Biochemical Composition Research Articles

A growth phase analysis on the influence of light intensity on microalgal stress and potential biofuel production

It is urgent to find alternatives to fossil fuels to mitigate the effects of climate change. High light intensity during microalgal growth can promote lipid and carbohydrate accumulation (feedstocks to biofuels). However, more research needs to be done concerning the effect of this factor on microalgal productivity and biochemical composition from a growth phase point of view. This study evaluated the impact of high light intensities (291, 527 and 1107 μmol m−2 s−1) on Chlorella vulgaris growth in synthetic wastewater, nutrient assimilation and biochemical composition in late-exponential and stationary growth phases. Under the highest light intensity, a higher growth rate (0.54 ± 0.02 d−1) and maximum productivity (166 ± 13 mg/L d−1) were achieved. Also, nutrient removal efficiencies at the late-exponential phase reached 97.0 ± 0.2 % and 98.2 ± 0.1 % for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Under all light intensities tested at the stationary phase, microalgae also achieved high nutrient removal efficiencies (>95 %). Extreme light intensity (1107 μmol m−2 s−1) boosted the accumulation of carbohydrates (30 ± 3 % w/w) and lipids (13.0 ± 0.4 % w/w). Under lower light intensities, the content of these compounds did not change significantly between growth phases. The chlorophyll content decreased with the increasing light intensity and increasing exposure time. Exposing C. vulgaris to high light intensity seems promising to simultaneously treat wastewater and boost lipid and carbohydrate accumulation, which can be used for biofuel production.

Effects of salinity on the growth, physiological and biochemical components of microalga Euchlorocystis marina

Euchlorocystis marina, a new marine species of the genus Euchlorocystis discovered in 2022, has the potential to improve the water quality in mariculture ponds. However, the effects of salinity on the growth, physiology, and biochemical composition of these algae are not well understood. In this study, changes in physiological and biochemical indices such as cell density, photosynthetic pigment, polysaccharide, and lipid content of E. marina under different salinity treatments were analyzed. The results showed that the highest cell density was observed at a salinity of 15‰. The lowest photosynthetic pigment content was observed at a salinity of 60‰, and the highest polysaccharide and lipid content was observed at a salinity of 60‰. These results indicated that lower salinity was more conducive to E. marina reproduction and growth. E. marina can accumulate polysaccharides and lipids in high salinity environments. This study provides new information for understanding the salinity adaptation strategies of E. marina and has practical significance for its development and utilization.

Characterization of Betalain Content and Antioxidant Activity Variation Dynamics in Table Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) with Differently Colored Roots

Antioxidant properties, betalain profiles and biochemical composition were studied in table beets with maroon and yellow root colors. Features of dynamic changes during the growing season were described. Significant differences in antioxidant activity were found in table beet accessions with differently colored roots. Negative dynamics of antioxidant activity were observed in all accessions. Statistically significant differences were registered among the accessions in the total amounts of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls, and betalains. The group of maroon accessions demonstrated strong positive correlations between their antioxidant activity and total phenolics (r = 0.91), antioxidant activity and betacyanins (r = 0.80), and between betacyanins and phenolics (r = 0.90). The antioxidant activity in the accessions with yellow roots was associated with chlorophyll b (r = 0.85), ascorbic acid (r = 0.83), and total phenolics (r = 0.83). The data are presented on the structure of betalains in two table beet groups contrasting in their root color. The results of the study made it possible to identify key components in the biochemical profile of differently colored beetroots, associated with their high antioxidant activity. Dynamic changes were shown for the antioxidant activity and fractional composition of betalains in table beet during its growing season, and a conclusion was made concerning the higher nutritional value of maroon cultivars.

