Search Results (1,284)

A novel acidic polysaccharide (WDP) was purified from walnut dregs, and its structural characteristics and immunomodulatory function were investigated. WDP had a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 351.94 kDa and consisted mainly of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. Methylation and NMR analyses further demonstrated that the backbone of WDP comprised →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ residues, with branched chains consisting of terminal α-L-Araf-(1→ residues or α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ fragments attached to the O-3 position of →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→ residues. In vitro assays indicated that WDP modulated immune responses in RAW264.7 cells by enhancing their phagocytosis; increasing NO release and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α; and activating the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulatory agent. These results provide a scientific foundation for the development of walnut dregs-derived functional foods with immune-enhancing properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) and clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) are rare clear cell neoplasms with overlapping histopathological features. This study aimed to compare their clinicopathological characteristics, particularly in anatomically challenging sites such as the palate and maxilla. Methods: Three analyses were performed. First, an unpublished series of five HCCC and three CCOC cases was evaluated for diagnostic histopathological features. Second, a PRISMA-ScR-guided literature review of 58 HCCCs and 45 CCOCs restricted to tumours arising in intraoral minor salivary glands, major salivary glands and gnathic bones published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed. Third, a sub-analysis compared palatal HCCC and maxillary CCOC (25 vs. 14 cases), integrating literature and unpublished cases. Results: The case series and overall literature review showed that HCCC and CCOC predominantly occurred in adults (mean age, case series: 50.8 years; literature: 56.33 years for HCCC and 61 vs. 54.11 years for CCOC) with a female predilection (case series: 60%; literature: 68%) and generally exhibited clinically indolent behaviour. The site of occurrence, soft tissue (HCCC) versus intraosseous location (CCOC), was the principal distinguishing feature. No marked differences were observed between the two tumours in either the overall literature analysis or the site-specific sub-analysis. However, CCOC at maxillary/palatal sites presented with a higher number of larger lesions and higher number of cases with nodal metastasis compared with HCCC, most probably indicating delayed clinical detection rather than intrinsic aggressiveness of CCOC. Histopathological overlap was considerable; however, diffuse dense hyalinization (4/5), focal glandular differentiation (2/5), mucous-secreting cells (4/5) and salivary gland association (5/5) favoured HCCC, whereas patchy hyalinization (3/3), larger tumour lobules (3/3) and peripheral palisading (2/3) favoured CCOC. Conclusions: HCCC and CCOC demonstrate clinicopathological similarities and shared EWSR1 rearrangement, supporting a close biological relationship. The considerable overlap between these tumours support the hypothesis that CCOC may represent the intraosseous counterpart of HCCC and highlight the importance of integrated clinicopathological assessment and further clarification in future WHO classifications. Full article

Background and Objectives: Surfactant protein B (SFTPB) is a surfactant-associated protein secreted by alveolar type II epithelial cells that plays a critical role in maintaining alveolar stability and surface tension. Although SFTPB is closely associated with pulmonary epithelial differentiation, its clinical significance in different non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes remains unclear. This study investigated the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of SFTPB expression in lung adenocarcinoma (AD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Materials and Methods: SFTPB mRNA expression data and clinicopathologic information were obtained from TCGA cohorts of AD and SCC patients. Patients were stratified into high- and low-expression groups according to median SFTPB expression levels. Associations between SFTPB expression and clinicopathologic variables were analyzed, and correlation analyses were performed with major oncogenic genes. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank testing. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed after adjustment for age, sex, and pathological stage. Results: In AD, high SFTPB expression was significantly associated with lower pathologic stage (p = 0.011) and lower N stage (p = 0.006). SFTPB expression showed significant negative correlations with EGFR (R = −0.140, p = 0.002) and BRAF (R = −0.177, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with TP53 (R = 0.128, p = 0.004). Patients with high SFTPB expression demonstrated significantly improved OS compared with those with low expression (p < 0.001), while a trend toward prolonged RFS was observed without statistical significance (p = 0.089). Multivariate analysis confirmed high SFTPB expression as an independent favorable prognostic factor in AD (HR = 0.551, 95% CI = 0.405–0.748, p < 0.001). In SCC, high SFTPB expression was also significantly associated with lower pathologic stage (p = 0.009) and lower N stage (p = 0.007). SFTPB expression showed significant negative correlations with SOX2 (R = −0.176, p < 0.001), PIK3CA (R = −0.143, p = 0.002), and TP53 (R = −0.101, p = 0.026). In contrast to AD, high SFTPB expression was significantly associated with poorer OS (p = 0.026), whereas no significant difference in RFS was observed (p = 0.307). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high SFTPB expression was an independent adverse prognostic factor in SCC (HR = 1.347, 95% CI = 1.028–1.767, p = 0.031). Conclusions: SFTPB expression is significantly associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and molecular signatures in both AD and SCC. However, its prognostic implications differ according to histologic subtype. High SFTPB expression independently predicts favorable survival in AD but unfavorable survival in SCC, suggesting distinct lineage-specific biological roles in NSCLC. These findings support SFTPB as a subtype-specific prognostic biomarker reflecting differential differentiation states and lineage context in NSCLC. Full article

