B12 Content Research Articles

Comprehensive study of various vitamin concentrations in the human postmortem blood with an autopsy case report of beriberi.

Using human cardiac blood from forensic autopsy cases, comprehensive measurements of albumin, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, folate, and PIVKA-Ⅱ were performed. Of 128 cases, 83 were male, with an average age of 61.8years and average postmortem interval of 44h. The average concentrations of vitamins were 29.8μg/dL for vitamin A, 32.2μg/dL for vitamin B1, 278ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine), 152ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxal), 57.2ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxal), 17.9ng/mL for folate, 1188pg/mL for vitamin B12, 23.5μg/mL for vitamin C, 15.0ng/mL for vitamin D, and 1.03μg/mL for PIVKA-Ⅱ. An autopsy case of a Japanese middle-aged male with beriberi was also presented, where severe edema and effusion of the cavity and a high NT-proBNP serum value were observed; however, cardiac pathology showed no specific abnormal features. In the present case, the blood vitamin B1 concentration was within the standard clinical range. This study revealed that bloodborne water-soluble vitamin levels shows higher to clinical standard value at postmortem, whereas fat-soluble vitamin levels may stay in the standard range or lower. Our findings suggest that postmortem water-soluble vitamin concentrations within the clinical standard may reflect low antemortem vitamin concentrations.

Environmental Metrics of World Cuisine Recipes' Plant-Based Substitutes: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water Footprint, and Land Use

Introduction/Objective: Evidence has shown that consuming plant-based foods instead of animal-based foods has positive effects on human and planet health. The current study aimed to compare animal-based recipes (ABRs) and plant-based recipes (PBRs) nutritionally and environmentally. Methods: Plant-based recipes (adapted from animal-based recipes) were obtained from the “Vegan Nutrition with Healthy and Delicious Recipes” book for inclusion in this study. Nutrient components, including energy content, energy density (ED), macro and micronutrient profiles, such as environmental metrics, which are greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), water footprint (WF), and land use (LU), were calculated and compared between animal-based and plant-based recipes. Results: While dietary fiber and insoluble fiber were higher, protein, total fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B12, and zinc contents were lower in PBRs, compared to ABRs. With exceptions (magnolia, muffins, and vegan souffle), medians GHGS, WF, and LU of PBRs were lower than those of ABRs(). Plant-based hamburgers and meatballs, whose main ingredients were fresh vegetables, had the lowest environmental impact. Conclusion: It is well known that human diet and food choices are among the main components that contribute to environmental impact. Although the ecological footprints of foods and recipes are essential in the diet, their nutrient densities should not be overlooked. Enriching the nutritional values of the foods used in PBRs may improve their dietary values. In addition, it should also be forgotten that using high amounts of non-nutritious foods, such as sugar, in PBRs due to their low ecological impact is incorrect.

Evaluation of Chemical and Sensory Properties of Fruit Bar from Blends of Banana and Paw-Paw Fortified with Protein Concentrate from African Yam Bean

This study aimed at evaluating chemical and sensory properties of fruit bar from blends of banana and paw- paw fortified with protein content from African yam bean Fruit bar samples were prepared with blends of ripe bananas and pawpaw, and protein concentrate from African yam bean in the ratios of 100:0:0, 70:25:5, 60:30:10 and 50:35:15 respectively, which were labeled as BPA1, BPA2, BPA3, and BPA4. The formulated samples were used to produce fruit bar. The proximate and vitamin composition were determine using standard methods. Sensory properties were evaluated using 9-point Hedonic scale. The results showed that the proximate composition of fruit bar samples ranged from 18.83 to18.19 % for moisture, 1.5 to 9.38 % for protein, 14.61 to 16.77 % for fat, 0.23 to 0.23% for fibre, 1.49 to 1.99 % for Ash, 63.37 to 53.45% for carbohydrate. Vitamin B2 content ranged from 0.014 to 0.022 mg/100g. Increasing proportion of protein concentrate from African yam bean in fruit bar significantly (p<0.05) increases protein, fat, ash and fibre content of fruit bar. The sensory score showed that all the samples were generally accepted but the sample with 100% banana (BPA1) was the most preferred, followed by sample produced from 70% Banana, 25% Pawpaw and 5% African yam bean. Protein content of fruit bar from blends of banana and paw- paw was improved due to addition of African Yam bean.

