Search

Abstract Soil salinity is a major environmental stressor impacting global food production. Staple crops like wheat experience significant yield losses in saline environments. Bioprospecting for beneficial microbes associated with stress-resistant plants offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture. We isolated two novel endophytic bacteria, Bacillus cereus (ADJ1) and Priestia aryabhattai (ADJ6), from Agave desmettiana Jacobi. Both strains displayed potent plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as producing high amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (9.46, 10.00 µgml−1), ammonia (64.67, 108.97 µmol ml−1), zinc solubilization (Index of 3.33, 4.22, respectively), ACC deaminase production and biofilm formation. ADJ6 additionally showed inorganic phosphate solubilization (PSI of 2.77), atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and hydrogen cyanide production. Wheat seeds primed with these endophytes exhibited enhanced germination, improved growth profiles, and significantly increased yields in field trials. Notably, both ADJ1 and ADJ6 tolerated high salinity (up to 1.03 M) and significantly improved wheat germination and seedling growth under saline stress, acting both independently and synergistically. This study reveals promising stress-tolerance traits within endophytic bacteria from A. desmettiana. Exploiting such under-explored plant microbiomes offers a sustainable approach to developing salt-tolerant crops, mitigating the impact of climate change-induced salinization on global food security.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge, jeopardizing the efficacy of infectious disease treatments and necessitating innovative solutions. The exploration of plants, renowned for their wealth of bioactive compounds, as sustainable sources of antimicrobials is gaining momentum. Sansevieria, a succulent plant genus, boasts ornamental, medicinal, and pollution-remediating attributes owing to its phytochemical richness. Notably, specific species exhibit inherent antimicrobial properties, positioning them as promising reservoirs of alternative antimicrobial agents. Efficient cultivation methods are imperative for the economically viable production of Sansevierias with potential medicinal benefits. In addressing this need, in vitro micropropagation emerges as a strategic solution, enabling mass multiplication and germplasm conservation. Leveraging our previous success in achieving efficient in vitro regeneration of Sansevieria trifasciata through elevated temperatures and auxin supplementation, we present a novel PTC-assisted antimicrobial elicitation platform. This innovative approach resulted in significantly augmented biomass production, heightened concentrations of potent phytochemicals, and increased antibacterial activity in tissue extracts compared to their field-grown counterparts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) profiling confirmed the upregulation of phytochemicals known for their antibacterial efficacy. Notably, Citronellol, 7,8-Epoxylanostan-11-ol, 3-acetoxy, and several new compounds were markedly elevated in PTC-raised Sansevieria trifasciata. Our study furnishes compelling evidence for the efficacy of in vitro techniques in enhancing the growth and phytochemical profiles of Sansevieria plants. This opens new avenues for their commercial production, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. Importantly, this study represents the first exploration of phytochemical bioprospecting in the Sansevieria genus through in vitro tissue culture endeavors.

The antimicrobial properties of baicalin against H. pylori and several probiotic cultures were evaluated. Baicalin was isolated from a dry plant extract obtained by extraction with water at 70 °C. For isolation, extraction was carried out with n-butanol and purification on a chromatographic column. The antimicrobial potential was assessed by evaluating changes in the optical density of the bacterial suspension during cultivation; additionally, the disk diffusion method was used. During the study, the baicalin concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and the pH of the medium in the range of 1.5–8.0 were tested. The test objects were: suspensions of H. pylori, Lactobacillus casei, L. brevis, Bifidobacterium longum, and B. teenis. It was found that the greater the concentration of the substance in the solution, the greater the delay in the growth of the strain zone. Thus, the highest antimicrobial activity against H. pylori was observed at pH 1.5–2.0 and a baicalin concentration of 1.00 mg/mL. In relation to probiotic strains, a stimulating effect of baicalin (1.00 mg/mL) on the growth of L. casei biomass at pH 1.5–2.0 was observed. The results open up the prospects for the use of baicalin and probiotics for the treatment of diseases caused by H. pylori.

