Search Results (1,022)

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi form key symbioses with forest trees, strongly regulating plant nutrition and stress tolerance. This review synthesizes how ECM fungi redistribute plant-fixed carbon (C) in soil, interact with soil organic matter (SOM), and mediate the uptake and allocation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and other macro- and micronutrients. We highlight mechanisms underlying ECM enhanced organic and mineral N and P mobilization, including oxidative decomposition, enzymatic hydrolysis, and organic acid weathering. Beyond C-N-P dynamics, ECM fungi also enhance acquisition and homeostasis of elements such as K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, reshaping host nutrient stoichiometry, productivity, and soil microbial community composition. We further summarize multi-layered mechanisms by which ECM improve host plant resistance to pathogens, drought, salinity–alkalinity, and heavy metal stresses via physical protection, ion regulation, hormonal signaling, aquaporins, and antioxidant and osmotic adjustment. Finally, we outline research priorities, such as using trait-based, multi-omics, and microbiome-integrated approaches to better harness ECM in forestry and ecosystem restoration. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study systematically analyzed the concentration dynamics of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the distribution characteristics of secretory (Se) and Lewis (Le) phenotypes in China. Methods: A total of 1462 breast milk samples were collected from lactating mothers in six major regions of China, including Changchun, Lanzhou, Chengdu, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. We quantified 17 major HMOs by high-performance anion exchange chromatography-pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), and Se/Le phenotypes were determined to evaluate regional differences and distribution patterns. Results: Total HMO concentration in breast milk showed a significant downward trend within 200 days postpartum and stabilized after 200 to 400 days. Fucosylated HMOs accounted for the highest proportion 60.0-83.0%, among which 2′-FL had the largest concentration 903.4-2832.7 mg/L; acetylated HMOs 8.4-17.6% and sialylated HMOs 8.2-25.3% accounted for relatively lower proportions. This study further divided breast milk into four phenotypes based on HMO characteristics: 72.49% of the samples were Se+/Le+, 6.145% were Se+/Le−, 20.12% were Se−/Le+, and 1.24% were double negative (Se−/Le−). Se+ and Le+ phenotypes accounted for 78.7% and 92.6% of the total population, respectively. The total concentration of HMOs in breast milk of different phenotypes was significantly different, with the average total HMO concentration of Se+/Le+ breast milk being the highest (8342 mg/L), while that of Se−/Le− breast milk being the lowest (4532 mg/L). Se+ phenotype was associated with higher levels of fucosylated HMOs, including 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP I), and lower levels of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) and sialyl-lacto-N-tetraose b (LST b) compared to other phenotypes. Most HMOs reached their highest concentrations during the colostrum (CM) and transitional milk (TM) stages, followed by a progressive decline with lactation, with phenotype-specific variations evident across all HMOs. Notably, certain HMOs, such as 3-FL, 3′-SL, DFL, and LNDFH II, exhibited distinct temporal patterns. Conclusions: This study revealed the Se/Le phenotype distribution and dynamic characteristics of HMOs in the Chinese mother-infant population, offering a valuable reference for global breast milk composition databases and infant nutrition research. Full article

The escalating incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the alarming rise in early-onset cases, necessitates a paradigm shift from a purely genetic perspective to a broader investigation of promising pathways. This review explores the “nutri-epigenetic” interface, positioning liquid biopsy as a critical technology for translating dietary impacts into actionable clinical biomarkers. We contrast the molecular consequences of the Western dietary pattern, characterized by methyl-donor deficiency and pro-inflammatory metabolites, with the protective mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet. Mechanistically, we detail how Western-style diets drive a specific “epigenetic double-hit”: promoting global DNA hypomethylation (destabilizing LINE-1) while paradoxically inducing promoter hypermethylation of critical tumour suppressors (MLH1, APC, MGMT) and silencing tumour-suppressive microRNAs (miR-34b/c, miR-137) via methylation of their encoding genes. Conversely, we highlight the capacity of Mediterranean bioactive compounds (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, butyrate) to inhibit DNA methyltransferases and restore epigenetic homeostasis. Bridging molecular biology and clinical utility, we demonstrate how these diet-sensitive signatures, specifically circulating methylated DNA and dysregulated microRNAs, can be captured via liquid biopsy. We propose that these circulating analytes serve as dynamic, accessible biomarkers for monitoring the molecular progression toward a carcinogenic state, thereby establishing a novel framework for personalized risk stratification and validating the efficacy of preventive nutritional strategies. Full article

