Search Results (8,724)

This study investigates the influence of interannual climate variability on wheat quality during long-term storage under identical technological conditions. The same wheat cultivar was stored during two consecutive periods (2023–2024 and 2024–2025) in a flat warehouse without mechanical aeration or forced cooling, while environmental parameters (temperature and relative humidity) and quality indicators (grain moisture content, test weight, gluten content, and protein content) were continuously monitored. Based on the experimental data, empirical predictive models describing the relationships between storage time, environmental conditions, and wheat quality indicators were developed using nonlinear regression and curve-fitting techniques implemented in TableCurve 3D. Two model categories were established: a transfer model for moisture and temperature evolution and a degradation model for test weight, gluten, and protein changes. The models showed good predictive performance, with coefficients of determination ranging from R² = 0.82 to 0.97. Model performance was assessed using residual analysis and statistical performance indicators, yielding low prediction errors and high Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients (0.95–0.99). The 2024–2025 period exhibited slightly greater thermal variability, with atmospheric thermal amplitude increasing from approximately 33 °C to 34 °C and grain thermal amplitude increasing from approximately 30 °C to 32 °C compared with the 2023–2024 storage period. This was accompanied by differences in moisture evolution patterns and more pronounced reductions in test weight, gluten, and protein content. These findings suggest that climate variability is associated with changes in hygrothermal conditions and wheat quality deterioration processes, while the proposed models provide reliable tools for predicting quality evolution and supporting adaptive grain storage management under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the intracellular accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. Historically, research has focused on neuronal mechanisms; however, growing evidence indicates that the progression of neurodegeneration is influenced by changes in the brain microenvironment, particularly through the dynamic interplay between microglia and the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM in the central nervous system is an organized network of structural proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans that encases neurons and glial cells, regulating processes such as synaptic stability, neural plasticity, and intercellular signaling. In PD, the aggregation of α-syn and neuronal damage induce sustained microglial activation, which can alter ECM structure. Activated microglia release proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins, which can degrade critical ECM components such as collagens, laminins, and proteoglycans. This remodeling can modify synaptic architecture, regulate cellular signaling, and disrupt neuron-glia interactions, fostering an environment conducive to dopaminergic degeneration. Furthermore, ECM remodeling and microglial activation exhibit regional variability within the brain. Regions notably prone to degeneration, such as the SNpc and striatum, display significant alterations in matrix organization and inflammatory activity, while other dopaminergic regions, including the ventral tegmental area, show increased resilience. We suggest that microglia-mediated ECM remodeling serves as a mechanistic link between neuroinflammation and neuronal susceptibility in PD. This review consolidates the existing knowledge on microglial modulation of ECM dynamics during neurodegeneration, explores regional differences in these processes, and evaluates their significance as possible treatment targets. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of fermented palm kernel meal (FPKM) on the lactation performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen microbiota, and metabolic functions of Holstein dairy cows, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of palm kernel meal (PKM) through solid-state fermentation. A 3 × 3 Latin square design was used, involving 12 multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 3; body weight = 625 ± 25.8 kg; days in milk = 103 ± 19.6 day(s); milk yield = 32.6 ± 1.58 kg/d) over three 28-day periods. Cows were randomly assigned to three isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: a basal diet with wheat bran (WB group), a diet with wheat bran replaced by PKM (PKM group), and a diet with wheat bran replaced by FPKM (FPKM group). Solid-state fermentation improved PKM’s nutritional profile by reducing fiber and β-mannan content while increasing protein availability and ruminal degradability. Compared to the WB group, the PKM group showed lower dry matter intake, milk yield, and nutrient digestibility. In contrast, the FPKM group had higher DMI and milk yield than the PKM group, improved nutrient digestibility, and the highest energy-corrected milk yield due to increased milk protein and lactose production. The FPKM group also had higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, propionate, acetate, and microbial protein synthesis than the PKM group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-8) were elevated in the PKM group but were reduced to levels similar to the WB group in the FPKM group. Plasma immunoglobulin G levels were higher in both the FPKM and WB groups compared to the PKM group. The FPKM group also showed increased relative abundances of Prevotella, Fibrobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota, while Bacillota and Ruminococcus were reduced compared to the WB group. Metabolomic profiling revealed that FPKM upregulated energy metabolism and inflammation-related pathways, increasing metabolites such as riboflavin and adenine and decreasing succinic acid and guanine compared to the PKM group. In conclusion, FPKM improved the feeding value of PKM-based material and showed more favorable responses than PKM, with generally comparable responses to WB, supporting its potential as an alternative feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. Full article

