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Members of the MT-A70 family are key catalytic proteins involved in m6A methylation modifications in plants. They play diverse roles at the posttranscriptional level by regulating RNA secondary structure, selective splicing, stability, and translational efficiency, which collectively affect plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, we explored the function of the gene SlMTC, a Class C member of the MT-A70 family, in tomatoes by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Compared with the wild-type (WT), the CR-slmtc mutants exhibited decreased seed size and slower growth rates during the seedling stage, along with weaker salt tolerance and significant downregulation of stress-related genes, such as PR1, PR5, and P5CS. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression levels of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (FZY1, FZY3, and FZY4) and polar transport (PIN1, PIN4, and PIN8) were lower in CR-slmtc plants than in the WT plants. In addition, yeast two-hybrid assays showed that SlMTC could interact with SlMTA, a Class A member of the MT-A70 family, providing insights into the potential mode of action of SlMTC in tomatoes. Overall, our findings indicate the critical role of SlMTC in plant growth and development as well as in response to salt stress.

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Most of eukaryotic organisms live in close interaction with micro-organisms called symbionts. Symbiotic interactions underpin the evolution of biological complexity, the health of organisms and, ultimately, the proper functioning of ecosystems. While some symbionts confer adaptive benefits on their host (mutualistic symbionts) and others clearly induce costs (parasitic symbionts), a number of micro-organisms are difficult to classify because they have been described as conferring both benefits and costs on their host. This is particularly true of the most widespread animal endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis. In this study, we investigated the influence of Wolbachia infection on a broad spectrum of ecological and physiological parameters of one of its native hosts, Armadillidium vulgare. The aim was to gain as complete a picture as possible of the influence of this endosymbiont on its host. Our results showed that the presence of Wolbachia resulted in a decrease in individual reproductive success and survival. Host immune cells density decreased and ß-galactosidase activity (ageing biomarker) increased with the presence of Wolbachia, suggesting a negative impact of this endosymbiont on woodlice health. While previous studies have shown that Wolbachia can have a positive impact on the immunocompetence of A. vulgare, here we shed more light on the costs of infection. Our results illustrate the complex dynamics that exist between Wolbachia and its arthropod host and therefore offer valuable insights into the intricate interplay of symbiotic relationships in ecological systems.

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Amino acids serve as the primary means of transport and organic nitrogen carrier in plants, playing an essential role in plant growth and development. Amino acid transporters (AATs) facilitate the movement of amino acids within plants and have been identified and characterised in a number of species. It has been demonstrated that these amino acid transporters exert an influence on the quality attributes of plants, in addition to their primary function of transporting amino acid transport. This paper presents a summary of the role of AATs in plant quality improvement. This encompasses the enhancement of nitrogen utilization efficiency, root development, tiller number and fruit yield. Concurrently, AATs can bolster the resilience of plants to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses, thereby further enhancing the yield and quality of fruit. AATs exhibit a wide range of substrate specificity, which greatly optimizes the use of pesticides and significantly reduces pesticide residues, and reduces the risk of environmental pollution while increasing the safety of fruit. The discovery of AATs function provides new ideas and ways to cultivate high-quality crop and promote changes in agricultural development, and has great potential in the application of plant quality improvement.

