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Studies have shown that resveratrol (Res) exerts significant antiproliferative effects in cancer, and regulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is one the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Overexpression of miR-155-5p leads to oncogenesis. However, it is unclear whether Res exerts antitumor effects by regulating the expression of miR-155-5p, and its specific mechanism in gastric cancer remains unknown. In this study, qRT-PCR was performed to assess the expression of miR-155-5p in gastric cells and clinical tissues, and the MTT assay, plate clone formation test, cell scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the functions of Res on the growth of gastric cancer cells after treatment with miR-155-5p. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of claudin 1, c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins in gastric cancer cell lines after treatment with miR-155-5p and Res. We found that miR-155-5p was overexpressed in gastric cancer cells and clinical tissues, while Res inhibited gastric cancer cell growth by regulating miR-155-5p expression. The results of MTT assay, plate clone formation test, cell scratch test, Transwell test, and flow cytometry showed that miR-155-5p promoted the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cell lines and inhibited apoptosis, while Res addition inhibited this effect (P < 0.05). When miR-155-5p was overexpressed, the expressions of claudin 1, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 were upregulated and that of caspase-3 was downregulated. Collectively, these results suggest that miR-155-5p may be a therapeutic target in gastric cancer, and Res may be a potential therapeutic agent based on its regulation of miR-155-5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The health benefits of anthocyanins impel researchers and food producers to explorer new methods to increase anthocyanin contents in plant foods. Our previous studies revealed a positive role of nitric oxide (NO) in anthocyanin accumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts. The application of hemin, an inducer of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), can effectively elevate NO production in vivo. Hemin treatment also improves plant growth and stress tolerance. This study is aimed to assess the effects of hemin treatment on anthocyanin production in radish sprouts, and to investigate whether NO signalling is involved in this process. Results: The application of hemin significantly up regulated the expressions of many anthocyanins biosynthesis related structure and regulatory genes, leading to increased anthocyanins accumulation in radish hypocotyls. Hemin treatment also raised NO contents in radish sprouts, probably through enhancing nitrate reductase (NR) activity and Nitric Oxide-Associated 1 (NOA1) expression. Comparing the effects of Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZnPP, HO-1 activity inhibitor), Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP, NO donor) and carboxy-PTIO (cPTIO, NO-scavenger) on anthocyanin and NO production, a positive role of NO signalling has been revealed in hemin-derived anthocyanin accumulation. A positive feedback loop between HO-1 and NO may be involved in regulating this process. Conclusions: Hemin induced anthocyanin accumulation in radish sprouts through HO-1 and NO signalling network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the vegetable growth, and explore the possibility of applying HRW for protected cultivation of vegetables. Results showed that compared with control, HRW treatment significantly promoted fresh weight, hypocotyl length and root length of mung bean seedlings. The strongest stimulation was observed for 480 μM H2 (60% of saturated HRW concentration) treatment. This concentration was used in the following experiments. The enhanced cell elongation was correlated with the changes in the level of endogenous phytohormones. In the dark-grown hypocotyls and roots of mung bean seedlings, HRW significantly increased the content of IAA and GA3. Addition of GA3 enhanced the hypocotyl elongation only. uniconazole, an inhibitor of GA3 biosynthesis, inhibited HRW-induced hypocotyl elongation, but did not affect root elongation. Exogenous application of IAA promoted HRW effects on elongation of both the hypocotyl and the root, while the IAA biosynthesis inhibitor TIBA negated the above affects. The general nature of HRW-induced growth-promoting effects was further confirmed in experiments involving cucumber and radish seedlings. Taken together, HRW treatment promoted growth of seedlings, by stimulating elongation of hypocotyl and root cells, via HRW-induced increase in GA and IAA content in the hypocotyl and the root respectively. This work investigated effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on vegetable growth and explored the probability of applying HRW for protected cultivation of vegetables. Reported results show that HRW treatment promoted growth of seedlings, by stimulating elongation of hypocotyl and root cells via HRW-induced increase in GA and IAA content in the hypocotyl and the root respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate the rheological, textural, and antioxidant activity of fermented milks with the addition of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts at concentrations of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% (CFM, RFM1, RFM2, and RFM3). The chemical composition of the fermented milks, including crude protein, fat, ash, total solids and non‐fat solids, were also determined. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) detected 42, 46, 47, and 49 kinds of volatile flavour compounds in CFM, RFM1, RFM2, and RFM3, respectively. The antioxidant activity of fermented milks was measured using ferric reducing antioxidant power and scavenging capacities for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals during 28 days of refrigerated storage. The results of this study are of great significance to improve the understanding and application of roselle extracts in the food industry. Both roselle and fermented milk are beneficial to human health, with many biological activities, such as antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, liver‐protecting, and antihypertensive properties; however, no attention has been paid to the combined effects of roselle and fermented milks. The study created a novel fermented milk and the results indicate that 0.3% roselle extracts can play the most important role in affecting the rheological, textural properties, and antioxidant activity of fermented milks, so this modification of fermented milk shows promise for potential application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-protein amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) rapidly accumulates in plant tissues in response to salinity. However, the physiological rationale for this elevation remains elusive. This study compared electrophysiological and whole-plant responses of salt-treated Arabidopsis mutants pop2-5 and gad1,2 , which have different abilities to accumulate GABA. The pop2-5 mutant, which was able to overaccumulate GABA in its roots, showed a salt-tolerant phenotype. On the contrary, the gad1,2 mutant, lacking the ability to convert glutamate to GABA, showed oversensitivity to salinity. The greater salinity tolerance of the pop2-5 line was explained by: (i) the role of GABA in stress-induced activation of H+-ATPase, thus leading to better membrane potential maintenance and reduced stress-induced K+ leak from roots; (ii) reduced rates of net Na+ uptake; (iii) higher expression of SOS1 and NHX1 genes in the leaves, which contributed to reducing Na+ concentration in the cytoplasm by excluding Na+ to apoplast and sequestering Na+ in the vacuoles; (iv) a lower rate of H2O2 production and reduced reactive oxygen species-inducible K+ efflux from root epidermis; and (v) better K+ retention in the shoot associated with the lower expression level of GORK channels in plant leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hickory milk and reconstituted milk (about 12 g/100 g total solid) were mixed in the proportion of 3:7 by volume to prepare hickory milk yogurt. Cow milk yogurt was used as control. The acidity and total count of lactic acid bacteria of hickory milk yogurt were not significantly different from cow milk yogurt (p> 0.05). Compared with cow milk yogurt, hickory milk yogurt had higher total solids, fat, crude protein, and amino acids, but lower ash and not-fat solids. Sensory evaluation showed that the appearance and flavor scores of hickory milk yogurt had no significant difference from cow milk yogurt (p> 0.05), but the texture score was significantly higher (p< 0.05). IC50values in relation to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (46.88 and 26.70 g/L) of hickory milk yogurt were significantly lower than those of cow milk yogurt which suggested that the antioxidant activity of hickory milk yogurt was significantly higher than cow milk yogurt (p< 0.05). There were 30 and 28 kinds of volatile compounds identified in hickory milk yogurt and cow milk yogurt, respectively. Compared with cow milk yogurt, the concentration of acetaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, 2-nonanone, caproic acid, heptylic acid, and nonanoic acid in hickory milk yogurt increased significantly, and the concentration of benzaldehyde, 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-butanedione, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, acetic acid, butyric acid, and benzoic acid decreased significantly (p< 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has investigated mechanisms conferring beneficial effects of exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolides (EBL) on plant growth and performance under saline conditions. Barley seedlings treated with 0.25 mg l-1 EBL showed significant improvements in root hair length, shoot length, shoot fresh weight and relative water content when grown in the presence of 150mM NaCl in the growth medium. In addition, EBL treatment significantly decreased the Na+ content in both shoots (by approximately 50%) and roots. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that pre-treatment with EBL for 1 and 24 h suppressed or completely prevented the NaCl-induced K+ leak in the elongation zone of barley roots, but did not affect root sensitivity to oxidative stress. Further experiments using Arabidopsis loss-of-function gork1-1 (lacking functional depolarization-activated outward-rectifying K+ channels in the root epidermal cells) and akt1 (lacking inward-rectifying K+ uptake channel) mutants showed that NaCl-induced K+ loss in the elongation zone of roots was reduced by EBL pre-treatment 50- to 100-fold in wild-type Col-0 and akt1, but only 10-fold in the gork1-1 mutant. At the same time, EBL treatment shifted vanadate-sensitive H+ flux towards net efflux. Taken together, these data indicate that exogenous application of EBL effectively improves plant salinity tolerance by prevention of K+ loss via regulating depolarization-activated K+ channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Raphanus sativus L. cv. Yanghua sprouts are rich in health-promoting anthocyanins; thus hypocotyls show a red color under light. In this study, effects of UV-B irradiation at 5 W m−2 on anthocyanin biosynthesis in the hypocotyls of radish sprouts were investigated. RESULTS Anthocyanins began to accumulate rapidly from 24 h irradiation and increased continuously until 48 h, showing a similar pattern to phenylalanine ammonia lyase ( PAL) activity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.804. The expression of DFR and ANS paralleled the upward trend in anthocyanin accumulation, while CHS, CHI and F3H were upregulated before accumulation. When sprouts were moved into the dark from UV-B, the anthocyanin accumulation did not stop immediately. By contrast, anthocyanin accumulated continuously for more than 12 h in the dark, which was further supported by the significantly higher PAL activity monitored at 24 h after irradiation. Similarly, the transcript levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes were much higher over 6 h after 12 h UV-B irradiation. CONCLUSION UV-B-induced anthocyanin accumulation continues in the dark after irradiation, which was supported by unfading PAL activity and high levels of biosynthesis-related genes. This will provide evidence to produce high-quality sprouts with more anthocyanins but less energy wastage in practice. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete crack detection is essential for infrastructure safety, and its detection efficiency and accuracy are the key issues. An improved YOLOV5 and three measurement algorithms are proposed in this paper, where the original prediction heads are replaced by Transformer Heads (TH) to expose the prediction potential with one self-attention model. Experiments show that the improved YOLOV5 effectively enhances the detection and classification of concrete cracks, and the Mean Average Precision (MAP) value of all classes increases to 99.5%. The first method is more accurate for small cracks, whilst the average width obtained based on the axial traverse correction method is more exact for large cracks. The crack width obtained from the concrete picture sample is the same as that obtained from the manual detection, with a deviation rate of 0–5.5%. This research demonstrates the recognition and classification of concrete cracks by integrating deep learning and machine vision with high precision and high efficiency. It is helpful for the real-time measurement and analysis of concrete cracks with potential safety hazards in bridges, high-rise buildings, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen gas (H2) was recently proposed as a therapeutic antioxidant and signaling molecule in clinical trials. However, the underlying physiological roles of H2 in plants remain unclear. In the present study, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) was used to characterize the physiological roles of H2 in enhancing the tolerance of Brassica campestris against cadmium (Cd). The results showed that both 50 μM CdCl2 and 50%-saturated HRW induced an increase of endogenous H2 in Brassica campestris seedlings, and HRW alleviated Cd toxicity related to growth inhibition and oxidative damage. Seedlings supplied with HRW exhibited increased root length and reduced lipid peroxidation, similar to plants receiving GSH post-treatment. Additionally, seedlings post-treated with HRW accumulated higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) and showed increased GST and GPX activities in roots. Molecular evidence illustrated that the expression of genes such as GS, GR1 and GR2, which were down-regulated following the addition of Cd, GSH or BSO, could be reversed to varying degrees by the addition of HRW. Based on these results, it could be proposed that H2 might be an important regulator for enhancing the tolerance of Brassica campestris seedlings against Cd, mainly by governing reduced glutathione homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present paper was to understand the specific mechanism of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in alleviating cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Chinese cabbage ( Brassica campestris spp. chinensis L.). Our results showed that the addition of 50% saturation HRW significantly alleviated the Cd toxic symptoms, including the improvement of both root elongation and seedling growth inhibition. These responses were consistent with a significant decrease of Cd accumulation in roots and shoots, which was further confirmed by the histochemical staining. Molecular evidence illustrated that Cd-induced up-regulations of IRT1 and Nramp1 genes, responsible for Cd absorption, were blocked by HRW. By contrast, Cd-induced up-regulation of the HMA3 gene, which regulates Cd sequestration into the root vacuoles, was substantially strengthened by HRW. Furthermore, compared with those in Cd stress alone, the expressions of HMA2 and HMA4 , which function in the transportation of Cd to xylem, were repressed by co-treatment with HRW. HRW enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. These results were further confirmed by the alleviation of oxidative damage, as indicated by the decrease of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Taken together, these results suggest that the improvement of Cd tolerance by HRW was associated with reduced Cd uptake and increased antioxidant defense capacities. Therefore, the application of HRW may be a promising strategy to improve Cd tolerance of Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of Cd (cadmium) concentration, Cd2+ fluorescent staining, NMT (non-invasive micro-test technology) analysis of Cd absorption revealed the remarkably positive role of HRW in reducing Cd uptake by root of pak choi seedlings. BcIRT1 (iron-regulated transporter 1) and BcZIP2 (zinc-regulated transporter protein 2) are the main Cd transporters in pak choi, but their roles in the process of HRW-reduced Cd uptake is still far from being answered. In this study, we specifically verified the function of IRT1 and ZIP2 in HRW-reduced Cd absorption in pak choi and Arabidopsis thaliana. Heterologous and homologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana displayed that Cd concentrations in wild-type (Col-0) and transgenic A. thaliana of IRT1 and ZIP2 were significantly reduced by HRW, except for irt1 - and zip2 -mutant. NMT detection showed