Search Results (373)

The increasing environmental challenges facing modern agriculture necessitate development of sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical inputs. This study aimed to isolate and characterize rhizophilic bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of the maize hybrid Turan 480 SV (Zea mays L.), with a focus on their plant growth-promoting and biocontrol traits. A total of 23 bacterial isolates were obtained, including 15 Gram-negative and 8 Gram-positive strains. Among these, three strains—CR14, CR18 and CR22—were selected for detailed analysis. All three demonstrated significant indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate and zinc solubilization, nitrogen fixation and antifungal activity. CR14 synthesized 56.01 mg L⁻¹ of IAA and demonstrated the highest zinc solubilization, while CR18 exhibited superior phosphate solubilization and protease activity. CR22 produced the highest IAA (61.46 mg L⁻¹) and demonstrated strong cellulase and amylase activity. In antagonism tests, CR14 suppressed Alternaria alternata with an 80 mm inhibition zone, while CR18 and CR22 effectively inhibited both A. alternata and Fusarium graminearum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing identified CR18 as Serratia quinivorans, CR14 as Pantoea agglomerans and CR22 as Pantoea sp. The functional diversity of rhizobacteria holds promise as bioinoculants for enhancing maize growth and protecting against soil-borne pathogens in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Situations previously paired with drug use can become conditioned stimuli (i.e., physical stress or psychosocial stress) that elicit intense craving and relapse, even after prolonged abstinence. Previous studies have shown that pharmacological disruption of reconsolidation after memory reactivation could be promising for reducing pathological fear and stress-related responses. For this reason, the aim of this research was to examine the role of β-AR in the retrieval of aversive memories through the potential of β-AR antagonism to mitigate the effects of exposure to stressful stimuli. Methods: This question was addressed using a model to assess the re-emergence of an aversive contextual memory induced by both physical stressors (restraint and tail-pinch) and psychosocial stress (social defeat) in morphine- or saline-treated mice previously subjected to a conditioned place aversion (CPA) paradigm, in which naloxone was administered to precipitate opioid withdrawal. To assess the effects of propranolol on aversive memories related to opioid addiction, the number of chamber crossings and the time spent in the naloxone-paired compartment were measured. Results: Our results showed that morphine-treated mice spent significantly less time in the naloxone-paired chamber than saline mice during the post-test and after exposure to stressful stimuli, than during the pre-test, showing an effect for aversive memories in addiction. In contrast, when propranolol was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the exposure to both social and physical stress, the time spent enhanced significantly (p < 0.01), supporting a role for propranolol in addiction-related memories. Conclusions: These results suggest that propranolol could attenuate the aversive memories that may contribute to relapse to opioid addiction. Full article

Restoring soil microbial functioning in reclaimed coal gangue soils is critical for ecosystem recovery, yet how different organic amendments, particularly industrial by-products, regulate bacterial communities remains unclear. Here, we tested three organic inputs—the residue after evaporation (RAE) from vitamin C production, Trichoderma inoculation, and cattle manure—applied alone and in combination in a photovoltaic agroforestry system on coal gangue spoil. Our results indicate that the treatment based on manure increased bacterial α-diversity and favored taxa associated with organic matter transformation, including Actinobacteria and Acidobacteriota, suggesting expanded niche partitioning in response to heterogeneous substrates and nutrients. RAE alone supported communities closer to non-manure controls but, when co-applied with manure, further enhanced network connectivity and the prevalence of positive associations, indicating strengthened cooperative interactions and functional redundancy. In contrast, RAE combined with Trichoderma in the absence of manure reduced diversity, and simplified the co-occurrence network, suggesting resource monopolization and antagonism. Overall, RAE acted as a key driver of microbial cooperation and potential ecosystem resilience, and RAE-based amendments, particularly when integrated with manure, appear to be effective strategies for improving soil microbial functionality in degraded coal gangue soils. Full article

