Search Results (77)

A quantitative literature review of restoration techniques and supporting management strategies used throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic from 1998 through 2024 was compiled using references from the Web of Science to highlight those with potential for reef replenishment. From 93 sources listed, 74 publications were relevant and categorized into subtopics based on the most prevalent restoration techniques. Roughly half the studies focused on three general topics: the benefits of restoring Acropora species, studies utilizing micro-fragmentation and fragment nurseries, and outplanting techniques. Other subtopics, each with at least three references, included optimizing substrates and artificial reefs, enhancing larval recruitment, emphasizing the role of herbivory, improving management practices, and addressing the impacts of tourism and community engagement. The information from the references was compiled to determine the overlap among categories and the ways in which techniques and management strategies might be applied simultaneously to enhance restoration outcomes. Additionally, sources were analyzed according to time and location of publication to better visualize the emergence of this area of research and restoration efforts. An increase in publications was observed from 2014 to 2024, associated with the rise in major events impacting coral reefs. The major locations for published research were the Florida reef tract and Puerto Rico, though restoration studies were also reported from the Bahamas and sites around the Caribbean. Criteria to assess the success of techniques included coral survival, recruitment, coral coverage, habitat structure and complexity, and biomass of marine life, including fish and invertebrates that inhabited a restored reef. Most restoration efforts utilized either fragmentation or assisted sexual breeding, followed by cultivation in nurseries or labs. Outplanting success depended on fragment size, attachment style, and site selection, with less-intrusive techniques and intermediate planting densities promoting survival. Tools like GAO maps can guide site selection based on herbivore presence and algal coverage. Monitoring is critical to ensuring coral survival, especially after the first year of outplanting, while community involvement can foster public engagement in reef conservation. Full article

The effects of wound healing on crop stand and productivity were examined on the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Alturas (Alt), Russet Burbank (RB), and Clearwater Russet (CW). Tuber yields increased linearly with an advancing wound healing period irrespective of the cultivar (R² = 0.91). In contrast to unhealed controls, RB and CW wound-healed for 8 days produced a 6% and 8% greater yield, respectively, while a shorter wound healing period of 2 days increased Alt yield by 7%. Increases in tuber yield, a consequence of enhanced specific tuber weight across wound healing periods, contributed towards increased relative crop value in Alt (13%), RB (22%), and CW (19%). In further lab evaluations, Alt exhibited increased desiccation resistance and was associated with an earlier induction (24 h post-wounding) of feruloyl transferase (FHT) compared to CW and RB. Since FHT facilitates suberin and wax development, delayed FHT induction likely promoted fresh-weight loss in CW and RB compared to Alt. Enzymatic evaluations to assess the production of reactive oxygen species to protect fresh-cut seed found that RB had the highest activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. This study demonstrates the broad benefits of planting wound-healed seed while highlighting opportunities to improve best practices and genetic improvement for wound healing response. Full article

Chemotaxonomic profiling based on secondary metabolites offers a reliable approach for identifying and authenticating medicinal plants, addressing limitations associated with traditional morphological and genetic methods. Recent advances in microfluidics and nanoengineered technologies—including lab-on-a-chip systems as well as nano-enabled optical and electrochemical sensors—enable the rapid, accurate, and portable detection of key metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques further enhances the analytical capabilities of these technologies, enabling automated, precise plant identification in field-based applications. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the potential applications of micro- and nanoengineered devices in herbal medicine markets, medicinal plant authentication, and biodiversity conservation. We discuss strategies to address current challenges, such as biocompatibility and material toxicity, technical limitations in device miniaturization, and regulatory and standardization requirements. Furthermore, we outline future trends and innovations necessary to fully realize the transformative potential of these technologies in real-world chemotaxonomic applications. Full article

