Decrease In Acid Content Research Articles

Integrating Physiology, Transcriptome, and Metabolomics Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Nitric Oxide Concentration-Dependent Regulation of Embryo Germination in Sorbus pohuashanensis

Nitric oxide (NO) breaks a seed’s dormancy and stimulates germination by signaling. However, the key physiological metabolic pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, this study used physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomics methods to analyze the key genes and metabolites involved in the NO regulation of plant embryo germination and their potential regulatory mechanisms. The physiological analysis results indicate that the appropriate concentration of NO increased the content of NO and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cells, stimulated the synthesis of ethylene and jasmonic acid (JA), induced a decrease in abscisic acid (ABA) content, antagonistic to the gibberellin (GA3) effect, and promoted embryo germination and subsequent seedling growth. However, the high concentrations of NO caused excessive accumulation of H2O2, destroyed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, and inhibited embryo germination and seedling growth. The combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that the genes related to phenylpropanoid (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase, ferulate-5-hydroxylase, coniferyl-alcohol glucosyltransferase), and flavonoid synthesis (10 genes such as CHS) were significantly up-regulated during embryo germination. The high concentration of exogenous NO inhibited embryo germination by up-regulating the expression of 4-coumaric acid coenzyme A ligase (4CL) and negatively regulating the expression of flavonoid synthesis genes. This suggests that NO concentration-dependently regulates phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby affecting ROS metabolism and hormone levels, and ultimately regulates the dormancy and germination of Sorbus pohuashanensis embryos.

Effects of cattle manure and sludge vermicompost on nutrient dynamics and yield in strawberry cultivation with distinct continuous cropping histories in a greenhouse.

Continuous cropping has emerged as a significant challenge affecting yield and quality in greenhouse strawberries, particularly as the cultivation of strawberries as a protected crop continues to increase. To address this issue, substrates with 0 or 2 years of continuous cropping were fertilized with two types of organic materials: vermicompost derived from either sludge or cattle manure. A control group consisted of substrate without the addition of vermicompost. Both type of vermicompost improved substrate fertility, promoted plant growth and fruit quality. The cattle manure vermicompost had a better improvement effect at peak fruiting stage. Substrate nutrients were increased 14.58~38.52% (0-year substrate) and 12.04%~42.54% (2-year substrate), respectively. In both substrate types, there was a substantial increase in microbial population and enzyme activity, accompanied by a significant decrease in phenolic acid content. During the senescence stage, the use of cattle manure vermicompost led to enhancements in plant height, leaf area, and root length, with increases ranging from 15.01% to 32.77% and 23.75% to 32.78% across the two substrate types compared to the control group. Furthermore, the application of cattle manure vermicompost significantly improved both fruit yield and quality. Compared with the control (CK), the cattle manure vermicompost increased fruit yield by 18.29% and 19.64% in the 0- and 2-year substrates, respectively. The contents of soluble sugars, vitamin C, and free amino acids in the fruits increased by 21.42%~34.16% (0-year substrate) and 9.62%~42.62% (2-year substrate), at peak fruiting stage. Cattle manure vermicompost application to the 2-year substrate ranked higher in the membership function than the CK treatment at 0-year planting. In conclusion, the application of vermicompost can significantly improve strawberry fruit yield and quality, as well as substrate characteristics, thus effectively addressing challenges associated with continuous cropping. Furthermore, the use of cattle manure vermicompost produced more pronounced positive effects.

Cold Plasma Treatment of Quinoa Grains: Changes in Phytic Acid, Saponin, Content, and Antioxidant Capacity.

The impact of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment (at 50 and 60 kV for 5 and 10 min) on nutritional (total phenolic and flavonoids contents, antioxidant capacity, and TBARs) and antinutritional (saponin and phytic acid) characteristics of quinoa grains has been investigated at this study. Results indicated that ACP treatment is significantly effective to reduce the antinutritional compounds compared with the control sample (p ≤ 0.05), among which S4 (i.e., treated at 60 kV for 10 min) and S2 (i.e., treated at 50 kV for 10 min) samples showed the highest decrease in saponin and phytic acid content, respectively. Also, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) of ACP-treated samples have decreased compared with the control sample. The flavonoid content of ACP-treated samples has been increased compared with the control sample (p ≤ 0.05). In general, the S4 (at 60 kV for 10 min) samples had the highest amount of flavonoid and phenolic content compared with the other samples. A significant reduction in TBAR values has been observed by ACP treatment with the maximum reduction at S4 (i.e., treated at 60 kV for 10 min) samples. Results indicated that ACP treatment at 60 KV for 10 min is effective to reduce the antinutritional compounds and maintain the antioxidant compounds of quinoa grains as well. Considering the necessity of keeping the nutritional characteristics of grains through processing, it needs to be monitored and optimized the condition in a way that nutritional characteristics are preserved.

