Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert Grgac, Jan Rozsypal, Lauren Des Marteaux, Tomas Stetinab, Vladimir Kostal
Summary: This study provides evidence for the molecular mechanisms of protein denaturation and membrane integrity loss in freeze-sensitive insects, and demonstrates the protective effects of cryoprotective molecules in stabilizing proteins and membranes against freezing injury.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Christina Skodra, Michail Michailidis, Marilena Dasenaki, Ioannis Ganopoulos, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Georgia Tanou, Athanassios Molassiotis
Summary: Salinity stress reduces olive crop productivity by inducing changes in metabolites and gene expression in various tissues. The growth of plants was impaired, with increased levels of Na+ and Cl- in different tissues. Sugars, carbohydrates, and flavonoids were found to increase significantly in leaves under salt treatment, providing insights for olive crop improvement projects.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yifei Yu, Yajing Wu, Wenfei Liu, Jun Liu, Ping Li
Summary: Freezing stress is a major factor affecting plant growth and distribution. The safe overwintering of perennial deciduous plants is essential for survival and yield. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying freeze-tolerance and gene regulation metabolites.
Article
Biology
Lukas Kucera, Martin Moos, Tomas Stetina, Jaroslava Korbelova, Petr Vodrazka, Lauren Des Marteaux, Robert Grgac, Petr Hula, Jan Rozsypal, Milos Faltus, Petr Simek, Radislav Sedlacek, Vladimir Kostal
Summary: This study identifies and quantifies multiple cryoprotectants in larval tissues of a subarctic fly, which could inspire the development of laboratory cryoprotectant formulations for cryopreservation. The artificial mixtures of cryoprotectants mimic the concentrations in hemolymph of freeze-tolerant larvae and exhibit cryoprotective effects. The study also suggests that trehalose stimulates the transition to the amorphous glass phase, while proline forms a layer of dense viscoelastic liquid, both protecting macromolecules and cells from thermomechanical shocks associated with freezing.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mao Deng, Huijuan Chen, Long Xie, Kai Liu, Xumin Zhang, Xiaofang Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of tea saponins as emulsifiers and cryoprotectants in preparing silymarin nanoemulsion and preventing damage during freeze-drying. Tea saponins improve the solubility and stability of silymarin.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanan Li, Menghuan Li, Li Liu, Chencheng Xue, Yang Fei, Xuan Wang, Yuchen Zhang, Kaiyong Cai, Yanli Zhao, Zhong Luo
Summary: This study reports a combinational strategy based on clinically tested constituents to selectively induce ferroptosis in metabolically reprogrammed tumor cells, providing a generally applicable therapy.
Review
Immunology
Soumik Pal, Amit Sharma, Sam Padalumavunkal Mathew, Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
Summary: Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various genetic and phenotypic aberrations, and cancer cells meet their uncontrolled proliferation demands through metabolic reprogramming. Despite increasing understanding of tumor metabolism, therapeutic interventions targeting these specific dysregulations have been largely ineffective in clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianluca Mattei, Zhuohui Gan, Matteo Ramazzotti, Bernhard O. Palsson, Daniel C. Zielinski
Summary: In this work, the authors present an algorithm, MetPath, that calculates pathways for condition-specific production and consumption of specific metabolites. These pathways take into account the condition-specific metabolic role of a gene product, are localized around defined metabolic functions, and weigh the importance of gene expression to a function based on flux contribution. The pathways elucidate network interactions between genes across different growth conditions and between cell types.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gaopeng Zhang, Chunyan Zhu, Noman Walayat, Wei Tang, Yonggang Tu, Yuting Ding, Jianhua Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of cryoprotectants on the changes in physicochemical and structural properties of egg white protein caused by repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The cryoprotectants effectively inhibited the increase in surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl contents, and restricted the decrease in total sulfhydryl group content, water-holding capacity of heat-induced gel, and endogenous fluorescence intensity. These results provide reference for the application of cryoprotectants in frozen egg white protein in the food industry.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Baiyan Chen, Xiaoying Wang, Pengzhen Li, Xiaoxuan Feng, Zhihao Mao, Junjie Wei, Xian Lin, Xiaowen Li, Li Wang
Summary: In order to prolong the preservation time of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and improve the cell survival rate, the formulation of cryoprotectants was optimized using response surface experiments. The optimal combination of cryoprotectants was determined to be 11.1% trehalose, 9.1% glycerin, 3.5% sodium glutamate, and 15.7% skimmed milk powder. The freeze-dried powder showed stable storage at -20 degrees C for 60 days with a survival rate of 97.8%, significantly higher than the 22% survival rate of the control group. Further analysis revealed intact cell membranes, smooth cell surface morphology fully covered by cryoprotectants, and a slight decrease of only 4.7% in Na+/K+-ATPase activity. These findings demonstrate that the composite cryoprotectants can reduce cell damage caused by ice crystal formation, leading to extended preservation time and improved survival rate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Silvia Voci, Agnese Gagliardi, Maria Cristina Salvatici, Massimo Fresta, Donato Cosco
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different media on the physico-chemical features of zein and gliadin nanoparticles, and characterized the best formulations using freeze-drying. The results showed that a 5% glucose solution was a feasible medium for their development. Cryoprotectants were used to prevent aggregation, with mannose playing a crucial role in the cryopreservation of gliadin nanosystems.
