Search Results (789)

This study addresses the early detection of water stress in grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Monastrell), a key challenge for precision irrigation. The main objective is to assess the feasibility of VIS–NIR hyperspectral imaging (400–1000 nm) to anticipate water stress, relating the spectral signal to stem water potential. This study was developed over two campaigns, in 2024 and 2025, using 18 potted plants. In 2024, eight vines were irrigated, and the remaining 10 were subjected to water-deprivation treatments, whilst in 2025, all plants were irrigated, but half at a control dose and the rest at a reduced dose equivalent to 33% of the control. Images were acquired over five dates in June 2024 and over seven in June 2025 using a Specim IQ camera; stem potential was also measured to provide a physiological reference. Individual time series were developed, calculating the Mahalanoubis distance in a PCA space. Results revealed a change window between 10 and 13 June, consistent with the divergence in water potential from 17 to 24 June. PCA highlighted spectral regions related to changes in pigments, nitrogen and water content as main indicators of water stress. We conclude that HSI is a promising tool for early water stress detection. Full article

Background: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) serves as an excellent model for studying plant water adaptation mechanisms due to its exceptional drought tolerance. While aquaporins (AQPs) mediate the transmembrane transport of water and solutes in plants, their fine-tuned regulatory networks underlying stress resilience in Tartary buckwheat remain largely elusive. Methods: Here, we combined bioinformatics and transcriptomics to systematically identify 30 highly conserved FtAQP genes at the genome-wide level. Results: Cross-validated by qRT-PCR, our analysis revealed their distinct expression patterns across different organs. Based on our transcriptomic data, we hypothesize that FtAQP family members potentially participate in a coordinated whole-plant water management network through differential spatiotemporal expression. Specifically, the robust transcription of FtAQP8, FtAQP12, and FtAQP28 in roots is associated with the initial water uptake process. As water undergoes long-distance transport, the synergistic upregulation of FtAQP13, FtAQP17, FtAQP20, and FtAQP29 in the stem suggests a potential role in facilitating critical lateral water flow. Furthermore, during reproductive development, FtAQP27 exhibits extreme tissue specificity in floral organs, implying its possible involvement in maintaining local osmotic homeostasis. Furthermore, the promoter regions of FtAQPs are highly enriched with cis-acting elements responsive to light, abscisic acid (ABA), and cold stress, suggesting they are intimately regulated by a coupling of endogenous phytohormones and environmental cues. Conclusions: Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the potential molecular basis of multidimensional water regulation in Tartary buckwheat, and identifies candidate genetic targets for improving water use efficiency in dryland agriculture through the precise manipulation of aquaporins. Collectively, while these observational findings provide valuable predictive models, future in vivo experimental validations are required to confirm their exact biological functions. Full article

The potential of water-soluble membrane proteins (wsMPs) has not been fully realized. In this article, we exploit the nearly identical functionality of wsMPs with their membrane-bound counterparts and show that we can create water-soluble membrane proteins that incorporate into the plasma membranes of cells and alter their fate. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the functional properties of water-soluble engineered pore-forming proteins, K⁺ ionic channels (MthK), and constitutively active GPCRs—among them frizzled receptors—both in vitro and in vivo. We call this method in vivo deployment of recombinant viable MPs, iDRIVE. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our strategy mediates the unidirectional insertion of MPs into the plasma membrane, and through constitutively active receptors, we present evidence for similar signaling pathway activation between small molecules and our water-soluble proteins using model phenotypes and molecular signaling assays. We present three examples where wsMPs are functional in dictating cellular fate, both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we show the induction of similar differential methylation via the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway using the conventional small molecule agonist, CHIR99021, or our wsFrizzled receptors (iDRIVE-FZD) in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) embryoid spheroids (ESs). Additionally, we show that Wnt activation via wsFrizzled receptors results in even more biologically relevant epigenetic changes than via the small molecule CHIR99021. Future work will employ iDRIVE to differentiate stem cells in the production of research and clinically relevant organoids. Full article