Comparing Refrigeration to Immediate Room Temperature Testing for Uric Acid Monitoring in Rasburicase-Treated Patients.

Rasburicase retains activity at room temperature (RT), so specimens collected for uric acid-level monitoring require cooling protocols. Our objective was to determine if we could ease these preanalytical requirements to improve compliance while maintaining accuracy. Fifty pairs of specimens were transported and stored either on ice or at RT. All were tested at 3 time points postcollection: immediately upon arrival to the laboratory (approximately 45 min), 90, and 135 min. Uric acid concentrations are not clinically significantly different in RT or iced specimens, as long as specimens are tested within approximately 45 min postcollection. There was a negative bias in uric acid levels in a subset of specimens if they were held at RT and tested at 90 min (-9.1%) and 135 min (-17.5%). Specimens tested within 2 rasburicase half-lives postinfusion have an additional 24% decrease in uric acid levels if kept at RT for 90 min. Specimens from patients given a 6 mg dose had an 18% decrease in uric acid concentration compared to a 3 mg dose. Laboratories that can test uric acid levels rapidly after specimen collection may be able to validate alternative preanalytical methods to transporting and testing on ice.

CsCPC, an R3-MYB transcription factor, acts as a negative regulator of citric acid accumulation in Citrus.

The citric acid accumulation during fruit ripening determines the quality of fleshy fruits. However, the molecular mechanism underlying citric acid accumulation is not clearly understood yet in citrus due to the scarcity of paired germplasm that exhibits significant difference in organic acid accumulation. Two citrus triploid hybrids with distinct citric acid content in their mature fruits were herein identified from a previously conducted interploidy cross in our group, providing an ideal paired material for studying acid accumulation in citrus. Through a comparative transcriptome analysis of the pulps of the above two triploid hybrids, an R3-MYB transcription factor, CAPRICE (CsCPC), was identified to be a regulator of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits. Through transgenic experiments involving overexpression (in callus and kumquat fruits) and RNAi (in lemon leaves), we demonstrated that CsCPC suppresses citric acid accumulation by negatively regulating the expression of CsPH1 and CsPH5. Moreover, CsCPC competed with an R2R3-MYB CsPH4 for binding to ANTHOCYANIN1 (CsAN1) and thus disturbed the activation of CsPH1 and CsPH5 that encode vacuolar P-ATPase, which eventually led to a decrease in citric acid content. CsPH4 activated the expression of CsCPC and thus formed an activator-repressor feedback loop, which ultimately inhibited citric acid accumulation in citrus fruit. In summary, this study reveals a new regulatory mechanism of CsCPC-mediated inhibition of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits, which would support the improvement of citrus fruit quality.

Mechanism Analysis of Increased Erucic Acid Content in Brassica napus L. Seeds Resulting Low Nighttime Temperature

Brassica napus L. (B. napus L.), a crop of Brassica in the family Cruciferae, is a major sources of edible vegetable oil and one of the four most widely grown. Oil accumulation is determined by genetic and environmental factors, including temperature, light, humidity, edatope, latitude, and altitude. Temperature also plays a crucial part in the maturation stage. A highly temperature-sensitive line (STSL, DH0729DH0815) and weakly temperature-sensitive line (WTSL, DH0729) were used to express LOC106368911 and its effect on the erucic acid content of seeds under low nighttime temperatures. Condition of 20/18 °C (±0.5 °C, daytime/nighttime temperature, CK) and 20/13 °C (low nighttime temperature, LNT) were used in tests. Under LNT, the erucic acid content in STSL seeds increased significantly, whereas the WTSL change was not significant. The relative expression of LOC106368911 was significantly increased in STSL at 27, 35 and 43 days after flowering (DAF), whereas the change in WTSL was not significant. The CDS sequence of the LOC106368911 was cloned. Compared to the protein sequence encoded by the reference gene, STSL changed the 96th amino acid sequence from I (leucine) to L (isoleucine). However, there was no difference in the secondary and tertiary structures. Based on this, we cloned the LOC106368911 promoter sequence and found that the mutation of C to T at position −790 in WTSL caused the loss of LTR (cis-acting element involved in low-temperature responsiveness, −791 to −786) element function in response to low temperature and increased erucic acid content. The LOC106368911 promoter had 2 LTR elements in STSL (−791 to −786 and −588 to −583). A GUS reporter vector was constructed to study the transient expression in tobacco leaf transformations. GUS gene expression at 13 ℃ after 2 h was significantly higher than that at 18 ℃. Base and number differences in the LTR element were found in the LOC106368911 promoter sequence of STSL and WTSL. Base mutations occurred in the LTR element in WTSL, which resulted in decrease or loss of erucic acid content in response to low nighttime temperatures.

