Search Results (5,230)

The Mongolian wild ass (Equus hemionus hemionus) is a flagship species of the desert-steppe ecosystem in Asia, and understanding its strategies for coping with cold environments is vital for both revealing its survival mechanisms and informing conservation efforts. In this study, we employed metagenomic sequencing to characterize the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota, and applied DNA metabarcoding of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) g–h fragment to analyze dietary composition, aiming to reveal seasonal variations and the interplay between dietary plant composition and gut microbial communities. In the cold season, Bacteroidota and Euryarchaeota were significantly enriched, suggesting enhanced fiber degradation and energy extraction from low-quality forage. Moreover, genera such as Bacteroides and Alistipes were also significantly enriched and associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, bile acid tolerance, and immune modulation. In the cold season, higher Simpson index values and tighter principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) clustering indicated a more diverse and stable microbiota under harsh environmental conditions, which may represent an important microecological strategy for the host to cope with extreme environments. Functional predictions based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) further indicated upregulation of metabolic and signaling pathways, including ABC transporters, two-component systems, and quorum sensing, suggesting multi-level microbial responses to low temperatures and nutritional stress. trnL-based plant composition analysis indicated seasonal shifts, with Tamaricaceae detected more in the warm season and Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Amaryllidaceae detected more in the cold season. Correlation analyses revealed that dominant microbial phyla were associated with the degradation of fiber, polysaccharides, and plant secondary metabolites, which may help maintain host energy and metabolic homeostasis. Despite the limited sample size and cross-sectional design, our findings highlight that gut microbial composition and structure may be important for host adaptation to cold environments and may also serve as a useful reference for future studies on the adaptive mechanisms and conservation strategies of endangered herbivores, including the Mongolian wild ass. Full article

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are an innovative material in biomedical applications based on their excellent biocompatibility, nanoscale dimensions, and high surface area. In this study, we evaluated the potential of ND-in-oil emulsion to induce potent antibody responses in animals immunized with cobra venom. NDs demonstrated the capacity to bind complex venom proteins as stable conjugates, well dispersed in aqueous solution. Immunization of mice with cobra venom incorporated with ND-in-oil emulsion adjuvant (ND/venom) elicited strong venom-specific antibody responses with titers comparable to those induced by venom formulation with conventional Freund’s adjuvants (FA/venom). IgG subclass analysis revealed that ND- and FA-based formulations induced a Th2-biased immune response in mice. Moreover, antibodies elicited by ND/venom or FA/venom immunization specifically recognized the epitopes of the lethal component of short-chain neurotoxin and conferred full protection against lethal cobra venom challenge (3LD₅₀). Further, ND/venom hyperimmunization was capable of inducing high levels of neutralizing antibodies in larger animals, rabbits, highlighting the potential for antivenom manufacturing. Notably, there were no obvious lesions at the injection sites of animals that received ND/venom, in contrast to those that received FA/venom. These findings indicated NDs as an effective and safe additive in venom formulation for antivenom production. Full article

Bone immunity represents a dynamic interface where skeletal homeostasis intersects with systemic immune regulation. We synthesize emerging paradigms by contrasting two functionally distinct microenvironments: the marrow cavity, a hematopoietic and immune cell reservoir, and cancellous bone, a metabolically active hub orchestrating osteoimmune interactions. The marrow cavity not only generates innate and adaptive immune cells but also preserves long-term immune memory through stromal-derived chemokines and survival factors, while cancellous bone regulates bone remodeling via macrophage-osteoclast crosstalk and cytokine gradients. Breakthroughs in lymphatic vasculature identification challenge traditional views, revealing cortical and lymphatic networks in cancellous bone that mediate immune surveillance and pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. Central to bone immunity is the neuro–immune–endocrine axis, where sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling bidirectionally modulate osteoclastogenesis and macrophage polarization. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, reshape bone immunity through epigenetic and receptor-mediated pathways, bridging systemic metabolism with local immune responses. In disease contexts, dysregulated immune dynamics drive osteoporosis via RANKL/IL-17 hyperactivity and promote leukemic evasion through microenvironmental immunosuppression. We further propose the “brain–gut–bone axis” as a systemic regulatory framework, wherein vagus nerve-mediated gut signaling enhances osteogenic pathways, while leptin and adipokine circuits link marrow adiposity to inflammatory bone loss. These insights redefine bone as a multidimensional immunometabolic organ, integrating neural, endocrine, and microbial inputs to maintain homeostasis. By elucidating the mechanisms of immune-driven bone pathologies, this work highlights therapeutic opportunities through biomaterial-mediated immunomodulation and microbiota-targeted interventions, paving the way for next-generation treatments in osteoimmune disorders. Full article

