Search Results (727)

The withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters has fundamentally changed the priorities of poultry nutrition, shifting attention from growth promotion towards maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and physiological resilience, defined here as the capacity of the organism to maintain or restore functional homeostasis when exposed to biological, nutritional, or environmental challenges. Although plant-derived feed additives have attracted considerable interest as natural alternatives, their biological activity is still commonly interpreted as a collection of independent antimicrobial, antioxidant, or immunomodulatory effects. This fragmented perspective may not fully capture the interconnected and context-dependent nature of their effects across experimental models. This review develops an integrated conceptual framework in which phytogenic feed additives are considered as potential systems-level modulators of the microbiota–gut–immune axis rather than as isolated sources of bioactive compounds. We synthesise experimental evidence from 155 broiler chickens identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from database inception to June 2026, covering microbial ecology, intestinal morphology and barrier function, microbial metabolites, redox balance, inflammatory signalling, and innate and adaptive immunity across infectious, nutritional, and environmental challenge models. Particular attention is given to the different levels of evidence provided by culture-based and targeted analyses, microbiome profiling, integrated host–microbiome studies, and multi-omics approaches. The available evidence suggests that structurally diverse phytochemicals can influence overlapping regulatory networks linking microbial ecology, epithelial barrier integrity, redox balance, inflammatory signalling, and immune function. However, the magnitude and direction of these responses vary substantially according to botanical source, phytochemical composition, dose, formulation, duration of supplementation, animal genotype, basal diet, and experimental challenge. Collectively, the available evidence supports a paradigm shift from compound-centred interpretation towards network-based regulation of host homeostasis. Within this context, physiological resilience refers to the capacity to maintain or restore functional homeostasis in response to biological, nutritional, or environmental challenges. It may emerge from coordinated interactions among the intestinal microbiota, the epithelial barrier, and the immune system. Phytogenic supplementation may contribute to resilience by simultaneously modulating several components of this network, although causal relationships remain incompletely established for many proposed mechanisms. This systems-level perspective provides a framework for integrating heterogeneous evidence and for identifying priorities for future research, including dose–response relationships, phytochemical combinations, longitudinal multi-omics approaches, and validation under commercially relevant production conditions, with implications for precision poultry nutrition. Full article

Parent–child interaction frequency may vary during the transition into kindergarten and across activity content, but whether persistent or repeated low-frequency interaction is associated with preschool children’s emotional-behavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes remains unclear. We examined whether three-wave overall and content-domain trajectories, together with cumulative low-level exposure at the overall, content-domain, and activity levels, were associated with final-follow-up outcomes. Among 526 children enrolled at baseline, 419 completed all three waves. Low exposure was defined as a score below the wave-specific 25th percentile, and adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations. Compared with the persistently normal trajectory, the persistently low overall trajectory was associated with higher odds of abnormal total emotional and behavioral difficulties (aOR = 3.46, 95% CI 1.01–11.86); each additional low-exposure wave was also associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.02–2.33), with similar findings for conduct problems. Nominal content-domain associations were concentrated in story-reading and environmental interaction trajectories, while nominal activity-level associations involved reading/picture-book viewing, learning about nature/animals/plants, and physical activity. Neurodevelopmental associations were fewer and less stable. By jointly characterizing temporal pattern, repeated low exposure, and activity content, this study illustrates the value of repeated and content-specific assessment alongside a single overall interaction measure. These dimensions may inform assessment in parenting support and early-childhood services, but intervention evidence is required before causal or activity-specific recommendations can be made. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy with high mortality rates worldwide. Harmine hydrochloride (HMH), a tricyclic β-carboline alkaloid derived from the seeds of the medicinal plant Peganum harmala L., has demonstrated anti-tumor activity. This study investigated the effect of HMH on ovarian cancer and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: The anti-ovarian cancer effects of HMH were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, cell cycle and apoptosis analyses, as well as a cell migration assay. The RNA-seq was utilized to explore the mechanisms of HMH. Western blot, qRT-PCR and IF were employed for further validation of the expression levels of relevant molecules. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve was conducted to evaluate the possible link between NFAT1 levels and the prognosis of ovarian cancer. The biological functions of NFAT1 were explored through siRNA knockdown experiments. Auto-dock molecular docking and DARTS were used to analyze the direct interaction between HMH and NFAT1. The in vivo efficacy of HMH was examined through bioluminescence imaging of intraperitoneal xenografts established with luciferase-expressing HEY cells. Results: HMH induced apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle, and suppressed migration of HEY and CAOV3 cells. NFAT1 was highly expressed in the nucleus of HEY and CAOV3 cells and promoted ovarian cancer progression. In addition, low NFAT1 expression levels had significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival. Moreover, HMH reduced NFAT1 expression and reversed Ion-induced NFAT1 levels in ovarian cancer cell nuclei. The molecular docking and DARTS results suggested that HMH binds to NFAT1. Treatment with MG132 effectively blocked HMH-induced NFAT1 downregulation. Furthermore, HMH effectively blocked intraperitoneal xenograft development, and extended the life span of animals bearing HEY/Luc cells, when used alone or in combination with CDDP. Conclusions: The research indicated that HMH exerts anti-ovarian cancer effects, at least in part, by targeting NFAT1. Additionally, our research revealed that NFAT1 promotes ovarian cancer progression, and plays a significant role in HMH’s anti-cancer activity. These results may aid in the development of novel candidates for ovarian cancer and identify a new target for ovarian cancer treatment. Full article

