Search Results (130)

Rhodoliths (from Greek etymology meaning red + stone) are spheroidal accretions composed of various types of crustose coralline red algae that dwell in relatively shallow waters where sunlight allows for photosynthesis. Unlike most other kinds of algae that are attached to the seabed by a holdfast, rhodoliths are free to roll about by circumrotary movements stimulated mainly by gentle wave action and bottom currents, as well as by disruptions by associated fauna. Frequent movement exposes every part of the algal surface to an equitable amount of sunlight, which generally results in an evenly concentric pattern of growth over time. Individual structures may attain a diameter of 10 to 20 cm, representing 100 years of growth or more. Initiation typically involves encrustation by founder cells on a rock pebble or shell fragment. In life, the functional outer surface is red or pink in complexion, whereas the structure’s inner core amounts to dead weight. Chemically, rhodoliths are composed of high magnesium calcite [(Ca,Mg)CO₃], with examples known around many oceanic islands and virtually all continental shelves in the present world. The oldest fossil rhodoliths appeared during the early Cretaceous, 113 million years ago. Geologically, rhodoliths may occur in massive limestone beds composed of densely packed accumulations. Living rhodoliths commonly occur in waters as shallow as −2 to −10 m, as well as seaward in mesophotic waters up to −100 m under exceptional conditions of water clarity. Especially in shallower waters, rhodoliths are vulnerable to transfer by storm waves to supratidal settings, which result in bleaching under direct sunlight and death. Increasingly, marine biologists recognize that rhodolith beds represent a habitat that offers shelter to a community of other algae and diverse marine invertebrates. Full article

One of the global challenges is the deficit of food. Food production is highly dependent on the productivity of agricultural plants used by humans and livestock. Various chemical and natural compounds are used to stimulate plant growth and increase their resistance to stress. The aim of our study was to analyze the chemical composition of extracts of the most common Ural tinder fungi and their effect on the early stages of wheat growth. Water–alcohol extracts from five wood-destroying fungi contained biologically active compounds (BACs), such as phenolics, free amino acids and reducing sugars. F. pinicola was characterized by the smallest amount of extracted substances. F. fomentarius has the largest amount of phenolic compounds and sugars, and I. obliquus had the highest concentration of free amino acids. Qualitative analysis revealed alkaloids in P. betulinus, and anthraquinones in F. fomentarius. Saponins were found in all tested species, except F. fomentarius. The extracts stimulated the early stages of wheat development at concentrations of 1.0–0.2 g of fungal biomass per liter. Seed germination rate was comparable to the control samples or exceeded it, and the length of roots and shoots increased. Thus, extracts from fruiting bodies of studied fungi can be recommended for priming wheat seeds, and for biotechnological cultivation. Full article

