Search Results (390)

Obesity is among the top contributing factors for non-communicable chronic disease development and has attained menacing global proportions, affecting approximately one of eight adults. Phytochemicals that support energy metabolism and prevent obesity development have been the subject of intense research endeavors over the past several decades. Cycloastragenol is a natural triterpenoid compound and aglycon of astragaloside IV, known for activating telomerase and mitigating cellular aging. Here, we aim to characterize the effect of cycloastragenol on lipid metabolism in a glucose-induced obesity model in Caenorhabditis elegans. We assessed the changes in the body length, width, and area in C. elegans maintained under elevated glucose through automated WormLab system. Lipid accumulation in the presence of either cycloastragenol (100 μM) or orlistat (12 μM), used as a positive anti-obesity control drug, was quantified through Nile Red fluorescent staining. Furthermore, we evaluated the changes in key energy metabolism molecular players in GFP-reporter transgenic strains. Our results revealed that cycloastragenol treatment decreased mean body area and reduced lipid accumulation in the C. elegans glucose-induced model. The mechanistic data indicated that cycloastragenol suppresses the nuclear hormone receptor family member NHR-49 and the delta(9)-fatty-acid desaturase 7 (FAT-7) enzyme, and activates the 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-2 (AAK-2) and the protein skinhead 1 (SKN-1) signaling. Collectively, our findings highlight that cycloastragenol reprograms lipid metabolism by down-regulating the insulin-like receptor (daf-2)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (age-1)/NHR-49 signaling while simultaneously enhancing the activity of the AAK-2/NAD-dependent protein deacetylase (SIR-2.1) pathway. The anti-obesogenic potential of cycloastragenol rationalizes further validation in the context of metabolic diseases and obesity management. Full article

Cuticular wax plays an important role in the quality of kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) fruit. In this study, the wax morphology, compositional profile of epi- and intracuticular wax, and crucial gene expression in ‘Rongan’ kumquat (RAK) and ‘Huapi’ kumquat (HPK) were analyzed during fruit development. The results showed that the surfaces of two kumquat fruits were covered with an amorphous wax layer containing a small number of platelets. Compared to RAK, HPK contained more abundant and larger wax crystals during fruit development. In two kumquat fruits, the epicuticular wax and its major compositions consistently displayed significantly higher levels than the intracuticular wax. Additionally, their main wax composition shifted from alkanes in the early developmental stages to triterpenoids at harvest in both layers, while aldehydes were specifically enriched in the epicuticular wax. During the fruit development from 90 to 180 DAF, HPK fruit exhibited significantly higher levels of epicuticular wax and its majority fractions than RAK fruit. Meanwhile, the intracuticular wax contents of HPK from 90 DAF to 150 DAF were significantly higher than those in RAK, with triterpenoids accounting for the largest proportion of this increase. qRT-PCR results indicated that the up-regulation of wax-related genes in HPK was linked to its increased epicuticular wax deposition during the development. Overall, this study provided a comprehensive overview of the morphology, composition, and biosynthesis of cuticular wax in kumquat fruit during development. Full article

The Krabi mouth-brooding fighting fish, Betta simplex Kottelat, 1994, is a critically endangered and endemic fish species in Krabi province, Southern Thailand. Little information is available on its reproductive ecology and early developmental morphology, which are essential for studying its conservation. Generally, B. simplex is considered an adaptable animal that can tolerate lower alkalinity and higher hardness compared to its natural environment conditions. In this study, wild broodstocks of B. simplex were collected from the reported type localities and bred in captivity under laboratory conditions for size-series collection. Some biological aspects of B. simplex in its natural environmental conditions were determined. We found that its flaring and mating behavior was similar to those of bubble-nesting fighting fish but did not involve bubble-nest building. The fertilized eggs and pre-flexion larvae were nurtured in the mouth cavity of parental males within 11–12 (mode = 11) days after fertilization (DAF). The first-release offspring developed to the post-flexion stage with a body size of 4.39 ± 0.01 mm of standard length (SL; n = 6) and then to the juvenile stage within 30 days after release with 11.72 ± 0.62 mm SL (n = 4). Thus, we propose the following linear regression equation for growth prediction by age (DAF) and body size (SL; mm): age = 0.2425 SL + 1.7036 (r² = 0.9549). The findings of this study will deepen our knowledge of the reproduction and ontogeny of B. simplex and contribute to its future conservation and management. Full article