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The alternative oxidase (AOX), a common terminal oxidase in the electron transfer chain (ETC) of plants, plays a crucial role in stress resilience and plant growth and development. Oat (Avena sativa), an important crop with high nutritional value, has not been comprehensively studied regarding the AsAOX gene family. Therefore, this study explored the responses and potential functions of the AsAOX gene family to various abiotic stresses and their potential evolutionary pathways. Additionally, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to explore the evolutionary conservation and divergence of AOX gene families among three Avena species (Avena sativa, Avena insularis, Avena longiglumis) and four Poaceae species (Avena sativa, Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, and Brachypodium distachyon). We identified 12 AsAOX, 9 AiAOX, and 4 AlAOX gene family members. Phylogenetic, motif, domain, gene structure, and selective pressure analyses revealed that most AsAOXs, AiAOXs, and AlAOXs are evolutionarily conserved. We also identified 16 AsAOX segmental duplication pairs, suggesting that segmental duplication may have contributed to the expansion of the AsAOX gene family, potentially preserving these genes through subfunctionalization. Chromosome polyploidization, gene structural variations, and gene fragment recombination likely contributed to the evolution and expansion of the AsAOX gene family as well. Additionally, we hypothesize that AsAOX2 may have potential function in resisting wounding and heat stresses, while AsAOX4 could be specifically involved in mitigating wounding stress. AsAOX11 might contribute to resistance against chromium and waterlogging stresses. AsAOX8 may have potential fuction in mitigating ABA-mediated stress. AsAOX12 and AsAOX5 are most likely to have potential function in mitigating salt and drought stresses, respectively. This study elucidates the potential evolutionary pathways of the AsAOXs gene family, explores their responses and potential functions to various abiotic stresses, identifies potential candidate genes for future functional studies, and facilitates molecular breeding applications in A. sativa.

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Entomopathogenic fungi offer an ecologically sustainable and highly effective alternative to chemical pesticides for managing plant pests. However, the efficacy of mycoinsecticides in pest control suffers from environmental abiotic stresses, such as solar UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, which seriously hinder their practical application in the field. Herein, we discovered that the synthetic amphiphilic thermal-responsive polymers are able to significantly enhance the resistance of Metarhizium robertsii conidia against thermal and UV irradiation stresses. The thermosensitive polymers with extremely low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility can be engineered onto the M. robertsii conidia surface by anchoring hydrophobic alkyl chains. Further investigations revealed that polymer supplementation remarkably augmented the capacity for penetration and the virulence of M. robertsii under heat and UV stresses. Notably, broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungi can be protected by the polymers. The molecular mechanism was elucidated through exploring RNA sequencing and in vivo/vitro enzyme activity assays. This work provides a novel avenue for fortifying the resilience of entomopathogenic fungi, potentially advancing their practical application as biopesticides.

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Plant defense polypeptides play a crucial role in providing plants with constitutive immunity against various biotic and abiotic stressors. In this study, we explored a complex of proteins from wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) spikelets to estimate their role in the plant's tolerance to various environmental factors. The current research shows that in vitro protein extracts from E. elongata spikelets possess antifungal activity against certain Fusarium species, which are specific cereal pathogens, at concentrations of 1-2 mg/mL. In this study, we reproduced these antifungal activities using a 4 mg/mL extract in artificial fungal infection experiments on wheat grain (Triticum aestivum) under controlled laboratory conditions. Furthermore, the tested extract demonstrated a protective effect on Saccharomyces cerevisiae exposed to hyper-salinity stress at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. A combined scheme of fractionation and structural identification was applied for the estimation of the diversity of defense polypeptides. Defensins, lipid-transfer proteins, hydrolase inhibitors (cereal bifunctional trypsin/alpha-amylase inhibitors from a Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor), and high-molecular-weight disease resistance proteins were isolated from the extract. Thus, wheatgrass spikelets appear to be a reservoir of defense polypeptides. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of plant defense proteins and peptides and their involvement in the adaptation to various stress factors, and they reveal the regulatory effect at the ecosystem level.

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Laser shock peening (LSP) is a formidable cold working surface treatment that provides high-energy precision to enhance the mechanical properties of materials. This paper delves into the intricacies of the LSP process, offering insights into its methodology and the simulation thereof through the finite element method. This review critically examines various points, such as laser energy, overlapping of shots, effect of LSP on residual stress, effect of LSP on grain refinement, and algorithms for simulation extrapolated from finite element analyses conducted by researchers, shedding light on the nuanced considerations integral to this technique. As the significance of LSP continues to grow, the collective findings underscore its potential as a transformative technology for fortifying materials against mechanical stress and improving their overall performance and longevity. The discourse encapsulates the evolving landscape of the LSP, emphasizing the pivotal role played by finite element analysis in advancing our understanding and application of this innovative surface treatment.