that HRW not only decreased Cd2+ influx in root of WT and transgenic lines, but also enhanced the competition between Zn and Cd. Taken together, the HRW-induced reduction of Cd accumulation in plants may be result from depressing the expression of BcIRT1 and BcZIP2 and affecting the preference of BcIRT1 and BcZIP2 in ion uptake. ga1 • NMT analyses revealed the positive role of HRW in reducing Cd uptake in pak choi. • Apart from irt1 and zip1 -mutant, Cd concentrations of all Arabidopsis thaliana were reduced by HRW. • Ionic concentration and NMT analyses revealed that HRW enhanced the competition between Zn and Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exogenous application of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) ameliorates detrimental effects of salinity in barley. • The above amelioration is explained by a higher rate of Na+ extrusion mediated by SOS1-like Na+/H+ exchanger in the root epidermis. • HRW-treated plants prevented NaCl-induced membrane depolarization and reduced sensitivity of K+ efflux channels to ROS. Hydrogen gas (H 2) is known for its capability to alleviate detrimental effects of salinity in plants. However, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic basis of H 2 amelioration of the salt stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare). NaCl addition induced significant inhibition of the root elongation and resulted in a loss of the cell viability; these detrimental effects were substantially reversed by treatment with hydrogen reach water (HRW). Electrophysiological experiments using non-invasive ion flux measuring MIFE technique revealed that the beneficial effects of HRW on salinity tolerance could be explained by (1) higher rate of Na+ extrusion from roots mediated by SOS1-like Na+/H+ exchanger in the root epidermis, and (2) better root K+ retention resulting from ability of HRW-treated plants to prevent NaCl-induced membrane depolarization and reduced sensitivity of K+ efflux channels to ROS. Taken together, these two factors resulted in more favorable Na/K ratio and explained beneficial effects of HRW on salinity tolerance in barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ldm1 and ldm2 showed weak mechanical strength and less lignin accumulation. • ldm1 and ldm2 mutants were hypersensitive to excess Cu. • Cu retention in cell wall was altered in ldm1 and ldm2. • Lignification enhancement may be an adaptive strategy to lower toxic Cu ions in inner cells. Lignin accumulation is a general response to heavy metal toxicity; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We isolated two rice l ignin- d efective m utants (ldm1 and ldm2); both showed reduced mechanical strength and lignin accumulation. Also, the levels of the syringyl and guaiacyl units of lignin were decreased in both mutants. Both mutants were more hypersensitive to excess Cu than wild-type plants, possibly resulting from more Cu in leaf sheaths and roots of the mutants than wild-type plants. Moreover, Cu retention in the cell wall was altered in the ldm1 and ldm2 mutants. Genotypic analysis confirmed that ldm1 has a T-DNA insert in the last exon of OsCCoAMT1 and ldm2 in the second exon of OsCCoAMT20. Consistently, both mutants displayed significantly decreased CCoAOMT enzymatic activity in all tissues examined, which catalyzed the transfer of methyl groups from S-adeosyl-Lmethionin (SAM) to benzene carbon 3 position of caffeoyl-CoA or 5-hydroxyferuloyl-CoA. Furthermore, the expression of OsCCoAOMT1 and CCoAOMT20 and CCoAOMT activity were upregulated in leaf sheaths and roots under excess Cu, suggesting that lignin synthesis mediated by OsCCoAOMT1 and OsCCoAOMT20 plays an important role in the adaptation to excess Cu stress. Based on the role of lignin in the sequestration of heavy metals in the plant cell wall, we speculate that enhancement of lignin synthesis may be an adaptive strategy to alleviate the toxicity of Cu ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants synthesize abundant terpenes through glandular trichomes (GTs), thereby protecting themselves from environmental stresses and increasing the economic value in some medicinal plants. However, the potential mechanisms for simultaneously regulating terpenes synthesis and GTs development remain unclear. Here, we showed that terpenes in Conyza blinii could be synthesized through capitate GTs. By treating with appropriate intensity of UV‐B, the density of capitate GTs and diterpene content can be increased. Through analyzing corresponding transcriptome, we identified a MYB transcription factor CbMYB108 as a positive regulator of both diterpene synthesis and capitate GT density. Transiently overexpressing/silencing CbMYB108 on C. blinii leaves could increase diterpene synthesis and capitate GT density. Further verification showed that CbMYB108 upregulated CbDXS and CbGGPPS expression in diterpene synthesis pathway. Moreover, CbMYB108 could also upregulated the expression of CbTTG1, key WD40 protein confirmed in this study to promote GT development, rather than through interaction between CbMYB108 and CbTTG1 proteins. Thus, results showed that the UV‐B‐induced CbMYB108 owned dual‐function of simultaneously improving diterpene synthesis and GT development. Our research lays a theoretical foundation for cultivating C. blinii with high terpene content, and broadens the understanding of the integrated mechanism on terpene synthesis and GT development in plants. Summary statement: This study demonstrated the function of a specific MYB transcription factor CbMYB108 and its role as a positive regulator of both diterpene biosynthesis and glandular trichome density and how these processes relate to UV‐B stress. The main findings are as follows: 1.Terpenes in Conyza blini could be synthesized through capitate glandular trichomes (GTs).2.CbMYB108 could increase the content of diterpenes under UV‐B through activating the