Highly toxic tire-derived -(1,3-dimethylbutyl)--phenyl--phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its quinone derivative (6PPD-Q) threaten aquatic ecosystems, but their accumulation and metabolic fate in rice paddies remain unclear. T...Highly toxic tire-derived -(1,3-dimethylbutyl)--phenyl--phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its quinone derivative (6PPD-Q) threaten aquatic ecosystems, but their accumulation and metabolic fate in rice paddies remain unclear. This study investigated their uptake and biotransformation in rice under root and foliar exposure. Both compounds were absorbed by roots and leaves, with bioconcentration factors (log BCF) reaching 1.69 and 1.62 in roots and 0.74 and 0.53 in shoots for 6PPD and 6PPD-Q, respectively. Root exposure triggered Phase I oxidation (dealkylation, hydroxylation), while foliar exposure promoted Phase II conjugation. Molecular docking, enzyme activity, and gene expression supported these pathways, with enzyme levels increasing (cytochrome P450 monooxygenase by 12.5%-20.7%, glutathione -transferase by 16.0%-59.0%). Metabolomics indicated a systemic response to root exposure, involving root metabolic inhibition and leaf-level compensatory adjustment. These findings clarify the biotransformation of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q in rice and emphasize the food-chain risks associated with multiroute exposure.
Antibiotic resistance transmission and the increasing diversity of antibiotic resistance phenotypes pose growing threats to food safety and public health. Foodborne bacteria employ quorum sensing (QS) to regulate virulen...Antibiotic resistance transmission and the increasing diversity of antibiotic resistance phenotypes pose growing threats to food safety and public health. Foodborne bacteria employ quorum sensing (QS) to regulate virulence expression and biofilm formation, enhancing pathogenicity and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting QS is regarded as a promising strategy to control bacteria. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) are highly promising for addressing bacterial resistance, as they do not rely on the direct killing of bacteria but rather on attenuation of bacterial spoilage effects in food by disrupting their group behavior. This review focuses on natural and synthetic compounds with QSI activity, elaborating their mechanisms and potential as antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the review proposes innovative antimicrobial strategies, including nanotechnology-based delivery systems, combination with phage, CRISPR-Cas technology, and multitargeted approaches cooperated with existing QSIs. These integrated strategies are designed to overcome challenges, providing novel methodologies for controlling bacterial contamination and infections while holding broad application prospects.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression closely involves ferroptosis. Using high-fat diet-challenged mice and free fatty acid (FFA)-treated HepG2 cells, we demonstrate that oleanolic...Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression closely involves ferroptosis. Using high-fat diet-challenged mice and free fatty acid (FFA)-treated HepG2 cells, we demonstrate that oleanolic acid (OA) ameliorates MASLD and suppresses ferroptosis─an effect validated by the ferroptosis activator Erastin. Supported by network pharmacology, mechanistic analyses reveal that OA exerts synergistic efficacy via a dual-axis network. First, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm that OA directly binds PTGS2, mitigating lipid peroxidation and inflammatory mediator release. Second, OA activates the AMPK/ACC metabolic signaling pathway, inhibiting ACC through phosphorylation to correct lipid metabolism disorders, and its antiferroptotic effect can be blocked by AMPK inhibitors. This study first elucidates OA's therapeutic mechanism against MASLD via "metabolic correction + oxidative inhibition," outlining a novel strategy for targeting hepatic ferroptosis.
In order to continue the development of PPO-inhibiting herbicides, compound was used as a lead compound to design and synthesize novel -phenyltriazinone derivatives containing carbamate groups () and oxime ester moietie...In order to continue the development of PPO-inhibiting herbicides, compound was used as a lead compound to design and synthesize novel -phenyltriazinone derivatives containing carbamate groups () and oxime ester moieties () by fragment deconstruction and recombination strategies. Bioassays revealed that compound ( = 30.3 nM) exhibited outstanding PPO inhibitory activity and showed 100% control to 26 tested weed species at 150 g a.i./ha. It also demonstrated markedly superior crop safety to trifludimoxazin, with injury rates of only 30% on maize and wheat, and 20% on sorghum, whereas trifludimoxazin caused 80% injury to the three crops. Molecular simulation calculations revealed that compound can stably bind to the PPO protein via forming three hydrophobic interactions with Leu356, Leu372, and Phe392 residues, and two hydrogen bonds with the Arg98 residue. The present work demonstrates that -phenyltriazinone derivatives containing carbamate/oxime ester fragments can be used as promising PPO-targeting herbicides.
