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Accurate estimation and extrapolation of forest structural parameters in planted forests are essential for monitoring forest resources, investigating their ecosystem services (e.g., forest structure and functions), as well as supporting decisions for precision silviculture. Advances in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology have enhanced our ability to precisely characterize the 3-D structure of the forest canopy with high flexibility, usually within forest plots and stands. For wall-to-wall forest structure mapping in broader landscapes, samples (transects) of UAV-LiDAR datasets are a cost-efficient solution as an intermediate layer for extrapolation from field plots to full-coverage multispectral satellite imageries. In this study, an advanced two-stage extrapolation approach was established to estimate and map large area forest structural parameters (i.e., mean DBH, dominant height, volume, and stem density), in synergy with field plots and UAV-LiDAR and GF-6 satellite imagery, in a typical planted forest of southern China. First, estimation models were built and used to extrapolate field plots to UAV-LiDAR transects; then, the maps of UAV-LiDAR transects were extrapolated to the whole study area using the wall-to-wall grid indices that were calculated from GF-6 satellite imagery. By comparing with direct prediction models that were fitted by field plots and GF-6-derived spectral indices, the results indicated that the two-stage extrapolation models (R2 = 0.64–0.85, rRMSE = 7.49–26.85%) obtained higher accuracy than direct prediction models (R2 = 0.58–0.75, rRMSE = 21.31–38.43%). In addition, the effect of UAV-LiDAR point density and sampling intensity for estimation accuracy was studied by sensitivity analysis as well. The results showed a stable level of accuracy for approximately 10% of point density (34 pts·m−2) and 20% of sampling intensity. To understand the error propagation through the extrapolation procedure, a modified U-statistics uncertainty analysis was proposed to characterize pixel-level estimates of uncertainty and the results demonstrated that the uncertainty was 0.75 cm for mean DBH, 1.23 m for dominant height, 14.77 m3·ha−1 for volume and 102.72 n·ha−1 for stem density, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Moringa oleifera leaf is an important source worldwide with a high nutritional value and functions in food and feed that may also treat a myriad of ailments but the leaf has low organoleptic properties and digestibility. To overcome this shortcoming, a novel Aspergillus niger was isolated from the Moringa leaf material. The fungal strain grows well on moist Moringa leaves and requires no additives. After performing a single factor test for temperature, moisture, inoculation size, and fermentation, the optimized condition was determined by using a response surface method, followed by a small-scale production test. The pleasant, sweet smelling aroma in the fermented leaves was then generated, supplementing than its native repulsive smell. The protein content and digestibility of the leaves increased by 23.4 % and 54.4 %, respectively; the direct-fed microbes reached up to 1.99 × 109 CFU per gram of fermented freeze-dried Moringa leaves. Digestive lignocellulolytic enzymes were substantially produced with 2.97 ± 0.24 U.g−1 of filter paper activity and 564.9 ± 37.4 U.g−1 of xylanase activity. Moreover, some functional components, such as flavonoids and γ-Aminobutyric acid content, were also significantly increased compared to that of the unfermented leaves. In conclusion, the feed quality and digestibility of Moringa oleifera leaves were greatly improved via solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus niger. Fermented Moringa oleifera can be used as a potentially high- quality feed alternative for the animal industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba L.) exhibits high level of resistance to various abiotic stresses, yet has undergone only minor morphological changes through millions of years. The conversion of membrane lipid components may play an important role in the temperature acclimation of plants. Stearoyl-ACP desaturase, microsomal ω-6 (Δ12) desaturase, and plastidial ω-6 (Δ12) desaturase are important enzymes in the unsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of GbSAD, GbFAD2, and GbFAD6 were isolated from fresh leaves of ginkgo by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis demonstrated that the cDNAs and deduced proteins had high similarity to other reported corresponding cDNAs and proteins. Real-time PCR revealed that transcripts of GbSAD and GbFAD2 in leaves were induced by cold stress (4 °C, 15 °C), but inhibited by high temperature (35 °C, 45 °C), whereas GbFAD6 is expressed constitutively at different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aspergillus niger-fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FR) and its comparative effect with non-fermented G. biloba leaves (NF) were investigated on growth performance, small intestinal structure and function of broiler chicks. A total of 300d-old Arbor Acress broilers were randomly allocated into 5 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as the control group (basal diet), and the NF group (containing 0.35% and 0.7% NF in the starter and grower diets, respectively), FR1, FR2 and FR3 groups containing 0.2%, 0.35% and 0.5% FR in the starter diets and 0.4%, 0.7% and 1.0% FR in the grower diets, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control and NF groups, reduced (P<0.05) feed/gain ratio of FR2 group and higher (P<0.05) mucosal alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in duodenum and jejunum of groups FR2 and FR3 were observed. Villous height of duodenum and jejunum was improved (P<0.05) as increased FR levels, while crypt depth of jejunum was decreased (P<0.05). FR supplementation led to an increase in the protease activities in pancreas, duodenum and jejunum, as well as amylase activity in the duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the sodium glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA level in duodenum was increased in birds fed with FR2 and FR3 diets. Furthermore, birds supplemented with FRs had increased (P<0.05) plasma d-xylose levels. Whereas compared with the control, broilers had lower (P<0.05) serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels when they were provided with the FR2 and FR3 diets. The present study may indicate that the improved feed efficiency and intestinal functions in the group supplemented with FR are directly connected with physiological mechanisms such as the regulation of the SGLT1 mRNA expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional protein sources, driven by population growth, underscores the importance of protein in a healthy diet. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) nuts are currently underutilized as plant‐based proteins but hold great potential in the food industry. However, there is insufficient information available on pecan protein, particularly its protein fractions. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolate and the main protein fraction glutelin extracted from pecan nuts.The results revealed that glutelin (820.67 ± 69.42 g kg−1) had a higher crude protein content compared to the protein isolate (618.43 ± 27.35 g kg−1), while both proteins exhibited amino acid profiles sufficient for adult requirements. The isoelectric points of protein isolate and glutelin were determined to be pH 4.0 and pH 5.0, respectively. The denaturation temperature of the protein isolate (90.23 °C) was higher than that of glutelin (87.43 °C), indicating a more organized and stable conformation. This is further supported by the fact that the protein isolate had a more stable main secondary structure than glutelin. Both proteins demonstrated improved solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties at pH levels deviating from their isoelectric points in U‐shaped curves. Compared to the protein isolate, glutelin displayed superior water and oil absorption capacity along with enhanced gelling ability.The protein isolate and glutelin from pecan nuts exhibited improved stability and competitive functional properties, respectively. The appropriate utilization of these two proteins will support their potential as natural ingredients in various food systems. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goji leaves, including Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. leaves, have been used as traditional Chinese medicine materials for nourishing kidneys and enhancing eyesight but are mostly discarded at present. The nutritional composition of Goji leaves is similar to that of Goji berries even some components are more plentiful in the former, such as flavonoids. This paper firstly reviews the main phytochemicals of Goji leaves. Also, updated information on the biological activities of Goji leaves is narrated. Based on the long use history and existing bioactivity data on Goji leaves, we propose their potential applications in the food industry and encourage further investigation on Goji leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relationship between forest patterns and LST is sensitive to spatial extent. • The amount of vegetation accounts for more variations in LST than configuration. • The correlation between LST and urban forest patterns was strongest in summer. • A multi-scale analysis is recommended and necessary for similar study. The effects of spatial pattern of urban greenspace on land surface temperature (LST) have been extensively documented. Previous studies have confirmed that the relationship between urban green spatial pattern and LST is sensitive to spatial resolution and remote sensing imagery with higher resolution could be more accurate on quantifying the urban green patterns, but little is known about another scaling issue—spatial extent. This paper examined whether the spatial extent applied to derive landscape metrics affect the relationship between LST and spatial pattern of urban forested areas of highly urbanized Shanghai and the seasonal variations using correlation analyses and regression analyses. Spatial pattern of forested areas was measured with eight class-level landscape metrics over four spatial extents/scales (90 m × 90 m, 180 m × 180 m, 360 m × 360 m and 720 m × 720 m) using moving-window approach based on a land-use and land cover (LULC) map derived from SPOT 6 datasets. Results demonstrated that changing spatial extent had significant impacts on the relationship between spatial pattern of urban forested areas and LST. The responses of correlations between spatial pattern metrics and LST to changing extent fell into three categories: correlation decreases with extent increases, correlation increases with extent increases and unpredictable pattern. In general, the amount of forested cover accounts for greater variability in LST than its spatial arrangement. This study extended our scientific understanding of the effects of spatial pattern of urban forested area on LST. In addition, it can provide insights for urban forest planning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate is a primary nitrogen source for plant growth, and previous studies have indicated a correlation between nitrogen and browning. Nitrate transporters (NRTs) are crucial in nitrate allocation. Here, we utilized a genome-wide approach to identify and analyze the expression pattern of 74 potential GbNRTs under nitrate treatments during calluses browning in Ginkgo, including 68 NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1 (NRT1)/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER (PTR) (NPF), 4 NRT2 and 2 NRT3. Conserved domains, motifs, phylogeny, and cis-acting elements (CREs) were analyzed to demonstrate the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of GbNRTs. Our analysis showed that the NPF family was divided into eight branches, with the GbNPF2 and GbNPF6 subfamilies split into three groups. Each GbNRT contained 108–214 CREs of 19–36 types, especially with binding sites of auxin and transcription factors v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH). The E1X1X2E2R motif had significant variations in GbNPFs, indicating changes in the potential dynamic proton transporting ability. The expression profiles of GbNRTs indicated that they may function in regulating nitrate uptake and modulating the signaling of auxin and polyphenols biosynthesis, thereby affecting browning in Ginkgo callus induction. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of NRTs during NO3− uptake and utilization in vitro culture, which is crucial to prevent browning and develop an efficient regeneration and suspension production system in Ginkgo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilobalide exhibits numerous beneficial bioactivities, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Our previous study demonstrated that bilobalide inhibits adipogenesis and promotes lipolysis. The dose-dependent cytotoxicity was found to be specific to the mature adipocytes only, indicating the potential for regulating apoptosis in them. Herein, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic effects of bilobalide on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms thereof. Flow cytometry analysis (FACS) revealed the pro-apoptotic effects of bilobalide on these cells. Bilobalide induced early apoptosis by reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). DNA fragmentation was confirmed using TUNEL staining. Additionally, bilobalide increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and activities of Caspases 3/9. Pre-treatment with NAC (an ROS scavenger) confirmed the role of ROS in inducing apoptosis. Moreover, bilobalide up- and down-regulated the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, respectively, at the mRNA and protein expression levels; upregulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio; triggered the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria; and increased the protein expression of cleaved Caspase 3, cleaved Caspase 9, and PARP cleavage. These results support the conclusion that bilobalide induces apoptosis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway, and offers potential novel treatment for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may play a role in evaluating treatment response after definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study explored the prognostic markers of EUS with biopsies and developed two nomograms for survival prediction. Methods: A total of 821 patients newly diagnosed with ESCC between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed. We investigated the prognostic value of the changes in tumor imaging characteristics and histopathological markers by an interim response evaluation, including presence of stenosis, ulceration, tumor length, tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and tumor remission. Independent prognostic factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Cox regression analysis and further selected to build two nomogram models for survival prediction. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to respectively assess its discriminatory capacity, predictive accuracy, and clinical usefulness. Results: A total of 155 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into the training (109 cases) and testing (46 cases) cohorts. Tumor length, residual tumor thickness, reduction in tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and excellent remission (ER) of spatial luminal involvement in ESCC (ER/SLI) differed significantly between responders and non-responders. For patients undergoing dCRT, tumor stage (P = 0.001, 0.002), tumor length (P = 0.013, 0.008), > 0.36 reduction in tumor thickness (P = 0.004, 0.004) and ER/SLI (P = 0.041, 0.031) were independent prognostic markers for both PFS and OS. Time-dependent ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA indicated that the predicted survival rates of our two established nomogram models were highly accurate. Conclusion: Our nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting PFS and OS for ESCC after dCRT. External validation and complementation of other biomarkers are needed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may play a role in evaluating treatment response after definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study explored the prognostic markers of EUS with biopsies and developed two nomograms for survival prediction. Methods: A total of 821 patients newly diagnosed with ESCC between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed. We investigated the prognostic value of the changes in tumor imaging characteristics and histopathological markers by an interim response evaluation, including presence of stenosis, ulceration, tumor length, tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and tumor remission. Independent prognostic factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Cox regression analysis and further selected to build two nomogram models for survival prediction. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to respectively assess its discriminatory capacity, predictive accuracy, and clinical usefulness. Results: A total of 155 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into the training (109 cases) and testing (46 cases) cohorts. Tumor length, residual tumor thickness, reduction in tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and excellent remission (ER) of spatial luminal involvement in ESCC (ER/SLI) differed significantly between responders and non-responders. For patients undergoing dCRT, tumor stage (P = 0.001, 0.002), tumor length (P = 0.013, 0.008), > 0.36 reduction in tumor thickness (P = 0.004, 0.004) and ER/SLI (P = 0.041, 0.031) were independent prognostic markers for both PFS and OS. Time-dependent ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA indicated that the predicted survival rates of our two established nomogram models were highly accurate. Conclusion: Our nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting PFS and OS for ESCC after dCRT. External validation and complementation of other biomarkers are needed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus Linnaeus) is a globally endangered species, an internationally protected species, and a first-class protected animal in China. However, future climate change and human activities exacerbate the instability of its habitat range, leading to a possible reduction in the range. By using multi-source remote sensing data and products, as well as climate change models, including ASTER GDEM v3, Landsat8 OLI image and ClimateAP, we examined the effects of ecological factors related to climate and natural and anthropogenic influences on the distribution of Asian elephants in Sipsongpanna. Multiyear elephant field tracking data were used with a MaxEnt species distribution model and the climate model. First, the distribution of Asian elephants in potentially suitable areas in Sipsongpanna was simulated under current climatic conditions without considering human activities. The predicted distribution was verified by existing Asian elephant migration trajectories. Subsequently, the distribution of potentially suitable areas for Asian elephants in Sipsongpanna was simulated under two climate change scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP8.5) in three periods (2025, 2055, and 2085). The changes in potentially suitable areas for Asian elephants in Sipsongpanna were analyzed under multiple climate change scenarios for the current (2017) and different future periods by considering the effects of human activities. The results show the following: (1) under anthropogenic interference (AI), the optimal MaxEnt model has a high prediction accuracy with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.913. The feature combination (FC) includes linear, quadratic, and threshold features, and the regularization multiplier (RM) is 2.1. (2) Jackknife analyses of the non-anthropogenic interference (NAI) and anthropogenic interference (AI) scenarios indicate that topography (altitude (Alt)), temperature (mean warmest month temperature (MWMT)), and precipitation (mean annual precipitation (MAP)) are the top three factors influencing the distribution of Asian elephants. (3) The total area suitable for Asian elephants under current climate conditions and AI accounts for 46.35% of the total area. Areas of high suitability (occurrence probability >0.5) are located in Jinghong City in central Sipsongpanna and Mengla County in southeastern Sipsongpanna. Among them, the minimum habitat range and ecological corridors are mainly located in Mengman Town, Mohan Town, Mengla Town, Mengban Township, Dadugang Township, and Mengwang Township. (4) The change in potentially suitable areas for Asian elephants between current and future conditions is small under AI and large under undisturbed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are some differences in the anti-inflammatory activities of four typical components in EGB (extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves), and there is also a synergistic relationship. The order of inhibiting the NO-release ability of single functional components is OA > GF > OPC > G. Ginkgolide (G), proanthocyanidins (OPC), and organic acids (OA) all have synergistic effects on ginkgo flavonoids (GF). GF:OA (1:9) is the lowest interaction index among all complexes, showing the strongest synergy. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the compound affects the expression of p-JNK, p-P38, and p-ERK1/2 proteins by inhibiting the expression of iNOS and COX2 genes on NFKB and MAPK pathways. This also provides a research basis for the development of anti-inflammatory deep-processing products of EGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), especially hydrophilic DESs, have been considered green substitutes to conventional organic solvents for bioactive compounds extraction. This study provided a practical example demonstrating the efficiency of hydrophobic DESs as designer solvent to extract polyprenyl acetates from Ginkgo biloba leaves. A hydrophobic ternary DES named as MCO gave the highest extraction yield for polyprenyl acetates during the initial screening. It was tailor-made from methyl trioctyl ammonium chloride, capryl alcohol and octylic acid at a molar ratio of 1:2:3 by systematically optimizing the DES component type, molar ratio and number. With MCO-based extraction, the operational factors influencing the extraction yield were further optimized by statistical method. The model for the extraction of polyprenyl acetates was well established and verified. Extraction yield of 84.11 ± 0.7366 was obtained at the optimal conditions, which was much higher than those of conventional hydrophobic organic solvents (petroleum ether and n -hexane). Moreover, excellent recovery of polyprenyl acetates from MCO extraction solution was obtained by macroporous resin AB-8 or DM130 adsorption. This study demonstrated that not only hydrophilic DESs but also hydrophobic DESs can be adopted as solvents for bioactive compounds extraction from biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of agro-industrial residues is an interesting issue contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection. Lycium barbarum leaves (LBL) are agro-industrial residues of the L. barabrum berry cultivation and seriously underutilized, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. In this study, we prepared cost-effective enzyme cocktails with high xylanase activity from a novel soil-derived fungal strain Aspergillus costaricensis LS18. The xylanase activity of these on-site produced enzyme cocktails was 3.49 ± 0.55 U/mL. Through the hydrolysis using the enzyme cocktails with 6% substrate loading at 45 °C for 12 h, 86.57 ± 1.81% of total reducing sugars (RS) from LBL was released. The concentration of RS in the hydrolysates reached 8.17 ± 0.33 mg/mL. In this study, LBL were added values by two mutually independent bioprocess ways. On the one hand, LBL were used as the only nutrients in the medium for the on-site production of enzyme cocktails by fermentation. On the other hand, through hydrolysis using this enzyme cocktail, LBL biomass was efficiently hydrolyzed and fermentable monosugars were gained. This study could benefit to the exploitation of LBL resources and provide the references for utilization of other agro-industrial residues. [Display omitted] • Composition and enzymolysis characteristics of LBL were investigated. • A novel high-producing xylanase fungal strain LS18 was isolated from ancient forest soil. • Underutilized LBL and LS18 were employed for preparation of cost-effective enzyme cocktail. • LBL were efficiently hydrolyzed by self-prepared enzyme cocktails. • A new protocol of cost-effective conversion of biomass into fermentable sugar was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key phenolic pigment concentrated in the surface tissues of leaves, flavonoids (Flav) are the major bioactive ingredients in Ginkgo leaf extracts. Flav are also marked natural antioxidants and significant indicators of biotic and abiotic stresses, critical for determining cultivation quality and enhancing Flav yield. In particular, area-based Flav (Flav area) is related to the shortwave-blue light interaction within leaves per unit leaf area, whereas mass-based Flav (Flav mass) is useful for the quantitative assessment of Flav yield. In order to accurately estimate the contents of Flav area and Flav mass in leaves of Ginkgo plantations, in this study, we developed an advanced bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) spectra-based approach by reducing the effects of specular reflection and enhancing the absorption signals of Flav (in the shortwave-blue region of spectrum), using a suite of new spectral indices (SIs) (i.e., flavonoid index (FI), modified flavonoid index (mFI) and double difference index (DD)) calculated from the leaf clip equipped spectrometers-collected data. The results demonstrated that most of the SIs derived from the developed BRF spectra-based approach obtained relatively high performance for Flav estimation by alleviating adverse effects of specular reflection to different extents (CV-R2 = 0.60–0.76). In specific, DDnir 434,421 selected from DD-type indices performed (CV-R2 = 0.76 for Flav area ; CV-R2 = 0.69 for Flav mass) better than other indices. These findings represent marked potentials of the developed BRF spectra-based approach for non-destructively estimating leaf Flav content, as well as improving the understanding of the mechanisms of specular effects on Flav estimations in leaves of Ginkgo plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The research status of the bioactive components in Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp was reviewed. • A summary on the other components in Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp was made. • The bioactivities Current researches on the application of Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp were discussed. • The development direction of Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp was suggested. Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp contains a variety of bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenoid trilactones, and ginkgolic acids, which have a high value of utilization. However, Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp is always treated as waste of ginkgo seeds processing. To maximize the utilization of Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp, it is necessary to deliberate and arouse researchers' attention. This review demonstrated the extraction method, purification method, and determination method of bioactive components in Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp and summarized its composition and bioactivities. Moreover, the future study of Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp resource is prospected, hoping to provide a theoretical basis and direction for its further development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More than 40% of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) exhibit pathological complete responses after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), and theoretically, active surveillance could be feasible in these patients. • Compared with nCRT followed by surgery, definitive chemoradiotherapy was associated with equal survival for patients with ESCC who achieved clinical complete responses to induction chemoradiotherapy according to our criteria. • Clinical response evaluation in our study predicted postoperative pathological response with a higher accuracy which results in an overall accuracy of 86.1%. More than 40% of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) exhibit pathological complete responses (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), and theoretically, these patients may be cured by CRT and omit surgery. This prospectively randomized pilot study compared definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) with nCRT in patients with locally advanced ESCC who achieved clinical complete responses (cCRs) to nCRT. Single center, randomized, open phase 2 study of 256 patients with locally advanced ESCC enrolled between April 2016 and November 2018. Immediately when nCRT finished, patients enrolled underwent response evaluations within 1 week. Patients with cCR were randomly allocated to undergo surgery (arm A) or complete CRT up to the definitive radiation dose (arm B). The primary end point was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS). Finally, 71 patients were randomly assigned to the nCRT (n = 36) and dCRT (n = 35) arms. The median observation time was 35.7 months. The 3-year DFS rate was 56.43 % in arm A versus 54.73 % in arm B (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.862, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.452 to 1.645, P = 0.652). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates in arms A and B were 69.5 % and 62.3 % (HR = 0.824, 95 % CI = 403–1.688, P = 0.597), respectively. According to our treatment response evaluation criteria, survival of the patients with cCR after nCRT was not significant different between nCRT group and dCRT group. An optimized response evaluation strategy soon after nCRT may guide next therapy decisions for patients with locally advanced ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia oleifera seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and has various nutraceutical and health benefits, but the application of it is hindered by inappropriate processing methods. In this work, we developed an efficient procedure for preparing high quality Camellia oleifera seed oil using enzymatic extraction and demulsification. Through the screening of enzyme types, acid protease was found to be the optimal enzyme for extraction, resulting in a clear oil yield of 66.94±0.70% under the optimized conditions determined by using response surface methodology (RSM). In order to address the issue of excessive emulsion formation during enzymatic extraction, enzymatic demulsification was utilized to recover the clear oil from the emulsion layer. After successively addition of medium temperature α-amylase and acid protease under the optimized conditions, a demulsification rate of up to 74.31±0.27% and a clear oil yield of 16.01% were obtained. Therefore, a total clear oil yield of 82.95% was achieved. Finally, the quality indexes of three clear oil samples were analyzed, and all of them attained level one of Chinese National Standard GB/T 11765–2018. These results demonstrate the efficient preparation of high-quality Camellia oleifera seed oil by full enzymatic extraction and demulsification. It provides valuable theoretical guidance for the environmentally friendly extraction of Camellia oleifera seed oil, with potential applications in its production. [Display omitted] • A two-step enzymatic method was established to produce Camellia oleifera seed oil. • The oil in the emulsion layer was recovered through enzymatic demulsification. • The enzymatic extraction and demulsification achieved a clear oil yield of 82.95%. • The clear oil obtained in this work met the level one standards of GB/T 11765–2018. • The procedure in this work is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarded as a marked category of global forests, forest plantations not only have great significance for the development of the global economy, but also contribute ecological and social benefits. The accurate acquisition of the multi-scale (from individual tree to landscape level) and near-real-time information of structural