Search Results (766)

Agroathelia (syn. Sclerotium) is a global soil-borne pathogen with a broad host range, causing significant agricultural losses in diverse crops. However, genomic and population genetic resources of this genus remain limited. To develop genome-based molecular tools, we newly sequenced two Korean isolates (A. rolfsii KACC 93004P and A. delphinii KACC 93031P) and compared them with the reference genome of A. rolfsii GP3. Comparative genome analysis identified 723 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci, from which 14 were selected and validated across 34 Korean isolates representing multiple host plants. Genetic diversity was assessed using the number of alleles (NA), observed heterozygosity (Ho), unbiased expected heterozygosity (He), and polymorphic information content (PIC). Most SSRs were moderately to highly informative (PIC = 0.341 to 0.541 in A. rolfsii; 0.367 to 0.612 when including A. delphinii). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering based on SSR allele profiles clearly separated the two species and revealed a distinct intraspecific structure within A. rolfsii. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) also revealed clear species-level separation, while A. rolfsii isolates were partitioned into two intraspecific clusters with one divergent isolate, indicating structured genetic variation without a host-associated population structure. The developed SSR markers provide useful tools for studying genetic diversity, population structure, and epidemiology of Agroathelia species and isolates. Full article

Larimichthys crocea and Larimichthys polyactis, two commercially and ecologically important sciaenid species, are often morphologically confused (especially at the juvenile stage or for incomplete specimens), leading to limitations in traditional morphological taxonomic methods for accurate identification. Otoliths, as stable hard tissues with species-specific morphological characteristics, serve as an ideal tool for species discrimination. To investigate the efficacy of landmark-based methods in extracting morphological information from different surfaces of sagittal otoliths, this study analyzed six surfaces (medial, lateral, dorsal, ventral, anterior, and posterior) of left otoliths from two sciaenid species using geometric morphometrics. We collected 487 sagittal otolith samples from sciaenids in the Zhoushan Islands of the East China Sea (Larimichthys polyactis: 277 specimens; Larimichthys crocea: 210 specimens). Landmark coordinates were extracted using tps-series software, and morphological differences were quantified through principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis, and thin-plate spline visualizations. Key results include: relative warp PCA showed cumulative contributions of PC1 + PC2 at 52.48% (medial), 52.87% (lateral), 71.29% (dorsal), 63.7% (ventral), 64.8% (anterior), and 67.85% (posterior), effectively discriminating species with Type I/III landmarks demonstrating highest contributions; centroid size analysis revealed significantly larger values in L. crocea across all surfaces (most pronounced on medial surface: F = 183.450, p < 0.05); discriminant analysis achieved peak cross-validated success on the medial surface (98.6% for L. polyactis, 95.2% for L. crocea), with other surfaces ranging from 79.6–83.6%. This confirms that multi-surface landmark analysis effectively captures morphological divergence, with the medial surface providing optimal species discrimination. The established method provides a reliable supplementary tool for the taxonomy of L. crocea and L. polyactis, and offers scientific support for fisheries resource survey, population dynamic monitoring, and conservation of these sciaenid species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family members are the principal providers of home-based care for migrant older adults. Linguistic, cultural, and structural barriers within health systems exacerbate the caregiver burden across emotional, physical and financial domains. Although home healthcare services may alleviate this burden, variability in access, cultural safety, and care coordination can also intensify it. This scoping review maps the evidence on the burden experienced by family caregivers who deliver home-based healthcare to migrant older adults and examines how these arrangements affect caregivers’ health and well-being. It synthesizes the literature on facilitators and barriers—including access, cultural-linguistic fit, coordination with formal services, and legal/immigration constraints—and distills implications for policy and practice to strengthen equitable, culturally responsive home care. Method: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review framework was used to conduct the review. A comprehensive search was performed across six databases (CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Sociological Abstracts) for articles published between 2000 and 2025. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on the family caregiver burden in providing home healthcare for migrant older adults. Data extraction and thematic analysis were conducted to identify key themes. Results: The review identified 20 studies across various geographical regions, highlighting four key themes: (1) Multidimensional Caregiver Burden, (2) The Influence of Gender, Family Hierarchy, and Migratory Trajectories on Caregiving, (3) Limited Access to Formal and Culturally Appropriate Support, and (4) Health Outcomes, Coping, and the Need for Community-Based Solutions. Conclusions: System-level reforms are required to advance equity in home healthcare for aging migrants. Priorities include establishing accountable cultural-safety training for providers; expanding multilingual access across intake, assessment, and follow-up; and formally recognizing and resourcing family caregivers (e.g., navigation support, respite, training, and financial relief). Investment in community-driven programs, frameworks and targeted outreach—co-designed with migrant communities—can mitigate isolation and improve uptake. While home healthcare is pivotal, structural inequities and cultural barriers continue to constrain equitable access. Addressing these gaps demands coordinated policy action, enhanced provider preparation, and culturally responsive care models. Future research should evaluate innovative frameworks that integrate community partnerships and culturally responsive practices to reduce the caregiver burden and improve outcomes for migrant families. Full article

