Search Results (1,586)

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) associated with Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner offer a viable strategy to reduce synthetic inputs and enhance resilience in coffee agroecosystems. This review synthesizes evidence from the past decade on rhizosphere-associated and endophytic taxa, their plant growth-promotion and biocontrol mechanisms and the resulting agronomic outcomes. A compartment-specific core microbiome is reported, in the rhizosphere of both hosts, in which Bacillus and Pseudomonas consistently dominate. Within endophytic communities, Bacillus predominates across tissues (roots, leaves and seeds), whereas accompanying genera are host- and tissue-specific. In C. arabica, endophytes frequently include Pseudomonas in roots and leaves. In C. canephora, root endophytes recurrently include Burkholderia, Kitasatospora and Rahnella, while seed endophytes are enriched for Curtobacterium. Functionally, coffee-associated PGPB solubilize phosphate; fix atmospheric nitrogen via biological nitrogen fixation; produce auxins; synthesize siderophores; and express 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase. Indirect benefits include the production of antifungal and nematicidal metabolites, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes and elicitation of induced systemic resistance. Under greenhouse conditions, inoculation with PGPB commonly improves germination, shoot and root biomass, nutrient uptake and tolerance to drought or nutrient limitation. Notable biocontrol activity against fungal phytopathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes has also been documented. Key priorities for translation to practice should include (i) multi-site, multi-season field trials to quantify performance, persistence and economic returns; (ii) strain-resolved omics to link taxa to functions expressed within the plant host; (iii) improved bioformulations compatible with farm management and (iv) rationally designed consortia aligned with production goals and biosafety frameworks. Full article

The soil microbiome is an essential component of agroecosystems. However, managing it remains a challenge due to our limited knowledge of how various environmental factors interact and shape its spatial distribution. This study presents a hierarchical ecological model to explain the assembly of the microbiome in sloping agricultural landscapes. Through a comprehensive analysis of bacterial and fungal communities, as well as the examination of metabolic and phytopathogenic profiles across a topographic gradient, we have demonstrated that topography acts as the main filter, structuring bacterial communities. Land use, on the other hand, serves as a secondary filter, refining fungal functional guilds. Our results suggest that hydrological conditions in floodplains favor the growth of stress-tolerant bacterial communities with low diversity, dominated by Actinomycetota. Fungal communities, on the other hand, are directly influenced by land use. Long-term fallow periods lead to an enrichment of arbuscular mycorrhiza, while agroecosystems shift towards pathogenic and saprotrophic niches. Furthermore, we identify specific topographic positions that may be hotspots for phytopathogenic pressure. These hotspots are linked to certain taxa, such as Ustilaginaceae and Didymellaceae, which may pose a threat to plant health. The derived hierarchical model provides a scientific foundation for topography-aware precision agriculture. It promotes stratified management, prioritizing erosion control and soil restoration on slopes, customizing nutrient inputs in fertile floodplains, and implementing targeted phytosanitary monitoring in identified risk areas. Our research thus offers a practical framework for harnessing soil spatial variability to improve soil health and proactively manage disease risks in agricultural systems. Full article

Reducing dietary crude protein (CP) while sustaining growth performance and minimizing nitrogen emissions is a critical challenge in swine production. Beyond growth efficiency, the influence of low-protein diets (LPDs) on meat quality traits, gut microbiota, and systemic metabolism in finishing pigs remains insufficiently understood. In this study, 180 healthy crossbred finishing pigs (Duroc × Liangguang Small Spotted; initial body weight 85.49 ± 4.90 kg) were assigned to three dietary regimens for 35 days (six replicate pens per treatment, ten pigs per pen, male/female = 1:1): Control (CON, 15.5% CP), Low-Protein 1 (LP1, 14.5% CP), and Low-Protein 2 (LP2, 13.5% CP). Growth performance and nutrient digestibility were not impaired by protein reduction. Notably, LP1 pigs exhibited thicker backfat (p < 0.05), while LP2 pigs showed decreased concentrations of specific fatty acids (C12:0–C22:1n9) and essential amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine) compared with LP1 (p < 0.05), indicating that dietary protein levels affected muscle composition. Cecal microbiota analysis revealed distinct shifts, with Prevotella spp., Faecalibacterium spp., and Plesiomonas spp. enriched in CON, whereas LP1 promoted Eubacteriaceae spp., Christensenellaceae spp., and Clostridia spp. (p < 0.05). Serum metabolomics further distinguished groups: LP1 reduced bile secretion and cholesterol metabolism pathways (p < 0.05) and LP2 further suppressed cholesterol metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis (p < 0.05), with a trend toward reduced phenylalanine metabolism (p = 0.07). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that moderate dietary protein reduction, when balanced with essential amino acids, maintains growth, reduces nitrogen output, and beneficially alters muscle composition, gut microbiota, and host metabolic pathways, offering nutritional strategies to enhance pork quality and promote sustainable pig production. Full article

