Search Results (117)

Soybeans have been cultivated in Poland for more than 140 years. However, Poland’s cold and water-deficient climatic conditions hinder soybean cultivation. Although the availability of suitable soybean varieties in Poland contributes to meeting the demand for soybean production, it is important to identify rhizobial inoculants in Polish soils suitable for soybean cultivation. In this study, we cultivated soybean varieties (Abelina, Merlin, and Sultana) grown in soils taken from four regions in Poland and isolated 330 strains from soybean root nodules. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 49 strains of highly stress-tolerant nodule-associated bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Ensifer, Tardiphaga, and Ralstonia spp. Several isolates exhibited positive effects on soybean growth under cold and water-deficient conditions. In particular, the isolate Bradyrhizobium japonicum PSN49, which is phylogenetically similar to B. japonicum USDA 123, increased plant biomass and nodule formation in the soybean cultivar Abelina under abiotic stress conditions due to its high nitrogen-fixing activity. Whole-genome comparisons between PSN49 and other Bradyrhizobium strains revealed that trehalose biosynthesis genes and cold shock proteins contributed to cold stress tolerance. These findings and the strains identified in this study will enhance soybean production and deepen the understanding of the soybean–rhizobium relationship in Poland. Full article

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of sophoricoside and its aglycone metabolite, genistein, derived from Styphnolobium japonicum L. fruit, as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal symptom management. Using Lactobacillus plantarum to model intestinal biotransformation, we compared glycoside-rich (Rex) and aglycone-rich (Rex-AG) extracts in ovariectomized rats. Both treatments significantly reduced weight gain and alleviated vaginal dryness, with Rex demonstrating superior thermoregulatory stabilization. Histological and molecular analyses revealed preserved trabecular bone integrity through the downregulation of RANKL and upregulation of TGF-β. Both extracts exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in adipose tissue, suppressing IL-6 and TNF-α, while regulating adipogenesis markers (FABP4, KLF, leptin, PPARγ) more effectively than 17β-estradiol. Serum genistein concentrations confirmed its efficient biotransformation and systemic bioavailability. Importantly, the treatments showed favorable safety profiles with no adverse effects on organ weight. These findings establish S. japonicum L. fruit-derived phytoestrogens as promising candidates for the comprehensive management of postmenopausal symptoms, offering an efficacious and safer alternative to conventional hormone therapy. Full article

Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi is the intermediate host of S. japonicum, the causative species of schistosomiasis in the Philippines. Conventionally, risk areas are identified by procedures requiring highly skilled personnel and constant surveillance efforts. Recent developments in disease diagnostics explore the utilization of environmental DNA as targets for polymerase chain reactions in disease surveillance. In this study, a low-cost, specific, and efficient SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay to detect O. h. quadrasi DNA from water samples was developed, optimized, and validated. Primers were designed based on the A18 microsatellite region of O. h. quadrasi. The assay exhibited a detection limit of one copy number per microliter at 99.4% efficiency and R² = 0.999, which specifically amplified O. h. quadrasi DNA only. Validation of this assay in environmental water samples demonstrated 100% PPV and NPV values, suggesting its potential as a tool for identifying risk areas, pathogen-directed surveillance, policy making, and disease control. Full article

The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plays an important role in human and animal nutrition due to its high protein and oil content. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different mineral nitrogen (N) rates and inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria on fungal colonization of the anatomical parts of seeds (APSS) of two soybean cultivars (Aldana and Annushka). Fungi were identified with the use of the macroscopic method and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The study demonstrated that fungal colonization was higher on soybeans cv. Annushka than cv. Aldana. The obtained results indicate that fungal colonization intensity was highest in the cotyledons, lower in the seed coat, and lowest in the embryonic axis. The APSS were colonized by pathogenic fungi belonging mostly to the genus Fusarium, as well as saprotrophic fungi represented by Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium spp., and Rhizopus nigricans. Fungal colonization intensity was highest in soybean seeds inoculated with HiStick^®Soy and in control seeds, whereas the number of fungal isolates obtained from the APSS was lower in the remaining treatments: 60 kg N ha⁻¹ + HiStick^®Soy, 30 kg N ha⁻¹ + HiStick^®Soy, Nitragina, and 60 kg N ha⁻¹. In addition, the statistical analysis revealed that fungal abundance and the biodiversity indicators of fungal communities, including relative frequency (Rf), dominance (Y), and species richness (S), differed across the analyzed APSS and years of the study, which indicates that these parameters were significantly influenced by weather conditions. The abundance of pathogenic and saprotrophic fungal species did not differ significantly between the examined soybean cultivars. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the strength of the relationship between weather conditions and the diversity of fungal communities colonizing soybean seeds. The analysis revealed that the development of pathogenic fungi on soybean seeds was determined by temperature and precipitation on 11–30 June and 1–10 August, whereas the prevalence of saprotrophic fungi was influenced only by precipitation on 1–10 and 21–30 July and 1–10 August. The qPCR analysis demonstrated that the colonization of soybean seeds by F. graminearum and P. verrucosum was affected by all experimental factors. Full article

