Search Results (592)

Ecology and adaptive differentiation of Epimedium are central to understanding both its taxonomic complexity and medicinal value. In this study, we integrate transcriptomic and plastid data from four natural populations of E. brevicornu (HZ, QLH, TS, WD) to reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships, estimate divergence times, and identify candidate genes associated with local adaptation. Nuclear gene-based phylogenies provide higher resolution and greater topological consistency than plastid data, underscoring the utility of nuclear data in lineages affected by hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting. Molecular dating indicated that major intraspecific divergence occurred during the mid-Quaternary (0.61–0.45 Ma), coinciding with climatic oscillations and montane isolation. Population structure showed strong correlations with temperature and precipitation gradients, suggesting environmentally driven selection. Signatures of positive selection and accelerated evolutionary rates revealed population-specific enrichment of genes involved in stress response, protein modification, signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism—key pathways linked to high-elevation adaptation. Protein–protein interaction networks further indicated a two-tier adaptation mechanism: ancestral network rewiring combined with population co-evolution of interacting genes. Together, these findings advance our understanding of alpine plant adaptation and provide candidate genes for further functional and breeding studies in Epimedium. Full article

One of the unresolved questions in stress-response biology is how plants coordinate expression levels between the response and adaptation. In this work, we proposed a two-level analysis that examines both transcriptional and translational profiles of Solanum lycopersicum under conditions of short-term cold stress, hardening, and their combination. By combining polysome profiling and total transcriptome analysis, we revealed that expression under cold stress is not a simple linear process but a structurally distinct system with two coordinated regulation centres. Hardening triggers a strong transcriptional program focused on biogenesis, light signalling, and structural adaptations. In contrast, acute stress prompts selective translation of metabolic and defence proteins without prior transcriptional increase. Modular analysis (WGCNA) showed little overlap between transcriptional and translational networks, indicating functional differences between regulation levels. This work demonstrates that the cold response involves a strategic reallocation of resources between transcription and translation based on the type of signal. It bridges basic biology and applied breeding, providing targets promising for improving plant stress tolerance and advancing bioengineering of adaptive agriculture. Full article

