Search Results (3,060)

This study has investigated the occurrence characteristics and population damage of weeds in double-cropping direct-seeded rice fields in Hunan, and has identified efficient and safe pre- and post-emergence herbicides to enhance resistance management. Field trials were conducted at two representative sites (Yiyang and Changsha) in Hunan in 2024~2025. Weed community composition and emergence patterns were systematically monitored. The inhibitory effects of weed infestations on rice growth and yield were quantified. The biological activity and field efficacy of various herbicide classes against barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) were evaluated via greenhouse bioassays and field trials. Weed emergence lasted 3–48 days after sowing (DAS) with three distinct peaks. Grasses emerged earliest and dominated the community, with barnyardgrass peaking at 13–17 DAS (≈50% of total weeds), followed by broadleaves at 20 DAS (≈40%) and sedges at 25 DAS (<20%). Weed infestation drastically suppressed rice height (max 19% reduction) and tillering (max 50% reduction), with mixed-weed and grass-dominated plots causing the severest yield losses (92.0% and 90.5%, respectively), versus only 18.0% in broadleaf-dominated plots. Greenhouse bioassays showed that oxaziclomefone had the highest intrinsic activity against barnyardgrass (GR₉₀ = 17.70 g ai ha⁻¹). In pre-emergence applications in field trials, pretilachlor (900 g ai ha⁻¹) and mefenacet (147.6 g ai ha⁻¹) provided >96.8% control at 20 and 40 days after treatment (DAT), while oxaziclomefone (66 g ai ha⁻¹) achieved 88.2% control at 20 DAT. For post-emergence herbicides, Profoxydim showed the highest intrinsic activity (GR₉₀ = 33.01 g ai ha⁻¹), followed by feproxydim (GR₉₀ = 33.45 g ai ha⁻¹) and flusulfinam (GR₉₀ = 64.55 g ai ha⁻¹). In field trials, flusulfinam provided 100% control with superior crop safety at 20 and 40 DAT, while Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, feproxydim, and metamifop reached >93% efficacy. In conclusion, weed emergence in Hunan direct-seeded rice follows a three-peak pattern, with barnyardgrass being the most destructive species. An integrated strategy combining pretilachlor (pre-emergence) and flusulfinam (post-emergence), rotated with florpyrauxifen-benzyl and feproxydim, is recommended for effective barnyardgrass management and resistance mitigation. Full article

The severe continuous cropping obstacles in Morchella cultivation, driven primarily by soil microecological imbalance, critically constrain the sustainable development of the industry. To address this challenge, this study evaluated the efficacy of rotary tillage, calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), and organic fertilizer, applied individually and in combination, in mitigating these obstacles and explored the underlying microbial mechanisms. The soil was treated on 5 August 2024, and soil samples were collected on 5 October 2024. Four treatments were established: continuous cropping control (CK), rotary tillage (XGX), rotary tillage combined with calcium cyanamide (MPD), and rotary tillage combined with calcium cyanamide and organic fertilizer (MPX). Soil chemical properties were analyzed in conjunction with metagenomic sequencing to characterize the responses of soil properties and microbial communities, including both eukaryotic and bacterial taxa. The results indicated that the MPD treatment showed a relatively pronounced effect in enhancing key soil fertility indicators, including soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK), and total phosphorus (TP). All amendments significantly altered microbial community structures. Specifically, the integrated MPX treatment effectively reduced the relative abundance of the pathogenic fungus Olpidium while maintaining higher overall microbial diversity. It also significantly promoted the abundance of Morchella itself and beneficial bacterial phyla such as Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota. Redundancy analysis identified AN and AK as the primary drivers of eukaryotic community variation, whereas Availa-ble phosphorus (AP) and potential of hydrogen (pH) were the key factors shaping the bacterial community. The results indicated that MPD was the showed relatively pronounced effectiveness in rapidly improving soil fertility and suppressing pathogenic fungi. In contrast, MPX showed relatively better performance in optimizing microbial community structure, enhancing microbial diversity, and strengthening overall ecological stability. These two treatments exhibited distinct advantages in soil chemical improvement and microbial community regulation, respectively, thereby providing alternative practical strategies and a theoretical basis for the ecological management of continuous-cropping obstacles in Morchella cultivation. It should be noted that this study did not include treatments with calcium cyanamide alone, organic fertilizer alone, or their combined application without rotary tillage. This is primarily because rotary tillage is a standard land preparation practice in Morchella cultivation, and the use of soil amendments without accompanying tillage is rarely adopted under practical production conditions. Full article

