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Salt stress has strongly impacted the long-term growth of eco-friendly farming worldwide. By targeting the oxidative stress induced by salt, the utilization of biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) that possess high-efficiency antioxidant properties, are nontoxic, and have excellent biocompatibility represents a viable and effective approach for enhancing the salt tolerance of plants. In this study, we blended magnesium oxide nanoparticles with carbon sources derived from durian shells to construct Mg-doped carbon dots (Mg-CDs) through a hydrothermal reaction. We demonstrated that the foliar application of 150 μg/mL Mg-CDs to rice plants after treatment with 100 mM salt effectively increased the plant height (9.52%), fresh weight (22.41%), dry weight (33.33%), K+content (21.46%), chlorophyll content (36.21%), and carotenoid content (16.21%); decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) (9.43%), Na+(25.75%), H2O2(17.50%), and O2•–contents (37.99%); and promoted the photosynthetic system and antioxidant activity. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Mg-CD pretreatment triggered transcriptional reprogramming in rice seedlings. The enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways based on trend groups of gene expression patterns of Profile 8 and Profile 15 indicated that priming with Mg-CDs activated stress signaling- and defense-related pathways, such as metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and photosynthesis pathways. These activations subsequently prompted the expression of genes related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, hormone signal transduction, the oxidative stress response, and the photosynthetic system. This study demonstrated that the use of Mg-CDs represents a potential strategy to increase plant salt tolerance, creating the possibility for the regulation of crop salinity stress and offering valuable advancements in sustainable agriculture.

Eggs are recognized for their rich nutrient profile, providing essential proteins and lipids with notable functional properties. This study examines the effects of incorporating Water Extract of Ampelopsis grossedentata(WEA) into poultry feed on egg quality, focusing on lipid content, choline, L-carnitine levels, and flavonoid compound deposition. Our results show significant increases in essential amino acids, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds in eggs from WEA-treated hens, suggesting enhanced cardiovascular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, we observed elevated levels of choline and betaine in egg yolks, alongside increased L-carnitine content, which may contribute to improved lipid metabolism and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. KEGG pathway analysis revealed upregulation of metabolites involved in critical metabolic pathways, enhancing the nutritional profile of eggs. Flavonoid compounds, traditionally associated with plant-based foods, were also significantly increased, with notable levels of 7, 4′-dihydroxyflavone, daidzein, and glycitein identified in WEA-treated eggs, indicating potential health benefits. These findings suggest that WEA supplementation can produce functional eggs with improved nutritional quality, offering a novel approach to enhancing egg production and meeting the growing demand for functional foods. Further research is needed to fully understand the bioavailability and health impacts of these enriched compounds.

Houttuynia cordataThunb., commonly known as yuxingcao in China, is known for its characteristic fishy smell and is widely recognized as an important herb and vegetable in many parts of Asia. However, the lack of genomic information on H. cordatalimits the understanding of its population structure, genetic diversity, and biosynthesis of medicinal compounds. Here we used single-molecule sequencing, Illumina paired-end sequencing, and chromosome conformation capture technology to construct the first chromosome-scale decaploid H. cordatareference genome. The genome assembly was 2.63 Gb in size, with 1348 contigs and a contig N50 of 21.94 Mb further clustered and ordered into 88 pseudochromosomes based on Hi-C analysis. The results of genome evolution analysis showed that H. cordata underwent a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event ~17 million years ago, and an additional WGD event occurred 3.3 million years ago, which may be the main factor leading to the high abundance of multiple copies of orthologous genes. Here, transcriptome sequencing across five different tissues revealed significant expansion and distinct expression patterns of key gene families, such as l-amino acid/l-tryptophan decarboxylase and strictosidine synthase, which are essential for the biosynthesis of isoquinoline and indole alkaloids, along with the identification of genes such as TTM3, which is critical for root development. This study constructed the first decaploid medicinal plant genome and revealed the genome evolution and polyploidization events of H. cordata.

Reduction of an iminium C═N double bond is the most important phase I metabolism process associated with the cytotoxic property of quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs). Inspired by the light-mediated reduction of QBAs with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a visible-light-promoted reductive functionalization reaction of QBAs is reported in this study. C4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) enable the direct reductive alkylation of QBA independently, serving as both single-electron-transfer reductant reagents under irradiation with 455 nm blue light in the absence of photocatalysts and additional additives. Our protocol can be further applied to the semisynthesis of natural 6-substituted dihydrobenzophenanthridine derivatives such as O-acetyl maclekarpine E.