New triple molybdates LixNa1−xCaLa0.5(MoO4)3:Er3+0.05/Yb3+0.45 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) were manufactured successfully using the microwave-assisted sol-gel-based technique (MAS). Their room-temperature crystal structures were determined in space group I41/a by Rietveld analysis. The compounds were found to have a scheelite-type structure. In Li-substituted samples, the sites of big cations were occupied by a mixture of (Li, Na, La, Er, Yb) ions, which provided a linear cell volume decrease with the Li content increase. The increased upconversion (UC) efficiency and Raman spectroscopic properties of the phosphors were discussed in detail. The mechanism of optimization of upconversion luminescence upon Li content variation was shown to be due to the control of excitation/energy transfer channel, while the control of luminescence channels played a minor role. The UC luminescence maximized at lithium content x = 0.05. The mechanism of UC optimization was shown to be due to the control of excitation/energy transfer channel, while the control of luminescence channels played a minor role. Over the whole spectral range, the Raman spectra of LixNa1−xCaLa0.5(MoO4)3 doped with Er3+ and Yb3+ ions were totally superimposed with the luminescence signal of Er3+ ions, and increasing the Li+ content resulted in the difference of Er3+ multiple intensity. The density functional theory calculations with the account for the structural disorder in the system of Li, Na, Ca, La, Er and Yb ions revealed the bandgap variation from 3.99 to 4.137 eV due to the changing of Li content. It was found that the direct electronic transition energy was close to the indirect one for all compounds. The determined chromaticity points (ICP) of the LiNaCaLa(MoO4)3:Er3+,Yb3+ phosphors were in good relation to the equal-energy point in the standard CIE (Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage) coordinates.

A new multicationic structurally disordered K5FeHf(MoO4)6 crystal belonging to the molybdate family is synthesized by the two-stage solid state reaction method. The characterization of the electronic and vibrational properties of the K5FeHf(MoO4)6 was performed using density functional theory calculations, group theory, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The vibrational spectra are dominated by vibrations of the MoO4 tetrahedra, while the lattice modes are observed in a low-wavenumber part of the spectra. The experimental gap in the phonon spectra between 450 and 700 cm−1 is in a good agreement with the simulated phonon density of the states. K5FeHf(MoO4)6 is a paramagnetic down to 4.2 K. The negative Curie–Weiss temperature of −6.7 K indicates dominant antiferromagnetic interactions in the compound. The direct and indirect optical bandgaps of K5FeHf(MoO4)6 are 2.97 and 3.21 eV, respectively. The K5FeHf(MoO4)6 bandgap narrowing, with respect to the variety of known molybdates and the ab initio calculations, is explained by the presence of Mott-Hubbard optical excitation in the system of Fe3+ ions.

This article describes the effect of organic acids and ultrasound on the physiological and biochemical properties of yeast, which was used to obtain biologically active peptides. The research featured brewer’s yeast S. cerevisiae W-34/70 cultivated in 11% beer wort. A mix of Krebs cycle acids served as an activator. It included succinic, malic, fumaric, citric, and oxaloacetic acids (1:1:1:1:1). The concentration of the Krebs cycle acids was 1 × 10−10 M/L at 1% to the suspension volume. The ultrasound treatment had an intensity of 10 W/m2 and lasted 3–10 min. The combined effect increased the fermentation activity of the yeast by 98%. The activity of individual biocatalysts of constructive and energy metabolism rose by 108–330%, while that of proteolysis enzymes increased by 15% in comparison with the samples exposed to individual factors. The stimulation increased the rate of amine nitrogen consumption by the yeast. The amount of accumulated amino acids was larger by 80% than in the control, and that of protein larger by 7%. The maximal content of the synthesized protein was reached 1–2 h earlier. The combination of chemical and physical factors intensified the biosynthesis of protein and its intermediates during yeast processing, thus facilitating the subsequent extraction of biologically valuable components.

The surface acoustic wave (SAW) properties of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO4, KTP) single crystal were evaluated by numerical methods. The phase velocity, electromechanical coupling coefficient, power flow deflection angle, and temperature coefficient of delay (TCD) were determined for different crystal cuts of KTP. It was shown that SAW has the electromechanical coupling coefficient of 0.59% and the TCD of 62 ppm/°C on the Z-cut and wave propagation direction along the crystal X + 70°-axis. For the Z-cut and wave propagation direction along the X-axis, the pseudo-surface wave (PSAW) is characterized by the coupling coefficient of 0.46% and the TCD value of 57 ppm/°C. The Bleustein–Gulyaev (BG) wave has the TCD value of 35 ppm/°C and 41 ppm/°C on the Y- and X-cuts of KTP, respectively.

