Search Results (196)

In the Huang-Huai-Hai region, a high kernel moisture content remains a primary constraint for the mechanical harvesting of maize kernels. Recent studies have largely focused on the relationships among ear traits, meteorological factors, and kernel dehydration. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the influence of kernel microstructure and starch granule size distribution on dehydration characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the fast-dehydrating variety Jingnongke 728 (JNK728) and the slow-dehydrating variety Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) were selected as experimental materials to compare the varietal differences in kernel microstructure and starch granule size distribution, and to investigate their roles in regulating kernel dehydration characteristics. The results showed that JNK728 had a significantly higher kernel dehydration rate (KDR). Compared with ZD958, JNK728 exhibited average increases of 15.22% in the pre-physiological maturity dehydration rate (pre-KDR) and 97.72% in the post-physiological maturity dehydration rate (post-KDR). The higher accumulations of kernel total starch content and amylopectin content were also observed in JNK728. Kernels of JNK728 were characterized by thinner pericarp at 35 days after pollination (DAP), lower vitreousness and a higher proportion of floury endosperm. Additionally, JNK728 displayed more uniformly sized starch granules with smooth surfaces, wider intergranular spaces, and looser starch packing. Moreover, the volume, number, and surface area of large starch granules (≥10 μm) in JNK728, increased by 2.91%, 10.94%, and 4.95%, respectively. These findings enhance the understanding of the regulatory role of kernel microstructure and starch granule size distribution in dehydration characteristics, offering theoretical guidance for the development of mechanical maize kernel harvesting technologies in the Huang-Huai-Hai region. Full article

Arabidopsis thaliana is a widely used model in plant biology, where histology (HT), histochemistry (HC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) are applied to study cellular structures, macromolecules, and antigens. Despite their extensive use, protocols lack standardization and exhibit substantial variability in critical aspects such as reagent handling, exposure times, and the proper use of controls. This methodological heterogeneity represents a major gap, limiting reproducibility and comparability between studies. Unlike previous methodological reviews, this work focuses exclusively on A. thaliana, systematically identifies reporting omissions, and proposes a roadmap for standardization. A narrative review of literature retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science was conducted with the aim of analyzing methodological approaches, identifying inconsistencies, and offering recommendations for improved laboratory practices. The analysis revealed frequent omissions in the reporting of critical steps such as dehydration, clearing, antigen retrieval, enzyme blocking, and the incorporation of positive and negative controls, which compromise the reliability of results and hinder inter-laboratory validation. Based on this evidence, three key recommendations are emphasized: (i) organ-specific selection and explicit justification of fixatives and stains; (ii) mandatory incorporation of positive and negative controls in IHC and IF; and (iii) adoption of a minimum reporting checklist to enhance reproducibility. Beyond cell morphology, the reviewed studies demonstrate applications in plant physiology, phytogenetics, and pathophysiology. By combining critical analysis with actionable guidelines, this review contributes a practical reference to strengthen methodological rigor in histological and immunological studies of plants. Full article

Mutations in the CFTR genes causing cystic fibrosis (CF) are associated with the presence of thick, viscous mucus and the formation of biofilms in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) that impair intestinal homeostasis, triggering chronic inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. CFTR protein modulators represent a promising approach to enhancing lower GI function in patients with CF. The aim of the review is to present the complex relationships between the presence of CFTR gene mutations and the gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with cystic fibrosis. Mutations in the CFTR gene, the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis (CF), disrupt epithelial ion transport and profoundly alter the gastrointestinal environment. Defective chloride and bicarbonate secretion leads to dehydration of the mucosal layer, increased mucus viscosity, and the formation of biofilms that favour microbial persistence, which together promote gut microbiota dysbiosis. This dysbiotic state contributes to impaired epithelial barrier function, chronic intestinal inflammation, and abnormal immune activation, thereby reinforcing disease progression. The interplay between CFTR dysfunction and microbial imbalance appears to be bidirectional, as dysbiosis may further exacerbate epithelial stress and inflammatory signalling. Therapeutic interventions with CFTR protein modulators offer the potential to partially restore epithelial physiology, improve mucus hydration, and foster a microbial milieu more consistent with intestinal homeostasis. The aim of this review is to elucidate the complex relationships between CFTR gene mutations and gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with cystic fibrosis, with a particular emphasis on the clinical implications of these interactions and their potential to inform novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining homeostasis and the effective functioning of physiological systems, including the nervous and circulatory systems. During adolescence, a period characterized by rapid somatic growth, hormonal maturation, and increased physical and mental activity, the demand for water increases significantly. Hydration affects not only the health of young people, but also their cognitive abilities, concentration, mood, and general well-being. Despite clear recommendations from institutions such as EFSA and IOM regarding daily fluid intake, numerous studies indicate that a significant proportion of young people do not achieve the recommended level of hydration. The school environment is particularly worrying, as young people spend a significant part of their day there, and the availability of water, health knowledge, and social conditions may contribute to dehydration or promote unhealthy choices (e.g., sweetened drinks). The aim of this article is to review the current state of knowledge on the importance of hydration in school-age adolescents. The physiological basis of hydration, the impact of insufficient fluid intake on the functioning of the young body, current guidelines, as well as the results of selected epidemiological studies and obstacles to ensuring optimal hydration in the school environment are discussed. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different water restrictions on the thermoregulation and blood hematological and metabolite parameters of crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate. Thirty-two ewes were subjected to four water supply levels (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%), in a completely randomized design with eight replications. The confinement period lasted 77 days, with 14 days allocated for adaptation. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature exhibited a quadratic response. There was an increase in red blood cells and urea. The enzyme alanine aminotransferase decreased linearly with water restriction. Urinary creatinine decreased along with water supply. Regarding urine color characteristics, all groups showed different colors, ranging from clear to cloudy. For the chemical characteristics of urine, a quadratic effect was observed for pH, with the highest value (8.75) at 60%. An increase was observed in total urine proteins and urobilinogen. Crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate exhibit physiological adaptations to water supply reduction up to 40%. Following an 80% reduction in water supply, animals exhibit mild dehydration, characterized by increased serum urea levels and decreased alanine aminotransferase activity. Full article

