Search Results (117)

Fertilization management constitutes a critical determinant of agroecosystem productivity. Reasonable fertilization can increase the organic matter content in soil; however, the potential mechanism of how different fertilization regimes impact soil carbon sequestration is unclear. We hypothesized that the combined application of biochar and organic fertilizer would enhance soil carbon sequestration by improving soil physicochemical conditions, increasing microbial activity, and promoting the accumulation of stable forms of carbon. This study systematically investigated different regimes, including the application of chemical fertilizer alone (SCN), chemical fertilizer with biochar (SCB), chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer (SCO), and chemical fertilizer with both biochar and organic fertilizer (SCBO), on soil physiochemical properties, enzyme activities, labile organic carbon fractions, microbial carbon fixation gene expression, and community composition. The results demonstrated that (1) the application of organic materials significantly enhanced soil nutrient levels and enzyme activities, with the best performance from SCBO; (2) the organic materials increased the labile soil organic carbon (SOC) content and the carbon pool management index, with SCO showing the highest at 69.82%; (3) SCB and SCBO improved the stability of soil carbon components by increasing the proportion of Aromatic C; and (4) the carbon fixation genes ACAT and sdhA exhibited the highest abundance in SCBO. In parallel, the relative abundance of Actinomycetota increased with the application of organic materials, reaching its peak in SCBO. Mantel testing revealed a strong correlation between microbial community composition and SOC, emphasizing the importance of SOC in microbial growth and metabolism. Moreover, the strong correlation between carbon fixation genes and aromatic carbon suggested that specific carbon forms, particularly aromatic structures, played a critical role in driving microbial carbon fixation processes. Full article

Strawberry black spot, caused by Alternaria spp., is an emerging disease that threatens both leaves and fruits during strawberry growth and postharvest storage. This study investigated the boscalid sensitivity of 49 Alternaria isolates collected from symptomatic strawberry leaves. Boscalid has been widely used to control diseases in strawberry in China for several years. The EC₅₀ values for the tested isolates ranged from 0.0884 to 266.3289 µg/mL, indicating that most isolates exhibited varying levels of resistance to boscalid based on resistance ratio values. A substitution of SDHC-H134R was detected from most high-resistance isolates. Fitness cost assessment revealed that highly resistant isolates had a reduced conidial germination rate; however, their mycelial growth and conidia production were increased. No significant virulence deficiency was observed, suggesting low fitness cost in resistant isolates. Furthermore, the highly resistant isolates exhibited positive cross-resistance to fluopyram and fluxapyroxad. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the SDHC-H134R mutation reduced the binding affinity between boscalid and mitochondrial complex II. These findings suggest that resistance management strategies, such as fungicide rotation or combinations of fungicides with different action modes, should be implemented to control strawberry diseases, minimizing the development of fungicide resistance and improving overall disease control efficacy. Full article

Background and Importance: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common and complex neurosurgical problem, particularly in elderly patients. Revision surgery for chronic subdural hematoma can be challenging, particularly in cases with inhomogeneous, firm consistency and extensive adhesions. Clinical Presentation: In this article, we present our endless-loop craniotomy technique, which offers a novel approach to address these challenges by performing the wide, curved exposure of the subdural space utilizing the already-present burr hole. This technique allows for a wide, unobstructed view of the subdural space, enabling the access and evacuation of this chronic and often adhesive subdural hematoma. Conclusion: We believe that endless-loop craniotomy is a valuable addition to the neurosurgeon’s armamentarium for managing complex cases of revision surgery in chronic subdural hematomas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nonacute subdural hematomas (naSDHs) are a prevalent intracranial pathology, particularly in older people, due to increased brain atrophy, fall risk, and anticoagulant use. This study examines the impact of frailty on the surgical outcomes of craniotomy for naSDH over 20 years. Methods: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2000 to 2021 were analyzed, including 251,597 patients who underwent cranial decompression for naSDH. Patients were selected using specific ICD codes. Frailty was calculated using the modified frailty index (mFI-5 and mFI-11) and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Outcomes were compared using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models. Results: 251,597 patients underwent craniotomy, with a mean age of 69.2 years. The cohort exhibited significant comorbid conditions, reflected in a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 3.8, and a high frailty prevalence, with 23.49% of patients classified as frail and 20.14% as severely frail. The CCI demonstrated the highest predictive value for adverse outcomes, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.6346 for mortality and 0.6804 for complications. Frailty indices (mFI-5 and mFI-11) were also strongly associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001), complications (p < 0.001), and extended length of stay (p < 0.001). Age was not a significant predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: This study highlights the moderate impact of frailty on surgical outcomes for naSDH. Full article

