Search Results (531)

Understanding the evolutionary and geographic trajectories of crop wild relatives is vital for enhancing agro-biodiversity and advancing climate-resilient agriculture. This study focuses on ten Vicia L. taxa—comprising five species, four varieties, and one subspecies—of significant agricultural importance in Türkiye. An integrative molecular framework was applied, incorporating nuclear ITS sequence data, ITS2 secondary structure modeling, phylogenetic network analysis, and time-calibrated biogeographic reconstruction. This approach revealed well-supported clades, conserved secondary structural elements, and signatures of reticulate evolution, particularly within the Vicia sativa L. and V. villosa Roth. complexes, where high genetic similarity suggests recent divergence and possible hybridization. Anatolia was identified as both a center of origin and a dispersal corridor, with divergence events estimated to have occurred during the Late Miocene–Pliocene epochs. Inferred migration routes extended toward the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, corresponding to paleoenvironmental events such as the uplift of the Anatolian Plateau and the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Phylogeographic patterns indicated genetic affiliations between Turkish taxa and drought-adapted Irano-Turanian lineages, offering valuable potential for climate-resilient breeding strategies. The results establish a molecularly informed foundation for conservation and varietal development, supporting sustainability-oriented innovation in forage crop systems and contributing to regional food security. Full article

Waterflooding, a key method for secondary hydrocarbon recovery, has been employed since the early 20th century. Over time, the role of water chemistry and ions in recovery has been studied extensively. Low-salinity water (LSW) injection, a common technique since the 1930s, improves oil recovery by altering the wettability of reservoir rocks and reducing residual oil saturation. Recent developments emphasize the integration of LSW with various recovery methods such as CO₂ injections, surfactants, alkali, polymers, and nanoparticles (NPs). This article offers a comprehensive perspective on how LSW injection is combined with these enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, with a focus on improving oil displacement and recovery efficiency. Surfactants enhance the effectiveness of LSW by lowering interfacial tension (IFT) and improving wettability, while ASP flooding helps reduce surfactant loss and promotes in situ soap formation. Polymer injections boost oil recovery by increasing fluid viscosity and improving sweep efficiency. Nevertheless, challenges such as fine migration and unstable flow persist, requiring additional optimization. The combination of LSW with nanoparticles has shown potential in modifying wettability, adjusting viscosity, and stabilizing emulsions through careful concentration management to prevent or reduce formation damage. Finally, building on discussions around the underlying mechanisms involved in improved oil recovery and the challenges associated with each approach, this article highlights their prospects for future research and field implementation. By combining LSW with advanced EOR techniques, the oil industry can improve recovery efficiency while addressing both environmental and operational challenges. Full article

This study establishes a covalently anchored wettability alteration strategy for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using perfluorinated siloxane (CQ), addressing limitations of conventional modifiers reliant on unstable physical adsorption. Instead, CQ forms irreversible chemical bonds with rock surfaces via Si-O-Si linkages (verified by FT-IR/EDS), imparting durable amphiphobicity with water and oil contact angles of 135° and 116°, respectively. This modification exhibits exceptional stability: increasing salinity from 2536 to 10,659 mg/L reduced angles by only 6° (water) and 4° (oil), while 70 °C aging in aqueous/oleic phases preserved amphiphobicity without reversion—supported by >300 °C thermal decomposition in TGA; confirming chemical bonding durability. Mechanistic analysis identifies dual EOR pathways: amphiphobic surfaces lower rolling angles, surface free energy (SFE), and fluid adhesion to facilitate pore migration, while CQ intrinsically reduces oil-water interfacial tension (IFT). Core displacement experiments showed that injecting 0.05 wt% CQ followed by secondary waterflooding yielded an additional 10–18% increase in oil recovery. This improvement is attributed to enhanced mobilization of residual oil, with greater EOR efficacy observed in smaller pore throats. Field trials at the Huabei Oilfield validated practical applicability: Production rates of test wells C-9 and C-17 increased several-fold, accompanied by reduced water cuts. Integrating fundamental research, laboratory experiments, and field validation, this work systematically demonstrates a wettability-alteration-based EOR method and offers important technical insights for analogous reservoir development. Full article