Crustacean processing industries, particularly those that process shrimp, crab, and lobster, generate substantial quantities of biological waste, consisting primarily of shells, heads, and exoskeletons. These by-products contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their high organic load, slow degradability, and improper disposal practices. Nevertheless, they represent valuable reservoirs of bioactive compounds such as chitin, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and minerals, as well as biologically active enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, which possess immense potential in food, pharmaceutical/cosmetic, biomedical and environmental sectors. Unlike previous studies that primarily focus on individual components or specific extraction techniques, this review comparatively evaluates both conventional extraction techniques (acid–alkali treatment and solvent extraction) and emerging green approaches (supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound-assisted extraction, cold plasma, microwave-assisted extraction and high-pressure processing), highlighting their efficiencies, sustainability, and influence on compound quality. The review study further explores the diverse applications of the recovered constituents in food preservation, nutraceutical development, biodegradable packaging, and functional ingredient formulation. Moreover, current challenges concerning process optimization, industrial scalability, economic feasibility, and environmental impact are critically evaluated. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important endogenous gaseous signaling molecule that regulates diverse physiological and pathological processes through protein persulfidation. As a central regulator of inflammation and immune responses, NF-κB signaling is precisely controlled by post-translational modifications, and its dysregulation contributes to various inflammatory diseases. Recent studies reveal that H₂S-mediated persulfidation is a key mechanism for fine-tuning NF-κB activity by targeting critical components, including p65, IKKβ, IκBα, and upstream regulators. Through site-specific S-sulfhydration, H₂S modulates IKK activation, IκBα degradation, and p65 nuclear translocation, thereby limiting excessive NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production. This review provides an integrated view of how endogenous H₂S production and persulfidation-dependent signaling regulate inflammatory responses. Rather than simply summarizing individual pathways, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying H₂S-mediated regulation of NF-κB-associated networks, including TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/NF-κB, and MAPK/NF-κB pathways, and highlight its roles in oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and tissue repair. We further discuss current challenges in identifying persulfidation sites, understanding endogenous H₂S regulation, and improving detection technologies. By proposing H₂S as a precision modulator of inflammatory signaling, this review provides new insights into H₂S biology and highlights future opportunities for developing targeted H₂S-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

KMT2A-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias are highly aggressive hematological malignancies that require improved targeted therapies. DOT1L (histone H3K79 methyltransferase) functions as a critical oncogenic driver and represents an important therapeutic target in these high-risk leukemias. However, clinical responses to the first-in-class DOT1L inhibitor pinometostat (EPZ5676) have been modest, attributed to suboptimal pharmacokinetics and, more fundamentally, to the recognition that DOT1L possesses methyltransferase-independent functions that evade catalytic inhibition. This highlights the need for strategies that abrogate the full spectrum of DOT1L activity to effectively treat these high-risk leukemias. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which induce selective degradation of the DOT1L protein rather than inhibiting its catalytic activity, have therefore emerged as a promising approach. Notably, VHL-recruiting DOT1L PROTACs, such as DOT1L808, have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic profiles and potent antileukemic activity in preclinical in vivo models. However, these findings remain preclinical, and significant challenges including oral bioavailability, potential toxicity, and lack of clinical validation must be addressed before clinical translation. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolving understanding of the biology of DOT1L, discuss existing MLL small molecule therapies, and evaluate current advances in therapeutically targeting DOT1L, with particular focus on the targeted degradation of DOT1L as a promising therapeutic strategy for high-risk KMT2A-r leukemia. Full article