Uronic acids are key structural components of plant and algal polysaccharides, and their quantification is central to the carbohydrate analysis. The widely used colorimetric assay by Blumenkrantz and Asboe-Hansen relies...Uronic acids are key structural components of plant and algal polysaccharides, and their quantification is central to the carbohydrate analysis. The widely used colorimetric assay by Blumenkrantz and Asboe-Hansen relies on acid-catalyzed degradation of uronic acids and the subsequent reaction with 3-phenylphenol to form a magenta xanthylium chromophore. Although the addition of borate is known to enhance color stability and sensitivity, its molecular role has remained unclear. Here, the effect of borate on the assay was systematically investigated by using photometric analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and UHPLC-DAD/MS. Two main effects were identified: enhanced formation of the chromophore precursor 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid and increased stability of the xanthylium chromophore, resulting in a higher absorbance and improved reproducibility. NMR analysis showed no significant borate-induced shift in the acid-lactone equilibrium of uronic acids under strongly acidic conditions. Instead, chromophore stabilization is attributed to increased sulfonation of 3-phenylphenol, which improves charge compensation and spectral stability.
In an effort to develop novel fungicides characterized by high efficacy and low toxicity, this study designed and synthesized 62 benzodioxole-arylhydrazide and benzodioxole-thiazolamine derivatives. Their antifungal acti...In an effort to develop novel fungicides characterized by high efficacy and low toxicity, this study designed and synthesized 62 benzodioxole-arylhydrazide and benzodioxole-thiazolamine derivatives. Their antifungal activities were evaluated against ten phytopathogenic fungi. The majority of arylhydrazide analogues exhibited significant inhibitory effects in vivo. Notably, compound demonstrated the best broad-spectrum antifungal potency, with EC values ranging from 0.2 to 5.9 μg/mL. Further in vivo evaluation confirmed that provided outstanding protective and curative effects against certain crop diseases. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that exerted its antifungal effects by blocking spore germination, arresting germ tube elongation, and compromising fungal cell membrane integrity. Additionally, displayed a favorable safety profile and promising plant-growth-modulating activity. These findings establish a solid foundation for the continued development of benzodioxole-derived compounds as novel botanical fungicides for agricultural protection.
As global sesame ( L.) exports expand, compliance with international Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) is essential. This study evaluated the effects of different desiccation rates of diquat, saflufenacil, and glyphosate, an...As global sesame ( L.) exports expand, compliance with international Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) is essential. This study evaluated the effects of different desiccation rates of diquat, saflufenacil, and glyphosate, and its metabolite AMPA, on residue levels in sesame seeds. Desiccation was performed 85 days after planting, and harvest was conducted 10 days after application for diquat and 20 days after application for glyphosate and saflufenacil. Herbicide residues were subsequently determined by LC-MS/MS. Diquat and saflufenacil residues remained below the limit of quantification (LoQ) in all treatments. However, neither herbicide provided satisfactory desiccation, as diquat caused rapid necrosis and seed burning, while saflufenacil showed limited efficacy. Glyphosate promoted slower desiccation with substantial residue accumulation in sesame seeds (23.6-51.7 mg kg), exceeding established MRLs, whereas AMPA remained below the LoQ. These findings highlight the need for crop-specific recommendations and residue monitoring programs to support safe sesame production and international trade.
