Total Protein Content Research Articles

Physiological research of young Russian sturgeons in modern ecological conditions of the Caspian sea

In the Volga-Caspian fisheries basin, artificial reproduction of sturgeon species is the primary source of replenishing their natural populations. The aim of this study is to conduct physiological research on juvenile Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) in the western part of the Northern Caspian Sea, to establish the features of fish homeostasis. The physiological condition of the specimens was studied using a set of physiological and biochemical parameters. Hematological, biochemical, and morpho-histological parameters were evaluated. In the blood of the fish, the contents of hemoglobin, total protein, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, bilirubin, total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined. In the muscle tissue of juvenile Russian sturgeon, the physiological and biochemical indicators studied included the content of the main reserve substances of the body — total lipids and water-soluble protein. Histological methods were used to assess the morpho-functional state of the gills. The variability of physiological and biochemical parameters in juvenile Russian sturgeon was calculated using descriptive statistics based on parametric and non-parametric criteria in the blood and muscles. According to the results of correlation statistical analysis, significant changes were observed in the tissues of the sturgeon juveniles, aimed at providing the body with sources of energy and nutrients used for the functioning of body tissues and serving as reserve stocks, as well as maintaining regulatory mechanisms of metabolism and its changes depending on fluctuating environmental conditions. The morphological examination of the gills revealed vascular disorders, hyperplasia, swelling, and hypertrophy of the respiratory epithelium cells, corresponding to borderline disturbances from mild to moderate damage, which was the organ’s response to external environmental influences.

Eleutheroside B Pretreatment Attenuates Hypobaric Hypoxia‐Induced High‐Altitude Pulmonary Edema by Regulating Autophagic Flux via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway

ABSTRACTHigh‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life‐threatening disease, and autophagy deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of HAPE. Eleutheroside B (EB), which is the main bioactive component of Acanthopanax senticosus, exhibits various pharmacological activities. Our previous research demonstrated that autophagic structures were widely found in the ultrastructure of lung tissue in HAPE rats. However, whether EB regulates autophagy deficiency in HAPE remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of EB on hypobaric hypoxia‐induced HAPE and explore the underlying molecular mechanism of regulating autophagy. The rat model of high‐altitude pulmonary edema was replicated using a hypobaric hypoxic chamber. Rats were pretreated with EB or in combination with chloroquine or compound C. The pulmonary edema was assessed by the lung wet/dry ratio, total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and histological analysis. Inflammation and oxidative stress were measured using commercial biochemical kits. Autophagy and autophagic flux were evaluated by western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and adeno‐associated virus‐mRFP‐GFP‐labeled tandem fluorescence LC3. The AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway was detected by western blotting. EB alleviated hypobaric hypoxia‐induced pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, acid–base imbalance in the blood, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a dose‐dependent manner. EB restored impaired autophagic flux by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. However, chloroquine or compound C abolished eleutheroside B‐mediated autophagy flux restoration. EB has the potential to restore impaired autophagic flux in the lung of hypobaric hypoxia‐induced HAPE rats, which could be attributed to the activation of AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Safety and effectiveness of dual channels vancomycin administration in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery.

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of vancomycin intravenous drip combined with vancomycin intrathecal injection in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery. From January 2020 to June 2022, 80 patients with intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery were selected and randomly divided into 2 subgroups; there were 40 patients in each subgroup. All patients were treated with vancomycin. The control subgroup was medicated with intravenous drip, and the observation subgroup was treated through 2 channels (intravenous drip + intrathecal injection), with a course of 7 days. The clinical efficacy, intracranial pressure, infection control time, routine indexes of cerebrospinal fluid (white blood cell count [WBC], glucose content [Glu], and total protein content [Pro]) and the incidence of adverse reactions were contrasted between the 2 subgroups. Versus the control subgroup, the total effective rate in the observation subgroup was notably higher (95.00% vs 77.50%). After treatment, aiming at the intracranial pressure and infection control time, versus the control subgroup (146.20 ± 22.37) mmH2O and (9.86 ± 1.62) days, the observation subgroup were (125.43 ± 18.5) mmH2O and (7.35 ± 1.57) days respectively, which were notably lower. After treatment, versus the control subgroup, the concentrations of WBC and Pro in cerebrospinal fluid in the observation subgroup were lower, and the content of Glu was higher. There was no statistical distinction in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 subgroups (17.50% vs 10.00%). Two-channel administration of vancomycin can improve the clinical efficacy of internal infection after severe craniocerebral injury, reduce intracranial pressure, and cerebrospinal fluid WBC and Pro levels, and has high safety.

