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Phytosanitary inspectors play an important role in diagnosing diseases in foreign plant material. However, some deficiencies have been detected in the detectionc ausing the entrance of many microorganisms. Therefore, it was of great interest to detect the presence of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) in foreign tomato and chili seed in the agricultural area of Sinaloa, Mexico, besides the growth and cell density of Cmm was evaluated in different selective media under continuous illumination and photoperiod. The results indicate that seeed of 35 varieties of tomatoes was collected; while for Chili seed were 18. This study was supported by farmers (225) which represent 79% of all growers and 32 business engaged in the sale of agro-supplies, provided seeds of varieties and hybrids. Those growers are from six areas (Culiacan, El Tamarindo, Navolato, Culiacan, El dorado and Badiraguato). For detection of Cmm in tomato seed, from 35, only four was variability considering Immunochromatography and ELISA techniques; however, considering chemical and physiological test, the result was negative. Similar results were in 18 varietes of chili seed, where eight showed variability to detect Cmm, and negative by chemical and physiological test. According to the growth and cell density of Cmm, the optimal medium was YDC under pH stable and continuous light conditions. It is recommended to consider the fusion of diagnostic techniques in the emission of a result.

The halophyte Distichlis palmeri (Vasey) is a plant resource with high potential to be harvested in the coastal areas of northwestern Mexico; enlarge the knowledge and domestication for its incursion into the agricultural sector, plays an important role for arid areas with saline intrusion problems. However, its productivity depends on the supplementary supply of nitrogen, as well as other essential macro and micronutrients. The microorganisms considered beneficial are an alternative to chemical fertilization, highlighting those Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). In the present study, the inoculation of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B.a.) as a halobacterium PGPB was evaluated to know the response in seeds of Distichlis spicatai obtained from natural population from colorado river in Delta north of the Gulf of California. Wild seed was collected and germinated previously inoculated with B. a., and sowed in germinated beds. Later, seedlings were planted under field and salinity conditions in the coast of Hermosillo, Sonora. Three treatments were examined (T1: B.a., T2: Chemical fertilization, T3: Negative control), with four repetitions each treatment. Each repetition consisted of experimental plots of 5 x 5 m, with a separation of 1 m between them. The harvest was carried out 600 days after sowing. The results indicate that treatments inoculated with halobacteria B.a., showed significant results in crude protein, non-protein nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, as well as spike length and number of seeds. The results obtained suggests the feasibility of biofertilizers where biomass and seed production are significant compared to non-inoculated controls.

Many agriculturally important properties such as heterosis, inbreeding depression, phenotypic plasticity, and resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses are thought to be affected with epigenetic components. New discoveries related with epigenetics are likely to have a major impact on strategies for crop improvement in rice breeding. However, assessing the contribution of epigenetics to heritable variation in plant species still poses major challenges. Methylation of cytosine in DNA is one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms in plants. DNA methylation not only plays significant roles in the regulation of gene activity, but also it is related with genomic integrity. Although most of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies do not require the use of target specific primer pairs to identify and study DNA cytosine methylation, validation studies of NGS uses selective primer pairs. Bisulfite sequencing technique is a gold method for DNA cytosine methylation studies. However, bisulfite sequencing requires the development of bisulfite primer pairs to selectively study DNA sequences of interest. In this study 9 bisulfite specific primer pairs were identified and validated. These primer pairs successfully amplified bisulfite converted and unconverted genomic DNA extracted from radicle and plumule of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Results of the present study clearly revealed the occurrence of CG, CHG and CHH (H stands for C. T or A nucleotides) contents in studied DNA sequence targets were different indicating potential role of DNA cytosine methylation in these genes. Primer pairs reported in this study could be used to detect DNA methylation which is one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms affecting the development, differentiation or the response to biotic and abiotic stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

