Search Results (1,729)

Biocontrol using antagonistic bacteria is considered a promising and sustainable approach for managing tomato bacterial diseases. Many antagonistic bacterial strains show strong activity under laboratory conditions, but their performance in greenhouse and field conditions is often unstable. This discrepancy is commonly described as the “translation gap”, meaning the gap between laboratory/greenhouse success and inconsistent field performance. This review examines the main causes of this gap. The analysis indicates that inconsistent field performance is not caused by a single factor, but by the combined effects of limited ecological fitness, environmental variability, formulation and delivery problems, and differences in agricultural management practices. Laboratory and greenhouse systems often simplify plant–bacteria–pathogen interactions and do not fully reflect the complexity of field environments. As a result, they may overestimate the practical potential of bacterial biocontrol agents. A conceptual framework is proposed to link biological, environmental, technical, and operational constraints and to explain why bacterial biocontrol often fails under practical conditions. Special attention is given to tropical tomato production systems, with emphasis on Vietnam, where high temperature, rainfall, humidity, intensive cultivation, and limited field-based evidence further increase the difficulty of achieving consistent disease control. Overall, this review highlights the need to move beyond simple antagonistic activity-based screening and to give greater attention to ecological fitness, rhizosphere colonization, stress tolerance, formulation quality, and compatibility with local farming practices. Full article

Ketoprofen (KET) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently detected in surface waters and effluents, with the potential to impact trophic base organisms. This study evaluated the toxicity of KET, in its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) form and in four commercial formulations (KET-1, KET-2, KET-3, and KET-4), on two freshwater species: the cyanobacterium Microcystis novacekii and the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. Cell growth assays, performed under acute (4 days) and chronic (14 days) conditions, showed that the API KET was the most toxic compound, especially for M. novacekii, with a chronic EC50 of 1.35 mg/L. The commercial formulations presented distinct toxicity profiles, suggesting the influence of excipients and synergistic or antagonistic interactions. For C. vulgaris, low acute toxicity was observed, with increased chronic effects at high concentrations and possible hormetic response at low doses. Risk quotient (RQ) calculations, based on environmental concentrations of KET, indicated low risk in surface and drinking water, but high risk in untreated hospital and wastewater treatment plant effluents, especially for M. novacekii. The results show that the complete formulation, exposure time, and target species are critical factors in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in freshwater environments. Full article

Fisetin is a bioactive flavanol with reported anticancer activity, although its mechanisms in leukaemia and potential for combination therapy remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the cytotoxic and mechanistic effects of fisetin, alone and combined with pinocembrin, in human leukaemia cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were assessed by flow cytometry; protein expression in Jurkat cells was assessed by Western blotting; and molecular docking was used to evaluate interactions with the Fas receptor. Drug interactions were quantified using ZIP synergy analysis, and cytotoxicity and clonogenic survival were evaluated using soft-agar colony formation assays in K562 cells. Fisetin significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis, accompanied by caspase-8 cleavage, p62 accumulation, and CDK4 downregulation, consistent with activation of extrinsic apoptosis, impaired autophagic flux, and cell cycle inhibition in Jurkat cells. Docking analysis supported a potential interaction with the Fas receptor, which was confirmed using the Fas receptor antagonist Met-12. Co-treatment with pinocembrin enhanced fisetin-mediated cytotoxicity and produced synergistic effects, particularly in Jurkat cells (ZIP score > 10), while synergistic interactions at specific sub-IC₅₀ concentrations were also observed in K562 cells. Combination treatment further enhanced caspase-8 activation, reduced CDK4 expression in Jurkat cells, and significantly suppressed clonogenic survival in K562 cells compared with single-agent treatments. These findings suggest that fisetin promotes caspase-8-dependent apoptosis, potentially involving Fas-associated signalling, and highlight fisetin–pinocembrin combination therapy as a promising strategy for leukaemia treatment. Full article

Purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its richness in bioactive compounds; however, its production in semi-arid regions is often constrained by soil and/or irrigation water salinity. Micronutrient fertilization may contribute to plant stress alleviation under salinity, since elements such as Mn, Mo, and Zn are involved in essential processes related to photosynthetic metabolism and physiological adjustment. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of Mn, Mo, Zn, and their combinations on growth, gas exchange, and relative chlorophyll indices of purple basil plants subjected to severe NaCl stress under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions for 30 days in a randomized block design with nine treatments and four replicates: a non-saline control without micronutrients, a saline control without micronutrients, and plants exposed to 100 mM NaCl with substrate application of Mn, Mo, Zn, MoMn, ZnMo, ZnMn, or ZnMoMn. Micronutrient sources were applied to the substrate at 3.5 g kg⁻¹ according to each treatment. Fertilization with Mn, Mo, Zn, and their combinations enhanced plant stress alleviation under salinity compared with the saline control without micronutrients, with positive responses in growth and physiological performance, including increases in chlorophyll indices. The double combinations MoMn, ZnMo, and ZnMn attenuated the effects of NaCl, especially by increasing leaf area. Mn stood out for increasing net photosynthesis and water-use efficiency, whereas Mo and ZnMo were associated with higher relative chlorophyll indices. Although the triple combination ZnMoMn improved some traits compared with the saline control, its lower efficacy relative to selected single or double applications may indicate that the simultaneous supply of the three elements reduced specific synergistic effects, possibly due to nutritional imbalance or antagonistic interactions among micronutrients under severe salinity. Overall, micronutrient fertilization, particularly through specific double combinations, may contribute to short-term mitigation of NaCl-induced stress responses under controlled greenhouse conditions. Full article

The subtropical and tropical islands of East Asia host a unique and highly endemic aquatic insect fauna threatened by a variety of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., invasive species, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and climate change). This review synthesizes the impacts of these stressors on aquatic insect diversity across this region based on 206 articles published over the past 40 years (1985–2025) to evaluate the impacts of these stressors on insular aquatic insect diversity. The islands of East Asia include all or parts of China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. The annual number of publications demonstrates a steady upward trend over time and has been accelerating in the last decade. Our systematic analysis reveals a large geographic disparity. Research is heavily concentrated on major islands, with Honshu Island (42%) and Taiwan Island (24%) accounting for two-thirds of the total literature, while small islands (<10,000 km²) comprise only 20%. Furthermore, current research tends to focus on independent impacts of single stressors, largely overlooking the complex additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions that characterize stressors on these fragile ecosystems. These research gaps, compounded by a lack of long-term monitoring data (i.e., only ~22% of the studies span more than 3 years), hinder efforts to distinguish natural inter-annual variability from anthropogenic shifts. The extinction of cryptic or endemic species may occur before these species are identified and described. In addition, the disentanglement of these interactive impacts on aquatic insect communities in East Asian islands is critical for predicting ecosystem responses to further local and global changes. Identification of non-linear ecological tipping points through these long-term monitoring networks, coupled with proactive, science-guided habitat restoration, is essential to mitigate imminent extinctions and to rebuild the functional integrity of these imperiled freshwater ecosystems. Full article

Deep excavation groups in soft soil can endanger adjacent historic buildings. This paper presents a 3D finite element analysis of a project in Ningbo, employing the HSS constitutive model. Three excavation schemes were compared. The small-zone staged excavation from near to far proved optimal: relative to the conventional large-block scheme, it reduced maximum wall displacement on the heritage-building side by 37.0% and building tilt by 54.0%; servo struts were then introduced in the critical sub-excavation and optimized via response surface methodology. A layered control hierarchy was revealed—wall bulging is governed by the third and fourth struts (F₃ ≈ F₄ > F₂), and mean settlement by the third strut (F₃ > F₂ ≈ F₄). Building tilt control relies on synergistic action of all three struts (F₃ > F₂ > F₄), with significant antagonistic interactions among struts at high force levels. The optimal combination (F₂ = 1200 kN, F₃ = 1800 kN, F₄ = 1550 kN) limits maximum tilt to 0.380‰, well below the 1.0‰ code limit, and remains robust under various weighting scenarios. Full article

