7-day Period Research Articles

Germination under the dark as an efficient method to enrich barley hordatine aglycones and to prepare a hordatine-rich fraction.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.; Poaceae), the second most important grain after wheat, contains phenolamides, specifically hordatines and their agmatinated precursors. Hordatines are the unique compounds found in barley, consumption of which is associated with beneficial effects for human health. This study investigated the impact of germination on the concentrations of barley phenolamides by analyzing their kinetic changes in whole barley seedlings and their distribution across shoots, seeds, and roots over a 9-day germination period under light and dark conditions. To obtain authentic standards, hordatines A and C (HA and HC) were synthesized, while hordatine B (HB) and glycosylated hordatines A and B (HAG and HBG) were isolated from a standardized hordatine-rich fraction (HRF) developed using ion exchange resins. The chemical structures were established using 1H and 13C NMR, UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS, and literature comparison, validating the presence of trans double bonds in hordatines. Germination results exhibited that darkness promotes the accumulation of barley phenolamides, with a significant increase in hordatine aglycones, particularly HA and HB. Glycosylated hordatines were abundant in early germination (Days 0 and 1; ∼7-14mg/100g), while hordatine aglycones became more prevalent in later stages (Days 5, 7, and 9; ∼6.5-100mg/100g). HA and p-coumaroyl putrescine were identified as shoot-specific and root-specific phytochemicals, respectively, with higher rates of methylation and glycosylation of hordatines observed in roots compared to shoots.

Artemia Nauplii Enriched with Soybean Lecithin Enhances Growth Performance, Intestine Morphology, and Desiccation Stress Resistance in Yellow Drum (Nibea albiflora) Larvae.

The inherent deficiency of phospholipids in Artemia limits its nutritional value as live prey for marine fish larvae. In our previous study, we optimized a phospholipid enrichment method by incubating Artemia nauplii with 10 g of soybean lecithin per m3 of seawater for 12 h, significantly enhancing their phospholipid content. Purpose: The present study evaluated the impact of this enrichment on yellow drum (Nibea albiflora) larvae, focusing on growth performance, intestinal morphology, body composition, weaning success, and desiccation stress resistance. Methods: The larvae (12 days post-hatching, dph) were fed either soybean lecithin-enriched (SL group) or newly hatched (NH group) Artemia nauplii for 10 days. Results: By the end of the experiment, the SL group exhibited a markedly greater body weight and standard length compared to the NH group (p < 0.05). This growth improvement was due to enhanced intestinal morphology, characterized by a significantly higher mucosal fold height, microvillus density, and microvillus length (p < 0.05). Intestinal RNA sequencing identified 160 upregulated and 447 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SL group compared to the NH group. Soybean lecithin enrichment reduced the expression of lipogenesis-related genes (fasn, scd, elovl1) while upregulating lipid catabolism genes (ppara, cpt1, cpt2), indicating increased lipid breakdown and energy production. After a 5-day weaning period onto a commercial microdiet, the SL group continued to show significantly superior growth performance. In an afterward desiccation stress test, larvae from the SL group demonstrated significantly higher survival rates, potentially due to the decreased expression of intestinal cytokine genes (ccl13, mhc1, mhc2) observed in the RNA-seq analysis. Conclusions: This study highlights that feeding soybean lecithin-enriched Artemia nauplii enhances growth performance and desiccation stress in yellow drum larvae by promoting lipid catabolism, improving intestinal structure, and regulating immune responses.

Performance improvements and increased ruminal microbial interactions in Angus heifers via supplementation with native rumen bacteria during high-grain challenge