Comparative Analysis of the Potential Adaptability of Tibetan Dzo and Yellow Cattle Based on Blood Indices, Metabolites, and Fecal Microbiota.

This study aimed to investigate the differences in environmental adaptability between dzo and Tibetan yellow cattle by using corresponding assay kits to analyze blood indices, utilizing mass spectrometry for blood metabolite profiling, and performing 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal microbiota. Forty female cattle were randomly divided into a dzomo (female dzo) group (MG, n = 20) and a Tibetan-yellow-cattle group (HG, n = 20). After 150 days of uniform feeding, six cattle from each group were randomly picked for jugular blood sampling and collection of fecal microorganisms. The results showed that the serum albumin, creatinine, total protein, superoxide dismutase, IgG, and IgM concentrations in the MG group were higher (p < 0.05), whereas the serum triglyceride concentration was lower, compared to the HG group (p < 0.05). The higher level of phospholipids containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (PC (18:5e/2:0), PC (20:5e/2:0), LPC 18:2, LPC 20:5) observed in the serum of the dzo suggests that they have an advantage in adapting to the challenging conditions of the plateau environment. The fecal microbiota analysis showed that Akkermansia was significantly enriched in the MG group; this might be the key bacterial genus leading to the strong adaptability of dzo. Our findings indicated the dzo's superior adaptation to the Tibetan Plateau's harsh environment.

Beneficial effects of Haematococcus pluvialis on growth and hepatopancreas health status in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) via remodeling the gut microbial metabolic functions

Plant proteins fulfill roles in low-fishmeal diets for crustaceans, but their overuse could have negative effects. Haematococcus pluvialis has the potential to be used as a functional additive due to its high astaxanthin. As such, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary H. pluvialis supplementation on growth, hepatopancreas health, and gut metabolic functions in crayfish. 720 crayfish with average weight around 9.20 g were randomized into six treatments (HP0, HP0.3, HP0.6, HP0.9, HP1.2, and HP1.5) in three replications each, and fed six different dosages of H. pluvialis over sixty days. Crayfish exposed to H. pluvialis at concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 % showed significant increases in final average weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate (P < 0.05) compared to the HP0 group, together with the highest contents of muscle and shell astaxanthin in the HP0.9 group. Furthermore, increasing H. pluvialis supplementation exhibited the potential to repair hepatopancreas, as demonstrated by the decrease in hemolymph malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the increase in the total protein content, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Moreover, high H. pluvialis diets improved microbial dysbiosis by increasing specific microbes, the alpha diversity index, and shifting prominent phyla such as Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Specifically, dietary H. pluvialis inclusion significantly decreased Vibrio (Proteobacteria) compared to the HP0 group (P < 0.05), but Tyzzerella (Firmicutes) showed the opposite regulatory pattern. A further statistical check revealed that 20 differential OTUs were shared by all H. pluvialis groups compared to the HP0 group, with OTU1439 and OTU2941 identified as the main growth-liver health contributors. Accordingly, high H. pluvialis diets contributed to more complex and stable microbial networks, and down-regulated alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Taken above, the optimal dietary H. pluvialis inclusion level was recommended to be 0.78–0.86 % according to the growth and astaxanthin contents. High H. pluvialis feeding reversed gut microbial dysfunction and improved hepatopancreas antioxidant capacity.

