Search Results (29)

This study investigated the physiological regulatory mechanisms by which exogenous trehalose intake enhances the adaptation of the global stored-grain pest T. castaneum to high-concentration carbon dioxide (CO₂) stress. By supplementing exogenous trehalose under high-CO₂ controlled atmosphere stress, we measured the activities of key detoxification enzymes (e.g., carboxylesterase and cytochrome P450) and the levels of carbohydrate substances (e.g., glycogen, glucose, and trehalose). The results demonstrated that trehalose feeding significantly alleviated CO₂ induced mortality in T. castaneum and prolonged their survival time. In terms of detoxification metabolism, a trehalose-rich diet significantly reduced the activities of cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase, while the glucose content in the beetles decreased markedly. These findings indicate that trehalose accumulation mitigates physiological damage caused by high-CO₂ stress in T. castaneum. Furthermore, exogenous trehalose intake did not disrupt carbohydrate metabolic homeostasis in the beetles, as trehalase activity and the levels of various carbohydrates remained relatively stable. This study elucidates the role of trehalose metabolism in T. castaneum’s adaptation to high-CO₂ environments, providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing controlled atmosphere grain storage technology and developing novel pest control strategies. Full article

This study investigated the influence of CO₂ levels (20–40%: M20, M30, and M40) in high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (Hi-O₂ MAP) on microbial communities and quality attributes of chilled goat meat stored at 4 °C for 12 days. Alpha diversity indices (Chao1, ACE, Simpson, and Shannon) revealed a significant decline in microbial diversity over time, with storage duration exerting a greater impact than packaging conditions. Nonetheless, MAP played a crucial role in shaping microbial profiles, with air packaging (AP) showing the most distinct community, while M40 differed notably from M20 and M30, particularly by day 12, as shown by beta diversity analysis using principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominated microbial composition, with Pseudomonas and Brochothrix linked to spoilage in AP, while MAP, especially M40, favored the growth of Lactococcus, Acinetobacter, and Vagococcus, enhancing microbial stability. Despite pathogen levels remaining within safe limits, AP exceeded the spoilage threshold (TVC > 7.00 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/g), whereas all MAPs extended shelf life, with M40 most effectively suppressing microbial growth (p < 0.05). Interestingly, metagenomic functional profiling revealed that elevated CO₂ levels (>30%) altered metabolic pathways, shifting spoilage mechanisms from protein degradation in AP to carbohydrate metabolism in MAP, potentially influencing odor and texture attributes. MAP, particularly M40, also reduced protein and lipid degradation and oxidation, as indicated by lower total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), and shear force, suggesting better prevention of increased meat hardness and the development of undesirable odors and flavors, although high CO₂ negatively affected redness. Overall, M40 provided the greatest microbial stability and shelf life extension, highlighting the potential of optimized CO₂ levels in Hi-O₂ MAP to preserve goat meat quality and regulate spoilage dynamics. Full article

Xiangxi Yellow Cattle, an indigenous Chinese livestock breed recognized for its exceptional nutrient composition and superior meat characteristics, has gained significant market preference among consumers. This investigation focused on evaluating physicochemical attributes, flavor development patterns, and bacterial population dynamics in chilled beef samples stored at 4 °C over an 8-day period. The research further examined interrelationships between meat parameters, predominant microbial species, and crucial aroma-active substances. Findings revealed a progressive elevation in lipid/protein oxidation levels, biogenic amine accumulation, and TVB-N values as microbial proliferation intensified toward the late storage phase. Microbial analysis demonstrated a final total viable count of 7.17 log10 (CFU/g), with bacterial community dominance distributed among Firmicutes (58.15%), Proteobacteria (29.56%), and Bacteroidota (12.05%). Notably, Brochothrix thermosphacta emerged as the primary spoilage organism in terminal storage phases. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the beef during storage were analyzed, with a total of 66 compounds identified. The critical analysis identified 2,3-butanedione and 2-butanone as microbial metabolism-dependent substances showing strong correlations with meat quality parameters, emerging as freshness markers for beef evaluation. Importantly, the study highlighted the necessity for deeper investigation into microbial–VOC interactions, particularly considering the intricate bacterial ecosystems in aquatic environments. These outcomes enhance our understanding of spoilage mechanisms in Xiangxi Yellow Cattle beef while proposing practical approaches for microbial control in meat preservation systems. Full article

