil nutrient-supplying capacity achieved by means of long-term conservation tillage provides a promising strategy for sustainable nutrient management.

Background: Gliomas are considered the most prevalent malignancies of the central nervous system. These tumors are diffusely infiltrative and behave destructively toward the nearby brain tissue. Based on histological grading, gliomas were previously categorized. Histopathology and molecular characteristics are now included in the classification of brain tumors. Glioma prognosis can be predicted, which allows patients to choose an effective course of treatment. It is crucial to look for fresh prognostic indicators in cancer biopsy samples that might indicate prognosis. IDH mutation is a crucial component for the subclass categorization of diffuse gliomas and is just one of many molecular parameters. Significantly, all forms of IDH-mutant gliomas seem to have a much better prognosis than malignant diffuse IDH wild type (IDH-wt) gliomas such as glioblastoma. Conclusions: We concluded that IDH1 and MMR genes immunohistochemical expression could help in the prediction of gliomas outcomes. More large-scale multicenter investigations are needed to back up our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to assess the impact of sprinkler irrigation on the activity of selected soil enzymes in terms of nitrogen metabolism and oxidation–reduction processes in soil with different doses of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. An Alfisol was sampled from an experimental field of spring barley within the University Research Center in the central part of Poland, namely the village of Mochełek with a moderate transitory climate, during the growing seasons of 2015–2017. The soil resistance (RS) was derived to recognize the resistance enzymes during drought. In the maturity phase, nitrate reductase activity was 18% higher in irrigated soil and the activities of other enzymes were higher than in the non-irrigated plots by 25% for dehydrogenase, 22% for peroxidase, 33% for catalase, and 17% for urease. The development phase in the barley influenced nitrate reductase activity. Enzymatic activities changed throughout the research years. During the maturity stage, a lower ammonium nitrogen content in the soil resulted from a higher spring barley uptake due to drought stress. Irrigation probably contributed to increased leaching of nitrate in the soil. The highest index of resilience was found in the soil catalase activity.

Processes of water retention and movement and the hydraulic conductivity are altered in the rhizosphere. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical-hydric properties of soil aggregates in the rhizosphere of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cropped in a Kandiudalfic Eutrudox, taking into account aspects related to soil aggregate stability. Soil aggregates from rhizosphere soil (RZS) and soil between plant rows (SBP) were used to determine soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). In addition, properties related to soil aggregate stability, such as water-dispersible clay, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial activity, were also assessed. The higher microbial activity observed in the RZS was facilitated by increased SOC and microbial activity, resulting in improved soil aggregation (less water-dispersible clay). For nearly all measured matric potentials, RZS had a higher water content than SBP. This was attributed to the stability of aggregates, increase in SOC content, and the root exudates, which improved soil water retention. The increase in total porosity in RZS was associated with improved soil aggregation, which prevents deterioration of the soil pore space and results in higher Ksat and hydraulic conductivity as a function of the effective relative saturation in RZS compared to SBP.

Purpose: Application of organic manures, along with fertilizers, is important to maintain soil fertility to achieve higher productivity. In reality, the farmers apply organic manures and fertilizers in different proportions and quantities depending on their availability and purchasing power of farmers. Organic manures also help to enhance soil carbon stocks and soil biological activities. Hence, this study aimed to assess the role of organic manures on soil carbon stocks and soil enzymes in intensively managed ginger production systems.Method: Farmers’ fields based study was conducted in Shivamogga district coming under Hilly Zone of Karnataka, India. The information on use of organic manures and fertilizers for ginger production were collected from 60 growers and they were grouped into three categories using the K-factorization statistical tool. Soil samples were collected after crop harvest and analysed for soil carbon stocks and soil enzyme activities. The mean values of 3 categories of farmers were compared using suitable statistical tools.Results: Added organic manure and the soil organic carbon (SOC) varied significantly among high and low organic manure applications. Incremental variations were observed in the order of Category 3 > Category 2 > Category 1 ginger fields. Enzyme activities were found higher in fields applied with high organic manures. Both soil carbon stocks and soil enzyme activities exhibited strong and positive correlations with organic manures.Conclusion: The study revealed that application of organic manures in intensively managed ginger production systems helps to enhance soil carbon stocks and maintain soil biological activities.

Introduction In consonance with current the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the central nervous system (CNS) tumors (2016), histological diagnosis of gliomas should be reinforced by molecular information. This study was performed to determine the frequency of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), α thalassemia/intellectual disability syndrome X-linked (ATRX), p53, and BRAF V600E mutations in different grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.