Phenolic acids are biologically active substances that prevent aging and age-related diseases, e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Cellular senescence is related to oxidative stress. The Siberian Federal District is rich in medicinal plants whose extracts contain phenolic acids. These plants can serve as raw materials for antiaging, antioxidant food supplements, and Amelanchier ovalis is one of them. In the present research, we tested the phytochemical profile of its extract for phenolic acids. Its geroprotective and antioxidant properties were studied both ex vivo and in vitro using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y-564 as a model organism. The chromotographic analysis revealed gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and protocatechuic acids, as well as derivatives of chlorogenic and gallic acids. The research involved 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL extracts of Amelanchier ovalis, all of which increased the growth and lifespan of yeast cells. In addition, the extracts increased the survival rate of yeast under oxidative stress. An in vitro experiment also demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Amelanchier ovalis against ABTS radicals. Therefore, the Amelanchier ovalis berry extract proved to be an excellent source of phenolic acids and may be recommended as a raw material for use in antioxidant and geroprotective food supplements.

The origin of the contrast appearing in STM images at the boundary between diverse ordered structures is studied using the example of two structures, (7 × 7)N and (8 × 8), formed in the system of a two-dimensional silicon nitride layer on the Si(111) surface during ammonia nitridation. A significant dependence of the contrast between these structures on the voltage applied to the tunnel gap was found and studied both experimentally and theoretically. Variations in the contrast were quantitatively studied in the range from −3 V to +3 V, and they were studied in more detail for the positive biases on the sample from +1 V to +2.5 V, where the contrast was changed more than 2 times. Within the one-dimensional Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) model for the tunnel current, a comparatively simple procedure is proposed for the correction of the experimental STS-spectra of differential conductivity to identify the adequate (feasible) density of electron states (DOS). It is shown that the (8 × 8) structure DOS corresponds to a graphene-like layer of silicon nitride structure. The proposed correction procedure of the empirical differential conductivity spectra measured by STS will be useful for the quantitative determination of the DOS of new two-dimensional materials and surface structures.

An in silico study that featured the effect of starter cultures on the bioactivity and other health benefits of peptides in semi-hard cheese is presented in this contribution. Model Caciotta-type cheese samples were obtained in laboratory conditions in two variations. Sample A included starter cultures of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. Sample B included starter cultures of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, and a culture of lactobacilli Lacticaseibacillus casei. The in silico method showed that the peptides inhibited angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) and ipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4), as well as possessed antioxidant properties. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris had a greater effect on the formation of bioactive peptides.

The present work applied the methods of density functional theory and the van der Waals interaction PBE + D3(BJ) on the basis of localized orbitals of the CRYSTAL17 package. It featured the effect of interactions between structural elements of fluorocarbonates ABCO3F (A: K, Rb, Cs; B: Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn, Cd) on their elastic and vibrational properties. The hexagonal structures proved to consist of alternating ···B-CO3··· and ···A-F··· layers in planes ab, interconnected along axis c by infinite chains ···F-B-F···, where cations formed polyhedra AOnF3 and BOmF2. The calculations included the band energy structure, the total and partial density of electron states, the energy and band widths of the upper ns- and np-states of alkali and alkaline-earth metals, as well as nd-zinc and nd-cadmium. For hydrostatic compression, we calculated the parameters of the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state and the linear compressibility moduli along the crystal axes and bond lines. We also defined the elastic constants of single crystals to obtain the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximations for the elastic moduli of polycrystalline materials. The study also revealed the relationship between the elastic properties and the nature of the chemical bond. Hybrid functional B3LYP made it possible to calculate the modes of normal long-wavelength oscillations, which provided the spectra of infrared absorption and Raman scattering. Intramolecular modes ν1 and ν4 with one or two maxima were found to be intense, and their relative positions depended on the lengths of nonequivalent C–O bonds.

CeO2-Al2O3 oxides prepared by co-precipitation (Ce+Al) or CeOx precipitation onto Al2O3 (Ce/Al) to obtain dispersed CeO2 and samples with further supported FeOx (2.5–9.9 weight% in terms of Fe) were characterized by XRD, XPS, DDPA and Raman. Fe/Ce/Al samples with lower surface concentrations of Fe3+ were substantially more active in N2O decomposition at 700–900 °C. It was related to higher oxygen mobility, as estimated from 16O/18O exchange experiments and provided by preferential exposing of (Fe-)Ce oxides. Stabilization of some Ce as isolated Ce3+ in Fe-Ce-Al mixed oxides dominating in the bulk and surface layers of Fe/(Ce + Al) samples retards the steps responsible for fast additional oxygen transfer to the sites of O2 desorption.

