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Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. and P. americana L. are recognized as the primary sources of Phytolaccae Radix, which is traditionally utilized for various medicinal purposes. However, because of their potent toxicity, it is essential to distinguish these species. This study has aimed to clarify the classification of Phytolacca species based on their morphology and genetic differences. The chloroplast genome of P. acinosa was sequenced and comparative analyses were conducted to identify the regions of variation and nucleotide diversity among the species. The results revealed that P. acinosa shares more sequence similarity with other Phytolacca species than with P. americana. Additionally, the dN/dS analysis showed that the ndhH gene of P. americana had a value of 1.0871, indicating positive selection. The phylogenetic tree, supported by strong bootstrap values and posterior probabilities, confirmed that P. acinosa and P. americana formed distinct clusters. Furthermore, the estimated divergence time between P. acinosa and P. americana was approximately 15.07 million years ago, indicating that they diverged earlier than P. insularis, P. polyandra, P. japonica, and P. latbenia. These findings indicated that P. acinosa and P. americana are phylogenetically distinct species, highlighting the need for accurate species identification and taxonomic reassessment to ensure the safe use of these toxic medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf senescence, the final stage of leaf development, is crucial for plant fitness as it enhances nutrient reutilization, supporting reproductive success and overall plant adaptation. Understanding its molecular and genetic regulation is essential to improve crop resilience and productivity, particularly in the face of global climate change. This review explores the significant contributions of natural genetic diversity to our understanding of leaf senescence, focusing on insights from model plants and major crops. We discuss the physiological and adaptive significance of senescence in plant development, environmental adaptation, and agricultural productivity. The review emphasizes the importance of natural genetic variation, including studies on natural accessions, landraces, cultivars, and artificial recombinant lines to unravel the genetic basis of senescence. Various approaches, from quantitative trait loci mapping to genome-wide association analysis and in planta functional analysis, have advanced our knowledge of senescence regulation. Current studies focusing on key regulatory genes and pathways underlying natural senescence, identified from natural or recombinant accession and cultivar populations, are highlighted. We also address the adaptive implications of abiotic and biotic stress factors triggering senescence and the genetic mechanisms underlying these responses. Finally, we discuss the challenges in translating these genetic insights into crop improvement. We propose future research directions, such as expanding studies on under-researched crops, investigating multiple stress combinations, and utilizing advanced technologies, including multiomics and gene editing, to harness natural genetic diversity for crop resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This investigation highlights the use of advanced molecular tools, especially high-throughput SNP genotyping, in livestock genetic research. These methods identify SNPs, candidate genes, genetic defects, molecular markers, and QTLs, and facilitate whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and genomic selection, which relies on genomic-estimated breeding values (GEBV). Compared to traditional methods, genomic selection enhances breeding decisions, especially for traits that are sex-limited, have low heritability, are measured late, or need reduced generation intervals. The availability of high-density genotyping and next-generation sequencing supports the argument for genome-wide scans for selection. The investigation emphasizes the importance of these technologies in understanding genetic diversity and adaptive selection, identifies candidate genes and QTLs linked to various traits, and underscores advancements in livestock traits like body conformation, meat quality, milk yield, fertility, fiber production, and disease resistance. Distinctive molecular approaches and tools, particularly high-throughput SNP genotyping, have been applied to determine and discover SNPs, potential genes of interest, indicators of evolutionary selection, genetic abnormalities, molecular indicators, and loci associated with quantitative traits (QTLs) in various livestock species. These methods have also been used to obtain whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, enabling the implementation of genomic selection. Genomic selection allows for selection decisions based on genomic-estimated breeding values (GEBV). The estimation of GEBV relies on the calculation of SNP effects using prediction equations derived from a subset of individuals in the reference population who possess both SNP genotypes and phenotypes for target traits. Compared to traditional methods, modern genomic selection methods offer advantages for sex-limited traits, low heritability traits, late-measured traits, and the potential to increase genetic gain by reducing generation intervals. The current availability of high-density genotyping and next-generation sequencing data allow for genome-wide scans for selection. This investigation provides an overview of the essential role of advanced molecular tools in studying genetic diversity and implementing genomic selection. It also highlights the significance of adaptive selection in light of new high-throughput genomic technologies and the establishment of selective comparisons between different genomes. Moreover, this investigation presents candidate genes and QTLs associated with various traits in different livestock species, such as body conformation, meat production and quality, carcass characteristics and composition, milk yield and composition, fertility, fiber production and characteristics, and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Non-biting midges cause a nuisance by swarming near areas where human activities are conducted. Numerous studies have focused on the taxonomic and functional diversity of non-biting midges, while their seasonal population dynamics are less studied. In order to understand the activity patterns of adult non-biting midges, we observed their species diversity continuously over different seasons in an urban wetland park. The species composition of non-biting midges differed significantly in different seasons. Environmental factors such as barometric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were recorded during sampling, and the species variation was significantly correlated with these factors. The results extend our knowledge of the seasonal dynamics of non-biting midge populations and provide a basis for developing strategies to mitigate the hazards of this assemblage. The family Chironomidae is speciose and is present in almost all freshwater habitats. Adult non-biting midges emerge from waterbodies and swarm in high numbers, occasionally disrupting people's outdoor activities. In order to understand the seasonal dynamics of species composition, a continuous observation of non-biting midge diversity was performed. Adult non-biting midges were collected using light traps from the autumn of 2022 to the summer of 2023 in an urban wetland park. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. Alpha diversity was evaluated using Margalef, Pielou, and Shannon–Wiener indexes. Beta diversity was evaluated using unconstrained NMDS analysis and constrained CCA. The impacts of environmental factors, including barometric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, on the variation in species composition were estimated in the constrained analyses. A total of 42 species were identified, with 29 species belonging to Chironominae, 9 species belonging to Orthocladiinae, and 4 species belonging to Tanypodinae. The species composition varied across different seasons. Summer sites and autumn sites shared the highest similarity in diversity, and spring sites presented the lowest diversity. The variation was significantly correlated with environmental conditions. The results showed that seasonality is a factor influencing the diversity of adult non-biting midges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is a key flavor compound with a rose-like scent, used in the cosmetics, perfume, home care and food industries. This aroma compound can be obtained naturally from various flowers, however chemical synthesis is the most used route to meet market demand. The increasing interest in natural products has led to the development of more environmentally friendly alternatives for 2-PE production through biotechnological approaches. The most efficient approach involves the biotransformation of L-phenylalanine into 2-PE via the Ehrlich pathway, a process observed in different microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria. 2-PE produced by this way can be considered as natural. However, due to the toxicity of the aroma to the producing microorganism, low production yields are typically obtained, motivating efforts to develop production processes that can overcome this bottleneck, enhance 2-PE yields and reduce the production costs. This review presents and discusses the latest advances in the bioproduction of 2-PE through microbial fermentation, in terms of producing strains, the optimization of cultivation