To compare the impact of different post-harvest handling methods on volatile and non-volatile compounds, a total of 54 live large yellow croakers were subjected to commercial slaughter (CS), spinal cord cutting (SCC), or spinal cord cutting and bleeding (SCCB). The fish samples were ice-stored for 72 h, followed by the analysis of volatile compounds using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry and non-volatile compounds using LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics. The results revealed the detection of a total of 28 volatile organic compounds, with 23 being successfully identified, predominantly including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. Substances such as (E)-2-nonenal and 2-butanone are highly sensitive to post-harvest handling methods during ice storage. Furthermore, 943 non-volatile metabolites were identified, showing significant differences in 180, 100, 117, and 186 metabolites across comparisons of SCC 0 h/CS 0 h, SCCB 0 h/CS 0 h, SCC 72 h/CS 72 h, and SCCB 72 h/CS 72 h, respectively. Notably, the altered metabolic pathways mainly involved fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, including pathways like glycerophospholipid metabolism and arginine biosynthesis. This study revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the enhancement of fish quality through spinal cord cutting and bleeding. Full article

Salt stress inhibits rice seed germination. Strigolactone (GR24) plays a vital role in enhancing plant tolerance against salt stress. However, GR24’s impact on the metabolism of stored substances and endogenous hormones remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of exogenous GR24 on the metabolism of stored substances and endogenous hormones during the early stages of rice seed germination under salt stress. The results showed that salt stress significantly reduced the germination rate, germination potential, germination index, radicle length, germ length, and fresh and dry weights of the radicle and germ under salt stress. Pre-treatment (1.2 μmol L⁻¹ GR24) significantly reduced the inhibition of salt stress on rice seed germination and seedling growth. GR24 promoted the decomposition of starch by enhancing the activities of α-amylase, β-amylase, and total amylase and improved the levels of soluble sugars and proteins and the conversion rate of substances under salt stress. GR24 effectively enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX); increased ascorbic acid (ASA) and glutathione (GSH) levels; and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. This reduced the oxidative damage of salt stress. Furthermore, GR24 significantly increased the contents of strigolactones (SLs), auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), cytokinin (CTK) as well as IAA/ABA, CTK/ABA, GA/ABA, and SL/ABA ratios and reduced abscisic acid (ABA) levels. The current findings indicate that GR24 effectively mitigates the adverse impact salt stress by regulating antioxidant enzyme activity and endogenous hormone balance. Full article

The betel nut is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. Arecoline is an active ingredient from the areca nut. It has many pharmacological effects and can affect the central nervous system. In this study, we found that arecoline can relieve fatigue behavior. Objective: This research aims to estimate the anti-fatigue effects of arecoline and explore its underlying mechanisms using a murine model of central fatigue precipitated by sleep deprivation (SD). Methods: Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: a control group, an SD-induced fatigue model group, a group that received Rhodiola Rosea capsules (2.5 mg/kg), and three arecoline groups, which were administered at low, medium, and high doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively). Following 28 days of continuous administrations, the effects of arecoline on mouse fatigue-related behaviors were assessed by behavioral tests, including grip strength, rotarod performance, and weight-bearing swimming endurance. The release levels of the related biochemical markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Western blotting was employed to quantify the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), sequestosome-1 (p62), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results: Arecoline administration notably enhanced grip strength, delayed the onset of fatigue as evidenced by extended latencies in rotarod tests, and increased the duration of weight-bearing swimming in mice. In the elevated plus maze, arecoline obviously decreased both the number of entries and the total distance traveled in the open arms. Arecoline markedly decreased the contents of creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the serum, while it elevated the levels of total testosterone, lactate dehydrogenase, and immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, it significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase in the gastrocnemius muscle, reduced malondialdehyde levels, augmented hippocampal SOD and CAT activity, and elevated glycogen stores in both liver and muscle tissues. Neurotransmitter levels showed significant increases, cytokine levels were markedly reduced, and the expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1, p62, and HO-1 in brain tissues were significantly upregulated. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that arecoline has anti-fatigue activity, and the specific mechanisms are associated with elevating glucose and lipid metabolism levels, relieving oxidative stress damage, inhibiting neuroinflammatory response, and regulating neurotransmitter levels and the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. The research provides a new direction for arecoline’s potential in preventing and improving fatigue. Full article