Feedlot cattle may be subjected to digestive disorders, including ruminal acidosis, due to high concentration of grain in their diet. Therefore, novel feeding strategies are required to maximize animal performance and mitigate economic losses in the operation. This study employed a two-period crossover design to assess the effect of direct ruminal administration of native rumen microorganisms (NRM) inoculation on cattle that underwent a high-grain challenge. The NRM inoculation consisted of six microorganisms (1.70 M CFU /day/animal) isolated from the rumen of healthy feedlot cattle: Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens ASCUSBF53, Prevotella albensis ASCUSBF41, Chordicoccus furentiruminis ASCUSBF65, Bacteroides xylanisolvens ASCUSBF52, Clostridium beijerinckii ASCUSBF26, and Syntrophococcus sp. ASCUSBF60. The trial consisted of 16 Angus heifers receiving NRM (n = 8) or a CON (CON = Carrier Buffer; n = 8) inoculation daily for 14-days as pre-challenge while on a high-grain diet and continued daily for a 21-day treatment period. The combined 35 days of microbial supplementation resulted in an improved average daily gain (ADG) of 29% (P = 0.037) and a tendency toward a 19% decrease in the feed efficiency metric, gain to feed ratio (G: F) (P = 0.055). Additionally, administration of NRM to animals on a high-grain diet, improved ruminal microbiome stability (P < 0.001), potentially encouraging the conversion of rumen lactate to propionate over time via the succinate pathway and alleviating metabolic stress.

Energy availability and macronutrient intake over a 7-day training period in adolescent rugby players.

Understanding the dietary intake of elite adolescent athletes and its adequacy with sport nutrition recommendation is a key issue for health and player development, as well as performance and recovery. Energy availability needs to be considered to ensure optimal health and performance in young athletes. The present study aimed to quantify energy availability, energy expenditure and macronutrient intake in young male rugby union players competing at national level. Twelve male adolescent players (15.6±0.6 years) completed a 7-days prospective observational study (5 days of training and 2 days of full recovery). Total energy expenditure was estimated using indirect calorimetry and heart rate measurement. Energy intake was assessed using weighed food by a dietitian in cafeteria (training days) and image-based dietary (recovery days). Energy availability was calculated using (energy intake-exercise energy expenditure)/fat-free mass. Mean energy availability was 38.5±7.5, 40.2±5.4 and 47.8±5.1 kcal/kgFFM/d on heavy training, moderate training and recovery days, respectively. Players consumed a low carbohydrate (~5.0 g/kg/d), high protein (~2.0 g/kg/d) and high fat (~1.8 g/kg/d) diet on training and recovery days in relation to current international nutritional recommendations for young athletes. Athletes showed sub-optimal energy availability on training days, high energy availability on recovery days and did not comply with carbohydrate intake recommendations on training nor recovery days. These results highlight the short-term inadequacy of energy availability as a result of low carbohydrate intake, warning about the possible adverse short-term metabolic effects on health and performance of young athletes.

Use of Tick Cell Lines in Co-Infection Studies with a Preliminary Study of Co-Culture of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of infectious human and livestock diseases in Europe. Co-infections of pathogens in ticks and hosts have been reported. Tick cell lines offer a useful model system for study of co-infections. We present a review of the existing literature on co-infections in tick cell lines. Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of tick cell lines in studies on co-infection of different pathogens and their interaction with the tick microbiome. We also carried out a preliminary study to investigate the effects of co-culturing Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum on their growth and interactions with the Ixodes ricinus cell line IRE/CTVM19 over a 13-day period. Replication of both pathogens was quantified by real-time PCR. The presence of A. phagocytophilum appeared to have a slight inhibitory effect on the multiplication of B. burgdorferi, that were added subsequently. In contrast, the prior presence of B. burgdorferi appeared to have a stimulatory effect on A. phagocytophilum after 6 days in culture. We conclude that the IRE/CTVM19 tick cell line is suitable for simultaneous and continuous cultivation of both bacteria and can be applied in future research.

Disruptions in global trade routes: market reactions to the US–Houthi conflict in the consumer cyclical sector

Purpose This study aims to investigate the market reaction in the cyclical consumer sector to the US–Houthi conflict. Furthermore, the authors explore the impact of this conflict on market reactions by market and region. Design/methodology/approach Using an event study methodology, this paper analyze a sample of 1,973 companies. This paper used multiple event windows, including a 15-day period before the invasion announcement as the preinvasion event and a 15-day period after the invasion announcement as the postinvasion event. Findings The authors find that pre the event of war, the market tended to show a positive reaction, but toward the event day until post event, the market in the consumer cyclical sector actually reacted significantly negatively to the conflict, especially in developed and developing markets. The Asia and Pacific market is the market that feels the most negative impact from the US–Houthi conflict compared to other markets. Furthermore, in terms of industry types in the consumer staples sector, Food and Tobacco and Personal and Household Products and Services felt the negative impact, although the majority of all industries reacted significantly negatively. Originality/value This study focuses on the US–Houthi conflict, an event that has not been extensively studied in the context of market reactions. Unlike previous research, this study specifically examines the impact of the conflict on the consumer cyclical sector, emphasizing the significance of trade route disruptions, particularly the Suez Canal, on global markets. By providing insights into how such geopolitical events affect different regions and industries, this study offers valuable guidance for policymakers and managers in mitigating the adverse effects of geopolitical risks on market stability.