processes, strategies to mitigate product toxicity, and the use of low value feedstocks. Novel applications for 2-PE are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advances in SNP arrays and reference genome assemblies have significantly transformed cattle genomics, particularly for Bos taurus indicus (Zebu cattle). Many commercial SNP arrays were originally designed for Bos taurus taurus, leading to ascertainment bias and the exclusion of crucial SNPs specific to Zebu populations. This review assesses progress in SNP array and reference genome development, with a focus on efforts tailored to Zebu populations and their impact on genomic selection and breeding efficiency. Methods: We reviewed the relevant literature on the development of SNP arrays, reference genome assemblies, and SNP genotyping techniques used for Zebu cattle. Emphasis was placed on SNP arrays specifically designed for Zebu breeds, evaluating their contributions to genomic evaluations and identifying limitations in prediction accuracy. Results: Recent advancements, such as GeneSeek's low- and high-density SNP panels, have aimed to reduce ascertainment bias and include key SNPs for Zebu populations by providing breed-specific panels. These panels have been instrumental in identifying genomic regions associated with economically important traits in Nellore cattle. Studies show that tailored SNP arrays and breed-specific reference genomes can enhance genetic diversity assessment and improve genomic predictions, supporting more effective breeding programs for Zebu cattle. Conclusions: Improved SNP arrays and breed-specific reference genomes are crucial for accurate genomic selection in Zebu cattle. Future efforts should prioritize expanding de novo genome assemblies, reducing ascertainment bias, and developing cost-effective genotyping solutions tailored to Zebu populations. Targeted genomic tools will ultimately enable more efficient breeding practices and enhance genomic selection for economically important traits in B. t. indicus cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate methods for assessing food freshness through colorimetric pH response play a critical role in determining food spoilage and ensuring food quality standards. This study introduces a novel unlabeled DNA sequence, poly-dA20, designed to exploit the colorimetric properties of both the single strand and the fold-back A-motif structure in conjunction with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under varying pH conditions. When exposed to storage temperatures of 4 °C and 25 °C, the color variations in the AuNP solution, influenced by pH level changes in mutton and sea bass samples' different storage periods, are easily discernible to the naked eye within a minute. The ratio of UV absorption values at 527 nm and 700 nm (A527/A700) demonstrates a strong linear correlation with both the storage duration and pH of the food samples. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis combining the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value with the A527/A700 ratio is employed for precise assessment of food freshness. The innovative pH-responsive sensing strategy not only provides a new approach for on-site food freshness and spoilage detection systems but also serves as a valuable tool for pH-related biological detection in clinical diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of 700 feline-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), a common cause of diarrhea in cats. Following comprehensive screening, strains ZY25 and ZY35 were identified as the most effective, with inhibition zones of ≥22 mm. These strains demonstrated strong tolerance against stress conditions, such as low pH, bile salts, and gastrointestinal fluids, alongside high hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation abilities. Safety evaluations confirmed the absence of hemolytic activity, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes. The antibacterial activity of these strains is attributed to the production of organic acids, particularly lactic acid and acetic acid. These findings suggest that strains ZY25 and ZY35 have potential as natural and effective probiotic treatments for managing EPEC-induced diarrhea in cats, thus offering an alternative to conventional antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic mutations in some human genes containing trinucleotide repeats are associated with severe neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders—known as Trinucleotide (or Triplet) Repeat Expansion Diseases (TREDs)—which arise when the repeat number of triplets expands beyond a critical threshold. While the mechanisms causing the DNA triplet expansion are complex and remain largely unknown, it is now recognized that the expandable repeats lead to the formation of nucleotide configurations with atypical structural characteristics that play a crucial role in TREDs. These nonstandard nucleic acid forms include single-stranded hairpins, Z-DNA, triplex structures, G-quartets and slipped-stranded duplexes. Of these, hairpin structures are the most prolific and are associated with the largest number of TREDs and have therefore been the focus of recent single-molecule FRET experiments and molecular dynamics investigations. Here, we review the structural and dynamical properties of nucleic acid hairpins that have emerged from these studies and the implications for repeat expansion mechanisms. The focus will be on CAG, GAC, CTG and GTC hairpins and their stems, their atomistic structures, their stability, and the important role played by structural interrupts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are interesting active additives for packaging manufacturing as they can provide the final material with active functionalities. However, they are frequently volatile compounds and can be degraded during plastic processing. In this work Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) essential oil was encapsulated into Diatomaceous earth (DE) microparticles and into Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and further used to produce eco-friendly active packaging based on polylactic acid (PLA). PLA-based composites and nanocoposites films based on PLA reinforced with DE + RO and HNTs + RO, respectively, were developed by melt extrusion followed by cast-film, simulating the industrial processing conditions. As these materials are intended as active food packaging films, the obtained materials were fully characterized in terms of their mechanical, thermal and structural properties, while migration of antioxidant RO was also assessed as well as the compostability at laboratory scale level. Both DE and HNTs were able to protect the Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) from thermal degradation during processing, allowing to obtain films with antioxidant properties as demonstrated by the antioxidant assays after the materials were exposed for 10 days to a fatty food simulant. The results showed that incorporating Rosmarinus officinalis encapsulated in either DE or HNTs and the good dispersion of such particles into the PLA matrix strengthened its mechanical performance and sped up the disintegration under composting conditions of PLA, while allowing to obtain films with antioxidant properties of interest as antioxidant active food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic markers are powerful tools for understanding genetic diversity and the molecular basis of traits, ushering in a new era of molecular breeding in crops. Over the past 50 years, DNA markers have rapidly changed, moving from hybridization-based and second-generation-based to sequence-based markers. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are the ideal markers in plant breeding, and they have numerous desirable properties, including their repeatability, codominance, multi-allelic nature, and locus specificity. They can be generated from any species, which requires prior sequence knowledge. SSRs may serve as evolutionary tuning knobs, allowing for rapid identification and adaptation to new circumstances. The evaluations published thus far have mostly ignored SSR polymorphism and gene evolution due to a lack of data regarding the precise placements of SSRs on chromosomes. However, NGS technologies have made it possible to produce high-throughput SSRs for any species using massive volumes of genomic sequence data that can be generated fast and at a minimal cost. Though SNP markers are gradually replacing the erstwhile DNA marker systems, SSRs remain the markers of choice in orphan crops due to the lack of genomic resources at the reference level and their adaptability to resource-limited labor. Several bioinformatic approaches and tools have evolved to handle genomic sequences to identify SSRs and generate primers for genotyping applications in plant breeding projects. This paper includes the currently available methodologies for producing SSR markers, genomic resource databases, and computational tools/pipelines for SSR data mining and primer generation. This review aims to provide a 'one-stop shop' of information to help each new user carefully select tools for identifying and utilizing SSRs in genetic research and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meconopsis integrifolia is an endangered Tibetan medicinal plant with significant medicinal and ornamental value. Understanding its genetic diversity and structure is crucial for its sustainable utilization and effective conservation. Here, we develop a set of SSR markers based on transcriptome data to analyze the genetic diversity and structure of 185 individuals from 16 populations of