This case report describes a 7-year-old male with gait impairment, frequent falls, and gross motor regression since age 4, despite normal early developmental milestones. Clinical findings included scissoring gait, bilateral lower limb hypotonia, proximal weakness, dystonic right-hand movements, and upgoing plantar reflexes, with normal neuroimaging. Differential diagnoses included cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, dopa-responsive dystonia, and proximal myopathy. Physiotherapy interventions focused on balance, strengthening, gait re-education, and functional independence. After a structured program (45 minutes per session, 5 days/week for 12 weeks), the child demonstrated measurable improvements in GMFM (71.78%), functional independence (FIM: 88), and gait stability, with reduced falls and improved ADL participation. This case highlights diagnostic challenges in pediatric motor disorders and underscores the essential role of physiotherapy in optimizing function despite diagnostic uncertainty.

Depression, trauma, and anxiety disorders continue to be predominant causes of global disability, with typical therapies proving to be only marginally successful. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) offers patients a self-regulation method that improves the flexibility of the autonomic nerve system via resonance breathing. Clinical research shows that training can significantly lower symptoms of sadness and PTSD, with improvements shown after 4 to 8 weeks. HRVB is inexpensive, non-invasive, and scalable, making it a promising supplementary therapy in psychiatry. Subsequent study ought to inform its incorporation into clinical protocols.

Purpose: Stroke frequently causes severe deficits in upper limb function, which makes it difficult for patients to carry out daily tasks. An organized home-based intervention called the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) was developed to help stroke patients regain function in their hands and arms. This systematic review assesses the data demonstrating beneficial effects of the GRASP approach on hand function, gross and fine motor control of the upper limb in individuals post-stroke.Methods: A systematic search was performed in databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library up to April 2025. We searched the data using Keywords such as “GRASP,” “Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program,” “stroke rehabilitation,” “upper limb recovery,” “fine motor skills,” and “gross motor control.” Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies involving adult stroke survivors undergoing GRASP. Studies were excluded if they were non-English and focused on other forms of intervention. Quality assessment was performed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Results: Out of 243 studies initially screened, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported significant improvements in upper limb function, including enhanced hand dexterity, grip strength, and coordination following participation in GRASP programs. High adherence rates and participant satisfaction were consistently noted. Some studies indicated that benefits were maintained at follow-up, suggesting long-term efficacy. Common outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Box and Block Test (BBT), and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).Discussion: The findings suggest that GRASP is an effective adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation, particularly for enhancing hand function and motor control. The structured yet flexible nature of GRASP allows for scalability and adaptability to various patient needs. Limitations of the reviewed studies include small sample sizes, heterogeneity in intervention duration, and variability in outcome measures. Further research with standardized protocols and larger samples is warranted.Conclusion: The GRASP approach appears to be a promising intervention for improving functional ability of the hand, and gross and fine motor control in the upper limbs post-stroke. Incorporating GRASP into home-based rehabilitation could enhance recovery and reduce long-term disability. Continued research is essential to establish best practices for implementation and to optimize patient outcomes.

Geothermal energy, with a global installed capacity of 16.7 GW by 2023 and an annual generation of more than 97 TWh, is consolidating its position as a key pillar in the energy transition. From the pioneering Lardarello plant (1913) to The Geysers complex in California (the largest in the world with 1.5 GW of capacity), this energy source has demonstrated its potential to supply baseload electricity 24 hours a day, with a carbon footprint up to 10 times lower than fossil fuels. The article explores how the architectural design of these plants integrates geological, environmental, and technological factors. Systems such as binary cycles (which operate at 90°C and reduce emissions by 95%) allow the exploitation of low-temperature resources, expanding their applicability to non-volcanic regions. However, challenges remain: reservoir exploration is 30-40% uncertain, and initial costs exceed $4,500 per installed kW, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Iconic cases like The Geysers illustrate innovative solutions. Since 2003, its recharge project with treated wastewater (11 million gallons/day) has revitalized the reservoir, extending its lifespan by decades. This circular economy approach not only optimizes resources but also reduces water conflicts in arid areas. The future points to disruptive designs: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which could increase global potential tenfold by enabling dry reservoirs, and urban heating districts with heat pumps, capable of providing heating at -20°C. By 2030, drilling innovations—such as smart drill bits and robotics—could reduce costs by 50%, accelerating adoption. In a world that needs to double clean energy by 2040, geothermal energy is emerging not only as a renewable source, but as an architectural canvas where engineering and sustainability converge to redefine the energy landscape. Its evolution will depend on creatively overcoming technical barriers, transforming the Earth’s heat into the cornerstone of a decarbonized era.