Molecular Characterization and Plant Growth Promotion Potential of Paenibacillus Dendritiformis Endophyte Isolated from Tecomella Undulata (Roheda)

In this study, we have isolated a bacterial endophyte Paenibacillus dendritiformis strain RAE13 (Accession number: OR259131) from the leaves of Tecomella undulata (Roheda) plant. The identification of bacterial species was carried out using 16s-rDNA ribotyping. Subsequently, the isolated bacterial strain was gauged for its potential to endorse plant growth through various mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, IAA production, HCN synthesis, siderophore generation, and ammonia production. Furthermore, the evaluation focused on the endophyte's capacity for producing extracellular enzymes, including cellulase, chitinase, protease, amylase, and catalase. The endophyte exhibited to synthesize an average of 18±0.375 μg/ml of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after being subjected to a concentration of 5 mg/ml of tryptophan over a 14-day incubation period. The endophytic isolate RAE 13 produced an average of 42.4±0.004 μg/ml of Gibberellin, solubilized phosphate in the range of 70.2 μg/ml to 135.5 μg/ml, and produced an average of 45.5 μg/ml of ammonia. The phylogenetic analysis unveiled that the isolated strain RAE13 had a common ancestor and had a maximum nucleotide sequence similarity of 98.30% with Paenibacillus sp isolates of Uttar Pradesh, India. To diminish the consumption of chemicals in conventional farming, the results indicated that the isolated endophyte had great potential as a plant growth-stimulating inoculant. Henceforward, utilization of these extracellular enzymes for medical and industrial applications will be highly beneficial. Additionally, it could enhance plant tolerance to challenging environmental circumstances including drought and high temperatures.

From molecular to physiological responses: improved stress tolerance and longevity in Drosophila melanogaster under fluctuating thermal regimes.

Climate change introduces greater thermal variability, profoundly affecting ectothermic species whose body temperatures rely heavily on the environment. Understanding the physiological and metabolic responses to such variability is crucial for predicting how these species will cope with changing climates. This study investigates how chronic thermal stress impacts mitochondrial metabolism and physiological parameters in Drosophila melanogaster, hypothesizing that a fluctuating thermal regime (FTR) activates protective mechanisms enhancing stress tolerance and longevity. To test this, Drosophila were exposed to constant 24°C or to an FTR of 24°C:15°C (day:night) cycle following an initial 5day period at 24°C. The FTR group exhibited rapid transcript level changes after the first day of FTR, particularly those related to heat shock proteins, mitophagy and regulatory factors, which returned to initial levels after 5 days. Mitochondrial respiration rates initially decreased after 1 and 2 days of FTR, then recovered by day 5, indicating rapid acclimation. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities were observed early in the FTR group, after 1 day for mtSOD and SODcyt+ext and 3 days for both SOD and catalase, followed by a decline by day 5, suggesting efficient oxidative stress management. The FTR group showed lower CTmax on day 3, reflecting possible physiological strain at that time point, and complete recovery by day 5. Longevity increased under FTR, highlighting the activation of protective mechanisms with beneficial long-term effects. These results suggest that FTR prompts a temporal succession of rapid physiological adjustments at different levels of organisation, enhancing long-term survival in D. melanogaster.