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a bioactive metabolite valued in functional foods, but its microbial production is strongly influenced by nutrient availability. Levilactobacillus brevis CRL 2013 is an efficient GABA producer; however, its biosynthesis depends on culture medium composition. In this study, integrated physiological, proteomic, and transcriptional analyses were applied to assess the influence of nitrogen source composition and concentration on GABA production. No extracellular GABA was detected in a chemically defined medium containing all amino acids and glutamate (CDMg), whereas supplementation with yeast extract or Casitone restored high-level production. The highest GABA accumulation (~250 mM) was obtained in CDMg supplemented with 1% yeast extract or 2% Casitone, and a clear peptide dose-dependent effect was observed. In contrast, other protein hydrolysates or free amino acids alone did not stimulate GABA synthesis. Proteomic analysis revealed overexpression of the key enzyme GadB and changes in nucleotide and fatty acid pathways. Transcriptional analysis confirmed that peptide supplementation was accompanied by increased transcription of the gadRCB–gltX operon, in agreement with GABA accumulation. Overall, these results demonstrated that peptide composition and availability are critical determinants of GABA biosynthesis in Lv. brevis CRL 2013and provide a basis for optimizing peptide-based media to enhance GABA formation in food fermentations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plants inhabiting mediterranean-influenced climatic zones, like Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench subsp. stoechas, Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., and Thymus mastichina (L.) L. subsp. mastichina, have been scarcely investigated regarding their richness in phenolic compounds, herein explored as sources of skin anti-aging compounds. Methods: In this investigation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ) were employed to chemically characterize the hydroethanolic extracts (HEs), and their cell-free antioxidant potential was screened. Thereafter, non-toxic concentrations of HEs were determined in human skin cells using Alamar blue^® and Sulforhodamine B assays. The cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of HEs were assessed in tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated fibroblasts, their anti-inflammatory potential was studied in lipopolysaccharide-injured macrophages, and enzymatic inhibition assays were performed. Notably, the irritant effects of HEs were tested according to Test Guideline No. 439 of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Results: The major compounds identified in the T. mastichina and L. pedunculata HEs were rosmarinic and salvianolic acid derivatives, while H. stoechas HE was mainly composed of caffeoyl and feruloyl derivatives, and O-glycosylated flavonoids. T. mastichina (≤0.4 mg/mL) exhibited significant cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as remarkable anti-hyaluronidase activity. Conclusions: Shedding light on the quantitative and qualitative chemical picture of these HEs highlighted T. mastichina as a promising candidate to target skin aging effects, which correlates with its phenolic content. Further investigation is warranted regarding its anti-aging pharmacological activity, which could lead to the development of plant-based skin anti-aging products. Full article

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea poses a major threat to tomato production worldwide. This study investigated the antifungal efficacy and defense-inducing potential of Agricultural Jiaosu (AJ), a fermented bioproduct derived from agricultural residues. In vitro, AJ exhibited strong inhibitory activity against B. cinerea (IC₅₀ = 3.9%), primarily through acidic metabolites (pH < 4.2) that disrupted fungal membranes and suppressed antioxidant enzymes, while later-stage inhibition was maintained by Acetobacter populations (6.7 × 10⁷ copies μL⁻¹) through competition for nutrients. In vivo, foliar application of 0.5% AJ significantly promoted tomato growth and enhanced resistance by stimulating antioxidant (SOD, CAT, POD) and defense-related (PAL, PPO) enzyme activities, reducing oxidative damage and lowering gray mold incidence by 55%. Collectively, AJ exerts a dual mode of action that combines direct pathogen suppression with activation of host systemic resistance. These results highlight AJ as a sustainable, residue-free biocontrol solution that offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for effective management of gray mold in tomato cultivation. Full article

This article aims to point out new perspectives opened by genomics and epigenomics in skin rejuvenation strategies which target the main hallmarks of the ageing. In this respect, this article presents a concise overview on: the clinical relevance of the most important clocks and biomarkers used in skin anti-ageing strategy evaluation, the fundamentals, the main illustrating examples preclinically and clinically tested, the critical insights on knowledge gaps and future research perspectives concerning the most relevant skin anti-ageing and rejuvenation strategies based on novel epigenomic and genomic acquisitions. Thus the review dedicates distinct sections to: senolytics and senomorphics targeting senescent skin cells and their senescent-associated phenotype; strategies targeting genomic instability and telomere attrition by stimulation of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair enzymes and proteins essential for telomeres’ recovery and stability; regenerative medicine based on mesenchymal stem cells or cell-free products in order to restore skin-resided stem cells; genetically and chemically induced skin epigenetic partial reprogramming by using transcription factors or epigenetic small molecule agents, respectively; small molecule modulators of DNA methylases, histone deacetylases, telomerases, DNA repair enzymes or of sirtuins; modulators of micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) and long-non-coding ribonucleic acid (HOTAIR’s modulators) assisted or not by CRISPR-gene editing technology (CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats); modulators of the most relevant altered nutrient-sensing pathways in skin ageing; as well as antioxidants and nanozymes to address mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress. In addition, some approaches targeting skin inflammageing, altered skin proteostasis, (macro)autophagy and intercellular connections, or skin microbiome, are very briefly discussed. The review also offers a comparative analysis among the newer genomic/epigenomic-based skin anti-ageing strategies vs. classical skin rejuvenation treatments from various perspectives: efficacy, safety, mechanism of action, evidence level in preclinical and clinical data and regulatory status, price range, current limitations. In these regards, a concise overview on senolytic/senomorphic agents, topical nutrigenomic pathways’ modulators and DNA repair enzymes, epigenetic small molecules agents, microRNAs and HOTAIRS’s modulators, is illustrated in comparison to classical approaches such as tretinoin and peptide-based cosmeceuticals, topical serum with growth factors, intense pulsed light, laser and microneedling combinations, chemical peels, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers. Finally, the review emphasizes the future research directions in order to accelerate the clinical translation of the (epi)genomic-advanced knowledge towards personalization of the skin anti-ageing strategies by integration of individual genomic and epigenomic profiles to customize/tailor skin rejuvenation therapies. Full article