Sesame cultivation has expanded in Brazil, but ensuring plant establishment and productivity through fertilization remains a fundamental challenge. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the effects of different doses of the biofertilizer AFERT on the growth and development of sesame plants under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. Five doses were used (2, 1.6, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.4 t ha⁻¹ of AFERT), corresponding to different percentages of fertilization with the biofertilizer AFERT (04-14-12+hydroretainer), and, as a control, the mineral fertilizer NPK (04-14-08) was used at doses of 2 t ha⁻¹ and 50 kg ha⁻¹ of KCl. The variables evaluated were the internal CO₂ concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net CO₂ assimilation rate, intrinsic water use efficiency, water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, number of pods, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root dry mass, number of grains per plant, and total grain weight. The biofertilizer AFERT demonstrated agronomic potential for sesame cultivation, with a productive performance equivalent [number of grains per plant (84%) and total grain weight (70%)] to that of mineral fertilization regardless of the dose used. Notably, the dose corresponding to 1.2 t ha⁻¹ promoted greater physiological efficiency, with a 36% increase in CO₂ assimilation and photosynthetic activity, without improving production components. Full article

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture contributes to environmental pollution, which has driven the search for sustainable alternatives such as organic fertilizers. Among these, biofertilizer has garnered interest due to its potential to improve crop growth and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of biofertilizer: Bio Chumbinia (standardized) and traditional biofertilizer, as well as a control treatment (water), on the morphology, growth, yield, and leaf area of Maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.). Morphological and growth variables were measured every 14 days, while yield and leaf area were evaluated in two successive periods corresponding to 42 days of growth. The results indicated that most morphological and growth parameters were significantly influenced by treatment, time, and evaluation (p < 0.05), except for tiller number, blade number, and the blade emergence rate (p > 0.05). Bio Chumbinia showed superior values compared with the control at 6.0 cm for plant height, 0.1 cm/day in the growth rate, 4.1 cm for blade length, and 1.2 mm for blade width; when compared with the traditional biol, the values were similar. The growth rate and leaf emergence peaked on day 14 and subsequently declined. The fresh and dry matter yields were consistently higher on Bio Chumbinia treatment than others (p < 0.05). Although no differences were found for blade weight and leaf area between Bio Chumbinia and the control, the leaf area in Bio Chumbinia was 1400 cm² more than the control. The second evaluation showed improved productivity, which is consistent with the higher values on the morphological characteristics. No differences were observed in the leaf-to-stem + sheath dry matter ratio. These results demonstrate the potential of Bio Chumbinia to improve the productive performance of Maralfalfa as a foliar fertilizer in sustainable agricultural systems in Peru. Full article

Pistachio acreage is increasing noticeably in Spain. However, water management in these plantations still remains a challenge due to the fact that irrigation in new production regions is still not well defined. In this context, the current study aimed to assess the impact of two contrasting irrigation doses on the water relations, yield, and nut quality of pistachio trees (cv. Kerman) in La Seca (central Spain) over five years. Specifically, the high irrigation treatment (H) received 50% more water than the control (C). Soil moisture, stem water potential (Ψ_s), gas exchange parameters, growth, yield, and nut quality traits were monitored. During summer, a slight decline in Ψ_s was observed, with trees from the C treatment exhibiting the most negative values, indicating a slight dehydration. The dry weight of split nuts, with greater marketing value, was higher in H compared to C over the five-year study period. In general, the nutritional composition of the nuts did not differ between treatments. These results provide useful information for the establishment of a suitable irrigation strategy for pistachio cv. Kerman in central Spain and other regions with similar weather conditions. Full article