Erythrocyte (RBC) aging involves significant structural and nanomechanical alterations crucial to their function. This study aims to bridge the gap between analyses based on statistical morphometric parameters, e.g., membrane roughness, and those based on point-dependent nanomechanical properties, e.g., stiffness or Young’s modulus. Using Atomic Force Microscopy, we investigated morphology, membrane roughness, and nanomechanical properties on the very same RBCs under dehydrated (air) and hydrated (physiological buffer) conditions. The cells were studied at different stages of in vitro aging: one, seven, and 12 days. Our results quantitatively show that across dehydration, as well as along the aging pathway, RBCs become progressively more rigid while their membrane roughness decreases, a trend observed in both environments. Notably, the differences between the hydrated and dehydrated states were large in young cells but diminished when erythrocytes aged. Despite these parallel trends, high-resolution mapping on the nanoscale revealed that roughness and Young’s modulus do not correlate, indicating that these parameters are linked to different properties. In conclusion, this work provides a comprehensive protocol for a biophysical description of RBC aging and establishes that the simultaneous measurement of membrane roughness and nanomechanical properties offers a complementary approach, yielding a more complete characterization of cellular properties. Full article

Molasses, a by-product of raw sugar production, is widely used as a cost-effective carbon and nutrient source for industrial fermentations, including the production of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Due to the cost and limited availability of molasses, efforts have been made to replace molasses with cheaper and more readily available substrates such as corn syrup. However, the quality of dry yeast drops following the replacement of molasses with corn syrup, despite the same amount of total sugar being provided. Our understanding of how molasses replacement affects yeast physiology, especially during the dehydration step, is limited. Here, we examined changes in gene expression of a strain of baker’s yeast during fermentation with increasing corn syrup to molasses ratios at the transcriptomic level. Our findings revealed that the limited availability of the key metal ions copper, iron, and zinc, as well as sulfur from corn syrup (i) reduced their intracellular storage, (ii) impaired the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and ergosterol, as evidenced by the decreasing proportions of these important membrane components with higher proportions of corn syrup, and (iii) inactivated oxidative stress response enzymes. Taken together, the molecular and metabolic changes observed suggest a potential reduction in nutrient reserves for fermentation and a possible compromise in cell viability during the drying process, which may ultimately impact the quality of the final dry yeast product. These findings emphasize the importance of precise nutrient supplementation when substituting molasses with cheaper substrates. Full article

As sessile organisms, plants adapt to environmental challenges through flexible developmental and physiological programs. Hormones play a central role in this adaptability, integrating environmental signals into coordinated responses that regulate growth and stress tolerance. Comparative studies across photosynthetic lineages reveal that several core hormone functions are remarkably conserved, despite major evolutionary changes in hormone perception, biosynthesis, metabolism, and transport. This conservation suggests that plant hormones have played a pivotal evolutionary role—not only preserving essential biological functions but also enabling increased complexity in plant form and function. A similar dual role is observed in evolutionary endocrinology in animals, where hormones contribute to the emergence and regulation of complex traits. We propose that hormones such as cytokinins, auxins, brassinosteroids, strigolactones, and abscisic acid originated as metabolic derivatives closely tied to core physiological functions essential for survival and reproduction, including reproductive success, nutrient sensing, and dehydration tolerance. Over time, these compounds were progressively integrated into increasingly sophisticated regulatory networks, where they now serve as central coordinators and key targets of evolutionary selection. This model advances our understanding of hormone evolution by providing a structured framework to interpret the persistence, specialization, and integration of plant hormones across evolutionary timescales. Full article