Phyllosphere-microbe-plant interactions underlying nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHAP)-mediated disease control remain poorly understood. Here, foliar application of nHAP (100-400 mg/L) was evaluated for controlling rice bla...Phyllosphere-microbe-plant interactions underlying nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHAP)-mediated disease control remain poorly understood. Here, foliar application of nHAP (100-400 mg/L) was evaluated for controlling rice blast caused by under greenhouse conditions. The optimal treatment (200 mg/L) reduced disease severity by 42.6% and outperformed ionic Ca and P controls, as well as a commercial fungicide. Mechanistically, nHAP exhibited superior foliar retention (6.88%), enhancing local Ca and P bioavailability, and reshaping the phyllosphere microbiome by enriching beneficial and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. These shifts were associated with a 23.5% increase in salicylic acid biosynthesis relative to that of the infected control and activation of systemic acquired resistance. Metabolomic analysis further revealed an enhanced energy metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In addition, nHAP increased grain yield by 51.9% and improved grain nutritional quality (e.g., starch and protein) by 40.5-63.0%. These findings support nHAP as a promising strategy for sustainable crop-disease management and food production.
The widespread use of ()-based biopesticides in organic farming presents challenges for limited data on insecticidal protein concentrations in treated samples and the environment after the application of biopesticides....The widespread use of ()-based biopesticides in organic farming presents challenges for limited data on insecticidal protein concentrations in treated samples and the environment after the application of biopesticides. To address this, an LC-HR-MS/MS-PRM method for the identification and quantification of crystal proteins from subspecies , , and was developed. Marker peptides were selected based on untargeted analyses and validated for subspecies differentiation and quantification using stable-isotope-labeled (SIL) standards. The method demonstrated high sensitivity (ng/g range), repeatability precision, and selectivity across various matrices. Application to basil plants treated with biopesticides confirmed accurate subspecies identification and protein quantification. This approach supports product quality control and environmental safety by providing qualitative and quantitative data on toxins in treated samples depending on the applied biopesticide. It offers a robust analytical tool that addresses key limitations of current approaches.
Water scarcity in arid and desert regions critically threatens agricultural sustainability. We report a cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogel achieving an ultrahigh water absorption ratio exceeding 20,000 wt %, the hig...Water scarcity in arid and desert regions critically threatens agricultural sustainability. We report a cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogel achieving an ultrahigh water absorption ratio exceeding 20,000 wt %, the highest among all reported cellulose hydrogel systems. It retains ∼82% of its swelling capacity after five wet-dry cycles, demonstrating outstanding recyclability. In desert sand at 40 °C, just 3 wt % hydrogel sustained over 10% residual moisture for 48 h without irrigation. Swelling followed a quasi-second-order model with dual-phase diffusion, enabling rapid hydration and controlled water release. Hydrogel-amended sand markedly enhanced seedling drought resilience, extending wilting time by 5-7 days. Biodegradable and recyclable, this hydrogel simultaneously boosts soil moisture retention, respiration rate, microbial activity, and crop stress tolerance, offering a powerful, sustainable strategy for agriculture and ecological restoration in water-limited regions.
Prolonged exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a significant threat to livestock production. The liver is the main target, but the role of the gut-liver axis and lipid metabolism in pig hepatic toxicity is not well unde...Prolonged exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a significant threat to livestock production. The liver is the main target, but the role of the gut-liver axis and lipid metabolism in pig hepatic toxicity is not well understood. This study evaluates the impact of AFB1 on piglet liver injury via the gut-liver axis using multiomics analysis. Chronic AFB1 exposure significantly impaired the piglet growth and induced liver injury. Meanwhile, AFB1 caused gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier damage in the piglets. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated that AFB1-altered microbiota causally contribute to hepatic inflammation in mice. Multiomics analysis revealed systemic disruption of lipid metabolism pathways, which might be involved in the intestinal flora imbalance caused by AFB1. Abnormal lipid metabolism subsequently leads to the accumulation of inflammatory lipid mediators in the plasma, ultimately causing severe liver damage. The findings highlight the crucial roles of gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in AFB1-induced liver toxicity.
Widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers, especially urea, can contribute to environmental challenges such as nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions, particularly in high-input systems. All of the copper-based coordi...Widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers, especially urea, can contribute to environmental challenges such as nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions, particularly in high-input systems. All of the copper-based coordination polymers (Cu-CPs) exhibited strong inhibitory effects on urease, , featuring a trinuclear copper cluster and zigzag chain, showed the narrowest highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap among the four compounds (Δ = 0.136 eV), indicating high chemical reactivity and favorable electron-transfer capability, and the highest urease binding affinity (-10.32 kcal mol) by density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking. Cu-CPs demonstrated a dual-level mechanism: directly inhibiting urease at the molecular level and releasing Cu to suppress ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOA/AOB) via downregulation, thereby impeding nitrification. Reduced nitrate accumulation further downregulated denitrification genes (, , ), establishing cascade inhibition from nitrification to denitrification. and exhibited superior sustained dual inhibition, effectively delaying nitrogen transformation and reducing loss. This work offers a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural nitrogen management.
