Amylase Research Articles

Objective Negative Evaluation Level, Perceived Stress, and Autonomic Reactivity in a Lab-based Stress Induction: A Test of Moderated Mediation in a Three-Variable System

Objective stress exposure (the impartial level of threat) and perceptions of stress (subjective level of threat a person endorses feeling) have both been closely linked to physiological and emotional stress-responding. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is stress-responsive, integral to physical health, and implicated in mental health outcomes. We hypothesize that perceived stress is likely to be one mechanism (i.e., mediator) via which objective stress exerts an effect on ANS reactivity, but also the relationship between perceived stress and ANS reactivity may intensify as objective stress increases (i.e., moderation)—that is, potential moderated mediation in a 3-variable system (Goldstein et al., 2021). 128 emerging adults were randomized to three versions of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) that varied in objective level of negative evaluation: none (a control), intermediate/ambiguous, and explicit. The Primary Appraisal Secondary Appraisal Scale (PASA) measured perceived stress following TSST preparation. Salivary alpha amylase, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured four times. We tested the hypotheses of moderated mediation in a three-variable system with separate models for each outcome in Mplus Version 8. Objective stress (TSST Condition) directly predicted SBP (p=.018) but did not predict other ANS outcomes. Moreover, no significant moderated mediation (indirect effects varying on objective negative evaluation level) was observed. Stress condition was weakly related to both ANS reactivity and to our measure of perceived stress, Primary Appraisal from the PASA, and future work could investigate more sensitive mediators and outcomes.

Responses of soil labile organic carbon fractions and enzyme activities to long-term vegetation restorations in the karst ecosystems, Southwest China

To reveal the effects of karst long-term vegetation restorations on total soil organic carbon (TSOC), labile organic carbon fractions and enzymes, in the present study, the typical karst vegetation restoration region of Southwest China was selected as study area. Four types of long-term vegetation restoration engineering including seven kinds of planting measures were selected as study objects. Responses of TSOC and its labile fractions accumulation and distribution to the different vegetation restorations were studied. And the effects of these vegetation restorations on soil enzymes activities of urease, sucrase, amylase, and alkaline phosphatase were also researched. Results showed the vegetation restorations significantly improved TSOC accumulation and obviously changed microbial biomass carbon (MBC), easy oxidated organic carbon (EOC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents and their proportions to TSOC. And the effects of these different vegetation restorations on TSOC and its labile fractions were obviously different. TSOC content and reserves, MBC and EOC contents of Cupressus funebris and Lonicera japonica planting were high. While TSOC content and reserves of the two grassland restoration measures were the lowest. The vegetation restorations significantly increased soil enzyme activities of amylase (AMY), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urease (URE) and sucrose (SUC). And there were significant differences in responses of different soil enzyme activities to vegetation restorations. The four soil enzyme activities were significantly correlated with TSOC and its labile fractions contents, especially soil AMY and ALP. Soil ALP and AMY were closely related to TSOC mineralization and accumulation and the formation and transformation of labile organic carbon fractions in Southwest China karst ecosystems. The present results provided scientific bases for the vegetation restoration of degraded karst ecosystems and were of great significance in carbon cycle intervention based on land use regulation in Southwest China.

The effects of hydrocortisone and yohimbine on human behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts

RationaleBalancing approach of positive and avoidance of negative stimuli is essential when faced with approach-avoidance conflicts, e.g., situations with both positive and negative outcomes. This balance is disturbed in several mental disorders, e.g., excessive avoidance in anxiety disorders, and heightened approach in substance use disorders. Since stress is assumed to impact these disorders’ etiology and maintenance, it seems crucial to understand how stress influences behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts. Indeed, some studies suggested altered approach-avoidance behavior under acute stress, but the mechanism underlying these effects is unknown.ObjectivesInvestigate how the pharmacological manipulation of major stress mediators (cortisol and noradrenaline) influences task-based approach-avoidance conflict behavior in healthy individuals.MethodsNinety-six participants (48 women, 48 men) received either 20mg hydrocortisone, 20mg yohimbine, both, or placebo before performing a task targeting foraging under predation in a fully crossed double-blind between-subject design. Moreover, we investigated effects of gender and endogenous testosterone and estradiol levels on approach-avoidance behavior.ResultsWhile biological stress markers (cortisol concentration, alpha amylase activity) indicated successful pharmacological manipulation, behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts was not affected as expected. Although yohimbine administration affected risky foraging latency under predation, we found no main effect of hydrocortisone or their interaction on behavior. In contrast, we found gender differences for almost all behavioral outcome measures, which might be explained by differences in endogenous testosterone levels.ConclusionsThe investigated major stress mediators were not sufficient to imitate previously shown stress effects on approach-avoidance conflict behavior. We discuss potential reasons for our findings and implications for future research.