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may play a role in metabolic dysregulation; however, its clinical relevance in GDM remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Wnt signaling-related biomarkers, including Wnt-inhibitory factor 1 (WIF-1), secreted frizzled-related protein-4 (SFRP-4), and beta-catenin-1 (CTNNB1) in GDM. Methods: This case–control study included 60 patients with GDM and 60 healthy pregnant controls. Serum levels of WIF-1, SFRP-4, and CTNNB1 were measured and compared between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariable logistic regression assessed diagnostic performance and predictors, while correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated biomarker relationships. Results: Serum levels of WIF-1, SFRP4, and CTNNB1 were significantly higher in the GDM group (all p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed moderate diagnostic performance for individual biomarkers, with CTNNB1 demonstrating the highest discriminative ability. The combined biomarker model significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, yielding the highest area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. In multivariable analysis, all three biomarkers remained independently associated with GDM. Correlation analysis revealed moderate interrelationships, with SFRP4 acting as a central component. PCA demonstrated partial separation between GDM and control groups, supporting the ability of Wnt signaling-related biomarkers to capture disease-associated biological variation. Conclusions: Wnt signaling-related biomarkers, including WIF-1, SFRP4, and CTNNB1, are significantly elevated in GDM and show promising diagnostic value. The combined biomarker approach provides superior discriminative performance compared to individual markers, highlighting its potential role in improving risk stratification and personalized management. Full article

Background: Existing therapies for xerostomia are primarily symptomatic, providing temporary mucosal hydration without addressing underlying pathological changes in the oral cavity. In this context, medicated chewing gums containing ascorbic acid and lysozyme hydrochloride offer a promising approach, combining antimicrobial, antioxidant, and trophic effects with physiological salivary stimulation and prolonged local delivery. Methods: For the development of compressed chewing gum formulation, the physicochemical (particle size distribution, moisture absorption capacity, and microscopic characteristics) and technological (flowability, angle of repose, bulk and tapped density, Carr’s index (CI), and Hausner ratio (HR)) properties of the active substances and their formulations with excipients were evaluated. Pharmacological activity was assessed in an atropine-induced xerostomia rat model. Results: The physical mixture of all components showed inferior flow properties compared with the formulation containing pre-granulated lysozyme hydrochloride, as evidenced by higher Carr’s index and Hausner ratio values (CI = 17, HR = 1.20 vs. CI = 13, HR = 1.14), indicating improved processability after pre-granulation. The effect of relative humidity during formulation was also assessed, with an optimal level of 40% required to ensure process stability due to the hygroscopic nature of the components. Based on these data, technological approaches ensuring processability were established, including wet pre-granulation of lysozyme hydrochloride and premixing of ascorbic acid to reduce oxidation risk. These approaches resulted in an optimized compression mass with excellent flowability (CI = 8, HR = 1.09), suitable for the preparation of medicated chewing gum. An optimal compression force (7 kN) ensured suitable rheological and textural properties, resulting in rapid and nearly complete release of the active ingredients from the medicated chewing gum, consistent with kinetic analysis. In vivo studies using an atropine-induced xerostomia rat model demonstrated that the combination of ascorbic acid and lysozyme hydrochloride significantly increased salivary secretion (2.17-fold vs. control pathology group) and reduced salivary gland mass coefficients (by 13–18% compared with the control pathology group and groups receiving individual active ingredients), alongside improvement of oxidative stress markers, including a reduction in TBA-reactants (by 51.6%) and an increase in catalase activity (by 51.0%). Conclusions: The developed medicated chewing gum showed favorable technological properties, efficient release of active ingredients, and anti-xerostomic activity in vivo, indicating its potential for xerostomia relief and oral health support. Full article