Persistent postoperative opioid use (PPOU) is an emerging challenge in pediatric perioperative care, with rates as high as 4.7% in opioid-naive adolescents. Despite advances in multimodal analgesia, current protocols often fail to prevent long-term opioid exposure, particularly after high-risk surgeries such as spinal fusions. While multiple strategies exist to reduce PPOU in children, including regional anesthesia and non-opioid analgesics, this review specifically focuses on methadone and pharmacogenomic-guided opioid prescribing as promising approaches. Methadone, a long-acting opioid with mu-opioid agonism, NMDA antagonism, and monoamine reuptake inhibition, has shown encouraging outcomes in adult and emerging pediatric studies but remains underutilized due to concerns over safety, variability, and familiarity. This narrative review explores the intersection of methadone pharmacology, pharmacogenomic (PGx)-guided opioid prescribing, and their potential to reduce PPOU and optimize perioperative pain control in children. We examine methadone’s unique pharmacokinetic profile, extended half-life, and ability to reduce central sensitization and opioid tolerance. Data from pediatric trials in cardiac, spinal, and major abdominal surgeries are reviewed, highlighting methadone’s potential to lower total opioid use, stabilize postoperative pain trajectories, and improve recovery. The review also discusses the role of PGx testing, particularly CYP2D6, CYP3A4, UGT2B7, and OPRM1 variants, in tailoring methadone dosing to individual metabolic profiles, reducing adverse effects, and improving analgesic efficacy. There are no well accepted generalizable perioperative methadone dose, number of doses and dosing intervals due to limited large multicenter studies in children. We outline challenges, including QTc prolongation, dosing variability, lack of pediatric-specific PGx guidelines, and ethical considerations around genetic testing in minors. The review calls for multidisciplinary perioperative teams, expanded PGx implementation, and real-world data from registries and AI-integrated models to support precision opioid strategies. Preventing PPOU in children is critical. Integration of methadone-based multimodal analgesia in high-risk painful in-patient procedures and future integration of PGx represent positive steps toward personalized, effective, and safer pain management in pediatric surgical patients, an urgent need as opioid stewardship becomes a clinical and public health imperative. Full article

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Plasmodium falciparum infections remain major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable due to physiological immunomodulation. While mono-infections are well documented, the burden and biological consequences of HBV–P. falciparum co-infection during pregnancy remain under-investigated in Gabon. Aim: To determine the prevalence, clinical relevance, and biochemical impact of HBV–P. falciparum co-infection among pregnant women in Libreville, Gabon, and to explore the interaction between viral and parasitic replication. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2022 and May 2023 at the CHUME-FJE Laboratory in Libreville. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg using rapid diagnostic tests and ELISA confirmation; HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) levels were quantified by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA). Parasitemia was assessed by rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, and the Lambaréné thick blood film method. Liver function parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT) were evaluated using an automated biochemistry analyzer. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 222 pregnant women enrolled, HBV infection was detected in 9 cases (4.05%). Among these, 6 (2.7% of the study population) were mono-infected with HBV, while 3 (1.35%) were co-infected with Plasmodium falciparum. P. falciparum parasitemia was detected in 58 cases (26.1%). Biochemical profiles revealed elevated transaminases (AST) in HBV mono-infected women, while liver enzymes remained within normal ranges in co-infected individuals. Quantitative analyses demonstrated an inverse relationship between HBV surface antigen levels and P. falciparum parasitemia. This observation could suggest an antagonistic replication dynamic. However, the relationship was not statistically significant (Spearman’s ρ = −0.5, p = 0.67). Conclusions: HBV and P. falciparum co-infection occurs in a small but clinically relevant proportion of pregnant women in Gabon. The observed inverse replication pattern suggests a potential biological antagonism that may modulate disease severity. These findings although preliminary, could highlight the need for integrated screening and management strategies during pregnancy to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapies are limited by poor response, rapid resistance, and recurrence of aggressive disease. Sorafenib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, can trigger β-catenin stabilization and activation, contributing to resistance. Overexpression of the chemokine receptor CXCR6 and its ligand CXCL16 and hyperactivation are implicated in HCC progression and β-catenin stabilization. We hypothesized that SBI-457, a small-molecule CXCR6 antagonist we developed, could disrupt CXCR6/β-catenin crosstalk and enhance sorafenib sensitivity. Methods: We tested SBI-457 alone and in combination with sorafenib in SK-Hep-1 xenograft models and a panel of human HCC cell lines. Tumor burden, β-catenin activation, and CXCR6 expression were assessed by tumor volume measurements, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Soluble CXCL16 levels were quantified by ELISA, and cell death responses were evaluated using MTT assays. Results: In vivo, SBI-457 combined with sorafenib reduced normalized tumor volume by 55% compared to vehicle controls, modestly exceeding monotherapy effects, and attenuated sorafenib-induced β-catenin upregulation. In vitro, SBI-457 blocked nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and reversed sorafenib-induced increases in β-catenin levels. Enhanced cell death was observed in specific “responder” HCC cell lines (Hep-3B, SNU-398, JHH-5), which correlated with high intracellular β-catenin, secretion of soluble CXCL16, and expression of a high molecular weight form of CXCR6. In contrast, “non-responder” cell lines with conventional CXCR6 expression and low CXCL16 secretion showed no enhanced cell death response. Conclusions: CXCR6 antagonism with SBI-457 can modulate β-catenin activation and may help overcome sorafenib resistance in selected HCC models. These findings support further development of CXCR6 antagonists as single agents or combination therapies to improve treatment outcomes in HCC. Full article