To deepen our understanding of human–ecosystem interactions, researchers need to be able to retrieve and analyze historical dark data such as plant and animal phenology, but there are often barriers to doing so. Despite the development of online digitization and other tools, including library search engines, digital collections, machine translation, OCR (optical character recognition), HTR (handwritten text recognition), and generative AI technologies, and the establishment of standards and frameworks (e.g., FAIR Principles and the International Image Interoperability Framework), barriers to converting analog records to digital records (“digital barriers”) and to translating local languages to an international common language (“language barriers”) still remain. We present a case study example of the use of historical dark data in phenology in Japan and the digital and language barriers encountered. We then briefly summarize factors and challenges hindering use of this data and describe the benefits of further removal of these barriers. Full article

Colombia’s rich biodiversity highlights the potential for chemical exploration of plants, animals, and fungi. Fungi play essential ecological roles in organic matter degradation, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic interactions. Fungal volatilomics has emerged as a valuable approach for characterizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with potential biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. This study aimed to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) naturally emitted by wild macromycete species collected in the Botanical Garden of the University of Caldas (Manizales, Colombia), contributing to the chemical characterization of their volatilome and providing a basis for future studies on fungal biomarkers and bioactive metabolites. VOCs were extracted using static and dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME, SHS-SPME, and DHS-SPME) with PDMS/DVB/CARB fibers and Tenax tubes. Samples were analyzed both in situ and under controlled laboratory conditions using GC–MS for qualitative identification. More than 120 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, ketones, terpenoids, aromatic compounds, and branched alkanes. The volatilomic profiles differed among fungal species and according to the extraction methodology employed, highlighting compounds such as 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone, D-limonene, caryophyllene, and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. Multivariate statistical analyses and metabolic pathway annotation revealed distinct volatilomic patterns and suggested associations with lipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and terpenoid biosynthesis. The chemical diversity identified demonstrates that tropical wild macromycetes constitute an important source of structurally diverse volatile metabolites. Furthermore, the complementary use of SHS-SPME, DHS-SPME, and laboratory HS-SPME expanded VOC coverage, providing a comprehensive volatilomic dataset that may support future applications in fungal chemotaxonomy, bioprospecting, ecological studies, and the discovery of candidate bioactive compounds. Full article

In the context of the global shift toward sustainable energy systems and circular economy strategies, anaerobic digestion is a well-established biotechnology for the valorisation of organic residues, the production of biogas as a renewable energy carrier, and the generation of nutrient-rich digestate. This study aimed to evaluate the stability and methane yield of a two-stage co-digestion process using a substrate mixture developed based on the actual feedstock composition of a full-scale agricultural biogas plant. The daily feed mixture consisted of maize silage (8.2%), sugar beet pulp (4.9%), cellulose pulp (6.6%), distillery stillage (38.6%), corn syrup (6.4%), cattle slurry (22.5%) and sterilised animal by-products (12.8%). Digestate was recirculated separately as part of the reactor operation. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted in a two-stage anaerobic digestion system operated at 42 °C and 50 °C. The physicochemical properties of the substrates and digestate were determined, biogas quantity and composition were monitored, and the microbial community structure was assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The process remained stable throughout the experimental period, with pH values ranging from 8.23 to 8.53, alkalinity between 2600 and 2940 mg CaCO₃/dm³, and a VFAs/alkalinity ratio of 0.17–0.93. Despite ammonium nitrogen concentrations reaching 4346 mg N-NH₄⁺/L, no clear concurrent reduction in gas or methane production was observed. Methane accounted for approximately 70–80% of the biogas produced. The overall specific methane yield reached 346.4 NL CH₄ kg⁻¹ VS added. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a diverse microbial community containing taxa previously associated with hydrolysis, fermentation and syntrophic interactions, including Proteiniphilum and Syntrophaceticus. The results demonstrate stable process performance and methane production in this site-specific laboratory-scale case study based on the feedstock composition and process configuration of a full-scale agricultural biogas plant. Full article