This study investigates the effects of typical planting patterns on soil nutrient accumulation and associated environmental impacts in agricultural reclamation areas of the southern Dianchi Lake Basin. Taking the cut flower cultivation area in Dahewei Village, Jinning District, Yunnan Province, as the research site, we compared soil physicochemical properties, nutrient contents, and their correlations with environmental factors under open-field and greenhouse cultivation, and analyzed the characteristics of soil fertility changes and non-point-source pollution risks in greenhouses. We found that greenhouse cultivation is associated with altered soil physicochemical properties, including smaller aggregate sizes, increased soil moisture content (from 30.15% to 32.20%), elevated pH values (from 7.11 to 7.23), and 79% higher electrical conductivity compared to open-field conditions (620.82 vs. 347.60 μS cm⁻¹, p < 0.01). Compared with open-field systems, greenhouse cultivation exhibited greater nutrient accumulation, particularly for total nitrogen (TN) and available potassium (AK) in the 0–10 cm topsoil layer, demonstrating pronounced surface enrichment. Additionally, greenhouse conditions showed weaker correlations between soil nutrients and meteorological factors but stronger inter-nutrient coupling. Enhanced soil moisture and temperature conditions were associated with reduced nutrient leaching but simultaneously increased surface nutrient enrichment and salinization risks. These findings provide quantitative evidence for precision fertilization strategies, optimized irrigation management, and targeted soil health interventions in intensive greenhouse systems. The results have practical applications for preventing surface nutrient accumulation and long-term salinization in protected agriculture. Full article

Benthic bacterial communities play a critical role in nutrient cycling and are highly sensitive to environmental pollution. This study aimed to investigate the physiological, compositional and functional responses of bacterial communities across a range of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) gradients in sediments from Lake Villarrica, Chile. Sediment samples were collected from 5 sites representing a gradient of nutrient pressure from the lake basin (NL < PuB < PoP < SL < VB). Nutrient forms (TC, TN, TP, TS, and OM) were chemically quantified. Community function was assessed via community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs) using Biolog^® EcoPlates (C substrates), PM3B (N substrates), and PM4A (P and S substrates). Function and composition were assessed based on total bacterial and functional nutrient-cycling gene abundances (16Sr RNA, chiA, mcrA, nifH, amoA, nosZ, phoD, pqqC, soxB, dsrA) using qPCR and 16S rRNA metabarcoding, respectively. In general, the CLPPs were higher for C substrates, followed by P, S, and N substrates, with metabolism of organic forms of these nutrients preferential, and P-cycling genes were the most abundant in the lake. Spatially, the most nutrient-enriched site (VB) showed a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher nutrient content (e.g., 5.4% TC, 0.54% TN, 1302.8 mg kg⁻¹ TP and 854.1 mg kg⁻¹ TS) and total bacterial abundance (2.9 × 10¹¹ gene copy g⁻¹ dw sediment) but displayed lower CLPPs (from 0.63 to 1.02 AWCD) and nutrient-cycling gene abundances (e.g., 9.1 × 10¹, 2.7 × 10³, 3.6 × 10³ and 4.7 × 10³ gene copy g⁻¹ dw sediment for chiaA, nifH, phoD and dsrA, respectively) compared to the less nutrient-enriched sites (e.g., NL). The bacterial community composition shifted accordingly, with Bacillota enriched in VB and Planctomycetota occurring more frequently in less nutrient-exposed sites. Functional prediction analysis revealed enhanced methanotrophy and sulfate respiration in nutrient-rich sediments, whereas nitrification and organic P (P_o) mineralization dominated in less impacted areas. The results demonstrate that nutrient enrichment constrains bacterial functional diversity in Lake Villarrica and, so, may be useful indicators of environmental stress to be considered in pollution monitoring programmes. Full article

