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Keywords = exogenous organic material

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19 pages, 1905 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Distribution of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Black Garlic from Different Regions and Its Correlation with Key Process-Related Biochemical Components
by Heng Yuan, Simin Zhang, Yuee Sun, Hao Gong, Shuai Wang and Jun Wang
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072133 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Black garlic is a thermally processed product derived from fresh garlic through controlled high-temperature and -humidity conditions. During this process, the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a potentially harmful byproduct, is a major quality and safety concern in food processing. This study systematically investigated [...] Read more.
Black garlic is a thermally processed product derived from fresh garlic through controlled high-temperature and -humidity conditions. During this process, the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a potentially harmful byproduct, is a major quality and safety concern in food processing. This study systematically investigated the distributions of 5-HMF and key process-related biochemical components in black garlic samples from three major production regions in China—Jiangsu, Yunnan, and Shandong. Additionally, correlations between 5-HMF and biochemical components—reducing sugars, amino acids, and organic acids—were analyzed to inform process optimization strategies. Results showed significant regional variation in 5-HMF content, with Jiangsu black garlic exhibiting the highest levels, followed by Yunnan and Shandong (p < 0.05). Partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) indicated that the key biochemical factors regulating 5-HMF accumulation are primarily organic acids. Among them, citric acid was identified as the most important negative regulator (VIP = 3.11). Although acetic acid (VIP = 1.38) and malic acid (VIP = 1.03) showed positive correlations with 5-HMF, aspartic acid (VIP = 0.41) and fructose (VIP = 0.43) exhibited a weak positive correlation, and arginine (VIP = 0.89) showed weak negative correlations, their effects were far less significant than that of citric acid. Based on these findings, we propose a potential strategy for reducing 5-HMF content in black garlic—selecting raw material cultivars with higher endogenous citric acid levels or exploring the exogenous addition and regulation of citric acid during processing. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the accumulation mechanism of 5-HMF in black garlic and suggests new potential regulatory directions for controlling its content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
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21 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Effect of Compost Addition on Carbon Mineralization and Kinetic Characteristics in Three Typical Agricultural Soils
by Shanglong Zhang, Xianni Chen, Aoxue Shi, Minggang Xu, Fenggang Zhang, Lu Zhang, Jiaojiao Zang, Xiaofeng Xu and Jiakai Gao
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071559 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
Soil carbon is a crucial component of the global carbon cycle, and carbon mineralization is influenced by various factors. However, there is a lack of systematic analyses on the responses of carbon mineralization in different soil types to the addition of exogenous organic [...] Read more.
Soil carbon is a crucial component of the global carbon cycle, and carbon mineralization is influenced by various factors. However, there is a lack of systematic analyses on the responses of carbon mineralization in different soil types to the addition of exogenous organic matter. This study investigates the effects of compost addition on the mineralization and kinetic characteristics of soil carbon across three typical agricultural soils: paddy soil, black soil, and cinnamon soil. A 210-day incubation study was conducted with four treatments: Control (un-amended soil), R (soil + straw), R1M (soil + straw + low compost application rate), R2M (soil + straw + high compost application rate). The results showed that the CO2 emission rates of the three soils were higher during the early stage (1–37 days) and decreased afterward. The CO2 emission rates of the paddy soil and the black soil were significantly higher than those of the cinnamon soil. The addition of compost significantly increased both the CO2 emission rate and the cumulative release of CO2, especially in the R2M treatment. At the end of the incubation, the SOC contents were higher in the R2M treatment than in the Control for all three soils (p < 0.05), with the most notable increase in the cinnamon soil (60.93%). Compost addition significantly enhanced the active carbon pool (Ca), slow carbon pool (Cs), and potentially mineralizable carbon pool (Cp), while decreasing the mineralization rate (ka) of the Ca, but the effect on the mineralization rate (ks) of the Cs and mineralization entropy (Cm) varied by soil types. The ks of the paddy soil was significantly reduced by 23.08% under the R1M and R2M treatments compared with the Control and R treatment. The ks of