Search Results (8,121)

Certain sacoglossan sea slugs, often known as “solar-powered sea slugs”, are a group of marine gastropods that have the unique ability to photosynthesize by stealing functional chloroplasts from algae. The sacoglossan Elysia papillosa can maintain functional chloroplasts for up to two weeks after feeding. The microbiome of these slugs may play a crucial role in their metabolism, immunity, development, but more importantly their photosynthesis. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted on four samples of E. papillosa in order to characterize their microbiome. Sequences were classified and relative abundance was quantified with Centrifuger and functional data was examined using SqueezeMeta. Bacteria were analyzed by taxonomic groups and hypothesized function to the sea slug was determined with literature analysis. All samples were dominated by phyla Actinomycetota, Bacillota, Patescibacteriota, and Pseudomonadota. The presence of the phyla Bacteroidota and Bacillota was notable in all samples, which contain species known to produce enzymes that break down polysaccharides. It is possible that these bacteria could assist in degradation of the polysaccharide xylan found in the cell walls of Penicillus, the algal food source of E. papillosa. One species that was found in all samples was Cutibacterium acnes which has been shown to be an important component of the gut microbiota in other marine invertebrates and may provide the host with vitamin B12 and other beneficial nutrients. Many of these bacteria may be opportunistic rather than commensal. As a result, more research is required to describe the interactions between the slug and its microbiome, but this preliminary report provides a valuable starting point for identifying the microbiome make-up to further understanding of these relationships. Full article

Fungal infections pose diagnostic challenges in both human and veterinary medicine, as traditional detection methods such as fungal culture are time-consuming, microscopy is operator-dependent, and molecular detection assays often require specialized instrumentation and trained personnel, which can limit their routine clinical application. This study developed a sandwich immunoassay to detect β-1,3- and β-1,6-glucans, two major components of the fungal cell wall, based on two catalytically inactive glucanase mutants, LamA_E175Q and Neg1_E321Q. The sandwich ELISA exhibited higher detection sensitivity than conventional ITS-based PCR for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans under the conditions of this study. Using pre-coated plates, the sample-processing and detection workflow can be completed in approximately 40 min. It effectively detected a wide range of fungal species, including yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans) and filamentous fungi such as dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds. In a preliminary clinical cohort, the assay identified β-glucan signals in all 21 samples confirmed positive for dermatophytes, while no signal was detected in 20 negative samples, suggesting potential clinical applicability. This dual-enzyme sandwich immunoassay provides a rapid and low-cost complementary tool for broad-spectrum fungal screening, which may help guide further confirmatory diagnostics and timely clinical decision-making. Full article

Soil salinity is a major constraint on global wheat productivity, yet the genetic and molecular determinants of root system architecture (RSA) adaptation under salt stress remain poorly characterized. We integrated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 566 wheat accessions with comparative RNA-seq transcriptomics to identify the genetic and transcriptional determinants of RSA adaptation under 200 mM NaCl. GWAS identified a candidate locus on chromosome 7B harboring TaIAO, which encodes a protein with predicted aldehyde oxidase-like activity consistent with a role in tryptophan-dependent auxin biosynthesis. Accessions carrying the favorable CC allele exhibited significantly greater root volume retention than those carrying the GG genotype (p < 0.001). Comparative RNA-seq revealed that the salt-tolerant Sarajevo 1 exhibited coordinated transcriptional repression of three distinct modules—cell wall expansion (TaExpansin), auxin redistribution (TaPIN-like), and stress-associated ROS defense (TaPOD1)—whereas the sensitive genotype CI 17260 aberrantly induced or incompletely repressed these modules under stress. ELISA-based IAA quantification, ROS imaging, and qRT-PCR analysis provided independent physiological and transcriptional support for these patterns. These findings support a two-tier adaptive model in which constitutive genetic variation at the TaIAO locus may contribute to a developmental baseline, coupled with coordinated stress-responsive transcriptional repression of energy-consuming modules, providing promising targets for marker-assisted breeding of salt-tolerant wheat. Full article