Synergistic fermentation of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) bio-enriched soy milk: optimization and techno-functional characterization of next generation functional vegan foods

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for cellular growth, energy production, and redox potential. Certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can synthesize B2 in low levels in fermented products, however it is mostly retained inside the cell. This study aimed to develop B2-enriched soymilk by fermenting with B2-producing probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains and traditional starter culture Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIM2902. Using the central composite design approach, processing parameters were optimized for enhanced B2 content and probiotic count. Six independent variables were assessed: temperature (A: 35–45 °C), pH (B: 4–6), time (C: 3–18 h), and inoculum size for strains L. plantarum MTCC 25432 (D: 1–2%), L. plantarum MTCC 25433 (E: 1–2%), and L. acidophilus NCIM 2902 (F: 1–2%). The second-order model effectively predicted responses, identifying optimal fermentation conditions for developing vitamin B2-enriched soymilk: temperature (A) 36 °C, pH (B) 5.5, fermentation time (C): 11 h, inoculum size for L. plantarum MTCC 25432 (D): 2%, MTCC 25433 (E): 2%, and L acidophilus NCIM (F): 0.43%. These conditions resulted in a threefold increase in B2 concentration (481 µg/L) while maintaining a probiotic count of 9 logs CFU/mL. Additionally, techno-functional characterization, including rheology and texture profile analysis, showed that enhanced protease activity of co-cultured LAB improved protein hydrolysis (6259 nm), positively impacting the water holding capacity (WHC) and overall acceptability of the fermented soymilk. This optimized fermentation process represents a novel approach to developing nutritionally enhanced dairy-free soy products with high riboflavin content, utilizing the synergistic benefits of co-fermentation by two riboflavin-producing L. plantarum strains and traditional starter culture of L. acidophilus. This advancement is particularly significant for lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers who may lack sufficient dietary sources of Vitamin B2.

Fungal chemical warfare: the role of aflatoxin and fumonisin in governing the interaction between the maize pathogens, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides.

The mycotoxigenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides, commonly co-colonize maize in the field, yet their direct interactions at the chemical communication level have not been well characterized. Here, we examined if and how the two most infamous mycotoxins produced by these species, aflatoxin and fumonisin, respectively, govern interspecies growth and mycotoxin production. We showed that fumonisin producing strains of F. verticillioides suppressed the growth of A. flavus while non-producers did not. Additionally, while aflatoxin did not inhibit F. verticillioides growth, it did suppress fumonisin production. Fumonisin B1 concentration levels plummeted when challenged with a high dose of aflatoxin B1 or with an aflatoxin producing strain. With these findings, expression of the genetic regulators of secondary metabolism was investigated for both fungi. While no strong effect was seen on genes in the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster when exposed to fumonisin B1, the fumonisin repressor FvZBD1, which is adjacent to the cluster, was induced with expression proportionate to concentration when F. verticillioides was challenged with aflatoxin B1. We also assessed the expression of the global regulators of fungal secondary metabolism, veA and laeA, and found that their expression is altered in both A. flavus and F. verticillioides when exposed to their competitor's mycotoxin. This work gives insight into the ecological roles of mycotoxins and why these fungi may produce them as weapons in the interspecies battle for resource acquisition.