Caregiver acceptability of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in two districts in the Upper West region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAcceptability of malaria chemoprevention interventions by caregivers is crucial for overall programme success. This study assessed coverage and acceptability of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in selected communities in the Northern part of Ghana.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional design was conducted from “July 23rd to August 4th, 2020—a 12-day period that covered 5 days of the first SMC implementation cycle and 7 days post-implementation. Using a stratified multi-stage sampling technique, a total of 495 caregivers providing care for 569 eligible children aged 3–59 months from randomly selected households in the study communities were enrolled into the study. Acceptability of SMC was assessed on a set of 19 questionnaire items-8 of the items measured caregivers’ perceptions and 11 items measured children’s reaction to administered medicines. Univariable and stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of acceptability of SMC at a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05.ResultsSMC coverage was 95.1% (541/569). Caregivers had a good level of knowledge of SMC (n = 475; 96.0%; 95% CI 94.2—97.7%) and a good perception of SMC (n = 471; 95.2%; 95% CI 93.3–97.0). Seven out of ten caregivers (70.9%; 95% CI 66.9–74.9%) had good acceptability of SMC. For 7 out of 28 children who did not receive the SMC intervention, their caregivers intentionally refused them the intervention. Of those that received the treatment, 17.2% (n = 85; 95%CI 13.8–20.5%) of caregivers had at least one leftover amodiaquine tablet after the third day of treatment. Caregivers who practice Christianity or Islam had better acceptability than caregivers who practice African traditional religion (p < 0.001).ConclusionHealth authorities and stakeholders can work towards bridging the gap between knowledge and SMC treatment practices of caregivers through continuous education, adherence counseling, and effective monitoring of SMC practices in malaria-endemic countries.

Effects of chili straw on rumen fermentation, meat quality, amino acid and fatty acid contents, and rumen bacteria diversity in sheep.

Crop residues have shown promise as non-conventional feed sources to enhance animal health and growth. This study evaluated the effects of chili straw (CS) on rumen fermentation, meat quality, amino and fatty acid composition, and rumen microbial diversity in sheep. Fifty F1 Dorper×Hu lambs (29.58 ± 2.06 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups, fed pelleted feed with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% CS over a 63-day period, including a 7-day pre-test. Post-trial, rumen fluid was sampled to assess fermentation and microbial profiles, and slaughter performance and meat quality were evaluated. Key findings include: (1) No significant differences were observed in rumen pH, NH3-N, or acetic acid-to-propionic acid ratio across groups (P > 0.05). (2) Rumen microbial diversity indices did not vary significantly between groups (P > 0.05), though the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria increased, and Bacteroidota decreased in CS-fed groups, with specific genus-level changes. (3) Carcass weight decreased in the CS20% group (P < 0.01). (4) Cooking loss decreased in CS10%, 15%, and 20% groups (P < 0.05), and meat redness increased in CS15% and 20% groups (P < 0.01). (5) Saturated fatty acids decreased, while the PUFA/SFA ratio and amino acid profiles, including sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), dibasic amino acids (DAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and total amino acids (TAA), increased with CS, with a significant rise in Gly content in the CS15% group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CS into lamb diets can enhance meat quality without adversely affecting rumen fermentation, with recommended levels between 10% and 15%.

Characterization of Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Essential Oil Obtained by Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction with Kombucha Tea (Anthriscus sylvestris L.) Produced by Adding Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Peel and Pulp

The study aimed to evaluate the potential of creating a functional beverage by enriching Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) kombucha production with guava peel and pulp, showcasing the variety and richness of the product formulations. This was done due to kombucha being a fermented beverage rich in various bioactive compounds that have significant effects on health and the possibility of enhancing product diversity through different formulations. Thus, the kombucha tea was physicochemical, phytochemical, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation during the 15-day fermentation period. The increased acetic acid bacteria and yeast count indicates that Anthriscus sylvestris is a viable substrate for the proliferation of Kombucha symbiotic microbes. Adding guava peel and rosemary oil to kombucha significantly increased its total phenolic, flavonoid, and vitamin C content (P&amp;lt;0.05). Anthriscus sylvestris-guava kombucha has antibacterial properties (zones of inhibition of 18.32 and 17.31 mm against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, respectively). Moreover, it also provided an inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, enzymes associated with diabetes. The DPPH, ABTS*+, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ORAC capacities were found to be 66.89-78.90%, 70.83-97.25%, 367-723.15 μmol Trolox/mL, 381.40-460.45 μmol Trolox/mL, and 486.50-737.50 μmol Trolox/mL, respectively. Anthriscus sylvestris kombucha has well-balanced and pleasant sensory properties. These findings indicate that preparing Anthriscus sylvestris kombucha tea with guava may have health effects and that further research is needed to determine potential health benefits.

