Search Results (59,565)

Ornamental horticulture represents one of the dominant pathways for the introduction of alien plant species and has played a central role in shaping current and future invasion dynamics. Many ornamental plants escape cultivation after long lag phases, driven by high propagule pressure, human-mediated selection of functional traits, and increasing climatic suitability. As a result, ornamental species contribute substantially to Europe’s invasion debt, with many future invasions already “locked in” under ongoing global change. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the invasive risk of ornamental plants in Europe, examining introduction pathways, biological traits promoting invasiveness, the role of climate change, and the ecological, economic, and social impacts associated with ornamental plant invasions. We highlight that beyond biodiversity loss, invasive ornamental plants pose underappreciated threats to agriculture and related activities, including increased management costs, weed problems in managed landscapes, and disruption of water management and irrigation infrastructure, particularly through invasive aquatic species. We further review tools for risk assessment and prevention, including weed risk assessment frameworks, green lists, horizon scanning, and climate-informed spatial forecasting, emphasizing the importance of proactive, pathway-based approaches. Where prevention fails, management of established invasive ornamentals relies on integrated strategies combining mechanical, chemical, and biological control, often generating large quantities of biomass and long-term economic costs. We discuss the emerging but still limited potential of invasive plant biomass valorization as a complementary management option, highlighting both opportunities and constraints. Finally, we discuss implications for horticultural practices, policy development, and future research, arguing that reconciling ornamental horticulture with biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture will require anticipatory governance, stakeholder engagement, and climate-aware decision-making. By aligning horticultural innovation with invasion risk awareness, it may be possible to reduce future invasions while maintaining the social and economic benefits of ornamental plant use in Europe. Full article

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common musculoskeletal conditions associated with pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Despite the widespread use of conservative and minimally invasive treatments, the available evidence remains fragmented across heterogeneous interventions, diagnostic criteria, and outcome measures, limiting comparative interpretation and clinical applicability. Objectives: The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative and minimally invasive interventions for pain reduction in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders. Secondary objectives include assessing effects on mandibular function and QoL and exploring differences across intervention categories, TMD subtypes, diagnostic criteria, and follow-up durations. Methods: This protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251250251) and adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 1 January 2015, up to the date of study initiation, using controlled vocabulary terms and free-text keywords combined with Boolean operators. Eligible studies will include adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders using validated diagnostic criteria and treated with conservative or minimally invasive interventions, compared with placebo/sham, no treatment or usual care, or active comparators, in accordance with the PICOS framework. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract data, with disagreements resolved by consensus or consultation with a third reviewer; the study selection process will be documented using a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. Interventions will be synthesized within predefined clusters (e.g., physical and manual therapies, occlusal splint therapy, physical agent modalities, and minimally invasive joint procedures). Risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2). The primary outcome will be pain intensity, while secondary outcomes will include mandibular function and QoL. Where appropriate, meta-analysis using a random-effects model will be performed; otherwise, a structured narrative synthesis will be provided. Expected Impact: The systematic review is expected to deliver an updated and methodologically rigorous synthesis of evidence on conservative and minimally invasive interventions for TMDs. By addressing existing research gaps such as the fragmentation of evidence across intervention types, heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, and variability in outcome measures, this review will support evidence-based clinical decision-making and identify priorities for future research. Full article

This study presents an innovative and interdisciplinary didactic approach for teaching biodiversity to high school students, aiming to enhance basic learning skills and promoting deeper understanding of biological concepts. The designed educational proposal aims to support policy-driven collaboration between schools and botanical gardens within the framework of coordinated and long-term educational policies. The intervention was designed to cultivate both cognitive and metacognitive skills within three (3) didactic hours, offering a holistic learning experience through the study of Tulipa members used as an alluring model. A total of 168 Greek first- and second-grade high school students (on average 16 years old) participated in the study. Biodiversity was examined in a multidisciplinary fashion, focusing on species’ diversity (phenotypic), genetic-karyological diversity, and habitat diversity. The core components of the approach included: (a) the completion of a corresponding worksheet module, which effectively engaged students in the learning process using the 5E didactic model, and (b) a karyotype lab experiment using living Tulipa specimens. The learning process was evaluated through two questionnaires assessing the acquisition of scientific knowledge and behavioral outcomes. The results showed a positive impact on students’ understanding regarding the genetic material and biodiversity, with the karyotype experiment playing a key role in achieving high performance in both cognitive and affective learning objectives. Knowledge scores were higher in the second-grade students (53–73%) than in the first-grade students (44–69%) of high school, especially regarding concepts such as karyotype applications and biodiversity-ecosystem balance. The karyotype experiment positively correlated with both the evaluation of the intervention and the shifts in biodiversity beliefs (Pearson’s r = 0.649, 0.515; p < 0.05, respectively). The modeled inquiry-based approach with living tulips and karyotype experiments can help schools and botanic gardens counteract plant blindness by enhancing cognitive and affective learning outcomes within a limited instructional timeframe. Full article