The optimal branch bending angle for Pyrus sinkiangensis Yü (Korla fragrant pear) remains undefined. In this study, the optimal angle was determined by integrating the phenological, nutritional, hormonal, and fruit-quality responses across a 15-day bloom window. Four branch angles (40°, 60°, 80°, and 100°) were applied to 8-year-old trees in spring 2022, and flowering dynamics, bud carbon/nitrogen status, leaf morphology/mineral content, fruiting-shoot architecture, endogenous hormones, and fruit quality were comprehensively evaluated. The 80° angle maximized the fruit set (11.77%) and bud soluble sugar content (8.84 mg/g DW), significantly outperforming the other angles (p < 0.05). The flowering rate peaked at 100° (7.89%) but was statistically comparable to that at 60° and 80° (p > 0.05); calyx removal was greatest at 60° (73.33%), with no significant difference from that at 80° (71%, p > 0.05). These reproductive benefits aligned with enhanced leaf source capacity—80° pulling resulted in the greatest leaf area (59.51 cm²), the greatest amount of chlorophyll (3.11 mg/g DW), and elevated N/Mg/Cu concentrations. Branch architecture was optimized at 80°, with the percentage of medium fruiting spurs reaching 41.1% and the xylem:phloem dry-weight ratio peaking at 1.78, indicating the development of efficient assimilate transport pathways. Hormonally, 80° triggered a distinct cascade: a transient GA₄/GA₇ surge (50.6 and 1.34 ng/g DW) on 28 April, followed by sustained IAA elevation (2.05 ng/g DW) and zeatin stabilization (0.27–0.29 ng/g DW) during ovary development. Consequently, the fruit quality was comprehensively improved at 80°—the single-fruit weight (110.7 g), soluble sugar content (10.08 mg/g DW), and sugar/acid ratio (17.08) were greatest, whereas the stone-cell content was lowest (0.49 mg/g DW). Principal component analysis of 57 traits confirmed 80° as the system-wide optimum (D = 0.718). These results demonstrate that an 80° bending angle synchronizes carbohydrate supply, hormone signaling, and fruit quality in Korla fragrant pear, providing a low-cost, nonchemical benchmark for precision canopy management in high-density orchards. An 80° branch-bending angle optimizes carbon-hormone synergy via a transient GA₄/GA₇ surge and sustained IAA-zeatin signaling, maximizing fruit set and quality in high-density Korla fragrant pear orchards. Full article

Biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus on medical devices and tissue surfaces are a major contributor to persistent infections due to their resistance to antibiotics. Hydrodynamic forces in physiological and device-associated environments significantly influence biofilm development, yet the dynamics of detachment and regrowth under flow remain poorly quantified. In this study, biofilm surface coverage was measured in microfluidic flow assays across combinations of shear rates and nutrient concentrations. A computational workflow was used to segment biofilm trajectories into three kinetic phases—growth, exodus, and regrowth—based on surface coverage dynamics. Each phase was modeled using parametric functions, and fitted parameters were interpolated across experimental conditions to reconstruct biofilm lifecycles throughout the flow–nutrient conditions. The analysis revealed that intermediate shear rates triggered early detachment events while suppressing subsequent regrowth, whereas lower and higher shear regimes favored biofilm persistence. The resulting model enables quantitative comparison of condition-specific biofilm behaviors and identifies key thresholds in mechanical and nutritional inputs that modulate biofilm stability. These findings establish a phase-resolved framework for studying S. aureus biofilms under hydrodynamic stress and support future development of targeted strategies to control biofilm progression in clinical and engineered systems. Full article