Organoenergetic Investigation on the Potential of Industrial Brewers' Spent Grain Valorization for Biogas Production

Cameroon is a high country producer and consumer of beer in Africa which has various breweries generating a large amount of brewer spent grain (BSG) yearly. This study was designed to investigate the potential use of spent grains derived from the Cameroonian brewing industry as a viable and sustainable energy source for biogas production. A comprehensive proximate analysis was performed, focusing on key physicochemical parameters including moisture content, acidity level, ash content, and the proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, thereby enabling the derivation of their energy value to determine the organoenergetic profile. Physicochemical characterization of the spent grains revealed a pH of 5.6, moisture content of 8%, and ash content of 9.8% at 450 °C for 2 h using a muffle furnace. The organic composition included a high iron content of 194.2 mg/100 g, an organic matter content of 99%, a total organic carbon (TOC) content of 57.39%, a total nitrogen content of 3%, and a nitrogen-carbon ratio of 19.13%. In addition, the spent grains exhibited substantial concentrations of total protein (18.75%), crude fiber (3.6%), lipids (8.7%), and carbohydrates (51.15%), with an energy value of 14.97 MJ/kg. Moreover, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was determined to be 3,880 mg/kg, while the lower calorific value (LCV) was 19.76 MJ/kg, resulting in a COD/TOC ratio of 86.03. These findings showed that the spent grain from Cameroonian brewery has a significant organ energetic potential based on its components and physicochemical properties, thereby highlighting their suitability as a valuable resource for biogas generation.

Analysis of changes in nutritional compounds of dried yellow chili after different processing treatments

Dried yellow chili is highly appreciated by consumers due to its excellent quality and flavor. The quality of products is determined by the drying and storage methods. In this study, dried yellow chilis were processed by natural air drying and hot air drying methods and then stored under three conditions: ambient temperature, ambient temperature with light avoidance, and at 10 °C with light avoidance for 12 months. The changes in the bioactive compounds during this period were analyzed attempting to reveal correlations between the different treatments and these compounds, with the aim of providing references for maintaining the bioactive compounds of pepper products. The results showed that samples treated with hot air had higher levels of fatty acids, resulting in a more pronounced flavor. During storage, samples stored at 10 °C with light avoidance were more effective in preserving soluble solids, total protein content, total phenols, capsaicinoids and most fatty acids.

Biochemical blood parameters in platinum fox females and males in ontogenesis

Currently, veterinarians pay much attention to the diagnostic examination of animals, including animals kept on fur farms. Blood is the main material used for such examinations. Changes in its composition allows veterinary practitioners to identify disorders in various systems and organs of animals, as well as to assess metabolism in animals. Results of biochemical tests of serum samples from platinum fox males and females of different age groups and comparative assessment thereof are presented. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (U/L), alanine aminotransferase (U/L), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), total protein (g/L), albumin (g/L), urea (mmol/L), creatinine (μmol/L), α-amylase (U/L), cholesterol (μmol/L) were determined. Aspartate aminotransferase levels in females at the age of 6 months were lower by 69% than that ones in males. Increase in aspartate aminotransferase by the age of 6 months helps animals to accumulate body weight before winter. Sexual differences in the alkaline phosphatase levels were detected in 1.5-month-old kits: alkaline phosphatase levels were higher by 21.05% in males than in females. By the age of 6 months, the alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in both males and females. The decline in alkaline phosphatase level with the age is associated with participation of this enzyme in the development of animal skeleton during ontogenesis. From the age of 4 months, the growth and development of the skeleton slows down, and by the age of 6 months the animals gain the size and body weight of adult animals. Urea and creatinine levels in foxes of both sexes increased during their growth, but remained within the reference limits. Changes in urea levels in blood can be caused by feeding excessively high-protein or excessively low-protein diets. The total protein content in sera from 4 month-old males and females decreased by 32.51 and 43.24%, respectively, compared with that one in sera from animals at the age of 1.5 months, and increased at the age of 6 months up to the level observed at the age of 4 months. According to the literature, rather rapid stabilization of protein metabolism is a biological feature of many mammals born in spring, their growth rate is accelerated and, in general, the maturity phase is shortened.