Background: Lespedeza davurica is an important perennial leguminous shrub endemic to China’s Loess Plateau, and it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and soil erosion control. However, phosphorus deficiency and environmental stresses limit its growth potential and ecological function. Methods: In the present study, the interaction between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus DP25, a phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacterium isolated from L. davurica rhizosphere, and L. davurica was investigated. We performed biochemical analyses of leaves from L. davurica planted in saline–alkali soil to monitor antioxidant defense systems and stress-related metabolites, and conducted a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to elucidate the bacteria-mediated enhancement of growth and stress tolerance in L. davurica. Results: DP25 inoculation substantially enhanced L. davurica growth performance, increasing plant height by 47.68%, biomass production by 102.54–132.42%, and root architecture parameters by 62.68–78.79% (p < 0.0001). Catalase activity, a key antioxidant enzyme, showed a marked increase of 41.53% (p < 0.001), while malondialdehyde and free proline contents decreased by 18.13% and 19.33%, respectively (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 263 differentially expressed genes, with enrichment in carotenoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathways. Metabolomic profiling identified 246 differentially accumulated metabolites, highlighting enhanced secondary metabolite production and stress response mechanisms. Integration of multi-omics data revealed 19 co-regulated pathways involved in growth promotion and stress tolerance. Conclusions: A. calcoaceticus DP25 enhances L. davurica growth through coordinated regulation of metabolic pathways involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. These findings provide molecular insights into beneficial plant–microbe interactions and support the development of sustainable strategies for ecosystem restoration in degraded environments. Full article

In order to investigate the effect of Zataria multiflora Bioss. extract and nanoextract on morphophysiological and phytochemical indices, yield, and essential oil compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genovese) under salinity stress (0, 25, 50, and 100 mM NaCl), an experiment was conducted as a split-plot design in a basic block with complete randomization and three replications. In the treatment without salinity, nanoextract increased the shoot fresh weight by 34.28%, and regular extract increased it by 8.35% compared to the 0 NaCl without extract. In the treatment without salinity stress, nanoextract decreased the Na content by 17%, and regular extract decreased it by 5%; nanoextract increased the K content by 22.93%, and regular extract increased it by 9.05% compared to the 0 NaCl without extract, respectively. In all salinity concentrations applied, nanoextract showed lower sodium accumulation and higher potassium accumulation rate than regular extract and treatment without extract at the same salinity concentration. The highest total phenols were observed in the 100 mM salinity treatment in both nanoextract and regular extract of Z. multiflora, followed by the 50 mM salinity treatment—nano extract, with 12.33, 11.17, and 10.01 mg GA g⁻¹ FW, respectively. In the non-saline stress treatment, nanoextract increased the proline content by 125%, and regular extract increased it by 79.16% compared to the 0 NaCl without extract. In the treatment without salinity stress, the nano extract increased the level of PAL enzyme by 16.66% and the regular extract by 8.33% compared to the 0 NaCl without extract. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the 100 mM salinity treatment in both nano extract and regular extract of Z. multiflora, followed by the 50 mM salinity treatment and nano extract with 31.86, 30.60, and 28.21%, respectively. In this study, the results of essential oil analysis indicated the identification of 39 compounds in which linalool, eugenol, carotenoid, methyl chavicol, A-Humulene, and menthol were identified as the main compounds. Among all treatments, Z. multiflora nanoextract, while moderating the effects of stress, showed the highest efficiency in improving the morphophysiological and biochemical traits and essential oil content and secondary metabolites of O. basilicum L. var. Genovese. Full article

Soil salinity stands among the most critical abiotic stressors, imposing severe limitations on global rice cultivation. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of beneficial microorganisms to enhance crop salt tolerance. In this study, a halotolerant bacterial strain, Rhodobium marinum RH-AZ (Gram-negative) was identified and analyzed. It exhibited exceptional survival at 9% (w/v) NaCl salinity. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a circular chromosome spanning 3,875,470 bp with 63.11% GC content, encoding 5534 protein-coding genes. AntiSMASH analysis predicted eight secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. Genomic annotation identified functional genes associated with nitrogen cycle coordination, phytohormone biosynthesis, micronutrient management and osmoprotection. Integrating genomic evidence with the existing literature suggests RH-AZ’s potential for enhancing rice salt tolerance and promoting the growth of rice plants. Subsequent physiological investigations revealed that the RH-AZ strain had significant growth-promoting effects on rice under high salinity stress. Compared with a non-inoculated control, RH-AZ-inoculated rice plants exhibited stem elongation and fresh biomass enhancement under salt stress conditions. The RH-AZ strain concurrently affected key stress mitigation biomarkers: it enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, and the contents of proline and chlorophyll in plants, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde. These findings demonstrate that R. marinum RH-AZ, as a multifunctional bioinoculant, enhances rice salt tolerance by enhancing the stress responses of the plants, presenting a promising solution for sustainable agriculture in saline-affected ecosystems. Full article