Comparative evaluation of the nutritional value and safety of yellow and red onions

Onion (Allium сера L.) has a rich biochemical composition, which has some variability depending on the type of onion and growing conditions. Still, at the same time, it is a 'valuable food product for humans. The purpose of the research was a comparative assessment of the nutritional 'value and safety of domestically produced fresh yellow and red onions. The biochemical characteristics, mineral composition, and safety indicators of vegetable products were studied. Red onions contain more protein (63%) and higher antioxidant activity (21%), while yellow onions contain more vitamin C and flavonoids by 10 and 76%, respectively. In yellow bulbs of essential mineral elements, there is more Fe (6.3 times), Mg (47.6%), К (35.3%), Ca (32.9%), Mn (12.8 %), Zn (by 9.5%), of the probably necessary elements - Sr and Cr by 2.2 and 1.9 times, respectively. Red bulbs are distinguished by an increased amount of Си by 28.1%, Ni and Si by 2.4 times, and by 13.5%, respectively. Potentially hazardous elements (As, Cd, Hg) were not identified in all onion samples. As for safety indicators, red onions contain slightly more nitrates (35.3%), and yellow onions contain the pesticide HCH (2.2 times), which does not contradict the requirements of TR CU 021/2011. Considering the quantity and levels of nutritional nutrients and the price characteristics of the onions studied, the most competitive products is yellow onions.

Morphological and biochemical indicators of duckling blood when using humic preparation

The influence of a humic preparation on the morphological and biochemical composition of the blood of ducklings was studied. A control and two experimental groups of day-old ducklings were formed to conduct the experiment. The birds of the 1st experimental group were additionally fed the drug in 100.0 ml/kg of feed to the main diet, the 2nd experimental group - 150.0 ml/kg. Blood for laboratory analysis was collected at one day, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of age. It was found that by the end of growing, the birds in the experimental groups had an increase in total protein in the blood by 6.9 - 7.5% compared to the control, and the amount of glucose increased by 6.4 - 10.1% against the background of a decrease in the amount of urea and bilirubin. The levels of uric acid and cholesterol in the blood changed slightly. The indicators of the morphological composition of blood have improved due to an increase in the number of erythrocytes by 6.8 - 8.7%, hemoglobin - by 5.2 - 7.6%. Normalization of the functional state of the ducklings ’bodies increased the bird’s safety over 56 days of rearing.

Macroalgae as Alkalizing Marine Drugs with a Low Potential Renal Acid Load

A growing interest in more sustainable and alternative food sources has brought seaweed and macroalgae to the spotlight for the general worldwide cuisine. Algae are often praised for their high nutritional value and are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Abundant in base precursors, algae are particularly interesting from an acid-base perspective. Their unique biochemical composition suggests a low potential renal acid load (PRAL), which is a commonly used estimate for the amount of acid or base a certain food produces in humans. Here, we analyzed the PRAL value of n = 106 macroalgae. Results suggested a strong alkalizing potential, with a mean PRAL value of −86.76 mEq/100 g. The lowest PRAL values were found for Laminaria ochroleuca (−286.78 mEq/100 g), Gelidium micropterum (−268.46 mEq/100 g), and Palmaria palmata (−259.16 mEq/100 g). We observed a strong inverse relationship of PRAL with algae’s potassium content (Spearman’s rho = −0.79, p<0.001) and a moderate relationship with algae’s calcium content (Spearmen’s rho: −0.34, p<0.001). Our data point at a potential role for several macroalgae as potent alkalizing marine drugs and suggest that a 10 g edible portion of some algae alone could contribute to a substantial PRAL reduction of up to −28.68 mEq. This might be of particular importance for individuals who benefit from a more alkaline diet and warrants further investigation in future studies.

Effect of temporal thermal stress on Penaeus vannamei: Growth performance and physiological plasticity.

