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18 pages, 2745 KiB  
Article
Obesity-Induced MASLD Is Reversed by Capsaicin via Hepatic TRPV1 Activation
by Padmamalini Baskaran, Ryan Christensen, Kimberley D. Bruce and Robert H. Eckel
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080618 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Obesity)
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16 pages, 2276 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nanoparticles on the Development of Bacterial Speck in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Chili Variegation (Capsicum annuum L.)
by Edgar Alejandro Ruiz-Ramirez, Daniel Leobardo Ochoa-Martínez, Gilberto Velázquez-Juárez, Reyna Isabel Rojas-Martinez and Victor Manuel Zuñiga-Mayo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080907 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Among the new strategies for managing diseases in agricultural crops is the application of metallic nanoparticles due to their ability to inhibit the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms and to induce plant defense responses. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of silver (AgNPs), zinc [...] Read more.
Among the new strategies for managing diseases in agricultural crops is the application of metallic nanoparticles due to their ability to inhibit the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms and to induce plant defense responses. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of silver (AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), and silicon dioxide (SiO2NPs) nanoparticles on symptom progression and physiological parameters in two pathosystems: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Psto) in tomato (pathosystem one, culturable pathogen) and Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLso) in pepper plants (pathosystem two, non-culturable pathogen). For in vitro pathosystem one assays, SiO2NPs did not inhibit Psto growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 31.67 ppm for AgNPs and 194.3 ppm for ZnONPs. Furthermore, the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for AgNPs was 100 ppm, while for ZnONPs, it was 1000 ppm. For in planta assays, ZnONPs, AgNPs, and SiO2NPs reduced the number of lesions per leaf, but only ZnONPs significantly decreased the severity. Regarding pathosystem two, AgNPs, ZnONPs, and SiO2NPs application delayed symptom progression. However, only AgNPs significantly reduced severity percentage. Moreover, treatments with AgNPs and SiO2NPs increased the plant height and dry weight compared to the results for the control. Full article
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16 pages, 13514 KiB  
Article
Development of a High-Speed Time-Synchronized Crop Phenotyping System Based on Precision Time Protoco
by Runze Song, Haoyu Liu, Yueyang Hu, Man Zhang and Wenyi Sheng
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158612 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Aiming to address the problems of asynchronous acquisition time of multiple sensors in the crop phenotype acquisition system and high cost of the acquisition equipment, this paper developed a low-cost crop phenotype synchronous acquisition system based on the PTP synchronization protocol, realizing the [...] Read more.
Aiming to address the problems of asynchronous acquisition time of multiple sensors in the crop phenotype acquisition system and high cost of the acquisition equipment, this paper developed a low-cost crop phenotype synchronous acquisition system based on the PTP synchronization protocol, realizing the synchronous acquisition of three types of crop data: visible light images, thermal infrared images, and laser point clouds. The paper innovatively proposed the Difference Structural Similarity Index Measure (DSSIM) index, combined with statistical indicators (average point number difference, average coordinate error), distribution characteristic indicators (Charm distance), and Hausdorff distance to characterize the stability of the system. After 72 consecutive hours of synchronization testing on the timing boards, it was verified that the root mean square error of the synchronization time for each timing board reached the ns level. The synchronous trigger acquisition time for crop parameters under time synchronization was controlled at the microsecond level. Using pepper as the crop sample, 133 consecutive acquisitions were conducted. The acquisition success rate for the three phenotypic data types of pepper samples was 100%, with a DSSIM of approximately 0.96. The average point number difference and average coordinate error were both about 3%, while the Charm distance and Hausdorff distance were only 1.14 mm and 5 mm. This system can provide hardware support for multi-parameter acquisition and data registration in the fast mobile crop phenotype platform, laying a reliable data foundation for crop growth monitoring, intelligent yield analysis, and prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Farming: Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Sustainable Agriculture)
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24 pages, 9190 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Historical and Future Potential Global Distribution of the Pepper Weevil Anthonomus eugenii Using the Ensemble Approach
by Kaitong Xiao, Lei Ling, Ruixiong Deng, Beibei Huang, Qiang Wu, Yu Cao, Hang Ning and Hui Chen
Insects 2025, 16(8), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080803 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 42
Abstract
The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is a devastating pest native to Central America that can cause severe damage to over 35 pepper varieties. Global trade in peppers has significantly increased the risk of its spread and expansion. Moreover, future climate change may add [...] Read more.