Mechanical and corrosion behavior of CoCrFeNiAl0.3 high entropy alloy seamless tubes

An urgent need arises for alloys that possesses superior ductility and good corrosion resistance, essential for applications in highly harsh environmental conditions. The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of CoCrFeNiAl0.3 high-entropy alloy seamless tubes (HEASTs) are investigated in this study. Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) techniques reveal the presence of abundant dislocations within the inner crystals, highlighting the alloy's excellent deformation ability. The formation of the B2 phase significantly influences corrosion behavior, with higher B2 content promoting pit propagation and enhancing pitting corrosion. Corrosion test results demonstrate the superior pitting corrosion resistance of TR-22 tubes, attributed to their lower B2 phase content and effective coverage by a protective passive film formed by Al, Cr, and Fe. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis further elucidates the correlation between B2 phase content and corrosion resistance, emphasizing the importance of controlling B2 content to optimize microstructure. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into enhancing the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of high-entropy alloy seamless tubes, contributing to the development of advanced materials in engineering applications.

Simultaneous Determination of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 in Tablet Forms Using the Area Under the Curve Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry Method

This research focuses on creating the area under the curve (AUC) ultraviolet spectrophotometry method approach to assess the concentrations of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 in tablet formulations, bypassing the need for separation steps. The technique relies on calculating the AUC values across different concentrations within a specified wavelength range, using methanol as the solvent. Subsequently, the method was applied to evaluate the levels of these vitamins in the tablets. The analysis targeted specific wavelength ranges for each vitamin: 250-260 nm for B1, 279-289 nm for B2, 267-277 nm for B3, 312-322 nm for B6, and 382-392 nm for B12. The average recovery rates achieved were 100.07% for B1, 100.70% for B2, 100.52% for B3, 100.02% for B6, and 99.90% for B12 in the tablet samples. This method proved effective for the simultaneous analysis of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 in tablet forms and satisfied the necessary validation criteria. Keywords: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, the area under the curve, ultraviolet spectrophotometry.

Effects of different additives on fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial communities in high-moisture corn kernels during wet storage.

The moisture content of corn kernels at harvest in China is relatively high, and wet storage effectively preserves high-moisture corn kernels. However, ensuring effective fermentation during storage is crucial. To address this, we systematically investigated the variations in fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial community composition under different additive treatments. The treatments included CK (control, deionized water), LAB homo- and hetero-lactic acid bacteria: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Weissella confusa MF01, and EN (cellulase), followed by 60 and 90 days of fermentation. The results indicated that both LAB and EN treatments significantly reduced the concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and zearalenone (ZEN) compared to CK during the wet storage of high-moisture corn kernels. LAB treatment notably increased lactic and acetic acid levels, decreased pH and NH3-N content, and improved crude protein (CP, 8.24% DM) and starch content (73.01% DM) compared to CK. LAB treatment also reduced water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (5.05% DM). Microbial diversity was reduced in the LAB treatment, as evidenced by decreases in both common and unique operational taxonomic units, while the relative abundance of Weissella increased after 60 days compared to CK. In contrast, despite higher lactic and acetic acid levels in the EN treatment, the pH did not decrease significantly due to higher NH3-N content. Overall, the LAB treatment outperformed other treatments by achieving lower mycotoxin concentrations, better fermentation quality, and superior preservation of nutritional components. This study provides valuable theoretical support and practical guidance for improving the wet storage of high-moisture corn kernels and enhancing their safety and nutritional value during storage.

Dietary factors and aflatoxin b1 carcinogenecity in fish.

Impact of dietary intakes on internal physiology of the living system either progressive or retrogressive, hardly need any explanation . It may thus be assumed that a fish population being reared on a diet with specific biochemical profile is bound to express specific response if at all, mycobial Contaminants like aflatoxins are present in the diet. The fact may be put another way that the toxicological/ carcinogenic manifestations of aflatoxins may be induced or suppressed under the influence of dietary intakes. In this backdrop, the present study was conducted on Channapunctatus, an air-breathing teleost, to evaluated the impact of fatty acids present in cotton seed cake. Three groups of experimental fish were subjected to three different concentration of aflatoxin B1 (15,30 and 45 ppm) reared separately under standard feed formulation added with cotton seed oil cake.Observation were made on day 30, 60 and 90. The findings revealed that the cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), one of the natural constituent present in triglyceride fraction of the fat of cotton plant synergistically act with aflatoxin B1 enhancing the carcinogenic influence of the toxin.. KEYWORDS :Aflatoxin B1, Dietary factor, Cyclopropenoid fatty acid, Channapunctatus)

Dietary intake of soya flour synergistically influences carcinogenic action in fish, Channa punctatus.

