Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (5,961)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = core products

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
20 pages, 7625 KB  
Review
Exploring Nutrient Stoichiometry in Inland Waters: A Bibliometric and Ecological Review of C:N:P Ratios in Freshwater Ecosystems
by Jehangir Ijaz, Marko Šrajbek, Muhammad Azaan Irshad and Takai Eddine Yahi
Hydrology 2026, 13(7), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13070164 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Nutrient stoichiometry, particularly the balance of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), plays a fundamental role in regulating freshwater ecosystem dynamics, primary production, and biogeochemical cycling. This study presents one of the first dedicated reviews to combine bibliometric mapping with ecological synthesis [...] Read more.
Nutrient stoichiometry, particularly the balance of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), plays a fundamental role in regulating freshwater ecosystem dynamics, primary production, and biogeochemical cycling. This study presents one of the first dedicated reviews to combine bibliometric mapping with ecological synthesis of C:N:P ratios in inland waters, drawing on 1004 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (2000–2025), comprising peer-reviewed articles and review articles refined by document type, language, and research area. Bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) identified exponential growth in publications after 2010, with phosphorus dynamics and eutrophication emerging as the most-cited themes, while recent years have shown increasing attention to C:P ratios as reliable ecological indicators. Four dominant thematic clusters were identified: Nutrient Cycling and Biogeochemistry; Phytoplankton and Food Web Dynamics; Eutrophication and Water Quality; and Climate Change and Ecosystem Responses. Ecological synthesis demonstrated substantial deviations from the canonical Redfield ratio (106C:16N:1P), with pronounced stoichiometric variability across trophic states, latitudes, and ecosystem types. Case comparisons revealed high C:P ratios in Arctic and alpine lakes linked to dissolved organic carbon inputs, low N:P ratios in tropical waters that promote cyanobacterial dominance, and stable, low phosphorus concentrations in deep African lakes. These findings emphasize the significance of flexible stoichiometry in predicting ecosystem tipping points, managing harmful algal blooms (HABs), and guiding nutrient restoration strategies. By integrating bibliometric and ecological evidence, this study identifies C:P ratios as a promising candidate indicator that merits further field validation for freshwater management, while underscoring persistent research gaps in microbial stoichiometry, cross-scalar modeling, and policy uptake in the Global South. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 10589 KB  
Review
Hotspots and Trends in Nursing Interventions for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Mengdie Hu, Yongxing Bao, Wei Zheng, Yan Wang, Jiawen Fu, Xuechun Wang, Miao Sun, Huiying Tao and Zhouguang Hui
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(7), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16070210 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Research on nursing interventions for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy is increasing. However, comprehensive mapping and synthesis regarding the field’s overall knowledge structure and development remain limited. This study aims to utilize bibliometric methods to analyze the current status, research hotspots, and [...] Read more.
Background: Research on nursing interventions for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy is increasing. However, comprehensive mapping and synthesis regarding the field’s overall knowledge structure and development remain limited. This study aims to utilize bibliometric methods to analyze the current status, research hotspots, and emerging trends in this field. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 256 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed. Results: Publication volume showed a notable increase after 2020 (16–25 articles per year). The United States leads in output (82 articles, 32.0%), followed by China (25 articles). At the institutional level, the University of California, San Francisco (10 articles) is the most productive, while George Washington University leads in total citations (1759). Oncology Nursing Forum is the leading journal both in publication volume (20 articles) and h-index (13). Twelve major research clusters were identified, primarily focusing on symptom management (specifically pain) and psychosocial support. Keyword burst analysis suggests that current frontiers have shifted from acute symptom control toward systematic management approaches and psychological symptom interventions. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of 256 publications and 12 research clusters, this study indicates that the focus of nursing research appears to be expanding from acute symptom control toward comprehensive case management and targeted psychological research. These findings may provide useful directions for future research and clinical practice, particularly regarding the integration of psychosocial care into nursing management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

2 pages, 150 KB  
Abstract
Freshwater Aquarium Fish Imports: From Species and Quantities to Origins and Risks
by Luísa Sousa, Carla Silva, Pedro Anastácio and Filipe Ribeiro
Proceedings 2026, 146(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2026146102 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Introduction: The global ornamental fish trade is a rapidly expanding sector and a major pathway for the introduction of non-native species, particularly in freshwater ecosystems in developed countries. The introduction of non-native species can result in a range of ecological impacts, including predation, [...] Read more.
