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Stresses, Volume 3, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 8 articles

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29 pages, 2009 KiB  
Review
Multifactorial Distress, the Warburg Effect, and Respiratory and pH Imbalance in Cancer Development
by Gabi Drochioiu
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 500-528; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020036 - 18 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1106
Abstract
Oncogenes are thought to play an important role in aberrant regulation of growth factors, which is believed to be an initiation event of carcinogenesis. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the Warburg effect (WE) is needed for tumour growth. It [...] Read more.
Oncogenes are thought to play an important role in aberrant regulation of growth factors, which is believed to be an initiation event of carcinogenesis. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the Warburg effect (WE) is needed for tumour growth. It refers to extensively studied aerobic glycolysis over the past decade, although its impact on cancer remains unclear. Meanwhile, a large body of evidence has indicated that oxidative stress (OS) is connected with the occurrence and progression of various forms of cancer. Psychosocial factors (PSF), such as chronic depression, sadness, stressful life experiences, stress-prone personality, and emotional distress or poor quality of life affect the immune system and contribute to cancer outcomes. Here, we examine the relationship between WE, OS, PSF, metal ions, other carcinogens, and the development of different cancers from the viewpoint of physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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12 pages, 2729 KiB  
Article
Surface-to-Volume Ratio Affects the Toxicity of Nanoinks in Daphnids
by Dimitrios Kakavas, Konstantinos Panagiotidis, Keith D. Rochfort and Konstantinos Grintzalis
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 488-499; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020035 - 07 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1054
Abstract
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has set widely used guidelines that are used as a standardized approach for assessing toxicity in a number of species. Given that various studies use different experimental setups, it is difficult to compare findings across [...] Read more.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has set widely used guidelines that are used as a standardized approach for assessing toxicity in a number of species. Given that various studies use different experimental setups, it is difficult to compare findings across them as a result of the lack of a universally used setup in nano-ecotoxicology. For freshwater species, Daphnia magna, a commonly used filter feeding crustacean, can generate significant molecular information in response to pollutant exposure. One factor that has an effect in toxicity induced from nanomaterials in daphnids is the surface-to-volume ratio of the exposure vessels; however, there is limited information available about its impact on the observed effect of exposure. In this study, daphnids were exposed to silver nanoparticle ink in falcon tubes and Petri dishes for 24 h. Toxicity curves revealed differences in the observed mortality of daphnids, with animals exposed in Petri dishes displaying significantly higher mortality. Differences in the activities of a number of key enzymes involved in the catabolism of macromolecules and phosphate were also observed across the exposure setups, indicating possible differences in the toxicity mechanism of silver nano-ink. Understanding the impact of factors relevant to experimental setups in ecotoxicology can increase the reproducibility of testing, and also reduce experimental costs, time, generated waste, and daphnids used in research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses and Defense Mechanisms against Toxic Metals 2.0)
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13 pages, 756 KiB  
Article
The Antarctic Scallop Adamussium colbecki Is Unable to Transcriptomically Respond to Captivity and Moderate Thermal Stress
by Samuele Greco, Anastasia Serena Gaetano, Chiara Manfrin, Francesca Capanni, Gianfranco Santovito, Alberto Pallavicini, Piero Giulio Giulianini and Marco Gerdol
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 475-487; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020034 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Adamussium colbecki is a scallop endemic of the Antarctic Ocean, the only modern survivor of the Adamussiini tribe and one of the few bivalves living in polar environments. Compared with other Antarctic animals, very little is known concerning the evolutionary adaptations which allow [...] Read more.