Thermogenic adipocytes present a promising therapeutic strategy for metabolic diseases. While murine models have provided valuable insights into thermogenic adipose tissue, their relevance to human physiology is constrained by species-specific differences in tissue distribution and thermogenic capacity. In vitro human models offer a more controlled platform to study adipocyte differentiation, addressing challenges such as limited access to deep fat depots and individual variability. This systematic review summarizes the current literature on human in vitro models for thermogenic adipocyte induction, encompassing 117 studies involving primary human adipocyte progenitors differentiated into thermogenic adipocytes in 2D cultures. Most studies relied on classical adipogenic inducers, including isomethylbutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin, with additional use of triiodothyronine, rosiglitazone, or indomethacin. A few studies incorporated adrenergic stimulation or exposure to lower temperatures to simulate cold exposure. Notably, some studies demonstrated successful differentiation under serum-free, chemically defined conditions, highlighting their potential for reproducibility and translational relevance. A key limitation remains the predominant reliance on gene expression as the primary outcome, with few studies assessing mitochondrial respiration or broader metabolic functions. Moving forward, the development and adoption of standardized, functionally validated protocols will be critical to fully realize the potential of human in vitro thermogenic adipocyte models in metabolic research. Full article

Platelet shortage poses a significant barrier to research and transfusion therapies because native megakaryocytes (MKs) are scarce in blood. To overcome this limitation, pluripotent stem cell–derived MKs (PSC-MKs) offer a standardized, donor-independent platform for research and therapeutic development, including disease modeling and ex vivo platelet production. Here, we report a chemically defined, feeder-free protocol to generate MKs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The protocol combines the small molecule MPL agonist Butyzamide, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and three-dimensional (3D) suspension culture, achieving high efficiency and reproducibility. Butyzamide replaced recombinant thrombopoietin (TPO), yielding comparable CD41⁺/CD42b⁺ populations and enhanced polyploidization. M-CSF accelerated nuclear lobulation and induced 4N MKs, while 3D culture increased yield, cell size, and substrate detachment. Multiple independent assays confirmed mature MK hallmarks, multi-nuclei, demarcation membranes, granules, and elevated mitochondrial respiration. Single-cell RNA sequencing outlined a continuous trajectory from early progenitors to functionally specialized MK subsets. This platform enables reliable MK supply for mechanistic studies and in vitro platelet production, advancing both basic research and therapeutic development. Full article