Hematological biomarkers of systemic inflammation in predicting long-term treatment response of temporomandibular disorders

BackgroundChronic systemic inflammation has been proposed as the underlying mechanism of pain chronicity in several pain conditions. In spite of the growing evidence supporting the role of systemic inflammatory markers as a diagnostic tool, their role has not been analyzed in a well-defined group of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients until now. This study aimed to investigate the association between various clinical features and comorbidity levels of TMD in relation to hematological markers and seek its association with long-term treatment response.MethodsClinical features and hematological indices including those for systemic inflammation were assessed in TMD patients (n = 154). Examinations were re-done after 6 months of conservative treatment. Patients were divided into pain improved and unimproved groups based on ≥ 2 numeric rating scale improvement in pain intensity at 6 months for final analysis.ResultsThe portion of patients with low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (p = 0.026), total protein (p = 0.014), hemoglobin (p = 0.040), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.042) values showed significant differences according to prognosis groups. Low hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with unfavorable response to long-term treatment (β = 1.706, p = 0.018). High pre-treatment pain intensity (β=-0.682, p < 0.001) and low Graded Chronic Pain Scale (β = 1.620, p = 0.002) could predict significant pain improvement with long-term treatment.ConclusionsHematologic assessment could be considered in addition to clinical examination to better determine long-term prognosis in TMD patients.

Ulva sp.'nin aktif bileşiklerinin elde edilmesi için ekstraksiyon koşullarının optimizasyonu

Ulva sp., a green macroalgae known as sea lettuce, is rich in polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antimutagenic, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and nutraceutical properties. Its abundance along the Aegean Sea coast poses an environmental challenge, as it is often disposed of as waste. However, Ulva sp. holds potential for high-value products in cosmetics and dietary supplements. Optimizing the extraction of its bioactive compounds using response surface methodology involved adjusting ethanol concentration, solid/liquid ratio, and extraction time. Key responses evaluated included yield, total polysaccharides, total protein, total phenol, total antioxidant activity, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and yeast cell glucose uptake. In this study, extraction yields ranged from 0.86% to 22.47% based on variations in extraction conditions. The highest total protein content was 106.88 mg BSA/g dry extract, while the polysaccharide content was determined to be 15.42%. The highest values for total phenol content and antioxidant capacity were found to be 82.15 mg GAE/g dry extract and 63.63 mg Trolox/g dry extract, respectively. The determination of the total amounts of antioxidants and phenolic compounds in extracts may expand their potential applications. In addition, the potential application of Ulva sp extracts as inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes has been demonstrated through experiments assessing both alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and glucose uptake in yeast cells. The results support an environmentally friendly approach for the utilization of Ulva sp. from waste into valuable antidiabetic products.