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition, particularly among elderly patients. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive adjunctive treatment aimed at reducing recurrence. However, its comparative efficacy and safety remain under investigation. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized-controlled clinical trial (RCT) data evaluating MMA embolization combined with best medical therapy (BMT) versus BMT alone in adult patients with symptomatic cSDH were pooled. The primary efficacy outcome was recurrence or progression of hematoma at follow-up. Secondary efficacy outcomes included good functional outcome [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 2], independent ambulation (mRS score ≤ 3), and hematoma thickness at follow-up. The primary safety outcome was all-cause mortality. Procedure-related complications were assessed as a secondary safety outcome. Results: Six RCTs were included, comprising 760 patients treated with MMA embolization and 788 patients treated with BMT alone. MMA embolization significantly reduced recurrence compared to BMT alone (RR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.37–0.69; six studies; I² = 0%; number-needed-to-treat = 13). No significant differences were observed in good functional outcome (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.97–1.05; three studies; I² = 0%), independent ambulation (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.99–1.04; three studies; I² = 0%), or hematoma thickness at follow-up (SMD: −0.1; 95% CI: −0.3 to 0; four studies; I² = 42%). All-cause mortality was similar between the two groups (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.42–2.40; five studies; I² = 44%). The pooled rate of procedure-related adverse events in the MMA embolization-group was 1% (95% CI: 0–3%; two studies; I² = 35%). Conclusions: MMA embolization significantly reduced cSDH recurrence when used as an adjunct to BMT. However, it did not demonstrate a significant impact on functional outcomes or mortality in this meta-analysis. Further research is needed to identify patient subgroups that benefit most from MMA embolization and to evaluate its impact on cognitive function and quality of life using longer follow-up periods. Full article

1,2,4-Oxadiazole derivatives containing anisic acid or cinnamic acid were designed and synthesized, which were expected to be an effective Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitor, and their structures were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ESI-MS. The antifungal activity of the compounds against plant pathogenic fungi was screened by the mycelial growth inhibition test in vitro. Compounds 4f and 4q showed significant antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), Exserohilum turcicum (E. turcicum), Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea), and Colletotrichum capsica (C. capsica). The EC₅₀ values of 4q were 38.88 μg/mL, 149.26 μg/mL, 228.99 μg/mL, and 41.67 μg/mL against R. solani, F. graminearum, E. turcicum, and C. capsica, respectively, and the EC₅₀ values of 4f were 12.68 μg/mL, 29.97 μg/mL, 29.14 μg/mL, and 8.81 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 4f was better than commercial carbendazim against Exserohilum turcicum. Compounds 4f and 4q showed an antifungal effect on C. capsica of capsicum in vivo. Molecular docking simulation showed that 4f and 4q interacted with the target protein through the hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction, in which 4q can form hydrogen bonds with TRP173 and ILE27 of SDH, and 4f had hydrogen bonds with TYR58, TRP173, and SER39. This also explains the possible mechanism of action between the inhibitor and target protein. Full article

