Changes In Content Research Articles

Mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics in Alzheimer’s induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons

Abstract Mitochondrial (MT) dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but the scope and severity of these specific deficits across forms of AD are not well characterized. We designed a high-throughput, longitudinal, phenotypic assay to track MT dynamics and bioenergetics in glutamatergic iPSC-derived human neurons possessing mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2) and the amyloid beta precursor protein (APP). Each gene set was comprised of iPSC-derived neurons from an AD patient as well as two to three engineered mutations with appropriate isogenic and age matched controls. These iPSC-derived neurons were imaged every other day beginning at DIV10 to assess how MT length and content change over a ten day time course using a mitochondrially targeted reporter. A second cytosolic reporter allowed for visualization of neurites. Bioenergetics assays, focusing on MT respiration and individual electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, were also surveyed over this time course. Mutations in all three genes altered MT function measured by basal, ATP-linked, and maximal oxygen consumption rate; and spare respiratory capacity, with PSEN1/PSEN2 alleles being more severe than APP mutations. Electron flow through Complexes I-IV was decreased in PSEN1/PSEN2 mutations but; in contrast, APP alleles had only modest impairments of Complexes I and II. We measured aspects of MT dynamics, including fragmentation, and neurite degeneration, both of which were dramatic in PSEN1/PSEN2 alleles, but essentially absent in APP alleles. The marked differences in MT pathology may occur from the distinct ways amyloids are processed into amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) and may correlate with the disease severity.

Proteomics and Metabolomics Study on the Responses of Sertoli Cells Infected With Brucella and Its bvfA‐Deletion Strains

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the potential effects of BvfA in reproductive system damage caused by Brucella.MethodsBrucella intracellular multiplication ability was determined by a gentamicin protection assay; the LDH method was used to determine the lethal effect of Brucella on TM4 cells. Afterward, Label‐free proteomics and LC‐MS/MS metabolomics assays were combined to reveal differential abundant proteins and metabolites of TM4 cells infected with bvfA‐deletion strains and parental strains. Finally, PRM mass spectrometry and western blot analysis were carried out to confirm differential expression of proteins.ResultsThis report demonstrated that bvfA‐deletion strains failed to invade TM4 cells and reconstitution of invasion when a strain with gene bvfA was reintroduced to the deletion strain in 3 h. The bvfA‐deletion exhibited weakened intracellular multiplication compared with parental strains in TM4 cells in 12 h; however, the death rate of TM4 cells infected with bvfA‐deletion strains was higher than that of TM4 cells infected with parental strains. Combined proteomics and metabolomics analyses revealed that the differential abundant proteins and metabolites in TM4 cells infected with bvfA‐deletion and parental strains mainly involved the mineral absorption‐related pathway, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit‐related mitochondrial respiratory signaling pathway, and sphingolipid signaling pathway of TM4 cells. These three signaling pathways were involved in expression changes of TRPM6/7, STEAP1, Gnaq, Trp53, Pbk, Tns2, Akt2, and the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit, as well as content changes of l‐Valine, l‐Isoleucine, l‐Methionine, PC, PE DG, and SM metabolites.SignificanceThese results indicated that BvfA of Brucella abortus S19 affected the above proteins and metabolites in TM4 cells.

Should we delay leaf water potential measurements after excision? Dehydration or equilibration?

BackgroundAccurate leaf water potential (Ψw) determination is crucial in studying plant responses to water deficit. After excision, water potential decreases, even under low evaporative demand conditions, which has been recently attributed to the equilibration of pre-excision Ψw gradients across the leaf. We assessed the influence of potential re-equilibration on water potential determination by monitoring leaf Ψw and relative water content decline after excision using different storage methods.ResultsEven though leaf Ψw declined during storage under low evaporative demand conditions, this was strongly reduced when covering the leaf with a hydrophobic layer (vaseline) and explained by changes in relative water content. However, residual water loss was variable between species, possibly related to morpho-physiological leaf traits. Provided water loss was minimized during storage, pre-excision leaf transpiration rate did not affect to the magnitude of leaf Ψw decline after excision, confirming that transpiration-driven Ψw gradients have no effect on leaf Ψw determination.ConclusionsDisequilibrium in water potentials across a transpiring leaf upon excision is dissipated very quickly, well within the elapsed time between excision and pressurization, therefore, not resulting in overestimation of leaf Ψw measured immediately after excision. When leaf storage is required, the effectiveness of a storage under low evaporative demand varied among species. Covering with a hydrophobic layer is an acceptable alternative.