Chinese distillers’ grains (CDGs) are a lignocellulose-rich agricultural byproduct with considerable bioconversion potential; however, their recalcitrant structure imposes a major bottleneck for efficient valorization. In this study, six white-rot fungal strains and two Trichoderma strains were isolated from wild macrofungi, among which Ganoderma sp. 2G1-6 exhibited the highest laccase activity, reaching 11.29 U/mL. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 49.15 Mb genome containing 12,437 predicted proteins, including a substantial repertoire of 196 glycoside hydrolases and 113 auxiliary activity enzymes implicated in lignocellulose degradation. Solid-state fermentation of CDGs with Ganoderma sp. 2G1-6 produced high enzyme activities, including endoglucanase (13.3 ± 4.6 U/g), xylanase (538.8 ± 33.0 U/g), β-glucosidase (26,572 ± 2996 U/g), and laccase (231.2 ± 16.7 U/g). Concomitantly, the nutritional profile of CDGs was markedly improved after 30 days, with crude protein increasing by 28.51%, acid-soluble protein by 33.33%, and soluble dietary fiber by 159%. Complementary structural analyses (FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA) confirmed progressive disruption of the lignocellulosic matrix, selective delignification, and enhanced cellulose exposure. These findings establish Ganoderma sp. 2G1-6 as a promising microbial chassis for CDGs valorization and provide preliminary functional profiles of Ganoderma species for lignocellulose bioconversion. Full article

To improve feed evaluation for precision dairy nutrition, this study integrated chemical analysis, CNCPS fractionation, in situ ruminal disappearance, exploratory regression, and amino acid-flow calculations for 19 dairy feedstuffs. Conventional nutrients and CNCPS fractions were determined, and total CP and carbohydrate-fraction disappearance were measured in four ruminally cannulated Holstein cows. Protein-fraction Kd values were inferred by nonlinear fitting with measured CNCPS fractions held constant. In the three silages, non-protein nitrogen represented 93.82–96.80% of soluble CP. Energy feeds had greater total carbohydrate and starch-associated CB1 fractions, whereas cottonseed had the greatest unavailable cell-wall fraction. Exploratory equations for Kd1, Kd2, and Kd3 yielded in-sample R² values of 0.7422, 0.7365, and 0.3871, respectively. Two CNCPS-based sets of intestinally absorbable essential amino acid estimates were then calculated using either in situ-fitted or regression-estimated Kd values. The regression-assisted estimates were generally comparable with those based on in situ-fitted Kd values. However, neither set represented direct intestinal measurements, agreement between them did not constitute validation, and Kp was derived from NRC equations under a standardized dietary scenario. Thus, the amino acid estimates are scenario-dependent, and the regression equations should be considered exploratory pending external validation. Full article

To improve the feeding value of forage mulberry as a non-grain feed, solid-state mixed fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pichia membranifaciens (1:1) was optimized via single-factor tests and an L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal design. The optimal conditions (7 days, 28 °C, 30% inoculum, 1:1.2 solid-to-water ratio) reduced crude fiber (CF) content by 44.60%, and increased crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), and total amino acids (TAA) by 35.77%, 68.85%, and 40.85%, respectively (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, the organic acids produced by L. plantarum lowered the fermentation pH to 4.0–4.5. This pH change was likely associated with the observed 50.84% increase in yeast cellulase activity. Yeast metabolites appeared to promote the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This implies a potential synergistic interaction between the two strains under acidic conditions. The in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility (DMD) and CP digestibility reached 72.30% and 78.60%, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of the unfermented control (p < 0.01). Therefore, this pH-enzyme synergistic fermentation strategy can effectively degrade anti-nutritional components. It also improves the feeding nutritional quality of mulberry forage for animal production. Full article