This study distinguished male and female individuals by wing morphology (males with long wings, females with short wings) and investigated sexual dimorphism in the chemosensory system of Blaptica dubia through integrated ultrastructural and transcriptomic analyses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the type, number, and distribution of antennal sensilla, while Illumina HiSeq sequencing, Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG) annotation, and Quantitative Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) validation were employed to analyze sex-specific gene expression profiles. Both sexes exhibited Böhm’s bristles, chaetic, trichoid, and basiconic sensilla. Males showed significantly more chaetic sensilla on the pedicel and longer type I/II chaetic sensilla on the flagellum, whereas females had longer ST2 sensilla. Basiconic sensilla were predominantly flagellar-distributed and more abundant/longer in males. No sexual differences were observed in Böhm’s bristles. Transcriptomics revealed 5664 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (2541 upregulated; 3123 downregulated), enriched in oxidation-reduction, extracellular space, lysosome, and glutathione metabolism. KEGG analysis identified five key pathways: lysosome, glutathione metabolism, cytochrome P450-mediated xenobiotic/drug metabolism, and ascorbate/aldarate metabolism. Among 11 chemosensory-related DEGs, chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and odorant binding proteins (OBPs) were downregulated in males, while gustatory receptors (GRs), olfactory receptors (Ors), and ionotropic receptors (IRs) were upregulated. These results demonstrate profound sexual dimorphism in both antennal sensilla morphology and chemosensory gene expression, suggesting divergent sex-specific chemical communication strategies in Blaptica dubia, with implications for understanding adaptive evolution in Blattodea. Full article

Short-form video platforms have shifted advertising from standalone, time-bounded spots to feed-embedded, swipeable stimuli, creating a high-velocity processing context that can penalize casting complexity. We ask whether a “one face, many roles” casting strategy (a single actor playing multiple characters) outperforms multi-actor executions, and why. A two-phase pretest (N = 3500) calibrated a realistic ceiling for “multi-actor” casts, then four experiments (total N = 4513) tested mechanisms, boundary conditions, and alternatives. Study 1 (online and offline replications) shows that single-actor ads lower cognitive load and boost account evaluations and purchase intention. Study 2, a field experiment, demonstrates that Need for Closure amplifies these gains via reduced cognitive load. Study 3 documents brand-type congruence: one actor performs better for entertaining/exciting brands, whereas multi-actor suits professional/competence-oriented brands. Study 4 rules out cost-frugality and sympathy using a budget cue and a sequential alternative path (perceived cost constraint → sympathy). Across studies, a chain mediation holds: single-actor casting reduces cognitive load, which elevates brand authenticity and increases purchase intention; a simple mediation links cognitive load to account evaluations. Effects are robust across settings and participant gender. We theorize short-form advertising as a context-embedded persuasion episode that connects information-processing efficiency to authenticity inferences, and we derive practical guidance for talent selection and script design in short-form campaigns. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) demonstrates chronic relapsing inflammation extending beyond adaptive immunity dysfunction. “Trained immunity”—the reprogramming of innate immune memory in myeloid cells and hematopoietic progenitors—maintains intestinal inflammation; however, the mechanism by which gut microbiome orchestration determines protective versus pathological outcomes remains unclear. Microbial metabolites demonstrate context-dependent dual effects along the gut–bone marrow axis. Short-chain fatty acids typically induce tolerogenic immune memory, whereas metabolites like succinate and polyamines exhibit dual roles: promoting inflammation in certain contexts while enhancing barrier integrity in others, influenced by cell-specific receptors and microenvironmental factors. Interventions include precision probiotics and postbiotics delivering specific metabolites, fecal microbiota transplantation addressing dysbiotic trained immunity, targeted metabolite supplementation, and pharmacologic reprogramming of pathological myeloid training states. Patient stratification based on microbiome composition and host genetics enhances therapeutic precision. Future research requires integration of non-coding RNAs regulating trained immunity, microbiome–immune–neuronal axis interactions, and host genetic variants modulating microbiome–immunity crosstalk. Priorities include developing companion diagnostics, establishing regulatory frameworks for microbiome therapeutics, and defining mechanistic switches for personalized interventions. Full article

