Search Results (90)

Chromium is an environmental pollutant with high toxicity and carcinogenicity. It can induce severe oxidative stress and DNA damage after entering the human body through the food chain. As a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) with both heavy metal tolerance and plant growth-promoting properties, Klebsiella variicola has considerable potential for the remediation of chromium contamination. In this study, chicory served as the experimental plant to explore the mitigating impacts of K. variicola on stress induced by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) at a concentration of 400 mg/kg. The results showed that chromium severely inhibited the growth of chicory. In contrast, K. variicola significantly reduced the soil chromium content. As the chromium content decreased, the activities of soil urease, sucrase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase were restored, increasing by 32.60–53.69%. Accordingly, the contents of total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available potassium also increased by 34.71–51.81%. In addition, K. variicola reversed the decline in microbial diversity induced by chromium stress, promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexota, and enhanced the stability of soil ecosystem functions. Ultimately, the growth inhibition of chicory caused by chromium stress was alleviated, with fresh weight, root length, maximum leaf width, maximum leaf length, plant height, and stem diameter significantly increasing by 21.89–61.60%. This study enhances our comprehension of the various functions of PGPR when exposed to heavy metal stress, and provides support for the development of microbe–plant combined strategies in the remediation of chromium-contaminated soils. Full article

In this study, we investigated how substrate moisture content affects the growth performance and adaptive responses of Myriophyllum aquaticum. Through a controlled simulation experiment, we systematically analyzed the morphological characteristics and physiological responses of plants under five moisture levels: 0–15%, 15–30%, 30–45%, 45–60%, and 60–75%. The results indicate that optimal growth of M. aquaticum occurred at a substrate moisture content of 60–75%, with significant increases in plant height, branching ability, and biomass. A drought acclimation response was triggered at moisture levels ≤45%, characterized by shortened root length, increased total senescent internode length, biomass allocation shift toward aboveground parts, decreased chlorophyll a content, and elevated accumulation of malondialdehyde. Plants died at moisture levels ≤15%. However, they survived at 15–30% moisture, although their biomass continued to decline. A key finding was that under conditions where the sediment surface lacked water but the substrate moisture remained at 60–75%, plants achieved efficient water utilization and canopy reconstruction through rapid root extension and stem node proliferation, and the relative growth rate was significantly higher than that of the drought group (≤45% moisture). This strong adaptive capacity under specific water conditions, combined with its dehydration tolerance, suggests that M. aquaticum could potentially have a competitive advantage over native submerged plants that rely on stable water bodies, particularly in hydrologically fluctuating habitats. This study revealed that morpho-physiological plasticity driven by water gradients may be a key mechanism contributing to the invasive potential of M. aquaticum, providing new insights into its possible expansion potential in zones with fluctuating water levels. Full article

As globally important ornamental and medicinal plants, orchids exhibit significant differences in the difficulty and pathways of in vitro regeneration. Most orchid species can directly form protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) through the differentiation of shoot tips or other explants, which then regenerate into new plantlets, while some species form callus through explant dedifferentiation followed by PLB differentiation from the callus. At present, the regenerative mechanisms underlying PLB and callus in orchids, as well as the key factors influencing their differentiation, remain poorly elucidated. In this study, seedlings of Dendrobium officinale obtained from aseptic seed germination were used to investigate the effects of explant type, 2,4-D concentration, temperature, light intensity and photoperiod on the induction of PLBs and callus. The results showed that there were no significant differences in callus induction among the tested explants in D. officinale, whereas stem nodal segments were more suitable for PLB induction. For both internodal and nodal segments, the incidence rate of callus formation was higher than that of PLBs. The concentration of 2,4-D influenced the induction direction of the explants; higher concentration promoted PLB induction, while lower concentration was sufficient for callus formation. Low temperature and low light intensity inhibited PLB induction while promoting callus formation in D. officinale. High temperature and intense light partially caused desiccation of explants. A temperature of 25/22 °C (day/night) and a photosynthetic photon flux density of 50 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ were more suitable for callus or PLB induction in D. officinale. A shorter photoperiod favored callus induction, while a longer photoperiod was beneficial for PLB induction. This study reveals the differences in influencing factors for PLB and callus induction in D. officinale, providing important insights for the propagation of orchid seedlings and laying a significant foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of PLB and callus induction. Full article