Objective: Several strategies have been described for stroke prevention, and the most commonly used medication is aspirin. Cilostazol, which is a substance with a pleiotropic effect, is still not well investigated. In this study, we aimed to delineate the effects of mono- and combinatorial pre-treatment upon neurological status and biomarkers, namely protein S100b, GFAP, procalcitonin, and galectin-3, following stroke. Methods: Twelve-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups, each containing six rats: control group (normal saline), cilostazol group (30 mg/kg/daily), aspirin group (10 mg/kg/daily), and aspirin/cilostazol group. Each substance was administered by gavage for four weeks. All animals were subjected to cerebral ischemia for 2 h using intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. A neurological examination was performed, serum concentrations of biomarkers were determined, and the animals were then sacrificed. Results: All treatment groups exhibited variations in the severity of immediate neurological presentation. Unlike the control group, where all rats presented with severe focal neurology or mortality, most rats in the treatment groups displayed no to moderate focal neurology. Moreover, the aspirin/cilostazol group consistently exhibited significantly lower levels in the studied biomarkers compared to other groups. Conclusions: Co-administration of cilostazol and aspirin significantly ameliorates the immediate expression of the studied biomarkers. Further large-scale studies are needed to investigate the effect of combined therapy for primary and secondary prevention of stroke, using not only serum biomarkers but other specific clinical and laboratory endpoints. Full article

Soil salinization limits the growth of agricultural crops in the world, requiring the use of methods to increase the tolerance of agricultural crops to salinity–alkali stress. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant stress adaptation through symbiosis and offer a promising strategy for remediation. However, in non-model crops such as oat (Avena sativa L.), research has mainly focused on physiological assessments, while the key genes and metabolic pathways involved in AMF-mediated growth and saline–alkali tolerance remain unclear. In this study, we employed integrated multi-omics and physiological analyses to explore the regulatory mechanisms of AMF in oats under normal and saline–alkali stress. The results indicated that AMF symbiosis significantly promoted oat growth and physiological performance under both normal and saline–alkali stress conditions. Compared to the non-inoculated group under normal conditions, AMF increased plant height and biomass by 8.5% and 15.3%, respectively. Under saline–alkali stress, AMF enhanced SPAD value and relative water content by 16.7% and 7.3%, reduced MDA content by 35.8%, increased soluble protein by 21.8%, and decreased proline by 13.3%. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, and CAT) were elevated by 18.4%, 18.2%, and 14.8%, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that AMF colonization under saline–alkali stress induced about twice as many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as under non-saline–alkali stressed conditions. These DEGs were primarily associated with Environmental Information Processing, Genetic Information Processing, and Metabolic Processes. According to metabolomic analysis, a total of 573 metabolites were identified across treatments, mainly comprising lipids (29.3%), organic compounds (36.8%), and secondary metabolites (21.5%). Integrated multi-omics analysis indicated that AMF optimized energy utilization and antioxidant defense by enhancing phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights into how AMF may enhance oat growth and tolerance to saline–alkali stress. Full article

Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis), a leguminous plant, is an important medicinal and economic plant in saline–alkaline soils of arid regions in China. Its main bioactive components include liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, and flavonoids, which play significant roles in maintaining human health and preventing and adjuvantly treating related diseases. However, the cultivation of G. uralensis is easily restricted by adverse soil conditions in these regions, characterized by high salinity, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiency. This study investigated the impacts of four multistrain microbial inoculants (Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd) on the growth performance and bioactive compound accumulation of G. uralensis in moderately saline–sodic soil. The aim was to screen the most beneficial inoculant from these strains, which were isolated from the rhizosphere of plants in moderately saline–alkaline soils of the Hexi Corridor and possess native advantages with excellent adaptability to arid environments. The results showed that inoculant Pc, comprising Pseudomonas silesiensis, Arthrobacter sp. GCG3, and Rhizobium sp. DG1, exhibited superior performance: it induced a 0.86-unit reduction in lateral root number relative to the control, while promoting significant increases in single-plant dry weight (101.70%), single-plant liquiritin (177.93%), single-plant glycyrrhizic acid (106.10%), and single-plant total flavonoids (107.64%). Application of the composite microbial inoculant Pc induced no significant changes in the pH and soluble salt content of G. uralensis rhizospheric soils. However, it promoted root utilization of soil organic matter and nitrate, while significantly increasing the contents of available potassium and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Pc reorganized the rhizospheric microbial communities of G. uralensis, inducing pronounced shifts in the relative abundances of rhizospheric bacteria and fungi, leading to significant enrichment of target bacterial genera (Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium), concomitant suppression of pathogenic fungi, and proliferation of beneficial fungi (Mortierella, Cladosporium). Correlation analyses showed that these microbial shifts were linked to improved plant nutrition and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. This study highlights Pc as a sustainable strategy to enhance G. uralensis yield and medicinal quality in saline–alkali ecosystems by mediating microbe–plant–nutrient interactions. Full article

