Search Results (654)

Background: The consumption of coffee has been widely debated regarding its effects on health. This study aims to analyze the correlations between daily coffee intake and sleep, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension over a 12-month period. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 40 participants with T2D and hypertension, comprising 20 females and 20 males. Participants were monitored for their daily coffee consumption over a 12-month period, being assessed every 3 months. Linear regression was utilized to assess interactions and relationships between variables, providing insights into potential predictive associations. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests to evaluate the strength and direction of linear and non-linear relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index, sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) over the 12-month study in both sexes. No significant differences were noted in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05). The coffee consumed by the participants was of the “traditional type” and contained sugar (2g per cup) for 100% of the participants. An intake of 4.17 ± 0.360 cups per day was found at baseline and 5.41 ± 0.316 cups at 12 months (p > 0.05). Regarding correlation analysis, a higher coffee intake was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration in women (r = −0.731; p = 0.037). Conversely, greater coffee consumption correlated with lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in women (r = −0.820; p = 0.044). Additionally, a longer sleep duration was linked to lower FBG (r = -0.841; p = 0.031), HbA1c (r = -0.831; p = 0.037), and LDL-C levels in women (r = -0.713; p = 0.050). No significant correlations were observed for the other parameters in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In women, coffee consumption may negatively affect sleep duration while potentially offering beneficial effects on LDL-C levels, even when sweetened with sugar. Additionally, a longer sleep duration in women appears to be associated with improvements in FBG, HbA1c, and LDL-C. These correlations emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to coffee consumption, weighing both its potential health benefits and drawbacks in postmenopausal women. However, since this study does not establish causality, further randomized clinical trials are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications—particularly in the context of T2D and hypertension. Full article

AAA+ ATPases are ring-shaped hexameric protein complexes that operate as elaborate macromolecular motors, driving a variety of ATP-dependent cellular processes. AAA+ ATPases undergo large-scale conformational changes that lead to the conversion of chemical energy from ATP into mechanical work to perform a wide range of functions, such as unfolding and translocation of the protein substrate inside a proteolysis chamber of an AAA+-associated protease. Despite extensive biochemical studies on these macromolecular assemblies, the mechanism of substrate unfolding and degradation has long remained elusive. Indeed, until recently, structural characterization of AAA+ protease complexes remained hampered by the size and complexity of the machinery, harboring multiple protein subunits acting together to process proteins to be degraded. Additionally, the major structural rearrangements involved in the mechanism of this complex represent a crucial challenge for structural biology. Here, we report the main advances in deciphering molecular details of the proteolytic reaction performed by AAA+ proteases, based on the remarkable progress in structural biology techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the latest findings from high-resolution structural analysis of the ClpXP proteolytic complex, using crystallographic and cryo-EM investigations. In addition, this review presents some additional dynamic information obtained using solution-state NMR. This information provides molecular details that help to explain the protein degradation process by such molecular machines. Full article

This study proposes an integrated framework for sustainable tropical agriculture by combining biochemical waste valorization with spatial carbon footprint estimation in ‘Phulae’ pineapple production. Peel and eye residues from fresh-cut processing were enzymatically converted into rare sugar, achieving average conversion efficiencies of 35.28% for peel and 37.51% for eyes, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.56 and an estimated unit cost of USD 0.17 per gram. A complementary zero-waste pathway produced functional gummy products using vinegar fermented from pineapple eye waste, with the preferred formulation scoring a mean of 4.32 out of 5 on a sensory scale with 158 untrained panelists. For spatial carbon modeling, the Bare Land Referenced Algorithm (BRAH) and Otsu thresholding were applied to multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and THEOS imagery to estimate plantation age, which strongly correlated with field-measured emissions (r = 0.996). This enabled scalable mapping of plot-level greenhouse gas emissions, yielding an average footprint of 0.2304 kg CO₂ eq. per kilogram of fresh pineapple at the plantation gate. Together, these innovations form a replicable model that aligns tropical fruit supply chains with circular economy goals and carbon-related trade standards. The framework supports waste traceability, resource efficiency, and climate accountability using accessible, data-driven tools suitable for smallholder contexts. By demonstrating practical value addition and spatially explicit carbon monitoring, this study shows how integrated circular and geospatial strategies can advance sustainability and market competitiveness for the ‘Phulae’ pineapple industry and similar perennial crop systems. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds, rich in triacylglycerols, have poor fatty acid-to-sugar conversion during storage, affecting longevity and vigor. Previous experiments have shown that the aging of safflower seeds is mainly related to the impairment of energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, fatty acid degradation, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The treatment with exogenous sucrose can partially promote the germination of aged seeds. However, the specific pathways through which exogenous sucrose promotes the germination of aged safflower seeds have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which exogenous sucrose enhances the vitality of aged seeds. Phenotypically, it promoted germination and seedling establishment in CDT-aged seeds but not in unaged ones. Biochemical analyses revealed increased soluble sugars and fatty acids in aged seeds with sucrose treatment. Enzyme activity and transcriptome sequencing showed up-regulation of key enzymes and genes in related metabolic pathways in aged seeds, not in unaged ones. qPCR confirmed up-regulation of genes for triacylglycerol and fatty acid-to-sugar conversion. Transmission electron microscopy showed a stronger connection between the glyoxylate recycler and oil bodies, accelerating oil body degradation. In conclusion, our research shows that exogenous sucrose promotes aged safflower seed germination by facilitating triacylglycerol hydrolysis, fatty acid conversion, and glycometabolism, rather than simply serving as a source of energy to supplement the energy deficiency of aged seeds. These findings offer practical insights for aged seeds, especially offering an effective solution to the aging problem of seeds with high oil content. Full article