The control over the amount of psychoactive THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in commercial cannabidiol (CBD) products has to be strict. A fast and simple semiquantitative Ag(I)-impregnated paper spray mass spectrometric method for differentiating between THC and CBD, which show no difference in standard single-stage or tandem MS, was established. Because of a different binding affinity to Ag(I) ions, quasi-molecular Ag(I) adducts [THC + Ag]+and [CBD + Ag]+at m/z421 and 423 give different fragmentation patterns. The product ions at m/z313 for THC and m/z353 and 355 for CBD can be used to distinguish THC and CBD and to determine their ratio. Quantification of THC/CBD ratios in commercial CBD oils was accomplished with a low matrix effect (−2.2 ± 0.4% for THC and −2.0 ± 0.3% for CBD). After simple methanol extraction (recovery of 87.3 ± 1.2% for THC and 92.3 ± 1.4% for CBD), Ag(I)-impregnated paper spray analysis was employed to determine this ratio. A single run can be completed in a few minutes. This method was benchmarked against the UHPLC-UV method. Ag(I)-impregnated paper spray MS had the same working range (THC/CBD = 0.001–1) as UHPLC-UV analysis (R2= 0.9896 and R2= 0.9998, respectively), as well as comparable accuracy (−2.7 to 14%) and precision (RSD 1.7–11%). The method was further validated by the analysis of 10 commercial oils by Ag(I)-impregnated paper spray MS and UHPLC-UV analysis. Based on the determined relative concentration ratios of THC/CBD and the declared CBD concentration, 6 out of 10 CBD oils appear to contain more THC than the Dutch legal limit of 0.05%.

This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 kinds of TCM polysaccharides instead of antibiotics in preventing salpingitis in laying hens. After feeding the laying hens with Lotus leaf polysaccharide, Poriapolysaccharide, and Epimediumpolysaccharide, mixed bacteria (E. coliand Staphylococcus aureus) were used to infect the oviduct to establish an inflammation model. Changes in antioxidant, serum immunity, anti-inflammatory, gut microbiota, and serum metabolites were evaluated. The results showed that the 3 TCM polysaccharides could increase the expression of antioxidant markers SOD, GSH, and CAT, and reduce the accumulation of MDA in the liver; the contents of IgA and IgM in serum were increased. Decreased the mRNA expression of TLR4, NFκB, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL1β, IL6, and IL8, and increased the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL5 in oviduct tissue. 16sRNA high-throughput sequencing revealed that the 3 TCM polysaccharides improved the intestinal flora disturbance caused by bacterial infection, increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidesand Actinobacillus, and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Streptococcus. Metabolomics showed that the 3 TCM polysaccharides could increase the content of metabolites such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid and isobutyl-L-carnitine, and these results could alleviate the further development of salpingitis. In conclusion, the present study has found that using TCM polysaccharides instead of antibiotics was a feasible way to prevent bacterial salpingitis in laying hens, which might make preventing this disease no longer an issue for breeding laying hens.

Stevia, a perennial shrub from the genus Stevia in the Asteraceaefamily, contains active ingredients like chlorogenic acid and shows promise as a natural feed additive. Despite this potential, there is limited research on the impact of stevia extract specifically on yellow-feather broilers. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary stevia extract with varying concentrations of chlorogenic acid on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 425 1-d-old female yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into five treatment groups with five replicates of 17 broilers each, and the feeding trial lasted 63 d. The groups included control and those supplemented with stevia extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg. Results showed that adding 100 mg/kg of stevia extract to the basal diet significantly increased the daily weight gain (ADG) of the broilers while reducing the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (F/G). However, supplementation with stevia extract at concentrations up to 300 mg/kg led to decreased final weight and ADG. Conversely, dietary supplementation with 100-200 mg/kg of stevia extract improved serum antioxidant capacity and reduced serum total cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the cecum n-butyric acid level was significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg stevia extract group than in the control group. In conclusion, supplementing yellow-feathered broilers’ diets with stevia extract can enhance growth performance, antioxidant and immune capacity, and intestinal health. The optimal concentration of stevia extract for these benefits is between 100 and 200 mg/kg.Supplementation of 100-200 mg/kg of stevia extract in the diet of yellow-feather broilers has been shown to enhance growth performance, antioxidant and immune capabilities, and intestinal health of the birds.Stevia rebaudianaBertoni, a perennial shrub belonging to the genus Stevia in the Asteraceaefamily, is renowned for its high-intensity sweetness due to its stevioside content (6%-12%). Notably, stevia extract also contains chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and other active compounds. Research has demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of stevia extract, making it a viable option for enhancing animal feed, particularly in pig and sheep diets, resulting in improved economic benefits and meat quality. Despite these findings, limited information exists regarding the impact of stevia leaf extract on yellow-feathered broilers. This study reveals that incorporating stevia leaf extract into the diet of yellow-feathered broilers can enhance their quality without any adverse effects, offering valuable insights for utilizing stevia extract as a natural feed additive.