Threonine attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammatory responses in rabbits.

Threonine (Thr) can be involved in the synthesis of immunoglobulins, which play the role of immune regulation, Thr also has to improve intestinal morphology, adjust the sticky protein synthesis, maintain the intestinal barrier function, etc. The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with different levels of Thr on growth performance and intestinal health of rabbits under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress conditions. A total of 180 healthy 35-day-old weaned New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned in a 2 × 3 factorial design to receive an intraperitoneal injection of 100µg/kg BW LPS or saline and three diets with different levels of digestible threonine (0.43%, 0.54%, and 0.64%). The LPS challenge resulted in a reduction in body weight in rabbits at day 22, as well as a decrease in the serum d-lactic acid (D-LA) content and the number of goblet cells (GCs) in the jejunum. Additionally, the duodenum JAM2 and JAM3 were down-regulated. The expression of OCLN, ZO-1, and IL-2 in the jejunum, and CLDN, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and ZO-1 mRNA in the ileum were also down-regulated. Furthermore, the duodenum TLR4 and IL-1β mRNA expression, while the jejunum exhibited an elevation in CLDN, TNF-α, and ileum TNF-α mRNA expression (P < 0.05). In the context of LPS challenge condition, dietary Thr addition was found to down-regulate the duodenum ZO-1 and jejunum CLDN mRNA expression of rabbits (P < 0.05). This was accompanied by an increase in ileum sIgA content and GCs number (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary Thr addition resulted in a downregulation of duodenum TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β, jejunum MyD88, and IL-1β mRNA expression, as well as an up-regulation of ileum IL-10 mRNA expression in rabbits (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the LPS challenge can result in intestinal inflammation and damage the integrity of the intestinal barrier in rabbits. Nevertheless, dietary Thr supplementation can alleviate the intestinal inflammatory response in rabbits challenged with LPS.

Regulatory mechanism of Elovl6 in lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in Scylla paramamosain revealed by Ap-1

In mammals, elongation of very long-chain fatty acids protein 6 (ELOVL6) play a role in both the elongation of fatty acids and the development of associated inflammation. However, the function and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of Elovl6 in invertebrates are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the function of Elovl6 and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism in Scylla paramamosain. RNA interference experiments showed that elovl6 knockdown significantly affected the synthesis and catabolism of hepatopancreatic lipids, leading to an increase in triglyceride levels and saturated fatty acid content, and a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Notably, antioxidant capacity and immune function were also impaired, with decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and immune-related genes. To investigate the transcription regulation of elovl6, a 2212-bp promoter fragment upstream of elovl6 was cloned and characterized. Analysis of the luciferase reporter showed that Ap-1 regulates elovl6 transcription via the −353 to −343 binding site. In vivo injection of the Ap-1 inhibitor T-5224 verified its inhibitory effect on elovl6 expression, with results similar to those of elovl6 knockdown, indicating that Ap-1 regulates lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function via Elovl6.

Effect of gamma radiation on sensory, microbial and lipid quality of whole Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta)

The study focused on the impact of γ-radiation on the lipids, sensory attributes, and microbial quality of fresh whole mackerel. Fish were irradiated at 2, 4 and 6 kGy doses; subsequently, microbial load, sensory quality and fatty acid composition were studied. The results indicated no significant changes in sensory quality up to 6 kGy dose. The bacterial load of 4.75 log CFU/g was reduced to 3.54, 2.74, 2.17 log CFU/g at 2, 4 and 6 kGy doses respectively. The total mould count reduced from 1.17 log CFU/g to 0.7 log CFU/g at 2 kGy, and was below the detection limit at 4 and 6 kGy. No significant difference was observed in fatty acid composition at a dose of 2 kGy compared to control samples. However, a significant increase in saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid with a significant decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid content was detected at 4 and 6 kGy doses. Based on these findings, the study suggests that gamma irradiation at 4 kGy is effective for microbial safety with minimal impact on fatty acid composition.