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Changing climate creates a challenge to agricultural sustainability and food security by changing patterns of parameters like increased UV radiation, rising temperature, altered precipitation patterns, and higher occurrence of extreme weather incidents. Plants are vulnerable to different abiotic stresses such as waterlogging, salinity, heat, cold, and drought in their natural environments. The prevailing agricultural management practices play a major role in the alteration of the Earth's climate by causing biodiversity loss, soil degradation through chemical and physical degradation, and pollution of water bodies. The extreme usage of pesticides and fertilizers leads to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) and depositing toxic substances in the soil. At present, there is an urgent need to address these abiotic stresses to achieve sustainable growth in agricultural production and fulfill the rising global food demand. Several types of bacteria that are linked with plants can increase plant resistance to stress and lessen the negative effects of environmental challenges. This review aims to explore the environmentally friendly capabilities and prospects of multi-trait plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in the alleviation of detrimental impacts of harsh environmental conditions on plants.

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Common wheat is one of the most important food crops in the world. Grain harvests can be increased by reducing losses from diseases and environmental stresses. The tertiary gene pool, including Thinopyrum spp., is a valuable resource for increasing genetic diversity and wheat resistance to fungal diseases and abiotic stresses. Distant hybridization between wheat and Thinopyrum spp. began in the 1920s in Russia, and later continued in different countries. The main results were obtained using the species Th. ponticum and Th. intermedium. Additionally, introgression material was created based on Th. elongatum, Th. bessarabicum, Th. junceiforme, Agropyron cristatum. The results of introgression for resistance to diseases (leaf, stem, and stripe rusts; powdery mildew; Fusarium head blight; and Septoria blotch) and abiotic stresses (drought, extreme temperatures, and salinity) to wheat was reviewed. Approaches to improving the agronomic properties of introgression breeding material (the use of irradiation, ph-mutants and compensating Robertsonian translocations) were described. The experience of long-term use in the world of a number of genes from the tertiary gene pool in protecting wheat from leaf and stem rust was observed. Th. ponticum is a nonhost for Puccinia triticina (Ptr) and P. graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) and suppresses the development of rust fungi on the plant surface. Wheat samples with the tall wheatgrass genes Lr19, Lr38, Sr24, Sr25 and Sr26 showed defence mechanisms similar to nonhosts resistance. Their influence led to disruption of the development of surface infection structures and fungal death when trying to penetrate the stomata (prehaustorial resistance or stomatal immunity). Obviously, a change in the chemical properties of fungal surface structures of races virulent to Lr19, Lr24, Sr24, Sr25, and Sr26 leads to a decrease in their adaptability to the environment. This possibly determined the durable resistance of cultivars to leaf and stem rusts in different regions. Alien genes with a similar effect are of interest for breeding cultivars with durable resistance to rust diseases and engineering crops with the help of molecular technologies.

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Wood constantly interacts with the surrounding, locally varying climate, leading to changes in the moisture content. Advanced simulation tools can predict the two-dimensional moisture distributions caused by these changing climate conditions within wood cross sections over time. However, there is a notable absence of systematic simulation results for diverse climatic conditions and various wood cross sections. This study seeks to bridge this gap in research. Here, we present moisture fields in three solid timber and three glued laminated timber cross sections in Austria and show the effect of the location and the altitude on the moisture content distribution. The results reveal decreasing influence of the location on the moisture content development with increasing cross section size, and primarily the altitude affecting the moisture content. In addition, the results are compared with the standard for the design of timber-concrete composite structures (ONR CEN/TS 19103), revealing appropriate values in most of the cases. Only for cross sections with a width of 14 cm and larger, assigned to a specific region, the standard value is assumed underestimated. Furthermore, the distribution of moisture gradients, which are related to the crack depth development, are analyzed for Austria, demonstrating the influence of mountain areas in the moisture gradient development. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10086-024-02147-z.

