Changes In Content Research Articles

Degradation behaviors of asphalt by microorganisms in asphalt pavement structure

Pseudomonas and Bacillus are dominant microorganisms to widely distributes in asphalt pavement structure. Microbial degradation leads to asphalt aging, and causes its performance deterioration, reducing the durability of asphalt pavement. To better understand the degradation behaviors of dominant microorganisms on asphalt, and reveals their microbial aging mechanisms on asphalt, the effects of microbial degradation on micromorphology, chemical functional group, component and microstructure of asphalt were discussed. Results indicate that main damages of microbial degradation start from asphalt surface and then permeates into its interior. Microorganisms degrade light components of asphalt as nutrients and decompose them into CO2 and H2O through oxidation reactions, but exhibit limited degradation ability to macromolecular components. Microbial degradation causes the content changes of asphalt components, altering the colloidal structure of asphalt. Microorganisms destroy the continuity of asphalt surface and increase surface roughness of asphalt. This study provides a new insight into microbial aging mechanism of asphalt.

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.

Doxorubicin (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. H9C2 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. Our 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. Our 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.

Melatonin application enhances salt stress-induced decreases in minerals, betalains, and phenolic acids in beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars.

Melatonin is a potentially active signaling molecule and plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and development of plants under stress conditions, alleviating oxidative damage, enhancing antioxidant defence mechanisms and regulating ion homeostasis. This study examined the effects of exogenous melatonin application on leaf biomass, ion concentrations, betalains, phenolic acid and endogenous melatonin contents comparing red beet (Beta vulgaris L. 'Ruby Queen' and 'Scarlet Supreme') and white beet ('Rodeo' and 'Ansa') cultivars under increasing salinity levels of 50, 150, and 250 mM NaCl. Exogenous melatonin increased salinity-induced reductions in fresh and dry weights and osmotic potential in leaves. Na+ concentrations rose significantly with increasing salinity, but cultivar-specific decreases were observed in K+ and Ca2+ concentrations. Additionally, melatonin application improved betalain, betanin and neobetanin contents induced by salt stress. Furthermore, melatonin application caused salt stress and cultivar-specific changes in phenolic acid contents e.g., ferulic acid, sinapic acid, or m-coumaric acid, in soluble free, ester- and glycoside-conjugated and cell wall-bound forms. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities and compound contents increased significantly in the beets and were subsequently lowered in a cultivar-specific manner by salt stress + melatonin treatment. The current findings indicate that exogenous melatonin improved plant stress tolerance suppressing reactive oxygen species levels, increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities and compound contents and reducing the levels of Na+, maintaining an ionic homeostasis in the selected red and white sugar beet cultivars. It appears that melatonin application may help improve cultivar-specific salt tolerance by enhancing ion homeostasis and betalain and phenolic acid production levels in beets.

PTH-dependent stabilization of RANKL mRNA is associated with increased phosphorylation of the KH-Type Splicing Regulatory Protein

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor agonists promote bone formation but also increase osteoclastogenesis, in part by increasing expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL). In addition to activation of transcription, regulation of mRNA stability is another important molecular mechanism controlling mRNA abundance. PTH treatment for 6 hrs. resulted in a 7.4-fold elevation in RANKL mRNA expression in UAMS-32P cells, despite prior inhibition of cellular transcription by thiophosphoryl (TPL). RANKL mRNA, like other TNF family members, contains AU-Rich Elements (AREs) in the 3’ UTR. AU-Rich Element Binding Proteins (ABPs including KSRP, TTP, AUF1 and HuR) bind to AREs and regulate mRNA stability. There was significantly more KSRP bound to RANKL mRNA than any of the other ABPs. PTH did not increase the amount of ABPs bound to the RANKL transcript. However, the level of cellular phosphorylated KSRP was significantly increased in UAMS-32P cells pre-treated with TPL followed by PTH exposure, compared to cells treated with vehicle following TPL. The extent of phosphorylation of cellular AUF1, HuR, and TTP did not increase with PTH treatment. There were no significant changes in the cellular content of total Pin1 and phospho-Pin1 protein with PTH treatment. We conclude that increases in cellular phospho-KSRP following PTH treatment, together with fact that the total amount of the KSRP bound to the RANKL mRNA did not change with PTH-treatment, may indicate that phospho-KSRP plays some role in stabilizing the RANKL transcript.

