Search Results (1,489)

While the gut bacterial communities of sea cucumbers have been extensively studied, the extent to which environmental filtering may shape bacterial assembly across different host compartments remains poorly understood. This study employed Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate the bacterial communities in environmental sediments (E), body epidermis (B), foregut (F) and hindgut (H) samples of Holothuria leucospilota (n = 4 per group) from the South China Sea. A total of 749,222 high-quality 16S rRNA sequences were dereplicated into 911 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Alpha diversity revealed that environmental sediments exhibited the highest diversity among the four samples (Shannon index: 7.33 ± 0.11). Beta-diversity analysis revealed pronounced differentiation in bacterial community structure among sample types. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla. The bacterial taxonomic composition across compartments of H. leucospilota varied considerably. Woeseia was not detected from host niches but was present only in environmental sediments. The genus Vibrio dominated in environmental sediments and foregut samples. The epidermal bacterial communities were characterized by the prevalence of the NS11-12 marine group, Rhodobacteraceae, and Rhizobiaceae. The distinct successional gradient observed in Woeseia, Vibrio, and Pseudomonas suggested that bacterial colonization of the gut is consistent with selective environmental filtering. Functional annotation (KEGG) indicated dominance in core metabolic pathways, particularly carbohydrate and amino acid degradation, revealing complementary metabolic functions among dominant taxa with the potential for metabolic niche partitioning to support host energy harvest. Our findings provide a baseline framework that may assist in future screening of probiotic candidates and disease management strategies, pending experimental validation of the functional roles of the identified taxa. Full article

Aiming at tight farming schedules, slow straw decomposition, and severe soil-borne disease risks in the practical maize straw returning production of China’s wheat–maize double cropping zones, this study developed a field-adapted in situ rapid high-temperature straw composting technology matched with a special composite microbial inoculant. Post-harvest summer maize straw collected from the field was crushed to 3–5 cm; the inoculant group T and water control CK were arranged with three biological replicates. Raw materials were adjusted to 65% moisture and loosely stacked into trapezoidal piles equipped with layered temperature–humidity sensors covered by plastic film for continuous monitoring. After formula and pile structure optimization, the pile temperature exceeded 50 °C within 8 h and stayed at 58–63 °C for 9 days, limiting the composting cycle to within 15 days. Cellulose and lignin degradation reached 56.25% and 50.39%, respectively; available P and K rose by 12.33% and 14.69%, free amino acids doubled; the C/N ratio dropped to 18:1 and the GI exceeded 130%. High temperature enriched functional flora of Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and actinomycetes, whereas pathogenic Fusarium abundance decreased to less than 1/31 of the initial level. This technology can bring approximately 400 yuan of potential additional benefit per mu, providing an efficient and labor-saving practical candidate for straw returning in regions with a high multiple-cropping index. Full article

The intensive use of mineral fertilizers in horticultural systems has improved crop productivity but also increased concerns regarding soil degradation and environmental sustainability. In this context, vermicompost derived from buffalo manure may represent a sustainable alternative for nutrient management and organic waste valorization. This study evaluated the effects of four fertilization strategies on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in loam and clay soils: unfertilized control, mineral fertilization, vermicompost applied at an equivalent nitrogen rate, and the residual effect of vermicompost from a previous cauliflower crop. Agronomic performance, fruit quality, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant-related traits were assessed. Mineral fertilization produced the highest marketable yield, reaching 9.68 and 7.69 kg m⁻² in loam and clay soils, respectively, mainly through increased fruit number. Direct vermicompost application maintained substantial productivity, with yields of 7.55 and 5.18 kg m⁻² in the two soils. The fertilization strategies also induced distinct changes in fruit composition. Mineral fertilization increased total free amino acids to approximately 160 mg g⁻¹ DW, mainly through the accumulation of glutamine, glutamate, asparagine and γ-aminobutyric acid, but was associated with lower soluble solids and antioxidant activity. Vermicompost promoted the highest lycopene concentration, approximately 2.1 mg g⁻¹ DW, in clay soil and maintained intermediate antioxidant activity and amino acid concentrations. Soil texture also influenced carbohydrate partitioning, with greater fructose accumulation in clay soil and greater starch accumulation in loam soil. The residual vermicompost treatment alone did not adequately sustain tomato productivity or metabolic activity, particularly in clay soil. Overall, vermicompost partially replaced mineral fertilization while maintaining satisfactory yield and modulating fruit metabolic quality, although its effectiveness depended strongly on soil texture. Full article