Apiin, a natural flavonoid sourced from parsley, demonstrates antioxidant properties; however, its specific anti-aging effects have yet to be investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). This research utilized C. elegans models to examine the anti-aging effects of apiin and the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicated that 100 μg/mL apiin extended the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 26.70%. Furthermore, apiin improved age-related characteristics in C. elegans, such as reducing intestine lipofuscin accumulation and increasing head thrashes and body bends. Additionally, apiin significantly improved stress resistance under thermal, ultraviolet, and oxidative stress conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that apiin induced the differential expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism, lipid catabolism, and oxidoreductase activity in C. elegans. Metabolomic data further corroborated the modulation of fatty acid metabolic processes by apiin. Biochemical assays, including lipid staining, triglyceride quantification, and measurements of antioxidant enzyme activity, demonstrated a decrease in lipid content and an enhancement in antioxidant capacity in C. elegans treated with apiin. Moreover, apiin promoted the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and upregulated key longevity-associated genes, including sod-3, hsp-12.6, mtl-1, and ech-9. These results indicate that apiin mitigates aging in C. elegans through mechanisms involving the activation of DAF-16 and the regulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress responses. Our findings underscore the potential of apiin as a natural therapeutic agent for aging and associated metabolic disorders. Full article

Oil and grease (O&G) pollution in municipal effluents represents a critical environmental challenge. This study contributes a novel experimental assessment of how pressure and recirculation time influence oxygen transfer, microbubble generation, and pollutant removal in a pilot-scale DAF system, providing new insights into process optimization for municipal wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the efficiency of a DAF system in removing organic pollutants and solids from municipal effluent by varying gauge pressure (1–5 bar) and recirculation time (1–20 min). The initial concentrations present in the effluent were 800 mg/L total solids (TS), 590 mg/L total suspended solids (TSS), 450 mg/L oil and grease (O&G), 360 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), and 710 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD). The concentration of dissolved air (interpreted as dissolved oxygen supersaturation) reached 102.3 mg/L and removal efficiencies of 84.4% for O&G, 88.9% for BOD₅, 88.7% for COD, and 85% for TSS were achieved, while pH and dissolved solids (DS) remained stable. The saturation factor (f = 0.8) confirmed efficient oxygen-liquid transfer, attributed to the use of Raschig rings in the absorption column. The significance of this work lies in demonstrating that operating conditions directly enhance oxygen dissolution and flotation performance, highlighting an optimization pathway rarely reported for municipal effluents. The results demonstrate that DAF is a robust, stable, and energy-efficient technology capable of effectively removing organic and lipid loads from municipal effluent, providing a sustainable alternative for the pretreatment and reuse of urban wastewater. Full article

Microplastics harbor chemical additives and absorb pollutants from the environment. Microplastics pose a human health threat and have been found in nearly all human tissues. The toxicological pathways and physiological effects of microplastic-mediated chemical exposure following ingestion remain unknown. Here we use Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the effects of di-butyl phthalate and polystyrene microplastic mixtures on fertility and lifespan. Our studies demonstrate that 1 µm microplastics at 1 mg/L exposure levels result in decreased brood size, whereas 1000 times fewer microplastics (1 µg/L) did not affect the number of eggs laid. While there was no change in brood size at 1 µg/L microplastic exposure levels, there was an increase in embryonic lethality. Microplastics-mediated delivery of di-butyl phthalate to C. elegans significantly reduced brood size and increased embryonic lethality compared to exposure to microplastics alone. This reproductive toxicity is potentially due to a stress response via DAF-16, as observed with microplastics and di-butyl phthalate co-exposure. Furthermore, chronic exposure (from hatching onward) to microplastics shortened the lifespan of C. elegans, which was further reduced with di-butyl phthalate co-exposure. The exacerbated defects observed with co-exposure to phthalate-containing microplastics underscore the risks associated with microplastics releasing the additives and/or chemicals that they have absorbed from the environment. Full article

