Search Results (1,192)

Agricultural production is an important source of global carbon emissions, yet differences in system boundaries and emission factors among previous studies have limited comparisons across crops and regions. This study investigated the distribution, emission sources, and regional disparities of agricultural carbon emissions across 31 major crop-producing provinces in China, using a unified life cycle assessment (LCA) framework based on agricultural input, crop production, and agronomic data in 2024. Carbon emissions per unit area (CEA) and per unit yield (CEY) were quantified under consistent accounting boundaries, and the contributions of different emission sources together with their spatial characteristics were discussed. CEA generally showed higher values in the central and eastern regions of China and Xinjiang, but lower values in southwestern and northeastern China. Xinjiang contributed the highest total carbon emissions (about 1.6 × 10⁵ t), primarily because extensive cotton cultivation requires intensive irrigation, mechanized operations, and plastic-film mulching, leading to high emissions from fertilizer use, energy consumption, and agricultural film. Rice exhibited the highest carbon emissions (accounting for 30% of all 11 types of crops), followed by cotton and tobacco, while soybeans, rapeseed, and sugar beets had relatively low emission intensities. Fertilizer production and application were the dominant emission sources for most upland crops, while methane emissions from flooded paddy fields accounted for the largest share of rice carbon emissions. Spatial clustering analysis further indicated that high-emission regions were concentrated in central and eastern China, while northeastern China formed distinct low-emission clusters. This study provided a consistent assessment of carbon emissions from major crops across China, offering a reference basis for formulating emission reduction strategies for different crops and regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tobacco use among young adults remains a public health concern. Understanding trends in tobacco and e-cigarette use may help inform future education and intervention strategies. This survey aims to assess tobacco and e-cigarette use and related perceptions over a 5-year period. Methods: A validated 33-item questionnaire was sent to students at a Midwestern university in Fall 2018, 2020, and 2023. The survey assessed tobacco use, e-cigarette use, and perceptions. Results: A total of 8143 student responses were collected over the 5-year period. A total of 3850 students participated in 2018, 1743 in 2020, and 2550 in 2023. Current traditional cigarette use declined over time (6.1%, 3.2%, 4.2%, respectively), while e-cigarette use decreased but remained the most common product (22.9%, 23.1%, 18.8%, respectively). Disagreement with the statements that imply e-cigarettes are a safe or effective option to quit smoking, and agreement with the stance that e-cigarettes are addictive, all increased during the 5-year period. Conclusions: These survey findings suggest a decrease in self-reported tobacco and e-cigarette consumption over the 5-year study period. Continued surveillance of local alongside national and global systems remains essential to determine whether specific sub-populations mirror the broader use patterns. Full article

Cannabis use has increased substantially in the United States, driven by broader legalization, decriminalization, and expanding medical and recreational availability. For facial plastic surgeons, the clinical implications remain difficult to define because “cannabis use” encompasses heterogeneous products and routes, including smoked flower, vaping, concentrates, edibles, pharmaceutical cannabinoids, topical cannabidiol (CBD), and frequent co-use with tobacco or nicotine. Current evidence suggests that systemic cannabis use, particularly inhaled or heavy perioperative use, may be associated with increased surgical complications in selected populations; however, existing studies are limited by retrospective design, inconsistent exposure definitions, inadequate dose and route characterization, and confounding by tobacco use and comorbidities. Cannabinoids exert biologic effects through the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are expressed in the central nervous system, immune cells, vasculature, and skin. These pathways influence inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation, fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, pain signaling, and tissue remodeling. The net effect of cannabinoid exposure on wound healing is likely context dependent, varying based on receptor expression, wound-healing phase, route of administration, cannabinoid composition, local tissue environment, and patient-specific risk factors. Preclinical and early dermatologic literature suggests potential therapeutic roles for topical cannabinoids, especially CBD, in modulating inflammation and epithelial repair. In contrast, systemic perioperative cannabis use has been associated in several surgical cohorts with infection, delayed healing, hematoma, nonunion, and reoperation. Evidence specific to facial plastic surgery remains sparse. The most directly relevant study evaluated cannabis and tobacco use in patients undergoing operative mandibular fracture repair. Cannabis-only use was not associated with increased complications, although the cohort was small; concurrent cannabis and tobacco use was associated with higher rates of surgical site infection, facial nonunion, abscess, debridement, and malocclusion. To date, no published studies address cannabis-associated outcomes in rhinoplasty, rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty, browlift, or facial rejuvenation. This review summarizes the biologic rationale, available surgical evidence, and clinical considerations for incorporating cannabis use into individualized perioperative risk assessment in facial plastic surgery. Full article