Combined effects of carbon content and heat treatment on the high-temperature tensile performance of modified IN738 alloy processed by laser powder bed fusion

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an advanced manufacturing technology used in processing nickel-based superalloys, notably for aero-engine components. One such material, the LPBF-fabricated IN738 superalloy, is prone to significant cracking issues. This study found that a change in carbon content (the optimal content of which was also determined) effectively mitigated the cracking. This study has systematically investigated the impact of different heat treatments on microstructural alterations and high-temperature tensile properties. The addition of 0.55 wt.% of graphite proved effective in entirely inhibiting cracking in LPBF-fabricated IN738 specimens. Pre-alloyed IN738-M powder with the optimal carbon content was then produced and processed via LPBF to assess its formability. The as-built specimen revealed the presence of continuous carbides along the subgrain boundaries. Heat treatment promoted the transformation of substructured grains into recrystallised grains, accompanied by the precipitations of carbides and the γ' phase; their morphologies were strongly determined by the solution treatment temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements were employed to elucidate the differing microstructural states following distinct heat-treatment regimens. Under a 900°C testing condition, stress-relieved (SR) specimens were found to exhibit superior performance, demonstrating an ultimate tensile stress (UTS) value of 843.6 MPa, a yield strength (YS) of 807.3 MPa and an elongation of 8.54%. Notably, SR specimens also exhibited the highest UTS and YS values at 1000°C, measuring 380.0 MPa and 346.5 MPa, respectively. This study’s findings will furnish valuable insights for researchers who aim to enhance the high-temperature tensile performance of LPBF-fabricated nickel-based superalloys.

The Curvature of TEC as a Proxy for Ionospheric Amplitude Scintillation

AbstractFluctuations in the ionospheric electron density cause distortions in the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals recorded on the ground. The examination of these distortions reveal some of the physical conditions under which the electron density fluctuations develop as well as their physical characteristics. Several studies have investigated the correlation between the rate of change of the total electron content and amplitude and phase scintillation indices and , respectively. These studies stipulate that could be used as a proxy for scintillation indices. The link between the scintillation indices and the variations in is investigated both theoretically and empirically. Our study shows that the second derivative (the Laplacian) of the provides a better diagnosis of the nature of the interaction of trans‐ionospheric radio signals with ionospheric irregularities. In the refractive case, the second derivative of fluctuations vanishes. In the diffractive limit, we show that the amplitude scintillation index and the standard deviation of the second derivative of are linearly dependent. The theoretical results are empirically validated with measurements of GNSS radio signals propagating through the auroral ionospheric region and recorded by ground receivers of the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN). The present study suggests that the use of as a proxy for scintillation occurring in the polar and auroral regions must be taken with caution.

CBS/CSE mediated H2S production induced AMPs expression through Toll pathway in crabs with black gill syndrome

The occurrence of black gill syndrome (BGS) is a serious threat to the healthy culture of Eriocheir sinensis. Studying the innate immune ability of E. sinensis with BGS can help develop new strategies for disease prevention and treatment. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have crucial roles in crustacean humoral immunity. In this study, we found that the expression levels of two antilipopolysaccharide factor (EsALF7 and EsALF-L), one Toll receptor 3 (EsToll3), and one Pelle kinase (EsPelle) were upregulated in E. sinensis with BGS. Moreover, ALFs expressions in E. sinensis with BGS were positively regulated by EsToll3 and EsPelle. The content of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the gills of E. sinensis with BGS was increased. Further studies showed that the expressions of cystathionine β-synthase (EsCBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (EsCSE) in the gills of E. sinensis with BGS were upregulated, which positively regulate the production of H2S. Whether there was a correlation between the upregulation of ALFs expression and changes in H2S content? Further studies showed that 1) the expressions of EsToll3, EsPelle, EsALF7, and EsALF-L in the gills of E. sinensis were upregulated under H2S exposure and 2) the knockdown of EsCBS and EsCSE in E. sinensis reduced the transcriptions of EsToll3, EsPelle, EsALF7, and EsALF-L. To sum up, these findings suggest that upregulation of H2S content induced by CBS/CSE promotes the expression of ALFs through the Toll pathway in E. sinensis suffering from BGS.

Impact of Tonga volcanic eruption on the ionosphere based on ground-based GNSS and COSMIC occultation data