Low-temperature stress during the jointing stage severely disrupts the coordination of the source–flow–sink system in winter wheat. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, three wheat cultivars with different winter habits (Zhenmai 12, Jimai 22, and Shannong 38) were selected and subjected to six temperature levels (−6 °C to 8 °C) and three stress durations (2–6 days). The effects of vascular bundle traits on the transport of photosynthetic products, dry matter distribution, and yield formation were analyzed. The results showed that Zhenmai 12 and Jimai 22 completely ceased photosynthesis under 0 °C and −3 °C, respectively. The leaf vascular bundle area continuously decreased with increasing low-temperature stress, while the proportion of xylem and phloem initially increased by approximately 15% and 10%, respectively, before rapidly decreasing to 65% of the control value. In the stem, the three vascular bundle parameters initially increased by 20%, 25%, and 20%, respectively, before quickly decreasing to 50%. Changes in the vascular bundle structure weakened the transport capacity of assimilates, with dry matter in leaves and stems decreasing by 15–20% and 10%, respectively, while the root dry matter increased by 20–30%. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant relationships (p < 0.001) between vascular bundle parameters and yield components. Principal component and cluster analyses indicate that the area of leaf and stem vascular bundles, maximum net photosynthetic rate, and water use efficiency may be key indicators in explaining the variation in yield. Radar plots further validated this finding, showing that Zhenmai 12 and Jimai 22 are more sensitive to changes in the maximum net photosynthetic rate, while Shannong 38 exhibits a greater sensitivity to changes in water use efficiency. Based on existing research on photosynthetic pathways and dry matter distribution, this study innovatively investigates the potential relationship between material transport and yield formation under low-temperature stress during the jointing stage from the perspective of anatomical structure and functional coupling. The findings provide new insights into understanding the structural impact of low-temperature stress on crop yield formation and offer theoretical support for identifying the structural basis of limited material transport under stress and for developing disaster diagnostic models driven by structural parameters. Full article

The increasing frequency of torrential rainfall due to global warming has resulted in a significant rise in urban flooding and river overflows. Rainwater pumping stations, typically located near rivers, serve as buffers between sewer systems and receiving water bodies, helping to mitigate flood risks. A primary challenge in operating these stations is optimizing pump performance to prevent flooding while minimizing energy consumption and costs. Various computational methods, including meta-heuristics and deep learning, have been proposed to tackle this optimization problem. However, most studies either overlook or inadequately address pump maintenance costs, which are essential for long-term operational efficiency. This gap stems from the lack of a comprehensive model that accurately captures the full spectrum of costs involved in pump operation. This paper introduces a cost estimation model that integrates both deterministic and probabilistic elements to enhance the energy-efficient operation of rainwater pumping stations. The model focuses on pumps with capacities of 100 m³/min and 170 m³/min, which are commonly used. It takes into account electricity consumption costs as well as maintenance costs arising from frequent on/off cycles and dry-run events. Predictions of failures due to these operational stresses are modeled using the Crow–AMSAA non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) and Weibull distributions—probabilistic models widely used in mechanical failure analysis. To evaluate the proposed model, simulations were conducted using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), comparing a deep reinforcement learning-based control strategy with the current operational method at the Gasan Pumping Station in Seoul, South Korea. The pump operating costs associated with each method were calculated and analyzed using the proposed model, demonstrating its potential for ensuring cost-effective and reliable pump operation. Full article

Tart cherry is an important fruit crop in Utah, where irrigation is essential due to arid conditions. Precision irrigation requires reliable indicators of plant water status, and stem water potential (Ψ_stem), is among the most sensitive though labor-intensive and spatially limited. This study develops Ψ_stem estimation models using high-resolution multispectral Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery combined with meteorological and soil moisture data, applying Symbolic Regression (SR). Results show a stronger correlation between optical bands and Ψ_stem during the pre-harvest period. Among 85 vegetation indices, the Red Chromatic Coordinate (RCC) index performed best (R² = 0.67). Six equations were generated for different data-availability scenarios and validated using a leave-one-tree-out (modified k-fold) approach, resulting in Ψ_stem estimates with R² values ranging from 0.67 to 0.80 and root mean square errors (RMSE) ranging from 0.11 to 0.08 MPa. Notably, SR was able to produce interpretable equations that enhance model transparency and transferability. Model robustness was further confirmed using an independent dataset from a different location. To our knowledge, this is the first application of SR for Ψ_stem estimation, offering a scalable and interpretable tool to support irrigation management in tart cherry orchards. Full article