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term neurological disability worldwide, while currently available therapeutic strategies are limited by narrow treatment windows and incomplete neuroprotection. In this context, plant-derived polyphenols have attracted increasing attention as potential adjunctive agents because of their multimodal biological activity. This review focuses on resveratrol and curcumin, two of the most extensively investigated polyphenols, and evaluates their potential role in the prevention and treatment of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and early clinical trials indicates that both compounds may attenuate key mechanisms involved in stroke-related brain injury, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy dysregulation, blood–brain barrier disruption, and microglial activation. Emerging evidence further suggests that interactions with the gut microbiota and modulation of the gut–brain axis may contribute to their biological effects by influencing intestinal barrier integrity, microbial metabolite production, systemic inflammation, and vascular risk. Preclinical studies show that resveratrol and curcumin can reduce infarct volume, limit cerebral oedema, preserve neuronal viability, promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and improve neurological and cognitive outcomes. Their beneficial effects have been reported both when administered before stroke onset and after cerebral injury, suggesting potential relevance for both prevention and post-stroke therapy. However, interpretation of these findings requires consideration of the translational limitations of experimental stroke models, which do not fully reproduce the heterogeneity, comorbidities, age profile, and variable reperfusion patterns characteristic of human stroke. Although commonly used models such as middle cerebral artery occlusion provide important mechanistic and therapeutic insights, preclinical efficacy should therefore not be regarded as a direct predictor of clinical benefit. Resveratrol and curcumin may also complement established and emerging treatment strategies, including thrombolysis, endovascular interventions, antihypertensive therapy, and stem cell-based approaches. Nevertheless, their clinical translation remains limited by poor solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and insufficient clinical evidence. Novel formulations, including nanoparticles, exosome-based delivery systems, and structurally modified analogues, may help overcome these barriers by improving brain targeting and therapeutic efficacy. Overall, resveratrol and curcumin represent promising but still investigational candidates for adjunctive stroke therapy, requiring further well-designed clinical trials to define their optimal dosing, timing, safety, and clinical value. Full article

Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to humankind, valued across ancient civilisations for treating parasitic, microbial, and metabolic diseases. Its exceptionally rich phytochemical composition, dominated by punicalagins, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, piperidine alkaloids, and the unique conjugated fatty acid punicic acid, confers a remarkably broad spectrum of biological activities of direct relevance to contemporary veterinary medicine. While human-health applications have been extensively reviewed, a comprehensive synthesis of veterinary evidence across multiple species remains lacking. This review consolidates current preclinical and field knowledge on the pharmacological effects of pomegranate preparations in poultry, ruminants, swine, fish, companion animals, and laboratory models. In poultry—the most extensively studied taxon—dietary inclusion of pomegranate peel powder or extract consistently enhances growth performance, antioxidant status, and humoral immunity while exerting meaningful anticoccidial activity. The antiparasitic properties are compellingly supported by evidence against gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants, tapeworms, schistosomes, and protozoa including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Leishmania spp., as well as monogenean fish parasites. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity extends to major veterinary pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and Clostridium perfringens. Rodent models have validated antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and reproductive benefits, including improved post-thaw sperm quality and enhanced litter size. The safety profile is generally favourable at conventional doses, although high dietary inclusion elicits anti-nutritional effects from condensed tannins, and potential drug interactions via cytochrome P450 inhibition warrant clinical caution. Despite this substantial evidence, significant translational barriers persist, including extract heterogeneity, absence of pharmacokinetic data in target species, and scarcity of controlled clinical trials. By providing a species- and pathology-driven synthesis, this review identifies critical research priorities and highlights the immense potential of this ancient, accessible, and economically viable phytobiotic as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters and synthetic antiparasitics in veterinary practice. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, with nutritional functions and abiotic stress regulation capacity, and has been confirmed to alleviate heavy metal toxicity and inhibit its accumulation in crops. Soil lead contamination has become a prominent environmental safety problem in agricultural production, particularly in South China, and lead over-standard in edible crops poses irreversible threats to the human nervous system and blood circulation through food chain transmission. As an efficient exogenous antagonist, Se can comprehensively regulate the absorption, translocation, and compartmentalization of lead in soil–plant systems. This review systematically summarizes the interactive effects of soil physicochemical properties, crop genotypes, and Se speciation on plant lead uptake, and focuses on phytochelatin synthase (PCS), the core rate-limiting enzyme for intracellular heavy metal chelation, to elucidate the molecular cascade of Se-mediated PCS-dependent lead detoxification. We further outline multi-pathway agronomic Se applications for lead reduction; analyze key limiting factors, including Se concentration, application method, and rhizosphere microbial community; and discuss contradictory results and unresolved questions in existing studies. Current evidence confirms that appropriate Se treatment increases glutathione (GSH) content via antioxidant system regulation, upregulates PCS gene transcription and activity, promotes phytochelatins (PCs) polymerization, and forms stable PC-Pb complexes sequestered in vacuoles to reduce cytoplasmic lead mobility. Additionally, Se reshapes rhizosphere microbial community composition to lower soil Pb²⁺ bioavailability and enhances lignin and pectin biosynthesis in root cell walls to physically block root Pb²⁺ influx. Nevertheless, critical knowledge gaps remain unaddressed: (1) upstream signal transduction cascades triggering Se-induced differential PCS expression; (2) precise Pb²⁺ binding sites and affinity of PC oligomers; (3) valence-dependent disparities in selenate, selenite, and nano-Se (SeNPs) modulating PCS activity; and (4) standardized field Se fertilization protocols tailored to staple and tropical tuber crops such as cassava. This review provides systematic theoretical reference and technical foundations for dissecting Se-Pb antagonistic molecular networks, developing Se-enriched low Pb²⁺ functional fertilizers, and mitigating Pb²⁺ contamination risk in agricultural commodities. Full article

Recognizing a trace fossil as a record of organism–substrate interaction is well agreed upon, but some organisms and some interactions are not considered by some workers to be tracemakers or to have produced trace fossils. This is particularly the case with sedimentary structures created or modified by plants and micro-organisms. Plant-made structures that some workers have identified as trace fossils are phytoliths, leaf galls, borings/corrosion structures and rhizoliths. Only borings/corrosion structures and rhizoliths are generally agreed to be trace fossils. Phytoliths are not trace fossils, and most workers do not consider leaf galls to be traces, though that conclusion is open to question. Microbialites (both stromatolites and microbially induced sedimentary structures [MISS]) are not generally regarded as trace fossils, but identification of them as trace fossils has increased recently. The ichnotaxonomy of trace fossils made by plants and MISS needs to be regulated by the Botanical and Prokaryote Codes of Nomenclature. The specific recognition of ichnofossils and the procedures for their ichnotaxonomy need to be spelled out in those codes, much as they have been for animal trace fossils in the Zoological Code. Studies of modern roots and of rhizoliths provide a robust ichnotaxobase for their ichnotaxonomy, including shape, surface texture, internal structures, size, branching, orientation and substrate. Using that ichnotaxobase, a new ichnotaxon, Syrinxichnus tanneri igen. nov and isp. nov., is proposed for some Triassic rhizoliths. Full article

Mistletoes of the genus Tristerix, native to South America, represent a unique group of mostly hemiparasitic plants with potential medicinal applications. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on their biological and phytochemical properties, focusing on three main species endemic to Chile: Tristerix aphyllus, T. corymbosus, and T. verticillatus. These species exhibit diverse interactions with host plants, animal pollinators, and seed dispersers, where host identity can influence their chemical profile. Around 17 metabolites have been found in flowers, fruits, and leaves from Tristerix spp., including flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, apigenin, luteolin), phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic acid; gallic acid), and alkaloids (e.g., pronuciferine and glaucine). Those have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumoral properties. Despite their traditional uses in Chilean medicine for ailments such as gastric ulcers and throat infections, experimental research on Tristerix spp. remains scarce. This review highlights their bioactive potential, emphasizing the need for further investigation into their pharmacological applications, including in vivo and clinical studies. Full article

