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Structure, Function, and Regulation of LytA: The N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase Driving the ‘Suicidal Tendencies’ of Streptococcus pneumoniae— A Review
Ernesto Garcia
Posted: 14 March 2025
A Pilot 24-Week ‘Bulk and Cut’ Dietary Protocol Combined with Resistance Training Is Feasible and Improves Body Composition and TNF-α Concentrations in Untrained Adult Males
Anthony J. Giannopoulos,
Steve Kottaras,
Bryan Allanigue,
Jeremia M. Coish,
David S. Ditor,
Val A. Fajardo,
Panagiota Klentrou
Posted: 14 March 2025
Advancement of Product Lifecycle Management in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Streamlining Processes and Ensuring Regulatory Adherence in Product Lifecycle Management
Shazia Hassan
Posted: 14 March 2025
The Quantum-AI Genomic Frontier Platform: Revolutionizing Vegetable Crop Resilience in a Changing Climate
Prashant Kaushik
Posted: 14 March 2025
Use of Handgrip Strength as A Health Indicator in Public Sector Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Raynann Crislayne de Souza Borges,
Mayara Bocchi,
Joyce Cristina Freitas,
Ana Karolina Assis Carvalho Silva,
Luiz Fernando Gouvêa-e-Silva,
David Michel de Oliveira,
Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes
Posted: 14 March 2025
Single-Cell Sequencing: An Emerging Tool for Biomarker Development in the Event of Nuclear Emergency
Yi Wang,
jihang Yu,
Md Gulam Musawwir Khan,
Nada Mayassi
Posted: 14 March 2025
Neuroprotective Properties of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): State of Art and Future Pharmaceutical Applications for Alzheimer Disease
Tatevik Sargsyan,
Hayarpi M. Simonyan,
Lala Stepanyan,
Avetis Tsaturyan,
Caterina Vicidomini,
Raffaele Pastore,
Germano Guerra,
Giovanni Nicola Roviello
This study explores the neuropharmacological potential of various molecular and amino acid components derived from Syzygium aromaticum (clove), an aromatic spice with a long history of culinary and medicinal use. Key bioactive compounds such as eugenol, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, gallic acid, quercetin, and luteolin demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties by scavenging free radicals, modulating calcium channels, and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, gallic acid and asiatic acid exhibit protective effects, including apoptosis inhibition, while other useful properties of clove phytocompounds include NF-κB pathway inhibition, membrane stabilization, and suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, further contributing to neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Amino acid analysis revealed essential and non-essential amino acids such as aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, and arginine in various clove parts (buds, fruits, branches, and leaves). These amino acids play crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, immune modulation, antioxidant defense, and metabolic regulation. Collectively, these bioactive molecules and amino acids contribute to clove’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects, highlighting its potential as a preventive and therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. While preliminary preclinical studies support these neuroprotective properties, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of clove-based interventions in neuroprotection.
This study explores the neuropharmacological potential of various molecular and amino acid components derived from Syzygium aromaticum (clove), an aromatic spice with a long history of culinary and medicinal use. Key bioactive compounds such as eugenol, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, gallic acid, quercetin, and luteolin demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties by scavenging free radicals, modulating calcium channels, and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, gallic acid and asiatic acid exhibit protective effects, including apoptosis inhibition, while other useful properties of clove phytocompounds include NF-κB pathway inhibition, membrane stabilization, and suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, further contributing to neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Amino acid analysis revealed essential and non-essential amino acids such as aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, and arginine in various clove parts (buds, fruits, branches, and leaves). These amino acids play crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, immune modulation, antioxidant defense, and metabolic regulation. Collectively, these bioactive molecules and amino acids contribute to clove’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects, highlighting its potential as a preventive and therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. While preliminary preclinical studies support these neuroprotective properties, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of clove-based interventions in neuroprotection.
