Search Results (8,063)

The continuous monoculture in Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ plantations is closely related to the accumulation of phenolic acids in the soil, and these phenolic compounds exert a certain influence on plant nitrogen uptake. Leguminous plants can replenish soil nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation, which is of great significance for enhancing plant productivity. This study employed different concentrations of phenolic acid treatments (0T, 0.5T, 1.0T, 1.5T, 2.0T) to analyze the photosynthetic characteristics of five phenolic compounds in a poplar–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) intercropping system, thereby providing a basis for biological management strategies aimed at increasing the yield of poplar monoculture stands. The results indicate that (1) P_n in poplar monoculture, soybean monoculture, and soybean intercropping all decreased as phenolic acid concentration increased, whereas P_n in poplar intercropping increased with rising phenolic acid concentration. Under treatments ranging from 0T to 1.5T, the decrease in P_n in the pure poplar, pure soybean, and intercropped soybean systems was primarily due to stomatal limitations, whereas under treatments ranging from 1.5T to 2.0T, it was primarily due to non-stomatal limitations. (2) Poplar, soybean, and soybean-intercropped poplar adapted to environmental stress by dissipating excess light energy absorbed by PS II as heat. The intercropping system effectively optimized poplar fluorescence parameters and mitigated the damage caused by phenolic acid stress to its photosynthetic machinery. (3) Chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and total chlorophyll in poplar and soybean leaves were significantly inhibited. (4) The biomass of poplars grown in monoculture decreased as phenolic acid concentration increased, whereas the biomass of poplars in intercropping showed the opposite trend. It is evident that, under phenolic acid conditions, poplar–soybean intercropping can mitigate the effects of phenolic acid stress to a certain extent. Full article

Driven by increasing demand in the health and wellness industry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agriculture currently faces significant challenges related to supply–demand imbalances and continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). Intercropping and crop rotation can mitigate yield decline and environmental stress by improving microclimates and rhizosphere ecology. However, there is still a lack of bibliometric synthesis within this research area. To analyze research hotspots and evolutionary trends, 192 articles on the intercropping and crop rotation of medicinal plants were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (1998–2025), including databases such as the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI). The results revealed a steady increase in publication volume over time. China emerged as the most prolific contributor (93 articles), while the United States occupied a pivotal position in the global collaborative network, achieving a high centrality of 0.90. Research hotspots in this field have evolved from an early emphasis on plant yield and quality toward the mechanisms for alleviating CCOs, interspecific interactions within the rhizosphere microbiome, and the ecological management of soil health. Keyword bursts indicate that “microbial community” and “carbon” have emerged as the current research frontiers. To clarify the micro-mechanisms by which intercropping and crop rotation patterns mitigate or prevent CCOs, future research should prioritize the integration of multi-omics approaches to resolve molecular interactions within the “microbe–plant–soil” nexus. Key priorities include the development of functional Synthetic Microbial Communities (SynComs) and the establishment of comprehensive evaluation systems for ecological cultivation. Furthermore, aligning these models with global climate neutrality strategies would facilitate the balance between high-quality medicinal production and ecosystem stability. Full article