the black soil was significantly increased by 59.52% under the R2M treatment compared with the Control. The ks of the cinnamon soil was elevated considerably by 79.31% under the R2M treatment compared with the Control, R, and R1M treatments (averaging 0.29 × 10−2 d), and the ks of the paddy soil and black soil were significantly higher than those of the cinnamon soil under the R2M treatment. The Cm was significantly higher in the organic material added treatments than in the Control for the black soil and the paddy soil, but showed a higher value in the R treatment than in the R2M and Control for the cinnamon soil. In conclusion, compost addition stimulated soil carbon mineralization and improved the SOC content, especially in the cinnamon soil, while reducing the mineralization rate of the active carbon pool across the three soils. The mineralization rate of the slow carbon pool and the changes in mineralization entropy were dependent on soil types, primarily related to the initial soil nutrient contents, pH, and particle compositions. These findings offer valuable insights for managing the soil carbon pool in agricultural ecosystems. Full article
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28 pages, 2657 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Classic and Novel Pathogenetic Insights of Plastic Exposure in the Genesis and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
by Mario Romeo, Marcello Dallio, Fiammetta Di Nardo, Giuseppina Martinelli, Claudio Basile, Alessia Silvestrin, Giusy Senese, Annachiara Coppola, Carmine Napolitano, Angela Amoresano, Carlo Altucci and Alessandro Federico
Livers 2025, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/livers5020021 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 1569
Abstract
The term “plastics” is an umbrella term generally referring to any material containing a high level of polymer content as an essential ingredient. Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are derived from the degradation of plastics, representing exogenous substances whose exposure can potentially interfere with different physiological [...] Read more.
The term “plastics” is an umbrella term generally referring to any material containing a high level of polymer content as an essential ingredient. Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are derived from the degradation of plastics, representing exogenous substances whose exposure can potentially interfere with different physiological processes. In this scenario, even considering the relative paramount detoxification role, the liver emerges as a key active organ in the relationship between plastic exposure and human disease. In industrialized countries, where plastics constitute largely diffused components of objects routinely adopted in daily/social life, including food packaging, Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) represents the predominant hepatopathy and is progressively becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, with an incompletely elucidated multifactorial pathogenesis. Notably, oral exposure to MNPs has been revealed to impact the gut–liver axis by influencing gut microbiota composition, gastrointestinal absorption, and, ultimately, determining hepatic accumulation. At the hepatic level, MNPs can contribute to the onset and worsening of steatosis by inducing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. Plastics can also serve as vectors for different potentially toxic additives, with specific MNPs constituting a persistent source of release of bisphenol A (BPA), a well-recognized exogenous etiological factor contributing to MASLD genesis and worsening. Recently, exposure to MNPs and additives has demonstrated significant impacts on the immune system, oxidative stress, and metabolism. In particular, polystyrene-derived MNPs impair the mechanisms regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, simultaneously acting as antigens abnormally triggering the innate immune response. At the same time, environmental BPA exposure has been revealed to trigger trained immunity-related pathways, configuring novel pathogenetic drivers potentially promoting the progression of MASLD. The present review, after rapidly overviewing the main sources and toxicological properties of MNPs and related additives, explores plastic-related exposure’s potential implications in the genesis and progression of hepatic steatosis, highlighting the urgent need for further clarification of relative pathogenetic mechanisms. Full article
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16 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Selenium Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by Reducing Accumulation, Enhancing Stress Resistance, and Promoting Growth
by Chen Cheng, Jianxiu Liu, Jiahui Liu, Zhiqiang Gao, Yang Yang, Bo Zhu, Fengxian Yao and Qing Ye
Plants 2025, 14(9), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091291 - 24 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 599
Abstract
The enrichment of cadmium (Cd) is an important factor threatening crop growth and food safety. However, it is unclear whether exogenous selenium (Se) can simultaneously achieve Cd reduction and promote the growth of peppers. This study used Yuefeng 750 and Hongtianhu 101 as [...] Read more.