The development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are significantly influenced by lifestyle, particularly nutrition. The modern level of science and technology development promote personalized nutrition as an efficient preventive measure against atherosclerosis. In this survey, the factors were revealed that contribute to the formation of an individual approach to nutrition: genetic characteristics, the state of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and environmental factors (diets, bioactive components, cardioprotectors, etc.). In the course of the work, it was found that in order to analyze the predisposition to atherosclerosis associated with nutrition, genetic features affecting the metabolism of nutrients are significant. The genetic features include the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of genes and epigenetic factors. The influence of telomere length on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and circadian rhythms was also considered. Relatively new is the study of the relationship between chrono-nutrition and the development of metabolic diseases. That is, to obtain the relationship between nutrition and atherosclerosis, a large number of genetic markers should be considered. In this relation, the question arises: “How many genetic features need to be analyzed in order to form a personalized diet for the consumer?” Basically, companies engaged in nutrigenetic research and choosing a diet for the prevention of a number of metabolic diseases use SNP analysis of genes that accounts for lipid metabolism, vitamins, the body’s antioxidant defense system, taste characteristics, etc. There is no set number of genetic markers. The main diets effective against the development of atherosclerosis were considered, and the most popular were the ketogenic, Mediterranean, and DASH-diets. The advantage of these diets is the content of foods with a low amount of carbohydrates, a high amount of vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as foods rich in antioxidants. However, due to the restrictions associated with climatic, geographical, material features, these diets are not available for a number of consumers. The way out is the use of functional products, dietary supplements. In this approach, the promising biologically active substances (BAS) that exhibit anti-atherosclerotic potential are: baicalin, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and other plant metabolites. Among the substances, those of animal origin are popular: squalene, coenzyme Q10, omega-3. For the prevention of atherosclerosis through personalized nutrition, it is necessary to analyze the genetic characteristics (SNP) associated with the metabolism of nutrients, to assess the state of the microbiota of the GIT. Based on the data obtained and food preferences, as well as the individual capabilities of the consumer, the optimal diet can be selected. It is topical to exclude nutrients of which their excess consumption stimulates the occurrence and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to enrich the diet with functional foods (FF), BAS containing the necessary anti-atherosclerotic, and stimulating microbiota of the GIT nutrients. Personalized nutrition is a topical preventive measure and there are a number of problems hindering the active use of this approach among consumers. The key factors include weak evidence of the influence of a number of genetic features, the high cost of the approach, and difficulties in the interpretation of the results. Eliminating these deficiencies will contribute to the maintenance of a healthy state of the population through nutrition.

There are two main reasons for monitoring the population of forest animals. First, regular surveys reveal the real state of biodiversity. Second, they guarantee a prompt response to any negative environmental factor that affects the animal population and make it possible to eliminate the threat before any permanent damage is done. The research objective was to study the potential of drone planes equipped with thermal infrared imaging cameras for large animal monitoring in the conditions of Siberian winter forests with snow background at temperatures −5 °C to −30 °C. The surveyed territory included the Salair State Nature Reserve in the Kemerovo Region, Russia. Drone planes were effective in covering large areas, while thermal infrared cameras provided accurate statistics in the harsh winter conditions of Siberia. The research featured the population of the European elk (Alces alces), which is gradually deteriorating due to poaching and deforestation. The authors developed an effective methodology for processing the data obtained from drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras. The research provided reliable results concerning the changes in the elk population on the territory in question. The use of drone planes proved an effective means of ungulate animal surveying in snow-covered winter forests. The designed technical methods and analytic algorithms are cost-efficient and they can be applied for monitoring large areas of Siberian and Canadian winter forests.