The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is a devastating pest native to Central America that can cause severe damage to over 35 pepper varieties. Global trade in peppers has significantly increased the risk of its spread and expansion. Moreover, future climate change may add more uncertainty to its distribution, resulting in considerable ecological and economic damage globally. Therefore, we employed an ensemble model combining Random Forests and CLIMEX to predict the potential global distribution of A. eugenii in historical and future climate scenarios. The results indicated that the maximum temperature of the warmest month is an important variable affecting global A. eugenii distribution. Under the historical climate scenario, the potential global distribution of A. eugenii is concentrated in the Midwestern and Southern United States, Central America, the La Plata Plain, parts of the Brazilian Plateau, the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, sub-Saharan Africa, Northern and Southern China, Southern India, Indochina Peninsula, and coastal area in Eastern Australia. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and China, are projected to expand toward higher latitudes. In China, the number of highly suitable areas is expected to increase significantly, mainly in the south and north. Contrastingly, suitable areas in Central America, northern South America, the Brazilian Plateau, India, and the Indochina Peninsula will become less suitable. The total land area suitable for A. eugenii under historical and future low- and high-emission climate scenarios accounted for 73.12, 66.82, and 75.97% of the global land area (except for Antarctica), respectively. The high-suitability areas identified by both models decreased by 19.05 and 35.02% under low- and high-emission scenarios, respectively. Building on these findings, we inferred the future expansion trends of A. eugenii globally. Furthermore, we provide early warning of A. eugenii invasion and a scientific basis for its spread and outbreak, facilitating the development of effective quarantine and control measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
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20 pages, 2586 KiB  
Article
Virome Survey of Banana Plantations and Surrounding Plants in Malawi
by Johnny Isaac Gregorio Masangwa, Coline Temple, Johan Rollin, François Maclot, Serkan Önder, Jamestone Kamwendo, Elizabeth Mwafongo, Philemon Moses, Isaac Fandika and Sebastien Massart
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081068 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 209
Abstract
A virome survey of banana plantations and their surrounding plants was carried out at nation-wide level in Malawi using virion associated nucleic acids (VANA) high throughput sequencing (HTS) on pooled samples and appropriate alien controls. In total, 366 plants were sequenced, and 23 [...] Read more.
A virome survey of banana plantations and their surrounding plants was carried out at nation-wide level in Malawi using virion associated nucleic acids (VANA) high throughput sequencing (HTS) on pooled samples and appropriate alien controls. In total, 366 plants were sequenced, and 23 plant virus species were detected, three species on banana (275 plants) and 20 species in surrounding plants (91 plants). Two putative novel virus species; ginger tymo-like virus and pepper derived totivirus were detected and confirmed by RT-PCR on ginger and pepper. Nine known virus species and detected a host plant was identified for two of them. No viral exchange between banana and surrounding plants was observed. Results from the VANA protocol, applied to pooled banana samples, were compared with previous targeted PCR results obtained from individual banana samples. HTS test detected better BanMMV than IC-(RT)-PCR on individual samples (better inclusivity) but detected with much lower sensitivity BBTV and BSV species, often with less than 10 reads per sample. Detection of novel and known viruses and new host plants calls for strengthened sanitory and phytosanitory measures within and beyond banana production systems. Our research confirms that HTS sensitivity depends on sampling, pooling protocol and targeted virus species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Viruses of Plants, Fungi and Protozoa)
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33 pages, 14330 KiB  
Article
Noisy Ultrasound Kidney Image Classifications Using Deep Learning Ensembles and Grad-CAM Analysis
by Walid Obaid, Abir Hussain, Tamer Rabie and Wathiq Mansoor