This article documents the widespread absence of sessile species in bedrock intertidal habitats at the head of the St. Lawrence Estuary, a large macrotidal estuary located in eastern Canada. Extensive observations revealed that no seaweeds or sessile invertebrates occurred anywhere (including cracks and crevices) on substrate areas that become exposed to the air during low tides. Only one sessile species, a green filamentous alga, was found submerged in tidepools. The lack of truly marine sessile species is likely explained by the very low water salinity of this coast, while the absence of sessile freshwater species on intertidal substrates outside of tidepools likely responds to a combination of oligohaline conditions during high tides and daily exposures to the air during low tides, which freshwater species are typically not adapted to. Influences of winter ice scour and coastal suspended sediments are likely secondary. Experimental research could unravel the interactive effects of these abiotic stressors. Overall, this “intertidal desert” could be a useful model system to further explore the boundaries of life on our planet. Full article

Rizhao Reservoir, Shandong Province, China, as a key regional water supply hub, provides water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses in and around Rizhao City by intercepting runoff, which plays a central role in guaranteeing water supply security and supporting regional development. This study systematically collected 66 surface water samples to elucidate the hydrochemical characteristics within the reservoir area, identify the principal influencing factors, and clarify the sources of dissolved ions, aiming to enhance the understanding of the prevailing water quality conditions. A systematic analysis of hydrochemical facies, solute provenance, and governing processes in the study area’s surface water was conducted, employing an integrated mathematical and statistical approach, comprising Piper trilinear diagrams, correlation analysis, and ionic ratios. Meanwhile, the entropy weight-based water quality index (EWQI) and irrigation water quality evaluation methods were employed to assess the surface water quality in the study area quantitatively. Analytical results demonstrate that the surface water system within the study area is classified as freshwater with circumneutral to slightly alkaline properties, predominantly characterized by Ca-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-SO₄-Cl hydrochemical facies. The evolution of solute composition is principally governed by rock–water interactions, whereas anthropogenic influences and cation exchange processes exert comparatively minor control. Dissolved ions mostly originate from silicate rock weathering, carbonate rock dissolution, and sulfate mineral dissolution processes. Potability assessment via the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) classifies surface waters in the study area as Grade I (Excellent), indicating compliance with drinking water criteria under defined boundary conditions. Irrigation suitability analysis confirms minimal secondary soil salinization risk during controlled agricultural application, with all samples meeting standards for direct irrigation use. Full article

Microorganisms serve as a vital source of natural anticancer agents, with many of their secondary metabolites already employed in clinical oncology. In recent years, salt-adapted microbes, including halophilic and halotolerant species from marine, salt lake, and other high-salinity environments, have gained significant attention. Their unique adaptation mechanisms and diverse secondary metabolites offer promising potential for novel anticancer drug discovery. This review consolidated two decades of research alongside current global cancer statistics to evaluate the therapeutic potential of salt-adapted microorganisms. Halophilic and halotolerant species demonstrate significant promise, with their bioactive metabolites exhibiting potent inhibitory effects against major cancer cell lines, particularly in lung and breast cancer. Evidence reveals structurally unique secondary metabolites displaying enhanced cytotoxicity compared to conventional anticancer drugs. Collectively, salt-adapted microorganisms represent an underexplored yet high-value resource for novel anticancer agents, offering potential solutions to chemotherapy resistance and treatment-related toxicity. Full article