A set of new triple molybdates, LixNa1-xCaGd0.5(MoO4)3:Ho3+0.05/Yb3+0.45, was successfully manufactured by the microwave-accompanied sol–gel-based process (MAS). Yellow molybdate phosphors LixNa1-xCaGd0.5(MoO4)3:Ho3+0.05/Yb3+0.45 with variation of the LixNa1-x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) ratio under constant doping amounts of Ho3+ = 0.05 and Yb3+ = 0.45 were obtained, and the effect of Li+ on their spectroscopic features was investigated. The crystal structures of LixNa1-xCaGd0.5(MoO4)3:Ho3+0.05/Yb3+0.45 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) at room temperature were determined in space group I41/a by Rietveld analysis. Pure NaCaGd0.5Ho0.05Yb0.45(MoO4)3 has a scheelite-type structure with cell parameters a = 5.2077 (2) and c = 11.3657 (5) Å, V = 308.24 (3) Å3, Z = 4. In Li-doped samples, big cation sites are occupied by a mixture of (Li,Na,Gd,Ho,Yb) ions, and this provides a linear cell volume decrease with increasing Li doping level. The evaluated upconversion (UC) behavior and Raman spectroscopic results of the phosphors are discussed in detail. Under excitation at 980 nm, the phosphors provide yellow color emission based on the 5S2/5F4 → 5I8 green emission and the 5F5 → 5I8 red emission. The incorporated Li+ ions gave rise to local symmetry distortion (LSD) around the cations in the substituted crystalline structure by the Ho3+ and Yb3+ ions, and they further affected the UC transition probabilities in triple molybdates LixNa1-xCaGd0.5(MoO4)3:Ho3+0.05/Yb3+0.45. The complex UC intensity dependence on the Li content is explained by the specificity of unit cell distortion in a disordered large ion system within the scheelite crystal structure. The Raman spectra of LixNa1-xCaGd0.5(MoO4)3 doped with Ho3+ and Yb3+ ions were totally superimposed with the luminescence signal of Ho3+ ions in the range of Mo–O stretching vibrations, and increasing the Li+ content resulted in a change in the Ho3+ multiplet intensity. The individual chromaticity points (ICP) for the LiNaCaGd(MoO4)3:Ho3+,Yb3+ phosphors correspond to the equal-energy point in the standard CIE (Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage) coordinates.

AgGd(MoO4)2:Ho3+/Yb3+ double molybdates with five concentrations of Ho3+ and Yb3+ were synthesized by the microwave employed sol–gel based process (MES), and the crystal structure variation, concentration effects, and spectroscopic characteristics were investigated. The crystal structures of AgGd1−x−yHoxYby(MoO4)2 (x = 0, 0.05; y = 0, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5)at room temperature were determined in space group I41/a by Rietveld analysis. Pure AgGd(MoO4)2 has a scheelite-type structure with mixed occupations of (Ag,Gd) sites and cell parameters a = 5.24782 (11) and c = 11.5107 (3) Å, V = 317.002 (17) Å3, Z = 4. In doped samples, the sites are occupied by a mixture of (Ag,Gd,Ho,Yb) ions, which provides a linear cell volume decrease with the doping level increase. Under the excitation at 980 nm, AGM:0.05Ho,yYb phosphors exhibited a yellowish green emission composed of red and green emission bands according to the strong transitions 5F5 → 5I8 and 5S2/5F4 → 5I8 of Ho3+ ions. The evaluated photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopic results were discussed in detail. The upconversion intensity behavior dependent on the Yb/Ho ratio is explained in terms of the optimal number of Yb3+ ions at the characteristic energy transfer distance around the Ho3+ ion.

At present, personalized diets, which take into account consumer genetic characteristics, are growing popular. Nutrigenetics studies the effect of gene variations on metabolism and nutrigenomics, which branches off further and investigates how nutrients and food compounds affect genes. This work deals with the mutations affecting the assimilation of metabolites, contributing to nutrigenetic studies. We searched for the genes responsible for eating preferences which allow for the tailoring of personalized diets. Presently, genetic nutrition is growing in demand, as it contributes to the prevention and/or rehabilitation of non-communicable diseases, both monogenic and polygenic. In this work, we showed single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes—missense mutations that change the functions of coded proteins, resulting in a particular eating preferences or a disease. We studied the genes influencing food preferences—particularly those responsible for fats and carbohydrates absorption, food intolerance, metabolism of vitamins, taste sensations, oxidation of xenobiotics, eating preferences and food addiction. As a result, 34 genes were identified that affect eating preferences. Significant shortcomings were found in the methods/programs for developing personalized diets that are used today, and the weaknesses were revealed in the development of nutrigenetics (inconsistency of data on SNP genes, ignoring population genetics data, difficult information to understand consumer, etc.). Taking into account all the shortcomings, an approximate model was proposed in the review for selecting an appropriate personalized diet. In the future, it is planned to develop the proposed model for the compilation of individual diets.