Diaporthe species are critical plant pathogens that contribute to a disease complex responsible for substantial yield losses in soybean production worldwide. However, reports on the primary Diaporthe species causing soybean stem blight and their sensitivity to various fungicides are scarce in China. In this study, a total of 46 D. longicolla strains were isolated and identified from diseased soybean stems and rots collected from 14 regions of Heilongjiang province in 2021 and 2022. Among the eight fungicides examined, fludioxonil, mefentrifluconazole, tebuconazole, and azoxystrobin demonstrated effective inhibition for D. longicolla, with EC₅₀ values < 0.3 µg/mL. Interestingly, the EC₅₀ values of D. longicolla to two succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs), pydiflumetofen and fluopyram, were 5.47 µg/mL and over 100 µg/mL, respectively. In molecular dynamics simulations, pydiflumetofen exhibited a smaller RMSD, while fluopyram had a higher binding free energy with Sdh proteins compared to pydiflumetofen. This difference may contribute to the higher activity of pydiflumetofen in D. longicolla. Further analysis of the electrostatic potential and structural conformations of the binding pocket revealed that pydiflumetofen formed more hydrophobic interactions with SdhC and SdhD and was positioned closer to the SdhD subunit. A mixture of fludioxonil and mefentrifluconazole at a ratio of 1:5, as well as fludioxonil and pydiflumetofen at a ratio of 1:5, exhibited synergistic effects. These findings demonstrated that several fungicides could be utilized to control Diaporthe stem blight, and the difference in binding affinity to the Sdh subunit impacts sensitivity to fluopyram and pydiflumetofen. Full article

Recent studies have revealed marked sex differences in pathophysiological roles of spinal microglia in neuropathic pain, with microglia contributing to pain exacerbation exclusively in males. However, the characteristics of pain-enhancing microglia, which are more prominent in males, remain poorly understood. Here, we reanalyzed a previously published single-cell RNA sequencing dataset and identified a microglial subpopulation that significantly increases in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) of male mice following peripheral nerve injury. CC-chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4) was highly expressed in this subpopulation and its mRNA levels were increased in the SDH after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) only in male mice. Notably, CCL4 expression was reduced in male mice following microglial depletion, indicating that microglia are the primary source of CCL4. Intrathecal administration of maraviroc, an inhibitor of the CCL4–CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) signaling pathway, after PSL, significantly suppressed mechanical allodynia only in male mice. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of CCL4 induced mechanical allodynia in both sexes, accompanied by increased expression of c-fos, a neuronal excitation marker, in the SDH. These findings highlight a sex-biased difference in the gene expression profile of spinal microglia following peripheral nerve injury, with elevated CCL4 expression in male mice potentially contributing to pain exacerbation. Full article

Aeromonas veronii is a foodborne pathogen commonly found in contaminated crayfish. In this study, the effects of ultrasound combined with plasma-activated water (US-PAW) against A. veronii and on the flavour of crayfish were investigated to evaluate their impact on crayfish preservation. In vitro, US and PAW showed a significantly synergistic inhibition against A. veronii growth and biofilm reformation at 7 min. Furthermore, PAW disrupted the membrane integrity of A. veronii, accompanied by enhanced outer membrane permeability, with bacteria exhibiting distortion, deformation, and the accelerated leakage of intracellular substances, which US-PAW further promoted. Additionally, US-PAW increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide, disrupting cellular homeostasis. This resulted in a significant decrease in the activities of SOD and GSH, as well as a reduction in the intracellular ATP concentration and the activities of MDH and SDH. The results indicated that US-PAW treatment impairs the ability of A. veronii cells to generate sufficient energy to resist external stress, ultimately leading to bacterial death due to the inability to maintain normal physiological functions. According to the bacterial cell count and GC-MS analysed, US-PAW treatment increased the storage period of crayfish (infected with A. veronii) by 2 days, while reducing sulphur-containing volatiles within 24.64% during 6 days of storage at 4 °C. These conclusions provide a theoretical foundation for the industrial application of US-PAW to preserve crayfish. Full article