Background/Objectives: The development of effective oncologic therapies with fewer adverse effects is often limited by the intrinsic and acquired resistance of tumor cells. Hybrid molecules, rationally designed to combine different pharmacophores, represent a promising strategy by providing synergistic effects, dose reduction, and a lower risk of resistance. In this study, the antitumor potential and mechanisms of action of 22 novel hybrid compounds derived from xanthene and pyran scaffolds (SJ022–SJ103) were investigated. The hybrids were initially evaluated through in vitro screening in four breast, three ovarian, and two prostate cancer cell lines, followed by the selection of T-47D, OVCAR-3, and LNCaP cells for detailed assays assessing cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, DNA damage, caspase-3/7 activity, morphology, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway modulation. Methods: Cytotoxicity assays were performed in the selected cell lines, while mechanistic studies included apoptosis and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, γH2AX detection, Western blotting for PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins, and 3D spheroid assays. Combinatorial effects with hormone therapies (tamoxifen, fulvestrant, and letrozole) and the AKT inhibitor MK2206 were evaluated. AKT silencing by esiRNA and molecular docking was performed to confirm target engagement. Results: SJ028 demonstrated broad activity across all tested cell lines, whereas SJ064 and SJ078 exhibited higher selectivity. Treatments induced apoptosis, S/G2-M arrest, and DNA damage, accompanied by decreased phospho-AKT levels and stable PI3K and mTOR expression. In 3D models, the hybrids increased caspase-3/7 activity and necrotic core expansion. Co-administration with hormone therapies resulted in synergistic effects in breast and ovarian cancer cells, reducing IC₅₀ values by more than 50% in both parental and resistant models, while combinations with MK2206 were antagonistic across all tumor subtypes. AKT silencing abrogated cytotoxicity, and docking confirmed SJ028 binding to AKT. Conclusions: Xanthene- and pyran-based hybrids—particularly SJ028, SJ064, and SJ078—showed strong antitumor activity through apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and PI3K/AKT pathway modulation. Their preserved efficacy in resistant models and synergistic interactions with hormone therapies contrasted with the antagonism observed with AKT inhibition, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for the treatment of hormone-responsive and -resistant cancers. Full article