M. integrifolia. The results indicate that M. integrifolia exhibits relatively high genetic diversity at the species level (the percentage of polymorphic bands PPB = 91.67%, Nei's genetic diversity index He = 0.2989, Shannon's information index I = 0.4514) but limited genetic variation within populations (PPB = 12.08%, He = 0.0399, I = 0.0610). The genetic differentiation among populations is relatively high (the coefficient of gene differentiation GST = 0.6902), and AMOVA analysis indicates that 63.39% of the total variation occurs among populations. This suggests that maintaining a limited number of populations is insufficient to preserve the overall diversity of M. integrifolia. Different populations are categorized into four representative subclusters, but they do not cluster strictly according to geographical distribution. Limited gene flow (Nm = 0.2244) is likely the main reason for the high differentiation among these populations. Limited seed and pollen dispersal abilities, along with habitat fragmentation, may explain the restricted gene flow among populations, highlighting the necessity of conserving as many populations in the wild as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising health concerns regarding chronic diseases call for exploring natural sources of antioxidants and factors that influence their activity. This study evaluated the diversity of 112 sesame germplasms from Africa and Asia based on ten agronomic traits (seven quantitative and three qualitative), two antioxidant activities (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities), and the content of one metabolite (TPC). TPC, DPPH, and ABTS were in the ranges of 4.98–87.88 µg GAE/mg DE, 3.97–46.23 µg AAE/mg DE, and 3.42–176.01 µg TE/mg DE, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed significant variations in agronomic traits, TPC, and antioxidant activities among the sesame germplasms (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the individual and interaction effects of seed color and the continent of origin on the levels of the quantitative traits, TPC, ABTS, and DPPH were analyzed, and the correlation among the traits was further evaluated. Diversity in TPC, ABTS, and DPPH was significantly associated with seed color and most of the quantitative agronomic traits (p < 0.05) but not with continent of origin. Principal component analysis revealed TPC, ABTS, DPPH, and five quantitative traits as the most discriminant traits. In general, six sesame accessions with high TPC and antioxidant activities (IT194356, IT170094, IT29971, IT185998, IT104246, and IT169623) as well as important agronomic traits were identified and, hence, could be used for developing improved sesame varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, solid-state fermentation (SSF) was applied to babassu mesocarp (BM) for the low-cost bioproduction of natural aroma compounds having Trichoderma harzianum (IOC 4042) and Geotrichum candidum (CCT 1205) as microbial agents. Fermentation was carried out using in natura babassu mesocarp (IN-BM) and defatted babassu mesocarp through soxhlet extraction (DEF-BM) as support, impregnated with hydration solutions of three and seven salts. The compounds produced were analyzed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Among several aroma compounds detected, 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP)—GRAS 3696, coconut aroma; 2-phenylethanol (2-PE)—GRAS 2858, rose and honey aroma; and hexanal—GRAS 2557, green apple aroma, were the compounds that that were detected with the greatest intensity. The highest concentrations (ppm (w/w)) of 6-PP and 2-PE were obtained in DEF-BM using NS7SG (308.17 ± 3.18 and 414.53 ± 1.96), respectively, while for hexanal, the highest concentration (ppm (w/w)) was obtained in IN-BM using NS7SG (210.83 ± 2.14). The results indicate that producing aroma compounds by G. candidum and T. harzianum through BM SSF is viable, generating value-added compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter lwoffii is widely considered to be a harmful bacterium that is resistant to medicines and disinfectants. A. lwoffii NL1 degrades phenols efficiently and shows promise as an aromatic compound degrader in antibiotic-contaminated environments. To gain a comprehensive understanding of A. lwoffii, the first genome-scale metabolic model of A. lwoffii was constructed using semi-automated and manual methods. The iNX811 model, which includes 811 genes, 1071 metabolites, and 1155 reactions, was validated using 39 unique carbon and nitrogen sources. Genes and metabolites critical for cell growth were analyzed, and 12 essential metabolites (mainly in the biosynthesis and metabolism of glycan, lysine, and cofactors) were identified as antibacterial drug targets. Moreover, to explore the metabolic response to phenols, metabolic flux was simulated by integrating transcriptomics, and the significantly changed metabolism mainly included central carbon metabolism, along with some transport reactions. In addition, the addition of substances that effectively improved phenol degradation was predicted and validated using the model. Overall, the reconstruction and analysis of model iNX811 helped to study the antimicrobial systems and biodegradation behavior of A. lwoffii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CIGB-258 is known to exert anti-inflammatory activity via structural stabilization of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and functional enhancement of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) against acute toxicity of carboxymethyllysine (CML). The co-presence of CIGB-258 in reconstituted HDL (rHDL) formed larger rHDL particles and enhanced anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner of apoA-I:CIGB-258, 1:0, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, and 1:1 of molar ratio, in the synthesis of the rHDL. However, no study has evaluated the enhancement of HDL functionality by the co-presence of lipid-free apoA-I and CIGB-258. The present study was therefore designed to compare the structural stabilization and functional improvement of HDL in the presence of lipid-free apoA-I and CIGB-258 in molar ratios of 1:0, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, and 1:1 within both HDL2 and HDL3. As the concentration of CIGB-258 increased, it effectively inhibited the cupric-ion-induced oxidation of HDL, thereby safeguarding apoA-I from proteolytic degradation. Additionally, the wound-healing activity of zebrafish was significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced by the co-addition of apoA-I:CIGB-258 (1:1) up to 1.6-fold higher than apoA-I alone (1:0) under the presence of CML. ApoA-I:CIGB-258 (1:1) treatment exhibited the lowest apoptosis and production of reactive oxygen species against CML-induced damage in the wound site. Also, an increase in wounded tissue granulation and epidermis thickness was observed with increasing concentration of CIGB-258 during 48 h post-treatment via the healing process. Intraperitoneal injection of apoA-I:CIGB-258 mixture remarkably ameliorated the acute paralysis and restored zebrafish swimming ability impaired by the acute toxicity of CML. The increase of CIGB-258 content, especially co-injection of apoA-I:CIGB-258 (1:1), leads to a significant 2.3-fold (p < 0.001) and 4.1-fold (p < 0.001) higher zebrafish survivability and recovery of swimming ability, respectively, than those of CML-control. In the apoA-I:CIGB-258 (1:1) group, neutrophil infiltration and interleukin (IL)-6 production was lowest in the hepatic tissue with the least cellular damage and apoptosis. Additionally, the group treated with apoA-I:CIGB-258 (1:1) demonstrated the lowest plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), along with minimal damage to the kidney, ovary, and testicular cells. Conclusively, co-treatment of CIGB-258 with apoA-I effectively mitigated acute inflammation in zebrafish, safeguarded vital organs, structurally stabilized apoA-I, and enhanced HDL functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The developed chitosan films can be used as edible coatings to prolong the shelf-life of food products. Our results show that the rosehip oil-loaded chitosan films with an optimized composition possess good color, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics, which assist the preservation of minimal processed fruits. The concept of food packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring consumer satisfaction and extending the shelf life of food products. The rising trend of introducing innovative materials for food packaging has become prominent in recent years. The present study aims to investigate the impact of rosehip seed oil (RSO) on the physical, physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of edible films based on chitosan for potential fruit packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform distribution of the incorporated emulsion throughout the edible film. The addition of RSO increased the deformation at break in both tensile and puncture test, thereby improving the elastic properties of the films. The resulting films exhibited a light-yellow color with high opacity. The immobilization of RSO led to a decrease in water content by almost two times and an increase in water vapor permeability of the films. The films showed enhanced antioxidant activity and retained good protective properties against the yeast S. cerevisiae. Consequently, these newly formulated multicomponent films are found to be suitable for applications in the development of active food packaging because of their physical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active food packaging incorporated with natural plant extracts as food preservatives, which will totally replace chemical preservatives gradually, are of major interest. Sequentially to our and other scientists' previous work, in this paper we present the results of a study on the development of a novel active food packaging film based on the incorporation of a natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid with the commercially used low-density polyethylene. The corona-treatment procedure was employed to incorporate a natural preservative on to the optimum final film. Packaging films are formatted with and without incorporation of natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid and are coated externally, directly or via corona-treatment, with carvacrol essential oil. Mechanical, physicochemical, and preservation tests indicated that the low-density polyethylene incorporated perfectly with a natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid. The extra external coating of the film with pure carvacrol extract using the corona-treatment technique led to approximately 100% higher Young Modulus values, slightly decreased ultimate strength by 20%, and exhibited almost stable elongation at break properties. The water vapor and oxygen properties were increased by 45 and 43%, correspondingly, compared to those of pure low-density polyethylene film. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the corona-treated film increased by 28% compared to the untreated film coated with carvacrol because of the controlled release rate of the carvacrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrastigma (Vitaceae) is known for its ornamental, medicinal, and ecological significance. However, the structural and variational characteristics of the Tetrastigma chloroplast genome and their impact on phylogenetic relationships remain underexplored. This study utilized bioinformatics methods to assemble and annotate the chloroplast genomes of 10 Tetrastigma species and compare them with five previously sequenced species. This study analyzed gene composition, simple sequence repeats, and codon usage patterns, revealing a high A/T content, uniquely identified pentanucleotide repeats in five species and several preferred codons. In addition, comparative analyses were conducted of the chloroplast genomes of 15 Tetrastigma species, examining their structural differences and identifying polymorphic hotspots (rps16, rps16-trnQ, trnS, trnD, psbC-trnS-psbZ, accD-psaI, psbE-petL-petG, etc.) suitable for DNA marker development. Furthermore, phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses were performed based on the chloroplast genomes of these 15 Tetrastigma species, validating and elucidating intra-genus relationships within Tetrastigma. Futhermore, several genes under positive selection, such as atpF and accD, were identified, shedding light on the adaptive evolution of Tetrastigma. Utilizing 40 Vitaceae species, the divergence time of Tetrastigma was estimated, clarifying the evolutionary relationships within Tetrastigma relative to other genera. The analysis revealed diverse divergences of Tetrastigma in the Miocene and Pliocene, with possible ancient divergence events before the Eocene. Furthermore, family-level selective pressure analysis identified key features distinguishing Tetrastigma from other genera, showing a higher degree of purifying selection. This research enriches the chloroplast genome data for Tetrastigma and offers new insights into species identification, phylogenetic analysis, and adaptive evolution, enhancing our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In marine ecosystems, communication among microorganisms is crucial since the distance is significant if considered on a microbial scale. One of the ways to reduce this gap is through the production of extracellular vesicles, which can transport molecules to guarantee nutrients to the cells. Marine bacteria release extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-bound structures of 40 nm to 1 µm diameter, into their surrounding environment. The vesicles contain various cellular compounds, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and glycans. EVs may contribute to dissolved organic carbon, thus facilitating heterotroph growth. This review will focus on marine bacterial EVs, analyzing their structure, composition, functions, and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short tandem repeat (STR) variation is rarely explored as a contributor to adaptive evolution. An intriguing mechanism involving STRs suggests that STRs function as "tuning knobs" of adaptation whereby stepwise changes in STR allele length have stepwise effects on phenotypes. Previously, we tested the predictions of the "tuning knob" model at the gene expression level by conducting an RNA-Seq experiment on natural populations of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) transecting a well-defined cline from Kansas to Oklahoma. We identified 479 STRs with significant allele length effects on gene expression (eSTRs). In this study, we expanded the range to populations further north and south of the focal populations and used a targeted approach to study the relationship between STR allele length and gene expression in five selected eSTRs. Seeds from 96 individuals from six natural populations of sunflower from Nebraska and Texas were grown in a common garden. The individuals were genotyped at the five eSTRs, and gene expression was quantified with qRT-PCR. Linear regression models identified that eSTR length in comp26672 was significantly correlated with gene expression. Further, the length of comp26672 eSTR was significantly correlated with latitude across the range from Nebraska to Texas. The eSTR locus comp26672 was located in the CHUP1 gene, a gene associated with chloroplast movement in response to light intensity, which suggests a potential adaptive role for the eSTR locus. Collectively, our results from this targeted study show a consistent relationship between allele length and gene expression in some eSTRs across a broad geographical range in sunflower and suggest that some eSTRs may contribute to adaptive traits in common sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame, Sesamum indicum L., is one of the oldest domesticated crops used for its oil and protein in many parts of the world. To build genomic resources for sesame that could be used to improve sesame productivity and responses to stresses, a USDA sesame germplasm collection of 501 accessions originating from 36 countries was used in this study. The panel was genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology to explore its genetic diversity and population structure and the relatedness among its accessions. A total of 24,735 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified over the 13 chromosomes. The marker density was 1900 SNP per chromosome, with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.267. The marker polymorphisms and heterozygosity estimators indicated the usefulness of the identified SNPs to be used in future genetic studies and breeding activities. The population structure, principal components analysis (PCA), and unrooted neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree analyses classified two distinct subpopulations, indicating a wide genetic diversity within the USDA sesame collection. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 29.5% of the variation in this population was due to subpopulations, while 57.5% of the variation was due to variation among the accessions within the subpopulations. These results showed the degree of differentiation between the two subpopulations as well as within each subpopulation. The high fixation index (FST) between the distinguished subpopulations indicates a wide genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among and within the identified subpopulations. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern averaged 161 Kbp for the whole sesame genome, while the LD decay ranged from 168 Kbp at chromosome LG09 to 123 Kbp in chromosome LG05. These findings could explain the complications of linkage drag among the traits during selections. The selected accessions and genotyped SNPs provide tools to enhance genetic gain in sesame breeding programs through molecular approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders, a diverse group of neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by abnormal expansions within specific genes. These expansions trigger a cascade of cellular damage, including protein aggregation and abnormal RNA binding. A key contributor to this damage is oxidative stress, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species that harms cellular components. This review explores the interplay between oxidative stress and the NRF2 pathway in these disorders. NRF2 acts as the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, orchestrating the expression of enzymes that combat oxidative stress. Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders often exhibit impaired NRF2 signaling, resulting in inadequate responses to excessive ROS production. NRF2 activation has been shown to upregulate antioxidative gene expression, effectively alleviating oxidative stress damage. NRF2 activators, such as omaveloxolone, vatiquinone, curcumin, sulforaphane, dimethyl fumarate, and resveratrol, demonstrate neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress in experimental cell and animal models of these diseases. However, translating these findings into successful clinical applications requires further research. In this article, we review the literature supporting the role of NRF2 in the pathogenesis of these diseases and the potential therapeutics of NRF2 activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to tap into the broad antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) are limited due to their strong odor and susceptibility to light and oxidation. Encapsulation of EOs and subsequent drying overcome these limitations and extend their applications. This study characterized freeze-dried (lyophilized) emulsions of eugenol (EU) and thymol (TY) EOs, encapsulated by chemically unmodified cellulose, a sustainable and low-cost resource. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy showed successful lyophilization. While the observed "flake-like" structure of the powders differed significantly from that of the emulsified microcapsules, useful properties were retained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of EOs in their corresponding powders and thermo-gravimetric analysis demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (87–88%), improved thermal stability and resistance to evaporation, and slow EO release rates in comparison to their free forms. The lightweight and low-cost cellulose encapsulation, together with the results showing retained properties of the dried powder, enable the use of EOs in applications requiring high temperatures, such as EO incorporation into polymer films, that can be used to protect agricultural crops from microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria in the genus Vibrio are ubiquitous in estuarine and coastal waters. Some species (including Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus) are known human pathogens causing ailments like cholera, diarrhea, or septicemia. Notably, V. vulnificus can also cause a severe systemic infection (known as vibriosis) in eels raised in aquaculture facilities. Water samples were periodically collected from the estuary of the Asahi River, located in the southern part of Okayama City, Japan. These samples were directly plated onto CHROMagar Vibrio plates, and colonies displaying turquoise-blue coloration were selected. Thereafter, polymerase chain reaction was used to identify V. cholerae and V. vulnificus. A total of 30 V. cholerae strains and 194 V. vulnificus strains were isolated during the warm season when the water temperature (WT) was higher than 20 °C. Concurrently, an increase in coliforms was observed during this period. Notably, V. vulnificus has two genotypes, designated as genotype 1 and genotype 2. Genotype 1 is pathogenic to humans, while genotype 2 is pathogenic to both humans and eels. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification method was developed to rapidly determine genotypes at a low cost. Of the 194 strains isolated, 80 (41.2%) were identified as genotype 1 strains. Among the 41 strains isolated when the WTs were higher than 28 °C, 25 strains (61.0%) belonged to genotype 1. In contrast, of the 32 strains isolated when the WTs were lower than 24 °C, 27 strains (84.4%) belonged to genotype 2. These results suggest that the distribution of the two genotypes was influenced by WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acer truncatum Bunge is a versatile woody tree species with high economic and medicinal value in the production of bioactive substances and unsaturated fatty acids (especially nervonic acid). However, the exploitation and evaluation of A. truncatum germplasm resources are limited owing to a lack of sound molecular marker systems. In this study, a large set of genomewide simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers of A. truncatum was developed based on its whole-genome sequences. A total of 462,331 SSR loci were identified in the genome sequences, 99.3% (459,193) of which were located on 13 chromosomes. The chromosome length was significantly positively correlated with the number of SSR loci on the chromosome (r = 0.977, p < 0.001). The (A/T)n, (AT/TA)n, and (AAT/ATT/TAA/TTA/TAT/ATA)n were the most frequent motifs for mono-, di-, and trinucleotide repeat motifs, respectively, showing A/T-base bias. After BLASTN and electronic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses, 199,990 loci with specific physical positions were screened. Most of the SSR loci were located in the intergenic regions and fewest in the coding sequences (CDSs). The frequency of loci with tri- and hexanucleotide repeat motifs was the highest in the CDSs, potentially serving to maintain the stability of gene function and structure. In randomly selected 105 SSR markers, 82 (78.1%) showed allelic polymorphism, with polymorphism information content (PIC) values of 0.032–0.926 (0.481 on average). The SSRs in the noncoding regions exhibited significantly higher PIC values than those in the CDSs. The transferability of the 105 markers was 48.6%–59.0% to seven other Acer species. The large set of valid SSR markers provides a powerful tool for studies on population genetics, conservation genetics, linkage mapping, comparative genomics, and marker-assisted breeding of the genus Acer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant health is necessary for food security, which is a key determinant of secure and sustainable food production systems. Deficiency of soil nutrients and invasion of plant pathogens or insects are the main destroyers of the world's food production. Synthetic fertilizers and chemical-based pesticides are frequently employed to combat the problems. However, these have negative impacts on microbial ecosystems and ecosystem functioning. Rhizosphere microorganisms have demonstrated their potency to improve or manage plant nutrients to encourage plant growth, resulting in increased yield and quality by converting organic and inorganic substances around the rhizosphere zone into available plant nutrients. Besides regulating nutrient availability and plant growth enhancement, rhizobacteria or fungi can restrict plant pathogens that cause disease by secreting inhibitory chemicals and boosting plant immunity to combat pests or pathogens. Thus, rhizosphere microorganisms are viewed as viable, alluring economic approaches for sustainable agriculture as biofertilizers and biopesticides. This review provides an overview of the role of rhizosphere microorganisms in soil nutrients and inducing of plant defenses. Moreover, a discussion is presented surrounding the recent consequences of employing these microorganisms and a sustainable strategy towards improving fertilization effectiveness, and encouraging stronger, more pest-resistant plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-yield 3-methylthiopropanol (3-Met) yeast Y1402 was obtained from sesame-flavored Daqu, and it was identified as Saccharomycopsis fibuligera. S. fibuligera Y1402 showed a broad range of growth temperatures and pH, as well as the maximum tolerance to glucose, NaCl, nicotine, and 3-Met at 50% (w/w), 15% (w/v), 1.2 g/L, and 18 g/L, respectively. After optimization using single-factor experiments, a Plackett–Burman design, a steepest ascent test, and a Box–Behnken design, the 3-Met yield reached 4.03 g/L by S. fibuligera Y1402 under the following optimal conditions: glucose concentration of 40 g/L, yeast extract concentration of 0.63 g/L, Tween 80 concentration of 2 g/L, L-methionine concentration of 5 g/L, liquid volume of 25 mL/250 mL, initial pH of 5.3, fermentation temperature of 32 °C, inoculum size of 0.8%, shaking speed of 210 rpm, and fermentation time of 54 h. The fermentation was scaled up to a 3 L fermenter under the optimized conditions, and the yield of 3-Met reached 0.71 g/L. Additionally, an aroma analysis revealed that the flavor substances produced by S. fibuligera Y1402 in sorghum hydrolysate medium was mainly composed of compounds with floral, sweet, creamy, roasted nut, and clove-like aromas. Therefore, S. fibuligera has great potential for application in the brewing of Baijiu and other fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically transmitted infections are a significant cause of fetal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and pose substantial risks to fetal development. These infections are primarily transmitted to the fetus through two routes: (1) direct invasion and crossing the placenta which separates maternal and fetal circulation, or (2) ascending the maternal genitourinary tact and entering the uterus. Only two bacterial species are commonly found to cross the placenta and infect the fetus: Listeria monocytogenes and Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. L. monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, foodborne pathogen found in soil that acutely infects a wide variety of mammalian species. T. pallidum is a sexually transmitted spirochete that causes a chronic infection exclusively in humans. We briefly review the pathogenesis of these two very distinct bacteria that have managed to overcome the placental barrier and the role placental immunity plays in resisting infection. Both organisms share characteristics which contribute to their transplacental transmission. These include the ability to disseminate broadly within the host, evade immune phagocytosis, and the need for a strong T cell response for their elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study proposes an efficient coating methodology for the development of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films with prolonged bioactivity for food packaging applications. Three natural phenolic-based substances were incorporated at optimized concentrations in methyl-cellulose-based solutions and used as coatings on LDPE films. The amount of surfactant/emulsifier was optimized to control the entrapment of the