Encapsulins are self-assembling nano-compartments that naturally occur in bacteria and archaea. These nano-compartments encapsulate cargo proteins that bind to the shell’s interior through specific recognition sequences and perform various metabolic processes. Encapsulation enables organisms to perform chemical reactions without exposing the rest of the cell to potentially harmful substances while shielding cargo molecules from degradation and other adverse effects of the surrounding environment. One particular type of cargo protein, the ferritin-like protein (FLP), is the focus of this review. Encapsulated FLPs are members of the ferritin-like protein superfamily, and they play a crucial role in converting ferrous iron (Fe⁺²) to ferric iron (Fe⁺³), which is then stored inside the encapsulin in mineralized form. As such, FLPs regulate iron homeostasis and protect organisms against oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated that FLPs have tremendous potential as biosensors and bioreactors because of their ability to catalyze the oxidation of ferrous iron with high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, they have been investigated as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer drug development and bacterial pathogenesis. Further research will likely lead to new insights and applications for these remarkable proteins in biomedicine and biotechnology. Full article

For the last 30 years, interest has focused on biochar and its potential to store carbon in soil to mitigate climate change whilst improving soil properties for increased crop production and, therefore, could play a critical role in both agricultural sustainability and broader environmental aims. Biochar, a carbonaceous product, is formed from organic feedstock pyrolysised in the absence of air and, therefore, is a potential means of recycling organic waste. However, different feedstock and pyrolysis conditions result in a biochar with a range of altered characteristics. These characteristics influence nitrogen transformation processes in soil and result in the metabolism of different substrates and the formation of different products, which have different effects on agricultural yield. This paper reviews how the production of biochar, from varying feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, results in different biochar characteristics that influence each stage of the nitrogen cycle, namely processes involved in fixation, assimilation, mineralisation and denitrification. The nitrogen cycle is briefly outlined, providing a structure for the following discussion on influential biochar characteristics including carbon composition (whether recalcitrant or rapidly metabolisable), mineral composition, surface area, porosity, cation exchange capacity, inhibitory substances and pH and so on. Hence, after the addition of biochar to soil, microbial biomass and diversity, soil porosity, bulk density, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, pH and other parameters change, but that change is subject to the type and amount of biochar. Hence, products from soil-based nitrogen transformation processes, which may be beneficial for plant growth, are highly dependent on biochar characteristics. The paper concludes with a diagrammatic summation of the influence of biochar on each phase of the nitrogen cycle, which, it is hoped, will serve as a reference for both students and biochar practitioners. Full article

In the preclinical phase of drug development, it is necessary to determine how the active compound can pass through the biological barriers surrounding the target tissue. In vitro barrier models provide a reliable, low-cost, high-throughput solution for screening substances early in the drug candidate development process, thus reducing more complex and costly animal studies. In this pilot study, the transport properties of TB501, an antimycobacterial drug candidate, were characterized using an in vitro barrier model of VERO E6 kidney cells. The compound was delivered into the apical chamber of the transwell insert, and its concentration passing through the barrier layer was measured through the automated sampling of the basolateral compartment, where media were replaced every 30 min for 6 h, and the collected samples were stored for further spectroscopic analysis. The kinetics of TB501 concentration obtained from VERO E6 transwell cultures and transwell membranes saturated with serum proteins reveal the extent to which the cell layer functions as a diffusion barrier. The large number of samples collected allows us to fit a detailed mathematical model of the passive diffusive currents to the measured concentration profiles. This approach enables the determination of the diffusive permeability, the diffusivity of the compound in the cell layer, the affinity of the compound binding to the cell membrane as well as the rate by which the cells metabolize the compound. The proposed approach goes beyond the determination of the permeability coefficient and offers a more detailed pharmacokinetic characterization of the transwell barrier model. We expect the presented method to be fruitful in evaluating other compounds with different chemical features on simple in vitro barrier models. The proposed mathematical model can also be extended to include various forms of active transport. Full article