Nowadays, fiber optic cables are a strategic issue because of their importance in telecommunications. Due to the densification of optic cables and the reduction in polymeric layer thickness, the flammability of the external sheath has to be improved. Three novel flame-retardant compositions using phosphate low-melting glasses (LMGs) as aluminum trihydrate (ATH) synergist were assessed in a polyethylene–ethylene vinyl acetate (PE-EVA) matrix. It was highlighted that LMG at a 10 wt% content reduced the peak and mean value of heat release rate (HRR), respectively, to 142 and 90 kW/m² corresponding to 52% and 42% reduction compared to ATH only. Potassium phosphate LMG was shown to perform better than sodium or zinc phosphate LMG. The improvement was assigned to the formation of an expanded mineral layer at the surface of the material during combustion that acts as a thermal shield slowing down the pyrolysis rate. The structural analysis revealed that the presence of alkaline cations in glasses led to short phosphate chains that resulted in low softening point and low-viscosity liquid. It was evidenced that under heat exposure the melted glass is likely to flow between the dehydrating ATH particles, creating a cohesive layer that expands. Additionally, interactions between ATH and LMG were also evidenced. The new crystalline species may also play a role in the cohesion of the layer. Full article

Dietary patterns greatly affect periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that compromises both dental and systemic health. According to the emerging evidence, periodontal risk is more strongly associated with the overall dietary quality, especially fiber density intake, than any one micronutrient. While the average intake in industrialized countries is only half of the recommended 30 g day⁻¹, high-fiber diets such as the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and whole-food plant-based diets are consistently associated with a 20–40% lower periodontitis prevalence. Dietary fiber plays a central role in regulating immune responses, strengthening tissue barriers, improving metabolic homeostasis, and shaping a healthy microbiome through its microbial fermentation products: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This makes it a biologically rational and clinical evidence-supported strategy for the prevention and management of periodontitis. Integrating high-fiber diet recommendations into routine periodontal care and public health policies could be a crucial step towards more comprehensive oral and systemic health management. This narrative review elaborates on the mechanistic, observational, and intervention data highlighting the role of dietary fiber, especially SCFAs, in periodontal health. Full article

