Scientifica最新文献

{"title":"Efficiency and Sustainability in Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Analysis.","authors":"Abebaw Hailu Fikire, Elena Viktorovna Korchagina","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3677216","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3677216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The inefficiency of food supply chain is a critical challenge of the global food system. Improving the efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain is essential to ensure food security and poverty reduction. The purpose of this study is to define efficiency and sustainability from the context of food supply chains and develop a conceptual framework illustrating the relationship among factors that influence efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines through encompassing 44 research articles published between 2020 and 2024 in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals. The study revealed that distribution of annual publications has increased with some fluctuation over the reviewed period; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute was the leading publisher in the field of food supply chain. The first authors from United Kingdom and Italy were the most active principal investigators in conducting scientific research articles in the field of efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain. The findings of this research provide practical significance in clearly pointing to the directions for further study for other scholars to open new research areas, solve existing problems, and create new approaches. This review contributes to academic knowledge, policymaking, and practical implications aimed at building more efficient and sustainable food supply chains worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3677216"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Local Community Perspectives on the Role of Institutional Stakeholders in Advancing Forest Landscape Restoration in Ghana.","authors":"Yaw Appau, Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi, Anthony Baidoo","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3179536","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3179536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study explored community views on the roles of various institutional actors in promoting forest landscape restoration in Ghana. Using mixed methods, data were gathered from 417 households in the Kakum Conservation Area through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions involving representatives from the Forestry Commission (FC), the Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), licensed buying companies (LBCs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and traditional authorities. Results show that NGOs are viewed as the most effective due to their community engagement, responsiveness, and empowerment efforts. Meanwhile, the FC, COCOBOD, and LBCs received lower ratings due to limited interaction and perceived inefficiencies. Traditional authorities are vital in mobilizing communities, enforcing cultural conservation, and safeguarding forest resources, highlighting the significance of informal governance. Factors such as demographics, visibility, engagement frequency, past performance, and credibility shape community perceptions of these institutions. Additionally, 98% of respondents noted weak or nonexistent coordination among institutions, often due to conflicting goals and competition, especially between NGOs and LBCs. The study emphasizes that integrating traditional and formal governance systems is essential for sustainable restoration. Strengthening institutional collaboration can enhance restoration outcomes, but state institutions should remain central, with activities tailored to local needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3179536"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical and Geographical Comparison of <i>Derris scandens</i> (Roxb.) Benth. Leaves and Stems and Their Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Activity.","authors":"Benyatip Buajan, Mudtorlep Nisoa, Fonthip Makkliang, Atthaphon Konyanee, Waraporn Putalun, Geoffrey A Cordell, Rawiwan Charoensup, Gorawit Yusakul","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2028051","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2028051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Derris scandens</i> (Roxb.) Benth. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties. Its stem extract is approved in Thailand for treating musculoskeletal pain. However, sustainability concerns necessitate exploring alternative sources such as leaves. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical profiles and anti-inflammatory activity of <i>D. scandens</i> leaves and stems collected from different geographical locations. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was employed to quantify isoflavones in extracts prepared using various ethanol concentrations. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through nitric oxide (NO) secretion inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Geographical location influenced metabolite profiles and biological activity. Leaves contained isoangustone A (up to 26.6 μg/mg) and lupalbigenin (up to 0.98 μg/mg), while stems exhibited higher lupalbigenin levels (up to 296 μg/mg) and additional metabolites, including derrisisoflavone A and 6,8-diprenylgenistein. At 25 μg/mL, NO inhibition by derrisisoflavone A (34.3%) and 6,8-diprenylgenistein (23.3%) was higher than that of leaf-derived compounds such as derrubone (31.0%) and isoangustone A (18.0%). Ethanolic extracts (50 μg/mL) of the stems demonstrated greater NO inhibition (9.44%-59.6%) compared to the leaves (6.59%-39.2%). While <i>D. scandens</i> leaves offer an alternative phytochemical resource, their distinct chemical and biological profiles limit their substitution for the stems as a source of anti-inflammatory metabolites. The findings support the regulatory approval of the stems as an essential Thai medicine. Molecular docking revealed that lupalbigenin showed the strongest binding to COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX, supporting its potential as a dual COX/LOX inhibitor for anti-inflammatory drug development.