The present study evaluated the effect of temporal periods of hypothermia and hyperthermia, followed by an optimal temperature recovery phase on the growth, survival, and physiological response of Penaeus vannamei. Post-larvae were exposed to stress periods for 7 and 14 days at 22 °C and 32 °C each, followed by a recovery phase at 28 °C to complete seven experimental weeks, and were compared with a control group maintained at 28 °C. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and survival were weekly determined. Muscle, hepatopancreas, and hemolymph were sampled on the 14th day of the recovery phase for biochemical composition, and antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities determination. The shrimp presented a higher growth rate during short-term hyperthermia in contrast to shrimp under hypothermia that presented compensatory growth after thermal stress when the temperature was restored at 28 °C. Hyperthermia increased 12–13% the feed intake while this was diminished 21–29% by the hypothermia periods. Shrimp undergo metabolic adjustments following thermal stress, with short hypothermia increasing the lipase activity and lipid storage in the hepatopancreas, while short hyperthermia also enhances chymotrypsin activity and leads to higher protein and lipid accumulation. Conversely, prolonged hyperthermia induces greater energy consumption, depleting lipid and glycogen stores, while hypothermia causes scarce mobilization of energy reserves during recovery phase. Antioxidant enzyme activities were not affected by short-thermal stress (7d), while prolonged thermal stress (14d) significantly affected SOD, CAT, and GPx activities. The present study provides important insights into the physiological plasticity of P. vannamei during recovery from thermal stress.

A biochemical feedback signal for hypothermia treatment for neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy: focusing on central nervous system proteins in biofluids

Hypothermia has been widely used to treat moderate to severe neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), yet evaluating the effects of hypothermia relies on clinical neurology, neuroimaging, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, and follow-up data on patient outcomes. Biomarkers of brain injury have been considered for estimating the effects of hypothermia. Proteins specific to the central nervous system (CNS) are components of nervous tissue, and once the CNS is damaged, these proteins are released into biofluids (cerebrospinal fluid, blood, urine, tears, saliva), and they can be used as markers of brain damage. Clinical reports have shown that CNS-specific marker proteins (CNSPs) were early expressed in biofluids after brain damage and formed unique biochemical profiles. As a result, these markers may serve as an indicator for screening brain injury in infants, monitoring disease progression, identifying damage region of brain, and assessing the efficacy of neuroprotective measures. In clinical work, we have found that there are few reports on using CNSPs as biological signals in hypothermia for neonatal HIE. The aim of this article is to review the classification, origin, biochemical composition, and physiological function of CNSPs with changes in their expression levels after hypothermia for neonatal HIE. Hopefully, this review will improve the awareness of CNSPs among pediatricians, and encourage future studies exploring the mechanisms behind the effects of hypothermia on these CNSPs, in order to reduce the adverse outcome of neonatal HIE.

Induction of volatile organic compounds in chrysanthemum plants following infection by Rhizoctonia solani.

This study investigated the effects of Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn infestation on the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and biochemical composition of ten cultivars of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl.) to bring new insights for future disease management strategies and the development of resistant chrysanthemum cultivars. The chrysanthemum plants were propagated vegetatively and cultivated in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. VOCs emitted by the plants were collected using a specialized system and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Biochemical analyses of the leaves were performed, including the extraction and quantification of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The emission of VOCs varied among the cultivars, with some cultivars producing a wider range of VOCs compared to others. The analysis of the VOC emissions from control plants revealed differences in both their quality and quantity among the tested cultivars. R. solani infection influenced the VOC emissions, with different cultivars exhibiting varying responses to the infection. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant effects of cultivar, collection time, and their interaction on the VOCs. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between certain pairs of VOCs. The results show significant differences in the biochemical composition among the cultivars, with variations in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds content. Interestingly, R. solani soil and leaf infestation decreased the content of carotenoids in chrysanthemums. Plants subjected to soil infestation were characterized with the highest content of phenolics. This study unveils alterations in the volatile and biochemical responses of chrysanthemum plants to R. solani infestation, which can contribute to the development of strategies for disease management and the improvement of chrysanthemum cultivars with enhanced resistance to R. solani.

