Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Tox21 assays compile extensive chemical bioactivity data across diverse biological targets, making them widely utilized resources for in silico model development. Nuclear receptor-specific assays within this dataset are particularly valuable for screening potential endocrine disrupting chemicals. This study presents a comprehensive benchmarking of diverse machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and transformer-based architectures with varied chemical feature representations across nuclear receptor assays. First, 43 datasets associated with 18 nuclear receptors within Tox21 assays were systematically curated from ToxCast invitrodb v4.3. Upon testing across these datasets, model performance was found to be dependent on the degree of class imbalance. Tree-based ML models such as random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) trained on descriptors, or combination of descriptors and fingerprints, consistently outperformed in datasets with higher proportions of active chemicals (>10%), while DL models showed greater robustness for those with moderate proportions (5-10%). Further analysis revealed that approximately 40% of misclassified active chemicals occupied structurally isolated regions of the chemical space, suggesting absence of close structural analogues in the training set potentially contributed to their misclassification. External validation using in vitro and in vivo androgen and estrogen receptor bioactivity data showed generally good concordance. Finally, a systematic literature review revealed that the models in this study span wider range of architectures, feature representations, and assay endpoints, and are broadly comparable to or better than existing work. Overall, insights from this study can inform the development of more reliable in silico tools supporting new approach methodologies for nuclear receptor bioactivity predictions.

Heavy metal ATPases (HMAs) are important group of transmembrane proteins involved in homeostasis of metal ions in plant systems. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of genome assembly (VC1973A v7.1) resulted in the identification of nine HMA genes (VrHMA) and their corresponding proteins in Mungbean, an agronomically important legume crop known for its nutritional values. VrHMA proteins were also characterized based on their biomolecular features, conserved domains and motifs arrangement, transmembrane helices, pore-line helices, subcellular location and occurrence of signal peptides. Based on sequence homology, nine VrHMAs were clustered into two major substrate-specific groups: VrHMA1, VrHMA5 and VrHMA7 were categorized under the Zn/Co/Cd/Pb ATPase group, whereas the remaining six VrHMAs belong to the Cu/Ag subgroup. Gene structure analysis and promoter scanning revealed the structural divergence and presence of various stress-responsive cis-acting elements, respectively. The expression analysis of VrHMA genes in root and leaf tissues, in response to heavy metal (Zn, Cd and Cu) stress, indicates their role in the uptake, transport and sequestration of metal ions. Interestingly, VrHMA5 showed incremental upregulation in roots in response to all three heavy metal stresses, whereas its expression was only upregulated in the leaf tissues under Zn stress, which indicates its role in vascular transport in V. radiata. In addition, this study provides valuable insights into the functional roles of VrHMA genes and will lay a foundation for future genetic improvement in mung bean aimed at enhanced heavy metal stress tolerance and micronutrient homeostasis.

A cassane diterpene, 6{beta}-cinnamoyl-7-hydroxyvouacapen-5-ol (6{beta}CHV), isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima, has emerged as a promising anticancer drug lead with reported Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway inhibitory activity and in vivo safety. The present study reports the in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 6{beta}CHV in Wistar rats following a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg. A reproducible RP-HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for quantifying 6{beta}CHV in rat plasma and tissues. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a gradient elution of methanol and water. The method was subsequently applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 6{beta}CHV. Plasma pharmacokinetic analysis revealed delayed and moderate absorption, with a Tmax of 4 h and a Cmax of 1314.12 ng/mL. Following absorption, 6{beta}CHV is distributed widely across peripheral tissues, including the liver, heart, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, as well as pharmacological sanctuary sites such as the brain and testes. The highest concentrations were observed in the stomach, small intestine, and liver, with detectable levels persisting up to 24 h, reflecting extensive tissue partitioning and retention. Overall, these findings demonstrate that oral administration of 6{beta}CHV is feasible. However, the delayed absorption suggests that further optimization of formulation or alternative administration routes may enhance systemic exposure. This study provides the first comprehensive pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution profile of 6{beta}CHV, supporting its continued preclinical development as a potential anticancer therapeutic. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=125 SRC="FIGDIR/small/715187v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (18K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4ae86forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e1e51aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1881c43org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@f7789f_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) exposure disrupt ovarian function and granulosa cell (GC) steroidogenesis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA cargo, as mediators of cellular response to environmental stimuli, might be involved in fertility and folliculogenesis. This study explored modulation of microRNA expression after 48h BPA or BPS exposure (10 {micro}M) in ovine primary GC and EVs from corresponding conditioned medium (CM EVs). Small RNA sequencing of control (0h) and 48h treated GC, CM EVs as well as follicular fluid EVs allowed identification of 533 ovine miRNAs, including 129 new sequences. BPA did not alter miRNA expression in GC, while BPS decreased cellular oar-24b miR. In contrast, BPA modified expression of 4 miRNAs in CM-EVs, including 3 new sequences, and two miRNAs were modified by BPS. Both compounds reduced expression of sequence homologous to miR-1306. Further studies are required to decipher their roles in bisphenol toxicity in GC.