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) affects up to one in three individuals with schizophrenia and is associated with a significant clinical, social, and economic burden. Different from treatment-responsive forms, TRS appears to involve other biological mechanisms extending beyond dopaminergic dysfunctions. This review outlines current knowledge on the molecular and cellular basis of TRS, focusing on alterations in glutamate signaling, imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory activity, disruptions in D-amino acid metabolism, and evidence of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction. Data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, preclinical models, and postmortem studies suggest that TRS may have a peculiar neurobiological substrate. Further, multimodal brain imaging studies reveal differences in brain structure, white matter integrity, and network connectivity when compared to treatment-responsive individuals. Altogether, these findings support a shift from the traditional dopamine hypothesis toward a more comprehensive model that includes multiple immune, metabolic, and synaptic factors. Understanding the possible interplay of these complex mechanisms may lead to the identification of potential biomarkers that may help to predict antipsychotic response, as well as the development of more targeted treatments. Early recognition and a deeper biological insight into TRS are essential for improving care and guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is intricately linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disturbances along the gut–liver axis. Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch escapes digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the colon, modulating gut microbiota and metabolism. This study explored the protective effects of OSA starch against ALD and elucidated the underlying gut microbiota–metabolite interactions. Methods: A chronic ethanol-fed mouse model was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of OSA starch against ALD, and multi-omics analyses integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, PICRUSt2 functional predictions, and metabolomics were used to reveal potential mechanism. Results: OSA starch supplementation in ALD mice significantly reduced liver fat accumulation, lowered the liver index to 4.11%, and restored serum transaminase levels closer to normal. Multi-omics analyses revealed that OSA starch enriched beneficial gut bacteria such as Faecalibaculum rodentium and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. OSA starch also enhanced microbial metabolic functions, including pyruvate, butanoate, and propanoate metabolism. These shifts were accompanied by regulation of fecal and serum metabolites, including pyruvate, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid, and lactic acid. Structural equation modeling further confirmed that OSA starch ameliorates ALD via coordinated modulation of gut microbiota, microbial functions, metabolites, and serum markers. Conclusions: OSA starch protects against alcoholic liver injury by remodeling the gut–liver metabolic network, presenting a promising dietary strategy for ALD. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) represents a crucial factor in agricultural production, and its accumulation is influenced by soil microbial community and microbial metabolism. Straw returning combined with decomposing agents is recognized practice to enhance SOC. On the other hand, the impacts of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CR) on the function of the decomposing agent in degrading straw are underexplored. In this study, an incubation experiment with ¹³C labeled straw in three nitrogen fertilizer treatments (CK, no nitrogen applied; UR, urea applied; CR, controlled-release fertilizer applied) was carried out to elucidate how CR regulates the straw decomposition agent and bacterial community to influence the SOC sequestration, based on field experiments. And we examined the changes in soil organic carbon and the stability of the bacterial networks by combining co-occurrence networks and a structural equation model. In the incubation experiment, the results demonstrated that CR increased the relative abundance of straw decomposition agent and straw-derived SOC (SO¹³C). Additionally, CR enhanced the stability of soil bacterial networks, compared with UR, by strengthening the interactions within the soil bacterial community. Pearson correlations confirmed that straw decomposition agent was positively associated with SO¹³C. Moreover, the straw decomposition agent was positively correlated with the activities of the nitrogen-cycling enzyme (urease, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) and carbon-degrading enzyme (β-1,4-glucosidase, cellulase). Furthermore, structural equation modeling indicated that soil inorganic nitrogen played the most direct role in changes in the straw decomposition agent and then indirectly stimulated the activity of cellulase, ultimately increasing straw-derived carbon in the soil. This study elaborates the mechanism of straw returning combined with straw decomposition agent and controlled-release fertilizers to enhance the SOC of coastal saline–alkali soil from the perspective of underground biology. Collectively, the results of this research might improve the management of straw returning and sustainable utilization of fertility in saline–alkali soil. It provides a new perspective on fertilization for increasing soil carbon sequestration in future farmland ecosystems. Full article

Starch serves as a crucial storage substance in both cereal crops and root/tuber crops, with its composition and properties determining the quality of storage organs. The Waxy (Wx) gene, encoding a key enzyme in starch biosynthesis, plays a pivotal role in this metabolic pathway. However, existing reviews seldom systematically elaborate on Wx gene regulatory mechanisms from the perspective of intrinsic molecular networks. Focusing on the model crop rice, this article synthesizes research advances in Wx-mediated starch biosynthesis regulation over the past decade. We analyze the structural features of the Wx gene and factors influencing its regulatory function during starch synthesis. In conclusion, future research directions are proposed to provide references for Wx gene studies in other crops, as well as theoretical foundations for rice varietal improvement and molecular design breeding. Full article

Background: Public beliefs about dietary risks, such as excessive salt intake, are often not isolated misconceptions but part of structured cognitive systems. This study aimed to explore how individuals organize their beliefs and misperceptions regarding salt-related health consequences. Material and Methods: Using data from an international online survey, we applied a system of multivariate proportional odds logistic regression (POLR) models to estimate conditional associations among beliefs about salt’s links to various diseases—including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, neuropsychiatric, and mortality outcomes. In addition, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to identify and validate latent constructs underlying the belief items. Beliefs were modeled as interdependent, controlling for latent constructs, sociodemographics, and self-reported health awareness. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were visualized via a heatmap of beta coefficients. Results: Physicians showed almost universal agreement that salt contributes to hypertension (µ = 0.97), compared to non-medical respondents (µ = 0.85; p < 0.0001). Beliefs about mortality (µ = 1.55 for MDs vs. 0.99 for non-medical; p < 0.0001) emerged as central hubs in the belief network. Strong inter-item associations were observed, such as between hypertension and heart failure (β = −0.39), and between obesity and type 2 diabetes (β = −0.94). Notably, cognitive gaps were found, including a lack of association between atrial fibrillation and stroke, and non-reciprocal links between hypertension and heart failure. Conclusions: Beliefs about the health effects of salt are structured and sometimes asymmetrical, reflecting underlying reasoning patterns rather than isolated ignorance. Understanding these structures provides a systems-level view of health literacy and may inform more effective public health communication and education strategies. Full article