Temporal variation in quality characteristics of nutritional constituents and bacterial community during dry salt-fermentation of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha)

Nutritional constituents and bacterial community of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) at different stages of dry salt-fermentation; namely, F1 (after 2 days of salting), F2 (after 5 days of salting) and F3 (ripe product after 15 days of salting) was studied. Dry salt-fermentation did not negatively affect proximate biochemical composition. Total protein content in F1, F2 and F3 was 10.14, 22.30 and 16.21 mg/ml, respectively. With progression of ripening process, protein solubility gradually decreased. In all stages, about 98% protein digestibility was found. TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) values at F1, F2 and F3 stages was 0.30, 0.41 and 0.95 mg MDA/kg, respectively and within acceptable limit. A total of 3,248 OTUs were found. Of the identified 48 phyla, Proteobacteria (66%), Firmicutes (18%) and Bacteroidota (11%) were abundant at F1 stage but Firmicutes (82%) and Proteobacteria (9%) were dominant at F3 stage. Significant differences in the microbial β-diversity among initial, interim and ripe product were observed. There was no significant α-diversity difference at individual stages of dry salt-fermentation of hilsa. Functional gene profile revealed that, in the final product microbial genes related to organismal systems replaced human disease related genes found in initial and interim product. These findings provide new clues for in-depth characterization of salt-fermented foods from viewpoint of food chemistry and microbiology.Graphical

Nutritional Composition and Phenolic Contents of Gracilariopsis longissima, Padina tetrastromatica and Ulva intestinalis from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh Coast

Seaweeds have become the focus of experts in recent years due to their biological characteristics and the variety of uses they have for both humans and animals. Biochemical composition, amino acids, fatty acids, and phenolic components were analyzed to explore the nutritive value of Gracilariopsis longissima, Padina tetrastromatica, and Ulva intestinalis from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh coast. Proximate composition and mineral content were determined according to the AOAC method. The high-performance liquid chromatography amino acid analysis system was used for the amino acid analysis and the fatty acid profile of the extracted oils was assessed as their methyl esters. The Folin–Ciocalteu technique was used to estimate the phenolic content and the aluminum chloride colorimetric technique was used to calculate the total flavonoid content. The three different species of seaweed had significantly different proximate compositions (P < 0.05), with G. longissima having the highest protein content. Except for sulfur, the mineral contents were likewise considerably higher (P < 0.05) in G. longissima. Although the amounts of the essential amino acids were greater than 50% of the total amino acids in the three studied seaweed species, the total amino acid composition of these three species differed significantly (P < 0.05). The findings indicated that lipid levels were low in all the assessed species, but unsaturated fatty acid levels were high, with G. longissima exhibiting the highest amounts. The results showed that, compared to the other species, G. longissima had a substantially higher (P < 0.05) level of total phenolic and flavonoid content. The three studied seaweed appear to be excellent for nutrition based on their overall nutritional profiles. However, due to high protein, unsaturated fatty acid, essential amino acid, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, G. longissima is the most promising seaweed that will be helpful for pharmaceutical and multifunctional food applications.

Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on the Red Microalga Porphyridium purpureum CNMN-AR-02, Cultivated on Two Nutrient Media

Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on the Red Microalga Porphyridium purpureum CNMN-AR-02, Cultivated on Two Nutrient Media

Variability in Morphological, Biochemical, and Proximate Yield Composition among Predominant Amaranthus hybridus Cultivars in South-West Nigeria

To mitigate food insecurity and the low economic status of amaranth farmers in south-west Nigeria, it is imperative to evaluate the predominant commercial A. hybridus cultivars using key yield and nutrient components to identify promising lines with optimum yield and nutritional quality. The current study evaluated five cultivars of Amaranthus hybridus in south-west Nigeria farms using key morphological, biochemical, and seed-proximate component parameters. The results revealed significant differences in the cultivars’ growth and yield indices. The number of leaves ranged from 16.40 to 29.48 (x- = 22.10) with plant height (x- = 50.28 cm), while other leaf metrics varied at maturity. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 49 to 90 days. Seed proximate composition also varied significantly. Carbohydrate content ranged from 65.01–76.28%, protein content 6.57–12.42%, ash content 2.73–3.59%, total polyphenols 23.36–29.64 mg/100 g GAE, and total antioxidants 31.6–181.59 mg/100 g AAE. The Pearson correlation matrix and path analysis showed significant relationships among the yield components. The phenotypic variance of the yield components mainly stemmed from environmental factors, indicating their crucial role in the traits’ expression. Careful evaluation of the cultivars revealed that AM-1 and AM-3 had the best growth and yield attributes. Additionally, the two cultivars showed a significant degree of relatedness, suggesting a common ancestor. They have the potential to increase productivity, farmers’ profitability, and consumers’ nutrient gain compared to other cultivars. They are recommended for cultivation and can be further crossed in breeding programs to develop superior lines.

