Soybean Research Articles

Phosphorus and cover crop management practices affect phosphorus speciation in soils and eroded sediments.

Agricultural runoff often contains P in dissolved and sediment-bound forms, decreasing surface water quality. No-till and cover cropping conservation practices have been recommended for reducing erosion and nutrient loss from cropping systems. The overall aims of this study were to characterize and evaluate the effects of fertilizer (placement and source) and cover crop management on P speciation in surface runoff sediments and source soil. In 2014, a field-scale experiment was established in a no-till, corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping system with two cover crop treatments (with and without a winter crop; winter wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], rapeseed [Brassica napus L.], hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth], winter triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm.], and cereal rye [Secale cereale L.]) and three P fertilizer management treatments (no P, fall broadcast diammonium phosphate, and spring subsurface injected ammonium polyphosphate). Phosphorus fractionation in the source soil collected in the fall of 2019 and sediment samples collected throughout 2020 were analyzed using a modified sequential P extraction method to evaluate the cumulative effects of imposing the treatment factors over 5 years. The direct P speciation was done using X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. The indirect P speciation (fractionation) results showed that the management practices affected the exchangeable, organic matter-associated, and Fe-bound P fractions in sediments and the exchangeable and residual fractions in source soil. Direct P speciation results showed a depletion of Fe-associated P in soil and sediment from cover crop treatment, suggesting that Fe-associated P species were affected by cover crops. Changes in soil and runoff sediment P speciation would change the proportions and forms of soluble and particulate P in runoff sediments and may influence P bioavailability in aquatic ecosystems. Developing P fertilizer and cropping system management options with an understanding of soil P transformations helps maintain environmental sustainability.

Assessment of potential candidate genes for partial resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum using real-time quantitative PCR.

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary (S. sclerotiorum), is one of the most important diseases that causes significant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed yield and quality losses in Canada and globally. Initiation of plant defense mechanisms is crucial for establishing partial resistance to the pathogenic fungus. To understand plant response to S. sclerotiorum, we conducted a temporal (1, 3, and 5 days post-inoculation [DPI]) assessment of gene expression changes in the stem of soybean genotypes with contrasting phenotypic response. We focused on four genes that have been previously reported as associated with SSR partial resistance and are known to be involved in defense-related functions such as cell wall modification, signaling, response to wounding, and response to fungus. The results showed a higher and earlier expression of the genes in partially resistant cultivars compared to the susceptible. Expression of some genes increased up to 11- (Glyma.02G059700) to 16-fold (Glyma.09G232100) by 3 DPI in the partially resistant cultivar, OAC Drayton, while the genes were generally downregulated in the susceptible cultivar, OAC Shire, at the same DPI. This study improves our understanding of expression patterns of genes involved in plant defense against fungal pathogens in soybean. More importantly, the knowledge of genes that are essential in defense against S. sclerotiorum can be used to fine-map the quantitative trait loci for SSR resistance and facilitate accelerated breeding of SSR-resistant cultivars through gene-based marker-assisted selection.

Effect of Enriched Coconut Shell Biochar on Soil Properties and Soybean (Glycine max L.) Yield in Acidic Soils of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

A two-season field study was conducted at ICAR-KVK, Hadonahalli, which is located in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, to evaluate the influence of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and zinc-enriched coconut shell biochar on soil biological properties, nutrient bioavailability and soybean (Glycine max L.) yield in acidic soils. 13 treatments, including a control, package of practice and various combinations of PSB and zinc-enriched biochar were assessed in randomised complete block design at P=0.05 level of significance. The biochar was characterized for its physical properties, including bulk density (0.38 Mg m-3), water holding capacity (76.27%) and chemical properties including pH (9.52), electrical conductivity (1.12 dS m-1) and nutrient composition. Results indicated significant improvements in soil dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activity and major nutrient bioavailability (N, P, K and Zn) in treatments receiving 100% NPK, PSB enriched FYM at 3.125 t ha-1 and different doses of zinc enriched Biochar at 5 t ha-1 compared to the control and package of practice. Soybean yield was maximized under treatments combining PSB-enriched FYM and zinc-enriched biochar, with the highest yield observed in T6 (23.61 q ha-1). The enhanced yield was attributed to improved soil health and nutrient dynamics by PSB and biochar. These findings underscore the potential of PSB and zinc-enriched biochar as sustainable amendments for enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, and nutrient use efficiency in acidic soils.