Influence of dietary intake on Physiological and biochemical status of the living being is an established fact. Similarly, certain Micronutrients associated with the biochemical component of parent products and their byproducts are often deleterious to the Consumers. A classical example is Cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), a natural constituent present in triglyceride fraction of the fat of cotton plants. It acts Synergistically with aflatoxin B1, if at all present in the diet due to infestation of some toxic fungi A. flavus and A.parasiticus. Studies on Channa punctatus, an air breathing teleost administered with three concentrations of pure crystalline aflatoxin B1( 15, 30 and 45 ppm) intraperitonially and reared on standard diet formulation (SDF) added with Soya flour (SF) Supplements. In contrast, the pathological lesions in the group reared on Soya flour supplement was almost comparable to the control group receiving similar concentration of aflatoxinB1 and reared on SDF. The Soya flour is usually used as dietary supplement for pets and livestock in order to meat protein requirements from the left out amount of the oil following extraction. In particular, the findings gain significance on account of the fact that the Soya flour (SF) is one of the major ingredientsof aqua culture feed formulation all through the country.. KEYWORDS :Dietary factors , Aflatoxin B1, Synergistic Action, Carcinogenicity.

Chemical composition and consumer acceptability of oyster mushroom and sorghum-pearl millet based composite flours

Due to over-reliance on starchy staple foods in Kenya Micronutrient deficiency (MD) and Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) are the major nutritional concerns. Despite these foods being characterized by low nutrient densities, they are still used as main food ingredient especially in making porridges. Therefore, this study intended to develop composite flour of sorghum-pearl millet blends fortified with oyster mushroom and further evaluate its chemical composition and consumer acceptability. The sorghum and pearl millet were soaked in tap water then solar dried followed by milling into flour. Oyster mushrooms were also solar dried and milled. Subsequently, oyster mushroom was substituted to sorghum-pearl millet blends at 10–50 % to achieve the composite flours. Proximate composition of the samples was determined using standard methods, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Ultraviolet Spectroscopy/Mass Spectrometry were used for mineral and vitamin analyses, respectively. In addition, consumer acceptability test was done on thin porridges was also carried out using untrained panelists. Protein content of the composite flours increased from 11.15–19.74 %, and there were significant increases in fiber (2.68–10.66 %) and ash (1.38 % to 5–79 %). Mineral content increased with Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn and Fe as high as 286.25 mg/100 g, 2088.05 mg/100 g, 167.55 mg/100 g, 1833.05 mg/100 g, 136.75 mg/100 g, 4.22 mg/100 g and 9.46 mg/100 g respectively. An improvement of B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 vitamin contents was also observed. Sensory analysis showed relatively moderate overall acceptance of thin porridges from the composite flours, although the acceptability decreased with the increase in oyster mushroom. Specifically, composite flour with 50% oyster mushroom was rich in most nutrients but it had the lowest scores for the sensory attributes. In conclusion, addition of oyster mushroom increased the overall nutritional composition of local cereal based staple foods an indication of potential solution to PEM and MD.

The concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples from Iranian market: a probabilistic dietary risk assessment

ABSTRACT This investigation aimed to measure the concentrations of total aflatoxin (AFT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in imported rice samples to Iran and conduct a probabilistic health risk assessment for consumers. Three thousand seven hundred fifty-one imported rice samples were randomly collected from March 2022 to April 2024. The AFT, AFB1, and OTA concentrations were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (HPLC-FID) and an ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). The ranking of mycotoxins based on mean concentration in rice was as follows: AFT (3.996 ± 6.925 µg/kg) > AFB1 (2.648 ± 5.746 µg/kg) > OTA (0.088 ± 0.847 µg/kg). The prevalence of these mycotoxins was found to be AFT present in 897 out of 3,710 samples (24.18%), AFB1 in 657 samples (17.52%), and OTA in 40 samples (1.07%). Significant correlations were observed between AFT and AFB1 (C: 0.96, p-value < 0.001), AFT and OTA (C: 0.28, p-value < 0.001), and AFB1 and OTA (C: 0.15, p-value < 0.001). The 95th percentile of the Margin of Exposure (MOE) for AFB1 in adult and child consumers was 0.930 and 0.270, respectively, while the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for OTA in adults and children was 0.030 and 0.100, respectively. The estimated cancer risk percentages for AFB1 in rice were 22.220 for adults and 43.500 for children. Overall, consuming imported rice containing AFT, AFB1, and OTA does not pose a significant non-carcinogenic risk to consumers’ health. However, the carcinogenic risk in Iran is higher than in other countries. Therefore, it is recommended that more effective and continuous monitoring programmes be implemented to ensure the quality of imported rice.

Vicious cycle of vitamin B1 insufficiency and heart failure in cardiology outpatients.

Heart failure is a major manifestation of vitamin B1 deficiency; beriberi. We have previously reported that even vitamin B1 insufficiency, milder than deficiency, is a risk for heart failure in the institutionalized elderly. Then in this cross-sectional study, sixty-eight cardiology outpatients were evaluated for their whole blood vitamin B1 and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations, a sensitive marker of heart failure, as well as their dietary intake. Whole blood vitamin B1 concentration was significantly correlated with plasma BNP level in vitamin B1-deficient/insufficient patients (whole blood vitamin B1<28 ‍ng/ml) but not in sufficient patients. Whole blood vitamin B1 concentration was significantly lower in loop diuretics users than non-users. Multiple regression analysis has identified whole blood vitamin B1 concentration and eGFR as the significant contributors to log-transformed plasm BNP level, and loop diuretics use, serum albumin level, and eGFR as the contributors to whole blood vitamin B1 concentration. ROC analysis has shown the significant predictability of whole blood vitamin B1 for plasma BNP ≥100 pg/ml with the cut-off value of 23.5 ‍ng/ml. Vitamin B1 insufficiency is a risk of heart failure in the cardiology outpatients, and the therapeutic use of loop diuretics aggravates heart failure and possibly forms a vicious cycle.

Evaluation of thiamine and riboflavin in different varieties of rice grown in Kurigram district, Bangladesh

ContextRice is indeed a staple food in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh. This research aimed to evaluate the two essential vitamin levels in different processed rice sunned, parboiled, cooked sunned, cooked parboiled, and washed cooked rice. ObjectiveThe study focused on analyzing the thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) contents in 10 different varieties of paddy samples grown in the Kurigram district of Bangladesh. MethodsA high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique assembled with fluorescence detector was employed for these analyses. Two calibration curves were generated to analyze vitamin B1 and B2 (for thiamine the regression coefficient, r2 = 0.9992 and riboflavin r2 = 0.9989). The study demonstrated a recovery rate of 96.88 % for vitamin B1 and 104.24 % for vitamin B2. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the vitamin B1 and B2 contents across different rice samples. Results and conclusionThe results showed that the parboiled samples had the highest thiamine content, ranging from 342.50 ± 0.3 to 673.0 ± 7.5 μg/100 g, compared to the sunned samples, which had a range of 209.5 ± 0.3 to 337.4 ± 4.3 μg/100 g. Conversely, the sunned samples had the highest riboflavin content, ranging from 26.4 ± 0.2 to 59.6 ± 0.3 μg/100 g, while the parboiled samples had a range of 3.0 ± 0.1 to 26.6 ± 0.01 μg/100 g. Additionally, it was observed that the steaming process increased the thiamine content and reduced the riboflavin content in parboiled rice samples but decreased both the thiamine and riboflavin in sunned rice samples. Another study showed a gradual decrease in the levels of both vitamins B1 and B2 in sunned, cooked sunned and washed cooked sunned rice samples. SignificanceThese findings provide valuable insights into the impact of processing methods, such as parboiling and steaming, on the thiamine and riboflavin contents in rice. The results suggest that parboiled rice may be a preferable choice for individuals seeking higher thiamine content in their diet, while sunned rice may contain higher levels of riboflavin. The results shed light on the nutritional profiles of different rice varieties and highlight the potential impact of processing techniques on the vitamin content of rice.