Weed infestations are a major agricultural problem, driving the need for sustainable control methods beyond conventional synthetic herbicides. This study explored wood vinegar (WV), a pyrolysis by-product, as a dual-purpose tool for weed management and crop growth. Chemically characterized WV exhibited an acidic pH, high acetic acid content, and diverse organic compounds. Pot experiments demonstrated WV’s strong, concentration-dependent inhibition of weed seedling emergence. Field trials across three seasons confirmed WV’s efficacy in reducing weed density and biomass, particularly at 50% and 100% concentrations, while also influencing weed community composition. Critically, subsequent evaluation of residual phytotoxicity on tomato and courgette crops revealed that WV 50% significantly optimized both plant biomass and fruit yield. In contrast, WV 100% negatively impacted courgette yield, and WV 10% showed variable effects. These findings highlight WV, especially at optimal dilutions like 50%, as a promising sustainable solution for integrated weed management with potential biostimulant properties for crops. Full article

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) is a significant pathogen responsible for viral community-acquired pneumonia in children. To date, no specific antiviral agents have been approved for clinical use against HAdV infections. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mixtures have shown promising potential in managing viral pneumonia. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of Yuanzhixingrenheji (YZ), a hospital-prepared TCM formulation from Beijing Children’s Hospital, against HAdV-7. Initial screening of four hospital formulations (Feiyanheji, Qingjieheji, Yindaizhikeheji, and Yuanzhixingrenheji) using a CCK-8 assay revealed that YZ exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity. In vitro, YZ pretreatment and post-infection treatment exhibited dose-dependent antiviral activity against HAdV-7 in A549 cells, significantly suppressing the DBP mRNA level and protein expression while reducing viral genome copies, HAdV-7-GFP fluorescence, hexon fluorescence, and DBP nuclear localization. In the hDSG2^+/+ C57BL/6 mouse model of HAdV-7 infection, YZ effectively mitigated infection-induced body weight loss and substantially reduced viral loads in lung tissue. Furthermore, a clinical retrospective analysis indicated that YZ treatment significantly decreased post-hospitalization serum C-reactive protein levels of pediatric patients with HAdV infection in various disease severities. Compared with conventional treatment, YZ treatment also significantly reduced peak temperature and shortened the duration of fever in children with HAdV infection, supporting its therapeutic potential. In summary, this study provides the first integrated evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical retrospective investigations, demonstrating that the TCM mixture YZ has significant anti-HAdV-7 activity and clinical efficacy. Characterized by a favorable safety profile and low economic burden, YZ is a promising candidate for the treatment of pediatric adenovirus pneumonia. Full article

Background: Although menstrual cycle-based training has attracted increasing attention in endurance sports, research has predominantly focused on ergometric parameters. However, the subjective perspectives and lived realities of athletes remain relatively underexamined. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore performance perceptions and self-regulatory experiences of female endurance athletes within real-life training and competitive contexts. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve female endurance athletes (ages 18–42) across triathlon, running, swimming, cycling, and skiing. Data were analysed inductively using descriptive thematic analysis in MaxQDA. Results: Six themes emerged related to menstrual cycle experiences: body awareness and cycle-related perceptions; the influence of expectations and self-efficacy on perceived performance; heterogeneous approaches to cycle-based training; training and recovery adjustments; the ambivalent role of digital tracking tools; and communication openness and barriers. Overall, cycle-based training was applied inconsistently and served more as a framework for interpreting physical symptoms than as a means of optimising performance. Conclusions: In this sample of endurance athletes, cycle-related effects on performance and symptom perceptions were primarily shaped by biopsychosocial factors rather than physiological considerations alone. The menstrual cycle supported self-regulation, but rigid interpretations may risk reinforcing negative expectancies. These insights extend existing work by foregrounding athlete-centred, flexible approaches over deterministic training models. Full article