AI 2025, 6(8), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6080172 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Objectives: This study introduces an automated classification system for noisy kidney ultrasound images using an ensemble of deep neural networks (DNNs) with transfer learning. Methods: The method was tested using a dataset with two categories: normal kidney images and kidney images with stones. [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study introduces an automated classification system for noisy kidney ultrasound images using an ensemble of deep neural networks (DNNs) with transfer learning. Methods: The method was tested using a dataset with two categories: normal kidney images and kidney images with stones. The dataset contains 1821 normal kidney images and 2592 kidney images with stones. Noisy images involve various types of noises, including salt and pepper noise, speckle noise, Poisson noise, and Gaussian noise. The ensemble-based method is benchmarked with state-of-the-art techniques and evaluated on ultrasound images with varying quality and noise levels. Results: Our proposed method demonstrated a maximum classification accuracy of 99.43% on high-quality images (the original dataset images) and 99.21% on the dataset images with added noise. Conclusions: The experimental results confirm that the ensemble of DNNs accurately classifies most images, achieving a high classification performance compared to conventional and individual DNN-based methods. Additionally, our method outperforms the highest-achieving method by more than 1% in accuracy. Furthermore, our analysis using Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping indicated that our proposed deep learning model is capable of prediction using clinically relevant features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical & Healthcare AI)
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17 pages, 1160 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Apple and Korean Green Chili Pepper Extracts Cultivated with Mineral Supplementation
by Ji-Sun Lim, Mi-Hee Yu, Dong Kyu Choi, Hae Won Kim, Seung-Hwan Park, Sin-Il Sin and Jong-Sang Kim
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152685 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Apples and Korean green chili peppers are rich in phytochemicals and recognized for their diverse bioactive properties. Given the potential to enhance these beneficial compounds, this study investigated the effects of mineral supplementation during cultivation on the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of extracts [...] Read more.
Apples and Korean green chili peppers are rich in phytochemicals and recognized for their diverse bioactive properties. Given the potential to enhance these beneficial compounds, this study investigated the effects of mineral supplementation during cultivation on the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of extracts from both crops. Mineral-enriched cultivation significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in both crops, which was accompanied by enhanced DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Moreover, the mineral-supplemented extracts of Korean green chili pepper activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated downstream antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Notably, the mineral-supplemented Korean green chili pepper extract significantly suppressed the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. These findings suggest that mineral supplementation during cultivation may improve the functional quality of apples and Korean green chili peppers, supporting their potential application in cancer prevention and complementary therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Agri-Food and Its Wastes)
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16 pages, 11910 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Expression Analysis of β-Glucosidase Gene Under Abiotic Stresses in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
by Jing Wang, Jiaxin Huang, Xu Jia, Zhenxin Hao, Yuancai Yang, Ruxia Tian and Yanping Liang
Genes 2025, 16(8), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16080889 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Background: Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly susceptible to various abiotic stresses during their growth and development, leading to severe reductions in both yield and quality. β-Glucosidase (BGLU) is widely involved in plant growth and development, as well as in the [...] Read more.