This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of five Hainan indigenous pig breeds (147 individuals from 7 populations representing 5 breeds: 3 Duntou pig subpopulations (DT-DZ, DT-SJ, and DT-SG) and four additional breeds (Wuzhishan, Wenchang, Lingao, and Tunchang)) to address germplasm conservation needs driven by exotic crossbreeding, African swine fever, and inadequate genetic evaluation. After strict quality screening, we used 147 qualified samples for microsatellite genotyping and 104 samples for mtDNA D-loop sequencing. The analyses integrated 17 FAO-recommended microsatellite markers and mtDNA D-loop sequencing. In total, 15 out of 17 loci exhibited high polymorphism (PIC > 0.6), with Wuzhishan pigs exhibiting the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.666, I = 1.279). Pairwise Fst values indicated significant genetic differentiation among all populations (p < 0.05), and AMOVA attributed 87.32% of the genetic variation to within-population differences. Three complementary clustering methods (UPGMA, PCoA, and STRUCTURE with the optimal K value of 2 identified via the ΔK algorithm) divided the populations into two clades, clearly separating the Duntou subpopulations from other breeds. mtDNA D-loop sequencing of 104 individuals yielded a 1175 bp fragment, identifying 12 haplotypes and a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.688) low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00193) pattern; Lingao pigs showed no genetic variation, while Duntou and Wuzhishan pigs had the highest Hd. NJ phylogenetic analysis indicated that Hainan pigs form an independent subclade within Chinese indigenous pigs, closely related to Luchuan pigs. These findings confirm the high overall genetic diversity and distinct population-level divergence in Hainan pigs, with Duntou pigs representing a unique lineage. This work provides a scientific basis for targeted conservation strategies, including prioritizing the conservation of Duntou and Wuzhishan pigs and restoring genetic variation in Lingao pigs. Full article

The recognition of microRNAs as components of animal-source foods (ASFs) with epigenetic characteristics and regulation has spurred research in an interesting direction, particularly in understanding their microRNAs (miRNAs) fraction. Thus, a constant supply of them through food intake, with equally conserved targets, may facilitate their accumulation in tissues rich in their targets. Here, we consider the potentially dominant miRNAs in animal-source foods (ASFs) documented in the literature, identified through a frequency-weighted ordinal recurrence approach. let-7d-5p, miR-101-3p, and miR-133b consistently showed dominant rankings in a product-specific manner in lean meat. In meat fat, let-7i-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-23a-3p were highly ranked. Among various types of meat offal, miR-145-5p, miR-92-5p, and miR-24-3p emerged as the predominant miRNAs. Similarly, in dairy products, miR-200a-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-29a-3p, and miR-29b-3p were recurrently dominant, whereas miR-17-5p, miR-184, miR-30e-5p, and miR-92b-3p showed a comparable prevalence in seafood. Even though bioinformatic approaches suggest miRNAs from raw ASFs showed major enrichment of processes and pathways culminating in epithelial barrier integrity modulation, such putative functions tend to be equally enriched by predicted targets of the miRNAs in processed products. Product-specific highly ranked miRNAs from food categories stipulate possible preferential enrichment in contexts of cell–cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and inflammatory control by meat (lean, fat, offal), immune homeostasis by dairy, and neural signalling by seafood, providing hypotheses for future functional studies. However, a limited understanding of their stability during gastrointestinal transit may present a more immediate limitation to their potential translational applicability. Full article