From museum to school and back again: tracing the biographies of natural history objects, 1866–2024

ABSTRACT The article traces and examines the history of some of the specimens used in teaching in Swedish secondary grammar schools from the mid-nineteenth century up until today. Previous research has focused on empirical analyses of teaching materials and school collections, while this paper adds new knowledge to the history of education using an object-biographic approach. Whilst focusing on the history of two distinct specimens, a bird and a small collection of butterflies, and how these were circulated and recontextualised, the paper raises wider questions about how different actors are involved as meanings and knowledge content change. Through the object-biographic approach, we show that the use of natural history objects was multifaceted and had several purposes at the same time, ranging from research to education to providing status or being a hobby. The use of natural history specimens changed with reforms of the Swedish educational system. New teaching materials and new educational ideals were developed, and from 1960 onwards the importance of these objects decreased. We show how the specimens have taken on new meanings today as selected and displayed museum objects.

Storage quality of amylose-lycopene complexes and the establishment of a shelf life prediction model.

To study the changes in the storage quality of amylose-lycopene complexes (ALCs), the color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration changes of ALCs during different storage periods were analyzed. A shelf life prediction model was established to reveal the stability changes of the complexes. The results showed that the cis-isomer percentage of lycopene in ALCs increased significantly from 11.82% to 13.76%. The lycopene isomers were in the order of 5-Z>All-E>9-Z>13-Z. Correlation analysis indicated that the content of lycopene was a key factor affecting the quality of ALCs. ALCs followed zero-order and first-order degradation kinetics at 5°C-25°C and 35°C-45°C, respectively. The degradation degree of lycopene was negatively correlated with temperature, with half-lives and one-tenth decay periods of 32.37 days and 6.48 days (5°C) significantly higher than 10.78 days and 1.63 days (45°C). The activation energy required for the reaction of ALCs was as high as 106.29kJ/mol, indicating greater stability. On this basis, an ALCs shelf life prediction model was established, with a relative error of 0.06%-5.03% between the predicted and actual values. The results indicated that ALCs had good color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration stability, and that higher temperatures had a greater impact on lycopene. The study provides theoretical reference for the quality safety of ALCs.

Optimizing plastic film mulch to improve the yield and water use efficiency of dryland maize in the Loess Plateau, China.

Knowledge on the variation of yield and water use efficiency under different mulching methods is important for guiding rained maize production in the Loess Plateau area. In this study, eight different plastic film mulching methods was established to analyze the maize growth, soil water content and soil temperature changes of dryland maize, and increase yield and water use efficiency (WUE). The field experiment was conducted in 2019, and eight treatments were set up, including a traditional flat planting without mulching (CK), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching black plastic film and furrows mulching straw (HJ), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching black plastic film and furrows bare (HL), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching liquid plastic film and furrows mulching straw (YJ), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching liquid plastic film and furrows bare (YL), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching biodegradable plastic film and furrows mulching straw (SJ), ridge-furrow with ridges mulching biodegradable plastic film and furrows bare (SL) and ridge-furrow with ridges bare and furrows mulching straw (NJ). Furthermore, the AHP-TOPSIS was employed to evaluate the optimal mulching method for maize. The results showed that compared with CK and NJ treatment, the soil water content and soil storage were significantly changes with other treatments in the reproductive period of maize. Among the six mulching methods, maize yield in HJ, HL, YJ, YL, SJ, and SL treatments were 46.28%, 61.95%, 70.30%, 51.02%, 52.02% and 53.53% significantly greater than CK treatment. In addition, dryland maize WUE was 66.53% and 84.01% higher in the YJ and YL treatments with ridges mulching liquid plastic film than in the CK treatment, respectively. The optimal treatments of economic benefits were YL and HJ. Through AHP-TOPSIS comprehensive analysis, the optimal mulching methods were YL and HJ treatment. Current field trials indicate that YL treatment could serve as a promising option to improve dryland maize yield, WUE, and reducing environmental risks in the Loess Plateau of China.