Background: Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly susceptible to various abiotic stresses during their growth and development, leading to severe reductions in both yield and quality. β-Glucosidase (BGLU) is widely involved in plant growth and development, as well as in the response to abiotic stress. Methods: We performed a genome-wide identification of pepper BGLU (CaBGLU) genes. Phylogenetic analysis included BGLU proteins from Arabidopsis, tomato, and pepper. Gene structures, conserved motifs, and promoter cis-elements were analyzed bioinformatically. Synteny within the pepper genome was assessed. Protein-protein interaction potential was predicted. Gene expression patterns were analyzed across tissues and under abiotic stresses using transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR. Subcellular localization of a key candidate protein CaBGLU21 was confirmed experimentally. Results: We identified 32 CaBGLU genes unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic classification of 99 BGLU proteins into 12 subfamilies revealed an uneven distribution of CaBGLUs across six subfamilies. Proteins within subfamilies shared conserved motifs and gene structures. CaBGLU promoters harbored abundant light-, hormone- (MeJA, ABA, SA, GA), and stress-responsive elements (including low temperature). A duplicated gene pair (CaBGLU19/CaBGLU24) was identified. 27 CaBGLU proteins showed potential for interactions. Expression analysis indicated CaBGLU5 and CaBGLU30 were mesophyll-specific, while CaBGLU21 was constitutively high in non-leaf tissues. CaBGLU21 was consistently upregulated by cold, heat, and ABA. Subcellular localization confirmed CaBGLU21 resides in the tonoplast. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis characterizes the pepper BGLU gene family. CaBGLU21, exhibiting constitutive expression in non-leaf tissues, strong upregulation under multiple stresses, and tonoplast localization, emerges as a prime candidate gene for further investigation into abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms in pepper. The findings provide a foundation for future functional studies and stress-resistant pepper breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Adaptation and Evolutionary Genetics in Plants)
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15 pages, 574 KiB  
Article
Polyphenol Intake from Herbs and Spices
by Cynthia Blanton
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152445 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Background: Culinary herbs and spices are potent sources of bioactive compounds such as (poly)phenols that confer health benefits to consumers. Observational studies have quantified (poly)phenol intake levels from foods and beverages but not herbs and spices. Hence, the contribution of herbs and [...] Read more.
Background: Culinary herbs and spices are potent sources of bioactive compounds such as (poly)phenols that confer health benefits to consumers. Observational studies have quantified (poly)phenol intake levels from foods and beverages but not herbs and spices. Hence, the contribution of herbs and spices to (poly)phenol intakes is unclear. Methods: The current study measured herb and spice total (poly)phenol consumption in a convenience sample of adults (n = 212) using a validated online herb and spice questionnaire. Respondents reported the frequency and amount of consumption of 27 herbs and spices during the past month. Total (poly)phenol concentration (mg) for each herb and spice was calculated using the online database Phenol-Explorer. Results: Responses showed monthly intakes of 679.92 (1134.06) (median, IQR) mg total (poly)phenols from 47.44 (60.71) g herbs and spices. Cinnamon, black pepper and cloves were the largest contributors to total (poly)phenol intakes from herbs and spices. Conclusions: These findings suggest that herbs and spices contribute potentially meaningful amounts of (poly)phenols to total dietary (poly)phenol intakes and that existing reports of (poly)phenol consumption for populations may underestimate actual levels by 3–12%. Full article
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21 pages, 4949 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Lightweight Neural Network Design and FPGA-Accelerated Edge Computing for Chili Pepper Variety and Origin Identification via an E-Nose
by Ziyu Guo, Yong Yin, Haolin Gu, Guihua Peng, Xueya Wang, Ju Chen and Jia Yan
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152612 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 248
Abstract
A chili pepper variety and origin detection system that integrates a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with an electronic nose (e-nose) is proposed in this paper to address the issues of variety confusion and origin ambiguity in the chili pepper market. The system uses [...] Read more.