This study explored the metabolic effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on the hepatocytes of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) under high-glucose (HG) or high-fat (HF) conditions. Hepatocytes were cultured under five different conditions: control, high glucose (HG), HG + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.4 mM, Val 0.8 mM), high fat (HF), and HF + BCAAs (Leu 0.8 mM, Ile 0.8 mM, Val 0.8 mM). After 72 h of culture, cells and cell supernatants were collected to measure relevant indicators. The results revealed that BCAAs supplementation significantly reduced glycogen and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes exposed to HG or HF conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the supernatant were significantly decreased, indicating that BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage induced by these conditions. Furthermore, BCAAs addition markedly enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, improving total antioxidant capacity, and reducing malondialdehyde levels. Metabolic enzyme activity analysis revealed that BCAAs significantly increased the activities of citrate synthase (CS), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGDHC), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and liver pyruvate kinase (LPS), while significantly decreasing fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated that BCAAs supplementation downregulated the expression of lipogenic genes (fas and srebp-1c) and upregulated the expression of lipolytic genes (ppaα and atgl) and glucose metabolism-related genes (g6pd, hk, pfk, pk, fbp, and g6pase). Under HG or HF conditions, hepatocytes exhibited decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These adverse effects were mitigated by BCAAs supplementation. In conclusion, BCAAs supplementation alleviated hepatocyte damage caused by HG or HF conditions, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and protected mitochondrial activity and function by promoting glucose and lipid metabolism. Full article

The prevalence of human intestinal helminth parasitic infections is extensive, with over half of the global population estimated to suffer from these infections. Traditionally, various plant species, including Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), are used to treat helminth infections. In this study, ricinoleic acid was isolated from the base hydrolysate of the petroleum ether seed extract of R. communis using column chromatography and transformed into ricinoleic acid methyl ester through esterification. The extract, ricinoleic acid and its methyl ester were evaluated for their anthelmintic activities against the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The results revealed that at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, ricinoleic acid and its methyl ester killed 97.40% and 97.83% of C. elegans worms, respectively. Molecular docking studies of ricinoleic acid on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase (G6PD), and tubulin beta-2 chain (TBB2C) revealed that ricinoleic acid has a more favorable interaction with succinate dehydrogenase (−5.408 kcal/mol) compared to glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase (−3.758 kcal/mol) and tubulin beta-2 chain (−1.444 kcal/mol). Furthermore, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) analyses unveiled that ricinoleic acid adheres to Lipinski’s rule of five, positioning it as a potential compound to treat helminths. The current study demonstrated that R. communis seed oil possesses genuine anthelmintic activity against C. elegans, which is likely due to ricinoleic acid. Full article

Cefquinome sulfate has a strong killing effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), but bacterial resistance has become increasingly widespread. Experiments were conducted to investigate the pattern of adaptive resistance of S. aureus to cefquinome sulfate under different dosage regimens by using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) modeling, and the adaptive-resistant bacteria in different states were screened and subjected to transcriptomic sequencing. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of Staphylococcus aureus under the action of cefquinome sulfate was 0.5 μg/mL, the anti-mutation concentration was 1.6 μg/mL, and the mutation selection window range was 0.5~1.6 μg/mL. In the in vitro pharmacokinetic model to simulate different dosing regimens in the animal body, there are certain rules for the emergence of adaptive drug-resistant bacteria: the intensity of bacterial resistance gradually increased with culture time, and the order of emergence was tolerant bacteria (TO) followed by persistent bacteria (PE) and finally resistant bacteria (RE). The sequence reflected the evolution of adaptive drug resistance. Transcriptome Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were involved in cellular respiration, energy derivation by oxidation of organic compounds, and oxidation–reduction processes. The differentially expressed genes identified functioned in the synthesis of cell membranes, cytoplasm, and intracellular parts. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis found that 65 genes were differentially expressed after cefquinome sulfate treatment, of which 35 genes were significantly upregulated and 30 genes were significantly downregulated. Five genes, sdhB, sdhA, pdhA, lpdA, and sucC, may be involved in network regulation. This study revealed the cross-regulation of multiple metabolic pathway networks and the targets of network regulation of S. aureus to produce adaptive drug resistance. The results will provide guidance for clinical drug use in animals infected with S. aureus. Full article

