Search Results (1,525)

Ratoon rice is a unique cropping system that utilizes the regenerative capacity of rice tillers to achieve one sowing with two harvests in a single growing season, thus exhibiting great yield potential. However, the ratooning ability is often constrained by impaired root function after the first harvest. In this study, we established an integrated nutrient management (INM) strategy to enhance root growth and function, thereby improving nutrient use efficiency and yield. Compared with farmers’ conventional management (FCM), INM increased annual total yield by 7.8% and 13.9% and enhanced ratooning ability by 20.7% and 19.0% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. INM consistently maintained higher root biomass in both main and ratoon crops: by 26.9% and 54.0% in 2024, and by 44.8% and 26.0% in 2025. Root biomass was significantly and positively correlated with brown rice weight across both seasons, and was positively associated with ratooning ability. INM also promoted early root establishment after transplanting, increasing the white-root number by 105.7%, 175.0%, and 484.8% at 3, 5, and 14 days after transplanting (DAT), respectively. Meanwhile, the xylem sap exudation rate and root triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction activity were increased by 37.4% and 64.5% relative to FCM. In the 2024 ratoon season, INM improved nutrient use efficiency, with partial factor productivity (PFP) of nitrogen (PFP_N), phosphorus (PFP_P), and potassium (PFP_K) increased by 371.0%, 59.3%, and 91.1%, respectively. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed significant enrichment of gene sets involved in root growth, development, nutrient acquisition, and assimilation under INM, providing molecular evidence for root-mediated nutrient synergy. In summary, INM enhances root growth and function, promotes nutrient uptake and utilization, and consequently improves yield. These results offer a practical management strategy supported by physiological and transcriptomic evidence for boosting ratoon rice production via root-mediated nutrient synergies. Full article

Soil-borne diseases pose a severe threat to global agricultural production and food security. Traditional chemical control methods face significant challenges, including environmental pressure, pathogen resistance, and food safety concerns. The rhizosphere microbial community, often termed the plant’s ‘second genome’, plays a pivotal role in maintaining plant health and defending against pathogen invasion. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) construction, and rhizosphere metabolomics have significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms by which rhizosphere microbiomes suppress soil-borne diseases. This review systematically summarizes the following: 1. key drivers of rhizosphere microbial community assembly, particularly plant “cry for help” signaling; 2. core beneficial microbial taxa and their disease-suppressive mechanisms; 3. the critical role of microbial interaction networks; 4. microbiome-based management strategies and their application progress; and 5. current challenges and future research directions. Compared with previous reviews that separately discussed rhizosphere microbiota, disease-suppressive soils, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), or prebiotics, this review uniquely integrates multiple levels of regulation, from plant genetic determinants (‘M genes’) and root exudate-mediated ‘crying for help’ to microbiome engineering (SynComs and prebiotics) and cross-kingdom interactions (bacteria–fungi–protists–phages). A central conceptual axis of ‘M genes → microbiome engineering → breeding’ is proposed, bridging plant genetics, microbial ecology, and crop improvement for durable disease suppression. Ultimately, this work aims to provide a theoretical foundation for developing efficient and sustainable green control technologies against soil-borne diseases. Full article