This study assessed the conservation priorities for Cycas panzhihuaensis, a relict plant endemic to the dry-hot valleys of the Jinsha River, by integrating habitat suitability prediction with habitat quality evaluation. We used the MaxEnt model to identify its potential distribution and key environmental drivers and the InVEST model to evaluate habitat quality and degradation risk within the study area. Conservation priorities—categorized as hotspots, transition zones, and coldspots—were delineated by overlaying suitability classes with habitat quality levels. Spatial clustering of hotspots was examined using global spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results indicate that: (1) The highly suitable habitat for C. panzhihuaensis covers an area of 799.12 km², primarily concentrated in the dry-hot valleys of the Jinsha, Yalong, and Anning Rivers. January land surface temperature was the most significant environmental determinant of its distribution (contribution: 36.1%). (2) The overall habitat quality of the study region was relatively low (mean: 0.38), with a moderate risk of degradation. Areas of severe degradation spanned 14,629.31 km² (26.10% of the total area), largely coinciding with the river valleys and showing substantial overlap with the species’ suitable habitat. (3) The identified conservation hotspots (799.63 km²) exhibited a moderate and statistically significant positive spatial autocorrelation (global Moran’s I = 0.326). This integrated approach provides a spatially explicit framework for conservation planning, offering valuable insights applicable to other rare species in human-impacted landscapes. Full article

Waterlogged archaeological wood is highly vulnerable to degradation by wood-degrading microorganisms. Oregano essential oil (OEO) shows excellent antimicrobial activity against such microbes, but its high volatility and poor stability restrict direct application in cultural relic protection. This study aims to optimize the preparation of sodium alginate (SA)-based OEO microcapsules (OEO@SAM), characterize their structural and physicochemical properties, and evaluate their sustained-release antimicrobial performance for waterlogged archaeological wood conservation. OEO@SAM was fabricated via ionic crosslinking, with orthogonal experiments optimizing three key parameters: OEO:SA ratio, SA concentration, and CaCl₂ concentration. The microcapsules were characterized by morphological observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro sustained-release kinetics, and antimicrobial activity against dominant wood-degrading microorganisms (isolated from waterlogged archaeological sites) were tested. The OEO:SA ratio was the dominant factor regulating EE: EE decreased sharply as the OEO:SA ratio increased, with the highest EE (24.05%) achieved at OEO:SA = 0.5, SA = 2%, and CaCl₂ = 3%. Meanwhile, only 0.71 g/L of OEO@SAM is required to inhibit bacterial growth and achieve the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. OEO@SAM exhibited stable sustained release (fitting the zero-order kinetic model) and significant antimicrobial activity against target microorganisms. It provides a new type of antibacterial and antifungal material for the in situ conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. Full article

