Succinic Acid Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА ОБЪЕКТИВНЫХ МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПРИЗНАКОВ МИТОХОНДРИЙ ГЕПАТОЦИТОВ КРЫС ПРИ СОЧЕТАННОМ МИКОТОКСИКОЗЕ НА ФОНЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ КОМПЛЕКСОВ

The purpose of research is to study the ultrastructure of the liver and morphometric characteristics of mitochondria of white rats with combined mycotoxicosis against the background of the use of prophylactic complexes. The work was performed on 80 rats weighing 150–170 g, divided into 8 groups (n=10). The first group of rats served as biological control. Mycotoxins were given to rats with food (aflatoxin B1 – 2.5 mg/kg; T-2 toxin – 5 mg/kg; zearalenone – 2.0 mg/kg of feed). In addition to the toxic diet, rats of groups 3–5 received prophylactic complexes at a dose of 0.25 % of the diet (prophylactic complexes No. 1, 2, 3: 1 – β-glucans, milk thistle meal, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, levamisole; 2 – bentonite, succinic acid, methyluracil; vitamin A, probiotic preparation Florin; 3 – halloysite, methionine, β-glucans, milk thistle meal). Rats of groups 6–8, in addition to the main diet, received prophylactic complex № 1, 2, and 3, respectively, at a dosage similar to that for groups 3–5. Ultrastructural studies of the liver were performed according to standard electron microscopic techniques. Combined mycotoxicosis (group No. 2) at the level of the ultrastructure of hepatocytes is manifested by an uncharacteristic shape of nuclei, redistribution of chromatin, destructive processes in mitochondria, and clearing of significant areas of the cytoplasm. The electron-light cytoplasm has few inclusions and a fragmented endoplasmic reticulum. The matrix of most mitochondria has an average electron density, cristae are not visualized, some mitochondria are characterized by membrane destruction. In a comparative aspect, the toxic control group compared to the biological group is characterized by a statistically significant (in the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction p<0.0096) decrease in all values of the morphometric characteristics of mitochondria (area, perimeter, sphericity and caliperometric diameter). Approbation of prophylactic complexes in case of combined mycotoxicosis showed a protective and therapeutic effect (presence of glycogen, sufficiently dense cytoplasm, preservation of the integrity of membrane organelles).

Cation-Vacancy Engineering in Cobalt Selenide Boosts Electrocatalytic Upcycling of Polyester Thermoplastics at Industrial-Level Current Density.

The past decades have witnessed the increasing accumulation of plastics, posing a daunting environmental crisis. Among various solutions, converting plastics into value-added products presents a significant endeavor. Here, an electrocatalytic upcycling route that efficiently converts waste poly(butylene terephthalate) plastics into high-value succinic acid with high Faradaic efficiency of 94.0% over cation vacancies-rich cobalt selenide catalyst is reported, showcasing unprecedented activity (1.477V vs. RHE) to achieve an industrial-level current density of 1.5Acm-2, and featuring a robust operating durability (≈170h). In particular, when combining butane-1,4-diol monomer oxidation (BOR) with hydrogen evolution using the cation vacancy-engineered cobalt selenide as bifunctional catalyst, a relatively low cell voltage of 1.681V is required to reach 400mAcm-2, manifesting an energy-saving efficiency of ≈15% compared to pure water splitting. The mechanism and reaction pathways of BOR over the vacancies-rich catalyst are first revealed through theoretical calculations and in-situ spectroscopic investigations. The generality of this catalyst is evidenced by its powerful electrocatalytic activity to other polyester thermoplastics such as poly(butylene succinate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate). These electrocatalytic upcycling strategies can be coupled with the reduction of small molecules (e.g., H2O, CO2, and NO3 -), shedding light on energy-saving production of value-added chemicals.