In arid and semi-arid regions where soil sandification is widespread, soil drying simultaneously reduces water availability and increases mechanical impedance, yet how rhizosphere carbon inputs regulate this coupling remains unclear. We investigated whether a synthetic root exudate (SRE, glucose) alters the moisture range and time window in which penetrometer resistance (PR) increases during drying across soils with contrasting sand contents. Volumetric water content (θ) and PR were measured concurrently at fixed drying times, from which PR-θ sensitivity metrics and a reference threshold (PR = 2 MPa) were derived. Relative to the control, SRE maintained a higher θ from day 3 onward but also increased PR, shifting the main PR sensitivity window toward wetter conditions and maximum sensitivity was amplified about 3.5-fold at intermediate sand contents. SRE also caused responsive soils to cross the 2 MPa threshold 1.0–1.5 days earlier. Overall, this model system highlights a rhizosphere-driven trade-off: low-molecular-weight carbon inputs can retain moisture while accelerating drying-induced hardening risk toward wetter conditions, with the strongest effects at intermediate sandification levels. These findings provide process-level insight that may inform sustainable soil and water management in arid and semi-arid sandy agroecosystems. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly. Increasing attention has been directed toward lipid metabolism as a potential contributor to disease onset and progression. The overlap between AMD and atherosclerosis—particularly regarding lipid accumulation, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation—has prompted interest in lipid-lowering therapies. This narrative review synthesizes the clinical evidence published between 2020 and 2025 on the potential role of statins and fenofibrate in AMD risk modification and disease progression. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using combined MeSH and free-text terms related to lipid-lowering agents and AMD. Human studies evaluating clinical incidence or progression outcomes were considered alongside contextual evidence from prior evidence syntheses. Overall, findings remain heterogeneous. Most studies did not demonstrate a consistent association between statin therapy and AMD incidence or progression in unselected populations. However, selected reports suggested a potential delay in dry AMD onset or slower disease progression among patients receiving prolonged or higher-intensity statin treatment. Evidence regarding fenofibrate was more limited and heterogeneous, with only a tentative protective signal observed in adherent users, particularly for non-exudative AMD. The current literature does not support lipid-lowering therapy as a universal preventive strategy for AMD. Nonetheless, subgroup-specific benefits cannot be excluded, especially in early disease stages or metabolically high-risk populations. Further well-designed prospective and randomized studies are needed to clarify therapeutic relevance and identify the patients who are most likely to benefit. Full article

Pythiosis is a neglected infectious disease caused by the aquatic oomycete Pythium insidiosum and remains underrecognized in cattle, particularly in tropical regions. Here, we report the first molecularly confirmed outbreak of bovine pythiosis in the Amazon biome, affecting more than 400 animals raised under extensive production systems and areas with prolonged exposure to standing water. Clinically affected cattle presented ulcerative and exudative cutaneous lesions, predominantly involving the distal limbs. Given the diagnostic challenges associated with pythiosis, etiological confirmation was achieved through quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of P. insidiosum, providing rapid and specific molecular detection during the outbreak investigation. Therapeutic interventions were implemented as part of routine field management, including intramuscular triamcinolone combined with topical copper sulfate; this regimen was associated with clinical improvement in a substantial proportion of affected animals, though treatment efficacy was not formally evaluated. The outbreak occurred in flood-prone pastures during the rainy season, highlighting the role of aquatic environments in pathogen transmission. These findings expand the current understanding of bovine pythiosis in tropical ecosystems and underscore the importance of molecular diagnostics, outbreak surveillance, and a One Health approach for the identification and management of water-associated pathogens in livestock. Full article

To compare the genetic causes, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of syndromic and non-syndromic familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). A total of 281 patients with FEVR who underwent clinical and genetic evaluation at five ophthalmological institutions in Japan between 2010 and 2023 were included. Whole-exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, or karyotype analysis was performed using blood samples from probands and available family members. Clinical characteristics of FEVR probands were assessed according to the presence or absence of systemic abnormalities. Among the 281 FEVR probands, 42 (15%) had syndromic FEVR and 239 (85%) had non-syndromic FEVR. Syndromic FEVR was more frequently diagnosed during infancy (95% vs. 57%, p < 0.0001) and occurred more often in sporadic cases (69% vs. 50%, p = 0.028). Variants in Norrin/β-catenin signaling genes were less common in syndromic FEVR (29% vs. 54%, p = 0.0026), whereas symmetrical retinal severity was more frequently observed (67% vs. 39%, p = 0.001). Sex distribution did not differ between groups. Pathogenic variants were identified in 71% of syndromic cases, most commonly in KIF11, NDP, CTNNB1, DOCK6, TSPAN12, and LRP5. Syndromic FEVR exhibits distinct and heterogeneous genetic and clinical features compared with non-syndromic FEVR. Genotype–phenotype characterization may enable earlier diagnosis. Full article