Glycerol fatty acid esters (GFAEs) are recognized for their potential to improve lipid metabolism, energy utilization, and gut health due to their excellent emulsifying and antimicrobial properties. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of dietary GFAE supplementation on production performance, serum biochemical profiles, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Thirty crossbred Simmental bulls, averaging 507.42 ± 9.59 kg in body weight, were assigned to three distinct cohorts, with 10 animals in each cohort. The CON cohort was fed a basal diet devoid of GFAE, whereas the treatment cohorts (GFAE1 and GFAE2) received GFAE supplements at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% of the dietary dry matter, respectively. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.1% GFAE significantly increased the ADG of beef cattle by 12.14% (p < 0.05); compared with the GFAE2 group, ADG was 7.86% higher (p > 0.05). The digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly enhanced in the GFAE1 group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Dietary GFAE supplementation significantly elevated rumen acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in both the GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, there was a notable rise in serum levels of T-AOC, UREA, and TG in both GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups (p < 0.05). Conversely, the concentration of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the GFAE2 group. Additionally, at the phylum level, the abundance of Fibrobacterota was significantly higher in the GFAE1 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). At the genus level, the proportions of Bacteroides and Fibrobacter were significantly higher in the GFAE1 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the addition of 0.1% GFAE to beef cattle diets significantly enhances the digestibility of ADF and NDF nutrients, increases serum total antioxidant capacity, urea, and triglycerides, optimizes rumen fermentation parameters and microbial community structure, and ultimately improves production performance. As a result of the findings from this research, it is suggested that 0.1% GFAE be incorporated into the diet for beef cattle. Full article

Objectives: Saffron, a traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its pharmacological effects in promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, regulating menstruation, detoxification, and alleviating mental disturbances. Trans-crocetin, its principal bioactive component, exhibits significant anti-hypoxic activity. The clinical development and therapeutic efficacy of trans-crocetin are limited by its instability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Conversion of trans-crocetin into trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) enhances its solubility, stability, and bioavailability, thereby amplifying its anti-hypoxic potential. Methods: This study integrates network pharmacology with in vivo and in vitro validation to elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms underlying TSC’s therapeutic effects against high-altitude acute lung injury (HALI), aiming to identify novel treatment strategies. Results: TSC effectively reversed hypoxia-induced biochemical abnormalities, ameliorated lung histopathological damage, and suppressed systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in HALI rats. In vitro, TSC mitigated CoCl₂-induced hypoxia injury in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) by reducing inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and ROS accumulation while restoring mitochondrial membrane potential. Network pharmacology and pathway analysis revealed that TSC primarily targets the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling axis. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated stable binding interactions between TSC and key components of this pathway. ELISA and RT-qPCR confirmed that TSC significantly downregulated the expression of EGFR, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, and their associated mRNAs. Conclusions: TSC alleviates high-altitude hypoxia-induced lung injury by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and restoring mitochondrial function. These findings highlight TSC as a promising therapeutic agent for HALI. Full article

High ash content in algal biomass limits its suitability for biofuel production by reducing combustion efficiency and increasing fouling. This study presents a green deashing strategy using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and deionized (DI) water to purify Scenedesmus algae, which was selected for its high ash removal potential. The optimized sequential treatment (DI, NTA chelation, and DI+NTA treatment at 90–130 °C) achieved up to 83.07% ash removal, reducing ash content from 15.2% to 3.8%. Elevated temperatures enhanced the removal of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, while heavy metals like lead and copper were reduced below detection limits. CHN analysis confirmed minimal loss of organic content, preserving biochemical integrity. Unlike traditional acid leaching, this method is eco-friendly after three cycles. The approach offers a scalable, sustainable solution to improve algal biomass quality for thermochemical conversion and supports circular bioeconomy goals. Full article