This study evaluated the protective effects of green coffee (Coffea arabica L.) extract (GCE) against metabolic and endocrine disturbances induced by fipronil (FIP) in male rats. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6): control, GCE (100 mg/kg), FIP (4.85 mg/kg), and combined FIP + GCE, and treated orally for 90 days. FIP exposure significantly impaired glucose homeostasis, as indicated by a 14.8% increase in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) response and a 2.4-fold increase in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). It also disrupted lipid metabolism, with marked elevations in triglycerides (74.10%) and total cholesterol (57.55%). Endocrine imbalance was evident, including increased resistin levels (113.86%) and reduced triiodothyronine (T3; −37.5%), adiponectin (−42.73%), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL; −9.31%). Oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly enhanced, as demonstrated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA; +93.56%) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β: +246.56%; IL-6: +275%), alongside a reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC; −45.24%). Additionally, serum albumin levels decreased markedly (−54%). Co-administration of GCE significantly improved metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters, including insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Histopathological analysis further confirmed its protective effects on hepatic and renal tissues. Overall, GCE mitigates FIP-induced metabolic and endocrine dysfunction, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Malathion, a widely used organophosphate pesticide, frequently contaminates aquatic ecosystems and poses considerable toxic risks to non-target organisms, including fish. The present study provides an integrated evaluation of the protective effects of dietary probiotics against malathion-associated oxidative, metabolic, and immune-related disturbances in Nile tilapia at the biochemical and molecular levels. After determining the 96 h LC₅₀ of malathion, fish were exposed to a sublethal concentration for 7 days followed by a 14-day recovery period while receiving either a basal or probiotic-supplemented diet. Malathion exposure increased cumulative mortality, induced behavioral stress, and caused metabolic and hepatorenal disturbances characterized by elevated serum glucose and cholesterol, altered serum protein fractions, increased alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and elevated creatinine and uric acid levels. Oxidative stress was evidenced by increased serum malondialdehyde and transcriptional suppression of antioxidant-related genes (sod-2 and cat) in the liver, spleen, and intestine. Malathion also triggered immune dysregulation through the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (il-1β and tnf-α) and suppression of regulatory cytokines (tgf-β and il-10). Probiotic supplementation during recovery significantly reduced mortality, restored metabolic and hepatorenal biomarkers, attenuated oxidative damage, and enhanced antioxidant capacity at both the biochemical and transcriptional levels. Moreover, probiotic-supplemented fish exhibited controlled pro-inflammatory signaling accompanied by the pronounced activation of regulatory cytokines, indicating balanced immune modulation. Collectively, dietary probiotics effectively mitigate malathion-induced toxicity by improving antioxidant defense, immune regulation, and physiological resilience, highlighting their potential as functional dietary additives for sustainable aquaculture in Nile tilapia. Full article

The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in aquatic environments has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their impact on marine biota. Among these compounds, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen widely used in oral contraceptives, is highly persistent and biologically active at very low concentrations. This study evaluated the effects of EE2 exposure on oxidative stress responses and endocrine disruption in Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed for 28 days to three EE2 concentrations (10, 30, and 300 ng·L⁻¹). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as Lipid Peroxidation (MDA levels), total ubiquitin (UBI) and the endocrine disruption marker, vitellogenin-like protein (VTG) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in GST and a decrease in CAT activities followed by an elevation at 300 ng·L⁻¹, slightly higher than control values. Overall, results suggest an enhanced oxidative challenge. No significant changes were detected in MDA and UBI levels. VTG-like protein levels increased according to the EE2 concentrations tested, suggesting an effect on the mussel’s endocrine system. These results show the activation of detoxification and antioxidant defense mechanisms in exposed mussels as a response to mitigate oxidative stress damage. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of using biomarkers in pollution monitoring studies and environmental risk assessment. Full article

The toxicity of copper (Cu) severely affects the growth and physiological metabolism of plants. 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenoxy) triethylamine (DCPTA) is a plant growth regulator known to enhance plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses; however, its specific role in mitigating Cu toxicity via cell wall modulation and nitrogen metabolism remains unclear. “Zhongnong 26” (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings were subjected to a randomized block design with four treatments: control (CK), 0.25 mg/L DCPTA, 50 μM Cu, and 50 μM Cu + 0.25 mg/L DCPTA, with three biological replicates per treatment. The results indicated that DCPTA application significantly alleviated Cu-induced growth inhibition. Specifically, DCPTA improved root system architecture by markedly increasing total root length (68.8%), surface area (68.7%), and the number and length of secondary lateral roots (69.6%, 173.2%). Furthermore, DCPTA enhanced the biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides—including pectin (24.3%), hemicellulose 1 (22.4%), hemicellulose 2 (23.7%) and cellulose (33.1%) in roots. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that DCPTA modified functional groups (e.g., –OH, –COOH) within the cell wall, enhancing their metal-chelating capacity. Consequently, DCPTA promoted the immobilization of Cu in the root cell wall fractions (particularly pectin and HC2) and shifted Cu into less toxic, pectate- and protein-bound forms, thereby reducing its translocation to leaves. Additionally, DCPTA restored the activities of key nitrogen metabolism enzymes in leaves and roots. Compared with Cu treatment alone, nitrate reductase (NR) activity increased by 77.7% and 90.6%, while glutamine synthetase (GS) activity remained stable, and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activity increased by 10.3% and 71.3% in leaves and roots, respectively. In conclusion, DCPTA enhances copper sequestration in roots by coordinating the regulation of root structure and cell wall strengthening (with an increase in pectin and hemicellulose content). This is crucial for protecting the nitrogen metabolism within the cells (including the enzymes that drive the nitrate–ammonium reduction pathway) to maintain metabolic balance under Cu stress. Full article

The redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) features a unique intersex phenotype—functional males harboring a female (ZW) genotype. This study investigates the sexually dimorphic transcriptomic responses of the hepatopancreas to acute methyl farnesoate exposure to decouple genotypic from phenotypic sex. We found that normal males prioritize enzymatic detoxification and steroidogenesis, whereas normal females prioritize energy conservation for reproductive preparation. Strikingly, intersex individuals exhibited a massive transcriptomic burst and paradoxical hormone receptor dynamics, exposing a fragile endocrine network driven by their inherent genotypic–phenotypic conflict. To survive severe MF-induced pharmacological stress, the intersex hepatopancreas actively suppresses lysosomal and apoptotic pathways, which we hypothesize serves as a compensatory mechanism to mitigate severe tissue damage. Instead, it deploys a compensatory architecture by hyperactivating amino acid biosynthesis, sulfur relay systems, and gap junctions to manage proteotoxic and oxidative stress. Co-expression network analysis identified VCP, maf, and hdac8 as central regulatory hubs orchestrating this survival strategy through proteostasis, oxidative sensing, and epigenetic override. These findings suggest that the crustacean response to acute pharmacological challenge involves profound metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, providing novel hypotheses for future functional studies. Full article

The livestock sector underpins food security, employment, and rural livelihoods across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), contributing up to 50% of agricultural GDP and supporting more than 60% of rural households. Yet climate change poses escalating threats through heat stress, declining pasture productivity, water scarcity, and vector-borne diseases that compromise productivity and economic resilience. This review identifies and locates effective climate change mitigation strategies along the livestock value chain, spanning production, processing, transport, and consumption, to promote sustainable, low-emission, and inclusive growth in the SADC region. A broad review of 46 peer-reviewed and institutional sources (2000–2024) was undertaken, focusing on livestock-related mitigation within SADC and comparable agro-ecological systems. Strategies were thematically categorized by value-chain stage and assessed for their emission-reduction and livelihood-enhancement potential. Local strategies include genetic improvement for low-methane and heat-tolerant breeds, adaptive rangeland and feed management, renewable-energy adoption in processing, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, and consumer awareness of low-emission products. Evidence suggests potential GHG-emission reductions of 18–30%, coupled with productivity gains and improved smallholder incomes. Coordinated implementation through the SADC Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (2021–2030) and national policies can transform the livestock sector into a climate-resilient driver of inclusive growth. Further research should quantify the socioeconomic feasibility and scaling potential of these strategies across production systems. Successful integration of climate change mitigation imperatives must be tailored to local biophysical conditions (e.g., rainfall, soil type) and socioeconomic contexts (e.g., market access, cultural practices). Full article

Cantharidin (CTD), the principal active constituent of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Mylabris, exhibits potent antitumor activity. However, its clinical application is limited by organ toxicity (especially nephrotoxicity), and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This research endeavored to elucidate the nephrotoxic effects and molecular mechanisms of CTD in rats using serum biochemical assays, histopathological examinations, and a multi-omics strategy. CTD treatment significantly increased levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine and induced histopathological injury in the kidneys. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and network pharmacology integrated analysis have revealed 14 common targets, mainly involved in the glutathione metabolic pathway. Further verification showed that CTD markedly upregulated protein expression of glutaminase (GLS), while downregulating homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and regulatory subunit (GCLM), thereby suppressing the glutathione metabolic pathway and exacerbating kidney injury. Our results indicate that CTD induces oxidative stress and consequent nephrotoxicity by inhibiting the glutathione metabolic pathway, providing a mechanistic basis for optimizing clinical strategies to mitigate CTD-induced kidney injury. Full article