This study investigated the relationship between Subsoil Geological Structure (SSGS) and the yield, berry composition, and wine attributes of Merlot grapevines in a mountainous region. The research found significant differences in vine physiology, yield, and berry chemistry of grapevines between five adjacent rows, which corresponded with the underlying SSGS. The middle row, planted over filling material and a karst layer, had the highest yield (1.96 kg·vine⁻¹), consistent with better water availability, but produced berries and wine with the lowest concentrations of anthocyanins, phenolics, and soluble solids, resulting in the lowest wine quality score (82.33 points). In contrast, the northernmost row planted over bedrock had the lowest yield (0.12 kg·vine⁻¹), consistent with limited water availability, but produced highly concentrated berries, though extreme stress compromised overall wine balance. The southern row, positioned over filling material on bedrock with moderate water stress (stem water potential −1.4 MPa), achieved an optimal balance between yield and quality, producing wine with the highest sensory score (88.78 points) and favorable chemical composition. Geophysical methods, including electric resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), identified the subsurface structure, revealing the karst layer beneath high-yielding rows and consolidated bedrock beneath severely stressed rows. Chemical analyses of berries and wine confirmed the dilution effect of higher water availability on quality-determining compounds, providing mechanistic evidence linking SSGS to wine quality. This study demonstrates the utility of integrating geophysical, physiological, and enological approaches for understanding terroir effects and optimizing vineyard management in complex geological settings. Full article

Compost-derived humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs) play an essential role in enhancing soil microbial diversity and activity by facilitating metabolic processes through electron transfer. Herein, the effect of bioleaching dewatered sludge (BDS) in comparison with filter press dewatered sludge (FDS) on the electron transfer capacity (ETC) of humic substances during composting was investigated as a novel attempt. A variety of characterization methods including UV-Vis, FTIR, 3D-EEM, and electrochemical measurements, were used to explore the change in humic substances during composting. The results indicated that bioleaching treatment significantly influenced the organic matter composition and hindered the accumulation of redox-active functional groups during composting. Notably, the ETC of HA increased by 24.07% in the FDS group but declined by 40.62% in the BDS group. This divergence stemmed from the organic matter loss during bioleaching, leading to reduced quinone-like and tryptophan-like substances associated with electron transfer in HA during composting. Furthermore, BDS showed lower pH, water content, and organic matter, but higher concentrations of ammonium nitrogen (${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}\text{-}\mathrm{N}$) and ammonia nitrogen ${\mathrm{NH}}_3^{-}\text{-}\mathrm{N}$, all of which potentially influenced humification efficiency. These findings not only clarify the electron-transfer dynamics of humic fractions but also highlight the importance of optimizing sludge pretreatment for improved composting performance and resource recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study systematically synthesized the evidence on the effectiveness of aquatic exercise (AE)-based interventions for improving sleep quality in patients with chronic diseases and identified key moderating factors. Methods: A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials sourced from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus (published between 2016 and 2025) was conducted. Sleep quality was assessed using subjective tools (e.g., PSQI). Results: While AE-based interventions showed potential for enhancing nighttime sleep quality (standard mean difference = 0.825, p < 0.001), high statistical heterogeneity (I² = 93.41%) was observed. Given this variance, the analysis prioritized the clinical outcomes of specific patient populations over the pooled effect size. Preliminary evidence suggests significant improvements were confirmed in populations with post-COVID syndrome (p < 0.001), Parkinson’s disease (p = 0.002), and chronic back pain (p = 0.008). Conversely, no significant benefits were observed in fibromyalgia (p = 0.191), ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.737), or type 2 diabetes (p = 0.836). Moderator analysis further indicated that the mode of AE might influence outcomes, with recreational aquatic therapy and deep-water running suggesting superior efficacy compared to resistance training. Conclusions: AE-based interventions were suggested as an effective intervention for improving sleep quality. The observed benefits likely stem from the synergistic effects of physical exercise and the unique physiological properties of the aquatic environment, such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. However, the field relies heavily on subjective questionnaires and lacks physiological mechanism studies. These findings provide a preliminary evidence-based framework for clinicians to develop targeted AE-based interventions for chronic disease patients. Full article