Hydraulic fracturing is a widely used stimulation technology in coalbed methane (CBM) fields. However, the coal reservoir damage caused by high-pressure hydraulic fracturing seriously affects the production effects, and the mechanism is not clear. Therefore, based on high-pressure water injection (HPWI), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle tests, the effects of HPWI on surface chemical properties and wettability of different rank coals were studied. The FTIR results show that surface functional groups of different rank coals have changed to varying degrees after HPWI. After HPWI, the content of Ash in Shaqu and Yonghong coal decreases by 2.29% and 27.91%, while it increases by 297.87% in Shaping coal. The C–O bond content in Shaping and Yonghong coal decreases by 6.32% and 15.19%, while the C–O bond content in Shaqu coal increases by 50.96%. The content of C=O in Shaping and Yonghong coal increases by 2.44% and 27.84%, respectively. The R₂CH₂ contents increase by 19.75% and 12.5% in Shaping and Shaqu coal, while decreasing by 6.48% in Yonghong coal. The RCH₃ content increases by 21.11% in Yonghong coal, while it decreases by 19.09% and 24.01% in Shaping and Shaqu coal. The content of cyclic associated hydroxy–hydrogen bond decreases by 41.25%, 63.92% and 65.86% in Shaping, Shaqu, and Yonghong coals, and the content of free hydroxyl group increases by 57.92%, 58.42%, and 93.71%. The f_ar^c of coal remains almost unchanged, the DOC increases by 20.21%, 126.77% and 0.24% in Shaping, Shaqu, and Yonghong coals, and the I decreases by 16.67% and 51.46% in Shaping and Yonghong coals, indicating that the ordering of coal becomes better, and the content of methylene carbon in the form of long straight chain increases after HPWI. The complexity and differences of changes in functional groups are mainly due to differences in coal structures caused by coalification. The contact angle tests show that the wetting contact angle of different rank coals decreased by 2.30% to 14.50%, revealing that the hydrophilicity of coals increases after HPWI. The decline rate of wetting angles in medium and high-rank coals was significantly higher than that of low-rank coal. This phenomenon discovered that the increase in hydrophilic functional groups caused by HPWI action leads to an increase in the hydrophilicity of coal samples, which is not conducive to the drainage efficiency in CBM development. Full article

This field study describes the successful implementation and evaluation of a Polymer-free Delayed Acid System, a next-generation acid retarder system that is chemically superior to traditional emulsified acid systems with an amphoteric-based surfactant. It is a polymer-free system that stimulates ultra-tight carbonate reservoirs in extreme sour and high-temperature conditions. The candidate well, located in an onshore gulf region field, for a major oil and gas company demonstrated chronically unstable production behavior for over two years, with test volumes fluctuating unpredictably between 200 and 400 barrels of oil per day. This indicated severe near-wellbore damage, high skin, and limited matrix permeability (<0.3 mD). The well was chosen for a pilot trial of the Polymer-free Delayed Acid System technology after a thorough formation study, which included mineralogical characterization and capillary diagnostics. The innovative acid retarder formulation, designed for deep matrix penetration and controlled acid–rock reaction, uses intrinsic encapsulation kinetics to significantly increase the acid’s reactivity, allowing it to bypass damaged zones, minimize acid leak-off, and initiate dominant wormhole propagation into the tight formation. The stimulation procedure began with a custom pre-flush designed to change nanoscale wettability and interfacial tension, so increasing acid displacement and assuring effective contact with the formation rock. Real-time injectivity testing and operational data collecting were performed prior to, during, and following the acid job, with pre-stimulation injectivity peaking at 1.2 bpm, indicating poor formation conductivity. Treatment with the Polymer-free Delayed Acid System resulted in a 592% increase in post-stimulation injectivity, indicating significant increases in near-wellbore permeability and successful propagation. However, a substantial operational difficulty arose: the well remained shut down for more than two months following the acid stimulation work due to surface infrastructure delays, notably the scheduling and execution of a flowline cleanup campaign. This lengthy closure slowed immediate flowback analysis and impeded direct assessment of treatment performance because production could not be tracked in real time. Despite this, once the surface system was operational and the well was open to flow, a structured production testing program was carried out over four quarterly intervals. The well regularly produced at an average stable rate of 500 bbl/day, more than doubling pre-treatment performance and demonstrating the long-term effectiveness and mechanical durability of the acid-induced wormhole network. Despite the post-job shut-in, the Polymer-free Delayed Acid System maintained the stimulating impact even under non-ideal settings, demonstrating its robustness. The Polymer-free Delayed Acid System outperforms conventional emulsified acid systems, giving better control over acid placement and reactivity, especially under severe reservoir conditions with bottomhole temperatures reaching 200 °F. This project offers a field-proven methodology that combines advanced chemical engineering, formation-specific design, and live diagnostics, as well as a scalable blueprint for unlocking hydrocarbon potential in similarly complicated, low-permeability reservoirs. Full article

Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a tree species with recognised ecological and economic importance for both natural and plantation forests. For the fast cloning of selected aspen genotypes, the method of plant propagation through in vitro culture (micropropagation) is often recommended. The efficiency of this method is related to the use of shoot-inducing chemical growth regulators, among which cytokinins, a type of plant hormone, dominate. Although cytokinins can inhibit rooting, this effect is avoided by using cytokinin-free media. This study sought to identify concentrations and combinations of growth regulators that would stimulate one type of P. tremula organogenesis (either shoot or root formation) without inhibiting the other. The investigated growth regulators included cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ), and a gibberellin mixture (GA₄/₇). Both BAP and TIBA increased shoot number per P. tremula explant and decreased the number of adventitious roots, but TIBA, in contrast to BAP, did not inhibit lateral root formation. However, for the maintenance of both adventitious shoot and root formation above the control level, the combination of PBZ and GA_4/7 was shown to be especially promising. Full article

The recent identification of early-onset mutational signatures with geographic variations by Diaz-Gay et al. is a significant finding, since early-onset colorectal cancer has emerged as an alarming public health challenge in the past two decades, and the pathomechanism remains unclear. Environmental risk factors, including lifestyle and diet, are highly suspected. The identification of colibactin from Escherichia coli as a potential pathogenic source is a major step forward in addressing this public health challenge. Therefore, the following opinion manuscript aims to outline the likely onset of the pathomechanism and the critical role of acquired Piezo2 channelopathy in early-onset colorectal cancer, which skews proton availability and proton motive force regulation toward E. coli within the microbiota–host symbiotic relationship. In addition, the colibactin produced by the pks island of E. coli induces host DNA damage, which likely interacts at the level of Wnt signaling with Piezo2 channelopathy-induced pathological remodeling. This transcriptional dysregulation eventually leads to tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer. Mechanotransduction converts external physical cues to inner chemical and biological ones. Correspondingly, the proposed quantum mechanical free-energy-stimulated ultrafast proton-coupled tunneling, initiated by Piezo2, seems to be the principal and essential underlying novel oscillatory signaling that could be lost in colorectal cancer onset. Hence, Piezo2 channelopathy not only contributes to cancer initiation and impaired circadian regulation, including the proposed hippocampal ultradian clock, but also to proliferation and metastasis. Full article

Pulsed Power Plasma Stimulation (3PS) represents a promising and environmentally favorable alternative to conventional well stimulation techniques for enhancing subsurface permeability. This comprehensive review tracks the evolution of plasma-based rock stimulation, offering insights from key laboratory, numerical, and field-scale studies. The review begins with foundational electrohydraulic discharge concepts and progresses through the evolution of Pulsed Arc Electrohydraulic Discharge (PAED) and the more advanced 3PS systems. High-voltage, ultrafast plasma discharges generate mechanical shockwaves and localized thermal effects that result in complex fracture networks, particularly in tight and crystalline formations. Compared to conventional well stimulation techniques, 3PS reduces water use, avoids chemical additives, and minimizes induced seismicity. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant improvements in permeability, porosity, and fracture intensity, while field trials show an increase in production from oil, gas, and geothermal wells. However, 3PS faces some limitations such as short stimulation radii and logistical constraints in wireline-based delivery systems. Emerging technologies like plasma-assisted drilling and hybrid PDC–plasma tools offer promising integration pathways. Overall, 3PS provides a practical, scalable, low-impact stimulation approach with broad applicability across energy sectors, especially in environmentally sensitive or water-scarce regions. Full article