Modern quality control methods of flax seeds herbal drugs in Russia

Flax seeds are valuable medicinal and food raw materials because of their various complex of biologically active substances (BAS). They have a great potential for pharmaceutical practice and food industry. The purpose of the work is to study the possibilities for improvement of methods for standardization of flax seeds and drugs (infusion is the dietary supplement (DS), which contains fatty flax seeds extra virgin oil in gelatin capsule and fatty flax seeds oil containing in multicomponent drugs) on their basis. The following groups of BAS are studied by modern physicochemical methods: contents of polysaccharides (gravimetry), contents and composition of the fatty acids containing in fatty oils (gas flame photometric chromatography) and contents of vitamins B2, C, E, carotenoids (α- and β-carotenoids) (high-performance UV chromatography). The study establishes, that the whole flax seeds contain 8.23±0.38% of polysaccharides, 438±53 mg/g of fatty oils (the main fatty acids are α-linoleic acid (234±47 mg/g), oleic acid (60±12 mg/g), and linoleic acid (61±12 mg/g)), 31.00±4.65 mg/100g of vitamin B2, 330.00±49.50 mg/100g of vitamin C, 19.60±2.94 mg/100g of vitamin E, and 10.30±1.55 mg/100g of carotenoids. Contents of 0.62±0.04% of polysaccharides, 2.85±0.43 µg/100 ml of vitamin B2, and 45.00±6.75 µg/100 ml of vitamin C are peculiar to the infusion. We have determined that the DS “Flax seeds oil in capsules” contents three major fatty acids. They are α-linoleic acid (234±47 mg/g), oleic acid (60±12 mg/g), linoleic acid (61±1 2mg/g), 27.00±4.05 mg/100g of vitamin E (summarized tocopherols in terms of tocopherol acetate), and 14.90±2.24 mg/100g of carotenoids. Contents of fatty oil in the “Dicloran ® Plus” drug is of 277±33 mg/g (the main fatty acids are α-linoleic acid (20±4 mg/g), oleic acid (6±1 mg/g), and linoleic acid (4±1 mg/g)) and 1.10±0.17 µg/100 g of vitamin E. Ratio of major fatty acids containing in the subjects, which consist of fatty flax seeds oils, are: α-linoleic acid: oleic acid: linoleic acid is 4:1:1 is peculiar. The received data is used to update current regulatory documentation and to introduce the new one to regulate quality of flax seeds and flax drugs.

Novel isolates expand the physiological diversity of Prochlorococcus and illuminate its macroevolution.

