Search Results (14,168)

To develop new hybrid anticancer agents, 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidone scaffolds (compounds 1–6) were functionalized with (1R)-borneoyl chloroacetate (8) or (1S)-camphorsulfonyl chloride (10). Covalent attachment of the camphorsulfonyl moiety via N-sulfonylation yielded hybrid molecules (16–21) that exhibited selective cytotoxic and cytostatic activity against cancer cells, with submicromolar IC₅₀ values. In silico ADME analysis indicated that these camphorsulfonyl-conjugated piperidones have improved drug-like properties (enhanced absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability) compared to curcumin. The most potent analogs were halogen-substituted and trimethoxy-substituted analogs, which showed the strongest tumor cell growth inhibition while sparing normal cells. Overall, this terpene-functionalization strategy addresses curcumin’s pharmacokinetic limitations and improves its anticancer profile. These hybrid molecules hold promise as potential anticancer agents. Full article

Fish mint (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) is an aromatic herb used as food and medicine across Asia. We evaluated how far-red (FR) light influences growth and secondary metabolites in the non-flowering cultivar ‘BCV02’ propagated by cuttings. Seedlings were grown for 14 days under FR at 35, 50, and 70 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (as FR35, 50, and 70, respectively) or without FR (as control, CK). All FR treatments increased plant height but reduced the shoot/rhizome ratio. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were unchanged, while the chlorophyll a/b ratio declined from 2.37 (CK) to 2.15 (FR70). In shoots, combined 3-, 4-, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids with rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin reached 12.61–13.83 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) under FR treatments, exceeding CK (8.48 mg g⁻¹ DW). However, in rhizomes, these secondary metabolite contents ranged 0.82–1.00 mg g⁻¹ DW across all treatments. On a per-pot basis, the highest accumulated compounds (4.37 mg per pot) occurred at FR35. Overall, growth and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in fish mint cuttings respond differently to changes in FR treatments, with FR35 optimizing compound accumulation. Quercitrin in shoots was 0.09–0.20 mg g⁻¹ DW and not quantifiable in rhizomes, potentially below pharmacopeial thresholds specified in the Taiwan Herbal Pharmacopeia and Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards. These results underscore the importance of aligning cultivar choice, light regime, and market specifications to secure both yield and quality of H. cordata. Full article

Fig tree growth and development are highly susceptible to variations influenced by abiotic factors and management practices, including fertilization and training systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on the photosynthetic, nutritional, and productive efficiency of fig trees subjected to different training systems in semi-arid regions. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with three blocks and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of five fertilizer sources (mineral fertilizer (NPK) applied at a dose of 126 g N, 90 g P, and 90 g K per plant (M); and four organic sources—cattle manure (CM), organic compost (OC), chicken litter (CL), and sheep manure (SM), all applied at a dose of 10 kg per plant); and four types of training systems (plants with two branches (2B), three branches (3B), four branches (4B), and espalier). Our results demonstrated that the mineral fertilizer (M) and chicken litter (CL) treatments yielded the highest results, particularly in photosynthetic performance. Fig trees fertilized with mineral fertilizer and subjected to the 3B system showed enhanced net photosynthesis (36.96 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and, consequently, higher productivity of 21.28 t ha⁻¹. Similarly, plants fertilized with chicken litter (CL) under the 4B system produced comparable results. These findings demonstrate that the use of mineral and organic fertilizers, combined with an appropriate training system, is a viable strategy for optimizing fig productivity and profitability in semi-arid conditions. Full article

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) plays a pivotal role in human reproduction, influencing gamete quality, embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. It is central to folate and methionine metabolism and supports methylation-dependent epigenetic processes. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) exerts diverse biological effects and is associated with reproductive impairments in both sexes, affecting both spontaneous fertility and the outcome of assisted reproduction, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Although the mechanisms of HHcy toxicity in reproduction are not fully understood, significant progress has been made in elucidating its effects. The emerging picture is complex, as Hcy and its metabolites impact biomolecules and cellular processes in a tissue- and sex-specific manner. Results: In men, HHcy compromises sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity, methylation, and testicular microcirculation, reducing fertility potential. In women, HHcy disrupts follicular growth, oocyte competence, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity, increasing the risk of implantation failure, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications. In assisted reproduction, HHcy and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variants may lower oocyte yield and embryo quality, although folate and B-vitamin supplementation can mitigate these effects. Conclusions: These effects largely reflect oxidative, inflammatory, vascular and epigenetic mechanisms, highlighting Hcy as a modifiable factor for improving natural fertility, optimizing IVF outcomes, and supporting healthy offspring development. Full article