Deep Learning For Detection of Foliar Diseases in Soybeans Based on the Mask R-CNN Model

Objective: The objective of this study is to apply the Mask R-CNN model to detect and classify foliar diseases in soybean (Glycine max L.), assisting in the early diagnosis of powdery mildew, Asian soybean rust, and target spot. Theoretical Framework: It was based on concepts of deep learning, machine learning, and instance segmentation, using ResNet-50 and ResNet-101 architectures, given the relevance of soybean and the impacts caused by foliar diseases. Method: An initial dataset of 525 images was used, which was expanded to 2,408 through data augmentation techniques (resizing and rotation). The model integrated region proposal networks (RPN) and region of interest alignment (RoIAlign) to improve the segmentation and classification of images with foliar diseases. For model evaluation, the metrics mAP, IoU, and F1-Score were used. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the ResNet-101 architecture outperformed ResNet-50, achieving 85% accuracy in detecting foliar diseases in soybean. This outcome reinforces the applicability of artificial intelligence in the early diagnosis of foliar diseases in agriculture, particularly in soybean cultivation. Research Implications: The research highlights the feasibility of deep learning-based models for agricultural management. Future studies may explore methods that eliminate the need for polygonal annotations and integrate technologies such as drones and IoT devices for greater scalability and efficiency. Originality/Value: The research highlights the feasibility of deep learning-based models for agricultural management. Future studies may explore methods that eliminate the need for polygonal annotations and integrate technologies such as drones and IoT devices for greater scalability and efficiency.

Exogenous Melatonin Improves Drought Tolerance by Regulating the Antioxidant Defense System and Photosynthetic Efficiency in Fodder Soybean Seedings

Fodder soybean (Glycine max L.) with high protein and yield is a popular forage grass in northeast China. Seasonal drought inhibits its growth and development during seedling stage. The objective of this study was to observe morpho-physiological changes in fodder soybean seedlings under melatonin (MT) treatments and identify appropriate concentration to alleviate the drought damage. Two varieties commonly used in northeast China were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 150 μM melatonin at soil water content of 30%. The results indicated that applying melatonin enhanced height, biomass and altered root morphology of fodder soybean seedlings under water-deficient conditions. The treatments with melatonin at different concentrations significantly reduced the contents of H2O2, O2− and MDA, while boosting the capacity of the antioxidant defense system and the content of osmotic adjustment substances. Meanwhile, increases in light energy capture and transmission efficiency were observed. Furthermore, treatment with melatonin regulated the expression levels of genes associated with photosynthesis and the antioxidant defense system. Notably, 100 μM melatonin treatment produced the most favorable effect in all treatments under drought conditions. These research results provide new information for enhancing the drought tolerance of fodder soybean using chemical measures.

Agronomic Efficiency of Compost Extracts and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria in Soybean Crops

Regenerative agriculture and the use of bioinputs have been gaining prominence in the global agribusiness sector, driven by the growing demand for healthier foods produced with minimal impact on ecosystems. In this context, compost and its derivatives (compost extracts and teas) are used to provide effective microorganisms to crops, although production processes affect the efficiency of compost extracts, as well as the soil microbiota. Thus, the hypothesis raised was that the organic matter source used for compost formation affects the agronomic efficiency of compost extracts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of compost extracts based on litterfall of angiosperm (AC) and gymnosperm (GC) species, and the use of inoculation with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense (Bra+Azo), on soil quality, crop growth, grain yield, and disease control in soybean (Glycine max L.) crops. Using AC and GC resulted in varying effects on soybean growth and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), confirming the hypothesis that the organic matter source affects the agronomic efficiency of compost extracts. Plants inoculated with Bra+Azo exhibited higher chlorophyll contents, resulting in a higher photochemical yield than for those treated with compost extracts (AC and GC). However, plants inoculated with AC and GC exhibited high plasticity in mitigating photochemical stress, reaching similar photosynthetic and transpiration rates to those observed in plants inoculated with Bra+Azo. Additionally, inoculation with Bra+Azo, overall, improved the photosynthetic efficiency of soybean plants, and the compost extracts (AC and GC) were more effective than the inoculation with Bra+Azo in increasing soybean 1000-grain weight, probably due to improvements in root development. The growth promotion observed with AC and GC is likely attributed to increases in SMBC by these compounds, denoting improvements in soil quality and biocontrol of damage caused by insect attacks.