Shenling Baizhu powder alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating autophagy and energy metabolism in high-fat diet-induced rats

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a burgeoning health problem worldwide, but no specific drug has been approved for its treatment. Shenling Baizhu powder (SL) is extensively used to treat NAFLD in Chinese clinical practice. However, the therapeutic components and pharmacological mechanisms of SL against NAFLD have not been thoroughly investigated. PurposeThis study aims to investigate the pharmacological impact and molecular mechanism of SL on NAFLD. MethodsFirst, we established an animal model of NAFLD by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, and evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of SL on NAFLD by physiological, biochemical, pathological, and body composition analysis. Next, the effect of SL on autophagic flow in NAFLD rats was evaluated by ultrastructure, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting. Moreover, an integrated strategy of targeted energy metabolomics and network pharmacology was performed to characterize autophagy-related genes and explore the synergistic effects of SL active compounds. UPLC-MS/MS, molecular docking combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the key compounds and genes. Finally, a network was established among SL-herb-compound-genes-energy metabolites-NAFLD, which explains the complicated regulating mechanism of SL on NAFLD. ResultsWe discovered that SL decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance, and improved systemic metabolic disorders and pathological abnormalities. Subsequently, an integrated strategy of targeted energy metabolomics and network pharmacology identified quercetin, ellagic acid, kaempferol, formononetin, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin and luteolin as key compounds; catalase (CAT), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) were identified as key genes; while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and succinate emerged as key energy metabolites. Mechanistically, we revealed that SL may exert its anti-NAFLD effect by inducing autophagy activation and forming a comprehensive regulatory network involving key compounds, key genes, and key energy metabolites, ultimately alleviating oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. ConclusionOur study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of SL in NAFLD models, and establishes a basis for the development of potential products from SL plant materials for the treatment of NAFLD.

Macromolecules with predominant β-pleated sheet proteins in extracellular vesicles released from Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef microgreens induce DNA damage-mediated apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells

Plant-derived bioactive macromolecules (i.e., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) were prepared as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Plant-derived EVs are gaining pharmaceutical research interest because of their bioactive components and delivery properties. The spherical nanosized EVs derived from Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef microgreens previously showed antiproliferative activity in HCT116 colon cancer cells from macromolecular compositions (predominantly proteins). To understand the mechanism of action, the biological activity studies, i.e., antiproliferation, cellular biochemical changes, DNA conformational changes, DNA damage, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes, apoptosis induction, and apoptotic pathways, were determined by neutral red uptake assay, synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, comet assay, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometry, and caspase activity assay, respectively. EVs inhibited HCT116 cell growth in concentration- and time-dependent manners, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 675.4 ± 33.8 μg/ml at 48 h and a selectivity index of 1.5 ± 0.076. HCT116 treated with EVs mainly changed the cellular biochemical compositions in the nucleic acids and carbohydrates region. The DNA damage caused no changes in DNA conformation. The apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were associated with the increased apoptotic cell population. The apoptotic cell death was induced by both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. EVs have potential as antiproliferative bioparticles.

Spatial and temporal detection of root exudates with a paper-based microfluidic device

Root exudates control critical processes in the rhizosphere, retaining water, selecting for beneficial microorganisms or solubilising nutrients prior to uptake by the plant. Analysing root exudation patterns however is challenging because existing methods are often destructive and unable to resolve spatial and temporal variations in the production of root exudates. Here, we present a paper-based microfluidic device with integrated colorimetric sensors for the continuous extraction and analysis of root exudates along plant roots. The microfluidic device used standard filter paper wax printer to create channels for water to carry the exudates towards the sensors. TiO2 nanotubes/alginate hydrogel-based sensors were used to analyse the glucose content of the root exudates of living plants. The study shows that the paper microfluidic substrate successfully extracts the released glucose from the root, and transfers it to the hydrogel-based sensor to be colorimetrically detected from independent sections of the root at different times, up to 7 days. This method was tested on two different wheat varieties Triticum aestivum (rgt Tocayo and Filon varieties), where significant differences in exudation patterns were recorded. This research demonstrates the feasibility of low-cost technological solution for high precision screening and diagnostic of the biochemical composition of root exudates.