Composting Urban Biowaste: A Potential Solution for Waste Management and Soil Fertility Improvement in Dolisie, Congo

Population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns are contributing to an increase in household waste production, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Composting of biowaste presents a sustainable solution by reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills while enriching the soil. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of solid household biowaste for composting in market garden crops in Dolisie (the Republic of Congo). Specifically, the study aimed to (i) assess the production and management practices of solid household waste in relation to socio-economic factors, (ii) analyze the chemical composition of solid household biowaste and its concentration of trace elements (TEs), and (iii) determine the potential phytotoxicity of solid household biowaste across different production seasons. In this study, wastes were collected from 40 households over a 60-day period, with daily sorting conducted during both the dry and wet seasons. Using a completely randomized design, various compost application rates were incorporated into the soil to conduct a germination test. The quality of the biowaste and compost was evaluated through physicochemical analyses. Results showed that approximately 90% of high-income households received regular waste collection services and practiced waste separation in contrast to middle- and low-income households. The composition of the biowaste was primarily composed of fruit and vegetable scraps, with slight contamination by chromium and cadmium. Temperature, pH, and humidity levels showed similar trends during compost formation in both the rainy and dry seasons. Germination rates were above 80% in all treatments across both seasons, indicating that the compost was mature. Overall, all physicochemical parameters of the compost met established quality standards, and trace element concentrations were below the recommended thresholds. The study concluded that biowaste, once converted into compost, can be safely applied to agricultural soils without posing any risk of phytotoxicity or contamination to crops.

Phenotypic Changes in Pinus thunbergii, Larix kaempferi, Picea koraiensis, and Abies holophylla Seedlings Inoculated with Pine Wilt Nematode: Revealing the Resistance

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pine wood nematode, PWN) has been present in China for over 40 years and has spread to northeast China, where native pine species are key components of the local top community. Pinus thunbergii is known to be susceptible to PWN among local conifer species, whereas research on PWN’s pathogenicity in Larix remains limited. Furthermore, there are no research reports on PWN infestation in Picea and Abies species within China. This study conducted a detailed analysis of phenotypic changes and temporal spectral reflectance variations in four conifer species in northeast China—P. thunbergii, Larix kaempferi, Picea koraiensis, and Abies holophylla—following artificial inoculation with PWN. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical basis for identifying the potential hosts and threats of PWN. The study incorporated a 60-day post-inoculation observation period to systematically monitor and compare temporal changes in external morphology, disease susceptibility (incidence and mortality rates), spectral reflectance, and the normalized wilt index (NWI) in 2–3-year-old seedlings of P. thunbergii, L. kaempferi, P. koraiensis, and A. holophylla after inoculation with PWN. The results showed that P. thunbergii displayed the earliest infection symptoms, followed by L. kaempferi, A. holophylla, and finally P. koraiensis. After inoculation, P. thunbergii was the first to experience mortality, followed by L. kaempferi, P. koraiensis, and A. holophylla. Following inoculation, P. thunbergii exhibited the earliest significant increase in NWI (p &lt; 0.001), followed by L. kaempferi and A. holophylla; P. koraiensis showed the latest increase (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the experiment identified P. koraiensis as having the strongest resistance to PWN among the four species, followed by A. holophylla. P. thunbergii showed the weakest resistance, while L. kaempferi exhibited moderate resistance. The ranking of PWN susceptibility for the four conifer species, from highest to lowest, is as follows: P. thunbergii, L. kaempferi, A. holophylla, and P. koraiensis.

Enhanced performance and long-term stability of 2D photodetectors through hexagonal boron nitride encapsulation

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), demonstrate considerable potential for optoelectronic applications, largely due to their atomic thickness, tunable bandgap, and capacity for heterostructure integration. Nevertheless, the development of 2D photodetectors that can achieve high responsivity, a fast response time, and long-term stability remains a significant challenge. The present study is a systematic investigation of the effects of top and bottom encapsulation with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on the performance and stability of 2D photodetectors. By employing a dry transfer process to fabricate a high-quality h-BN/MoS2/h-BN structure, we provide effective protection against environmental degradation. The encapsulated devices exhibited a responsivity increase of one to two orders of magnitude under 532 nm laser illumination, in comparison to those without encapsulation. Additionally, the rise and decay times were markedly reduced, by approximately two orders of magnitude, from 0.538 and 3.43 ms to 23.1 and 99.6 μs, respectively. Moreover, the devices demonstrated sustained performance over a 60-day storage period, with response times remaining faster than pre-encapsulation levels. This study highlights the potential of h-BN encapsulation for enhancing both the performance and stability of 2D photodetectors, advancing the development of more reliable optoelectronic devices.