In recent years, the bidirectional regulatory mechanism of the bone-brain axis has become a hotspot for interdisciplinary research. In this paper, we systematically review the anatomical and functional links between bone and the central nervous system, focusing on the regulation of brain function by bone-derived signals and their clinical translational potential. At the anatomical level, the blood–brain barrier permeability mechanism and the unique structure of the periventricular organs establish the anatomical basis for bone-brain information transmission. Innovative discoveries indicate that the bone cell network (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow monocytes) directly regulates neuroplasticity and the inflammatory microenvironment through the secretion of factors such as osteocalcin, lipid transporter protein 2, nuclear factor κB receptor-activating factor ligand, and fibroblast growth factor 23, as well as exosome-mediated remote signaling. Clinical studies have revealed a bidirectional vicious cycle between osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease: reduced bone density exacerbates Alzheimer’s disease pathology through pathways such as PDGF-BB, while AD-related neurodegeneration further accelerates bone loss. The breakthrough lies in the discovery that anti-osteoporotic drugs, such as bisphosphonates, improve cognitive function. In contrast, neuroactive drugs modulate bone metabolism, providing new strategies for the treatment of comorbid conditions. Additionally, whole-body vibration therapy shows potential for non-pharmacological interventions by modulating bone-brain interactions through the mechano-osteoclast signaling axis. In the future, it will be essential to integrate multiple groups of biomarkers to develop early diagnostic tools that promote precise prevention and treatment of bone-brain comorbidities. This article provides a new perspective on the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of neuroskeletal comorbidities. Full article

Improving agricultural by-product utilization can alleviate tropical feed shortages. This study used corn stover (CS, Zea mays L.) at the maturity stage as the material, with four silage treatments: control, lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), cellulase (AC, Acremonium cellulolyticus), and LAB+AC. After 60 days fermentation in plastic drum silos, the silos were opened for sampling. PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing technology was used to study bacterial community structure, symbiotic network functionality, and pathogenic risk to clarify CS fermentation regulatory mechanisms. The CS contained 59.9% neutral detergent fiber and 7.1% crude protein. Additive-treated silages showed better quality than the control: higher lactic acid (1.64–1.83% dry matter, DM), lower pH (3.62–3.82), and reduced ammonia nitrogen (0.54–0.81% DM). Before ensiling, the CS was dominated by Gram-negative Rhizobium larrymoorei (16.30% of the total bacterial community). Functional prediction indicated that the microbial metabolism activity in diverse environments was strong, and the proportion of potential pathogens was relatively high (14.69%). After ensiling, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as Gram-positive bacteria were the dominant species in all the silages (58.39–84.34% of the total bacterial community). Microbial additives facilitated the establishment of a symbiotic microbial network, where Lactiplantibacillus occupied a dominant position (p < 0.01). In addition, functional predictions showed an increase in the activity of the starch and sucrose metabolism and a decrease in the proportion of potential pathogens (0.61–1.95%). Among them, the synergistic effect of LAB and AC inoculants optimized the silage effect of CS. This study confirmed that CS is a potential high-quality roughage resource, and the application of silage technology can provide a scientific basis for the efficient utilization of feed resources and the stable development of animal husbandry in the tropics. Full article