The eruption of large volcanoes may potentially disturb the upper atmosphere, causing disturbances in ionospheric plasma and triggering irregular changes in the Total Electron Content (TEC). The GNSS ionospheric inversion method has been used to analyze ionospheric anomalies caused by the volcano, while it was limited to the spatial distribution of ground-based GNSS. The joint observation with space-based GNSS can further improve the spatio-temporal distribution of ionospheric monitoring. The Tonga volcano erupted on January 15th, 2022, is the largest volcanic eruption since the beginning of the 21st century and generated intense acoustic, atmospheric gravity waves and ionospheric disturbance. In this paper, we used the GIM products, ground-based GNSS station data around the volcanic eruption point and COSMIC occultation data to analyze the short-term TEC change. The experiments showed that: the average TEC of GIM grid data on eruption day dropped by 7.5 TECu compared to the last day which was substantially larger than other three days. The TEC extracted from nearby tracking stations was smaller than GIM and the difference was inversely proportional to the distance between the station and the volcanic eruption site. The average daily ionospheric TEC obtained from the nearest TONG station was the biggest, as much as 3.44 TECu lower. The peak electron density of COSMIC occultation data gradually diminished and then recovered with TEC about 7.32 TECu lower than GIM products. The experments showed that there was a good consistency in the TEC obtained from space-based and ground-based GNSS, the Tonga volcano produced a huge TEC change over 10 TECu or even bigger. As a global grid product, GIM underestimated ionospheric changes due to its limited spatial resolution, which needs further improvement.

The phenology of flowering in Spiranthes sinensis s.s.

The native Spiranthes sinensis s.s. of Taiwan is an emerging ornamental potted orchid. This study aims to understand the conditions for floral differentiation and life cycle to facilitate artificial cultivation and commercial production of S. sinensis. Every August, new leaves appeared from the dwarf stem, during which the old roots acted as a nutrient source, providing the energy needed for the initial foliation phase. In November, the apical bud enters the floral initiation. In January, the apical bud began to transform into the primary inflorescence of the plant, while the lateral bud apical meristem began to differentiate into floral meristem. The plant produced a main spike in February, followed by the lateral bud inflorescences; the plant bloomed from March to May. Changes in sugar and starch contents were associated with inflorescence development. A higher soluble sugar level was noted in the roots and stems from January to April at the time of anthesis. Starch began to accumulate in the roots from February to August. The growth cycle restarted in August every year with new shoot formation, with the roots providing the initial nutrients for shoot growth to restart a new growing cycle. The influence of temperature changes on inflorescence development and flowering is discussed.

Effect of blanching and microwave-hot air drying of Asparagus racemosus Willd. tuberous roots on shelf life

The quality of dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. depends on the drying method and storage conditions. This research aims to compare three methods for drying blanched and non-blanched root slices: tray drying at 60 °C (TD 60C), microwave-assisted hot air drying at 1000W with 60 °C (MW1000+60C), and at 1500W with 60 °C (MW1500+60C). Drying efficiency was evaluated over a one-year shelf life. The blanching was carried out at 80 °C for 5min. MW1000 60C was the most suitable for brightness, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total saponin content (TSC), and sugar content. Its brightness (L⁎), TPC, TFC, and TSC were 90.90 ± 1.08, 1.96 ± 0.08mg GAE/g DW, 0.69 ± 0.07mg ECE/g DW, and 1256.8 ± 25.1mg SE/g DW, respectively. Total sugar content and total reducing sugar content were 1577.1 ± 17.1mg Glu/g DW and 47.43 ± 2.06mg Glu/g DW, respectively. Blanching before MW1000+60C decreased TPC, TFC, total sugar content, and total reducing sugar content by 31%, 25%, 20%, and 43%, respectively, but did not reduce the TSC. The optimum shelf life was 6 months. The storage for 12 months caused negative changes in moisture content, colour, TPC, TFC, sugar content, and microbial load. The saponin compounds were asparacoside, shatavarin IX, shatavarin V, asparanin A, aspafilioside B, and sarsasapogenin 3-[4''-glucosyl-6''-arabinosylglucoside]. Theasaponin E3 was found in blanched and dried roots after 12 months. Consequently, this research provided guidelines for drying methods and monitoring shelf life.

Comparative Lipidomics Analysis Provides New Insights into the Metabolic Basis of Color Formation in Green Cotton Fiber.

Green fiber (GF) is a naturally colored fiber. A limited understanding of its color formation mechanism restricts the improvement of colored cotton quality. This experiment used upland cotton green fiber germplasm 1-4560 and genetic inbred line TM-1; the lipid profiles of green fibers at 30 (white stage) and 35 days post-anthesis (DPA) (early greening stage), as well as those of TM-1 at the same stages, were revealed. Among the 109 differential types of lipids (DTLs) unique to GF, the content of phosphatidylserine PS (16:0_18:3) was significantly different at 30 and 35 DPA. It is speculated that this lipid is crucial for the pigment accumulation and color formation process of green fibers. The 197 DTLs unique to TM-1 may be involved in white fiber (WF) development. Among the shared DTLs in GF35 vs. GF30 and WF35 vs. WF30, sulfoquinovosyldiacyl-glycerol SQDG (18:1_18:1) displays a significant difference in the content change between green fibers and white fibers, potentially affecting color formation through changes in content. The enriched metabolic pathways in both comparison groups are relatively conserved. In the most significantly enriched glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C04230) only appears in white cotton. This indicates differences in the metabolic pathways between white and green fibers, potentially related to different mechanisms of color formation and fiber development. These findings provide a new theoretical basis for studying cotton fiber development and offer important insights into the specific mechanism of green fiber color formation.