Seeds stored for a prolonged period are subject to aging and a reduction in germination potential (GP), which will negatively affect seed sales. Rare-earth elements have a synergistic effect on the improvement of seed GP. In this study, we examined the effects of neodymium on biochemical components, the antioxidant protective system, and metabolism-related enzymes during germination of naturally and artificially aged seeds of three wheat cultivars. Seed germination indices, biochemical substance contents, and enzyme activities decreased after seed aging. Soaking seeds in a neodymium nitrate solution revived aged wheat seeds at an optimal concentration of 20 µmol/L for 8 h. Soaking in a neodymium nitrate solution increased the GP4 (by 2.25–60.9%), germination index (by 1.69–29.2%), and vigor index (by 3.36–18.7%) of aged seeds. Compared with non-soaked seeds, soaking significantly changed the contents of biochemical substances, and the activities of antioxidant protective enzymes and metabolic enzymes in seedlings were increased. Soaking with neodymium may revive aged seeds by regulating the synthesis of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, chlorophyll, and carotenoids and decomposing malondialdehyde in the germinating seed. Root dehydrogenase and amylase showed different responses to the aging modes. The differential responses of root dehydrogenase and amylase may reflect differences in the resistance of enzymes to long-term mild seed aging and short-term severe environmental aging. Full article

Adipocytes accumulate triacylglycerols as an energy store, thereby causing an increase in the adipose tissue volume. Weight gain can be prevented through damage to the adipocyte structure or an increase in the body’s metabolic rate. Commonly used methods to disintegrate the cell membrane of adipocytes include injection lipolysis, cryolipolysis, ultrasonic lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, laser lipolysis, carboxytherapy, and lipolysis using an electromagnetic field. The names of these methods suggest which substances are being used, and their main advantages are a very low invasiveness, as well as effectiveness. However, new discoveries in medicine, along with individuals’ desire to improve their appearance, have resulted in numerous studies on more ways of reducing body fat. Great potential is seen in beige adipocytes, which can be transformed, i.e., “recruited” from white adipocytes, or synthesized de novo; they also show thermogenic properties. One of the stimuli inducing the formation of beige adipocytes is cold and B3-adrenergic stimulation. Based on these findings, the researchers created, for example, cooling clothing. Additionally, curcumin and natural anthocyanins have proven to be helpful in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, by stimulating the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1, and inducing the formation of beige adipocytes. Another study showed that the conversion of white adipose tissue is indirectly influenced by interleukin-6 secreted by the muscles, the expression of which is increased in people actively exercising. Moreover, there is potential in adenosine analogs, fenoldopam, rhubarb, the herbal extract Ephedra sinica Stapf, electroacupuncture simulation, and the drug CBL-514. Despite knowledge and experience, the ideal method for a quick and noticeable, but safe and non-invasive reduction of body fat has not been found yet. The research conducted nowadays may bring us closer to the development of a universal method, and turn out to be a breakthrough in the fight against overweight and obesity. Full article

Mature seeds of many crop species contain substantial amounts of soluble carbohydrates, including raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and cyclitol galactosides (Gal-C). These substances are hydrolysed by α-D-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22) during the early stages of germination, providing metabolic energy for the germination process. A decrease or inhibition of α-D-galactosidase activity can significantly reduce the germination rate. This study aimed to investigate changes in α-D-galactosidase activity during the long-term storage of Vicia hirsuta seeds and evaluate the association between the loss of enzyme activity and the decline in seed vigour and viability. V. hirsuta seeds were stored at 22 °C and 35% relative humidity for up to 25 years, and α-D-galactosidase activity and seed vigour changes were monitored at different time points. Storage of V. hirsuta seeds resulted in a loss of viability and vigour, accompanied by a decrease in α-D-galactosidase activity. The enzyme activity showed a significant correlation with seed germinability and vigour. Monitoring α-D-galactosidase activity in seeds subjected to long-term storage could be a simple and rapid method for determining the decline in vigour in seeds that utilize soluble galactosides as their storage materials. Full article