Relationship between dietary fiber content and prebiotic potential of polysaccharides from the seaweeds of the North west coast of India

The macroalgae are a sustainable bioresource that can be harnessed for their functional food and nutraceutical applications. This study characterized the biochemical composition and bioactive potential of natural biological macromolecules, such as macroalgal polysaccharides extracted using a green, aqueous extraction process. The in-vitro antioxidant and antiglycemic activity of these polysaccharides were evaluated using model, free radical and antiglycemic compounds. The prebiotic potential of macroalgal polysaccharides were analysed based on their ability to promote the growth of two potential probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bulgaricus and suppress the growth of enteric bacteria, Escherichia coli. Among the polysaccharides studied, the brown algal polysaccharide MPS8 MPS9 and MPS10 exhibited good antioxidant, antiglycemic and prebiotic activity. Based on infrared spectroscopy, the functional groups sulfation and carboxylation were identified in potential polysaccharides. The monosaccharide composition in the bioactive polysaccharides was determined using High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography Pulse Amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD). These bioactive polysaccharides were fractionated using ion exchange chromatography to purify it and further characterized using gel permeation chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. The results these polysaccharides are mainly composed of fucose and glucose which is due to the fucoidan and laminarin, respectively. Such macromolecules with high dietary fiber content and bioactivity are in global demand as functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations.

Regional structure-function relationships of lumbar cartilage endplates

Cartilage endplates (CEPs) act as protective mechanical barriers for intervertebral discs (IVDs), yet their heterogeneous structure–function relationships are poorly understood. This study addressed this gap by characterizing and correlating the regional biphasic mechanical properties and biochemical composition of human lumbar CEPs. Samples from central, lateral, anterior, and posterior portions of the disc (n = 8/region) were mechanically tested under confined compression to quantify swelling pressure, equilibrium aggregate modulus, and hydraulic permeability. These properties were correlated with CEP porosity and glycosaminoglycan (s-GAG) content, which were obtained by biochemical assays of the same specimens. Both swelling pressure (142.79 ± 85.89 kPa) and aggregate modulus (1864.10 ± 1240.99 kPa) were found to be regionally dependent (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0067, respectively) in the CEP and trended lowest in the central location. No significant regional dependence was observed for CEP permeability (1.35 ± 0.97 * 10−16 m4/Ns). Porosity measurements correlated significantly with swelling pressure (r = −0.40, p = 0.0227), aggregate modulus (r = −0.49, p = 0.0046), and permeability (r = 0.36, p = 0.0421), and appeared to be the primary indicator of CEP biphasic mechanical properties. Second harmonic generation microscopy also revealed regional patterns of collagen fiber anchoring, with fibers inserting the CEP perpendicularly in the central region and at off-axial directions in peripheral regions. These results suggest that CEP tissue has regionally dependent mechanical properties which are likely due to the regional variation in porosity and matrix structure. This work advances our understanding of healthy baseline endplate biomechanics and lays a groundwork for further understanding the role of CEPs in IVD degeneration.

Variation and interrelationships in the growth, yield, and lodging of oat under different planting densities.