The gut microbiota is a metabolically active ecosystem that influences host physiology through bioactive metabolites and interactions with host signaling pathways. Recent research has established a bidirectional gut–muscle axis in which microbial metabolites and muscle-derived factors (myokines) regulate muscle protein synthesis, degradation, regeneration, fiber-type specification, and overall muscle performance. Studies using germ-free, antibiotic-treated, probiotic-supplemented, and fecal microbiota transplantation models demonstrate that the gut microbiota is a critical determinant of skeletal muscle mass and function. Key mediators include short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, aromatic amino acid metabolites, microbial-associated molecular patterns, and methylamine metabolites. This review summarizes current mechanistic knowledge of gut–muscle communication and its relevance to livestock production. In monogastric livestock, particularly pigs and poultry, microbiota transplantation experiments and targeted probiotic interventions provide causal evidence that gut microbial communities influence muscle growth, muscle fiber composition, intramuscular fat deposition, carcass traits, and meat quality, including tenderness, marbling, water-holding capacity, and flavor. Several studies have also identified specific microbial taxa and metabolites capable of transferring desirable production phenotypes. In contrast, evidence in ruminants remains largely associative and originates mainly from multi-omics and dietary intervention studies. Future research should validate causal mechanisms, identify robust microbial biomarkers, and develop species-specific microbiome-based strategies for precision livestock production. Full article

Background: Male sterility is a critical trait for large-scale hybrid rice seed production, yet the genetic and molecular regulatory networks governing tapetal degradation during anther development remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to clone the causal gene underlying a novel rice non-pollen male sterility mutant and elucidate its role in tapetal development and microsporogenesis. Methods: The nms1 (non-pollen male sterility 1) sterile mutant was screened from the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized progeny of the elite indica restorer line Shuhui 498 (R498). Map-based cloning and whole-genome resequencing-assisted bulked segregant analysis were used to identify the causal variant. Gene function was verified via cytological observation, genetic complementation testing, RNA sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to profile sterility-associated transcriptional changes. Results: Gene mapping identified a T635A single-nucleotide substitution within OsR498G0305626400.01 on chromosome 3, which encodes a strictosidine synthase-like protein. This nucleotide alteration causes a Val212Glu amino acid change and is associated with delayed tapetal degradation and pollen abortion. Transgenic complementation experiments verified that functional NMS1 restores fertility in nms1 mutant plants. Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed predominant NMS1 expression in late-developing spikelets. Furthermore, combined RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that loss of NMS1 function leads to significant transcriptional dysregulation of key regulators of programmed cell death (PCD) in the tapetum (PTC2, TIP2) and pollen wall biosynthesis genes (TIP3, OsMS2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that NMS1 plays a crucial role in coordinating tapetal degradation and microspore development in rice. The discovered functional SNP of NMS1 provides a novel theoretical foundation and a valuable sterile genetic resource for hybrid rice breeding. Full article

Background/Objectives: Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and infection-associated renal damage are characterized by persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, microvascular dysfunction, and impaired tissue regeneration, creating a hostile microenvironment that limits effective repair. We developed an injectable, photocrosslinkable methacrylated chitosan (CSMA) hydrogel for the localized co-delivery of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), aiming to integrate redox modulation, antibacterial activity, and regenerative support. Methods: Gelation, microstructure, rheology, degradation, and CeO2NP/VEGF were characterized. Tubular epithelial and fibroblast migration and endothelial network formation, angiogenic gene expression, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were evaluated in vitro. Theraputic performance was assessed by renal surface application in a rat renal IRI model and catheter-mediated interavsical administration in an ascending urinary tract infection model. Systematic biocompatibility was evaluated separately in a 14-day subcutaneous implantation study. Renal response were further investigated using transcriptomic and targeted molecular analyses. Results: The CSMA/VEGF/CeO₂NPs hydrogel exhibited rapid in situ gelation, interconnected porous architecture, stable viscoelasticity, gradual degradation, and sustained release of both CeO₂NPs and VEGF. The formulation enhanced tubular epithelial and fibroblast migration, promoted endothelial network formation and angiogenic gene expression and effectively inhibited both S. aureus and E. coli. In a surgically controlled rat renal IRI model, direct renal-surface application of the hydrogel reduced tubular injury, inflammatory infiltration, and fibrotic remodeling. In a separate ascending urinary tract infection model, catheter-based intravesical administration reduced the ascending renal bacterial burden and infection-associated inflammatory injury. No detectable adverse systemic effects observed under the tested conditions over the 14-day observation period in the subcutaneous implantation. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed that CSMA/VEGF/CeO₂NPs treatment was associated with marked remodeling of the renal injury microenvironment, characterized by suppression of antigen presentation and immune activation pathways, alongside restoration of metabolic programs associated with amino acid, lipid, and purine metabolism. These molecular changes were accompanied by downregulation of CIITA/CD74/MHC-II signaling, recovery of metabolic regulators AGXT and ACOX1, modulation of Hippo/YAP- and ECM-associated pathways, and preservation of renal structural markers including nephrin and WT1. Conclusions: The localized CSMA-mediated co-delivery of CSMA/VEGF/CeO₂NPs hydrogel promotes renal repair through resolution of maladaptive immune activation, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenic enhancement, and preservation of renal structural integrity, providing a promising biomaterial strategy for the treatment of ischemic and infection-associated renal injuries. Full article