Exploiting Mixed Waste Office Paper Containing Lignocellulosic Fibers for Alternatively Producing High-Value Succinic Acid by Metabolically Engineered Escherichia coli KJ122

Succinic acid is applied in many chemical industries in which it can be produced through microbial fermentation using lignocellulosic biomasses. Mixed-waste office paper (MWOP) containing lignocellulosic fibers is enormously generated globally. MWOP is recycled into toilet paper and cardboard, but the recovery process is costly. The reuse of MWOP to alternatively produce succinic acid is highly attractive. In this study, pretreatment of MWOPs with 1% (v/v) H2SO4 at 121 °C for 20 min was found to be optimal. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of H2SO4-pretreated MWOP (AP-MWOP) were at 50 °C, with cellulase loading at 80 PCU/g AP-MWOP. This resulted in the highest glucose (22.46 ± 0.15 g/L) and xylose (5.11 ± 0.32 g/L). Succinic acid production via separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) by Escherichia coli KJ122 reached 28.19 ± 0.98 g/L (productivity of 1.17 ± 0.04 g/L/h). For simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), succinic acid was produced at 24.58 ± 2.32 g/L (productivity of 0.82 ± 0.07 g/L/h). Finally, succinic acid at 51.38 ± 4.05 g/L with yield and productivity of 0.75 ± 0.05 g/g and 1.07 ± 0.08 g/L/h was achieved via fed-batch pre-saccharified SSF. This study not only offers means to reuse MWOP for producing succinic acid but also provides insights for exploiting other wastes to high-value succinic acid, supporting environmental sustainability and zero-waste society.

Liquid–Liquid Flow and Mass Transfer Enhancement in Tube-in-Tube Millireactors with Structured Inserts and Advanced Inlet Designs

Liquid–liquid mass transfer is crucial in chemical processes like extraction and desulfurization. Traditional tube-in-tube millireactors often overlook internal flow dynamics, focusing instead on entry modifications. This study explores mass transfer enhancement through structured inserts (twisted tapes, multi-blades) and inlet designs (multi-hole injectors, T-mixers). Using high-speed imaging and water–succinic acid–butanol experiments, flow patterns and mass transfer rates were analyzed. Results show annular and dispersion flows dominate under tested conditions with structured inserts lowering the threshold for dispersion flow. Multi-hole injectors improved mass transfer by over 40% compared to T-mixers in plain tubes, while C-tape inserts achieved the highest volumetric mass transfer coefficient (2.43 s−1) due to increased interfacial area and droplet breakup from energy dissipation. This approach offers scalable solutions to enhance tube-in-tube millireactor performance for industrial applications.

Enzymatic degradation of polybutylene succinate by recombinant cutinase cloned from Paraphoma chrysanthemicola.

Polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable plastic, can be used as an alternative to traditional plastics to effectively solve the growing plastic pollution. Although PBS is theoretically completely biodegradable, slow degradation remains a problem in practical applications, leading to the possibility of environmental pollution. In this study, after the PBS degradation ability of the fungus Paraphoma chrysanthemicola was determined, a P. chrysanthemicola cutinase (PCC) gene was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris and its PBS degradation ability was further characterized. With a molecular weight of approximately 20kDa, PCC showed good PBS degradation activity at pH 6.0-8.0 and 20-40°C. Metal ions have different effects on PCC activity. Specifically, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Co2+ promoted enzyme activity, whereas Cu2+, Fe2+, and Ni2+ inhibited enzyme activity. The weight loss of the PBS films was greater than 50% after 60h of PCC treatment, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the appearance of cracks on the surface of the PBS films during the degradation process, which deepened with the progression of degradation time. This PBS degradation by PCC occurs via surface erosion, with the resulting degradation products being mainly 1,4-succinic acid and succinic acid butanediyl ester. This study provides a preliminary elucidation of the enzymatic mechanisms involved in PBS degradation by PCC and offers insights into the development of more effective biotechnological approaches to address the environmental challenges associated with plastic waste.