Article
Biology
Min Hu, Joseph M. Santin
Summary: This study investigates the reorganization of the metabolic transcriptional network in the brainstem of American bullfrogs during hibernation to achieve ischemia tolerance. The results suggest that improving neural performance during ischemia involves a transcriptional program for glycogen and glucose metabolism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Karine Modolon Zepon, Caroline do Amaral Fetzner Pucci, Alana Witt Hansen, Fernanda Mendes de Moraes, do Nascimento Jose Heriberto Oliveria, Fernando Dal Pont Morisso, Rachel Faverzani Magnago, Ana Luiza Ziulkoski
Summary: This study proposes using maltose and lactose as reducing and cryoprotectant agents to improve the long-term stability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The sugars can act as reducing and capping agents of the synthesized AgNPs, and prevent aggregation under freezing and freeze-drying. The freeze-dried AgNPs showed more stability and maintained their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, making maltose and lactose a green alternative for synthesizing and preserving AgNPs.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Keith Dufault-Thompson, Chang Nie, Huahua Jian, Fengping Wang, Ying Zhang
Summary: Microbial acclimation to temperature conditions can lead to changes in cell composition and metabolic efficiency. This study used genome-scale models to simulate the metabolic responses of a deep-sea psychrophilic bacterium under different temperatures. The models predicted differences in metabolic efficiency and rearrangement of metabolic pathways, which were validated through comparisons to transcriptomes. This study highlights the utility of modeling approaches in studying the temperature-driven metabolic responses of extremophilic organisms.
Article
Biology
Francesca Susa, Giulia Bucca, Tania Limongi, Valentina Cauda, Roberto Pisano
Summary: This study investigated the formulation design for freeze-drying of two different liposomes and evaluated the role of various cryoprotectants in preserving their structural integrity. The findings showed that disaccharides and polyol successfully protected the liposomes, while the presence of surfactant during freezing process resulted in strong damage to the liposomes. Additionally, the choice of freezing rate depended on the composition of the lipid bilayer.
Article
Agronomy
Xiaodan Sun, Jiahao Zhao, Gang Wang, Qingwei Guan, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: Organic mulching has a significant impact on root morphology and biomass, with a decrease in specific root length and surface area, but an increase in root tissue density and fine root biomass. Mulching promotes the growth and turnover of fine roots and extends root penetration into deeper soil layers.
AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Khaled D. Alotaibi, Hattan A. Alharbi, Mahmoud W. Yaish, Ibrahim Ahmed, Sulaiman Almwarai Alharbi, Fahad Alotaibi, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: Date palm is an ancient crop cultivated in arid regions, with its cultivation spreading to other countries. Despite improvements, challenges remain in its cultivation and sustainability. This review highlights the current status, environmental factors, challenges, and potential improvements for date palm cultivation.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaomin Ma, Zhang Zhou, Jie Chen, Han Xu, Suhui Ma, Michaela A. Dippold, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: Microorganisms in soil respond to increased inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus, with fungi being more sensitive than bacteria. The shift in fungal community is mainly driven by phosphorus availability, while nitrogen addition exacerbates phosphorus limitation. Microbes adapt to soil nutrient stoichiometry changes by regulating functional gene abundance and enzyme activity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Correction
Soil Science
Yao Shi, Qingxu Ma, Yakov Kuzyakov, Lianxi Sheng, Hanyu Liu, Zhongqiang Wang
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Matus, Daniela Mendoza, Francisco Najera, Carolina Merino, Yakov Kuzyakov, Kelly Wilhelm, Jens Boy, Felipe Aburto, Ignacio Jofre, Michaela A. Dippold
Summary: Antarctic King George Island is experiencing the most rapid warming in the Southern Hemisphere. This area has limited organic matter inputs, mainly from lichens, mosses, avian faeces, and two vascular plant species. This study investigated the effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the priming effect, finding that microorganisms in the soil preferentially use freeze-preserved SOC after thawing as an important energy source, leading to an intense priming effect.
Article
Biology
John T. Van Stan, Scott T. Allen, Douglas P. Aubrey, Z. Carter Berry, Matthew Biddick, Miriam A. M. J. Coenders-Gerrits, Paolo Giordani, Sybil G. Gotsch, Ethan D. Gutmann, Yakov Kuzyakov, Donat Magyar, Valentina S. A. Mella, Kevin E. Mueller, Alexandra G. Ponette-Gonzalez, Philipp Porada, Carla E. Rosenfeld, Jack Simmons, Kandikere R. Sridhar, Aron Stubbins, Travis Swanson
Summary: Stormwater is a crucial resource and plays a dynamic role in terrestrial ecosystem processes. However, the processes during and after storms are often not well understood when relying solely on technological observations. Human observations can complement technological ones by revealing ephemeral storm-related phenomena, which can then be further investigated using sensors and virtual experiments. Storm-related phenomena have significant impacts on hydrologic and biogeochemical processes, organismal traits and functions, and ecosystem services at all scales.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Pingxing Wan, Feng Zhang, Kaiping Zhang, Yufei Li, Rongzhu Qin, Jianjun Yang, Chao Fang, Yakov Kuzyakov, Shiqing Li, Feng-Min Li
Summary: Plastic film mulch is widely used in semi-arid regions to increase crop yield by saving soil water and increasing temperature. However, the impact of plastic film mulch on soil bacterial community structure and metabolic functions is still unclear. This study found that short-term mulching reduced bacterial abundance but increased diversity, while long-term mulching changed bacterial community structure and decreased metabolic functions. The complexity and stability of bacterial communities were also influenced by plastic film mulch.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yalong Liu, Tida Ge, Ping Wang, Kees Jan van Groenigen, Xuebin Xu, Kun Cheng, Zhenke Zhu, Jingkuan Wang, Georg Guggenberger, Ji Chen, Yiqi Luo, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: The mean residence time (MRT) of carbon (C) in paddy soils in monsoon Asia, which ranges between 19 and 50 years, is influenced by various factors such as temperature. The MRT in tropical regions is shorter compared to temperate and subtropical regions. With a 2 degrees C warming, MRT decreases by an average of 7%, with the largest decrease in the western Indonesian islands and northeast China. Paddy soils play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle due to their larger C stocks per area and longer MRT compared to upland cropland soils.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuqin Liang, Liang Wei, Shuang Wang, Can Hu, Mouliang Xiao, Zhenke Zhu, Yangwu Deng, Xiaohong Wu, Yakov Kuzyakov, Jianping Chen, Tida Ge
Summary: Microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can suppress plant pathogens, but the influence of fertilization on microbial VOC-mediated suppression of pathogens is still unclear.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuyuan Zhang, Yong Li, Junjie Lei, Ziqian Li, Qianlong Tan, Lingli Xie, Yunmu Xiao, Ting Liu, Xiaoyong Chen, Yafeng Wen, Wenhua Xiang, Yakov Kuzyakov, Wende Yan
Summary: Microplastic pollution poses a global concern for biodiversity, health, and ecological safety, but the actual impacts on organisms and ecosystems remain unclear due to their inert characteristics. This study investigated the long-term ecological effects of six prevalent microplastic types on soil bacteria. The results showed that microplastics significantly altered the bacteriome composition, leading to higher nitrogen requirements and reduced organic carbon mineralization. Additionally, the reshaped bacteriome exhibited specialization in xenobiotic and lipid metabolism, but suffered from excessive oxidative damage and weakened genetic information processing. Model predictions suggested that microplastic effects on bacterial functions, derived from nutrient and oxidative stress, pose a severe risk to soil ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jie Zhou, Yuan Wen, Bahar S. Razavi, Sebastian Loeppmann, Miles R. Marshall, Huadong Zang, Yakov Kuzyakov, Zhaohai Zeng, Michaela A. Dippold, Evgenia Blagodatskaya
Summary: A study conducted on agroecosystems explored the effects of long-term warming on microbial functions in the soil. It found that higher temperatures led to increased microbial growth but decreased the proportion of growing microbial biomass. The study also showed that increased availability of labile organic matter weakened the thermal acclimation of soil microbial functions. These findings suggest that the predicted impact of climate warming on soil microbe-driven CO2 emissions may be underestimated.
