Search Results (38,025)

Sewer corrosion driven by sulfur metabolism threatens infrastructure durability. Current study examined the effect of conductive lining materials on microbial communities and sulfide control under simulated sewer conditions. Three lab-scale reactors (3.5 L total volume, 2.1 L working volume) were prepared with amorphous carbon (SAN-EARTH) and magnetite-black (MTB) linings, while a Portland cement reactor with no coating served as the control. Each reactor was operated for 120 days at room temperature and fed with artificial wastewater. The working volume consisted of 1.4 L of synthetic wastewater mixed with 0.7 L of sewage sludge used as the inoculum source. Sulfate, sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen species, pH, and organic carbon were monitored, and microbial dynamics were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing and functional annotation. SAN-EARTH and MTB reactors completely suppressed sulfide and hydrogen sulfide, while Portland cement showed the highest accumulation. Both conductive linings maintained alkaline conditions (pH 9.0–10.5), favoring sulfide oxidation. Microbial analysis revealed enrichment of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Thiobacillus sp.) and electroactive taxa (Geobacter sp.), alongside syntrophic interactions involving Aminobacterium and Jeotgalibaca. These findings indicate that conductive lining materials reshape microbial communities and sulfur metabolism, offering a promising strategy to mitigate sulfide-driven sewer corrosion. Full article

The valorization of food processing by-products is a key strategy for advancing sustainability in the agri-food sector. This study developed a fermented milk product incorporating tomato powder (TP) obtained from surplus tomatoes not meeting retail appearance standards. Four yogurt formulations were prepared containing TP (2% and 4%, w/v) and two controls with skim milk powder adjusted to equivalent total solids. Samples were inoculated with a commercial starter culture and fermented at 42 °C to a final pH of 4.6. TP addition did not hinder fermentation but altered acidification kinetics, as the 4% TP yogurt exhibited a faster initiation (T_m ≈ 80 vs. 120 min in the control) yet a slower rate of pH decline (V_max = 0.009 vs. 0.019 pH units/min). TP-fortified yogurts exhibited higher water holding capacity (98% vs. 83%), increased firmness (87 g vs. 47 g), and substantially elevated viscosity (63,000–68,000 mPa·s) while lycopene enrichment enhanced color attributes. Viable counts of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus remained within typical ranges (~6.8 and ~4.9 log CFU/g, respectively, after 24 h), confirming that TP did not compromise microbial activity. Overall, incorporating TP improved structural and functional properties while simultaneously providing tomato-derived antioxidants and promoting a sustainable, circular utilization of surplus tomato streams in fermented dairy products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is the second most common metabolic disease in China (24.5% in males, 3.6% in females), which can induce multiple complications such as gout and diabetes. Existing urate-lowering drugs have significant hepatorenal toxicity, necessitating safe lifestyle interventions. Electrolyzed alkaline water (EAW) as daily drinking water has shown preliminary effectiveness, but it lacks randomized controlled evidence and mechanistic studies at the microbiome–metabolome interface. Methods: We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial in 40 adults aged 18–65 years with elevated serum uric acid (SUA). Participants consumed either 1.5 L/day of EAW (pH 8.5–9.0) or purified water (pH 7.0). Clinical indicators, quality of life (SF-36), gut microbiota, and gut metabolomics were comprehensively assessed to evaluate intervention efficacy and explore potential mechanisms. Results: After 12 weeks, the EAW group exhibited a larger reduction in serum uric acid than the control group, along with improvements in selected physical health-related quality-of-life measures. Modest differences in gut microbial composition were observed between groups. Metabolomic analyses identified group-level differences in metabolites enriched in pathways related to purine metabolism and other urate-associated metabolic processes. Conclusions: This pilot randomized controlled trial suggests that consumption of EAW is associated with a modest reduction in serum uric acid. Exploratory multi-omics analyses indicate concurrent changes in gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. These findings support further investigation of electrolyzed alkaline water as a potential adjunctive, non-pharmacological option for hyperuricemia in larger and longer-term studies. Ethics: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the identifier ChiCTR2500100190. Ethical approval for the present study was granted by the Nankai University Institutional Review Board (NKUIRB2025001, 23 January 2025). Full article

