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Introduction: Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly valued for their taste and nutrients but are prone to decay due to their delicate skin and high respiration rate. Traditional chemical preservatives have drawbacks like residues and resistance, prompting the search for natural alternatives. Phenylactic acid (PLA) has shown promise due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a potential natural preservative to extend cherry shelf life. Methods: 'Stella' sweet cherries were treated with varying concentrations of PLA (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 mmol·L-1) and stored at 4°C. Key quality indicators, including firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, decay index, and antioxidant activity, were assessed over time. Additionally, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-IMS, colony counts, in vivo inhibition analyses were conducted to evaluate phenolic content, aroma compounds and antifungal ability. Results and Discussion: PLA at 8 mmol·L-1 effectively maintained cherry quality by reducing weight loss and decay of cherries, delaying the decline of firmness, while enhancing antioxidant capacity, flavor stability, and antifungal ability. Higher concentrations (16 mmol·L-1) provided stronger antimicrobial effects but caused slight surface wrinkling. Thus, 8 mmol·L-1 was optimal, balancing preservation and appearance, making it a promising natural preservative for extending cherry shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metals are required as cofactors in metalloproteins that are essential in microbial metabolism and growth. The microbial requirements of diverse metals and the capabilities of prokaryotic taxa to acquire these metals remain poorly understood. We present here results from metagenomic observations over an entire productive season in the region off Kerguelen Island (Indian Sector of the Southern Ocean). We observed seasonal patterns in the abundance of prokaryotic transporters of seven trace elements (zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], nickel [Ni], molybdenum [Mo], tungsten [W], copper [Cu] and cobalt [Co]) and the consecutive spring and summer phytoplankton blooms were strong drivers of these temporal trends. Taxonomic affiliation of the functional genes revealed that Rhodobacteraceae had a broad repertoire of trace metal transporters (Mn, Zn, Ni, W and Mo) and a more restricted set was observed for other prokaryotic groups, such as Flavobacteriaceae (Zn), Nitrincolaceae (Ni and W) and Thioglobaceae (Mo). The prevalence of trace metal transporters within a prokaryotic group, as determined on the family level, was overall confirmed in representative metagenome‐assembled genomes. We discuss the potential involvement of prokaryotic groups in processes related to organic matter utilisation that require these metals and the consequences on carbon and trace metal cycling in surface waters of the Southern Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blindness is frequently caused by corneal abnormalities, and corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment method. It is extremely important to develop high-quality artificial corneas because there are not enough donor corneas accessible for cornea transplantation. One of the most-often utilized materials is collagen, which is the primary component of natural cornea. Collagen-based corneal repair materials have good physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility, but how to promote the regeneration of the corneal nerve after keratoplasty is still a big challenge. In this research, in order to promote the growth of nerve cells on a collagen (Col) substrate, a novel collagen-based material was synthesized starting from the functionalization of collagen with unsaturated methacryloyl groups that three-dimensionally photopolymerize to a 3D network of chemically crosslinked collagen (ColMA), onto which taurine molecules were eventually grafted (ColMA-Tr). The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the Col, ColMA and ColMA-Tr films were evaluated. By analyzing the results, we found that all the three samples had good moisture retention and aq high covalent attachment of methacryloyl groups followed by their photopolymerization improved the mechanical properties of the ColMA and ColMA-Tr. Most importantly, compared with ColMA, the taurine-modified collagen-MA film significantly promoted the growth of nerve cells and corneal epithelial cells on its surface. Our preliminary results suggest that this novel ColMA-Tr film may have potential use in cornea tissue engineering in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal defects can seriously affect human vision, and keratoplasty is the most widely accepted therapy method for visual rehabilitation. Currently, effective treatment for clinical patients has been restricted due to a serious shortage of donated cornea tissue and high-quality artificial repair materials. As the predominant component of cornea tissue, collagen-based materials have promising applications for corneal repair. However, the corneal nerve repair and epithelization process after corneal transplantation must be improved. This research proposes a new collagen-based scaffold with good biocompatibility and biological functionality enhanced by surface