Background: Pain is prevalent in almost all populations and may often hinder visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and taste perception as it alters brain neural processing. The quantitative methods emerging to define pain and assess its effects on neural functions and perception are important. Identifying pain biomarkers is one of the initial stages in developing such models and interventions. The existing literature has explored chronic and experimentally induced pain, leveraging electroencephalograms (EEGs) to identify biomarkers and employing various qualitative and quantitative approaches to measure pain. Objectives: This systematic review examines the methods, participant characteristics, types of pain states, associated pain biomarkers of the brain’s electrical activity, and limitations of current pain studies. The review identifies what experimental methods researchers implement to study human pain states compared to human control pain-free states, as well as the limitations in the current techniques of studying human pain states and future directions for research. Methods: The research questions were formed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, the Cochrane Library, IEEE Explore, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to obtain relevant studies. The inclusion criteria included studies that focused on pain states and EEG data reporting. The exclusion criteria included studies that used only MEG or fMRI neuroimaging techniques and those that did not focus on the evaluation or assessment of neural markers. Bias risk was determined by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Target data were compared between studies to organize the findings among the reported results. Results: The initial search resulted in 592 articles. After exclusions, 24 studies were included in the review, 6 of which focused on chronic pain populations. Experimentally induced pain methods were identified as techniques that centered on tactile perception: thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical. Across both chronic and stimulated pain studies, pain was associated with decreased or slowing peak alpha frequency (PAF). In the chronic pain studies, beta power increases were seen with pain intensity. The functional connectivity and pain networks of chronic pain patients differ from those of healthy controls; this includes the processing of experimental pain. Reportedly small sample sizes, participant comorbidities such as neuropsychiatric disorders and peripheral nerve damage, and uncontrolled studies were the common drawbacks of the studies. Standardizing methods and establishing collaborations to collect open-access comprehensive longitudinal data were identified as necessary future directions to generalize neuro markers of pain. Conclusions: This review presents a variety of experimental setups, participant populations, pain stimulation methods, lack of standardized data analysis methods, supporting and contradicting study findings, limitations, and future directions. Comprehensive studies are needed to understand the pain and brain relationship deeper in order to confirm or disregard the existing findings and to generalize biomarkers across chronic and experimentally induced pain studies. This requires the implementation of larger, diverse cohorts in longitudinal study designs, establishment of procedural standards, and creation of repositories. Additional techniques include the utilization of machine learning and analyzing data from long-term wearable EEG systems. The review protocol is registered on INPLASY (# 202520040). Full article

Brassinosteroids, as unique plant steroid hormones that bear structural similarity to animal steroids, play a crucial role in modulating plant growth and development. These hormones have a positive impact on plant resistance and, under stressful conditions, stimulate photosynthesis and antioxidative systems (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), leading to a reduced impact of environmental cues on plant metabolism and growth. Although these plant hormones have been studied for several decades, most studies analyze the primary site of action of the brassinosteroid phytohormone, with a special emphasis on the activation of various genes (mainly nuclear) through different signaling processes that influence plant metabolism, growth, and development. This review explores another issue, the secondary influence (the so-called mode of action) of brassinosteroids on changes in growth, development, and chemical composition, as well as thermodynamic and energetic changes, mainly during the early growth of corn seedlings. The interactions of brassinosteroids with other phytohormones and physiologically active substances and the influence of these interactions on the mode of action of brassinosteroid phytohormones were also discussed. Seen from a cybernetic point of view, the approach can be labeled as “black box” or “gray box”. “Black box” and “gray box” are terms for cybernetic systems, for which we know the inputs and outputs (in an energetic, biochemical, kinetic, informational, or some other sense), but whose internal structure and/or organization are completely or partially unknown to us. The findings of many researchers have indicated an important role of reactive species, such as oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, in these processes. This ultimately results in the redistribution of matter and energy from source organs to sink organs, with a decrease in Gibbs free energy from the source to sink organs. This quantitative evidence speaks of the exothermic nature and spontaneity of early (corn) seedling development and growth under the influence of 24-epibrassinolide. Based on these findings and a review of the literature on the mode of action of brassinosteroids, a hypothesis was put forward about the secondary effects of BRs on germination and the early growth of plant seedlings. Full article