Untargeted Metabolomics Comparison and Nutrition Evaluation of Geographical Indication Newhall Navel Oranges in China

The untargeted metabolomics of Newhall navel oranges from three areas in China—Ganzhou, Fengjie, and Zigui—with geographical indication (GI) was measured using LC-MS/MS. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed for sample classification and important metabolite identification. This approach identified the best markers of the geographical origin able to discriminate Fengjie, Ganzhou, and Zigui orange samples. For peeled samples, 2-isopropylmalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic γ-semialdehyde, D-β-phenylalanine, hesperetin, hydrocinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and dehydroascorbate were the markers used to discriminate the geographical origin. All these markers were overexpressed in the peeled samples from the Zigui area, followed by the Ganzhou area. As for unpeeled samples, L-glutamic γ-semialdehyde, isovitexin 2′-O-β-D-glucoside, 2-isopropylmalic acid, isovitexin, diosmetin, trans-2-hydroxycinnamate and trans-cinnamate, L-aspartic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and β-carotene were used to discriminate their origin. The first seven markers in Zigui-planted whole samples showed the highest levels, and the last three markers were richest in Ganzhou-planted samples. According to the variation in the markers for discriminating the origins of the peeled or unpeeled Newhall navel oranges with GI and the highest value of titratable acidity in those from Zigui, the samples planted in Ganzhou have the best balance between taste and nutrition. This work confirms that the approach of untargeted metabolomics combined with OPLS-DA is an effective way for origin tracing and overall quality evaluation.

Metabolomic Insights into the Potential of Chestnut Biochar as a Functional Feed Ingredient

Biochar is potentially a functional ingredient in animal nutrition that offers health benefits such as detoxification, while also promoting environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and its circular production. However, the heterogeneity of commercially available biochar products requires a detailed assessment of their functional properties for applications in animal feed. This study evaluates chestnut biochar from morphological, chemical, and metabolomic perspectives and assesses its functional properties. Metabolomic analysis of a water extract using QTOF HPLC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic and succinic acids, highlighting its potential as a functional feed ingredient. The chestnut biochar inhibited the growth of the pathogenic E. coli strains F18+ and F4+, with maximum inhibition rates of 15.8% and 28.6%, respectively, after three hours of incubation. The downregulation of genes associated with quorum sensing (MotA, FliA, FtsE, and HflX, involved in biofilm formation and cellular division) suggests that biochar interferes with several aspects of the pathogenic process. Importantly, biochar was not found to adversely affect beneficial probiotic bacteria, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri. These findings support the potential of chestnut biochar as a versatile ingredient for sustainable animal nutrition, thus promoting animal welfare while offering environmental benefits.

The effects of ultra-selective beta1-antagonism on the metabolic and cytokine profile in septic shock patients receiving noradrenaline: a sub-investigation from the STRESS-L Randomised Study

PurposeThe landiolol and organ failure in patients with septic shock (STRESS-L study) included a pre-planned sub-study to assess the effect of landiolol treatment on inflammatory and metabolomic markers.MethodsSamples collected from 91 patients randomised to STRESS-L were profiled for immune and metabolomic markers. A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured through commercially acquired multiplex Luminex assays and statistically analysed by individual and cluster-level analysis (patient). Metabolite fingerprinting was carried out by flow infusion electrospray ionisation high-resolution mass spectrometry and metabolomic data were analysed using the R-based platform MetaboAnalyst. The metabolites were identified using DIMEdb (dimedb.ibers.aber.ac.uk) from their mass/charge ratios. These metabolomic data were also re-analysed using individual and cluster-level analysis. The individual-level models were adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, noradrenaline dosage and patient (random effect).ResultsAnalysis was undertaken at cluster- and individual-level. There were no significant differences in cytokine concentration level between trial arms nor survivors and non-survivors over the duration of the observations from day 1 to day 4. Metabolomic analysis showed some separation in the levels of ceramides and cardiolipins between those who survived and those who died. Following adjusted analysis for confounders, plasma metabolite concentrations remained statistically different between landiolol and standard care arms for succinic acid, l-tryptophan, l-alanine, 2,2,2-trichloroethanol, lactic acid and d-glucose.ConclusionsIn a study of ICU patients with established septic shock and a tachycardia, landiolol treatment used to reduce the heart rate from above 95 to a range between 80 and 94 beats per minute did not induce significant cytokine changes. d-Glucose, lactic acid, succinic acid, l-alanine, l-tryptophan and trichloroethanol were pathways that may merit further investigation.Trial Registration: EU Clinical Trials Register Eudra CT: 2017-001785-14 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2017-001785-14/GB); ISRCTN registry Identifier: ISRCTN12600919 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12600919).