Introduction: The global ornamental fish trade is a rapidly expanding sector and a major pathway for the introduction of non-native species, particularly in freshwater ecosystems in developed countries. The introduction of non-native species can result in a range of ecological impacts, including predation, competition, hybridization, and disease transmission, often leading to ecosystem degradation and biotic homogenization. Therefore, it represents a clear ecological risk, especially serious in freshwater systems with a high endemism rate, such as the Iberian Peninsula. The occurrence of ornamental non-native species in the Iberian Peninsula has been common, yet little has been done to describe the overall ornamental fish trade as a first step to evaluate invasion risk. Objective: This study characterizes the import dynamics of ornamental freshwater fish in Portugal between 2020 and 2024 and evaluates its potential role as a pathway for species introductions. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests database, including information on species composition, quantities, sizes, prices, and countries of origin. A total of 431 records were analyzed, resulting in 27,689 validated entries of imported freshwater fish, which were taxonomically verified and filtered to retain only freshwater species. Results: A total of 666 species from 88 families were identified, with an average of 380 species imported annually, reflecting high taxonomic diversity. Import volumes increased from approximately 1.25 million individuals in 2020 to 1.75 million in 2024, while total import value nearly doubled from €300,000 to €600,000. Imports were predominantly from five Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, and largely supported by aquaculture production (88%). A stable core of highly traded species, including Carassius auratus, Poecilia reticulata, and Paracheirodon innesi, suggests a sustained and very high propagule pressure, while some species variability was observed on yearly basis, suggesting the importance of monitoring programs on actual imports. Conclusions: Overall, the ornamental fish trade represents a significant and growing pathway for biological invasions in Portugal. The combination of increasing trade volume, high species diversity, and persistent dominance of key taxa highlights the need for improved monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness to mitigate ecological risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The XI Iberian Congress of Ichthyology)
43 pages, 464 KB  
Article
Means of Production Generated by Crop Production Sector Output: A Study of Market Symmetry
by Lyubomir Lyubenov and Hristo P. Stoyanov
Agriculture 2026, 16(12), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16121364 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
This study determines the size of the means-of-production markets (MMP) generated by Bulgarian crop production and assesses their comparability with crop product markets (PM). Eight component markets are analyzed: fertilizers, irrigation water, plant protection products, seeds and planting material, buildings and stationary equipment, [...] Read more.
This study determines the size of the means-of-production markets (MMP) generated by Bulgarian crop production and assesses their comparability with crop product markets (PM). Eight component markets are analyzed: fertilizers, irrigation water, plant protection products, seeds and planting material, buildings and stationary equipment, agricultural machinery, technical and other services, and energy. The methodology integrates firm-level financial data from domestic producers, international trade statistics, and official national data. A detailed market reconstruction based on quantities, prices, and absolute and relative shares is conducted for the reference years 2023 and 2024, constituting the core analytical layer of the study. To test the structural stability of the symmetry relationship across a broader price cycle, the symmetry analysis is extended to the period 2021–2024 using official data aggregate for all markets. The symmetry coefficient (MMP/PM) shows structural comparability ranging from ½ to over ¾ between the two market systems over the full period, averaging 0.72 for 2023–2024. Price dynamics exert a stronger influence on market symmetry than volume changes. Crop product markets exhibit substantially greater price volatility than means-of-production markets. The combined economic contribution of Bulgarian crop production—integrating direct output value with the means-of-production markets it generates—amounted to over EUR 5756.3 million in 2024, substantially exceeding the total agricultural sector output reported in national accounts and implying a real contribution to GDP well above the officially recorded 3% share. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
21 pages, 30090 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Serum and Tissue miRNA Expression Profiles and Regulatory Pathways in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer Using Public Databases
by Shuya Cai, Hui Tan, Xiaoyu Niu, Nirupal Eskar and Zaoling Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125629 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
To characterize the distinct expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum and tissue and to delineate the heterogeneity of their regulatory mechanisms in early-stage ovarian cancer (EOC), thereby identifying candidate biomarkers for non-invasive early diagnosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by integrating publicly [...] Read more.