The coastal waters of Qinhuangdao are a major hotspot for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Bohai Sea, with Noctiluca scintillans being one of the primary algal species responsible for these events. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial community structure and functional responses to N. scintillans bloom events is crucial for elucidating their underlying mechanisms and ecological impacts. This study investigated the microbial community dynamics, metabolic shifts, and the environmental drivers associated with a N. scintillans bloom in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, China, using high-throughput sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes, co-occurrence network analysis, and metabolic pathway prediction. The results revealed that the proliferation of autotrophic phytoplankton, such as Minutocellus spp., likely provided a nutritional foundation and favorable conditions for the N. scintillans bloom. The bloom significantly altered the community structures of prokaryotes and microeukaryotes, resulting in significantly lower α-diversity indices in the blooming region (BR) compared to the non-blooming region (NR). Co-occurrence network analyses demonstrated reduced network complexity and stability in the BR, with keystone taxa primarily belonging to Flavobacteriaceae and Rhodobacteraceae. Furthermore, the community structures of both prokaryotes and microeukaryotes correlated with multiple environmental factors, particularly elevated levels of NH₄⁺-N and PO₄³⁻-P. Metabolic predictions indicated enhanced anaerobic respiration, fatty acid degradation, and nitrogen assimilation pathways, suggesting microbial adaptation to bloom-induced localized hypoxia and high organic matter. Notably, ammonia assimilation was upregulated, likely as a detoxification strategy. Additionally, carbon flux was redirected through the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway and pyruvate-malate shuttle to compensate for partial TCA cycle downregulation, maintaining energy balance under oxygen-limited conditions. This study elucidates the interplay between N. scintillans blooms, microbial interactions, and functional adaptations, providing insights for HAB prediction and management in coastal ecosystems. Full article

The Sanniang Bay (SNB) and Dafeng River Estuary (DFR) in the Northern Beibu Gulf, China, are critical habitats for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). However, whether and how the decreased dissolved oxygen (DO) has happened in bottom seawater remains poorly understood. This study investigated DO depletion and microbial community responses using a multidisciplinary approach. High-resolution spatiotemporal sampling (16 stations across four seasons) was combined with functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa (FAPROTAX) to characterize anaerobic metabolic pathways and quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting dsrA and dsrB genes to quantify sulfate-reducing bacteria. Partial least-squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was employed to statistically link environmental variables (seawater properties and nutrients) to microbial community structure. Results revealed pronounced bottom DO declining to 5.44 and 7.09 mg L⁻¹, a level approaching sub-optimal state (4.0–4.8 mg L⁻¹) in September. Elevated chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) near the SDH coincided with anaerobic microbial enrichment, including sulfate reducers (dsrA/dsrB abundance: SNB > DFR). PLS-PM identified seawater properties (turbidity, DO, pH) and nitrogen as key drivers of anaerobic taxa distribution. Co-occurrence network analysis further demonstrated distinct microbial modules in SNB (phytoplankton-associated denitrifiers) and DFR (autotrophic sulfur oxidizers, nitrogen fixation, and denitrification). These findings highlight how environmental factors drive decreased DO, reshaping microbial networks and threatening coastal ecosystems. This work underscores the need for regulating aquaculture/agricultural runoff to limit eutrophication-driven hypoxia and temporarily restrict human activities in SNB during peak hypoxia (September–October). Full article

Valued for furniture, crafts, and medicine, Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen confronts critically depleted wild populations and slow cultivation growth, necessitating precision nutrient formulation to overcome physiological constraints. Using a ‘3414’ regression design with four levels of N, P, and K, this study identified phosphorus (P) as the most influential nutrient in regulating growth (P > N > K). Maximal growth enhancement occurred under T7 (N2P3K2), with height and basal diameter increments increasing by 239% and 128% versus controls (p < 0.05). Both traits exhibited progressive gains with rising P but unimodal responses to N and K, initially increasing then declining. T7 boosted total biomass by 50% (p < 0.05) with stem-biased partitioning (stem > root > leaf; 52%, 26%, 22%). Photosynthetic capacity increased significantly under T7 (p < 0.05), driven by P-mediated chlorophyll gains (Chla + 70%; Chlb + 75%) and an 82% higher net photosynthetic rate. Metabolic shifts revealed peak soluble sugar in T7 (+139%) and soluble protein in T9 (+226%) (p < 0.05), associated primarily with P and K availability, respectively. Correlation networks revealed significant associations among structural growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism. Principal component analysis established T7 as optimal, defining a “medium-N, high-P medium-K” precision fertilization protocol. These findings elucidate a phosphorus-centered regulatory mechanism governing growth in D. odorifera, providing a scientific foundation for efficient cultivation. Full article