Background and Objectives: Tobacco smoking is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, but it remains unclear whether this relationship differs according to the type of nicotine product used. The increasing popularity of heated tobacco products has created a need to better understand their association with mental health, particularly in comparison with combustible cigarettes. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among combustible cigarette (CC) users, heated tobacco product (HTP) users, and non-smokers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 497 adults. Participants were classified into three groups according to their tobacco-use status: combustible cigarette smokers, heated tobacco users, and non-smokers. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Group differences were evaluated using hierarchical linear regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors. Results: Tobacco-use group significantly improved the model fit for PHQ-9 (ΔR² = 0.0575, p < 0.001) and GAD-7 (ΔR² = 0.0764, p < 0.001). In non-smokers, scores of depression were 3.48 lower than in CC users and 1.42 lower than in the HTP users’ group. In HTP users, these scores were 2.06 lower than in the CC users’ group. Anxiety scores were 3.71 lower in non-smokers than in CC users, and 1.29 lower than in the HTP users’ group. In the HTP users’ group, this score was 2.42 lower than in the CC users’ group. HC3 robust standard errors with 5000-sample BCa bootstrap confidence intervals and reduced-adjustment sensitivity analyses confirmed the primary pattern. Conclusions: Our study results showed that combustible cigarette users had the highest adjusted depression and anxiety scores, HTP users had intermediate scores, and non-smokers had the lowest. In both tobacco-using groups, greater product-specific nicotine dependence was associated with higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Further interdisciplinary studies incorporating biomarkers of nicotine exposure, HPA axis function, inflammation, and oxidative stress are needed to clarify whether the observed differences reflect the characteristics of individuals who choose specific tobacco products or are partly attributable to product-specific effects. Full article

Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain a major public health concern and contribute substantially to compromised quality of life, mortality, and healthcare burden. In the United States alone, millions of individuals are affected by alcohol use disorder (AUD), tobacco use disorder (TUD), and opioid use disorder (OUD), with many cases complicated by co-existing anxiety and stress-related disorders. Piper methysticum G. Forst (kava), a traditional South Pacific plant preparation, has gained attention for its anxiolytic, sedative, and sleep-promoting properties. Its pharmacological effects are primarily attributed to a set of lipophilic compounds known as kavalactones, which have been reported to modulate GABA_A receptor activity, dopaminergic and adrenergic signaling pathways, monoamine oxidase-B activity, cannabinoid receptor type 1 activity, and voltage-gated ion channels. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through searches of PubMed, NIH resources, and other scientific databases using terms related to kava, kavalactones, addiction, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and SUDs. Both clinical and preclinical studies were reviewed, including investigations of neurotransmitter systems and addiction-related signaling pathways. The current literature suggests that the strongest rationale for kava use exists in AUD, where anxiety and stress are established contributors to relapse. Evidence supporting kava use in TUD and OUD is largely theoretical, while concerns regarding hepatotoxicity, cytochrome P450 interactions, product variability, and additive risk remain important barriers to its clinical application. In summary, current evidence does not support kava as a replacement for established therapies, while its unique pharmacological profile warrants further investigation as a potential adjunctive treatment for withdrawal and relapse in SUDs. Full article