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Endophytic bacteria live asymptomatically inside the tissues of host plants without inflicting any damage. Endophytes can confer several beneficial traits to plants, which can contribute to their growth, development, and overall health. They have been found to stimulate plant growth by enhancing nutrient uptake and availability. They can produce plant growth-promoting substances such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, which regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. Endophytes can also improve root system architecture, leading to increased nutrient and water absorption. Some endophytes possess the ability to solubilize nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, making them more available for plant uptake, and fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a major legume crop that has mutualistic interactions with endophytes. These endophytes can benefit the chickpea plant in various ways, including higher growth, improved nutrient uptake, increased tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors, and disease suppression. They can produce enzymes and metabolites that scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species, thus reducing oxidative stress. Moreover, several studies reported that endophytes produce antimicrobial compounds, lytic enzymes, and volatile organic compounds that inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and trigger systemic defense responses in plants, leading to increased resistance against a broad range of pathogens. They can activate plant defense pathways, including the production of defense-related enzymes, phytoalexins, and pathogenesis-related proteins, thereby providing long-lasting protection. It is important to note that the diversity and function of chickpea-associated endophytes can vary depending on factors such as variety, geographical location, and environmental conditions. The mechanisms behind the plant-beneficial interactions are still being intensively explored. In this review, new biotechnologies in agricultural production and ecosystem stability were presented. Thus, harnessing chickpea endophytes could be exploited in developing drought-resistant cultivars that can maintain productivity in arid and semi-arid environments, crucial for meeting the global demand for chickpeas.

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Rocks exhibit various mechanical properties under different stress conditions, with changes during unloading having significant implications for geological engineering safety. This study carried out triaxial loading and unloading mechanical tests on sandy slate to investigate its mechanical properties, deformation characteristics, and failure mechanisms at different initial stress levels and stress paths. The results showed that during the unloading process, the deformation modulus (E) of the sandy slate decreased, and the Poisson's ratio (µ) gradually increased. This indicates that significant volume expansion of the rock is the dominant factor in its deformation and failure. The exponential function can be used to describe the evolution of E and µ with confining pressure during unloading. The damage stress of the rock under unloading conditions was lower than that under loading conditions, suggesting that unloading led to an earlier onset of volumetric expansion in the sandy slate. Under conditions where the initial axial stress level approached the damage stress, the mechanical properties were most significantly affected by unloading. Compared to loading conditions, when the initial axial stress level was at 70% of the peak strength, the cohesion (c) decreased by 15.77 to 29.37%, while the internal friction angle (φ) increased by 1.88 to 5.14%. The rock's failure process can be divided into four stages based on the development of microcracks. Unloading during the stages of microcrack initiation and propagation can lead to tensile cracks of varying degrees, resulting in different mechanical properties and failure characteristics under loading and unloading conditions.

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Rhizobia interact with leguminous plants in the soil to form nitrogen fixing nodules in which rhizobia and plant cells coexist. Although there are emerging studies on rhizobium-associated nitrogen fixation in cereals, the legume-rhizobium interaction is more well-studied and usually serves as the model to study rhizobium-mediated nitrogen fixation in plants. Rhizobia play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle in many ecosystems. However, rhizobia are highly sensitive to variations in soil conditions and physicochemical properties (i.e. moisture, temperature, salinity, pH, and oxygen availability). Such variations directly caused by global climate change are challenging the adaptive capabilities of rhizobia in both natural and agricultural environments. Although a few studies have identified rhizobial genes that confer adaptation to different environmental conditions, the genetic basis of rhizobial stress tolerance remains poorly understood. In this review, we highlight the importance of improving the survival of rhizobia in soil to enhance their symbiosis with plants, which can increase crop yields and facilitate the establishment of sustainable agricultural systems. To achieve this goal, we summarize the key challenges imposed by global climate change on rhizobium-plant symbiosis and collate current knowledge of stress tolerance-related genes and pathways in rhizobia. And finally, we present the latest genetic engineering approaches, such as synthetic biology, implemented to improve the adaptability of rhizobia to changing environmental conditions.