Tumor and intratumoral pathogen cascade-targeting photothermal nanotherapeutics for boosted immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Clinical benefits of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited due to the low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is discovered to colonize CRC tumors and dampen immunotherapy by fostering an immunosuppressive TME. Herein, a controllable "Shielding-deshielding" N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-derived photothermal nanotherapeutic is developed to mediate cascade targeting toward tumor and intratumoral Fn for enhanced photothermal-immunotherapy. This nanotherapeutic can in situ generate near infrared-II laser-activatable photothermal agent by reacting with endogenous hydrogen sulfide in CRC. The Schiff bond-tethered hyaluronic acid coating not only facilitates precise localization within CRC but shieldes GalNAc-mediated liver targeting, which can be deshielded upon a slightly acidic TME to anchor Fn by binding to its lectin Fap2. This cascade-targeting nanotherapeutic enables efficacious tumor accumulation and reinforces photothermal therapy (PTT) efficacy. Notably, PTT efficiently induces immunogenic cell death in CRC cells, leading to augmented immunogenicity and CD8+ T cell activation. Meanwhile, synchronous eradication of Fn facilitates M1 macrophage polarization, and promotes intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cell by reducing succinic acid level, thereby further boosting antitumor immunity against both primary and distant tumors. Overall, this study involving cascade targeting-reinforced PTT and intratumoral microorganism modulation offers new insight into effective CRC immunotherapy.

Bio-Electrocatalytically Regulated Selective Succinic Acid Production by Suppressing Pyruvate Channel Using Glycerol and CO2

Bio-Electrocatalytically Regulated Selective Succinic Acid Production by Suppressing Pyruvate Channel Using Glycerol and CO₂

Zooming into CTC black-tea wine metabolites: A GC-MS-based study

This research was designed to propose a report on fermentation metabolomics of CTC (crush-tear-curl) tea wine (TW), a yeast-fermented broth of sugared CTC black tea infusion. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the tea wine revealed the presence of thirty-five metabolites, including the major compound glycerine with some potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents (4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-; furfural; furfuryl alcohol; succinic acid; levulinic acid; palmitic acid; tyrosol, pyruvaldehyde; and 1-hexadecanol). The role of metabolites in the physicochemical, biochemical, and medicinal properties of TW has been discussed. Biomolecules responsible for the flavour of TW were as follows: glycerine derivatives; pyruvaldehyde; furfural; furfuryl alcohol; acetic, levulinic, succinic, and palmitic acids, etc. – which might develop a sweet, caramel-like, astringent, slightly sour and wine-like flavour and taste. Furthermore, on the basis of yeast metabolism, possible biosynthesis pathways of metabolites were designed aiming for fermentation metabolomics. The outcome of this study cross-verified physicochemical, biochemical, and medicinal properties of TW suggesting its acceptability. As the fields of both wine research and tea science continue to evolve, the findings of this study may encourage fermentation technology for product development from tea that may also boost the growth of the tea industry.

Carbon Dioxide Micro-Nano Bubbles Aeration Improves Carbon Fixation Efficiency for Succinic Acid Synthesis by Escherichia coli

The low solubility of CO2 in water leads to massive CO2 emission and extremely low CO2 utilization in succinic acid (SA) biosynthesis. To enhance microbial CO2 utilization, micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) were induced in SA biosynthesis by E. coli Suc260 in this study. The results showed that MNB aeration decreased CO2 emissions and increased CO2 solubility in the medium significantly. The CO2 utilization of MNB aeration was 129.69% higher than that of bubble aeration in atmospheric fermentation. However, MNBs showed a significant inhibitory effect on bacterial growth in the pressurized environment, although a two-stage aerobic–anaerobic fermentation strategy weakened the inhibition. The biofilm-enhanced strain E. coli Suc260-CsgA showed a strong tolerance to MNBs. In pressurized fermentation with MNB aeration, the actual CO2 utilization of E. coli Suc260-CsgA was 30.63% at 0.18 MPa, which was a 6.49-times improvement. The CO2 requirement for SA synthesis decreased by 83.4%, and the fugitive emission of CO2 was successfully controlled. The activities of key enzymes within the SA synthesis pathway were also maintained or enhanced in the fermentation process with MNB aeration. These results indicated that the biofilm-enhanced strain and CO2-MNBs could improve carbon fixation efficiency in microbial carbon sequestration.