Effect of the microwave treatment on anti-nutrients of soybeans

BACKGROUND: Soybeans contain anti-nutrients that have to be inactivated before being used as feed for livestock and poultry. AIM: Obtaining the new data on the effect of the heat treatment on soybeans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Soybeans of the Dongsheng 22 and SK Alta varieties were processed with micronization, autoclaving and microwaves in the developed microwave unit. RESULTS: After micronization, the decrease in total starch was 10–16%, after autoclaving and microwave treatment — 15–17%. The three kinds of treatment did not have a significant effect on total phenolic content. The content of flavonoids increased by 7–9% after autoclaving and micronization and by 16% after microwave treatment. When micronizing and autoclaving soybeans, no changes in antioxidant activity were observed, but with microwave treatment, it increased by 3–5%. The decrease in trypsin inhibitor activity was 80% after microwave treatment and 73–79% after micronization and autoclaving. The tannin content was reduced by 10% with microwave treatment and by 7–9% after micronization and autoclaving. The decrease in phytic acid content was 43–45% and repeated for all kinds of treatment. CONCLUSION: The reduction of antinutrients after micronization, autoclaving and microwave processing ensures the use of soybeans for feed. Milder temperature conditions and cyclic processes of heating and cooling during microwave processing increase the safety of soybeans. The higher heating rate and low energy costs of microwave processing ensure economic feasibility.

Quality and Shelf-Life Properties of Ready to Eat Dry-Cured Ham Slices under Different Packaging Systems during Storage.

This study has aimed to assess the quality and shelf-life stability of dry-cured ham under different packaging systems during storage. The types of packaging systems were: aerobic packing (AP), vacuum packing (VP), and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Pork bicep femoris muscles (n=20) were salted with 5% NaCl, 0.01% NaNO2 and 0.05% sodium erythorbate and then inoculated with Lactobacillus pentosus (4.0×109 CFU/g) and Staphylococcus carnosus (6.0×109 CFU/g). The products were cured, ripened, and dried for 12 mon by using a commercially available manufacturing process. The end products were sliced into 2 mm-thick slices, placed in pouches or trays, and packed with AP (overwrapping), VP, and MAP (70% N2 and 30% CO2). The packed samples were stored at 10°C for 84 d, and then analyzed for color, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), lipid oxidation, microorganisms, tastes-related amino acids and fatty acids. The results showed that after 84 d of storage, the VP- and MAP-packed samples exhibited better color stability. Lower rates of TVBN formation and lipid oxidation were observed in VP- and MAP-packed samples (p<0.05). Noticeably, a slower decrease in sweet amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid content was found in the VP- and MAP-packed samples after 84 d of storage (p<0.05). Hence, to retain the quality, taste, and nutritional value during storage, ready-to-eat dry-cured ham slices should be packed under VP or MAP conditions.

BoaCRTISO regulates the color and glossiness of Chinese kale through its effects on pigment, abscisic acid, and cuticular wax biosynthesis

Carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO) is an important enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, and it catalyzes the conversion of lycopene precursors to lycopene in several plant species. However, the role of CRTISO in other biochemical processes during plant growth and development remains unclear. Here, we showed that Chinese kale boacrtiso mutants have distinctive characteristics, including a yellow-green hue and glossy appearance, and this contrasts with the dark green and glaucous traits observed in wild-type (WT) plants. Analysis of pigments in mutants revealed that the reduction in the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls contributed to the yellow-green coloration observed in mutants. An examination of cuticular waxes in Chinese kale indicated that there was a decrease in both the total wax content and the content of individual waxes in boacrtiso mutants (bearing a mutation of BoaCRTISO), which may be caused by the decrease of abscisic acid (ABA) content. The expression of carotenoid, chlorophyll, ABA, and wax biosynthesis genes was down-regulated in boacrtiso mutants. This finding confirms that BoaCRTISO regulates the biosynthesis of pigments, ABA, and cuticular waxes in Chinese kale. Our results provide new insights into the interplay between plant pigment and cuticular wax metabolic pathways in Brassica vegetables.

