Search Results (143)

Effective and sustainable control strategies for pine wilt disease, caused by the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), are urgently needed, as reliance on conventional chemical nematicides faces increasing limitations. In this study, a new kind of integrated approach is proposed. It pairs microbial fermentation filtrates with the green chemicals arecoline and sodium silicate. The filtrates were obtained from bacterial and fungal strains that were had isolated from Pinus massoniana rhizosphere soil. The nematicidal efficacy of individual and combined treatments was evaluated in vitro, while their ability to induce systemic resistance in P. massoniana seedlings was assessed through defense enzyme assays, malondialdehyde (MDA) content measurement, and defense-related gene expression analysis. Results identified several highly effective combinations, particularly arecoline plus CSZ33 and sodium silicate plus CSUFT-F23, which achieved over 72% control efficacy. These formulations not only showed direct toxicity but also significantly enhanced the plant’s antioxidant capacity and upregulated key defense genes. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics linked these effects to specific bioactive metabolites in the fermentation filtrates, such as D-glutamic acid. This work demonstrates that hybrid bio-chemical formulations can successfully merge immediate pathogen suppression with long-term host resistance priming, offering a promising, sustainable strategy for the integrated management of pine wilt disease. Full article

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multi-system disease characterized by a multitude of symptoms across various organ systems. Diagnosis has relied heavily on heterogeneous clinical symptom presentation and evolving case definitions, with treatment focused on addressing presenting symptoms due to the paucity of validated biomarkers. Meanwhile, advances have been made in understanding the underlying pathophysiology through strong epidemiologic, clinical, and basic science studies. This narrative review synthesizes recent advances that are likely to drive a shift in understanding from symptom-based classification toward a molecularly defined understanding of the disease. This shift in understanding will likely provide the foundation for future research efforts focused on targeting diagnosis and treatment more effectively. Specifically, we reference the identification of rare genetic risk variants through the HEAL2 deep learning framework, the large-scale DecodeME genome-wide association study, and dynamic epigenetic markers of disease state. In addition, the findings revealed the downstream consequences of this genetic and epigenetic priming: chronic innate immune activation, CD8+ T cell exhaustion characterized by upregulation of the exhaustion-driving transcription factors Thymocyte Selection-Associated HMG Box (TOX) and Eomesodermin (EOMES), and a cellular energy crisis centered on mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, results of recent studies have revealed sex-specific transcriptomic and proteomic signatures of maladaptive recovery. We also highlight the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence integrations in translating high-dimensional multi-omics data into actionable biological insights, including the identification of monocyte subsets via Positive Unlabeled Learning, circulating cell-free RNA diagnostic signatures, and integrated multi-modal disease models such as BioMapAI. The combination of these findings, which highlight multiple identifiable mechanisms of molecular activity, support the feasibility of molecular subtyping, precision diagnostics, and targeted therapeutic strategies for ME/CFS. Full article

The production of pre-basic (G0) seed tubers underpins the certified potato value chain. However, the transition from in vitro laboratory conditions to the ex vitro greenhouse environment remains a persistent production constraint, with reported mortality rates of 50–70%. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes data from 63 selected studies (spanning 2010–2026) to propose a conceptual “Physiological Competence Framework”. We introduce a conceptual hypothesis termed the “Nitrogen Paradox”, which suggests that excessive ammonium influx may inhibit lignin biosynthesis, explaining the structural vulnerability of the vitrotype. Our analysis proposes three pillars for acclimatization success: (1) Nutritional hardening and exogenous PGR modulation, characterized by reduced nitrogen and sucrose levels to mitigate hyperhydricity; (2) photo-autotrophic induction, where optimized LED spectra replace conventional lighting to stimulate stomatal functionality; and (3) rhizosphere engineering, utilizing bio-priming with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to create a biotic shield against transplant shock. Furthermore, we examine emerging evidence for nanoparticle-based stress priming (AgNPs, ZnNPs). The evidence supports replacing high-nitrogen multiplication media with reduced-nitrogen formulations, replacing fluorescent lamps with balanced Red–Blue LED spectra, and incorporating PGPR bio-priming before transplant. Full article