Article
Soil Science
Jie Zhou, Tingting Sun, Lingling Shi, Irina Kurganova, Valentin Lopes de Gerenyu, Olga Kalinina, Louise Giani, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: After cropland abandonment, increased plant carbon input into the soils leads to both carbon accumulation and higher microbial activities, resulting in faster organic matter decomposition. Our study on a chronosequence of post-agricultural self-restoration of Luvisols showed that microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activities increased in the top soil during the 37-year period of self-restoration. Microbial activity was more sensitive to land use changes compared to soil organic carbon. The quantity and quality of plant carbon inputs regulated microbial activity and enzyme production, providing insights into ecosystem succession.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei Qiang, Anna Gunina, Yakov Kuzyakov, Ruyi Luo, Yan Zhang, Bing Liu, Xueyong Pang
Summary: Gap formation due to forest thinning has significant effects on understorey microclimate, ground vegetation, and soil biodiversity. This study investigated the patterns and assemblage mechanisms of abundant and rare taxa under different sizes of thinning gaps. The results showed that the bacterial community remained stable under different thinning intensities, while the richness of rare fungal taxa was higher in large gaps. Soil physicochemical properties, such as total phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon, were the main factors influencing microbial communities. The study also found that thinning promoted understorey vegetation, rare saprotrophs, and mycorrhizal fungi, but also increased the abundance of endophyte-plant pathogens. Overall, fungi play a crucial role in forest restoration and nutrient cycling under increasing thinning intensity, but may also induce plant diseases, highlighting the importance of considering vegetation coverage and microbial diversity in evaluating the sustainability of artificial forest ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Shengwen Xu, Ming Yuan, Stephen J. Chapman, Ningguo Zheng, Huaiying Yao, Yakov Kuzyakov
Summary: Organic fertilizers, such as black soldier fly frass derived from organic waste composts, have positive effects on soil fertility and rhizosphere microbiota, leading to enhanced maize growth. Among different types of frass, straw-derived frass showed the most significant benefits by providing sufficient phosphorous, optimal soil pH, and a satisfactory soil C/N ratio. The improvement in maize growth can be attributed to the mobilization of nutrients by active rhizosphere microbiota, which increased microbial diversity and the abundance of plant growth-promoting microbial taxa in acid phosphatase activity hotspots along the maize roots.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fu-Sheng Sun, Chao Ma, Guang-Hui Yu, Yakov Kuzyakov, Yun-Chao Lang, Ping-Qing Fu, Li-Jun Guo, Hui Henry Teng, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: The sequestration of organic carbon in wetland sediments is affected by oxygen availability. The mechanisms underlying the sequestration, particularly the co-mediation of reactive iron protection and thermodynamic limitations by the energetics of the organic carbon, are not well understood. Field surveys and remote sensing images have shown a significant decline in wetland areas in Tianjin over the past 26 years, which could be attributed to anthropogenic activities. High oxygen availability promotes reactive iron protection for organic carbon, while in anoxic environments, thermodynamic constraints limit its oxidation.