The classification of bean landraces based on their coloration is of particular interest, as the color of these plants is associated with the nutritional components present in their seeds. In this paper, the authors propose a procedure to identify the colors of heterogeneous color bean landraces based on the information from their digital images. The proposed methodology employs a three-dimensional histogram representation of the estimated color, expressed in the CIE L*a*b* color space, with an unsupervised learning method called the Gaussian Mixture Model. This approach facilitates the acquisition of representative information for the colors of a bean landrace, represented as points in the CIE L*a*b* color space. Furthermore, the K-$nn$ method can be trained with these punctual representations to identify colors, yielding satisfactory results on landraces with homogeneous and heterogeneous seeds. Full article

Ferulic acid esterase (FAE) plays an important role in plant fiber degradation by catalyzing the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic structures. FAE-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as potential probiotics, can improve ruminant digestion and gut health. In this study, two LAB strains (Q2 and Q6) with FAE activity were isolated from sheep rumen. Based on 16S rDNA sequencing, they were identified as Lactobacillus mucosae and Streptococcus equinus, respectively. Compared to Q2, Q6 demonstrated higher enzyme production, lactic acid yield, broader carbohydrate utilization, and stronger antimicrobial activity. The whole genome sequencing revealed Q2 and Q6 possess genomes of 2.14 Mbp and 1.95 Mbp, with GC contents of 46.81% and 37.30%, respectively. Q2 and Q6 exhibited the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) with L. mucosae DSM 13345 (97.30%) and S. equinus ATCC 33317 (97.92%), respectively. The strains harbored 2101 and 1928 predicted genes, including 1984 and 1837 coding sequences (CDSs), respectively. GO enrichment analysis showed the CDSs predominantly associated with membranes (or cells), catalytic activity, and metabolic processes. KEGG analysis revealed both strains enriched in metabolic pathways, with Q6 showing a notably higher number of proteins in the ABC transporters and quorum sensing than Q2. Carbohydrate-active enzymes database (CAZy) profiling identified 75 CAZymes in Q2 and 93 CAZymes in Q6, with each strain containing one novel fae gene. Safety assessment identified 1 and 33 pathogenic genes, along with 2 and 4 putative antimicrobial peptide genes, in Q2 and Q6, respectively. Notably, Q6 carried 12 virulence factor genes. These findings suggest Q2 exhibits a superior safety profile compared to Q6, indicating a higher probability of Q2 being an effective probiotic strain. In conclusion, both LAB strains produce FAE. L. mucosae Q2 demonstrates suitability as a direct-fed probiotic for livestock, while Q6 exhibits potential as a silage inoculant, though comprehensive safety evaluations are required prior to its application. Full article

Viroids are subviral plant pathogens composed of non-coding, small, circular, single-stranded RNAs that parasitize the transcriptional machinery of their host cells. For many years, viroid-induced diseases were mistakenly attributed to viruses due to similarities in symptoms and pathogenic behavior. However, advances in molecular biology over the past sixty years have clearly distinguished viroids from viruses and other pathogens in terms of genetic composition, structural features, and replication mechanisms. Citrus trees in the Mediterranean region appear to have been associated with viroid infections since ancient times. Nevertheless, the use of propagation material harboring asymptomatic viroid infections allowed for continued production of high-quality fruit. This delicate equilibrium was disrupted with the spread of novel citrus pathogens, prompting the adoption of new horticultural practices that emphasized the elimination of citrus pathogens—including viroids—from propagation material. Concurrently, a contrasting approach emerged in the late 1960s: the experimental use of “graft-transmissible dwarfing agents”—later identified as citrus viroids—to control citrus tree size. Our lab initiated work on citrus viroid-induced dwarfing in the early 1980s and continued this line of research for nearly two decades. Eventually, we concluded that it was impractical to simultaneously promote rigorous sanitation protocols while advocating for the use of viroids to induce dwarfing. This review summarizes key biological and molecular aspects of citrus and avocado viroids investigated in our laboratory, including the development of diagnostic techniques and the exploration of viroid-induced dwarfing as a horticultural tool. Full article

