Search Results (420)

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water quality of the Sidi Mohammed Ben Taiba (SMBT), one of the largest drinking water reservoirs in northwestern Algeria, by integrating chemical and biological indicators. The assessment combines the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI), the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), the Organic Pollution Index (OPI) and zooplankton-based biological indicators (Zoo-IQ). A total of 23 physicochemical parameters were analyzed and interpreted using multivariate statistical approaches. This study fills an important knowledge gap by evaluating long-term temporal variability (January 2018–May 2025) and recent spatial heterogeneity (June 2023–May 2025), aiming to support sustainable water management. The results indicate that the reservoir water quality is generally suitable for drinking purposes (22.3 < DWQI < 54.0), is deemed excellent for agricultural irrigation (65 < IWQI < 69) and that the reservoir surface waters are slightly polluted to unpolluted (0.3 < OPI < 1.1). However, a deterioration in water quality has been detected in recent years, linked to increasing nutrient concentrations, as confirmed by the TSI–SD index. Despite the early signs of nutrient enrichment, the Zoo-IQ index remained within the moderate to good range, suggesting a certain degree of resilience in the zooplankton community. However, pronounced seasonal fluctuations observed in the Zoo-IQ and species diversity (H′) during periods of environmental stress serve as an early warning signal of emerging problems that may negatively affect water quality indices (WQI, IWQI, OPI). Station S4, located at the confluence of Wadi Belhassen and Wadi Farhat, descending from the Dahra mountain range in Algeria, has been identified as the most sensitive area and a potential hotspot for future pollution. The study provides robust data on the quality of reservoir water, offering a valuable decision-making tool for artificial reservoir managers and contributing to sustainable water management by identifying risk areas and supporting the implementation of preventive measures. Full article

Fruit anthocyanins are primary determinants of color, sensory quality, and nutritional value in grapes; however, their endogenous biosynthesis is governed by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, agronomic, and postharvest factors. This review elaborates recent advances in physiology and molecular biology to clarify the biosynthetic mechanisms in grapes, including the coordinated action of structural enzymes, MYB–bHLH–WD40 regulatory complexes, hormone-mediated signaling pathways, and vacuolar transport processes. Key environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, water availability, and soil properties, regulate these networks, contributing to significant variation in pigmentation profiles across cultivars and growing regions. Strategic agronomic practices, including canopy management, regulated deficit irrigation, balanced nutrient management, and temperature-mitigation techniques, further influence pigmentation by modifying the microclimate of the fruit zone during development. Based on these mechanistic insights, this review evaluates targeted strategies for enhancing anthocyanin accumulation, highlighting recent progress in genetic improvement through CRISPR/Cas genome editing, transgenic approaches, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), which enable precise modulation of biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Complementary postharvest interventions, such as optimized cold storage, modified-atmosphere packaging, hormonal elicitors, and controlled oxidative technologies, provide additional opportunities to maintain or enhance pigment stability after harvest. Collectively, these advances establish a comprehensive framework linking molecular regulation with practical vineyard, breeding, and postharvest strategies, offering an integrated pathway to improve anthocyanin consistency, berry quality, and the phenolic characteristics of grape-derived products. Full article

Pregnancy is characterized by progressive maternal hyperlipidemia, including increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, with dynamic fluctuations in high-density lipoprotein. Excess maternal free fatty acids induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, activation of inflammatory pathways, and epigenetic remodeling in the placenta and fetal tissues. These molecular alterations impair placental lipid transport and nutrient sensing, leading to hypertrophy of fetal liver, myocardium, and adipose tissue, while disrupting neonatal glucose and lipid homeostasis and increasing susceptibility to perinatal complications and long-term metabolic disorders. This review aims to evaluate mechanistic pathways linking maternal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, placental function, and fetal organ remodeling. Mechanistic and translational studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (2000–2025) using predefined keywords including lipid metabolism, free fatty acids, oxidative stress, placental lipid transport, epigenetics, DNA methylation, fetal programming, and perinatal outcomes. Evidence indicates that maternal lipid imbalance drives placental oxidative and epigenetic modifications, directly contributing to fetal organ hypertrophy and neonatal metabolic dysregulation. In conclusion, maternal dyslipidemia represents a modifiable determinant of fetal organ hypertrophy and long-term metabolic risk, supporting the clinical relevance of maternal lipid monitoring and targeted metabolic interventions during pregnancy. Full article