Background: The spleen is the primary reservoir of immune cells in mammals. Diverse stimuli can disrupt spleen homeostasis, resulting in spleen injury and immune dysfunction. This study employed a porcine model to assess the therapeutic potential of salvianolic acid B (SAB) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenic injury. Methods: Seventy-two male weanling piglets were randomly assigned to one of four groups: CON-SS, SAB-SS, CON-LPS, and SAB-LPS. The CON-SS and CON-LPS groups received a basal diet, while SAB-SS and SAB-LPS groups received a SAB-supplemented diet. After 14 d, the CON-SS and SAB-SS groups received an intraperitoneal injection of sterile saline, whereas the CON-LPS and SAB-LPS groups were injected with LPS. Blood and spleen tissues were harvested 6 h post-injection for biochemical analysis. Results: LPS induced systemic immune disorders in piglets, as evidenced by increased immune organ indices and decreased white blood cell, lymphocyte, and basophil counts in blood (p < 0.05). LPS also caused histoarchitectural disruption, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the spleen (p < 0.05). Conversely, SAB improved splenic histopathology and reduced splenic apoptosis and pro-inflammatory mediators in piglets (p < 0.05). SAB significantly mitigated peroxidation accumulation by facilitating the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and strengthening the antioxidant system, and inhibited nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, SAB attenuated LPS-induced splenic oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by restoring mitochondrial structure and function (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This research unveils that SAB alleviates LPS-induced spleen disorder by reinforcing antioxidant system and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome, highlighting SAB’s potential as a prospective therapeutic agent for spleen disorders. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization is the conversion of SOC to inorganic forms of carbon (C) by microbial decomposition and conversion. It plays an important role in global C cycling. Currently, most of the studies investigating the effects of different tree species on SOC mineralization focus on forest ecosystems, and few have focused on reservoir water-level drawdown zones. In this study, we used an indoor incubation method to investigate SOC mineralization in the plantation soils of Glyptostrobus pensilis, Taxodium Zhongshanshan, Taxodium distichum and CK (unplanted plantation) in the reservoir water-level drawdown zones. We aimed to explore the effects of different tree species on the process of SOC mineralization in the reservoir water-level drawdown zones by considering both the biological and chemical processes of the soil. The results showed that the rates of SOC mineralization in the G. pensilis and T. Zhongshanshan plantations were 47% and 37%, respectively, higher than those in CK (p < 0.05), whereas the rate of SOC mineralization in T. distichum soils did not differ from that in CK. The structural equation model’s results showed microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is a key driver of SOC mineralization, while SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations are also important factors that affect SOC mineralization and follow MBC. Compared to soil biochemical properties, the bacterial community composition has relatively little effect on SOC mineralization. Planted forests can, to a degree, change the biochemical properties of the soil in the reservoir water-level drawdown zones, effectively improving soil pH, and significantly increasing the amount of potential soil C mineralization, the content of SOC and the diversity of the soil bacteria (p < 0.05). Full article

BGP-15, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitor exerts cardioprotective effects; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effects of BGP-15 on the imatinib (Imtb)-induced cardiac inflammation at the biochemical level. Male rats were divided to control, Imtb-treated (60 mg/kg/day for 14 days), and Imtb + BGP-15-treated animals. In this group Imtb was co-administered with BGP-15 at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day. At the end of the experiment, nuclear factor-kappa B/p65 (NF-κB/p65), nuclear transcription factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured by Western blot. Chemokine and interleukins (ILs) were determined by Legendplex. Additionally, cardiac specific changes were visualized by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that Imtb increased NF-κB/p65, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, MCP-1, HMGB1, as well as the expression and activity of MPO. Conversely, the expressions of antioxidant Nrf2 and HO-1 were decreased. Administration of BGP-15 effectively mitigated these inflammatory alterations by significantly reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and MPO activity, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1, thereby promoting antioxidant defenses. The immunohistochemical staining further supported these biochemical changes. Our study provides new and comprehensive biochemical insight for managing Imtb-induced inflammatory responses via BGP-15-induced PARP1 inhibition. Full article

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are vital for brain health, supporting cognitive development and helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Since the body cannot produce them, they must be obtained through food. This study aimed to assess the effects of corn oil on the behavior and biochemical parameters of Drosophila melanogaster. The flies were fed a diet supplemented with different concentrations of corn oil from the larval stage until the fifth day of adulthood. A diet containing corn oil (37.8 mg/mL of linoleic acid) reduced mortality under starvation conditions and enhanced locomotor performance (p < 0.01). Biochemical analyses revealed increased levels of glutathione (p < 0.001), citrate synthase activity (p < 0.05), and mitochondrial phosphorylation (p < 0.05), indicating a potential boost in energy metabolism. Conversely, a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity (p < 0.05) was observed, suggesting cholinergic modulation. These results demonstrate that corn oil supplementation supports neural health in this animal model, opening pathways for further research into non-pharmacological treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