In line with the recommended European policy for a zero-waste crop supply chain, a lab-pilot optimisation process to valorise the by-products of industrially produced rapeseed meal (RM) was performed. Three batches of RM were first processed into ethanol-wash solutes (EWS) and then optimised (OEWS) by an ultrasound-assisted (UA) treatment. After direct analysis in real time–high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) analysis, data were processed applying a partial least square–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), which retrieved the 15 most discriminative ions able to characterise the biochemical changes during the ethanol-washing and UA optimisation process. The metabolomic fingerprinting of EWS and OEWS generated an accurate and well-defined 3D spatial clusterisation based on a restricted pool of informative bioactive compounds. A significantly higher relative abundance of sinapic, azelaic, and vernolic acids and a lower incidence of the oleic and palmitic fatty acids were detected in OEWS. DART-HRMS generated a vast amount of biochemical information in one single run, also demonstrating that its association with an untargeted multivariate statistical approach would be a valuable tool for revealing specific functional biomarkers. This would eventually enhance the circular and effective use of rapeseed residuals coming from this plant’s oilseed industry. Full article

This study on the isolation, identification, and characterization of the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacterial strains from the rose blossom of Rosa damascena Mill. (R. damascena) is crucial for discovering novel, plant-derived probiotics with potential health benefits and applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Nine lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains were isolated from rose blossom of R. damascena, and they were identified to the species level by applying physiological and biochemical (API 50 CHL), and molecular genetic (16S rRNA gene sequencing) methods. The isolates were identified as belonging to the Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species. Some probiotic properties of the newly isolated and identified LAB strains were examined: their antibacterial activity against pathogens by the agar well diffusion method, and their antibiotic resistance profile by the agar paper disc diffusion method. The LAB strains studied demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Abony, Proteus vulgaris, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis pathogens and were resistant to most of the antibiotics used in clinical practice, which in turn suggested the possibility of their joint inclusion in therapy, in the composition of probiotic preparations. A batch fermentation process was conducted with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 5/20, and the kinetic parameters of the batch fermentation process were determined in order to obtain a concentrate with a high viable cell count (10¹³CFU/cm³). The resultant concentrate was freeze-dried, and freeze-dried preparations with a high viable cell count (over 10¹² CFU/g) were obtained. Research on LAB strains isolated from R. damascena could reveal valuable LAB strains with significant probiotic properties. These strains will be suitable for various applications in the composition of starter cultures for functional beverages and foods, as well as probiotic preparations, showcasing the untapped potential of plant-associated microbiota. Full article