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2028051"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239046/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethnobotanical Evidence of Medicinal Plants Used for Peptic Ulcers in Tanzania: A Systematic Review.","authors":"David Sylvester Kacholi","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2126859","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2126859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Medicinal plants (MPs) are essential to rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. However, knowledge of the use of MPs for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in Tanzania remains limited. This review aims to document the traditional knowledge and MPs used by Tanzanians to treat and manage PUD. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases and grey literature, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data from 26 ethnobotanical studies were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, graphs and charts) in Microsoft Excel. Overall, 101 MPs from 44 botanical families have been traditionally used to treat and manage PUD in Tanzania. Asteraceae (10.8%) and Fabaceae (9.6%) were the most diverse families. In terms of life forms, trees account for 40% of the documented plants, followed by herbs at 39%. The most commonly used plant parts are leaves (40%) and roots (32%). Decoction (58%) is the most common method for preparing these remedies, with oral administration as the primary route. The most frequently cited MPs include <i>Sclerocarya birrea</i> (A. Rich.) Hochst. (Anacardiaceae), <i>Dichrocephala integrifolia</i> (L.f.). Kuntze (Asteraceae), <i>Ageratum conyzoides</i> L. (Asteraceae), <i>Dodonaea viscosa</i> Jacq. (Sapindaceae) and <i>Cissus rotundifolia</i> Lam. (Vitaceae). Of the recorded MPs, 32 have been validated for antiulcerogenic activity and should advance to standardised formulations, dosage optimisation and clinical trials to enable integration into modern, evidence-based healthcare. Conversely, this study recommends that unvalidated MPs be systematically studied for efficacy and safety to ensure that culturally rooted remedies are evidence-based and safely integrated into contemporary healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2126859"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13199684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148034900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can Persistent Blue Light Exposure Cause a Molecular Shift in the Vitreous of Rodents?","authors":"Nagarajan Theruveethi, Manjunath B Joshi, Manna Valiathan, Radhika R P, Shama Prasada Kabekkodu, Shailaja Bhat","doi":"10.1155/sci5/4875029","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/4875029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This experimental rodent study aimed to explore changes in the vitreous metabolome caused by prolonged chronic environmental blue light stress and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Four separate groups of control (NC), blue light (LE), two blue blocking lenses (blue light-blocking lenses (BBLs), BL + Crizal Prevencia (CP) and BL+Duravision Blue protect (DP) and 8-week-old albino male Wistar rats were used in this experiment. Animals were subjected to blue LED light, with and without BBLs, for 90 days under a 12:12-h light:dark cycle and constant illumination at 450-500 lux. The control animals were maintained in standard laboratory conditions. Postexposure, the vitreous fluid (VF) was aspirated, stored at -20°C, and processed for LC-MS. We observed significant variation in amino acid (AA) abundance across four groups: normal control (NC), light exposure (LE), light exposure with Duravision Blue (DB) and light exposure with CP lenses. Specifically, there was a significant difference in AA content between NC and LE [<i>F</i> (21, 178) = 4.667, <i>p</i> < 0.0001], between LE and CP [<i>F</i> (21, 181) = 7.971, <i>p</i> < 0.0001], between LE and DB [<i>F</i> (21, 179) = 13.06, <i>p</i> < 0.0001], between NC and CP [<i>F</i> (21, 184) = 11.46, <i>p</i> < 0.0001] and between all groups in general [<i>F</i> (21, 182) = 14.22, <i>p</i> < 0.0001]. Pathway-level analysis with false discovery rate (FDR) correction identified significant enrichment in phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, valine/leucine/isoleucine degradation and beta-alanine metabolism pathways. From these results, it can be inferred that BBLs and light exposure significantly influence the presence of AAs compared with NC and LE. Persistent exposure to cumulative blue light can alter vitreous metabolites, potentially affect micro- and macromolecular components of the VF and carry functional consequences for vitreoretinal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4875029"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13197830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation.","authors":"Fajar Sofyantoro, Wisnu Ananta Kusuma, Setyanto Tri Wahyudi, Favorisen Rosyking Lumbanraja, Hendra Rahmawan, Heru Cahya Rustamaji, Dhadhang