The paper presents data on a three-year study (2020-2022) of the effect of a liquid-phase biological product containing iron nanoparticles (LPB-Fe), obtained by biosynthesis using green tea extract, on the yield of potatoes of the Skarb variety and the activity of soil enzymes under the conditions of Tverskaya areas. Comparative efficiency of LPB-Fe, the original LPB biopreparation, solution of iron nanoparticles Fe NPs was studied in the field against the background of NPK application. The results showed that the maximum productivity (669.1 g/bush) of potatoes was obtained by foliar treatment of vegetative plants with a 1% solution of LPB-Fe – 16.9 % more than the control variant (NPK background). With the separate use of a 1% solution of LPB and a 1% solution of Fe NPs, the productivity was 628.4 and 550.6 g/plant, respectively, which indicates an increase in their impact on potato plants when used together as part of LPB-Fe. It was noted that the activity of invertase correlated with the content of humus in the soil, and the activity of the protease correlated with the content of readily hydrolysable nitrogen. In addition, the study of the activity of enzymes in the soil under potatoes (catalase, dehydrogenase, invertase, cellulase and protease) showed that they have a significant impact on the yield of potatoes at different stages of the growing season with various technological methods of using biological preparations. For example, when treating potato tubers at the seedling stage, an inverse relationship was found between catalase activity in the soil and yield: the higher the enzyme activity, the lower the yield (correlation coefficient is -0.82). And in the case of cellulase, with the same technological method, on the contrary, a direct dependence is observed: the higher the activity of the enzyme in the soil at the seedling stage, the greater the yield (correlation coefficient is 0.72). Thus, when soil and plants are exposed to Fe-containing biological products, the activity of enzymes responsible for the transformation of the main biogenic elements (carbon and nitrogen) and redox processes occurring in the soil changes, which ultimately leads to a change in soil fertility and, therefore, either decrease or increase of crop yields.method, on the contrary, a direct dependence is observed: the higher the activity of the enzyme in the soil at the seedling stage, the greater the yield (correlation coefficient is 0.72). Thus, when soil and plants are exposed to Fe-containing biological products, the activity of enzymes responsible for the transformation of the main biogenic elements (carbon and nitrogen) and redox processes occurring in the soil changes, which ultimately leads to a change in soil fertility and, therefore, either decrease or increase of crop yields.

The application of nano-enabled agricultural chemicals introduces metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into agricultural soils, with CuO-NPs as one of the most common. Because CuO-NPs can dissolve to release Cu ions, they often display different environmental impacts. As such, it is essential to comprehensively examine the Cu bioavailability of CuO-NPs in soil and its impacts on soil enzyme activities, which are critical for soil health. This research examined how variations in CuO-NP size (10, 40, and 80 ​nm), surface coatings (polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylic acid), and concentrations (100, 250, and 500 ​mg/kg) influenced the extractable Cu in soil and their impacts on selected soil enzymes (acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase). Main indicators were quantified after a 30-day incubation period. The bioactive Cu related to CuO-NPs as determined via CaCl2 and DTPA extractions indicated that 10 ​nm CuO-NPs had the highest extractable Cu across all incubation times. Besides, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylic acid coating had little impact on extractable Cu compared to uncoated ones. Unlike CuSO₄, extractable Cu concentrations in CuO-NPs spiked soil increased over time. CuO-NPs dissolution was negatively correlated with soil pH. CuO-NPs after 24 ​h short-term exposure significantly inhibited both enzyme activities across all tested concentrations, with smaller NPs showing greater effect. However, reduced toxicity to enzyme activities was observed after 30 days. A strong negative correlation was observed between CuO dissolution and enzyme activities after 1 and 30 days, indicating Cu ions are the main toxicity source. This study elucidates that CuO-NP size, concentration, surface coating, and exposure duration collectively impact the interactions of CuO-NPs with soil enzymes, providing critical insights into the sustainable use of nanotechnology in agriculture.