Extract of Nanhaia speciosa J. Compton & Schrire alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via the NF-κB/Nrf2/AQPs pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNanhaia speciosas J. Compton & Schrire (the name Nanhaia speciosas J. Compton & Schrire has been accepted by the World Checklist of Vascular Plants https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001444004) is a traditional Zhuang medicine that have been widely used for centuries. It has been used in the treatment of lung inflammation, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, lumbar muscle strain, and various other ailments, such as chronic hepatitis, menoxenia, leukorrhea, and injuries. In addition, N. speciosa has also been used to treat acute lung injury (ALI). Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of various constituents present in N. speciosas extract (NSE) on ALI and the related mechanisms while also elucidating the potential active monomeric components. Materials and methodsNSE was extracted using an AB-8 macroporous resin column, and five fractions (Fr. 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 95%) were obtained. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of the five fractions were evaluated in an A549 cell-based in vitro model, with the aim of evaluating their potential therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of NSE were assessed in a murine model of ALI induced by intratracheal injection of LPS. We utilized an in vitro model to analyse the critical molecular mechanisms through which NSE ameliorates ALI. The chemical composition of the optimal fraction was analysed and confirmed using UHPLC/MS. ResultsDifferent fractions (especially Fr. 75%) significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in A549 cells. Fr.75% abrogated LPS-induced pathological alterations and decreased the lung W/D ratio, total protein concentration in BALF, and the levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Moreover, Fr.75% reduced MPO and MDA concentrations and elevated SOD and GSH concentrations in pulmonary tissues. Additionally, it decreased the pulmonary tissue inflammation caused by LPS by downregulating the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and upregulating the expression of Nrf2, AQP1 and AQP5. Fr. 75% decreased p-NF-κB p65 protein levels; increased Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, AQP1 and AQP5 protein levels; and promoted the entry of Nrf2 into the nucleus. After UHPLC/MS analysis was conducted, the flavonoid Maackiain was determined to potentially play a pivotal role in this process. ConclusionFr.75% alleviates ALI by regulating the NF-κB/Nrf2/AQPs signalling pathway. The flavonoid Maackiain may also play an important role in this process. Overall, N. speciosas may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of ALI.

A Comparison of White and Yellow Seminal Plasma Phosphoproteomes Obtained from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Semen.

Seminal plasma is rich in proteins originating from various male reproductive organs. The phosphorylation of these proteins can significantly impact sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Phosphoproteomics identifies, catalogues, and characterizes phosphorylated proteins. The phosphoproteomic profiling of seminal plasma offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that influence semen quality and male fertility. Thus, the aim of this study was a phosphoproteomic analysis of white and yellow turkey seminal plasma. The experimental material consisted of 100 ejaculates from BIG-6 turkeys between 39 and 42 weeks of age. The collected white and yellow turkey seminal plasmas were analyzed for total protein content; the activity of selected enzymes, i.e., alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT); and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Phosphoproteins were isolated from white and yellow seminal fluids, and the resulting protein fractions were separated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Phosphorylated residues were immunodetected, and the isolated phosphoproteins were identified (nano LC-MS/MS). Yellow seminal plasmas were characterized by higher levels of total protein, GSH, and MDA, as well as higher levels of ALP, ACP, and GPx activity. There were no significant differences in the activity of SOD and CAT. A total of 113 phosphoproteins were identified in turkey seminal fluids. The functional analysis demonstrated that these phosphoproteins were mainly involved in oocyte fertilization, organization and metabolism of the actin cytoskeleton, amplification of the intracellular signal transduction pathway, general regulation of transport, vesicular transport, proteome composition of individual cellular compartments, and the organization and localization of selected cellular components and macromolecules. Increased phosphorylation of the fractions containing proteins encoded by SPARC, PPIB, TRFE, QSOX1, PRDX1, PRDX6, and FASN genes in white plasmas and the proteins encoded by CKB, ORM2, APOA1, SSC5D, RAP1B, CDC42, FTH, and TTH genes in yellow plasmas was observed based on differences in the optical density of selected bands. The obtained results indicate that the phosphorylation profiles of turkey seminal plasma proteins vary depending on the type of ejaculate.

Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Performance and Mastitis in Dairy Cows.