In the lower and middle sections of the Yangtze River Basin Region (YRBR) in China, challenges posed by climate change and delayed harvesting of preceding crops have hindered the timely sowing of wheat, leading to an increasing prevalence of late-sown wheat fields. This trend has emerged as a significant impediment to achieving high and stable production of wheat in this area. During the growing seasons of 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral camera was used to monitor different wheat materials at various growth stages under normal sowing treatment (M1) and late sowing with increased plant density (M2). By assessing yield loss, the wheat tolerance to late sowing was quantified and categorized. The correlation between the differential vegetation indices (D-VIs) and late sowing resistance was examined. The findings revealed that the J2-Logistic model demonstrated optimal classification performance. The precision values of stable type, intermediate type, and sensitive type were 0.92, 0.61, and 1.00, respectively. The recall values were 0.61, 0.92, and 1.00. The mean average precision (mAP) of the model was 0.92. This study proposes a high-throughput and low-cost evaluation method for wheat tolerance to late sowing, which can provide a rapid predictive tool for screening suitable varieties for late sowing and facilitating late-sown wheat breeding. Full article

Under the global climate change, variations in climatic elements such as temperature, precipitation, and sunshine duration significantly impact the growth, development, and yield formation of winter wheat. A precise understanding of the impact of climate change on winter wheat growth and the scientific use of meteorological resources are crucial for ensuring food security, optimizing agricultural planting structures and agricultural sustainability. This study uses statistical methods and focuses on the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, utilizing data from 25 meteorological stations from 1961 to 2010 and winter wheat yield data from 1978 to 2010. Twelve refined indicators encompassing temperature, precipitation, and sunshine duration were constructed. Path analysis was employed to determine their weights, establishing a comprehensive climate indicator model. Results indicate: Temperature indicators in the region show an upward trend, with accumulated temperature of the whole growth period increasing at a rate of 61.1 °C·d/10a. Precipitation indicators reveal precipitation of the whole growth period rising at 3.9 mm/10a and pre-winter precipitation increasing at 4.2 mm/10a. Sunshine duration exhibits a declining trend, decreasing at 72.7 h/10a during the whole growth period. Comprehensive climate indicators decrease from south to north, with the southwest region exhibiting the highest tendency rate (18.41), while the central and southern regions show greater variability. This study provides scientific basis for optimizing winter wheat planting patterns and rational utilization of climate resources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. It recommends prioritizing cultivation in western southern Hebei and improving water conditions in the central and northern areas through irrigation technology to support sustainable crop production. Full article

Soil salinity and water scarcity are major challenges limiting agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Quinoa (a climate-resilient crop) offers potential for sustainable food production under these harsh conditions; however, its growth and yield are often constrained by salt and water stress. This study evaluated the role of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing Chenopodium quinoa Willd performance under deficit irrigation (DI) with saline water. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with four irrigation levels (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of the growth water requirement, GWR) and two water qualities (fresh water, EC = 0.8 dS m⁻¹; and saline water, EC = 6.0 dS m⁻¹), each tested with and without PGPR inoculation. The results showed that PGPR application significantly (p < 0.05) improved quinoa tolerance to salinity, leading to higher biomass, yield, and crop water productivity (CWP) under saline irrigation. Yield reductions were most severe at 40% GWR (53.9% and 82.6% under saline and fresh water, respectively), but PGPR inoculation mitigated yield losses, with increases of 83.3% and 130.8% under 40% and 100% GWR saline irrigation, respectively. Notably, PGPR did not show a clear effect with freshwater irrigation. In addition, inoculated plants exhibited improved nutrient uptake and reduced heavy metal accumulation. Overall, PGPR demonstrated strong potential to enhance salinity resilience and water-use efficiency in quinoa. Future studies should extend these findings under field conditions and investigate the long-term impacts of PGPR on sustainable crop production in saline- and water-limited environments. Full article

Different types of organic materials demonstrate varying efficacy in ameliorating saline–alkali soils, while the combined application of organic materials can potentially enhance the remediation effects on saline–alkali land. To verify this assumption, our study conducted a pot experiment with spinach in saline–alkali soil, observing the improvement effect of saline–alkali soil and the growth of crops when acid fermentation products of vegetables, humic acid-like substances, and corn straw were applied either individually or in combination. The results revealed that both the sole and combined application of organic materials could enhance the yield of spinach. Particularly, humic acid-like substances increased spinach yield to six times that of the chemical fertilizer treatment. Although the application of organic materials led to a decline in the diversity and richness indices of the microbial community in saline–alkali soil (except fungal richness), the combined use of organic materials contributed to a healthier trend in the soil microbial community structure. Beyond its effects on soil nutrients such as total carbon and total nitrogen, the improvement in soil organic matter activity caused by the joint application of organic materials was identified as the primary factor responsible for enhancing the health of the soil microbial community and the remediation effects on saline–alkali soil. Full article