The Ylistrum japonicum is a scallop of commercial significance, renowned for its capacity to undertake long-distance swimming. A total of 150 individuals were collected to explore the connections between morphological traits and quality traits and to determine the nutritional components of the adductor muscle. The results showed a robust positive correlation between morphological traits and quality traits, with certain variations in the intensity of the correlation depending on gender. For both female and male individuals, the most significant factor directly influencing the quality traits was shell width, and shell length had the greatest indirect influence on the individual quality traits. The nutritional results of the adductor muscle of Y. japonicum showed that the moisture content was 80.17%, the ash content was 1.43%, the protein content was 16.93%, the fat content was 0.67%, and the carbohydrate content was 0.80%. Furthermore, a total of 17 amino acids and a total of 23 fatty acids were detected. The study’s findings contribute to the understanding of the quality traits and nutritional value of Y. japonicum, laying a basis for the development of selective breeding strategies aimed at boosting the species’ aquaculture potential. Full article

Schistosomiasis japonica is an infectious parasitic disease caused by infection with the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, which is endemic in China, small pockets of Indonesia, and the Philippines. Of the three countries, the prevalence of infection is the highest in the Philippines, despite decades of mass drug administration (MDA). As a zoonosis with 46 potential mammalian definitive hosts and a snail intermediate host, the control and eventual elimination of S. japonicum requires management of these animal hosts in addition to new interventions for the human hosts, including health education and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. In this review we examine the status and epidemiology of S. japonicum in the Philippines with an overview of the current control program there and what needs to be accomplished in the future to control and eliminate this disease in the country. Full article

Nutrient-poor savanna soils severely limit agricultural productivity in Africa, hindering crops and livestock intensification and threatening food security. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial to meeting the world’s growing food demands and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse laid in a randomized complete block design with eight treatments, namely: (T1) control, (T2) 45 kg/ha superphosphate, (T3) 60 kg/ha superphosphate, (T4) 75 kg/ha superphosphate, (T5) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant, (T6) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +45 kg/ha superphosphate, (T7) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +60 kg/ha superphosphate, and (T8) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +75 kg/ha superphosphate. The findings showed that the highest plant height was noted when lablab was supplemented with T4 treatment at day 21, while T2 of superphosphate had the highest leaf area. Conversely, soil supplemented with superphosphate at different levels and/or lablab seeds treated with Bradyrhizobium inoculant did not have a significant effect on the number of leaves. Overall, the application of superphosphate to the soil at different levels and treating lablab seeds with Bradyrhizobium inoculant did not have any significant effect on the plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area. On day 37, the highest leaf chlorophyll was recorded on T1 and became constant amongst all the treatments as the growth progressed. From the current study, it is concluded that growing lablab in a controlled environment would benefit subsistence farmers and rural communities for its leaves consumed as vegetables and ultimately ensure food security. Full article

Due to the frequent occurrence of forest fires worldwide, which cause severe economic losses and casualties, it is essential to explore the mechanisms of forest fires. In this study, seven common broadleaf plant species from southern China were selected to observe their microscopic structural parameters. The combustion performance parameters of the leaves of these seven species were measured using a cone calorimeter, and the relationship between the microscopic structure and combustion performance was analyzed. Additionally, factor analysis was used to study the combustion intensity factor (F1), fire resistance intensity factor (F2), and the comprehensive fire risk degree (F) of the leaves of the seven plant species. Finally, regression analysis was performed between the microscopic structural parameters and the comprehensive fire risk factor. The results show the following: (1) The ratio of spongy mesophyll to palisade cells (S/P) affects the combustion performance of plant leaves. (2) The ranking of the comprehensive fire risk factor for the leaves of the seven plant species is as follows: Osmanthus fragrans var. semperflorens (OFS) > Cinnamomum camphora (CC) > Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv. (LC) > Pterocarya stenoptera C. DC. (PS) > Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum (LCVR) > Photinia beauverdiana C. K Schneid. (PB) > Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott (SJ). (3) There is a strong exponential relationship between the comprehensive fire risk factor and the microscopic structural parameters. This study is beneficial for selecting fire-resistant tree species and monitoring species with higher comprehensive fire risk. Full article