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric, exhibits broad-spectrum anticancer activities, but its ability to induce pyroptosis in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to overcome osteosarcoma chemoresistance. Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether curcumin induces pyroptosis-associated molecular changes in human osteosarcoma cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on the ROS/NLRP3/CASPASE-1/GSDMD axis and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Methods: Human osteosarcoma U2OS and MG63 cells were treated with curcumin (20–40 μmol·L⁻¹ for 24 h). Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Pyroptotic morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured colorimetrically, and IL-1β/IL-18 secretion was quantified by ELISA. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved CASPASE-1, GSDMD-N, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved CASPASE-3 were detected by Western blotting. Pharmacological validation was performed using the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Results: Curcumin significantly inhibited the proliferation of U2OS and MG63 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy revealed characteristic pyroptotic features including cell swelling, membrane pore formation, and rupture. Curcumin treatment markedly increased LDH release and elevated IL-1β/IL-18 secretion. Mechanistically, curcumin induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and ROS accumulation, upregulated NLRP3, cleaved CASPASE-1, and GSDMD-N expression, and concomitantly reduced PI3K/AKT pathway activity. Additionally, curcumin upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and activated cleaved CASPASE-3. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK partially reversed curcumin-induced cytotoxicity, confirming that caspase-dependent apoptosis contributes to the overall anticancer effect. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that curcumin induces both apoptosis and pyroptosis-associated molecular changes in human osteosarcoma cells. The pyroptotic effect involves the ROS/NLRP3/CASPASE-1/GSDMD axis, accompanied by PI3K/AKT suppression, while caspase-dependent apoptosis also plays an important role. These findings uncover a previously unreported mechanism of curcumin’s anti-osteosarcoma activity and suggest that targeting multiple cell death pathways may represent a promising strategy to overcome apoptosis resistance in osteosarcoma. Full article

In this study, nine strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with multiple growth-promoting functions were isolated and screened from the rhizosphere of plants (Phragmites communis, Triglochin maritimum, and Alhagi maurorum) in the arid and barren regions of Western China. These strains belong to five genera: Klebsiella, Bacillus, Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium. The growth-promoting characteristics of these nine strains (PAP4, PA35, AC12, ACP1, AC25, TP7, TP8, TP12, and TP14) were analyzed. Furthermore, the growth-promoting potential of these PGPR strains was comprehensively evaluated through plate and pot experiments using Arabidopsis thaliana and alfalfa. The results indicate that most strains possess the ability to fix nitrogen and secrete zeatin and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). Some strains exhibited significant traits such as phosphate solubilization, siderophore secretion, and the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). All strains showed high salt tolerance (0–8% NaCl) and were induced to secrete more EPS under salt stress. Plate experiments demonstrated that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the nine strains significantly promoted the root development of Arabidopsis thaliana and optimized its root architecture. Pot experiments revealed that inoculation with single strains influenced the growth of alfalfa to varying degrees; among them, strain TP14 showed the best performance, increasing plant height and shoot dry weight by 44.7% and 51.2%, respectively. Regarding microbial consortia, the combinations BD (PAP4 + TP14), ABC (PA35 + PAP4 + AC25), and ABCD (PA35 + PAP4 + AC25 + TP14) significantly improved the biomass, plant height, and stem diameter of alfalfa. The superior strains and their combinations identified in this study effectively promote plant growth. These high-performing PGPR strains provide valuable microbial resources for the development of bio-fertilizers tailored for saline–alkali and barren regions in Western China. Full article