Glycation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry heating: Thermal, micro-structural characterization, and amino acid profiling.

This study aims to obtain sunnhemp protein isolate (SHPI) and dextran conjugates by dry heating method of Maillard conjugation. The effects of different incubation time (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days) on the molecular flexibility, available lysine content, antioxidant properties, molecular structure, and thermal and micro-structural properties of conjugates were compared with SHPI (no conjugation) at 60°C and 79% relative humidity. The results indicated the formation of SHPI-dextran conjugates as confirmed by the change in molecular flexibility, lysine content, antioxidant activities, color, and water activity values. The molecular structure revealed the confirmation of covalent bonding between SHPI and dextran. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analysis results exhibited improvement in the thermal stability of SHPI when conjugated with dextran. The microstructural characterization showed that Maillard conjugation changed the surface structure of SHPI. The analysis of amino acid composition displayed that lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine were the dominant Maillard reaction sites of SHPI and dextran. Among all the conjugated samples, 5 days of incubation time was selected as an optimum condition for the development of SHPI-dextran conjugates on the basis of the aforementioned characterization. Overall, it was concluded that Maillard conjugation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry-heating technique could modify and improve its various attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The conjugation of plant proteins with polysaccharide through the Maillard reaction under dry heating conditions represents a natural and green technique for improving the techno-functional properties of proteins. The study has the potential to establish framework for the utilization of Sunnhemp protein isolate-dextran conjugates. This approach offers the potential for cost-effective production of emulsifiers and development of effective encapsulating matrices. The investigation expands on an underutilized plant protein source facilitating an alternative to animal-based proteins and contributing to the development of a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Survodutide for treatment of obesity: rationale and design of two randomized phase 3 clinical trials (SYNCHRONIZE™-1 and -2).

The objective of this study was to describe the rationale and design of two multinational phase 3 clinical trials of survodutide, an investigational glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor dual agonist for the treatment of obesity with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D; SYNCHRONIZE-1 and -2). In these ongoing double-blind trials, participants were randomized to once-weekly subcutaneous injections of survodutide or placebo added to lifestyle modification. Survodutide doses are uptitrated to 3.6 or 6.0 mg, and dose flexibility is permitted. Participants (n = 726) in SYNCHRONIZE-1 (NCT06066515) have a baseline BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with at least one obesity-related complication but without T2D; participants (n = 755) in SYNCHRONIZE-2 (NCT06066528) have a baseline BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 and T2D. The primary endpoints are percentage change in body weight and proportion of participants achieving ≥5% body weight reduction from baseline to week 76. Secondary endpoints include change in systolic blood pressure and measures of glycemia. A SYNCHRONIZE-1 substudy is evaluating changes in body composition and liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging. These trials are designed to provide robust evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of survodutide for the treatment of obesity in the presence or absence of T2D.

The Utilization of Vegetable Powders for Bread Enrichment—The Effect on the Content of Selected Minerals, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, and the Coverage of Daily Requirements in the Human Diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of selected minerals and total phenolic and flavonoid content of wheat bread and bread enriched with varying amounts of carrot powder (CP) and pumpkin powder (PP). In addition, the coverage of daily requirements of selected minerals was evaluated after the consumption of 100 g of each type of bread. The research included seven types of bread: wheat bread (WB) and bread enriched with 10%, 20%, and 30% CP and PP. The vegetable powders were obtained by freeze-drying. The concentrations of minerals—sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)—were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method. Coverage of daily requirements after consumption of a serving of bread was determined based on Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI) ratios for minerals, according to the nutritional standards for the Polish population. The addition of 10% PP led to a greater increase in Na, K, Mg, and Cu in the bread compared to CP, while for Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn a greater increase was observed with the addition of 10% CP than PP. Among macronutrients, the greatest changes in content were recorded for Ca—the addition of 10 and 20% CP and PP resulted in increases of 66, 113, 51 and 59%. Among micronutrients, the addition of CP and PP to wheat bread caused the largest changes in Cu (46–150% increase) and Mn (25–99% increase) content. Additionally, there was a tenfold increase in total phenolic content (TPC) when 30% CP was added to the bread. Consuming 100 g of bread with CP and PP provided the greatest coverage of K (41–60%), Cu (8–17.5%), and Mn (6–17%). These findings suggest that fortification of bread with vegetable powders has the potential to be a useful method of enriching the mineral composition and increasing the proportion of selected minerals in the human diet.