Low-temperature stress adversely impairs rice germination and seedling establishment. This study assessed a nano-bio-priming strategy using lecithin (L) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) to enhance chilling tolerance. Two fragrant rice cultivars (Xiangyaxiangzhan and Meixiangzhan 2) were primed with six combinations of lecithin (0, 50, and 100 μmol·L⁻¹, denoted as L0, L1, and L2) and SiO₂ NPs (0 and 100 mg·L⁻¹, denoted as S0 and S1) and exposed to optimal temperature (25 °C) or low-temperature stress (15 °C). Low-temperature stress delayed germination onset by two days. Combined priming treatments L1S1 and L2S1 significantly alleviated this inhibitory effect. Crucially, cultivar-specific responses were evident in Meixiangzhan 2, where L1S1 increased the germination vigor index by 50.97%. Meanwhile, the effect was less pronounced or inhibitory at normal temperature in Xiangyaxiangzhan. Priming substantially enhanced seedling growth, and L2S1 maximally increased root and shoot length in Meixiangzhan 2 by 55.30% and 15.82%, respectively. Furthermore, biomass accumulation was strongly promoted. L1S1 increased total dry weight and total fresh weight in Meixiangzhan 2 by 19.64% and 23.48%, respectively. Physiologically, priming elevated chlorophyll and carotenoid contents upregulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and increased levels of soluble protein and ascorbate (AsA), while maintaining nitrate reductase (NR) activity and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) homeostasis. These physiological improvements were positively correlated with enhanced growth. Our findings demonstrate that co-priming with lecithin and SiO₂ NPs is a potent strategy for enhancing low-temperature tolerance, with efficacy depending on both the treatment combination and rice genotype. Full article

Macroalgal biomass accumulation in eutrophic coastal lagoons represents both an environmental challenge and an underexploited bioresource. This study evaluates the biostimulant potential of Chaetomorpha linum (C. linum) harvested in the Orbetello Lagoon (Italy) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination and early seedling development. Four extraction strategies were investigated: a phytohormone-enriched fraction (PO), a hydroethanolic reflux extract (CLE), a room-temperature aqueous maceration extract (CLWM), and a mild-water-bath aqueous extract (CLWB). Bioactivity was assessed through controlled laboratory germination assays, comparing germination performance, seedling growth traits, and vigor index against an untreated control and a commercial fertilizer. Across the tested conditions, aqueous formulations exhibited the strongest overall effects, with CLWB providing the most balanced response and increasing seedling vigor by approximately 20–30% relative to the control. Collectively, these results support the valorization of eutrophic C. linum biomass into natural, low-input biostimulants for seed priming applications within sustainable agriculture and circular economy frameworks. Full article

As human space exploration advances towards establishing sustainable Martian habitats, achieving autonomous food production is a critical requirement. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), with its notable environmental resilience and nutritional efficiency, is a prime candidate crop. This study develops a conceptual framework for Martian potato cultivation by systematically analyzing the profound disparities between Martian conditions and plant physiology. We identify and evaluate seven fundamental challenges: atmospheric composition, extreme temperatures, water scarcity, soil properties, nutrient deficiencies, absent microbiota, and radiation/gravity effects. To address these challenges, we propose a phased, testable roadmap comprising four stages: (I) screening and bio-engineering of multi-stress-tolerant potato genotypes; (II) phased domestication via Earth-based analog experiments to define adaptability thresholds; (III) deployment of a controlled cultivation module within a Martian habitat, integrating targeted technological interventions; and (IV) conceptual exploration of extra-habitat agricultural potential. The primary contribution of this work is a structured set of hypotheses and key performance indicators for each stage, translating visionary goals into a defined research agenda to guide future empirical work in extraterrestrial agronomy. Full article

Seed biopriming is increasingly recognized as a strategy capable of inducing molecular memory that enhances plant performance under heavy-metal stress. Here, we investigated how biopriming Silene sendtneri seeds with Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN establishes a transcriptional state that predisposes seedlings for improved cadmium (Cd) tolerance. RNA-seq profiling revealed that primed seeds exhibited differential gene expression prior to Cd exposure, with strong upregulation of detoxification enzymes, antioxidant machinery, metal transporters, photosynthetic stabilizers, and osmoprotectant biosynthetic genes. Enrichment of gene ontology categories related to metal ion detoxification, redox homeostasis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and cell wall organization indicated that biopriming imprints a preparatory transcriptional signature resembling early stress responses. Upon Cd exposure, primed plants displayed enhanced physiological performance, including preserved integrity, elevated antioxidant activity, particularly peroxidases in roots, higher osmolyte accumulation, stabilized micronutrient levels, and substantially increased Cd uptake and sequestration. These coordinated responses demonstrate that biopriming induces a sustained molecular memory that accelerates and strengthens downstream defense activation. These findings demonstrate that PGPR-based biopriming establishes a stable transcriptomic memory in seeds that enhances cadmium tolerance, metal sequestration, and stress resilience, highlighting its potential for improving hyperaccumulator performance in phytoremediation and stress adaptation strategies. Full article