The pathophysiological basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains incompletely understood. However, the influence of environmental factors, such as continuous cadmium exposure, requires further investigation. Notably, common comorbidities such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and zinc deficiency are linked with increased cadmium bioavailability, and elevated blood cadmium levels have been reported in individuals with PD. Cd (II) deposits in the midbrain, causing the accumulation of inflammatory lipids, which promote neuronal destruction. Cd-treated animals develop Parkinson-like syndromes, and cadmium exposure is associated with neuronal loss and disruption of dopaminergic receptor expression. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neurodegeneration, has been found to be elevated in patients with Parkinson’s disease and correlates with Cd blood concentrations. Iron deficiency promotes the secretion of FGF-23, which depletes vitamin D levels, further increasing the risk of PD. Moreover, COPD and IDA are two well-known examples of systemic hypoxia, which attracts metals bound to transferrin, such as cadmium and iron, leading to increased metal accumulation in various tissues, including the brain. Lead levels are also elevated in individuals with IDA, contributing to the risk of PD. Additionally, Cd exposure is associated with a reduced abundance of Lachnospiraceae in stool and decreased levels of butyrate, both of which are characteristic features of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, this review aims to explore how COPD, IDA, and zinc deficiency—known risk factors for Parkinson’s disease—lead to an increased cadmium burden and contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. Full article

Wearable technology has become popular today not only for clinical uses but also among the general public for everyday activities such as fitness tracking and activity recognition. It’s no secret that wearable devices need to be more comfortable and that there is increasing attention to their reliability and accuracy. Therefore, researchers are making various attempts to improve these specifications. Recent research has employed multimodal fusion, rather than relying on results from a single source, such as electrocardiography (ECG) or photoplethysmography (PPG), because it enables a more comprehensive understanding of physical conditions. There are very few extensive reviews of ECG and PPG wearable multimodal fusion application systems, and they are limited to a single practical use. However, this review fills that gap and provides a comprehensive overview of recent wearable physiological monitoring technologies based on ECG and PPG, along with their modern multimodal fusion applications in the medical field. These include cuffless blood pressure estimation, stress monitoring, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring. This presents the theoretical background, including the characteristics of ECG and PPG signals, recently developed wearable monitoring techniques for ECG and PPG, and the advantages and disadvantages of multimodal fusion. It also provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of recent studies employing modern multimodal fusion approaches in the aforementioned medical field, as well as a discussion of the limitations and challenges of ECG-PPG wearable multimodal fusion systems reported in the literature. Therefore, this review will enable researchers to gain a complete and comprehensive understanding of the development of wearable multimodal fusion applications based on ECG and PPG. Full article

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) continues to pose a significant global health risk, primarily due to its capacity to modulate host immune responses and achieve prolonged persistence. Recent evidence has increasingly underscored the significance of epigenetic reprogramming as a principal mechanism through which Mtb modifies host cellular functions without altering the fundamental DNA sequence. This review gives a full picture of how Mtb secretory proteins work as nucleomodulins to directly target host chromatin and control gene expression. Mtb uses special secretion systems, such as the ESX (Type VII) and SecA2 pathways, to enable effector proteins to enter host cells. Some of these proteins move to the nucleus and interact with machinery that is linked to chromatin. These nucleomodulins facilitate various epigenetic modifications, encompassing non-canonical histone methylation, DNA methylation, and the modulation of histone acetylation, resulting in extensive transcriptional reprogramming of immune-related genes. These changes make important host defence mechanisms less effective, such as macrophage activation, antigen presentation, cytokine production, and antimicrobial responses. This helps bacteria survive and avoid the immune system. Epigenetic remodeling also affects the polarization and metabolic states of macrophages, which further affect the progression of disease. The reversible characteristics of epigenetic modifications offer a significant prospect for host-targeted therapeutic strategies. Targeting enzymes such as histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases has shown potential in restoring immune function and enhancing bacterial clearance, particularly when used in combination with conventional anti-tubercular therapies. Even with these improvements, there are still big problems with fully understanding the functional diversity of Mtb secretory proteins and turning these discoveries into useful medical tools. In general, understanding how Mtb-secreted nucleomodulins and host epigenetic regulation interact is important for understanding how tuberculosis works and finding new ways to treat it. Full article