Coronaviruses are responsible for numerous diseases causing substantial morbidity and mortality to both humans and animals. In particular, they have caused three significant outbreaks in humans including severe acute respiratory syndrome 1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and, most recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Two relevant veterinary diseases are porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which cause severe losses in the pork industry. While efficacious vaccines were developed in an unprecedented timeframe for COVID-19, vaccines have not been commercialized for other human coronaviruses and vaccines against animal coronaviruses have limited efficacy and logistical challenges in administration. There is a clear need for more efficacious vaccines with simpler methods of delivery and administration for both human and veterinary use. The production of subunit vaccines in plant systems holds great promise in addressing the current challenges and facilitate the preparation for future potential outbreaks and new viruses. This review will summarize the state of development of vaccines in plant systems including tobacco, rice, maize, and others. Full article

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing to more than 7 million deaths annually and imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and global productivity. The addictive properties of tobacco are primarily mediated by nicotine, which exerts its effects through neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) within brain reward circuits. Among these receptor subtypes, α4β2-containing nAChRs play a central role in nicotine dependence by regulating dopaminergic signaling associated with reinforcement, craving, withdrawal, and relapse. Repeated nicotine exposure induces neuroadaptive changes in receptor expression and neural circuitry, contributing to the chronic and relapsing nature of addiction. Advances in addiction neuroscience and receptor pharmacology have enhanced the understanding of nicotine-mediated signaling and facilitated the development of evidence-based smoking cessation therapies. Current treatment approaches include nicotine replacement therapies, antidepressant-based interventions, and partial nAChR agonists such as varenicline and cytisine. Emerging strategies encompass subtype-selective ligands, allosteric modulators, immunotherapeutics, neuromodulation techniques, and digital health technologies aimed at improving cessation outcomes. This review summarizes the neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction and critically examines current and emerging therapeutic strategies, highlighting their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, limitations, and future potential for tobacco cessation. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, discomfort, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory dysfunction. Since individuals spend a significant amount of time inside buildings, exposure to indoor environments has emerged as a noteworthy and adjustable factor influencing ocular surface disorders. This analysis consolidates recent findings connecting indoor air contaminants, such as particulate pollutants, volatile organic substances, formaldehyde, and other gaseous irritants, as well as tobacco and cooking fumes, heavy metals, organophosphate flame retardants, and liquid crystal compounds, with the mechanisms and symptoms associated with DED. Research suggests that indoor environmental factors can exacerbate DED by triggering interconnected mechanisms such as oxidative damage, inflammation, lipid degradation, meibomian gland issues, decreased tear production, impairment of goblet cells and the mucin layer, disruption of tight junctions, and damage to the corneal or conjunctival epithelium. The most robust clinical evidence currently pertains to tobacco smoke, particulate matter, indoor air pollution, low humidity, and poor ventilation. In contrast, although biological plausibility exists for heavy metals, flame retardants, and liquid crystal monomers, the supporting data remain relatively sparse, indirect, and less comprehensive. Harmonized exposure assessments, prospective cohort studies, analyses of pollutant mixtures, and experimental intervention trials are needed to better characterize dose–response relationships and to establish effective preventive measures. Assessment of environmental history and improvement of indoor air quality should be regarded as integral and interrelated components in the prevention and management of DED. Full article

Smoking remains a leading preventable cause of death, and nicotine is the primary substance responsible for maintaining use of tobacco products. Preclinical rodent models have shown that neuroimmune signaling is dysregulated by nicotine self-administration (SA) within the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore). Microglia are the resident brain immune cell and prior studies have shown that they play an important role in nicotine-related behaviors. However, while transgenic mouse lines allow for specific evaluations of microglia to determine their role in neurobiology and behavior, there are fewer tools available for rats as a model species, thus limiting our ability to evaluate specific contributions of microglia to nicotine SA. A transgenic rat expressing Cre under the control of the CX3CR1 promoter bred on a Long–Evans (LE) background was recently developed, and here we show that NAcore microglia can be virally transduced with designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) without neuronal expression. We further show that CX3CR1::ERT2 rats readily self-administer nicotine and display a characteristic extinction curve. Together, these validation studies lay the foundation for future use of this transgenic rat line to evaluate the specific contributions of microglia within the brain reward pathway to the neurobehavioral underpinnings of nicotine addiction. Full article

Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV, Potyvirus capsivenamaculae) can infect various Solanaceae crops, causing a decrease in yield and quality. In recent years, ChiVMV has become one of the most prevalent viruses affecting tobacco production, but its diversity and genetic structure are still elusive. In this study, 202 ChiVMV isolates were obtained from 13 tobacco-producing areas in Yunnan Province between 2021 and 2025. Analysis of the coat protein (CP) genes of the 202 isolates showed that there exist 193 haplotypes and abundant genetic diversity. The highest variation was observed at the N-terminus of ChiVMV CP. Further analysis displayed three high-confidence recombination events in the CP gene of ChiVMV Yunnan isolates, with isolate 25DLYP-7 from the Dali region playing a putative parental isolate for these recombinations. The results of neutral and selection pressure analyses indicated that the CP gene of ChiVMV Yunnan isolates exhibits purifying selection. Distribution analysis of these ChiVMV Yunnan isolates showed that geographical isolation is closely related to the genetic diversity of ChiVMV, and field weeds may serve as important initial sources of infection. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that ChiVMV Yunnan populations display close association with isolates from southwestern China, as well as isolates from South Asia and Europe. Full article

Adventitious root (AR) formation is critical for the successful establishment and survival of rose (Rosa hybrida) cuttings. SCARECROW-LIKE (SCL) genes are known to regulate plant growth and development; however, their functions in rose AR formation remain poorly understood. In this study, the rooting rate of rose cuttings declined, whereas AR number increased with increasing concentrations of exogenous indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Most of the 36 identified RhSCL genes were significantly up-regulated during AR formation. Notably, the expression level of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 was positively associated with AR formation under low concentrations of exogenous IBA and NPA. Both genes were expressed at higher levels in roots than in other organs and encoded nuclear-localized proteins with transcriptional activation activity. Heterologous expression of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 in tobacco increased primary root length under exogenous IBA treatment, enhanced AR number and length, and promoted dry matter accumulation, accompanied by increased starch degradation and soluble sugar production. Compared with wild-type plants (WT), transgenic plants showed reduced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, more pronounced changes in gibberellic acid (GA₃) content, and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase (IAAO). These findings suggest that overexpression of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 facilitates rooting under low-auxin conditions, and RhSCL33 acting earlier during AR development, and RhSCL3 functioning mainly at later stages. This regulatory module may provide useful genetic targets for improving vegetative propagation efficiency in rose and other horticultural or crop species. Full article

Cold stress severely impairs grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) growth, development, and productivity, necessitating the identification of elite cold-resistance genes for breeding tolerant cultivars. Chinese wild grape germplasm, particularly the endemic Vitis yeshanensis ‘Yanshan’ ecotype, represents a valuable reservoir of stress-resistance alleles with exceptional cold hardiness. In this study, we isolated an R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene VyMYB24 from ‘Yanshan’ grape and systematically characterized its function in low-temperature responses. VyMYB24 expression was rapidly and strongly induced by cold stress, with transcript levels peaking at 12 h after treatment. Heterologous overexpression of VyMYB24 in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) induced pronounced architectural changes. Transgenic plants exhibited a dwarf and compact stature with enhanced lateral branching, thickened stems, and robust root systems. In addition, anatomical analysis revealed markedly increased xylem and phloem thickness. Under cold stress, transgenic lines outperformed wild-type plants, with reduced wilting, lower water loss, and improved survival and recovery rates. Physiologically, VyMYB24 activated the antioxidant defense system, elevated the activities of key reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes, suppressed H₂O₂ and superoxide accumulation, and reduced malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage, thereby preserving cellular homeostasis. This study provides functional evidence for the positive regulatory role of VyMYB24 in cold tolerance via heterologous expression, underscores the genetic value of ‘Yanshan’ grape germplasm, and lays a preliminary foundation for improving crop stress resistance through the utilization of native wild germplasm genes. Full article