Understanding yield improvement in horticultural systems depends on elucidating how multiple plant traits operate in concert to sustain productivity. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) provides a suitable model for examining such whole-plant integration. Under cold-region field conditions, a modern high-yield cultivar (‘Nongsang 14’) was compared with a traditional cultivar (‘Lusang 1’). Measurements encompassed canopy architecture, biomass allocation between roots and shoots, leaf economic traits, and gas-exchange parameters, allowing trait coordination to be evaluated across structural and physiological dimensions. Multivariate profiling—Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation networks—was used to characterise phenotypic integration. The modern cultivar’s superior productivity emerged as a coordinated “acquisitive” trait syndrome. This strategy couples a larger canopy (higher LAI) and nitrogen-rich foliage (higher LNC) with greater stomatal conductance (G_s), operating together with reduced root-to-shoot allocation. These features form a tightly connected network where structural investment and physiological upregulation are synchronised to maximise carbon gain. These findings provide a whole-plant framework for interpreting high productivity, offering guidance for breeding programmes that target trait integration rather than single-trait optimisation. Full article

This study examines the association between financial structure components—financial access, depth, and efficiency—technological innovation, and environmental pressure in the European Union over the period 1992–2021, with the EU energy transition serving as the broader policy context. To capture the multidimensional nature of environmental pressure, a composite Environmental Pressure Index (EPI) is constructed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), integrating indicators of air pollution, biocapacity, ecological footprint, and income-related economic activity. Employing a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator within a panel ARDL framework, the results indicate that financial access is positively associated with environmental pressure in both the short and long run, whereas financial depth and financial efficiency are linked to lower environmental pressure over the long term. Technological innovation exhibits a time-varying relationship: innovation-related activities are associated with higher environmental pressure in the short run, reflecting transitional adjustment costs, but with reduced pressure in the long run as cleaner and more efficient technologies diffuse. Urbanization and population growth are also found to contribute positively to environmental pressure, pointing to persistent demographic challenges within the EU. From a policy perspective, the findings highlight the importance of aligning financial governance with the objectives of the European Green Deal by incorporating environmental efficiency considerations into credit allocation, supporting innovation-oriented investments, and promoting integrated spatial and environmental planning. Overall, the study suggests that coordinated financial development and innovation policies can contribute to mitigating environmental pressure in the European Union over time. Full article

Rivomarginella morrisoni (Gastropoda: Marginellidae) is a narrowly distributed freshwater snail inhabiting drainage basins of central and southern Thailand. To clarify patterns of genetic differentiation across its range, 45 individuals from 11 sites across eight river basins were analyzed using two dominant molecular markers: sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). SRAP primers produced higher polymorphic information content (PIC) values than ISSR primers (0.35 vs. 0.27). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed strong population structure, with 80.29% of the genetic variation occurring among populations and 19.71% within populations Population differentiation statistic (PhiPT) = 0.803, p < 0.001). Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) consistently separated central and southern populations, and STRUCTURE supported K = 2 as the most likely number of clusters. Similarly, principal component analysis (PCA) of morphological traits also distinguished specimens into two groups corresponding to these geographic regions, confirming region-specific divergence. Overall, the genetic and morphological patterns indicate restricted gene flow among basins and a clear separation between central and southern lineages of R. morrisoni. This study provides the first molecular evidence of population structure in this species and offers important baseline information for future taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research on freshwater marginellid snails. Full article