Epidemiological surveys, antibiotic resistance, and related risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in Quanzhou, China: a cross-sectional study

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and association between characteristics, dietary habits, and other factors associated to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, as well as the resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics and risk factors in Quanzhou. A minimally invasive string test combined with qPCR was used to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and several factors that were evaluated using a survey. Logistic analyses were performed to estimate the risk factors for the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of H. pylori. The H. pylori prevalence amounted to 52.60%, the clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance rate of H. pylori were 48.92% and 44.59%, respectively. Logistic analyses showed that takeaway food emerged as a protective factor for H. pylori infection, while the consumption of soy products reduced the risk of clarithromycin resistance. Furthermore, high sugar, spicy food, frequent tea drinking, and hyperlipidemia increased the risk of H. pylori infection. Finally, the frequency of oral hygiene had an impact on levofloxacin resistance. The prevalence and resistance rate of H. pylori was found to be high in Quanzhou. Our results also showed that diet, hygiene, and disease prevention awareness play an importance role in H. pylori prevention and treatment.

An Investigation into the Biological Activities of Four Lamiaceae Essential Oils Against Thrips flavus, Crops, and Weeds

In recent years, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection and food safety, essential oils (EOs) have gained significant attention as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives. This study investigated the insecticidal activity of four Lamiaceae EOs (patchouli oil, catnip oil, lavender oil, and mint oil) against Thrips flavus and their effects on crops and weeds. The results show that patchouli oil, catnip oil, and lavender oil exhibited better insecticidal activity, with patchouli oil having the strongest toxicity, with an LC50 value of 0.31 mg/mL. Additionally, catnip oil and lavender oil had significant attractive effects on T. flavus, where lavender oil only had a significant attractive effect on male T. flavus, with an attraction rate of 71.88% (p = 0.03), suggesting that it could be a potential alternative to insect lures. In pot experiments, these EOs demonstrated sustained insecticidal effects and varied impacts on crops. Lavender oil only significantly affected the shoot length of soybeans (Glycine max), while mint oil did not significantly affect the growth of G. max. Finally, we preliminarily analyzed the chemical composition of the EOs to provide insights into their active components. These findings indicate that EOs have potential applications as natural agrochemicals, but further research on their mechanisms and application conditions is required.

A comparative study on antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of fermented whey and soy protein isolates and the release of biofunctional peptides: an in vitro and in silico studies.

This study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (M9) MTCC 25516 during the fermentation of whey and soy protein isolates. It also seeks to characterize protein profiles, identify multifunctional peptides, and assess structural changes using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (M9) significantly enhanced antidiabetic activity, with optimal peptide production at a 25 mL L-1 inoculation rate for 48 h at 37 °C. Proteolytic activity reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, NO) in RAW 267.4 cells. SDS-PAGE and 2D gel electrophoresis revealed distinct protein profiles, with 19 and 49 protein spots in whey and soy isolates, respectively. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) identified multifunctional peptides, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed structural changes post-fermentation. Confocal microscopy further revealed protein modifications. Fermentation of whey and soy protein isolates with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (M9) enhances antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Optimal conditions (25 mL L-1 inoculation, 48-h incubation) improved peptide production, with analytical techniques confirming structural and functional changes. These findings suggest fermented protein isolates could be valuable in functional foods with health benefits. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dataset of shotgun metagenomic evaluation of Sorghum bicolor rhizosphere microbiome in soils preceded by Glycine max.