Aims: The plant and soil microbiome serve as a reservoir of beneficial endophytic bacteria, including plant-growth-promoting (PGP) Bacillus subtilis, which enhances nutrient acquisition and protects plants against environmental stresses. We isolated novel bacteria from cultivated peanut plants selected from agricultural fields that survived a season of water scarcity and high temperatures. Experiments were conducted to determine whether plant survival was partially attributable to the presence of beneficial microbes that could be harnessed for future biotechnology applications. Methods and Results: Seven bacterial isolates of Bacillus spp. were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing, revealing close affiliations to B. subtilis, B. safensis, and B. velezensis. Growth curve analysis and colony morphology characterization revealed distinct growth patterns across different media types, while phytohormone production assays demonstrated variable indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis among isolates. When applied as seed biopriming agents to two hybrid peanut varieties, bacterial inoculation significantly enhanced root surface area and root tip development, with B. subtilis-TAM84A showing the most pronounced effects on ‘Schubert’ roots. In addition, vegetative growth assessments indicated increased branch numbers and plant height, particularly with treatments with B. velezensis strains TAM6B and TAM61A, and a consortium of all isolates. Under drought conditions, inoculated plants exhibited delayed wilting and improved recovery after rehydration, indicating enhanced drought resilience. Conclusions: Several local Bacillus strains recovered from drought-tolerant peanut plants showed improved growth and drought tolerance in greenhouse-grown peanut plants. Ongoing field studies aim to evaluate the potential of regionally adapted microbial populations as soil amendments during planting. Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that local strains of Bacillus isolated from drought-resistant peanut plants possess significant potential as bioinoculants to improve growth and drought tolerance in potted peanut plants. This work provides a foundation for utilizing regionally adapted microbial populations to address agricultural challenges related to water scarcity. Full article

Agricultural production is consistently threatened by stressors such as salinity. Few studies have reported on the released antioxidative enzymes and the salinity-responsive genes identified using RNA sequencing and de novo assembly in maize. To further understand the harmony between stressing the maize with a NaCl solution as a compensatory water-irrigation method and spraying regulatory zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO/NPs), the salinity-responsive genes were analyzed using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools, and the antioxidant enzymatic activities were determined. Differential expression analysis was used to uncover genes that were up-/down-regulated during the experiment. The regulatory pathways and functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were estimated. Glutathione reductase/-s-transferase (GR/GST), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Mitigating salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl led to significant oxidative stress, markedly elevating enzyme activities: POX and GST by 275% and 254%, GR by 166%, CAT by 91%, and SOD by 56%. Treatment with ZnO/NPs alleviated this stress, decreasing enzyme activity by 61% for GST, 55% for POX, 38% for CAT, 28% for SOD, and 25% for GR. The results of RNA-seq revealed candidate genes related to changes in stressed/non-stressed maize plants, regardless of whether they were sprayed with the nanoparticles or not. This study’s results offer novel insights into the genetic traits of maize subjected to salinity stress and ZnO/nanoparticle application, thereby advancing the comprehension of how ZnO/nanoparticles might alleviate the detrimental impacts of salinity on plants whose properties were enhanced to be used in the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles that were used as a bio-fertilizer in priming plants. Full article

