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The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has gained increasing attention due to their accumulation in living organisms. These emerging contaminants inevitably interact with extracellular polymeric substances along respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, and diverse organic coating on the surface of NPs, known as bio- or eco-corona, is formed. Although its impact on altering the NP properties and potential cell internalization has been extensively examined, studies on its role in NP partitioning in the cell membrane are elusive yet. In this work, molecular dynamics is used to investigate the formation of chitosan (CT) corona centered on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticle and the uptake of the resulting complex onto lipid membranes. Coarse-grained models compatible with the newly developed Martini 3.0 force field are implemented for the two polymers employing the atomistic properties as targets in the parameterization. The reliability of the coarse-grained polymer models is demonstrated by reproducing the structural properties of the PVC melt and of solvated CT strands, as well as by determining the conformation adopted by the latter at the NP surface. Results show that the spontaneous binding of CT chains of high and intermediate protonation degrees led to the formation of soft and hard corona that modulates the interaction of PVC core with model membranes. The structural changes of the corona adsorbed at the lipid–water interface enable a subsequent transfer of the NP to the center of the saturated lipid membranes and a complete or partial transition to a snorkel conformation depending on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in the CT–PVC complex. Overall, the computational investigation of the coarse-grained model system provides implications for understanding how the eco-corona development influences the uptake and implicit toxicology of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are building blocks for biomass and fuel metabolic processes. However, it remains unclear how tropical forests mobilize, export, and transport NSCs to cope with extreme droughts. We combined drought manipulation and ecosystem 13CO2 pulse-labeling in an enclosed rainforest at Biosphere 2, assessed changes in NSCs, and traced newly assimilated carbohydrates in plant species with diverse hydraulic traits and canopy positions. We show that drought caused a depletion of leaf starch reserves and slowed export and transport of newly assimilated carbohydrates below ground. Drought effects were more pronounced in conservative canopy trees with limited supply of new photosynthates and relatively constant water status than in those with continual photosynthetic supply and deteriorated water status. We provide experimental evidence that local utilization, export, and transport of newly assimilated carbon are closely coupled with plant water use in canopy trees. We highlight that these processes are critical for understanding and predicting tree resistance and ecosystem fluxes in tropical forest under drought.

Salinity is one of the substantial threats to plant productivity and could be escorted by other stresses such as heat and drought. It impairs critical biological processes, such as photosynthesis, energy, and water/nutrient acquisition, ultimately leading to cell death when stress intensity becomes uncured. Therefore, plants deploy several proper processes to overcome such hostile circumstances. Grapevine is one of the most important crops worldwide that is relatively salt-tolerant and preferentially cultivated in hot and semi-arid areas. One of the most applicable strategies for sustainable viticulture is using salt-tolerant rootstock such as Ruggeri (RUG). The rootstock showed efficient capacity of photosynthesis, ROS detoxification, and carbohydrate accumulation under salinity. The current study utilized the transcriptome profiling approach to identify the molecular events of RUG throughout a regime of salt stress followed by a recovery procedure. The data showed progressive changes in the transcriptome profiling throughout salinity, underpinning the involvement of a large number of genes in transcriptional reprogramming during stress. Our results established a considerable enrichment of the biological process GO-terms related to salinity adaptation, such as signaling, hormones, photosynthesis, carbohydrates, and ROS homeostasis. Among the battery of molecular/cellular responses launched upon salinity, ROS homeostasis plays the central role of salt adaptation.

Laccases from white-rot fungi catalyze lignin depolymerization, a critical first step to upgrading lignin to valuable biodiesel fuels and chemicals. In this study, a wildtype laccase from the basidiomycete Fomitiporia mediterranea (Fom_lac) and a variant engineered to have a carbohydrate-binding module (Fom_CBM) were studied for their ability to catalyze cleavage of β-O-4 ether and C-C bonds in phenolic and non-phenolic lignin dimers using a nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry-based assay. Fom_lac and Fom_CBM catalyze β-O-4 ether and C-C bond breaking, with higher activity under acidic conditions (pH < 6). The potential of Fom_lac and Fom_CBM to enhance saccharification yields from untreated and ionic liquid pretreated pine was also investigated. Adding Fom_CBM to mixtures of cellulases and hemicellulases improved sugar yields by 140% on untreated pine and 32% on cholinium lysinate pretreated pine when compared to the inclusion of Fom_lac to the same mixtures. Adding either Fom_lac or Fom_CBM to mixtures of cellulases and hemicellulases effectively accelerates enzymatic hydrolysis, demonstrating its potential applications for lignocellulose valorization. We postulate that additional increases in sugar yields for the Fom_CBM enzyme mixtures were due to Fom_CBM being brought more proximal to lignin through binding to either cellulose or lignin itself.

BackgroundEating a high-quality diet or adhering to a given dietary strategy may influence weight loss. However, these 2 factors have not been examined concurrently for those following macronutrient-limiting diets.ObjectiveTo determine whether improvement in dietary quality, change in dietary macronutrient composition, or the combination of these factors is associated with differential weight loss when following a healthy low-carbohydrate (HLC) or healthy low-fat (HLF) diet.DesignGenerally healthy adults were randomly assigned to HLC or HLF diets for 12 mo (n = 609) as part of a randomized controlled weight loss study. Participants with complete 24-h dietary recall data at baseline and 12-mo were included in this secondary analysis (total N = 448; N = 224 HLC, N = 224 HLF). Participants were divided into 4 subgroups according to 12-mo change in HEI-2010 score [above median = high quality (HQ) and below median = low quality (LQ)] and 12-mo change in macronutrient intake [below median = high adherence (HA) and above median = low adherence (LA) for net carbohydrate (g) or fat (g) for HLC and HLF, respectively]. Baseline to 12-mo changes in mean BMI were compared for those in HQ/HA, HQ/LA, LQ/HA subgroups with the LQ/LA subgroup within HLC and HLF.ResultsFor HLC, changes (95 % confidence level [CI]) in mean BMI were -1.15 kg/m2 (-2.04, -0.26) for HQ/HA, -0.30 (-1.22, 0.61) for HQ/LA, and -0.80 (-1.74, 0.14) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup. For HLF, changes (95% CI) in mean BMI were -1.11kg/m2 (-2.10, -0.11) for HQ/HA, -0.26 (-1.26, 0.75) for HQ/LA, and -0.66 (-1.74, 0.41) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup.ConclusionWithin both HLC and HLF diet arms, 12-mo decrease in BMI was significantly greater in HQ/HA subgroups relative to LQ/LA subgroups. Neither HQ nor HA alone were significantly different than LQ/LA subgroups. Results of this analysis support the combination of dietary adherence and high-quality diets for weight loss.Clinical trial registryclinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01826591).