Automated fruit harvesting is crucial for alleviating labor shortages and enhancing agricultural productivity. In this context, it is crucial to obtain information on fruit poses before picking in order to avoid damaging the fruit and/or the plant. However, the complex and unstructured orchard environment poses significant challenges regarding the pose estimation task. In this study, a dragon fruit pose estimation (DFPE) framework using a single RGB image is proposed for dragon fruit automated harvesting, which includes three key components: dataset annotation processing, keypoint detection, and geometric pose estimation. First, a multi-source dataset consisting of 8467 images is constructed to enhance the estimation model’s generalizability. A pseudo four-keypoint annotation strategy is designed to fit the annotation rules of mainstream single-class keypoint detection models and mitigate the inherent limitations of multi-target keypoint detection in agricultural scenarios. This strategy implicitly encodes the fruit’s orientation using bounding box group IDs, while preserving geometric information for pose inference. Then, the fruit body and its two core keypoints (navel and stem) are detected via a real-time keypoint detection model. Notably, the proposed DFPE framework is detector-agnostic: other mainstream keypoint detection models can also be plugged into the subsequent geometric pose inference stage, which guarantees the generality and scalability of the framework. Finally, a dragon fruit pose estimation algorithm based on customized geometric constraints is designed, which takes the detected pose information as the input and outputs the posture of dragon fruit. The results of experiments conducted in natural orchard and laboratory environments demonstrate that the ellipses fitted using the proposed DFPE framework closely aligned with fruit contours, even under foliage occlusion conditions. In the laboratory environment, roll errors reached a maximum of 14.8°, whereas yaw errors peaked at 13.4°. Crucially, all roll and yaw errors remained consistently below 15°, which is well within the tolerance threshold required for non-destructive picking operations using a harvesting robot. In summary, this work presents a low-cost solution for dragon fruit pose estimation from a single RGB image, which can potentially be extended to other ellipsoid crops and is suitable for implementation in harvesting robots operating in orchards. Full article

Liver fibrosis is driven by persistent oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) acting as a key profibrotic mediator. Rutin (Ru) is a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its low bioavailability limits therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated whether rutin-phytoreduced gold nanoparticles (RuAuNPs) enhanced rutin delivery leading to antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA, 150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) for six weeks. Following fibrosis induction, the animals were treated with free rutin (30 mg/kg body weight), RuAuNPs (0.3 mg/kg body weight), or AuNPs (0.3 mg/kg body weight), both expressed as nanoparticle mass, all administered orally for four weeks. RuAuNPs were synthesized by green rutin-mediated reduction and further characterized by TEM, DLS, and FTIR spectroscopy; they were spherical, showing an average hydrodynamic size of 104.1 nm (PDI 0.345). FTIR confirmed rutin capping. Biological effects were evaluated by liver morphology (H&E histology, TEM), biochemical assessment of liver aminotransferases and glico-lipidic status, ELISA and spectrophotometry measurement of redox biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, glutathione status, antioxidant enzymes), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and TGF-β. TAA-induced hepatic injury and remodeling with increased profibrotic signaling, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Free rutin slightly ameliorated the liver damage, whereas RuAuNP improved histological features, reduced TGF-β and pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased lipid peroxidation, and supported antioxidant defenses. Overall, RuAuNP may enhance rutin efficacy in TAA-induced liver fibrosis, with novelty stemming from the integrated in vivo evaluation of tissue changes and key profibrotic/oxidative/inflammatory pathway. Full article

