Search Results (5,442)

Improving rice yield and optimizing rice quality are of great significance for ensuring food security. In modern rice production, mechanical transplanting has become the dominant transplanting method. Precise regulation of plant spacing and row spacing contributes to the formation of different transplanting densities, which further exerts effects on photosynthetic spikelets filling, yield formation and quality development of rice. Two-year field experiments were conducted with two conventional japonica rice cultivars of contrasting yield levels under four transplanting hill spacings at a uniform row spacing of 30 cm. The results showed that rice cultivars with higher seed-setting rate with an increase ranging from 1.44 to 1.91% and larger grain weight with an increase ranging from 13.17 to 13.40% presented more prominent yield potential. In addition, high-yield rice cultivars possessed more excellent photosynthetic carbon metabolism characteristics, which effectively improved the spikelets filling process of rice kernels. Superior photosynthetic carbon metabolism characteristics were conducive to increasing head rice rate and reducing chalkiness, while maintaining the duration of spikelets filling benefited the improvement of rice taste value. Narrowing the transplanting plant spacing reduced the physiological enzyme activities in rice leaves and grains, weakened photosynthetic carbon metabolism and hindered spikelets filling, which further decreased head rice rate and protein content but increased chalkiness. Notably, rice taste value also showed an increasing trend. The taste value of superior spikelets (SSs) of the two rice cultivars increased by 1.97–5.11% and 0.98–2.60% respectively, and that of inferior spikelets (ISs) increased by 1.37–3.64% and 1.62–4.12% respectively. Reducing transplanting plant spacing also significantly increased the number of effective panicles, resulting in an increase in population spikelet number. The final yield of the two rice cultivars increased by 5.38–11.62% and 5.23–11.03% respectively. Full article

Porcine group A rotavirus (PoRVA) is a significant cause of viral diarrhea in piglets, necessitating urgent global implementation of effective control strategies. This review assesses advancements in PoRVA in vitro cultivation and amplification, crucial for PoRVA vaccine development. Traditional PoRVA cultivation commonly employs primary porcine kidney cells or finite cell lines like MA-104, posing well-documented challenges in scalability, production cost, and their ability to recapitulate the natural intestinal microenvironment. Consequently, research has increasingly focused on adapting PoRVA to alternative systems, particularly immortalized porcine cell lines or physiologically relevant porcine intestinal organoids. This adaptation process, involving serial passaging, can induce genomic alterations and virulence attenuation in piglets, essential for generating live attenuated vaccine (LAV) candidates. Modern biotechnological tools, such as reverse genetics and synthetic genomics, have expedited the creation of recombinant PoRVA strains with defined antigenic profiles and enhanced in vitro growth characteristics. However, a significant concern regarding LAV candidates derived from cell culture adaptation is the risk of virulence reversion upon pig back-passage, necessitating thorough safety and genetic stability evaluations. Nevertheless, utilizing stable cell lines or organoid platforms presents a feasible and cost-effective approach for large-scale PoRVA vaccine production. Future research should focus on identifying vaccine candidates that provide broad protection and exceptional safety, with an emphasis on cross-protection against divergent epidemic genotypes, while ensuring the economic feasibility of innovative manufacturing approaches. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max) germination is highly sensitive to neutral salt stress. Although sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) co-exist in nature, their distinct phytotoxic mechanisms remain severely under-investigated. In this study, 50 germplasm accessions were systematically screened, identifying R014 as highly salt-tolerant and R120 as highly sensitive. Phenotypic and dynamic antioxidant monitoring (0–72 h) established 48 h as the critical tolerance window, revealing that Na₂SO₄ induces complex physical damage (crystallization) and osmotic injury, with its ionic toxicity significantly exceeding that induced by NaCl. Crucially, R014 effectively maintained peak activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) to combat these specific stressors. By integrating deep RNA sequencing with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using 48 h radicle data, significant transcriptomic reprogramming was revealed. WGCNA robustly isolated 35 functional modules, located five key phenotypic clusters, and defined three major hub genes (Glyma.11G101900, Glyma.17G185000, and Glyma.20G247850) that regulate calcium signaling. Verified by qRT-PCR, this study suggests the differential physiological and molecular architectural characteristics between chloride and sulfate toxicities, providing precisely targeted genetic loci for the breeding of salt-tolerant soybean. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a key health information and communication technology, mobile health information services (MHISs) play a critical role in delivering health information, enabling remote monitoring, and supporting patient well-being. However, widespread resistance among older adults hinders their access to these information services and undermines these benefits. Employing the technology–personal–environment (TPE) framework, this study constructed and verified a comprehensive model to explain older adults’ resistance to MHIS use. Methods: Quantitative data from 430 elderly individuals aged 65 and above from China who participated in the free health check-up basic public health program were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: Technology access barriers, technology usage barriers, declining physiological conditions, and resistance to change were positively related to technology anxiety. Declining physiological conditions, resistance to change, social legitimacy power, and perceived institutional effort were negatively related to perceived autonomy. Additionally, technology anxiety was positively related to resistance to MHIS use, while perceived autonomy was negatively related to resistance to MHIS use. Conclusions: The findings clarify the mechanisms linking technological barriers, individual characteristics, and environmental factors to older adults’ resistance to MHIS use. Therefore, relevant health information service providers should adopt systematic actions that simultaneously alleviate technology anxiety through user-centric design and supportive training while fostering perceived autonomy by respecting older adults’ choices and enabling meaningful participation. These findings offer actionable insights for healthcare information system designers and providers to reduce older adults’ exclusion from digital health information ecosystems, thereby enhancing patient well-being among aging populations. Full article