The key factors for resistance to chilling injury in apricot fruits were obtained by analyzing the low-temperature storage characteristics of 21 varieties of apricot fruits in the main producing areas of China. Twenty-one varieties of apricots from different production areas in China were stored at 0 °C for 50 d and then shelved at 25 °C. The storage quality, chilling injury, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant ability, and contents of bioactive substances of the apricots were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the 21 varieties of apricot fruits could be divided into two categories according to tolerance during low-temperature storage, where there was chilling tolerance and lack of chilling tolerance. Eleven varieties of apricots, of which Xiangbai and Yunbai are representative, suffered from severe chilling injury after cold storage and shelf life. After 50 d of storage at 0 °C, the levels of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide accumulated in the 11 varieties of apricots with a lack of chilling tolerance during storage were significantly higher than those in the remaining 10 varieties of apricots with chilling tolerance. In addition, the activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, represented by superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, were significantly decreased in 11 varieties of apricots with a lack of chilling tolerance during storage. The contents of bioactive substances with ROS scavenging ability, represented by ascorbic acid, total phenols, carotenoids, and total flavonoids, also significantly decreased. The 10 varieties of apricots, of which Akeximixi and Suanmao are representative, were less affected by chilling injury because the production and removal of ROS were maintained at normal levels, avoiding the damaging effects of ROS accumulation in the fruit. In addition, the 10 apricot varieties with chilling tolerance during storage had higher sugar and acid contents after harvest. This could supply energy for physiological metabolism during cold storage and provide carbon skeletons for secondary metabolism, thus enhancing the chilling tolerance of the fruits. Based on the results of cluster analysis combined with the geographical distribution of the 21 fruit varieties, it was found that apricot varieties with chilling tolerance during storage were all from the northwestern region of China where diurnal temperature differences and rapid climate changes occur. In conclusion, maintaining the balance of ROS production and removal in apricots during cold storage is a key factor to enhance the storage tolerance of apricots. Moreover, apricots with higher initial glycolic acid and bioactive substance contents are less susceptible to chilling injury. Full article

Fatal intoxication with sedative-hypnotic drugs is increasing yearly. However, the plasma drug concentration data for fatal intoxication involving these substances are not systematic and even overlap with the intoxication group. Therefore, developing a more precise and trustworthy approach to determining the cause of death is necessary. This study analyzed mice plasma and brainstem samples using the liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR MS/MS)-based metabolomics method to create discriminative classification models for estazolam fatal intoxication (EFI). The most perturbed metabolic pathway between the EFI and EIND (estazolam intoxication non-death) was examined, Both EIND and EFI groups were administered 500 mg of estazolam per 100 g of body weight. Mice that did not die beyond 8 hours were treated with cervical dislocation and were classified into the EIND groups; the lysine degradation pathway was verified by qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), metabolite quantitative and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analysis. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis with EFI were the experimental group and four hypoxia-related non-drug-related deaths (NDRDs) were the control group. Mass spectrometry data were analyzed with Compound Discoverer (CD) 3.1 software and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using the online software MetaboAnalyst 5.0. After a series of analyses, the results showed the discriminative classification model in plasma was composed of three endogenous metabolites: phenylacetylglycine, creatine and indole-3-lactic acid, and in the brainstem was composed of palmitic acid, creatine, and indole-3-lactic acid. The specificity validation results showed that both classification models distinguished between the other four sedatives–hypnotics, with an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.991, and the classification models had an extremely high specificity. When comparing different doses of estazolam, the AUC value of each group was larger than 0.80, and the sensitivity was also high. Moreover, the stability results showed that the AUC value was equal to or very close to 1 in plasma samples stored at 4 °C for 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 days; the predictive power of the classification model was stable within 15 days. The results of lysine degradation pathway validation revealed that the EFI group had the highest lysine and saccharopine concentrations (mean (ng/mg) = 1.089 and 1.2526, respectively) when compared to the EIND and control group, while the relative expression of SDH (saccharopine dehydrogenase) showed significantly lower in the EFI group (mean = 1.206). Both of these results were statistically significant. Furthermore, TEM analysis showed that the EFI group had the more severely damaged mitochondria. This work gives fresh insights into the toxicological processes of estazolam and a new method for identifying EFI-related causes of mortality. Full article

Globally, diabetic mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease that effectively inhibits insulin production, destroys pancreatic β cells, and consequently, promotes hyperglycemia. This disease causes complications, including slowed wound healing, risk of infection in wound areas, and development of chronic wounds all of which are significant sources of mortality. With an increasing number of people diagnosed with DM, the current method of wound healing does not meet the needs of patients with diabetes. The lack of antibacterial ability and the inability to sustainably deliver necessary factors to wound areas limit its use. To overcome this, a new method of creating wound dressings for diabetic patients was developed using an electrospinning methodology. The nanofiber membrane mimics the extracellular matrix with its unique structure and functionality, owing to which it can store and deliver active substances that greatly aid in diabetic wound healing. In this review, we discuss several polymers used to create nanofiber membranes and their effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Full article