Waterlogged archaeological wood represents a unique cultural heritage but is highly susceptible to physical and chemical degradation, which complicates conservation and restoration. This study aimed to prepare artificial archaeological Cunninghamia lanceolata wood using NaOH vacuum impregnation and systematically evaluate the effects of NaOH concentration and treatment cycles as two treatment variables on wood degradation. Untreated heartwood specimens were treated with 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% NaOH solutions for 2, 4, and 6 cycles. The NaOH treatment first induced chemical and structural deterioration, including selective degradation of hemicelluloses, changes in cellulose crystallinity, and progressive damage to the wood cell-wall structure. XRD analysis revealed a significant reduction in cellulose crystallinity from 35.96% to 10.11%, while FTIR confirmed the degradation of hemicelluloses and the relative enrichment of lignin-related structures. SEM observations further showed severe cell-wall erosion, lumen deformation, and local collapse, indicating that alkali treatment effectively reproduced typical microstructural features of degraded waterlogged wood. These chemical and microstructural changes subsequently led to marked changes in physical and mechanical properties. Mass loss increased with NaOH concentration and cycle number, while basic density decreased and maximum water content increased, indicating enhanced deterioration and water-holding capacity. Treated specimens also exhibited increased swelling and shrinkage rates and a substantial reduction in longitudinal compressive strength, with the most pronounced deterioration occurring under higher NaOH concentrations and repeated cycles. The study demonstrates that NaOH treatment can reproducibly simulate the physical, chemical, and microstructural characteristics of waterlogged archaeological wood, providing a reliable experimental model for studying wood degradation mechanisms and supporting conservation strategies. Full article

Background: The NAC family constitutes one of the largest families of plant-specific transcription factors and plays crucial roles in fruit development, ripening, seed life, and stress responses. However, comprehensive characterization of NAC genes in Persea americana (avocado), an economically important horticultural crop, has been largely unexplored. Methods: We performed a genome-wide identification and systematic characterization of NAC transcription factor (TF) genes in P. americana using blastp analysis, phylogenetic reconstruction, expression profiling and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results: A total of 130 NAC genes (PaNACs) were identified and distributed across all 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified these PaNACs into eight distinct subfamilies. WGCNA identified 43 co-expression modules, with 68 PaNAC genes distributed across 24 modules associated with hormone signaling, cell wall modification, secondary metabolism, and fatty acid beta-oxidation. Among 48,785 developmental differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 70 PaNAC genes were differentially expressed, with PaNAC003 and PaNAC002 showing the strongest upregulation and PaNAC023 and PaNAC025 the strongest downregulation. Among 9488 ethylene-responsive DEGs, PaNAC041 was suppressed by ethylene and induced by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, a competitive inhibitor of ethylene perception), while PaNAC016, PaNAC085, and PaNAC086 showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: These findings provide a genomic and transcriptional framework for future functional investigation of PaNAC genes and their potential relevance to avocado fruit development and postharvest ripening. Full article

A newly isolated red-pigmented yeast, Sporobolomyces reniformis EMCC1691, was evaluated for its biotechnological potential in an integrated case study aimed at developing an efficient microbial cell factory for the valorization of delactosed whey. Fermentation trials in 5 L bioreactors demonstrated robust yeast growth on this dairy by-product, with complete consumption of glucose (21.86 g/L) and galactose (20.36 g/L), leading to the accumulation of approximately 6172 mg/L of lipids and 5634 µg/L of total carotenoids. Fatty acid analysis revealed a final concentration of 3924 mg/L, mainly represented by oleic (2037 mg/L), palmitic (779 mg/L), stearic (403 mg/L), and linoleic (362 mg/L) acids. HPLC analysis showed a pigment profile dominated by torularhodin, torulene, γ-carotene, and β-carotene. To complement downstream processing, the fermented culture was spray-dried into a stable powder and subsequently subjected to a simple, cost-effective, and unconventional mechanical pretreatment using a hydraulic press. This post-drying operation ensured extensive cell-wall disruption without the use of chemical agents or specialized equipment, thereby significantly enhancing the recoverability of intracellular lipids and carotenoids through supercritical CO₂ extraction. Under optimized conditions, SFE-CO₂ with ethanol recovered 92.18 ± 1.61 µg/g of total carotenoids, achieving an extraction efficiency of 84% relative to organic solvent extraction (109.17 ± 2.10 µg/g). Importantly, fermentation also reshaped the fatty acid composition of delactosed whey, shifting it toward a profile enriched in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, thereby further highlighting the metabolic impact and bioconversion potential of S. reniformis EMCC1691. Overall, this work highlights the technological relevance of a recently characterized yeast species and its potential to convert dairy by-products into high-value compounds within a proof-of-concept microbial cell factory framework, paving the way for future scale-up investigations. Full article

Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory activation, and immune-cell recruitment within a spatially organized vascular wall. Conventional static cultures and Transwell systems are advantageous for isolated readouts, but they fail to effectively recapitulate multicellular compartmentalization, extracellular matrix support, and dynamic perfusion within a singular platform. Here, we present a four-channel microfluidic vascular-wall chip designed to reconstitute an endothelial cell-extracellular matrix-smooth muscle cell arrangement and to model early atherosclerosis-related inflammatory endothelial dysfunction. The device comprises a perfusable endothelial channel, a collagen I hydrogel region embedded with human aortic smooth muscle cells, a cell-free matrix region, and a culture-medium supply channel. Under physiological conditions, HUVECs formed a ZO-1-positive endothelial barrier and maintained high cellular viability. Stimulation with TNF-α and IL-1β (10 ng/mL each) elevated IL-6 secretion, promoted the recruitment of THP-1-derived M0-like macrophages, disrupted ZO-1 continuity, and increased FITC-dextran permeability without causing extensive cell death. The chip was subsequently utilized to evaluate metformin and atorvastatin therapies. The combinational treatment produced a more pronounced attenuation of MCP-1 secretion than either monotherapy under the inflammatory background. While this platform does not recapitulate advanced plaque formation, lipid deposition, foam-cell formation, or disturbed arterial shear, it successfully provides a microfluidic model of early inflammatory endothelial dysfunction to facilitate mechanistic studies and preliminary anti-inflammatory drug evaluation. Full article

Future lunar missions, like the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), demand single-launch multi-point operations, urgently requiring reusable energy-absorbing structures. Integrating shape memory alloy (SMA) into honeycombs offers a promising solution; however, deformation exceeding the SMA’s recoverable limit induces structural residual deformation, altering the configuration and degrading subsequent energy absorption. To address this, we propose a semi-analytical, data-calibrated hybrid model predicting SMA honeycomb residual deformation. A four-stage linear constitutive model is established capturing superelasticity and martensitic yielding. Cell walls are idealized as equivalent beams. Using layered fiber integration and numerical interpolation, a nonlinear moment–curvature relationship is constructed, enabling rapid structural residual deflection evaluation from material residual strains. Finite element results confirm that initial residual deformation stabilizes the honeycomb into a reusable configuration, governing subsequent plateau stresses. Calibrated by uniaxial test data, the proposed model accurately predicts residual deformation ratios and reusable plateau stresses with errors within 8%. By bridging material-level strain with structural-level deformation, this approach circumvents computationally expensive full-scale simulations and costly experimental trials, providing a highly efficient tool for designing reusable SMA absorbers. Full article

Bryophytes are key components of acid–soil ecosystems; however, their capacity for aluminum (Al) accumulation and tolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, bryophytes and a limited number of pteridophyte and lichen species were collected from acidic soils of tea plantations and adjacent forest stands in the Caspian region of northern Iran and analyzed. Nearly all bryophyte specimens exhibited Al concentrations above the critical accumulation threshold (1000 µg g⁻¹ DW), with some reaching values exceeding 28,000 µg g⁻¹ DW, confirming their strong accumulation capacity. After Al, iron was the most abundantly accumulated metal (1430–22,800 µg g⁻¹ DW), followed by manganese (100–3100 µg g⁻¹ DW). The sampled lichen species accumulated Al at concentrations between 1063 and 9154 µg g⁻¹ DW, while Al levels in the aerial parts of pteridophytes rarely exceeded the critical threshold; when they did, accumulation occurred predominantly in old and fertile fronds rather than sterile ones. Three field-collected bryophyte species—Barbula unguiculata, Palamocladium euchloron, and Hypnum cupressiforme—were acclimated to laboratory conditions and treated with two Al levels (without or with 150 µM Al, pH 4.0) for 12 weeks. The leafy shoots were analyzed for their antioxidant response, osmolyte accumulation, phenolic metabolism, callose deposition, and carboxylic-acid profile. Histochemical analyses revealed predominant localization of Al in cell walls, associated with enrichment of pectin and uronic acids. These responses were most pronounced in H. cupressiforme, followed by P. euchloron, and least evident in B. unguiculata. Elevated levels of intracellular detoxification compounds—phenolics, flavonoids, and carboxylic acids (tartaric, oxalic, malic, and citric acids)—were detected, again with species-specific differences. Overall, the results reveal that bryophytes employ multiple physiological strategies to tolerate Al toxicity, with substantial interspecific variation. These findings emphasize their ecological significance and provide a foundation for future research on the physiological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying Al tolerance and accumulation in early land plants. Full article