Mastitis is an important factor affecting the health of cows that leads to elevated somatic cell counts in milk, which can seriously affect milk quality and result in huge economic losses for the livestock industry. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of melatonin on performance and mastitis in dairy cows. Forty-eight Holstein cows with a similar body weight (470 ± 10 kg), parity (2.75 ± 1.23), number of lactation days (143 ± 43 days), BCS (3.0-3.5), milk yield (36.80 ± 4.18 kg), and somatic cell count (300,000-500,000 cells/mL) were selected and randomly divided into four groups: control (CON group), trial Ⅰ (T80 group), trial Ⅱ (T120 group), and trial Ⅲ (T160 group). Twelve cows in trial groups I, II, and III were pre-dispensed 80, 120, and 160 mg of melatonin in edible glutinous rice capsules along with the basal ration, respectively, while the control group was fed an empty glutinous rice capsule along with the ration. The trial period was 37 days, which included a 7-day adaptive phase followed by a 30-day experimental period. At the end of the trial period, feeding was ended and the cows were observed for 7 days. Milk samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 37 to determine the somatic cell number and milk composition. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 37 of the trial to determine the serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant and immune indicators, and the amount of melatonin in the blood. The results showed that the somatic cell counts of lactating cows in the CON group were lower than those in the T120 group on days 14 (p < 0.05) and 28 (p < 0.01) at 1 week after melatonin cessation. The milk protein percentage and milk fat percentage of cows in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). The total protein and globulin content in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). In terms of antioxidant capacity and immunity, the cows 1 week after melatonin cessation showed higher superoxide dismutase activity and interleukin-10 contents (p < 0.01) compared with the CON group and lower malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-alpha contents (p < 0.01) compared with the T120 group. The melatonin content in the T120 group was increased relative to that in the other groups. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin can increase the content of milk components, reduce the somatic cell count, and improve the antioxidant capacity and immune responses to a certain extent. Under the experimental conditions, 120 mg/day melatonin is recommended for mid- to late-lactation cows.

Effects of dietary cholesterol on ovary development and reproductive capacity in Pacific white shrimp broodstock, Litopenaeus vannamei

Cholesterol is an important component of fresh biological baits and essential precursor to synthesize steroid hormones for crustacean. However, the cholesterol demand in Pacific white shrimp broodstock and its roles on ovary development and reproductive capacity are unknown. In the present study, female Pacific white shrimp broodstock (initial weight 51.3 ± 0.5 g) were fed with three diets contained 0.5 %, 1 % or 1.5 % cholesterol for 45 days. The results found that dietary cholesterol levels did not affect survival rate, weight gain, egg-laying number, vitellogenin content and vitellogenin receptor gene expression in the hepatopancreas. However, the hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, egg diameter, vitellogenin level in the ovary and fertilized egg, C22:6n-3 (DHA) level in the fertilized egg, total protein, triglyceride and cholesterol contents were all increased in the 1.0 % and 1.5 % cholesterol groups than those in the 0.5 % cholesterol group. Moreover, compared with the 0.5 % and 1.0 % cholesterol groups, the 1.5 % cholesterol group had significantly higher gonad maturation number, mating rate, estradiol level in the hemolymph, steroid hormones synthesis related genes (HMGCR, StAR, 17βHSD and 1vMFBP) expression in the ovary and hepatopancreas. In conclusion, dietary 1.5 % cholesterol could promote ovary development and reproductive capacity in female Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock by improving nutrients accumulation and steroid hormones synthesis pathway. Our results provide guidance for design of artificial compound feed and healthy development of shrimp broodstock farm.

A field study to optimize protein and lipid levels in diet for cage-cultured subadult rockfish Sebastes schlegelii