Among exclusively breastfed infants, human milk (HM) provides complete nutrition in the first mo of life and remains an important energy source as long as breastfeeding continues. Consisting of digestible carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as fats and fatty acids, macronutrients in human milk have been well studied; however, many aspects related to their relationship to growth in early life are still not well understood. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science to synthesize evidence published between 1980 and 2022 on HM components and anthropometry through 2 y of age among term-born healthy infants. From 9992 abstracts screened, 57 articles reporting observations from 5979 dyads were included and categorized based on their reporting of HM macronutrients and infant growth. There was substantial heterogeneity in anthropometric outcome measurement, milk collection timelines, and HM sampling strategies; thus, meta-analysis was not possible. In general, digestible carbohydrates were positively associated with infant weight outcomes. Protein was positively associated with infant length, but no associations were reported for infant weight. Finally, HM fat was not consistently associated with any infant growth metrics, though various associations were reported in single studies. Fatty acid intakes were generally positively associated with head circumference, except for docosahexaenoic acid. Our synthesis of the literature was limited by differences in milk collection strategies, heterogeneity in anthropometric outcomes and analytical methodologies, and by insufficient reporting of results. Moving forward, HM researchers should accurately record and account for breastfeeding exclusivity, use consistent sampling protocols that account for the temporal variation in HM macronutrients, and use reliable, sensitive, and accurate techniques for HM macronutrient analysis.

Carbohydrates are synthetically challenging molecules with vital biological roles in all living systems. To better understand the biological functions of this fundamentally important class of molecules, novel methodologies are needed, including site-selective functionalization and glycosylation reactions. This account describes our efforts toward the development of novel methodologies for site-selective functionalization of carbohydrates and stereoselective glycosylation through various acylation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The synthesis of N‐glycosides has received significant attention due to their crucial role in carbohydrate chemistry. Despite considerable advancements developed in the construction of N‐glycosides, methods for the stereoselective construction of 2‐deoxy‐α‐N‐glycosides are still limited. Herein, we disclosed a nickel‐catalyzed hydroamination of glycals under mild conditions. This transformation could allow for the stereoselective synthesis of an array of 2‐deoxy‐α‐N‐glycosides with excellent α‐stereoselectivity. Nickel‐catalyzed glycosylation reactions, particularly those involving anomeric C(sp3)‐metal bond formation, have proven to be an effective and stereoselective strategy for producing various N‐glycosides. Additionally, with highlight of the application of this reaction, γ‐sugar amino acid derivatives were synthesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion To investigate how delayed post‐exercise carbohydrate intake affects muscle glycogen, metabolic‐ and mitochondrial‐related molecular responses, and subsequent high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE) capacity.In a double‐blind cross‐over design, nine recreationally active men performed HIIE (10 × 2‐min cycling, ~94% W˙peak) in the fed state, on two occasions. During 0–3 h post‐HIIE, participants drank either carbohydrates (“Immediate Carbohydrate” [IC], providing 2.4 g/kg) or water (“Delayed Carbohydrate” [DC]); total carbohydrate intake over 24 h post‐HIIE was matched (~7 g/kg/d). Skeletal muscle (sampled pre‐HIIE, post‐HIIE, +3 h, +8 h, +24 h) was analyzed for whole‐muscle glycogen and mRNA content, plus signaling proteins in cytoplasmic‐ and nuclear‐enriched fractions. After 24 h, participants repeated the HIIE protocol until failure, to test subsequent HIIE capacity; blood lactate, heart rate, and ratings of perceived effort (RPE) were measured throughout.Muscle glycogen concentrations, and relative changes, were similar between conditions throughout (p > 0.05). Muscle glycogen was reduced from baseline (mean ± SD mmol/kg dm; IC: 409 ± 166; DC: 352 ± 76) at post‐HIIE (IC: 253 ± 96; DC: 214 ± 82), +3 h (IC: 276 ± 62; DC: 269 ± 116) and + 8 h (IC: 321 ± 56; DC: 269 ± 116), returning to near‐baseline by +24 h. Several genes (PGC‐1ɑ, p53) and proteins (p‐ACCSer79, p‐P38 MAPKThr180/Tyr182) elicited typical exercise‐induced changes irrespective of condition. Delaying carbohydrate intake reduced next‐day HIIE capacity (5 ± 3 intervals) and increased RPE (~2 ratings), despite similar physiological responses between conditions.Molecular responses to HIIE (performed in the fed state) were not enhanced by delayed post‐exercise carbohydrate intake. Our findings support immediate post‐exercise refueling if the goal is to maximize next‐day HIIE capacity and recovery time is ≤24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A trend to study entomological options as food is turning the practice of entomophagy into a novel research field in search for sustainable and accessible sources of nutrients. In this work, cricket (Gryllus assimilis) was processed into flour (CF), and then extracted using different solvents to obtain oils and defatted flours. The repeatability of CF obtention, its nutritional profile, and some of its physicochemical properties were studied. Results showed repeatability with a 28% mass yield for CF production. The CF presented adequate amino acid, mineral, and fatty acid profiles, a high content of dietary fibre, and low available carbohydrates, thus being considered a suitable alternative for inclusion in healthy human diets. Using data obtained from the total nitrogen content, the amino acid profile, and the total dietary fibre determinations, the CF protein digestibility was estimated at 67.4%. Based on experimental data, a mean nitrogen‐to‐protein conversion factor of 5.76 was calculated for a G. assimilis meal. The study showed that nutritional cricket flour and derivatives can be obtained using non‐sophisticated methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine red macroalgae (Amphiroa rigida, Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, Gracilaria gracilis, Grateloupia torture, Jania rubens, Laurencia obtusa, Laurencia pyramidalis, Liagora viscida, and Pterocladiella capillaries) were collected from coastal waters of Türkiye, and their proximate, fatty acid, soluble carbohydrate, and mineral profiles were investigated in the present study. According to the results, the crude protein content of the samples was between 4% and 23.8%, and four of the samples (G. turuturu, L. obtusa, L. pyramidalis, and P. capillacea) contained more than 10% protein. The crude lipid content of all the samples was below 1.6%, and the total carbohydrate content was between 38.3% and 76.9%. The macroalgae samples were generally richer in saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid being the most abundant, whereas G. gracilis had the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (55.8%). All samples exhibited high contents of myo-inositol or glucose. Also, the samples generally had a good composition of minerals. Still, the heavy metal (i.e., Pb and Cd) content of Gracilaria gracilis was higher (59.6 µg/kg, P < 0.05) than those of the other algae samples. This study provides valuable insight into the chemical composition and fatty acid, mineral, and soluble carbohydrate profiles of Amphiroa rigida, Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, Gracilaria gracilis, Grateloupia turuturu, Jania rubens, Laurencia obtusa, Laurencia pyramidalis, Liagora viscida, and Pterocladiella capillacea from Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, carbohydrates are central products of photosynthesis. Rice is a staple that contributes to the daily calorie intake for over half of the world's population. Hence, the primary objective of rice cultivation is to maximize carbohydrate production. The "source-sink" theory is proposed as a valuable principle for guiding crop breeding. However, the "flow" research lag, especially in sugar transport, has hindered high-yield rice breeding progress. This review concentrates on the genetic and molecular foundations of sugar transport and its regulation, enhancing the fundamental understanding of sugar transport processes in plants. We illustrate that the apoplastic pathway is predominant over the symplastic pathway during phloem loading in rice. Sugar transport proteins, such as SUTs and SWEETs, are essential carriers for sugar transportation in the apoplastic pathway. Additionally, we have summarized a regulatory pathway for sugar transport genes in rice, highlighting the roles of transcription factors (OsDOF11, OsNF-YB1, OsNF-YC12, OsbZIP72, Nhd1), OsRRM (RNA Recognition Motif containing protein), and GFD1 (Grain Filling Duration 1). Recognizing that the research shortfall in this area stems from a lack of advanced research methods, we discuss cutting-edge analytical techniques such as Mass Spectrometry Imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing, which could provide profound insights into the dynamics of sugar distribution and the associated regulatory mechanisms. In summary, this comprehensive review serves as a valuable guide, directing researchers toward a deep understanding and future study of the intricate mechanisms governing sugar transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celosia cristata (family Amaranthaceae), has significant medicinal value with rich phytochemical composition and is used traditionally across cultures, it treats various ailments due to its diverse bioactive compounds (sterols, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids). It demonstrates pharmacological capability: anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antiviral effects. The methanolic extracts of C. cristata flower contains alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrate, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, and steroids. These bioactive phytochemical compounds in methanolic extracts, supports its traditional medicinal use for various ailments. The abundant presence of phytochemicals in C. cristata flowers suggests their potential application in pharmaceutical industries for drug development. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional medicinal use of C. cristata in managing ailments and disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting reports both within the lay media and scientific literature regarding the use and benefit of dietary practices that aim to reduce CHO intake in endurance athletes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intentional reduction of CHO intake and fasted training in elite endurance‐based athletes using a semi‐quantitative questionnaire. Bone is a nutritionally modulated tissue; therefore, this study also aimed to explore if these dietary practices are potentially associated with bone injury incidence. The reported reduction of CHO intake was prevalent (28%) with the primary motivation being maintenance or manipulation of body composition. However, discrepancies in athletes' awareness of CHO intake were identified providing a potential avenue of intervention especially within applied practice. The use of fasted training was more prevalent (38%) with athletes using this practice for both body composition manipulation and promoting a desired adaptive response. Forty‐four per cent of participants had suffered a radiographically confirmed bone injury at some point in their career. There was no association between reduction in CHO intake and bone injury incidence; however, the incidence of bone injury was 1.61 times higher in those who currently use fasted training compared to those who have never used it or who have used it in the past. Although a direct causal link between these dietary practices and the incidence of bone injury cannot be drawn, it provides robust justification for future investigations of the potential mechanisms that could explain this finding. Highlights: The self‐reported use of reductions in CHO intake (28%) and fasted training (38%) is prevalent in elite endurance‐based athletes and comparable to previous investigations in this area. Controlling body composition and promoting adaptive responses were common rationales for use.The incidence of bone injury is also high (44%) and there may be some association between bone injury incidence and fasted training. Further controlled experimental studies are required to determine the direct effect of nutritional strategies commonly adopted by endurance athletes on bone metabolism both acutely and chronically.There appears to be a gap in some athlete's knowledge and awareness of CHO rich foods and appropriate consumption of CHO to support endurance training and performance according to current guidelines. Future work should aim to explore and address this area further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide can alleviate oxidative damage, improve photosynthetic capacity, and regulate carbon and nitrogen assimilation, thus improving the tolerance of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to drought stress. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of plant steroid hormones in plants and are involved in regulating plant tolerance to drought stress. This study aimed to investigate the regulation effects of BRs on the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in grapevine under drought stress. The results indicated that drought stress led to the accumulation of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide and an increase in lipid peroxidation. A reduction in oxidative damage was observed in EBR-pretreated plants, which was probably due to the improved antioxidant concentration. Moreover, exogenous EBR improved the photosynthetic capacity and sucrose phosphate synthase activity, and decreased the sucrose synthase, acid invertase, and neutral invertase, resulting in improved sucrose (190%) and starch (17%) concentrations. Furthermore, EBR pretreatment strengthened nitrate reduction and ammonium assimilation. A 57% increase in nitrate reductase activity and a 13% increase in glutamine synthetase activity were observed in EBR pretreated grapevines. Meanwhile, EBR pretreated plants accumulated a greater amount of proline, which contributed to osmotic adjustment and ROS scavenging. In summary, exogenous EBR enhanced drought tolerance in grapevines by alleviating oxidative damage and regulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMPs are neutral and small size component of the immune system and showed better activity for the treatment of tuberculosis. The present study aimed to complex nisin with carbohydrate to increase bioavailability and provide site-specific action at lungs via pulmonary route. Nanocomplexes were prepared by kneading method and then adsorbed on lactose for DPI formulation. Nanocomplex of nisin peptide with carbohydrate offered a better effect along with dose reduction was proved by using M. tuberculosis H37Ra (ATCC 25177). Nanocomplex proved to be an alternative delivery to conventional drug therapy for the treatment of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato waste (TW) is a plentiful lignocellulosic resource, mainly composed of seeds and skins, that can be converted into high-value compounds. This study explored the enhancement of TW enzymatic and fungal biovalorization using novel ecofriendly approaches, including advanced technology, pulsed electric fields (PEF). Crude laccase first produced on TW was used for enzymatic treatment, and the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor K1 was used in fungal treatment under SmF (submerged) or SSF (semi-solid) fermentation conditions. The physical PEF treatment had increased tenfold sugar extraction yield (83.4 mg/g) and twofold polyphenol extraction yield (4.43 g/g), with respect to the control. PEF–laccase innovative combination, reported for the first time, has enhanced significantly sugar extraction yield (100.6 mg/g), twofold higher than those released from TW after laccase treatment alone. However, the PEF treatment had no effect on polyphenol extraction yield when combined to laccase or fungal treatments. The treated TW was subjected to polysaccharide enzymatic hydrolysis. The combination of PEF with laccase or fungal treatment did not impact sugar yields; however, it allowed polyphenol liberation. During fungal treatment (i.e., T. versicolor K1 grown on TW), comparable maximal laccase activities of 2574.28 U/L and 2577.06 U/L were measured in the culture supernatants, in SmF and SSF conditions, respectively. The findings demonstrate the high potential of PEF for recovering phenols and sugars. When combined to fungal treatment, it offers high yields of valuable products, making it a potential cost-effective approach, providing new prospects for TW valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) is a valuable source of oil and a quality vegetable protein source, but little is known about its fiber composition. This study provides the most extensive characterization of hempseed cell wall polysaccharides to date. Quantification of total dietary fiber (TDF) and acetyl bromide soluble lignin (ABSL), monosaccharide composition through two complimentary hydrolysis methods (Saeman hydrolysis and methanolysis), and linkage analysis via derivatization of monosaccharides to partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs) were done. More detailed profiling of hempseed xyloglucans and pectic arabinans and galactans was performed via targeted enzymatic generation and quantification of characteristic oligosaccharides. Hempseed's cell wall polysaccharide profile is consistent with the primary cell walls of dicots, but it is particularly abundant in linear xylans, presumably from secondary cell walls. The hempseed water-insoluble cell wall material was mostly composed of cellulose and xylans, but pectins (including arabinans with a low degree of branching and galactans), xyloglucans with L- and F-motifs and a relatively low substitution rate, and mannans were also present. These data show that hempseed is a good source of complex dietary fiber for human diets and