Posted: 14 March 2025
Mixed Stands of Larix principis-rupprechtii and Betula platyphylla Provide Higher Ecosystem Multifunctionality Than Corresponding Pure Forests
Yang Zhang,
Ruihan Wang,
Chang Liu,
Qiang Liu,
Minghao Li,
Zhidong Zhang
Forests can simultaneously provide a variety of ecosystem functions and services (ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF). Different stand types, influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, play a key role in determining EMF. To clarify the impact of stand type, as well as biotic and abiotic factors, on EMF, this study quantified EMF across three stand types: Betula platyphylla pure forest (BP), B. platyphylla-Larix principis-rupprechtii mixed forest (BL), and L. principis-rupprechtii pure forest (LP). The multiple-threshold approach was employed to quantify EMF, while structural equation modeling was used to analyze the primary factors influencing EMF. The results indicated that: (1) BL had higher stand productivity than both BP and LP; (2) BL exhibited significantly higher functional diversity and soil fertility maintenance compared to LP, with no significant difference between BP and BL; (3) BP demonstrated a significantly stronger nutrient cycling function than LP, with no significant difference between LP and BL; (4) the ranking of EMF at all threshold levels was BL>BP>LP; (5) soil was an effective driver of EMF across all threshold levels; and (6) both the niche complementarity effect and the mass ratio effect jointly drove EMF at the low threshold (<50%), with the influence of both effects diminishing as the threshold increased. This study enhances understanding of the key drivers of EMF in forest ecosystems and provides valuable insights for informing multifunctional forest management practices.
Forests can simultaneously provide a variety of ecosystem functions and services (ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF). Different stand types, influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, play a key role in determining EMF. To clarify the impact of stand type, as well as biotic and abiotic factors, on EMF, this study quantified EMF across three stand types: Betula platyphylla pure forest (BP), B. platyphylla-Larix principis-rupprechtii mixed forest (BL), and L. principis-rupprechtii pure forest (LP). The multiple-threshold approach was employed to quantify EMF, while structural equation modeling was used to analyze the primary factors influencing EMF. The results indicated that: (1) BL had higher stand productivity than both BP and LP; (2) BL exhibited significantly higher functional diversity and soil fertility maintenance compared to LP, with no significant difference between BP and BL; (3) BP demonstrated a significantly stronger nutrient cycling function than LP, with no significant difference between LP and BL; (4) the ranking of EMF at all threshold levels was BL>BP>LP; (5) soil was an effective driver of EMF across all threshold levels; and (6) both the niche complementarity effect and the mass ratio effect jointly drove EMF at the low threshold (<50%), with the influence of both effects diminishing as the threshold increased. This study enhances understanding of the key drivers of EMF in forest ecosystems and provides valuable insights for informing multifunctional forest management practices.
Posted: 14 March 2025
N-phenethylphenazine-1-carboxamide, a Novel Antiviral Compound Against Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Zhichao Cai,
Mingjing Zhang,
Junkai Li,
Qinglai Wu,
Dingxiang Liu,
Shouguo Fang
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a globally prevalent, highly contagious avian pathogen that imposes substantial disease burden and economic losses on the poultry industry. Due to the challenges associated with vaccine immunization, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-IBV therapeutic strategies. In this study, a synthesized novel compound N-phenethylphenazine-1-carboxamide (SQXA-12) was investigated for its significant inhibitory effects on IBV replication. SQXA-12 exhibited low cytotoxicity and high antiviral efficacy, with a CC50 value of 122.98 μM and an EC50 value of 12.25 μM. Sensitivity tests against VSV, HCoV-OC43, PEDV, NDV, PRRSV, and AIV-H9N2 revealed that SQXA-12 possesses potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity against both positive- and negative-sense RNA viruses. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of SQXA-12 for IBV infection.
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a globally prevalent, highly contagious avian pathogen that imposes substantial disease burden and economic losses on the poultry industry. Due to the challenges associated with vaccine immunization, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-IBV therapeutic strategies. In this study, a synthesized novel compound N-phenethylphenazine-1-carboxamide (SQXA-12) was investigated for its significant inhibitory effects on IBV replication. SQXA-12 exhibited low cytotoxicity and high antiviral efficacy, with a CC50 value of 122.98 μM and an EC50 value of 12.25 μM. Sensitivity tests against VSV, HCoV-OC43, PEDV, NDV, PRRSV, and AIV-H9N2 revealed that SQXA-12 possesses potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity against both positive- and negative-sense RNA viruses. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of SQXA-12 for IBV infection.