Leaf senescence is a precisely regulated developmental process that is critical for grapevine growth and yield, which is easily influenced by environmental factors. High temperature is a major factor that accelerates senescence rapidly, adversely affects photosynthetic performance, severely hindering fruit nutrient metabolism and growth. This study investigated chlorophyll fluorescence and physiological traits in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) leaves at different senescence stages under natural high-temperature conditions in Turpan. Measurements included chlorophyll content, MDA levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The results showed that (1) young leaves exhibited higher and more sustained chlorophyll content but were prone to wilting, whereas older leaves showed accelerated chlorosis and functional decline; (2) high temperature severely impaired PSII function, inhibiting electron transport and photochemical efficiency, reflected in increased ABS/RC, TR_o/RCC, and DI_o/RC, and decreased F_v/F_m, F_v/F_o, and PI_abs; (3) POD, SOD, CAT and MDA levels initially increased then decreased, correlating with photosynthetic changes and leaf age; and (4) young leaves maintained stronger photosynthetic capability and physiological resilience than older ones. Although partial recovery occurred after temperature reduction, photosynthetic and antioxidant activities did not fully revert. This suggests persistent heat-induced functional decline and accelerated senescence, providing insights for understanding heat-induced leaf senescence and developing strategies for cultivating grapevines. Full article

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors represent one of the largest transcriptional regulator families in cereal crops such as rice, maize, and wheat. They play crucial and diverse roles in regulating key agronomic traits and essential physiological processes. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the functionally characterized bHLH genes across the three major cereals, offering a comparative perspective on their roles in growth, development, and stress responses. We comprehensively summarize their documented functions, highlighting specific regulators such as TaPGS1 for grain size, rice ILI subfamily for leaf angle, OsbHLH004 for seed dormancy and maize “Ms23-Ms32-bHLH122-bHLH51” cascade for the anther development. Their conserved and species-specific functions in iron homeostasis (e.g., IRO2) and in responses to drought, cold, salinity, and pathogens are also detailed. Additionally, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms, including specific binding to E-box/G-box cis-elements, protein dimerization, and integration with hormone signaling pathways. By integrating the current knowledge, this review serves as a consolidated and up-to-date reference that highlights the strategic potential of bHLH transcription factors in molecular breeding programs for improving yield, quality, and stress tolerance in cereals. Full article

Spatializing crop yield statistical data with administrative divisions as the basic unit helps reveal the spatial distribution characteristics of crop yield and provides necessary spatial information to support field management and government decision-making. However, owing to an insufficient understanding of the factors affecting yield, accurately depicting its spatial differences remains challenging. Taking Hailun city, Heilongjiang Province, as an example, this study proposes a yield downscaling method based on the standardized deviation from the mean of the comprehensive crop condition index (CCCI) during key phenological periods of the growing season. First, Sentinel-2 remote sensing data were used to retrieve crop condition parameters during key phenological periods, and the CCCI was constructed using the correlation between crop condition parameters in key phenological periods and statistical yield as the weight. Subsequently, regression analysis and the entropy weight method were applied to determine the spatiotemporal dynamic weights of the CCCI during key phenological stages and to calculate the standardized deviation from the mean. By combining these two components, the comprehensive spatial difference index of the crop growth condition (CSDICGC) was derived, which offered a new way to characterize the discrepancies between the pixel-level yield and statistical yield, thereby downscaling the yield statistical data from the administrative unit to the pixel scale. The results indicated that this method achieved a regional accuracy close to 100%, with a strong fit at the pixel scale. Pixel-level accuracy validation against ground-truth maize yield data resulted in an R² of 0.82 and a mean relative error (MRE) of 4.75%. The novelty of this study was characterized by the integration of multistage crop condition parameters with dynamic spatiotemporal weighting to overcome the limitations of single-index methods. The crop yield statistical data downscaling spatialization method proposed in this paper is simple and efficient and has the potential to be popularized and applied over relatively large regions. Full article

