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Food and agro-industrial by-products provoke a great environmental and economic impact that must be minimized by adding value to these wastes within the framework of circular economy. The relevance of β-glucans obtained from natural sources (cereals, mushrooms, yeasts, algae, etc.), in terms of their interesting biological activities (hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, immune-modulatory, antioxidant, etc.), has been validated by many scientific publications. Since most of these by-products contain high levels of these polysaccharides or can serve as a substrate of β-glucan-producing species, this work reviewed the scientific literature, searching for studies that utilized food and agro-industrial wastes to obtain β-glucan fractions, attending to the applied procedures for extraction and/or purification, the characterization of the glucans and the tested biological activities. Although the results related to β-glucan production or extraction using wastes are promising, it can be concluded that further research on the glucans’ characterization, and particularly on the biological activities in vitro and in vivo (apart from antioxidant capacity), is required to reach the final goal of formulating novel nutraceuticals based on these molecules and these raw materials.

Arbutus unedo, commonly named ‘strawberry tree’ (ST), is a Mediterranean native plant that represents a relevant source of biologically active fractions and compounds. ST fruits, traditionally used with culinary and medicinal purposes, along with other components (leaves, roots, honeys, etc.), have been subjected to varied extraction procedures to obtain enriched and bioactive products. This work reviewed the scientific literature, searching for studies that evaluated the potential health implications of ST fractions and attending to the tested biological activities (antioxidant, antiproliferative, hypoglycemic, immune-modulatory, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, etc.), the part of the tree, the experimental model, the specific bioactive compounds and the selected extraction protocol. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of the published evidence were critically analysed. Although in vitro results demonstrated the potential of ST fractions, further research is encouraged in order to obtain in vivo evidence (animal and clinical studies), assess additional activities (hypocholesterolemic, microbiome-modulatory), maximize the use of advanced extraction technologies, purify and isolate specific bioactive compounds and broaden the analysis investigating phenolic and non-phenolic molecules and their bioavailability.

Hybridization, incomplete lineage sorting, and phylogenetic error produce similar incongruence patterns, representing a great challenge for phylogenetic reconstruction. Here, we use sequence capture data and multiple species tree and species network approaches to resolve the backbone phylogeny of the Neotropical genus Lachemilla, while distinguishing among sources of incongruence. We used 396 nuclear loci and nearly complete plastome sequences from 27 species to clarify the relationships among the major groups of Lachemilla, and explored multiple sources of conflict between gene trees and species trees inferred with a plurality of approaches. All phylogenetic methods recovered the four major groups previously proposed for Lachemilla, but species tree methods recovered different topologies for relationships between these four clades. Species network analyses revealed that one major clade, Orbiculate, is likely of ancient hybrid origin, representing one of the main sources of incongruence among the species trees. Additionally, we found evidence for a potential whole genome duplication event shared by Lachemilla and allied genera. Lachemilla shows clear evidence of ancient and recent hybridization throughout the evolutionary history of the group. Also, we show the necessity to use phylogenetic network approaches that can simultaneously accommodate incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow when studying groups that show patterns of reticulation.

In recent decades, the global scientific community has shown a growing interest in the field of functional foods and bioactive compounds, spurred by a confluence of public health challenges and emerging nutritional strategies. [...]

Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4-DNA) structures. G4-DNA regulates replication and transcription, at least in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that, in neurons, pharmacologically stabilizing G4-DNA with G4 ligands strongly downregulates the Atg7 gene. Atg7 is a critical gene for the initiation of autophagy that exhibits decreased transcription with aging. Using an in vitro assay, we show that a putative G-quadruplex-forming sequence (PQFS) in the first intron of the Atg7 gene folds into a G4. An antibody specific to G4-DNA and the G4-DNA-binding protein PC4 bind to the Atg7 PQFS. Mice treated with a G4 stabilizer develop memory deficits. Brain samples from aged mice contain G4-DNA structures that are absent in brain samples from young mice. Overexpressing the G4-DNA helicase Pif1 in neurons exposed to the G4 stabilizer improves phenotypes associated with G4-DNA stabilization. Our findings indicate that G4-DNA is a novel pathway for regulating autophagy in neurons.

Premise Astragalus (Fabaceae) is the largest genus of flowering plants, with about 3100 species. Most phylogenies of the genus are based on a few nuclear or plastid loci (with one exception that uses ~100 loci) and usually provide poorly resolved trees and even conflicting subgeneric classifications. Target enrichment can greatly improve phylogenetic resolution, even at recently diverged taxonomic units, by generating sequences for hundreds of phylogenetically informative, putative single‐copy loci. However, a specific bait set for the Astragalean clade is still lacking. Methods In this study, we use transcriptome data from 17 species in the Astragalean clade (of which eight are Astragalus) to identify putative single‐copy nuclear loci to build a bait set for target enrichment. This resulted in 819 exons from 686 genes across the Astragalean clade. The bait set was validated with a phylogenetic study based on 20 taxa selected across major clades in Astragalus plus three Astragalean species. Results We recovered, on average, 739.3 loci covering at least 75% of the corresponding target reference length. The average number of paralog warnings was 76.2, ranging from 12 to 373. Our phylogenetic inference produced full support for all nodes, largely in agreement with the current subgeneric classifications of Astragalus. Discussion Our bait set, Astragalean819, effectively retrieved highly informative loci to build a robust phylogeny that will help to clarify the complex relationships among members of the Astragalean clade and the subgeneric relationships in Astragalus. This study provides a foundation for advancing the understanding of the systematics and evolution of the largest flowering plant genus.