To characterize the distinct expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum and tissue and to delineate the heterogeneity of their regulatory mechanisms in early-stage ovarian cancer (EOC), thereby identifying candidate biomarkers for non-invasive early diagnosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by integrating publicly available datasets of EOC tissues and serum samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Core miRNAs were subsequently screened through integrated differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and feature importance ranking derived from optimized machine learning models. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG) were performed on predicted target genes to systematically compare the functional discrepancies between serum- and tissue-derived miRNAs. No overlapping core miRNAs were observed between the two compartments. Serum miRNAs exhibited an overall up-regulated trend, whereas tissue miRNAs were predominantly down-regulated. Although the regulatory pathways demonstrated significant heterogeneity, they ultimately converged on the cell cycle and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, indicating high functional homology. Furthermore, serum miRNAs are not merely passive leakage products from tissues; current evidence suggests they may be selectively packaged into exosomes to participate in tumor regulation. Despite divergent expression profiles, serum and tissue miRNAs share homologous regulatory functions in EOC. These findings suggest that serum miRNAs accurately reflect the core molecular status of tumor tissues, providing a robust molecular foundation for liquid biopsy-based early detection strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3318 KB  
Article
Phytotherapy in Sports Performance and Recovery: A Bibliometric Mapping of Research Themes and Trends
by Amr Chaabeni, Wissem Dhahbi, Ahlem Aissa, Medina Srem-Sai, John Elvis Hagan, Amine Kalai, Vlad Adrian Geantă, Sana Salah, Bassem Charfeddine, Karim Chamari and Anis Jellad
Sports 2026, 14(6), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14060255 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
This bibliometric study examines the intellectual structure, evolution, and collaboration patterns of phytotherapy research within sports science to identify key themes and research gaps. Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1991 to 2024 were analyzed using a search strategy [...] Read more.
This bibliometric study examines the intellectual structure, evolution, and collaboration patterns of phytotherapy research within sports science to identify key themes and research gaps. Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1991 to 2024 were analyzed using a search strategy combining phytotherapy and sports medicine terms, yielding 3404 records, of which 368 met the inclusion criteria after systematic screening. Performance analysis assessed publication trends, citation impact, and author productivity, while science mapping techniques—including keyword co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling, and co-authorship network analysis—were conducted using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Thematic positioning was evaluated through Callon’s centrality-density framework. Results indicate steady growth in the field, with a CAGR of 11.83% and peak output in 2021, involving 2103 authors across 199 sources. International collaboration reached 22.55%, led by the United States, United Kingdom, and China. Dominant research themes include exercise, inflammation, oxidative stress, and phytochemicals such as curcumin and resveratrol. Thematic mapping highlights exercise performance and supplementation as central topics. Overall, the field demonstrates significant expansion, though increased international collaboration and clinical translation are needed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7303 KB  
Article
Valorization of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. Leaf By-Products: Comparative Aroma Profiling with Pericarps Across Extraction Strategies
by Zongyuan Wu, Chenxi He, Yunlong Xiao, Yinhao Xue, Rongrong Zhang, Shouan Ming, Yanxia Cong and Weinong Zhang
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2243; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122243 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
While Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum) pericarps are a globally prized spice, their leaves are frequently discarded as agricultural waste. This study systematically characterizes the aromatic potential of leaf by-products compared with traditional pericarps under diverse extraction strategies, utilizing an integrated [...] Read more.
While Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum) pericarps are a globally prized spice, their leaves are frequently discarded as agricultural waste. This study systematically characterizes the aromatic potential of leaf by-products compared with traditional pericarps under diverse extraction strategies, utilizing an integrated flavoromics and sensomics approach. Qualitative GC-MS-O analysis revealed that leaf-derived fractions possess superior aromatic diversity: leaf essential oil and volatile solvent extract yielded 71 and 68 odorants, respectively, significantly surpassing pericarp counterparts (65 and 43 compounds). Concurrently, HS-GC-IMS profiling confirmed that targeted extraction allows leaf-derived flavors to replicate and exceed traditional spice complexity. Specifically, the leaf solvent extract achieved aromatic parity with pericarps by effectively mirroring the core spicy–citrus profile through cuminaldehyde and limonene retention. Conversely, distilled leaf essential oil unlocked a distinctive herbal–woody sensory innovation, driven by eucalyptol and a broader variety of aldehydes and ketones. Sensomics validation, incorporating aroma recombination, omission experiments, and partial least-squares regression modeling, conclusively identified β-myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and humulene as core molecular markers dictating these perceptual shifts. Ultimately, this research provides a robust theoretical foundation for upcycling Z. bungeanum leaves into valuable flavoring resources, facilitating circular bio-economy practices by delivering functional equivalence and entirely novel sensory experiences for the global food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 1386 KB  
Review
Intermolecular-Interaction-Driven Adaptive Remodeling: A Network Perspective on Plant Abiotic Stress Responses
by Leidi Liu, Xiangfei Cheng, Yihua Xu, Lu Liu, Shuai Zhong, Xiaohua Chao, Yumin Chen, Chengde Yu, Chengming Fan and Changsong Zou
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121920 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, alkalinity, temperature extremes, flooding, heavy metals, and emerging pollutants, challenge plant growth and productivity by disturbing water relations, ion balance, redox homeostasis, membrane stability, energy metabolism, and developmental progression. Although substantial progress has been made in the identification [...] Read more.
Abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, alkalinity, temperature extremes, flooding, heavy metals, and emerging pollutants, challenge plant growth and productivity by disturbing water relations, ion balance, redox homeostasis, membrane stability, energy metabolism, and developmental progression. Although substantial progress has been made in the identification of stress-responsive hormones, second messengers, kinases, transcription factors, transporters, and metabolic regulators, plant stress adaptation cannot be fully explained by linear signaling cascades or single tolerance genes. A major unresolved question is how early molecular events are reorganized into coordinated physiological and developmental outputs that support survival, recovery, and productivity. In this review, we propose an intermolecular interaction-driven adaptive remodeling framework for plant abiotic stress responses. This framework emphasizes that stress tolerance emerges from dynamic changes in receptor–ligand recognition, protein–protein interactions, calcium decoding, redox-sensitive modification, phosphorylation networks, transcriptional regulation, chromatin-associated control, and metabolite-mediated feedback. We further emphasize ROS as integrative redox switches that connect stress sensing, defense activation, senescence-related transitions, and recovery, and chromatin-associated mechanisms as regulators that may stabilize primed or memory-like adaptive states. We discuss how these interaction networks converge on core signaling hubs, including abscisic acid, reactive oxygen species, Ca2+, and kinase/phosphatase systems, and how they remodel stomatal behavior, root architecture, ion and pH homeostasis, redox buffering, metabolism, development, and reproductive resilience. We further highlight how natural variation, multi-omics, genome editing, high-throughput phenotyping, and field validation can translate interaction-centered stress biology into crop resilience. This perspective provides a conceptual bridge between molecular stress perception, network behavior, physiological adaptation, and climate-resilient agriculture. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 1470 KB  
Article
Does Environmental Enforcement Promote Agricultural Green Productivity? The Moderating Roles of Land Transfer and Insurance
by Qianhui Song and Qinming Liu
Agriculture 2026, 16(12), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16121360 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 87
Abstract
The green transition in agriculture is a key issue for achieving sustainable development. Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces covering the period from 2011 to 2022, this paper examines the relationship between environmental enforcement and agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), [...] Read more.