Accurate, simultaneous, and efficient quantification of chemically diverse phytohormone species is a critical task towards understanding the complex system of phytohormone signaling pathways. Quantification of phytohormones with the commonly used technique liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry is susceptible to the influence of non-phytohormone components present in the sample, a phenomenon referred to as matrix effect. To reduce matrix effect, some phytohormone quantification methods include additional steps of cleanup of crude extracts. However, to what extent additional purification steps provide increased accuracy compared to simpler, less laborious methods is seldomly evaluated. We evaluated three previously described phytohormone extraction methods, two of which include solid-phase extraction and one that does not, in their ability to minimize matrix effect and generate accurate estimates of phytohormone species spanning six classifications, from fruit and leaf tissue of Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom (tomato). Our results show that, while the methods that included solid phase extraction occasionally outperformed each other regarding matrix effect and/or recovery efficiency for broad range of phytohormones, they rarely outperformed the simpler single-phase extraction method. Short AbstractAccurate, simultaneous quantification of chemically diverse phytohormones by LC-MS/MS is frequently confounded by matrix effects, leading to the incorporation of additional purification steps. We systematically compared three published extraction protocols with or without solid-phase extraction in tomato tissues across six hormone classes. Solid-phase methods occasionally improved matrix suppression or recovery, but did not consistently outperform the single-phase approach, questioning the added value of extra cleanup steps, particularly when high-throughput is desired, as in the case of systems biology interrogations.

Previously, the chitin receptor-interacting protein kinase LIK1 (LysM receptor kinase 1/CERK1-interacting kinase) was shown to play an important role in regulating chitin signaling and plant defense. A limited proteolysis proteomics study revealed several LIK1-derived peptides that showed differential abundance between ATP-treated and mock-treated Arabidopsis samples, suggesting a possible involvement of LIK1 in extracellular ATP (eATP) signaling. To explore this possibility, LIK1 mutants were obtained and examined for their response to ATP. The results showed that mutations in LIK1 significantly reduced the expression of eATP-responsive genes. In addition, LIK1 was found to interact with the eATP receptor P2K1 and to be phosphorylated by it. The LIK1 protein was localized to the plasma membrane and its gene expression appeared to be ubiquitous. Collectively, these findings indicate that LIK1 not only contributes to chitin signaling but also participates in eATP signaling, highlighting its potential role as a shared component in multiple signaling pathways to regulate plant responses to diverse internal and external cues.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-gastric cancer effect of Patchouli alcohol (PA), especially its influence on PD-L1-mediated immune evasion, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsA CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the effects of PA on the viability of the gastric cancer cell lines HGC-27 and MKN-45. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein levels of NF-{kappa}B and PD-L1, respectively. In a coculture system of gastric cancer cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the effect of PA pretreatment on the PBMC-induced apoptosis of cancer cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the cytotoxic activity of the PBMCs was assessed by a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Flow cytometry was also used to determine the proportions of CD3CD8 T cells and IFN-{gamma}CD8 T cells. ELISA was used to measure the levels of IFN-{gamma}, TNF-, and granzyme B in the coculture supernatants. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess NF-{kappa}B nuclear translocation. In a mouse xenograft model, tumor volume and weight were measured after 14 days of PA treatment. Histopathological changes and apoptosis were analyzed by HE and TUNEL staining. A luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 by NF-{kappa}B. ResultsPA inhibited the viability of HGC-27 and MKN-45 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and significantly downregulated the expression of NF-{kappa}B and PD-L1 at both the mRNA and protein levels. In a PBMC coculture model, PA pretreatment enhanced the ability of PBMCs to induce apoptosis and directly kill gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, PA pretreatment increased the proportions of CD3CD8 T cells and IFN-{gamma}CD8 T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this immunostimulatory effect, PA increased the levels of IFN-{gamma}, TNF-, and granzyme B in the coculture supernatants. Mechanistically, western blotting analysis demonstrated that PA significantly reduced the protein levels of AKT, NF-{kappa}B, and PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells. Immunofluorescence staining further indicated that PA suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-{kappa}B. In a mouse xenograft model, PA treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth, induced apoptosis, and downregulated NF-{kappa}B and PD-L1 protein expression in tumor tissues. Flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed increased proportions of CD3CD8 and IFN-{gamma}CD8 T cells following PA treatment. Finally, luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that NF-{kappa}B directly regulates PD-L1 transcription by binding to its promoter region. ConclusionPA exerts antitumor effects in gastric cancer by suppressing the NF-{kappa}B/PD-L1 axis, thereby enhancing CD8 T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity and inhibiting immune evasion.