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient required for energy metabolism, macromolecule biosynthesis, and signal transduction. Protozoan parasites are exposed to pronounced fluctuations in nutrient availability throughout their life cycles and therefore rely on adaptive strategies to secure phosphate from diverse host and environmental niches. This review summarizes current knowledge on phosphate acquisition mechanisms in protozoan parasites, with emphasis on membrane transport systems and extracellular phosphate-releasing enzymatic activities. Phosphate transport systems energized by proton or sodium gradients have been functionally characterized in several protozoan species, and in many cases phosphate uptake capacity is modulated by extracellular Pi availability. In addition, ectophosphatases expressed at the parasite surface contribute to phosphate acquisition by hydrolyzing extracellular phosphorylated substrates and releasing inorganic phosphate that can be subsequently internalized and metabolically utilized. Although phosphate-dependent regulation of ectophosphatase activity has been demonstrated in a more limited number of species, available evidence supports a functional interplay between extracellular phosphate scavenging and transmembrane transport, particularly under phosphate-limiting conditions. Despite these advances, the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate sensing and regulatory coordination in protozoan parasites remain poorly understood. This review provides a comparative overview of phosphate transport systems and extracellular phosphate-scavenging enzymes in protozoan parasites, highlighting current evidence and remaining knowledge gaps. Full article

Understanding the development characteristics and controlling factors of organic-rich shales in carbonate platform settings is essential for predicting their distribution and assessing their natural gas exploration potential. However, the mechanisms governing the accumulation of such shales in these specific sedimentary environments remain poorly constrained, and the lack of integrated petrological and geochemical studies limits accurate evaluation of their resource potential. The key objective of this study is to investigate the development characteristics and formation mechanisms of organic-rich shales within intraplatform depressions. To address this objective, we conducted a comprehensive petrological and geochemical analysis of the Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation organic-rich shale deposits deposited in a carbonate platform setting, particularly from Well EYY3 in Western Hubei, Central Yangtze region. The obtained results indicate that total organic carbon (TOC) contents in the Shuijingtuo Formation can reach up to 4.77%, with a thickness of approximately 9.5 m for shales containing over 2% TOC. Vertically, TOC content exhibits a rapid increase at the base, followed by a gradual decline toward the top, reflecting the evolution of depositional environments. The characteristics of organic-rich shale indicate a significant presence of carbonate minerals, which increase in concentration, alongside tuff lenticular bodies and lithological transition surfaces between tuff and shale. While the longitudinal variation of SiO₂ content in shale is subtle, there is a slight increase in land-sourced clasts and excess silica, and TOC has a significant positive correlation. At the base of the Shuijingtuo Formation, redox parameters, including U-EF and Mo-EF, display a rapid increase followed by a gradual decrease. Conversely, changes in Ni-EF, which indicate paleoproductivity, are less pronounced, and their correlation with TOC is relatively poor. These findings suggest that rapid sea-level rise associated with Cambrian transgressions was the main factor influencing organic matter enrichment in the carbonate platform depressions. This rise supplied nutrients and silica-rich organisms, altering the biological landscape and fostering anoxic conditions in the intraplatform depressions, promoting organic-rich shale formation. As sea levels declined, water circulation became restricted, leading to oxidation of shallow water bodies, decreased paleoproductivity, and shale deposits transitioned to tuff. Therefore, organic-rich shale can also be developed on carbonate platforms, with its formation primarily controlled by fluctuations in sea level. During highstand periods, intraplatform depressions may serve as favorable zones for shale gas exploration. Full article

Aquatic–terrestrial ecotones are highly dynamic biogeochemical hotspots where hydrological fluctuations profoundly influence microbial community structure and ecosystem functioning. However, the mechanisms underlying microbial community responses across hydrological gradients remain insufficiently understood. In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to comparatively analyze bacterial communities in the waterward and landward zones of the drawdown area of the Danjiangkou Reservoir. The results showed that bacterial community composition differed significantly between the two zones, and waterlogging markedly increased bacterial α-diversity. Community variation was primarily associated with key environmental factors, including total phosphorus (TP), soil moisture content (SMC), and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N). Compared with the landward zone, stochastic processes contributed more to community assembly in the waterward zone, which also exhibited higher network complexity and topological stability. In addition, several keystone taxa were identified, suggesting their potential roles in maintaining network structure and ecological stability. Functional prediction further revealed distinct metabolic potentials between zones, with enhanced anaerobic and redox-related functions in the waterward zone and predominantly aerobic metabolism in the landward zone. These findings suggest that hydrological fluctuations reshape bacterial community structure and potential ecological functions by jointly regulating water availability and nutrient dynamics. This study provides new insights into microbial ecological processes in reservoir riparian zones and offers a scientific basis for the management of aquatic–terrestrial ecotone ecosystems. Full article