Background: The phytoene desaturase gene is a classical visual marker for validating CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in plants, as its loss of function produces a readily scorable albino phenotype. While the biochemical basis of pigment loss is well established, it remains unclear whether pds knockout elicits transcriptomic changes extending beyond carotenoid biosynthesis. Resolving this question is essential for correctly interpreting pds-based editing outcomes and for assessing the robustness of phenotype-only screening approaches. Methods: A CRISPR/Cas9 editing platform targeting pds was established in diploid potato. Albino, non-albino edited, and wild-type tissues were subjected to RNA-seq profiling. Differential expression, functional enrichment, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were integrated to resolve phenotype-associated transcriptional modules, and hierarchical regulatory layers underlying albinism. Results: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of pds in potato-generated stable albino phenotypes and revealed extensive transcriptomic reprogramming that was not limited to pigment loss. Albino tissues exhibited more than 9700 differentially expressed genes relative to both wild-type and non-albino edited tissues, whereas non-albino edits showed substantially fewer changes. Functional enrichment demonstrated pervasive suppression of photosynthesis and carbon metabolism alongside activation of secondary metabolism, stress responses, hormone signaling, and cell wall remodeling. WGCNA and cross-validation resolved these changes into distinct, phenotype-associated regulatory layers: MEorangered4 captured coordinated repression of starch and sucrose metabolism (r = −0.998), MEdarkgreen marked albino-linked activation of secondary metabolism and barrier biogenesis (r = 0.855; overlap with Albino Core set, OR = 23.65), while MEblack and MEgrey60 reflected downregulation of stress signaling, proteostasis, and hormone-integrative control and were enriched in transgenic–background-associated gene sets. Conclusions: pds knockout in potato is accompanied by broad transcriptomic changes beyond pigment biosynthesis, suggesting that albinism involves coordinated regulatory and metabolic adjustment under plastid dysfunction rather than pigment loss alone. These results refine the use of pds as a visual editing marker and provide a framework for linking localized genome edits to coordinated network-level transcriptional responses in plants. Full article

Root rot disease severely threatens tropical fruit production, leading to plant mortality and reduced yields; however, the mechanisms of host defense responses and pathogen infection remain poorly understood. In this study, Fusarium acutatum was isolated from diseased Annona squamosa roots and identified through morphological features and ITS phylogeny (99.8% identity). Infection triggered a marked activation of antioxidant defenses, with elevated POD, SOD, PAL, PPO, and CAT activities. Transcriptomic and TMT-based quantitative proteomic analyses identified 23,791 and 74,403 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 367 and 609 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in root at 5 and 10 days post inoculation, respectively, relative to the control. These DEGs and DEPs were consistently enriched in pathways involving redox regulation, protein synthesis and processing, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolism, cell wall remodeling, plant–pathogen interaction and MAPK signaling. Integrated transcriptomic–proteomic correlation analysis showed clear positive associations between key defense-related genes and proteins, suggesting that phenylpropanoid metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging play central roles in resistance. Key genes such as CHI2, CHS, and CYP were strongly induced and validated by qPCR, supporting coordinated activation of the defense systems. Furthermore, F. acutatum exhibited upregulation of 50 pathogenic-related proteins, including 4 cell wall-degrading enzymes (e.g., CBH1, pectate lyase), 5 metabolic regulation or signal transduction enzymes (e.g., gabD, TPI, and ENO) and 3 potential effectors, suggesting coordinated pathogen strategies for host colonization. Collectively, this study provides comprehensive multi-omics insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying A. squamosa defense against F. acutatum and offers candidate targets supported by omics evidence, serving as a theoretical reference for the management of root rot. Full article