The dataset presents the microbial diversity, community structure, and functional potential of the rhizosphere microbiome associated with Sorghum bicolor in response to crop rotation involving a Glycine max precursor. Soil samples were collected from the rhizospheres of two Sorghum bicolor cultivars, Avenger and NS55, cultivated in soils previously used for Glycine max and cultivated in soils that have not previously been used for Glycine max cultivation, as follows: i) Sorghum bicolor Avenger (SA1, SA2, and SA3) cultivated in soils previously used for Glycine max, ii) Sorghum bicolor NS55 (SN1, SN2, and SN3) grown in soils that had been cultivated with Glycine max, iii) Sorghum bicolor Avenger (RA1, RA2, and RA3) cultivated in soils not previously used for Glycine max, iv) Sorghum bicolor NS55 (RN1, RN2, and RN3) grown in soils not previously cultivated with Glycine max. Thereafter, the shotgun sequencing was done to assess the microbial composition and functional genes from the extracted DNA. The effective metagenome after QC of the twelve samples include SA1 (99.72%), SA2 (99.50%), SA3 (99.68%), SN1 (99.75%), SN2 (99.76%), SN3 (99.70%), RA1 (99.72%), RA2 (99.77%), RN3 (99.72%), RN1 (99.67%), RN2 (99.68%), and RN3 (99.54%). Information from the metagenome sequences is accessible under the bioproject numbers PRJNA1166458 (SA1, SA2, and SA3), PRJNA1166463 (SN1, SN2, and SN3), PRJNA1166623 (RA1, RA2, and RA3), PRJNA1166627 (RN1, RN2 and RN3). Actinomycetota and Function unknown dominated the microbiomes across all cropping systems. The insights gained from this dataset hold promise for advancing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly through optimizing crop rotations, developing microbial bioinoculants, and enhancing soil health. Furthermore, the functional data and the function unknown from this dataset could enrich our understanding of microbial roles in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and stress mitigation, which are critical for addressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.

Pulsating Drought and Insect Herbivory Cause Differential Effects on Soybean (Glycine max) Genotypes That Vary in Canopy Wilting Speed.

As a result of climate change, global temperatures are increasing, and water scarcity is on the rise. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] is one of the most important crops in the world due to its importance as food and feed. One of the major limiting factors for soybean production is drought, which can cause up to 80% reduction in yield. Therefore, growers and plant breeders are turning to soybean accessions that demonstrate better water use efficiency (WUE). However, in addition to drought, insect herbivory by soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includens, SBL) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) can also reduce soybean yield by feeding on foliar and floral organs. Using soybean accessions that differ in their wilting speed, we examined the relationship between physiological traits associated with WUE, and how they affect both herbivore and host plant growth and development. Results showed that both fast- and slow-wilting genotypes displayed strong overcompensation in terms of growth and development, but slow-wilting genotypes produced higher-quality pods and seeds. Regardless of treatment effects, FAW fed at a significantly higher rate than SBL despite being less specialized to feed on soybeans. While fast-wilting plants produced more pods than slow-wilting plants regardless of treatment, slow-wilting plants produced heavier pods with larger and heavier seeds. Collectively, we show that despite fast-wilting plants overcompensating in pod production and growth traits, slow-wilting plants may still be better fit through seed functions.

QTL mapping and whole-genome sequencing analysis for novel genetic resources associated with sucrose content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Key messageA major QTL for sucrose content was mapped on chromosome 8 in PI 506593. The novel genetic variants and candidate genes were further identified within the major QTL.Sucrose in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] contribute to animal feed efficiency and natural sweetness of soy products. Thus, identifying novel genetic resources, such as quantitative trait loci (QTL), associated with sucrose content in soybean is essential for enhancing seed values. In this study, two recombinant inbred line populations derived from the same high sucrose donor parent, PI 506593, were used to identify significant QTLs. A total of 11 sucrose-related regions on chromosomes (Chrs.) 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13 were identified using QTL analysis. Among them, four QTLs (qSUC_08.1, qSUC_08.2, qSUC_08.3, and qSUC_08.4) were clustered in the interval of 40,597,410–42,861,364 bp on Chr. 8, which was considered major QTL region. A desirable marker at 41,834,095 bp was tested in two populations, showing that two phenotypically extreme groups were efficiently differentiated. We further identified 44 and 54 candidate genes with non-synonymous mutations in the major QTL region based on the annotations of Wm82.a2.v1 and Wm82.a5.v1 assemblies, respectively. Among 54 candidate genes from Wm82.a5.v1, Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN) revealed that 18 genes contained 34 variants that had deleterious impacts on biological functions. RNA-seq analysis highlighted five candidate genes that were highly expressed in pod and seed tissues during reproductive stages and other plant parts. A gene, Gm_Wm82_23219 (Glyma.08G293800, Wm82.a2.v1) encoding proline-rich protein 4-like, was highlighted in both PROVEAN and RNA-seq analyses. Novel findings in this study will be valuable genetic resources in soybean breeding programs that aim to improve efficiency in animal feed and human food.

Toxicological effects and molecular metabolic of polystyrene nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Strengthening defense ability by enhancing secondary metabolisms.