A chili pepper variety and origin detection system that integrates a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with an electronic nose (e-nose) is proposed in this paper to address the issues of variety confusion and origin ambiguity in the chili pepper market. The system uses the AIRSENSE PEN3 e-nose from Germany to collect gas data from thirteen different varieties of chili peppers and two specific varieties of chili peppers originating from seven different regions. Model training is conducted via the proposed lightweight convolutional neural network ChiliPCNN. By combining the strengths of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a multilayer perceptron (MLP), the ChiliPCNN model achieves an efficient and accurate classification process, requiring only 268 parameters for chili pepper variety identification and 244 parameters for origin tracing, with 364 floating-point operations (FLOPs) and 340 FLOPs, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared with other advanced deep learning methods, the ChiliPCNN has superior classification performance and good stability. Specifically, ChiliPCNN achieves accuracy rates of 94.62% in chili pepper variety identification and 93.41% in origin tracing tasks involving Jiaoyang No. 6, with accuracy rates reaching as high as 99.07% for Xianjiao No. 301. These results fully validate the effectiveness of the model. To further increase the detection speed of the ChiliPCNN, its acceleration circuit is designed on the Xilinx Zynq7020 FPGA from the United States and optimized via fixed-point arithmetic and loop unrolling strategies. The optimized circuit reduces the latency to 5600 ns and consumes only 1.755 W of power, significantly improving the resource utilization rate and processing speed of the model. This system not only achieves rapid and accurate chili pepper variety and origin detection but also provides an efficient and reliable intelligent agricultural management solution, which is highly important for promoting the development of agricultural automation and intelligence. Full article
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23 pages, 6498 KiB  
Article
Design and Testing of Miniaturized Electrically Driven Plug Seedling Transplanter
by Meng Chen, Yang Xu, Changjie Han, Desheng Li, Binning Yang, Shilong Qiu, Yan Luo, Hanping Mao and Xu Ma
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151589 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
To address the issues of bulky structure and complex transmission systems in current transplanters, a compact, electric-driven automatic transplanter was designed. Using pepper plug seedlings as the test subject, this study investigated plug tray dimensions and planting patterns. According to the design requirement [...] Read more.
To address the issues of bulky structure and complex transmission systems in current transplanters, a compact, electric-driven automatic transplanter was designed. Using pepper plug seedlings as the test subject, this study investigated plug tray dimensions and planting patterns. According to the design requirement that the width of the single-row transplanter must be less than 62.5 cm, a three-dimensional transplanter model was constructed. The transplanter comprises a coaxially installed dual-layer seedling conveying device and a sector-expanding automatic seedling picking and depositing device. The structural dimensions, drive configurations, and driving forces of the transplanter were also determined. Finally, the circuit and pneumatic system were designed, and the transplanter was assembled. Both bench and field tests were conducted to select the optimal working parameters. The test results demonstrated that the seedling picking and depositing mechanism met the required operational efficiency. In static seedling picking and depositing tests, at three transplanting speeds of 120 plants/min, 160 plants/min, and 200 plants/min, the success rates of seedling picking and depositing were 100%, 100%, and 97.5%, respectively. In the field test, at three transplanting speeds of 80 plants/min, 100 plants/min, and 120 plants/min, the transplanting success rates were 94.17%, 90.83%, and 88.33%, respectively. These results illustrate that the compact, electric-driven seedling conveying and picking and depositing devices meet the operational demands of automatic transplanting, providing a reference for the miniaturization and electrification of transplanters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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1 pages, 132 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Zakir et al. Sweet Pepper Farming Strategies in Response to Climate Change: Enhancing Yield and Shelf Life through Planting Time and Cultivar Selection. Sustainability 2024, 16, 6338
by Iqra Zakir, Shakeel Ahmad, Sakeena Tul-Ain Haider, Talaat Ahmed, Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Shahzad Saleem and Muhammad Fasih Khalid
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156730 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 158
Abstract
The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...] Full article
18 pages, 5434 KiB  
Article
Design and Experimental Validation of Stem-Clamping-and-Pull-Out-Type Pepper Plug Seedling-Picking Mechanism
by Zhenhua Lin, Xiao Li, Hao Sun, Maile Zhou, Jianjun Yin, Jijia He and Daqing Yin
Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141563 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
As a core component of a fully automatic pepper transplanter, the performance of the seedling-picking mechanism is of particular significance. However, existing seedling-picking mechanisms have problems such as being prone to damaging the seedling roots and substrate, as well as having poor stability. [...] Read more.