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive hematological malignancy whose transformed cells exhibit morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics similar to macrophages, and arises de novo or as part of a clonal ‘evolution’ of other pre-existing hematological neoplasms. This study investigates the potential use of the J774A.1 cell line (a cell line derived from murine tumor cells, commonly used in macrophage research) as a research model to study the role of polydisperse extracellular vesicles (PEVs) secreted by the HS cells, considering that bacterial infections are common in patients with cancer, including HS. The influences of bacterial components on tumor progression are still not fully understood. We stimulated the J774A.1 cell line in vitro with a fraction of E. coli, and our results show that the bacterial stimulation increases the secretion of PEVs by these cells. Comparative results of J774A.1 cells with PEVs using confocal and scanning electron microscopy with micrographic reports of HS histological slides (from several cited mammal species, including humans) suggest a possible relationship of large PEVs with marks, footprints, or traces of possible large PEVs disrupted in the HS of these reports. A subsequent proteomic analysis of these PEVs revealed a diverse subcellular origin of their components, such as proteins including: Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), Heat shock cognate 71 kDa, Apolipoprotein A-1, Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1, GAPDH, Galectin, Moesin, globular Actin, and Annexin. These results highlight the importance of studying the interplay between HS, other hematological cancers, and bacterial infections to better understand the progression of this cancer, identify new therapeutic targets, and emphasize the importance of preventing bacterial infections in cancer patients. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the potential use of the stimulated J774A.1 cell line for research on HS-related PEVs. Full article

The bean bug Riptortus pedestris is one of the principal soybean pests throughout East Asia. Males release an aggregation pheromone consisting of three compounds—(E)-2-hexenyl (Z)-3-hexenoate (E2HZ3H), (E)-2-hexenyl (E)-2-hexenoate (E2HE2H) and myristyl isobutyrate (MI)—in a ratio of 1:5:1. Although pheromone-based baits have been extensively deployed to control the pest for the past three decades, the glands responsible for producing these volatiles have remained unidentified. Our investigations revealed that the metathoracic glands (MTGs) of males synthesized the two pheromonal esters, E2HZ3H and E2HE2H, along with a suite of auxiliary compounds: (E)-2-hexenal, hexanoic acid, (E)-3-hexenoic acid, (E)-2-hexenoic acid, (E)-2-octenal, and (E)-2-hexenyl hexanoate (E2HH). Female MTGs were morphologically similar to those of males and generated the same auxiliary compounds, but lacked the capacity to produce the pheromonal esters E2HZ3H and E2HE2H. MI was released exclusively from the male abdominal sternites. Its quantity was nearly uniform across all sternal segments, implying secretion from an epidermal glandular patch (GP) that was evenly distributed over the sternites. In nymphs, dorsal abdominal glands (DAGs) emitted several volatiles—including (E)-2-hexenal, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-octenal, and (E)-2-octenoic acid—some of which are characteristic defensive compounds of heteropterans. Thus, our study clarifies how sex- and stage-specific glands contribute to the chemical polymorphism observed in R. pedestris. Full article