Fabrication of protein crocin nanocomplex and its addition in proso millet flour for development of functional snacks with anti‐diabetic, anti‐hypertensive and antioxidant properties

SummaryThe current study was undertaken to develop novel gluten‐free functional snacks using proso millet flour with the addition of nano‐encapsulated crocin in sorghum (SPCS), pearl millet (PPCS) and foxtail millet (FPCS) protein nanoparticles. The crocin content was well retained (58.08%–77.67%) in the developed snacks. Characteristic properties like nutraceutical potential, rheological, sensory and physical attributes were evaluated. The extruded snacks showed good antioxidant (DNA damage inhibition assay), anti‐diabetic (alpha amylase inhibition assay) and anti‐hypertensive (angiotensin converting enzyme assay) properties. The developed snacks (P > 0.05) showed higher elastic behaviour (G′) compared to viscous behaviour (G″). Hardness value for functional snacks were found to be in the range of 407–115 N. The control snacks showed significantly higher expansion ratio (348.76%) compared to functional snacks. The developed novel functional snacks appeared darker than control snacks as evaluated by colorimetric assay. The overall acceptability of the snacks was found to be equal on a 9‐point hedonic scale.

Molecular Characterization of spa, hld, fmhA, and lukD Genes and Computational Modeling the Multidrug Resistance of Staphylococcus Species through Callindra harrisii Silver Nanoparticles.

The problem of multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens is significant and is related to the high morbidity and death rates of living things due to increased levels of beta-lactamases. Plant-derived nanoparticles have gained a great significance in the field of science and technology to combat bacterial diseases, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study examines the multidrug resistance and virulent genes of identified pathogenic Staphylococcus species obtained from Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Laboratory (MBBL), culture collection. The polymerase chain reaction-based characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus argenteus having ON875315.1 and ON876003.1 accession IDs revealed the presence of the spa, LukD, fmhA, and hld genes. The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by utilizing the leaf extract of Calliandra harrisii, of which metabolites act as capping and reducing agents for the precursor of nano-synthesis, i.e., AgNO3 of 0.25 M. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis which inferred the bead-like shape of our nanoparticles with the size of 2.21 nm with the existence of aromatic and hydroxyl functional groups at surface plasmon resonance of 477 nm. The antimicrobial activity by AgNPs showed 20 mm inhibition of Staphylococcus species as compared to the vancomycin and cefoxitin antibiotics along with crude plant extract, which showed a minimum zone of inhibition. The synthesized AgNPs were also analyzed for various biological activities like anti-inflammatory with 99.15% inhibition in protein denaturation, antioxidant with 99.8% inhibition in free radical scavenging, antidiabetic with 90.56% inhibition of alpha amylase assay, and anti-haemolytic with 89.9% inhibition in cell lysis which shows good bioavailability and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles with the biological system of the living being. The amplified genes (spa, LukD, fmhA, and hld) were also analyzed for their interaction with AgNPs computationally at the molecular level. The 3-D structure of AgNP and amplified genes was retrieved from ChemSpider (ID: 22394) and Phyre2 online server, respectively. The binding affinities of AgNP with spa, LukD, fmhA, and hld were -7.16, -6.5, -6.45, and -3.3 kJ/mol, respectively, which infers a good docking score except of hld which is -3.3 kJ/mol due to its small size. The salient features of biosynthesized AgNPs proved to be an effective approach in combating the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species in the future.