Reduced (NADH) and oxidized (NAD+) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides are ubiquitous hydride-donating/accepting cofactors that are essential for cellular bioenergetics. Peroxisomes are single-membrane-bounded organelles that are involved in multiple lipid metabolism pathways, including beta-oxidation of fatty acids, and which contain several NAD(H)-dependent enzymes. Although maintenance of NAD(H) homeostasis in peroxisomes is considered essential for peroxisomal beta-oxidation, little is known about the regulation thereof. To resolve this issue, we have developed methods to specifically measure intraperoxisomal NADH levels in human cells using peroxisome-targeted NADH biosensors. By targeted CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing of human cells, we showed with these sensors that the NAD+/NADH ratio in cytosol and peroxisomes are closely connected and that this crosstalk is mediated by intraperoxisomal lactate and malate dehydrogenases, generated via translational stop codon readthrough of the LDHB and MDH1 mRNAs. Our study provides evidence for the existence of two independent redox shuttle systems in human peroxisomes that regulate peroxisomal NAD+/NADH homeostasis. This is the first study that shows a specific metabolic function of protein isoforms generated by translational stop codon readthrough in humans. [Display omitted] • NAD+/NADH ratios in the cytosol and peroxisomes are connected. • Two independent NAD(H) shuttle systems regulate the peroxisomal NAD+/NADH ratio in human cells. • The peroxisomal counterparts of these shuttle systems are generated via stop codon readthrough of the MDH1 and LDHB mRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrous sulfate application is important in improvement of agricultural production, elimination of micronutrient deficiencies in human and animal populations, and promotion of sustainable food and feed production. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different doses of foliar iron sulfate (FeSO4) applications on cotton plant yield and yield components, soil enzyme activity and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values of cotton plants. The results of both growing periods indicated that 0.4% FeSO4 application dose was more effective than the other doses compared to the control (Co), therefore, the evaluations were carried out based on 0.4% FeSO4 application dose. The application dose increased the cotton yield by 20.53 and 19.08% in the 2020 and 2021 season, respectively. The SPAD value increased by 54.88 and 98.68% in the 2020 and 2021 season. The NDVI values were 0.83 and 0.85 in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, respectively. Soil enzymes responded positively to FeSO4 application. The urease enzyme activity at this application dose varied between 17.81 and 18.76 µg N g−1 dry soil h−1 (13.73 to 26.33% increase compared to Co), and the highest value was recorded in 2021. The Dehydrogenase (DHG) enzyme activity was between 18.38 and 16.05 µg TPF g−1 dry soil 24 h−1 (39.8 and 46.30% increase compared to Co). The Catalase enzyme activity (CAT) was 36.40 and 38.73 ml O2 g−1 dm 5 min−1 in (51.23 and 39.32% compared to control) and the highest value was recorded in 2021. Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA) was 18.66 and 17.14 µg N g−1 dm 2 h−1 in 2020 and 2021 seasons. The values of NRA were 54.11 and 59.54% lower in 2020 and 2021 seasons compared to the NRA in Co. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Institute of Agrochemistry and Soil Science from Debrecen University of Hungary (UD) some microbiological characteristics of three different soil types, with different plant crops were examined during 2 years (2019-2020), in spring and autumn. Examined soil types were: (1.) Chernozems with corn (Triticum aestivum L.); (2) Arenosols, with fruit (Prunus cerasus L.) and (3) Solonetz with grassland. The highest number of total soil bacteria was found in Chernozem soil under wheat crop (13.20*106 g -1 ), the highest quantity of microbial fungi (9.93*103 g -1 ), and dehydrogenase activity (240.32 µg INTF g-1 soil 2 h-1 ) was found in Solonetz soil, which is an uncultivated soil (pasture). One of the main parameters of the soil biological characteristics is the CO2 production of the soils, which was the highest on the Chernozem soil and the lower on the Humus of sandy soil. During the correlation tests, the most close correlation was demonstrated between the parameters of the Solonetz soil (dehydrogenase enzyme – number of microscopic fungi; r = 0.909; 0.955; total bacterial number - soil respiration; r = 0.830; 0.885). Medium and close correlation were found between the soil moisture content and the total number of bacteria in case of Solonetz and Chernozem soils. Regarding the seasonality, higher abundance of total bacteria was measured in spring and in autumn, moreover the number of fungi, dehydrogenase activity and CO2 production were higher in the soils. Based on the measured microbial properties of the soil, this study proved that the biological activity of the soil remained more intense in the Solonetz soil. This is due to the fact that it is located on a natural pasture, undisturbed by agricultural works, which are specific to arable and horticultural crops

Soil fauna are important biological factors that affect litter decomposition and play an important role in the release of nutrients and improve soil enzyme activities. This study focused on the effects of isopods on enzymatic activities of soil. Lab experiments were conducted to assess the influence of terrestrial isopod Philoscia Muscorum on enzyme activities during the incubation.In Lab experimental food sources from wheat straw were prepared. Dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase and arylsulphatase activity in soil treated with different number of isopods with wheat straw were determined in 28 days incubation. Results showed that the presence of isopods significantly increased (P