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Objectives: The current study aims to explore the stress distribution along the roots of palatally positioned maxillary canines during orthodontic movement using a novel computational spring model. Methods: An experimental analysis based on the spring-model was utilized to calculate Orthodontic Tooth Movement (OTM) and the resulting stresses. Two sets of experiments were conducted: the first set compared stresses on a canine resulting from a single force and a force-couple, while the second set simulated canines' traction during instantaneous movement with varying original tooth angulations using different off-the-shelf orthodontic coils. In total, 130 simulations were performed. Results: The model provided estimated stress distribution throughout the OTM with the expected movements, producing consistent outcomes with prior findings. In the first set of experiments, the force couple exhibited an average stress of 43 KPa, while a single force yielded 51 KPa on average. The maximum stress observed was 63 KPa for the force couple and 130 KPa for a single force. Note that the stress distribution attributed to the force couple was alleviated in comparison to the stress distribution caused by a single force. Force couples generated higher average stress. In the second experiment, the application of an occlusally-directed inclined force led to reduced stress levels overall. For instance, when a 200 g distal force was exerted on the canine, it generated an average stress of 20 KPa, whereas applying a force of the same magnitude in an occlusal-distal direction resulted in a lower average stress of 15.5 KPa. Conclusions: Lower average stress levels when using a force couple indicate that larger loads might be safely applied for rotational movements. Given that areas under maximal stress are prone to damage, orthodontic treatment planning should carefully consider stress distribution to minimize potential harm in these high-stress zones. The results also suggest that force couples enable the use of stronger forces than a single force. Additionally, it is advisable to extrude the tooth initially before starting any horizontal movement towards the target position. Clinical significance: Given that orthodontic treatment often relies on virtual planning, incorporating a variety of methods to evaluate stress distribution within the treatment strategy could offer numerous benefits. Such an approach holds the potential to improve both the efficiency and safety of orthodontic treatments, especially in complex cases that require the application of high forces.

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Stroh formalism provides an elegant method of solution for two-dimensional anisotropic elasticity problems through the generalized eigen relation associated with the dual coordinate system that gives the material eigen values and eigen vectors, and also the fundamental elasticity matrix and its associated Barnett-Lothe tensors. The extended Stroh-like formalism of Hwu and Hsieh has expanded the scope of basic Stroh formalism by addressing the electro-mechanical coupling effects in electro elastic plates. This paper presents an inclusive solution that addresses the two-dimensional problems in infinite electro-elastic, anisotropic, and isotropic plates with an arbitrary hole under remote arbitrary coupled electro-mechanical loading. This is achieved by adopting the Stroh formalism and its subsequent versions to consider the anisotropic and electro-elastic plates, and further, by incorporating the arbitrary biaxial loading condition into the boundary conditions, and the generalized mapping function into the basic formulation to accommodate all types of in plane loading and a variety of hole shapes respectively. Various equations of the solution are derived explicitly for easy understanding and computer implementation. The stress function is derived explicitly to satisfy the condition of traction free hole with remote electro-mechanical loading under generalized plane stress-open circuit condition. The stresses and electric displacements around the hole boundary are obtained by taking the derivative of the stress function with respect to unit normal along the hole boundary. The solution presented can be degenerated to the anisotropic or isotropic case by choosing the corresponding material properties, or appropriate values of complex parameters respectively. This general solution has exactly reproduced the results of other solutions in the literature for piezoelectric plates given by different methods. New results of stresses and electric displacements are obtained for various arbitrary holes in [PZT5H/45/-45/PZT5H]s graphite/epoxy plate and PZT 4 plates. Results for holes in piezoelectric laminates and PZT 4 piezo layer are also presented by FEM.