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, continues to pose a major public health threat in East Asia, with an estimated 71 million people at risk of infection. Domestic animals, especially buffaloes and goats, serve as important reservoir hosts, facilitating the transmission of the parasite to humans. While praziquantel (PZQ) is the first-line treatment for schistosomiasis due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against adult schistosomes, its prophylactic potential is less explored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PZQ in preventing S. japonicum infection in buffaloes and goats via assessing worm burden, worm size, hematological changes, and immune modulation. In the present study, buffaloes and goats were pretreated with PZQ at various doses (7–25 mg/kg body weight), followed by infection with S. japonicum cercariae. The results showed significant reductions in total worm burden and female worm burden, with one oral administration at 13 mg/kg for buffaloes and one injection at 25 mg/kg for goats offering the most robust protection. Worm length was also significantly reduced in both buffaloes and goats, indicating that PZQ not only prevented infection in this study but also inhibited worm growth. Furthermore, PZQ pretreatment modulated immune responses, as evidenced by increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in buffaloes and Lym% in goats. These findings suggest that PZQ has significant prophylactic potential in livestock, offering a practical solution for reducing schistosome transmission from animals to humans in endemic regions. Additionally, this study indicates that PZQ pretreatment does not contribute to resistance development, as newly established infections are effectively cleared during the initial treatment window. Full article

This study examines the effects of different LED light spectra and intensities on the growth, photosynthetic performance, and biochemical composition of the ‘Daruma’ cultivar of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum). The primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of indoor cultivation techniques for this economically significant crop. Wasabi seedlings were cultivated under LED lighting with four light intensities (35, 60, 90, and 140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three spectral combinations: red and white (1:1); red, white, and blue (1:1:1); and white. Growth parameters, including plant height, petiole length, leaf number, and yield metrics such as fresh weight and leaf area, were measured alongside photosynthetic activity and chemical analysis of glucosinolate levels. The results indicate that higher light intensities (particularly 140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) greatly enhance overall plant biomass, with red-dominant spectra promoting more significant growth and glucosinolate accumulation, a key secondary metabolite in wasabi. Lower intensities increased chlorophyll content and produced darker green foliage but decreased growth performance. Additionally, the interaction of red and blue light spectra with increased light intensity suggests that specific red light conditions are optimal for maximizing wasabi biomass and biochemical yield. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing light regimes for wasabi and similar shade-adapted crops in controlled indoor farming systems, potentially improving yield and quality in plant factories and supporting the future of indoor farming. Full article

Inducing programmed cell death in tumors is a fundamental approach in cancer therapy, prompting extensive efforts to discover bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. Peucedanum japonicum, a plant used in traditional medicine across East Asia, has been reported to exhibit various biological activities, including anticancer effects. This study aimed to evaluate the apoptosis-inducing effects of methanol/dichloromethane (MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) extracts of P. japonicum roots and their components in HL-60 human leukemia cells. Compounds were isolated using solvent extraction and reverse-phase column chromatography, and their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity effect of the compounds was tested on various cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, and MCF-7). Two coumarins, (−)-isosamidin (1) and 3′S,4′S-disenecioylkhellactone (2), were isolated through bioactivity-guided fractionation. Compound 2 significantly induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, as evidenced by an increase in the sub-G1 cell population and the initiation of both early and late apoptosis. Additional apoptotic markers, including reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increased cleavage of caspase-3, -8, and -9, were observed. These findings suggest that compound 2 shows potential as a candidate for leukemia treatment, providing a promising natural-product-based approach to cancer therapy. Full article

Urban forests, as an integral part of nature-based solutions (NBS), are significant contributors to improving urban air quality, delivering ecological service functions and environmental benefits to human health and well-being. Suitable urban forest management, including proper species selection, needs to be defined to efficiently reduce air pollutants in cities, with a focus on the removal ability of the main air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, and NO₂), the ecological adaptability to O₃ and NO₂, and allergenic effects. This study ranked 73 urban greening tree species in northern Chinese cities based on their ability to maximize air quality and minimize disservices. This study proposed a novel Species-Specific Air Purification Index (S-API), which is suitable for air quality improvement for tree/shrub species. Urban managers are recommended to select species with an S-API > 1.47—that is, species that have a high removal capacity of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, and NO₂, are O₃- and NO₂-tolerant, and are non-allergenic (e.g., Castanea mollissima Blume, Ginkgo biloba L., Hibiscus syriacus L., Ilex chinensis Sims, Juniperus procumbens (Endl.) Iwata et Kusaka, Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg., Morus alba L., Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, Syringa oblata Lindl., and Ulmus pumila L.). The S-API of urban greening species thus represents a potentially useful metric for air pollutant risk assessment and for selecting appropriate species for urban greening in cities facing serious air pollution challenges. Full article