The East Asian region, known for its high levels of human and fishery activities, experiences serious plastic pollution in the marine environment, especially in seawater and along coastlines. Wharf roaches (Ligia spp.) collected from the coast of western Japan frequently ingest expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is then excreted as microplastic through their feces. However, the impact of EPS exposure and ingestion on the gut microbiome of wharf roaches remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of EPS ingestion on the gut microbiota of wharf roaches by examining their gut microbiota and gene expression. The expression levels of more than 400 genes, including those associated with xenobiotic metabolism, and the abundance of gut microbial community were altered. Microbial analysis revealed that at least five archaeal types, two to four bacterial types, three to seven eukaryotic types, and three viral types were involved in a correlation network composed of strong associations. Among them, Haloquadratum, Halalkalicoccus, and Methanospirillum (archaea); Volvox (eukaryote); and Varicellovirus and T4-like viruses showed significantly increased abundance. Furthermore, covariance structure analysis indicated that the viruses and methanogens played key causal roles as characteristic factors related to EPS administration. In conclusion, EPS disrupts the intestinal environment of wharf roaches and serves as a potential material for viral activation and methane production. Building on our previous field study that identified wharf roaches as potential indicators of coastal EPS pollution, this study provides novel insights into the ecological impacts of EPS ingestion and consequences of plastic pollution.

This study investigated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VB165, a probiotic strain with intrinsic -glucosidase inhibitor (AGI) activity, on metabolic disorders in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant (IR) mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: normal control diet (NCD), NCD supplemented with VB165, HFD, and HFD supplemented with VB165. After 16 weeks, VB165 supplementation significantly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and reduced epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue indices. VB165 also improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (IR), as demonstrated by oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), and lowered fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Additionally, it ameliorated dyslipidemia by reducing serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while alleviating hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, VB165 enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin), reduced systemic inflammation by lowering LPS, IL-6, and IL-1{beta}. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that VB165 modulated community composition, suppressing HFD-enriched genera (e.g., Ileibacterium and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002) and promoting beneficial taxa (e.g., Faecalibaculum and Oscillibacter). These findings demonstrate that L. plantarum VB165 improves HFD-induced metabolic disorders via multi-target mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a probiotic intervention for IR and related metabolic diseases.

Keshan disease (KD) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) are geographically restricted disorders in rural China with overlapping environmental and dietary risk factors. Selenium deficiency alone cannot explain their regional heterogeneity. Maize, a dietary staple in endemic areas, represents a key exposure pathway for climate-sensitive foodborne fungi and their metabolites. We profiled maize-associated fungal communities from seven villages across KD-, KBD-, KD-KBD co-endemic, and non-endemic regions using ITS sequencing and integrative bioinformatics. Fungal diversity, composition, trophic structure, and predicted biosynthetic gene cluster potential differed markedly among regions. KD-endemic areas were enriched in saprotrophic taxa such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, KBD-endemic regions favored cold- and humidity-adapted fungi, and KD-KBD co-endemic areas exhibited the highest predicted mycotoxin potential. Fungal patterns were strongly associated with regional temperature and humidity. These findings support a climate-sensitive, foodborne exposome framework, suggesting that variation in maize-associated fungi may contribute to endemic disease risk and highlighting the need for fungal surveillance in public health strategies. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=115 SRC="FIGDIR/small/716289v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (43K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@77c24borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@74d158org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15c15c6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@99aa0c_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Psychosocial stress is a significant risk factor for mental and physical illness, and emerging evidence suggests that altered oral microRNAs (miRNAs) and microbiome may act as biomarkers or mediators of stress responses. This study investigated stress-associated molecular changes in saliva from 113 male police officers. Based on repeated administrations of the Karasek Demand/Control and Effort/Reward Imbalance questionnaires, subjects were stratified by perceived stress response (SR) to homogeneous occupational stressors into low, intermediate, or high responders. Salivary miRNA profiles were analyzed using small RNA sequencing, and microbiome composition was assessed through shotgun metagenomics. Eighteen miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between high- and low-SR groups, with four miRNAs with increasing (miR-10400-5p, miR-1290, miR-6074-5p, and miR-9902) and fourteen with decreasing (including miR-21-5p and mirR-142-3p) levels in the high SR group (adj.p<0.05). The identified salivary miRNAs showed a progressive alteration from low- to high-SR groups. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that dysregulated miRNA targets are involved in apoptosis, cellular stress responses, and metabolic regulation. Distinct salivary microbial communities were also observed across SR groups. Several taxa displayed progressive abundance shifts, with Prevotella baroniae and Schaalia odontolytica increasing and Actinomyces naeslundii and Capnocytophaga ochracea decreasing in the high SR group. Functional predictions revealed, in this group, a significant enrichment of inositol degradation pathways, paralleled by a reduction in bacteria involved in L-tryptophan and thiamine biosynthesis. These findings suggest that salivary miRNAs and microbiota profiles may serve as non-invasive biomarkers of psychosocial stress and provide insight into molecular mechanisms linking chronic stress to physiological and behavioral outcomes.