Probing ozone effects on European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L. and Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) leaf water content through THz imaging and dynamic stomatal response

We investigated the impact of ozone exposure on Hornbeam using a novel dual approach based on Terahertz (THz) imaging in a free-air ozone exposure experiment (three ozone levels: ambient; 1.5 times ambient; twice ambient). The research aims at unraveling the physiological responses induced by elevated ozone levels on water dynamics. THz imaging unveiled dynamic changes in leaf water content, providing a non-invasive approach to leaf water monitoring. Leaf gas exchange measurements assessed stomatal responses to light variation. Our findings showcase a compelling correlation between elevated ozone levels and reduction in photosynthetic rate and impairment of stomatal function, i.e. “stomatal sluggishness”, indicative of nuanced regulatory mechanism. Stomatal sluggishness was particularly evident in Carpinus betulus (CB) compared to Ostrya carpinifolia (OC) and was linked to reduction in photosynthetic capacity. THz-based imaging techniques confirmed this result indicating a negative effect of O3 on leaf-level total water content. In addition, spatial analysis of leaf water status using these techniques also highlighted that the negative effect of O3 on water status was progressing even in less sensitive OC plants though visible foliar injury was not detected. In fact, OC showed a relative dry area of 1.6 ± 1.6 % in the control group and 3.8 ± 1.3 % under high ozone levels. THz-based imaging techniques provided a deep understanding of O3 behavior in plants and may be recommended for precision biosensing in the early detection of O3-induced damage. The integration of THz imaging and physiological analysis resulted in comprehensive understanding of Hornbeam acclimation response to ozone exposure.

Transcriptomic Profile of Tef (Eragrostis tef) in Response to Drought

The threat to world food security posed by drought is ever increasing. Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an allotetraploid cereal crop that is a staple food for a large population in the Horn of Africa. While the grain of tef provides quality food for humans, its straw is the most palatable and nutritious feed for livestock. In addition, the tef plant is resilient to several biotic and abiotic stresses, especially to drought, making it an ideal candidate to study the molecular mechanisms conferring these properties. The transcriptome expression of tef leaf collected from plants grown under drought conditions was profiled using RNA-Seq and key genes were verified using RT-qPCR. This study revealed that tef exhibits a complex molecular network involving membrane receptors and transcription factors that regulate drought responses. We identified target genes related to hormones like ABA, auxin, and brassinosteroids and genes involved in antioxidant activity. The findings were compared to physiological measurements such as changes in stomatal conductance and contents of proline, chlorophyll and carotenoid. The insights gained from this work could play vital role in enhancing drought tolerance in other economically important cereals such as maize and rice.

Change Patterns of Major Functional Components in the Loquat Summer Shoot Leaf during Annual Growth

Loquat leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food processing as raw materials. To provide a theoretical basis for suitable harvesting periods based on the utilization of distinct components, the change patterns of major functional components in the annual growth of loquat leaves were investigated. In this study, the summer loquat leaves were sampled regularly during their annual growth, and the contents of seven main functional components and 13 monomer components were determined. The results showed that there was a regular change pattern for major functional components during loquat annual growth from Jul 2020 to Jun 2021; however, the change trend was different among different components. Among them, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, total triterpenoid acids, vitamin C, asiatic acid, quillaic acid, corosolic acid, and chlorogenic acid presented an overall upward trend. The content of maslinic acid showed a downward trend, whereas the content of neochlorogenic acid did not change much throughout the whole growth period. The content changes in the loquat leaves were affected by the light durations and temperature changes in different seasons, with mutual transit during the flowering and fruit growth processes. Sampling in May to June was found to be a most optimized option when applied in Chinese medicine processing; however, the degree of fibrosis is another indicator when it is used as food raw material. This study revealed the change pattern of major functional components of loquat leaves during the annual growth period and provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable harvesting period of loquat leaves as raw materials for processing different types of products.

The influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on host resilience through a homeostatic skin microbiota: An EAACI Task Force Report.

