Search Results (3,174)

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

As the world’s largest loess deposit region, the Loess Plateau’s vegetation dynamics are crucial for its regional water–heat balance and ecosystem functioning. Leaf Area Index (LAI) serves as a key indicator bridging canopy architecture and plant physiological activities. Existing studies have made significant advancements in simulating LAI, yet accurate LAI simulation remains challenging. To address this challenge and gain deeper insights into the environmental controls of LAI, this study aims to accurately simulate LAI in the Loess Plateau using deep learning models and to elucidate the spatiotemporal influence of soil moisture and temperature on LAI dynamics. For this purpose, we used three deep learning models, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Interpretable Multivariable (IMV)-LSTM, to simulate LAI in the Loess Plateau, only using soil moisture and temperature as inputs. Results indicated that our approach outperformed traditional models and effectively captured LAI variations across different vegetation types. The attention analysis revealed that soil moisture mainly influenced LAI in the arid northwest and temperature was the predominant effect in the humid southeast. Seasonally, soil moisture was crucial in spring and summer, notably in grasslands and croplands, whereas temperature dominated in autumn and winter. Notably, forests had the longest temperature-sensitive periods. As LAI increased, soil moisture became more influential, and at peak LAI, both factors exerted varying controls on different vegetation types. These findings demonstrated the strength of deep learning for simulating vegetation–climate interactions and provided insights into hydrothermal regulation mechanisms in semiarid regions. Full article

Members of the heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) family of proteins play an important role in responding to various forms of stress. Here, the expression of ClaHSP17.4 was induced by heat stress in watermelon. Then, a floral dipping approach was used to introduce the pCAMBIA1391b-GFP overexpression vector encoding the heat tolerance-related gene ClaHSP17.4 from watermelon into Arabidopsis thaliana, and we obtained ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. Under normal conditions, the phenotypes of transgenic and wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis plants were largely similar. Following exposure to heat stress, however, the germination rates (96%) of transgenic Arabidopsis plants at the germination stages were significantly higher than those of wild-type idopsis (17%). Specifically, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of transgenic Arabidopsis was half that of the control group, while the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 1.25 times those of the control group after exposure to high temperatures for 12 h at the seedling stages. The proline content in ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis increased by 17% compared to WT plants (* p < 0.05), while the soluble sugar content rose by 37% (* p < 0.05). These results suggest that ClaHSP17.4 overexpression indirectly improves the antioxidant capacity and osmotic regulatory capacity of Arabidopsis seedlings, leading to improved survival and greater heat tolerance. Meanwhile, the results of this study provide a reference for further research on the function of the ClHSP17.4 gene and lay a foundation for breeding heat-tolerant watermelon varieties and advancing our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental stress. Full article

Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are a class of cell wall-associated enzymes involved in the construction and remodeling of cellulose/xyloglucan crosslinks. However, knowledge of this gene family in the model monocot Brachypodium distachyon is limited. A total of 29 BdXTH genes were identified from the whole genome, and these were further divided into three subgroups (Group I/II, Group III, and the Ancestral Group) through evolutionary analysis. Gene structure and protein motif analyses indicate that closely clustered BdXTH genes are relatively conserved within each group. A highly conserved amino acid domain (DEIDFEFLG) responsible for catalytic activity was identified in all BdXTH proteins. We detected three pairs of segmentally duplicated BdXTH genes and five groups of tandemly duplicated BdXTH genes, which played vital roles in the expansion of the BdXTH gene family. Cis-elements related to hormones, growth, and abiotic stress responses were identified in the promoters of each BdXTH gene, and when roots were treated with two abiotic stresses (salinity and drought) and four plant hormones (IAA, auxin; GA3, gibberellin; ABA, abscisic acid; and BR, brassinolide), the expression levels of many BdXTH genes changed significantly. Transcriptional analyses of the BdXTH genes in 38 tissue samples from the publicly available RNA-seq data indicated that most BdXTH genes have distinct expression patterns in different tissues and at different growth stages. Overexpressing the BdXTH27 gene in Brachypodium led to reduced root length in transgenic plants, which exhibited higher cellulose levels but lower hemicellulose levels compared to wild-type plants. Our results provide valuable information for further elucidation of the biological functions of BdXTH genes in the model grass B. distachyon. Full article