Todays canola quality rapeseed press cake (RPC) is a protein-rich co-product with potential as human food, but its application is limited due to antinutritional compounds and bitter taste. It remains, however, unknown how introduction of raw RPC to a food matrix affects sensory perception and which metabolites drive the sensation. Here, raw RPC from whole or dehulled seeds was introduced into snack bars at 0%, 7%, 14%, and 21%, and sensory responses were correlated to selected known RPC-derived bitter compounds. A trained panel evaluated 13 RPC-characteristic sensory attributes, and the bitter compounds sinapic acid, kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-{beta}-sophoroside) (KSS), KSS-hexose, selected bitter glucosinolates, and goitrin were quantified using targeted LC-MS/MS. Most dose-dependent sensory responses increased up to 14% RPC and then plateaued, whereas astringent mouthfeel increased almost linearly across the full dose range. Dehulling intensified several odor- and flavor-related attributes but did not increase bitterness or protein content in the final product. Principal component analysis linked bitterness and astringency positively with KSS, KSS-hexose, and goitrin. Dose-over-threshold analysis further showed that goitrin, but not progoitrin, reached concentrations relevant for bitterness perception. Together, the results demonstrate that raw RPC contributes distinct dose-dependent sensory attributes and that metabolite transformations in the food matrix shape final sensory profiles. These findings provide a basis for developing RPC-containing foods and for breeding rapeseed lines with improved sensory characteristics. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIThis study presents the first sensory panel assessment of rapeseed press cake (RPC)-containing in food products (snack bars) made from whole and dehulled seeds. C_LIO_LI13 RPC-characteristic sensory attributes are identified. C_LIO_LISensory profiles of the tasted snack bars differed significantly, influenced by the dosage of RPC and by the dehulling treatment. Bitterness and astringency are positively correlated with the RPC dosage. C_LIO_LIGoitrin, kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-{beta}-sophoroside) (KSS) and sinapic acid are RPC-derived bitter compounds that correlate with bitter taste of RPC-containing snack bars. C_LIO_LIApproximately 90% of glucosinolates introduced with the RPC are not detected in the snack bars, and goitrin levels in snack bars accounts for only [~]10% of introduced progoitrin. C_LIO_LIGoitrin is - for the first time - reported to contribute to the perceived bitterness of an RPC-containing food product. C_LI

Angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from existing vasculature, is fundamental to tissue repair and regeneration but also underlies pathological conditions such as cancer progression. Targeting angiogenesis has thus become a promising approach for developing novel cancer therapeutics. While various phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-angiogenic effects, the role of 2-5(H)-Furanone, a naturally occurring lactone found in various plants and marine sources with diverse biological activities, remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we systematically evaluate the anti-angiogenic potential of 2-5(H)-Furanone using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) as an in vitro model and zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model. Experimental findings demonstrated that treatment of HUVECs with increasing concentrations of 2-5(H)-Furanone led to significant, dose-dependent reductions in proliferation, invasion, migration, and tube formation. Analyses of gene expression revealed marked downregulation of key pro-angiogenic mediators, VEGF, and HIF-1. Complementing these in vitro results, in vivo studies in zebrafish embryos showed robust, dose-dependent inhibition of intersegmental vessel (ISV) formation, accompanied by suppression of critical angiogenesis-related genes. Molecular docking further supported these observations by indicating stable binding of 2-5(H)-Furanone to major angiogenic targets, including VEGFR2, MMP2, HIF-1, and PIK3CA. Collectively, our data demonstrate that 2-5(H)-Furanone potently inhibits angiogenesis, as evidenced in both HUVEC and zebrafish models, through functional and molecular mechanisms. These findings support the further development of 2-5(H)-Furanone as a promising anti-angiogenic therapy candidate.