Human skin is colonized with skin microbiota that includes commensal bacteria, fungi, arthropods, archaea and viruses. The composition of the microbiota varies at different anatomical locations according to changes in body temperature, pH, humidity/hydration or sebum content. A homeostatic skin microbiota is crucial to maintain epithelial barrier functions, to protect from invading pathogens and to interact with the immune system. Therefore, maintaining homeostasis holds promise to be an achievable goal for microbiome-directed treatment strategies as well as a prophylactic strategy to prevent the development of skin diseases, as dysbiosis or disruption of homeostatic skin microbiota is associated with skin inflammation. A healthy skin microbiome is likely modulated by genetic as well as environmental and lifestyle factors. In this review, we aim to provide a complete overview of the lifestyle and environmental factors that can contribute to maintaining the skin microbiome healthy. Awareness of these factors could be the basis for a prophylactic strategy to prevent the development of skin diseases or to be used as a therapeutic approach.

Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Deficiency in cisd-1 Mutants is Linked to AMPK-Mediated Lipid Metabolism

BackgroundCISD-1 is a mitochondrial iron-sulfate [2Fe-2S] protein known to be associated with various human diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Previously, we demonstrated that CISD-1 deficiency in worms lowers glucose and ATP levels. In this study, we further explored how worms compensate for lower ATP levels by analyzing changes in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial iron content, AMPK activities, and total lipid profiles. Materials and MethodsExpression levels of CISD-1 and CISD-1::GFP fusion proteins in wild-type worms (N2), cisd-1-deletion mutants (tm4993 and syb923) and GFP insertion transgenic worms (PHX953 and SJL40) were examined by western blot. Fluorescence microscopy analyzed CISD-1::GFP pattern in PHX953 embryos and adults, and lipid droplet sizes in N2, cisd-1, aak-2 and aak-2;cisd-1 worms. Total and mitochondrial iron content, electron transport complex profiles, and AMPK activity were investigated in tm4993 and syb923 mutants. mRNA levels of mitochondrial β-oxidation genes, acs-2, cpt-5, and ech-1, were quantified by RT-qPCR in various genetic worm strains. Lipidomic analyses were performed in N2 and cisd-1(tm4993) worms. ResultsDefects in cisd-1 lead to an imbalance in iron transport and cause proton leak, resulting in lower ATP production by interrupting the mitochondrial electron transport chain. We identified a signaling pathway that links ATP deficiency-induced AMPK (AMP activated protein kinase) activation to the expression of genes that facilitate lipolysis via β-oxidation. ConclusionOur data provide a functional coordination between CISD-1 and AMPK constitutes a mitochondrial bioenergetics quality control mechanism that provides compensatory energy resources.

Tree species selection for optimizing soil carbon storage: Insights from litter decomposition and bacterial community analysis in coastal ecosystems

Coastal wetland ecosystems are critical sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide, playing a vital role in global carbon cycling and climate regulation. The decomposition of leaf litter plays a crucial role in the formation and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in these environments. This study investigated the impact of leaf litter decomposition from five tree species (Populus deltoids, Ligustrum lucidum, Taxodium 'Zhongshanshan', Hibiscus hamabo, and Nerium oleander) on SOC dynamics, humus composition, and soil bacterial community structure in a tidal flat. Litterbags were used to monitor the mass loss and changes in litter chemical composition over 270 days. The results revealed significant differences in decomposition rates among the tree species, with Nerium oleander exhibiting the fastest decomposition and Populus deltoids the slowest. Surprisingly, initial litter chemistry did not correlate with decomposition rates; however, changes in lignin and hemicellulose content during decomposition were significantly related to mass loss. Despite its rapid decomposition, Nerium oleander litter resulted in the highest accumulation of SOC, total humus, and humin compared to the other species, challenging the conventional view that slower decomposition leads to greater SOC storage. The soil microbial community structure was significantly influenced by SOC, humus, and litter components, with distinct microbial assemblages associated with each tree species. A random forest model identified key bacterial taxa, predominantly Proteobacteria, as important predictors of SOC content, highlighting the role of bacterial diversity in regulating SOC dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering litter quality, decomposition dynamics, and bacterial community composition in strategies aimed at enhancing soil carbon sequestration. This study suggests that selecting tree species with rapidly decomposing litter, such as Nerium oleander, in coastal plantations can be an effective management tool for optimizing soil carbon storage, offering valuable insights for mitigating climate change impacts.

The Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation on the Nutritional Value of Crops in the Legume–Cereal Intercropping System in Northern Kazakhstan

In this study, the changes in yield, nutrient content, and amino acid levels in legume–cereal grass mixtures were qualitatively evaluated depending on the legume–cereal combination and inoculation with preparations based on Rhizobium. This study, taking into account the biological characteristics of legume forage crops, used inoculations with strains of nodule bacteria and associative nitrogen fixers to enhance the process of the nitrogen fixation of mixed crops of legumes and cereal. The aim of this study was to compare the yields and nutritional values of monocultures and mixed crops, as well as to determine the effects of preparations based on strains of nodule bacteria and the associated nitrogen fixer on the photosynthetic activity and yield of combined annual legume–grain crops. A comparative study of forage crop biomass was conducted to analyze crude protein, fiber, carotene, and amino acid content in monocultures and legume–cereal mixtures, with and without the use of nodule-bacteria-based preparations (Rhizotorphin, Mizorine, Flavobactrin, and Azolene). The combined effect of crop mixtures and biological products led to increased green mass yield, protein content, and feed productivity. Notably, two-component mixtures with Rhizotorphin inoculation increased green mass yield by 8.79%, while three-component mixtures saw a 16.49% increase. The oat–pea mixture showed the most significant amino acid improvements, with lysine increasing by 6.26% and tyrosine by 3.24%. The general conclusion reached by the two-year experiment of 2022–2023 in the hill–plain zone of northern Kazakhstan is that double grass mixtures treated with nodule bacteria are more productive than monoculture crops in this area. These results suggest that inoculation with bacterial strains can effectively enhance the productivity of forage crops in northern Kazakhstan, providing a basis for future recommendations on optimizing herbaceous crop combinations. It is recommended to grow annual forage crops in mixtures with legumes to produce highly nutritious feeds with high metabolic energy in terms of biochemical composition.

Investigation of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes on soil slopes in seasonally frozen regions

Freeze-thaw cycles significantly affect slope stability in seasonally frozen regions, posing serious threats to the functionality and safety of infrastructure. This study developed a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model of frozen soils that accounts for water migration, water-ice phase change, groundwater recharge, frost heave and thaw settlement deformation. The accuracy and reliability of the model was verified based on soil column test results. The change of temperature, water content, and displacement of a soil slope during freeze-thaw process was investigated. The results show that the water-heat transfer and deformation mainly occur in the shallow soils of the slope with changes in air temperature. The temperature fluctuations at the shoulder and face of the slope are more pronounced than those at the toe and crest of the slope. Water migration from the unfrozen zone to the freezing front due to the temperature gradient results in an increase in water content in the frozen zone. The slope shoulder exhibits the largest temperature fluctuations, leading to increased water migration and greater deformation. The rising groundwater table increases the total water content at the slope toe and base, exacerbating the frost heave and thaw settlement deformation, and reasonable groundwater table control intervals are provided. This study elucidates the thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling process and deformation mechanism of seasonally frozen soil slopes, and summarizes the failure modes, which provides a reference for the stability assessment and disaster prevention of soil slopes in cold regions.

CaMKII Exacerbates Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity by Promoting Ubiquitination Through USP10 Inhibition

ABSTRACTBackgroundDoxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug, but it has a problem of cardiotoxicity that cannot be ignored. Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is tightly associated with the pathological progression of DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 10 (USP10) plays an important role in many biological processes and cancers. However, its association with DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity and CaMKII remains unclear.MethodsH9C2 cells, HL‐1 cells and C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity model, and the CaMKII‐specific inhibitor KN‐93 and USP10 specific inhibitor Spautin‐1 were used to observe the CaMKII and USP10 effect. In cell experiments, CCK‐8 method was used to assess cell viability, LDH kit was used to assess lactate dehydrogenase expression, DCFH‐DA staining was used to observe changes in active oxygen content, TUNEL staining was used to observe cell apoptosis, and Western blotting method was used to detect relevant protein markers. The expression of p‐CaMKII and USP10 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. In animal experiments, mouse echocardiograph was used were used to evaluate cardiac function, and HE staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate myocardial injury. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Western blotting method was used to detect relevant protein markers.ResultsOur results demonstrated that activation of CaMKII and inhibition of USP10 pathway related to DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Inhibition of CaMKII with KN‐93 ameliorated DOX‐induced cardiac dysfunction and cytotoxicity. In addition, CaMKII inhibition prevented DOX‐induced apoptosis and ubiquitination. Furthermore, CaMKII inhibition increased USP10 expression in DOX‐treated mouse hearts, H9C2 cells and HL‐1 cells. At last, the USP10 inhibitor, Spautin‐1, blocked the regulatory effect of CaMKII inhibition on apoptosis and ubiquitination in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.ConclusionOur findings revealed that DOX‐induced myocardial apoptosis and activated CaMKII through cellular and animal levels, while providing a novel probe into the mechanism of CaMKII action: promoting ubiquitination by inhibiting USP10 aggravated apoptosis.

Decomposition characteristics of woody peat and its mixtures with liable organic materials in a newly reclaimed saline-alkali soil: A one-year incubation experiment

The combined application of woody peat with labile organic materials has been shown to be an effective strategy for rapidly improving soil organic matter (SOM) and soil fertility in newly reclaimed lands. However, their decomposition dynamics, which can be greatly influenced by the residue-mixing effect, are not well understood. Therefore, this study investigated the decomposition characteristics and residue-mixing effect of woody peat, corn straw, organic manure and their binary mixtures in a newly reclaimed saline-sodic soil through a 360-day incubation experiment. The results revealed that both straw and organic manure contained large amount of O-alkyl C, leading to rapid degradation in mass and organic C (OC). In contrast, woody peat is rich in alkyl C and aromatic C, exhibiting the highest alkyl C/O-alkyl C (A/O-A) ratio and aromaticity. As a result, woody peat only lost less than 6.4% OC and showed minimal changes in mass and nitrogen content within a year, indicating strong degradation resistance in the saline-sodic soil. The combination of woody peat with straw or organic manure induced significant non-additive synergistic effects on mass and OC loss, aromatic C, carbonyl C, A/O-A ratio and aromaticity. This suggests that the addition of woody peat significantly slowed down the degradation of the mixtures and prolonged the retention of OC in soil. On the contrary, the mixing of straw and organic manure led to significant non-additive antagonistic effects on mass and OC loss, indicating that their combination accelerated the decomposition of the mixture. Consequently, this study suggests that, in contrast to the applicated of various labile organic materials, the combined application of recalcitrant woody peat with labile organic materials can extend the presence of organic matter in the soil, thereby promoting a sustained increase in active and passive SOM content and soil fertility.

"Deterioration" and "aging" can modify or breakdown the phytochemical and biochemical characteristics of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), although their effects differ

Deterioration of medicinal plant and herb's spices seeds has two important aspects; its impact on viability and its influence on food and medicine feedstock. So, in this study was investigated of phytochemical and biochemical composition of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) were evaluated under natural seed storage (NSS) for one and two years and accelerated seed aging process (ASA) for 24, 48, 72 and 96h. Oil percent declined by prolonging ageing duration. The highest amount was measured in control (21.60%) and the lowest amounts in 2Y NSS (17.83%) and 96h ASA (15.83%). There was no significant difference among all treatments in unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) terms, yet percent of saturated fatty acids (SFA) rose by severe ageing condition. Among fatty acids, NSS had a strong correlation with oleic acid (C18:1) (R2=0.99%), while ASA was correlation with stearic acid (C18:0) (R2=84%). Total phenolic content, and under severe ageing were found in cumin. In the oil and essential oil (EO), DPPH showed an ascending trend in NSS treatments and a descending trend in ASA treatments. Additionally, the maximum IC50 was observed in the oil treatment, being approximately 8.6 times higher than that of the EO. 85% to 90% of the EO compounds present in all treatments consisted of Myrcene, p-Cymene, Cumin aldehyde, and γ-Terpinene-7-al. NSS led to a significant increase in Cumin aldehyde (R2=0.99), indicating that enhancing the aroma of green cumin is subject to a period of cumin fruit storage. Finally, it is concluded that ASA can simulate NSS induced changes in oil content, EO components and antioxidant capacity.