The resident microbiota in agricultural soils strongly influences crop health and productivity. In this study, we evaluated the prokaryotic diversity of two clay soils with similar physicochemical characteristics but contrasting levels of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Yield records showed significant differences in grain production over five consecutive years. When comparing prokaryotic alpha diversity between the “non-productive” and “productive” soils, no major differences were found, and the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacterial genera such as Arthrobacter, Neobacillus, and Microvirga remained consistent across soils. Analysis of the top 20 genera showing the greatest abundance shifts by compartment (bulk soil vs. rhizosphere) revealed that genera such as Priestia, Neobacillus, Sporosarcina, and Pontibacter decreased in the rhizosphere of the non-productive soil, while in the productive soil, these genera remained unchanged. In the non-productive soil, genera such as Flavisobacter decreased in abundance in the rhizosphere, whereas Arthrobacter increased. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed no clear clustering by compartment (bulk vs. rhizosphere), but two distinct clusters emerged when grouping by soil type (productive vs. non-productive). Interaction networks varied by soil type: non-productive soils showed positive Candidatus–Bacillus and negative Massilia links, while productive soils were dominated by Flavisolibacter and negative Pontibacter. Across soils, Rhizobium–Bradyrhizobium associations were positive, whereas Neobacillus and Priestia were negative. These findings highlight that a few potential beneficial microbiota and their interactions may be key drivers of soil productivity, representing targets for microbiome-based agricultural management. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess stroke coordination and biomechanics in elite U23 male kayakers under valid on-water conditions (instrumented K1 kayak on a competition lake) across race-relevant stroke frequencies (60, 80, and 100 strokes·min⁻¹). Methods: To achieve our aims, twelve male athletes (age 21.00 ± 0.47 years) completed 500 m trials at three randomized paddle frequencies (60, 80, 100 strokes·min⁻¹) with 10 min of passive recovery in-between. Data were collected with inertial measurement units, and a customized seat/footrest with integrated strain-gauge sensors. Results: Principal Component Analysis identified four key components: Mechanical Work, Mechanical Energy, Stroke Variability (PCI, Phase Coordination Index), and boat acceleration, accounting for 76% of total variance. Linear mixed-effects models (within-subject LME; Participant random intercept; Satterthwaite df) revealed that Mechanical Work (χ² = 17.10, p < 0.001) and Mechanical Energy (χ² = 53.10, p < 0.001) increased significantly with stroke frequency. Phase Coordination Index showed a significant increase at 60 and 100 strokes·min⁻¹ (χ² = 16.78, p < 0.001; t = 4.78, p < 0.001), while boat acceleration was not significantly affected (χ² = 4.95, p = 0.08). The PCI correlated negatively with Mechanical Work (r = −0.37, p = 0.022) and positively with boat acceleration (r = 0.39, p = 0.010). Effect sizes were moderate to large (ηp² = 0.18–0.36; corresponding 95% confidence intervals are reported in the main text). For the primary mechanical indicator (Paddle Factor), the mixed-effects model yielded a marginal R² = 0.57, reflecting the proportion of variance explained by cadence. Conclusions: Approximately 80 strokes·min⁻¹ may represent a condition in which coordination metrics appear comparatively favorable. These findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, not prescriptive. No causal inference can be drawn, and any training application attempts should await replication in larger, longitudinal and randomized studies. Full article

This study examines urban–water synergy as the spatial coordination between urban expansion and water systems. Using land-use data from 2000 to 2020, the central urban areas of Jingzhou and Anqing are analyzed as representative small and medium-sized cities. Urban–water synergy is assessed across three dimensions: land-use synergy, pathway synergy, and directional synergy. These dimensions are quantified using four indicators: Urban–Water Interaction Intensity (UWII), Urban–Water Interaction Displacement (UWID), Spatial Path Alignment Distance (SPAD), and Directional Alignment Angle (DAA). The results show that Jingzhou and Anqing exhibit two distinct urban–water synergy modes: a convergent interaction mode characterized by increasing alignment in land-use interactions, spatial pathways, and directional tendencies, and a divergent synergy mode characterized by persistent separation across these dimensions. Differences between these synergy modes are associated with expansion pressure, physical template, and institutional mechanisms. Spearman rank correlation and principal component analysis suggest that institutional mechanisms constitute an independent analytical dimension and may be relevant for interpreting potential non-linear changes in urban–water interaction patterns. Based on these findings, this study discusses governance implications centered on institutional effectiveness, supported by spatial restoration and expansion regulation, for informing urban–water synergy governance in small and medium-sized cities. Full article