Yeasts ability to invade surfaces has important implications for infections and food contamination. Invasive growth in yeast is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this exploratory study, we investigated the effects of sodium sulfide, gene deletions, and environmental conditions on the invasive behaviour of the wine yeast strain AWRI 796. Sodium sulfide enhanced invasion in the (parent) AWRI 796 strain under nitrogen-limiting conditions, although its effect was obscured by experimental variability and pre-culture conditions. Genetic factors had a major effect on the overall invasive phenotype, with deletion of key genes suppressing invasion. Most gene-deletion mutants did not significantly affect how the colony responded to sulfide. In addition to sulfide and genotype, environmental conditions also influenced invasive behaviour. The pre-2xSLAD pre-culture condition was best for detecting sulfide-induced growth, and later plate washing time and decreased nutrient levels enhanced invasiveness. Our experimental design and findings provide a framework for understanding the determinants of yeast invasiveness, which may inform future studies on filamentous yeast behaviour.

Yarrowia lipolytica is a yeast of industrial interest exhibiting remarkable lipolytic and proteolytic capacities, with a high potential for white biotechnology applications. This yeast can be isolated from a wide range of natural, polluted or anthropogenic environments, including various food products. The present study aims to increase the data on Y. lipolytica phenotypic diversity by evaluating the growth parameters and secreted enzymatic activities of 28 wild-type Y lipolytica (and Yarrowia sp.) strains isolated from various environments across 10 countries. These data could facilitate the selection of appropriate strains for specific research purposes, particularly when wild-type strains are prioritized over genetically engineered ones, like for food-related applications. Notably, strain SWJ-1b exhibited an outstanding combination of favourable characteristics, with optimum (or near) performances for both growth and enzymatic parameters.

The genetically authenticated Finnish hop genotype LUKE 2541 obtained from wild was evaluated for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Water extracts from hop cones inhibited the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with MIC values of 0.094- 0.188mg/mL, whereas Gram-negative strains showed limited sensitivity. In LPS-primed THP-1 cells, both IPA and IPA-Control extracts reduced reactive oxygen species formation in a dose-dependent manner, exhibiting similar IC50 values (50.41{micro}g/mL and 35.41{micro}g/mL). This hop genotype also displayed clear tissue- and solvent-dependent antiproliferative effects in human cancer cell lines. Bioactivity was strongly enriched in hop cones and predominantly associated with non-polar extracts, particularly hexane and dichloromethane fractions, which produced marked, dose-dependent reductions in cell viability. In contrast, aqueous and methanolic extracts were largely inactive, underscoring the critical importance of extraction chemistry and tissue selection. Sensitivity varied among cancer cell lines, with colorectal cells generally more responsive and leukemia cells less affected, highlighting cell-specific susceptibility. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms, determine selectivity toward non-malignant cells, and identify the active compounds responsible for all in all investigated effects.

Gas-phase bioprocesses that immobilize microbial cells on solid carriers enable the efficient conversion of poorly water-soluble gaseous substrates, thereby offering significant potential to advance bioremediation and bioproduction. However, microorganisms in the gas phase are exposed to various environmental stresses, mainly due to the absence of bulk water. While survival strategies of microorganisms in gaseous environments have been studied in environmental microbiology, the metabolic adaptations that sustain bacterial cell activity remain poorly understood. In this study, we elucidated the comprehensive metabolic alterations of a highly adhesive bacterium Acinetobacter sp. Tol 5 degrading toluene under gas- and aqueous-phase conditions. An integrated approach combining metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics revealed significant differences in metabolic profiles between cells under these conditions. Under the gas-phase condition, the degradation of amino acids and nucleic acids was significantly promoted, and the intracellular glutamate pool was maintained at high levels. Notably, citrulline was found to accumulate specifically under the gas-phase condition, representing a stress response similar to that reported in Cucurbitaceae plants during drought. Furthermore, lipidomics revealed the lipid composition of Tol 5 and demonstrated a shift in response to environmental conditions. Specifically, the degradation of intracellular storage lipids was promoted under gas-phase conditions, suggesting a crucial link to bacterial survival in water-limited environments. These findings provide critical insights into the adaptation strategies of bacteria adapting to gaseous environments, offering fundamental information for the rational design of robust gas-phase bioprocesses and a deeper understanding of environmental microbiology.