The microbial community in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is pivotal in fish health, contributing significantly to the productive performance during the growing-out phase. Classical and molecular methods using PCR for species-specific amplifications have traditionally been used for bacterial community surveillance. Unfortunately, these approaches mask the real bacterial diversity and abundance, population dynamics, and prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we explored the use of Oxford Nanopore Technology to characterize the microbiota and functional metagenomics in a commercial freshwater RAS. Intestine samples from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar (85 ± 5.7 g)) and water samples from the inlet/outlet water, settling tank, and biofilters were collected. The full-length 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to reconstruct the microbial community, and bioinformatic tools were applied to estimate the functional potential in the RAS and fish microbiota. The analysis showed that bacteria involved in denitrification processes were found in water samples, as well as metabolic pathways related to hydrogen sulfide metabolism. Observations suggested that fish classified as sick exhibited decreased microbial diversity compared with fish without clinical symptomatology (p < 0.05). Proteobacteria were predominant in ill fish, and pathogens of the genera Aeromonas, Aliivibrio, and Vibrio were detected in all intestinal samples. Notably, Aliivibrio wodanis was detected in fish showing abnormal clinical conditions. Healthy salmon showed higher contributions of pathways related to amino acid metabolism and short-chain fatty acid fermentation (p < 0.05), which may indicate more favorable fish conditions. These findings suggest the utility of nanopore sequencing methods in assessing the microbial community in RASs for salmon aquaculture. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Flos lonicerae and Baikal skullcap extracts (PE) on laying performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, follicular development, estrogen secretion, ovarian metabolomics, and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens. The total number of 70-week-old XinYang Black-Feathered laying hens was 240. These hens were randomly divided into two groups, with each group consisting of six replicates of 20 birds. Control (CON) group was fed a basal diet, whereas the PE group received the same basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of PE. The duration of the experiment was 10 weeks. The findings indicated that the supplementation of PE improved laying performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function. This was reflected by significant increases (p < 0.05) in laying rate, feed conversion ratio, antioxidant indicators (such as glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase), and immunoglobulin levels. Additionally, there were notable decreases (p < 0.05) in the malondialdehyde levels and pro-inflammatory markers. Moreover, the PE group exhibited a greater number of large yellow and white follicles, as well as higher serum estrogen levels, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PE supplementation altered the composition of the cecal microbiota by increasing Ruminococcus_torques_group, Butyricoccus and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group abundances and decreasing Bacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Megamonas abundances (at genus level), which are primarily associated with short-chain fatty acid production. Ovarian metabolomic analysis showed that the major metabolites altered by PE supplementation were mainly involved in follicular development, estrogen biosynthesis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, changes in both the cecal microbiota (at genus level) and ovarian metabolites were strongly correlated with laying performance, antioxidant status, and immune function. In conclusion, PE supplementation improved laying performance in aged hens by enhancing antioxidant, immune, and ovarian functions, promoting follicular development and estrogen secretion, and modulating the gut microbiota and ovarian metabolites. These findings will offer novel insights into the mechanisms that underlie egg production in the ovaries of aged poultry. Full article

Globally, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the neurodegenerative condition with the most rapidly increasing prevalence, and a growing body of evidence associates its pathology with impairments in the gut–brain axis. Traditionally viewed as a disease marked by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, emerging evidence emphasizes that chronic neuroinflammation is a driver of neurodegeneration, with gut-originating inflammation playing a crucial role. Increased intestinal permeability, often called “leaky gut,” allows harmful substances, toxins, and misfolded α-synuclein into the systemic circulation, potentially exacerbating neuroinflammation and spreading α-synuclein pathology to the brain through the vagus nerve or compromised blood–brain barrier (BBB). This review synthesizes current insights into the relationship between gut health and PD, emphasizing the importance of gut permeability in disrupting intestinal barrier function. This paper highlights innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly personalized therapies involving gut microbiome engineering, as promising strategies for restoring gut integrity and improving neurological outcomes. Modulating specific gut bacteria to enhance the synthesis of certain metabolites, notably short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), represents a promising strategy for reducing inflammatory responses and decelerating neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Full article

Vasconcellea pubescens (mountain papaya) is an underutilized Andean fruit with distinctive nutritional and functional properties, yet its rapid softening and short shelf-life result in significant postharvest losses. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiology of fruit development and ripening, with emphasis on cell wall disassembly, color changes, and ethylene regulation as determinants of postharvest quality. Advances in postharvest management strategies, including temperature control, packaging, and ethylene-modulating treatments (such as 1-MCP), are discussed in the context of preserving fruit firmness, extending shelf life, and reducing food waste. Furthermore, the high content of bioactive compounds—such as papain, phenolics, and flavonoids—underscores the potential of valorizing by-products through sustainable biotechnological applications. Despite recent progress, critical gaps remain in genomic resources, predictive quality monitoring, and large-scale implementation of preservation techniques. Addressing these challenges could enhance the economic and ecological value of V. pubescens, positioning it as both a model species for postharvest research and a promising fruit for reducing food losses in horticultural supply chains. Full article