Selenium (Se) is essential for human health, but its dietary intake remains insufficient in many regions, increasing interest in biofortification strategies. Indoor hydroponic systems offer a controlled and resource-efficient approach for producing Se-enriched leafy greens. Sulfur (S), an essential macronutrient for plants, affects Se uptake and metabolism due to their chemical similarity. In this study, we investigated the effects of Se supplementation (2 µM Na₂SeO₄) under two S levels (0.65 and 1.3 mM, supplied as MgSO₄) on Se accumulation, yield, and nutritional quality in lettuce, rocket, and basil grown in an indoor nutrient film technique (NFT) system. High S supply increased biomass in lettuce and basil by 16% and 25%, respectively, while rocket remained unaffected. The effect of Se on biomass depended on S status and species. Under low S conditions, Se increased lettuce biomass but reduced basil biomass, whereas no significant effects were observed under high S. Sulfur strongly reduced Se accumulation in all species, leading to lower contributions to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Under low S conditions, Se-biofortified lettuce, rocket, and basil provided 111%, 179%, and 37% of the RDA per serving, respectively, whereas these values decreased to 56%, 64%, and 20% under high S. Sulfur and Se treatments also influenced macro- and micro-nutrient composition in a species-dependent manner. Se supplementation consistently reduced total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) across all species. Total ascorbic acid was affected only in rocket, with the highest levels observed under high S without Se. These findings highlight a clear antagonistic interaction between S and Se in hydroponic systems and demonstrate the need to optimize S supply to balance yield and Se biofortification without compromising nutritional quality in leafy greens grown in indoor systems. Full article

Even though the functional food market has rapidly increased in recent years, the links between bioactive-rich formulations and consumers’ health benefit are not fully established, mainly because of insufficient consideration of food matrix effects. This review provides a comprehensive and integrated evaluation of how food matrix properties (structural and physicochemical) affect the bioaccessibility of plant bioactive compounds. Unlike many reviews that focus on a single nutrient approach, we highlight quantitative evidence of how bioaccessibility can be affected by matrix properties, illustrating the interactions between main food components (lipids, proteins, dietary fiber and minerals). This review integrates fragmented information among different areas of food and nutrition sciences, i.e., food structure, gastrointestinal science, mineral chemistry, protein chemistry, providing a holistic framework for Quality by Design (QbD) functional food development. Synergisms and antagonistic behaviors, threshold effects, and concentration-dependent behaviors are analyzed comparatively for the most common plant-derived bioactives, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, curcuminoids and minerals (iron, zinc and calcium). We propose a matrix-informed optimization as a prerequisite for credible health claims and sustainable plant-based nutrition strategies. This can ultimately serve as a foundation for next-generation functional food development based on bioaccessibility, supporting the central argument that functional food development should move from composition-based fortification to bioaccessibility-based matrix engineering. Full article

Essential host functions are often maintained by conserved molecular systems, but in biological contexts shaped by evolutionary conflict, the genes that execute such functions may be unstable, replaceable, or repeatedly recruited from different evolutionary sources. Mammalian placentation provides a striking example of this principle. Trophoblast cell fusion is essential for placental development, yet this function is mediated in different mammalian lineages by distinct endogenous retrovirus-derived envelope proteins, including syncytin-1, syncytin-2, and other lineage-specific Env-derived fusogens. Here, I propose the Baton Pass model as a conceptual framework for explaining how host-level biological functions can be maintained despite turnover of the molecular agents that execute them. This model differs from conventional examples of antagonistic coevolution, which often emphasize recurrent mutations within the same interacting genes, and from non-orthologous gene displacement, which generally concerns replacement among cellular genes. In the syncytin paradigm, the molecular executors are repeatedly supplied by exogenous retroviral env genes that become endogenized, domesticated, and incorporated into host developmental programs. I further discuss how receptor compatibility, placental expression control, and host–virus evolutionary conflict may together destabilize individual Env–receptor systems while allowing the host-level function of trophoblast fusion to persist. Analogous functional reassignment is also observed in primate lentiviruses, where antagonism of BST-2 shifts among distinct viral genes. The Baton Pass model therefore describes a testable evolutionary principle: essential host functions can be preserved not only through conservation of specific genes, but also through dynamic succession of genes of distinct evolutionary origins. Full article