The enrichment of cadmium (Cd) is an important factor threatening crop growth and food safety. However, it is unclear whether exogenous selenium (Se) can simultaneously achieve Cd reduction and promote the growth of peppers. This study used Yuefeng 750 and Hongtianhu 101 as materials and investigated the interaction effects of different Se-Cd concentrations (Cd = 2 and 5 μM; Se = 0, 0.5, and 2 μM) on the uptake and transport of Cd and Se, resistance physiology, and growth and development of pepper seedlings in a hydroponic experiment. The organ Cd content was significantly increased in pepper seedlings, inhibiting their growth and aggravating their physiological stress under Cd application. However, the growth and photosynthetic capacity of peppers were promoted after Se application under Cd stress. The superoxide anion (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and abscisic acid (ABA) contents and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase (IAAO) activity in the leaves showed a significantly progressive decline, while the proline (Pro), ascorbic acid (ASA), and trans zeatin riboside (ZR) contents showed a significant rising trend. Thus, the growth, development, and dry matter accumulation of peppers were enhanced by reducing Cd stress. Meanwhile, the application of exogenous Se significantly improved the accumulation of Se in seedlings. In addition, compared to Hongtianhu 101, the Yuefeng 750 cultivars had a greater Cd and Se enrichment capacity. The cultivation of Cd-excluding cultivars combined with exogenous Se addition can be used as a recommended solution to reduce Cd toxicity and achieve Cd reduction and Se enrichment in peppers under Cd pollution. Full article
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18 pages, 5469 KiB  
Article
Identification of the SAUR Members in Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Detection of Their Expression Profiles in Response to Auxin Signals
by Ruian Zhou, Jiahui Feng, Zhihong Zhang and Yuexue Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083638 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
The SAUR (Small Auxin-Upregulated RNA) family members are important early auxin responsive genes in plants, playing a key regulatory role in the auxin metabolism, signal transduction, plant organ development, and abiotic stress response. Auxin signaling is also crucial for strawberry fruit development, but [...] Read more.
The SAUR (Small Auxin-Upregulated RNA) family members are important early auxin responsive genes in plants, playing a key regulatory role in the auxin metabolism, signal transduction, plant organ development, and abiotic stress response. Auxin signaling is also crucial for strawberry fruit development, but its specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to systematically identify and evaluate the FvSAUR gene family members associated with the auxin signaling in strawberry. The woodland strawberry Yellow Wonder line ‘YW5AF7’ was used as the material to further investigate the expressional characteristics of FvSAUR members in response to the auxin signals. A total of 64 members of the SAUR gene family were identified in the woodland strawberry genome, associated with FvSAUR1-64. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that the FvSAUR members have undergone significant structural differentiation during evolution, and their encoded proteins exhibit diversity in folding stability, physicochemical properties, and other aspects. The prediction of the cis-elements in the promoter sequences of these genes suggests that the FvSAUR genes may mediate multiple hormonal and environmental signals, participating in a wide range of biological processes. RNA seq data analysis combined with RT-qPCR analysis revealed a dynamic spatiotemporal expression pattern of the FvSAUR genes in the vegetative and reproductive organs of strawberries, particularly the high expression levels of FvSAUR11, 17, 19, 21, and other genes in flowers and young fruits, suggesting their potential regulatory roles in strawberry fruit development. Exogenous auxin treatment experiments further suggested that the expression of FvSAUR11 and FvSAUR19 is sensitive to the changes in auxin levels, indicating their potential involvement in auxin signal transduction during strawberry fruit development. Subcellular localization results showed that both proteins are located in the nucleus. The results of this study systematically analyzed the sequence structure characteristics, evolutionary history, expression patterns, and potential functions of the strawberry FvSAUR family members, providing important insights for further elucidating the roles of FvSAUR genes in strawberry fruit growth and development. Full article
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19 pages, 2834 KiB  
Article
Direct Targeted Degradation of Transposon RNAs by the Non-Canonical RNAi Pathway of the Fungus Mucor lusitanicus
by Ghizlane Tahiri, Carlos Lax, Francisco E. Nicolás, Victoriano Garre and Eusebio Navarro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2738; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062738 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
Mucor lusitanicus has emerged as a model organism for studying RNAi in early-diverging fungi. This fungus exhibits intricate RNAi pathways that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression, destroying invasive exogenous genetic material, and controlling the movement of transposable elements (TEs) to ensure [...] Read more.