Vochysia haenkeana extract (Vh-E) was assessed against the neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararaca venom on chick biventer cervicis (BC) preparation. Pre- and post-venom incubation treatments (Pre-vit and Post-vit) were analysed here. Contractures ACh (110 µM) and KCl (20 mM) were evoked before and after addition of venom without stimulation. Vh-E (600 µg/mL) under Pre-vit was more efficient to neutralize the neuromuscular blockade by venom (40 µg/mL) [72.5±4.6% (venom) vs. 45.2±14% (Vh-E) of blockade, p<0.05, n=4]. Vh-E (600 µg/mL) did not cause significant changes under Post-vit [72.5±4.6% (venom) vs. 63.4±8.2% (Vh-E) of blockade, n=4]. The Pre-vit inhibited the blockade of the contracture to ACh (106±17% of response; n=4) while the Post-vit was able to attenuate the effect of the venom on this contracture (55±5% of response; n=4); related to those contractures to KCl both of treatments with Vh-E attenuated the blocker effect of the venom (62.5±7.7% and 55±5% of response for Pre-vit and Post-vit, respectively; n=4). In conclusion, Vh-E neutralizes partially the neuromuscular blockade in Pre-vit, an effect that can be related to preserved function of “extrinsic” post-synaptic receptors, by measured contractures in response to ACh. The myotoxicity of the venom was significantly reduced by Vh-E in both, Pre-vit and Post-vit, by measured contractures in response to KCl.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the world’s major infectious diseases with 350 million people who are chronic carriers of HBV [1]. Significant minorities go on to develop liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma and over 1 million die annually from HBV-diseased liver. Janahi E. at faculty of science, Bahrain University, Bahrain has submitted the following information [2], on HBV-genome organization as part of his Ph.D. degree (2007) in Imperial College, England. HBV genomic organization has 4 Open Reading Frames (ORFs) i.e. Pre-S/S Gene, Pre-C/C ORF, P ORF and X ORF. Regulatory Elements has 4 promoters (pre S2, pre S1, C promoters and X promoters), Pregenomic RNA, Enhancers (Enh 1 and Enh 2) where they are involved in cccDNA formation, Glococorticoid-Responsive Element which is located in X ORF and P ORF overlapping, Polyadenylation Signal (Direct Repeat 1 (DR1) and Direct Repeat 2 (DR2)), Epsilon-Stem Loop and Post-Transcriptional Regulatory Element. HBV genotype D is prevalent in our Middle East area. The HBV genome is a partially relaxed-circular dsDNA molecule consisting of a full length strand (minus strand) with a single unique nick and a complementary (positive strand) of variable length. HBV is considered as a para-retrovirus because its replication involves the reverse transcription of an intermediate-RNA function, of pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA). Replication of HBV genome starts with the encapsidation of the pgRNA and encodes HBV polymerase into an immature nucleocapsid formed by the viral core antigen.

Polyamines are aliphatic amines found in all living cells, and they are necessary for several fundamental cell processes. Their protective role against various abiotic stress factors has been reported in different plant species, while the mechanism by which polyamines act during plant-microbe interaction is still poorly understood. The several types of the interactions between the plants and the microbes outline a divers and complex picture of the action mechanisms. The present review focuses on this aspect of the mode of action of polyamines and polyamine metabolism during biotroph and necrotroph interactions between plants and pathogens. It seems that apoplastic metabolism of polyamines of the host and the accumulation of H2O2 as a result of polyamine catabolism play important signalling role in plant-pathogen interactions. The manipulation of the members of the polyamine-induced signalling pathways could increase the host plant resistance to biotic stresses.