Seed reproduction is a vital stage in the life cycle of plants. In coastal wetlands, where nutrient regimes are increasingly altered by climate change and anthropogenic inputs, understanding how long-term nutrient enrichment affects progeny seed germination and early seedling establishment is essential for predicting vegetation shifts. In this study, we conducted a long-term nutrient addition experiment (2015–2024) in the Yellow River Delta with three nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply levels (Low, Medium, and High) and three N:P ratios (5:1, 15:1, and 45:1) to examine the effects of nutrient enrichment on seed nutrient contents, germination, and early seedling growth characteristics of Suaeda salsa and Phragmites australis measured in late 2024. Results showed that long-term fertilization increased the P content in S. salsa seeds by 17.1% to 146.0%, whereas N content was less influenced. In contrast, both N and P contents of P. australis seeds remained relatively stable across treatments. The seed germination and early seedling growth of the two species responded differently to various fertilization treatments. S. salsa seeds showed higher sensitivity to long-term fertilization, with improved behaviors under high nutrient level or 5:1 supply ratio. In contrast, P. australis performed better under medium nutrient level or higher N:P ratios (15:1 or 45:1). Correlation analysis indicated that P content in S. salsa seeds was significantly positively correlated with germination percentage, germination rate, germination index, and early seedling biomass, while N content was significantly correlated only with biomass. No significant correlations were observed between seed nutrients and germination or early seedling growth in P. australis. These findings underscore species-specific strategies in response to long-term nutrient enrichment and may ultimately influence species coexistence, community succession, and the resilience of coastal wetlands under ongoing global change. Full article

The human BUD31 gene has been associated with various processes including cancer. To better understand its function, we used genetic methods to study Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells lacking the BUD31 homologous gene (cwf14) and performed sequence analysis using bioinformatics methods. Mutant cells lacking the cwf14 gene showed cell size and division defects, altered stress response, rapamycin sensitivity, enhanced chronological aging, and increased sporulation tendency. These processes are known to be regulated by the TOR pathway. The cwf14-TOR link was also supported by further experiments. We demonstrated that most protein-coding genes affected by cwf14 deletion are upregulated, encode hydrolases, oxidoreductases, and are often involved in transport. GO enrichment drew our attention to genes related to nitrogen transport, while additional data pointed to a nutrient/nitrogen (N) sensing problem. Although Cwf14 protein is associated with spliceosome complex, most genes affected by the absence of cwf14 do not contain introns, suggesting that they are influenced indirectly by the cwf14 gene. In silico experiments have revealed that BUD31 orthologous genes are found from yeast to humans, are evolutionarily conserved with a high degree of sequence identity, conserved motifs, and structures. Since the human gene partially complemented the mutant phenotype of S. pombe cells, indicating functional homology, our data can help better understand pathological mechanisms observed in human cancer cells. Full article

The growing interest in the commercial exploitation of the bioactive components of Dictyota species, including Dictyota kunthii due to its antifungal activity and use in the development of innovative bioproducts, depends on the availability of biomass. In this context, the cultivation of this species emerges as a promising alternative. This study examined thallus fragmentation and ligulae development as methods to produce D. kunthii. Accordingly, thalli were divided into apical, middle, and basal sections to generate the respective tissue fragments, which were cultured under controlled conditions. On the other hand, ligulae development was studied under different conditions of photon flux density (10, 35 and 65 µmol m⁻²s⁻¹); temperature (10, 17 °C); photoperiod (8:16, 12:12, 16:08 h [Light:Dark]), and seawater enrichment:Basfoliar^®, Compo Expert, Krefeld, Germany and von Stosch solutions. The results show that fragmented thalli were non-viable, exhibiting neither wound healing nor regeneration at the cut sites. Furthermore, no buds or new branches were formed. In contrast, ligulae developed under all tested conditions, with nutrients, light, temperature, and photon flux enhancing apical cell formation and branching. We conclude that ligulae can effectively be used as propagules to cultivate fast-growing, branched D. kunthii plantlets. Accordingly, we recommend using a suspended culture system at 17 °C with a 12:12 (Light:Dark) photoperiod and 65 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ light intensity, as well as adding nutrients (Basfoliar^® at 0.1 mL L⁻¹). Under these conditions, growth rates equal to or exceeding 10% d⁻¹ can be achieved, supporting the feasibility of scaling up to larger volumes for biomass production. Full article