Mucor lusitanicus has emerged as a model organism for studying RNAi in early-diverging fungi. This fungus exhibits intricate RNAi pathways that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression, destroying invasive exogenous genetic material, and controlling the movement of transposable elements (TEs) to ensure genome stability. One of the most fascinating RNAi pathways of this fungus is the non-canonical RNAi pathway (NCRIP), which is independent of Dicer and Argonaute proteins and uses the atypical RNase III R3B2 to degrade specific target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), playing an essential role in genome stability and virulence. Despite accumulating data suggesting that this pathway is a degradation mechanism, there has been no conclusive evidence. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of mRNA and small RNAs regulated by r3b2, identifying 35 direct NCRIP targets. Most of these direct NCRIP targets correspond to TEs, highlighting the significant role of this RNAi pathway in TE control. Detailed functional analysis of the NCRIP targets confirmed the crucial role of r3b2 in regulating gene expression of protein-coding genes and controlling TEs other than centromeric GremLINE1 transposons, emphasizing the important role of r3b2 in genome stability. Interestingly, the RNAs of the NCRIP targets harbor a unique motif consisting of CAG repeats which are known to form hairpin structures which are targeted by RNA interference. Additionally, the generation of transformants expressing mRNAs containing the luciferase reporter gene along direct NCRIP targets reveals that this RNAi pathway is a true degradation mechanism for specific mRNAs. These results are expected to contribute to the understanding of the regulation of the NCRIP pathway through the analysis of its direct targets identified here. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Antifungal Resistance and Virulence)
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22 pages, 6741 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Sweet Sorghum Growth and Soil Quality in Coastal Saline–Alkali Soils Through Organic Acid-Containing Bio-Based Materials and Microbial Synergy
by Wei Xue, Shengjie Yang, Xiaoyu Liu, Man Qian, Huiyan Wang, He Yang, Xinbao Liu, Yixin Shen, Jianlong Li and Zhengguo Sun
Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010056 - 28 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1641
Abstract
Coastal mudflats are characterized by high salinity and alkalinity, along with low mineral nutrient availability, making it challenging to achieve high biomass or effective yields when directly cultivating food or fodder crops. Exogenous complex saline soil amendments can enhance forage production, but their [...] Read more.
