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Background The main objectives of this study were to find the possible structural association between the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the grain yield of triticale plants as well as identifying the genotypic variability which might be effective on this association. Accordingly, expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isozymes (Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and Fe-SOD) were appraised to distinguish any possible relationship between SOD expression and drought resistance of triticale. A novel analytical method for distinguishing elite genotypes based on measured features was proposed. Additionally, a new programing based on SAS-language (IML) was introduced to estimate the genetic parameters rooted from combined ANOVA model (linear mixed model), which is capable of being used in any field study other than the current one. Methods Thirty genotypes of triticale were studied under normal and drought stress conditions during 6 years (three different locations). Accordingly, based on the results of genetic variability, heatmap analysis, biplot graph, and clustering technique, two genotypes with the highest genetic distance were selected to appraise the differential expression profiling of three SOD isozyme in shoot and root organs. Results Field experiments and bioinformatics results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) was the most influential antioxidant in resistance of triticale to drought stress; therefore, it could be used as an indirect selection index in early stages to distinguish resistant genotypes to drought stress. Additionally, Mn-SOD and Fe-SOD showed roughly similar expression levels for both genotypes under drought stress. However, Cu/Zn-SOD expression level was higher in root and shoot of the tolerant genotype than the susceptible genotype. Conclusion Heatmap analysis that is applied for the first time to screen suitable genotypes, showed to be highly capable of distinguishing elite genotypes and pointing out the proper features for selection criteria. Bioinformatics results indicated that SOD is more important than other enzymatic antioxidant for being considered as selection criteria or candidate gene for transgenic purposes. Based on expressional results, Mn-SOD announced as a general isozyme that is probably highly expressed in most of the species, while, Cu/Zn-SOD was introduced as a genotype specific isozyme that is likely more expressed in tolerant genotypes

Rice straw as a growth substrate for soilless sod production not only avoids the damage to farmland soil deterioration but also solves the difficulty in disposing of a large amount of agricultural straw waste. This study was designed to explore the feasibility of using rice straw as a soilless sod production for seashore paspalum. The results showed that both fermented rice straw and raw rice straw significantly promoted the creeping growth and tillering of seashore paspalum, shortening the sod production period, when compared to the conventional soil sod. Rice straw sod significantly reduced sod weight to 50% and 52% of the soil sod, but increased sod strength to avoid tear damage in handling and transportation. Rice straw sod had 2 d longer shelf life than the soil sod, with slower decline of sod quality and maintained higher root and leaf emergence vigor during the sod storage. After sod installation, rice straw sod showed higher numbers of root and leaf emergence, and higher green leaves, stolons, new roots, aboveground and underground biomass, but lower thatch biomass, compared to the soil sod. Our results demonstrated that using rice straw as a growth substrate to produce soilless sod is feasible and significantly better than conventional soil sod production.

The study of antioxidants and their implications in various fields, from food engineering to medicine and pharmacy, is of major interest to the scientific community. The present paper is a critical presentation of the most important tests used to determine the antioxidant activity, detection mechanism, applicability, advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Out of the tests based on the transfer of a hydrogen atom, the following were presented: the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) test, the Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Capacity (HORAC) test, the Total Peroxyl Radical Trapping Antioxidant Parameter (TRAP) test, and the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) test. The tests based on the transfer of one electron include the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Power (CUPRAC) test, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) test, the Folin–Ciocalteu test. Mixed tests, including the transfer of both a hydrogen atom and an electron, include the 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) test, and the [2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl] (DPPH) test. All these assays are based on chemical reactions and assessing the kinetics or reaching the equilibrium state relies on spectrophotometry, presupposing the occurrence of characteristic colours or the discolouration of the solutions to be analysed, which are processes monitored by specific wavelength adsorption. These assays were successfully applied in antioxidant analysis or the determination of the antioxidant capacity of complex samples. As a complementary method in such studies, one may use methods based on electrochemical (bio)sensors, requiring stages of calibration and validation. The use of chemical methods together with electrochemical methods may result in clarification of the operating mechanisms and kinetics of the processes involving several antioxidants.