expression of CbDXS and CbGGPPS.3.CbMYB108 could increase the density of capitate GTs under UV‐B through activating the expression of CbTTG1.4.CbMYB108 could help C. blinii resist UV‐B damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydrogen gas (H2) is the most abundant element in the universe, and has been reported to act as a novel beneficial gaseous molecule in plant adaptive responses. Radish sprouts are popular because they contain substantial amounts of antioxidants and health-promoting compounds, such as anthocyanin and glucosinolates. Although radish sprouts accumulated more anthocyanin under UV-A after treatment with hydrogen-rich water (HRW), the molecular mechanism responsible is still elusive. To explore these mechanisms, RNA-seq analysis was used. Results: Four cDNA libraries from radish sprout hypocotyls were constructed, and a total of 14,564 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through pairwise comparisons. By Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, these unigenes were found to be implicated in light signal perception and transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex accounted for the majority of the transcription factors found to be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and levels of transcripts for this complex were in accordance with the anthocyanin concentrations observed. In addition, other transcription factors (such as NAC, bZIP and TCP) might participate in HRW-promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the signaling processes of plant hormones, MAPKs and Ca2+ might be involved in HRW-promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis under UV-A. The expression patterns of 16 selected genes were confirmed using qRT-PCR analysis. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study may expand our understanding of HRW-promoted anthocyanin accumulation under UV-A in radish sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants is influenced by a wide range of environmental factors, such as light, temperature and nutrient availability. In this study, we revealed that the potassium-repressed anthocyanin accumulation in radish hypocotyls was associated with altered sugar distribution and sugar signaling pathways rather than changes in oxidative stress status. Sugar-feeding experiments suggested a hexokinase-independent glucose signal acted as a major contributor in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis, transport and regulatory genes at the transcriptional level. Several R2R3-MYBs were identified as anthocyanin-related MYBs. Phylogenetic and protein sequence analyses suggested that RsMYB75 met the criteria of subgroup 6 MYB activator, while RsMYB39 and RsMYB82 seemed to be a non-canonical MYB anthocyanin activator and repressor, respectively. Through yeast-one-hybrid, dual-luciferase and transient expression assays, we confirmed that RsMYB39 strongly induced the promoter activity of anthocyanin transport–related gene RsGSTF12, while RsMYB82 significantly reduced anthocyanin biosynthesis gene RsANS1 expression. Molecular models are proposed in the discussion, allowing speculation on how these novel RsMYBs may regulate the expression levels of anthocyanin-related structural genes. Together, our data evidenced the strong impacts of potassium on sugar metabolism and signaling and its regulation of anthocyanin accumulation through different sugar signals and R2R3-MYBs in a hierarchical regulatory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress in plant breeding for salinity stress tolerance is handicapped by the lack of understanding of the specificity of salt stress signalling and adaptation at the cellular and tissue levels. In this study, we used electrophysiological, fluorescence imaging, and real-time quantitative PCR tools to elucidate the essentiality of the cytosolic Na+ extrusion in functionally different root zones (elongation, meristem, and mature) in a large number of bread and durum wheat accessions. We show that the difference in the root’s ability for vacuolar Na+ sequestration in the mature zone may explain differential salinity stress tolerance between salt-sensitive durum and salt-tolerant bread wheat species. Bread wheat genotypes also had on average 30% higher capacity for net Na+ efflux from the root elongation zone, providing the first direct evidence for the essentiality of the root salt exclusion trait at the cellular level. At the same time, cytosolic Na+ accumulation in the root meristem was significantly higher in bread wheat, leading to the suggestion that this tissue may harbour a putative salt sensor. This hypothesis was then tested by investigating patterns of Na+ distribution and the relative expression level of several key genes related to Na+ transport in leaves in plants with intact roots and in those in which the root meristems were removed. We show that tampering with this sensing mechanism has resulted in a salt-sensitive phenotype, largely due to compromising the plant’s ability to sequester Na+ in mesophyll cell vacuoles. The implications of these findings for plant breeding for salinity stress tolerance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean is an important grain-legume crop and its sprout is an economical and nutrient vegetable for the public, but the genetic regulation of anthocyanin production, which is an antioxidant in mung bean, remains elusive. In our study, we characterized a subgroup (SG) 6 R2R3-MYB anthocyanin activator VrMYB90 and a SG 4 R2R3-MYB anthocyanin repressor VrMYB3 , which synergistically function in regulating anthocyanin synthesis with VrbHLHA transcription factor. The overexpressed VrMYB90 protein activates the expression of VrMYB3 and VrbHLHA in mung bean hair roots, and also promotes VrDFR and VrANS transcript levels by directly binding to the corresponding promoters at specific motifs (CAACTG and CCGTTG). VrMYB90 