According to Victor Ernest Shelford’s ‘Law of Tolerance,’ organisms within ecosystems thrive optimally when environmental conditions are favorable. Applying this principle to ecosystems and agro-ecosystems facing water scarcity or environmental challenges can significantly enhance their productivity. In these ecosystems, phytocenosis adjusts its conditions by utilizing water with varying salinity levels. Moreover, establishing optimal drinking water conditions for human populations within an ecosystem can help mitigate future negative succession processes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of two distinct water sources in the Amudarya district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan: collector-drainage water and groundwater at depths of 10 to 25 m. This research is highly relevant in the context of climate change, as improper management of water salinity, particularly in collector-drainage water, may exacerbate soil salinization and degrade drinking water quality. The primary methodology of this study is as follows: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) standard for collector-drainage water is applied, and the water quality index is assessed using the CCME WQI model. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) model is adapted to assess groundwater quality using Uzbekistan’s national drinking water quality standards. The results of two years of collected data, i.e., 2021 and 2023, show that the water quality index of collector-drainage water indicates that it has limited potential for use as secondary water for the irrigation of sensitive crops and has been classified as ‘Poor’. As a result, salinity increased by 8.33% by 2023. In contrast, groundwater quality was rated as ‘Fair’ in 2021, showing a slight deterioration by 2023. Moreover, a comparative analysis of CCME WQI values for collector-drainage and groundwater in the region, in conjunction with findings from Ethiopia, India, Iraq, and Turkey, indicates a consistent decline in water quality, primarily due to agriculture and various other anthropogenic pollution sources, underscoring the critical need for sustainable water resource management. This study highlights the need to use organic fertilizers in agriculture to protect drinking water quality, improve crop yields, and promote soil health, while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Furthermore, adopting WQI models under changing climatic conditions can improve agricultural productivity, enhance groundwater quality, and provide better environmental monitoring systems. Full article

The present work was performed in greenhouse conditions, and 10 ppm Se, 10 ppm B, and 100 mM salinity treatments were used. The results showed significant variations in the agronomic traits of oregano among the treatments and harvests. The 10 ppm Se×10 ppm B treatment showed improvements over other properties for morphological and yield properties with protein, essential oil, and Zn contents, and B×salinity outperformed other treatments, with variations in branch number enhancement. The analysis revealed that salinity treatment could effectively enhance Na and Ca contents. B treatment significantly improved Mn (12,443.51–18,739.77 ppm), Mg (406.85–632.79 ppm), Fe (61.43–885.06 ppm), Cu (5.02–9.32 ppm), and B (37.67–114.28 ppm) element contents. The highest K content was found from Se treatment. The effects of the Se, B, and salinity treatments showed effectively after second and third harvests of the oregano for the many examined properties. Fresh and dry weight values showed variability between 1.60–6.00 g/plant and 0.54–2.42 g/plant, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that most of the properties took place in the groups 1 (1st harvests of plant height and protein content, 2nd harvests of protein content and fresh and dry weight, 3rd harvest of fresh weight and total fresh and dry weight values) and 2 (branch number and essential oil contents, Na, and Zn). The heat-map analysis divided into two main clusters as A and B. A2, A4, and A5 treatments took place in the B group. Treatment of 10 ppm Se×10 ppm B showed better values compared to other treatments. Thus, this treatment may be beneficial for oregano cultivation under non-saline conditions. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant threat to tea plant (Camellia sinensis) production by compromising its bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, L-theanine, and caffeine, which are key contributors to the plant’s health benefits and economic value. This study investigates the Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) gene family, a critical salt-tolerance regulator in tea plants, to elucidate its role in maintaining quality under environmental stress. Genome-wide analysis identified 51 CsSOS1 genes, with phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealing strong evolutionary conservation with Populus trichocarpa and Arabidopsis thaliana. Promoter analysis detected stress- and hormone-responsive cis-elements, indicating adaptive functions in abiotic stress. Expression profiling demonstrated tissue-specific patterns, highlighting significant upregulation of CsSOS1-15 and CsSOS1-41 under salt and drought stress. Co-expression network analysis further linked CsSOS1 genes to carbohydrate metabolism, implicating their roles in stress resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis. Our findings provide molecular insights into CsSOS1-mediated salt tolerance, proposing potential targets for preserving bioactive compounds. This work facilitates developing salt-resistant tea plant cultivars to ensure sustainable production and quality stability amid environmental challenges. Full article