Reconciling environmental conservation with socioeconomic development remains a fundamental challenge for tropical forest governance. Thirty-five years ago, the Brazilian Amazon pioneered Extractive Reserves (RESEXs) as a radical model for socio-environmental synergy; however, their long-term efficacy faces increasing contestation. Through a systematic review of three and a half decades of research, we analyze the RESEX model’s performance in balancing forest integrity with the livelihoods of traditional communities. Our synthesis reveals a persistent conservation–development misalignment, where the prioritization of ecological preservation is coupled with chronic underinvestment in socioeconomic infrastructure. We demonstrate that this imbalance has yielded a “vulnerability trap,” where stagnant agro-extractive initiatives and insufficient technological integration inadvertently push local populations toward predatory land-use alternatives. We argue that prioritizing forest cover metrics while neglecting the economic agency of traditional populations constitutes an inadequate strategy for the Amazon’s future. Following the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, we propose a paradigm shift toward a technologically enabled bioeconomy—a move essential for the pragmatic success of global climate goals and the protection of the Amazonian climate anchor. Full article

Background: Minimally invasive interventional radiology (IR) offers effective, uterus-preserving treatments for several gynecologic and obstetric conditions such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and postpartum hemorrhage. Despite their efficacy, these methods remain underused, partly to limited awareness among clinicians and patients. Large language models (LLMs) may help bridge this gap by providing accessible, reliable information. Objective: To evaluate how current LLMs address knowledge gaps and promote awareness of minimally invasive IR methods in gynecology and obstetrics. Methods: A structured ten-question instrument was used to query three publicly available LLMs (OpenEvidence, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini). Responses were analyzed for accuracy, completeness, safety considerations, and patient-centered communication. Results: All three models accurately identified a range of medical, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments for uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and postpartum hemorrhage, with OpenEvidence and ChatGPT providing more detailed and clinically nuanced responses. OpenEvidence achieved the highest scores overall, closely followed by ChatGPT, while Google Gemini scored lower, particularly in completeness and patient-centered communication. In more complex scenarios, performance differences became more pronounced, with OpenEvidence again leading, ChatGPT performing strongly, and Google Gemini lagging behind. Overall, OpenEvidence and ChatGPT demonstrated higher accuracy, completeness, and safety considerations, whereas Google Gemini showed comparatively weaker and less consistent performance. Conclusions: LLMs may endorse the promotion of minimally invasive IR methods in gynecology and obstetrics, but their outputs vary considerably in quality. Ongoing refinement and integration of evidence-based sources are essential before routine use in clinical practice. Therefore, effective collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) developers and medical professionals is essential to harness this technology’s full potential. Full article

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major chronic liver disorder that progresses through inflammation and fibrosis to cirrhosis, yet no effective pharmacological therapy is available. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are key mediators of intercellular communication, have recently been reported to exert preventative and therapeutic effects in disease models. This study evaluated the oral efficacy of EVs derived from the microalga Chlorella vulgaris (CEVs) in an MASLD mouse model. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a control group (normal diet), an MASLD group (choline- and methionine-deficient high-fat diet; CDHF), or CEV group (CDHF + CEVs). Twelve-week CEV administration did not alter the CDHF-induced reduction in circulating lipid levels or produce an increase in hepatic lipid content. However, CEV treatment significantly suppressed CDHF-induced fibrosis with collagen accumulation and reduced the mRNA expression of fibrosis-related genes, including Col1a1, Acta2, Mmp2, and Timp1. CEVs also significantly downregulated the expression of macrophage-derived inflammatory mediators—Ccl2, Ccr2, Il6 and Il1b—and reduced lobular inflammatory foci. These findings suggest that CEVs attenuate hepatic fibrosis by modulating early inflammation associated with steatosis and inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. This study supports the potential of CEVs as a novel oral intervention for slowing MASLD progression. Full article