The intracellular iron levels are tightly controlled by the coordinated action of specialized proteins that regulate iron uptake, storage, and export pathways in response to iron availability. For example, Ferroportin serves as the sole mammalian iron exporter; whereas ferritin acts as the primary intracellular iron storage complex. Although both Ferroportin and ferritin are reported to be primarily degraded through lysosomal pathways, it is possible that these proteins can also be regulated through the proteasomal pathway, which may provide a more rapid mechanism to modulate intracellular iron availability. Here, we identify MDM2 as a previously unrecognized regulator of cellular iron homeostasis. We found that MDM2 is required to maintain intracellular labile iron. Mechanistically, we found that MDM2 interacts with and promotes the degradation of both Ferroportin and ferritin heavy chain. Consequently, MDM2 exerts a critical role in modulating cellular iron retention by simultaneously suppressing iron storage and iron export pathways. These findings expand the biological functions of MDM2 beyond its established role as a p53 E3 ubiquitin ligase, revealing a previously unappreciated link between MDM2 signaling and iron metabolism. Full article

Camellia oleifera Abel. is a typical self-incompatible plant, yet its molecular mechanisms have not been comprehensively elucidated, which constitutes the principal cause underlying the relatively low natural fruit set rate in C. oleifera. S-RNase belongs to the RNase T2 gene family and represents a class of glycoproteins specifically expressed in the style with certain “cytotoxicities” capable of degrading ribonucleic acid (RNA) in their own pollen tube cells, thereby inducing programmed cell death in pollen tube cells. To identify pistil S genes participating in the self-incompatibility response of C. oleifera, nine RNase T2 family genes were identified based on transcriptomic and whole-genome sequencing data of the camellia oil tree and designated CoRNS1–CoRNS9. Systematic evolutionary analysis revealed that CoRNS5, CoRNS7, and CoRNS8 exhibit close phylogenetic relationships with S-RNases of the Camelliaceae family, whereas CoRNS6 shows closer affinity with S-RNases of the Solanaceae family. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements revealed that RNase T2 family genes are regulated by multiple hormones, including abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, cytokinin, auxin, salicylic acid, and gibberellin, and possess MYB transcription factor-binding sites. Expression analysis revealed that CoRNS6 is expressed exclusively in the ovary; CoRNS5 is expressed at the highest level in the style, followed by lower levels in the petals, anthers, filaments, receptacle, and ovary; CoRNS1 is expressed in all tissues except anthers; and the other genes are expressed across various floral tissues. Ex vitro pollen culture system experiments demonstrated that the CoRNS1 and CoRNS5 recombinant proteins significantly inhibited the elongated growth of autogamous pollen tubes, whereas CoRNS7 significantly reduced the pollen germination rate. Fluorescence labeling revealed that treatment of autogamous pollen tubes with the recombinant proteins CoRNS1, CoRNS5, and CoRNS7 induced microfilament skeleton depolymerization and increased the Ca²⁺ concentration within the pollen tubes. Additionally, treatment with the CoRNS5 recombinant protein increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in autogamous pollen tubes. These findings suggest that RNase T2 family genes are involved in the self-incompatibility response in C. oleifera, with CoRNS1, CoRNS5, and CoRNS7 playing pivotal roles. Overall, our results not only offer a theoretical foundation for elucidating the regulatory network governing self-incompatibility in C. oleifera, but also furnish valuable genetic resources for future molecular breeding programs targeting improved self-compatibility and increased fruit yield. Full article

Adventitious root (AR) formation is critical for the successful establishment and survival of rose (Rosa hybrida) cuttings. SCARECROW-LIKE (SCL) genes are known to regulate plant growth and development; however, their functions in rose AR formation remain poorly understood. In this study, the rooting rate of rose cuttings declined, whereas AR number increased with increasing concentrations of exogenous indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Most of the 36 identified RhSCL genes were significantly up-regulated during AR formation. Notably, the expression level of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 was positively associated with AR formation under low concentrations of exogenous IBA and NPA. Both genes were expressed at higher levels in roots than in other organs and encoded nuclear-localized proteins with transcriptional activation activity. Heterologous expression of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 in tobacco increased primary root length under exogenous IBA treatment, enhanced AR number and length, and promoted dry matter accumulation, accompanied by increased starch degradation and soluble sugar production. Compared with wild-type plants (WT), transgenic plants showed reduced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, more pronounced changes in gibberellic acid (GA₃) content, and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase (IAAO). These findings suggest that overexpression of RhSCL3 and RhSCL33 facilitates rooting under low-auxin conditions, and RhSCL33 acting earlier during AR development, and RhSCL3 functioning mainly at later stages. This regulatory module may provide useful genetic targets for improving vegetative propagation efficiency in rose and other horticultural or crop species. Full article

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are an analytically demanding cereal. They carry a lipid fraction of roughly 5–9% together with high lipase and lipoxygenase activity, a protein fraction dominated by globulins, a high-molecular-weight (1→3), (1→4)-β-D-glucan, and avenanthramides that occur in no other grain. Each of these fractions changes during kilning, milling, storage, and fermentation, and each change affects a quality attribute of commercial consequence. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, interpreted with chemometric models, offers a rapid and non-destructive route to several of these attributes from a single measurement. This review draws the oat-specific literature together. It covers the identification, classification and authentication of oat material, including: the separation of oats from gluten-containing cereals, the discrimination of cultivars and of commercial milled forms, and the grading of grain; the prediction of quality parameters and the compositional analysis of moisture, β-glucan, protein, starch and lipid; the molecular changes that accompany processing and storage—β-glucan depolymerisation, lipid oxidation and hydrolysis, thermally induced protein aggregation, avenanthramide degradation and starch retrogradation—and the spectral features by which sound and deteriorated oat material can be discriminated; and the portable and handheld instruments now bringing the measurement closer to the production line. Reported calibrations are frequently accurate but rest on limited sample sets, and multi-site validation together with shared reference spectra remains the principal requirement before routine industrial use. Full article

There is an inadequate supply of environmentally friendly, versatile disposable packaging films for protecting various food items. Herein, a series of walnut protein isolate (WPI)-based bioactive films, including WPI (W) film, cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced (WN) film, Ca²⁺-cross-linked WN (WNG) film, and curcumin-loaded WNG (WNGJ) film, were successfully fabricated. WNG showed the best properties in terms of elongation at break (53.47% ± 4.94%) and hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 91.94° ± 1.71°). WNGJ film showed the best properties in terms of antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Compared to the group without film protection, exterior quality, weight loss, softening, pH decreasing, and solids loss of strawberries were delayed around 1–3 d by each package, indicating the improvement in freshness. All bioactive films were more effectively at reducing the juice loss (improved 16–50%) and the spoilage of strawberries than the commercial film at room temperature over 5 days. Among them, WNGJ showed the best properties in terms of maintaining the firmness, acidity, and total soluble solids of strawberries. The films with tunable hydrophobicity properties and bioactive functions possess considerable potential usage in maintaining the freshness of perishable fruit. Full article

Carcinine is an imidazole dipeptide with potent antioxidant and antiglycation properties, although its chemical synthesis currently relies on severely environmentally harmful processes. In this work, a multi-enzyme cascade biotransformation system comprising 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase was constructed. To overcome the limitations arising from stochastic spatial distribution and suboptimal mass transfer associated with independent enzymes, a fusion protein strategy was adopted. The two enzymes were fused via a flexible genetic linker within plasmid pET28a-SFP-L-Ebony, which enabled robust soluble expression in Escherichia coli. Concurrently, the endogenous peptidase genes (pepA, pepB, pepD, and pepN) were systematically knocked out using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. This quadruple protease-deficient strain (designated SFP-L-Ebony-ΔpepABDN) effectively suppressed product degradation. Subsequent optimization revealed that optimal catalytic performance occurred at 25 °C and pH 7.0. The highest biotransformation efficiency was achieved using 15 g/L crude enzymes, in the presence of 2 mM ATP and 10 mM MgCl₂. Through a fed-batch substrate feeding strategy in a 50 mL reaction system, the final carcinine titer reached 7.0 g/L after 48 h. This study, therefore, provides an efficient and sustainable technological pathway for the green biomanufacturing of carcinine as well as other high-value dipeptides. Full article