Worldwide, there are plants known as psychoactive plants that naturally contain psychedelic active components. They have a high concentration of neuroprotective substances that can interact with the nervous system to produce psychedelic effects. Despite these plants' hazardous potential, recreational use of them is on the rise because of their psychoactive properties. Early neuroscience studies relied heavily on psychoactive plants and plant natural products (NPs), and both recreational and hazardous NPs have contributed significantly to the understanding of almost all neurotransmitter systems. Worldwide, there are many plants that contain psychoactive properties, and people have been using them for ages. Psychoactive plant compounds may significantly alter how people perceive the world.
1. Plant Dis. 2024 Nov 6. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-01-24-0180-PDN. Online ahead of print. First Report of Lelliottia amnigena Causing Soft Rot on Purple Stem Mustards in China. Li J(1), Qin S(2), Shi Y(3)(4), Xie X(5), Chai AL(6), Wang Y(7), Li B(8), Li L(9). Author information: (1)Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Beijing, Beijing, China; rancho_lee@yeah.net. (2)Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Beijing, Beijing, China; qsy18776811510@163.com. (3)Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, 12 Zhongguancun South st, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, China, 100081. (4)Beijing, Beijing, China, 100081; shiyanxia@caas.cn. (5)Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, Beijing, China; xiexuewen@caas.cn. (6)12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081Beijing, China, 100081; chaiali@caas.cn. (7)Tianjin Agriculture University, College of Horticulture and Landscape, No.22, Jinjing Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin City, Tianjin, China, 300384; wangyh@tjau.edu.cn. (8)Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, No. 12, Zhongguancun Nandajie, Beijing, 100081, China, Beijing, China, 100081; libaojuivf@163.com. (9)Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, No. 12 Zhongguancun South St., Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100081; lilei01@caas.cn. The purple stem mustards (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis var. purpuraria) (Govaerts R, 2003) are widely cultivated along Yangtze River Valley in China, which is famous for its flavorful and nutritious edible stalks (Wang et al., 2022). In February 2023, a disease of soft rot was observed in multiple purple stem mustards planting fields in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China (30.41°N, 114.22°E). Disease incidence rates were almost 20 to 30% in the planting area (5 ha in size), causing severe economic loss. Infected plants displayed water-soaked symptoms at the base of the petioles, emitting a foul soft rot odor. The severely infected petioles, stems and roots exhibit pus symptoms leading to plant death. To identify the causal agent, small pieces of soft rot symptomatic tissue were cut from the margin of necrotic lesions and surface disinfected with 75% (v/v) ethanol for 30 seconds, followed by three successive rinses with sterile distilled water. The exudates from the clipped tissues were serially diluted and then incubated onto nutrient agar (NA) plates to obtain purified strains at 28°C for 48 hours (Koike et al., 2002). After incubation, 15 strains were obtained and the colonies of all strains were Gram-negative, aerobic, small, round, convex, whitish to dull white, and had smooth slimy edges. Three single bacterial strains CT020801 - CT020803, which were individually isolated from three different diseased samples, were selected as representative strains for further study. Biochemical tests using the BIOLOG GENIII microplate system (Biolog, Hayward, CA, USA) revealed that these strains were positive for methyl red, pectin, dextrin, D-Cellobiose, β-galactosidase, citrate, and maltose, but negative for indole, arginine dihydrolase, urease, ornithine decarboxylase, and gelatinase tests. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene and the three housekeeping genes, atpD, rpoB, and recN were amplified using genomic DNA of Lelliottia amnigena NCTC12124T as the template, with specially designed primers. All amplified fragments were sequenced and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OQ954706-OQ954707, OQ954713, and OQ953873-OQ953881. BLAST alignments of the 16S rRNA, atpD, rpoB and recN sequences revealed that the sequences of Strain CT020801-03 exhibited the highest identity (100%, ≥97.97%, ≥98.85% and ≥94.52%, respectively) with L. amnigena （Figure S2）. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on multilocus sequence joint 16S rRNA - atpD - rpoB - recN revealed that CT020801 - CT020803 and L. amnigena clustered together in the same clade (Carrie et al., 2013). These results were consistent with those reported for Lelliottia amnigena (Osei et al., 2022). To confirm pathogenicity, healthy base petioles of three-week-old purple stem mustards seedlings were stab inoculated with 20 μL bacterial suspensions (approximately 108 CFU/mL) and then incubated at 28°C and 80% relative humidity in a growth chamber. A sterile liquid NB medium served as the negative control. The test was repeated thrice with each test consisting of five seedlings per treatment. After three days, soft rot symptoms appeared on the stem bases of the inoculated plants, consistent with the initial symptoms observed in the field. Control plants showed no symptoms. The strains were successfully re-isolated from symptomatic plants and identified as L. amnigena, fulfilling Koch's postulates. L. amnigena, a member of the Enterobacter genus (Birlutiu et al., 2023; Brady et al., 2013; Izard et al., 1981), is commonly found in soil and has been identified as an opportunistic pathogen responsible for plant soft rot disease (Reyes-García et al., 2020; Schroeder et al., 2009; Wu et al., 2023). Previous studies have linked L. amnigena to soft rot disease in potato tubers in China. However, this study marks the first documented case of L. amnigena causing soft rot disease in purple stem mustards in China. This discovery expands the known host range of the pathogenic bacteria and will help to provide essential information for making effective measures to manage this disease. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-24-0180-PDN PMID: 39504141 2. Cornea Open. 2024 Sep;3(3):e0044. doi: 10.1097/coa.0000000000000044. Epub 2024 Sep 16. Multimodal Imaging of Posterior Corneal Opacities in Multicentric Osteolysis Nodulosis and Arthropathy (MONA). Eppley SE(1), Pasricha ND(2)(3), Seitzman GD(2)(3), Joye A(2)(3), Arboleda A(2)(3), Qureshi A(1)(4). Author information: (1)Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA. (2)Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. (3)Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. (4)Benioff Children's Hospital Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA. PURPOSE: Multicentric osteolysis nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia. Caused by mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene (MMP2) on chromosome 16q12, this syndrome has infrequently been associated with ophthalmic manifestations. Corneal opacities have been reported but not described or documented in detail. METHODS: Complete ophthalmologic examination and multimodal anterior segment imaging were used to characterize the corneal findings in a patient with MONA syndrome. RESULTS: A 19-year-old with MONA syndrome was referred for an eye exam based upon MONA screening recommendations. Visually insignificant peripheral corneal opacities were noted. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrated posterior stromal and endothelial hyperreflectivity. Confocal microscopy demonstrated an acellular peripheral endothelium with a normal central endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal opacities can occur with MONA syndrome, which is caused by mutations in the MMP2 gene. In the patient presented here, the corneal opacities are peripheral, deep stromal, with sparing of the anterior stroma and epithelium. DOI: 10.1097/coa.0000000000000044 PMCID: PMC11537491 PMID: 39502084 Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interest: The authors have no conflict(s) of interest to report. 3. Front Microbiol. 2024 Oct 21;15:1466733. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1466733. eCollection 2024. Improving plant salt tolerance through Algoriphagus halophytocola sp. nov., isolated from the halophyte Salicornia europaea. Peng Y(1)(2), Cho DH(1), Humaira Z(1)(3), Park YL(1), Kim KH(1), Kim CY(1), Lee J(1)(3). Author information: (1)Korean Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC), Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea. (3)Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Yuseong, Republic of Korea. Salicornia europaea, commonly known as glasswort, thrives in reclaimed land and coastal areas with high salinity, demonstrating remarkable adaptation to the arid conditions of such environments. Two aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated TR-M5T and TR-M9, were isolated from the root of Salicornia europaea plants. These bacteria exhibit plant growth-promoting and salt tolerance-enhancing abilities, which have not been reported in other species of the genus. Both strains produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth hormone, and synthesize proline, which functions as an osmoprotectant. Additionally, they possess gelatinase and cellulase activities. Cells grow in temperatures from 4 to 42°C (optimum 25°C), pH levels from 6.0 to 9.0 (optimum 7.0), and NaCl concentrations from 0 to 8.0% (optimum 6.0%). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain TR-M5T with the most closely related type strains for which whole genomes are publicly available were 74.05-77.78% and 18.6-23.1%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains TR-M5T and TR-M9 belong to the genus Algoriphagus. A. locisalis exhibited the highest similarity, sharing a sequence identity of 98.1%. The genomes of TR-M5T and TR-M9 exhibit a G + C content of 43 mol%. This study specifically focuses on the identification and characterization of strain TR-M5T as a novel species within the genus Algoriphagus, which we propose to name Algoriphagus halophytocola sp. nov., highlighting its potential role in enhancing plant growth and salt tolerance in saline environments. The type strain is TR-M5T (KCTC 92720T = GDMCC 1.3797T). Copyright © 2024 Peng, Cho, Humaira, Park, Kim, Kim and Lee. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1466733 PMCID: PMC11532033 PMID: 39498140 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. 4. World J Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 19;14(10):1467-1473. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i10.1467. eCollection 2024 Oct 19. Relationship between serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels and cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in acute ischemic stroke. Gu YQ(1), Zhou X(2), Yao LH(3), Wang Q(3), Zhou CN(3), Liu ZD(3). Author information: (1)Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China. guyq@lzu.edu.cn. (2)Department of Neurology, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730099, Gansu Province, China. (3)Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China. BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant global health issue with increasing incidence owing to aging populations and rising cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to physical impairments, AIS frequently leads to neuropsychiatric complications, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, which adversely affect patients' quality of life and rehabilitation. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a potential biomarker for various conditions, including AIS. This study investigated the association between serum NGAL levels at admission and neuropsychiatric complications in patients with AIS. AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum NGAL levels at admission and neuropsychiatric complications in patients with AIS. METHODS: Between January 2022 and December 2023, 150 patients with AIS were enrolled. Serum NGAL levels were measured at admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, while anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at discharge. The relationship between serum NGAL levels and cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders of age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, previous stroke, and stroke severity. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 65.4 ± 10.2 years, and 58% were males. Prevalence rates of cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms at discharge were 34.7%, 28.0%, and 32.0%, respectively. Serum NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment (median: 5.6 ng/mL vs 3.2 ng/mL, P < 0.001), anxiety (median: 5.1 ng/mL vs 3.5 ng/mL, P = 0.002), and depressive symptoms (median: 5.4 ng/mL vs 3.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001), compared to those without these conditions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher serum NGAL levels at admission were independently associated with cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-1.71, P < 0.001], anxiety (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.09-1.51, P = 0.003), and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.16-1.67, P < 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum NGAL levels were independently associated with cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with AIS; and may function as potential biomarkers for patients at risk. ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i10.1467 PMCID: PMC11514556 PMID: 39474380 Conflict of interest statement: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article. 5. Cureus. 2024 Sep 28;16(9):e70413. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70413. eCollection 2024 Sep. A Comprehensive Review of Advanced Biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease in Older Adults: Current Insights and Future Directions. Pradeep U(1), Chiwhane A(1), Acharya S(1), Daiya V(1), Kasat PR(2), Sachani P(2), Mapari SA(3), Bedi GN(1). Author information: (1)General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND. (2)Radiodiagnosis, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND. (3)Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health concern, particularly in older adults, due to its high prevalence and association with increased morbidity and mortality. Early detection and effective management are crucial to slowing disease progression and reducing complications such as cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional biomarkers, including serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), often have limitations in older populations, where age-related physiological changes can obscure early signs of kidney dysfunction. Advanced biomarkers offer a more precise and comprehensive understanding of kidney health, providing insights into pathological processes such as inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and tubular injury. These biomarkers have the potential to enhance early diagnosis, predict disease progression, and inform personalized treatment approaches, particularly in the elderly. This review explores the current landscape of advanced biomarkers for CKD in older adults, highlighting their clinical utility and limitations. Key biomarkers, including those related to inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6), fibrosis (transforming growth factor-beta, collagen degradation products), oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes, malondialdehyde), and tubular injury (kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), are examined in the context of CKD. Emerging technologies, such as multi-omics and machine learning, are also discussed as they offer new opportunities for biomarker discovery and integration into clinical practice. While challenges remain, including the need for longitudinal studies and better standardization, advanced biomarkers hold promise for transforming CKD management in older adults, paving the way for earlier detection, better risk stratification, and more targeted therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2024, Pradeep et al. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70413 PMCID: PMC11519577 PMID: 39473640 Conflict of interest statement: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.