The rapid global emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae threatens public health, as treatment options remain limited and resistance to last-line antibiotics is rising. Natural phenolic compounds emerge as promising adjuvants to restore antibiotic activity. This study pooled data from 216 in vitro assays evaluating interactions between phenolic compounds and conventional antibiotics against MDR K. pneumoniae. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values were analyzed at the individual-test level, and structure–activity relationships were explored using a binary chemotype flagging approach. Overall, synergy was highly context-dependent, varying by both antibiotic class and phenolic chemotype. Polymyxin B combined with resveratrol demonstrated the most consistent and robust synergy (median FICI = 0.25, synergy rate = 96.2%), with no antagonism observed. For carbapenems, meropenem showed strong synergy when paired with flavonoids containing catechol or gallol motifs (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), whereas curcumin exhibited inconsistent or antagonistic effects. Variability analysis revealed that combinations with low dispersion, such as polymyxin B + resveratrol, offer greater translational potential than high-variability pairs. These findings highlight the structural determinants of synergy and support further preclinical evaluation of select phenolic compounds as adjuvants to conventional antibiotics in the fight against MDR K. pneumoniae. Full article

In agroecosystems, bacterial antagonism is an alternative to agrochemicals, which are a threat to the environment and global health. From this perspective, a collection of environmental bacterial isolates was tested for their potential as antagonists against the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas vesicatoria, which is one of the etiological agents of bacterial spot in tomato and pepper. The isolates with the greatest in vitro antagonistic activity were selected for ex vivo assays using tomato plant leaves and further characterized for their capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes. The results revealed promising prospects for an antagonism-based X. vesicatoria biocontrol against bacterial spot disease, thus favouring more sustainable agricultural production. Full article

Autophagy is a lysosome-mediated self-degradation process of eukaryotic cells which is critical for the elimination of cellular damage. Its capacity progressively declines with age, and this change can lead to the development of various neurodegenerative pathologies including Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). SCA1 is mainly caused by mutations in the polyglutamine region of Ataxin 1 protein. In patients affected by the disease, Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum frequently undergo demise and eventually become lost. Here we tested whether two well-characterized autophagy-enhancing small molecules, AUTEN-67 and -99, which antagonize the autophagy complex Vps34 through blocking the myotubularin-related lipid phosphatase MTMR14/EDTP, have the capacity to ameliorate SCA1 symptoms. We found that in a Drosophila model of SCA1, only AUTEN-67 exerts positive effects including improvement in climbing ability and extending life span. Based on these results, we hypothesized that the two compounds influence autophagy in the brain in a neuron-specific manner. Indeed, according to data we obtained, AUTEN-67 and -99 exhibit shared and unique functional domains in the Drosophila brain. AUTENs enhance autophagy in GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons. In addition, AUTEN-67 also affect autophagy in cholinergic neurons, while AUTEN-99 trigger the process in glutaminergic neurons and motoneurons. We also observed varying efficiencies between the two AUTENs among different subtypes of cultured hippocampal neurons of mice. These data suggest that the two compounds display neuron-specific differences in exerting autophagy-enhancing effects, and may lead to a better understanding of which types of neurons autophagy could potentially be activated to treat SCA1 in human patients. Full article