We investigated the biodiversity and spatiotemporal dynamics of benthic hydroids at two contrasting eastern South Adriatic sites: exposed, oligotrophic Lokrum Island and sheltered, nutrient-enriched Bistrina Bay. A total of 54 hydroid taxa were recorded, with substantially higher richness at Lokrum (42 taxa) than at Bistrina (24 taxa). Assemblage composition differed markedly between sites, confirming that local environmental conditions are a primary determinant of community structure, while shallow sublittoral assemblages showed the greatest temporal variability due to seasonally short-lived athecate species. The shared seasonal partitioning at both sites suggests that temperature-mediated life-cycle timing is a key structuring mechanism, and the sharp summer decline in richness underscores the need for multi-seasonal sampling. Laboratory observations of Stylactis inermis from Torre del Serpe near Otranto revealed notable life-cycle plasticity, with detached short-lived eumedusoids reverting to a sessile stolonal stage. This trait may promote persistence under fluctuating conditions while reducing field detectability. Together, these results provide the first seasonal, depth-stratified ecological baseline for monitoring eastern South Adriatic benthic communities under environmental and anthropogenic change. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plays an important role in the circular bioeconomy by converting organic waste into renewable methane and nutrient-rich fertilizer. However, consistent, high-quality biomethane production is hindered by four main factors: hydrolysis limitations, fluctuating feedstock quality, microbial instability, and the high cost/energy demand of purification. This review explores three key areas that improve biomethane production: (i) process intensification (pretreatments and advanced reactors), (ii) microbial regulation through additives, and (iii) biogas upgrading for pipeline use. Anaerobic digestion can be greatly improved by combining thermal or hybrid pretreatments, staged digestion, high-solids technology, and electrochemical systems. These methods speed up hydrolysis and help the system handle higher amounts of organic material more effectively. However, actual performance benefits depend on specific substrate characteristics, heat integration, and control complexity. Optimizing the C:N ratio, buffering capacity, and trace-element supplementation, while simultaneously diluting toxic inhibitors, makes co-digestion an effective and adaptable approach to enhancing anaerobic digestion processes. Additives like carbon, iron nanoparticles, enzymes, and buffers can optimize digestion, but their performance is highly dependent on dosage and substrate. Additionally, they lack validation in long-term, industrial-scale applications. Conventional physicochemical techniques continue to be standard for generating high-quality biomethane, but biological methanation and microalgal systems are playing a growing role in integrating Power-to-Gas technology and using CO₂ efficiently. Critical research needs to focus on four areas: (1) standardized reporting metrics, (2) AI-enabled monitoring and control, (3) coupled techno-economic and life-cycle analysis (TEA-LCA), and (4) long-term pilot or full-scale validation. Overall, comprehensive optimization of the entire flow is more effective than improving isolated parts. Full article

Temperature and nutrient availability are pivotal drivers of coastal phytoplankton dynamics; however, how they regulate the interplay between community assembly and ecological network stability remains less explored. In this study, we integrated 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with molecular ecological network analysis and the iCAMP model to investigate the seasonal succession and driving mechanisms of phytoplankton in a coastal region (Qiongdong) of the South China Sea. Our results suggest that water temperature is a key factor influencing community succession. However, rather than following a linear response to temperature rise, the molecular ecological network exhibited a significant network contraction in spring, characterized by minimized complexity and peak vulnerability. This structural shift coincided with a transition in nutrient limitation (from phosphorus to nitrogen) induced by spring upwelling. Assembly process analysis revealed that while stochastic processes dominated overall community construction, a notable increase in dispersal limitation occurred in spring. The intensification of dispersal limitation driven by changes in the nutritional structure may be the main cause of network simplification and reduced stability. In conclusion, our findings highlight that while temperature affects the seasonal replacement of phytoplankton species, nutrient-induced shifts in assembly mechanisms degrade ecological network integrity in coastal environments. Full article