Invasion by Spartina alterniflora has detrimental effects on existing ecosystems. Studies have shown that microorganisms can control plant growth and development. However, the root-associated community structures of bacteria, archaea, and fungi of S. alterniflora have rarely been investigated. Here, we applied metagenomics to reveal the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities across four root compartments, including the bulk soil, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere. Our findings revealed the variation in different community structures. The bacterial and fungal communities exhibited greater potential environmental flexibility than the archaeal community. The endosphere environment had the simplest microbial networks and highest stability. Additionally, we identified root-exuded metabolites from S. alterniflora, which may influence microbial community assembly. Our results indicate that the rhizoplane plays a crucial role in controlling microbial entry into the root, selectively recruiting beneficial microbes for plant growth and colonization, thereby impacting nutrient cycling and plant health. This study provides insights into microbial diversity and function within the S. alterniflora root zone and suggests potential microbial-based strategies for managing this invasive species. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been collected and used to promote plant growth and enhance disease tolerance of various crops. In the current work, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CAKS2, an endophytic strain isolated from the rhizosphere of sweet orange, exhibited both growth promotion and antimicrobial activities. Under the in vitro condition, the CAKS2 showed multiple plant growth-promoting properties such as phosphate, potassium, and calcium solubilization, nitrogen fixation as well as production of siderophores, IAA, ammonia, exopolysaccharides, hydrogen cyanide, and biofilm formation. This P. aeruginosa strain inhibited the growth of different tested fungal and bacterial pathogens. Under the in vivo condition, the CAKS2 enhanced sweet orange plant growth, indicated by increases in the root and shoot lengths, the leaf number, and the total biomass. The biochemical components and the transcription levels of genes related to plant hormone biosynthesis were altered in the CAKS2-inoculated sweet orange. Under the in vivo infection of C. gloeosporioides, the CAKS2 reduced the diameter of lesions on orange leaves and harvested fruits and decreased disease severity and incidence at the whole plant level. The whole genome sequence of CAKS2 showed the presence of candidate genes involved in different molecular pathways contributing to plant-promoting and biocontrol properties. Importantly, certain changes in the expression of gene response for plant growth promotion and biocontrol were observed when the CAKS2 was exposed to sweet orange root exudates. This study highlights P. aeruginosa CAKS2 as a potential PGPR strain for enhancing plant growth and C. gloeosporioides tolerance in sweet orange and other citrus plants. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major global health challenge, driving the search for novel antimicrobial compounds from natural sources. Filamentous fungi are prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, yet the biological potential of fungal guttation droplets remains relatively underexplored. In this study, guttation droplets produced by Penicillium pimiteouiense and Penicillium menonorum, isolated from rhizospheric soils of Opuntia spp. in Colima, Mexico, were evaluated for antibacterial activity against clinically relevant pathogens. Fungal isolates were identified through macromorphological characterization and sequence analysis of ITS and β-tubulin genes. Antibacterial activity of the guttation droplets was evaluated using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution assays to determine inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory volume (MIV), and minimum bactericidal volume (MBV). The exudates exhibited measurable activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus. Guttation droplets from P. pimiteouiense showed the highest inhibition, with zones up to 24.4 mm against S. enterica, and activity comparable to gentamicin. MBV/MIV ratios indicated bactericidal activity against selected pathogens, including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. These findings demonstrate that fungal guttation droplets represent a promising and underexplored source of antibacterial compounds and support their potential for antimicrobial discovery. Full article