Introduction: Schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting humans and animals, affected 251.4 million people in 2021. Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, S. intercalatum, and S. japonicum are primary human schistosomes, causing tissue damage, granulomas, ulceration, hemorrhage, and opportunistic pathogen entry. The gut and urinary tract microbiota significantly impact a host’s susceptibility to schistosomiasis, disrupting microbial balance; however, this relationship is not well understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the intricate relationship between schistosomiasis and the host’s microbiota, providing crucial insights into disease pathogenesis and management. Methods: This systematic review used PRISMA guidelines to identify peer-reviewed articles on schistosomiasis and its interactions with the host microbiome, using multiple databases and Google Scholar, providing a robust dataset for analysis. The study utilized Meta-Mar v3.5.1; descriptive tests, random-effects models, and subgroups were analyzed for the interaction between Schistosomiasis and the microbiome. Forest plots, Cochran’s Q test, and Higgins’ inconsistency statistic (I²) were used to assess heterogeneity. Results: The human Schistosoma species were observed to be associated with various bacterial species isolated from blood, stool, urine, sputum, skin, and vaginal or cervical samples. A meta-analysis of the interaction between schistosomiasis and the host microbiome, based on 31 studies, showed 29,784 observations and 5871 events. The pooled estimates indicated a significant association between schistosomiasis and changes in the microbiome of infected individuals. There was considerable heterogeneity with variance effect sizes (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis of Schistosoma species demonstrated that S. haematobium was the most significant contributor to the overall heterogeneity, accounting for 62.1% (p < 0.01). S. mansoni contributed 13.0% (p = 0.02), and the coinfection of S. haematobium and S. mansoni accounted for 16.8% of the heterogeneity (p < 0.01), contributing to the variability seen in the pooled analysis. Similarly, praziquantel treatment (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.07–2.64) showed high heterogeneity (Chi² = 71.42, df = 11, p < 0.01) and also indicated that Schistosoma infections in males (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.00 to 551.30) and females (RR = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.24 to 18.31) have a higher risk of altering the host microbiome. Conclusions: Schistosomiasis significantly disrupts the host microbiota across various bodily sites, leading to increased susceptibility to different bacterial taxa such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Mycobacterium species (M. tuberculosis and M. leprae). This disruption enables these bacteria to produce toxic metabolites, which in turn cause inflammation and facilitate the progression of disease. The impact of schistosomiasis on the vaginal microbiome underscores the necessity for gender-specific approaches to treatment and prevention. Effective management of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) requires addressing both the parasitic infection and the resulting microbiome imbalances. Additionally, praziquantel-treated individuals have different microbiome compositions compared to individuals with no praziquantel treatment. This suggests that combining praziquantel treatment with probiotics could potentially decrease the disease severity caused by an altered microbiome. Full article

Schistosomiasis, which affects a large number of people worldwide, is among the most overlooked parasitic diseases. The disease is mainly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asian countries, and South America due to the lack of adequate sanitation. The disease is mainly associated with poor hygiene, sanitation, and contaminated water, so it is also known as a disease of poverty. Three Schistosoma species (S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium) cause significant human infections. Co-infections with Schistosoma and other parasites are widely common. All these parasites may cause intestinal or urogenital schistosomiasis, where the disease may be categorized into the acute, sensitized, and chronic phases. The disease is more prevalent among school children, which may cause anemia and reduce development. Chronic infections frequently cause significant liver, intestinal, and bladder damage. Women exposed to contaminated water while performing normal duties like washing clothes might acquire urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), which can cause tissue damage and raise the risk of blood-borne disease transmission, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the World Health Organization (WHO)-prescribed treatment for individuals who are known to be infected, but it does not prevent further re-infections with larval worms. Vaccine development and new molecular-based diagnosis techniques have promised to be a reliable approach to the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis. The current review emphasizes the recent advancement in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis by molecular techniques and the treatment of schistosomiasis by combined and alternative regimes of drugs. Moreover, this review has also focused on the recent outbreak of schistosomiasis, the development of vaccines, and their clinical trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. Methods: A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF–GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Results: Treatment with the SJF–GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48–72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8–12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. Conclusions: The SJF–GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause. Full article