The development of active food packaging has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering innovative solutions to enhance food preservation and safety while addressing sustainability challenges. This review compiles and analyzes recent advancements (2019–2024) in release-type active packaging, focusing on essential oils, natural extracts, and phenolic compounds as active agents. Primarily plant-derived, these compounds exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, extending shelf life and enhancing food quality. Technological strategies such as encapsulation and polymer blending have been increasingly adopted to overcome challenges related to volatility, solubility, and sensory impact. Integrating bio-based polymers, including chitosan, starch, and polylactic acid, further supports the development of environmentally friendly packaging systems. This review also highlights trends in compound-specific research, release mechanisms, and commercial applications, including a detailed analysis of patents and case studies across various food matrices. These developments have already been translated into practical applications, such as antimicrobial sachets for meat and essential oil-based pads for fresh produce. Moreover, by promoting the valorization of agro-industrial by-products and the use of biodegradable materials, emission-type active packaging contributes to the principles of the circular economy. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential of natural bioactive compounds in advancing sustainable and functional food packaging technologies. Full article

Plant latex is a rich source of proteolytic enzymes with potential biomedical applications, particularly in hemostasis. Among them, thrombin-like enzymes (TLEs) have garnered interest in their ability to mimic thrombin by catalyzing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, facilitating clot formation. While TLEs from snake venoms have been well-characterized and applied clinically, their plant-derived counterparts remain underexplored. This review critically examines the structural and functional characteristics of TLEs from plant latex, comparing them to animal-derived TLEs and evaluating their role in both procoagulant and fibrinolytic processes. Emphasis is placed on dual fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activities exhibited by latex proteases, which often vary with concentration, incubation time, and protease type. In vitro coagulation assays and electrophoretic analyses are discussed as critical tools for characterizing their multifunctionality. By addressing the knowledge gaps and proposing future directions, this paper positions plant latex proteases as promising candidates for development in localized hemostatic and thrombolytic therapies. Full article

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) is the primary regulator of carbon fixation in the plant kingdom. Although the large subunit (RBCL) is the site of catalysis, RuBisCO efficiency is also influenced by the sequence divergence of the small subunit (RBCS). This project compared the RBCS gene family in C3 and C4 grasses to identify genetic targets for improved crop photosynthesis. Triticeae/Aveneae phylogeny groups exhibited a syntenic tandem duplication array averaging 326.1 Kbp on ancestral chromosomes 2 and 3, with additional copies on other chromosomes. Promoter analysis revealed a paired I-box element promoter arrangement in chromosome 5 RBCS of H. vulgare, S. cereale, and A. tauschii. The I-box pair was associated with significantly enhanced expression, suggesting functional adaptation of specific RBCS gene copies in Triticaeae. H. vulgare-derived pan-transcriptome data showed that RBCS expression was 50.32% and 28.44% higher in winter-type accessions compared to spring types for coleoptile (p < 0.05) and shoot, respectively (p < 0.01). Molecular dynamics simulations of a mutant H. vulgare Rubisco carrying a C4-like amino acid substitution (G59C) in RBCS significantly enhanced the stability of the Rubisco complex. Given the known structural efficiency of C4 Rubisco complexes, G59C could serve as an engineering target for enhanced RBCS in economically crucial crop species which, in comparison, possess less efficient Rubisco complexes. Full article