The dynamic remodeling of the fungal cell wall depends on a balance between chitin synthesis and degradation. Chitinases are critical for nutrient acquisition, cell wall remodeling, and defense; yet, the upstream regulatory mechanisms controlling chitinase gene expression remain poorly understood. Here, Tandem Affinity Purification–Mass Spectrometry (TAP–MS) with the Penicillium oxalicum Snf1 kinase (PoSnf1) as bait identified the zinc finger transcription factor (TF) PoCon7 as a putative target of the Snf1 kinase complex. This complex comprises the catalytic α subunit Snf1, one of three alternative β subunits Gal83, and the γ subunit Snf4. Although PoCon7 does not directly bind PoSnf1 or PoSnf4, it specifically interacts with PoGal83. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that PoCon7 is a conserved, nuclear-localized C2H2-type TF in filamentous fungi. PoCon7 is likely essential for fungal viability, as only a truncated mutant (con7-B) could be generated, while full deletion was lethal. The con7-B mutant displayed delayed hyphal extension, reduced conidiation, downregulation of developmental genes, and upregulation of cell wall-degrading enzyme (CWDE) genes. DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) revealed that PoCon7 binds target gene promoters via the motif 5′-TATTWTTAT-3′. ChIP-qPCR confirmed PoCon7 enrichment at specific sites within the chitinase genes chi18A and chi18C, and the disruption of PoCon7 markedly reduced their expression. Thus, PoCon7 represents the first TF shown to directly regulate chitinase gene expression in filamentous fungi. Full article

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is a major constraint to global wheat production, causing severe yield losses and economic disruption. Understanding the molecular basis of wheat–WDV interactions is essential for developing resistant cultivars. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are key regulators of gene expression and defence. This study identified ncRNAs involved in wheat responses to WDV, including host lncRNAs, miRNAs, and viral small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting WDV genomic regions. High-throughput sequencing revealed extensive ncRNA reprogramming under WDV infection. A total of 437 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and 58 miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were detected. Resistant genotypes displayed more DElncRNAs (204 in Svitava; 163 in Fengyou 3) than the susceptible Akteur (141). In Akteur, 66.7% of DElncRNAs were downregulated, whereas in Svitava, 56.9% were upregulated. Akteur also exhibited more DEmiRNAs (28) than resistant genotypes (15), with predominant downregulation. A co-expression network analysis revealed 391 significant DElncRNA–mRNA interactions mediated by 16 miRNAs. The lncRNA XLOC_058282 was linked to 298 transcripts in resistant genotypes, suggesting a central role in the host defence. Functional annotation showed enrichment in signalling, metabolic, and defence-related pathways. Small RNA profiling identified 1166 differentially expressed sRNAs targeting WDV, including conserved hotspots and 408 genotype-specific sites in Akteur versus Fengyou 3. Infected plants displayed longer sRNAs, a sense-strand bias, and a 5′ uridine preference, but lacked typical 21–24 nt phasing. These findings highlight the central roles of ncRNAs in orchestrating wheat antiviral defence and provide a molecular framework for breeding virus-resistant wheat. Full article

The morphology of rice grains represents one of the most vital agronomic characteristics, significantly impacting both grain productivity and the subsequent milling and nutritional quality of the crop. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis and molecular drivers of grain shape is vital for the targeted breeding of high-performance rice lines with consistent yield stability. To pinpoint the genomic regions influencing grain dimensions, we conducted a genome-wide association analysis across a panel of 231 distinct rice accessions, focusing on the discovery of loci associated with length and width. Our analysis revealed four consistent quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed across chromosomes 3, 4, and 11. Notably, grain length was associated with qGL3.1, qGL3.2, and qGL11. The first two were co-localized with GS3 and SMG3, respectively, whereas qGL11 likely constitutes a novel locus. One QTL, qGW4, which governs grain width, was found to co-localize with the gene OsOFP14. Haplotype analysis further revealed that the characteristic haplotypes of the candidate genes for qGL3.1, qGL3.2, and qGW4 were enriched in eight germplasm accessions (including Newbonnet, Skybonnet, and Lemont), all of which exhibit a slender-grain phenotype. This finding suggests that the specific combination of these characteristic haplotypes is a common genetic signature of slender-grain rice, serving as a potential gene combination for the targeted improvement of rice grain shape. Our results reveal valuable QTLs and candidate genes and highlight specific germplasm resources that can be readily applied in marker-assisted breeding to improve rice grain shape. Full article