Hand gesture recognition (HGR) is a convenient and natural form of human–computer interaction. It is suitable for various applications. Much research has already focused on wearable device-based HGR. By contrast, this paper gives an overview focused on device-free HGR. That means we evaluate HGR systems that do not require the user to wear something like a data glove or hold a device. HGR systems are explored regarding technology, hardware, and algorithms. The interconnectedness of timing and power requirements with hardware, pre-processing algorithm, classification, and technology and how they permit more or less granularity, accuracy, and number of gestures is clearly demonstrated. Sensor modalities evaluated are WIFI, vision, radar, mobile networks, and ultrasound. The pre-processing technologies stereo vision, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), spectrogram, phased array, range-doppler-map, range-angle-map, doppler-angle-map, and multilateration are explored. Classification approaches with and without ML are studied. Among those with ML, assessed algorithms range from simple tree structures to transformers. All applications are evaluated taking into account their level of integration. This encompasses determining whether the application presented is suitable for edge integration, their real-time capability, whether continuous learning is implemented, which robustness was achieved, whether ML is applied, and the accuracy level. Our survey aims to provide a thorough understanding of the current state of the art in device-free HGR on edge devices and in general. Finally, on the basis of present-day challenges and opportunities in this field, we outline which further research we suggest for HGR improvement. Our goal is to promote the development of efficient and accurate gesture recognition systems.

Premise Current phylogenies of Amaranthaceae sensu stricto (s.s.) are inadequately sampled and resolved to reflect the entire evolutionary history of the lineage, which is likely complex due to at least three whole‐genome duplication events, occasionally followed by subsequent additional polyploidization events and rapid diversification of individual sublineages. We designed a new target enrichment bait set to overcome these challenges when reconstructing a phylogeny and demonstrated its applicability to the entire Amaranthaceae s.s. lineage. Methods We analyzed 12,775 orthologous and low‐copy genes from a previous comprehensive transcriptomic study for marker selection. Following a newly developed approach that allows the selection of long exons and thus avoids the assembly of chimeric loci, we selected 1000 orthologous exons for phylogenomic analyses. Results Our in vivo application showed a high locus recovery rate across all major clades of Amaranthaceae s.s., generated a robust phylogenetic tree, and clarified previously ambiguous relationships of the genera Bosea and Charpentiera. Gene tree conflict analysis revealed mainly high levels of gene tree concordance within the lineage, with a few notable exceptions. Discussion The Amaranthaceae1000 kit will provide the basis for a phylogenetic tree across the Amaranthaceae s.s., facilitating future studies on systematics, diversification, and genome evolution within this economically important lineage.

Background Sex differences in COVID-19 are increasingly recognized globally. Although infection rates are similar between the sexes, men have more severe illness. The mechanism underlying these sex differences is unknown, but a differential immune response to COVID-19 has been implicated in several recent studies. However, how sex differences shape the immune response to COVID-19 remains understudied. Methods We collected demographics and blood samples from over 600 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from May 24th 2020 to April 28th, 2021. These patients were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1 was further classified into three groups based on the severity of the disease (mild, moderate and severe); Cohort 2 patients were longitudinally followed at three time points from hospital admission (1 day, 7 days, and 14 days). MultiPlex and conventional ELISA were used to examine inflammatory mediator levels in the plasma in both cohorts. Flow cytometry was conducted to examine leukocyte responses in Cohort 2. Results There were more COVID + males in the total cohort, and the mortality rate was higher in males vs. females. More male patients were seen in most age groups (in 10-year increments), and in most ethnic groups. Males with severe disease had significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1) than females; levels of IL-8, GRO, sCD40L, MIP-1β, MCP-1 were also significantly higher in severe vs. mild or control patients in males but not in females. Females had significantly higher anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels at 14 days compared to males, and the level of IL-10 significantly increased in moderate vs. the control group in females but not in males. At 7 days and 14 days, males had significantly more circulating neutrophils and monocytes than females; however, B cell numbers were significantly higher in females vs. males. Conclusion Sex differences exist in hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 respiratory tract infection. Exacerbated inflammatory responses were seen in male vs. female patients, even when matched for disease severity. Males appear to have a more robust innate immune response, and females mount a stronger adaptive immune response to COVID-19 respiratory tract infection.

Background/Objectives: Traditional kombucha is produced by fermenting a sweetened infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves with a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). The growing interest in this beverage has driven the exploration of alternative substrates, including a wide range of plant-based raw materials, such as leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. Consequently, numerous products are being investigated for their differential properties, not only organoleptic but also nutritional and bioactive. This review aims to summarize recent advances in alternative kombucha research, focusing on the substrates used, their physicochemical and biochemical characteristics, and the biological activities studied. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to select articles related to alternative kombuchas. A critical analysis of their current state was carried out through the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) methodology. Results: The SWOT analysis led to the identification of strengths, including promising in vitro results and growing consumer interest; weaknesses, including a lack of animal studies, clinical trials, and approved health claims, and an excessive focus on antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds; opportunities, including substrate diversity, innovation, and consumer education; and threats, including elaboration risks, misinformation, competitors, and potential consumer rejection. Conclusions: Despite the promising results achieved to date, it is essential that the scientific community and the food industry continue efforts to generate robust evidence, particularly through clinical validation, in order to draw reliable conclusions regarding the benefits of alternative kombuchas for human health.