From Random Perturbation to Precise Targeting: A Comprehensive Review of Methods for Studying Gene Function in Species.

, a genus of fungi known for its fermentation capability and production of bioactive compounds, such as azaphilone pigments and Monacolin K, have received considerable attention because of their potential in biotechnological applications. Understanding the genetic basis of these metabolic pathways is crucial for optimizing the fermentation and enhancing the yield and quality of these products. However, spp.

A high entropy metallic-high entropy nonmetallic community as a high performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction.

The multi-element synergism in high-entropy materials (HEMs) provides great opportunities as multi-functional catalysts or for the promotion of tandem reactions. Herein, a strategy that utilizes a high entropy precursor is proposed to realize the formation of a unique high entropy metallic-high entropy non-metallic community (HEM-HENMC). Aminotriazole acts as a "bonding agent" for the high entropy precursor, and not only binds the five metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni together, but also introduces nitrogen and carbon .

Effective enhancement of the ability of Monascus pilosus to produce lipid-lowering compound Monacolin K via perturbation of metabolic flux and histone acetylation modification.

Monacolin K (MK), also known as lovastatin, is a polyketide compound with the ability to reduce plasma cholesterol levels and many other bio-activities. Red yeast rice (also named Hongqu) rich in MK derived from Monascus fermentation has attracted widespread attention due to its excellent performance in reducing blood lipids. However, industrial Monascus fermentation suffers from the limitations such as low yield of MK, long fermentation period, and susceptibility to contamination.

Integrated approaches for comprehensive cetacean research and conservation in the East China Sea.

This study thoroughly examines three cetacean monitoring methods and assessing their advantages and limitations, establishing a foundational basis for comprehensive information on composition, distribution, and behavior. While real-time and non-invasive, visual surveys favor surface-active cetaceans and are weather-dependent. Local ecological knowledge supplements insights into group behavior.

Analysis of Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Non-Grain Production of Cropland in Mountainous Areas at the Plot Scale-A Case Study of Lechang City.

With the continuous advancement of urbanization and industrialization, non-grain production on cropland (NGPCL) is gradually becoming more widespread. This phenomenon will compress the space for grain production and trigger a global food crisis. How to scientifically understand and effectively control NGPCL has become a scientific issue.

Whitening of brown adipose tissue inhibits osteogenic differentiation via secretion of S100A8/A9.

The mechanism by which brown adipose tissue (BAT) regulates bone metabolism is unclear. Here, we reveal that BAT secretes S100A8/A9, a previously unidentified BAT adipokine (batokine), to impair bone formation. Brown adipocytes-specific knockout of ( KO), the upstream activator of mTOR, causes BAT malfunction to inhibit osteogenesis.

CRISPR/Cas9 system is a suitable gene targeting editing tool to filamentous fungus Monascus pilosus.

Monascus pilosus has been used to produce lipid-lowering drugs rich in monacolin K (MK) for a long period. Genome mining reveals there are still many potential genes worth to be explored in this fungus. Thereby, efficient genetic manipulation tools will greatly accelerate this progress.

The association between anterior cruciate ligament degeneration and incident knee osteoarthritis: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Background: Though anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear has been widely accepted as an important accelerator for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the role of intrinsic ACL degeneration in developing KOA has not been fully investigated.

Purpose: To determine whether ACL degeneration, in the absence of ACL tear, is associated with incident KOA over 4 years.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Modeling Spatio-Temporal Variations in the Habitat Utilization of Swordtip Squid () in the East China Sea and Southern Yellow Sea.

Accurately modeling the distribution of keystone species is of utmost importance to gain a comprehensive understanding of their complex ecological dynamics and to develop effective strategies for sustainable scientific management. In the coastal China ecosystem, the swordtip squid () stands out as a keystone species with significant commercial and ecological value. Despite its importance, research on the ecological dynamics of this species remains limited and requires further investigation.

Histone lysine methyltransferases MpDot1 and MpSet9 are involved in the production of lovastatin and MonAzPs by histone crosstalk modification.

Increasing data suggested that histone methylation modification plays an important role in regulating biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs). Monascus spp. have been applied to produce hypolipidemic drug lovastatin (also called monacolin K, MK) and edible Monascus-type azaphilone pigments (MonAzPs).

Evaluating the causal effect of circulating proteome on the risk of osteoarthritis-related traits.