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Introduction: Mandibular fractures are common injuries during maxillofacial trauma, and currently, open reduction and internal fixation are considered gold-standard treatments. There is a wide discussion about which plates give the best outcomes. Hence, we are conducting a biomechanical comparison of two plates for mandibular symphysis and angle fracture with finite element analysis (FEA). The aim of this study was to do a comparative study of FEA between the conventional and our new modified three-dimensional (3D) strut miniplate in mandibular fractures at symphysis and angle regions. Materials and Methods: Finite element models of symphyseal and angle fractures of the mandible were developed. Each fracture model was then realigned and fixed by the conventional method 2.0 mm system, and our modified 3D strut plating method 2.0 mm system followed by the analysis of various stresses developed in plates and mandibular fracture area after application of load was observed in the study. Results: The modified 3D strut plating system with 2.0 mm miniplates is significantly better in preventing displacement of fracture segments by better distribution of forces compared to the conventional plating system. Rest of the parameters were within the permitted limits. Discussion: Modified 3D strut plating method was reasonably effective and superior in managing force-displacement compared to the conventional method of fixation for comminuted and unfavourable mandibular symphyseal fracture and angle fracture.

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The perceived negative impacts of synthetic agrochemicals gave way to alternative, biological plant protection strategies. The deployment of induced resistance, comprising boosting the natural defense responses of plants, is one of those. Plants developed multi-component defense mechanisms to defend themselves against biotic and abiotic stresses. These are activated upon recognition of stress signatures via membrane-localized receptors. The induced immune responses enable plants to tolerate and limit the impact of stresses. A systemic cascade of signals enables plants to prime un-damaged tissues, which is crucial during secondary encounters with stress. Comparable stress tolerance mechanisms can be induced in plants by the application of carbohydrate elicitors such as chitin/chitosan, ß-1,3-glucans, oligogalacturonides, cellodextrins, xyloglucans, alginates, ulvans, and carrageenans. Treating plants with carbohydrate-derived elicitors enable the plants to develop resistance appliances against diverse stresses. Some carbohydrates are also known to have been involved in promoting symbiotic signaling. Here, we review recent progresses on plant resistance elicitation effect of various carbohydrate elicitors and the molecular mechanisms of plant cell perception, cascade signals, and responses to cascaded cues. Besides, the molecular mechanisms used by plants to distinguish carbohydrate-induced immunity signals from symbiotic signals are discussed. The structure-activity relationships of the carbohydrate elicitors are also described. Furthermore, we forwarded future research outlooks that might increase the utilization of carbohydrate elicitors in agriculture in order to improve the efficacy of plant protection strategies.

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BACKGROUND: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely planted legume forage and one of the most economically valuable crops in the world. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme, plays crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. To date, there has been no comprehensive bioinformatics investigation conducted on the SHMT genes in M. sativa. RESULTS: Here, we systematically analyzed the phylogenetic relationship, expansion pattern, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and expression profile of the MsSHMT family genes. The result showed that a total of 15 SHMT members were identified from the M. sativa genome database. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the MsSHMTs can be divided into 4 subgroups and conserved with other plant homologues. Gene structure analysis found that the exons of MsSHMTs ranges from 3 to 15. Analysis of cis-acting elements found that each of the MsSHMT genes contained different kinds of hormones and stress-related cis-acting elements in their promoter regions. Expression and function analysis revealed that MsSHMTs expressed in all plant tissues. qRT-PCR analysis showed that MsSHMTs induced by ABA, Salt, and drought stresses. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided definite evidence that MsSHMTs might involve in growth, development and adversity responses in M. sativa, which laid a foundation for future functional studies of MsSHMTs.

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Understanding the complex challenges that plants face from multiple stresses is key to developing climate-ready crops. We highlight the significance of the Stress Combinations and their Interactions in Plants database (SCIPdb) for studying the impact of stress combinations on plants and the importance of aligning thematic research programs to create crops aligned with achieving sustainable development goals.