Propolis is a bee product with a complex chemical composition that exhibits remarkable antifungal activity against C. albicans and can inhibit resistant biofilms thanks to its content of compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Its efficacy varies depending on its geographic origin: European propolis inhibits the initial formation of biofilms, while Brazilian propolis is superior at inhibiting mature biofilms. This product also possesses fungicidal and fungistatic properties comparable in efficacy to conventional drugs, such as nystatin, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine. The use of nanotechnology, such as nanoparticles or nanorods, has overcome the low solubility of propolis compounds, improving their bioavailability and reducing cell adhesion and hyphal formation. Moreover, the integration of propolis into dental materials demonstrate its versatility for preventing recurrent infections. The study of isolated compounds such as pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin has facilitated the identification of specific mechanisms of action, and the application of molecules such as guttiferone E in photodynamic therapies and the discovery of quorum-sensing inhibitors, such as kaempferol, using in silico models have opened new avenues for blocking yeast communication and virulence. These findings position propolis as a multifaceted and promising therapeutic alternative, although there is a need to optimize formulations to ensure clinical safety and biocompatibility. In this review, we analyze research published around the world over the last 15 years on the effects of propolis against C. albicans biofilms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia and age-related muscle weakness pose significant global health challenges, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable exercise interventions for older adults. This study developed and evaluated an Interactive Smart Mirror Exercise Program and investigated the factors associated with older adults’ usage intention toward the program based on the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 92 community-dwelling older adults in northern Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the proposed framework and examine the relationships among the study variables. Results: The results showed a satisfactory model fit (SRMR = 0.071). Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control together explained 41.6% of the variance in usage intention. In addition, perceived usefulness, perceived compatibility, interpersonal influence, and self-efficacy were identified as factors significantly associated with usage intention, both directly and indirectly. Conclusions: These findings might support the applicability of the DTPB framework in explaining older adults’ usage intention toward technology-assisted exercise programs and provide insights for the design and implementation of digital exercise interventions in community settings. Full article

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is an important cash crop, yet the production is significantly compromised by continuous cropping. Beneficial microbial inoculation offers a promising strategy to alleviate the stresses through rhizosphere modulation and host physiological reprogramming. This study evaluated the efficacy of two biological control agents, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum), in promoting mungbean growth under continuous-cropping conditions. Both individual applications of B. subtilis and T. harzianum significantly improved plant biomass, root system architecture, and yield. Combined metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to unravel the underlying mechanisms. According to metagenomic analysis, both B. subtilis and T. harzianum were responsible for significant changes in beta diversity without significantly affecting the alpha diversity of the rhizosphere microbial community. T. harzianum recruited Chitinophagaceae unclassified, Abditibacterium, Hydrogenophilaceae unclassified, Methylophilaceae unclassified, and Chimaeribacter, while Bs recruited Candidatus Saccharibacteria unclassified. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that T. harzianum induced more extensive transcriptional reprogramming than B. subtilis. The enrichment analysis revealed both shared and distinct responses triggered by the two treatments. These findings suggest that B. subtilis and T. harzianum alleviate continuous-cropping stress through distinct yet complementary mechanisms involving rhizosphere microbiome modulation and mungbean transcriptional reprogramming. This study provides a sustainable strategy for legume cultivation. Full article