The green transition in agriculture is a key issue for achieving sustainable development. Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces covering the period from 2011 to 2022, this paper examines the relationship between environmental enforcement and agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), with a focus on analyzing the moderating effects of land transfer and agricultural insurance, as well as their synergistic threshold characteristics. The study employs two-way fixed-effects models, moderating effect models, and Hansen threshold regression methods for empirical analysis. The baseline regression results show a significant positive association between environmental enforcement and AGTFP. This conclusion remains robust after various tests, including truncation, replacement of core explanatory variables, difference GMM, and instrumental variables. The decomposition test shows that this positive correlation is mainly reflected through the channel of technological progress, rather than the improvement in technical efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive association is more pronounced in regions with high GDP, strong law enforcement capacity, and in northern regions. Moderation analysis reveals that both the land transfer rate and insurance depth positively moderate the relationship between environmental enforcement and AGTFP, and the two exhibit a synergistic effect. However, this synergistic effect exhibits nonlinear characteristics and may weaken or even reverse at extreme value intervals. A threshold model further reveals an asymmetric complementary relationship between the two institutional conditions. The moderating effect of land transfer is activated only after insurance depth crosses a threshold value, while the moderating effect of insurance depth is most effective during the small-scale farming stage. These findings suggest that environmental regulation policies should be advanced in coordination with land transfer and agricultural insurance systems, with a focus on institutional alignment and coordination. Full article
16 pages, 4228 KB  
Article
Spatial Coupling Between Cropland Loss and Rural Settlement Expansion in China’s Major Grain-Producing Region
by Zehong Gong, Han Xiao, Xing Wang and Sen Chang
Land 2026, 15(6), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15061096 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 101
Abstract
Cropland and rural settlements are core components of rural human–environment systems, and their coordinated development is crucial for regional sustainability, particularly in China’s major agricultural production regions. Taking the Huang-Huai-Hai region as the study area, this study systematically investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of [...] Read more.
Cropland and rural settlements are core components of rural human–environment systems, and their coordinated development is crucial for regional sustainability, particularly in China’s major agricultural production regions. Taking the Huang-Huai-Hai region as the study area, this study systematically investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of cropland and its coupling relationship with rural settlements using land use data from 1990 to 2020. Grid-based analysis and multiple spatial modeling methods were employed. The results show that: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the cropland in the region decreased by a net total of 21,021.94 km2, with annual dynamic degrees ranging from −0.13% to −0.28%. Cropland conversion to other land uses far exceeded conversion from others, with construction land being the primary destination. Among these, rural settlements and urban construction land accounted for 43.75% and 55.58% of the total cropland loss, respectively. (2) The spatial distribution of cropland exhibited a distinct pattern of “hot in the center and south, cold in the periphery and north” (Moran’s I = 0.232, p < 0.001), indicating significant positive spatial autocorrelation. Hot spot areas clustered in the North China Plain and the Huang-Huai Plain, while cold spot areas were distributed in the Yanshan–Taihang mountains and the hilly regions of the Shandong Peninsula, clearly controlled by topography. (3) Cropland change exhibited stage-specific characteristics. The pattern was relatively stable during 1990–2000. During 2000–2010, cropland conversion to other uses intensified, with high-value conversion areas concentrated around urban agglomerations. In the 2010–2020 period, these high-value conversion areas diffused from the core plain areas to urban fringe zones. (4) The spatial coupling between cropland and rural settlements was predominantly characterized by the Moderately Coordinated Type (MCT), accounting for 48.38–58.44% of the area. However, the proportion of Rural Settlement-Dominant Type (RC) increased from 15.51% to 21.58%, indicating a trend toward intensifying human–environment conflicts. Overall, the Huang-Huai-Hai region experienced significant cropland changes. While its spatial pattern remains relatively stable, the coupling relationship between cropland and rural settlements is deteriorating, posing challenges to regional food security and rural sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Utilization Trend of Farmland)
16 pages, 3903 KB  
Article
Spatial Distribution, Risk Assessment, and Source Apportionment of Heavy Metals in Soils from the Sorghum Cultivation Base in the Chishui River Basin, China
by Ziping Pan, Xiu Li, Yilu Yuan, Junchen Zhang, Yuting Jiang and Zengping Ning
Toxics 2026, 14(6), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060532 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
The Chishui River Basin, a core production area for Chinese sauce-aroma Baijiu (exemplified by Moutai), supports sorghum cultivation critical to the liquor’s distinctive quality. The soil environment quality within this region, therefore, directly impacts the safety and quality of both raw material and [...] Read more.