This study investigated the dose-dependent impact of pear juice supplementation on the chemical composition, phenolic profile, and biological activity of kombucha during 14 days of fermentation. Four formulations (0–75% pear juice) were evaluated for changes in (poly)phenols, organic acids, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibition. UPLC-QToF-MS analysis demonstrated substantial remodeling of the phenolic profile in pear-enriched beverages, with marked increases in chlorogenic acid, arbutin, and flavonols. The total phenolic content increased proportionally with juice addition, reaching its highest level in the 75% juice formulation. Fermentation enhanced the antioxidant potential, with FRAP values more than doubling relative to the control. Pear supplementation also enhanced the inhibitory activity of key metabolic and neuroactive enzymes, including α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Principal component analysis linked phenolic enrichment to improved functional properties, highlighting the biochemical contribution of fruit-derived substrates to fermentation dynamics. Overall, the results demonstrate that pear juice acts as an effective bioactive modulator of kombucha fermentation, promoting the release, transformation, and accumulation of phenolic compounds and enhancing the antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory potential of the beverage. These findings provide mechanistic insights into fruit-tea co-fermentation and support the development of phenolic-rich fermented beverages with improved nutritional quality and health benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Carotenoids are bioactive pigments with well-established antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, yet their impact on gut microbiota remains poorly understood from a chemical standpoint. This study explores how carotenoid structure and gastrointestinal stability shape microbial responses combining in vitro fermentation with bioinformatic analyses. Methods: Individual carotenoids (beta (β)-carotene, lutein, lycopene) and combined carotenoids, as well as algal-derived extracts were subjected to 48 h in vitro fermentation, and microbial composition and activity were assessed through sequencing and computational analysis. Results: β-carotene and lycopene promoted acid-tolerant taxa such as Escherichia-Shigella, whereas lutein, due to its higher polarity, supported more transient fluctuations. Mixtures and algal carotenoids exhibited synergistic effects, sustaining beneficial genera including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and promoting structured ecological trajectories. Conclusions: These findings provide a chemistry-driven perspective on how carotenoids act as modulators of microbial ecosystems, with direct implications for the formulation of carotenoid-enriched functional foods and dietary interventions. Full article

In response to the demand for real-time monitoring of the nitrogen nutritional status of peanut populations, this paper proposes a real-time monitoring system for the nitrogen nutritional status of peanut populations based on the YOLOv11 framework and spectral attention module. Traditional nitrogen detection methods have problems such as low efficiency and difficulty in achieving population-scale monitoring, while crop phenotyping technology based on computer vision faces challenges such as small leaf targets, severe occlusion, easy confusion of nitrogen deficiency symptoms, and difficulty in deploying deep learning models on mobile terminals. This study improves the YOLOv11 model, introduces the ASF (Attentional Scale Fusion) module and the DySample dynamic upsampling mechanism, enhances the model’s perception and feature expression capabilities for multi-scale targets, and effectively improves the monitoring accuracy and robustness of the nitrogen nutritional status of peanut populations. Experimental results show that the ADS-YOLO model performs well in evaluation indicators such as accuracy, recall, and mean average precision (mAP), providing technical support for precision fertilization of peanuts. Full article

Dietary bioactive compounds derived from plant-based and fermented foods act as plei-otropic modulators of human health, exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiopro-tective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects beyond basic nutrition. Whole foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts) provide synergistic mixtures of bioactives, whereas fermented foods generate a wide range of microbial-derived metabolites (peptides, organic acids) as well as probiotics that enhance nutrient bioavailability and support gut health. The gut microbiota plays a central mediating role in the biological effects of dietary bioactives through a dynamic, bidirectional interaction: dietary compounds shape microbial composition by promoting beneficial taxa and suppressing pathogens, while microbial metabolism converts these compounds into bioactive metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, that profoundly influence host health. Despite their demonstrated health potential, the clinical translation of many dietary bioactives is limited by low bioavailability, which is influenced by digestion processes, food matrix and processing conditions, host genetics, and individual microbiota profile. Overcoming these limitations requires a deeper understanding of the synergistic interactions among dietary bioactives, probiotics, microbial metabolites, and host signaling pathways. This review provides an integrated perspective of the sources, mechanisms of action, and health effects of food-derived bioactive compounds and probiotic mediated effects, while highlighting current translational challenges and future directions for the development of effective functional foods and personalized nutrition strategies. Full article