Adamussium colbecki is a scallop endemic of the Antarctic Ocean, the only modern survivor of the Adamussiini tribe and one of the few bivalves living in polar environments. Compared with other Antarctic animals, very little is known concerning the evolutionary adaptations which allow this species to thrive at sub-zero temperatures. Due to its local abundance and sensitivity to environmental changes, A. colbecki is an interesting model for studying the effects of pollution and climate change in the Antarctic Ocean. Here, we report, for the first time, the application of transcriptomic tools to the study of the effects of a short-to-medium term exposure to a +1.5 °C water temperature increase on three tissues. Although this approach did not highlight any significant change in response to thermal stress, we observed slight alterations in energetic metabolism and nutrient adsorption in the digestive gland, most likely linked with stabling in experimental tanks. The results of our study suggest that A. colbecki may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its complete inability to adapt to temperature increase at the transcriptomic level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Human Stresses)
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21 pages, 998 KiB  
Review
Role of Hormones and the Potential Impact of Multiple Stresses on Infertility
by Shanmugam Ramya, Prasad Poornima, Arumugam Jananisri, Irudhayaraj Peatrise Geofferina, Venkataramanaravi Bavyataa, Murugan Divya, Palanisamy Priyanga, Jeganathan Vadivukarasi, Senthil Sujitha, Selvarasu Elamathi, Arumugam Vijaya Anand and Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 454-474; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020033 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5650
Abstract
Infertility has a remarkable global impact affecting approximately about 48 million couples worldwide. One of the most contended concerns in reproductive biology is the prospective influence of psychological stress on pregnancy rates. Individuals struggling to conceive face a stupendous amount of emotional turbulence [...] Read more.
Infertility has a remarkable global impact affecting approximately about 48 million couples worldwide. One of the most contended concerns in reproductive biology is the prospective influence of psychological stress on pregnancy rates. Individuals struggling to conceive face a stupendous amount of emotional turbulence and have a greater risk for psychological vulnerability. Both stress and infertility reinforce the impact of each other; hence, there exists a reciprocal relationship. Stress may be the major contributor to subsequent infertility. Infertility treatments may enhance stress levels as well as reduce treatment outcomes. The biological mechanisms that interlink stress and infertility are the outcome of the hormonal actions at the brain level, where they stimulate or suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and have a potential influence on the secretion of the respective hormone by the reproductive organs and the pregnancy outcomes. Sex hormones play an essential role in reproductive biology as well as in general physiology where they generate the cycle and provide a potential environment for pregnancy. This article reviews the impact of stress on reproductive rates and the implications of sex hormones on infertility. Additionally, it suggests strategies to overcome the stress conditions and the scenarios that may lead to stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Human Stresses)
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20 pages, 2559 KiB  
Review
Role of Lignin in Wheat Plant for the Enhancement of Resistance against Lodging and Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
by Muhammad Waheed Riaz, Muhammad Irfan Yousaf, Quaid Hussain, Muhammad Yasir, Muhammad Sajjad and Liaqat Shah
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 434-453; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020032 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3035
Abstract
Lignification is a vital function in plants for improving tolerance against stressors. This article presents studies conducted on the relationship of wheat straw lignin with enhanced plant adaptation against lodging and stressors. Herein, we provide a thorough discussion of the chemical structure and [...] Read more.
Lignification is a vital function in plants for improving tolerance against stressors. This article presents studies conducted on the relationship of wheat straw lignin with enhanced plant adaptation against lodging and stressors. Herein, we provide a thorough discussion of the chemical structure and lignin composition of straw and its alteration and uses. Lignin plays a critical role in withstanding harsh environments (biotic and abiotic). Resistance to accommodation in wheat also plays a critical role. Lignin can also produce several products, e.g., costly petroleum-based materials and other vital products, such as resins and composites, and new materials, such as biofuels and chemicals. In this study, wheat straw lignification analysis highlighted that lignin formation regulates cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis. In addition, the analysis showed considerable encouragement of lignin growth inside wheat straw and the formation of lignin interfaces, as for cellulose and hemicellulose. Wheat straw lignin is an important source of many essential bioactive moieties, particularly lignocelluloses, straw-based biofuels, and various chemicals. We also explored the molecular tools that influence lignin formation in wheat and the significant strides taken in broadening our understanding of nanotechnology tools. This knowledge could assist in the development of advanced wheat cultivars, increase lignin content, and strengthen feedstock efficiency, reducing the impact of other lignin-associated agronomic gains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Stress Tolerance)
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10 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
Lohmann Brown Rooster Semen: Intrinsic Bacteria and Their Impact on Sperm Progressive Motility and Seminal Biochemical Parameters—A Preliminary Study
by Michal Ďuračka, Michaela Petrovičová, Filip Benko, Anton Kováčik, Norbert Lukáč, Miroslava Kačániová and Eva Tvrdá
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 424-433; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020031 - 14 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
Semen quality plays a crucial role in poultry production; however, it may be impaired by the presence of numerous bacterial species. This study researched the impact of bacterial contamination of Lohmann brown rooster semen on the biochemical parameters of seminal plasma to evaluate [...] Read more.