Coastal mudflats are characterized by high salinity and alkalinity, along with low mineral nutrient availability, making it challenging to achieve high biomass or effective yields when directly cultivating food or fodder crops. Exogenous complex saline soil amendments can enhance forage production, but their effects on soil salinity reduction and nutrient activation remain unclear. This study used pot experiments and laboratory analyses to investigate these effects. A 0.3% saline–alkali soil was treated with a combination of organic acids (fulvic acid and citric acid), bio-based materials (cow dung and pine needles), and beneficial microbial mixtures (Priestia megaterium + Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis + Aspergillus niger, and Bacillus pumilus + Paecilomyces lilacinus). The organic acid bio-modifier significantly alleviated salinity stress in sweet sorghum, reducing soil salinity, increasing soil nutrient levels, enhancing root vigor and photosynthesis, and improving plant morphology, resulting in higher biomass yields. Among the factors tested, bio-based materials had the most pronounced effect. Citric acid, pine needles, Priestia megaterium, and Trichoderma harzianum enhanced sweet sorghum growth during the seedling stage, whereas fulvic acid, pine needles, Bacillus pumilus, and Paecilomyces lilacinus were more beneficial during the elongation stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Biostimulants in Agriculture—2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 1462 KiB  
Review
Targeting Reactive Oxygen Species for Diagnosis of Various Diseases
by Moung Young Lee, Donguk Lee, Dayun Choi, Kye S. Kim and Peter M. Kang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120378 - 15 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2274
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated predominantly during cellular respiration and play a significant role in signaling within the cell and between cells. However, excessive accumulation of ROS can lead to cellular dysfunction, disease progression, and apoptosis that can lead to organ dysfunction. [...] Read more.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated predominantly during cellular respiration and play a significant role in signaling within the cell and between cells. However, excessive accumulation of ROS can lead to cellular dysfunction, disease progression, and apoptosis that can lead to organ dysfunction. To overcome the short half-life of ROS and the relatively small amount produced, various imaging methods have been developed, using both endogenous and exogenous means to monitor ROS in disease settings. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS production and explore the methods and materials that could be used to detect ROS overproduction, including iron-based materials, ROS-responsive chemical bond containing polymers, and ROS-responsive molecule containing biomaterials. We also discuss various imaging and imaging techniques that could be used to target and detect ROS overproduction. We discuss the ROS imaging potentials of established clinical imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonographic imaging, and fluorescence imaging. ROS imaging potentials of other imaging methods, such as photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and Raman imaging (RI) that are currently in preclinical stage are also discussed. Finally, this paper focuses on various diseases that are associated with ROS overproduction, and the current and the future clinical applications of ROS-targeted imaging. While the most widely used clinical condition is cardiovascular diseases, its potential extends into non-cardiovascular clinical conditions, such as neurovascular, neurodegenerative, and other ROS-associated conditions, such as cancers, skin aging, acute kidney injury, and inflammatory arthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Biomaterials for Drug Delivery)
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16 pages, 3946 KiB  
Article
Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Spent Mushroom Substrate Biochar in the Presence of Mineral Iron
by Bin Liu, Zebing Xing, Yuxin Xue, Ji Zhang and Junlin Zhai
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5712; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235712 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2003
Abstract
The preparation of biochar typically involves the pyrolysis of waste organic biomass. Iron-rich magnetic biochar not only inherits the characteristics of high specific surface area and porous structure from biochar but also possesses significant advantages in easy separation and recovery, which has shown [...] Read more.
The preparation of biochar typically involves the pyrolysis of waste organic biomass. Iron-rich magnetic biochar not only inherits the characteristics of high specific surface area and porous structure from biochar but also possesses significant advantages in easy separation and recovery, which has shown great application potential in various fields such as soil improvement and water resource remediation. This study aims to explore the influence of mineral iron on the carbon sequestration capability of biochar during the pyrolysis process. Experiments were conducted by using spent mushroom substrates as raw materials to prepare biochar at different temperature intervals (300 to 600 °C). The addition of exogenous iron has been found to significantly enhance the carbon retention rate (12.2–44.5%) of biochar across various pyrolysis temperatures and, notably, improves the carbon stability of biochar at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. Through the analysis of thermogravimetric mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we discovered that iron catalyzes the thermochemical reactions and inhibits the release of organic small molecules (C2-C5) through both physical blocking (FexOx) and chemical bonding (C=O and O-C=O). The results of Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy analyses indicate that the addition of iron significantly promotes the graphitization process of carbon and enhances the thermal stability of biochar within the temperature range of 300 to 500 °C. When exploring the retention and stability of carbon during pyrolysis, it was found that under the conditions of 600 °C and the presence of iron, the maximum carbon sequestration rate of biochar can reach 60.6%. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of iron and pyrolysis temperature in enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of biochar. Full article
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40 pages, 20836 KiB  
Review
Review and Future Perspectives of Stimuli-Responsive Bridged Polysilsesquioxanes in Controlled Release Applications
by Xin Zhang, Han Zhang, Xiaonan Liu, Jiao Wang, Shifeng Li and Peng Gao
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223163 - 13 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Bridged polysilsesquioxanes (BPSs) are emerging biomaterials composed of synergistic inorganic and organic components. These materials have been investigated as ideal carriers for therapeutic and diagnostic systems for their favorable properties, including excellent biocompatibility, physiological inertia, tunable size and morphology, and their extensive design [...] Read more.