Nanoplastics, as emerging pollutants, have attracted worldwide concern for their possible environmental dangers. The ingestion and accumulation of nanoplastics in crops can contaminate the food chain and have unintended consequences for human health. In this study, we revealed the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 80nm) at different concentrations (0, 10, 100mgL-1) on soybean (Glycine max L.) seedling growth, antioxidant enzyme system and secondary metabolism. Using laser confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that the absorption and translocation of PS-NPs in soybean. Plant growth inhibition was observed by changes in plant height, root length, and leaf area after 7 days of exposure to PS-NPs. The effect of PS-NPs on photosynthetic characteristics was reflected by a significant reduction in total chlorophyll content at 10mgL-1. Activation of the antioxidant system was observed with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified a total of 159 secondary metabolites, and exposure to 10 and 100mgL-1 PS-NPs resulted in the production of 61 and 62 differential secondary metabolites. Metabolomics analysis showed that PS-NPs treatment altered the secondary metabolic profile of soybean leaves through the biosynthesis pathways of flavonoid, flavone flavonol, and isoflavones, which is expected to provide new insights into the tolerance mechanisms of plants to nanoplastics. Overall, the results of this study deepen our understanding of the negative impacts of nanoplastics in agricultural systems, which is crucial for assessing the risks of nanoplastics to ecological security.

The effects of biosolid microplastics on rhizosphere respiration of root exudates in Glycine max

The effects of biosolid microplastics on rhizosphere respiration of root exudates in Glycine max

Optimum Sowing Time and Suitable Cultivars for Seed Quality Parameters of Soybean (Glycine max L.) during Off-Season in Northern Telangana Zone

Aims: To identify the optimum sowing time and suitable varieties of soybean for quality of soybean during the off-season in the Northern Telangana Agroclimatic zone of Telangana state in India. Study Design: Strip plot design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rudrur, Nizamabad District, Telangana state, India, between October 2022 and June 2023. Methodology: The field experiment was conducted in medium clay loam soil under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three varieties viz., JS 335 (V1), ASB 22 (V2) and KDS 726 (V3) as horizontal strips and nine dates of sowings (16 days interval) viz., 3 Oct (D1), 19 Oct (D2), 3 Nov (D3), 19 Nov (D4), 3 Dec (D5) 19 Dec (D6), 3 Jan (D7), 19 Jan (D8) and 3 Feb (D9) as vertical strips, replicated thrice. The seeds were sown by dibbling at 5 cm apart within the row and rows were space at 45 cm apart. Standard recommended package of practice of kharif season suggested by PJTSAU was followed. The data on seed quality parameters were recorded by placing 100 seeds of 3 replications in paper towels and field. Results: The results of the experiment revealed that, the seeds of cv. JS 335 and cv. KDS 726 collected from D2 recorded the highest values of germination %, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II which was tested at 1 week after harvest, 1 month after harvest and in June month. Whereas, the seeds of cv. ASB 22 in D1 maintained higher germination%, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II across the time interval of testing from 1 week after harvest to June month. The field emergence test in June month results showed that, the seeds of cv. JS 335, ASB 22 and KDS 726 produced with 3 Jan, 3 Nov and 19 Nov sowings, respectively recorded highest number of seed emergence at 3rd, 4th, 7th and 14th day of count. Conclusion: The soybean cv. ASB 22 sown in the first week of Oct was found to be suitable for producing high quality seeds during the off season.

Identification and characterization of umami-ACE inhibitory peptides from traditional fermented soybean curds.

Fermented soybean curds (FSC) are popular because of its umami taste. Its bioactivities are of interest. Peptides in FSC were identified using nano-HPLC-MS/MS, and 11 candidate peptides showing potential umami and ACE inhibitory activities were screened using various databases. Pharmacophore model analysis showed their high probability of ACE inhibition with fit values >2, which showed the peptides bound to umami receptors and ACE mainly through hydrogen bond, and electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, their docking and interaction energy were independent of the peptide length. Three high umami-ACE inhibitory peptides (VE, FEF, and WEEF) were synthesized. Their umami thresholds were WEEF (0.32mM)<FEF (0.55mM)<VE (1.10mM), while their IC50 were WEEF (85±2μM)<FEF (170±10μM)<VE (205±5μM). NO and ET-1 production were dose-dependent with WEEF showing the best ACE inhibitory activity. The results allowed identification of effective umami agents and ACE inhibitory peptides from fermented soybean products. It could also be useful method for screening potential umami-ACE inhibitory peptides.

Unveiling the regulatory mechanism of pulsed electric field modified instant soy milk powder: Exploring allergenicity, conformation, and epitopes.