Construction sites are complex environments, and unsafe behaviors by workers, such as not wearing safety helmets or reflective vests, can easily lead to accidents. When using target detection technology to detect unsafe behaviors, the results are often unsatisfactory due to the complexity of the background and the small size of the targets. This paper proposes an unsafe behavior detection algorithm based on dual adaptive feature fusion. The algorithm is based on YOLOv5, introducing a front-end adaptive feature fusion module (FE-AFFM) at the head of the backbone network for deep data processing, improving the model’s feature extraction capability in complex backgrounds. Simultaneously, a back-end adaptive feature fusion module (BE-AFFM) is introduced at the tail of the network to strengthen feature fusion. In the experimental verification phase, this paper selects a self-made laboratory dataset and verifies the effectiveness of the improved algorithm through ablation experiments, algorithm comparisons, and heatmap analysis. The average accuracy of the improved algorithm is 3.6% higher than the baseline model, and the detection effect on small targets is significantly improved, meeting the actual needs of construction sites. This paper also selects the publicly available dataset SHWD for algorithm comparison experiments. The results show that the improved algorithm still has a significant advantage over mainstream algorithms, verifying the generalization ability of the improved model. Full article

Apples from high-altitude orchards exhibit a distinctive sugar–acid balance, yet the varietal and maturity drivers remain unclear. A multi-omics survey was conducted to map sugars and acids and to resolve pathway control. Chromatography–mass spectrometry, RNA-seq, and principal component (PC) dimensionality reduction fitting analysis were integrated across Malus prunifolia and M. asiatica at 60 and 120 days after flowering (DAF). PC separated maturity on PC1 and species on PC2, and canonical correlation confirmed gene–metabolite couplings. Malate predominated but declined with ripening as sucrose rose; M. prunifolia at 60 DAF showed higher maltose/inositol, whereas M. asiatica at 120 DAF accumulated pentoses/xylitol. In M. prunifolia 60 vs. 120 DAF (Q60–Q120), enrichment targeted starch/sucrose plus pentose–glucuronate remodeling; in M. asiatica 60 vs. 120 DAF (S60–S120), fructose/mannose routes dominated with persistent wall-sugar signatures. Correlations linked succinate and pyruvate positively, and malate negatively, to hexoses, outlining an ALMT9/MDH-bridged acid–sugar switch. These maturation-anchored markers inform quality breeding and postharvest strategies. Full article

Background: Ginseng oligopeptides (GOPs), small bioactive peptides with potent antioxidant capacity and high bioavailability, have shown promise in promoting healthy aging; however, their underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Methods: Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we comprehensively evaluated the anti-aging effects of GOPs on lifespan, locomotion, oxidative stress, and gene expression. Integrated phenotypic assays and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to elucidate GOP-mediated molecular mechanisms. The transgenic strain TJ356 (DAF-16::GFP) and the loss-of-function mutant CF1038 [daf-16(mu86)] were employed to functionally validate the role of the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. Results: GOP supplementation significantly extended median lifespan by approximately 11.5% and improved age-related locomotion decline in C. elegans. Transcriptomic profiling identified 1928 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in metabolic, antioxidant defense, and longevity-regulating pathways. GOPs upregulated key antioxidant and stress-response genes (gst-4, sod-5, mtl-1) and longevity-related regulators (daf-16, lin-31, Y51B9A.9, and daf-12), while downregulating ins-7, an insulin-like peptide. Moreover, GOPs enhanced cytochrome P450–related detoxification and vitamin-dependent (retinol, ascorbate, and riboflavin) metabolic pathways, establishing a multidimensional antioxidant defense network. Phenotypic validation confirmed that GOPs markedly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipofuscin accumulation (p < 0.001). Notably, GOPs promoted DAF-16 nuclear translocation in TJ356 worms, whereas the lifespan-extending effects were abolished in CF1038 mutants, highlighting the essential role of DAF-16/FOXO in mediating GOP effects. Conclusions: GOPs delay aging in C. elegans by activating the DAF-16/FOXO signaling cascade and reinforcing antioxidant networks, thereby maintaining redox and metabolic homeostasis. These findings provide novel mechanistic evidence supporting GOPs as promising dietary antioxidants for promoting healthy aging through modulation of conserved redox and longevity pathways. Full article

Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to disease due to their increased frailty. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of probiotics as geroprotective agents by maintaining gut health and modulating key physiological processes involved in aging, such as inflammation, cognitive functions, and metabolism. Here, we investigated the geroprotective potential of four probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC1114, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072, Bifidobacterium breve BB077, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050) using Caenorhabditis elegans as an aging model. Mid-life healthspan parameters were assessed, including lifespan, motility, ROS levels, lipofuscin accumulation, and cognitive capabilities. The probiotics exhibited strain-specific effects. L. reuteri PBS072 and B. lactis BL050 significantly increased locomotion by 20% and decreased ROS levels by 70% and 30% respectively, suggesting enhanced oxidative stress response and neuromuscular maintenance. B. breve BB077, L. paracasei LPC1114, and L. reuteri PBS072 enhanced associative learning performance, whereas B. lactis BL050 improved chemotactic response. Notably, only L. paracasei LPC1114 and L. reuteri PBS072 extended the maximum lifespan by 4 and 5 days, respectively, an effect mediated by the longevity-related genes skn1, sir2.1, and daf16. Our findings highlight the multifaceted, strain-specific geroprotective properties of probiotics and support their potential as microbiome-based interventions to promote healthy aging. Full article

It is inevitable for life on earth to be exposed to various types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, underscoring the importance of radioprotection. The symbiotic interaction between gut microbiota and the host provides a strategy for protecting the organism against these stressors. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying this interaction remain poorly understood due to the complexity and diversity of gut microbiota. In this study, we employed a symbiotic experimental system involving Caenorhabditis elegans and Escherichia coli to systemically investigate the effects of bacterial genetic alterations on host responses to radiation exposure. Our findings revealed that deletion of the bacterial ybfQ gene (ΔybfQ) significantly enhanced worm tolerance to UV-B radiation. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated an enhanced antioxidant capacity in ΔybfQ-fed worms, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored oxidative homeostasis. Notably, ΔybfQ bacteria exhibited overproduction of isoscoparin, and exogenous supplementation with isoscoparin similarly enhanced worm radio-tolerance, underscoring its crucial role in ΔybfQ-mediated antioxidant of host worm. Both interventions retained their protective effects in IIS-deficient worms (daf-16). However, the protective effects of ΔybfQ feeding, but not isoscoparin treatment, were attenuated in daf-2 worms with a constitutively activated IIS pathway, accompanied by reduced bacteria gut colonization. Collectively, our results provide novel insights into the genetic basis of host-microbe interactions and propose a potential pharmacological strategy for radiation protection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Seasonal variation in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values has been previously documented, with physical activity (PA) and macronutrient intake (MNI) suggested as potential drivers. This study combines seasonal mean HbA1c values from the Dutch (pre)diabetes population with national survey data on PA and MNI from 2018 to 2021 to identify key associations. Methods: HbA1c data were collected from 24 laboratory organizations in the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean. MNI and total energy intake data were extracted from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey, while PA data came from the Dutch National Sports Participation Index Survey. Weighting factors were applied to align PA and MNI data with HbA1c data. Seasonal averages were analyzed for significant differences, and a prediction model compared PA and MNI with actual HbA1c values. Results: Among 5,635,920 HbA1c results, the average HbA1c increased by 0.71 mmol/mol (NGSP 0.06%) over four years, with an overall mean of 52.4 mmol/mol (NGSP 7.0%). Seasonal HbA1c variation showed a dip in summer–autumn and a peak in winter–spring (1.2 mmol/mol; NGSP 0.11%; p < 0.0001). MNI, except for total energy intake (which peaked in summer; p < 0.001), showed no significant trends or association with HbA1c (p = 0.157). PA decreased by 7.2% over the study period, with seasonal peaks in summer–autumn, showing an inverse relationship with HbA1c (p < 0.0001). During the COVID-19 lockdowns, PA significantly decreased, and mean HbA1c values increased more markedly than in previous years. The prediction model confirmed PA as a significant driver of seasonal HbA1c variation (p = 0.004). Conclusions: These findings suggest that PA is the strongest driver of seasonal variation in HbA1c. Public health initiatives and support programs promoting physical activity are essential for improving HbA1c regulation. Full article