Dietary sanguinarine (SAN) can enhance the growth performance of poultry and livestock, but the regulatory mechanism of the SAN monomer on intestinal homeostasis and how it promotes growth performance has not yet been clarified. In this study, 200 chickens were divided into four groups and fed different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.75, 2.25mg/kg) for transcriptome and microbiota analysis. The data showed that different doses of SAN supplementation increased the feed conversion rate (FCR) of 22 to 42 d old and 1 to 42 d old broilers (P< 0.01), and 0.225 mg/kg SAN reduced the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CREA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum (P< 0.01). Dietary SAN increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratio in the ileum (P< 0.01). The levels of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, occludin and claudin-1) were up-regulated in the ileum and cecum (P< 0.01) and the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, IgG, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ were up-regulated in the serum and ileum (P< 0.01). RNA-seq analysis revealed 385 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2fold change| ≥ 1, FDR < 0.05) between the SAN group and CON group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed 15 pathways mostly associated with the immune system. Additionally, the reverse transcription-PCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression of β-defensin and mucin 2 were up-regulated (P< 0.01) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR 4 mRNA were down-regulated by SAN (P< 0.01), which was consistent with the transcriptomic analysis. Western blot analysis also showed that SAN reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins such as TLR4, nuclear factor-kappa B and IL-1β in the ileum (P< 0.01). In addition, at the genus level, SAN significantly increased the relative abundance of bacteria (Bacteroides, unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillusand Romboutsia) involved in acetate and butyrate production in the cecum, which are associated with enhanced intestinal immune function and maintaining intestinal health. In conclusion, SAN ameliorates the growth performance of broilers, enhances intestinal immune function, regulates the structure of microbiota and maintains intestinal health.

Dietary Macleaya cordataextract (MCE) can improve the meat quality of poultry. However, the specific mechanism by which MCE regulates the meat quality has not been clarified yet. Sanguinarine (SAN) is one of the important natural active components in MCE. Our study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of dietary SAN supplementation on meat quality through transcriptomic and gut microbiome analysis, thereby providing a basis for regularing meat quality with MCE. 240 1-day-old broilers were divided into 4 groups according to different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.75 and 2.25 mg/kg). The results indicated that SAN significantly improve the physicochemical quality indicators of breast and thigh muscle in broilers, improved the serum biochemical indexes. Through transcriptome sequencing analysis of the liver and ileum tissues of broilers, we found that the differentially expressed genes induced by SAN were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, which were related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) pathway. It reconfirmed that SAN can regulate lipid metabolism in the body by promoting the expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid transport and oxidation by RT-PCR, this ultimately affects the physicochemical quality of muscle. Additionally, through 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, we found that dietary addition of SAN increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillusand unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, while decreased the relative abundance of Alistipesin ceca. To further investigate the impact of gut microbiota on lipid metabolism, we conducted a correlation analysis of PPARpathway factor expression in cecum tissue and microflora structure. The results showed that Bacteroidesexhibited a positive correlation with the expression of most genes in the PPARsignaling pathway. Unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceaeis positively correlated with PPARγ, Cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1(CYP7A1) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5(ACSL5). In conclusion, dietary addition of SAN can promote the genes expression of the PPARpathway, target the regulation of intestinal microflora structure and abundance and regulate lipid metabolism, thereby improving meat quality of broilers.