a potential fiber additive for herbivorous livestock diets. Potential consequences of these carbohydrate structural details on hempseed's microbial fermentability are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate the effect of an acute meal and long-term intake of Mediterranean Diet (MD) on different parameters such as strength, physical performance, body composition and blood markers in a group of non-professional athletes who practice a strength activity. Thirteen volunteers completed two 8-week dietary interventions in a randomised, cross-over design. Also an acute study was performed. Subjects received a MD High in carbohydrates, characterised by at least five portions of pasta/week and an average 55–60% of daily energy derived from carbohydrates, versus an MD reduced in carbohydrates, with less than two portions of pasta/week and an average of 40–45% of daily energy provided by carbohydrates. Mainly, data did not show significant differences for the parameters analysed, except for Elbow Flexor maximum voluntary contraction (p =.039). Results enlighten that increasing total carbohydrates intake, as typically in the MD, does not negatively affect physical performance, body composition and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main drawback of recycled fibers is the deterioration of fiber bonding dependent papermaking properties (like tensile, tear and burst indexes) due to the hornification effect, as a results of drying during papermaking. In order to improve the papermaking properties through increasing fiber bonding, an alkaline treatment of Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) followed by fractionation were carried out in this investigation. Alkaline treatment dissolved 6.6 % organics (carbohydrates and lignin) and fibers became wider as a results of fiber swelling. The alkali treatment decreased fines from 39.9 % to 28.5 %, consequently, decreased drainage resistance from 26 °SR to 21 °SR. The papermaking properties of OCC pulp increased on alkaline treatment. Fiber fractionation of alkaline treated OCC further increased papermaking properties. At 40 °SR value, the tensile index, burst index and tear index of alkaline treated longer fiber fraction was 49 N m/g, 3.2 kPa m2/g, 7.2 mN m2/g, respectively while it was 40.4 N m/g, 2.1 kPa m2/g and 6.1 kPa m2/g, for non-treated longer fiber fraction, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The blood pressure (BP) etiologic study is complex due to multifactorial influences, including genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and their intricate interplays. We used a metabolomics approach to capture internal pathways and external exposures and to study BP regulation mechanisms after well-controlled dietary interventions. METHODS: In the ProBP trail (Protein and Blood Pressure), a double-blinded crossover randomized controlled trial, participants underwent dietary interventions of carbohydrate, soy protein, and milk protein, receiving 40 g daily for 8 weeks, with 3-week washout periods. We measured plasma samples collected at baseline and at the end of each dietary intervention. Multivariate linear models were used to evaluate the association between metabolites and systolic/diastolic BP. Nominally significant metabolites were examined for enriching biological pathways. Significant ProBP findings were evaluated for replication among 1311 participants of the BHS (Bogalusa Heart Study), a population-based study conducted in the same area as ProBP. RESULTS: After Bonferroni correction for 77 independent metabolite clusters (α=6.49x10-4), 18 metabolites were significantly associated with BP at baseline or the end of a dietary intervention, of which 11 were replicated in BHS. Seven emerged as novel discoveries, which are as follows: 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2), 1-oleoyl-GPE (18:1), 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPC (18:0/18:2), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:1), maltose, N-stearoyl-sphinganine (d18:0/18:0), and N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine. Pathway enrichment analyses suggested dietary protein intervention might reduce BP through pathways related to G protein--coupled receptors, incretin function, selenium micronutrient network, and mitochondrial biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Seven novel metabolites were identified to be associated with BP at the end of different dietary interventions. The beneficial effects of protein interventions might be mediated through specific metabolic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The relationship between carbohydrate quality intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is of growing interest. Objective We aimed to assess the association between the adherence to a dietary carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with the occurrence of MetS in a Spanish cohort of working adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of 2316 middle-aged men, aged 50.9 (SD 3.9) years, with no previous cardiovascular disease, and pertaining to the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS) cohort. Diet was collected with a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The CQI (range 4-15) was based on: dietary fiber intake, a low glycemic index, the ratio of whole grains/total grains, and the ratio of solid carbohydrates/total carbohydrates. The higher the CQI, the healthier the diet. MetS was defined by using the harmonized National Cholesterol Education Programme–Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) definition. The associations across 3-point categories of the CQI and the presence of MetS were examined using logistic regression. Results An inverse and significant association between the CQI and MetS was found. Fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for MetS risk among participants in the 10- to 12-point category (second highest CQI category) was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.45-0.94), and in the 13- to 15-point category (highest category) was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.30-0.88), when compared with the 4- to 6-point category (lowest category). Participants with 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 points on the CQI showed a lower risk of hypertriglyceridemia: OR 0.61 (95% CI, 0.46-0.81), and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.32-0.71) respectively. Conclusion Among middle-aged men, a higher adherence to a high-quality carbohydrate diet is associated with a lower prevalence of MetS. Triglyceridemia is the MetS component that contributed the most to this reduced risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is an attractive and promising route for value-added utilization of agricultural and forestry biomass resource. As an important platform compound, 5-HMF possesses high active furan structure with hydroxymethyl and aldehyde group for production of various bio-chemicals and materials, meanwhile, which suffer from low stability and poor yield during the industrial biorefinery process. Hence, selective production of 5-HMF with high-yield and low-cost has attracted extensive attention from scientific and industrial researchers. This review sorted and described the latest advanced research on solvent and catalyst system, as well as energy field effect for production of 5-HMF with different feedstock in detail, emphatically discussing the solvent effect and its synergistic effect with other aspects. Besides, the future prospects and challenges for production of 5-HMF from carbohydrates were also presented, which provide a profound insight into industrial 5-HMF process with economic and environmental feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how dietary macronutrient composition influences postprandial appetite hormone responses and subsequent energy intake. Methods: A total of 20 adults (mean [SEM], age 30 [1] years, BMI 27.8 [1.3] kg/m2, n = 8 with normal weight, n = 6 with overweight, n = 6 with obesity) consumed a low‐fat (LF) diet (10% fat, 75% carbohydrate) and a low‐carbohydrate (LC) diet (10% carbohydrate, 75% fat) for 2 weeks each in an inpatient randomized crossover design. At the end of each diet, participants consumed isocaloric macronutrient‐representative breakfast test meals, and 6‐h postprandial responses were measured. Ad libitum energy intake was measured for the rest of the day. Results: The LC meal resulted in greater mean postprandial plasma active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1; LC: 6.44 [0.78] pg/mL, LF: 2.46 [0.26] pg/mL; p < 0.0001), total glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP; LC: 578 [60] pg/mL, LF: 319 [37] pg/mL; p = 0.0004), and peptide YY (PYY; LC: 65.6 [5.6] pg/mL, LF: 50.7 [3.8] pg/mL; p = 0.02), whereas total ghrelin (LC: 184 [25] pg/mL, LF: 261 [47] pg/mL; p = 0.0009), active ghrelin (LC: 91 [9] pg/mL, LF: 232 [28] pg/mL; p < 0.0001), and leptin (LC: 26.9 [6.5] ng/mL, LF: 35.2 [7.5] ng/mL; p = 0.01) were lower compared with LF. Participants ate more during LC at lunch (244 [85] kcal; p = 0.01) and dinner (193 [86] kcal; p = 0.04), increasing total subsequent energy intake for the day compared with LF (551 [103] kcal; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In the short term, endogenous