Lactobacillus plantarum LP1 fermentation effects on Aegle marmelos mucilage: Physicochemical, structural, and bioactive properties

Fermentation is a promising technique for altering the structure of fruit mucilage, leading to enhanced health benefits. In this study, we explored the impact of fermenting Aegle marmelos mucilage using Lactobacillus plantarum LP1 on its physicochemical, structural, and bioactive properties. The findings revealed a decrease in total sugar (39.45±0.23 % to 34.67±0.45%) and glucuronic acid content (20.80±0.31 % to 14.34±0.37 %) post-fermentation, while protein content increased (1.80±0.32 % to 2.14±0.24 %). In addition, fermented mucilage exhibited a decrease in particle size (178.4±5.06–146.3±4.18 nm), more negative zeta potential (−16.4±1.13 mV to −25.31±1.15 mV), and higher solubility (89.36±1.69–92.13±1.42%) compared to non-fermented mucilage. Structural characterization revealed alterations in surface morphology, but minimal changes in the fundamental mucilage structure were observed. Additionally, fermented mucilage showed an increased ability to scavenge free radicals and stimulate macrophages to secrete NO and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells compared to non-fermented mucilage. Overall, the findings suggest that fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LP1 can improve the functional properties and bioactivities of bael fruit mucilage, thereby enhancing its potential applications in various industries.

Chemical and biological study on the effect of yoghurt on most common consumed ready meat products

Basterma is characterized as fresh non cooked and manufactured under the addition of salt, phosphate, nitrite, ascorbic acid, sugars, and different seasoning(1). Sausages are very common and popular processed meat products manufactured from lower-value trimmed meat to produce a higher-value product(2). Basterma is fermented during the partially drying process under climatic conditions(3,4). Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals that can be found naturally in our food, water and in plant nutrients. Nitrites cause a color reaction in the meat and add an appealing pink color to cooked products(5). Nitrite prevents the growth of a harmful bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and other spoilage bacteria(6). This study was to estimate nitrite and nitrate in basterma and sausage and the effects of yoghurt in lowering the side effect of nitrite and nitrate at heavy consumption of some ready-made meat products.The ready-made meat products and yoghurt were bought from different supermarkets in Riyadh/KSA. Thirty-five male albino rats, weighing 110 ± 6 g was provided from experimental animal’s center in Medicine collage of KSU in Riyadh. The experimental diet formed from basal diet but basterma and sausage were added to basal diet instead of casein. The nitrite and nitrate contents were determined in experimental readymade-meat products immediately after purchase in triplicate by rapid method of improved accuracy according to Follett and Ratcliff method. Rats fed on basal diet for a week as adaptation period in wire cages under the normal laboratory conditions. Food intake was calculated daily, and the body weight gain was recorded weekly. Collected data are expressed as mean ± SE. Statistical analysis was done by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by student’s t-test and P values of 5% and less were significant.The results of ALT, AST, ALP and γ GT of the experimental rat groups noticed that a non-significant higher in values of AST, AST and γ GT and a non-significant lower in values ALT and ALP compared to rat group which fed on basterma. Rat groups which fed on basterma with yoghurt, sausage with yoghurt, and both basterma and sausage with yoghurt showed a significant decrease in liver enzymes concentration in comparison with rat groups which fed on either basterma or sausage but showed non-significant difference among these groups. Also, results presented a significant decrease in creatinine, urea, and uric acid concentration in comparison with rat groups which fed on either basterma or sausage. Likewise for the results of total protein, albumin, and globulin for the same rat groups.It can be recommended from this study that heavy meat products consumer should consume yoghurt to lower side effects of meat preservative as nitrite and nitrate.

Protein phosphatases type 2C regulate branches by interacting with DgLsL and participating in abscisic acid pathway in Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Chrysanthemum(Chrysanthemum × morifolium) branching is an important ornamental trait, which directly determines its ornamental quality and production. In this study, CmPP2C1 and CmPP2C2 were identified as interacting proteins of DgLsL and its function in branches was analyzed. Yeast two-hybrid assay (Y2H) and Luciferase complementation imaging assay (LCA) were used to demonstrate the interaction. The expression of CmPP2C1 and CmPP2C2 were significantly increased after decapitation. In addition, CmPP2C1 overexpression led to a significant decrease in endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content and expression of related synthetic genes. This implies that CmPP2C1 and DgLsL may regulate chrysanthemum branching by participating in the ABA pathway. Taken together, our results revealed that protein phosphatases type 2C regulate branches by interacting with DgLsL and regulating Abscisic acid synthesis in Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Jinba’, which provides an important theoretical basis for the molecular breeding and production of the chrysanthemum.