To advance the development of protein-rich plant-based foods, a novel binder system for vegan sausage alternatives without the requirement of heat application was investigated. This enables long-term ripening of plant-based analogs similar to traditional fermented meat or dairy products, allowing for refined flavor and texture development. This was achieved by using a poorly water-soluble calcium source (calcium carbonate) to introduce calcium ions into a low-ester pectin—gluten matrix susceptible to crosslinking via divalent ions. The gelling reaction of pectin–gluten dispersions with Ca²⁺ ions was time-delayed due to the gradual production of lactic acid during fermentation. Firm, sliceable matrices were formed, in which particulate substances such as texturized proteins and solid vegetable fat could be integrated, hence forming an unheated raw-fermented plant-based salami-type sausage model matrix which remained safe for consumption over 21 days of ripening. Gluten as well as pectin had a significant influence on the functional properties of the matrices, especially water holding capacity (increasing with higher pectin or gluten content), hardness (increasing with higher pectin or gluten content), tensile strength (increasing with higher pectin or gluten content) and cohesiveness (decreasing with higher pectin or gluten content). A combination of three simultaneously occurring effects was observed, modulating the properties of the matrices, namely, (a) an increase in gel strength due to increased pectin concentration forming more brittle gels, (b) an increase in gel strength with increasing gluten content forming more elastic gels and (c) interactions of low-ester pectin with the gluten network, with pectin addition causing increased aggregation of gluten, leading to strengthened networks. Full article

Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is crucial in mediating plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify the GPX gene family in quinoa. A total of 15 CqGPX genes were identified at the quinoa genome level and conducted preliminary analysis on their protein characteristics, chromosome distribution, gene structure, conserved domain structure, cis-acting elements, and expression patterns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GPX genes of quinoa, Arabidopsis, soybean, rice, and maize were divided into three groups. Most of the CqGPXs had the three characteristic conserved motifs and other conserved sequences and amino acid residues. Six types of cis-acting elements were identified in the CqGPX gene promoter, with stress and hormone response-related cis-acting elements constituting the two main categories. Additionally, the expression patterns of CqGPX genes across various tissues and their responses to treatments with NaCl, PEG, CdCl₂, and H₂O₂ were also investigated. The qRT-PCR results showed significant differences in the expression levels of the CqGPX genes under stress treatment at different time points. Consistently, the activity of glutathione peroxidase enzymes increased under stresses. Heterologous expression of CqGPX4 and CqGPX15 conferred stress tolerance to E. coli. This study will provide a reference for exploring the function of CqGPX genes. Full article

Background: Gossypium hirsutum L. is one of the main economic crops worldwide, and increasing the size/weight of its seeds is a potential strategy to improve its seed-related yield. AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) is an organogenesis transcription factor mediating cell proliferation and expansion in Arabidopsis, but little is known about its candidate function in upland cotton seed. Results: In this study, functional characterization of GhANT in the cotton seed development stage was performed. The expression pattern analysis showed that GhANT was predominantly expressed in the ovules, and its expression was consistent with the ovules’ development stage. Heterologous expression of GhANT in Arabidopsis promoted plant organ growth and led to larger seeds. Importantly, specific expression of GhANT by the TFM7 promoter in the cotton ovules enlarged the seeds and increased the cotton seed yield, as compared with the wild-type in a three-year field trial. Furthermore, transcription level analysis showed that numerous genes involved in cell division were up-regulated in the ovules of TFM7::GhANT lines in comparison to the wild-type. These results indicate that GhANT is a potential genetic resource for improving cotton seed yield through its molecular links with cell cycle controllers. Full article