Arsenic (As)-enriched soils in abandoned mining areas pose persistent environmental risks, yet the temporal evolution of remediation is rarely evaluated. In this study, a two-year field monitoring program was conducted at a severely As-contaminated abandoned gold mine in Guangdong Province, China, to examine the temporal dynamics of soil properties and As behavior under different remediation strategies. Three representative slopes were investigated: slope A (slope reshaping and revegetation), slope B (terraced engineering interception), and slope C (an area influenced by acidic water bodies). The results showed that both total and available As at slopes A and B exhibited a similar pattern of initial increase followed by decline and stabilization, indicating a clear temporal scale for remediation effects. Slope A exhibited greater spatial variability, whereas slope B showed relatively minor fluctuations, suggesting that terraced engineering measures contributed to enhanced As stability. In contrast, slope C had lower total As but a higher proportion of available As prior to remediation due to the acidic conditions. Following remediation, both total and available As at slope C decreased markedly and remained stable for about six months; however, a rebound trend was observed after approximately 1.5 years, indicating the time-limited effectiveness of passivation treatments. Specifically, total As at slope C decreased from 22,916 to 4011 mg·kg⁻¹, accompanied by a 65–85% reduction in available As. Meanwhile, soil pH, soil organic matter, and cation exchange capacity exhibited pronounced non-linear variations, with an overall tendency to recover toward pre-remediation conditions. These findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring for evaluating remediation effectiveness and periodic assessments (e.g., semiannual monitoring of soil As and nutrient status) to support adaptive environmental management and optimization of remediation strategies. Full article

Cellular homeostasis is a dynamic process which balances anabolic processes with catabolic and recycling processes. These processes require nutrients, which are converted to energy to fuel the complex interactions of intracellular signalling. Cellular health requires that, on average, energy input and energy requirements are matched. Cells contain a nutrient-sensing mechanism which controls the balance between anabolism and catabolism. Normal intracellular functions generate products which regulate signalling pathways, and health at a cellular level requires a fluctuation between relative nutrient abundance and relative nutrient scarcity. This allows clearance of damaged intracellular molecules and organelles. When nutrient supply exceeds cellular requirements, adaptations to intracellular signalling occur, resulting in energy being stored as glycogen in muscle and the liver and fatty acids in adipose tissue. Overfuelling and aberrant fuelling of mitochondria result in oxidative stress, which not only disrupts cellular homeostasis but can alter epigenetic expression, with intergenerational effects. If the recycling mechanisms of the cell are insufficient to clear metabolic products, apoptosis may result or expression of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) on the cell surface may occur, activating immunity and inflammation at a systemic level. Disrupted cellular signalling affects cells with different “professional” functions in different organs, and it is the mechanism which underlies the associations between chronic non-communicable diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune diseases, and macular degeneration. Mitochondria are the controllers of energy production and are pivotal in cell signalling. Mitochondrial function governs health at cellular and organismal levels. This paper reviews the influence of nutrition on mitochondrial function, nutrient sensing, autophagy, insulin signalling, and apoptosis—the key pathways in cellular homeostasis. Full article

Cross-kingdom pathogenesis—human and animal pathogens colonizing and persisting in plants—is transforming our understanding of microbial ecology, food safety, and public health. This review translates incoming research that demonstrates plants as more than mute carriers to dynamic ecological interfaces where human and zoonotic pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes, will adhere, internalize, and, in some cases, potentially evade host defenses. Such pathogens exploit evolutionarily conserved molecular processes like Type III secretion system 1 (TTSS), biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and small RNA-mediated immune sabotage that have allowed them to cross biological kingdom boundaries. To provide an entry point for pathogens, environmental conditions (e.g., contaminated irrigation water, manure application, wildlife access, and mechanical wounding) promote pathogen transfer to and penetration into plant tissues through stomata hydathodes above ground or roots below ground. Once inside, pathogens confront a range of plant immune responses, indigenous microbiota, and abiotic stresses such as UV radiation exposure, nutrient starvation, and osmotic fluctuations. Nonetheless, biofilm production, metabolic versatility, and virulence gene expression contribute to their persistence. Interactions with plant pathogens and microbiomes additionally shape colonization dynamics, for example, through co-survival and niche manipulation. With the acceleration of these processes due to climate change, urbanization, and intensified agriculture, cross-kingdom pathogenesis becomes a rising concern for One Health. Critical knowledge gaps, including seedborne transmission, microbiome engineering, and predictive modeling, are pointed out in the review along with emerging mitigation strategies, including point-of-care diagnostics and microbial biocontrol. In conclusion, this review advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration from microbiology, plant science, and One Health perspectives to predict and mitigate cross-kingdom threats to global food production. Full article