Background/Objectives: Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), the most widely distributed bamboo species in China, is valued for both its shoots and timber. This species often faces challenges from high-temperature stress. To cope with this stress, Moso bamboo has evolved various adaptive mechanisms at the physiological and molecular levels. Although numerous studies have revealed that a large number of transcription factors (TFs) and genes play important roles in the regulatory network of plant heat stress responses, the regulatory network involved in heat responses remains incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, Moso bamboo was placed in a high-temperature environment of 42 °C for 1 h and 24 h, and transcriptome sequencing was carried out to accurately identify key molecules affected by high temperature and their related biological pathways. Results: Through a differential expression analysis, we successfully identified a series of key candidate genes and transcription factors involved in heat stress responses, including members of the ethylene response factor, HSF, WRKY, MYB, and bHLH families. Notably, in addition to traditional heat shock proteins/factors, multiple genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, dehydration responses, and hormone signal transduction were found to play significant roles in heat stress responses. To further verify the changes in the expression of these genes, we used qRT-PCR technology for detection, and the results strongly supported their key roles in cellular physiological processes and heat stress responses. Conclusions: This study not only deepens our understanding of plant strategies for coping with and defending against extreme abiotic stresses but also provides valuable insights for future research on heat tolerance in Moso bamboo and other plants. Full article

Seeds in soil are often exposed to cycles of hydration and dehydration, which can prime them by triggering physiological activation without leading to germination. While this phenomenon has been scarcely studied in wild species, it may play a critical role in enhancing drought resilience and maintaining seed viability under the warmer conditions predicted by climate change. In this study, I investigated the effects of hydration–dehydration cycles on germination response under water stress in eight Cistus species typical of Mediterranean shrublands. First, seeds were exposed to a heat shock to break physical dormancy, simulating fire conditions. Subsequently, they underwent one of two hydration–dehydration treatments (24 or 48 h) and were germinated under a range of water potentials (0, –0.2, –0.4, –0.6, and –0.8 MPa). Six out of eight species showed enhanced germination responses following hydration–dehydration treatments, including higher final germination percentages, earlier germination onset (T₀), or increased tolerance to water stress. These findings highlight the role of water availability as a key factor regulating germination in Cistus species and evidence a hydration memory mechanism that may contribute in different ways to post-fire regeneration in Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

Global warming has intensified the health risks associated with heat stress, such as heatstroke and dehydration, underscoring the importance of understanding heat acclimatization (HA). HA involves physiological, psychological, and structural adaptations to prolonged high temperatures, improving heat tolerance and reducing heat-related harm. A key player in this process is HSP70, a conserved protein essential for maintaining cellular balance, regulating cell death, and controlling waste removal. While HA mechanisms like temperature regulation and metabolic changes are well studied, the relationship between HSP70 and brain self-repair processes remains unclear. This study uncovers how HSP70, and these processes work together to aid heat adaptation, reveals how environmental stress drives inherited resilience through genetic adjustments, and offers insights for designing targeted health strategies to protect vulnerable populations, connecting lab discoveries to global health needs. Full article

Estimating leaf water potential (Ψ_leaf) is essential for understanding plant physiological processes’ response to drought. The estimation of Ψ_leaf based on different regression analysis methods with hyperspectral vegetation indices (VIs) has been proven to be a simple and efficient technique. However, models constructed by existing methods and VIs still face challenges regarding the generalizability and limited ranges of field experiment datasets. In this study, leaf dehydration experiments of three maize cultivars were applied to provide a dataset covering a wide range of Ψ_leaf variations, which is often challenging to obtain in field trials. The analysis screened published VIs highly correlated with Ψ_leaf and constructed a model for Ψ_leaf estimation based on three algorithms—partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), and multiple linear stepwise regression (MLR)—for each cultivar and all three cultivars. Models were constructed using PLSR and MLR for each cultivar and PLSR, MLR, and RF for the samples from all three cultivars. The performance of the models developed for each cultivar was compared with the performance of the cross-cultivar model. Simultaneously, the normalized ratio (ND) and double-difference (DDn) were applied to determine the VIs and models. Finally, the relationship between the optimal VIs and Ψ_leaf was analyzed using discontinuous linear segmental fitting. The results showed that leaf spectral reflectance variations in the 350~700 nm bands and 1450~2500 nm bands were significantly sensitive to Ψ_leaf. The RF method achieved the highest prediction accuracy when all three cultivars’ data were used, with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 9.02%. In contrast, there was little difference in the predictive effectiveness of the models constructed for each cultivar and all three cultivars. Moreover, the simple linear regression model built based on the DDn(2030,45) outperformed the RF method regarding prediction accuracy, with an NRMSE of 7.94%. Ψ_leaf at the breakpoint obtained by discontinuous linear segment fitting was about −1.20 MPa, consistent with the published range of the turgor loss point (Ψ_TLP). This study provides an effective methodology for Ψ_leaf monitoring with significant practical value, particularly in irrigation decision-making and drought prediction. Full article