Glycinin and β-conglycinin are prominent allergens, limiting the safety of soy and soy products in a wide range of applications. The study investigated the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) on allergenicity, conformation, and epitopes of instant soy milk powder (ISMP) and the simulated digestion products (SDP), and to preliminarily elucidate the regulatory mechanism using multispectroscopy and peptidomics. The allergenicity of SDP and ISMP treated at 20 and 30kV/cm were reduced and conformations were altered, especially decrease or disappearance of α-helix, enhancement of random coil, and reduction of hydrogen and disulfide bonds in SDP (P<0.05). Furthermore, their digestion-resistant linear epitopes (DRLE) were differed, such as RSQSDN, EEEEQRQQ, and SRNPIY, therein N and P might be critical amino acids affecting their allergenicity. Overall, PEF reduced the ISPM allergenicity by altering conformations, increasing sensitivities to gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, and modulating binding sites to IgE by covering or disrupting linear epitopes.

Ethanolic extract of Akhuni induces ROS-mediated apoptosis through ERK and AKT signalling pathways: Insights from metabolic profiling and molecular docking studies.

Akhuni, an ethnic food of northeast India, induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. This is the first report on the anticancer potential of Akhuni. Akhuni is a traditional fermented soybean product known for its umami taste and delicacy, commonly used in Northeast India's cuisine. The current work demonstrates the antiproliferative potential of Akhuni ethanolic extract (AKET) against B16-F10 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells and its mechanism of action supported by metabolic profiling and molecular docking. The investigation evaluated cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution, caspase activity, apoptosis-related gene and protein expression, and oxidative stress imposed by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both cell types. Phytochemical characterization of AKET was performed using HPLC. The growth of both cells is concentration-dependently inhibited after AKET treatment in MTT and flow cytometry experiments, leading to an arrest in the cell cycle at the G2 phase. Intracellular ROS levels increased in response to AKET treatment, suggesting that ROS in both cells triggered the mitochondrial pathway. Compared to the untreated cells, qRT-PCR analysis showed that AKET significantly reduced Cdk2 and Bcl-2 and increased the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-9, Bax, FasL, and Bid. Additionally, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and the protein p53 were significantly upregulated in AKET-treated cells, as confirmed by both real-time and ELISA assays. In both the B16-F10 and MDA-MB-231cell lines, the Western blot analysis showed that AKET caused an elevation of the expression of the Bax protein and downregulation of the Erk1/2, Akt, and Bcl2 proteins. Six isoflavones were identified from AKET through HPLC analysis. Molecular docking results indicate compounds in the AKET extract like daidzein, genistein and glycitein act as potent inhibitors of the key oncoprotein, AKT. These findings suggest that AKET has an anticancer effect through ROS-mediated ERK1/2 and AKT signalling pathways.

Substituting barley with soya bean hulls in the concentrate offered to beef cattle as a supplement to grass silage or ad libitum: Intake, feed efficiency, carcass and selected meat quality traits

Substituting barley with soya bean hulls in the concentrate offered to beef cattle as a supplement to grass silage or ad libitum: Intake, feed efficiency, carcass and selected meat quality traits

A study on the correlation between hyperuricemia and lifestyle and dietary habits.

This study aimed to compare whether differences in lifestyle and dietary habits have an impact on hyperuricemia and to provide a reliable basis for the health management of citizens in our city. A total of 10,883 subjects who did not suffer from hyperuricemia, was anticipated in this study in 2018. After 2 years of follow-up, 7727 did not suffer from hyperuricemia and 3156 suffered from hyperuricemia. Dietary habits and lifestyle were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors of hyperuricemia. For the analysis of the amount of change in uric acid (UA) before and after 2 years, t-tests and spearman correlation were used to explore the differences between the groups, and the trend effect of each variable on the amount of change in uric acid was analyzed by linear regression equations. The results showed that the prevalence of hyperuricemia varied by sex, high-fat food, smoked and fried food, milk and soy products, sugary drinks, sleep time, and the degree of smoking and drinking. Among them, infrequent consumption of milk and soy products, and short sleep time were risk factors for hyperuricemia, and men were more likely to have elevated uric acid levels after 2 years. It is recommended that people with hyperuricemia should actively limit their intake of fried foods, alcohol, and purine-rich foods, increase their intake of milk and soy foods, increase their sleep time, and seek to improve kidney and liver function.