Posted: 14 March 2025
Cryoprotectant Accumulation and Insect Cold Tolerance: Mechanisms, Adaptations, and Evolutionary Perspectives
Hamzeh Izadi
Posted: 14 March 2025
Characterizing the Genetic Basis of Winter Wheat Rust Resistance in Southern Kazakhstan
Shynbolat Rsaliyev,
Elena Gultyaeva,
Olga Baranova,
Alma Kohmetova,
Rahim Urazaliev,
Ekaterina Shaydayuk,
Akbope Abdikadyrova,
Galiya Abugali
Posted: 14 March 2025
Chronic Heat Stress Can Induce Conjugation of a Novel ermB-Containing ICEFZMF, Increasing Resistance to Erythromycin Among Enterococcus Strains in Diverse Intestinal Segments in Mouse Model
Lingxian Yi,
Zining Ren,
Yu Feng,
Yechun Zhang,
Jianshuo Liu,
Xiaowu Yuan,
Qihong Kuang,
Hui Deng,
Bo Yang,
Daojin Yu
Posted: 14 March 2025
Key Determinants of the Economic Viability of Family Farms: Evidence from Serbia
Aleksandar Miljatović,
Mirela Tomaš Simin,
Veljko Vukoje
Posted: 14 March 2025
Phytopathological Challenges of Corm Rot in Papa China in the Colombian Pacific
Yamileth Valencia Pineda,
Luz Dary Caicedo,
Nohra Rodríguez-Castillo
Colocasia esculenta, also known as Chinese taro or taro, is a crop of great importance for the Colombian Pacific region. However, it is threatened by corm rot, which affects the food security of Afro-descendant and indigenous communities in the area. This study aimed to identify some of the phytopathogenic agents responsible for this disease and explore their control using an aqueous extract of Dysphania ambrosioides (paico). Through morphological analyses and ITS gene sequencing, two fungi responsible for the rot were identified: Fusarium solani and Mycoleptodiscus suttonii, and their roles as causal agents of the rot were confirmed in greenhouse experiments. Paico proved effective in controlling the growth of these fungi, with concentrations of 12.5% and 17.5% for M. suttonii, and 17.5% for F. solani. These findings highlight the importance of organic control to ensure food security and sustainable production in vulnerable areas of Colombia, emphasizing the relevance of this study for local communities.
Colocasia esculenta, also known as Chinese taro or taro, is a crop of great importance for the Colombian Pacific region. However, it is threatened by corm rot, which affects the food security of Afro-descendant and indigenous communities in the area. This study aimed to identify some of the phytopathogenic agents responsible for this disease and explore their control using an aqueous extract of Dysphania ambrosioides (paico). Through morphological analyses and ITS gene sequencing, two fungi responsible for the rot were identified: Fusarium solani and Mycoleptodiscus suttonii, and their roles as causal agents of the rot were confirmed in greenhouse experiments. Paico proved effective in controlling the growth of these fungi, with concentrations of 12.5% and 17.5% for M. suttonii, and 17.5% for F. solani. These findings highlight the importance of organic control to ensure food security and sustainable production in vulnerable areas of Colombia, emphasizing the relevance of this study for local communities.
Posted: 14 March 2025
The Ability to Heavy Metals Biosorption by EPS Obtained from Cultures of Fusarium culmorum Strains with Different Effects on Cereals
Jolanta Jaroszuk-Ściseł,
Artur Nowak,
Małgorzata Pac-Sosińska,
Dorota Kołodyńska,
Iwona Komaniecka
Posted: 14 March 2025
Harnessing Thalassochemicals: Marine Saponins as Bioactive Agents in Nutraceuticals and Food Technologies
Vicente Dominguez-Arca,
Thomas Hellweg,
Luis T. Antelo
Posted: 14 March 2025
Effects of Confinement and Wheat Variety on the Performance of Two Aphid Species
Maria Elisa D. A. Leandro,
Joe M. Roberts,
Ed T. Dickin,
Tom W. Pope
Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.; Hemiptera: Aphididae) and English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae Fabricius; Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in cereal crops traditionally managed using synthetic chemical insecticides. Exploiting the genetic diversity within different wheat varieties offers an alternative to current controls for managing both aphid pests and virus transmission. Confining individual aphids onto specific plant parts using a clip cages is often used to screen for resistance traits in host plants. However, clip cages can damage plants and influence aphid performance. In this study, the performance of bird cherry-oat aphid and English grain aphid was recorded when aphids were ‘confined’ or left ‘free’ on different wheat varieties. Aphid performance was found to be affected by both confinement method and cereal variety, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. Performance of English grain aphid was increased when ‘confined’ while performance of bird cherry-oat aphid was increased when left ‘free’. These differences reflect species-specific differences to feeding sites and responses to microclimate. Differences in aphid performance were also recorded in response to cereal variety, with the lowest performance recorded on the BYDV resistant variety Wolverine. While none of the varieties tested were ‘truly’ resistant, useful traits for aphid management may already be present in commercial wheat varieties.
Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.; Hemiptera: Aphididae) and English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae Fabricius; Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in cereal crops traditionally managed using synthetic chemical insecticides. Exploiting the genetic diversity within different wheat varieties offers an alternative to current controls for managing both aphid pests and virus transmission. Confining individual aphids onto specific plant parts using a clip cages is often used to screen for resistance traits in host plants. However, clip cages can damage plants and influence aphid performance. In this study, the performance of bird cherry-oat aphid and English grain aphid was recorded when aphids were ‘confined’ or left ‘free’ on different wheat varieties. Aphid performance was found to be affected by both confinement method and cereal variety, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. Performance of English grain aphid was increased when ‘confined’ while performance of bird cherry-oat aphid was increased when left ‘free’. These differences reflect species-specific differences to feeding sites and responses to microclimate. Differences in aphid performance were also recorded in response to cereal variety, with the lowest performance recorded on the BYDV resistant variety Wolverine. While none of the varieties tested were ‘truly’ resistant, useful traits for aphid management may already be present in commercial wheat varieties.
Posted: 14 March 2025
Epicoccin A Ameliorates PD-Like Symptoms in Zebrafish: Enhancement of PINK1/Parkin-Dependent Mitophagy and Inhibition of Excessive Oxidative Stress
Haicheng Ye,
Dan Li,
Lei Zhang,
Yufei Wang,
Cong Wang,
Meng Jin,
Houwen Lin,
Peihai Li,
Chen Sun,
Ning Li
Posted: 14 March 2025
TAR RNA Mimicry of INI1/SMARCB1 and Its Influence on Non-Integration Function of HIV-1 Integrase
Ganjam Kalpana,
Emilie Ernst,
Swati Haldar
HIV-1 integrase (IN), an essential viral protein that catalyzes integration, also influences non-integration functions such as particle production and morphogenesis. The mechanism by which non-integration functions is mediated is not completely understood. Several factors influence this non-integration function including ability of IN to bind to viral RNA. INI1/SMARCB1 is an integrase binding host factor that influences HIV-1 replication at multiple stages, including particle production and particle morphogenesis. IN mutants defective for binding to INI1 are also defective for particle morphogenesis, similar to RNA-binding-defective IN mutants. Studies have indicated that the highly conserved Repeat (Rpt)1, the IN-binding domain of INI1, structurally mimics TAR RNA and that the Rpt1 and TAR RNA compete for binding to IN. Based on the RNA mimicry, we propose that INI1 may function as a “place-holder” for viral RNA to facilitate proper ribonucleoprotein complex formation required during the assembly and particle morphogenesis of the HIV-1 virus. These studies suggest that drugs that target IN/INI1 interaction may lead to dual inhibition of both IN/INI1 and IN/RNA interactions to curb HIV-1 replication.
HIV-1 integrase (IN), an essential viral protein that catalyzes integration, also influences non-integration functions such as particle production and morphogenesis. The mechanism by which non-integration functions is mediated is not completely understood. Several factors influence this non-integration function including ability of IN to bind to viral RNA. INI1/SMARCB1 is an integrase binding host factor that influences HIV-1 replication at multiple stages, including particle production and particle morphogenesis. IN mutants defective for binding to INI1 are also defective for particle morphogenesis, similar to RNA-binding-defective IN mutants. Studies have indicated that the highly conserved Repeat (Rpt)1, the IN-binding domain of INI1, structurally mimics TAR RNA and that the Rpt1 and TAR RNA compete for binding to IN. Based on the RNA mimicry, we propose that INI1 may function as a “place-holder” for viral RNA to facilitate proper ribonucleoprotein complex formation required during the assembly and particle morphogenesis of the HIV-1 virus. These studies suggest that drugs that target IN/INI1 interaction may lead to dual inhibition of both IN/INI1 and IN/RNA interactions to curb HIV-1 replication.
Posted: 14 March 2025
Shedding Light Towards the Power of Phenolic Metabolites as Dynamic Modulators of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Chronic Diseases
Sofia Ferreira,
Regina Menezes,
Ioannis Trougakos,
Sentiljana Gumeni,
Victor Bolanos-García,
Cláudia Nunes dos Santos,
María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez
Posted: 14 March 2025
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