Effect of Climatic Conditions on Wheat Starch Granule Size Distribution, Gelatinization and Flour Pasting Properties

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different varieties, year and location of growing, and their interactions, on wheat starch and flour properties, and to analyze the relationship between these attributes. The set of 92 wheat samples chosen to cover wide ranges in the parameters commonly used for the assessment of wheat flour and starch properties was reduced to a representative set of 27 samples. The obtained results showed that wheat variety and year significantly affected maximum viscosity (MV), alpha–amylase activity (AA), amylose content (AM), volume proportion of A-, B- and C-starch granules, as well as gelatinization temperatures, while the year and location by year interaction had a significant effect on the falling number (FN). In this work, a number of significant correlations were observed among analyzed starch and flour properties. AA was mostly influenced by the changes in packing of starch granules and granule size distribution, while gelatinization temperatures were affected by particle size distribution. Additionally, when testing the suitability of the parameters for the estimation of alpha–amylase activity, it was determined that Amylograph was more reliable in predicting alpha–amylase than FN because it provided a better description of the state of flour starch complex.

Production of fuel ethanol from Vitellaria paradoxa fruit pulp by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

Biofuels have become the world’s greatest, safest, cleanest and cheapest alternative to fossil fuels. Transport sector continues to receive influx of cars and general machinery every year worldwide leading to an overwhelming use of fossil fuel. The fossil fuel sources are gradually becoming depleted. Sustainable bioethanol recovered from inexhaustible sources are constantly been used to replace fossil fuels in the transport sector. The shea nut pulp (SNP) is a cheap source of carbon, nitrogen and calcium for the production of bioethanol. This study has employed the shea nut pulp as substrate, Saccharomyces cerevisiae-the Baker’s Yeast strain-as the fermentation microbe, Alpha Amylase enzyme for hydrolysis of the substrate and supported the simultaneous fermentation process with nutrient supplements. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Approximately 37.8 and 40.0 g/L of ethanol after 16 and 20 h, were produced from without-α-amylase and with-α-amylase treatments, respectively. Fermentation efficiencies of 58.6 and 65.0 % were observed ethanol yields for without-α-amylase and with-α-amylase, respectively when compared to the theoretical yield. This research is useful in harnessing the potentials of the shea nut pulp as industrially relevant substrate for use independently or in combination with other substrates in microbial fermentation processes for ethanol production. An assessment of the fermentation process has revealed that the SNP is a good source of bioethanol going into the future. The research therefore recommends further work on scale-up of the bioethanol production process from the shea nut pulp.

Comparison of three indirect methods for verification and validation of reference intervals at eight medical laboratories: a European multicenter study

Abstract Objectives Indirect methods for the indirect estimation of reference intervals are increasingly being used, especially for validation of reference intervals, as they can be applied to routine patient data. In this study, we compare three statistically different indirect methods for the verification and validation of reference intervals in eight laboratories distributed throughout Europe. Methods The RefLim method is a fast and simple approach which calculates the reference intervals by extrapolating the theoretical 95 % of non-pathological values from the central linear part of a quantile-quantile plot. The Truncated Maximum Likelihood (TML) method estimates a smoothed kernel density function for the distribution of the mixed data, for which it is assumed that the ‘‘central’’ part of the distribution represents the healthy population. The refineR utilizes an inverse modelling approach. This algorithm identifies a model that best explains the observed data before transforming the data with the Box-Cox transformation. Results We show that the different indirect methods each have their advantages but can also lead to inaccurate or ambiguous results depending on the approximation of the mathematical model to real-world data. A combination of different methodologies can improve the informative value and thus the reliability of results. Conclusions Based on routine measurements of four enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total amylase (AMY), cholinesterase (CHE) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in adult women and men, we demonstrate that some reference limits taken from the literature need to be adapted to the laboratory’s particular local and population characteristics.

Relationship of cortisol and alpha amylase to behavioral engagement under three levels of negative evaluative psychosocial stress

Despite that behavioral engagement is integral to mental health, surprisingly little is known about the relationship of psychosocial stress and behavioral engagement. The current study developed an observer-rated measure of behavioral engagement for lab-based stress inductions, then examined its relationship with stress-responsive biomarkers and affect. Young adults (N = 109, Mage=19.4, SDage=1.59, 57% female) completed one of three Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) conditions—non-stressful Control, Intermediate, or an Explicit Negative Evaluative—and at four timepoints provided self-reports of positive and negative affect and saliva samples for cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA). Trained study staff (experimenters and TSST judges) completed a programmed questionnaire measure of the novel behavioral engagement measure after the participants completed the TSST. Psychometric review and EFA of the behavioral engagement items resulted in a final 8-item measure with good interrater reliability and well-fitting 2-factor structure, capturing Persistence (4 items; loadings=.41–.89), and Quality of Speech (4 items; loadings=.53–.92). Results indicated that the relationship of positive affect growth and biomarker level to behavioral engagement varied substantially as a function of context: As negative evaluation level strengthened, behavioral engagement became more tightly associated with relative preservation of positive affect. For both cortisol and sAA, the relationship between biomarker levels (but not reactivity) and behavioral engagement varied significantly by condition, such that under milder conditions and elevated levels of biomarkers, engagement was greater, but under Explicit Negative Evaluation, and elevated levels of biomarkers, engagement was less, suggesting behavioral withdrawal. Findings reveal the critical role of context—especially negative evaluation—in the relationship of biomarkers with behavioral engagement.

Combined effect of salinity and hypoxia on digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiota in the oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis

Anthropologic activities caused frequent eutrophication in coastal and estuarine waters, resulting in diel-cycling hypoxia. Given global climate change, extreme weather events often occur, thus salinity fluctuation frequently breaks out in these waters. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of salinity and hypoxia on intestinal microbiota and digestive enzymes of Crassostrea hongkongensis. Specifically, we sequenced 16 S rRNA of intestinal microbiota and measured the digestive enzymes trypsin (TRS), lipase (LPS) and amylase (AMY) in oysters exposed for 28 days to three salinities (10, 25 and 35) and two dissolved oxygen conditions, normoxia (6 mg/L) and hypoxia (6 mg/L for 12 h, 2 mg/L for 12 h). Oysters in normoxia and salinity of 25 were treated as control. After 28-day exposure, for microbial components, Fusobacteriota, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota comprised the majority for all experimental groups. Compared with the control group, the diversity and structure of intestinal microbiota tended to change in all treated groups. The species richness in C. hongkongensis intestine also changed. It was the most significant that high salinity increased Proteobacteria proportion while low salinity and hypoxia increased Fusobacteriota but decreased Proteobacteria, respectively. Additionally, Actinobacteriota was sensitive and changed under environmental stressor (P < 0.01). The prediction results on intestinal microbiota showed that, all functions of oysters were up-regulated to distinct degrees under low/high salinity with hypoxia. According to the KEGG prediction, cellular processes were more active and energy metabolism upregulated, indicating the adaptation of C. hongkongensis to environmental change. Periodical hypoxia and low/high salinity had complex effect on the digestive enzymes, in which the activity of TRS and LPS decreased while AMY increased. High/low salinity and periodical hypoxia can change the secretion of digestive enzymes and influence intestinal microbial diversity and species richness of C. hongkongensis, deducing the chronic adverse effects on the digestive physiology in long-term exposure.

Blood glucose lowering and anti-oxidant potential of erythritol: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Diabetes is a major cause of death worldwide and Nigeria is not an exception. The quest to lower sugar levels has become a major factor in the management of diabetes; this has occasioned the use of substitutes for refined sugar in beverages. Erythritol is a natural sweetener gaining immense interest in recent times. Like metformin, erythritol has shown hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and has metabolic profile suitable for diabetics. Therefore, the blood glucose-lowering and anti-oxidant properties of erythritol under in vitro and in vivo systems were accessed. Radical scavenging assay (ABTS and DPPH) and inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) were employed to determine in vitro anti-oxidant and glucose regulatory function of erythritol respectively. Molecular docking studies were performed between 3D structures of human pancreatic alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, isomaltase from saccharomyces cerevisiae with erythritol. The drug-like activity of erythritol was also assessed.Thereafter, we investigated the effect of erythritol on blood glucose and antioxidant status of normal and streptozocin- nicotinamide-induced diabetes rats which were grouped into five (n = 5); Normal, Ery (normal and administered erythritol), Db (diabetic control), Db + Ery (diabetic and administered erythritol), and Db + Met (diabetic and administered metformin). Erythritol showed a considerable radical scavenging activity and an ability to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase in vitro. Also, a significant reduction in glucose intolerance, blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels and improved antioxidant level was seen in erythritol-treated diabetic rats. Erythritol showed anti-oxidant activity, alpha amylase and glucosidase enzyme inhibition property, improved antioxidant status and ameliorated blood glucose, HbA1c, and glucose intolerance following diabetes.

Nanoparticle-Shielded dsRNA Delivery for Enhancing RNAi Efficiency in Cotton Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae).

The spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) is a polyphagous pest with enormous economic significance, primarily affecting cotton and okra. However, the lack of gene sequence information on this pest has a significant constraint on molecular investigations and the formulation of superior pest management strategies. An RNA-seq-based transcriptome study was conducted to alleviate such limitations, and de novo assembly was performed to obtain transcript sequences of this pest. Reference gene identification across E. vittella developmental stages and RNAi treatments were conducted using its sequence information, which resulted in identifying transcription elongation factor (TEF), V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), and Glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the most suitable reference genes for normalization in RT-qPCR-based gene expression studies. The present study also identified important developmental, RNAi pathway, and RNAi target genes and performed life-stage developmental expression analysis using RT-qPCR to select the optimal targets for RNAi. We found that naked dsRNA degradation in the E. vittella hemolymph is the primary reason for poor RNAi. A total of six genes including Juvenile hormone methyl transferase (JHAMT), Chitin synthase (CHS), Aminopeptidase (AMN), Cadherin (CAD), Alpha-amylase (AMY), and V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) were selected and knocked down significantly with three different nanoparticles encapsulated dsRNA conjugates, i.e., Chitosan-dsRNA, carbon quantum dots-dsRNA (CQD-dsRNA), and Lipofectamine-dsRNA conjugate. These results demonstrate that feeding nanoparticle-shielded dsRNA silences target genes and suggests that nanoparticle-based RNAi can efficiently manage this pest.

Fabrication of chitosan and Trianthema portulacastrum mediated copper oxide nanoparticles: Antimicrobial potential against MDR bacteria and biological efficacy for antioxidant, antidiabetic and photocatalytic activities

Biopolymer based metal oxide nanoparticles, prepared by eco-friendly approach, are gaining interest owing to their wide range of applications. In this study, aqueous extract of Trianthema portulacastrum was used for the green synthesis of chitosan base copper oxide (CH-CuO) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV–Vis Spectrophotometry, SEM, TEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. These techniques provided evidence for the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles, having poly-dispersed spherical shaped morphology with average crystallite size of 17.37 nm. The antibacterial activity for the CH-CuO nanoparticles was determined against multi-drug resistant (MDR), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram-negative), Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive). Maximum activity was obtained against Escherichia coli (24 ± 1.99 mm) while least activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus (17 ± 1.54 mm). In-vitro analysis for biofilm inhibition, EPS and cell surface hydrophobicity showed >60 % inhibitions for all the bacterial isolates. Antioxidant and photocatalytic assays for the nanoparticles showed significant activities of radical scavenging (81 ± 4.32 %) and dye degradation (88 %), respectively. Antidiabetic activity for the nanoparticles, determined by in-vitro analysis of alpha amylase inhibition, showed enzyme inhibition of 47 ± 3.29 %. The study signifies the potential of CH-CuO nanoparticle as an effective antimicrobial agent against MDR bacteria along with the antidiabetic and photocatalytic activities.

Zinc(II) derivatives of N, O containing Schiff bases: synthesis, characterization, computational and biological studies

Bidentate Schiff bases (I1–I9 ) are synthesized by condensation between substituted anilines, benzothiazoles, and 2-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes. The Zn(II) derivatives (1–9) are prepared by reacting the respective ligand and zinc acetate dihydrate in a 2:1 mole ratio in dry methanol using triethylamine as a base. They are characterized by FTIR, NMR, and single-crystal XRD techniques. The XRD data confirmed distorted tetrahedral molecular geometry for 6; the intermolecular interactions are investigated comprehensively by 3-D Hirschfeld surface analysis and 2-D fingerprint plots. The DFT studies for the compounds are conducted for geometrical and energy optimization by applying 3-21 G* and 6-311++G (d, p)/B3LYP basis sets. Molecular docking data show that ligands possess GOLD scores in the range 51.5–46.7, whereas 2 and 3 have shown good fitness score of 57.7 and 53.3, respectively, with a maximum score of 60.2 for 7. The antibacterial data for 7 shows zone of inhibition as 17.3 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 16.3 mm against Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas 2 exhibits maximum value of 15.6 mm against gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The maximum and comparable alpha amylase inhibition potential of 12.6 and 12.3% are found for 8 and 3, respectively.

Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum on the growth performance and intestinal health of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × E. fuscoguttatus♀)

This trial was performed to investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum on growth and intestinal health of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × E. fuscoguttatus♀). 300 hybrid groupers were fed five diets containing C. butyricum at 0, 1 × 107, 2 × 107, 3 × 107, 4 × 107 CFU/g for 8 weeks. The results revealed that dietary C. butyricum significantly increased weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and relative feed intake (RFI) (P < 0.05). Moderate C. butyricum significantly promoted lipase (LPS), chymotrypsin (CTS), alpha amylase (α-AMS), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities and up-regulated intestinal manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), interleukin10 (IL-10), transforming growth factorβ (TGF-β), zonula occludens protein-2 (ZO-2), zonula occludens protein-3 (ZO-3), Occludin and Claudin-3a mRNA levels, while significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and down-regulated intestinal Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). 1 × 107 CFU/g C. butyricum significantly augmented villus length, muscle thickness and goblet cells in intestine of hybrid groupers (P < 0.05). 1 × 107 CFU/g C. butyricum significantly increased richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota (P < 0.05) and abundance of beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, 1 × 107 CFU/g C. butyricum decreased the risk of conditional pathogenic bacteria to invade the host.

Effect of STING signaling on intestinal barrier damage in severe acute pancreatitis

BackgroundPatients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) have a compromised intestinal barrier with decreased barrier function and increased cell death. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) create a physicochemical barrier that anchors bacteria in the intestine. Recent studies have shown that the stimulator of interferons genes (STING) signaling pathway plays an important function in a number of inflammatory conditions. MethodsThe rat SAP model was established by retrograde injection of freshly prepared sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. Serum amylase (AMY), lipase (LIPA), interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, intestinal-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP2), diamine oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin (ET) levels were measured in rats. H&E staining was used to assess histological changes in the intestine and pancreas. The expression of intestinal epithelial cell tight junction (TJ) proteins and STING signaling pathway proteins and genes were measured by RT- PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze. The expression of STING signaling pathway proteins in pancreas were measured by Western blot were used to analyze. TUNEL was used to detect IECs death. ResultsUpregulation of STING pathway-related proteins and genes occurred after sap-induced IECs. In addition, C-176 reduced serum AMY, LIPA, TNF-α, IL-6, INF-β, FABP2, DAO and endotoxin levels and decreased pancreatic and intestinal histopathological injury in SAP rats; DMXAA aggravated serum AMY, LIPA, TNF-α, IL-6, INF-β, FABP2, DAO and endotoxin levels and increased pancreatic and intestinal histopathological injury in SAP rats. ConlusionsThe results suggest that inhibition of STING signaling can alleviate IECs after SAP, and activation of STING signaling can aggravate IECs after SAP.

Characterization and Differentiation of Grain Proteomes from Wild-Type Puroindoline and Variants in Wheat.

Premium wheat with a high end-use quality is generally lacking in China, especially high-quality hard and soft wheat. Pina-D1 and Pinb-D1 (puroindoline genes) influence wheat grain hardness (i.e., important wheat quality-related parameter) and are among the main targets in wheat breeding programs. However, the mechanism by which puroindoline genes control grain hardness remains unclear. In this study, three hard wheat puroindoline variants (MY26, GX3, and ZM1) were compared with a soft wheat variety (CM605) containing the wild-type puroindoline genotype. Specifically, proteomic methods were used to screen for differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). In total, 6253 proteins were identified and quantified via a high-throughput tandem mass tag quantitative proteomic analysis. Of the 208 DAPs, 115, 116, and 99 proteins were differentially expressed between MY26, GX3, and ZM1 (hard wheat varieties) and CM605, respectively. The cluster analysis of protein relative abundances divided the proteins into six clusters. Of these proteins, 67 and 41 proteins were, respectively, more and less abundant in CM605 than in MY26, GX3, and ZM1. Enrichment analyses detected six GO terms, five KEGG pathways, and five IPR terms that were shared by all three comparisons. Furthermore, 12 proteins associated with these terms or pathways were found to be differentially expressed in each comparison. These proteins, which included cysteine proteinase inhibitors, invertases, low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits, and alpha amylase inhibitors, may be involved in the regulation of grain hardness. The candidate genes identified in this study may be relevant for future analyses of the regulatory mechanism underlying grain hardness.

In vitro Hypoglycemic Effect and Antimicrobial Activity of Methanol Extract of Underutilized Leafy Vegetable (Ipomoea batatas leaf)

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by major derangements in glucose metabolism and abnormalities in fat and protein metabolism. Diabetes and infection are among the serious health challenges. This study evaluated the in vitro and hypoglycemic effect and antimicrobial properties of methanol extract of Ipomoea batatas leaf. The antimicrobial activity was done using agar disc diffusion methods and the in vitro hypoglycemic activity was done using Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory activities assay, Lipase activity assay, Glucose absorption Capacity assay, Glucose diffusion retardation Index. The result of the percentage alpha glucosidase inhibition ranged from 35.70 to 56.33%. The percentage alpha amylase inhibition ranged from 40.96 to 65.15%. The extract showed significant (p&lt;0.05) dose dependent inhibition of alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase. The extract possess inhibition of lipase activity with percentage inhibition ranging from 72.35 to 81.57%. Though there was non-significant (p&lt;0.05) difference in the various concentrations of the extract on inhibition of lipase activity. The result of the glucose absorption capacity (0.30 to 2.25) was observed to be dose dependent. The glucose diffusion retardation index was time dependent. The antimicrobial susceptibility screening of extracts showed a zone of inhibition that ranged from 2.70 to 15.73mm. The study showed that Ipomoea batatas leaf could be used in the treatment and management of diabetes and infections.

White feces syndrome in Penaeus vannamei is potentially an Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) associated pathobiome origin of Vibrio spp

White feces syndrome (WFS) is a commercially important disease in Penaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) farming. The aetiology beyond the white or golden white midgut with mediocre growth performance producing a floating mass of white fecal strings in WFS-affected shrimp farms remains uncharted. To give WFS a perception of pathobiome, healthy P. vannamei shrimps were subjected to an enteric microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) infection along with Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus in different combinations. Immune responses in haemolymph (total haemocyte count (THC), prophenoloxidase activity (proPO), respiratory burst activity (RBA), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT)), plasma biochemical changes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and digestive enzymes activity (alpha-amylase (AMY), lipase (LIP) and protease (PRO)) were assessed in the challenged shrimps at 5, 10 and 15 days post-infection (dpi). The microbial interactions between the EHP and Vibrio spp. have led to the formation of WFS in the challenged shrimps. The histological sections of the hepatopancreas revealed the presence of EHP along with colonized bacterial masses, leading to the formation of aggregated transformed microvilli (ATM) structures and increased sloughing of lipid vacuoles into the tubule lumen. A significantly decreased THC and increased proPO levels, dysregulated antioxidant system, prominent hepatic damage, reduced energy metabolism and higher lipid production were the key records supporting that EHP-associated WFS in P. vannamei is due to the pathobiome.

Associations between saliva alpha-amylase, heart rate variability, saliva cortisol and cognitive performance in individuals at ultra high-risk for psychosis.

Cognitive impairments are present in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis and UHR individuals exhibit a hyperactive and dysfunctional HPA-axis. Increasing stress levels could potentially lead to cognitive impairments and no previous studies have examined the association between physiological stress biomarkers and cognition in UHR individuals. This study aims to examine the association between saliva alpha amylase (SAA), heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cortisol, and cognition in UHR individuals. We included 72 UHR individuals, aged 18-40, fulfilling criteria of the comprehensive assessment of at-risk mental state (CAARMS). Cognitive tests indexed the 7 core domains as stated by Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS). Physiological stress levels were observed for one day: saliva was collected at awakening, 30 min and 60 min after awakening and at bedtime. HRV was measured during sleep and before awakening. We used generalized linear model and controlled for multiple testing using false discovery rate (FDR). Higher levels of SAA were significantly associated with lower cognitive performance in the domains of verbal and visual learning and memory, sustained attention, working memory and global neurocognition looking at unadjusted data. Controlling for FDR visual memory, sustained attention and global neurocognition remained significant associated with SAA. We discovered no associations between cortisol and cognition. Visual learning and memory, sustained attention and global neurocognition remained significantly associated with SAA. This finding supports our hypothesis that an association between abnormal stress biomarkers and impaired cognition might be present in UHR individuals.