The design of a water treatment plant requires thorough analysis of water quality, capacity, location, and reliable technologies. Groundwater sources with elevated levels of organic matter, color, arsenic, and dissolved gases represent a particular challenge for treatment. In this study, the application of dissolved air flotation (DAF) was systematically investigated as a pretreatment method for groundwater purification. Jar test experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal of total organic carbon (TOC), color, and arsenic under various coagulant dosages. The results demonstrated that DAF achieved up to 65% TOC removal and significant arsenic reduction, while also improving water color. Compared with conventional pretreatment, optimized DAF conditions provided higher efficiency and practical applicability for real-world water treatment plant design. The findings highlight the potential of DAF as an effective technology for addressing complex groundwater contamination and contribute to expanding its use beyond conventional surface water treatment. Full article

Microbial fermentation diversely modulates the bioactivity of green tea extracts (GTE), but its effects on anti-aging potential remain under-explored. This study investigated the effects of liquid-state fermentation by Aspergillus niger RAF106 on the anti-aging properties of GTE from Biluochun and identified its longevity-promoting metabolites. The unfermented GTE used herein showed no or limited effects, but the four-day fermented tea extracts (GTE-A4) significantly extended the mean lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans, enhanced motility and stress resistance, and improved mitochondrial function and antioxidant properties, while reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative damage. The pro-longevity effect depended on insulin/IGF-1, MAPK, and p53 pathways and required transcription factors DAF-16 and HSF-1. Fermentation periods shorter or longer than 4 days led to reduced efficacy. Fermentation with RAF106 dynamically altered chemical composition and induced the enrichment of various longevity-promoting metabolites in GTE-A4, including proanthocyanidin A2, aromadendrin, and dalbergioidin—all newly identified as anti-aging agents. These findings demonstrate that RAF106 fermentation improves the anti-aging potential of green tea and provides a scientific basis for using precision fermentation to develop advanced anti-aging functional ingredients from tea extracts. Full article

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has emerged as a transformative technology for intelligent transportation systems. Index modulation (IM), recognized for its high robustness and energy efficiency (EE), has been successfully incorporated into ISAC systems. However, most existing IM-based ISAC schemes overlook the spatial multiplexing potential of millimeter-wave channels and remain confined to single-hop vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) setups, failing to address the challenges of energy consumption and noise accumulation in real-world multi-hop V2V networks with complex road topologies. To bridge this gap, we propose a spatial scattering modulation-based ISAC (ISAC-SSM) scheme and introduce it to multi-hop V2V networks. The proposed scheme leverages the sensed positioning information to select maximum signal-to-noise ratio relay vehicles and employs a detect-amplify-and-forward (DAF) protocol to mitigate noise propagation, while utilizing sensed angle data for Doppler compensation to enhance communication reliability. At each hop, the transmitter modulates index bits on the angular-domain spatial directions of scattering clusters, achieving higher EE. We initially derive a closed-form bit error rate expression and Chernoff upper bound for the proposed DAF ISAC-SSM under multi-hop V2V networks. Both theoretical analyses and Monte Carlo simulations have been made and demonstrate the superiority of DAF ISAC-SSM over existing alternatives in terms of EE and error performance. Specifically, in a two-hop network with 12 scattering clusters, compared with DAF ISAC-conventional spatial multiplexing, DAF ISAC-maximum beamforming, and DAF ISAC-random beamforming, the proposed DAF ISAC-SSM scheme can achieve a coding gain of 1.5 dB, 2 dB, and 4 dB, respectively. Moreover, it shows robust performance with less than a 1.5 dB error degradation under 0.018 Doppler shifts, thereby verifying its superiority in practical vehicular environments. Full article