Proximal plant-based monitoring provides high-resolution data about trees, leading to more precise orchard management and in-depth knowledge about tree physiology. The present work focuses on continuous real-time monitoring of olive cv. ‘Ascolana tenera’ over hourly intervals during the third stage of fruit growth (mesocarp cell expansion) under mild water stress conditions (ψStem above −2 MPa). This is achieved by mounting dendrometers on the root, trunk, branch, and fruit to assess and model the behavior of each organ. The diameter variation in each organ over different time intervals (daily, two-weeks, and throughout the entire experiment), as well as their hysteretic patterns relative to each other and vapor pressure deficit, are demonstrated. The results show different correlations between various organs, ranging from very weak to strongly positive. However, the trend of fruit versus root consistently shows a strong positive relationship throughout the entire experiment (R² = 0.83) and a good one across various two-week intervals (R² ranging from 0.54 to 0.93). Additionally, different time lags in dehydration and rehydration between organs were observed, suggesting that the branch is the most reactive organ, regulating dehydration and rehydration in the tree. Regarding the hysteretic pattern, different rotational patterns and characteristics (shape) were observed among the organs and in relation to vapor pressure deficit. This research provides valuable insight into flow dynamics within a tree, models plant water relations and time lags in terms of water storage and transport, and could be implemented for precise olive tree water status detection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Desiccation profoundly influences the distribution and abundance of intertidal seaweeds, necessitating robust molecular adaptations. Sargassum muticum is a brown seaweed inhabiting intertidal rocky substrates. During low tides, this species undergoes periodic aerial exposure. Such environmental conditions necessitate robust physiological mechanisms to mitigate desiccation stress. Yet, the molecular basis of this adaptation remains poorly understood. Methods: To investigate desiccation-responsive genes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of adaptation, we exposed S. muticum to 6 h of controlled desiccation stress in sterilized ceramic trays, simulating natural tidal conditions, and performed comparative transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Results: High-quality sequencing identified 66,192 unigenes, with 1990 differentially expressed genes (1399 upregulated and 591 downregulated). These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were categorized into regulatory genes—including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), calmodulin, elongation factor, and serine/threonine-protein kinase—and functional genes, such as heat shock protein family members (HSP20, HSP40, and HSP70), tubulin (TUBA and TUBB), and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis-related genes (protein disulfide-isomerase A6, calreticulin, and calnexin). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment highlighted upregulated DEGs in metabolic processes like glutathione metabolism, critical for oxidative stress mitigation, while downregulated genes were linked to transport functions, such as ammonium transport, suggesting reduced nutrient uptake during dehydration. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum” and “MAPK signaling pathway-plant”, implicating endoplasmic reticulum stress response and conserved signaling cascades in desiccation adaptation. Validation via qRT-PCR confirmed consistent expression trends for key genes, reinforcing the reliability of transcriptomic data. Conclusions: These findings suggest that S. muticum undergoes extensive biological adjustments to mitigate desiccation stress, highlighting candidate pathways for future investigations into recovery and tolerance mechanisms. Full article

Pyropia haitanensis (T.J. Chang and B.F. Zheng) undergoes periodic dehydration and rehydration cycles, necessitating robust adaptive mechanisms. Despite extensive research on its physiological responses to desiccation stress, the comprehensive metabolic pathways and recovery mechanisms post-rehydration remain poorly understood. This study investigated the metabolic responses of P. haitanensis to varying degrees of desiccation stress using LC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS. Under mild dehydration, the thallus primarily accumulated sugars and proline, while moderate and severe dehydration triggered the accumulation of additional osmoprotectants like alanine betaine and trehalose to maintain turgor pressure and water retention. Concurrently, the alga activated a potent antioxidant system, including enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants, to counteract the increased reactive oxygen species levels and prevent oxidative damage. Hormonal regulation also plays a crucial role in stress adaptation, with salicylic acid and jasmonic acid upregulating under mild dehydration and cytokinins and gibberellin GA₁₅ accumulating under severe stress. Rehydration triggered the recovery process, with indole acetic acid, abscisic acid, and jasmonic acid promoting rapid cell recovery. Additionally, arachidonic acid, acting as a signaling molecule, induced general stress resistance, facilitating the adaptation of the thallus to the dynamic intertidal environment. These findings reveal P. haitanensis’ metabolic adaptation strategies in intertidal environments, with implications for enhancing cultivation and stress resistance in this economically important seaweed. Full article