Continuous cropping of Brassica napus impairs sustainable production via soil nutrient imbalance and microecological degradation. We evaluated rhizosphere soil properties and microbial communities under rotations crops (Triticum aestivum [TaBn], Beta vulgaris [BvBn], Glycine max [GmBn], Sorghum bicolor [SbBn], Hordeum vulgare [HvBn], and Brassica napus [BnBn]). BvBn had the highest total nitrogen, total potassium, available potassium, and organic matter contents. TaBn exhibited the highest soil enzyme activities, and its bacterial/fungal Chao1/Simpson indices and unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs; bacteria: 333, fungi: 37) exceeded other patterns. Principal coordinate analysis showed distinct microbial community separation in BvBn/TaBn versus BnBn. TaBn enriched dominant bacterial phyla Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota; all preceding crops increased fungal phylum Ascomycota while reducing Mucoromycota. Comprehensive assessment confirmed all preceding crops, except oilseed rape altered rhizosphere microbial structure, with TaBn as the optimal preceding crops. Full article

The global population growth has driven the widespread adoption of genetically modified crops, with Bt maize, due to its insect resistance, becoming the second most widely planted GM crop. However, studies on the effects of continuous Bt maize cultivation on soil ecosystems are limited, and there is an urgent need to assess its ecological safety at the regional scale. To evaluate the potential effects of continuous cultivation of transgenic Bt maize on the soil ecosystem, a five-season continuous planting experiment was conducted using two Bt maize varieties (5422Bt1 and 5422CBCL) and their near-isogenic conventional maize (5422). After five consecutive planting seasons, bulk soil and rhizosphere soil were collected. The main nutrient contents of the bulk soil were measured, and high-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze microbial diversity and community composition in both soil types. The results showed that, compared with the near-isogenic conventional maize 5422, continuous planting of Bt maize varieties 5422Bt1 and 5422CBCL did not affect the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, or available potassium in bulk soil. Regarding the microbial communities in bulk soil, there were no significant differences in the α-diversity indices of bacteria and fungi after five consecutive seasons of Bt maize cultivation, compared with soils planted with the near-isogenic conventional maize 5422. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla of bacteria and fungi, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the structure of microbial communities in bulk soil was primarily influenced by factors such as OM, TP, TN and AN, whereas the Bt maize varieties had no significant effect on the overall community structure. Regarding the rhizosphere soil microbial communities, compared with the near-isogenic conventional maize 5422, the evenness of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil of Bt maize decreased, leading to a reduction in overall diversity, whereas species richness showed no significant change. This change in diversity patterns further contributed to the restructuring of the rhizosphere soil microbial community. In contrast, the fungal community showed no significant differences among treatments, and its community structure remained relatively stable. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla of bacteria and fungi, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that continuous cultivation of Bt maize for five seasons had no significant effect on the structure of either bacterial or fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil. In summary, continuous cultivation of Bt maize did not lead to significant changes in soil nutrient contents or microbial community structures, providing a data foundation and theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the environmental safety of transgenic maize in agricultural ecosystems. Full article