() is a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis, with hypervirulent or resistant strains and high recurrence, limiting current therapies. Antivirulence therapy presents a promising alternative by neut...() is a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis, with hypervirulent or resistant strains and high recurrence, limiting current therapies. Antivirulence therapy presents a promising alternative by neutralizing toxins without damaging the gut microbiota or promoting resistance. Here, we identified myricetin (MYR) and its derivatives, dihydromyricetin, and myricitrin (MYT), which effectively suppressed TcdB-mediated cell rounding. Mechanistically, MYR inhibits TcdB internalization, self-cleavage, and Rac1 glycosylation, thereby reducing the cytotoxicity. Microbiomics demonstrated that MYR promoted the expansion of beneficial bacteria such as Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria, including Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Metabolomics further revealed that MYR elevated the levels of indole and its derivatives, including castanospermine. Castanospermine supplementation decreased the fecal bacterial load and ameliorated histopathological damage in infected mice. Collectively, MYR exerts dual functions by antagonizing virulence and sustaining microbiota homeostasis, thereby improving outcomes in infections.
The present study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) against heat stress-induced reproductive damage in Hainan Wenchang roosters. Compared with sodium selenite, Nano-Se...The present study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) against heat stress-induced reproductive damage in Hainan Wenchang roosters. Compared with sodium selenite, Nano-Se more effectively improved sperm quality, enhanced activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase), and attenuated lipid peroxidation, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels under heat stress conditions. Nano-Se also inhibited testicular cell apoptosis and preserved blood-testis barrier integrity. Notably, Nano-Se reduced testicular iron accumulation and suppressed ferroptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and NQO1 and decreased expression of DMT1 and ACSL4. Consistently, in heat-stressed GC-2 spd(ts) cells, Nano-Se attenuated ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage. Mechanistically, the protective effects of Nano-Se were associated with modulation of the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 axis and enhanced GPX4 expression. These findings indicate that Nano-Se is an effective antiferroptotic selenium source for mitigating heat stress-induced male reproductive damage.
The yellow peach moth, , is a devastating fruit-boring pest widely distributed across Asia. In recent years, it has caused increasingly severe damage to crops such as summer corn. Here, we investigated the role of the io...The yellow peach moth, , is a devastating fruit-boring pest widely distributed across Asia. In recent years, it has caused increasingly severe damage to crops such as summer corn. Here, we investigated the role of the ionotropic receptor in oviposition regulation. Antennal transcriptomic analysis identified 27 candidate , including an expanded subfamily. qPCR analysis revealed that exhibited female-biased expression and was specifically upregulated in mated females. In two-electrode voltage clamp recordings, the CpunIR75q1/CpunIR8a receptor complex was strongly tuned to the green leaf volatiles -2-hexen-1-ol and -2-hexenoic acid. Mated females showed robust electroantennogram (EAG) responses and oviposition avoidance to both compounds. Crucially, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of significantly reduced female EAG responses and abolished oviposition avoidance. These findings demonstrate that mediates mating-induced oviposition avoidance, providing a molecular target for developing semiochemical-based pest management strategies.