The construction of an inflammation classification model for HDPCs applied in guiding pulpotomy based on single-cell Raman spectroscopy

The immune defense and the repair function of the pulp tissue serve as the biological foundation of pulpotomy. The precise evaluation of the pulp inflammation extent and determining its reversibility are essential for the success of pulpotomy. The objective of this study was to classify the molecular-level of dental pulp cell physiology and inflammatory state based on the biochemical changes obtained by single-cell Raman spectroscopy. Firstly, we differentiated the growth of HDPCs (human dental pulp cells) under physiological states by employing Raman spectroscopy with multivariate statistical analysis. Raman spectroscopy reflected the biochemical changes at different growth phases, including the lag phase, log phase, and stationary phase. Secondly, we evaluated the optimal concentration and duration of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g.LPS) stimulation to establish a six-level inflammation classification model of HDPCs. Thirdly, we performed label-free characterization of biological component changes in cells of different inflammation grades by Raman spectroscopy. As a result, the differences of peaks in the region 600–1800 cm−1 demonstrated the biochemical molecular alterations in the different inflammation grades of HDPCs. As inflammation progresses in steps, protein peaks increased first and then decreased, while lipid and nucleic acid peaks gradually decreased compared to unstimulated cells. However, when the inflammatory stimulation reached grade V, the changes in the biological properties were characterized by a recovery in protein and lipid content, and a decrease in nucleic acid content. We then established the diagnostic model using the Raman spectra of HDPCs in physiological and inflammatory states, which had a prediction accuracy of 100 % and 97.4 %, respectively. Finally, we determined the reversibility threshold of HDPCs at different grades of inflammation. We observed that the inflammation of grade I and II cells had potential reversibility and could be attempted to be retained. In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis has potential possibility to effectively distinguish the degree of inflammation in the dental pulp, thus providing new tools and perspectives on pulpotomy in clinical practice.

Critical stages in pea photosynthesis impaired by tetracycline as an environmental contaminant.

The widespread use of antibiotics in intensive animal husbandry, and the agricultural utilization of manure from such farms, imposes a significant burden on the environment. Consequently, the effects of antibiotics should be studied not only in animals and humans but also in all components of biocenoses and agrocenoses. In our study, we analyze the impact of four different concentrations of tetracycline present in soil (0, 5, 50, and 500mg/kg of soil) on the growth and key photosynthesis parameters of pea seedlings: chlorophyll concentration, aminolevulinic acid concentration, aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase activity, and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) activity. At the lowest tetracycline concentration, chlorophyll content decreased by 13% compared to the control (0 tetracycline), while at the highest antibiotic concentration, it decreased by as much as 27%. Similarly, the decrease in aminolevulinic acid (a chlorophyll precursor) concentration was significant, amounting to 34%. However, the activity of the dehydrogenase enzyme, which consumes this precursor, decreased even more drastically by 51%, indicating significant disturbances in the light phase of photosynthesis. However, the activity of RuBisCO in pea plants subjected to tetracycline was even more severely affected, dropping by 58%, 69%, and 70% in soils with increasing concentrations of tetracycline. The reduction in enzyme activity could only partially be explained by a less pronounced decrease in the quantity of RuBisCO (large subunit) protein, which amounted to 6.5%, 11%, and 35% for tetracycline concentrations of 5, 50, and 500mg/kg of soil, respectively.