This study systematically examines the effects of processing methods (green vs. black tea) and preparation techniques (brewing vs. decoction) on the flavor and functional composition of Chinese sweet tea (Lithocarpus litseifolius). Fermentation degree and extraction temperature were found to significantly influence polyphenol bioavailability, with green tea exhibiting the highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents (144.51 mg/g and 88.97 mg/g, respectively), while black tea showed an approximately 40% reduction in catechin levels due to oxidative polymerization. During in vitro simulated digestion, green tea maintained strong antioxidant activity despite its stronger bitter–astringent taste. Notably, in vitro fecal fermentation experiments demonstrated that sweet tea significantly promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and modulated gut microbiota composition (with a 3.2-fold increase in acetate content in the black-tea decoction group). Black tea particularly enhanced beneficial genera (Roseburia and Coprococcus) after 24 h fermentation (p < 0.05) and exhibited superior prebiotic properties. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed there were significant structural differences in microbial communities among the treatment groups. This study is the first to reveal that processing methods regulate the prebiotic efficacy of sweet tea by modulating the bioaccessibility of active compounds, providing a theoretical foundation for the development of functional sweet tea products. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate worldwide. Oral and intestinal microbiota members may have an effect on gastrointestinal tumors’ pathogenesis, particularly in CRC. Designed as a pilot study, this study’s aim was to investigate the relationship between CRC and oral microbiota and to identify potential biomarkers for CRC diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected from recently diagnosed CRC patients (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 14) between March 2023 and December 2023. Microbiota (16S rRNA) analyses were conducted on these saliva samples using a next-generation sequencing method. Phylogenetic analyses, including alpha diversity, principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), beta diversity, biomarker, and phenotype analyses, were conducted using the Qiime2 (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) platform. Alpha diversity indices (Shannon: p = 0.78, Cho1: p = 0.28, Simpson: p = 0.81) showed no significant difference between CRC and control groups. Beta diversity analysis using Bray–Curtis PCoA indicated significant differences in the microbial community between the two groups (p = 0.003). Examination of OTU distributions revealed that the Mycoplasmatota phylum was undetectable in the oral microbiota of healthy controls but was significantly elevated in CRC patients (CRC: 0.13 ± 0.30, Control: 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). Additionally, Metamycoplasma salivarium, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila were undetectable in healthy controls but significantly more prevalent in CRC patients (p < 0.05 for all three species). LEfSe analysis identified eight species with an LDA score > 2, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus gwangjuense, Capnocytophaga sp. FDAARGOS_737, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Granulicatella elegans, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila, as potential biomarkers. The results of this study contribute critical evidence of the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Alterations in the microbiota suggest potential biomarkers in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying CRC and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Full article

High Nature Value (HNV) mountain grasslands in the Eastern Carpathians are highly sensitive to changes in management intensity, particularly fertilization. This study assessed the effects of contrasting organic and mineral fertilization regimes on floristic composition, vegetation types, and diversity in an oligotrophic Nardus stricta grassland within an experimental framework established in 2021. The analysis is based on vegetation data collected over three consecutive years (2022–2024) from nine treatments, including an unfertilized control, organic fertilization with manure (10–30 t ha⁻¹ applied in autumn or spring), and mineral fertilization with nitrocalcar (Nitrocalc_20—200 kg ha⁻¹ calcium ammonium nitrate and Nitrocalc_30—300 kg ha⁻¹ calcium ammonium nitrate). Vegetation responses were evaluated using hierarchical cluster analysis, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP), indicator species analysis (ISA), and α-diversity indices. Six floristic types were identified along a pronounced trophic gradient ranging from oligotrophic to eutrophic communities. Low to moderate organic fertilization (10–20 t ha⁻¹) maximized species richness, diversity, and community evenness, maintaining a stable assemblage of oligotrophic and mesotrophic species. In contrast, high manure inputs (30 t ha⁻¹) and mineral fertilization resulted in rapid floristic simplification, loss of oligotrophic indicators, and dominance of competitive grasses. These results indicate that moderate organic fertilization represents an effective adaptive management option for conserving HNV mountain grasslands, whereas intensive mineral fertilization is incompatible with biodiversity conservation objectives. Full article

The cranium is a highly integrated structure composed of partially independent yet interrelated modules with different origin and developmental pathways. Throughout growth, these modules interact extensively in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, ultimately forming a cohesive and functionally unified structure. Consequently, morphological changes in one cranial unit are expected to influence the development and shape of others. Considering the known vault alterations associated with metopism, we assume that the cranial base is also modified in metopic skulls. To test this hypothesis, we compared shape and size of the internal cranial base in metopic (46) and control (183) dry crania of contemporary adult Bulgarian males using geometric morphometric techniques. The crania were scanned using an industrial µCT system. Three-dimensional coordinates of 37 (9 midsagittal and 14 bilateral) landmarks were recorded on the endocranial surface. The landmarks were grouped into four configurations outlining the internal cranial base and its compartments: anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, and posterior cranial fossa. No significant size differences were observed between the metopic and control series. Shape comparisons revealed significant differences in all configurations except the posterior cranial fossa. However, Principal Component Analysis did not demonstrate clear separation between the groups, indicating that the observed shape variation cannot be attributed solely to the persistence of the metopic suture. Full article