Bridged polysilsesquioxanes (BPSs) are emerging biomaterials composed of synergistic inorganic and organic components. These materials have been investigated as ideal carriers for therapeutic and diagnostic systems for their favorable properties, including excellent biocompatibility, physiological inertia, tunable size and morphology, and their extensive design flexibility of functional organic groups to satisfy diverse application requirements. Stimuli-responsive BPSs can be activated by both endogenous and exogenous stimuli, offering a precise, safe, and effective platform for the controlled release of various targeted therapeutics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of stimuli-responsive BPSs, focusing on their synthetic strategies, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, while critically assessing their capabilities for controlled release in response to specific stimuli. Furthermore, practical suggestions and future perspectives for the design and development of BPSs are presented. This review highlights the significant role of stimuli-responsive BPSs in advancing biomedical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Progress in Polymer Applications)
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19 pages, 7776 KiB  
Article
Development of an Oral Epithelial Ex Vivo Organ Culture Model for Biocompatibility and Permeability Assessment of Biomaterials
by Foteini Machla, Chrysanthi Bekiari, Paraskevi Kyriaki Monou, Evangelia Kofidou, Astero Maria Theodosaki, Orestis L. Katsamenis, Vasileios Zisis, Maria Kokoti, Athina Bakopoulou, Dimitrios Fatouros and Dimitrios Andreadis
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11101035 - 17 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
In the present study, a customized device (Epi-ExPer) was designed and fabricated to facilitate an epithelial organ culture, allowing for controlled exposure to exogenous chemical stimuli and accommodating the evaluation of permeation of the tissue after treatment. The Epi-ExPer system was fabricated using [...] Read more.
In the present study, a customized device (Epi-ExPer) was designed and fabricated to facilitate an epithelial organ culture, allowing for controlled exposure to exogenous chemical stimuli and accommodating the evaluation of permeation of the tissue after treatment. The Epi-ExPer system was fabricated using a stereolithography (SLA)-based additive manufacturing (AM) method. Human and porcine oral epithelial mucosa tissues were inserted into the device and exposed to resinous monomers commonly released by dental restorative materials. The effect of these xenobiotics on the morphology, viability, permeability, and expression of relevant markers of the oral epithelium was evaluated. Tissue culture could be performed with the desired orientation of air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions, and exposure to xenobiotics was undertaken in a spatially guarded and reproducible manner. Among the selected monomers, HEMA and TEGDMA reduced tissue viability at high concentrations, while tissue permeability was increased by the latter. Xenobiotics affected the histological image by introducing the vacuolar degeneration of epithelial cells and increasing the expression of panCytokeratin (pCK). Epi-ExPer device offers a simple, precise, and reproducible study system to evaluate interactions of oral mucosa with external stimuli, providing a biocompatibility and permeability assessment tool aiming to an enhanced in vitro/ex vivo-to-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) that complies with European Union (EU) and Food and Durg Administration (FDI) policies. Full article
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19 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
Biochemical Parameters of Fallow Light Soil Enriched with Sewage Sludge
by Grażyna Żukowska, Barbara Futa and Magdalena Myszura-Dymek
Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101810 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1160
Abstract
One way to manage sewage sludge, which is consistent with the assumptions of the European Green Deal, is to use it in agriculture. The study focused on the possibility of using soil enzyme activity and the GMea index (the geometric mean of enzyme [...] Read more.