The Ecological Conservation Redline (ECR) is a key spatial policy tool in China’s efforts to protect the Ecosystem Services (ES) of Hainan Island. However, its effectiveness in promoting the coordinated restoration of Hainan Island’s ES remains unclear. This study employs the InVEST model to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon storage, habitat quality, water yield, and soil retention within the ECR zones of Hainan Island from 1990 to 2020. A Multiple Ecosystem Service Landscape Index (MESLI) was constructed, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was applied to examine the influence of ECR implementation on ES synergies and the spatial drivers underlying these patterns, aiming to elucidate the complex interactions between conservation policy and ecosystem functioning. The results show that (1) the delineation of the ECR has facilitated ecological restoration in the region. MESLI detrimentally declined before 2010 but positively increased by 12.7% during 2010–2020, indicating an improvement consistent with the period of ECR implementation. Moreover, (2) ESs within the ECR display marked spatial heterogeneity. GWR results reveal that MESLI is positively associated with vegetation cover and slope, and negatively associated with population density, with pronounced disparities in northern and central regions that call for differentiated governance strategies. Finally, (3) constructing a composite evaluation framework based on multiple ESs contributes to optimizing the delineation and management of ECRs, enhancing their scientific support for regional sustainable development. This study provides decision-making guidance for the zoned governance of conservation areas on tropical islands and offers insights for redline management in other ecologically sensitive regions. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a fatal disease in domestic pigs and wild boars (Sus scrofa), leading to nearly 100% mortality during acute infection and significant economic losses in swine production. Unlike other eukaryotic viruses, ASFV encodes a histone-like nucleic acid-binding protein, pA104R, which is highly conserved and present in all described ASFV isolates of different genotypes. Moreover, A104R-like sequences have been identified in the genomes of soft ticks, which can replicate and transmit ASFV. Using a virulent genotype IX field isolate from Kenya, we analyzed the importance of A104R for viral replication in a permissive wild boar cell line (WSL). In this study, we confirmed that A104R is not essential for in vitro replication of ASFV. Loss of A104R did not detectably affect viral DNA replication or RNA transcription but led to a moderate reduction in virus titers and plaque sizes. Substitution of A104R with a similar ASFV-like element derived from the genome of an Ornithodoros moubata soft tick was not capable of rescuing the deletion mutant phenotype. In contrast, reintroduction of the authentic A104R open reading frame (ORF) into the deletion mutant fully restored wild-type virus growth properties. In accompanying studies, we verified the DNA-binding activities of the ASFV- and tick-derived A104R proteins and performed mass spectrometric analyses of the pA104R interactome. These experiments revealed, besides DNA-dependent co-precipitated proteins, specific DNA-independent protein–protein interactions of pA104R with other viral and cellular proteins. Full article

Behavioral maturation is essential for the proper functioning of honey bee societies and is regulated by multiple factors such as juvenile hormone (JH) and nutritional deficiency. Although recent studies have shown that surface-associated microbiota in insects can modulate host behavior, the relationship between body surface microbiota and behavioral maturation in honey bees remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine whether the surface microbial communities of honey bees shift with behavioral maturation. By using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the surface microbiota of worker bees at different behavioral stages (newly emerged bees, nurses, and foragers) in both Eastern honey bee Apis cerana and Western honey bee Apis mellifera. The results showed that in both honey bee species, nurse bees exhibited the lowest microbial diversity, while forager bees showed the highest, and newly emerged bees had an intermediate level of microbial diversity. Moreover, beta diversity analyses revealed that the body surface microbiota of worker bees significantly varied across behavioral stages in both bee species and differed between the two bee species at the same behavioral stage. Additionally, in both bee species, at the phylum level, Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Actinobacteriota dominated the worker bee body surface microbiota; at the genus level, foragers had more Gilliamella, while nurses harbored more Lactobacillus. Together, our findings reveal the emergence of distinct microbial signatures on honey bee body surfaces during behavioral maturation. Full article

Background: Hirschsprung disease (HD) is associated with substantial postoperative morbidity, particularly due to Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), despite definitive surgical treatment. Postoperative outcomes may vary according to the length of the aganglionic segment and the surgical technique used, and optimal management of recurrent HAEC remains a significant clinical challenge. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent corrective surgery for HD between 2011 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, disease segment length, surgical technique, postoperative complications, and HAEC episodes were recorded. HAEC diagnosis and follow-up assessments were conducted in accordance with the Delphi criteria. Patients with recurrent HAEC and obstructive symptoms refractory to standard conservative management were evaluated for botulinum toxin injection (BTI). Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The majority of the patients were male (83.3%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 11 months. The Duhamel procedure was the most frequently performed surgical technique. Although the rate of anastomotic leakage was greater in patients who underwent the Swenson procedure compared with the Duhamel group, this difference did not reach statistical significance when the appropriate statistical methods were used because the small sample size. No significant difference in the incidence of HAEC was observed among the different surgical techniques. BTI was administered to 13 patients, and regression of enterocolitis episodes according to the Delphi criteria was observed in 11 patients (84.6%). Most postoperative complications are observed in patients with long-segment Hirschsprung disease. Conclusions: Postoperative complications and HAEC remain major clinical challenges in the management of Hirschsprung disease, particularly in patients with long-segment involvement. Although the surgical technique may influence certain complication rates, HAEC appears to be a multifactorial condition. Botulinum toxin injection may serve as a supportive treatment option in selected patients with refractory HAEC; however, prospective controlled studies are needed to further clarify its role. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disorder that may extend beyond the pelvis to involve the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the rectosigmoid and, less frequently, the small bowel. Although often asymptomatic, such lesions may rarely manifest as acute bowel obstruction. Case: We report a 42-year-old woman who presented with small bowel ileus caused by deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Imaging revealed a right ovarian endometrioma with severe adhesions resulting in a distal ileal transition point. After partial decompression with conservative treatment, laparoscopic adhesiolysis with right salpingo-oophorectomy and left salpingectomy was undertaken. Intraoperative findings revealed dense adnexal–ileal adhesions without transmural involvement. Postoperative hormonal suppression was instituted. Conclusions: This rare case demonstrates small bowel obstruction caused by DIE adhesions without intestinal invasion. Preoperative imaging facilitated a minimally invasive approach, while combined surgical and hormonal therapy was associated with reduced recurrence risk. These findings expand the recognized spectrum of endometriosis-related intestinal complications and support tailored management strategies. Full article