Comparison of human breast milk vs commercial formula-induced early trophic enteral nutrition during postoperative prolonged starvation in an animal model

The present study aimed to characterize the changes in macromolecular composition and structure in ileal tissue induced by postoperative prolonged starvation (PS), human breast milk feeding (HM) and commercial formula feeding (CF) for 48 and 72 h (h). Forty-two Wistar albino rats underwent an ileal transection and primary anastomosis and were then divided into six subgroups. Two groups of seven rats were food-deprived for 48 and 72 h with free access to water only in metabolic cages (48 h PS, 72 h PS). Then, two groups of seven rats received early enteral trophic nutrition (EEN) either using HM, and CF at 48 h post-operation (48 h HM, 48 h CF). The other two groups of seven rats received the same trophic enteral nutrition at 72 h post-operation (72 h HM, 72 h CF). An additional seven rats were fed normal rat chow (control), after which the ileal tissues were harvested and freeze-dried overnight. Then sample spectra were recorded by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. PS at 48 and 72 h resulted in an increase in the concentration of lipids and a decrease in the concentration of proteins. CF and HM trophic feeding induced a decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in lipid order. Ileal tissues showed similar compositional and structural changes in lipids and proteins in the PS and CF groups after 48 and 72 h. A marked decrease in nucleic acid concentration was seen in CF at 48 h compared to HM. The human milk feeding groups did not induce any significant alterations and showed compositional and structural data similar to the controls. In conclusion, EEN application seems to be safer when introduced at 48 h rather than 72 h and time of this nutrition is crucial to maintain ileum structure and therefore immunity and well-being. HM-induced trophic nutrition is seen to protect the ileal tissue from significant alterations within lipid and protein compositions, whereas CF caused notable changes. HM is absolutely the best nutritional source for gut health in this animal model.

Evaluating the Dermatological Benefits of Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): A Comparative Analysis of Extracts and Fermented Products from Different Plant Parts.

Skin ageing is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure being a significant contributor. Such exposure can lead to moisture loss, sagging, increased wrinkling, and decreased skin elasticity. Prolonged UV exposure negatively impacts the extracellular matrix by reducing collagen, hyaluronic acid, and aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) levels. Fermentation, which involves microorganisms, can produce and transform beneficial substances for human health. Natural product fermentation using lactic acid bacteria have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-wrinkle properties. Snowberry, traditionally used as an antiemetic, purgative, and anti-inflammatory agent, is now also used as an immune stimulant and for treating digestive disorders and colds. However, research on the skin benefits of Fermented Snowberry Extracts remains limited. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the skin benefits of snowberry by investigating its moisturising and anti-wrinkle effects, comparing extracts from different parts of the snowberry plant with those subjected to fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum. Chlorophyll-free extracts were prepared from various parts of the snowberry plant, and ferments were created using Lactobacillus plantarum. The extracts and ferments were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine and compare their chemical compositions. Moisturising and anti-ageing tests were conducted to assess the efficacy of the extracts and ferments on the skin. The gallic acid content remained unchanged across all parts of the snowberry before and after fermentation. However, Fermented Snowberry Leaf Extracts exhibited a slight decrease in chlorogenic acid content but a significant increase in ferulic acid content. The Fermented Snowberry Fruit Extract demonstrated increased chlorogenic acid and a notable rise in ferulic acid compared to its non-fermented counterpart. Skin efficacy tests revealed that Fermented Snowberry Leaf and Fruit Extracts enhanced the expression of AQP-3, HAS-3, and COL1A1. These extracts exhibited distinct phenolic component profiles, indicating potential skin benefits such as improved moisture retention and protection against ageing. These findings suggest that Fermented Snowberry Extracts could be developed into effective skincare products, providing a natural alternative for enhancing skin hydration and reducing signs of ageing.

Chitosan mitigated the adverse effect of Cd by regulating antioxidant activities, hormones, and organic acids contents in pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Chitosan (CTS) is one of the natural healers’ alternatives to chemical products within the scope of good agricultural practices. It can be used in the improvement of agriculture (prevention of toxic metal uptake by plants) due to its chelating feature of metal ions. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of chitosan in eliminating the negative effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on pepper (Capsicum annum L.). The results showed that Cd stress significantly decreased plant growth, chlorophyll content, and leaf water relative content, followed by an increase in proline, antioxidant enzyme activities, and abscisic acid (ABA) content. According to the results, Cd treatment (200 mg kg-1) significantly increased the aspartate, glutamate, asparagine, histidine, and phenylalanine content, while it significantly decreased the content of endogenous hormones such as gibberellic acid (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and salicylic acid (SA). However, CTS application decreased the uptake of Cd and caused a decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), abscisic acid (ABA), and melondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as an increase in plant performance, and GA, IAA, and SA content in the plants grown under Cd pollution compared to the ones treated with Cd and without CTS. This study suggests that CTS application helps pepper seedlings tolerate Cd stress through a decrease in Cd uptake, and an increase in amino acids and hormone content.