Bidens tripartita L. is a cadmium (Cd) accumulator. However, the real-time influx or efflux of Cd2+ around its root apex has not yet been performed. The object of this experiment was to compare the roles of added ions in solution on dynamic Cd extraction by B. tripartita root tip. Quartz sand was used to grow the seedling of B. tripartite. The Cd concentrations of all samples were determined by using ICP-OES after digestion. The Cd2+ influx around the root apex was measured in vivo, i.e., using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). The results showed that the Cd2+ influx was found to be decreased by 35.9%, 43.7%, 20.6%, and 57.5% under 10 μM Cd combined with high content Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, or K+ (16 mM, 8 mM, 0.5 mM, 18 mM, respectively), compared to that under 10 μM Cd stress. But Cd treatments with low content ions with 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S increased the Cd2+ influx in roots by 20.5% and 34.6%, respectively. It was also found that Cd treatment with high concentrations of Ca2+ or K+ increased the shoot biomass of B. tripartita seedlings. Chl a and b contents were significantly decreased in the Cd treatments with low concentrations of Fe3+ or S compared to those under Cd stress alone, and the dehydrogenase activity of the roots decreased in the treatment of Cd with 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S. Our results indicate that the addition of 0.05 mM Fe3+ or 0.5 mM S promoted Cd2+ influx and Cd uptake by B. tripartita. Unlike traditional measurement, the Cd2+ movements of three-dimensional space around the B. tripartita root tip had been performed by NMT. It was suggested that the effects of S and Fe3+ on the remediation potential of B. tripartita need to be further researched in the future. The results of this study provided a real-time and micro-dynamic theoretical basis for phytoremediation mechanisms.

Background: Kerala flood in 2018 and 2019 had reduced the yield in many agricultural plots of Attapadi, Kerala, India. The scope of the study was to identify the potential native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from the post flood-affected sites to rejuvenate the nutrient depleted soils. Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of agricultural microbiology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, Kerala during 2020-2022. Bacteria were isolated from post flood-affected agricultural soils of Attapadi in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Three morphologically distinct isolates were screened for cellulase, laccase and dehydrogenase to select the best bacterial isolate that could produce the multifunctional enzymes for rejuvenation of flood-affected soils. The isolate were also screened for plant growth promotion traits such as; indole acetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilizing ability, nitrogen fixing ability and potassium solubilizing ability. Result: The most promising isolate was identified as Ignatzschineria cameli, which was found to be a high indole acetic acid producer along with phosphate and potassium solubilizing ability and revealed as the first report of PGPR from post flood-affected soils of Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural soil quality is an issue that has been widely debated in the literature in recent decades. Three olive grove areas (one in Lisbon and the others in Santarém, Portugal) with different management techniques (intensive and super-intensive) were selected. Nutrient concentrations and enzyme activities of soils were determined, as well as the C and N of litter and pruning waste (mulch) to estimate the influence of management techniques on the quality of olive grove soils and to assess the extent to which they are affected by organic covers and different cultivation intensities. Organic C and total N concentrations in soils of the intensive olive grove in Lisbon were the highest when compared with those in the intensive and super-intensive olive groves soils of Santarém. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and K were the main differences between the Lisbon olive groves and the other two from Santarém. Phosphatase, cellulase, and urease activities were related to the Na, extractable K, extractable P, Zn, Mn, organic C, and total N soil concentrations. Soil management and agricultural practices are determining factors for these enzymatic activities of Santarém olive groves, although climate conditions and soil properties play an important role in the soil enzymatic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application to soil has been projected as an approach to improve soil quality, which can also influence soil microbial activities. In this experiment, we have utilized four dissimilar feedstocks derived biochar amendments. The highest microbial biomass carbon was found in Lantana camara (LC) biochar followed by pine needle (PN), maize stalk (MS) and lowest in black gram (BG) biochar. The dehydrogenase activity in different biochar treatment increased significantly along with control with increase in incubation days except pine biochar where dehydrogenase decreased. Biochar application in soil increased acid phosphatase compared to control. The highest alkaline phosphatase was found in MS and it was 20.56, 31.27, 42.52, 57.62 and 69.56 at 1, 7, 30, 60 and 90 days of incubation, respectively. The highest urease was found in LC followed by BG, MS and lowest in PN among the biochar at both the biochar application rate. The biochar application augmented the protease enzyme activity in soil, which might be due to augmenting the accessibility of inorganic nitrogen. The highest fluorescein diacetate was found in LC and it was 10.12, 17.62, 24.62, 32.86 and 37.56 at 1, 7, 30, 60 and 90 days of incubation, respectively. The increased biological indicator was more at 2.5 t/ha biochar application rate than 5.0 t/ha i.e. lower concentration of biochar enhanced more than higher concentration. This laboratory study demonstrated that biochar application can profit incubated acid soils by improving microbial biomass carbon up-lift while increasing potential soil enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]