Activity Of Ca2 Research Articles

Effects of bicarbonate on osmotic regulation, immunity, and antioxidant capacity in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) based on transcriptomic analysis

Carbonate saline-alkali water has significant potential in the development of saline-alkali fisheries, but the effects of bicarbonate stress on crustaceans have not been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the changes in osmotic regulation, immune, and antioxidant capacity of the Scylla paramamosain at 1, 7, and 28 d at different carbonate concentrations (CK: 220 mg/L; AB1: 300 mg/L; AB2: 380 mg/L; AB3: 700 mg/L), and conducted transcriptome analysis. The results showed that Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase in the gills of the AB3 group was significantly lower than that of the AB2 group, while the AB2 group was lower than the CK group and the AB1 group (P<0.05). CA activity was positively correlated with bicarbonate concentration, while the AB3 group was significantly higher than the other groups. ALT and AST in groups AB1 and AB2 showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and roughly returned to their initial levels at 28 d, while AB3 continued to increase with time and was significantly higher than the initial level. At 28 d, ACP and AKP in the AB3 group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. The MDA content in the hepatopancreas also showed similar trend, with a positive correlation between the T-AOC, GSH and bicarbonate concentration. At 28 d, the AB1 group was able to recover to its initial level, while the AB3 group decreased with time and reached its minimum value at 28 d. Transcriptomic analysis identified 283 DEGs, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed antioxidant pathways, including the ascendate and alderate metabolism, were up-regulated to cope with stress. In addition, it shows many immune related pathways, including the mTOR signaling pathway, were significantly down-regulated. This study explores the effects of bicarbonate stress on the S. paramamosain, providing theoretical guidance for the utilization of carbonate saline-alkali water.

24-Epibrassinolide promoted growth and organic compounds accumulation in Dunaliella parva by enhancing photosynthesis

As a commonly used type of the sixth class of phytohormones brassinosteroids (BRs), 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) plays the important roles in plant growth and development. Dunaliella parva (D. parva) is an important lipid-producing microalga, and its growth and accumulation of organic compounds need to be further improved for higher application value. However, the effects of EBL on D. parva are still unclear now. In this study, D. parva was treated with different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) to evaluate its influence. Cell density of 0.5 mg/L EBL treated group was 1.28-fold of control at 18 d. The contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid, carbohydrate, starch, protein of 0.5 mg/L EBL treated group were 1.31-, 1.18-, 1.49-, 1.35-, and 1.54-fold of control. The highest mRNA levels of rbcS, rbcL, RuPE, PRK, TPI, FBPA, FBPase, SBPase, DpME, CA in EBL treated group were 1.94-, 2.43-, 2.14-, 1.76-, 1.97-, 2.21-, 1.48-, 1.96-, 2.06-, and 1.89-fold of control. The highest enzymatic activities of ME, CA and RuBisCO in EBL-treated group were 1.27-, 1.23-, and 1.37-fold of control. Lipid content of 0.4 mg/L EBL treated group was 1.44-fold of control. This study demonstrated the great potential of EBL to obtain higher biomass and organic compounds accumulation. Our study indicates that EBL treatment is valuable for the subsequent commercial production of biofuel and other high-value metabolites using microalgal biomass as raw material.

A closed-loop recycling of wastewater derived from aqueous carbonation of basic oxygen furnace slag in cement paste production

Aqueous carbonation (AC) treatment is a promising method for enhancing the cementitious activity of Ca- and Mg-rich solid wastes, such as basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS), while also reducing carbon emissions. However, the carbonated filtrate (CF) solution generated during the AC process poses significant environmental challenges and limits its large-scale application. This paper, therefore, explores the feasibility of recycling CF in cement paste production as a strategy for managing AC wastewater. The study examines the impact of CF on the physico-mechanical properties, hydration behavior and microstructure of cement pastes (pure and blended with either 10% as-received or carbonated BOFS), compared to those prepared with tap water (TW) and carbonated water (CW). The results indicate that carbonated solutions (CF and CW) promote the hydration of aluminate phase in cement, with a more pronounced effect observed for CW. The solid suspensions in CF, particularly nesquehonite, restrict the growth space for calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) in the paste matrix, resulting in the formation of foil-like Type II C-S-H and lowering compressive strength. However, the additional nucleation sites provided by calcite crystals in carbonated BOFS (C-BOFS) accelerate cement hydration in CF-based pastes and mitigate strength loss by promoting the formation of more fibrillary C-S-H. Furthermore, the addition of a superplasticizer reduces interparticle forces in the C-BOFS-CF paste, further enhancing strength development and achieving a 28-day strength comparable to that of the control sample (OPC-TW paste).

How Oxygen Deficiency and Its Ordering Control Electrical Conductivity in Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ Perovskites as Related to Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis.

We report on the analysis of oxygen vacancies (OVs) content and ordering of Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ perovskites and explain how OVs change the electrical conductivity and oxygen evolution catalytic activity of these compounds. The structure and OV content are tuned by controlling the A-site composition and the reaction atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to identify the crystal structures and to quantify bulk oxygen vacancy contents. Our analysis shows that OV content and crystal structure govern the electronic transport properties of the Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ system. The electrical conductivity of oxygen-deficient perovskites (ODPs) is significantly higher than those in brownmillerites (by at least 2 orders of magnitude). Seebeck coefficient measurements identified that the Sr-rich ODPs and brownmillerites are p-type semiconductors, while Ca-rich brownmillerites are either insulators (within the experimental temperature range) or p-type semiconductors at lower temperatures (<750 K). Electrical conductivity of p-type semiconductors (Sr-rich compounds) reduces with higher OV content, and in brownmillerites with x ≥ 1.25, a transition to n-type semiconductor is observed at temperatures above 750 K. Our analysis shows that the hole and electron concentrations are similar in these brownmillerites, indicating major contributions from ionic transport. Finally, we show how oxygen deficiency alters the electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of the Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ system in noncomplementary ways.

Fungal carbonatogenesis process mediates zinc and chromium removal via statistically optimized carbonic anhydrase enzyme

IntroductionWith rapid elevation in population, urbanization and industrialization, the environment is exposed to uncontrolled discharge of effluents filled with broad-spectrum toxicity, persistence and long-distance transmission anthropogenic compounds, among them heavy metals. That put our ecosystem on the verge or at a stake of drastic ecological deterioration, which eventually adversely influence on public health. Therefore, this study employed marine fungal strain Rhodotorula sp. MZ312369 for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediation using the promising calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bioprecipitation technique, for the first time.ResultsInitially, Plackett–Burman design followed by central composite design were applied to optimize carbonic anhydrase enzyme (CA), which succeeded in enhancing its activity to 154 U/mL with 1.8-fold increase comparing to the basal conditions. The potentiality of our biofactory in remediating Zn2+ (50 ppm) and Cr6+ (400 ppm) was monitored through dynamic study of several parameters including microbial count, CA activity, CaCO3 weight, pH fluctuation, changing the soluble concentrations of Ca2+ along with Zn2+ and Cr6+. The results revealed that 9.23 × 107 ± 2.1 × 106 CFU/mL and 10.88 × 107 ± 2.5 × 106 CFU/mL of cells exhibited their maximum CA activity by 124.84 ± 1.24 and 140 ± 2.5 U/mL at 132 h for Zn2+ and Cr6+, respectively. Simultaneously, with pH increase to 9.5 ± 0.2, a complete removal for both metals was observed at 168 h; Ca2+ removal percentages recorded 78.99% and 85.06% for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediating experiments, respectively. Further, the identity, elemental composition, functional structure and morphology of bioremediated precipitates were also examined via mineralogical analysis. EDX pattern showed the typical signals of C, O and Ca accompanying with Zn2+ and Cr6+ peaks. SEM micrographs depicted spindle, spherical and cubic shape bioliths with size range of 1.3 ± 0.5–23.7 ± 3.1 µm. Meanwhile, XRD difractigrams unveiled the prevalence of vaterite phase in remediated samples. Besides, FTIR profiles emphasized the presence of vaterite spectral peaks along with metals wavenumbers.ConclusionCA enzyme mediated Zn2+ and Cr6+ immobilization and encapsulation inside potent vaterite trap through microbial biomineralization process, which deemed as surrogate ecofriendly solution to mitigate heavy metals toxicity and restrict their mobility in soil and wastewater.

14-3-3 promotes sarcolemmal expression of cardiac Ca V 1.2 and nucleates isoproterenol-triggered channel super-clustering.

The L-type Ca 2+ channel, Ca V 1.2, plays an essential role in excitation-contraction coupling in the heart and in part regulates the overall strength of contraction during basal and fight- or-flight β -adrenergic signaling conditions. Proteins that modulate the trafficking and/or activity of Ca V 1.2 are interesting both from a physiological and pathological perspective, since alterations in Ca V 1.2 can impact action potential duration and cause arrythmias. A small protein called 14-3-3 regulates other ion channels in the heart and other Ca 2+ channels, but how it may interact with Ca V 1.2 in the heart has never been studied. Examining factors that affect Ca V 1.2 at rest and during β -adrenergic stimulation is crucial for our ability to understand and treat disease and aging conditions where these pathways are altered.

Oxidative Stress in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Oxidative stress in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) involves reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Despite efficient antioxidant pathways in the brain, hypoxia triggers the production of oxygen free radicals and downregulates ATP, which leads to oxidative stress. Sources of free radicals during CIRI include Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-dependent enzymes, phospholipid degradation and mitochondrial enlargement. Upon reperfusion, the abrupt increase of oxygen triggers a massive radical production via enzymes like xantin oxidase (XO), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and oxide synthases (OS). These enzymes play an essential role in neuronal damage by excitotoxicity, lipoperoxidation, nitrosylation, inflammation and programmed cell death (PCD). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) decreases as compared to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). This is associated with neuronal damage, endothelial inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. Strategies promoting activation of eNOS while inhibiting nNOS could offer neuroprotective benefits in CIRI. Understanding and targeting these pathways could mitigate brain damage in ischemia/reperfusion events. Clinically, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) has been shown to restore cerebral blood flow. However, serious side effects have been described, including hemorrhagic transformation. Different treatments are currently under investigation to avoid I/R injury. Baicalin has been reported as a potential agent that could improve t-PA adverse effects, which have to do with peroxynitrite synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. In this review, CIRI and interventions in oxidative stress are addressed. Special attention is paid to efficient antioxidant mechanisms in the brain and the production of free radicals, especially nNOS-derived nitric oxide (NO). The primary purpose is to describe accessible radical pathways with the activity of Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-dependent oxidative enzymes, leading to membrane phospholipids and mitochondrial breakdown. &lt;strong&gt;Key&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;w&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ords&lt;/strong&gt;Oxidative stress; cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; nitric oxide; reactive oxygen species; nitric oxide synthase

Effects of mixed LED light wavelengths and strigolactone analog concentrations on integral biogas upgrading and antibiotic removal from piggery wastewater by different microalgae-bacteria-fungi consortia

This study investigated the combined effects of mixed LED light wavelengths and varying concentrations of the strigolactone analog (GR24) on methane and antibiotic removal in swine wastewater using different microalgae co-culture techniques. Four treatments were implemented: Treatment 1 involved Chlorella vulgaris monocultures, Treatment 2 included C. vulgaris-activated sludge-Clonostachys rosea (C. rosea), Treatment 3 included C. vulgaris-Bacillus licheniformis-C. rosea, and Treatment 4 included C. vulgaris-S395-2-C. rosea. These treatments were designed to optimize conditions for antibiotic and CO2 removal. Treatment 4 showed the highest growth rate (0.329 ± 0.030 d−1), mean daily productivity (0.166 ± 0.015 g L−1 d−1), CA activity (66.25 ± 5.39), and photosynthesis under a red-to-blue light ratio of 5:5. Significant antibiotic removal rates were achieved: 98.77 ± 1.05 % for tetracycline hydrochloride, 93.74 ± 5.06 % for oxytetracycline hydrochloride, 62.44 ± 5.58 % for ciprofloxacin, 55.07 ± 4.97 % for norfloxacin, 70.39 ± 6.03 % for sulfadimethoxine, and 67.46 ± 6.25 % for sulfamethoxazole. A concentration of 10−9 M GR24 maximally enhanced antibiotic and CO2 removal in Treatment 4. This study provided valuable insights into improving wastewater treatment practices and environmental management.

Geology and genesis of the Aqishan Pb-Zn deposit, NW China: Insights from mineralogy, geochemistry, and in situ U-Pb geochronology

The unique ore-forming processes and the key factors responsible for formation of skarn deposits are still obscure, and challenges exist in the determination of timing of Pb-Zn skarns owing to lacking suitable mineral chronometers. Here we present detailed paragenesis, bulk geochemistry, in situ U-Pb dating of zircon and garnet, and garnet oxygen isotopes together with in situ zircon Hf-O isotopes from the newly discovered Aqishan Pb-Zn deposit in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), northwest China. This comprehensive data set revealed a Late Carboniferous subduction-related distal Pb-Zn skarn system associated with the granitic magmatism. Pre-ore stage garnets are generally subhedral to euhedral with oscillatory zoning and show slightly fractionated rare earth element patterns with positive Eu anomalies that point to an infiltration metasomatism origin under high water/rock ratios. The syn-ore stage sphalerite is typically enriched in Mn and Cd and has moderate Zn/Cd ratios (337–482), with a formation temperature of 265 °C to 383 °C, which indicate magmatic-hydrothermal signatures. The isocons defined by P2O5 decipher that the principal factors for skarn formation were elevated activities of Fe, Ca, and Si species, where remobilization of Pb metals, meanwhile, contributed to ore-forming budgets to mineralizing fluids. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircons from granite porphyry that occurs distal to the skarns and Pb-Zn orebodies shows that these intrusions emplaced at ca. 311.3–310.6 Ma, recording the subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan oceanic plate. Hydrothermal garnets in close textural association with Pb-Zn sulfides yield indistinguishable in situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of 310.5 ± 4.1 Ma. Whole-rock geochemistry and in situ zircon Hf-O isotopes (δ18O = 4.6‰–6.0‰) indicate that the granite porphyry was derived from partial melting of juvenile crust and influenced by subducted oceanic crust. Oxygen isotope compositions of garnets (δ18O = 8.0‰–9.0‰) demonstrate that the equilibrated ore fluids were inherited from fluid-rock interactions between a primary magmatic water and host tuff rocks. Our study highlights the application of garnets as a potential robust U-Pb geochronometer and isotopic tracer of ore fluids in skarn mineralizing systems in subduction-related arc environments.

N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates Cisplatin Toxicity in the Cerebrum and Lung of Young Rats with Artificially Induced Protein Deficiency.

Neurotoxicity is a major obstacle in the effectiveness of Cisplatin in cancer chemotherapy. In this process, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the main mechanisms involved in brain and lung toxicity. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of the amount of protein on some oxidative parameters in the brain and lungs of rats treated with Cisplatin (CP) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as neuroprotectors. Four groups of Wistar rats, each containing six animals, were fed with a protein diet at 7% for 15 days. Thereafter, the groups were given either a unique dose of CP® 5 mg/kg or NAC® 5 mg/kg as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9% vehicle; group 2, CP; group 3, NAC; and group 4, NAC + CP. The animals were sacrificed immediately after the treatments. Blood samples were collected upon sacrifice and used to measure blood triglycerides and glucose. The brain and lungs of each animal were obtained and used to assay lipid peroxidation (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA), catalase, and the activity of Ca+2, and Mg+2 ATPase using validated methods. TBARS, H2O2, and GSH were found to be significantly decreased in the cortex and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of the groups treated with CP and NAC. The total ATPase showed a significant increase in the lung and cerebellum/medulla oblongata, while 5-HIAA showed the same tendency in the cortex of the same group of animals. The increase in 5-HIAA and ATPase during NAC and CP administration resulted in brain protection. This effect could be even more powerful when membrane fluidity is increased, thus proving the efficacy of combined NAC and CP drug therapy, which appears to be a promising strategy for future chemotherapy in malnourished patients.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of ginsenoside Rh2 and calcium hydroxide on Enterococcus faecalis.

Treatment of root canal infections becomes more challenging due to the extremely high tolerance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Ginsenoside is a Chinese herbal extract that has been proven to have antimicrobial properties and synergistic activities. And this study evaluated the antibacterial activity of ginsenoside Rh2 in combination with Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis and its preliminary mechanism of action. Broth microdilution method, checkerboard dilution method, time-inhibition curve, drug resistance assays, scanning electron microscopy, and biofilm inhibition and removal assays indicated that Rh2 in combination with Ca(OH)2 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. Rh2 exerted significant in vitro antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 6.25μg/mL, and significantly enhanced the susceptibility of E. faecalis to Ca(OH)2 (FICI = 0.5). Furthermore, cell membrane permeability assays, surface hydrophobicity assays, ATPase activity assays, and intra-biofilm extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) assays revealed that Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 synergistically inhibit bacteria mainly by increasing membrane permeability. Ultimately, cytotoxicity assays showed that Rh2 exhibited only low toxicity, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Rh2 was 19.75μg/mL. This study confirmed the synergistic antibacterial activities of Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis. Our findings indicate that the Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 combination may be a promising alternative approach to treating root canal infections.

Evaluating the effects of various ethanolic medicinal plant extracts on metastatic breast cancer proliferation, invasion, and expression of a novel potential drug target; CD82 metastatic suppressor protein, and on in vivo angiogenesis using the ex ovo yolk sac membrane (YSM) assay

PurposeBreast cancer metastasis relies on cellular invasion and angiogenesis facilitated by the downregulation of metastatic suppressor proteins like Cluster of Differentiation 82 (CD82). Currently, no medicines target multiple systems to prevent metastatic progression through CD82 upregulation. This study screened for plant extracts displaying effects on cell proliferation, invasion, and CD82 expression in breast cancer cells, and in vivo angiogenesis, and further correlated between the biological activities and effect on CD82 expression.MethodsSeventeen ethanolic plant extracts were screened for their effect on cell proliferation (against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer and Hek293 kidney cells), cell invasion and effect on CD82 expression in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells. Selected extracts were further evaluated for in vivo anti-angiogenesis.ResultsExtracts displayed varying antiproliferative activity against the different cell lines, and those that showed selectivity indexes (SI) > 0.5 against MDA-MB-231 were selected for anti-invasion evaluation. Buddleja saligna Willd. (BS), Combretum apiculatum Sond. (CA), Foeniculum vulgare, Greyia radlkoferi, Gunnera perpensa and Persicaria senegalensis (Meisn.) Soják (PS) displayed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 44.46 ± 3.46, 74.00 ± 4.48, 180.43 ± 4.51, 96.97 ± 2.29, 55.29 ± 9.88 and 243.60 ± 2.69 µg/mL, respectively against MDA-MB-231, and compared to Hek293 showed SI of 0.9, 0.7, 1.4, 1.1, 2.2 and 0.5. Significant invasion inhibition was observed at both 20 and 40 µg/mL for BS (94.10 ± 0.74 and 96.73 ± 0.95%) and CA (87.42 ± 6.54 and 98.24 ± 0.63%), whereas GR (14.91 ± 1.62 and 41 ± 1.78%) and PS (36.58 ± 0.54 and 51.51 ± 0.83%), only showed significant inhibition at 40 µg/mL, and FV (< 5% inhibition) and GP (10 ± 1.03 and 22 ± 1.31%) did not show significant inhibition at both concentrations. Due to the significant anti-invasive activity of BS, CA and PS at 40 µg/mL, these extracts were further evaluated for their potential to stimulate CD82. BS showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in CD82 at 20 and 40 µg/mL (13.2 ± 2.2% and 20.3 ± 1.5% decrease, respectively), whereas both CA and PS at 20 µg/mL increased (p < 0.05) CD82 expression (16.4 ± 0.8% and 5.4 ± 0.6% increase, respectively), and at 40 µg/mL significantly reduced CD82 expression (23.4 ± 3.1% and 11.2 ± 2.9% decrease, respectively). Using the yolk sac membrane assay, BS (59.52 ± 4.12 and 56.72 ± 3.13% newly formed vessels) and CA (83.33 ± 3.17 and 74.00 ± 2.12%) at both 20 and 40 µg/egg showed significant (p < 0.001) angiogenesis inhibition, with BS showing statistical similar activity to the positive control, combretastatin A4 (10 nmol/egg), whereas PS only displayed significant (p < 0.001) angiogenesis stimulation at 40 µg/egg (120.81 ± 3.34% newly formed vessels).ConclusionBS exhibits antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and anti-angiogenic activity despite inhibiting CD82, suggesting an alternative mode of action. CA at 20 µg/mL shows moderate anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic potential by stimulating CD82, while at 40 µg/mL it still displays these properties but inhibits CD82, suggesting an additional mode of action. PS, with the least antiproliferative activity, stimulates CD82 and inhibits angiogenesis at 20 µg/mL but inhibits CD82 and increases angiogenesis at 40 µg/mL, indicating CD82 targeting as a major mode of action. Future studies should explore breast cancer xenograft models to assess the extracts’ impact on CD82 expression and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, along with isolating bioactive compounds from the extracts.

Ameliorative impacts of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced renal toxicity through the modulation of ionic homeostasis and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mice.

Astaxanthin (ASX), a red pigment belonging to carotenoids, has antioxidant activity and anti-oxidative stress effect. Atrazine (ATZ), a frequently used herbicide, whose degradation products are the cause for nephrosis and other oxidative stress associated diseases. This study was aimed to reveal the potential protective mechanism of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced nephrosis. Atrazine was orally given (250mg/kg bw) to the mice along with astaxanthin (100mg/kg bw) for 28days. Serum biochemical indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, ATPase activities, ion concentration, histomorphology, and various renal genes expression linked with apoptosis, Nrf2 signaling pathway, and aquaporins (AQPs) were assessed. It was found that serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and MDA levels were significantly increased after the treatment of atrazine, whereas serum renal oxidative stress indicators like CAT, GSH, T-AOC, SOD decreased. Renal histopathology showed that atrazine significantly damaged renal tissues. The activities of Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase were increased whereas Na +-K +-ATPase decreased significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, results confirmed that the expression of AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis genes were also altered after atrazine administration. Interestingly, astaxanthin supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved atrazine-induced nephrotoxicity via decreasing SCr, BUN, oxidative stress, ionic homeostasis and reversing the changes in AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis gene expression. These findings collectively suggested that astaxanthin has strong potential ameliorative impact against atrazine induced nephrotoxicity.

Isolation, Identification, and Carbonate Mineralization Characteristics of a Newly Carbonic Anhydrase-Producing Strain.

Carbonic anhydrase-producing microorganisms can rely on their metabolism for carbon sequestration and carbonate precipitation, which is a relatively effective mode among the known microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) methods. A newly carbonic anhydrase-producing strain was isolated from soil samples. 16S rDNA gene sequencing showed this strain had 99.18% sequence identity to Chryseobacterium gambrini. Various culture parameters (temperature, pH, rotational speed, inoculum size, and metal ions) were optimized for optimal microbial growth and CA activities. Optimal culture conditions were as follows: temperature of 30°C, pH 6-7, rotational speed 150rpm, and inoculum size 1%. It was observed that Co2+ and Mn2+ can improve CA activity with optimal concentrations of 0.02mM and 0.01mM, respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of CO2 for 15min daily leads to a 36% increase in the final production of biotic CaCO3, reaching 2.884g/L. Characterization of the mineralization precipitates was conducted to reveal the mechanism of the carbonic anhydrase-producing bacterium. Lastly, an analysis of the crystalline species and content of the biogenic CaCO3 was performed to lay the groundwork for future crystalline adjustments and to offer technical support for the application of the calcium method.

Combination of Betulinic Acid Fragments and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors-A New Drug Targeting Approach.

Human carbonic anhydrase IX (hCA IX) is a zinc(II)-dependent metalloenzyme that plays a critical role in the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to protons and bicarbonate. It is a membrane-bound protein with an extracellular catalytic center that is predominantly overexpressed in solid hypoxic tumors. Sulfamates and sulfonamides, for example acetazolamide (AZA), have been used to inhibit hCA IX in order to improve the response to solid hypoxic tumors. In the present study, we propose a new drug targeting approach by attaching the natural cytotoxic substances betulin and betulinic acid (BA) via a linker to sulfonamides. The conjugate was designed with different spacer lengths to accumulate at the target site of hCA IX. Computational and cell biological studies suggest that the length of the linker may influence hCA IX inhibition. Cytotoxicity tests of the newly synthesized bifunctional conjugates 3, 5, and 9 show effective cytotoxicity in the range of 6.4 and 30.1 µM in 2D and 3D tumor models. The hCA IX inhibition constants of this conjugates, measured using an in vitro enzyme assay with p-nitrophenyl acetate, were determined in a low µM-range, and all compounds reveal a significant inhibition of hypoxia-induced CA activity in a cell-based assay using the Wilbur-Anderson method. In addition, the cells respond with G1 increase and apoptosis induction. Overall, the dual strategy to produce cytotoxic tumor therapeutics that inhibit tumor-associated hCA IX was successfully implemented.

Enzymatic alterations of soil and plant system on applied Zn sources, organics and microbial inoculants in zinc deficient calcareous and non-calcareous soils

The study aimed to investigate the impact of zinc (Zn) nutrition on enzymatic activity in soil and plant systems of zinc-deficient soils. Additionally, it aimed to understand the impact of solubilizer (such as Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria) and mobilizer (like AM Fungi) on enzyme activity and zinc nutrition in plants across calcareous and non-calcareous soil environments. A pot experiment was carried out with two different soils with three Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO and Zn-EDTA), organic manure (FYM) and microbial inoculants - Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AM F). The DTPA-Zn and plant Zn content increased with applied sources of Zn. The microbial inoculants and FYM enhanced the use efficiency of all sources of Zn compared to unapplied treatments. Regarding soil enzyme activity, FYM and AM fungi played a major role which in turn altered the dehydrogenase (SDHA) and alkaline phosphatase (AlP) activities in both soils. The Zn sources and ZSB addition enhanced the plant enzyme activity. Calcareous soil recorded higher CA, SOD and alkaline phosphatase activities compared to non-calcareous soil the latter registered higher dehydrogenase activity and fruit Zn content.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Hirschfeld Surface Analysis, Density Functional Theory, and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity of a New Ca(II) Complex with a Bis-Schiff Base Ligand.

A new bis-Schiff base (L) Ca(II) complex, CaL, was synthesized by the reaction of calcium perchlorate tetrahydrate, 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane, and 2-formyl phenoxyacetic acid in an ethanol-water (v:v = 2:1) solution and characterized by IR, UV-vis, TG-DTA, and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The structural analysis indicates that the Ca(II) complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P121/n1, and the Ca(II) ions are six-coordinated with four O atoms (O8, O9, O11, O12, or O1, O2, O4, O6) and two N atoms (N1, N2, or N3, N4) of one bis-Schiff base ligand. The Ca(II) complex forms a tetramer by intermolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds. The tetramer units further form a three-dimensional network structure by π-π stacking interactions of benzene rings. The Hirschfeld surface of the Ca(II) complex shows that the H…H contacts represent the largest contribution (41.6%) to the Hirschfeld surface, followed by O…H/H…O and C…H/H…C contacts with contributions of 35.1% and 18.1%, respectively. To understand the electronic structure of the Ca(II) complex, the DFT calculations were carried out. The photocatalytic CO2 reduction test of the Ca(II) complex exhibited a yield of 47.9 μmol/g (CO) and a CO selectivity of 99.3% after six hours.

Effect of Bypass Fat and Bypass Protein Supplementation During Transition Period on Reproductive Performance of Assam Hill Goat

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the response of Assam Hill Goat (AHG) in terms of their productive and reproductive performances upon bypass fat and bypass protein supplementation during the transition period. Twenty-four AHG in transition period (21day prepartum to 21day post-partum) were divided into two equal groups (n=12) viz. T-0 and T-1; where Group T-1 was supplemented with 10 g of bypass fat and 5 g of bypass protein along with their normal diet for a period of 42 days. Group T-0 acted as control and was provided with a normal diet without any supplementation. Blood samples were collected on day -21, -14, -7, 0 (day of kidding), +7, +14 and +21 of the transition period for haemato-biochemical studies. Birth weight, milk yield and time taken for expulsion of foetus and foetal membrane and incidences of peri-partum diseases were recorded. The results indicated that, the supplementation had no significant effect on haematological parameters (TLC, Neutrophil count and Hb), serum Ca, P, glucose, globulin and GGT activity. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in supplemented groups on the day of kidding (0.75±0.09 mmol/L) and day 21 of postpartum (0.38±0.04 mmol/L). Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher mean values of total protein on day -14, -7, 0, 7, 14 and 21 (6.96±0.21, 6.99±0.25, 7.02±0.26, 7.24±0.28, 7.03±0.12 and 6.95±0.15 g/dL) and serum albumin values on day -14, 7 and 21 (4.46±0.23, 4.69±0.23 and 4.44±0.27 g/dL) were recorded in T-1 group. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower mean values of BUN were recorded in T-1 group on day 0, 7 and 21 (30.25±1.74, 35.62±1.58 and 42.08±1.45 mg/dL). The supplemented (T–1) group recorded significantly higher milk yield (303.5±21.16, 306.25±19.67 and 310.75±23.93 ml) on day 14, 21 and 28 after kidding and there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in time taken for the expulsion of foetus (89.75±11.84 mins) and foetal membranes (90.50±5.86 mins). The supplementation of bypass fat (10g/day) and bypass protein (5 g/day) during the transition period reduce the effect of negative energy balance and facilitate quicker recovery from negative energy balance along with improvement in milk yield and reduce time taken for expulsion of foetus and foetal membrane.

Fabrication and characterisation of pea protein isolate‐chlorogenic acid nanoparticles

SummaryChlorogenic acid (CA) is a natural antioxidant with multiple biological activities, but its stability is poor. In this article, CA‐load pea protein nanoparticles (PPCNPs) were constructed by an anti‐solvent method to enhance CA stability and characterised by multiple technologies. The results exhibited that the particle size of PPCNPs ranged from 211.62 to 429.79 nm, and the zeta potential ranged from −41.21 to −35.85 mV. PPCNPs had the highest encapsulation efficiency (61.2%) at the CA/pea protein isolate (PPI) mass ratio of 1:20. The loading capacity increased with the ratio of CA/PPI ranging from 1.3% to 3.8%. SEM showed that the nanoparticle surface was an irregular lamellar structure. FTIR showed that O–H and C–H functional group interactions occurred between CA and PPI. DSC results showed that CA was encapsulated in PPCNPs with an amorphous structure. During in vitro digestion, the ABTS radical scavenging ability and retention ratio of CA in PPCNPs was higher than that of free CA. Moreover, PPCNPs increased the bio‐accessibility of CA in vitro by 7.75%, compared with unencapsulated CA. These results suggested that PPCNPs constructed by the anti‐solvent method can reduce the degradation of CA and improve the biological activity of CA.

Dynamic visual noise has limited influence on the habitat selection and behavioural activity of crustaceans and cephalopods

AbstractEnvironments contain various forms of noise that can interfere with the ability of animal sensory systems to perceive information. One ubiquitous type of visual noise in shallow aquatic habitats is caustic flicker (or caustics), consisting of dynamically moving light patterns caused by the refraction of light when passing through the water's rippling surface. While some teleost fish avoid environments with caustic noise (where their prey can be more difficult to detect), it remains untested whether caustics affect the habitat selection of invertebrates. In the present study, we ask whether three invertebrate species, the shore crab Carcinus maenas, the brown shrimp Crangon crangon, and the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, prefer or avoid associating with environments with caustic noise, and whether caustics affect their behavioural activity and habitat exploration. To do this, we exposed the three species in binary choice experiments to different simulated caustic noise levels varying in their temporal (speed) and spatial (definition) components. Neither of the three tested invertebrate species spent more or less time in environments with higher caustic noise levels. While we also found no evidence that caustics affected the behavioural activity and exploration of Ca. maenas and S. officinalis, the brown shrimp Cr. crangon reduced its activity with increasing spatial caustic noise. However, all obtained effect sizes in this study were small, suggesting that caustic noise only minimally affects invertebrate behaviour. Overall, our results show that, unlike in teleost fish, caustics have limited influence on the habitat selection, exploration, and activity of crustaceans and cephalopods.