Intrinsically disordered regions enable transcription factors (TFs) to undergo structural changes upon ligand binding, facilitating the transduction of environmental signals into gene expression. In this study, we applied molecular modeling methods to explore the hypothesis that unstructured inter-domain and subdomain linkers in bacterial TFs can function as sensors for carbohydrate signaling molecules. We combined molecular dynamics simulations and carbohydrate docking to analyze six repressors with GntR-type DNA-binding domains, including UxuR, GntR and FarR from Escherichia coli, as well as AraR, NagR and YydK from Bacillus subtilis. Protein models obtained from different time points of the dynamic simulations were subjected to sequential carbohydrate docking. We found that the inter-domain linker of the UxuR monomer binds D-fructuronate, D-galacturonate, D-glucose, and D-glucuronate with an affinity comparable to nonspecific interactions. However, these ligands formed multimolecular clusters, a feature absent in the UxuR dimer, suggesting that protein dimerization may depend on linker occupancy by cellular carbohydrates. D-glucose interacted with linkers connecting subdomains of the LacI/GalR-type E-domains in GntR and AraR, forming hydrogen bonds that connected distant structural modules of the proteins, while in NagR, FarR and YydK, it bridged the inter-domain linkers and a β-sheet within the HutC-type E-domains. Hence, our results establish flexible linkers as pivotal metabolic sensors that directly integrate nutritional cues to alter gene expression in bacteria. Full article

Background: Postnatal growth failure in very preterm infants remains a major concern in neonatal care and clinical management is complicated by the lack of a standardized definition. This study aims to identify risk factors for growth faltering (GF) and undernutrition (UN) at hospital discharge, defined according to the latest consensus definitions established by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 416 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight < 1500 g). Growth was monitored using the Intergrowth 21st standards. In line with ESPGHAN criteria, GF was defined longitudinally as a weight for age (WFA) z-score decline ≥ 1 SD from birth, while UN was defined cross-sectionally as a WFA or length for age z-score < −2 SD at discharge. Logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors for both growth phenotypes. Results: At discharge, the prevalence of GF and UN was 45.3% and 33.1%, respectively. In infants born without growth restriction (GR), UN was almost entirely driven by GF (89.7%). In contrast, 85.5% of infants born with GR remained undernourished at discharge. Multivariate analysis identified bronchopulmonary dysplasia and higher maximal postnatal weight loss as major independent risk factors for GF, while female sex and human milk feeding at discharge were associated with a lower risk of GF. For infants born with adequate weight, maternal hypertension, extremely low birth weight, and the co-occurrence of GF were the strongest predictors of UN. Conclusions: Nearly half of very preterm infants experience significant growth impairment before discharge. By assessing the dynamic process of GF and the static endpoint of UN, we identified distinct clinical trajectories. Standardized ESPGHAN criteria allow for the identification of high-risk “phenotypes”—particularly those with GR at birth or severe neonatal morbidity—enabling more targeted and intensive nutritional management during the critical developmental window. Full article

Feed formulation is a typical multi-objective optimization problem that aims to minimize cost while satisfying multiple nutritional constraints. However, existing methods often suffer from limitations in handling nonlinear constraints, high-dimensional decision spaces, and solution feasibility. To address these challenges, this study proposes a multi-objective feed formulation method based on an improved Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). A hybrid Dirichlet–Latin Hypercube Sampling (Dirichlet-LHS) strategy is introduced to generate an initial population with high feasibility and diversity, together with an iterative normalization-based dynamic repair operator to efficiently handle ingredient proportion and nutritional constraints. In addition, an adaptive termination mechanism based on the hypervolume improvement rate (Hypervolume Termination, HVT) is designed to avoid redundant computation while ensuring effective convergence of the Pareto front. Experimental results demonstrate that the Dirichlet–LHS strategy outperforms random sampling, Dirichlet sampling, and Latin hypercube sampling in terms of hypervolume and solution diversity. Under identical nutritional constraints, the improved NSGA-II reduces formulation cost by 1.52% compared with multi-objective Bayesian optimization and by 2.17% relative to conventional feed formulation methods. In a practical application to meat sheep diet formulation, the optimized feed cost is reduced to 1162.23 CNY per ton, achieving a 4.83% cost reduction with only a 1.09 s increase in computation time. These results indicate that the proposed method effectively addresses strongly constrained multi-objective feed formulation problems and provides reliable technical support for precision feeding in intelligent livestock production. Full article