Concrete-lined river channels are generally assumed to prevent groundwater exchange, functioning as inert conduits that isolate surface flow. Along the Upper Los Angeles River of Southern California, United States, however, field observations show that during dry summer months, groundwater seepage contributes nearly half of the dry-weather flow to a 9.5-km concrete-lined reach above Sepulveda Basin. This baseflow substantially modifies river chemistry, diluting some solutes while enriching others. To characterize these interactions, hydrochemical sampling was conducted in summer 2022, with additional selenium and tritium analyses from 2024 to 2025, covering tributaries, river sites, groundwater seeps, wastewater discharges, and tap water. Analyses included major ions, nutrients, selenium, and tritium. Upstream tributaries were highly saline (TDS ≈ 1670 mg/L; sulfate up to 980 mg/L; chloride ≈ 280 mg/L), whereas groundwater was moderately saline (TDS 990 to 1765 mg/L) but contained elevated nitrate-nitrogen (5.8 to 12.9 mg/L) and selenium (4.5–44.0 µg/L). Mixing analysis indicated that approximately 45% of the river’s dry-weather flow (~70.5 L/s) originated from groundwater, increasing riverine selenium above the 5 µg/L aquatic-life criterion. Downstream, where the concrete lining ends, wastewater inflows from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant reduced salinity but introduced additional nitrate-nitrogen. The results reveal a three-part sequence; saline tributary inputs at the headwaters, groundwater-driven nitrate and selenium enrichment within the lined reach, and effluent dilution downstream. These findings demonstrate that even concrete-lined channels can host active groundwater–surface water exchange, highlighting the need to incorporate such interactions in urban river management and channel design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic complication of prematurity, associated with significant morbidity. Nutrition is a key modifiable factor influencing lung growth, repair, and overall development. This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional strategies for BPD prevention and management. Methods: Narrative review was conducted with literature search in major databases using relevant keywords. Results: Early nutritional deficits are strongly associated with BPD. Higher early protein (3.5–4 g/kg/day) and energy intake (>60 kcal/kg/day in the first week, with progressive increases) reduce ventilator dependence. Lipids are essential to achieve caloric goals. Fluid restriction may reduce BPD risk but often results in undernutrition. Nutrient density, rather than fluid volume, is critical. Enteral nutrition, particularly mother’s own milk, consistently reduces BPD risk, whereas formula feeding is linked to higher BPD incidence. In established BPD, nutritional requirements are substantially increased. Feeding is frequently complicated by fluid restriction, gastroesophageal reflux, and poor oral coordination. Management strategies include higher energy intake (130–150 kcal/kg/day), adequate protein provision (3.5–4 g/kg/day), and careful use of lipid-based energy sources. Fortified human milk or enriched preterm formulas are essential, with individualized fortification improving growth. Micronutrient support is critical, and long-term follow-up is required, as post-discharge growth remains vulnerable and predicts later outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional strategies to mitigate BPD should focus on early optimization of protein and energy intake, prioritization of nutrient density and promotion of human milk feeding. Targeted micronutrient support, individualized fortification and multidisciplinary care are essential to improve pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Full article

The rapid expansion of global aquaculture has led to wastewater enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, antibiotics, and heavy metals, posing serious risks such as eutrophication, ecological imbalance, and public health threats. Conventional physical, chemical, and biological treatments face limitations including high cost, secondary pollution, and insufficient efficiency, limiting sustainable wastewater management. Algal–bacterial symbiotic systems (ABSS) provide a sustainable alternative, coupling the metabolic complementarity of microalgae and bacteria for effective pollutant mitigation and concurrent biomass valorization. Immobilizing microbial consortia within carrier materials enhances system stability, tolerance to environmental changes, and scalability. This review systematically summarizes the pollution characteristics and ecological risks of aquaculture effluents, highlighting the limitations of conventional treatment methods. It focuses on the metabolic cooperation within ABSS, including nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation, the impact of environmental factors, and the role of immobilization carriers in enhancing system performance and biomass resource valorization. Despite their potential, ABSS still face challenges related to mass transfer limitations, complex microbial interactions, and difficulties in scale-up. Future research should focus on improving environmental adaptability, regulating microbial dynamics, designing intelligent and cost-effective carriers, and developing modular engineering systems to enable robust and scalable solutions for sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: People in the developed world tend to consume food that is rich in calories but lacks sufficient nutrients such as essential minerals, vitamins, and other health-promoting metabolites. At the same time, hunger and malnutrition are still problems in other countries. Therefore, various forms of micronutrient deficiencies and diseases caused by unbalanced nutrition are global issues. Methods: In order to elucidate the beneficial potential of alternative food sources, we employed state-of-the-art UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS technologies to perform comprehensive metabolome and metallome analyses of five edible European plants, some of which are known as underutilized crops: Achillea millefolium, Agastache rugosa, Cercis siliquastrum, Crithmum maritimum, and Mespilus germanica. Results: This study reveals valuable nutritional properties such as high levels of essential amino acids, sugars, organic acids, health-promoting secondary metabolites, and essential microelements that are important for human diet. The analyzed samples indicate that A. millefolium, C. siliquastrum, and M. germanica could be marked as a viable source of beneficial flavonoids. In turn, both leaves and fruits of A. rugosa had elevated abundances of organic acids, along with A. millefolium and C. siliquastrum. Similar results were observed for amino acids. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, the fruits of C. siliquastrum could be described as the best source for most of the identified compounds. The M. germanica samples were rich in mineral contents, with indications that they can supply 26% of the recommended daily intake per 100 g for K, 16% for Mg, 26% for Fe, 63% for Mn, and 89% for B. The leaves of C. maritimum and A. millefolium are also a good source of K and Mn. Interestingly, the sampled leaves of C. maritimum contained a very high amount of B, representing more than three times the reference nutrient value for 100 g of plant material. In conclusion, these underutilized species can be used to diversify the European food systems by enriching our diets with essential nutrients and health-promoting metabolites. Full article