gut‐derived appetite hormones do not necessarily determine ad libitum energy intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potent molluscicidal activity of aqueous stem bark extracts of plant Euphorbia tirucalli (Family: Euphorbiaceae). Lymnaea acuminata were exposed for 24 hours to sublethal doses of crude aqueous stem bark extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli, i.e. 95.67 µM and 191.35 µM (40% and 80% of 24h LC50 of L. acuminata) respectively, and then were switched to extract-free water to determine the effects of withdrawal from treatment. For the following seven days, this water was replaced every 24 hours. Following that, biochemical parameters were assessed in various snail tissues which showed significant (P < 0.05) alteration in the carbohydrates and nitrogenous metabolisms in time and dose dependent manner. The snail tissues recovered in part after 7days completely after withdrawl of toxic aqueous extracts. The aqueous extracts of stem bark of Euphorbia tirucalli may be used as a potent source of molluscicides; being less expensive, easily available, easily soluble in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the industry has produced sugar-derived ethanol from the conventional method of fermentation for hundreds of years, other effective routes involving the direct transformation of carbohydrates still remain extremely rare. Very recently, an innovative chemo-catalytic method driven by the aqueous-phase catalysis was created for the synthesis of cellulosic ethanol, making a great breakthrough in the common ways as it can theoretically utilize all of the carbon atoms in sugars with faster kinetics; up to now, results from the relevant studies have been accumulated to a certain extent, but the periodic conclusions in this field are unfortunately absent. For this reason, this work tries to offer an overview of the cellulosic ethanol produced by chemo-catalytic routes, highlighting the present knowledge in relation to the technical efficiency, catalytic mechanisms as well as practical applications. At first, the advanced progress on the increasing efficiency from a varied type of catalytic systems are extensively discussed, which involves the specific functions of hybrid components from different strategies; meanwhile, the general influences of processing conditions, such as the hydrothermal severity and aqueous environments, are also identified. Subsequently, possible mechanisms behind the chemo-catalytic processes are widely elaborated by analyzing a number of experimental cases associated with the reaction network and its kinetic models. After that, the actual effects of this technique on the real biomass are collected to identify the positive/negative interactions between multiple components, together with the potential solutions on the semi-continuous processes of pilot scale application. The techno-economic analysis (TEA) is also calculated and compared with other similar methods, such as fermentation and gasification. Finally, several proposals aimed at upgrading the whole chain of chemo-catalytic processes are clearly provided, which may function as a guideline for future studies on the production of bio-ethanol from lignocellulosic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem reserve remobilization plays a prominent role in maintaining the stability of wheat grain yield. The present study aimed at comparing the amount of dry matter remobilization by employing both the entire stem and the separately weighted internodes in 18 wheat cultivars. To this end, the cultivars were examined under well-watered and terminal drought stress conditions at a Mediterranean climate during 2007–2009. They were also examined under well-watered condition in a subtropical climate during 2014–2015. Time-dependent changes in the weights of the entire stem as well as those of the internodes (peduncle, penultimate, and the lower internodes) were measured after anthesis. Results showed that the lower internodes remobilized their stored dry matter much earlier than the peduncle and penultimate. Moreover, in the majority of cultivars, the amount of entire stem dry matter remobilization was observed to be lower than that of the cumulative internode remobilization (i.e., sum of the remobilized dry matter from the individual internodes). This indicates that the employment of the entire stem for the calculation of the dry matter remobilization might underestimate this trait. Depending on the cultivars and the environmental conditions, the amount of underestimated remobilization was also found to range from 4 to 202 mg. Therefore, for the more precise measurement of the carbohydrate remobilization in wheat stems, the separate measurement of this trait in each internode is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractInoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens has been widely used due to its growth promotion and potential influence on plant nitrogen (N) metabolism. The objective of this study was to estimate the rate of P. fluorescens that provides the greatest growth, chlorophyll, foliar nitrate reductase (NR) enzyme activity and the reduction of nitrate (NO3−) accumulation in hydroponic lettuce plants. The treatments consisted of different rates of P. fluorescens inoculant via the nutrient solution, with rates ranging from 0, 8, 16, 32 and 64 mL 100 L−1 of solution. Inoculating with P. fluorescens at a dosage ranging from 23 and 34 mL 100 L−1 of solution resulted in significantly greater fresh and dry mass for both the shoots and roots of the plants. Notably, at rates of 32 and 37 mL 100 L−1 of P. fluorescens, there was a 39% increase in N accumulation and a remarkable 192% increase in ammonium (NH4+) accumulation in the shoots. Simultaneously, there was a significant 65% reduction in NO3− accumulation in the shoots, and at the highest rate of P. fluorescens, the NR activity increased. In addition, it was observed an increasing in the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total carbohydrates and total amino acids in the leaves by 43, 74, 50, 98 and 165% at rates of 35, 36, 37, 38 and 50 mL 100 L−1 of P. fluorescens. Inoculation of P. fluorescens at a rate of 35 mL 100 L−1 via nutrient solution in hydroponic lettuce cultivation provided increase of photosynthetic efficiency, N uptake, mass accumulation, shoot yield and a decrease in the accumulation of NO3− in the plant shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between macronutrient consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains equivocal. Here, we investigated whether the quantity and quality of macronutrient intake are associated with T2D incidence in a West Asian population. Methods: T2D-free adults (n = 2457, mean age 38.5 ± 13.6 years, 54.2% women) who participated in the third examination cycle (2005–2008) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were followed for a median of 8.6 years. We estimated the macronutrient quality index (MQI), its individual sub-indices (carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and healthy plate protein quality index (HPPQI)), as well as the macronutrient quantity. The risk of T2D in relation to macronutrient quantity, quality, and their combined effects was examined using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known risk factors for T2D. Results: During the study follow-up, 257 incident cases of T2D were documented. Individuals in the highest tertiles of MQI and CQI had a 27% (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.98) and 29% (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99) lower T2D risk than those in the lowest tertiles. The T2D incidence was 35% lower in the middle HPPQI tertile than in the lowest (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.89). The multivariable adjusted model showed that individuals in the middle and highest tertiles of carbohydrate intake had 32% (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49–0.95) and 26% (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–1.00) lower risks of T2D than individuals in the lowest tertile. A high-quantity, high-quality carbohydrate diet (≥ 58.5% of energy from carbohydrate with a CQI ≥ 13) and a low-glycemic index (GI), high-fiber diet (GI < 55 and fiber ≥ 25 g/d) were related to a reduced risk of T2D by 34% (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47, 0.93) and 42% (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.90), respectively. Conclusion: A diet with a higher carbohydrate quality may be associated with a lower T2D incidence, particularly when the carbohydrate quantity is also high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Because of their diverse biological activities, polysaccharides derived from Tremella fuciformis have received growing attention. This study aimed to investigate the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide (designated as PTP‐3a) derived from T. fuciformis and explore its interaction with gut microbiota in vitro. RESULTS: The findings revealed that PTP‐3a had a molecular weight of 1.22 × 103 kDa and consisted of fucose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.271:0.016:0.275:0.400:0.038. The primary linkage types identified in PTP‐3a were 1,3‐linked‐manp, 1,4‐linked‐xylp and 1,2,3‐linked‐fucp, with corresponding ratios of 0.215:0.161:0.15. In addition, PTP‐3a demonstrated notable thermal stability and exhibited a triple‐helical structure. Moreover, following in vitro fermentation for 48 h, PTP‐3a was efficiently utilized, resulting in a reduction in carbohydrate levels, the production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and pH adjustment. Furthermore, during in vitro fecal microbial fermentation, PTP‐3a decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, resulting in a significantly reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, PTP‐3a stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Parabacteroides merdae, Gordonibacter pamelaeae, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Parabacteroides distasonis. Importantly, a strong correlation was observed between the production of SCFAs and specific microorganisms. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that PTP‐3a has potential as a prebiotic for modulating the gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the dynamics of δ13C and δ18O in modern resin is crucial for interpreting (sub)fossilized resin records and resin production dynamics. We measured the δ13C and δ18O offsets between resin acids and their precursor molecules in the top‐canopy twigs and breast‐height stems of mature Pinus sylvestris trees. We also investigated the physiological and environmental signals imprinted in resin δ13C and δ18O at an intra‐seasonal scale. Resin δ13C was c. 2‰ lower than sucrose δ13C, in both twigs and stems, likely due to the loss of 13C‐enriched C‐1 atoms of pyruvate during isoprene formation and kinetic isotope effects during diterpene synthesis. Resin δ18O was c. 20‰ higher than xylem water δ18O and c. 20‰ lower than δ18O of water‐soluble carbohydrates, possibly caused by discrimination against 18O during O2‐based diterpene oxidation and 35%–50% oxygen atom exchange with water. Resin δ13C and δ18O recorded a strong signal of soil water potential; however, their overall capacity to infer intraseasonal environmental changes was limited by their temporal, within‐tree and among‐tree variations. Future studies should validate the potential isotope fractionation mechanisms associated with resin synthesis and explore the use of resin δ13C and δ18O as a long‐term proxy for physiological and environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A portfolio of six modified 2′‐deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) derivatives derived from 5‐substituted pyrimidine or 7‐substituted 7‐deazapurine bearing different carbohydrate units (d‐glucose, d‐galactose, d‐mannose, l‐fucose, sialic acid and N−Ac‐d‐galactosamine) tethered through propargyl‐glycoside linker was designed and synthesized via the Sonogashira reactions of halogenated dNTPs with the corresponding propargyl‐glycosides. The nucleotides were found to be good substrates for DNA polymerases in enzymatic primer extension and PCR synthesis of modified and hypermodified DNA displaying up to four different sugars. Proof of concept binding study of sugar‐modified oligonucleotides with concanavalin A showed positive effect of avidity and sugar units count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SorC family is a large group of bacterial transcription regulators involved in controlling carbohydrate catabolism and quorum sensing. SorC proteins consist of a conserved C-terminal effector-binding domain and an N-terminal DNA-binding domain, whose type divides the family into two subfamilies: SorC/DeoR and SorC/CggR. Proteins of the SorC/CggR subfamily are known to regulate the key node of glycolysis–triose phosphate interconversion. On the other hand, SorC/DeoR proteins are involved in a variety of peripheral carbohydrate catabolic pathways and quorum sensing functions, including virulence. Despite the abundance and importance of this family, SorC proteins seem to be on the periphery of scientific interest, which might be caused by the fragmentary information about its representatives. This review aims to compile the existing knowledge and provide material to inspire future questions about the SorC protein family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfoxides have emerged as pivotal constituents in modern carbohydrate chemistry. As anomeric leaving groups, sulfinyl moieties may occupy positions directly at the anomeric position or at a more remote site. This feature article is focused on the evolution and notable advancements of glycosyl sulfoxide donors in glycosylation reactions. Its objective is to elucidate the obstacles and prospects within this evolving research domain, with the aim of enhancing comprehension and progress in the field of carbohydrate chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Measurements of stable isotope ratios in organic compounds are widely used tools for plant ecophysiological studies. However, the complexity of the processes involved in shaping hydrogen isotope values (δ2H) in plant carbohydrates has limited its broader application. To investigate the underlying biochemical processes responsible for 2H fractionation among water, sugars, and cellulose in leaves, we studied the three main CO2 fixation pathways (C3, C4, and CAM) and their response to changes in temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). We show significant differences in autotrophic 2H fractionation (εA) from water to sugar among the pathways and their response to changes in air temperature and VPD. The strong 2H depleting εA in C3 plants is likely driven by the photosynthetic H+ production within the thylakoids, a reaction that is spatially separated in C4 and strongly reduced in CAM plants, leading to the absence of 2H depletion in the latter two types. By contrast, we found that the heterotrophic 2H‐fractionation (εH) from sugar to cellulose was very similar among the three pathways and is likely driven by the plant's metabolism, rather than by isotopic exchange with leaf water. Our study offers new insights into the biochemical drivers of 2H fractionation in plant carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoconjugate vaccines are based on chemical conjugation of pathogen‐associated carbohydrates with immunogenic carrier proteins and are considered a very cost‐effective way to prevent infections. Most of the licensed glycoconjugate vaccines are composed of saccharide antigens extracted from bacterial sources. However, synthetic oligosaccharide antigens have become a promising alternative to natural polysaccharides with the advantage of being well‐defined structures providing homogeneous conjugates. Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) is responsible for a number of severe diseases. In recent years, an increasing rate of invasive infections caused by Hi serotype a (Hia) raised some concern, because no vaccine targeting Hia is currently available. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of Hia is constituted by phosphodiester‐linked 4‐β‐d‐glucose‐(1→4)‐d‐ribitol‐5‐(PO4→) repeating units and is the antigen for protein‐conjugated polysaccharide vaccines. To investigate the antigenic potential of the CPS from Hia, we synthesized related saccharide fragments containing up to five repeating units. Following the synthetic optimization of the needed disaccharide building blocks, they were assembled using the phosphoramidite approach for the installation of the phosphodiester linkages. The resulting CPS‐based Hia oligomers were conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein and evaluated in vivo for their immunogenic potential, showing that all glycoconjugates were capable of raising antibodies recognizing Hia synthetic fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time tracking of intracellular carbohydrates remains challenging. While click chemistry allows bio-orthogonal tagging with fluorescent probes, the reaction permanently alters the target molecule and only allows a single snapshot. Here, we demonstrate click-free mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) imaging of azide-tagged carbohydrates in live cells. Leveraging the micromolar detection sensitivity for 6-azido-trehalose (TreAz) and the 300-nm spatial resolution of MIP imaging, the trehalose recycling pathway in single mycobacteria, from cytoplasmic uptake to membrane localization, is directly visualized. A peak shift of azide in MIP spectrum further uncovers interactions between TreAz and intracellular protein. MIP mapping of unreacted azide after click reaction reveals click chemistry heterogeneity within a bacterium. Broader applications of azido photothermal probes to visualize the initial steps of the Leloir pathway in yeasts and the newly synthesized glycans in mammalian cells are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) forests in Central Europe have faced escalating threats from bark beetles, primarily Ips typographus (L.), and other species, such as I. duplicatus (Sahlberg). Outbreaks are partially attributed to weakened tree defense resulting from drought periods induced by climate change. This study examines Norway spruce's physiological and metabolic reactions to acute drought stress during the growing season and evaluates its susceptibility to I. typographus and I. duplicatus. Methodology: In order to induce drought stress, mature Norway spruces had their