Functional dairy products are increasingly recognized for their ability to provide both essential nutrition and additional health benefits. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a synbiotic yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum as a probiotic and Stevia rebaudiana extract (1% w/v) as a prebiotic source. Thirteen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from fermented dairy and vegetable samples and evaluated for probiotic potential through tests for acid and bile tolerance, hydrophobicity, aggregation abilities, and pathogen co-aggregation. Isolate PG1 (Lactobacillus plantarum) demonstrated the highest prebiotic growth stimulation index (49%) in the presence of stevia extract and was selected for yogurt formulation. Yogurt samples were prepared and stored at 4{degrees}C for 10 days. Physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, and protein content), microbiological viability, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and sensory attributes were monitored. The synbiotic yogurt (St-Y) showed enhanced functional properties, with a total phenolic content of 16.67 {micro}g GAE/g, a flavonoid content of 6.28 {micro}g QE/g, and 57.84% antioxidant activity. Additionally, it showed improved protein content and superior sensory scores compared to control samples. These findings suggest that S. rebaudiana fortified probiotic yogurt can serve as a nutritious, antioxidant-rich, and sensory-acceptable functional dairy product.

Asparagus racemosus commonly known as Shatamull, is a medicinal plant with pharmacological applications documented in both Indian and British Pharmacopoeias and various traditional medicinal practices. Previous studies have reported that A. racemosus reduces hyperglycemia by enhancing insulin secretion. The aim of the current study was to assess the antihyperglycemic actions and explore the underlying mechanisms of action of A. racemosus utilizing in vitro carbohydrate digestion, glucose diffusion, glucose uptake, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and preliminary phytochemical screening. The inhibition of carbohydrate digestion was assessed using -amylase and -glucosidase enzyme assays. The effect on glucose diffusion was evaluated using cellulose ester dialysis tube. Subsequently, glucose uptake was measured in a yeast cell model at different glucose concentrations, and the antioxidant potential was evaluated by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity. A. racemosus notably reduced (p<0.05, 0.001) glucose release during in vitro starch digestion by 37.69%, whereas glucose absorption decreased significantly by 33.60% (p<0.01-0.001). Additionally, the most significant enhancement (p<0.05, 0.001) in glucose uptake by 67.53%, was observed at 5 mM glucose concentration. Furthermore, it showed significant antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH (p<0.01-0.001) radicals by 55.06%. Preliminary phytoconstituent screening indicated the existence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides and saponins. In conclusion, A. racemosus shows an inhibitory effect on carbohydrate digestion and absorption, enhances glucose uptake and demonstrates significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, potentially due to the presence of naturally occurring phytochemicals. Thus, A. racemosus may contribute as a promising antidiabetic drug for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. More investigations are needed to determine the active compounds in A. racemosus that contribute to its antidiabetic effects.

Natural products, especially polyphenol-rich medicinal plants, are increasingly investigated as multitarget therapeutics in both human and veterinary medicine for angiogenic regenerative properties and for inflammation based-diseases. Recent developments in natural product formulation, notably microencapsulation, have been shown to improve the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of bioactive compounds. The integration of complementary in vitro and in vivo models is critical for evaluating both efficacy and translational potential. In this context, the present study assessed the phytochemical composition and biological activity of a microencapsulated Ecuadorian Vaccinium floribundum extract (VFM), using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. VFM biochemical characterization identified 15 compounds, including flavonoids, procyanidins, dihydrochalcones, and phenolic acids, with chlorogenic acid and quercetin as the most abundant metabolites. Anthocyanins ideain and petunidin were also detected, confirming a rich bioactive profile. Primary porcine thoracic aortic endothelial cells (pAECs) were treated with VFM to assess cell viability and angiogenic potential and challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of the extract. Anti-inflammatory effects were further evaluated in vivo using a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. VFM enhanced endothelial cell viability, promoted capillary-like network and modulated early angiogenic signaling pathways. It mitigated LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. In vivo, paw edema assays confirmed its anti-inflammatory efficacy, with microencapsulation likely sustaining bioactive release. These findings support the traditional use of Vaccinium floribundum and highlight its potential for developing nutraceutical formulations targeting vascular and inflammatory disorders.