From self-sacrifice to self-awakening: G. G. Alexander’s translation and adaptation of the story of Diaochan from Sanguo yanyi

ABSTRACT In the 1860s, George Gardner Alexander translated the story of Diaochan from the Chinese classical novel Sanguo yanyi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and then adapted it into a five-act play, Teaou-shin. This adaptation is the most typical example of textual transformation in the English transmission history of the novel over the past two centuries, showcasing how textual intervention can reflect and engage with contemporary social issues of the recipient society. Through an art form that was popular with the British audience at the time, the play made effective use of the British theatrical tradition. On the basis of adopting the general plot of the story of Diaochan, the play adapted to the social realities of Victorian England and remodeled the characters. By manipulating the theme of the story, Alexander showed solidarity with the women’s rights movement of the time. Through changes in form and content, the story adapted to the literary tradition of England and the gender ideology of the time, catered to the tastes and expectations of Victorian readers and audiences, and conveyed Alexander’s stance on the “woman question”.

Resveratrol improved mitochondrial biogenesis by activating SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway in SAP

NLRP3 inflammasomes- pyroptosis axis is activated by microcirculation dysfunction and touched off severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Activation of PGC-1α can improve microcirculation dysfunction by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Resveratrol (RSV), one typical SIRT1 agonist, possesses the ability of alleviating SAP and activing PGC-1α. Therefore, the study was designated to explore whether the protective effect of RSV in SAP was though suppressing NLRP3 inflammasomes- pyroptosis axis via advancing SIRT1/PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis. The models of SAP were induced by treating with sodium taurodeoxycholate in rats and AR42J cells. The pathological injury, water content (dry/wet ratio) and microcirculation function of pancreas, activity of lipase and amylase were used to evaluate pancreatic damage. The expression of inflammatory cytokine was measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. The damage of mitochondrial was evaluated by measuring the changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (ΔΨm), mitochondrial ROS, ATP content and MDA as well as relocation of mtDNA and the activity of SOD and GSH. The expressions of NLRP3 inflammasomes- pyroptosis axis proteins were detected by Western blotting as well as SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM pathway protein. Moreover, the modification of PGC-1α was measured by co-immunoprecipitation. The results displayed that RSV can significantly improve the damage of pancreas and mitochondrial, decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory factor and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes- pyroptosis axis, promote the expression of an-inflammatory factor and the deacetylation of PGC-1α together with facilitating SIRT1/PGC-1α-mediating mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, the protective effect of RSV in SAP is though inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasomes- pyroptosis axis via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in a SIRT1/PGC-1α-dependent manner.

Surface Metabolite Amino Acids and Collagen Profiling in Refrigerated Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus): Implications for Identification and Quality Assessment

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by-products, including the scales, skin, and mucus, are rich sources of protein with a balanced amino acid profile and high collagen content. Cold storage at 4 ℃ is commonly used to maintain the freshness of tilapia fish in retail settings. This study aims to investigate the changes in surface metabolites and collagen content in tilapia fish during cold storage at 4 ℃. Fresh tilapia fish was stored at 4 ℃ for 7 days to monitor physicochemical and metabolite changes. Fish collagen content was extracted using acetic acid and pepsin, pH values were measured using a calibrated pH meter, protein content was determined via the Bradford method, and creatine and phenylalanine levels were assessed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Analysis was conducted on days 0, 3, and 7 of cold storage. Significant reductions (p<0.05) in collagen content from fish scales were observed on the 3rd day of storage, declining from 72.60 ± 12.40% to 30.17 ± 17.62%. pH levels of fish scales and mucus showed a slight alkaline shift, while the skin turned acidic due to bacterial and enzymatic activities. Protein content in the scales, skin, and mucus showed a substantial loss exceeding 50% after 7 days of cold storage. Changes in creatine and phenylalanine concentrations in the mucus further indicated a decline in tilapia fish freshness due to biochemical reactions post-mortem, compromising overall quality. In conclusion, the duration of cold storage significantly affects the composition of tilapia fish scales, skin, and mucus, with a 7-day storage period identified as a suitable freshness indicator in compliance with FDA guidelines permitting fresh fish to be stored at 4 °C for up to two days.