roots covered with a roof in April 2021, depriving them of water. Control trees were left with free access to natural rainwater. Over 5 months of the growing season, soil water potential, bark temperature, tree trunk circumference, and sap flow were monitored. Roofed trees and controls were sampled in July, August, and September and analyzed for non-structural carbohydrates and the two classes of defensive compounds, phenolics and terpenes. Furthermore, two different bioassays in tubes and boxes were performed using adult I. typographus and I. duplicatus beetles to assess host choice and acceptance. Results: Roofed trees exhibited signs of stress as early as July, resulting in decreased tree trunk and a consequent increase in non-structural carbohydrate content. Defensive metabolites remained largely unaffected except for an increase in diterpenes in September. In bioassays, I. typographus preferred boring into the bark of roofed trees in August in tubes and in September in boxes. This increased tree acceptance correlated with increased levels of soluble carbohydrates in the phloem. I. typographus and I. duplicatus beetles showed higher mobility in boxes in August and September on roofed trees but not in July, even though bark surface temperatures were elevated in roof-covered trees during all three bioassay periods. Conclusion: The study revealed rapid physiological responses of trees to acute drought stress, although not many changes were observed in defense traits. Despite the absence of natural bark beetle attacks, drought trees were more accepted by I. typographus than naturally watered trees. This response may indicate the beetles' preference for trees with phloem of higher nutritional quality induced by the acute drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato residue (SPR) is the by-product of starch extraction from fresh sweet potatoes and is rich in carbohydrates, making it a suitable substrate for bioethanol production. An amylolytic industrial yeast strain with co-expressing α-amylase and glucoamylase genes would combine enzyme production, SPR hydrolysis, and glucose fermentation into a one-step process. This consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) shows great application potential in the economic production of bioethanol. In this study, a convenient heterologous gene integration method was developed. Eight copies of a Talaromyces emersonii α-amylase expression cassette and eight copies of a Saccharomycopsis fibuligera glucoamylase expression cassette were integrated into the genome of industrial diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 1974. The resulting recombinant strains exhibited clear transparent zones in the iodine starch plates, and SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that α-amylase and glucoamylase were secreted into the culture medium. Enzymatic activity analysis demonstrated that the optimal temperature for α-amylase and glucoamylase was 60-70°C, and the pH optima for α-amylase and glucoamylase was 4.0 and 5.0, respectively. Initially, soluble corn starch with a concentration of 100 g/L was initially used to evaluate the ethanol production capability of recombinant amylolytic S. cerevisiae strains. After 7 days of CBP fermentation, the α-amylase-expressing strain 1974-temA and the glucoamylase-expressing strain 1974-GA produced 33.03 and 28.37 g/L ethanol, respectively. However, the 1974-GA-temA strain, which expressed α-amylase and glucoamylase, produced 42.22 g/L ethanol, corresponding to 70.59% of the theoretical yield. Subsequently, fermentation was conducted using the amylolytic strain 1974-GA-temA without the addition of exogenous α-amylase and glucoamylase, which resulted in the production of 32.15 g/L ethanol with an ethanol yield of 0.30 g/g. The addition of 20% glucoamylase (60 U/g SPR) increased ethanol concentration to 50.55 g/L, corresponding to a theoretical yield of 93.23%, which was comparable to the ethanol production observed with the addition of 100% α-amylase and glucoamylase. The recombinant amylolytic strains constructed in this study will facilitate the advancement of CBP fermentation of SPR for the production of bioethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L., family Asteraceae) is an important feedstock for biofuel production due to its high biomass yield per unit area and the low costs associated with plantation establishment and cultivation technology. The chemical composition of the aerial biomass of JA grown in a perennial cycle and harvested once or twice during the growing season was determined, to assess the potential of JA for energy production. The experiment was conducted in 2018–2020 in north-eastern Poland. The study demonstrated that the crude ash (CA) content of the biomass was significantly (by 24.1%) higher when JA was harvested twice rather than once during the growing season, making it less suitable for energy purposes. However, double cutting induced an increase in the content of crude fiber (CFR), cellulose, and hemicellulose (by 87%, 41%, and 52%, respectively) in JA biomass compared with single cutting. In addition, twice-harvested JA biomass was also characterized by higher concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) (by 40.7%, 38.9%, and 30.3%, respectively), and a lower (by 29.3%) concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). These results indicate that the chemical composition of a JA biomass can be modified by selecting the appropriate harvest strategy, which is an important consideration for end users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of testing conditions such as resting lactate (Larest) levels or carbohydrate intake may affect the calculation of the maximal glycolytic rate (νLa.max). To evaluate the impact of elevated Larest as well as reduced and increased carbohydrate availability on νLa.max in running sprints (RST), twenty‐one participants completed five 15‐s RST tests on a running track under five different conditions: (I). baseline: Larest ≤1.5 mmol·L−1; (II). Lactate+: Larest ≥2.5 mmol·L−1; (III). CHO−: carbohydrate intake: ≤ 1 g·kg−1 BW d−1 for 3 days; (IV). CHO+: carbohydrate intake: ≥ 9 g·kg−1 BW d−1 for one day; and (V). acuteCHO: 500 mL glucose containing beverage consumed before RST. νLa.max was significantly reduced in lactate+ and CHO− conditions compared to the baseline RST, due to a reduction in the arithmetic mean delta (∆) between Lapeak and Larest lactate concentration (Lapeak, mmol · L−1). AcuteCHO led to an increase in Larest compared to baseline, CHO− and CHO+ with a high interindividual variability but did not significantly reduce νLa.max. Therefore, avoiding low carbohydrate nutrition before νLa.max testing, along with carefully adjusting Larest to below ≤1.5 mmol·L‐1, is crucial to prevent the unintentional underestimation of νLa.max. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite recent advances in treatment options, such as chemotherapy, cancer continues to be the second-leading cause of death worldwide. Significant hurdles in the success of chemotherapy regimens include severe adverse effects, as well as drug resistance. As such, there is a strong requirement for novel pharmacological interventions in the treatment of cancer. Natural products, such as monosaccharides, are a promising potential treatment option for cancer due to their low toxicity, high solubility, and high specificity for tumour cells. Several naturally occurring and synthetically modified sugars have displayed toxicity in a variety of cancer and tumour cells. A major hallmark of cancer is the reprogramming of cellular metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. To sustain high rates of glycolysis, cancer cells overexpress GLUT transporters and glycolytic enzymes, allowing for the enhanced uptake and consumption of glucose. The Warburg effect may be exploited in the treatment of cancer; certain epimers and derivatives of glucose can enter cancer cells and inhibit glycolytic enzymes, stunting metabolism and causing cell death. These include common dietary monosaccharides (ᴅ-mannose, ᴅ-galactose, ᴅ-glucosamine, ʟ-fucose), as well as some rare monosaccharides (xylitol, ᴅ-allose, ʟ-sorbose, ʟ-rhamnose). This article reviews the literature on these sugars in in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, discussing their mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In addition to this, the anticancer potential of some synthetically modified monosaccharides, such as 2-deoxy-ᴅ-glucose and its acetylated and halogenated derivatives, is reviewed. Further, this article reviews how certain monosaccharides can be used in combination with anticancer drugs to potentiate conventional chemotherapies and to help overcome chemoresistance. Finally, the limitations of administering two separate agents, a sugar and a chemotherapeutic drug, are discussed. The potential of the glycoconjugation of classical or repurposed chemotherapy drugs as a solution to these limitations is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of biomass to chemicals/fuels has emerged as a valuable solution that offers both environmental and economic benefits, with the transformation of carbohydrate into formic acid garnering escalating scholar interest. However, the relative limited efficiency of catalyzed-oxidation