Investigation of the Molecular Mechanism of Asthma in Meishan Pigs Using Multi-Omics Analysis.

Asthma has been extensively studied in humans and animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying asthma in Meishan pigs, a breed with distinct genetic and physiological characteristics, remain elusive. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into veterinary medicine and human asthma research. We investigated asthma pathogenesis in Meishan pigs through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of blood samples taken during autumn and winter. Asthma in Meishan pigs is related to inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle disorders. Related genes include CXCL10, CCL8, CCL22, CCL21, OLR1, and ACKR1, while metabolites include succinic acid, riboflavin-5-phosphate, and fumaric acid. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed on panting and normal Meishan pigs, and differentially expressed genes underwent functional enrichment screening. Metabolomic analysis revealed differential metabolites and pathways between groups. Combined analyses indicated that lung inflammation is influenced by genetic, allergenic, and environmental factors disrupting oxidative phosphorylation in lung mitochondria, affecting the TCA cycle. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, glutathione S-transferases, arginase 1 and RORC in immune regulation, the Notch pathway, YPEL4 in cell proliferation, and MARCKS in airway mucus secretion play roles in asthma pathogenesis. This study highlights that many cytokines and signaling pathways contribute to asthma. Further studies are needed to elucidate their complex interactions.

Drug Property Optimization: Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Novel Pharmaceutical Salts and Cocrystal-Salt of Lumefantrine.

Lumefantrine (LMF) is a low-solubility antimalarial drug that cures acute, uncomplicated malaria. It exerts its pharmacological effects against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. and prevents malaria pathogens from producing nucleic acid and protein, thereby eliminating the parasites. Modifying the structure of a drug through the formation of a pharmaceutical cocrystal or salt presents an avenue through which its physicochemical properties can be optimized. In this work, we report the design/synthesis and solid-state characterization of four new salts and cocrystal-salt forms of LMF; an LMF-ADP salt, monoclinic space group P21/n; an LMF-FUM cocrystal-salt, monoclinic space group P21/c; an LMF-TAR solvate salt, monoclinic space group P21/n; and an LMF-SUC salt, triclinic, space group P1̅ (ADP, dianion of adipic acid; FUM, monoanion of fumaric acid; TAR, dianion of tartaric acid; SUC, dianion of succinic acid). These salts can be obtained by solution as well as by mechanochemical cocrystallization methods. The multicomponent systems gain their stability from hydrogen and partial ionic bonding interactions (N-H···O, O-H···O, N+-H···O-, and O-H+···O-) originating from both the dibutyl ammonium (N+-H) site and the alcohol hydroxyl (-OH) site of LMF toward the carboxylate (-C(O-)═O) functional groups of the coformer anions. SCXRD indicates for LMF-ADP, LMF-TAR, and LMF-SUC complete transfer of all carboxylic acid protons (H+) toward the LMF nitrogen, while for LMF-FUM, one of the protons is transferred (leaving a hydrofumarate monoanion). Using salicylic and acetylsalicylic acids as coformers yielded coamorphous solids. Solid-state characterization using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal techniques (DSC and TGA) support and confirm the structures obtained from single-crystal XRD. LMF-ADP and LMF-FUM present superior stability under standard conditions (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% RH, and 3 months) compared to the amorphous samples and the other two salts. LMF-SUC showed poor thermal stability by DSC/TGA, and powder XRD patterns for LMF-TAR showed substantial change after the 3-month stability test. Finally, the calculated equilibrium solubilities for the cocrystal salts indicate an increase of more than twofold compared to LMF's solubility.