parameters in plantations is the premise of decision-making in sustainable management for the whole forest farm, and it is also the basis for the evaluation of forest productivity in stands. The development and synergetic applications of multi-source and multi-platform remote sensing technology provide a technical basis for the highly accurate estimation of multi-scale forest structural parameters. In this study, we developed an advanced framework for estimating these parameters of forest plantations in multiple scales (individual tree, plot and landscape levels) based on the Unmanned Aircraft System Light Detection and Ranging (UAS-LiDAR) transects and wall-to-wall Sentinel-2 imagery, combined with the sample plot data in a typical forest farm plantation (mainly Larch, Chinese pine) of Northern China. The position and height of individual trees within the plots were extracted by the LiDAR-based point cloud segmentation (PCS) algorithm, and then different approaches to the extrapolation of forest structural parameters from the plot to landscape level were assessed. The results demonstrate that, firstly, the individual tree height obtained by PCS was of relatively high accuracy (rRMSE = 1.5–3.3%); secondly, the accuracy of the forest structure parameters of the sample plot scale estimated by UAS-LiDAR is rRMSE = 4.4–10.6%; and thirdly, the accuracy of the two-stage upscaling approach by UAS-LiDAR transects as an intermediate stage (rRMSE = 14.5–20.2%) performed better than the direct usage of Sentinel-2 data (rRMSE = 22.9–27.3%). This study demonstrated an advanced framework for creating datasets of multi-scale forest structural parameters in a forest plantation, and proved that the synergetic usage of UAS-LiDAR transects and full coverage medium-resolution satellite imagery can provide a high-precision and low-cost technical basis for the multi-level estimation of forest structural parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo seeds are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, but they cause poisoning after excessive consumption, thus limiting their application. In this work, enzymatic degradation technology was employed to remove ginkgotoxins presented in ginkgo seeds, including 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) and MPN-5'-glucoside (MPNG). Through the screening of four oxidases and ten reaction mediators, the laccase-syringaldehyde system was successfully established. After optimizing the reaction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM), ginkgotoxins in both raw and boiled ginkgo seed powder was completely degraded at a temperature of 40 °C and a solvent to solid ratio (60 mL/g) of the ginkgo seed powder suspension within 3 h. Furthermore, the main nutritional components of detoxified ginkgo seed powder did not exhibit significant changes, but there was inevitably a decrease in the content of bioactive compounds. Finally, an acute oral toxicity assessment demonstrated that the detoxified ginkgo seed powder was virtually non-toxic. Therefore, enzymatic degradation using the laccase-syringaldehyde system has the potential to be a simple and effective approach for removing ginkgotoxins from ginkgo seed powder, thereby meeting the safety requirements for ginkgo products. [Display omitted] • A laccase-syringaldehyde system was established to degrade ginkgotoxins. • Both MPNG and MPN were completely degraded under the optimal enzymatic degradation conditions. • All ginkgotoxins present in both raw and boiled ginkgo seed powder could be effectively degraded. • Detoxified ginkgo seed powder prepared was proven to be non-toxic by an acute oral toxicity test. • The enzymatic removal technology is simple, efficient and suitable for the industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the application of functional packaging films containing anthocyanins for food freshness monitoring and preservation. The chemical properties of anthocyanins bestow upon them the pH indication function. Anthocyanins are flavonoids with a variety of biological activities such as reactive oxygen species scavenging ability. Anthocyanin is also a functional additive that can improve the physical and functional properties of packaging films. The focus of this paper therefore is to review the chemical and biological activities of anthocyanins, as well as their effects on the mechanical, optical, water vapor, thermal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of films as packaging materials. The properties of anthocyanin-based films depend mainly on the source and content of the anthocyanins and on the interactions with biopolymers. In addition, suitable preparation methods (casting, electrostatic spinning, 3D printing, dip coating, hot pressing extrusion, nanoparticle embedding) also have a significant effect on the films' properties. Lastly, the paper also discusses the latest applications of anthocyanin-based films in different types of foods (meat, seafood, dairy products, fruits and vegetables). Anthocyanin-based films combined with intelligent technology can not only enable freshness monitoring of food products, but also extend their shelf life. Nevertheless, future research should also consider key points for achieving sustainable production in industry, such as film performance parameters, consumer acceptance, biosafety and toxicological assessment, which are important for the future development of sustainable intelligent packaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercus gilva , an evergreen tree species in Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis , is an ecologically and economically valuable species in subtropical regions of East Asia. Predicting the impact of climate change on potential distribution of Q. gilva can provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of its genetic resources, as well as for afforestation. In this study, 74 distribution records of Q. gilva and nine climate variables were obtained after data collection and processing. Current climate data downloaded from WorldClim and future climate data predicted by four future climate scenarios (2040s SSP1-2.6, 2040s SSP5-8.5, 2060s SSP1-2.6, and 2060s SSP5-8.5) mainly based on greenhouse gases emissions of distribution sites were used in MaxEnt model with optimized parameters to predict distribution dynamics of Q. gilva and its response to climate change. The results showed that the predicted current distribution was consistent with natural distribution of Q. gilva , which was mainly located in Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guizhou, and Taiwan provinces of China, as well as Japan and Jeju Island of South Korea. Under current climate conditions, precipitation factors played a more significant role than temperature factors on distribution of Q. gilva , and precipitation of driest quarter (BIO17) is the most important restriction factor for its current distribution (contribution rate of 57.35%). Under future climate conditions, mean temperature of driest quarter (BIO9) was the essential climate factor affecting future change in potential distribution of Q. gilva. As the degree of climatic anomaly increased in the future, the total area of predicted distribution of Q. gilva showed a shrinking trend (decreased by 12.24%–45.21%) and Q. gilva would migrate to high altitudes and latitudes. The research results illustrated potential distribution range and suitable climate conditions of Q. gilva , which can provide essential theoretical references for the conservation, development, and utilization of Q. gilva and other related species. • Future climate data predicted based on GHGs emission were used in SDM of Q. gilva. • BIO17 was the most important restriction factor for Q. gilva 's current distribution. • BIO9 would be the essential factor affecting Q. gilva 's future potential distribution change. • As the degree of climatic anomaly increases, Q. gilva 's distribution tends to shrink. • Northward migration of Q. gilva was accompanied by a shift to the south in 2040s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of the pectin homogalacturonan (HG) integrity and remodeling into defense immunity facilitates building blocks of stress resilience within the host and pathogen interactions in the forests. Recent advances in apoplastic pectin methylesterases (PMEs) and coordinated PME inhibitors (PMEIs) deployed immune signaling, highlighting their critical roles in regulating biotic stress adaptation. Nevertheless, the PME and PMEI multiple isoenzyme families involved in defense priming in the model tree species are largely unknown. The in silico demonstration of the molecular profile identified 70 PME- (50 type-I proPME and 20 type-II PME) and 49 PMEI-encoding genes in the Populus genome. Evaluation of the transcript abundance verified 20 PtproPMEs and 18 PtPMEIs that showed predominant expression in the root and genetic redundancy for type-II PtPMEs. Dynamic changes in the transcriptome and experimental evaluation revealed a minuscule number of type-I proPMEs and PMEIs that showed marked promotions during a time-course Fusarium solani (Fs) infection. Using GC/LC-mass-based non-targeted metabolomics to inspect structure-related carbohydrates and PME activities suggested a correlation between proPME - PMEI co-expression and deformed pectin HG biosynthesis. Further functional examination of the enzyme inhibitory affinities of recombinant PtPMEI1 and 39 in vitro and apoplastic patterns suggested a clustering of the type-I proPME in the regulation of the innate immunity by maintaining homeostasis of the pectin HG de-methylesterification (DME) in the cell wall. The coherent omics-wide survey of the fungi pathogen-induced PME-PMEIs and disturbed carbohydrate accumulation provide theoretical cues for in-depth mining of the biological significance of the underlying immune signaling networks within an apoplastic niche in trees. • Molecular dissection of Populus PME/PMEI families. • ProPME-PMEI were co-induced upon F. solani infection. • PtPMEI1 and 39 hinted defense immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of 3 types of fermented Ginkgo-leaves (FGL) on layer performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, microbial populations, and egg-yolk fatty acids composition in laying hens. A total of 432 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 49 weeks of age, were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replications of 18 birds each. Layers were fed basal diets (Control) or basal diets supplemented with 0.5% Ginkgo-leaves fermented with Candida utilis (CF group), Aspergillus niger (AF group), or their combined fermentation (CAF group), respectively, for an 8-week feeding trial. Compared with the control group, AF and CAF supplementation improved (P<0.05) laying rate and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed FGL (CF, AF and CAF) supplemented diet had a decrease (P<0.05) in cracked-egg rate, egg-yolk cholesterol, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations of birds from CF and AF groups were increased (P<0.05) compared with that of the control. The concentrations of C18:1 (n-9), C18:2 (n-6), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ratio of PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA) and n-6: n-3 was increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) with FGL supplementation. While FGL supplementation led to a decrease in total saturated fatty acids (P=0.01) concentrations. In addition, ileal and cecum Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria populations of birds fed FGL were increased (P<0.05) compared with the control group, while ileal Escherichia coli, Salmonellas, and cecal Salmonellas were decreased in birds fed FGL. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of FGL, especially AF and CAF, in layer diets may be a feasible means of producing eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA contents for health conscious consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aspergillus niger-texmented-Ginkgo biloba leaves (FG) and the comparative effect with nonfer-mented (NF)- Ginkgo leaves were investigated on mor-phology, absorption, and immunity of small intestine after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenge in chicks at an early age. Broiler chicks (180 d of age) were divided into 3 treatment groups and were fed 1 of 3 diets: basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% NF or FG (control, NF, and FG group, respectively). Half of the birds from each treatment group were injected intraper-itoneally with LPS (500 p,g/kg of BW) or 0.9% NaCl solution (the sham control groups) at 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, and 21 d of age. The results indicated that when LPS-challenged birds were pretreated with FG, the decrease of ADG, ADFI, duodenal and jejunal relative weights, villus height, crypt depth, alkaline phosphatase activ-ity, and plasma D-xylose were dramatically attenuated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile, a significant de-crease (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) of duodenal and jejunal interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-18, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and duodenal sodium glucose co-transporter 1 mRNA expressional levels were found in LPS-challenged birds pretreated with FG. In conclu-sion, FG-supplemented diets minimized the deleterious effects of LPS and improved intestinal development, absorption, and immunity in immune-stressed chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxol, a natural product derived from Taxus, is one of the most effective natural anticancer drugs and the biosynthetic pathway of Taxol is the basis of heterologous bio-production. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and annotation of Taxus yunnanensis based on 10.7 Gb sequences assembled into 12 chromosomes with contig N50 and scaffold N50 of 2.89 Mb and 966.80 Mb, respectively. Phylogenomic analyses show that T. yunnanensis is most closely related to Sequoiadendron giganteum among the sampled taxa, with an estimated divergence time of 133.4−213.0 MYA. As with most gymnosperms, and unlike most angiosperms, there is no evidence of a recent whole-genome duplication in T. yunnanensis. Repetitive sequences, especially long terminal repeat retrotransposons, are prevalent in the T. yunnanensis genome, contributing to its large genome size. We further integrated genomic and transcriptomic data to unveil clusters of genes involved in Taxol synthesis, located on the chromosome 12, while gene families encoding hydroxylase in the Taxol pathway exhibited significant expansion. Our study contributes to the further elucidation of gymnosperm relationships and the Taxol biosynthetic pathway. Song, Fu, Yang, Niu, Tian, et al. present a high-quality genome assembly and transcriptome data of Taxus yunnanensis, a plant belonging to the Taxus genus known for sources of traditional medicine and natural anticancer drugs. This study explores the Taxus evolutionary history and sheds light on the Taxol biosynthetic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Ginkgo biloba seeds are well known for the significant curative effects on relieving cough and asthma. However, the development of products from ginkgo seeds still falls behind at present, resulting in a great waste of ginkgo seeds' resource. In this work, submerged fermentation of ginkgo seed powder using Eurotium cristatum was studied to investigate its feasibility as a new processing method. RESULTS: To promote the growth of E. cristatum, the optimum fermentation medium was 80.0 g L−1 of ginkgo seed powder with addition of 5.0 g L−1 calcium chloride (CaCl2), 4.0 g L−1 magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), 1.25 g L−1 zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and 0.65 g L−1 iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4). The optimum fermentation conditions were pH 5.8 ± 0.1, inoculum size 5.1 × 106 CFU mL−1, liquid medium volume 100 mL in 250‐mL Erlenmeyer flask and fermentation 4 days. Through fermentation, the production of lovastatin in fermentation broth could reach up to 32.97 ± 0.17 μg mL−1 and the total antioxidant capacity was improved by more than two‐fold. In addition, 40.15% of the ginkgotoxin in ginkgo seed powder was degraded while the entire degradation of ginkgolic acids was obtained. Moreover, fermented ginkgo seed powder suspension presented pleasant fragrances, and the activities of amylase and protease were enhanced to 11.30 ± 0.10 U mL−1 and 23.01 ± 0.20 U mL−1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Submerged fermentation using E. cristatum could significantly enhance the functional value and safety of ginkgo seed powder, and had great potential to become a novel processing method for the development of ginkgo seeds fermented products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Ginkgotoxin including 4′‐O‐methylpyridoxine (MPN) and MPN‐5′‐glucoside (MPNG) is responsible for Ginkgo seed food poisoning. The purpose of the work reported was to prepare detoxified Ginkgo seed powder and at the same time to retain the nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the maximum extent. RESULTS: Resin adsorption technology was firstly employed to remove ginkgotoxin from water extract of Ginkgo seed powder. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption efficiency of the optimal resin for MPN could reach 100%, and that for MPNG could only reach 85.4 ± 0.93%. Resin adsorption alone could not effectively remove MPN and MPNG simultaneously. Endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis was next attempted to transform MPNG to MPN. MPNG could be completely hydrolyzed to MPN by endogenous enzyme(s) at 40 °C and pH 5.0 in 180 min. Ginkgotoxin only in the form of MPN in the enzymatic hydrolysate was then adsorbed with resin and the conditions were statistically optimized. The adsorption efficiency of MPN reached 98.89 ± 0.99% under the optimized conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of ginkgotoxin by combining endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis with resin adsorption could preserve the main nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the most extent, and did not change its main characteristics. The ginkgotoxin removal method developed in this work is a relatively simple and efficient approach. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the largest families of transcription factors, the R2R3-MYB family plays a significant role in plant growth, development, and response to hormone and environmental stress. To explore its evolutionary mechanism and potential function in Ginkgo biloba , a gymnosperm of great economic and ecological value, we presented a comprehensive analysis of the R2R3-MYB genes in ginkgo. Sixty-nine GbR2R3-MYB genes were identified and these genes could be classified into 33 groups based on the characteristics of the amino acid sequence of the R2R3-MYB domain and gene structure. Syntenic analyses indicated that few tandem and segmental duplications possibly resulted in the contraction of the GbR2R3-MYB gene family. Based on the transcriptome data, expression profiles of eight different tissues and different developmental stages of leaf and kernel showed that GbR2R3-MYB genes had distinct temporal and spatial expression characteristics. Specific expression patterns of the sixteen GbR2R3-MYB genes were also identified in response to different abiotic stresses and hormonal exposures. Further investigation revealed that GbR2R3-MYB19 was located in the nucleus and possessed transcriptional activity, implying its potential roles in the regulation of multiple biological processes. Our findings provide a robust basis for future comprehensive evolutionary and functional analyses of GbR2R3-MYB genes in ginkgo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Yellowhorn germplasms showed relatively high genetic diversity. • The core germplasms represent the diversity of the original collected germplasms. • Core and original germplasm are similar in terms of physiological traits. • Core germplasm of yellowhorn represents the original germplasm. Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is an important ecological, economic, and ornamental plant species native to China. However, the physiological diversity, genetic variation, and core germplasms have not been revealed, which hindered the breeding process of yellowhorn. Here, we evaluated the genetic diversity of 155 yellowhorn germplasms using five physiological traits. The content of flavonoids varied significantly in different germplasms, and it was positively correlated with soluble sugar content (P < 0.01). A total of 253, 336 candidate SSR were identified from the whole genome of yellowhorn. A moderate genetic diversity was found in yellowhorn based on the mean values of the number of effective alleles (N e = 2.307), expected heterozygosity (H e = 0.527), and observed heterozygosity (H o = 0.317) with 30 pairs of polymorphic SSR markers. Population structure, Neighbor-Joining phylogeny, and principal coordinates analyses divided all genotypes into two major groups with few admixtures. Meanwhile, we extracted 34 (21.94 %) core yellowhorn germplasms based on the variation in physiological traits (14 germplasms) and genetic diversity (23 germplasms). After multiple different analyses including genetic diversity parameters, coincidence rate of range, variance difference percentage, and coefficient of variation rate of change, there was no obvious difference between core and original germplasm, which indicated that the core germplasm could represent the original germplasm well. Our study will lay a solid foundation for future conservation and management of yellowhorn germplasms and the core collection will be valuable in molecular breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba seeds contain a variety of nutritional and functional components and have high edible and medicinal effects, making them one of the famous food and medicine homologous materials. But G. biloba seeds also contain some harmful ingredients, which have severely restricted the healthy development of the G. biloba seed food industry. Overconsumption of G. biloba seeds can lead to food poisoning. Ginkgotoxin (4′-O-methylpyridoxine, MPN) and ginkgotoxin-5′-glucoside (4′-O-methylpyridoxine-5′-glucoside, MPNG) are the main toxic ingredients of G. biloba seeds and have been studied intensively. This work tries to comprehensively summarize the research status of MPN and MPNG (collectively known as ginkgotoxins), building the scientific basis for further research on ginkgotoxins, with the aspiration to promote the healthy development of the G. biloba seed food industry. In this review, the isolation, identification, extraction, and detection of ginkgotoxins are first introduced. Then, the synthesis and distribution of ginkgotoxins are described and discussed. Finally, the methods used for removing ginkgotoxins and the effects of processing on the ginkgotoxins are analyzed and compared. Reducing ginkgotoxins while preserving the nutritional and functional components of G. biloba seed foods will undoubtedly be a pressing issue in further research. [Display omitted] • Ginkgo biloba seeds contain a variety of nutritional and functional components. • Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning. • Ginkgotoxin and ginkgotoxin-5′-glucoside is responsible for Ginkgo biloba seeds poisoning. • MPN and MPNG can be completely removed by some physical and biotechnological methods. • Food processing techniques can only reduce toxicity to a limited extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The somatic embryogenesis (SEs) system in Ginkgo biloba L. has not been fully established due to the recalcitrance of this species, and it has seriously limited the application of SEs technology, such as elite varieties large-scale production, gene editing, or transformation. Recently, we have induced the cotyledon-shaped somatic embryos (SE) of G. biloba , which was so far observed the closest to mature somatic embryos. Here, we performed the physiological analysis in six cultured stages during SEs formation, including d -NEC (non-embryogenic callus), d -EC (embryogenic callus), d -SE, d -WHC (while hairy callus), L -EC (EC in light), and L -SE (SE in light). The transcriptomic analysis in d -NEC, d -EC, L -EC, and d -WHC was also carried out. We found that the higher (IAA+ZR+iPA)/ABA and the lower IAA/(iPA+ZR) levels were critical in the somatic embryogenesis of G. biloba. The higher levels of soluble sugar, total flavonoid, terpene lactone, PAL, F3'H, and CCR were beneficial to somatic embryogenesis. In addition, the peroxidase (POD) might be related to the cell wall formation of somatic embryos in G. biloba. A total of 36517 unigenes were identified in four groups by transcriptome analysis, and genes differentially expressed (DEGs) were related to hormone homeostasis i.e., SAUR50 , Jasmonic acid synthesis i.e., OPR3 , phenylpropanoid biosynthesis i.e., CCR1 , POD43 and C4H , terpenoid backbone biosynthesis i.e., HMGS , starch and sucrose metabolism, i.e., coniferin β-glucosidase, and photosynthesis, i.e., D1 protein. Furthermore, the majority of identified up-regulated transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB4 , WRKY43 , EFR8 , and WUS might be responsible for the acquisition of SEs. The light was helpful to the early formation of somatic embryos, and the gene GbWUS1 and GbCLV3 were detected with higher expression in early SE induction of G. biloba. This finding will provide important theoretical and technical support for gene editing, cell totipotency research, and rapid propagation in G. biloba. • We have induced the somatic embryos (SE) of Ginkgo biloba , which was so far observed the closest to mature somatic embryos. • The higher (IAA+ZR+iPA)/ABA and the lower IAA/(iPA+ZR) levels were critical in somatic embryogenesis of G. biloba. • The genes SAUR50 , CCR1 , POD43 were upregulated and response to hormone homeostasis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. • Ttranscription factors (TFs) such as MYB4 , WRKY43 , EFR8 , and WUS might be responsible for the acquisition of SEs. • Light was helpful to early formation somatic embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several dehydroabietylamine derivatives containing heterocyclic moieties such as thiophene and pyrazine ring were successfully synthesized. The antiproliferative activities of these thiophene-based Schiff-bases, thiophene amides, and pyrazine amides were investigated in vitro against Hela (cervix), MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver), and HUVEC (umbilical vein) cells by MTT assay. The toxicity of L1−L10(IC50 = 5.92− >100 μM) was lower than L0 (1.27 μM) and DOX (4.40 μM) in every case. Compound L1 had higher anti-HepG2 (0.66 μM), anti-MCF-7 (5.33 μM), and anti-A549 (2.11 μM) and compound L3 had higher anti-HepG2 (1.63 μM) and anti-MCF-7 (2.65 μM) activities. Both of these compounds were recognized with high efficiency in apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells and intercalated binding modes with DNA. Moreover, with average IC50 values of 0.66 and 5.98 μM, L1 was nine times more effective at suppressing cultured HepG2 cells viability than normal cells (SI = 9). The relative tumor proliferation rate (T/C) was 38.6%, the tumor inhibition rate was up to 61.2%, which indicated that L1 had no significant toxicity but high anti-HepG2 activity in vivo. Thus, it may be a potential antiproliferation drug with nontoxic side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingwu Du and Xiaoyue Wu contributed equally to this work. 2Distributions of tumor remission (A), tumor thickness (B) and lumen involvement (C) at baseline and during treatment between responders and non-responders Graph: Fig. [Extracted from the article]

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of fish meal by fermented moringa leaves (FMLs) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, nonspecific immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS III). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic balanced diets, including three FML diets (substituting 20%, 40%, 60% of the fish meal in basal diet, F20, F40 and F60, respectively) and a basal diet (a diet containing 10% fish meal) were used. Each diet was randomly allocated to four fish groups (F20, F40, F60 and control) reared in a recirculating system. After 50 days of the feeding trial, fish were challenged by A. hydrophila. The result revealed that final mean body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and survival rate (SR) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in F20 and F40 groups compared with the control group. Decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI), body crude lipid, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were observed in F40 and F60 groups compared with the control and F20 groups. All FMLs-supplemented groups increased (P < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lysozyme activities, complement component 3 (C3) and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration, or decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCC) contents (P < 0.05). After the challenge test, the significant downregulation of toll-like receptors2 (TLR2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 mRNA transcription levels was observed in spleens of FMLs supplemented groups. Dietary F40 and F60 showed higher (P < 0.05) relative percent survival (RPS) (48.72% and 43.59%, respectively) against A. hydrophila infection than control. These results indicate that, as a dietary fish meal substitute, FMLs enhance the growth, and antioxidant and immune response, and regulate the expression of immune-related genes and increase disease resistance against A. hydrophila via TLR2 pathway in gibel carp, with greatest effects of 40% fish meal substitution. • 40% of fishmeal replaced by FMLs could improve growth performance of gibel carp. • Dietary FMLs could improve antioxidant capability and the health of the body. • Dietary FMLs could improve immune response and disease resistance against A. hydrophila. • 10 g FMLs per 100 g diet is recommended to be added in feed for gibel carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camptotheca acuminata Decne (Nyssaceae) (happy tree, tree of life, cancer tree) is a rapidly growing deciduous and endangered tree endemic to east Tibet and southern China (Liu et al., 2002). C. acuminata is an ornamental tree with monopodial growth, beautiful leaves and shade- and cold- tolerant in their natural environment. Recently, its demand has grown rapidly due to secondary metabolites production like Camptothecin and its derivatives with anti cancer and antivirus activity. The aim of the present study was to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of this valuable plant. Different cultural media based on both MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) or DKW (Driver and Kuniyuki, 1984) formulations with different cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine, BAP or 2-isopentenyladenine, 2iP or meta-topolin, mT) have been involved. The aromatic cytokinin meta-topolin stimulated plant growth. The optimum multiplication rate of Camptotheca shoots occurred on the DKW basal medium, supplemented with 2.5 µM meta-topolin, grown under mixed LED light. The highest number of roots per plantlets was recorded on the rooting medium with 0.3 mgl-1 NAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are the most important secondary metabolites in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves that determine its medicinal quality. Studies have suggested that secondary metabolism is strongly affected by temperature in other plant species, but little is known about ginkgo. In this study, we investigated the effects of different day-night temperature combinations (15/10, 25/20, and 35/30 °C (day/night)) on key enzyme activity, growth regulator concentrations, and flavonoid accumulation in ginkgo leaves. We found that phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was enhanced and inhibited at 15/10 and 35/30 °C, respectively. Cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H) activity was relatively stable under the three temperature conditions, and the p-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL) activity showed different trends under the three temperature conditions. The concentrations of flavonoid constituents (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) were decreased and increased under the 35/30 and 15/10 °C conditions, respectively. Low temperature promoted soluble sugar accumulation, while temperature had a limited impact on the accumulation of soluble protein. The pattern of change in the total flavonoid concentration was not always in agreement with PAL activity due to its complex pathway. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) changes shared similar patterns and had limited effects on flavonoid accumulation, while abscisic acid (ABA) acted as a promotor of flavonoid accumulation under high-temperature conditions. The total flavonoids achieved the highest content under the 15/10 °C treatment on the 40th day. Therefore, the lower temperature (15/10 °C) is more favorable for flavonoid accumulation and will provide a theoretical basis for further study. • The content of flavonoid components increased under 15/10 °C condition. • PAL activity was promoted under low temperature condition. • Low temperature promoted soluble sugar accumulation. • Abscisic acid promoted flavonoid accumulation under high temperature condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phenotypic diversity of floral organs plays an important role in plant systematic taxonomy and genetic variation studies. Previous research have focused on the direction of variation but disregarded its degree. Phenotypic variation (including directions and degrees) of 17 floral traits from wild to cultivated crabapples were explored by comparing their distributions and deviations in three different dimensions: floral organ number, size, and the shape. Results: Except for petal number, petal length / petal width, and sepal length / sepal width, the analyzed floral traits of cultivated crabapples all showed downward distributed box bodies in box plot analysis and left deviations of fitted curves in frequency distribution function analysis when compared to the wild, which revealed consistent variation directions of petaloid conversion (pistils or stamens → petals), size miniaturization (large → small), and shape narrowness (petal shape: circular → elliptic; sepal shape: triangular → lanceolate). However, only seven floral traits exhibited significant differences in box plot analysis, while all of the traits in frequency distribution function analysis were obviously offset. The variation degrees were quantitatively characterized by sizing traits > shaping traits > numbering traits and by horizontal dimensions > radial dimensions. Conclusions: Frequency distribution function analysis was more sensitive than the box plot analysis, which constructed a theoretical basis for Malus flower type breeding and would provide a new quantitative method for future evaluation of floral variation among different groups of angiosperms at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) is an endemic species, mainly distributed in northwest China. However, the limited molecular markers range for this species hinders breeding and genetic studies. A total of 20,324 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified from 118,197 assembled transcripts and 18 highly polymorphic SSR markers were used to explore the genetic diversity and population structure of S. alopecuroides from 23 different geographical populations. A relatively low genetic diversity was found in S. alopecuroides based on mean values of the number of effective alleles (Ne = 1.81), expected heterozygosity (He = 0.39) and observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.55). The results of AMOVA indicated higher levels of variation within populations than between populations. Bayesian-based cluster analysis, principal coordinates analysis and Neighbor-Joining phylogeny analysis roughly divided all genotypes into four major groups with some admixtures. Meanwhile, geographic barriers would have restricted gene flow between the northern and southern regions (separated by Tianshan Mountains), wherein the two relatively ancestral and independent clusters of S. alopecuroides occur. History trade and migration along the Silk Road would together have promoted the spread of S. alopecuroides from the western to the eastern regions of the northwest plateau in China, resulting in the current genetic diversity and population structure. The transcriptomic SSR markers provide a valuable resource for understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of S. alopecuroides, and will assist effective conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Clinical tools are unavailable for accurate prediction of pathologic responses to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) before surgery. We evaluated tumor remission and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) during CRT as predictors of pathologic response and prognostic markers for patients with locally advanced ESCC treated with neoadjuvant CRT (neo-CRT) or definitive CRT.Methods and Materials: We analyzed patients with locally advanced ESCC (N = 164) who underwent neo-CRT (N = 48) or definitive CRT (N = 116). Patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography and biopsies when induction CRT finished. Tumor remission characteristics were designated minor (-/+) to excellent remission (ER) (+++). TILs were determined in 10% increments. Tumor remission, TILs, or both were associated with pathologic complete response (pCR) and survival in the neo-CRT group and then analyzed in the definitive CRT group.Results: ER and lymphocyte-predominant ESCC (LPE; ≥60% TILs) were identified according to the pCR rate and disease-free survival. We built a prediction model for pCR incorporating ER and LPE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.877, and sensitivity and specificity were 86.7% and 90.9%, respectively. Furthermore, this model identified pathologic response with an excellent calibration. Disease-free survival of patients with ER and LPE tumors was significantly longer than that of other patients.Conclusions: When we included tumor remission and TILs during CRT, our model predicted pCR with high probability and helped stratify prognostic subgroups, thereby guiding future therapy decisions for patients with locally advanced ESCC. Validation of this model in larger, prospective, multicenter studies is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between whey protein isolate (WPI) and saponins plays a key role in regulating and improving foam properties. In this study, the influences of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge leaves saponins (XLS) on the foaming properties of WPI were characterized. Results revealed that 0.2 or 0.3% XLS could significantly increase the particle size and turbidity, as well as significantly decrease the protein solubility. The spectrum results showed that there was an interaction between WPI and XLS, which caused the change in protein structure and exposed more hydrophobic groups. Importantly, WPI with 0.3% XLS significantly increased the surface hydrophobicity and decreased the surface tension, resulting in better foaming ability and foam stability. Moreover, the rheological determination suggested that WPI with XLS increased both the apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity. The best foaming performance of WPI was achieved with 0.3% XLS at pH 3, along with the formation of the most compact, smallest, and densest bubbles. According to the classification of mixed conditions suggested by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, WPI had good scores in the presence of both 0.2% and 0.3% XLS at pH 3, suggesting that XLS is a promising acidic foam additive applied to WPI food foam. • Both pH and XLS can change the interface properties of WPI. • XLS improved both foaming ability and stability of WPI. • XLS improved rheological properties of WPI by change the state of water. • Quantative associations between foam and physicochemical properties were studied. • WPI-XLS dispersions can be used for the development of acidic food foam in dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Low-cost enzyme cocktail with high xylanase activity was produced by A. niger. • Wheat straw was hydrolyzed more effectively than other biomass by the enzyme cocktail. • Xylanase combined with cellulase significantly enhanced the hydrolysis of wheat straw. • Delignification was more efficient than de-hemicellulose for wheat straw hydrolysis. • Crystallinity is little interference with the hydrolysis process of wheat straw. Abstract Based on a general understanding that hemicellulose removal is more efficient than delignification for biomass deconstruction, an Aspergillus niger strain producing high xylanase activity was screened out from seventeen strains by clear halo experiments. Low-cost enzyme cocktail with high xylanase activity was produced from wheat straw medium fermented by the Gyx086 strain. The enzyme cocktail with high xylanase activity could more effectively hydrolyze wheat straw than other biomasses. However, only 30% of total carbohydrates could be hydrolyzed to reducing sugar in untreated wheat straw. Further enzymatic hydrolysis and pretreated trials were carried out, the results indicated that hemicellulose removal was less effective than delignification for de-recalcitrance of wheat straw and the crystallinity is little interference with the hydrolysis process. Delignified wheat straw was near-completely hydrolyzed by the enzyme cocktail in 60 h. This study advanced the knowledge in promoting wheat straw as feedstock for bio-based industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferol and astragalin are used as standards to assess the quality of Ginkgo biloba extract and Radix astragali, respectively, and possess numerous biological properties. In this study, we constructed a recombinant strain with a highly efficient biosynthetic pathway of kaempferol by screening key enzyme genes, designing a synthetic fusion enzyme and increasing the gene copy number. By optimizing conversion and fed-batch fermentation conditions, maximal kaempferol production reached 1184.2 ± 16.5 mg/L, which represents the highest yield of kaempferol from naringenin reported to date. Based on this result, glycosyltransferase (AtUGT78D2) and an efficient UDP-glucose synthesis pathway were introduced into the recombinant strain to produce astragalin, resulting in maximal astragalin production at 1738.5 ± 24.8 mg/L without kaempferol accumulation. The efficient synthesis pathway described in this study for kaempferol and astragalin biosynthesis can be widely used for flavonoid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A. americana was proved to be a low recalcitrance biomass. • Pectinase was confirmed which dramatically improved saccharification of agave. • Cost-effective enzyme cocktail was produced using wheat straw as substance. • Enzyme cocktail from A. niger Gyx086 can effectively saccharify agave polysaccharide. • Un-pretreated agave biomass was near-completely hydrolyzed at 35 °C in less than 72 h. Abstract To develop a cost-effective, time-saving and efficient saccharification system for converting biomass into mono-/oligo-saccharides for production of bioethanol or other biochemicals, a relatively low recalcitrant and widely available biomass Agave americana was selected as feedstock. During the investigation of efficient enzyme cocktail, pectinase, which usually is neglect for biomass saccharification, was confirmed that it dramatically improves the saccharification of agave biomass. A production-friendly fungal strain of Aspergillus niger Gyx086 was employed for low-cost enzyme cocktails production using wheat straw as substance. The enzyme cocktail which was with hyperactive pectinase activity of 6.29 ± 0.42 U/ml could efficiently saccharify un-pretreated agave biomasses. As a result, under a mild condition at 35 °C in less than 72 h, most of the polysaccharides were completely converted into reducing sugar. The low-cost, process-simplified, and efficient biotechnology should stimulate the development of agave as feedstock for green energy and bio-based products production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Estimating forest structural attributes in planted forests is crucial for sustainably management of forests and helps to understand the contributions of forests to global carbon storage. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Light Detecting and Ranging (UAV-LiDAR) has become a promising technology and attempts to be used for forest management, due to its capacity to provide highly accurate estimations of three-dimensional (3D) forest structural information with a lower cost, higher flexibility and finer resolution than airborne LiDAR. In this study, the effectiveness of plot-level metrics (i.e., distributional, canopy volume and Weibull-fitted metrics) and individual-tree-summarized metrics (i.e., maximum, minimum and mean height of trees and the number of trees from the individual tree detection (ITD) results) derived from UAV-LiDAR point clouds were assessed, then these metrics were used to fit estimation models of six forest structural attributes by parametric (i.e., partial least squares (PLS)) and non-parametric (i.e., k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) and Random Forest (RF)) approaches, within a Ginkgo plantation in east China. In addition, we assessed the effects of UAV-LiDAR point cloud density on the derived metrics and individual tree segmentation results, and evaluated the correlations of these metrics with aboveground biomass (AGB) by a sensitivity analysis. The results showed that, in general, models based on both plot-level and individual-tree-summarized metrics (CV-R2 = 0.66–0.97, rRMSE = 2.83–23.35%) performed better than models based on the plot-level metrics only (CV-R2 = 0.62–0.97, rRMSE = 3.81–27.64%). PLS had a relatively high prediction accuracy for Lorey's mean height (CV-R2 = 0.97, rRMSE = 2.83%), whereas k-NN performed well for predicting volume (CV-R2 = 0.94, rRMSE = 8.95%) and AGB (CV-R2 = 0.95, rRMSE = 8.81%). For the point cloud density sensitivity analysis, the canopy volume metrics showed a higher dependence on point cloud density than other metrics. ITD results showed a relatively high accuracy (F 1 -score > 74.93%) when the point cloud density was higher than 10% (16 pts·m−2). The correlations between AGB and the metrics of height percentiles, lower height level of canopy return densities and canopy cover appeared stable across different point cloud densities when the point cloud density was reduced from 50% (80 pts·m−2) to 5% (8 pts·m−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Agroforestry provides opportunities to decrease the levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2) released into the atmosphere by increasing the carbon (C) stored in agricultural systems. In agroforestry systems, soil C pools serve as the most important and stable C sink, but there is limited information on the vertical and seasonal variations of soil C pools. In this study, the vertical and seasonal variations of soil organic C (SOC) and its labile pools were measured in five planting systems: a pure ginkgo (Gingko biloba. L) planting system, a pure wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) field, a pure metasequoia (Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng) seedling system, a ginkgo and wheat agroforestry system, and a ginkgo and metasequoia seedling agroforestry system. Among these systems, the ginkgo and wheat system had a significantly higher SOC content than the other systems throughout the year, particularly at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm. Additionally, the pure ginkgo and pure metasequoia systems had lower SOC contents than the other planting systems, and this decrease was attributed to the relatively limited tree litter input and lower fine root biomass. Microbial biomass C (MBC) and soil readily oxidizable C (ROC) exhibited similar vertical and seasonal variations and reached minimum values in winter. The highest MBC and ROC contents were observed in the ginkgo and wheat system at a depth of 0–10 cm, i.e., 127.3 mg kg−1 and 4.49 g kg−1, respectively. The highest water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) content was observed in summer at a depth of 0–10 cm, i.e., 472.2 mg kg−1. A Pearson correlation analysis indicated that soil properties were significantly correlated with SOC and labile C fractions. The results suggested that an agroforestry system resulted in a greater increase in the soil C sink; in particular, the ginkgo and wheat system achieved the best results. Basic soil properties played key roles in soil carbon formation. These results provide important information about SOC and labile C fraction dynamics resulting from planting systems and depth variations and strengthen our understanding of soil C sequestration in agroforestry systems. Highlights • Soil properties of five planting systems and five soil layers were evaluated. • The ginkgo and wheat system had higher SOC content than the other systems. • Soil labile carbon pools also closely affected by planting systems and soil depths. • Limited litter and root biomass dramatically affected the soil carbon composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A NADPH-independent fusion enzyme (VvRHM-NRS) was constructed. • VvRHM-NRS could convert UDP-glucose to UDP-rhamnose with NADH self-sufficient. • VvRHM-NRS was coupled with GmSUS to develop a UDP-rhamnose regeneration system. • A total of 0.57 mM UDP-rhamnose was generated from sucrose, NAD+, and UDP. Abstract UDP-rhamnose is synthesized by UDP-rhamnose synthase, but the reaction requires two kinds of cofactors, NAD+ and NADPH. In this work, a cofactor self-sufficient UDP-rhamnose regeneration system was described herein. The UDP-rhamnose synthase (VvRHM) gene from Vitis vinifera was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and characterizations of VvRHM were determined. The N-terminal region of VvRHM was fused with the bifunctional UDP-4-keto-6-deoxy- d -glucose 3,5-epimerase/UDP-4-keto-rhamnose 4-keto-reductase (NRS/ER) from Arabidopsis thaliana to obtain the fusion enzyme (VvRHM-NRS), which was NADPH-independent and could convert UDP-glucose to UDP-rhamnose with NADH self-sufficient. The optimal activity of VvRHM-NRS was at pH 7.5 and 30 °C. Apparent K m and V max of VvRHM-NRS for UDP-glucose were 88 ± 9 μM and 12.7 ± 0.6 nmol/min/mg, and for NAD+ were 69 ± 7 μM and 11.9 ± 0.5 nmol/min/mg. Then, a novel process for the synthesis of UDP-rhamnose from sucrose, NAD+, and UDP was developed by using VvRHM-NRS coupled with Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSUS). By optimizing coupled reaction conditions, UDP-rhamnose production reached 0.57 mM. Finally, UDP-rhamnose regeneration system was tested to synthesize quercitrin with A. thaliana glycosyltransferase (AtUGT78D1). Therefore, VvRHM-NRS coupled with GmSUS presented a green chemistry approach for the UDP-rhamnose regeneration in glycosylation of flavonoids and other bioactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidin (PAC) holds strong free radicals scavenging ability and is widely used as oxygen free radical scavenger. Huge demand, safety and economic aspect are forcing the PAC extraction to explore new resource and greener solvent. An efficient extraction method of PAC from Ginkgo biloba leaves was established by employing deep eutectic solvent (DES)-water mixture. After a rational design, a DES-water mixture (named as Ch-M 55 ) was chosen as the extraction solvent, which was prepared from choline chloride and malonic acid at a molar ratio of 1:2 with water addition of 55% (w/w). The main factors affecting the extraction yield were statistically optimized using a central composite design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were obtained as follows: extraction temperature of 65 °C, extraction time of 53 min and Ch-M 55 to solid ratio of 10.57:1 (v/w, mL/g). The PAC extraction yield was 22.19 ± 0.71 mg/g under the optimized conditions, which was much higher than those of conventional organic solvents. The antioxidant activity of PAC extracted by Ch-M 55 was similar to that of 70% acetone, but a little less than 70% methanol and 70% ethanol. The differences in constituent and polymerization degree of PAC extracted by different solvents might account for the difference in antioxidant activity. In consideration of biodegradability and pharmaceutical acceptability, the Ch-M 55 -based extraction method is obviously efficient, green and ecofriendly. Extraction of PAC from Ginkgo biloba leaves also provides a new PAC resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is a perennial plant species of the Moringaceae family known as the "miracle tree" since practically all of its parts can be utilized as food. In particular, the high protein content and rich nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf has drawn the attention of researchers. As a sustainable and promising protein source, Moringa oleifera leaf protein is superior to other conventional plant proteins in the aspects of biological potency and nutritive value. Significant research on its functional characteristics has also highlighted its potential as a raw material for food processing. Thus, the application of Moringa oleifera leaf protein in the food industry, as a protein-rich sustainable food source, is of great interest. The present review gives an overview of Moringa oleifera leaf protein with emphases on the extraction methods, composition analysis, and functional characteristics. Diverse applications of Moringa oleifera leaf protein in food, as well as its restrictions, have also been identified in this review, highlighting the potential of this plant-based protein for novel food products and providing directions for future research. • Moringa oleifera leaf is high in protein. • Moringa oleifera leaf as a sustainable protein source has attracted great interest. • Protein obtained from Moringa oleifera leaf presents higher digestibility. • Moringa oleifera leaf protein has diverse applications in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]