Monieziosis presents a considerable challenge to livestock farming, mainly due to the parasite’s resistance to common anthelmintics, prompting the need for alternative control strategies. This study examined the in vitro effect of two enzymatic sources (plant and fungal) on the structural integrity of Moniezia expansa eggs, aiming to find new environmental management solutions. The plant enzyme papain was tested at various concentrations and time points, while the fungal enzyme was produced through solid-state fermentation using Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001), resulting in an active crude enzymatic extract (ACEE). Papain at 10% w/v showed nonlinear degradation (R² = 0.998), achieving 95% egg reduction after 48 h. The fungal extract ACEE (71.2 U mL⁻¹) caused a 60% reduction after 72 h. Morphological studies indicated significant eggshell damage following both treatments. A compatibility assay showed an antagonistic interaction, with enzyme activity decreasing by 83.83% within 48 h, likely due to cross-proteolysis. Although each agent is effective individually, combining them is not feasible. This is the first study documenting the activity of ACEE and papain against M. expansa eggs, and it recommends using them separately or sequentially for effective parasite control. Full article

Background: Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and contributes to delayed graft function and progression toward chronic kidney disease. In addition to oxidative stress and inflammation, RIRI induces profound metabolic derangements, particularly suppression of tubular fatty-acid β-oxidation (FAO), leading to energetic stress, lipid accumulation, and maladaptive repair. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPARα) is a key regulator of tubular FAO, but whether Schisandrin B (Sch B) mitigates RIRI through restoration of a PPARα-associated metabolic program remains unclear. Objective: To determine whether Sch B alleviates RIRI in association with restoration of tubular FAO and attenuation of lipid accumulation and fibrotic remodeling. Methods: A unilateral murine renal I/R model and an HK-2 hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model were used. Mice received Sch B (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) before I/R, and a subset was co-treated with the PPARα antagonist GW6471. Renal function, tubular injury, fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and FAO-related proteins were assessed by serum biochemistry, histopathology, Oil Red O staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Bulk RNA-seq and public single-cell RNA-seq datasets were integrated to characterize metabolic pathway remodeling and cell-type-associated PPARα changes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the potential interaction between Sch B and PPARα. Results: Sch B significantly improved renal function, reduced tubular injury, and attenuated interstitial collagen deposition after I/R. Sch B also reduced lipid droplet accumulation, preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure, and restored the expression of FAO-related proteins, including CPT1A, CPT2, and ACADM. In vivo and in vitro, Sch B decreased α-SMA, COL1A1, and vimentin expression, indicating attenuation of EMT-associated/profibrotic remodeling. Integrated transcriptomic analyses supported marked metabolic reprogramming after I/R, with enrichment of FAO- and PPAR-related pathways and reduced PPARα expression predominantly in tubular compartments. Sch B was associated with restoration of tubular PPARα expression, while docking and molecular dynamics analyses supported a plausible Sch B–PPARα interaction in silico. GW6471 blunted the beneficial effects of Sch B on fibrosis-related and FAO-related readouts. Conclusions: Sch B alleviates RIRI and limits subsequent fibrotic remodeling in association with restoration of a PPARα-related tubular FAO program, reduced lipid accumulation, and preservation of tubular metabolic homeostasis. These findings identify metabolic reprogramming as an important component of Sch B-mediated renoprotection, although the precise mode by which Sch B regulates PPARα requires further investigation. Full article

(1) The importance of social structure and dominance hierarchies in cooperative-breeding species is well-documented, yet the inclusion of these processes in conservation translocation planning remains limited. Here, we empirically measured the social networks of three populations of the endangered Floreana Mockingbird, then used model simulations of different translocation scenarios to test the effects of social disruption on the social networks. (2) We used social network analysis and Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) to characterise dominance hierarchies, group structure, and the consequences of selectively removing individuals from family groups. (3) Dominance hierarchies were strongly transitive, with age emerging as the primary determinant of dominance relationships. Simulated removals demonstrated that the loss of individuals occupying different network positions produced variable levels of social disruption. (4) Although age is the principal driver of antagonistic interactions, network properties such as high betweenness centrality and the presence of a broker (individuals that occupy a strategic position) are also critical considerations for translocation design. Incorporating social network structure into management strategies can minimise group disruption and enhance the success of conservation translocations for endangered cooperative breeders. Full article