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), also referred to as plant exosomes or exosome-like nanovesicles, have emerged as promising natural bioactive nanoparticles for cosmetic and regenerative applications. Owing to their biocompatibility, intrinsic bioactive cargo, and ability to interact with mammalian cells, PDEVs are increasingly investigated as agents for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, photoprotection, pigmentation control, and skin barrier enhancement. However, the available evidence remains fragmented across different plant sources and experimental models. This review aimed to summarize and critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the cosmetic and regenerative properties of PDEVs. Experimental studies investigating the effects of PDEVs on skin cells, reconstructed skin models, animals, or human subjects were systematically identified and analyzed. The available evidence consistently demonstrated that PDEVs promote skin regeneration and tissue repair. The most frequently reported effects included enhanced keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and migration, accelerated wound closure, increased collagen synthesis, reduced oxidative stress, activation of antioxidant defense pathways, and suppression of inflammatory responses. Additional studies reported improvements in skin barrier function, hydration, photoprotection, pigmentation control, and cellular senescence. Collectively, the available studies demonstrate consistent regenerative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective effects of PDEVs. Overall, PDEVs represent multifunctional bioactive nanomaterials with substantial potential for cosmetic applications. While clinical translation remains limited by regulatory and standardization challenges, cosmetic use appears to offer a more immediate route toward commercialization. Further standardization, mechanistic studies, and clinical investigations are required to support the broader implementation of PDEV-based technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms have long been used as nutritional supplements and are increasingly recognized for their potential role in preventing and managing human diseases. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on the therapeutic relevance of natural products as dietary supplements across major disease categories and to highlight their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety considerations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical studies focusing on natural products used as nutritional supplements in disease management. Relevant data were analyzed thematically, with emphasis on bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and evidence from preclinical and clinical research. Results: Natural products, particularly plant-derived polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotic-derived metabolites, exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. Evidence suggests potential benefits in cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, neurodegenerative conditions, certain cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, and infectious diseases. However, clinical efficacy varies depending on compound type, dosage, and formulation. Key limitations include low bioavailability, variability in composition, and insufficient large-scale clinical trials. Safety concerns such as herb–drug interactions and lack of standardization remain significant challenges. Conclusions: Natural products as nutritional supplements represent a promising adjunct strategy in the prevention and management of various human diseases. While preclinical and early clinical evidence is encouraging, stronger clinical validation, improved standardization, and clearer regulatory frameworks are required to fully integrate these agents into evidence-based medical practice. Full article

Laser marking technology employs a high-energy-density laser beam to irradiate material surfaces along a predefined path. Through photothermal, photochemical, or photomechanical effects, it can generate clear and machine-readable surface marks without physical contact. Previous studies have indicated that this technology has considerable potential for identification, quality and safety management, and traceability in agriculture. This review systematically summarizes the core components of agricultural laser marking systems, including lasers, beam delivery systems, and modulation units. It explains the principal laser–material interaction mechanisms and classifies the resulting marking forms. In addition, it comprehensively examines research progress and applications of laser marking technology in plant systems, animal systems, processed foods, and food packaging. Finally, this review analyzes the key advantages and current challenges of this technology. It also proposes future directions for applying laser marking in agricultural production. Full article

Plant-based protein (PBP) foods are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives to animal-derived proteins, yet their environmental and nutritional performance depends on complex interactions among crop selection, agricultural practices, processing technologies, formulation strategies, food safety controls, and climate variability. This review synthesizes evidence across the entire plant-based protein value chain, examining how crop physiology, protein extraction and structuring, ingredient functionality, safety risks, and nutritional outcomes are shaped by both technological choices and environmental changes. Particular attention is given to climate-induced alterations in protein concentration, amino acid composition, mineral bioavailability, and contaminant risk, and how these upstream changes propagate through processing and food formulation to affect consumer health outcomes. We argue that sustainability is an emergent system-level outcome determined by interactions among biological, technological, nutritional, and socio-economic factors rather than an intrinsic property of any given crop or protein source. The review concludes by identifying research, processing, and policy priorities needed to enable scalable, climate-resilient, safe, and nutritionally robust plant-based protein systems. Full article