The Chishui River Basin, a core production area for Chinese sauce-aroma Baijiu (exemplified by Moutai), supports sorghum cultivation critical to the liquor’s distinctive quality. The soil environment quality within this region, therefore, directly impacts the safety and quality of both raw material and the final distilled spirit. To underpin the safe production and sustainable development of this iconic beverage, it is essential to assess soil heavy metal contamination in the soils and quantify the contributions from various sources. In this study, 172 surface soil samples were collected from typical sorghum planting bases in the Renhuai area. Concentrations of eight heavy metals (loids) (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined. The contamination status was evaluated using the geostatistical inverse distance weighting interpolation, the Nemerow pollution index (PN), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). Source identification and quantification were performed using the positive matrix factorization receptor model (PMF). Results revealed significant enrichment of Cd and Hg in the soil, with mean concentrations 2.07 times and 2.54 times the soil background values for Guizhou Province, respectively. Pollution index results (Pi, PN) indicated that soil Cd contamination is relatively severe, whereas contamination from other elements is minimal. Overall, approximately 86.5% of the study area was classified as clean or only slightly polluted. Cd poses a moderate ecological risk and was the primary contributor to the total ecological hazard. Other elements exhibited lower risk, resulting in a slight overall potential ecological risk. The soil environmental quality in certified organic sorghum bases was generally favorable. PMF analysis identified three principal sources: historic industrial emissions and traffic-related sources (contributing 46%), weathering of carbonate rocks combined with agricultural activities (37%), and natural background coupled with organic fertilizer application (17%). In conclusion, while the overall soil heavy metal pollution level in the sorghum planting areas is low, the notable enrichment and higher ecological risk of Cd necessitate enhanced dynamic monitoring and targeted risk control measures to ensure long-term soil health and product safety. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 2623 KB  
Review
The Research Progress in Targeted Therapy for Hypertension via Heat Shock Proteins
by Bowen Sun, Yiming Jiao, Lin Lin, Xinhai Cui, Chao Li and Yunlun Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125586 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 85
Abstract
As the core molecular chaperones of the cellular stress response, the heat shock protein (HSP) family has gained extensive attention for its role in the occurrence, development, and target organ damage of hypertension. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the research progress of [...] Read more.