The development of functional ingredients from perishable tropical fruits supports sustainable food systems by reducing postharvest losses while retaining bioactive compounds. This study developed and optimized black lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) extracted powder (BLEP) by spray drying and evaluated its physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant stability during storage. A 2² factorial design was employed to investigate the effects of maltodextrin concentration (5–30%) and inlet temperature (160–200 °C). Graphical optimization using an overlay plot identified 17.80% maltodextrin and an inlet temperature of 200 °C as the best compromise among the significant responses within the range tested. The optimized BLEP contained vanillic acid and epicatechin as the predominant phenolic compounds together with essential amino acids, including leucine. Degree of glycation (DG) and HMF were measured as indirect indicators of Maillard reaction progress. Over six months at 4, 25, 35, and 45 °C, color parameters, DG, and HMF remained stable, whereas total phenolic content (TPC) declined from 437.11 to 225–252 mg GAE/100 g db and ABTS radical scavenging activity declined progressively. TPC was strongly associated with antioxidant capacity (r = 0.914 with ABTS, p < 0.01), and its degradation followed zero-order kinetics (adjusted R² = 0.931–0.971) with a predicted half-life (L₅₀) of 199–220 days. The optimized powder therefore showed good physical and chromatic stability with partial loss of antioxidant-related compounds over time. Full article

Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE), including polysaccharides, polyphenols, amino acids and other extracts, are increasingly being used as feed additives in ruminant nutrition due to their high profiles of bioactive compounds. This comprehensive narrative review aims to review current research on their use in ruminant production regarding their productive performance, immune status, rumen microbiota and fermentation. Dietary supplementation with MOLE enhances growth rates and feed conversion efficiency, as well as immune status, milk yield and rumen microbiology, in ruminants by improving nutrient digestibility and metabolic efficiency. Additionally, MOLE exerts significant immunomodulatory effects, and studies indicate that immunoglobulins, antioxidants, cytokines, and enzymes reduce oxidative stress markers and incidence of subclinical diseases in dairy animals. Furthermore, supplementation with MOLE often increases milk fat and protein content while reducing somatic cell counts (SCCs) in milk. MOLE enhance the function of the rumen fermentation profile by increasing volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, especially propionate, and also regulating the stability of rumen pH. Additionally, it also selectively promotes microbial community diversity, enhances the population of cellulolytic bacteria and has a suppression function in protozoa and methanogens. Moreover, MOLE also contributes to improving fiber degradation and reducing the emissions of methane. In conclusion, MOLE is considered as a viable natural strategy to promote productivity, immune function, health, and environmental sustainability while decreasing methane production in ruminant production. Full article

Hydrothermal systems contain diverse alkanes derived from biological and geological processes, providing potential carbon and energy sources for microorganisms. However, cultivated thermophilic alkane-utilizing bacteria from hydrothermal environments remain poorly characterized. In this study, a strain L01 was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent and identified as an alkane-degrading bacterium. The strain L01 grew at 55 °C and pH 7.0 in medium supplemented with n-hexadecane under microoxic conditions. Cells were elongated rods approximately 10–20 μm long and ~0.2 μm wide. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (93.11% to the closest described relative), average amino acid identity (AAI, 66.27–66.58%), average nucleotide identity (ANI, 80.80–83.05%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 12.5–20.8%) demonstrated that strain L01 represents a previously unrecognized genus within the family Symbiobacteriaceae, for which the provisional name “Thermalkanevorax longiformis” is proposed. An isotope tracing experiment together with genomics and transcriptomics revealed coordinated physiological and metabolic responses associated with n-hexadecane utilization by strain L01. These findings provide a cultivated representative of the family Symbiobacteriaceae with physiological and metabolic responses to n-hexadecane, thereby providing a basis for further investigation of hydrocarbon metabolism. Full article