Objectives: This study aims to identify circulating proteins that are causally associated with osteoarthritis (OA)-related traits through Mendelian randomisation (MR)-based analytical framework.

Methods: Large-scale two-sample MR was employed to estimate the effects of thousands of plasma proteins on 12 OA-related traits. Additional analyses including Bayesian colocalisation, Steiger filtering analysis, assessment of protein-altering variants and mapping expression quantitative trait loci to protein quantitative trait loci were performed to investigate the reliability of the MR findings; protein-protein interaction, pathway enrichment analysis and evaluation of drug targets were conducted to deepen the understanding and identify potential therapeutic targets of OA.

Latest insights in disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs development.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and severely debilitating disease with an unmet medical need. In order to alleviate OA symptoms or prevent structural progression of OA, new drugs, particularly disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), are required. Several drugs have been reported to attenuate cartilage loss or reduce subchondral bone lesions in OA and thus potentially be DMOADs.

The effect of systemic iron status on osteoarthritis: A mendelian randomization study.

To assess the causal effect of systemic iron status by using four biomarkers (serum iron; transferrin saturation; ferritin; total iron-binding capacity) on knee osteoarthritis (OA), hip OA, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement using 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Three instrument sets were used to construct the genetic instruments for the iron status: Liberal instruments (variants associated with one of the iron biomarkers), sensitivity instruments (liberal instruments exclude variants associated with potential confounders), and conservative instruments (variants associated with all four iron biomarkers). Summary-level data for four OA phenotypes, including knee OA, hip OA, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement were obtained from the largest genome-wide meta-analysis with 826,690 individuals.

The Association Between Quadriceps Strength and Synovitis in Knee Osteoarthritis: An Exploratory Study From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the association between quadriceps strength and synovitis in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: This study was derived from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), which recruited adults from the OAI cohort with or at risk of KOA. Knees with complete records of isometric quadriceps strength and effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis assessments were included.

[Retracted] Isopsoralen‑mediated suppression of bone marrow adiposity and attenuation of the adipogenic commitment of bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that Figs. 1C and 2 in the paper appeared to contain instances of duplicated data. The authors were able to consult their original data files, and realized that these figures had indeed been assembled incorrectly.

Associations of Dietary Macroelements with Knee Joint Structures, Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Comorbid Conditions in People with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disease in the elderly, has no cure. Macroelements are vital in human health and their relationships with OA are not clear. Clarifying the relationships between macroelements and OA may assist knee OA management.

Association between Metformin Use and Risk of Total Knee Arthroplasty and Degree of Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients with Diabetes and/or Obesity: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: We aimed to examine whether metformin (MET) use is associated with a reduced risk of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and low severity of knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and diabetes and/or obesity. Methods: Participants diagnosed with knee OA and diabetes and/or obesity from June 2000 to July 2019 were selected from the information system of a local hospital. Regular MET users were defined as those with recorded prescriptions of MET or self-reported regular MET use for at least 6 months.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the underlying mechanism of heptanal against Aspergillus flavus spore germination.

Methods of controlling Aspergillus flavus contamination in agro-products have attracted attention because of its impact on global food security. We previously reported that the natural cereal volatile heptanal could effectively inhibit A. flavus growth and showed great potential as a bio-preservative agent.

Hexanal induces early apoptosis of Aspergillus flavus conidia by disrupting mitochondrial function and expression of key genes.

Aspergillus flavus is a notorious saprophytic fungus that compromises the quantity and quality of postharvest grains and produces carcinogenic aflatoxins. The natural compound hexanal disrupts cell membrane synthesis and mitochondrial function and induces apoptosis in A. flavus; here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.

Metabolomic analyses revealed multifaceted effects of hexanal on Aspergillus flavus growth.

Hexanal, a natural volatile organic compound, exerts antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. In this study, we found that the growth of A. flavus mycelium was completely inhibited following exposure to 0.

[Non-structural carbohydrate content of trees and its influencing factors at multiple spatial-temporal scales: A review].

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are essential substances for the tree growth and metabolism, and play an important role in environmental adaptation of trees. At temporal scale, NSC contents in trees have limited inter-annual variation, which could be attributed to the strategy of tree growth and carbon storage. Different factors influence NSC contents of trees in various climatic regions, which change substantially at the seasonal scale.