Triatoma infestans is one of the primary vectors of Chagas disease. This vector has developed increasing resistance to pyrethroids, the main insecticides used for its control. Recent studies have highlighted the repellent and lethal effects of Cannabis sativa on insects, suggesting its potential use in pest management. Based on this, we hypothesize that C. sativa could be a viable bioactive for controlling T. infestans. To test this hypothesis, acetone and ethanol extracts were obtained from the inflorescences of C. sativa L. (Deep Mandarine variety) using sonication. These extracts were analyzed through gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The repellent and lethal effects of the extracts were evaluated on fifth-instar nymphs of T. infestans from a laboratory colony, as well as on the beneficial non-target species, Apis mellifera. The most abundant terpenes identified were β-caryophyllene and β-pinene, with concentrations exceeding 100 ppm in both extracts. Cannabidiol and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol were the predominant cannabinoids. Both extracts exhibited maximum lethal activity 48 h after insect contact, with the acetone extract demonstrating a potency five times greater than the ethanolic extract. Binary combinations of C. sativa extracts with major terpenes showed dose-dependent interactions against T. infestans, ranging from strong synergy (e.g., AE + β-caryophyllene, CI = 0.06–0.17) to marked antagonism (e.g., AE + E-ocimene, CI = 1.60–4.80). Furthermore, the acetone extract showed a more effective repellent action compared to the ethanol extract, even outperforming N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET, positive control). At a concentration of 25 µg/cm² for 60 min, the acetone extract achieved a 100% repellent effect, whereas DEET required a concentration of 50 µg/cm² to achieve the same effect. Unlike imidacloprid (positive control), neither extract showed toxicity to adult A. mellifera at the evaluated doses. Full article

Background: Chronic inflammatory skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and chronic wounds, affect nearly two billion people worldwide, impose substantial morbidity and economic burden, and remain only partially controlled by existing therapies. The cutaneous endocannabinoid system (ECS), comprising cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and their metabolic enzymes, regulates inflammation, pruritus, barrier integrity, and tissue repair; cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB₂) has emerged as a particularly relevant target. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a dietary sesquiterpene and highly selective CB₂ agonist with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic attributes, has attracted attention as a promising topical candidate. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (inception–30 July 2025) for studies on “β-caryophyllene” and dermatological outcomes, prioritizing purified BCP and analytically characterized BCP-rich fractions. Quantitative parameters, including tested concentration ranges (0.5 µM–10%) and principal mechanistic outcomes, were extracted to provide a translational context. Results: BCP penetrates the stratum corneum, suppresses NF-κB/MAPK and IL-4/TSLP pathways, enhances Nrf2-driven antioxidant defenses, and accelerates re-epithelialization and collagen remodeling. Across in vitro, in vivo, and formulation studies, BCP produced consistent anti-inflammatory and barrier-restorative effects within this concentration range. CB₂ antagonism attenuated these responses, confirming receptor specificity. BCP’s volatility and autoxidation to β-caryophyllene oxide (BCPO) necessitate stability-by-design strategies using antioxidants, low-oxygen processing, and protective packaging. Human evidence, limited to BCP-rich botanicals such as Copaifera oleoresins, suggests benefits for scars, wounds, and acne but lacks compound-specific validation. Conclusions: BCP exhibits coherent CB₂-mediated anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antioxidant, and reparative actions with a favorable safety profile. Dose-defined, oxidation-controlled clinical trials of purified BCP are warranted to establish its potential as a steroid-sparing topical therapy. Full article

This study systematically investigates the effects of individual and combined incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) and nano-silica sol (NS) on the macroscopic properties and microstructure of cement-based grouting materials, with emphasis on their synergistic mechanisms. A series of macroscopic tests including setting time, fluidity, bleeding rate, and mechanical strength were conducted, complemented by multi-scale microstructural characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrate that both NS and GO effectively reduce setting time and bleeding rate while enhancing mechanical strength; however, NS exhibits a more pronounced adverse effect on fluidity compared to GO. The hybrid system displays a distinct transition from synergy to antagonism: under low-dosage co-incorporation (2 wt% NS + 0.01 wt% GO), the flexural and compressive strengths increased by 13.5% and 45.5%, respectively, relative to the reference group. Microscopic analysis revealed that the synergistic interaction between the pozzolanic effect of NS and the templating effect of GO under this condition optimizes hydrate morphology and pore structure, leading to enhanced performance. Conversely, excessive dosage of either component induces agglomeration, resulting in microstructural deterioration and performance degradation. This study establishes optimal dosage ranges and combination principles for NS and GO in cement-based materials, providing a theoretical foundation for designing high-workability and high-strength cementitious composites. Full article