Circulating serum metabolites as biomarkers and predictors of residual feed intake in lactating dairy cows

This study explored the potential of circulatory serum metabolite profiles to increase understanding of the physiology of feed efficiency and identify biomarkers to predict residual feed intake (RFI) in lactating Holsteins. Serum metabolite profiles were compared in high (n = 20) and low RFI (n = 20) cows at early, mid, and late lactation stages. The low RFI cows had decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of dodecanoylcarnitine, dodecenoylcarnitine, dodecanedioylcarnitine, tetradecanoylcarnitine, succinic acid, trimethylamine N-oxide, betaine, and increased concentrations of p-Hydroxyhippuric acid, hydroxysphingomyeline C16:1, phosphatidylcholine diacyl C40:6, and glutarylcarnitine at early lactation. A similar comparison at mid lactation stage showed altered serum concentrations of 26 metabolites that fall into the categories of acyl carnitines, glycerophospholipids, biogenic amines, amino acids, and organic acids. At late lactation, fewer sets of metabolites were significantly affected by RFI grouping. Receiver operator curve analyses identified p-Hydroxyhippuric acid as the top biomarker at early lactation and acetylornithine at mid and late lactation. Models based on sets of serum metabolites in early, mid, and late lactation stages predicted RFI with a validation coefficient of determination of 0.54, 0.68, and 0.64, respectively. This study demonstrated the potential of circulatory serum metabolites as biomarkers and predictors of RFI in lactating dairy cows.

Construction of an Efficient O-Succinyl-L-homoserine Producing Cell Factory and Its Application for Coupling Production of L-Methionine and Succinic Acid.

O-Succinyl-L-homoserine (OSH) is an important C4 platform compound with broad applications. Its green and efficient production is receiving increasing attention. Herein, the OSH producing chassic cell was constructed by deleting the transcriptional negative regulation factor, blocking the OSH consumption pathway, and inhibiting the competitive bypass pathways. The precursor synthesis pathways of aspartic acid and homoserine were further strengthened, and the pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis pathway were modified to enhance the NADPH supply. Adaptive evolution was applied to improve the tolerance of the cell factory to the fermentation environment. With Raman online analysis, the metabolic process model was built to guide fermentation regulation. The final titer of OSH reached 121.7 g/L with conversion of 63% in a 50 L fermenter. Based on this, a coupling production route for L-methionine and succinic acid from OSH was established with good atomic economy and environmental friendliness.

Trade-Off Between Enzymatic Antioxidant Defense and Accumulation of Organic Metabolite Affects Salt Tolerance of White Clover Associated with Redox, Water, and Metabolic Homeostases.

White clover (Trifolium repens) is an excellent perennial cold-season ground-cover plant for municipal landscaping and urban greening. It is, therefore, widely distributed and utilized throughout the world. However, poor salt tolerance greatly limits its promotion and application. This study aims to investigate the difference in the mechanism of salt tolerance in relation to osmotic adjustment, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defenses, and organic metabolites remodeling between salt-tolerant PI237292 (Trp004) and salt-sensitive Korla (KL). Results demonstrated that salt stress significantly induced chlorophyll loss, water imbalance, and accumulations of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion (O2.-), resulting in reduced cell membrane stability in two types of white clovers. However, Trp004 maintained significantly higher leaf relative water content and chlorophyll content as well as lower osmotic potential and oxidative damage, compared with KL under salt stress. Although Trp004 exhibited significantly lower activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroasorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase than KL in response to salt stress, significantly higher ascorbic acid (ASA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), ASA/DHA, and GSH/GSSG were detected in Trp004. These findings indicated a trade-off relationship between antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidants in different white clover genotypes adapting to salt stress. In addition, Trp004 accumulated more organic acids (glycolic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, linolenic acid, and cis-sinapic acid), amino acids (serine, l-allothreonine, and 4-aminobutyric acid), sugars (tagatose, fructose, glucoheptose, cellobiose, and melezitose), and other metabolites (myo-inositol, arabitol, galactinol, cellobiotol, and stigmasterol) than KL when they suffered from the same salt concentration and duration of stress. These organic metabolites helped to maintain osmotic adjustment, energy supply, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and cellular metabolic homeostasis with regard to salt stress. Trp004 can be used as a potential resource for cultivating in salinized soils.