One way to manage sewage sludge, which is consistent with the assumptions of the European Green Deal, is to use it in agriculture. The study focused on the possibility of using soil enzyme activity and the GMea index (the geometric mean of enzyme activities) in connection with the total organic carbon (TOC) and the total nitrogen (TN) content to assess the quality of fallow light soil after exogenous organic matter (EOM) fertilization. Exogenous organic matter in the form of stabilized municipal sewage sludge was introduced into the soil. The experiment included five variants: one control site and four sites with 30, 75, 150, and 300 Mg ha−1 of sewage sludge added to the soil. The contents of TOC, TN and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) in the soil material were assayed. In addition, the activity of soil enzymes, i.e., neutral phosphatase, urease, protease and dehydrogenase, was examined, and the geometric mean of the enzyme activities (GMea index) was calculated. Fertilization of light soil with sewage sludge resulted in an increase in TOC and TN proportionally to the EOM dose. The addition of sewage sludge increased the content of tested heavy metals in the soil and did not exceed the levels considered acceptable. The introduction of sewage sludge contributed to the stimulation of biological life in the soil. This was evidenced by an intensification of soil enzyme activity. However, individual enzymes showed a different response to EOM fertilization, while GMea showed a significant increase in the quality of the fallowed soils as the EOM rate increased to 150 Mg ha−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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19 pages, 2666 KiB  
Article
Exogenous N Supply on N Transportation and Reuse during the Rice Grain-Filling Stage and Its Relationship with Leaf Color-Changing Parameters
by Yi Tao, Yanan Xu, Chang Ye, Junlin Zhu, Deshun Xiao, Wenli Liao, Yijun Zhu, Guang Chu, Chunmei Xu and Danying Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102321 - 9 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 987
Abstract
During the later reproductive period of rice growth, the chlorophyll in the leaves degraded, accompanied by the nitrogen (N) transportation from leaves to panicle, resulting in a change in leaf color from green to yellow. This study aimed to investigate the effects of [...] Read more.
During the later reproductive period of rice growth, the chlorophyll in the leaves degraded, accompanied by the nitrogen (N) transportation from leaves to panicle, resulting in a change in leaf color from green to yellow. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous N supply on leaf color-changing, N accumulation, N transportation, and N loss of indica-japonica hybrid rice during the grain-filling stage. Two indica-japonica hybrid rice cultivars, Chunyou 167 (CY167) and Chunyou 927 (CY927), which exhibited significant differences in leaf color-changing during the grain-filling stage, were selected as materials for field experiment and hydroponic experiment with low, medium, and high N treatments (LN, MN, and HN). The dynamic changes in SPAD value from heading to maturity were measured and fitted with quadratic function to extract leaf color-changing parameters; labeled 15N was used as N source after heading to trace the source of N in the panicle and the remobilization of vegetative organ N. The results showed that 67.37–72.38% of the panicle N was transported from vegetative organs, the N transport efficiency was the upper three leaves > lower leaves > stem, and about 3.1–35.0% of the transported N was lost via volatilization. The effects of exogenous N concentration on N harvest index, N dry matter/grain production efficiency, N reuse efficiency, and N loss were closely related to leaf color-changing parameters. In MN and HN treatment, the N loss was negatively correlated with the onset time of leaf color-changing (T0) and the final leaf color index (CIf), but positively correlated with the leaf color-changing rate (Rmean). Increasing the supply of exogenous N increased T0 and CIf, but decreased Rmean, N transport/reuse efficiency, N harvest index, and N dry matter/grain production efficiency. Compared to the cultivar CY167 with normal leaf color-changing, the “stay-green” cultivar CY927 had higher T0, CIf, and lower Rmean, resulting in less N volatilization loss, lower N harvest index and N transport efficiency, while higher N reuse efficiency. In conclusion, the exogenous N supply affects leaf color by influencing the transportation and reuse of leaf N during the grain-filling stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rice Cultivation and Physiology)
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23 pages, 9817 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Exogenous Sodium Selenite Treatment on the Nutritional Value and Active Constituents of Pueraria lobata
by Hua Cheng, Lu Wang, Huiyi Gong, Li Wang, Yuanfei Chen, Shuiyuan Cheng and Linling Li
Horticulturae 2024, 10(10), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10101081 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Moderate amounts of Se can promote crop growth, enhance stress resistance, increase yield, and improve nutritional quality. In the present study, kudzu seedlings were used as experimental materials, and their physiological indicators, antioxidant activity, nutritional components, and flavonoid content were measured after being [...] Read more.