As a traditional dual-purpose ingredient for both medicine and food, the biomacromolecules in Panax ginseng include polysaccharides, pectin, exosomes, proteins and dietary fiber. Due to their unique chemical structures, physiological activities, and processing adaptability, these components have achieved diversified applications in the medical field, becoming one of the core raw materials for functional food development. Modern research shows that the biomacromolecules found in ginseng can regulate the body’s immunity, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, as well as antibacterial properties and the ability to enhance the body’s metabolic capacity, demonstrating significant application potential in healthcare-related fields. Recent studies have found that in addition to the root, the stems, leaves, fruits and flowers of P. ginseng also contain various effective components such as ginseng polysaccharides and pectin, which have enhanced the utilization value of ginseng plant resources. Ginseng biomacromolecules can not only replace antibiotics but also improve the production performance of animals by influencing the structure of intestinal flora, providing raw materials for the selection and application of natural feed additives for animals. This review summarizes the latest research findings on the pharmacological properties and practical applications of ginseng-derived biomolecules. It primarily addresses the structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, and current applications in health and medicine of biomolecules such as ginseng polysaccharides, ginseng exosomes, ginseng proteins, and ginseng dietary fiber. It aims to provide a fresh perspective and a solid theoretical foundation for the in-depth development of ginseng in the fields of medicine and molecular biology. Full article

Feeding time is a critical but understudied factor influencing nutrient dynamics and overall productivity in aquaponic systems. This study examined the effects of two feeding schedules on growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), hydrochemical parameters, and the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivated in an integrated aquaponic system. Two 60-day trials were conducted over consecutive years under identical greenhouse conditions. Carp were fed either in the morning and early afternoon (T1: 08:00, 11:00, 14:00) or later in the day (T2: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00). Hydrochemical indicators, including dissolved oxygen, turbidity, ammonium ions (NH₄⁺), and nitrates (NO₃⁻), were continuously monitored through online measurement. Carp reared under T2 displayed significantly higher specific growth rate, final body mass, and improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The T2 variant also showed higher dissolved oxygen levels and lower turbidity compared to T1, indicating enhanced system stability. Although NH₄⁺ concentrations were higher and NO₃⁻ levels lower in T2, these differences did not compromise water quality due to efficient plant nutrient uptake. Lettuce grown under T2 exhibited greater stem and root development and higher biomass accumulation, suggesting improved nitrogen utilization linked to the NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻ ratio and enhanced root oxygenation. Overall, aligning feeding time with fish circadian rhythms improved fish performance, plant growth, and nutrient cycling efficiency. These findings demonstrate that feeding schedule is a key management factor capable of enhancing sustainability and productivity in aquaponic systems. Full article

Seed physical dormancy, also known as hard-seededness, is a characteristic commonly found in higher plants, which functions to prevent water and oxygen from passing through the impermeable seed coat. Background: Notably, seed dormancy has emerged as a critical factor in the domestication of leguminous plants. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally cultivated high-quality legume forage crop, while the seeds from different varieties maintain varying degrees of hard-seededness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying physical dormancy in alfalfa seeds remain poorly understood. In particular, the regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptomic level remain unclear, which has hindered the breeding process of varieties with low hard-seededness. Methods: In this study, we performed global transcriptome analysis to discover the genes specifically expressed in the alfalfa seed coat and provide insights into alfalfa seeds’ physical dormancy domestication traits. RNA sequencing was performed on various alfalfa tissues, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seed coats. Results: This analysis led to the identification of 4740 seed coat-specific expressed genes, including key genes such as KNOX4 (a class II KNOTTED-like homeobox gene), qHs1 (encoding endo-1,4-β-glucanase), GmHs1-1 (encoding a calcineurin-like metallophosphoesterase), and KCS12 (β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase). In addition, several seed coat-specific transcription factor families were identified, including ERF, B3, and NAC, among others. Furthermore, a comparison of gene expression profiles between seeds with and without physical dormancy revealed 60 upregulated and 197 downregulated genes associated with physical dormancy. Crucially, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these genes are predominantly associated with lipid metabolism pathways, particularly those involved in the formation of “monolayer-surrounding lipid storage bodies.” Conclusions: This key finding suggests that the establishment of physical dormancy is closely linked to the biosynthesis and deposition of specialized lipid-based layers in the seed coat, which likely constitute the primary barrier to water penetration. Our study thus provides fundamental insights and a valuable genetic resource for future functional studies aimed at deciphering and manipulating physical dormancy in alfalfa. Full article