Sixteen long-ripened, high-quality Cabrales cheeses from independent producers underwent a comprehensive biochemical and microbiological characterisation. Significant variations in total microbial counts and specific microbial groups were observed among the cheeses. A metataxonomic analysis identified 249 prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 99 eukaryotic ASVs, respectively, which were classified into 52 prokaryotic and 43 eukaryotic species. The predominant species included bacteria of the genera Tetragenococcus, Lactococcus (of which Lactococcus lactis was used as a starter), and Staphylococcus, followed by Brevibacterium and Corynebacterium species. The starter mould Penicillium roqueforti was highly abundant in all cheeses; Debaryomyces hansenii, Geotrichum candidum, and Kluyveromyces spp. constituted the subdominant fungal populations. Glutamic acid (≈20 mg g⁻¹) was the most abundant free amino acid in all samples, followed by lysine, leucine, and valine (≈10–13 mg g⁻¹). Moderate-to-high amounts of the biogenic amines tyramine and ornithine were detected. A large variation between cheeses of the main organic acids (lactic, acetic, or butyric) was detected. Differences between samples were also observed for the majority volatile compounds, which included organic acids, alcohols, esters, and ketones. Positive and negative correlations between bacterial and fungal species were detected, as well as between microbial populations and key biochemical markers. Among the latter, Tetragenococcus halophilus correlated positively with ethyl caprylate and hexanoic acid, and Loigolactobacillus rennini correlated positively with γ-aminobutyric acid. Conversely, Staphylococcus equorum showed a strong negative correlation with ethyl caprylate and capric acid. These microbial and biochemical insights enabled us to propose a microbiota-based starter culture comprising prokaryotic and eukaryotic components to enhance Cabrales cheese quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Contrast agents can damage renal tissue through multiple mechanisms, particularly by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to DNA oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and endothelial injury. This prospective, comparative study aimed to evaluate the changes in ROS-related gene expressions—NFKB1, SIRT1, NFE2L2, and FOXO1—in patients who developed contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following coronary angiography versus those who did not. Methods: A total of 48 patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. Twenty-three patients who developed CIN (Group 1) were compared to 25 matched controls without CIN (Group 2) based on age, gender, and comorbidities. Blood and serum samples were collected 72 h post-contrast exposure to assess biochemical markers and mRNA expression levels of the target genes. Results: The mean age was similar between the groups (63 ± 7 vs. 62 ± 6 years; p > 0.05), as was gender distribution. Group 1 showed significant increases in serum creatinine and reductions in e-GFR post-procedure. Importantly, NFKB1, NFE2L2, and FOXO1 mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated in CIN patients—by 5.7-, 5.8-, and 4.97-fold, respectively, while SIRT1 expression was downregulated by 0.76-fold (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate enhanced activation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in CIN patients, particularly through the NF-κB signaling axis. Conversely, reduced SIRT1 expression suggests diminished antioxidant protection. The study highlights that ROS-related gene expression changes may serve as potential biomarkers for CIN progression. Further studies at the protein level are needed to clarify cytokine roles in these pathways. Full article

After a brief characterisation of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) in terms of its biochemical structure and the pretreatment techniques used to disrupt lignin structure and decrystallise and depolymerise cellulose, this review considers five main pathways for biochemical biomass conversion: starting with anaerobic digestion to convert various LCB feedstocks into bioproducts; considering the integration of biochemical and thermochemical processes, syngas fermentation, which has been recently developed for biofuel and chemical production, is reviewed; the production of 2G bioethanol and biobutanol from LCB waste is discussed; the literature on biohydrogen production by dark fermentation, photofermentation, and bioelectrochemical processes using microbial electrolysis cells as well as hybrid biological processes is reviewed. The conclusions and future prospects of integrating biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes of biomass are discussed and emphasised. Full article

Microbial decomposition of persistent natural compounds such as phenolic lignin and polysaccharides in plant cell walls plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and underpins diverse biotechnological applications. Among microbial decomposers, fungi from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla have evolved specialized mechanisms for efficient lignocellulosic biomass degradation, employing extracellular enzymes and synergistic fungal consortia. Fungal coculture, defined as the controlled, axenic cultivation of multiple fungal species or strains in a single culture medium, is a promising strategy for industrial processes. This approach to biomass conversion offers potential for enhancing production of enzymes, biofuels, and other high-value bioproducts, while enabling investigation of ecological dynamics and metabolic pathways relevant to biorefinery operations. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion into fuels, energy, and biochemicals is central to the bioeconomy, integrating advanced biotechnology with sustainable resource use. Recent advancements in -omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have facilitated detailed analysis of fungal metabolism, uncovering novel secondary metabolites and enzymatic pathways activated under specific growth conditions. This review highlights the potential of fungal coculture systems to advance sustainable biomass conversion in alignment with circular bioeconomy goals. Full article