Prochlorococcus is a diverse picocyanobacterial genus and the most abundant phototroph on Earth. Its photosynthetic diversity divides it into high-light (HL)- or low-light (LL)-adapted groups representing broad phylogenetic grades-each composed of several monophyletic clades. Here, we physiologically characterize four new Prochlorococcus strains isolated from below the deep chlorophyll maximum in the North Pacific Ocean. We combine these physiological properties with genomic analyses to explore the evolution of photosynthetic antennae and discuss potential macroevolutionary implications. The isolates belong to deeply branching low-light-adapted clades that have no other cultivated representatives and display some unusual characteristics. For example, despite its otherwise low-light-adapted physiological characteristics, strain MIT1223 has low chl b2 content similar to high-light-adapted strains. Isolate genomes revealed that each strain contains a unique arsenal of pigment biosynthesis and binding alleles that have been horizontally acquired, contributing to the observed physiological diversity. Comparative genomic analysis of all picocyanobacteria reveals that Pcb, the major pigment carrying protein in Prochlorococcus, greatly increased in copy number and diversity per genome along a branch that coincides with the loss of facultative particle attachment. Collectively, these observations support a recently developed macroevolutionary model, in which niche-constructing radiations allowed ancestral lineages of picocyanobacteria to transition from a particle-attached to planktonic lifestyle and broadly colonize the euphotic zone.IMPORTANCEThe marine cyanobacterium, Prochlorococcus, is among the Earth's most abundant organisms, and much of its genetic and physiological diversity remains uncharacterized. Although field studies help reveal the scope of diversity, cultured isolates allow us to link genomic potential to physiological processes, illuminate eco-evolutionary feedbacks, and test theories arising from comparative genomics of wild cells. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of novel low-light (LL)-adapted Prochlorococcus strains that fill in multiple evolutionary gaps. These new strains are the first cultivated representatives of the LLVII and LLVIII paraphyletic grades of Prochlorococcus, which are broadly distributed in the lower regions of the ocean euphotic zone. Each of these grades is a unique, highly diverse section of the Prochlorococcus tree that separates distinct ecological groups: the LLVII grade branches between monophyletic clades that have facultatively particle-associated and constitutively planktonic lifestyles, whereas the LLVIII grade lies along the branch that leads to all high-light (HL)-adapted clades. Characterizing strains and genomes from these grades yields insights into the large-scale evolution of Prochlorococcus. The new LLVII and LLVIII strains are adapted to growth at very low irradiance levels and possess unique light-harvesting gene signatures and pigmentation. The LLVII strains represent the most basal Prochlorococcus group with a major expansion in photosynthetic antenna genes. Furthermore, a strain from the LLVIII grade challenges the paradigm that all LL-adapted Prochlorococcus exhibit high ratios of chl b:a2. These findings provide insights into the photophysiological evolution of Prochlorococcus and redefine what it means to be a low- vs high-light-adapted Prochlorococcus cell.

A smartphone-integrated deep learning strategy-assisted rapid detection system for monitoring dual-modal immunochromatographic assay

This study focuses on the integration of a custom-built and optimally trained YOLO v5 model into a smartphone app developed with Java language. A dual-modal immunochromatographic rapid detection system based on a deep learning strategy for smartphones was developed for grade determination and predicting the concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Innovative distance-type quantum dot microsphere fluorescent immunochromatographic chips enable semi-quantitative analysis by naked eye, and conventional colloidal gold nanoparticle colorimetric strips were also prepared. The compact and versatile hardware device making it easily integrable into smartphones of varying dimensions. Moreover, the wireless charging functionality of smartphones was to tackle power supply challenges. After optimized training, the accuracy, mAP@0.5, precision, and recall metrics of the YOLO v5 model all soared to 98 %. For the dual-modal immunochromatographic chips, the R2 values for the standard curve fits were as high as 0.993, with a broad linear range of 0.05–40 ng/mL and a standard deviation lower than 0.03 at each concentration. Finally, this system determined the grade of the AFB1 concentration with an accuracy of up to 98 % and it exhibited an ultra-sensitive quantitative detection capability with a limit of detection as low as 2.2 pg/mL, showcasing the reliability of the deep learning strategy for practical applications in smartphones. This robust technological foundation paves the way for potentially community-based, family-oriented, and personalized applications.

Evaluation of nutrient composition of selected small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to nutrient intakes

Small indigenous fish (SIF) are recognized as easily available, and abundant source of macronutrients and micronutrients in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to assess the existing heavy metal, mineral, vitamin, and others nutrient content of small indigenous freshwater fish in Bangladesh. Eight indigenous fish (Mola, Tengra, Baim, Punti, Chanda, Guchi, Koi, and Taki) were selected for this study. The AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods outlined were used to determine the proximate compositional analysis of fish. The highest fat content was found in koi fish. Protein was highest in both baim and taki fish. Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 content were highest in mola fish. Highest calcium and phosphorus were found in the chanda and taki fish. The study concludes that small indigenous fish are valuable sources of fat, protein, ash, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining good health. Our findings suggest that small indigenous fish could serve as a viable option for addressing the nutritional needs for the children (6–23 m age), and Pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh as a tool to fight malnutrition.