The adsorption of organic substances on the surface of silver is a crucial method for the anti-tarnish treatment of silver, and thiol organic substances have a significant protective effect on silver. Through quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, the adsorption performance of thiol compounds on silver surfaces was investigated as the research object. Thiol compounds are classified into five categories, including short-chain saturated fat thiols and long-chain saturated fat thiols, and their adsorption properties are compared. After screening, thiol compounds with better adsorption performance on the surface of Ag were obtained. Long-chain saturated aliphatic thiols have the best protective effect for silver anti-tarnish treatment, followed by aromatic thiols, while short-chain saturated aliphatic thiols give the worst effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer progression is characterized by the suppression of apoptosis, activation of metastatic processes, and dysregulation of cell proliferation. The proper functioning of these mechanisms relies on critical signaling pathways, including Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B/mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Although curcumin and resveratrol exhibit anticancer properties and affect these pathways, their pharmacokinetic limitations, including poor bioavailability and low solubility, restrict their clinical application. The aim of our study was to evaluate the synergistic anticancer potential of curcumin and resveratrol through hybrid molecules rationally designed from these compounds to mitigate their pharmacokinetic limitations. Furthermore, we analyzed the multi-target anticancer effects of these hybrids on the AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), MAPK, and STAT3 pathways using in silico molecular modeling approaches. Methods: Three hybrid molecules, including a long-chain (ELRC-LC) and a short-chain (ELRC-SC) hybrid, an ester-linked hybrid, and an ether-linked hybrid (EtLRC), were designed using the Avogadro software (v1.2.0), and their geometry optimization was carried out using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The electronic properties of the structures were characterized through Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO), Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyses. The binding energies of the hybrid molecules, curcumin, resveratrol, their analogs, and the reference inhibitor were calculated against the AKT1, MAPK, and STAT3 receptors using molecular docking. The stabilities of the best-fitting complexes were evaluated through 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and their binding free energies were estimated using the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method. Results: DFT analyses demonstrated stable electronic characteristics for the hybrids. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the hybrids exhibited stronger binding compared to curcumin and resveratrol. The binding energy of −11.4 kcal/mol obtained for the ELRC-LC hybrid against AKT1 was particularly remarkable. Analysis of 100 ns MD simulations confirmed the conformational stability of the hybrids. Conclusions: Hybrid molecules have been shown to exert multi-target mechanisms of action on the AKT1, MAPK, and STAT3 pathways, and to represent potential anticancer candidates capable of overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations. Our in silico-based study provides data that will guide future in vitro and in vivo studies. These rationally designed hybrid molecules, owing to their receptor affinity, may serve as de novo hybrid inhibitors. Full article

Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that propolis possesses significant anti-obesity properties. While gut hormones and microbiota are known to play crucial roles in obesity development, the specific mechanisms through which propolis exerts its effects via the gut hormone axis remain poorly characterized. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) rat model was established to investigate the regulatory effects of propolis. After 10 weeks of intervention, blood serum, liver, colon tissues, and luminal contents were analyzed for metabolic parameters, gene expression of gut hormones and AMPK pathway markers, microbial community structure, and short-chain fatty acid production. Results: Propolis effectively mitigated HFD-induced metabolic disturbances, including excessive weight gain, adipose tissue accumulation, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic dysfunction. These improvements were associated with significant upregulation of the AMPK pathway. Importantly, propolis enhanced intestinal barrier integrity and differentially modulated gut hormone expression by increasing the mRNA levels of Cck, Gip, and Ghrl, and decreasing Lep and Gcg levels. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that propolis administration selectively enriched butyrate- and propionate-producing bacterial species. Correlation analysis further identified the Eubacterium brachy group as a pivotal microbial mediator in the propolis-modulated gut microbiota–gut hormone–liver AMPK axis. Conclusions: Our findings establish that propolis ameliorates obesity-related metabolic disorders by orchestrating crosstalk among gut microbiota, enteroendocrine hormones, and hepatic AMPK signaling. These results elucidate a novel mechanistic pathway in rodents; however, their direct translatability to humans requires further clinical investigation. This tripartite axis offers a mechanistic foundation for developing microbiota-targeted anti-obesity therapies. Full article