Water deficit in the semi-arid region of Brazil is a critical limiting factor for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.), plant development and productivity. We evaluated whether foliar zinc (ZnO NPs) and iron (Fe₂O₃NPs) nano-oxides and their conventional salts (ZnSO₄·7H₂O and FeSO₄·7H₂O) mitigate water deficit effects on tomato (hybrid HM 2798). A split-plot field experiment was conducted with two irrigation levels (50% and 100% ETc) and five foliar treatments: control (no application), FeSO₄·7H₂O (T1), Fe₂O₃NPs (T2), ZnONPs (T3), ZnSO₄·7H₂O (T4), with four replications, totaling 40 experimental plots (2 irrigation levels × 5 foliar treatments × 4 replicates). The water deficit significantly reduced the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, membrane stability, calcium and boron contents in fruits, and total and marketable yield. Foliar application of iron and zinc nano-oxides and their conventional sources had a limited effect on tomato plant growth but increased the photosynthetic rate under both irrigation levels. Under full irrigation, ZnSO₄·7H₂O increased total fruit production by 61% and fruit Zn content by 18.1%. In turn, Fe₂O₃ NPs (T2) led increases in fruit iron content by 117.3% under water deficit and 135.2% under full irrigation. Foliar application of Fe as Fe₂O₃ NPs is promising to promote the biofortification of tomato fruits with this micronutrient, especially in regions with deficiency problems of this micronutrient. Full article

Zirconium (Zr) thin films were deposited on silicon (Si) substrates via pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using a 248 nm excimer laser. The effects of substrate temperature on film morphology and crystallinity were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the Zr(100) plane exhibited the strongest orientation at 400 °C while Zr (002) was maximum at 500 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses demonstrated an increase in surface roughness with temperature, with the smoothest surface observed at lower temperatures and significant island formation at 500 °C due to the transition to 3D growth. At 500 °C, interdiffusion effects led to the formation of zirconium silicide at the Zr/Si interface. To further interpret the experimental findings, computational modeling was employed to analyze the transition from 2D layer-by-layer growth to 3D island formation at elevated temperatures. Using a multi-parameter kinetics-free model based on free energy minimization, the critical film thickness for this transition was determined to be ~1–2 nm, aligning well with experimental observations. A separate kinetic model of island nucleation and growth predicts that this shift is driven by the kinetics of adatom surface diffusion. Additionally, the kinetic simulations revealed that, at 400 °C, adatom diffusivity optimally balances crystallization and surface energy minimization, yielding the highest film quality. At 500 °C, the rapid increase in diffusivity leads to the proliferation of 3D islands, consistent with the roughness trends observed in SEM and AFM data. These findings underscore the critical role of deposition parameters in tailoring Zr thin films for applications in advanced coatings and electronic devices. Full article

Pruning is labor-intensive and increases production costs, while mechanical pruning offers a promising alternative. However, research on its effectiveness remains limited. To address this gap, we evaluated the effects of mechanical pruning over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) on tree growth, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Arisoo’ apple trees. The treatment included hand (manual) pruning (HP), mechanical pruning (MP), and combined mechanical and hand pruning (MP + HP) applied during winter pruning in a super-spindle-slender-shaped apple orchard. MP significantly reduced pruning time; however, the amount of plant biomass removed was lower in the MP treatment than in the HP and MP + HP treatments. Canopy volume was higher in the HP treatment than in MP and MP + HP treatments; however, the pruning treatments did not affect trunk cross-sectional area or tree yield. Leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen contents were slightly lower in the MP treatment than in the HP treatment in 2023 but were not affected in 2024. The MP treatment also noticeably reduced light penetration within the canopy and produced smaller fruits with lower soluble solids content and poorer coloration at harvest compared to the HP and MP + HP treatments. In contrast, the HP and MP + HP treatments showed similar effects on light penetration, yield, fruit size, and fruit quality; however, the MP + HP treatment significantly reduced the pruning time compared with the HP treatment. Overall, this study found that MP reduced light penetration and produced smaller and poorly colored fruits, whereas a follow-up combination of HP after MP improved pruning efficiency, light penetration, fruit size, and fruit quality. Full article

Gastrochilus fuscopunctatus is a rare epiphytic orchid in Korea threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro propagation system by evaluating asymbiotic germination and seedling growth. Mature seeds germinated on both Hyponex (Hy) and Orchid Seed Sowing Medium (OSM), but protocorm development was more active on Hy, regardless of 1 µM NAA supplementation. For seedling culture, Murashige and Skoog (MS), Hy, and Orchid Maintenance Medium (OM) were tested with apple homogenate (AH), banana homogenate (BH), and coconut water (CW). At 7 months, Hy supported the greatest biomass and root formation, while Hy + BH produced the highest values (0.066 g fresh weight, 1.3 cm root length). Although BH improved growth on MS and OM, the effects were less pronounced. At 14 months, Hy + BH again yielded superior results (1.93 g fresh weight, 5.3 cm root length, 17.2 leaves), clearly outperforming all other combinations. AH and CW showed inconsistent or limited effects across media, indicating strong medium–additive interactions. These findings demonstrate that Hy + BH is the most effective combination for both early and prolonged growth of G. fuscopunctatus, providing a practical framework for ex situ conservation and reintroduction. Full article