With the expansion of modern protected agriculture, the amount of post-harvest tomato biomass has increased sharply. Conventional unmanaged disposal practices disrupt carbon flows and cause substantial environmental emissions. Tomato plant residues (TPRs), which are rich in lignocellulose and selected high-value secondary metabolites, have considerable potential as feedstocks for green industrial materials. However, their complex biophysical properties, high physiological moisture content, and recalcitrant cell-wall barriers hinder large-scale processing. This review systematically examines the mechanisms and process architectures for converting TPRs into macromolecular products. First, it analyzes cross-scale anatomical heterogeneity and dynamic rheological properties of TPRs, defining their physicochemical boundaries as industrial precursors. Second, it summarizes the development of physical field-coupled equipment, ranging from anti-tangling harvest-shredding to die-roller densification. Furthermore, it examines the core mechanisms of multi-field-coupled pretreatment technologies, including steam explosion, deep eutectic solvents (DES), and mechanochemistry, in deconstructing vascular skeletons and reducing multiphase mass-transfer resistance. Finally, this review discusses reconstruction pathways for TPR-derived components in advanced polymer materials, including biodegradable nanocellulose films, bio-based composites, aerogels, and lignin-based polyurethane networks. Overall, it links microscopic reaction kinetics with macroscopic equipment engineering, proposes a closed-loop material conversion system from in-field volume reduction to cascaded biorefinery, and provides an engineering framework for future multi-machine intelligent collaboration and continuous production across the industrial chain. Full article

Cellulose is the strongest cell wall polymer defining plant cell shape and growth, and the most abundant biopolymer on the Earth. Its synthesis by the plasma membrane (PM)-localized cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) depends on surrounding lipids that establish the membrane microenvironment in which CSCs work and form vesicles delivering and removing CSCs to and from the PM by exo- and endocytosis. The role of exact lipid molecular species in these processes is poorly understood. In the present work we used hypocotyls of etiolated wild-type Col-0 and mutant ixr1-1 Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grown with or without isoxaben, a specific cellulose synthesis inhibitor, as a model to reveal lipid molecular species associated with cellulose biosynthesis. Different lipid classes were separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and their molecular species were analyzed by liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS/MS). A total of 250 lipid molecular species were identified. Col-0 plants maintained stable levels of membrane glycerophospholipids but displayed significant remodeling of their acyl chains. In the presence of isoxaben, they accumulated three times more phosphatidic acids, a hallmark of a stress response. The isoxaben-resistant mutant ixr1-1 was characterized by a higher relative content of phosphatidylethanolamines, potentially rendering membranes more labile, as well as plastid galactolipids, which accumulated under isoxaben treatment. The multifaceted effects of isoxaben, including its impact on endomembrane lipids, suggest that it has additional binding sites beyond CSC. Full article

Polygalacturonase (PG) is a key enzyme in cell wall metabolism and fruit ripening. Atemoya (Annona cherimola Mill. × A. squamosa L.) is a high-value tropical fruit that undergoes rapid postharvest softening at room temperature. However, the role of the atemoya PG gene family in this process remains unknown. This study determined that storing atemoya at 28 °C significantly reduced fruit firmness and the total pectin content but increased water-soluble pectin (WSP) and PG activity compared to storage at 15 °C. Genome-wide identification of the AaPG gene family in atemoya revealed that 40 AaPG genes were unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes. Nineteen genes were located within six tandem duplication clusters. AaPG proteins exhibited clade-specific differences: Clades B-E contained the polysaccharide lyase family 6 (PL-6) superfamily domain, while Clade A harbored the Aspergillus niger polygalacturonase 1 (Pgu1) domain and lacked several conserved motifs. Expression profiling and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that AaPG19, AaPG21, AaPG23 and AaPG24 were specifically induced at 28 °C. Subcellular localization confirmed that these four proteins were located on the plasma membrane. These findings provide insights into the evolution and temperature-dependent regulation of the AaPG family, identifying candidate genes responsible for the rapid softening of atemoya fruit. Full article