bioactive substances, minimizing the loss of the substances during processing, and offering prolonged bioactivity. As a result, the growth of Escherichia coli was substantially inhibited after interaction with the coated films, while coated films presented excellent antioxidant activities and maintained their mechanical performance after coating. Considerable bioactivity was observed after up to 7 days of storage in sealed bags in the case of carvacrol- and thymol-coated films. Interestingly, films coated with olive-leaf extract maintained a high level of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, at least for 40 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older patients with multiple comorbidities often necessitate prolonged hospital stays and antibiotic treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), leading to a rise in multidrug-resistant organisms like carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This study examined risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae colonization in the ICU and assessed probiotics' preventive role. In this single-center, retrospective study, 9099 ICU patients were tested for stool CRE culture from March 2017 to April 2022. We excluded 136 patients with CRE colonization within one week post-admission and 26 who received probiotics before CRE colonization. Ultimately, 8937 CRE-negative patients were selected. Logistic analysis identified CRE colonization risk factors and evaluated probiotics' influence, including Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus rhamnosus, used by 474 patients (5.3%) in the ICU. Compared with data on initial admission, 157 patients (1.7%) had newly discovered CRE colonization before discharge. In a multivariate analysis, coronavirus disease 2019, the ICU, tube feeding, antibiotics such as aminoglycoside, extended-spectrum penicillin, stool vancomycin-resistance enterococci colonization, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with de novo CRE infection. However, probiotic use was negatively correlated with CRE infection. Managing risk factors and administering probiotics in the ICU may help prevent CRE colonization; large randomized prospective studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of edible films, composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%) and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%), with silver nanoparticle (AgNP) incorporationat levels 5, 10 and 15% v/v. According to the results, the AgNP addition led to very high antimicrobial activity of both films, reducing by more than 96% the microbial growth of the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) in all cases. On the other hand, by adding AgNPs to films, their thickness as well as oxygen and water vapor permeability decreased, while their transparency increased. Furthermore, the contribution of these specific edible films to preserve cherries under cold storage was investigated. All edible coatings resulted in an improvement of the fruit properties under consideration, and especially the color difference, hardness and total microbial load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urbanized areas, mitigating the negative effects of pollutants from various anthropogenic sources is one of the most important issues in planning urban functioning and development. In this sense, urban vegetation plays one of the most important roles. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of network analysis (NA) as a novel and potential method for determining different associations between potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in leaves of urban trees, their accumulation capacity and ecophysiological response to different types of pollution in urban environments. The results of NA showed that there is no association between elements in species that have lower or higher efficiency in uptake of PTEs, leading to the conclusion that the elements do not depend on mutual association but on accumulation itself. It was also found that there are differences in the content of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoids among the studied species, but these differences are not reflected in the values of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters. Overall, the studied species have good ecophysiological potential for growth and existence in the urban environment, despite the varying ability to accumulate elements and the different associations between them. This is the first study to investigate the interactions between PTEs in leaves of urban tree species using NA and provides a good basis for future research under different environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the impact of incorporating thermally treated oyster shell powder (TOS), a biowaste filler, into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to develop a LDPE/TOS blend, aiming at enhancing food packaging materials. The LDPE/TOS blend portrays advantageous characteristics such as augmented mechanical strength, thermostability, crystallinity, water absorption, and improved hydrophobicity with TOS content up to 50%. Microstructure analysis reveals a transition from a sparse to a more interconnected structure, contributing to the amplified tensile strength. The blend demonstrates increased barrier properties against water vapor transmission, which is attributed to elongated diffusion paths induced by the TOS particles. Application of the blend material in vegetable preservation trials manifested a substantial reduction in water loss compared to pure LDPE or no packaging. This biowaste-based blend film extends the shelf-life of chicken significantly when compared to that of pure LDPE. Importantly, the LDPE/TOS blend exhibits excellent antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus johnsonii has been used as a probiotic for decades to treat a wide range of illnesses, and has been found to have specific advantages in the treatment of a number of ailments. We reviewed the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of L. johnsonii in various diseases based on PubMed and the Web of Science databases. We obtained the information of 149 L. johnsonii from NCBI (as of 14 February 2023), and reviewed their comprehensive metadata, including information about the plasmids they contain. This review provides a basic characterization of different L. johnsonii and some of their potential therapeutic properties for various ailments. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood yet, it is hoped that they may provide some evidence for future studies. Furthermore, the antibiotic resistance of the various strains of L. johnsonii is not clear, and more complete and in-depth studies are needed. In summary, L. johnsonii presents significant research potential for the treatment or prevention of disease; however, more proof is required to justify its therapeutic application. An additional study on the antibiotic resistance genes it contains is also needed to reduce the antimicrobial resistance dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is home to a large number of microorganisms, referred to collectively as the GIT microbiota. These microorganisms can be beneficial or potentially harmful to the host. Ensuring a high level of microbial diversity in the GIT, with a high abundance of beneficial and a low abundance of pathogenic microorganisms, is essential for host health. A healthy microbiota is vital at all stages of pig production; however, the post-weaning period is of particular importance. The post-weaning period is a phase during which intestinal dysbiosis can occur, providing an opportunity for harmful microorganisms to colonize and proliferate, leading to poor performance and even mortality. Different microorganisms have different metabolic capabilities, varying in the substrates they break down and the subsequent bioactive metabolites they produce. Therefore, the dietary substrates available to microbes have a significant impact on the microbial composition of the GIT and the subsequent metabolites produced. A prebiotic is a substrate selectively utilized by host microorganisms and conferring a benefit to the host. Prebiotics offer a therapeutic strategy in order to alter the composition of the microbiota, enhancing the proliferation of beneficial microbes and production of host-health-promoting metabolites, which can subsequently limit the proliferation of potentially harmful microbes. There is currently a broad range of different prebiotic classes. These vary in structure and composition and subsequently in the effects exerted on the microbiota. The current review is an overview of the different classes of prebiotics, their potential mode benefits, and the main findings from investigations utilizing them in the pigs' diets to date. Establishing a balanced and diverse microbiota in the GIT of pigs is crucial for optimizing health and performance throughout the production cycle. The post-weaning period is a critical phase, as it is often associated with dysbiosis, intestinal dysfunction and poor performance. Traditionally, intestinal dysfunctions associated with weaning have been alleviated using antibiotics and/or antimicrobials. However, increasing concerns regarding the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has prompted an industry-wide drive towards identifying natural sustainable dietary alternatives. Modulating the microbiota through dietary intervention can improve animal health by increasing the production of health-promoting metabolites associated with the improved microbiota, while limiting the establishment and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Prebiotics