chemical grafting of natural taurine molecular. The chemical composition of collagen-taurine (Col-Tau) material is evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and its hydrophilic properties, light transmittance, swelling performance and mechanical tensile properties have been measured. The research results indicate that the Col-Tau sample has high transmittance and good mechanical properties, and exhibits excellent capacity to promote corneal nerve cell growth and the epithelization process of corneal epithelial cells. This novel Col-Tau material, which can be easily prepared at a low cost, should have significant application potential for the treating corneal disease in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal blindness is a common phenomenon, and corneal transplantation is an effective treatment for corneal defects. However, there is usually a mismatch between the corneal repair material and the degree of the patient's corneal defect. Therefore, patients with different corneal defects need suitable corneal repair materials with a specific microstructure for personalized treatment. In this research, collagen films with bionic structures were fabricated through ethanol evaporation technique by regulating the volume ratios of collagen solution: ethanol = 10:0(Col)/9:1(CC91)/8:2(CC82)/CC73(CC73). Under various preparation conditions, the obtained collagen films contain layered structures of different density. SEM photos show that the CC73 film with a dense layer arrangement has a microstructure similar to that of the corneal epithelial layer, whereas the Col film has a loose layered structure similar to that of the corneal stroma layer. Four kinds of collagen films showed different optical properties and water absorption ability. A more ordered arrangement of internal layer structure leads to better mechanical properties of the collagen film. In view of this, we think that these collagen films with different microstructures and different interlayer spacing may have huge potential applications for personalized corneal repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are homologous proteins containing an amino-terminal F-BAR domain and two SH3 domains near their carboxyl-termini. We report here that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are expressed in mouse cochlear sensory hair cells. FCHSD1 mainly localizes to the cuticular plate, whereas FCHSD2 mainly localizes along the stereocilia in a punctuate pattern. Nervous Wreck (Nwk), the Drosophila ortholog of FCHSD1 and FCHSD2, has been shown to bind Wsp and play an important role in F-actin assembly. We show that, like its Drosophila counterpart, FCHSD2 interacts with WASP and N-WASP, the mammalian orthologs of Drosophila Wsp, and stimulates F-actin assembly in vitro. In contrast, FCHSD1 doesn’t bind WASP or N-WASP, and can’t stimulate F-actin assembly when tested in vitro. We found, however, that FCHSD1 binds via its F-BAR domain to the SH3 domain of Sorting Nexin 9 (SNX9), a well characterized BAR protein that has been shown to promote WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization. FCHSD1 greatly enhances SNX9’s WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization activity. In hair cells, SNX9 was detected in the cuticular plate, where it colocalizes with FCHSD1. Our results suggest that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 could modulate F-actin assembly or maintenance in hair cell stereocilia and cuticular plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary inhibitory targets of phenyllactic acid (PLA, including D-PLA and L-PLA) on Mucor were investigated using Mucor racemosus LD3.0026 isolated from naturally spoiled cherry, as an indicator fungi. The results demonstrated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PLA against Mucor was 12.5 mmol·L−1. Results showed that the growing cells at the tip of the Mucor were not visibly deformed, and there was no damage to the cell wall following PLA treatment; however, PLA damaged the cell membrane and internal structure. The results of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) indicated that the Mucor mitochondrial respiratory chain may be the target of PLA, potentially inhibiting the energy supply of Mucor. These results indicate that the antifungal mechanism of PLA against mold is independent of its molecular configuration. The growth of Mucor is suppressed by PLA, which destroys the organelle structure in the mycelium and inhibits energy metabolism. [Display omitted] • PLA could damage the cell membrane and internal structure of Mucor. • The bactericidal mechanism of PLA was independent of its molecular configuration. • Mitochondrial respiratory chain might be the antibacterial target of PLA on Mucor. • Proteomic analysis indicated that PLA could inhibit energy metabolism of Mucor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are homologous proteins containing an amino-terminal F-BAR domain and two SH3 domains near their carboxyl-termini. We report here that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are expressed in mouse cochlear sensory hair cells. FCHSD1 mainly localizes to the cuticular plate, whereas FCHSD2 mainly localizes along the stereocilia in a punctuate pattern. Nervous Wreck (Nwk), the Drosophila ortholog of FCHSD1 and FCHSD2, has been shown to bind Wsp and play an important role in F-actin