This paper presents the experimental and computational results characterizing the phase formation of multielement nanoparticles synthesized by the electrically exploding joint-twisted wires. The joint-twisted wires with different element compositions are exploded to investigate the influence of immiscible elements on the phase states of the multielement nanoparticles. The element contents of the multielement nanoparticles deviate from their initial element proportions of the joint-twisted wires due to the non-synchronous exploding process. The silver element enriches the nanoparticle surface, while aluminum, iron, cobalt, and nickel elements show a homogeneous distribution within the nanoparticle. The phase segregation can be adjusted by changing the initial proportion of the silver element in the joint-twisted wires. The decrease in the proportion of silver in joint-twisted wires promotes the homogeneity of silver in the multielement nanoparticles with the phase structure transition from the BCC phase to the FCC phase. A molecular dynamics simulation suggests that both higher initial temperature and more uniform initial mixing conditions facilitate the homogeneous merging of all elements. This study helps with gaining a deep understanding of the phase formation of multielement nanoparticles synthesized by the electrically exploding joint-twisted wires. Full article

Spartina alterniflora, an invasive plant species in coastal regions of China, poses significant threats to local biodiversity and has become a pervasive weed in coastal wetlands and agricultural systems. With increasing nitrogen inputs in coastal areas, understanding the impact of nitrogen addition on plant–soil feedback dynamics in S. alterniflora is essential but remains poorly explored. This study aimed to investigate how nitrogen addition affects plant–soil feedback in S. alterniflora and its growth dynamics. We conducted a mesocosm experiment where nitrogen was added at different levels to assess its effects on the plant–soil feedback in S. alterniflora. The results showed that nitrogen addition significantly increased the aboveground biomass of S. alterniflora by approximately 38% to 88%, while decreasing its belowground biomass by about 22% to 41% Nitrogen addition weakened the negative plant–soil feedback, which typically limits the growth of S. alterniflora. This reduction in microbial resistance at higher nitrogen levels contributed to enhanced overall growth of the plant. These findings highlight the critical role of nitrogen inputs in facilitating the growth of invasive S. alterniflora and suggest that excessive nitrogen in coastal ecosystems could accelerate the spread of this invasive species. Future research should focus on exploring strategies to regulate nitrogen levels in coastal wetlands and agricultural systems to mitigate the ecological impact of invasive species. Full article

Background and Objectives: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a simple marker of muscular fitness that has been linked to adverse outcomes in older adults, while menopause is accompanied by skeletal deterioration and increased psychological vulnerability. Resilience and self-regulation may be associated with lower levels of these risks, but their relationship with bone microarchitecture has not been clarified. We aimed to examine the associations between HGS and trabecular bone score (TBS), bone mineral density (BMD), mental health, resilience, and self-regulation in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In this study, 200 postmenopausal women were recruited. HGS was assessed with a dynamometer, BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck by DXA, and lumbar TBS was derived from spine images. Psychological distress was measured with the DASS-21, resilience with the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and self-regulation with the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ). Results: TBS was significantly higher in women with higher HGS (p < 0.001). Higher HGS was also associated with lower anxiety and depression scores (p = 0.011 and p = 0.013), fewer self-reported mental health disorders, and greater resilience (p < 0.001) and self-regulation (p = 0.004). Resilience and self-regulation were inversely related to all DASS-21 subscales (all p < 0.001), and HGS correlated positively with BRS (p < 0.001) and SSRQ (p < 0.001). TBS correlated modestly with both BRS (p = 0.003) and HGS (p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression, both BRS (β = 0.018, p = 0.013) and HGS (β = 0.003, p = 0.006) remained independently associated with TBS after adjustment for age, BMI, menopause duration, and SSRQ. Conclusions: In postmenopausal women, higher handgrip strength is associated to better trabecular bone microarchitecture and a more favorable psychological profile. Incorporating HGS and brief psychosocial assessment alongside TBS may enrich fracture risk stratification and support more integrated musculoskeletal and mental health care. Full article