Comparative bioactivity analysis of latex and water extract of Euphorbia gaillardotii: chemical profile, antioxidant capacity, effects on water quality, in vitro antimicrobial-cytotoxic activities, and in silico molecular docking studies.

The genus Euphorbia, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, represents a significant ethnobotanical heritage due to the diverse bioactive properties exhibited. In this study, the phytochemical composition and biological activities of latex and aerial parts of the water extract of Euphorbia gaillardotii were investigated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques and total antioxidants, phenolics, sugars, organic acids, and aroma components were quantitatively determined. The effects of the test compounds on physicochemical parameters in aqueous media were evaluated by electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration, and pH measurements. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast strains using the disk diffusion method. The cytotoxic activity on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line was measured spectrophotometrically using the Cell Counting Kit-8 proliferation/apoptosis detection kit. The results showed that E. gaillardotii latex and aerial parts water extract significantly affected the physicochemical parameters of aqueous media, especially at high concentrations. The test substances displayed antimicrobial activity, with the latex-impregnated disks demonstrating larger inhibition zones than the aerial parts extract. The results showed that both the latex and extract treatments exhibited concentration-dependent effects on MCF-7 cell viability (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in silico docking analyses revealed a robust binding affinity of succinic acid, the most prevalent bioactive compound in the extract, towards the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) molecule, with a binding energy of -6.16 kcal/mol. This may be associated with the observed cytotoxicity. These results suggest that E. gaillardotii may be a valuable source for potential pharmacological applications.

Comparative Metabolic Analysis of Different Indica Rice Varieties Associated with Seed Storability.

Therefore, the seed storage tolerance of global rice core germplasms stored for two years under natural aging conditions were identified, and two extreme groups with different seed storabilities from the Indica rice group were analyzed using the UPLC-MS/MS metabolomic strategy. Our results proved that the different rice core accessions showed significant variability in storage tolerance, and the metabolite analysis of the two Indica rice pools exhibited different levels of storability. A total of 103 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the two pools were obtained, of which 38 were up-regulated and 65 were down-regulated, respectively. Further analysis disclosed that the aging-resistant rice accessions had higher accumulation levels of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, lignans, and coumarins while exhibiting lower levels of lipids and alkaloids compared to the storage-sensitive rice accessions. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that several biosynthesis pathways were involved in the observed metabolite differences, including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. Notably, inhibition of the linolenic acid metabolic pathway could enhance seed storability. Additionally, increased accumulations of organic acids, such as succinic acid, D-malic acid, and methylmalonic acid, in the butanoate and propanoate metabolisms were identified as a beneficial factor for seed storage. These new findings will deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing rice storability.

Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Accidental Diagnosis of Unilateral Small Size Kidney.

A majority of small size kidney in children were diagnosed after a urinary tract infection (UTI) and with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This study was conducted in children who were diagnosed accidentally and investigated for VUR and UTI. This longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in children with a diagnosis of a small kidney accidentally discovered by ultrasonography and referred to Children's Hospital in Babol, Iran, between 2012-2022. They were investigated by DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) renoscintigraphy scans. Vesicoureteral reflux was diagnosed by voiding C\cystourethrography (VCUG) or radionuclide cystography (RNC). All children were followed for at least for 1 year with urine culture and urinalysis every 1-2 months for detection of UTI. Significance was set at P less than .05. The mean age of the children with small-size kidneys was 5.52 ± 3.70 years, and 58.1% were boys. Out of the 86 children, 28 (32.6%) were found to have VUR, with approximately 71.4% of them being boys. Breaking down by gender, 40% of boys and 28.6% of girls with small-sized kidneys had VUR. Among the children with and without VUR, 42.9% and 10.3% experienced UTIs, respectively (P=.74). The predominant causative microorganism for UTIs was Escherichia coli (55.6%), with Klebsiella (22.4%) and Enterobacter (22.4%) accounting for the remaining cases. Accidental diagnoses of small-size kidneys in children revealed a notable presence of VUR, with a higher prevalence in boys. This suggests that VUR may constitute a significant etiological factor in the development of small-size kidneys. We recommend that these children must be evaluated for VUR.