Impact of microwave processing and high pressure processing on omega-3 fatty acid enriched snack of microalgae (Nannochloropsis sp)-cocoa balls

Abstract This study investigates the development of a functional snack, NSP (Nannochloropsis sp.)-cocoa balls, enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, utilizing two advanced processing methods: microwave processing and high-pressure processing (HPP). The primary objective was to assess the efficiency of these techniques in preserving nutritional value, particularly omega-3 content, while maintaining desirable sensory qualities over a 12-day storage period. Microwave processing was found to partially retain omega-3 fatty acids but resulted in increased firmness and faster oxidation due to moisture loss during heating. In contrast, HPP effectively preserved omega-3 content and maintained the original texture and sensory appeal of the NSP-cocoa balls. The even distribution of omega-3 fatty acids in HPP-treated samples enhanced their resistance to oxidation, contributing to greater stability. Sensory evaluations identified the HPP-treated cocoa balls, specifically those prepared using Recipe 4, as the most preferred for their texture and superior nutritional profile. Furthermore, food safety analyses confirmed the safety of these snacks for consumption throughout the storage period. This comprehensive study highlights HPP as a superior processing method for developing functional foods that balance nutrient preservation with sensory quality, offering a promising approach for creating health-focused, shelf-stable snacks.

Nitric oxide release as a defense mechanism in marine microalgae against microplastic-induced stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) has garnered significant attention as a critical regulatory factor and signaling molecule in plant growth. However, the effects of microplastic pollution on the release of NO by algae have not been reported. Thus, in this study, the release of NO by Skeletonema costatum and Gymnodinium sp. when exposed to different concentrations (5-50mg/L) of polystyrene microplastics (PS, 0.1μm) after a 15-day cultivation period was investigated. PS microplastics negatively impacted the photosynthetic processes of microalgae through several mechanisms, such as aggregation and adsorption, consequently affecting their physiological state. This physiological damage increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently inhibited algal growth. However, the activity of nitrate reductase increased, and the released NO was able to scavenge ROS, alleviating oxidative stress and providing microalgae with a temporary adaptive advantage. This adaptability was only observed from day 3-7; beyond that period, microplastics continued to inflict irreversible toxicity on the microalgae. Notably, the toxicity of PS microplastics was less pronounced in S. costatum compared with Gymnodinium sp. Overall, these findings reveal that marine microalgae can release NO, mitigating the short-term toxic effects of microplastic pollution.

Responses of microbial communities in coastal sediments exposed to triclocarban and triclosan.

Triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) are applied in a wide range of pharmaceutical and personal care products to prevent or reduce bacterial growth. Due to their extensive application, they are frequently detected in marine environments. In this study, marine sediment systems exposed to different concentrations of TCC and TCS were established to evaluate their effects on microbial communities. It was found that TCC and TCS increased catalase and protease activities on Day 1, but inhibited after 15days. Microbial activity, as indicated by increased dehydrogenase activity and polysaccharide production, should be enhanced after a 15-day adaptation period. High-throughput sequencing revealed resilient α-diversity but significant shifts in community structures were observed, particularly on Day 15. Function prediction analysis confirmed that most functional profiles remained stable, and network analysis indicated that TCC and TCS enhanced the complexity of the microbial community. This study provides new insights into the impacts and risks of TCC and TCS on the marine environment.

Leveraging the nanotopography of filamentous fungal chitin-glucan nano/microfibrous spheres (FNS) coated with collagen (type I) for scaffolded fibroblast spheroids in regenerative medicine.