As the core molecular chaperones of the cellular stress response, the heat shock protein (HSP) family has gained extensive attention for its role in the occurrence, development, and target organ damage of hypertension. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the research progress of the HSP family in the field of hypertension, and to analyze its key roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension, including its regulatory effects on key pathological processes such as endothelial dysfunction, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. It also summarized the potential value of HSPs as biomarkers in the early diagnosis, condition monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of hypertension. Moreover, it discussed in depth the efficacy and safety of intervention strategies targeting HSPs, including the regulation of HSPs by gene editing, the targeted effects of small-molecule inhibitors, and the modulatory effects of natural products. We need to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration mechanisms, accelerate the transformation of basic research results into clinical applications, carry out large-scale clinical trials, and develop specific modulators in the future, so as to ultimately provide solid scientific theoretical support and a practical clinical basis for the precise prevention and treatment of hypertension. The findings of this review not only provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of hypertension but also lay a theoretical foundation for the development of HSP-based biomarkers and targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecules)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 27380 KB  
Article
Identification of the SAUR Gene Family in Pinus massoniana and Analysis of Its Expression Patterns Under Drought Stress
by Manli Yang, Shuo Sun, Wenjuan Su, Yuke Ma, Xin Hu and Kongshu Ji
Biology 2026, 15(12), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15120962 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 197
Abstract
P. massoniana is an important native economic and ecological tree species in southern China, where seasonal drought has emerged as a critical factor limiting its productivity. The SAUR gene family, recognized as core early auxin-responsive genes, plays a crucial role in balancing plant [...] Read more.
P. massoniana is an important native economic and ecological tree species in southern China, where seasonal drought has emerged as a critical factor limiting its productivity. The SAUR gene family, recognized as core early auxin-responsive genes, plays a crucial role in balancing plant growth, development, and stress adaptation; however, research related to this family in conifers remains limited. Utilizing the chromosome-level genome of P. massoniana, this study identified 73 SAUR genes (PmSAUR1~73) through bioinformatics methods, systematically analyzing the physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and cis-acting elements. Combined with transcriptome sequencing and molecular experiments, the drought stress response patterns of these genes were further elucidated. The results indicated that PmSAUR genes predominantly encode alkaline proteins, primarily localized in mitochondria and nuclei, with an uneven distribution across nine chromosomes, where tandem duplication serves as the primary mechanism driving family expansion. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into seven subfamilies, which include both conserved clades homologous to angiosperms and branches specific to P. massoniana. All members contain the Auxin_inducible conserved domain, with motif1 identified as the core essential motif. Promoter regions were enriched with MeJA (methyl jasmonate)-responsive (56%), ABA-responsive, and drought stress-related cis-elements. Under drought stress, 38 PmSAUR genes exhibited diverse temporal expression patterns. Four key genes (PmSAUR14, PmSAUR28, PmSAUR54, and PmSAUR73), which are localized in the nucleus and exhibit high expression specifically in male cones or roots, were identified. These genes exhibit an expression pattern consistent with an auxin-negative response (i.e., repressed by IAA and induced by drought) and display a distinctive response pattern characterized by drought-induced upregulation coupled with IAA-mediated downregulation. This mechanism may contribute to the drought adaptation strategies of P. massoniana, involving regulatory processes for aboveground reproduction and adaptation of the underground root system. This study represents the first effort to elucidate the evolutionary characteristics and drought response patterns of the SAUR gene family in P. massoniana, thereby addressing the existing research gap regarding the functions of SAUR genes in coniferous trees. Furthermore, it offers candidate gene resources and theoretical support for the molecular breeding of stress resistance in P. massoniana. In addition, two auxin-induced SAUR genes (PmSAUR22 and PmSAUR37) were identified as contrasting examples, but the main focus of this study is on the four auxin-repressed genes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1580 KB  
Article
A Method for Purifying Pseudorabies Virus for Labeling the Neural Circuit by Using CaptoTM Core 700
by Rui Mei, Qinghan Wang, Kangyixin Sun, You Hu, Fuqiang Xu and Fan Jia
Separations 2026, 13(6), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13060181 - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 165
Abstract
Background: Viral vectors are indispensable tools in gene therapy and neural circuit mapping, offering promising therapeutic strategies for diverse genetic diseases and advancing neuroscience research. To achieve high transduction efficiency while mitigating impurity-induced immunogenicity, the development of viral vectors with improved purity and [...] Read more.