Marginal microleakage compromises the longevity and biological seal of indirect restorations. Despite the growing adoption of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, limited evidence compares the marginal integrity of these materials under combined mechanical and thermal stresses. This study evaluated and compared the marginal microleakage of overlay restorations fabricated from five contemporary restorative materials, IPS e.max^® ZirCAD Prime, BioHPP^®, G-CAM, VarseoSmile Crown^Plus, and IPS e.max^® CAD, after sequential compressive loading and thermocycling. A total of 125 extracted human molars were prepared for standardized 1.5 mm-thick CAD/CAM overlay restorations and assigned to three experimental conditions: control, sequential compressive loading (3 × 500 N), and thermocycling (6000 cycles between 5 °C and 55 °C) followed by loading. Microleakage was assessed using 2% methylene blue dye and stereomicroscopy. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and Fleiss’ Kappa (α = 0.05). G-CAM and IPS e.max^® ZirCAD Prime exhibited the lowest microleakage across all testing conditions, while BioHPP^® showed the highest values. Both sequential compressive loadings and thermocycling significantly increased microleakage in all materials (p < 0.001). The results indicate that material type significantly influences marginal sealing, with G-CAM and IPS e.max^® ZirCAD Prime maintaining superior marginal integrity compared with other materials tested. Full article

Background: Numerous studies have proved the efficacy of vaccination in reducing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) burden. However, even though the COVID-19 vaccination coverage is high for primary doses, a booster dose is needed to sustain protection. Continuing our previous research, this study evaluates the immunogenicity and safety of full and half doses of two COVID-19 booster vaccines, ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), in individuals primed with ChAdOx1-S. Methods: This study was an observer-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of half and full doses of two COVID-19 booster vaccine types, BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1-S, among fully vaccinated, ChAdOx1-S-primed individuals in Jakarta, Indonesia. A total of 329 participants were randomized to receive either full or half doses of the booster vaccines, namely the ChAdOx1-S and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines. Immunogenicity was assessed through SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) at 28 days post-booster, while safety was monitored via adverse event reporting. Results: The results showed that both vaccines demonstrated increased geometric mean titers (GMTs) post-booster. In the ChAdOx1-S booster group, at the baseline visit (day 0) and third visit (day 28), no statistically significant differences in GMT between the half- and full-dose groups were observed (p = 0.970 and 0.539, respectively). In the BNT162b2 group, no statistically significant difference was noted at the baseline visit, while the full dose was higher than the half dose at 28 days (Day 28, p = 0.011). Surrogate virus neutralization tests (sVNTs) and NAbs assays also revealed no significant differences between the half and full dose groups for both the Wuhan strain and the Delta variant. The BNT162b2 group compared to the ChAdOx1-S group revealed a statistically significant increase in IgG levels compared to ChAdOx1-S, with p-values of <0.001 and <0.001 for the half dose and full dose, respectively. This was also reflected in the NAbs test results, where BNT162b2 showed significantly higher levels against both the Wuhan strain and Delta variant. Adverse events were predominantly mild: 79.6% (n = 86/108) in the ChAdOx1-S full-dose group, 75.4% (n = 43/57) in the ChAdOx1-S half-dose group, 84.2% (n = 101/120) in the BNT162b2 full-dose group, and 92.6% (n = 88/95) in the BNT162b2 half-dose group, with pain at the injection site being the most common local reaction and myalgia and headache the most frequent systemic reactions. One serious adverse event was reported, assessed as unrelated to the vaccine. Conclusions: This study confirms that half doses of ChAdOx1-S and BNT162b2 are as immunogenic and safe as full doses, and a heterologous booster is more immunogenic than a homologous booster. Full article

Although purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) have been studied as good biofertilizers, their direct effects on maize seed vigor remain unclear. Additionally, the seedling stage is a vital factor for the later growth of maize. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of potassium-solubilizing PNSB (K-PNSB) in enhancing the vigor of hybrid maize seeds. A completely randomized design was employed, incorporating single strains, Luteovulum sphaeroides M-Sl-09, Rhodopseudomonas thermotolerans M-So-11, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris M-So-14, as well as a mixture of all three strains. Each was tested at bacterial suspension dilution ratios with sterile distilled water of 1:2000; 1:2250; 1:2500; 1:2750; and 1:3000 (v/v), with three replications per treatment. Each replicate consisted of a Petri dish containing 10 hybrid maize seeds of each hybrid of LVN 10, C.P. 511, and NK7328 Gt/BT, and was incubated for five days. The results showed that K-PNSB significantly enhanced root and shoot development compared to the control (p < 0.05). The 1:2500 dilution of the individual strains and the mixture notably improved germination rate, root length, shoot length, and seedling vigor index compared to the control. At the 1:2500 dilution, the improved vigor index increased by 73.5% for L. sphaeroides, 48.7% for R. thermotolerans, 47.4% for R. palustris, and 78.5% for the mixed inoculum in the LVN 10 hybrid. Similar trends were observed for C.P. 511 and NK7328 hybrids, confirming strain- and hybrid-specific responses. The findings highlight that K-PNSB can serve as effective bio-priming agents to enhance maize seed vigor through mechanisms related to potassium solubilization and phytohormone production. Field-scale validation is recommended to assess their long-term agronomic potential. Full article