The giant African snail (Achatina fulica), a globally invasive mollusk, poses a serious threat to agricultural production and the ecological environment. However, few studies have focused on the feeding preference and growth performance of A. fulica on different plants, with especially few reports on the correlation between the nutrient content of plants and its growth performance. In this study, 10 plant species, including lettuce, stem lettuce, spinach, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, rape, apple, pear, banana, and pitaya, were selected as food sources to explore their effects on the feeding and growth performance of A. fulica. The results showed that A. fulica had the highest selection rate for lettuce and the lowest for rape. Feeding consumption (FC), daily body growth (DBG), daily increase in shell diameter (DISD), daily increase in shell length (DISL), relative consumption rate (RCR), and relative growth rate (RGR) of snails feeding on lettuce were significantly higher than those in the other nine groups. FC, DBG, DISD, DISL, RCR, and RGR were significantly correlated with the nutrient contents (protein, carbohydrate) of the 10 plants and with the protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratio. Finally, based on the correlation between the macronutrient content of plants and the growth performance of A. fulica, we determined that these snails exhibit the optimal growth performance when fed food with the relative balanced P:C ratios (0.41–0.66) while having poor growth performance when fed plants with extremely imbalanced P:C ratios (rape: 2.45 or fruits: 0.04–0.13). Our study shows that A. fulica may cause potential economic losses for many cultivated plants, particularly lettuce, and provides a foundation for certain research values for agricultural prevention and ecological environment protection. Full article

This research aims to develop a novel technique to acquire a large amount of high-density, high-precision 3D point cloud data for plant phenotyping using photogrammetry technology. The complexity of plant structures, characterized by overlapping thin parts such as leaves and stems, makes it difficult to reconstruct accurate 3D point clouds. One challenge in this regard is occlusion, where points in the 3D point cloud cannot be obtained due to overlapping parts, preventing accurate point capture. Another is the generation of erroneous points in non-existent locations due to image-matching errors along object outlines. To overcome these challenges, we propose a 3D point cloud reconstruction method named closed-loop coarse-to-fine method with multi-masked matching (CLCFM3). This method repeatedly executes a process that generates point clouds locally to suppress occlusion (multi-matching) and a process that removes noise points using a mask image (masked matching). Furthermore, we propose the closed-loop coarse-to-fine method (CLCFM) to improve the accuracy of structure from motion, which is essential for implementing the proposed point cloud reconstruction method. CLCFM solves loop closure by performing coarse-to-fine camera position estimation. By facilitating the acquisition of high-density, high-precision 3D data on a large number of plant bodies, as is necessary for research activities, this approach is expected to enable comparative analysis of visible phenotypes in the growth process of a wide range of plant species based on 3D information. Full article

In modern society, obesity and its associated complications have emerged as serious public health concerns, primarily stemming from sedentary lifestyles and carbohydrate-rich diets. Due to the severe side effects often associated with pharmacological anti-obesity agents, emerging global efforts focus on preventive strategies, e.g., dietary modifications and weight gain-suppressing functional foods. In this context, plant-derived metabolites are extensively investigated for their beneficial anti-obesity effects. In this study, we evaluated how Rosa rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract affects fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. The extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and intracellular triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, enhanced lipolysis, suppressed lipogenesis, and promoted energy metabolism in differentiated adipocytes. In vivo, it reduced body and organ weights and fat mass in high-fat diet-induced obese rats, along with marked adipocyte size and hepatic lipid accumulation reductions. In the epididymal adipose tissue, the extract similarly enhanced lipolytic activity, suppressed lipogenic enzyme expression, and stimulated energy expenditure. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of R. rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract in reducing fat accumulation through lipid metabolism modulation both in cellular and animal models. Further studies are warranted to identify the active constituents and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract in clinical applications. Full article

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are becoming an urgent public health issue worldwide. The globe is facing a growing problem with drug-resistant germs, and current treatments are not quite cutting it. There is a real need for new therapies that can tackle these challenges more effectively. This brings us to an interesting question: Can extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different sources, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), immune cells, or even plants and animals, help in treating SSTIs, especially given the rise in drug resistance? Studies have shown that MSC-derived EVs are particularly noteworthy because they carry components such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that can work together to fight infections, boost the immune response, and aid in healing. These vesicles play a role in how our body interacts with infections, helping to clear bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. We also see that EVs from plants and bacteria can directly fight off germs, while those from animals can support the healing process of skin. Although early studies have shown promise for EV therapies, there are still hurdles to overcome, such as ensuring consistent production and delivery. This review looks at the potential of EVs as powerful agents in managing infections and supporting healing, highlighting an exciting area of research in medicine. Full article