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth, body composition, serum biochemistry, digestion and metabolism, and oxidation resistence of S. schlegelii fed 9 diets in a 3×3 factorial design (protein levels: 44 %, 48 %, 52 %; lipid levels: 6 %, 10 %, 14 %), to optimize protein and lipid levels for practical feed formula. Rockfish (114.25 g) were stocked into 27 cages in an offshore system and fed test diets to satiation twice daily for 8 weeks. Growth increased but feed conversion rate decreased with dietary protein increasing. Increasing dietary protein to >48 % led to reduced feeding intake but increased protein efficiency ratio. Lipid efficiency ratio increased with dietary protein increasing but decreased with dietary lipid increasing. Hepatosomatic index decreased coupling with the increases in condition factor and liver lipid content as dietary lipid increased to 14 %. Intraperitoneal fat ratio increased with dietary lipid increasing. Increasing dietary protein to > 48 % significantly elevated serum total protein and glucose concentrations, hepatic glycogen synthase activity. High-protein (52 %) diets elevated serum albumin and urea nitrogen concentrations, hepatic pyruvate kinase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities but downregulated hepatic growth-hormone (GH) receptor. Activities of trypsin, lipase, serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity decreased with the dietary lipid increasing. Increasing dietary lipid to > 10 % reduced serum GH concentration, and high-lipid (14 %) diets significantly enhanced serum triglyceride concentration and hepatic transaminases activities, and resulted in a visual increase of adipocytes in liver. Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein decreased as dietary protein increased to 48–52 % or dietary lipid >10 %. Hepatic succinate dehydrogenase activity and serum IGF-1 significantly increased while hepatic fatty acid synthetase decreased as dietary protein increased to >48 % or dietary lipid >10 %. High-protein (52 %) diet or high-lipid (14 %) diet elevated serum malonaldehyde concentration. These findings suggested 48 % protein and 10 % lipid were the optimal in diet for subadult S. schlegelii.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE CONTENT OF THE TOTAL PROTEIN SARS-COV-2 OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS

One of the main requirements for the new vaccines being created is their safety in use, including the total protein content, which are one of the main indicators of the quality and safety of vaccines. This article presents the results of work on the comparative analysis of methods for determining the total protein in the active pharmaceutical substance (AFS) and also the bulk product of the vaccine "QazCovid-in ® .Determination of the total protein concentration was carried out by comparing the methods of Lowry, Bradford, commercial sets of Clini Test-BL and BSA Gold Protein. As a result of the determination of the total protein in the composition of the AFS by the classical Lowry method and the commercial CliniTest-BL kit, the highest values were obtained on average 616.67 and 589 μl/ml, and in the bulk product 51.11 and 47.38 μl/ml, respectively. The most minimal indicator of the total protein content of 38.39±0.000059 is shown by the method using the commercial BSA Gold Protein kit. The average values of total protein content showed the results obtained by the Bradford method and the determination of total protein by a commercial set of Clini Test-BL. The data obtained allow us to recommend the use of a set of Clini Test-BL for use in quality control, since this set is characterized by the ease and speed of the determination method, which is not inferior to the classical Lowry method. When determining the total protein content in the bulk product used to prepare the QazVac vaccine against COVID-19, the classical Lowry method showed the best result with a high degree of sensitivity.

Effects of High-Intensity Training on Complete Blood Count, Iron Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Liver, and Kidney Function Tests of Professional Water Polo Players.

Our goal was to examine the effect of high-intensity physical activity on changes in the lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC), iron metabolism, and kidney and liver function tests of professional water polo players. This study included twenty professional male water polo players. Blood sampling was carried out at the beginning of the season and during periods of high-intensity training. CBCs were determined with a Siemens Advia 2120i hematology analyzer. A Beckman CoulterAU680 chemistry analyzer was used to determine the serum concentrations/activities of lipid profiles and liver and kidney function test analytes. The lipid athlete scores were also determined. The mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.006), platelet count (p = 0.008), and mean platelet volume (p < 0.001) significantly decreased during the high-intensity period, compared with the beginning of the season. The total iron-binding capacity increased (p = 0.001), and ferritin concentrations significantly declined (p = 0.017). The lipid profiles revealed a significant difference between phases, with slight increases in serum total (p = 0.025) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) levels and a decrease in triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.040) in the high-intensity period. During the high-intensity period, the liver and kidney function tests showed a substantial positive effect on lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.028) serum activity, and total protein concentrations (p = 0.033), compared with the beginning of the season. Water polo players might exhibit a decrease in some CBC parameters, an increase in LDL cholesterol, and a decrease in liver function biomarkers due to intense training at the peak of the competitive season. Kidney function biomarkers remain unchanged.