or expensive cost of H2O2 and alkali in wet hydrothermal oxidation impose limitations on industrialization. This paper proposed a new idea for formic acid production by O2-H2O2 co-oxidation of carbohydrate. A two-step reaction method was developed, where the initial step is engineered to regulate the carbon chain cleavage of carbohydrates to augment the production of active intermediate. Oxygen was employed in the subsequent step as effective oxidant through free radical mechanism, resulting in a formic acid yield of 82.6%. Theoretical calculation, intermediates detection and real time EPR confirmed the reaction mechanism. Finally, the universality of the reaction was verified by using disaccharides and polysaccharides such as cellulose as substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine groundwater drainage (SGD) changes the elemental composition of the neighboring coastal ocean and impacts the biogeochemical cycles. To examine the seasonal and spatial variability in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and labile organic compound biochemical compounds like dissolved carbohydrates (TDCHO), dissolved proteins (TDPRO), and dissolved free amino acid (TDFAA) concentrations during the dry and wet periods, groundwater samples were taken at 90 locations (180 samples) along the Indian coast. The mean DOC contents in Indian coastal groundwaters were more significant than the global mean values. DOC, TDCHO, TDPRO, and TDFAA concentrations are higher during wet than dry periods. The DOC and labile organic compound showed a substantial positive association with soil organic carbon, and respective labile compounds in soil, population, and land usage and poor relation with woodland territories, implying that soil organic compounds leaching is a source of DOC and other labile organic compounds into the groundwater. DOC and other labile compounds concentrations were linearly associated with population density, land usage, and sewage production, demonstrating that anthropogenic activities tightly regulate the formation of DOC in groundwater. During the wet and dry periods, total labile organic compounds (TDCHO, TDFAA, and TDPRO) constituted 21% and 10.5% of DOC, respectively. Compared to the wet time, more aromatic compounds accumulated during the dry season but were less bioavailable. SGD DOC flux contributed 2–7% of riverine DOC flux to the coastal ocean. The SGD flux from the Indian subcontinent to the nearby northern Indian Ocean accounts for approximately 2% of the worldwide SGD flux. The effect of DOC flux via SGD on coastal bacterial activity, the plankton food web, and the oxygen minimum zone must be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the influence of different heat treatment temperatures (140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, and 210 °C) on changes in sapwood and red heartwood of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). According to the results of wet chemistry methods, HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEC (size exclusion chromatography), the wood constituents in sapwood and red heartwood behaved similarly to heat treatment, but the individual proportions were different. The loss of hemicelluloses and the increase in extractives with increasing temperature were more pronounced in sapwood. The amount of cellulose in sapwood and red heartwood showed similar behaviour with increasing temperature. Thermal treatment causes changes in cellulose crystallinity, and the formation of aromatic structures, mainly in beech sapwood. However, the increase in the lignin content of red heartwood was significantly lower than that of sapwood due to its auto condensation, and formation of pseudo-lignin. Among the carbohydrates, the most significant changes were observed in xylose content, which was almost twice as high in red heartwood as in sapwood. Other carbohydrates (glucose, mannose, galactose, and arabinose) reached similar values in sapwood and red heartwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wheat grain filling processes under post-anthesis stress scenarios depend mainly on stem traits and remobilization of stem water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). Methods: A diverse panel of advanced semi-dwarf spring wheat lines, representing a natural variation in stem traits (WSC content, stem diameter, peduncle length, and stem wall width), was used to identify specific traits that reliably reflect the relationship between WSC and grain yield. The panel was phenotyped under various environmental conditions: well-watered, waterlimited, and heat stress in Mexico, and terminal-drought in Israel. Results: Environmental stresses reduced grain yield (from 626 g m-2 under wellwatered to 213 g m-2 under heat), lower internode diameter, and peduncle length. However, stem-WSC generally peaked 3-4 weeks after heading under all environmental conditions except heat (where it peaked earlier) and expressed the highest values under water-limited and terminal-drought environments. Increased investment in internode diameter and peduncle length was associated with a higher accumulation of stem WSC, which showed a positive association with yield and kernel weight. Across all environments, there were no apparent trade-offs between increased crop investment in internode diameter, peduncle length, and grain yield. Discussion: Our results showed that selecting for genotypes with higher resource investment in stem structural biomass, WSC accumulation, and remobilization could be a valuable strategy to ameliorate grain size reduction under stress without compromising grain yield potential. Furthermore, easy-tomeasure proxies for WSC (stem diameter at specific internodes and length of the last internode, i.e., the peduncle) could significantly increase throughput, potentially at the breeding scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop shortly after trauma exposure. Although molecular studies of ASD are only beginning, groups of metabolites have been found to be significantly altered with acute stress phenotypes in various pre-clinical and clinical studies. ASD implicated metabolites include amino acids (ß-hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, 5-aminovalerate, kynurenine and aspartate), ketone bodies (ß-hydroxybutyrate), lipids (cortisol, palmitoylethanomide, and N-palmitoyl taurine) and carbohydrates (glucose and mannose). Network and pathway analysis with the most prominent metabolites shows that Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and c-AMP response element binding (CREB) protein can be crucial players. After highlighting main recent findings on the role of metabolites in ASD, we will discuss potential future directions and challenges that need to be tackled. Overall, we aim to showcase that metabolomics present a promising opportunity to advance our understanding of ASD pathophysiology as well as the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress is a prevalent factor that significantly damages crops, especially with the ongoing global warming and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Tobacco is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, experiencing reduced yield and quality under high temperatures. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of heat resistance in tobacco remain poorly understood. This study comprehensively analyzed biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic responses to heat stress on the root and shoot of the tobacco cultivar K326 compared to control conditions. Heat stress significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, and SOD) and levels of osmotic mediators (soluble sugars, sucrose, and proline) in the shoot. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis identified 13,176 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the root (6,129 up-regulated and 7,047 down-regulated) and 12,283 DEGs (6,621 up-regulated and 5,662 down-regulated) in the shoot. The root had 24 enriched KEGG pathways, including phenylpropanoid metabolism, while the shoot had 32 significant pathways, such as galactose metabolism and MAPK signaling. The metabolomic data identified 647 metabolites in the root and 932 in the shoot, with carbohydrates and amino acids being the main categories. The root had 116 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) (107 up-regulated and 9 downregulated), and the shoot contained 256 DAMs (251 up-regulated and 5 downregulated). Joint transcriptome and metabolome analysis showed that galactose metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism were co-enriched in both tissues. In contrast, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism was enriched in the root, and purine metabolism in the shoot. The purine metabolic pathway in the shoot can modulate the expression of MYB transcription factors by influencing ABA synthesis and signaling, thereby controlling the accumulation of HSPs, raffinose, sucrose, and trehalose to enhance heat tolerance. Furthermore, NtMYB78, an MYB transcription factor, enhances tolerance for heat stress in tobacco. This research offers a foundational framework for investigating and implementing heat-resistant genes and metabolic pathways in the root and shoot of tobacco seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]