While the application of antibiotics in livestock production has undeniably propelled the rapid growth of animal husbandry, the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance stemming from antibiotic use poses significant threats to global public health and sustainable agricultural development. To address this critical challenge, multifaceted strategies have been implemented through coordinated policy interventions and scientific innovations. This review systematically examines two pivotal dimensions: (1) evolving regulatory frameworks governing antibiotic usage and (2) emerging non-antibiotic alternatives, with a particular focus on their implementation mechanisms and technological maturation. The analysis of transnational antibiotic governance encompasses comparative policy evolution in the European Union, the United States, and China. These regulatory paradigms address critical control points including registration management policies, usage monitoring systems, and integrated surveillance programs. Concerning technological alternatives, six categories of antibiotic substitutes are critically evaluated: Chinese herbal formulations, plant-derived essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, microecological agents, acidifiers, and enzyme preparations. These solutions are functionally categorized into prophylactic agents (enhancing disease resilience) and zootechnical additives (optimizing feed efficiency). These antibiotic alternatives demonstrate certain efficacy in alleviating the challenges of antibiotic overuse, yet they still face multiple implementation barriers. Further investigations are warranted to establish standardized efficacy evaluation protocols and conduct technoeconomic feasibility assessments under commercial-scale production conditions. Ultimately, resolving the antibiotic dilemma requires synergistic collaboration between regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical innovators, and academic researchers. This work emphasizes the crucial interplay between evidence-based policymaking and technological advancement in shaping sustainable livestock production systems. Full article

Astragalus membranaceus, a plant that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, is widely regarded as one of the most valuable herbs in this medicinal tradition. It is commonly referred to as the “yellow leader”, a designation that stems from the yellow hue of its most significant organ, the root, and its adaptogenic properties. The plant Astragalus is renowned for its abundance of active components, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, and an array of trace elements. It has been demonstrated that the administration of Astragalus can prevent cellular aging, owing to its diverse range of actions that provide protection to the body from both external and internal factors. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties of this plant contribute to the maintenance of good skin condition, preventing atrophy of subcutaneous tissue and degeneration of facial bones. Systemic actions encompass the maintenance of function and protection of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, immune, and endocrine systems. This article reviews the composition of Astragalus membranaceus and the beneficial effects of its root extract and its active substances on the whole body, with a particular focus on the anti-aging effects on the skin. Full article

For a successful mangrove plantation, previous studies have proposed a small rubble mound breakwater, termed a “portable reef”, and explored the effectiveness of such reefs in terms of wave transmission. This study conducted a real-scale wave flume experiment incorporating a portable reef to assess the oscillatory behavior of young mangroves. To capture the dynamics of these young mangrove analogs—represented as elastic bodies—we employed a high-speed camera for precise tracking. A comparative analysis of the oscillatory characteristics was performed, evaluating the responses in both the presence and absence of the reef. The findings revealed several important points. First, portable reefs can effectively reduce wave heights, but they reduce plant oscillations to an even greater degree. Second, by calibrating the elastic modulus of the plant models, their oscillation behaviors can be analytically predicted. The results of our analytical model indicate that the acceleration experienced by the plants is amplified under conditions of shorter wave periods and softer stems, highlighting an increased susceptibility to damage from short-period waves, particularly in very young mangroves. Third, we identified that the conventional wave transmission formulas tend to overestimate the reduction in wave energy attributable to portable reefs, which consequently leads to an underestimation of the young mangroves’ oscillations. Based on these findings, we propose an integrated chart that combines wave transmission and plant oscillation coefficients, aimed at enhancing the design and effectiveness of portable reefs in protecting young mangroves. The insights obtained from this study will aid in the informed design of portable reefs. Full article