Castanopsis hystrix (C. hystrix) is one of the most dominant and ecologically important species in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests of China. Interactions between its root and rhizosphere microorganisms play a pivotal role in nutrient acquisition and in mediating plant response s to environmental stresses. In this study, high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing combined with untargeted metabolomics was employed to systematically characterize the rhizosphere microbial community and root exudates in C. hystrix. The results showed that, compared with non-rhizosphere soil, bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of C. hystrix was significantly reduced, while several specialized and potentially efficient taxa were selectively enriched, particularly Candidatus_Solibacter, Candidatus_Xiphinematobacter, and Candidatus_Koribacter, thereby reshaping a distinct rhizosphere-specific community structure. Metabolomic analyses further revealed that 129 metabolites were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere, including four major classes of compounds associated with plant stress resistance: lipids and lipid-like molecules, organoheterocyclic compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and phenylpropanoids and polyketides. The enrichment of these metabolites likely contributes substantially to stress tolerance in C. hystrix. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified six defense-related metabolic pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, nucleotide metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC transporters), and the biosynthesis of various plant secondary metabolites. Further correlation analysis and co-occurrence network analysis suggested that C. hystrix may potentially influence the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms through rhizosphere metabolites selectively, which could reduce the reliance on external nutrient acquisition and enhance the stress resilience of C. hystrix. Our study provides a comprehensive perspective for elucidating rhizosphere interaction networks and their ecological functions in C. hystrix, thereby enhancing our understanding of the environmental adaptability of dominant tree species in subtropical forests. Full article

Soil- and plant-associated fungi and bacteria are an important part of many ecosystems as they can affect plant health, growth and stress tolerance. However, it remains poorly understood whether the microbiomes differ between conifer species growing in the same site conditions and between tree ecosystem compartments. The main aim of the study was to describe and compare the microbiomes of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), growing in a boreal forest common garden experiment on adjacent forest plots, to analyse the tree species effect on the composition of the needle and surface soil organic-mineral horizon microbiomes. The needle and surface soil organic-mineral horizon bacterial and fungal microbiomes were simultaneously analysed by full-length 16S and ITS sequencing on a long-read sequencing platform; however, the bacterial analysis was restricted to soil samples. The highly abundant bacterial phyla in both pine and spruce soil were Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota, Planctomycetota and Acidobacteriota. The dominant fungal phyla in pine and spruce surface organic-mineral soil was Basidiomycota, while the needles were dominated by Ascomycota. The results showed an effect of tree species on the soil bacterial and fungal microbiomes and needle fungal microbiomes based on alpha diversity, which was higher for Norway spruce compared to Scots pine. The results indicated that Norway spruce might be able to support higher microbial diversity, which could potentially be due to differences in needle longevity, root exudates, litter input and its degradation, between pine and spruce. Furthermore, the results indicated distinct microbiomes between the soil and needle compartments. Full article

The management of diabetic chronic wounds (DFUs) is challenging due to persistent bacterial colonization, impaired neovascularization, and disordered inflammation. We engineered a multifunctional photothermal hydrogel (PPCS) by integrating CuS nanoparticles and high-concentration sucrose to establish a dual-action therapeutic cascade: potent antibacterial eradication followed by pro-angiogenic stimulation. Upon NIR irradiation, the PPCS system executes a combinatorial anti-infective mechanism: CuS-mediated photothermal effect and ROS generation are amplified by sucrose’s hyperosmotic pressure, achieving 99.3% bacterial eradication. Beyond sterilization, the hydrogel acts as a Cu²⁺ sustained-release depot, significantly promoting HUVEC proliferation and migration. This pro-angiogenic effect is mechanistically linked to the upregulation of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling, accelerating neovascularization. Furthermore, sucrose efficiently manages wound exudate, maintaining a repair-conducive microenvironment. In a diabetic rat model, the PPCS dressing demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy, achieving an accelerated wound closure rate of 99.4% by Day 14, significantly surpassing the control group’s 78.9%. This work presents a tailored hydrogel platform that effectively targets both persistent infection and impaired vascularization, offering a precise and highly efficient therapeutic modality for the clinical management of diabetic chronic wounds. Full article

Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal biomaterial for next-generation clinical wound dressings due to its biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. Cell therapies for wound healing have explored using SF as the base for delivering beneficial cargo; however, retention is poor due to exudate “wash out.” To address concerns with the premature release of cargo from SF-fabricated wound dressings, we utilized amine-reactive chemistry to conjugate SF mats with azido-reactive dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) that can then attach complementary azido-tagged cargo through chemoselective immobilization. SF mats were made using electrospinning of a 1:1 SF/PCL solution and were then conjugated with N-Hydroxysuccinimide-dibenzocyclooctyne ester (DBCO). PBS soaking was used for control SF mats. SF mats were then imaged and characterized using the following metrics: pore size, fiber alignment, fiber distribution, fiber diameter, ultimate tensile strength, tangent modulus, proteolytic degradation, absorption, and retention. Successful DBCO conjugation of SF mats was confirmed through the presence of the Az-Cy5 dye while exhibiting no significant changes to the DBCO SF mats in any of the tested metrics compared to controls. Our results provide evidence that the amine chemistry responsible for the DBCO conjugation does not alter important SF mat properties. This confirms that DBCO augmentation paired with Az-Cy5 tags may be a viable approach for immobilizing different therapeutic cargoes to aid wound healing efforts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many products that claim to have anti-aging effects have been reported, but their relative potency is not clear. In this study, the in vitro replicative lifespan extension (RLE) activity of various groups of physiologically active substances was compared by using the updated “overlay method”. Methods: Human dermal and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HDFa, HPLF) were inoculated into the inner 60 wells of 96-well microplate, surround by sterile water to prevent the water evaporation. At Day 1 and Day 8, the cells were overlayed with wide ranges of concentrations (0.01–100 µM) of samples without medium change. Viable cell number was measured by the MTT method at Day 15 and then corrected for the variation in cell growth due to the location of inoculated cells. The RLE value was calculated as the maximum cell proliferation rate relative to the control. Results: Cell density of HDFa and HPLFs at subculture decreased with the passage number, and their growth was stopped at 56 or 85 population doubling levels (PDLs), respectively. Hydrocortisone showed the highest RLE values among six hormones, followed by three plant extracts, sodium ascorbate and quercetin. On the other hand, other antioxidants, chlorogenic acid, phenylpropanoids, vanilloids, and bacterial products showed little or no RLE effects. However, for HPLF cells, hydrocortisone did not show RLE effects while oxytocin showed slight stimulation. Conclusions: When differences in proliferation due to cell seeding position were corrected, the biphasic dose response curve of most of the compounds significantly reduced. The present study suggests the significant role of hormones for the regulation of the long-term aging process. To confirm systemic or clinical anti-aging effects, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed. Full article

The cultivation of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is plagued by two serious issues: “asparagus decline” and “asparagus replant problem”. The average lifespan of an asparagus plant is 15 to 20 years. However, its productivity decreases after a few years (asparagus decline). Even when these asparagus plants are replaced with new ones, the new plants remain unproductive (asparagus replant problem). The main causes of these problems are a Fusarium infection and asparagus autotoxicity. Several reviews have been conducted on Fusarium. Despite the accumulation of evidence on asparagus autotoxicity in the literature over the past four decades, no review has focused specifically on asparagus autotoxicity. It has been reported that asparagus growth is inhibited by asparagus root residues, leachates, root exudates, and rhizosphere soils. Several phenylpropanoids, including trans-cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, have been identified as asparagus autotoxic substances in these root residues, root exudates, rhizosphere soils, growth media, and/or plant tissues. Tryptophan, 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid, and iso-agatharesinol were also identified as asparagus autotoxic substances. These substances may cause autotoxicity by disrupting phytohormone levels, cellular metabolism, impairing membrane function, and by inducing oxidative stress. Although cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids have been reported to act as antibiotics, these compounds have also been shown to weaken the defense mechanisms of asparagus against pathogen infection, and enhance the Fusarium pathogenicity. The presence of these autotoxic substances, coupled with a Fusarium infection, may create a vicious cycle that worsens “asparagus decline” and “asparagus replant problem”. This is the first review to focus on the asparagus autotoxicity. Full article