assembly. We show that, like its Drosophila counterpart, FCHSD2 interacts with WASP and N-WASP, the mammalian orthologs of Drosophila Wsp, and stimulates F-actin assembly in vitro. In contrast, FCHSD1 doesn’t bind WASP or N-WASP, and can’t stimulate F-actin assembly when tested in vitro. We found, however, that FCHSD1 binds via its F-BAR domain to the SH3 domain of Sorting Nexin 9 (SNX9), a well characterized BAR protein that has been shown to promote WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization. FCHSD1 greatly enhances SNX9’s WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization activity. In hair cells, SNX9 was detected in the cuticular plate, where it colocalizes with FCHSD1. Our results suggest that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 could modulate F-actin assembly or maintenance in hair cell stereocilia and cuticular plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L.) are highly valued for their taste and nutrients but are prone to decay due to their delicate skin and high respiration rate. Traditional chemical preservatives have drawbacks like residues and resistance, prompting the search for natural alternatives. Phenylactic acid (PLA) has shown promise due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a potential natural preservative to extend cherry shelf life., Methods: 'Stella' sweet cherries were treated with varying concentrations of PLA (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 mmol·L -1 ) and stored at 4°C. Key quality indicators, including firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, decay index, and antioxidant activity, were assessed over time. Additionally, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-IMS, colony counts, in vivo inhibition analyses were conducted to evaluate phenolic content, aroma compounds and antifungal ability., Results and Discussion: PLA at 8 mmol·L -1 effectively maintained cherry quality by reducing weight loss and decay of cherries, delaying the decline of firmness, while enhancing antioxidant capacity, flavor stability, and antifungal ability. Higher concentrations (16 mmol·L -1 ) provided stronger antimicrobial effects but caused slight surface wrinkling. Thus, 8 mmol·L -1 was optimal, balancing preservation and appearance, making it a promising natural preservative for extending cherry shelf life., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhang, Wang, Wang, Kong, Li, Song, Zeng, Yang, Fan and Gong.)

In this study, natamycin nanoparticles were prepared by anti-solvent method, and natamycin nanoparticles/chitosan coating was prepared and investigated for the preservation of sweet cherry. The results of particle size showed that the prepared natamycin nanoparticles were nano-sized, with a particle size of 209 ± 10 nm. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the apparent morphology was a uniform spherical structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that the prepared natamycin after the combination of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and natamycin still had its own functional groups without new chemical bond. Compared with the control samples the solubility of natamycin increased to 1 mg/mL, leading to the enhanced antifungal activity of natamycin nanoparticles/chitosan. Natamycin nanoparticles/chitosan effectively maintained the color of sweet cherry fruits and delayed the decline of firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) during storage. In particular, it effectively delayed the decay of sweet cherries, with the lowest decay rate of 10.1 %, which was 66.4 % lower than that of the control group, and there wasn't decay of sweet cherry in 35 d storage. Therefore, natamycin nanoparticles/chitosan was effectively to delay cherry fruit senescence and improved the quality of sweet cherry during the storage period., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare that we have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mammalian FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are homologous proteins containing an amino-terminal F-BAR domain and two SH3 domains near their carboxyl-termini. We report here that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 are expressed in mouse cochlear sensory hair cells. FCHSD1 mainly localizes to the cuticular plate, whereas FCHSD2 mainly localizes along the stereocilia in a punctuate pattern. Nervous Wreck (Nwk), the Drosophila ortholog of FCHSD1 and FCHSD2, has been shown to bind Wsp and play an important role in F-actin assembly. We show that, like its Drosophila counterpart, FCHSD2 interacts with WASP and N-WASP, the mammalian orthologs of Drosophila Wsp, and stimulates F-actin assembly in vitro. In contrast, FCHSD1 doesn't bind WASP or N-WASP, and can't stimulate F-actin assembly when tested in vitro. We found, however, that FCHSD1 binds via its F-BAR domain to the SH3 domain of Sorting Nexin 9 (SNX9), a well characterized BAR protein that has been shown to promote WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization. FCHSD1 greatly enhances SNX9's WASP-Arp2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization activity. In hair cells, SNX9 was detected in the cuticular plate, where it colocalizes with FCHSD1. Our results suggest that FCHSD1 and FCHSD2 could modulate F-actin assembly or maintenance in hair cell stereocilia and cuticular plate.