The quality and productivity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops largely depend on the quality of the seedlings used for cultivation. Several factors, including cultivation strategy, fertilization practices, and abiotic and biotic stressors during early plant development, influence seedling quality. Recently, anaerobic digestate has attracted attention as a potential organic fertilizer and substrate component; however, information about its effects on tomato seedling quality remains limited, particularly when comparing different seedling establishment methods such as direct sowing and transplanting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of solid grain waste digestate (further digestate) in the peat substrate on the growth and physiological characteristics of tomato seedlings grown by means of direct sowing and transplanting. The experiment was conducted at the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in unheated greenhouses covered with double polymer film. Two cultivation strategies were applied (factor A): transplanting and direct sowing into pots. To evaluate the influence of digestate (factor B), different substrate compositions were used: peat (control) and peat mixed with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% digestate. The strong decline in growth parameters with increasing digestate concentration indicates that higher proportions of digestate created unfavorable conditions for seedling development in both cultivation stategies. A 10% digestate addition improved certain plant characteristics, while 20% improved some physiological indices but was associated with reduced growth. However, higher digestate concentrations (≥30%) negatively affected plant growth and physiological activity. Seedlings grown in substrates with higher digestate levels exhibited reduced transpiration rates and lower gas exchange indices, suggesting impaired water relations and stomatal regulation. These effects were more pronounced in transplanted plants compared with direct-sown seedlings, indicating greater sensitivity to changes in substrate composition after transplanting. Overall, the results demonstrate that digestate can be used as a substrate component for tomato seedling production. Still, its concentration must be carefully optimized to avoid negative effects on plant growth and physiological performance. Full article

Brown algae are important primary producers in coastal ecosystems, where they provide habitat and food for numerous marine species. For humans, they provide raw materials (food, animal feed, and ingredients for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) as well as ecosystem services such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration. The molecular characterization of brown algae is necessary to understand their role in ecosystems, their biochemical resources, and responses to environmental stresses—knowledge that is crucial for the sustainable use and biotechnological applications of seaweed. Within this context, we analyzed more than 300 primary and secondary metabolites by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to elucidate the metabolic profiles of seven habitat-forming species of brown algae in the arctic and temperate seas. Metabolite profiles were discussed considering physiological and ecological characteristics of the different algae, thus revealing the taxon-specific biochemical signatures and metabolite patterns contributing to seaweed adaptation to their typical habitats. Three important groups of metabolites representing polyols, phenolic compounds, and organic acids, were analyzed and discussed in more detail. Our study revealed metabolic diversity of species from the same order and genus, thereby indicating a very distinct regulation at the molecular level to meet metabolic needs of the habitat. The knowledge of different compositions of algal extracts can be used to develop specialized applications for humans in cosmetic, medical, or nutritional sectors. Full article

Salvia przewalskii Maxim. is a perennial alpine plant with significant ornamental and medicinal value. However, previous studies have shown that this species has a low germination rate under natural conditions, and its artificial propagation techniques remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the seed quality and the effects of various pre-sowing treatments (storage, chemical, physical, hormonal, combined) and soil substrates on S. przewalskii germination. The results indicated that S. przewalskii seeds demonstrated high viability (>85%) but exhibited high empty seed rate (45.32%) and physiological dormancy. Compared with the control (20%), dehydration (24.44%), demucilage + dehydration combination (35.56%), storage at 4 °C for 360 (53.33%) and 450 (54.29%) days, and GA₃ (44.44–55.56%) treatments significantly enhanced S. przewalskii germination percentages. Demucilage, H₂SO₄ and KNO₃ treatments had negative effects on seed germination, while 6-BA treatment did not significantly improve seed germination. Among tested soil substrates, S. przewalskii seeds pre-chilled for 450 days showed the highest germination rate (71.11%) and optimal seedling growth in peat:vermiculite (3:1), representing the most suitable soil substrate. These findings demonstrate that understanding germination characteristics of S. przewalskii is crucial for developing protocols to enhance germination efficiency that can improve large-scale propagation capacity through shorter germination periods, ultimately enhancing the species regeneration potential and protecting its stability in nature. Full article