interacts with VrbHLHA to enhance its regulatory activities on VrDFR and VrANS. Furthermore, the interaction between VrMYB3 with VrMYB90 and VrbHLHA could result in the restriction of anthocyanin synthesis to prevent excessive anthocyanin accumulation. Our results demonstrate that the VrMYB90 protein, in conjunction with VrMYB3 and VrbHLHA, forms a key regulatory module to fine-tune anthocyanin synthesis in mung bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vasculature obstructive disease that leads to right heart failure and death. Maresin 1 is an endogenous lipid mediator known to promote inflammation resolution. However, the effect of Maresin 1 on PAH remains unclear.Experimental Approach: The serum Maresin 1 concentration was assessed using UPLC. A mouse model of PAH was established by combining the Sugen 5416 injection and hypoxia exposure. After treatment with Maresin 1, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular function were measured by haemodynamic measurement and echocardiography, respectively. Vascular remodelling was evaluated by histological staining. Confocal microscopy and western blot were used to test related protein expression. In vitro cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed in primary rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Western blotting and siRNA transfection were used to clarify the mechanism of Maresin 1.Key Results: Endogenous serum Maresin 1 was decreased in PAH patients and mice. Maresin 1 treatment decreased RVSP and attenuated right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in the murine PAH model. Maresin 1 reversed abnormal changes in pulmonary vascular remodelling, attenuating endothelial to mesenchymal transformation and enhancing apoptosis of α-SMA positive cells. Furthermore, Maresin 1 inhibited PASMC proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT, AKT, ERK, and FoxO1 phosphorylation via LGR6.Conclusion and Implications: Maresin 1 improved abnormal pulmonary vascular remodelling and right ventricular dysfunction in PAH mice, targeting aberrant PASMC proliferation. This suggests Maresin 1 may have a potent therapeutic effect in vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal lattice Boltzmann method can be adopted to simulate cavitation bubble collapse in heating or cooling systems. The numerical results satisfy Laplace's law and are consistent with temperature solutions derived from the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. In this paper, in order to study the effects of wall temperature on a collapsing bubble, a calculation model for a cavitation bubble near the heated/cooled wall is established. The influence mechanism of the micro-jet and the cavitation bubble itself on the solid-wall heat transfer, and the thermodynamic behavior characteristics of the cavitation bubble collapse near the wall are obtained. Adjusting the wall temperature T w also affects the thermal effects of cavitation. Furthermore, A dimensionless temperature parameter η is introduced to study the heat transfer intense of the model. The influence of λ , Δ p and R 0 on the heat transfer intense are studied and analyzed. The results show that the optimal λ , Δ p , R 0 and T w values can be used to enhance heat transfer and realize heating or cooling treatment of different surfaces. • Analysis of cavitation bubble in a heating or cooling system is presented by a thermal lattice Boltzmann method. • The influence mechanism of the micro-jet and the cavitation bubble itself on the solid wall heat transfer. • The changes of Tw under different initial wall temperature are analyzed. • A dimensionless parameter η is introduced to study the heat transfer intense, which is related to the λ , Δ p and R 0. • The optimal λ , Δ p , R 0 and T w are used to realize heating or cooling treatment of different surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important manifestation and mechanism of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is an endogenous lipid mediator promoting the resolution of inflammation. However, the role of RvD1 on EndMT in PH remains unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of RvD1 on the treatment of PH. We showed that RvD1 and its receptor FPR2 expression were markedly decreased in PH patients and both chronic hypoxia-induced PH (CH-PH) and sugen 5416/hypoxia-induced PH (SuHx-PH) mice models. RvD1 treatment decreased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and alleviated right ventricular function, and reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling and collagen deposition in the perivascular of both two PH mice models. Then, RvD1 inhibited EndMT in both the lungs of PH mice models and primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with TGF-β and IL-1β. Moreover, RvD1 inhibited EndMT by downregulating Smad2/3 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro via FPR2. In conclusion, our date suggest that RvD1/FPR2 axis prevent experimental PH by inhibiting endothelial-mensenchymal-transition and may be a therapeutic target for PH. [Display omitted] • The RvD1/FPR2 axis is downregulated in patients and mice with pulmonary hypertension. • Post-treatment with RvD1 attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertensive mice. • RvD1 improved pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertensive mice. • RvD1 inhibited endothelial-to-mesenchymal via downregulating Smad2/3 phosphorylation in vivo and vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soil salinity is a major constraint for the global agricultural production. For many decades, Na+ exclusion from uptake has been the key trait targeted in breeding programs; yet, no major breakthrough in creating salt‐tolerant germplasm was achieved. In this work, we have combined the microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique for non‐invasive ion flux