Polysaccharides are the primary bioactive constituents of Ganoderma lucidum. Nevertheless, the industrial potential of this species is constrained by the fact that yields are relatively low. The present study developed a technology and method of extracting polysaccharides from steam-exploded Ganoderma lucidum by enzymatic extraction, with the aim of increasing the yield. The yield of crude polysaccharide is 15.39%, which is 6.96 times that of the traditional water method (2.21%). A purified, homogeneous polysaccharide fraction, designated GLP-L, was isolated with a molecular weight of 5.59 × 10⁶ Da. A detailed analysis of the chemical structure of the substance was conducted, and its immunomodulatory activity was thoroughly researched. A thorough investigation into the structural characteristics of GLP-L was conducted, yielding the following findings: GLP-L is composed of D-mannose (52.76 mol%), D-glucose (36.98 mol%), D-xylose (6.39 mol%), and D-galactose (3.87 mol%). The structure was characterised by methylation, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In the second step of the process, the following sequence of reactions occurs: 2)-β-D-Gal-(1→4)-α-D-Xylp-(1→3,4)-α-D-Manp-(1→6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→4)-β-D-Manp-(1→4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. The effect of GLP-L on immunomodulatory activity was evaluated through the RAW264.7 macrophage model, with the results showing an enhancement in phagocytic activity, immune-related enzyme activities, nitric oxide production, and cytokine secretion. The enzyme-assisted extraction method was demonstrated to enhance the yield of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, with the extract displaying noteworthy immunomodulatory activity. This provides a novel strategy for the production of polysaccharide immunomodulators. Full article

Albic soils are a typical problematic soil type distributed worldwide. These soils are characterized by a thin humus layer, low organic matter content, nutrient insufficiency, and weak microbial activity. Therefore, microbial-based approaches hold great potential for the amelioration of Albic soils. This review synthesizes microbial characteristics, influencing factors, amelioration mechanisms, and related technical efficacy of Albic soils. Microbial communities of Albic soils exhibit distinct regional characteristics, with Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria dominating the bacterial community. Reasonable agricultural management practices—including deep plowing and subsoil mixing, combined organic fertilization and straw return—can increase microbial biomass by 62–248% and enhance enzyme activities by 12–303%, ultimately increasing crop yield by 1.5–13%. Such practices drive fertility enhancement and ecological functional improvement in Albic soils. Inoculation with functional microbes (e.g., Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Trichoderma) alleviates Albic soil acidification by 1.1–3.8%, activates recalcitrant nutrients, and accelerates Soil Organic Matter (SOM) decomposition. Through extracellular polymeric substance secretion, such inoculation promotes aggregate formation, improving soil permeability and structural stability. However, challenges remain for current research, including difficult microbial agent colonization, unstable amelioration effects, and a lack of long-term field studies. Future research should utilize bio-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies to analyze microbial functions and regulate soil quality for cultivated land improvement and sustainable agriculture development. Full article

Beyond its function as a carrier of hereditary information, recent research has uncovered novel properties of extracellular DNA, including its role in the adaptation to the environment when released from plants. The secreted DNA has been shown to exert insecticidal effects against insect pests, which play an adaptive role in plant-insect interactions, particularly in regulating populations of economically important sap-feeding insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying this insecticidal effect are underinvestigated and remain largely unknown. Therefore, there is a need for more efforts to uncover these mechanisms to better understand plant–pest interactions, which would provide new insights into natural pest control strategies and inspire biotechnological applications. In the current study, we show that Pittosporum tobira (P. tobira) secretes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that exerts an insecticidal effect on Coccus hesperidum (C. hesperidum). We collected extracellular DNA from P. tobira leaves and tested its potential insecticidal effect by applying it to C. hesperidum, which is a well-known pest that causes damage to P. tobira. Our results revealed that the outermost layer of the leaf cuticle of P. tobira predominantly contains ssDNA of approximately 100 nt in length, originating from both chloroplast and nuclear genomes. This DNA exhibited pronounced insecticidal activity against C. hesperidum, with chloroplast-derived sequences significantly enriched compared to the total DNA in intact plant cells. These findings suggest that the microevolution of the P. tobira nucleome and plastome contributed to the formation of extracellular DNA with insecticidal properties (eci-DNA), which is part of its defense strategy against insect pests. Moreover, in this article, for the first time, we show that antisense DNA (illustrated with oligonucleotide insecticide Coccus-11) is capable of activating insect retrotransposons and upregulating their RT-RNase H, a crucial enzyme for the DNA containment mechanism and successful action of oligonucleotide insecticides. Notably, the laboratory-developed ssDNA-based ‘genetic zipper’ technology, designed for sustainable pest management, possesses characteristics similar to eci-DNA found in nature, highlighting a potential natural parallel to this biotechnological approach for sustainable pest management. Full article