Bretziella fagacearum (formerly Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz)) Hunt is a vascular pathogen responsible for oak wilt disease, which affects various oak species in North America. Once established, management options include root disruption, removal of infected wood, and fungicide application, each with variable efficacy. This is the first study to assess three commercial biofertilizers against B. fagacearum in vitro, using Spectrum supplemented with Pepzyme Clear (SPC), EM-1, and Power Gelatinase and Chitinase-producing Microorganism (PGCM), as no biological methods currently exist. These biofertilizers were chosen for microbes associated with improved nutrient uptake and for their potential biocontrol activity. We conducted dual-culture plate assays, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) assays, and non-volatile metabolite assays. EM-1 and PGCM exhibited the strongest antagonistic effects for dual-culture plate assays (56% and 68%, respectively) and for VOCs assays (62% and 47%, respectively). After 15 days of exposure to non-volatile metabolites, microscopic analysis revealed severe hyphal distortions from EM-1 and PGCM. These preliminary in vitro findings suggest that PGCM and EM-1 suppressed mycelial growth of B. fagacearum and may be used as biological control. Further field studies are needed to understand how environmental factors and soil–tree–microbe interactions can affect their efficacy against oak wilt disease. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have been shown to exert time-dependent toxic effects on microalgae, with toxicity either intensifying or alleviating over prolonged exposure. However, the underlying mechanisms driving this phenomenon remain unclear, particularly regarding the role of external nutrient depletion in the surrounding medium. Herein, we performed bioassays and computational modeling to evaluate the effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics (mPVC, 10, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) on the growth and physiology of Desmodesmus sp. under varying initial medium nutrient levels (100%, 25%, 8%, and 4%) for 96 h. The results demonstrated that nutrient levels in the culture medium modulated the toxic impact of mPVC. Under a 25% nutrient concentration, exposure to 100 mg L⁻¹ mPVC significantly inhibited algal growth by 6.5%, whereas at a 4% nutrient level, the growth of Desmodesmus sp. was significantly enhanced by 7.0%. Consistently, mPVC exposure at 25% nutrient concentration led to a sharper decline in intracellular pigment content (13.1–15.5%), soluble sugars content (8.2–27.0%), and photosynthetic efficiency (4.3–20.5%). In contrast, exposure to mPVC at 4% nutrient level improved the light use efficiency (11.9–15.4%) and electron transport rate (9.2–13.9%) of the algal cells. Independent action modeling revealed that as medium nutrient levels decreased, the interaction effects of mPVC exposure shifted from a synergistic to an antagonistic relationship. Overall, our findings identify medium nutrient availability as a critical regulatory factor influencing the toxic effects of mPVC on microalgae, potentially providing different insights into understanding the time-dependent toxicity of MPs. Full article

Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) are widely used in applications requiring safe and compliant interaction; however, achieving bidirectional motion within a compact and predictable architecture remains a key challenge. Existing approaches typically rely on antagonistic actuator pairs or multi-chamber designs, which increase system complexity and control requirements, while single-chamber solutions often lack robust analytical models to predict their mechanical response. In this work, a Bidirectional Origami-Inspired Soft Pneumatic Actuator (Bi-OSPA) is proposed to achieve both elongation and contraction within a single-chamber structure, where the direction of motion is governed solely by the applied pressure (vacuum or positive). The actuator leverages origami-inspired geometry, allowing deformation to be primarily described through folding kinematics, which facilitates analytical modeling. An analytical framework is developed to predict actuator deformation as well as the corresponding elastic and output forces based on geometric parameters and pressure input, and is validated experimentally, showing good agreement across the displacement range. Furthermore, the effects of key design parameters on displacement and force output are investigated and characterized. The proposed Bi-OSPA combines structural predictive capability and bidirectional functionality, providing a foundation for the design and optimization of soft actuators. Its versatility is further demonstrated through applications in achieving pure twisting when integrated with a Kresling origami unit and as an actuation unit for a one-degree-of-freedom robotic finger enabling flexion and extension. Full article