Phosphorus (P) availability is a major constraint on plant growth in many forest ecosystems, yet the strategies by which different tree species acquire and utilize various forms of soil phosphorus remain poorly understood. This study investigated how coexisting tree species with contrasting mycorrhizal types, specifically arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations, respond to different phosphorus forms under field conditions. An in situ root bag experiment was conducted using four phosphorus treatments (control, inorganic, organic, and mixed phosphorus) across four subtropical tree species. A comprehensive set of fine root traits, including morphological, physiological, and mycorrhizal characteristics, was measured to evaluate species-specific phosphorus foraging strategies. The results showed that AM species were more responsive to phosphorus form variation than ECM species, particularly under inorganic and mixed phosphorus treatments. Significant changes in root diameter (RD), root tissue density (RTD), and acid phosphatase activity (RAP) were observed in AM species, often accompanied by higher phosphorus accumulation in fine roots. For example, RD in AM species significantly decreased under the Na₃PO₄ treatment (0.94 mm) compared to the control (1.18 mm), while ECM species showed no significant changes in RD across treatments (1.12–1.18 mm, p > 0.05). RTD in AM species significantly increased under Na₃PO₄ (0.030 g/cm³) and Mixture (0.021 g/cm³) compared to the control (0.012 g/cm³, p < 0.05), whereas ECM species exhibited consistently low RTD values across treatments (0.017–0.020 g/cm³, p > 0.05). RAP in AM species increased significantly under Na₃PO₄ (1812 nmol/g/h) and Mixture (1596 nmol/g/h) relative to the control (1348 nmol/g/h), while ECM species showed limited variation (1286–1550 nmol/g/h, p > 0.05). In contrast, ECM species displayed limited trait variation across treatments, reflecting a more conservative acquisition strategy. In addition, trait correlation analysis revealed stronger coordination among root traits in AM species. And AM species exhibited high variability across treatments, while ECM species maintained consistent trait distributions with limited plasticity. These findings suggest that AM and ECM species adopt fundamentally different phosphorus acquisition strategies. AM species rely on integrated morphological and physiological responses to variable phosphorus conditions, while ECM species maintain stable trait configurations, potentially supported by fungal symbiosis. Such divergence may contribute to functional complementarity and species coexistence in phosphorus-limited subtropical forests. Full article

GOLDEN2-LIKEs (GLKs) are important transcription factors for the chloroplast development influencing photosynthesis, nutrition, senescence, and stress response in plants. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a highly photosynthetic plant; here, a GLK-homologues gene HaGLK was identified from the sunflower genome by bioinformatics. To analyze the bio-function of HaGLK, transgenic rice plants overexpressing HaGLK (HaGLK-OE) were constructed and characterized via phenotype. Compared to the wild-type control rice variety Zhonghua 11 (ZH11), the HaGLK-OE lines exhibited increased photosynthetic pigment contents, higher net photosynthetic rates, and enlarged chloroplast area; meanwhile, genes involved in both photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthesis were also significantly up-regulated. Significantly, the HaGLK-OE plants showed a 12–13% increase in yield per plant. Additionally, the HaGLK-OE plants were demonstrated to have improved salt and drought tolerance compared to the control ZH11. Our results indicated that the HaGLK gene could play multiple roles in photosynthesis and stress response in rice, underscoring its potential value for improving crop productivity and environmental adaptability in breeding. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections in women, with high recurrence rates and growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. The need for alternative or adjunctive therapies has spurred interest in plant-based treatments, which offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory benefits. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and therapeutic potential of various medicinal plants and natural compounds for preventing and treating UTIs in women. Notable candidates include cranberry, bearberry, pomegranate, green tea, and other phytochemicals with proven anti-adhesive and biofilm-disrupting properties. Evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses supports the role of cranberry natural products and traditional herbal medicines (THMs) in reducing UTI recurrence, especially when combined with antibiotics. Notably, A-type proanthocyanidins in cranberry and arbutin in bearberry are key bioactive compounds that exhibit potent anti-adhesive and biofilm-disrupting properties, offering promising adjunctive strategies for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. Additionally, emerging therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), show promise in restoring bladder function and reducing infection in women with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Overall, plant-based strategies represent a valuable and well-tolerated complement to conventional therapies and warrant further investigation through high-quality clinical trials to validate their efficacy, safety, and role in personalized UTI management. Full article

