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The peri- and post-menopausal periods have been described as the “window of vulnerability” for the development of depressive symptoms that impair women activities and quality of life. The etiopathogenesis of these symptoms is multifactorial and may confer resistance to traditional antidepressants. Attention is now directed toward phytochemicals for their pleiotropic functions and safer profiles. This study investigated the possible perturbation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways as an underlying mechanism of post-ovariectomy depression and highlighted the potential benefits of carnosic acid (CA) on the associated behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations. Female Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to be sham-operated or ovariectomized (OVX). After 3 weeks, OVX mice received either a vehicle, CA (20 mg/kg/day), or tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP-IX; a heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor; 50 μmol/kg/day) for 3 weeks. Our findings revealed that OVX mice had depressive but not anxiety-like behavior. Suppressed Nrf2 and its downstream signaling, and augmented proinflammatory markers were observed in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. CA treatment alleviated depressive behavior, induced the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, thioredoxin-1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and enhanced serotonin levels. CA also suppressed oxidative stress, reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS mRNA expression, and ameliorated OVX-induced histopathological changes. SnPP-IX aggravated post-OVX behavioral, neurobiochemical, and histological deteriorations, and reduced CA-protective effects. In conclusion, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling suppression and the associated proinflammatory state are key mechanisms in post-OVX depression. CA exerts multifaceted neuroprotection in OVX mice and represents a promising candidate for clinical evaluation as an antidepressant.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural biodegradable, eco-friendly fiber, lying within the nanoscale range. It is reputable for its various physical and chemical qualities, like high hydrophilicity, immense crystallinity, ease of sterility, being toxin-free, and extremely pure. Adding to its wide applicability in different fields, this study evaluated the applicability of a developed gelling substitute for plant tissue culture media. The BC matrix was characterized under the acronym PLATIBACGEL (PLAnt TIssue Culture BActerial Cellulose GEL), formed by Komagataeibacter hansenii AS.5, preisolated from rotten apple waste. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer, and tensile strength analyses confirmed the formation of purified, porous, and heterogeneous densely packed multiple network polymers possessing cellulose properties. The water holding capacity (WHC) values of wet and dried BC membranes were 9179% and 226.9%, respectively, and the water absorption rate (WAR) of dry BC membranes was higher than that of wet membranes. Using BC as a tissue culture gelling agent, six genotypes from tomato and wheat seeds were cultured in vitro, for guaranteeing explant genetic diversity, over seven treatments. Treatment 5, included PLATIBACGEL as the main constituent, improved and sustained all in vitro seed germination, root penetration, and plant support. Likewise, repeated tomato micropropagation subcultures were successful. Results demonstrated applying PLATIBACGEL as a promising, reusable, cheap, and reliable alternative plant micropropagation media gelling agent. Wherefore, plant cellular developers and tissue-culturists can utilize bio-polymers like BC for better understanding plant cell response to different in vitro culturing conditions, with expected beneficial returns on gelling agents industry and markets as well. Graphical abstract

Seaweed extract biostimulants are among the best modern sustainable biological plant growth promoters. They have been proven to eliminate plant diseases and abiotic stresses, leading to maximizing yields. Additionally, they have been listed as environmentally friendly biofertilizers. The focus of the present research is the use of a commercial seaweed biostimulant as an eco-friendly product (formally named True Algae Max (TAM). During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, five treatments of various NPK:TAM ratios were applied via regular fertigation, namely a conventional treatment of 100% NPK (C0) alongside combinations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (C25, C50, C75, and C100) of TAM, to evaluate the effectiveness of its bioactive compounds on enhancing growth, yield, and NPK content of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under greenhouse conditions. TAM is rich in phytochemical compounds, such as milbemycin oxime, rhodopin, nonadecane, and 5-silaspiro [4.4]nona-1,3,6,8-tetraene,3,8-bis(diethylboryl)-2,7-diethyl-1,4,6,9-tetraphenyl-. Promising measured parameter outcomes showed the potentiality of applying TAM with and without mixes of ordinary NPK application. TAM could increase cucumber yield due to improving chemical and physical features related to immunity, productivity, and stress defense. In conclusion, it is better to avoid applying mineral fertilizers, considering also that the organic agricultural and welfare sectors could shortly depend on such biotechnological tools and use them to fulfill global food demands for improved sustainability.