Oat is a dual-purpose cereal used for grain and forage. The demand of oat has been increasing as the understanding of the nutritional, ecological, and economic values of oat increased. However, the frequent lodging during the growing period severely affect the high yielding potential and the quality of the grain and forage of oat. Therefore, we used the lodging-resistant variety LENA and the lodging-sensitive variety QY2 as materials, implementing four different planting densities: 2.25×106 plants/ha (D1), 4.5×106 plants/ha (D2), 6.75×106 plants/ha (D3), and 9×106 plants/ha (D4). At the appropriate growth and development stages, we assessed agronomic traits, mechanical characteristics, biochemical compositions, yield and its components. The study investigated the impact of planting density on the growth, lodging, and yield of oat, as well as their interrelationships. Additionally, we identified the optimal planting density to establish a robust crop structure. The research aims to contribute to the high-yield and high-quality cultivation of oat. We observed that with increasing planting density, plant height, grass and grain yields of both varieties first increased and then decreased; root fresh weight, stem diameter, stem wall thickness, stem puncture strength, breaking strength, compressive strength, lignin and crude fiber contents, and yield components decreased; whereas the lodging rate and lodging coefficient increased. Planting density affects lodging by regulating plant height, height of center of gravity, stem wall thickness, internode length, and root fresh weight of oat. Additionally, it can impact stem mechanical strength by modulating the synthesis of lignin and crude fiber, which in turn affecting lodging resistance. Plant height, height of center of gravity, stem wall thickness, internode length, root fresh weight, breaking strength, compressive strength, lignin and crude fiber content, single-plant weight, grain yield and 1,000-grain weight can serve as important indicators for evaluating oat stem lodging resistance. We also noted that planting density affected grain yield both directly and indirectly (by affecting lodging); high density increased lodging rate and decreased grain yield, mainly by reducing 1,000-grain weight. Nonetheless, there was no significant relationship between lodging and grass yield. As appropriate planting density can increase the yield while maintaining good lodging resistance, in this study, 4.5×106 plants/ha (D2) was found to be the best planting density for oat in terms of lodging resistance and grass and grain yield. These findings can be used as a reference for oat planting.

Elite Genotypes of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata) Yield Food Product Quality Comparable to White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata)

Water yam (Dioscorea alata), also known as winged yam, is one of the most economically significant yam species, serving as a staple food crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Its widespread cultivation is due to its favorable agronomic characteristics, including high yield, improved tuber storability, and significant nutritional and health benefits. Despite these advantages, water yam often remains underutilized due to consumer biases towards its traditional food product quality, particularly for pounded yam preparations. In this study, we evaluated fifty-eight improved genotypes of water yams grown across three locations to assess their potential to produce superior food qualities comparable to the widely consumed white yams (D. rotundata). Seven white yams, including popular landraces, were used to set thresholds for desirable food quality. Through standardized analysis, yam samples were assessed for their biochemical composition and culinary and sensory texture attributes. The results revealed varying ranges of dry matter (DM), starch, sugar, protein, crude fiber (CF), fat, and amylose, spanning from 20.35 to 35.95 g/100 g, 42.81 to 83.31 g/100 g, 4.76 to 6.95 g/100 g, 4.33 to 6.62 g/100 g, 1.55 to 3.89 g/100 g, 0.32 to 0.53 g/100 g, and 29.27 to 38.52 g/100 g, respectively. The mean values (±SD) were found to be 29.85 ± 4.0 g/100 g (DM), 67.90 ± 44g/100 g (starch), 5.82 ± 0.64 g/100 g (sugar), 6.31 ± 1.31 g/100 g (protein), 2.14 ± 0.57 g/100 g (crude fiber), 0.44 ± 0.08 (fat), and 33 ± 16.43 g/100 g (amylose). Significant effects (p &lt; 0.001) of the planting environments and genotypes on the biochemical composition of the yam samples were observed, except for the sugar content. Furthermore, specific water yam genotypes, such as TDa 0900354, TDa 9801174, TDa 1401619, TDa 1400301, TDa 140091, TDa 0100029, TDa 1100793, TDa 1401249, TDa 1100242, and TDa 1401276, exhibited biochemical properties and culinary and sensory textural attributes akin to the improved white yam genotypes and their landrace counterparts. These findings underscore the potential for promoting selected water yam genotypes to diversify food options and reduce reliance on a limited array of crops, particularly in traditional food-insecure regions of tropical Africa.