Moderate amounts of Se can promote crop growth, enhance stress resistance, increase yield, and improve nutritional quality. In the present study, kudzu seedlings were used as experimental materials, and their physiological indicators, antioxidant activity, nutritional components, and flavonoid content were measured after being treated with Na2SeO3 hydroponics. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was used to reveal the relevant genes involved in regulating the effects of exogenous Se on the content of Se-compounds and flavonoids in kudzu. The results indicated that treatment with 20 mg/L Na2SeO3 significantly increased stem and root lengths, dry and fresh weight, lateral root development, and chlorophyll b content. However, at higher concentrations (30–40 mg/L), lateral root abundance and chlorophyll levels decreased. Na2SeO3 treatment also augmented the antioxidant capacity and enhanced the content of major nutrients in kudzu seedlings. The total Se content in kudzu escalated with increasing Na2SeO3 concentration, with selenomethionine emerging as the primary organic-Se species. After treatment with Na2SeO3, the content of puerarin in both aboveground and underground parts decreased, while the content of total flavonoids increased. Daidzin increased in the roots. Differential expression gene analysis revealed that genes such as TRXB2, SYM, MMT1, and METE were involved in Se uptake and transformation in kudzu, while bZIP43 and WRKY47 played a role in flavonoid biosynthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)
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24 pages, 4655 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Novel Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation Strategies for Biomass Valorization without Exogenous Hydrogen Donors—A Review
by Bojun Zhao, Bin Du, Jiansheng Hu, Zujiang Huang, Sida Xu, Zhengyu Chen, Defang Cheng and Chunbao (Charles) Xu
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100673 - 29 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2841
Abstract
Driven by the growing energy crisis and environmental concerns regarding the utilization of fossil fuels, biomass liquefaction has emerged as a highly promising technology for the production of renewable energy and value-added chemicals. However, due to the high oxygen content of biomass materials, [...] Read more.
Driven by the growing energy crisis and environmental concerns regarding the utilization of fossil fuels, biomass liquefaction has emerged as a highly promising technology for the production of renewable energy and value-added chemicals. However, due to the high oxygen content of biomass materials, biocrude oil produced from liquefaction processes often contains substantial oxygenated compounds, posing challenges for direct downstream applications. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) upgrading with hydrogen donors is crucial for improving the quality and applicability of biomass-derived fuels and chemicals. The costs, safety, and sustainability concerns associated with high-pressure gaseous hydrogen and organic molecule hydrogen donors are driving researchers to explore alternative and innovative biomass hydrodeoxygenation approaches without exogenous hydrogen donors. This review offers an overview of the recent developments in catalytic hydro-liquefaction and hydrodeoxygenation methods for biomass valorization without external hydrogen donation, including catalytic self-transfer hydrogenolysis using endogenous hydrogen in biomass structure, in situ catalytic hydrodeoxygenation employing water as the hydrogen donor, and in situ hydrodeoxygenation via water splitting assisted by zero-valent metals. The in situ hydrogen supply mechanisms and the impact of various hydrodeoxygenation catalysts on hydrogen donation efficiency using endogenous hydrogen are summarized in detail in this work. Furthermore, the current obstacles and future research demands are also discussed in order to provide valuable recommendations for the advancement of biomass utilization technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section "Biomass Catalysis")
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