measurements with confocal fluorescence dye imaging technique to screen 45 accessions of barley to reveal the relative contribution of Na+ exclusion from the cytosol to the apoplast and its vacuolar sequestration in the root apex, for the overall salinity stress tolerance. We show that Na+/H+ antiporter‐mediated Na+ extrusion from the root plays a minor role in the overall salt tolerance in barley. At the same time, a strong and positive correlation was found between root vacuolar Na+ sequestration ability and the overall salt tolerance. The inability of salt‐sensitive genotypes to sequester Na+ in root vacuoles was in contrast to significantly higher expression levels of both HvNHX1 tonoplast Na+/H+ antiporters and HvVP1 H+‐pumps compared with tolerant genotypes. These data are interpreted as a failure of sensitive varieties to prevent Na+ back‐leak into the cytosol and existence of a futile Na+ cycle at the tonoplast. Taken together, our results demonstrated that root vacuolar Na+ sequestration but not exclusion from uptake played the main role in barley salinity tolerance, and suggested that the focus of the breeding programs should be shifted from targeting genes mediating Na+ exclusion from uptake by roots to more efficient root vacuolar Na+ sequestration. Significance Statement: Our results demonstrated that root vacuolar Na+ sequestration but not exclusion from uptake plays the main role in barley salinity tolerance, and suggest that the focus of the breeding programs should be shifted from targeting genes mediating Na+ exclusion from uptake by roots to more efficient root vacuolar Na+ sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Se (Selenium) treatment on nutritional quality in radish sprouts. The results showed that 15 µM sodium selenite significantly increased phenolics compounds, flavonoids compounds, anthocyanins, and some essential amino acid content, while improving the total antioxidant capacity of radish sprouts. Besides, the Se‐enriched radish sprouts significantly alleviated the liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice and improved the antioxidant capacity of the liver in mice, whereas the Se‐enriched radish sprouts alleviated the inflammatory reaction and apoptosis caused by CCl4. These results imply that Se‐enriched radish sprouts have a positive impact on mice with CCl4‐induced liver injury, and that in future Se‐enriched radish sprouts could be developed into an effective food and health care product for the liver injury prevention. Practical Application: Because selenium is an essential trace element in the human body, selenium‐enriched sprouts can help eliminate free radicals in the body, relieve aging, and selenium‐deficient diseases. They are easy to grow and have low costs. Hence, selenium‐enriched sprouts have a great potential of being widely consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nutritional qualities (especially lysine) increased obviously after germination. • The storage globulins and phytohormones might facilitate lysine synthesis. • In addition to AK and DHDPS, ASADH is also essential for lysine synthesis. Lysine, the first limiting essential amino acid, the deficiency of which seriously affects the health of human and animals. In this study, quinoa germination significantly increased the nutrients, especially lysine content. To better understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of lysine biosynthesis, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) platform-based phytohormones analyses were conducted. Through proteome analyses, a total of 11,406 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which were mainly related to secondary metabolites. The lysine-rich storage globulins and endogenous phytohormones probably contributed the increased lysine content in quinoa during germination. Furthermore, aspartic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase is essential for lysine synthesis in addition to aspartate kinase and dihydropyridine dicarboxylic acid synthase. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicated lysine biosynthesis is associated with "amino metabolism" and "starch and sucrose metabolism". Above all, our study screens the candidate genes participated in lysine accumulation and explores the factors affected lysine biosynthesis by multi-omics analysis. These information not only paves a foundation for breeding lysine-rich quinoa sprouts but also provides valuable multi-omics resource to explore the characteristic of nutrients during quinoa germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble exopolysaccharide, designated as LEP-2a, was isolated from Lachnum YM262 and purified by DEAE-Cellulose 52 and Sepharose CL-6B chromatographic columns. LEP-2a was a homogeneous polysaccharide, with a molecular weight of 1.52 × 10 5 Da. It was composed of mannose and galactose in a molar ratio of 20.6:1.0. Its structural features were investigated and elucidated by methylation analysis, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Based on obtained data, the backbone of LEP-2a consisted of 1,2-linked-α- d -mannose, 1,3-linked-α- d -mannose, 1,2,6-linked-α- d -mannose and 1,3-linked-β- d -galactose and the side chains were attached to the backbone at O-6 position of 1,2,6-linked-α- d -mannose. In vitro antioxidant activity assay proved that LEP-2a possessed significant scavenging activities on superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH radical. Furthermore, LEP-2a had strong in vitro moisture-absorption and -retention capacities as compared to chitosan and glycerol. These results suggested that LEP-2a might have a good potential to be applied as a multifunctional cosmetic additive in cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Application of Se promoted growth, antioxidant system and nutrients in radish sprouts. • 10 μM Se increased photosynthesis and sucrose synthesis