As a core component of a fully automatic pepper transplanter, the performance of the seedling-picking mechanism is of particular significance. However, existing seedling-picking mechanisms have problems such as being prone to damaging the seedling roots and substrate, as well as having poor stability. To develop a highly efficient, stable, and minimally damaging seedling-picking mechanism, this study proposed a design scheme for a stem-clamping-and-pulling-out-type seedling-picking end actuator driven by a non-circular gear system. The specific methods and objectives include the following: (1) designing a differential non-circular gear system to replicate a manual picking trajectory accurately; (2) establishing a kinematic model and developing optimization software to determine the optimal parameter combination; (3) experimentally validating the mechanism’s performance through virtual simulations and bench tests. The bench tests showed that the mechanism could complete two seedling-picking operations per rotation, extracting an entire row (eight plants) in a single rotation at a speed of 30 r/min. The measured angles of the end effector at four key postures were highly consistent with simulation and high-speed camera data, with all key posture errors less than 1°. These results demonstrate the mechanism’s high accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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23 pages, 12625 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Auxin-Responsive GH3 Gene Family in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
by Qiao-Lu Zang, Meng Wang, Lu Liu, Xiao-Mei Zheng and Yan Cheng
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2231; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142231 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
As an auxin-responsive gene, Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) maintains hormonal homeostasis by conjugating excess auxin with amino acids in plant stress-related signaling pathways. GH3 genes have been characterized in many plant species, but the characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) [...] Read more.
As an auxin-responsive gene, Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) maintains hormonal homeostasis by conjugating excess auxin with amino acids in plant stress-related signaling pathways. GH3 genes have been characterized in many plant species, but the characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) GH3 (CaGH3) gene family members in response to multiple stimulants are largely unknown. In this study, we systematically identified the CaGH3 gene family at the genome level and identified eight members on four chromosomes in pepper. CaGH3s were divided into two groups (I and III) and shared conserved motifs, domains, and gene structures. Moreover, CaGH3s had close evolutionary relationships with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and the promoters of most CaGH3 genes contained hormone and abiotic stress response elements. A protein interaction prediction analysis demonstrated that the CaGH3-3/3-6/3-7/3-8 proteins were possibly core members of the CaGH3 family interaction. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that CaGH3 genes were differentially expressed in pepper tissues and could be induced by phytohormones (IAA, ABA, and MeJA) and abiotic stresses (salt, low temperature, and drought) with different patterns. In addition, CaGH3-5 and CaGH3-7 were cloned, and the sequences showed a high degree of conservation. Moreover, the results of subcellular localization indicated that they were located in the membrane and chloroplast. Notably, after overexpressing CaGH3-7 in tomato, RNA-seq was performed on wild-type and transgenic lines, and the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in response to external stimuli. This study not only lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the function of the CaGH3 gene family during plant growth and stress responses but also provides potential genetic resources for pepper resistance breeding. Full article
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27 pages, 21524 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Combinations of Native Australian Plants For Skin Inflammation and Wound Healing
by Rotina Kapini, Dennis Chang, Gerald Münch, Lisa Carroll and Xian Zhou
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071754 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress are key mechanisms in underlying skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. While many plants, including Australian native plants, are proposed to target these pathways due to their phytochemical content, studies on whole extracts and their synergistic effects remain [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress are key mechanisms in underlying skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. While many plants, including Australian native plants, are proposed to target these pathways due to their phytochemical content, studies on whole extracts and their synergistic effects remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate individual and combined effects of whole plant extracts on skin protection and healing, focusing on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Methods: The antioxidant potential of the individual and combined plant extracts were investigated on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay followed by luciferase assay in MCF-7 AREc32 cells for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. The anti-inflammatory activities were investigated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages for the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6. Synergistic interaction was determined by the combination index model (CI < 1). Combination(s) showing synergistic and optimal activity were further investigated on LPS-induced human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells for IL-6 inhibition and wound healing activity. Results: Three of the tested Australian native plant extracts demonstrated prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities including bitter orange, mountain pepper berry and native river mint. In particular, their three-way combination (1:1:1, w/w) showed prominent synergistic (CI < 1) in reducing NO and IL-6, along with enhanced Nrf2 activation. In LPS-inflamed HDF cells, the combination maintained synergistic inhibition of IL-6 levels and promoted wound healing response. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Australian native plant as a whole extract for skin protection and repair attributed to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The observed synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects support their use in the development of new cosmetic formulations for skin. Full article
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