Stone heritage deteriorates through physical, chemical, and biological processes driven by water, climate, and microbial colonization. Multifunctional polymeric coatings combining hydrophobic and antimicrobial moieties have emerged as a promising conservation strategy, yet a substantial gap remains between laboratory innovation and real-world performance. This review critically examines advances from 2021 to 2026, covering wetting theory, antimicrobial mechanisms, and material architectures, including molecularly integrated systems, Sol–Gel hybrids, nanocomposites, and layered systems. Long-term studies on the Aurelian Walls in Rome and stone in Reims show that biocidal efficacy typically declines within one to two years despite the chemical persistence of the coatings. In parallel, hydrophobic performance often deteriorates over time due to UV exposure, particulate deposition, and surface chemical changes, leading to increased wettability and reduced protective efficiency. Substrate porosity governs durability and visual compatibility (ΔE* < 5 threshold), while treatments can reshape microbial communities, favoring stress-tolerant meristematic fungi. Regulatory pressure on fluorinated compounds drives the development of more sustainable alternatives. Emerging directions include stimuli-responsive systems, self-healing materials, slippery interfaces, and precision polymer architectures. However, future progress will depend on tailoring formulations to major lithotypes, improving compatibility with porous substrates, and validating performance through standardized accelerated aging and multi-year field trials. Bridging laboratory design with environmental exposure data and conservation practice will be essential for achieving durable and culturally acceptable protection strategies. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are consistently associated with alterations in gut microbial communities, although the extent and characteristics of these alterations vary across studies, supporting a potential role of the microbiota in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic modulation. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize current evidence on microbiota alterations in IBD and the clinical application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). A total of 118 studies were included (76 focused on microbiota profiling and 42 evaluated FMT as therapy). Across heterogeneous study designs and microbial characterization methods, reduced microbial diversity was the most consistently reported alteration, generally more pronounced in CD than in UC. Depletion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii—a key butyrate producer with anti-inflammatory properties—was commonly reported, often accompanied by functional impairment in short-chain fatty acid production. Microbial patterns were frequently associated with mucosal inflammation and varied across disease phenotypes; these patterns have been increasingly explored as predictors of treatment response and relapse, although mechanistic interpretation remains limited and causal relationships are difficult to establish. Evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests potential efficacy of FMT in UC, particularly with intensive or repeated protocols, whereas data in CD remain limited and heterogeneous, with signals of benefit often appearing transient. FMT was generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data remain scarce. Emerging multi-omic approaches are reshaping the field by integrating taxonomic and functional insights, with potential implications for risk stratification, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic optimization. Further standardized, longitudinal, and mechanistically oriented studies are required to translate microbiome research into clinically actionable strategies in IBD. Full article

Diffuse pollution from agricultural runoff, characterized by intermittent discharges of complex contaminant mixtures, including nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals (HMs), poses a persistent threat to global water quality. Conventional “end-of-pipe” strategies often fail to address these decentralized, nonpoint sources. This review examines the evolution of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) from static, abiotic filters into modern Permeable Reactive Bio-Barriers (PRBBs), engineered as dynamic, fixed-bed biofilm reactors. A key advancement in PRBB efficacy is the exploitation of biofilm plasticity, particularly in response to coexistence with organic and inorganic pollutants. While heavy metals are traditionally viewed as inhibitors, this review synthesizes evidence showing that subinhibitory HM levels can act as structural and functional drivers. These metals induce the upregulation of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs), creating a “protective shield” that sequesters metals and confers functional resilience on the microbial consortia responsible for nutrient removal and pesticide biodegradation. The review analyzes contaminant removal mechanisms, highlighting the bio-chemo synergy between reactive media and biofilms, and proposes a classification framework based on target contaminants, media, and technological integration. Significant focus is placed on emerging hybrid multi-media systems designed to protect the microbial community from toxic metal shocks, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive control. While challenges in hydraulic sustainability and field validation remain, PRBBs represent a compact, low-energy, and scalable ecotechnology. PRBBs offer a strategically targeted solution within the Nature-Based Solutions toolkit for building resilient protection of aquatic ecosystems at the critical land-water interface. Full article

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy and safety of medical interventions. However, the interpretation of their results is often obscured by an overreliance on relative measures of effect, such as relative risk reduction (RRR) and hazard ratios (HRs). While statistically robust, these measures may mislead clinicians and patients when used in isolation. This article provides a methodological framework for the comprehensive interpretation of treatment effects in RCTs, emphasizing the importance of integrating absolute measures such as absolute risk reduction (ARR), number needed to treat (NNT), annualized NNT (aNNT), and number needed to harm (NNH). Additionally, we explore the conceptual differences between risk-based and rate-based measures, the clinical implications of time-to-event analyses, and the utility of composite metrics such as the likelihood of being helped or harmed (LHH). By adopting a multidimensional approach to effect estimation, researchers and clinicians can enhance the translation of statistical findings into meaningful clinical decisions. This approach also facilitates communication with patients. Full article