in radish sprouts. • Se promoted anthocyanin accumulation in hypocotyl by inducing sucrose transport. Red radish sprout become a popular dietary vegetable because of its unique flavor, abundant nutrients and short production cycle. As a cruciferous plant, it has strong ability to absorb and assimilate Se which can promote the content of anthocyanin in plants. However, the mechanisms of Se on anthocyanin accumulation are still unclear. In this study, we explored that appropriate Se promoted growth, antioxidant system and nutrients in radish sprouts. The enhancement of photosynthesis by Se treatment resulted in more sucrose synthesis in radish sprouts. And the transport of sucrose from cotyledon to hypocotyl promoted by Se through up-regulating the gene expression of sucrose transporters, and more sucrose increased the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes to promote anthocyanin accumulation in hypocotyl. These results reveal the beneficial effect of Se on radish sprouts quality, and provide a new insight into the function of Se on sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation in radish sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity remains a major threat to global food security, and the progress in crop breeding for salinity stress tolerance may be achieved only by pyramiding key traits mediating plant adaptive responses to high amounts of dissolved salts in the rhizosphere. This task may be facilitated by studying natural variation in salinity tolerance among plant species and, specifically, exploring mechanisms of salinity tolerance in halophytes. The aim of this work was to establish the causal link between mesophyll ion transport activity and plant salt tolerance in a range of evolutionary contrasting halophyte and glycophyte species. Plants were grown under saline conditions in a glasshouse, followed by assessing their growth and photosynthetic performance. In a parallel set of experiments, net K + and H + transport across leaf mesophyll and their modulation by light were studied in control and salt-treated mesophyll segments using vibrating non-invasive ion selective microelectrode (the MIFE) technique. The reported results show that mesophyll cells in glycophyte species loses 2–6 fold more K + compared with their halophyte counterparts. This decline was reflected in a reduced maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, chlorophyll content and growth observed in the glasshouse experiments. In addition to reduced K + efflux, the more tolerant species also exhibited reduced H + efflux, which is interpreted as an energy-saving strategy allowing more resources to be redirected towards plant growth. It is concluded that the ability of mesophyll to retain K + without a need to activate plasma membrane H + -ATPase is an essential component of salinity tolerance in halophytes and halophytic crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phthaloyl polysaccharide (PHEP-2a) was prepared from a Lachnum exopolysaccharide (LEP-2a) by chemical modification, with a degree of substitution of 0.251. The results of UV, FT-IR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR analysis indicated that phthaloyl modification of polysaccharide was successful. Moreover, both elemental contents and thermal properties of the polysaccharide were changed after phthaloyl modification. Immunomodulatory activity evaluation revealed that compared with negative control group, LEP-2a and its derivative at high dose could remarkably increase the body weight, organ indexes, phagocytic index and half hemolysis value, promote splenocytes proliferation activity, improve the production of serum cytokines, such as interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and enhance the activities of acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. They could also enhance the contents of T-SOD and GSH-Px while decrease MDA levels in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Furthermore, PHEP-2a showed more significant effects than LEP-2a at the same dosage, indicating that phthaloyl modification was an effective way to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of the polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic nonessential metal that poses a health risk for humans. Cd is easily accumulated in leaf vegetables than in other vegetables. Leafy vegetables are one of the major dietary Cd sources for the human body. In this study, pak choi was used as our experimental material as it is an important leafy vegetable, especially in Asia. A NRAMP transporter – BcNRAMP1 was identified in pak choi, which is involved in manganese (Mn) and Cd uptake in yeast and in planta. BcNRAMP1 is expressed in the whole plant body of pak choi, with a higher abundance in root tissues than in shoots. Mn deficiency and Cd exposure strongly induced BcNRAMP1 transcription levels. Through transient expression of BcNRAMP1-GFP fusion protein in tobacco leaf epidermal cells, BcNRAMP1 was revealed as a plasma membrane protein. Expressing BcNRAMP1 in yeast enhanced yeast cells to absorb Mn, Cd, and iron (Fe). Overexpression of BcNRAMP1 in Arabidopsis wild-type and nramp1 mutant increased and complemented Mn and Cd transportation and accumulation, respectively. Using noninvasive microelectrode ion flux measurements, a direct evidence that BcNRAMP1 acts on Cd influx in Arabidopsis root cells was provided. The results of this study reveal that BcNRAMP1 functions as a NRAMP protein in planta , absorbing nutrient metal Mn and the toxic metal Cd. • BcNRAMP1 had Cd, Mn, and iron (Fe) transport activities in yeast mutants. • Subcellular localization indicated that BcNRAMP1 was a plasma membrane protein. • BcNRAMP1 expressed the activity to accumulate Cd and Mn in Arabidopsis. • NMT recognized that BcNRAMP1 acts on Cd influx in Arabidopsis root cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]