Despite the widespread use of yeast derivatives (YDs) in winemaking, comparative studies on the impact of different inactivation technologies remain limited, especially when applied to non-conventional yeast species. To address this, the present study evaluated the impact of Saccharomycodes ludwigii (SL#64) derivatives, a non-conventional species characterized by a high cell wall polysaccharide content, produced via Thermal Inactivation (TI), High-Pressure Processing (HPP), and Partial Lysis combined with HPP (PL + HPP), on the polysaccharide content, colloidal stability, and sensory profiles of Garnacha Blanca and Tempranillo Blanco wines. A commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae derivative was used as a reference yeast derivative. Polysaccharide concentration and colloidal stability were monitored at 2 and 15 days post-addition. All YDs significantly increased polysaccharide levels (3–21%), primarily within the first 48 h. HPP-treated SL#64-YDs proved the most effective in enhancing protein stability, reducing heat-induced turbidity by 21% after 15 days. SDS-PAGE analysis suggested that YD-derived polysaccharides acted as protective colloids, partially maintaining pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins in solution. In contrast, no significant improvement in tartaric stability was observed across treatments. Overall sensory evaluation, including quality, balance, aroma intensity, and Flash Profile characterization, revealed that YD treatments more clearly modified the sensory profile of the aromatically neutral Garnacha Blanca wines, whereas the greater aromatic complexity of the Tempranillo Blanco matrix partially masked these effects, although prolonged contact with TI and HPP reduced aroma intensity and perceived quality. These results suggest that HPP-derived yeast derivatives could be especially suitable for short contact applications, representing a promising non-thermal strategy for tailoring functional YDs to specific wine matrices. Full article

Erdheim–Chester Disease (ECD) constitutes a rare and clinically heterogeneous non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, characterized by the systemic infiltration of tissues by foamy, lipid-laden histiocytes. These cells typically exhibit an immunophenotypic profile positive for CD68 and negative for CD1a. The disease’s multifaceted presentation, which can span from isolated bone lesions to fulminant multi-organ failure, frequently results in considerable diagnostic delay. In this case-based review, we describe the case of a 58-year-old who presented with a primary complaint of exertional dyspnoea and fatigue. The initial diagnostic evaluation revealed a hemodynamically significant circumferential pericardial effusion and imaging findings suggestive of aortitis. Clinical presentation of ECD depends on the organs and tissues involved, and may range from bone pain to neurological symptoms, endocrine dysfunction, and cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular involvement occurs in at least 40% of ECD patients, although it is frequently underdiagnosed. Cardiac ECD is heterogeneous and may mimic many alternative aetiologies. The infiltration of the right atrioventricular sulcus, right atrial walls, or interatrial septum is one of the most typical cardiac manifestations of ECD. Recognition of pseudo-tumour intra-atrial mass, pericardial involvement, as well as the circumferential encasement of the entire aorta, the so-called coated aorta, are other frequent findings. Diagnosis often requires a multimodal approach, in particular when cardiac symptoms represent the onset of clinical manifestation of ECD. The combined use of computed tomography, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, dedicated cardiac and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray of long bones can collectively reveal a constellation of findings diagnostic of ECD. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important horticultural crop, with Asia contributing 60.45% of total production, followed by the Americas at 13.36%. Tomato productivity is increasingly constrained by southern blight, a destructive disease responsible for yield losses ranging from 30 to 90% and annual economic damage of $10–20 million. The causal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, infects the stem base and induces reddish-brown cankers through secretion of oxalic acid (OA) and cell wall-degrading enzymes, which girdle tissues, impair water transport, and result in rapid plant wilting and death. Its persistence in soil via sclerotia, broad host range, and adaptability make the disease difficult to manage. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and other multi-omics approaches have substantially improved understanding of pathogen virulence factors, host defense responses and disease epidemiology. These studies have revealed key roles of OA, carbohydrate-active enzymes, effector proteins, and sclerotial melanization in pathogenesis, while highlighting the activation of salicylic acid (SA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and ethylene (ET)-mediated defense pathways in tomato. Although cultural, biological, and chemical measures are available, these measures often provide inconsistent protection when used alone. Promising strategies include the use of biocontrol agents, hypovirulence-inducing mycoviruses, and chemical fungicides such as carboxamides and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), though fungicide resistance remains a risk factor. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approaches, such as combining biocontrol agents with fungicides, demonstrate enhanced efficacy. This review also evaluates progress in resistance breeding, grafting, RNA interference (HIGS and SIGS), CRISPR-based genome editing, and exploitation of wild genotypes for durable resistance. Furthermore, emerging precision agriculture tools, including hyperspectral imaging, machine learning-assisted disease detection and climate-resilient management strategies, were discussed as new components of sustainable disease management. Full article