Liriomyza trifolii is a global pest of vegetables and ornamental plants and a major invasive species in China. Long-term irrational use of chemical insecticides has reduced control efficacy, driving interest in plant-derived alternatives. Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia, extracts show potential against various pests, but their effects on L. trifolii are unknown. To address this, host suitability tests were first conducted and revealed that L. trifolii exhibited significantly higher adaptability to kidney bean than to bitter gourd in terms of both oviposition and feeding, and failed to complete its life cycle on bitter gourd. Further treatment with ethanol extracts of bitter gourd leaves demonstrated dose-dependent adulticidal activity; at the LC₅₀ concentration, the extract not only reduced feeding punctures and oviposition, but also significantly decreased egg hatching and larval survival, while showing no significant impact on pupation or emergence. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were subsequently performed. Transcriptomics identified 254 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and peroxisome pathways, and upregulated DEGs included a vitellin-degrading protease and cytochrome P450. Meanwhile, metabolomics detected 272 differential metabolites (DEMs): upregulated metabolites were linked to purine metabolism, while downregulated ones were associated with cysteine/methionine and arginine/proline metabolism. Integrated analysis revealed “Biosynthesis of amino acids” as the sole common pathway, with S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, N-succinyl-LL-2,6-diaminoheptanedioate, and glutamine synthetase (Ltr05G008090) showing significant correlations. These findings suggest that reprogramming of amino acid and nitrogen metabolism may participate in the response and could serve as a candidate response pathway. Accordingly, this study may offer a theoretical basis for the future development of botanical insecticides based on bitter gourd leaf extract against L. trifolii. Full article

Bioconversion of chicken manure by Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) larvae offers a sustainable route for organic waste disposal and protein production, yet how carbon source bioavailability regulates this process remains unclear. We conducted 13-day trials on chicken manure across 27 combinations of three supplement-to-manure mixing ratios (SMMRs, 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, dry weight basis) and nine carbon blends (sawdust, straw, and corn flour). Measured endpoints included larval yield, substrate temperature dynamics, GHG emissions, global warming potential (GWP), ammonia volatilization, carbon–nitrogen fixation, and frass characteristics. Carbon source identity showed a much stronger association with performance than did the manure-to-supplement mixing ratio. Dry-basis larval yield ranged from 3.5% to 13.2% (mean 7.4%), total GWP ranged from 5105.6 to 8737.2 mg kg⁻¹, and ammonia emissions from 419.6 to 1114.1 mg kg⁻¹. Optimal larval yield was combined with a 3:1 SMMR with corn-flour-rich blends, which boosted productivity and C-N retention. Labile carbon was associated with enhanced lipogenesis, amino acid accumulation, C-N sequestration, and reduced GHG emissions. In contrast, recalcitrant carbon (sawdust) restricted degradation, intensified microbial competition, and induced energy shortage and nutrient losses, impairing conversion efficiency. These findings are consistent with carbon bioavailability rather than C/N, being a key correlate of BSF performance through energy–microbe–substrate interactions. We further propose that substrate formulation targeting labile carbon enrichment can serve as a practical strategy to simultaneously improve larval production and mitigate environmental impacts, though the inferred mechanisms await direct microbiological validation. Full article

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is traditionally known for regulating plasma LDL cholesterol levels via LDL receptor degradation. This exploratory study examined the association between chemically induced changes in Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a vasoprotective transcription factor, and PCSK9 expression under ox-LDL-induced conditions in RAW264.7 cells. In silico molecular docking was also performed to determine whether GGTI298 could adopt a predicted binding pose within PCSK9. KLF2 was modulated by adding GGPP (a chemical inhibitor) and GGTI298 (a chemical activator) to the monocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to assess KLF2 and PCSK9 expression. Molecular docking was performed to examine the interaction between GGTI298 and PCSK9 using computational tools. Results show that ox-LDL significantly increased PCSK9 expression in monocytes during foam cell formation. However, GGPP significantly increased PCSK9 expression. In contrast, GGTI298 markedly reduced PCSK9 expression, suggesting a negative regulatory role of KLF2. Docking studies revealed that GGTI298 binds to the PCSK9 catalytic domain with favorable binding energy, forming stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with key amino acid residues, indicating potential interference with PCSK9 function. GGTI298 suppresses PCSK9 expression during foam cell formation, highlighting its protective role. The dual ability of GGTI298 to enhance KLF2 expression and directly bind to PCSK9 underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing foam cell formation that leads to atherosclerosis. The findings demonstrate an inverse association between KLF2 and PCSK9 expression following chemical treatment under ox-LDL-induced conditions. However, direct KLF2-dependent regulation of PCSK9, direct GGTI298–PCSK9 binding, and functional inhibition of PCSK9 were not established and require further genetic, biochemical, and functional validation. Full article