Efficient composting is essential for sustainable organic waste management, yet conventional monitoring approaches are limited by single-parameter measurements and delayed response. This study presents an integrated sensor–AI framework designed to capture the interaction between thermal, chemical, and environmental factors governing composting. A distributed in-pile sensor network continuously measured temperature, moisture, and pH, while ambient parameters and gaseous emissions (O₂, CO₂, CH₄) were recorded to validate process dynamics. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression modeling, were applied to quantify parameter interdependencies and the influence of external conditions. Results showed strong positive associations between temperature, moisture, and CO₂, and an inverse relationship with O₂, indicating active microbial respiration and accelerated decomposition. The validated sensors maintained high accuracy (±0.5 °C, ±3%, ±0.1 pH units) and supported real-time feedback control, leading to improved nutrient enrichment (notably N, P, and K) in the final compost. The framework demonstrates a transition from static measurement to intelligent, feedback-driven management, providing a scalable and reliable platform for optimizing compost quality and advancing sustainable waste-to-resource applications. Full article

Global consumer demand for probiotic-enriched functional foods has increased as consumers become increasingly aware of the connection between what they eat and its role in their long-term health. Compared with conventional foods that primarily deliver fundamental nutrients, functional foods include biologically active compounds capable of influencing physiological processes. While traditionally used probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are still at the center of this trend, there is growing interest in the exploration of emerging and novel microbial candidates that harbor new functional properties. This review addresses the characterization, modes of action, technological limitations, regulatory guidelines, and prospective health benefits of new probiotic strains in functional foods. The review further highlights the need for precise strain selection, novel encapsulation technologies for viability, and strict safety assessments in accordance with EFSA’s QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) and the United States FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) specifications. Current research focuses on the classical benefits of probiotics, including gut microbiota modulation, immunomodulation, antimicrobial activity, lowering of cholesterol, and mental health. However, long-term clinical validation, strain specificity, personalized application, and effective communication to consumers are some areas where gaps remain. Addressing these challenges through the incorporation of omics technologies, synthetic biology, and more detailed microbiome–host interaction studies will be the key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation probiotics and sustaining consumer trust in this emerging market. Full article

Rising atmospheric CO₂ is expected to fertilize forest photosynthesis; yet, ecosystem-scale observations often reveal muted responses, creating a critical knowledge gap in global climate projections. In this review, we explore this paradox by moving beyond the traditional ‘CO₂ fertilization’ paradigm. We propose an integrated framework that positions elevated CO₂ as a complex modulator whose net effect is determined by a hierarchy of cross-scale constraints. At the plant level, photosynthetic acclimation acts as a universal first brake on the initial biochemical potential. At the ecosystem level, nutrient availability—primarily nitrogen in temperate/boreal systems and phosphorus in the tropics—emerges as the dominant bottleneck limiting long-term productivity gains. Furthermore, interactions with the water cycle, such as increased water-use efficiency, create state-dependent dynamic responses. By synthesizing evidence from pivotal Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) experiments, we systematically evaluate these constraining factors. We conclude that accurately predicting the future of the forest carbon sink necessitates a paradigm shift: from single-factor analysis to multi-stressor approaches, and from ecosystem-scale observations to an integrated understanding that links these phenomena to their underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. This review provides a roadmap for future research and informs more realistic strategies for forest management and climate mitigation in a high-CO₂ world. Full article