are a class of bioactive compounds that resist digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, but which can still be utilized by beneficial microbes within the GIT. Prebiotics are a substrate for these beneficial microbes and therefore enhance their proliferation and abundance, leading to the increased production of health-promoting metabolites and suppression of pathogenic proliferation in the GIT. There are a vast range of prebiotics, including carbohydrates such as non-digestible oligosaccharides, beta-glucans, resistant starch, and inulin. Furthermore, the definition of a prebiotic has recently expanded to include novel prebiotics such as peptides and amino acids. A novel class of -biotics, referred to as "stimbiotics", was recently suggested. This bioactive group has microbiota-modulating capabilities and promotes increases in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in a disproportionally greater manner than if they were merely substrates for bacterial fermentation. The aim of this review is to characterize the different prebiotics, detail the current understating of stimbiotics, and outline how supplementation to pigs at different stages of development and production can potentially modulate the GIT microbiota and subsequently improve the health and performance of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide. Recent evidence has corroborated a strong correlation between poor diet and the development of CRC, and further research is being conducted to investigate the association between intestinal microbiome and the development of cancer. New studies have established links with certain foods and synthetic food compounds that may be effective in reducing the risk for carcinogenesis by providing protection against cancer cell proliferation and antagonizing oncogenic pathways. Prebiotics are gaining popularity as studies have demonstrated chemo-preventive as well as anticancer potential of prebiotics. This paper aims to discuss the wide definition and scope of prebiotics by reviewing the studies that provide insights into their effects on human health in the context of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the increasing number of studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and atherosclerosis have led to significant interest in this subject. The gut microbiota, its metabolites (metabolome), such as TMAO, and gut dysbiosis play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, inflammation, originating from the intestinal tract, adds yet another mechanism by which the human ecosystem is disrupted, resulting in the manifestation of metabolic diseases and, by extension, cardiovascular diseases. The scientific community must understand and elucidate these mechanisms in depth, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between atherosclerosis and the gut microbiome and to promote the development of new therapeutic targets in the coming years. This review aims to present the knowledge acquired so far, to trigger others to further investigate this intriguing topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing interest in microbiological food safety requires the development of sensitive and reliable analyses and technologies for preserving food products' freshness and quality. Different types of packaging systems are one of the solutions for controlling microbiological activity in foods. During the last decades, the development of biopolymer-based active packaging with essential oil incorporation systems has resulted in technologies with exceptional application potential, primarily in the food industry. There is no doubt that this principle can facilitate food status monitoring, reduce food waste, extend the shelf life, improve the overall quality of food, or indicate a larger problem during the storage, production, and distribution of foodstuffs. On the other hand, most antimicrobial packaging systems are in the development phase, while the sensitivity, selectivity, complexity, and, above all, safety of these materials are just some of the essential questions that need to be answered before they can be widely used. The incorporation of essential oils as antimicrobial substances in biopolymer-based active packaging holds significant promise for enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and offering more sustainable packaging solutions. While challenges exist, ongoing research and innovation in this field are likely to lead to the development of effective and environmentally friendly packaging systems with enhanced antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the production and consumption of craft beers has increased notably. However, there is restricted knowledge about the potential impact of chips from different wood species on beer quality. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of wood chips from cherry and oak species—after the fermentation was completed and during a brief maceration time—on the volatile composition of three different beer groups (Ale, Lager, and Porter) through a headspace solid-phase dynamic extraction (HS-SPDE) and GC-MS analysis. Fifty-six volatile compounds from different chemical families (esters, alcohols, terpenes, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and pyrazines) were detected, identified, and considered in this study. In general, the volatile composition of the beers macerated with wood chips was very similar to that of the control beers. However, the control beers showed higher volatile compound levels. The results suggest potential interactions between beer volatile compounds and the wood chips during maceration. The outcomes of this research could be of practical interest to brewers since they could improve the knowledge of the impact of short-time contact and low wood chip concentration on the volatile composition of different craft beers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and the functions of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) produced by polydextrose (PD), a new type of prebiotic, and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) were valued. PD and α-LA were incubated at 60 °C and 79% relative humidity for up to 72 h to prepare MRPs. The results showed that the absorbance and fluorescence intensity of heated α-LA-PD increased, and the amount of free amino groups reduced as the reaction progressed, which confirmed the formation of different stages of MRPs. Electrophoresis revealed an increase in molecular mass and the degree of covalent cross-linking. The secondary structure of MRPs experienced no significant changes with the measurement of circular dichroism (CD), while the tertiary structure gradually unfolded, exposing hydrophobic groups. Furthermore, a significant increase was detected in the radical-scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) of MRPs. The findings offer a foundation for understanding the structural and functional features of MRPs in formula milk powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential advantages in diverse biomedical applications, such as acting as antimicrobial agents, aiding in tissue repair, and treating diseases. These live bacteria must exist in appropriate quantities and precise locations to exert beneficial effects. However, their viability and activity can be significantly impacted by the surrounding tissue, posing a challenge to maintain their stability in the target location for an extended duration. To counter this, researchers have formulated various strategies that enhance the activity and stability of probiotics by encapsulating them within biomaterials. This approach enables site-specific release, overcoming technical impediments encountered during the processing and application of probiotics. A range of materials can be utilized for encapsulating probiotics, and several methods can be employed for this encapsulation process. This article reviews the recent advancements in probiotics encapsulated within biomaterials, examining the materials, methods, and effects of encapsulation. It also provides an overview of the hurdles faced by currently available biomaterial-based probiotic capsules and suggests potential future research directions in this field. Despite the progress achieved to date, numerous challenges persist, such as the necessity for developing efficient, reproducible encapsulation methods that maintain the viability and activity of probiotics. Furthermore, there is a need to design more robust and targeted delivery vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that has been shown to be associated with responses to non-biological stressors. However, there is currently no research on DNA methylation in response to environmental signals in shrimp. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of DNA methylation profiles and differentially expressed genes between two strains of Litopenaeus vannamei with significantly different cold tolerance through whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and transcriptome sequencing. Between Lv-C and Lv-T (constant temperature of 28 °C and low temperatures of 18 °C and 10 °C) under cytosine-guanine (CG) environments, 39,100 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, corresponding to 9302 DMR-related genes (DMRGs). The DMRs were mainly located in the gene body (exons and introns). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that these DMRGs were significantly enriched in cell parts, catalytic activity, and metabolic processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed significant enrichment of these DMRGs in pathways such as proteasome (ko03050), oxidative phosphorylation (ko00190), mTOR signaling pathway (ko04150), fatty acid metabolism (ko01212), and fatty acid degradation (ko00071). The comprehensive results suggested that L. vannamei mainly regulates gene expression in response to low temperatures through hypermethylation or demethylation of some genes involved in thermogenesis, glycolysis, the autophagy pathway, the peroxisome, and drug metabolism pathways. These results provide important clues for studying DNA methylation patterns and identifying cold tolerance genes in shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, and lactoferricin is a peptide derived from LF hydrolysate. Both LF and lactoferricin (LFcin) have diverse functions that could benefit mammals. Bovine LF (BLF) and BLFcin exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities, but most probiotic strains are relatively resistant to their antibacterial effects. BLF and BLF hydrolysate can promote the growth of specific probiotics depending on the culture conditions, the dose of BLF or BLF-related peptides, and the probiotic strains used. BLF supplementation has been shown to modulate several central molecular pathways or genes in Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG under cold conditions, which may explain the prebiotic roles of BLF. LF alone or in combination with selected probiotics can help control bacterial infections or metabolic disorders, both in animal studies and in human clinical trials. Various LF-expressing probiotics, including those expressing BLF, human LF, or porcine LF, have been developed to facilitate the combination of LFs with specific probiotics. Supplementation with LF-expressing probiotics has positive effects in animal studies. Interestingly, inactivated LF-expressing probiotics significantly improved diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a mouse model. This review highlights the accumulated evidence supporting the use of LF in combination with selected LF-resistant probiotics or LF-expressing probiotics in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids consumed with milk derivatives are one of the main parts of the human diet. Trans fatty acids in milk are causing a debate about their impact on the incidence of cardiovascular disease, pathological abnormalities, and cancer. The fatty acid profile of milk is influenced by a large number of different factors, one of which is genetic. The development of genetic studies, including Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), may help define genomic regions associated with fatty acid content in milk, including trans fatty acids. This article provides an overview of international studies on the identification of genomic regions and SNPs associated with the trans fatty acids in cow's milk. The results are based on research of cattle such as Norwegian Red cattle, Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss. The presented review shows that 68 SNPs were localized on chromosomes 1, 2, 4–6, 8–10, 12, 14–20, 22–25, and 27–29. Further research in this direction will provide new information that will serve as an impetus for the creation of modern breeding technologies and increase the performance of the manufacture of high-quality dairy products. The search for genetic markers associated with the content of TFA in milk is a promising direction in agricultural science and will allow more complete breeding work with cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluated the synergistic effect of citronella essential oil (Ct) and montmorillonite (MMT) (called hybrid compound) incorporated in Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films at different concentrations (3, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). PLA films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA, and DSC considering their mechanical properties and essential oil migration. XRD analysis showed the effective interaction between MMT and oil. Thermal analysis, SEM, and mechanical tests were essential to understand the saturation point of the PLA composites. Samples with 15% and 20% of Ct showed a crystallinity reduction of 0.5% compared to samples with 3% and 10% of Ct. PLA/MMT–Ct showed a reduction in tensile strength of the order of 16 and 24, correlated to 15% and 20% of the Ct content, respectively, compared to PLA/MMT–Ct3%. Migration tests showed fast oil delivery correlated with high oil concentration, as evidenced using the PLA/MMT–Ct20% sample results, which showed an estimated release of 50% in the first 150 h due to system saturation, and the remaining being released in the last 350 h. Therefore, the migration tests provide an effective Ct concentration range promising for application with active packaging due to the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of Ct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MyoD gene was duplicated during the teleost whole genome duplication and, while a second MyoD gene (MyoD2) was subsequently lost from the genomes of some lineages (including zebrafish), many fish lineages (including Alcolapia species) have retained both MyoD paralogues. Here we reveal the expression patterns of the two MyoD genes in Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica using in situ hybridisation. We report our analysis of MyoD1 and MyoD2 protein sequences from 54 teleost species, and show that O. alcalica, along with some other teleosts, include a polyserine repeat between the amino terminal transactivation domains (TAD) and the cysteine-histidine rich region (H/C) in MyoD1. The evolutionary history of MyoD1 and MyoD2 is compared to the presence of this polyserine region using phylogenetics, and its functional relevance is tested using overexpression in a heterologous system to investigate subcellular localisation, stability, and activity of MyoD proteins that include and do not include the polyserine region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols have attracted tremendous attention due to their pro-health properties, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotective activities. Atherosclerosis is a vascular disorder underlying several CVDs. One of the main risk factors causing atherosclerosis is the type and quality of food consumed. Therefore, polyphenols represent promising agents in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by in vitro, animal, preclinical and clinical studies. However, most polyphenols cannot be absorbed directly by the small intestine. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in converting dietary polyphenols into absorbable bioactive substances. An increasing understanding of the field has confirmed that specific GM taxa strains mediate the gut microbiota–atherosclerosis axis. The present study explores the anti-atherosclerotic properties and associated underlying mechanisms of polyphenols. Moreover, it provides a basis for better understanding the relationship between dietary polyphenols, gut microbiota, and cardiovascular benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, direct incorporation of bioactive compounds onto the surface and interlayer of nanoclays before their incorporation into the final polymeric film was conducted, based on a green methodology developed by our group that is compatible with food packaging. This will lead to the higher thermal stability and the significant reduction of the loss of activity of the active ingredients during packaging configuration. On this basis, the essential oil (EO) components carvacrol (C), thymol (T) as well as olive leaf extract (OLE), which is used for the first time, were incorporated onto organo-modified montmorillonite (O) or inorganic bentonite (B) through the evaporation/adsorption method. The prepared bioactive nanocarriers were further mixed with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), via melt compounding, in order to prepare films for potential use as fresh fruit and vegetable packaging material. Characterization of the bioactive nanocarriers and films were performed through XRD, TGA, tensile, antimicrobial and antioxidant tests. Films with organically modified montmorillonite loaded with carvacrol (OC), thymol (OT) and olive leaf extract (OOLE) at 5% wt. showed better results in terms of mechanical properties. The films with polyethylene and organically modified montmorillonite loaded with carvacrol or thymol at 20% wt. (PE_OC20 and PE_OT20), as well as with olive leaf extract at 5 or 10 %wt., clay:bioactive substance ratio 1:0.5 and 10% compatibilizer (PE_OOLE5_MA10 and PE_OOLE10_MA10) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The resulting films displayed outstanding antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the best results appearing in the films with 10% OC and OT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan derivatives and composites are the next generation polymers for biomedical applications. With their humble origins from the second most abundant naturally available polymer chitin, chitosan is currently one of the most promising polymer systems, with wide biological applications. This current review gives a bird's eye view of the antimicrobial applications of chitosan composites and derivatives. The antiviral activity and the mechanisms behind the inhibitory activity of these components have been reviewed. Specifically, the anti-COVID-19 aspects of chitosan composites and their derivatives have been compiled from the existing scattered reports and presented. Defeating COVID-19 is the battle of this century, and the chitosan derivative-based combat strategies naturally become very attractive. The challenges ahead and future recommendations have been addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]