In 2019, bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae was first identified in Actinidia arguta. This disease has led to significant yield reduction, plant mortality, and substantial economic losses in A. arguta cultivation. Its emergence poses a novel challenge to the sustainable global production of kiwifruit. Currently available treatments for bacterial canker caused by P. syringae pv. actinidiae are scarce. Moreover, the environmental toxicity of copper-based compounds and emerging antibiotic resistance issues necessitate the development of eco-friendly control strategies. Disease management strategies based on biocontrol bacteria have shown broad application prospects. In this study, the isolate CHHM-1 with significant antagonistic activity against P. syringae pv. actinidiae was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy A. arguta. It was identified as Pseudomonas koreensis through 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequencing. Genomic analysis revealed that the isolate CHHM-1 harbors various genes related to biocontrol, plant growth promotion, and antibiotic resistance, suggesting strong environmental adaptability and functional potential. Furthermore, the strain exhibited multiple plant growth-promoting traits, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In vitro antagonism assays confirmed the strong antagonistic activity of the isolate CHHM-1 against P. syringae pv. actinidiae. A dual-culture plate assay showed an average inhibition zone of 4.36 cm, while preventive application on plants significantly reduced lesion length to 1.3 mm (vs. 6.2 mm control) in shoots and lesion area to 10% (vs. 80% control) in leaf discs. Further antibacterial tests revealed that its inhibitory mechanism is attributed to secreted antimicrobial substances. These findings provide a promising candidate for developing novel biopesticides to combat P. syringae pv. actinidiae variants, reduce chemical dependency, and foster sustainable A. arguta production. Full article

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods can carry antimicrobial-resistant pathogens; however, few studies link real-world surveillance to practical interventions. This study addressed this gap by estimating the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in ready-to-eat foods from Al-Qassim and evaluating a rapid, orthogonal confirmation workflow (culture → MALDI-TOF MS → Vitek 2 → mecA/mecC PCR). The in vitro activity of citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against food-derived MRSA was quantified, and synergy with oxacillin (primary) and ciprofloxacin (secondary) was examined. Silver-susceptibility stability was assessed over 20 days of sub-MIC serial passage, with attention to whether β-lactam co-exposure constrained drift. We surveyed 149 RTE products and paired the confirmation workflow with mechanistic tests of AgNPs as antibiotic adjuvants. S. aureus was recovered from 24.2% of products and MRSA from 6.7%, with higher recovery from animal-source matrices and street-vendor outlets. MALDI-TOF MS provided rapid species confirmation and revealed two reproducible low-mass peaks (m/z 3990 and 4125) associated with MRSA, supporting spectral triage pending molecular confirmation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the expected β-lactam split (MRSA oxacillin/cefoxitin non-susceptible; MSSA oxacillin-susceptible but largely penicillin-resistant), with last-line agents retained. Citrate-stabilized AgNPs displayed consistent potency against food-derived MRSA (MIC 8–32 µg/mL; MIC₅₀ 16; MIC₉₀ 32) and were predominantly bactericidal (MBC/MIC ≤ 4 in 90%). Checkerboards demonstrated frequent AgNP–oxacillin synergy (median fractional inhibitory concentration index [FICI] 0.37; 4–16-fold oxacillin MIC reductions) and additive-to-synergistic effects with ciprofloxacin (median FICI 0.63), translating time–kill assays into rapid, sustained bactericidal activity without antagonism. During sub-MIC evolution, silver MICs rose modestly (median two-fold) and often regressed off drug; oxacillin co-exposure limited drift. RTE foods therefore represent credible MRSA exposure routes. Integrating MALDI-assisted triage with automated AST enables scalable surveillance, and standardized AgNP formulations emerge as promising β-lactam adjuvants—pending in situ efficacy, safety, and residue evaluation. Full article