 Agriculture uses most of the world’s fresh water. Given that the worldwide population is expanding at an alarming rate, more land cultivation is apparently in demand. As a result, much more water would be required to irrigate cultivable lands. However, fresh water is becoming scarce at a faster rate due to climate uncertainties and over-exploitation. Several controlled irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, have been introduced to safeguard water resources. However, these techniques do not readily meet crop water demands and often end up causing overapplication of water. Under these circumstances, smart precision irrigation is the best solution. Smart irrigation techniques facilitate delivery of water in an amount that is required by the crop as per site/location and temporal requirements. Several studies have been carried out in this area, and remarkable progress has been observed. These studies range from making use of in situ sophisticated sensors that are low-cost and consume minimum energy up to the use of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) and satellite imagery for irrigation management. This review summarizes research studies that highlight the components of developing and deploying various precision irrigation technologies, their benefits, and their limitations. Specifically, the scientific value of this study lies in outlining implications of using different sensors, parameters, and equipment, the agroclimatic models, communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and the energy sources to implement automated irrigation systems. A future scope of precision irrigation is also discussed in accordance with cost-effectiveness and sustainability. This study should also act as a referring guideline for new researchers as well as technology manufacturers who seek to design and develop a futuristic yet efficient irrigation system. Overall, this review is aimed at contributing to the understanding of automated irrigation systems for their effective deployment towards enhanced agricultural production, conserved water resources, and sustainable use of energy sources.  Full article

Burrows are tunnels or holes excavated into the ground by certain types of animals, to be used as habitation or temporary refuge, or as a by-product of their locomotion. Burrows provide a form of shelter against predation and exposure to the elements, and can be found in nearly every biome and among various biological interaction types. River bank burrowing weakens the soil structure, increases the risk of erosion, and may lead to bank retreat and landslides. Currently, burrow watching, mapping, and prevention are human-only activities, and there are no conventional data or information systems designed for this purpose. In this paper, we design, implement, and test a novel AI-based solution that, starting with drone-acquired imagery, allows the user to automatically identify and map potentially dangerous burrows in the target area, and lays the basis for the digitization and systematic conservation of such information, to be later used for intervention and planning. Our solution contributes to the environmental sustainability of rivers, especially close to densely populated areas. Full article

Taxus cuspidata is a threatened subalpine conifer in South Korea, necessitating evidence-based restoration strategies to counter the impacts of climate change. In this study, we assessed 13 natural populations using 15 polymorphic nuclear simple sequence repeat (nSSR) markers developed in Taxus species and spatial autocorrelation analysis to provide a scientific foundation for conservation. The results showed an intermediate level of genetic diversity, with the Mt. Gariwangsan population exhibiting higher diversity. This highlights its priority as a source for restoration materials. Bayesian clustering supported four distinct management units. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed significant positive genetic structure within approximately 50 m, indicating a localized genetic patch size. Based on these results, we suggest maintaining a minimum 50 m sampling distance during seed collection to avoid collecting closely related individuals and to reduce the risk of genetic homogeneity in restoration materials. Such restoration strategies informed by spatial genetic structure and broader genetic data are critical for enhancing the long-term resilience of T. cuspidata in the face of accelerating environmental shifts. Full article