Background: Viral vectors are indispensable tools in gene therapy and neural circuit mapping, offering promising therapeutic strategies for diverse genetic diseases and advancing neuroscience research. To achieve high transduction efficiency while mitigating impurity-induced immunogenicity, the development of viral vectors with improved purity and quality is essential. However, this critical requirement is often unmet by conventional purification methods such as ultracentrifugation, which are time-consuming and frequently result in limited product purity. The pseudorabies virus (PRV) is extensively employed as a viral tool for mapping neural circuits, where improved purity contributes to enhanced accuracy of neural tracing. PRV531 is a retrograde trans-synaptic tracer modified from the PRV Bartha strain, specifically designed to facilitate the precise visualization of hierarchical neural networks. Methods: In this study, we developed a method for the concentration and purification of PRV531 by integrating hollow fiber ultrafiltration (HF) with CaptoTM Core 700 (CC700) chromatography. Initially, to concentrate the viral supernatant, a 500 kDa HF membrane was employed, maintaining a feed flow rate of 80 mL/min, a shear rate ranging from 2000 to 6000 s−1, and a transmembrane pressure (TMP) between 0.5 and 1 bar. Following concentration, the virus underwent purification through CC700 chromatography, operating at linear flow rates ranging from 100 to 300 cm/h. Results: Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed distinct bands consistent with the expected sizes of major PRV structural proteins, each with molecular weights ranging from 25 kDa to 150 kDa, concurrently demonstrating a substantial reduction in host cell proteins (HCPs) contamination. The purified PRV531 achieved a high final infectious titer of 3.55 × 109 PFU/mL, with an overall functional virus recovery of 8.88% from the crude supernatant to the final product. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that TFF combined with CC700 resin can efficiently purify retrograde trans-synaptic PRV tracer. Furthermore, this approach provides a promising strategy for purifying other viral-based tracers that traditionally rely on conventional centrifugation methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Purification Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 1772 KB  
Review
Horizontal Gene Transfer in Listeria monocytogenes: Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence in a One Health Context
by Georgeta Stefan, Maria Rodica Gurau, Nicoleta Ciocîrlie, Laurențiu Tudor, Stelian Bărăităreanu, Diana-Lidia Tache-Codreanu, Corina Sporea, Alexandru Gligor, Ionica Iancu and Viorel Herman
Biology 2026, 15(12), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15120961 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Although infection in immunocompetent individuals is often asymptomatic or limited to mild self-limiting gastroenteritis, Listeria monocytogenes may cause severe invasive disease in vulnerable groups, including [...] Read more.
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Although infection in immunocompetent individuals is often asymptomatic or limited to mild self-limiting gastroenteritis, Listeria monocytogenes may cause severe invasive disease in vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, neonates, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients. Although the incidence of listeriosis is relatively low compared with many other foodborne pathogens, the high hospitalization and mortality rates associated with clinical cases make this bacterium a major concern for food safety and public health. The evolutionary success of L. monocytogenes reflects the interaction between a conserved core genome and a dynamic accessory genome shaped by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), ecological selection, and expansion of specific clones. Transient intestinal carriage in humans and animals, potentially influenced by gut microbiome composition, creates ecological interfaces where plasmids, transposons, prophages, and integrative conjugative elements contribute to the exchange of antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence factors, and stress tolerance systems. Virulence diversification is further influenced by the differential distribution of pathogenicity islands such as LIPI-1, LIPI-3, and LIPI-4 across specific clonal lineages. These evolutionary processes occur across interconnected farm, food-production, environmental, and clinical ecosystems consistent with the One Health framework. Advances in whole-genome sequencing have clarified lineage-specific gene flow, expansion of specific clones, and the dynamics of the resistome and mobilome in L. monocytogenes populations. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mobile genetic elements and ecological interfaces that shape horizontal gene transfer in L. monocytogenes. Its novelty lies in integrating antimicrobial resistance, virulence-associated genomic islands, stress adaptation, and gut microbiome-mediated selection within a One Health and metapopulation framework. The main message of this review is that HGT should be interpreted as a context-dependent contributor to L. monocytogenes adaptation, acting together with clonal background, ecological selection, and mobile genetic elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop