Search Results (27,546)

Lake Van (Eastern Turkey), the world’s largest soda lake, represents a unique geochemical environment characterized by high alkalinity (pH about 9.7) and a complex hydrochemistry, driven by deep hydrothermal input and extreme evaporative processes. This article evaluates mineralogy, minor elements, and Rare Earth Element (REE) geochemistry of coastal stromatolites from 11 sites, to discriminate between endogenous chemical signals and terrigenous contamination. Results identify two distinct lithological groups: a chemically pure authigenic end-member (CaCO₃ > 85%), overprinted by a significant siliciclastic detrital contribution, rich in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃. Authigenic samples successfully preserve the primary hydrothermal signature, exhibiting marked Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE) enrichment and superchondritic Y/Ho ratios (=35), inherited from the stability of dissolved dicarbonate complexes, such as [REE(CO₃)₂]⁻, which favor HREE solubility and uptake into the carbonate lattice. Conversely, the significant detrital contribution is highlighted by a robust correlation between REE and lithogenic proxies (Al-Si-Fe). Furthermore, the non-CHARAC behavior observed in Y/Ho and Zr/Hf twin pairs effectively distinguishes biogenic-chemical precipitation from detrital inputs. These results highlight the effectiveness of REE geochemistry as a proxy to filter out lithogenic overprints and accurately isolate the primary hydrochemical record of carbonate stromatolites. Full article

Soil salinization is a major environmental hazard, hindering rapeseed development due to sodium ion (Na⁺) toxicity and ionic imbalances in plant cells. Understanding tolerance mechanisms and categorizing reliable physiochemical indicators is vital for enhancing rapeseed tolerance. Herein, we aimed to enhance knowledge about the stress-responsive mechanism of ten rapeseed varieties (C71, C88, C91, C97, C123, C136, C196, C272, C280, and C320) exposed to five NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM) through determining key factors related to salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Our results showed that salt stress significantly reduced seedling growth and biomass with increasing salt stress concentration in a similar pattern in all studied varieties, especially in sensitive seedlings. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment, osmotic solutes, and MDA showed significant variations under salt treatment versus control in all studied varieties. Based on morpho-physiochemical trait analysis of ten rapeseed varieties, C71 and C272 were selected as tolerant and sensitive varieties to study stress responses during six weeks (weekly time points) in the leaf, petiole, stem, and root of seedlings under 250 mM NaCl. Current findings demonstrated superior osmotic adjustment of C71 through higher accumulation of total soluble sugars and protein, reflected in lower MDA levels, which contributed to maintaining cellular homeostasis and membrane integrity to improve resilience under salinity versus C272. Besides, total amino acid content was enhanced in C71 versus C272 seedlings, which was attributed to stress tolerance. In different tissues of C71 and C272, Na⁺ and K⁺ levels varied with increasing growing time, reaching the maximum increment at the 6th week under salt stress conditions. Moreover, Na⁺ initially accumulates in roots and enhances the K⁺ level in tolerant seedlings; besides, K⁺ was accumulated higher in the roots of tolerant seedlings, resulting in K⁺ homeostasis, thereby improving stress tolerance. Our results can be a great reference value for rapeseed plant breeders to develop salt-tolerant cultivars. Full article

Histidine kinases are an integral component of bacterial two-component systems (TCSs), playing a pivotal role in signal transduction pathways, resulting in both resistance and virulence. However, their inherent membrane-bound nature often results in poor solubility, making them difficult to isolate and rendering them incompatible with most in vitro biochemical techniques. Consequently, much of the research on two-component systems has centered on response regulators, limiting both drug discovery efforts and our broader understanding of key signal transduction mechanisms. To address these challenges, we sought to straightforwardly generate cytosolic truncation mutants of histidine kinases that retain their autophosphorylation and phosphotransfer capabilities. Previously, we successfully developed a cytosolic truncation mutant of PmrB (PmrBc) that maintained these critical functions, demonstrating its suitability as a viable surrogate for in vitro investigations, including inhibitor compound screening. Building upon this foundation, we have refined our methods and here demonstrate these improvements by producing functional histidine kinase truncation mutants from the following diverse bacterial species: Escherichia coli; PhoQ, BasS and Klebsiella pneumoniae; and PmrB and PhoQ. Full article

Gene delivery/administration and, in particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery represent a therapeutic challenge, though very effective carriers have yet to be identified. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides with unique host–guest inclusion capabilities, widely recognized in the pharmaceutical field for their ability to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. Their excellent biocompatibility and chemical versatility make them powerful building blocks for the design of supramolecular nanovectors (NVs). Thanks to their facility of functionalization, CDs are highly versatile and have found numerous applications across various fields. In this context, CD-based NVs are currently explored as non-viral agents to transport and release siRNA. Recent studies suggest that self-assembled NVs based on CDs can improve the transfection and safety of siRNA delivery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in the design of NVs based on CDs and their use for siRNA delivery, discussing the role played by structural differences and chemical functionalization in the context of encapsulation and release. Full article

The Xinjiang wheat variety ‘Xindong 22’ was used as experimental material. Two soil moisture treatments were established: control (CK, 70–75% field capacity), drought (X1, 60–65%). The photosynthetic characteristics and resistance physiological indexes of wheat leaves under different stress levels were analyzed, and RNA-Seq technology was used to conduct transcriptome sequencing and analysis were performed on wheat leaves. The results showed that under drought stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly enhanced, while peroxidase (POD) activity decreased. Soluble sugar and proline contents also increased. These changes likely enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging, thereby reducing the content of malondialdehyde in the leaves. Meanwhile, under the X1 treatment, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of wheat leaves showed a slow decreasing trend, the intercellular CO₂ concentration decreased slightly, the decline in Fv/Fm was relatively small, and the value of the non-photochemical quenching coefficient gradually increased. Transcriptome analysis identified 1881 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Notably, drought stress induced the up-regulation of key genes involved in the ABA signaling pathway (e.g., SnRK2 and ABF) and the MAPK cascade, suggesting their crucial roles in mediating drought responses in this wheat variety. In the jasmonic acid signaling pathway, MYC2 functions as a positive regulator by interacting with JAZ proteins. These findings demonstrate that Xinjiang wheat employs integrated physiological and molecular strategies to cope with drought stress. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a major public health challenge, being associated with significant metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Evidence-based nutritional interventions are essential for the prevention and management of the disease. Dietary fibers, particularly soluble fibers such as psyllium, β-glucan, inulin, and fermentable fiber blends, have demonstrated beneficial effects on glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, body weight, and medication requirements. This narrative review synthesizes the results of recent clinical trials and meta-analyses, highlighting the underlying physiological mechanisms, including colonic fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, as well as the impact on gut microbiota composition. The findings support the integration of soluble fibers into a personalized dietary plan as part of a multidimensional strategy for T2D management. Further long-term randomized studies are warranted to standardize doses and assess the metabolic and microbiota-mediated effects of dietary fibers. Full article

Developing safe and effective hemostatic materials is critical for rapid bleeding control and wound management. However, traditional hemostatic materials using chemical crosslinking often fall short in hemostatic efficiency and carry risks of secondary injury from reagent residues. This study introduced an irradiation-fabricated composite collagen sponge based on fish skin collagen, chitosan, and soluble starch. The sponge was prepared via material solution blending, followed by cobalt-60 gamma irradiation at various doses, with casting and freeze-drying. Its functionality and safety were systematically evaluated. The results show that low-dose gamma irradiation (1–3 kGy) applied to a precursor solution prior to freeze-drying promoted intermolecular crosslinking, improving mechanical strength, elongation, and biostability, while higher doses (6 kGy) slightly reduced crosslinking due to the partial degradation of collagen, chitosan, and starch. With low-dose irradiation, the proposed hemostatic sponges show enhanced water absorption, blood cell adsorption, swelling, and antibacterial properties, indicating effective hemostatic performance. Spectroscopic characterization confirmed chemical bond modifications with no loss of crystallinity. Cytotoxicity and in vivo tests demonstrated biocompatibility and effective hemostatic performance. Compared with the commercial HSD sponge, the irradiated sponges exhibited superior hemostatic efficacy. This study presents that a collagen-based synergistic matrix prepared by gamma-ray irradiation can produce a hemostatic sponge with enhanced absorbency, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties, highlighting its great potential in rapid hemostasis and wound care applications. Full article

Although plastic film mulching enhances crop yield, it impedes water infiltration, potentially restricting agricultural productivity. To address this issue, we evaluated the effects of different mulching methods on cauliflower growth, yield performance, quality traits, soil properties, and irrigation water use efficiency. We implemented three mulching treatments and two control groups: combined straw and plastic film mulching (T1), partial straw mulching (T2), full straw mulching (T3), no mulching (CK1), and plastic film mulching alone (CK2). These treatments were applied to two consecutive crops of cauliflower over a two-year period (2019–2020) in the arid and semi-arid regions of Gansu Province, China. Our findings revealed that T1 significantly enhanced plant height, stem diameter, and both above- and belowground fresh biomass compared to CK2. Moreover, T1, T2, and T3 promoted the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the concentrations of macro- (N and K), meso- (Ca and Mg), and micro-elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in the cauliflower heads. Compared to CK2, the soluble sugar and vitamin C contents increased by 17.43% and 8.68% in T1, and the soluble protein contents increased by 13.10% and 9.50% in T2 and T3 compared to CK2. Conversely, the nitrate content decreased by 28.28%, 42.06%, and 31.54% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Additionally, T1 increased economic yield and irrigation water use efficiency by 16.36–23.80% and 23.94–36.88% in the two years, along with notable improvements in the soil’s total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and organic matter content. Multivariate classification modeling using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) further indicated that T1 enhanced cauliflower quality, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency and boosted soil fertility. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

The influence of grape maturity over three consecutive years (2020–2022) on Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) juice and wine chemical composition was investigated. Grapes were harvested at three time points (H1, H2, and H3) in weekly intervals. Despite the fact that vintage (environmental conditions) had a predominant effect on juice and wine chemical composition, clear separation of samples according to the harvest date was observed in all three vintages. Compounds with the highest contribution towards harvest date separation were common maturity-related juice and wine variables (titratable acidity, pH) as well as some volatiles, whereas differences in total soluble solids between dates were minor and often insignificant. In particular, concentrations of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), (Z)-3-hexenol, and 1-hexenol in wines decreased with delayed harvest. All the more, concentrations of 3-mercaptohexanol (3MH) were the lowest in wines from H3 in all three years, whereas concentrations of 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) and 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-ol (4MMP) were not influenced by harvest date. Other compounds, such as esters and higher alcohols, with the exception of 1-propanol, did not exhibit a common trend related to the harvest date across three vintages. These results indicate that, during late ripening, harvest-related shifts in juice and wine composition occur even when differences in berry sugar concentration (TSS) at harvest are minor. Full article

Diabetes mellitus represents a major global health challenge, which has generated ongoing interest in developing enzymatic strategies to modulate carbohydrate digestion. Phlorizin, a dihydrochalcone found predominantly in plants of the genus Malus, has been extensively investigated for its antidiabetic potential; however, its practical application is limited by its low water solubility. Enzymatic fructosylation represents an effective biocatalytic approach to overcome this limitation and modulate the functional properties of phenolic compounds. In this study, the inhibitory activity of an enzymatically fructosylated phlorizin-enriched fraction, containing 4-O-mono-fructosyl phlorizin (4PHF) as its main component, was evaluated against key carbohydrate-digesting enzymes using in vitro assays complemented by in silico molecular docking analyses. The 4PHF-enriched fraction showed potent inhibition of α-amylase in vitro, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.69 µg/mL. However, no significant inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed within the analyzed concentration range, indicating a selective inhibitory profile. Molecular docking analyses supported the experimental findings, revealing favorable binding orientations and predicted affinities of 4PHF for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, stabilized primarily by hydrogen bond interactions. Overall, the combined in vitro and in silico results demonstrate that enzymatic fructosylation effectively reprograms the enzyme interaction profile of phlorizin, highlighting 4PHF as a structurally optimized modulator of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, with potential relevance for applied research on enzyme inhibition related to metabolic diseases. Full article

Wheat seed quality is a key factor of end-use performance and nutritional value, yet it is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The present study evaluated the performance, stability, and genetic control of wheat seed quality traits across six contrasting environments in Greece, focusing on genotypes derived from three selection designs (McGinnis & Shebeski, honeycomb, and gridding) and a local landrace. The measured traits included crude protein, fat, ash, starch, crude fibre, Zeleny sedimentation, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture. A combined ANOVA revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on all traits. Crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate were predominantly governed by genotype, while starch, Zeleny sedimentation, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture were more influenced by environmental factors, while crude fiber showed balanced genotype × environment effects. Stability analysis identified genotypes with consistent expression of key quality traits across environments, demonstrating the relevance of stability parameters for reliable selection. Correlation analysis indicated positive associations among protein, fat, Zeleny sedimentation, and crude fiber, and negative relationships with starch, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction, revealing trade-offs among wheat seed quality components. Selection method influenced trait expression, with gridding-derived lines excelling in protein and fat, McGinnis & Shebeski lines in Zeleny sedimentation and fiber, and honeycomb-derived lines in starch, carbohydrate, soluble, and non-starch fractions. Overall, the results support the use of multi-environment evaluation and stability-based selection to improve wheat seed quality in a predictable and targeted manner. Full article

Bok choy (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) experiences rapid postharvest quality decline, primarily due to water loss. This study aims to evaluate the effect of H₂-modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; containing 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% H₂) on extending the shelf life of bok choy. First, we observed that the storage of bok choy for 9 d (4 °C and 85% relative humidity) was accompanied by a decreasing tendency of molecular hydrogen (H₂) production. Subsequently, the effects of hydrogen (H₂) administered via modified atmosphere packaging on the preservation of bok choy were investigated. The results showed that among the treatments, 0.1% H₂ MAP could effectively improve the storage quality of bok choy under identical storage conditions. Compared to the control groups at 9 d, the contents of chlorophyll a/b, carotenoids, total phenols and flavonoids, and total soluble solids were increased by 43.75%, 40%, 27.78%, 28.89%, 102.38%, and 7.29%, and weight loss rate and electrolyte leakage were reduced by 31.77% and 50.19% (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the combined water fraction was increased and respiration rate was decreased. Biochemical evidence further showed that xyloglucan endotransglycosylase 2/3 (XET2/3) transcripts and xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET) activity, responsible for cell wall degradation, were decreased. By contrast, peroxidase 31/37 (POD31/37) genes and peroxidase (POD) activity, key to the synthesis of lignin, were increased. Importantly, these changes were positively matched with the maintenance of cell wall integrity by H₂ MAP. Together, the results clearly suggested that H₂ MAP could maintain the postharvest quality of bok choy via alleviating water loss and maintaining cell wall integrity. These findings thus provide a useful technology for improving the storage quality of vegetables prone to water loss. Full article

Background: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) directed therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Soluble BCMA (sBCMA), a circulating product of the membrane-bound BCMA shedding, has emerged as a potential biomarker reflecting tumor burden and disease biology. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline circulating sBCMA in patients with multiple myeloma receiving BCMA-directed therapies, with progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies enrolling patients with multiple myeloma treated with BCMA-directed therapies and reporting baseline circulating sBCMA measured in serum or plasma in relation to survival outcomes were included. Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and overall survival (OS) were pooled using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Results: Four independent RRMM cohorts fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the quantitative PFS meta-analysis. Elevated baseline circulating sBCMA was significantly associated with inferior PFS (pooled HR = 2.64, p < 0.05), with a consistent adverse prognostic direction across all studies. Moderate to substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 63.2%), potentially reflecting differences in BCMA-directed therapy modalities across cohorts and methodological variability, including study-specific sBCMA cut-off definitions, assay procedures and sampling timepoints. Exploratory subgroup analysis suggested that the prognostic impact of baseline sBCMA on PFS may differ according to BCMA-directed therapy class. Overall risk of bias was judged as low to moderate. Conclusions: Elevated baseline circulating sBCMA is associated with inferior progression-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma treated with BCMA-directed therapies. These findings support the prognostic relevance of sBCMA as a risk stratification marker, although harmonization of assays and cut-offs and prospective validation are required before clinical implementation. Full article

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, when metastatic dissemination is already present. Tumour hybrid cells (THCs) are rare circulating cells formed through fusion between cancer stem cells with leukocytes, predominantly monocytes. These cells combine traits from both lineages, conferring enhanced migratory, invasive and immune-evasive capacities that could promote metastasis. In parallel, soluble immune checkpoints (sICs) have emerged as minimally invasive biomarkers and indicators of systemic immune dysregulation and tumour-driven immune escape. In this study, 31 patients with lung cancer were prospectively enrolled at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Circulating THCs were quantified by spectral flow cytometry, and plasma sICs concentrations were determined using multiplex immunoassays. Patients were stratified by metastatic status and survival. Variables showing the strongest discriminative capacity were integrated into multivariable logistic regression models. Number of THCs, and levels of sCTLA-4, s-41BB, sLAG-3, and sTIM-3 exhibited the strongest discrimination for metastasis, while THCs, sLAG-3, and sTIM-3 distinguished deceased from surviving patients. Integrating predictive models demonstrated high accuracy, and survival analyses supported their prognostic significance. These findings indicate circulating THCs and selected sICs represent promising liquid biomarkers for monitoring lung cancer progression and patient outcomes. Full article

Sulphatic evaporites represent a critical challenge for underground engineering due to their high solubility, swelling potential, and sensitivity to changing hydraulic and thermal conditions. In this study, we investigate the temperature-dependent dissolution behavior and microstructural evolution of Triassic sulphate rocks consisting of anhydrite and minor portions of gypsum from the Western Alps. Twelve cylindrical samples were immersed in CaSO₄-saturated water solutions at 15 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C for six months. Periodic mass and volume measurements were combined with Scanner Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging to quantify dissolution and document mineralogical transformations. All samples experienced progressive mass loss, whereas volumetric changes remained below measurement resolution. Dissolution pathways varied strongly with temperature. At 15 °C, dissolution occurred mainly along anhydrite grain boundaries, producing rounded crystal edges, while less effect was observed in the gypsum veins, leaving the intergranular layers preserved. In contrast, at 40–60 °C, gypsum was preferentially dissolved, generating porosity around comparatively unaltered anhydrite grains. These results qualitatively reproduce the temperature-controlled solubility inversion between gypsum and anhydrite predicted by thermodynamic models. No secondary gypsum precipitation or swelling features were observed. The experimental evidence highlights the role of temperature and hydraulic regime in controlling the stability of sulphate rocks and provides insights relevant to tunnel excavation, underground storage facilities, and geomechanical modeling in evaporitic settings. Full article