The nonproductive adsorption between lignin and cellulase hinders bioethanol production, with phenolic hydroxyl (Ph-OH) groups believed to play a crucial role in the lignin-cellulase interaction. However, the adsorption...The nonproductive adsorption between lignin and cellulase hinders bioethanol production, with phenolic hydroxyl (Ph-OH) groups believed to play a crucial role in the lignin-cellulase interaction. However, the adsorption mechanism remains unclear and unverified. In this work, lignins with different Ph-OH contents were systematically prepared by acetylation or phenolation of softwood kraft lignin (KL). Single-molecule dynamic force spectroscopy with immobilized carbohydrate-binding modules was employed to directly quantify these interactions. A linear increase in both CBM adsorption on lignin and interaction force (2.31-8.33 nN) was observed with the Ph-OH content, providing direct evidence that the Ph-OH content is an important contributing factor affecting CBM-lignin interactions. Physicochemical characterization showed increased surface negative charge and decreased hydrophobicity. Thermodynamic analyses suggested that electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions all contribute to CBM-lignin association, while increasing the Ph-OH content enhanced the relative contribution of electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding. This study emphasizes the contribution of Ph-OH to cellulase adsorption, offering a basis for lignin modification strategies in lignocellulosic biorefineries.
Hepatocellular ferroptosis is a key driver of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (AILI). Although galangin has been reported to exert liver-protective effects by modulating ferroptosis, its role and mechanis...Hepatocellular ferroptosis is a key driver of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (AILI). Although galangin has been reported to exert liver-protective effects by modulating ferroptosis, its role and mechanism in AILI remain poorly understood. In this study, galangin significantly attenuated APAP-induced liver injury and dysfunction. RNA-seq analysis suggested that galangin may mitigate AILI ferroptosis- and autophagy-related pathways and identified FTH1 as a potential target. Molecular docking and CETSA confirmed a specific and stable interaction between galangin and FTH1. Furthermore, galangin significantly inhibited ferroptosis-related proteins (Cox2, Acsl4, and Lpcat3) and rescued antiferroptotic regulators (Gpx4, Slc7a11, Fsp1, and NADPH) in AILI mice, without altering autophagy-related proteins Ncoa4, LC3, and p62. Mechanistically, galangin inhibited the recognition and binding of HSC70 to FTH1 and downregulated the expression of LAMP2A, thereby reducing chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA)-dependent degradation of FTH1 and ultimately inhibiting ferroptosis. Overall, this study supports galangin as a potential hepatoprotective supplement.
Inspired by the insecticidal scaffold honokiol, bis(benzoxazole)-fused analogs were designed and synthesized. Compounds , , , , and exhibited potent oral toxicity (LC = 3.2-12.6 mg/L) and antifeedant activity (AFC = 1.0...Inspired by the insecticidal scaffold honokiol, bis(benzoxazole)-fused analogs were designed and synthesized. Compounds , , , , and exhibited potent oral toxicity (LC = 3.2-12.6 mg/L) and antifeedant activity (AFC = 1.0-3.3 mg/L) against , outperforming honokiol, toosendanin, and rotenone. In greenhouse trials, compound (100 mg/L, 48 h) achieved 51.1% corrected mortality and 75.8% leaf protection. Against , compounds , , , , and showed pronounced growth inhibition (LC = 90-360 mg/L), exceeding honokiol and toosendanin. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was identified as a potential target in , and Chitinase inhibition disrupted development. Negligible cytotoxicity (IC > 100 μM) against the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) suggests a favorable safety profile for mammalian exposure. The novel architectures, potent efficacy, and good safety profile highlight the potential of these honokiol-inspired compounds as promising insecticidal candidates.
-Coumaric acid is a widely utilized food additive with beneficial biological activities. A novel enzymatic catalysis strategy for the production of -coumaric acid from lignocellulosic biomass is proposed herein. The gene...-Coumaric acid is a widely utilized food additive with beneficial biological activities. A novel enzymatic catalysis strategy for the production of -coumaric acid from lignocellulosic biomass is proposed herein. The gene encoding a carboxylesterase was identified in metagenome-assembled genome and further characterized in the isolated Em07. The target protein, with a molecular weight of 53 kDa, was successfully obtained through heterologous expression. The carboxylesterase exhibited cold adaptation, with optimal activity at 35 °C and pH 7.0 using 1-naphthyl acetate as substrate, and maintained over 75% of the maximum activity after incubation at 25 °C for 2 h. At 25 °C, 35.9 ± 0.4 μg of -coumaric acid was obtained from 20 mg of corn stalk via carboxylesterase-mediated catalysis. This work achieves a high -CA yield from lignocellulosic biomass via low-temperature enzymatic catalysis without pretreatment. The results offer valuable progress toward manufacturing high-value food additives, including -CA.