Due to their widespread prevalence and the aging global population, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis represent significant public health challenges. Clinical interest in MetS is currently primarily focused on cardiovascular risks. However, emerging evidence indicates that metabolic conditions may also adversely affect bone health. Each component of MetS—especially glucose metabolism impairment, central obesity, and endocrine factors—impacts bones in distinct ways, creating a complex network of interactions that influences skeletal health. These metabolic disturbances can lead to changes in bone remodeling, potentially resulting in alterations to bone mineral density and microarchitectural structure and an increased risk of fractures. Regarding uncertain and controversial pieces of evidence about the effect of MetS on bone health, this narrative review discusses and summarizes the current research on the association of MetS and its components with bone metabolism, bone quantity (based on bone mineral density, or BMD), bone quality (based on trabecular bone score, or TBS), and fracture risk. Full article

Curcumin is a natural active ingredient with various health benefits but suffers from poor water solubility, chemical instability, and rapid metabolism. This study developed a novel composite gel, blueberry leaf polysaccharide–xanthan gum (BLP-XG), for the protection and delivery of curcumin. The experimental results demonstrate that the formation of stable composite gel networks is predominantly facilitated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between BLP and XG components. In comparison with single-component systems, composite gels exhibit superior structural homogeneity and density, as well as higher thermal stability, viscoelasticity, and predominantly elastic solid behavior. The BLP-XG composite gel achieved the highest curcumin encapsulation rate of 84.23% when the BLP concentration was 2.0%. The composite gel system effectively retained curcumin in the gastric juice and released it in the small intestine. Furthermore, the presence of BLP in the composite gel inhibited curcumin degradation under UV irradiation. This study establishes the research foundation for the development of efficient and stable delivery systems to protect and deliver curcumin and extends the use of blueberry leaf polysaccharides in food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low-temperature stress during the grain-filling stage negatively affects rice grain quality and yield. Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance is critical for breeding rice varieties with improved resilience. Methods: In this study, eight rice varieties with differential cold tolerance—LD1603, 13108, LD18, and 4-1021 (cold-tolerant) and LD3, LD4, LD121, and LD1604 (cold-sensitive)—were subjected to 17.5 °C low-temperature stress during grain filling in a naturally illuminated phytotron. Amylose and protein content, as well as taste quality, were analyzed. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and transcription factors associated with cold response. Results: Under low-temperature stress, amylose and protein content significantly increased in all eight varieties. The taste quality of cold-sensitive varieties declined markedly, whereas cold-tolerant varieties maintained higher and more stable taste quality values. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that key enzyme genes (INV, SUS, HXK, FRK, amyA, and TPP) in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway were significantly upregulated in cold-tolerant varieties (LD18 and 4-1021), but suppressed in cold-sensitive varieties. Several cold-responsive transcription factors from the NAC, WRKY, AP2/ERF, MYB, and bZIP families were also identified. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further revealed hub TFs (OsWRKY1, OsWRKY24, OsWRKY53, and OsMYB4) and structural genes (OsPAL04 and OsCDPK7) potentially involved in cold tolerance during grain filling. Conclusions: This study enhanced our understanding of the molecular response to low temperature during rice grain filling and provided candidate genes for developing cold-tolerant rice varieties through molecular breeding. Full article