The therapeutic potential of prodigiosin as a hydrophobic anticancer agent can be enhanced by various approaches, one of which is the loading of PG into extracellular vesicles. Drug distribution and stability in aqueous media play a crucial role in targeting and accumulation, thereby enabling the attainment of therapeutically effective drug concentrations. Extracellular vesicles are nano-sized, cell-derived vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane. Extracellular vesicles can be utilized as drug carriers for both water-soluble and non-water-soluble therapeutic agents. We hypothesized that microvesicles could effectively address the current challenges of prodigiosin delivery. Several different techniques have been developed for fabricating extracellular vesicles. These include microvesicles induction by cytochalasin B treatment as well as cell cultivation in serum depleted media. In our study, prodigiosin, like cytochalasin B, demonstrated efficacy in microvesicles formation based on protein quantification and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. In addition, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis showed that vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells are more stable under ultrasound exposure. Microvesicles encapsulating prodigiosin, compared to unmodified naïve ones, demonstrated slightly increased zeta potentials and hydrodynamic diameters, which probably contributed to better stability. We demonstrated that ultrasonic treatment for the loading of prodigiosin does not significantly increase the proportion of prodigiosin-positive microvesicles in comparison with microvesicles induced with prodigiosin; moreover, this method cannot be considered as optimal due to its disadvantages, such as particle aggregation. Prodigiosin-induced and prodigiosin-loaded microvesicles from mesenchymal stem cells were significantly smaller and less polydisperse in size. Overall, prodigiosin encapsulated in extracellular vesicles might be more suitable for medical and clinical applications compared to pure forms of PG due to their cell membrane compatibility. Full article

Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and structurally related synthetic small molecules, exhibit a broad spectrum of beneficial pharmacological effects. These effects stem not only from interactions with specific protein targets but also from their capacity to modify the physical properties of biological membranes. A key membrane property influenced by these plant-derived compounds is the electrical potential drop at the membrane–water interface, which plays a crucial role in numerous cellular processes. Changes in membrane potential impact the function of embedded proteins and ion channels, thereby modulating cell signaling, transport, and pharmacological responses. This review compiles data on how diverse plant and synthetic small molecules alter membrane physical characteristics, particularly the dipole component of the boundary potential in lipid bilayers primarily composed of phosphatidylcholine, a predominant membrane lipid in mammals and fungi. In-depth analysis of structure–activity relationships in this context elucidates how various structural modifications affect the compounds’ ability to shift membrane electrical potential. Understanding these relationships can pinpoint molecular features that drive membrane interactions and facilitate the discovery and design of more potent dipole-modifying agents with therapeutic potential. Full article

Although plastic film mulching enhances crop yield, it impedes water infiltration, potentially restricting agricultural productivity. To address this issue, we evaluated the effects of different mulching methods on cauliflower growth, yield performance, quality traits, soil properties, and irrigation water use efficiency. We implemented three mulching treatments and two control groups: combined straw and plastic film mulching (T1), partial straw mulching (T2), full straw mulching (T3), no mulching (CK1), and plastic film mulching alone (CK2). These treatments were applied to two consecutive crops of cauliflower over a two-year period (2019–2020) in the arid and semi-arid regions of Gansu Province, China. Our findings revealed that T1 significantly enhanced plant height, stem diameter, and both above- and belowground fresh biomass compared to CK2. Moreover, T1, T2, and T3 promoted the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the concentrations of macro- (N and K), meso- (Ca and Mg), and micro-elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in the cauliflower heads. Compared to CK2, the soluble sugar and vitamin C contents increased by 17.43% and 8.68% in T1, and the soluble protein contents increased by 13.10% and 9.50% in T2 and T3 compared to CK2. Conversely, the nitrate content decreased by 28.28%, 42.06%, and 31.54% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Additionally, T1 increased economic yield and irrigation water use efficiency by 16.36–23.80% and 23.94–36.88% in the two years, along with notable improvements in the soil’s total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and organic matter content. Multivariate classification modeling using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) further indicated that T1 enhanced cauliflower quality, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency and boosted soil fertility. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article