Wahyu Kurniawan, Undri Rastuti, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Wiko Arif Wibowo, Dwi Sendi Priyono, Donan Satria Yudha, Slamet Raharjo, Tri Rini Nuringtyas","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8813839","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8813839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findings from diverse taxa and technologies, including bulk RNA sequencing, long-read transcriptomics, and spatial or single-cell approaches, to highlight progress and gaps in current knowledge. A bibliometric analysis of 358 studies from 2002 to 2024 reveals significant growth in the field, with key contributions from institutions in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Despite this progress, transcriptomic research remains geographically and taxonomically biased, with challenges in toxin annotation, data standardization, and integrative multiomics still unresolved. We conclude by emphasizing the growing role of integration with other omics approaches, advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, and the emerging potential of computational modeling in reconstructing venom evolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8813839"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13191769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Myocarditis: Potential Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Translation.","authors":"Faizah D Retnowati, Dunia R Halawa, Zaid H Maayah, Atiyeh M Abdallah","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6560386","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6560386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myocarditis can be caused by viral infections, systematic autoimmune diseases, and as a reaction to prescribed medications, and the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is implicated in its pathophysiology. Here, we explore pharmaceutical and other therapies that modulate NLRP3 activation and may therefore be useful for treating myocarditis. Pharmaceutical agents such as colchicine, SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin and canagliflozin), calpain inhibitors, and sacubitril/valsartan have shown promise in reducing inflammation and preserving cardiac function. Natural compounds, including morroniside and crocin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. While these treatments have shown preclinical potential, successful clinical translation of inflammasome-targeting drugs will require efforts to overcome recruitment challenges, flawed trial designs, high dropout rates, safety and toxicity concerns, and a lack of biomarkers. Natural products may offer a practical solution to these issues, providing safer therapeutic options and providing innovative approaches for managing myocarditis and preventing long-term complications. <b>Trial Registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05855746.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6560386"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13185212/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanistic Insights Into the Inhibition of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Binary Toxin by Indolylmethyl Glucosinolate and Indole-3-Carbinol.","authors":"Ariful Islam, Sumaiya Jahan Supti, Faria Tasnim, Md Zahid Hasan, Mst Naharina Nuryay, Nabida Tabassum, Maysha Fahmeda Priota, Md Jan Sadur Rahman Moon, Taha Alqahtani, Magdi E A Zaki, Subir Sarker, Md Eram Hosen","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8115947","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8115947","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection (CDI) remains a significant healthcare challenge, primarily due to its toxin-mediated pathogenesis that results in severe gastrointestinal complications. This study investigates the inhibitory potential of bioactive compounds derived from <i>Brassica oleracea</i> L., specifically targeting the CDTa subunit of the binary toxin, using both computational and experimental approaches. Molecular docking analysis identified indolylmethyl glucosinolate (-9.1 kcal/mol) and indole-3-carbinol (-8.75 kcal/mol) as top candidates, demonstrating high binding affinities to the CDTa protein. Stability and dynamic behavior of the ligand-protein complexes were further assessed through 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations, which confirmed their stable interactions. Thermodynamic evaluations using MM-GBSA calculations revealed favorable binding free energies, supporting their potential as effective inhibitors. In parallel, the antibacterial efficacy of these compounds was validated through in vitro antibacterial assays, where indolylmethyl glucosinolate and indole-3-carbinol exhibited maximum inhibition zones of 23.33 ± 0.67 mm and 22.67 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. In MIC and MBC assays, both compounds showed significant antibacterial activity, with indolylmethyl glucosinolate demonstrating slightly higher potency (MIC: 10.33 ± 0.72 μg/mL; MBC: 23.33 ± 1.36 μg/mL) than indole-3-carbinol (MIC: 11.33 ± 0.27 μg/mL; MBC: 26.67 ± 3.60 μg/mL). Additionally, PCA and DCCM revealed distinct conformational stabilization patterns and correlated motion of CDTa upon ligand binding, supporting a potential antivirulence interaction. Moreover, ADMET analysis revealed differences in their pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles, providing further insights into their therapeutic potential. Overall, these findings suggest that <i>B. oleracea</i>-derived compounds exhibit a direct antibacterial activity against <i>C. difficile</i> while also demonstrating computationally supported inhibition of CDTa, indicating a complementary antivirulence mechanism that may contribute to their therapeutic potential in CDI.