The increasing volume of plant waste generated by the agro-food industry presents significant environmental and economic challenges. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature on the valorization of fruit and vegetable by-products as seed priming agents, focusing on extraction approaches, bioactive compounds, physiological mechanisms, and practical limitations. Seed priming with plant extracts derived from agro-food by-products has emerged as a sustainable approach to enhance seed germination, seedling vigour, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Recent findings on the composition of bioactive compounds in plant waste, extraction techniques, and the physiological and biochemical effects of these extracts on seeds and seedlings are reviewed. Phenolics, flavonoids, and phytohormones present in these extracts activate antioxidant enzymes and promote secondary metabolite accumulation, mitigating oxidative damage and improving seedling performance. Critical analysis highlights the potential of plant-waste-based extracts for sustainable agriculture and identifies research gaps to optimize their practical application. Full article

This study aims to enhance the damage controllability and overall seismic resilience of assembled underground structures under earthquake actions. To achieve this, three types of prefabricated roof–sidewall composite joints are proposed based on the design concepts of cogging for force transfer and local strengthening. These include the high-strength bolt–cogging–grouting sleeve joint (HCG), the prestressed steel strand–cogging–grouting sleeve joint (PCG), and the UHPC–cogging–grouting sleeve joint (UCG). Following the principle of positioning joints in regions of low structural stress, four 1/4-scale reinforced concrete (RC) specimens were designed and fabricated, including one cast-in-place (CIP) reference specimen and three precast RC specimens. Quasi-static tests were carried out to systematically evaluate the seismic behavior and internal force distribution of each specimen. Numerical validation was also performed using ABAQUS. The results show that both UHPC and a reasonable application of prestressing can effectively inhibit crack initiation and damage propagation at the joint seams. When the composite joints are positioned outside the plastic hinge region, they provide a reliable load transfer path for the reinforcement. The HCG and UCG joints significantly enhance the load-bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens. Their ductility and energy dissipation both achieve a seismic performance equivalent to that of the CIP specimen. Furthermore, damage in these specimens is predominantly confined to the designated plastic hinge region of the roof. This effectively mitigates shear damage in the roof–sidewall connection zone (RSC). Although the PCG joint improves the initial stiffness of the specimen, its energy dissipation capacity and ductility are reduced. It also causes damage to be transferred to the RSC. This leads to increased shear deformation and premature shear failure in this zone. Consequently, both UHPC and a reasonable application of prestressing can be used for the prefabrication of underground structures. Positioning the joints outside the roof plastic hinge zone can effectively achieve the seismic design goal of “strong joint, weak component”. Full article

Inflammation is a physiological and tightly regulated component of normal pregnancy, contributing to implantation, placental development, and the initiation of parturition. The placenta functions as an active immunological hub, coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses to maintain tolerance while protecting against infection. Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide and represent central manifestations of placental disease. Increasing evidence indicates that these conditions share key pathophysiological mechanisms, including placental dysfunction and maladaptive maternal immune responses. When immune regulation at the maternal–fetal interface becomes disrupted, inflammatory pathways contribute to impaired placental development and vascular maladaptation. In this context, excessive immune activation—driven by inflammasome signaling, Th1/Th17 polarization, and altered natural killer and macrophage function—can compromise placental perfusion, promote antiangiogenic imbalance, and lead to systemic endothelial dysfunction. This review, therefore, focuses on how immune dysregulation contributes to placental dysfunction in preeclampsia and FGR, synthesizing current knowledge of the maternal–fetal immune interface and exploring therapeutic strategies that link pathogenic mechanisms to targeted interventions. A deeper understanding of placental immunology and inflammatory signaling is essential to develop precision therapies. Established therapies, including low-dose aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and antenatal corticosteroids, aim to mitigate inflammation and optimize fetal outcomes, while adjunctive strategies target oxidative stress, nutritional deficits, and the maternal microbiome. Emerging approaches such as cytokine-targeted biologics, inflammasome inhibitors, and mesenchymal stem cell therapies show promise but require rigorous safety and efficacy evaluation. Future research should prioritize biomarker validation, pathway-specific interventions, and equitable implementation to reduce inflammation-driven pregnancy complications. Full article