Bioreactor technology for medicinal plants provides a controllable platform for the conservation of rare and endangered resources, the production of high-value-added active ingredients, and green manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine. Focusing on in vitro culture systems of medicinal plants, this article systematically reviews the application progress of stirred-tank, airlift, bubble column, wave-mixed, spray-type, temporary immersion, and photobioreactors in the culture of suspension cells, adventitious roots, hairy roots, shoots, and somatic embryos. Different from existing studies that mainly list reactor types, this review further provides a comprehensive analysis from the perspectives of physiological characteristics of the cultured objects, mass transfer and shear environment, medium and elicitor regulation, inoculation density, culture cycle, representative cases, and industrialization limitations. The results indicate that bioreactors can shorten production cycles, improve environmental controllability, and enhance product quality consistency; however, their large-scale application remains constrained by scale-up stability, metabolic fluctuations, downstream processing costs, GMP quality control, and commercial feasibility. Future research should shift from merely pursuing increased yield to integrated process development that is scalable, verifiable, low-cost, and quality-controllable. Full article

Surface functionalization of metallic implants is widely explored to enhance their performance and functionality. In this study, multifunctional hydrogel coatings based on poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and polyethylene glycol were developed and functionalized with a taxifolin (TAX) inclusion complex and collagen to introduce bioactive features. TAX, a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was incorporated using β-cyclodextrin to improve its stability and enable controlled release. The coatings were applied to titanium-hydroxyapatite composites and titanium sheet substrates to evaluate their applicability across surfaces with varying morphologies, ranging from porous to relatively smooth. The ceramic phase was modified with magnesium ions to enhance its bioactivity and better mimic the composition of natural bone tissue. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed hydrogel formation and effective surface coverage. Degradation and incubation studies in simulated physiological environments demonstrated the material’s stability, while UV–Vis analysis indicated TAX release, highlighting the system’s potential as a carrier for flavonoid-based compounds. Indirect cytotoxicity studies using MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts indicated low cytotoxicity and a favorable biological response of collagen- and taxifolin-modified systems. The developed coatings represent a versatile platform for surface modification of titanium-based biomaterials and demonstrate potential for application across substrates with diverse surface characteristics. Further studies are required to assess their biological potential. Full article

Plant branching is a complex biological trait that reflects plant adaptation to light, temperature, water, and other environmental factors. Branch architecture and patterns shape canopy morphology and physiological activities, and further affect plant growth and development. In this study, we investigated the branching structure and patterns of eight species in an urban forest in Shanghai, including four tree species (Cinnamomum camphora, Ginkgo biloba, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Cedrus deodara), two shrub species (Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea, Phyllostachys nigra), and two herb species (Medicago sativa, Equisetum ramosissimum). We compared branch number and length across four horizontal directions (east, south, west, north) and two vertical directions (south, north), fitted canopy morphology models, and calculated fractal dimensions based on branch diameter distribution. For the six woody species, branch length and quantity showed no obvious horizontal asymmetry, while the two herb species had better-developed southward branches. Canopy shapes were mainly fitted with quadratic (parabolic) functions. By contrast, coniferous trees and E. ramosissimum presented linear relationships. Fractal dimension increased with plant height in woody species, whereas no such trend was observed in herbs. This study aims to address the following questions: (1) Are there quantifiable differences in horizontal and vertical branching characteristics among trees, shrubs, and herbs? (2) Can fractal dimension serve as a reliable indicator to distinguish such differences? (3) Is there a correlation between fractal dimension and plant height? This is a descriptive and exploratory study, and no biological mechanisms are examined herein. Full article

Basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are crucial for plant stress responses, but their characterization in the wild species Juglans mandshurica remains limited. Here, we identified 80 bZIP genes in the J. mandshurica genome and classified them into 13 subgroups, with notable enrichment in subgroups S, A, D, and I. All subgroup D members contain both bZIP and DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1) domains, forming characteristic dual-module fusion proteins. Evolutionary analysis detected three orthologous gene pairs under positive selection since divergence from Juglans regia. Promoter cis-elements, especially MYB and MYC motifs, are abundant in JmbZIP genes. Protein–protein interaction networks suggest potential functional specialization and coordination among JmbZIP members. Expression profiling revealed distinct patterns across subgroups, with S, A, and D showing high activity across various physiological processes and light stress responses. qRT-PCR validated the dynamic expression of six ABA pathway marker genes, the ABRE-rich JmbZIP41 and JmbZIP42 genes, together with the highly expressed JmbZIP12 gene under salt and drought stress. Our genome-wide analysis enabled the functional screening of bZIP members across subgroups. The key genes identified in this study provide valuable genetic resources for stress-resistance breeding in forest trees, with JmABI5 (JmbZIP40) and JmbZIP42 serving as prime candidates for enhancing tree stress tolerance. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is increasingly being recognized for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical products with broad applications in human nutrition. Its nutrient-rich seeds are of particular interest for their nutritional profile. Moreover, its inflorescences and trichomes provide sources of nutrient-rich proteins, bioactive compounds, and functional substances for food formulations. Agronomic practices, environmental factors, and genotype considerably influence the hemp nutritional profile; thus, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to standardize quality across supply chains. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with 3D image analysis is an emerging non-destructive technique in high-resolution plant phenotyping. The aim of this work was to show the contribution of X-ray micro-CT to the quantitative characterization of the internal hemp seed structure and of the trichomes. The 3D image analysis approach used allowed us to determine many morphometric traits of the different seed parts and of the trichomes. Among them, volume ratios of the different seed parts and the density and morphological characteristics of the trichomes of two cultivars were accurately quantified. Overall, this work showed the contribution of X-ray micro-CT in 3D morphometric characterization of the hemp achene structure and trichomes. The obtained seed morphometric traits could be correlated in future applications with nutritional and/or physiological properties of different hemp varieties in order to support different aspects of the whole hemp supply chain such as the dehulling process, oil and protein recovery, seed quality evaluation, and genotype screening, to which trichome characterization could also contribute. Full article

Recently, mycotoxin prediction has mainly relied on meteorological data and crop physiology. The contribution of soil characteristics as additional environmental variables remains largely unexplored. A systematic literature search was carried out to analyze the latest research (from 2020 to 2025) on the relationship between soil properties (temperature, water content, pH, and electrical conductivity), fungal communities (particularly Aspergillus and Fusarium), and different crops (mainly peanut, wheat, and maize). Measurement methodologies were analyzed, with a focus on the use of in-field soil sensors in correlation studies and predictive models. Disease incidence and mycotoxin occurrence were related to stressful soil conditions, such as different pH levels, wetness or drought, and temperatures above 25 °C. Other external variables (crop and field management) must also be considered. Laboratory equipment was primarily used in correlation studies, with limited in-field sensor implementation. Although recent predictive models included soil properties as effective inputs, they mostly relied on satellite data. However, real-time conditions and fluctuations, which can be captured by in-field soil sensors, are essential for training new functional models. To monitor soil properties, IoT technologies must be considered, but their implementation is still not sufficient to collect widespread data. Therefore, groundwork is needed to fill this gap with high-quality soil data for future in-field experimentation. Full article

The use of nondestructive technologies combined with machine learning has emerged as a promising approach for estimating structural and productive traits in agricultural systems. This study evaluated the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery integrated with the Random Forest algorithm to predict structural, physiological and productive variables of forage cactus cultivated under semi-arid conditions. The experiment was conducted over two years using four varieties: Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM), Miúda, IPA Sertânia and IPA 20. RGB and red–green–near-infrared (RGNir) orthomosaics, along with a digital elevation model, were used to derive spectral and structural variables, which were related to field measurements. Model performance was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²). The models showed high predictive performance for dry mass production, particularly for OEM, IPA Sertânia and IPA 20 (R² = 0.85, 0.85 and 0.83). Physiological variables, such as chlorophyll A and B, also showed consistent fits (R² = 0.70 and 0.83), while structural variables, including height and volume, exhibited lower stability. Differences among varieties affected model accuracy, especially for Miúda, due to its architectural characteristics. The integration of UAV imagery and machine learning provides a reliable approach for monitoring forage cactus, although model performance depends on plant structure. Full article

Dielectric permittivity describes how a material becomes polarized in response to a time-varying electric field and provides a powerful framework for probing the physical organization of biological systems. This review aims to clarify the origin of dielectric permittivity in plants, offering a conceptually grounded interpretation while keeping mathematical formalism to the level necessary for biological interpretation. We first outline the fundamental mechanisms of polarization, their characteristic time scales, and the frequency-dependent nature of the dielectric response, including the concept of complex permittivity, together with commonly used measurement approaches in biological materials. Particular attention is given to water, whose dielectric properties play a dominant role in plant tissues. We then examine how permittivity varies across different plant organs, including leaves, fruits, and roots, highlighting the relationship between dielectric response and structural and compositional features. Modeling strategies linking microscopic organization to macroscopic dielectric behavior are also discussed. Because dielectric permittivity is intrinsically connected to plant structure and composition, non-invasive measurements offer significant potential for assessing plant physiological status, including the detection of changes induced by abiotic and biotic stresses. By bridging engineering approaches with plant physiology, this review provides a unified framework to interpret dielectric measurements in plants and supports their application in plant science and phenotyping. Full article