This study aimed to determine whether the lotus leaf extract (LLE) had the effect of treating salpingitis in laying hens. First, the salpingitis model was established by the method of bacterial infection. Differential genes between salpingitis and healthy laying hens were identified by transcriptome sequencing, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Groups of treatment of antibiotics and LLE were established to verify the feasibility of the lotus leaf extract in treating salpingitis. Furthermore, the active component and pharmacological effects of LLE were identified using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacology technique. At last, the mechanism of LLE treating salpingitis was further evaluated by DF-1 cells infected with bacteria. The results showed that LLE significantly reduced the levels of TLR4 and IFN-γ (P< 0.05), accelerated the levels of IgA and IgG (P< 0.05), regulated the levels of SOD and MDA (P< 0.05) in laying hens with salpingitis. A total of 1,874 differential genes were obtained according to the transcriptome sequencing. It was revealed a significant role in cell cycle and apoptosis by enrichment analysis. In addition, among the 28 components identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, 20 components acted on 58 genes, including CDK1, BIRC5, and CA2 for treating salpingitis. After bacterial infection, cells were damaged and unable to complete the normal progression of the cell cycle, leading to cell cycle arrest and further apoptosis formation. However, with the intervention of LLE, bacterial infection was resisted. The cells proliferation was extensively restored, and the expression of NO was increased. The addition of LLE significantly decreased cell apoptosis. The G1 phase increased, the S phase and the G2 phase decreased in the model group; after the intervention of LLE, the G1 phase gradually returned to the average level, and G2 and S phases increased. The mRNA expression levels of BIRC5, CDK1, and CA2 were consistent with the predicted results in network pharmacology. At the same time, the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-7 were reduced after added with LLE. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, TRADD, FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-10, and Caspase-9 (P< 0.05), which would inhibit death receptor activation and decrease the apoptotic cascade, were upregulated after bacterial infection. However, the results in LLE groups were downregulated (P< 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of BCL-2 in LLE groups were increased significantly compared with it in model group (P< 0.05). Notably, LLE administration inhibited apoptosis and regulated the cell cycle distribution in the salpingitis induced by bacterial infection. These results indicated that the LLE attenuated bacterial-induced salpingitis by modulating apoptosis and immune function in laying hens.

A new method for the synthesis of α-amino phenylpropanoids under blue light-emitting diode irradiation has been developed through α-C-H benzylation of readily available N-phenyl glycine ester with benzyl oxalates as a coupling partner under mild conditions. A range of N-phenyl glycine esters were successfully converted to α-amino phenylpropanoid products in moderate to good yields. The utility of this methodology is underlined by its application to the late-state modification of natural products.

Macleaya cordatais a perennial herb that belongs to the family Papaveraceae and, as a commercial crop, is widely used in the livestock industry. Root rot disease is one of the most serious diseases of M. cordata. In June 2017, a brown root rot was observed on M. cordata, cv. HNXN-001 in 10 commercial fields in Hunan Province, China. The fields varied from 1000 m2to 3500 m2, with approximately 8% of plants affected. Symptoms included withering, leaf chlorosis, brown rot of the root tips or lateral roots, and internal decay of the taproots leading to plant death. Fusarium oxysporumSchlecht. was isolated and identified on the basis of morphology and ITS rDNA and EF-1α gene sequencing. This is the first report of root rot of M. cordatacaused by F. oxysporumin China. Detection of F. oxysporumon diseased M. cordataroots is important for M. cordataroot rot control.

Differentiation of secondary metabolite profiles in closely related plant species provides clues for unravelling biosynthetic pathways and regulatory circuits, an area that is still underinvestigated. Cucurbitacins, a group of bitter and highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes, are mainly produced by the plant family Cucurbitaceae. These compounds have similar structures, but differ in their antitumour activities and ecophysiological roles. By comparative analyses of the genomes of cucumber, melon and watermelon, we uncovered conserved syntenic loci encoding metabolic genes for distinct cucurbitacins. Characterization of the cytochrome P450s (CYPs) identified from these loci enabled us to unveil a novel multi-oxidation CYP for the tailoring of the cucurbitacin core skeleton as well as two other CYPs responsible for the key structural variations among cucurbitacins C, B and E. We also discovered a syntenic gene cluster of transcription factors that regulates the tissue-specific biosynthesis of cucurbitacins and may confer the loss of bitterness phenotypes associated with convergent domestication of wild cucurbits. This study illustrates the potential to exploit comparative genomics to identify enzymes and transcription factors that control the biosynthesis of structurally related yet unique natural products.