The China Medium- and Long-term Earthquake Hazard Assessment Database (CMLEHAD) has been established by sorting and summarizing various datasets related to the assessment of earthquake hazard areas in the Chinese mainland. It integrates five key datasets: Seismic Geology, Geodesy, Seismology, Numerical Simulation, and Fundamental Model, providing comprehensive data for long-term and medium-term earthquake hazard analysis and other relevant studies. The data supports the analysis of the fault segments with seismic gap, motion strongly locked, sparse small–moderate earthquakes, and apparent Coulomb stress increase. In system architecture, the CMLEHAD is divided into three layers: data layer, service layer and application layer. It is designed for interactive display through Web and Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms. The data acquisition and method in the database have been widely recognized and used in the corresponding field. The database is continuously updated and maintained through collaboration between provincial earthquake agencies, research institutes, and technical experts to ensure its accuracy and relevance. Currently, the database provides tailored data sharing services to multiple provincial earthquake agencies and immediate centers, granting them access permissions and specific datasets according to their needs. The future work will focus on improving the database’s functionality by incorporating advanced models and automated data services, thereby consolidating the data foundation and serving the purpose of earthquake disaster mitigation. Full article

Purpose: A high-salt extracellular environment promotes fibrosis in multiple organs by inducing oxidative stress, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In the lung, sodium accumulation may result from impaired epithelial ion transport. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a key profibrotic cytokine, downregulates epithelial sodium and chloride channels, promoting sodium retention and fibrotic remodeling. This study investigated whether antifibrotic drugs can prevent TGF-β1-induced suppression of sodium channel expression in the lung epithelium. Methods: Human A549 alveolar epithelial cells and primary alveolar epithelial cells were cultured with or without TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of nintedanib or pirfenidone. Expression of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits (SCNN1A, SCNN1B, SCNN1G, SCNN1D) and CFTR was analyzed. In vivo, lung tissues from TGF-β1 transgenic mice and wild-type controls were examined following intranasal administration of pirfenidone. Results: TGF-β1 markedly reduced the expression of all ENaC subunits and CFTR in vitro. Nintedanib prevented suppression of SCNN1A, SCNN1D, and SCNN1G, whereas pirfenidone prevented suppression of SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G. In TGF-β1 transgenic mice, Scnn1a, Scnn1b, and Scnn1g expression was significantly decreased compared with wild-type controls. Pirfenidone administration dose-dependently restored expression of these ENaC subunits in vivo. Conclusions: Antifibrotic drugs partially prevent TGF-β1-induced suppression of epithelial sodium channels, preserving epithelial ion homeostasis. Restoration of ENaC expression may represent a novel mechanism by which antifibrotic therapy mitigates sodium-associated lung fibrosis. Full article

In the Mediterranean principality of Thessaly, Greece, heat stress has become an environmental limitation on animal production and welfare. This study aims to quantify livestock heat stress using the temperature–humidity index (THI) and assess its spatial and temporal distribution across Thessaly during the warm seasons from 2020 to 2025, based on ERA5-Land reanalysis data. For selected livestock units, hourly air temperatures and dew point temperatures were used to generate and calculate maximum temperature fields and the THI under outdoor conditions, with no directly measured physiological responses in animals, but potential heat stress exposure was evaluated using THI derived from ERA5-Land data. The results reveal persistent thermal hotspots in the central and southeastern Thessalian plain, where maximum daily temperatures frequently exceeded 38–40 °C and locally surpassed 45 °C during August. THI values regularly exceeded 72, indicating productivity decline, and reached 82 during peak summer months, corresponding to high and severe stress categories. Mountainous regions were consistently 6–10 °C cooler and exhibited lower THI levels. Thermally stressful conditions extended from May through September, indicating sustained seasonal exposure rather than isolated heatwave events. The spatial coincidence between intensive livestock production and high-THI zones suggests structural vulnerability under current climate conditions. These findings offer a spatially explicit assessment of climate-driven thermal risk and support the development of targeted mitigation strategies and climate-resilient livestock management in Mediterranean agricultural regions. They also offer a data-driven foundation for integration into emerging Digital Twin frameworks for predictive livestock management. Full article