Extracellular RNAs are released from cells and circulate stably in biofluids such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and urine via carriers including extracellular vesicles, RNA-binding proteins and lipoproteins. Because transcriptional and metabolic disturbances—notably mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress—often precede protein aggregation, synaptic loss, and structural change in many brain diseases, exRNAs offer minimally invasive access to early disease biology. Mechanistic studies demonstrate selective RNA packaging and delivery: transferred mRNAs can be translated and miRNAs can modulate targets, indicating exRNAs both report intracellular programs and actively influence recipient cells. Clinical and preclinical data support a dual role for exRNAs as biomarkers and as mediators of pathology. Key technical hurdles—pre-analytical variability, isolation heterogeneity, and uncertain cellular origin—limit reproducibility; recommended solutions include standardized workflows, carrier- and cell type-specific enrichment, multimodal integration with proteomics/metabolomics and neuroimaging, and large, longitudinal validation studies. We synthesize mechanistic and clinical evidence for exRNA utility in early detection, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting and outline a roadmap to translate exRNA findings into robust clinical assays and interventions for neurodegenerative and brain disorders. Full article

Understanding rhizosphere microscale processes is essential for evaluating plant–soil interactions under heavy metal stress. In this study, planar optode imaging was used to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of O₂, pH, and CO₂ in the rhizosphere of Celosia argentea, a Cd hyperaccumulator, grown in Cd-contaminated and uncontaminated soils. The results demonstrated pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with O₂ hotspots concentrated near root surfaces, localized rhizospheric alkalinization at root tips, and elevated CO₂ levels reflecting active root metabolism. Under Cd stress, O₂ levels were initially suppressed, while pH and CO₂ increased, indicating adaptive physiological responses. As plant growth progressed, O₂-enriched zones expanded, pH elevation persisted, and CO₂ efflux continued, suggesting coordinated regulation of the rhizospheric microenvironment. These changes may influence microbial activity and nutrient dynamics in the rhizosphere, potentially supporting root function and plant adaptation under metal stress. This study provides mechanistic insights into root-induced microenvironmental regulation under Cd stress and demonstrates the potential of planar optode imaging for assessing plant-driven remediation processes in contaminated soils. Full article

This study explores the core competencies required for sales and marketing roles in the rapidly evolving NEV sector. Adopting an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, it employs a big data-driven approach to construct a competency framework: web crawlers collected NEV-related recruitment data across over 20 major Chinese cities, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model identified core competency items, and a multi-dimensional consensus scoring process via the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) refined the framework. The resulting validated model comprises nine thematic clusters, reflecting a shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales’ traditional skill set. Beyond enriching conventional competencies (customer reception, sales service, CRM, sales support), it highlights emerging capabilities: live-streaming/short-video marketing, digital media operations, and ecosystem-oriented resource collaboration. Further, NGT-based multi-dimensional evaluations (frequency, importance, difficulty) generated a four-quadrant matrix, offering actionable guidance for vocational education and corporate training (VET) curriculum design. Theoretically, this study redefines digital-era automotive sales roles: not mere product sellers, but core actors in user experience co-creation and ecological value integration, which enriches discourse on sales role evolution. Full article

Fusarium verticillioides (F. verticillioides) is an important fungal pathogen known to infect a variety of economically critical crops, particularly maize, causing substantial yield reductions and economic losses worldwide. In addition to its direct damage to agricultural productivity, F. verticillioides threatens public health by producing/secreting potent compounds, including well-known fumonisins (FUMs), which pose significant health threats to both livestock and humans due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. However, current knowledge of the materials secreted/produced by F. verticillioides, such as secreted proteins and additional secondary metabolites, remains limited. In the present study, we conducted an integrated secretome analysis of F. verticillioides at the exponential growth stage by using proteomic and metabolomic technologies. The results of the present study showed that proteomic analysis identified 185 proteins, including 138 fungus-specific proteins. GO enrichment of these 138 fungus-specific proteins yielded 24 significant terms spanning carbohydrate/polysaccharide and aminoglycan metabolic/catabolic processes, extracellular and membrane-anchored components, and hydrolase/peptidase activities. Meanwhile, KEGG analysis identified starch and sucrose metabolism as the sole significantly enriched pathway. Metabolomic analysis of medium supernatant showed that a total of 2352 metabolites were identified, with 110 unique to the medium supernatant of the fungal group, including fumonisins (A1, B2, B3, B4), fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds. KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted key metabolic pathways, including the TCA cycle, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of F. verticillioides, suggesting candidates for virulence-associated functions and metabolic adaptations that potentially contribute to its pathogenicity. Full article