γ-tocopherol is an important antioxidant compound associated with anticancer activity in several plants. This study aimed to analyze the γ-TMT (γ-tocopherol methyltransferase) gene sequence and predict its protein structure in mutant rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) plants. Degenerate primers were designed from homologous sequences in monocot species and used to amplify the γ-TMT gene. Amplification of the γ-TMT gene was observedin the mutant and the wild-type plants. The amplified region partially covers the γ-TMT gene, which has undergone mutations due to a combination of somaclonal variation and gamma irradiation. Sequence analysis revealed notable variations between mutant and wild-type lines, including base substitutions and deletions. Predicted protein structures based on the coding DNA sequence (CDS) revealed notable differences in helix and loop orientation, particularly in the C-terminal domain and central regions of the protein. These structural differences suggest potential links to increased tocopherol biosynthesis or biological activity; however, further experimental validation is required to confirm these functional implications. This study provides foundational insights into the link between the expression of the γ-TMT gene and tocopherol biosynthesis and supports the development of specific molecular markers in T. flagelliforme. Full article

Knowledge about the composition (volatile and non-volatile) and functionality of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants serves as a basis for their further application. In this study, five selected plants were used for the extraction of plant metabolites. Leaves and flowers of Critmum maritimum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europea, Phylliera latifolia and Mellisa officinalis were collected, and a total of 12 extracts were prepared. Extractions were performed under microwave-assisted conditions, with two solvent types: water (W) and a hydroalcoholic (ethanolic) solution (HA). Detailed extract analysis was conducted. Phenolics were analyzed by detecting individual bioactive compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography and by calculating total phenolic and total flavonoid content through spectrophotometric analysis. Higher concentrations of total phenolics and total flavonoids were obtained in the hydroalcoholic extracts, with the significantly highest total phenolic and flavonoid values in the rosemary hydroalcoholic extract (3321.21 mg_GAE/L) and sea fennel flower extract (1794.63 mg_QE/L), respectively; and the lowest phenolics in the water extract of olive leaves (204.55 mg_GAE/L) and flavonoids in the water extracts of sea fennel leaves, rosemary, olive and mock privet (around 100 mg_QE/L). Volatile organic compounds (VOC) were detected using HS-SPME/GC–MS (Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), and antioxidant capacity was estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods. HS-SPME/GC–MS analysis of samples revealed that sea fennel had more versatile profile, with the presence of 66 and 36 VOCs in W and HA sea fennel leaf extracts, 52 and 25 in W and HA sea fennel flower extracts, 57 in rosemary W and 40 in HA, 20 in olive leaf W and 9 in HA, 27 in W mock privet and 11 in HA, and 35 in lemon balm W and 10 in HA extract. The lowest values of chlorophyll a were observed in sea fennel leaves (2.52 mg/L) and rosemary (2.21 mg/L), and chlorophyll b was lowest in sea fennel leaf and flower (2.47 and 2.25 mg/L, respectively), while the highest was determined in olive (6.62 mg/L). Highest values for antioxidant activity, determined via the FRAP method, were obtained in the HA plant extracts (up to 11,216 mg_AAE/L for lemon balm), excluding the sea fennel leaf (2758 mg_AAE/L) and rosemary (2616 mg_AAE/L). Considering the application of these plants for fresh fish preservation, antimicrobial activity of water extracts was assessed against Vibrio fischeri JCM 18803, Vibrio alginolyticus 3050, Aeromonas hydrophila JCM 1027, Moraxella lacunata JCM 20914 and Yersinia ruckeri JCM 15110. No activity was observed against Y. ruckeri and P. aeruginosa, while the sea fennel leaf showed inhibition against V. fisheri (inhibition zone of 24 mm); sea fennel flower was active against M. lacunata (inhibition zone of 14.5 mm) and A. hydrophila (inhibition zone of 20 mm); and rosemary and lemon balm showed inhibition only against V. fisheri (inhibition zone from 18 to 30 mm). This study supports the preparation of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants using green technology, resulting in extracts rich in polyphenolics with strong antioxidant potential, but with no clear significant antimicrobial efficiency at the tested concentrations. Full article