A low-scale Food Waste Compost (FWC1), characterized by optimal physic-chemical parameters and high organic matter percentages, was used as a fertilizer and a bio-stimulant for vegetable plants. Groups of treated plants were inoculated with active juveniles of root-knot nematodes to detect the effect on plant defense. Optimal amounts of compost mixed with soil increased plant biomass 30% compared to untreated plants. Moreover, when plants were inoculated, treated roots contained about 50% less sedentary forms (SFs) of nematodes and a lower reproduction rate of the parasites than untreated plants. Although the performance of FWC1 as defense activator was similar to other microbiome-generating commercial formulations, the compost was found to be the best fertilizer in both un- and inoculated plants. Diffuse root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was observed after treatments with FWC1. FWC1 water extracts did not show any toxic effect on living nematode juveniles. Expression of the marker gene of immune response PR4b was found to be 3–5-fold higher in the roots of inoculated plants treated with FWC1 with respect to untreated plants, thus indicating that FWC1 primes plants against RKNs (root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid White) Chitw). Data are reported to associate immunization of plants with mycorrhization occurring in FWC1-treated plants. The proposed compost is indicated as having optimal performance both as a bio-fertilizer and a bio-stimulant. Full article

Bamboo fiber is a prime green fiber due to its renewability, biodegradability, and high specific strength. Bamboo-fiber-reinforced epoxy (BFRE) composites have seen extensive use and shown great promise for natural biofiber-reinforced friction materials. Inspired by the decussated fiber alignment of bovine enamel, this study investigated how fiber orientation influences the tribological properties of BFRE composites. Specifically, the proportion of fibers oriented vertically to the surface was varied at seven levels: 0%, 25%, 33%, 50%, 67%, 75%, and 100%. The tribological performance was assessed through wear reciprocating testing and microscopic morphological characterization techniques. Results indicate that the bio-inspired fiber decussation can reduce the wear loss of the BFRE composites. Among all bio-inspired BFRE composites, BFRE composites with 67% vertical fibers achieve the best wear resistance. The vertical fibers in the BFRE composites can withstand pressure to provide a “compression–rebound” effect, while the parallel fibers can resist shear stress. The decussated structure inhibits crack initiation and propagation during wear and promotes transfer film formation, reducing wear loss. The findings expand understanding of the correlation between the bovine-tooth-like decussated structure and its tribological mechanisms, thereby offering essential guidance for the biomimetic design of high-performance BFRE composites for friction material application. Full article

Waste animal fat (WAF) can be converted to distillate fractions similar to petroleum solvents and used as solvents via pyrolysis and fractional distillation. Pyrolysis oil from triglyceride materials presents adequate viscosity and volatility, compared to petroleum fuels, but shows acid values between 60–140 mg KOH/g, impeding its direct use as biofuels without considerable purification of its distillates. Fractional distillation can be applied for the purification of bio-oil, but only a few studies accurately describe the process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature in the conversion of waste animal fat into fuel-like fractions by pyrolysis and fractional distillation in a semi-batch stirred bed reactor (2 L) according to reaction time. Waste animal fat was extracted (rendering) from disposed meat cuts obtained from butcher shops and pyrolyzed in a stainless-steel stirred bed reactor operating in semi-batch mode at 400–500 °C. The obtained liquid fraction was separated according to reaction time. The pyrolysis bio-oil at 400 °C was separated into four distinct fractions (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and heavy phase) by fractional distillation with reflux. The bio-oil and distillate fractions were analyzed by density, kinematic viscosity, acid value, and chemical composition by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectra (GC-MS). The results show that, for semi-batch reactors with no inert gas flow, higher temperature is associated with low residence time, reducing the conversion of fatty acids to hydrocarbons. The distillate fractions were tested in a common application not sensible to the fatty acid concentration as a diluent in the preparation of diluted asphalt cutback for the priming of base pavements in road construction. Kerosene and diesel fractions can be successfully applied in the preparation of asphalt cutbacks, even with a high acid value. Full article