The lack of turfgrass diversity in cool‐season sod production is related to information inefficiencies, such as the lack of agronomic information available on improved, low‐input species, such as fine fescues (Festuca spp.). Collaborative research between Purdue University and University of Minnesota investigated the influence of cool‐season turfgrass species mixtures on the harvest (production and strength) and storage limitations of sod. Field experiments were established in 2018 in West Lafayette, IN, and in 2019 in St. Paul, MN. Treatments included 12 turfgrass species mixtures that consisted of the following five species: strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin), hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey), tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Data on turf cover, vertical growth rate, sod tensile strength, sod handling, and shelf‐life storage and transplant success were collected at multiple harvest timings from 10 to 24 mo after planting. The majority of the sod mixtures, especially those containing ≥33% strong creeping red fescue, produced high quality sod similar to the standard comparison of 100% Kentucky bluegrass sod and transplant success was not severely affected when stored for 24–72 h immediately following a spring or autumn harvest. Sod mixtures containing tall fescue, including “rhizomatous tall fescue,” consistently resulted in the lowest sod strength and handling. Overall, sod producers growing fine fescue sod may be able to not only reduce management inputs, but also yield good sod strength with low‐input sod mixtures. Core Ideas Kentucky bluegrass sod exhibited the slowest establishment rates. Higher vertical growth rates occurred for both Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Low‐input mixtures should contain at least 33% strong creeping red fescue for sod strength. Mixtures containing tall fescue produced sod with poor tensile strength. All sod mixtures successfully transplanted after 24‐ or 72‐h storage.

Background Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can greatly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. SOD activity is highly related to plant stress tolerance that can be improved by overexpression of SOD genes. Identification of SOD activity-related loci and potential candidate genes is essential for improvement of grain quality in wheat breeding. However, the loci and candidate genes for relating SOD in wheat grains are largely unknown. In the present study, grain SOD activities of 309 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the ‘Berkut’ × ‘Worrakatta’ cross were assayed by photoreduction method with nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) in four environments. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) of SOD activity were identified using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) with the genotypic data of 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Results Six QTL for SOD activity were mapped on chromosomes 1BL, 4DS, 5AL (2), and 5DL (2), respectively, explaining 2.2 ~ 7.4% of the phenotypic variances. Moreover, QSOD.xjau-1BL , QSOD.xjau-4DS , QSOD.xjau-5 A.1 , QSOD.xjau-5 A.2 , and QSOD.xjau-5DL.2 identified are likely to be new loci for SOD activity. Four candidate genes TraesCS4D01G059500 , TraesCS5A01G371600 , TraesCS5D01G299900 , TraesCS5D01G343100LC , were identified for QSOD.xjau-4DS , QSOD.xjau-5AL.1 , and QSOD.xjau-5DL.1 (2), respectively, including three SOD genes and a gene associated with SOD activity. Based on genetic effect analysis, this can be used to identify desirable alleles and excellent allele variations in wheat cultivars. Conclusion These candidate genes are annotated for promoting SOD production and inhibiting the accumulation of ROS during plant growth. Therefore, lines with high SOD activity identified in this study may be preferred for future wheat breeding.