The changes in soil nitrogen mineralization rate induced by litter input can determine the availability of nitrogen for plant growth in the soil. In forest ecosystems, the mixing of different species of litter can alter the chemical properties of the litter, ultimately affecting the rates of soil nitrogen transformation and cycling. In this study, litters with Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. and Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen. and mixed litter with Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix gmelinii were added to dark brown soil and incubated in the lab for 175 days at 25 °C. NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N contents and nitrogen mineralization rates were periodically measured to explore the effect of mixed litter addition on soil nitrogen mineralization. The results showed that compared to Larix gmelinii litter, Fraxinus mandshurica litter demonstrates higher carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents while exhibiting lower lignin and cellulose contents and lower C/N and lignin/N ratios. Soil inorganic nitrogen content showed a trend of initial decrease followed by an increase. At the end of the incubation, soil NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N and the total inorganic nitrogen contents were 4.6–7.8 times, 2.2–3.4 times, and 2.9–4.3 times higher than the initial value, respectively. The soil nitrogen mineralization rate exhibited an initial rapid increase followed by stabilization. During days 7–28 of incubation, the nitrogen mineralization rates in litter addition treatments were lower than that in the control, while they were higher than that in the control during days 42–175. The soil nitrogen mineralization rate in the treatments with Fraxinus mandshurica litter and mixed litter were higher than those in the treatment with Larix gmelinii litter. The cumulative net nitrogen mineralization amounts in the Fraxinus mandshurica litter and mixed litter treatments were higher than those in the Larix gmelinii litter treatment, being 1.5 and 1.2 times those of the Larix gmelinii litter treatment, respectively. MBC and MBN presented a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, peaking on days 7 and 14 of incubation, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that soil inorganic nitrogen content and nitrogen mineralization rate were positively correlated with the litter total nitrogen and soil microbial carbon and nitrogen and negatively correlated with litter C/N and lignin/N. The changes in soil inorganic nitrogen and nitrogen mineralization are primarily associated with soil microbial immobilization. Initially, in the treatments with litter addition, an increase in microbial biomass enhanced the immobilization of soil inorganic nitrogen. Subsequently, as litter mineralization progressed, the amount of litter decreased, leading to reduced microbial biomass and weakened immobilization. This study indicates that the interaction between litter types and soil microorganisms is the key factor affecting soil nitrogen mineralization process and soil mineral nitrogen content. These findings provide a scientific basis for soil fertility management in the forest ecosystems of Northeast China. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are gaining increasing attention as functional ingredients in the cosmetic industry, particularly those derived from natural plant sources. Although various LAB strains have been widely applied in cosmetic formulations, studies investigating the effects of naturally derived LAB on the skin remain limited. In this study, we isolated an LAB strain from ginseng and evaluated its potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient. The antimicrobial activity of the strain was assessed against skin-associated pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using HaCaT and Caco-2 cells. Considering the limitations of vertebrate animal testing, infection and survival assays were conducted using Galleria mellonella larvae as an alternative in vivo model. The ginseng-derived strain exhibited 99.93% similarity to Pediococcus pentosaceus and was designated P. pentosaceus THG-219. It exhibited an MIC of 0.625 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL against S. aureus KCTC 3881 and S. epidermidis KCTC 1917, respectively. Its antimicrobial activity was further enhanced following ethyl acetate fractionation. P. pentosaceus THG-219 showed no toxicity in G. mellonella larvae and exerted antibacterial effects in this model. No cytotoxicity was observed in HaCaT and Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, P. pentosaceus THG-219 promoted host cell adhesion while inhibiting pathogen adhesion. It also exhibited excellent acid, bile, and heat tolerance, suggesting strong survivability under harsh conditions. Collectively, these results indicate that P. pentosaceus THG-219, isolated from ginseng, is a promising, safe, and stable candidate for development as a functional cosmetic ingredient. Full article

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is the primary Campylobacter species and a major cause of foodborne illness associated with poultry products. This review focuses on lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactobacillus species, and acid whey as a dairy by-product for C. jejuni control in poultry as a sustainable method. LAB strains L. crispatus exhibit a cecal colonization reduction of >90% by competitive exclusion and bacteriocin activity, while L. johnsonii FI9785 decrease bacterial load 4–5 log₁₀. Acid whey, which is abundant in organic acids (e.g., lactic acid) and bioactive peptides (e.g., lactoferrin), reduces C. jejuni viability, decreasing the food product contamination on the carcass for a short time by 40%. LAB antimicrobial function becomes more effective when used with acid whey, although specific farm-related variables require additional optimization. Some of the key strategies include co-encapsulating LAB with acid whey or plant-derived antimicrobials for improving survival, conducting in vivo trials in commercial farm conditions to evaluate scalability, and adding whey into feed (1–2% inclusion) or applying it as a pre-slaughter spray. These strategies enable the antibiotic-free production and circular economy goals through repurposing low-cost acid whey. Future studies should directly compare them with standard antimicrobials to confirm their scalability for poultry safety. Full article

The application of environmentally friendly technologies, such as phytoremediation, for contaminated soil remediation and biofuel generation should be one of the goals of sustainable development. Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants and their associated microorganisms to clean contaminated soils, resulting in a positive impact on the environment and the production of biomass that can be utilized for biofuel production. Combining phytoremediation with advanced thermochemical conversion technologies like thermo-catalytic reforming process (TCR) allows for the production of high-quality biochar, bio-oil comparable to fossil crude oil, and hydrogen-rich syngas. This study presents a full-scale phytoremediation experiment conducted at a former oil storage site using energy crops like Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus), where the biomass was later converted into biofuel and other by-products using lab-scale technology. Significant and promising results were obtained: (i) within two years, the initial total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) contamination level (698 mg/kg) was reduced to a permissible level (146 mg/kg); (ii) the yield of the harvested Jerusalem artichoke biomass reached 18.3 t/ha dry weight; (iii) the thermochemical conversion produced high-quality products, such as a thermally stable oil a higher heating value (HHV) of 33.85 MJ/kg; (iv) the two-year phytoremediation costs for the rejuvenated soil amounted to3.75 EUR/t. Full article

Contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has raised significant global concerns. While most studies have focused on aquatic contamination, knowledge concerning the effect of MPs and NPs in biosolids on agricultural field crops remains limited, as is the range of polymer types tested. In this study, polyethylene nanoplastics (HDPE-NPs, <500 nm diameter) were produced in the lab, and their effect on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was studied at different growth stages. Physical and chemical characterizations of the HDPE-NPs were performed. Compared to the control group, the presence of 2.8 mg/kg HDPE-NPs in soil increased tomato leaf greenness (p < 0.05), while the presence of 0.5 mg/kg HDPE-NPs in the soil lowered water use efficiency (WUE, p < 0.05) of the plants in the early vegetative stage. Soil CO₂ emissions were significantly lower under both the 0.5 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 2.8 mg/kg HDPE-NPs treatments (p < 0.05). At the early germination stage, HDPE-NPs in the soil resulted in stunted seedlings (p < 0.001). Moreover, the average fruit weight and number of fruits borne by mature plants were adversely affected, possibly because of potential alterations in soil nitrogen content and associated plant uptake pathways. A pattern of hormetic dose response was observed for some measured parameters, including leaf greenness, plant WUE, and soil CO₂ emissions, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Overall, the range between 1 and 5 mg/kg concentration of HDPE-NPs in soil was found to have the greatest impact on tomato plants, while other factors may contribute to the observed effects. Full article

Lactococcus lactis T-21 is a lactic acid bacterium isolated from wild cranberries in Japan that demonstrates significant immunomodulatory properties and has been incorporated into commercial health products. However, probiogenomic analyses specific to T-21 have remained largely unexplored. This study performed a thorough genomic characterisation of T-21 and evaluated its safety in initial clinical trials. Genomic analysis revealed substantial genetic diversity and metabolic capabilities, including enhanced fermentative potential demonstrated by its ability to metabolise a wide range of plant-derived carbohydrates, and genetic determinants associated with exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and nisin production, distinguishing T-21 from domesticated dairy strains. These attributes, reflective of its wild plant origin, may contribute to its metabolic versatility and unique probiotic functionalities. A preliminary clinical trial assessing the safety of T-21-fermented milk in healthy Japanese adults indicated no significant adverse outcomes, corroborating its safety for human consumption. Together, these findings support the feasibility of utilising non-dairy, wild plant-origin strains in dairy fermentation processes as probiotics. This study expands our understanding of the genomic basis for T-21’s probiotic potential and lays the groundwork for further investigations into its functional mechanisms and potential applications in promoting human health. Full article

Wheat, a staple crop cultivated for over 8000 years, sustains more than 2.5 billion people globally, as a major source of carbohydrate, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Colored wheat, enriched with dietary fiber and antioxidants, offers valuable genetic resources for developing functional wheat varieties. Herein, a mutant pool of 1069 colored wheat lines was developed through gamma-ray irradiation to enhance genetic diversity. Mutant lines were classified into 10 groups based on seed color parameters (L*, a*, and b*), which were measured using the Hunter Lab system. K-means clustering categorized the mutant lines, and four representative lines from each group were analyzed for agronomic traits (plant height, spike length, thousand-seed weight, and kernels per spike) and antioxidant properties (radical-scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and total antioxidant capacity). Principal-component analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns, indicating associations between seed color, agronomic traits, and antioxidant activity. Darker seed color groups exhibited 3–16% higher levels of bioactive compounds and 10–18% higher antioxidant activities, whereas lighter groups showed 8–42% lower functional potential compared to the control wheat. These findings highlight the potential of mutation breeding in generating phenotypic diversity and developing wheat varieties with improved functional traits and bioactive compound content. Full article