Graphene coated optical microfiber for aflatoxin B1 detection

We proposed a graphene coated microfiber-based sensor for enhancing Aflatoxin B1 detection at room temperature. The heat-and-pull technique was used to fabricate the microfiber while the graphene layer was coated using a drop-casting technique. Aflatoxin samples are used as a sensor sensing area soaking solution, whereby the prepared graphene-coated microfiber was used as a sensor probe. The sensing is based on the modulation of transmission intensity and wavelength shift induced by the alteration of concentration of aflatoxin B1 from 0 ppm to 10 ppm. There is an increase in sensitivity from 0.129 dBm/ppm to 0.187 dBm/ppm and an increase in resolution from 0.17 ppm to 0.037 ppm by coating graphene on the microfiber sensor. For the graphene coated microfiber-based sensor, the wavelength shift from 1525.37 nm to 1525.19 nm was obtained when the aflatoxin B1 concentration was increased from 0 to 10 ppm. It reveals a sensitivity of 0.018 nm/ppm with a linearity of more than 90 %. This finding shows that the proposed sensor can be used to detect various concentration of Aflatoxin sample with the ability to offer real time measurement.

A randomized crossover design study comparing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 2 single doses of oral aspirin (75 mg v 150 mg) in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia: implications on assessing aspirin response and patient adherence to therapy

BackgroundPregnancy is associated with physiological changes that can alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of many drugs. Low-dose aspirin is used for pre-eclampsia (PE) prevention; however aspirin's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are poorly studied in pregnant women. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the pharmacodynamics of two common doses of aspirin (75 and 150 mg) used for PE prevention in high-risk women by examining their effect on thromboxane B2 (TbxB2) inhibition. A secondary objective sought to assess if salicylic acid could be used as means to evaluate adherence to aspirin. Study DesignFourteen pregnant women from a large maternity unit in England, eligible for prophylactic aspirin according to NICE guidance, were recruited into 2 x 2 randomised crossover trial. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19-hours post ingestion of either 75 or 150 mg of aspirin with a 7-day washout period. Plasma concentrations of salicylic acid (SA), the primary metabolite of aspirin, were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacodynamic response to aspirin was assessed by measuring serum thromboxane B2 (TbxB2) concentrations by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analyte data were compared using nonparametric test statistics for paired values (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) and areas under serum SA concentration versus time curve (AUC). Pharmacokinetic modelling was used to bridge the data arising from the overnight sampling break.The trial was registered with the ISRCTN (reg number ISRCTN14693054). ResultsA single dose of 150 mg of aspirin produced higher plasma exposure of SA in comparison to 75 mg (median SA AUC0-19 16.7 μg*h/ml (IQR 15.2-19.3) vs 6.8 μg*h/ml (IQR 6.1- 8.3), p<0.001). Pharmacokinetic models suggest that plasma SA concentrations could be detected above the maximum concentration recorded at baseline for the first 11 hours after 75 mg and for 12 hours after 150 mg aspirin dosing, providing a time frame to confirm recent aspirin ingestion. The 150 mg aspirin dose produced a greater normalised reduction in serum TbxB2 (median normalised reduction 95.7% (IQR 92.6%- 97.3%) than the 75 mg dose (median normalised reduction 84.6% (IQR 77.3-92.3%), p<0.007. ConclusionCompared to the 75 mg dose, 150 mg of aspirin more effectively inhibits TbxB2, providing rationale for further investigation of effectiveness of higher doses for pre-eclampsia prevention. Despite limitations, measuring serum SA concentration could still be used in future models to test adherence if done within 11-12 hours after ingestion.