Exogenous application of silica nanoparticles mitigates combined salt and low-temperature stress in cotton seedlings by improving the K+/Na+ ratio and antioxidant defense

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) have been demonstrated to alleviate the adverse impacts of salt or low temperature on crop growth, especially for individual stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory effect of SiO2-NPs on plant performance under combined salt and low-temperature stress. Therefore, a phytotron experiment was performed to explore the effects of SiO2-NPs application (0, 50, 100, 200 mg L−1) on the plant growth, ionic content, antioxidant activities, photosynthetic parameters, and osmoregulator concentrations of cotton seedlings subjected to the combined stress of salinity (50, 100, and 150 mmol L−1 NaCl) and low temperature (day and night temperatures of 15 and 10 °C). The results indicated that the combinatorial stress strongly decreased the plant height and leaf area of cotton seedlings, and obviously suppressed the aboveground biomass by 10.26 %, 11.42 %, and 15.70 % with the increase in salinity. While SiO2-NPs application significantly increased the plant growth, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities, leaf water potential, K+, and proline contents, and reduced the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio of cotton seedlings under the combinatorial stress. However, the effects of SiO2-NPs on reduced glutathione, total soluble sugar and protein content, and peroxidase activity did not exhibit a clear pattern. The aboveground biomass of cotton seedlings subjected to the combinatorial stress was closely correlated with the Na+/K+ ratio, Na+ content, K+ content, proline content, SOD activity, and CAT activity, indicating that SiO2-NPs could alleviate the suppression of combinatorial stress on cotton seedling growth by decreasing the Na+/K+ ratio and increasing the antioxidant capacity.

Application of Asteraceae biomass and biofertilizers to improve potato crop health by controlling black scurf disease.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation in Pakistan faces challenges, with black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn being a significant concern. Conventional methods like chemical fungicides partially control it, but an effective solution is lacking. This study explores the potential of biofertilizers and soil amendments from Asteraceae weed biomass to manage the disease. Two potato varieties, Karoda and Sante, were chosen, and two biofertilizers, Fertibio and Feng Shou, were tested alone or with Xanthium strumarium biomass. Disease pressure was highest in the positive control, with significant reduction by chemical fungicide. X. strumarium biomass also decreased disease incidence significantly. Fertibio showed better efficacy than Feng Shou. Physiological and biochemical attributes of plants improved with biofertilizer and biomass application. Tuber weight, photosynthetic pigments, total protein content, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, and PPO) were positively correlated. Combined application of Fertibio and S. marianum biomass effectively managed black scurf disease. These eco-friendly alternatives could enhance disease management and yield. Future research should explore their cost-effectiveness, commercialization, and safety.

Influence of herbaceous litter thickness on bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties of aeolian sand.

The change and mechanism of soil and soil bacterial diversity during the change of herbaceous litter thickness in desert areas is crucial to understand. In the study, the dominant herbaceous litter mixture in Baijitan National Nature Reserve was selected as the research material, and an experiment was established by adjusting the litter depth. The results showed that the measured values of soil physicochemical factors (total nitrogen, total protein, total potassium, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, and soil water content) increased with the increase of herbaceous litter mixture thickness in 0-5cm soil layer. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadetes were the dominant bacterial phyla under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0-5 and 5-10cm soil layers. Balneimonas, Rubrobacter, and Geodermatophilus were the dominant bacterial genera under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0-5 and 5-10cm soil layers. There was no obvious change in the α-diversity index of bacterial community the same soil layer, but the α-diversity index in the 0-5cm soil layer was lower compared to the 5-10cm soil layer. The results of this study revealed that the change of herbaceous litter thickness had no significant effect on soil bacterial community structure in desert areas.