Semen quality plays a crucial role in poultry production; however, it may be impaired by the presence of numerous bacterial species. This study researched the impact of bacterial contamination of Lohmann brown rooster semen on the biochemical parameters of seminal plasma to evaluate its potential consequences on the sperm progressive motility. Semen was collected from 27 stud roosters, and the sperm concentration and progressive motility were measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Seminal plasma was separated, and selected biochemical parameters were measured using commercially available assays. An aliquot of each semen sample was cultured, the colonies were counted and the MALDI Biotyper was used for bacterial identification. The samples were divided into three categories based on their sperm progressive motility and the data were compared and statistically evaluated. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed. The results showed that the lower the sperm progressive motility, the higher the level of colony-forming units. Moreover, sperm concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group with the highest bacterial occurrence and the lowest proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa. Calcium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins significantly changed in semen samples with the lowest proportion of progressive motility. In conclusion, seminal plasma biochemistry may mirror changes occurring in semen as a result of bacterial presence in the reproductive tract of poultry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Human Stresses)
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20 pages, 2090 KiB  
Article
Engineering Approach for Production of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculum Adapted to Saline Soil Management
by Karima Bencherif, Frederic Laruelle, Benoit Tisserant, Yolande Dalpé and Anissa Lounés-Hadj Sahraoui
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 404-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020030 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1494
Abstract
(1) Background: Soil salinity impacts plant growth and productivity in steppic regions. Thus, the current study aims at producing, at low cost, an inoculum composed of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains adapted to saline soil management. (2) Methods: The propagation of the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Soil salinity impacts plant growth and productivity in steppic regions. Thus, the current study aims at producing, at low cost, an inoculum composed of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains adapted to saline soil management. (2) Methods: The propagation of the native AMF strains was carried out in three natural saline soils presenting increasing salinity levels (4.5, 8.5 and 9.3 dS·m−1 in Boughzoul (BG), Salt Rocket (SR) and Zaafrane (ZA) sites, respectively). Three host plant species (alfalfa, clover and leek) were tested as trap cultures. AMF spore richness and diversity, the quantification of soil microbial biomass and the determination of the most probable number (MPN) were carried out before and after 24 months culture. Moreover, the mycorrhizal rates of the host plant species were assessed. (3) Results: The moderate saline soil (SR) planted with alfalfa was found to be the most suitable for AMF inoculum production with a maximum of 650 spores, 10 g−1 of soil, a mycorrhizal rate of 86%, 70 propagules·g−1 of soil and the highest microbial biomass content. (4) Conclusion: This study points out the best combination for the production of a more adapted AMF biofertilizer for saline soil management and proposes several indicators for biofertilizer quality evaluation. Full article
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7 pages, 557 KiB  
Article
Group Size Buffers against Energetic Stress in Honeybee Workers (Apis mellifera)
by H. Michael G. Lattorff
Stresses 2023, 3(2), 397-403; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3020029 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Individuals of the Western honeybee species, Apis mellifera, live in large groups of thousands of worker bees, a queen, and a few drones. Workers interact frequently with related individuals while performing various tasks. Although it is well understood why and under which [...] Read more.
Individuals of the Western honeybee species, Apis mellifera, live in large groups of thousands of worker bees, a queen, and a few drones. Workers interact frequently with related individuals while performing various tasks. Although it is well understood why and under which conditions sociality can evolve, the consequences for individuals living in permanent groups are less well understood. As individuals of solitary species become stressed when kept at high density, it might be the opposite in obligate social species. Here, I use an experimental laboratory set-up to study the effect of varying group sizes on the magnitude and within-group variance of stress responses towards energetic and heat stress. While only a weak difference was found in the magnitude of an energetic stress response as a function of group size, the within-group variance showed a statistically significant positive relationship with group size for the glucose/trehalose ratio, a marker for energetic stress. The heat stress marker, hsp70AB gene expression, did not show any relationship to group size. Individuals of obligate social species seem to benefit from adaptations to permanent group living, e.g., buffering against stress, especially at a higher density of individuals. The consequences of infections and immune system activation in isolated individuals are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Human Stresses)
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