Numerous naturally occurring biological structures have inspired the development of innovative biomaterials for a wide range of applications. Notably, the nanotopographical architectures found in natural materials have been leveraged in biomaterial design to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation and improve tissue regeneration for biomedical applications. In this study, we fabricated three-dimensional (3D) chitin-glucan micro/nanofibrous fungal-based spheres coated with collagen (type I) to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment. These collagen-coated fungal nano/microfibrous spheres (C-FNS) were utilized to construct 3D scaffolded spheroids of human fibroblasts through suspension culture for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The particle sizes of C-FNS ranged from 1.4 to 3.25 µm (average: 2.27 ± 0.38 µm), with a porosity of 81.17 %. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed that C-FNS comprised continuous chitin-glucan fibers with an average diameter of 363 ± 61 nm (range: 203-512 nm), exhibiting a highly interconnected structure. The reduced arithmetic average roughness (Ra) and root mean square roughness (Rq) values of C-FNS compared to uncoated FNS suggested that collagen coating reduced surface roughness, resulting in a smoother surface that enhanced hydrophilicity, crucial for mammalian cell adhesion and spheroid formation. Moreover, the in vitro cytocompatibility of C-FNS with fibroblasts was evaluated using a resazurin-based PrestoBlue assay, which demonstrated a time-dependent increase in the metabolic activity of C-FNS/fibroblast spheroids during suspension culture for up to 14 days. FE-SEM images of C-FNS/fibroblast spheroids further revealed enhanced adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts on the nano/microfibrous mycelial architecture, accompanied by the secretion of ECM components and formation of multilayered cell sheets over the 14-day culture period. Similarly, an assessment of the hemocompatibility of C-FNS with erythrocytes revealed the non-hemolytic properties of the biomaterial. Overall, the interaction between collagen-coated fungal chitin-glucan nano/microfibrous structures and mammalian cells holds significant potential for the development of novel, sustainable biomaterials with tailored properties for a myriad of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug screening, and wound healing.

Contextual maximum speed: Assessing the day-to-day variation in maximal running speed in Australian rules football

Monitoring sprint distance is commonplace in Australian Rules football (ARF). Thresholds are programmed as a percentage of maximum speed (Vmax), however day-to-day variation has not been considered. The aim of this study was to determine the day-to-day variation in Vmax, jump height, power, and strength in male, talent-identified ARF athletes. Twenty-three male, ARF athletes (age = 16.6 ± 0.64 years, height = 179.4 ± 9.1 cm, mass = 73.4 ± 8.4 kg) completed a countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and 40-metre sprint on three occasions within a 7-day period, separated by 48-h recovery periods. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVAs, and general linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Vmax declined progressively ( ηP2 = 0.586, CV = 5%) between session one (31.8 ± 1.5km⋅h−1), two (30.8 ± 1.2km⋅h−1), and three (30.0 ± 1.3km⋅h−1). No differences were observed for jump height (47.4 ± 5.0 cm), peak force (2981 ± 518N), or net peak force (2047 ± 444N⋅kg−1). Jump height, peak force, and net peak force did not predict Vmax in session 1, session 2, or session 3. Individual changes in Vmax exceeded 5% in 10 instances. The Vmax is outside the typical error for measurement and indicative of the variation in Vmax. The lack of predictive power demonstrated by strength and power variables is evidence of the technical considerations associated with sprinting. Practitioners should consider the variation in Vmax when monitoring training load in field sports. The variation suggests that programming thresholds based upon a single recording of Vmax may incorrectly describe the true amount of high-speed and sprint running completed.

Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 deficiency suppresses ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced renal fibrosis

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and ultimately leads to renal fibrosis, primarily via the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), a novel modulator of the TGF-β pathway, has been implicated in the modulation of renal fibrosis by affecting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling axis. However, the role of LRG1 in the transition from AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functional role of LRG1 during the remodeling phase post-IRI. Unilateral IRI was induced in C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice and systemic LRG1 knockout (KO) mice. In C57BL/6J WT mice, renal LRG1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated on the ischemia/reperfusion side compared to the sham side over a 28-day period. In contrast, LRG1 KO mice demonstrated significantly reduced renal fibrosis compared to WT mice on postoperative day 28. Additionally, renal mRNA expression of TGF-β and associated pro-fibrotic genes was diminished in LRG1 KO mice compared to WT mice. Consequently, LRG1 KO mice exhibited attenuated IRI-induced chronic fibrosis. These findings indicate that LRG1 is involved in the pathogenesis of the transition from AKI to CKD and may be a potential therapeutic target.