As an excellent variety of Camphora glanduliferum, Honganzhang has high essential oil content and can be used as industrial and pharmaceutical raw materials to extract essential oil, which has high development value. In this study, fresh branches and leaves of C. glanduliferum ’Honganzhang’ were used as materials. After extracting C. glanduliferum ’Honganzhang’ essential oils (CGHEO) by steam distillation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze its chemical components. On this basis, the antibacterial effect of CGHEO and its potential physiological mechanism were further explored. The results showed that the main components of CGHEO were Cineole (46.57%), α-terpineol (9.93%), Sabinene (8.02%), β-terpinene (6.04%), and α-pinene (4.49%), these compounds can be used in medicine, food and other industries. In terms of antibacterial effect, CGHEO has significant antibacterial effects on three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). CGHEO can reduce Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity and SDH activity and further interfere with the operation of the bacterial respiratory chain, thereby achieving the effect of inhibiting bacterial reproduction. Based on the main chemical components contained in C. glanduliferum ’Honganzhang’ and its remarkable antibacterial effect, this study is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the wide application of C. glanduliferum ’Honganzhang’ in multiple fields such as medicine, health care, food, and industry. Full article

Mutations in highly conserved genes encoding components of the electron transport chain (ETC) provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of oxidative stress and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. This review explores the structure and function of the ETC in the context of its role in mtROS generation and regulation, emphasizing its dual roles in cellular damage and signaling. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, we discuss how ETC mutations manifest as developmental abnormalities, lifespan alterations, and changes in mtROS levels. We highlight the utility of redox sensors in C. elegans for in vivo studies of reactive oxygen species, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights. Finally, we examine the potential of C. elegans as a platform for testing ETC-targeting drug candidates, including OXPHOS inhibitors, which represent promising avenues in cancer therapeutics. This review underscores the translational relevance of ETC research in C. elegans, bridging fundamental biology and therapeutic innovation. Full article

In the present study, we investigated the possible correlation between insulin/ecdysone signaling and chilling-induced egg diapause termination in Bombyx mori. Changes in insulin (bombyxin-Z1) and ecdysteroid-phosphate phosphatase (EPPase) gene expression levels in chilled eggs (whose diapause had been terminated by chilling to 5 °C for 90 days) exhibited no significant increase after being transferred to 25 °C, which differed from both non-diapause eggs and HCl-treated eggs. We further compared the differential temporal expressions of insulin (bombyxin-A6, -Y1, and -Z1), ecdysone signaling (EPPase and E75A), and metabolic-related (trehalose transporter 1 (Tret1) and trehalase 1 (Treh1)) as well as sorbitol dehydrogenase 2 (SDH2) genes between chilled eggs and eggs kept at 25 °C. Our results showed that all gene expressions remained at very low levels in eggs kept at 25 °C. However, in chilled eggs, differential temporal changes were detected according to different genes, with bombyxin-A6 and EPPase gene expression levels being maintained at relatively constant, high levels. Higher expression levels of the E75A, Tret1, and Treh1 genes were also detected in chilled eggs. Expressions of the SDH2 and bombyxin-Z1 genes decreased during the first 15 days and then increased between days 30 and 90 of chilling. Ecdysteroid levels and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, a downstream target of insulin signaling, were maintained at relatively higher levels in chilled eggs. These results suggested that due to relatively higher insulin and ecdysone signaling levels in chilled eggs, relatively higher glucose metabolism was sustained, leading to the continued depletion of metabolic reserves. On day 30 of chilling, as a means to adjust nutrient requirements and maintain embryonic nutrient homeostasis, SDH2 gene expression began to increase, followed by increased expression of the bombyxin-Z1 gene. Along with high expressions of the bombyxin-Z1 and SDH2 genes, a decreased sorbitol level was suggested to eventually terminate diapause in B. mori eggs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the correlation between insulin/ecdysone signaling and chilling-induced embryonic diapause termination. Full article