Forest soil conservation is pivotal for controlling soil erosion and ensuring ecological security. Taking the Qilian Mountains Area in China as the research region, this study used ArcMap 10.8 software to process data for six prefecture-level cities in the area from 2008 to 2023. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was applied to quantify the forest soil conservation amount and evaluate its ecosystem service value (ESV). Their spatiotemporal variations and dynamic evolution patterns were analyzed, alongside the influence of soil organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents. The results showed that the average contents of OM, N, P and K in the forest soils of the Qilian Mountains Area were 24.22 g·kg⁻¹, 1.54 g·kg⁻¹, 0.70 g·kg⁻¹, and 19.96 g·kg⁻¹, respectively, with significant regional heterogeneity. Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (HBTAP) had the highest while Jinchang City (JC) had the lowest. From 2008 to 2023, the average annual forest soil conservation amount and its ESV of the region were 1.749 × 10⁹ tons and 2.0444 × 10¹⁰ yuan, respectively, both showing a fluctuating trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. Spatially, HBTAP ranked first in average annual forest soil conservation amount per unit area and ESV. Jiuquan City (JQ) had the lowest forest soil conservation amount per unit area, and JC the lowest ESV. Forest soil conservation and its ESV in the region were affected by the contents of soil nutrients (OM and N, P, K elements), vegetation types and quality, topography, climate, and human activities (including ecological governance), which collectively intensified the spatiotemporal heterogeneity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for precise regional ecological protection and differentiated restoration strategies in arid regions. Full article

This study evaluates long-term (2014–2023) and seasonal water quality in the Jerma River, a transboundary watershed between Serbia and Bulgaria, using annual mean physicochemical and microbiological parameters at two monitoring sites as well as Water Pollution Index (WPI) classifications. Seasonal datasets (spring, summer, autumn and winter) were applied to assess intra-annual variability. The water quality reflects the influence of geomorphology, hydrological seasonality, and anthropogenic pressures. The river reflects the influence of geomorphology, hydrological seasonality, and anthropogenic pressures typical of mountain catchments. Upstream conditions were favorable, characterized by stable oxygen regimes, low suspended solids, and low nutrient levels, with occasional phosphorus enrichment. Downstream sections showed stronger deviations, including elevated nutrients, departures from reference conditions, and variability in microbiological indicators. Seasonal analyses indicated stable oxygen conditions at both sites, while nutrient and microbial parameters varied during specific periods. Dissolved metals remained within Class I thresholds throughout the study. WPI values confirmed spatial and seasonal differences. Upstream water quality mainly corresponded to Class II, with occasional shifts toward Class III, whereas downstream values fluctuated between Classes II and IV, with short-term deterioration during seasons. Higher variability occurred in spring and summer, while winter conditions were more stable. Overall, the results indicate better upstream status and increased nutrient and microbial pressures downstream, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and management. Full article

Long-term monitoring is essential for understanding how recurring disturbances, such as hurricanes and coral bleaching, affect reef fish communities and ecosystem processes. This study evaluates temporal trends (2013–2025) in fish assemblage composition, functional diversity, and nutrient excretion proxies (C, N, and P) across three reef sites on San Andrés Island in the Colombian Caribbean. Our results reveal significant shifts in community structure following major disturbances in 2020 (Hurricanes Eta, Iota) and 2023 (mass bleaching event). Taxonomic and functional richness (TRich, FRich) fluctuated throughout the study period, whereas functional divergence (FDiv) declined earlier (2016), highlighting site-specific differences. A trait-based nutrient-excretion proxy (NPC composite score) identified key species that maintain nutrient cycling. Despite recent coral bleaching, certain sites exhibited functional resilience, sustained by the persistence of high-performing nutrient providing species. However, the overall disconnect between taxonomic recovery and functional stability suggests that ecosystem-level processes remain vulnerable, even when species richness appears to recover. This highlights the importance of integrating functional traits and nutrient recycling proxies into monitoring programs to better predict long-term variability in San Andrés Island reefs under a changing climate. Our findings provide a framework for prioritizing management efforts in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve with emphasis on maintaining ecosystem services. Full article