Broodiness is a natural behavior whereby female birds stop laying eggs to sit on and hatch them. This behavior is regulated through genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. The Taihe Black-Boned Silky Fowl (TBSF), a Chinese traditional domestic breed, exhibits a strong brooding tendency; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this trait remain unclear. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics analysis to characterize differences between two groups of TBSF hens: 8 individuals undergoing 30 days of active brooding (BR30) and 8 individuals in the normal laying egg stage (NB), selected from a total group of 230 hens. We combined 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and hepatic transcriptome sequencing, with statistical analyses including QIIME 1.9.1, OPLS-DA (VIP > 1), Student’s t-test (p ≤ 0.05), and DESeq2 (|log₂FC| ≥ 1, FDR < 0.05) for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, and Pearson’s correlation analysis for multi-omics integration. Phenotypically, brooder hens showed significantly reduced feed intake, body weight, and main digestive tissue indices, alongside altered liver and blood biochemical parameters. Hepatic transcriptome analysis identified 1582 DEGs between groups, enriched in pathways related to fatty acid oxidation and the amino acid degradation pathway. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct gut microbial community structures: the NB group was enriched in Bacilliota and Pseudomonadota, while the BR30 group was enriched in Spirochaetota and Synergistota. Metabolomic profiling identified a total of 143 differential metabolites, which were enriched in lipid and amino acid metabolites, including alpha-linolenic acid and pyruvate metabolites. Multi-omics correlation analysis revealed tight associations between gut microbial taxa, circulating metabolites, and hepatic gene expression. Specifically, beneficial lipid metabolites, including phospholipids, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins, were positively correlated with Synergistes and the Christensenellaceae R-7, as well as with key hepatic lipid metabolism genes FABP1, LPL, and FADS2. In summary, this study reveals that the gut–liver axis plays a critical part in the modulation of energy metabolism during broodiness, and further highlights new insights into metabolic targets that could optimize reproductive behavior and enhance poultry production. Full article

To improve feed evaluation for precision dairy nutrition, this study integrated chemical analysis, CNCPS fractionation, in situ ruminal disappearance, exploratory regression, and amino acid-flow calculations for 19 dairy feedstuffs. Conventional nutrients and CNCPS fractions were determined, and total CP and carbohydrate-fraction disappearance were measured in four ruminally cannulated Holstein cows. Protein-fraction Kd values were inferred by nonlinear fitting with measured CNCPS fractions held constant. In the three silages, non-protein nitrogen represented 93.82–96.80% of soluble CP. Energy feeds had greater total carbohydrate and starch-associated CB1 fractions, whereas cottonseed had the greatest unavailable cell-wall fraction. Exploratory equations for Kd1, Kd2, and Kd3 yielded in-sample R² values of 0.7422, 0.7365, and 0.3871, respectively. Two CNCPS-based sets of intestinally absorbable essential amino acid estimates were then calculated using either in situ-fitted or regression-estimated Kd values. The regression-assisted estimates were generally comparable with those based on in situ-fitted Kd values. However, neither set represented direct intestinal measurements, agreement between them did not constitute validation, and Kp was derived from NRC equations under a standardized dietary scenario. Thus, the amino acid estimates are scenario-dependent, and the regression equations should be considered exploratory pending external validation. Full article

To improve the feeding value of forage mulberry as a non-grain feed, solid-state mixed fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pichia membranifaciens (1:1) was optimized via single-factor tests and an L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal design. The optimal conditions (7 days, 28 °C, 30% inoculum, 1:1.2 solid-to-water ratio) reduced crude fiber (CF) content by 44.60%, and increased crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), and total amino acids (TAA) by 35.77%, 68.85%, and 40.85%, respectively (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, the organic acids produced by L. plantarum lowered the fermentation pH to 4.0–4.5. This pH change was likely associated with the observed 50.84% increase in yeast cellulase activity. Yeast metabolites appeared to promote the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This implies a potential synergistic interaction between the two strains under acidic conditions. The in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility (DMD) and CP digestibility reached 72.30% and 78.60%, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of the unfermented control (p < 0.01). Therefore, this pH-enzyme synergistic fermentation strategy can effectively degrade anti-nutritional components. It also improves the feeding nutritional quality of mulberry forage for animal production. Full article