Pasture-based ruminant systems link nitrogen (N) nutrition with ecosystem N cycling. Grazing ruminants convert fibrous forages into milk and meat but excrete 65 to 80% of ingested N, creating excreta hotspots that drive ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. This review synthesizes ecological and ruminant nutrition evidence on N flows, emphasizing microbial processes, biological N₂ fixation, plant diversity, and urine patch biogeochemistry, and evaluates strategies to improve N use efficiency (NUE). We examine rumen N metabolism in relation to microbial protein synthesis, urea recycling, and dietary factors including crude protein concentration, energy supply, forage composition, and plant secondary compounds that modulate protein degradability and microbial N capture, thereby influencing N partitioning among animal products, urine, and feces, as reflected in milk and blood urea N. We also examine how grazing patterns and excreta distribution, assessed with sensor technologies, modify N flows. Evidence indicates that integrated management combining dietary manipulation, forage diversity, targeted grazing, and decision tools can increase farm-gate NUE from 20–25% to over 30% while sustaining performance. Framing these processes within the global N cycle positions pasture-based ruminant systems as critical leverage points for aligning ruminant production with environmental and climate sustainability goals. Full article

Sustainable food production for a growing population requires farming practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining soil as a living, renewable foundation for productivity. This review synthesizes current advances in understanding how endophytic fungi (EFs) interact with the soil microbiome and contribute to the physicochemical and biological dimensions of soil health in arable ecosystems. We examine evidence showing that EFs enhance plant nutrition through phosphate solubilization, siderophore-mediated micronutrient acquisition, and improved nitrogen use efficiency while also modulating plant hormones and stress-responsive pathways. EFs further increase crop resilience to drought, salinity, and heat; suppress pathogens; and influence key soil properties including aggregation, organic matter turnover, and microbial network stability. Recent integration of multi-omics, metabolomics, and community-level analyses has shifted the field from descriptive surveys toward mechanistic insight, revealing how EFs regulate nutrient cycling and remodel rhizosphere communities toward disease-suppressive and nutrient-efficient states. A central contribution of this review is the linkage of EF-mediated plant functions with soil microbiome dynamics and soil structural processes framed within a translational pipeline encompassing strain selection, formulation, delivery, and field scale monitoring. We also highlight current challenges, including context-dependent performance, competition with native microbiota, and formulation and deployment constraints that limit consistent outcomes under field conditions. By bridging microbial ecology with agronomy, this review positions EFs as biocontrol agents, biofertilizers, and ecosystem engineers with strong potential for resilient, low-input, and climate-adaptive cropping systems. Full article

Against the backdrop of the global protein crisis and the textural limitations of alternative proteins, microorganisms are increasingly recognized as versatile structural materials to address these challenges. This review systematically analyzes three key microbial strategies: employing mycelial solid-state fermentation to engineer fibrous meat analogues; utilizing bacterial cellulose scaffolds to enhance the texture of both cultured meat and plant-based products; and applying synthetic biology to design tailored functional proteins. Existing studies confirm that mycelial fermentation significantly improves product texture and production sustainability. In parallel, bacterial cellulose provides highly biocompatible nanoscaffolds, while synthetic biology enables the efficient production and nutritional enhancement of complex animal proteins. Although challenges in scaling production and optimizing flavor persist, advanced bioprocess optimization and genetic engineering offer promising solutions. Future breakthroughs are expected to transition from structural mimicry to true functional creation, establish decentralized production networks, and advance dynamic 4D-printed foods, which will collectively contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global food system. Full article