Research is required on sod to explore the differences in management and postharvest practices to help inform sod producers and reduce information inefficiencies that affect the supply and demand of cool‐season turfgrass sod. Replicated field experiments were conducted in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin], Chewings fescue [F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin], tall fescue [F. arundinacea Schreb.], and Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis L.]), seeding rate (1, 2, and 3 pure live seed (PLS) cm−2), and N fertilization (98, 196, and 294 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on growth rate and shelf‐life storage. Turf height measurements occurred at multiple timings to calculate growth rates of treatments. Sod was harvested in the spring and autumn and stored on pallets for either 24 or 72 h and then reinstalled in its previous location and treatment effects were assessed. Seeding rate had no effect on growth rate or transplant success of sod. Differences in growth rates demonstrate potential savings for sod growers through less mowing requirement when producing fine fescue sod. Treatments did not influence internal heating of sod rolls, which were higher than, but similar to, diurnal fluctuations of air temperatures. There were minimal differences among turfgrass species and N rates, which indicates strong creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass sod stored for 24–72 h after a spring or autumn harvest in Indiana or Minnesota will not hinder transplant success. Core Ideas Seeding rate had no effect on growth rate or transplant success of sod. Reduced growth rates occurred in fine fescues, especially Chewings fescue. Treatments did not affect sod storage temperatures, which were higher than air temperatures. After 24 or 72‐h storage, all treatments provided successful sod transplant. Green cover declined after storage, but increased to 80–95% by 14 d after installation.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles （CONPs）, widely used in catalytic applications owing to their robust redox reaction, are now being considered in therapeutic applications based on their enzyme mimetic properties such as catalase and super oxide dismutase （SOD） mimetic activities. In therapeutic applications, the emerging demand for CONPs with low cytotoxicity, high cost efficiency, and high enzyme mimetic capability necessitates the exploration of alternative synthesis and effective material design. This study presents a room temperature aqueous synthesis for low-cost production of shape-selective CONPs without potentially harmful organic substances, and additionally, investigates cell viability and catalase and SOD mimetic activities. This synthesis, at room temperature, produced CONPs with particular planes： {111}/{100} nanopolyhedra, {100} nano/submicron cubes, and {111}/{100} nanorods that grew in [110] longitudinal direction. Enzymatic activity assays indicated that nanopolyhedra with a high concentration of Ce4＋ ions promoted catalase mimetic activity, while nanocubes and nanorods with high Ce3＋ ion concentrations enhanced SOD mimetic activity. This is the first study indicating that shape and facet configuration design of CONPs, coupled with the retention of dominant, specific Ce valence states, potentiates enzyme mimetic activities. These findings may be utilized for CONP design aimed at enhancing enzyme mimetic activities in therapeutic applications.

Melatonin, a natural agent, has multiple functions in animals as well as in plants. However, its possible roles in plants under abiotic stress are not clear. Nowadays, soil salinity is a major threat to global agriculture because a high soil salt content causes multiple stresses (hyperosmotic, ionic, and oxidative). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore: (1) the involvement of melatonin in biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and in regulation of photosynthetic enzymes, such as carbonic anhydrase (CA) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco); (2) the role of melatonin in osmoregulation by proline and carbohydrate metabolism; and (3) the function of melatonin in the antioxidant defense system under salinity. Outcomes of the study reveal that under non-saline conditions, application of melatonin (20 and 50 µM) improved plant growth, viz. shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight (FW), root FW, shoot dry weight (DW), root DW and leaf area and physio-biochemical parameters [chlorophyll (Chl) a and b, proline (Pro) and total soluble carbohydrates (TSC) content, and increased the activity of CA and Rubisco]. However, tomato seedlings treated with NaCl exhibited enhanced Chl degradation, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS; superoxide and hydrogen peroxide). ROS were detected in leaf and root. Interestingly, application of melatonin improved plant growth and reduced EL, MDA and ROS levels through upregulation of photosynthesis enzymes (CA, Rubisco), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and ascorbate reductase) and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants [ascorbate (ASC) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], as well as by affecting the ASC—GSH cycle. Additionally, exogenous melatonin also improved osmoregulation by increasing the content of TSC, Pro and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase activity. These results suggest that melatonin has beneficial effects on tomato seedlings growth under both stress and non-stress conditions. Melatonin’s role in tolerance to salt stress may be associated with the regulation of enzymes involved in photosynthesis, the antioxidant system, metabolism of proline and carbohydrate, and the ASC—GSH cycle. Also, melatonin could be responsible for maintaining the high ratios of GSH/GSSG and ASC/DHA.

As being a necessary amino acid, taurine plays an important role in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions and nutrition. In this study, effects of taurine on mice gut microbes and metabolism were investigated. BALB/C mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: The first group was administered saline (CK), the second was administered 165 mg/kg natural taurine (NE) and the third one administered 165 mg/kg synthetic taurine (CS). Gut microbiota composition in mice feces was analyzed by metagenomics technology, and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in mice feces was detected by gas chromatography (GC), while the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by a LPS ELISA kit and a SOD assay kit, respectively. The results showed that the effect of taurine on gut microbiota could reduce the abundance of Proteobacteria, especially Helicobacter. Moreover, we found that the SCFA content was increased in feces of the NE group while LPS content was decreased in serum of the NE group; the SOD activity in serum and livers of the NE and CS groups were not changed significantly compare to that of the CK group. In conclusion, taurine could regulate the gut micro-ecology, which might be of benefit to health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, accelerating the production of SCFA and reducing LPS concentration.