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8115947"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13184179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of <i>Citrus aurantiifolia</i> Essential Oil-Based Mouthwash: Potential and Cytotoxicity Concerns.","authors":"Sri Mulyanti, Dewi Sodja Laela, Pramesthi Reitza Navisya Vasall, Nandang Permadi, Dudi Aripin, Amaliya Amaliya, Yaya Rukayadi, Euis Julaeha","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5570684","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5570684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent oral health problems in Indonesia. According to the 2018 National Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS), its prevalence ranges from 73.1% to 75%. The primary cause is dental plaque accumulation, which can be removed chemically using mouthwash. However, most commercial mouthwashes contain synthetic chemicals that may cause adverse effects on oral tissues when used long term. This study aimed to develop a natural-based mouthwash formulation from the essential oil of lime peel (<i>Citrus aurantiifolia</i>), which has been previously reported to possess antibacterial properties. Six formulations were prepared with essential oil concentrations ranging from 1%-20%. Each formulation was tested against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, <i>S. sanguinis</i>, <i>S. oralis</i>, <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, and <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and formulated into six mouthwash preparations. The antibacterial activity was assessed using agar disc diffusion for inhibition zones, while MIC and MBC were determined using the broth microdilution method. Physicochemical properties of the mouthwash, including pH, viscosity, and specific gravity, were also analyzed. The most effective formula was further tested in vivo on the gingiva of white rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus domestica</i>) to assess its anti-inflammatory effect based on gingival tissue histology and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count. Cytotoxicity was examined using the MTT assay on normal fibroblast cells (3T3-L).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Formula IV, containing 0.8% essential oil, exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, particularly against <i>P. gingivalis</i>, with a pH of 6.04, specific gravity of 1.0043 g/cm³, and viscosity of 1.738 cSt. In vivo tests demonstrated a reduction in gingival inflammation and PMN count, indicating a healing process. The MTT assay confirmed that the formulation was nontoxic to fibroblast cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Formula IV represents a safe and effective natural-based mouthwash for the prevention of dental caries and gingivitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5570684"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13181426/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147975168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zinc in Soil-Plant-Human Systems: A Synthesis of Its Fate, Essential Roles, and Health Implications.","authors":"Ajit Kumar Mandal, Jitendra Kumar, Joy Kumar Dey, Ashok Chhetri, Subrata Das, Vijay Kumar, Amulya Kumar Mohanty, Ashim Debnath, Shatabhisa Sarkar, Annika Jahan Aonti, Md Parvez Kabir, Shahin Imran, Akbar Hossain","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2944933","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2944933","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in the soil-plant-human continuum, influencing soil health, crop productivity, and human nutrition. Its behavior in soil is governed by a complex interplay of physicochemical and biological factors, including soil pH, organic matter, clay content, redox conditions, and environmental variability. Zn availability typically decreases in alkaline, calcareous, and sandy soils, whereas its solubility increases markedly with decreasing pH, resulting in a 100-fold decrease per unit decline. Organic matter exerts a dual influence by stabilizing Zn through complexation while also enhancing its mobility via soluble organometallic forms. Processes such as adsorption and desorption regulate Zn partitioning between the solid and solution phases of soil, thereby controlling its bioavailability and plant uptake. Zn plays essential roles in plant metabolism, including enzyme activation, membrane stabilization, and growth regulation, and contributes to human health by supporting immune function, endocrine regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. However, Zn imbalance remains a key challenge, as both Zn deficiency and excessive accumulation can adversely affect plant performance and human health, leading to impaired metabolism, oxidative stress, and micronutrient interactions. Furthermore, climate change is expected to alter Zn dynamics in soils, influencing its mobility, bioavailability, and transfer across trophic systems. This review provides a comprehensive, integrative synthesis of Zn dynamics across interconnected systems and highlights future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that combine soil management, microbial interventions, crop improvement, and precision agriculture to increase Zn use efficiency and ensure sustainable agricultural and nutritional security.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2944933"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13179792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147964538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}