Potato early blight is a fungal disease caused by Alternaria solani that seriously affects potato production. Catalase (CAT), an important antioxidant enzyme in plants, regulates the basal immune response to necrotrophic pathogens by decomposing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); however, its role in potato early blight remains unclear. The results revealed that using a H₂O₂ biosensor for transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana, we found that A. solani infection significantly induced sustained H₂O₂ accumulation in tobacco leaves. Exogenous application of H₂O₂ to potato leaves followed by inoculation with A. solani showed that elevated H₂O₂ levels promoted infection by the pathogen. StCAT1 expression was upregulated upon A. solani infection. Silencing StCAT1 in potato reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, PAL, CAT) and disease resistance, accompanied by elevated H₂O₂ accumulation. Overexpression of StCAT1 enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and disease resistance while decreasing H₂O₂ levels. Additionally, StABI5 was identified as an upstream transcription factor that activates StCAT1 expression, and silencing StABI5 compromised potato resistance to early blight. In conclusion, this study confirms that StCAT1 acts as a positive regulatory factor and mediates potato resistance to early blight through the StABI5-StCAT1 signaling pathway, providing scientific basis and genetic resources for disease-resistant breeding. Full article

Viral diseases are one of the most destructive threats to global agriculture. Among plant viruses, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a highly contagious pathogen infecting numerous economically vital crops. With no curable treatments, the only strategy to mitigate virus spread is early detection and plant removal. The gold standard for TMV detection is reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. To reduce TMV diagnosis time and eliminate the requirement for expensive equipment, this study developed and optimized a one-step RT-PCR-coupled cysteamine-functionalized gold nanoparticle assay for the colorimetric determination of the virus. By integrating cDNA synthesis and PCR amplification into a single tube and analyzing the results using cysteamine- functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au@Cys), the diagnosis turnaround time was significantly reduced. Furthermore, this AuNPs-based colorimetric assay enabled straightforward visual inspection with the naked eye, eliminating the need for costly optical devices. Additionally, our regression equation linking RT-PCR product color values, extracted as mean A value based on the CIELAB color space (green-red axis), and viral load allows for the accurate quantification of TMV infection levels in field samples. Our research lays the groundwork for the further development of more cost-effective, quantitative and rapid plant virus diagnosis methods. Full article

Drought stress severely limits grapevine (Vitis spp.) productivity, yet the regulatory mechanisms distinguishing drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive cultivars remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, physiological, and functional analyses to compare drought responses between the tolerant cultivar ‘Miguang’ and the sensitive cultivar ‘Red Globe’, together with previously generated datasets from ‘Shine Muscat’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’. Compared with sensitive cultivars, tolerant cultivars showed stronger antioxidant capacity, lower lipid peroxidation, and more coordinated changes in pathways related to redox balance, osmotic adjustment, and energy metabolism. In ‘Miguang’, drought responses were associated with activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, accumulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and genotype-specific alternative splicing events affecting metabolic and signaling genes. Comparative analysis across four cultivars identified VvGRIK1 as a conserved drought-responsive regulator associated with redox and bioenergetic homeostasis. Heterologous overexpression of VvGRIK1 in tobacco enhanced drought-related physiological performance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing membrane damage. Yeast two-hybrid assays and molecular docking further suggested a potential interaction between VvGRIK1 and VvKING1, a SnRK1-related energy sensor. Together, these findings suggest that the VvGRIK1-SnRK1 module may contribute to drought adaptation by coordinating redox protection and energy homeostasis, providing a candidate regulatory target for future functional studies and grapevine molecular breeding. Full article