Decrease In Protein Content Research Articles

Low-N stress tolerant maize hybrids have higher fertilizer N recovery efficiency and reduced N-dilution in the grain compared to susceptible hybrids under low N conditions

ABSTRACT Developing high yielding maize (Zea mays L.) varieties that have relatively high grain protein content under low nitrogen stress is critical to ensure food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the efficiency for fertilizer N recovery, grain yield and grain protein content of 10 maize hybrids selected for their contrasting yield performance under low-N stress conditions in the field. The hybrids were grown under 6 N rates (0-10-20-40-80 and 160 kg Ammonium Nitrate ha−1) at 2 sites that differ for residual soil nitrogen (N-NO3). Fertilizer N recovery, estimated using the difference method, decreased with increasing N rates or residual soil N and was significantly higher for the low-N tolerant (LNT) hybrids than low-N sensitive (LNS) hybrids, especially at low N rates. Although there was yield increase with increased N rate, the yield of tolerant hybrids responded more strongly than that of sensitive ones. Under low residual soil N, higher grain yield was associated with lower grain protein content in both low-N tolerant and susceptible hybrids but tolerant ones exhibited a significantly lower decrease in grain protein content compared to susceptible hybrids. In addition, LNT hybrids were able to maintain relatively higher grain protein content at high yield level under depleted soil N conditions as well as under high N level. We concluded that LNT hybrids could contribute to optimizing the use of small N fertilizer rates by resource-poor smallholder farmers to increase the nutritional value and profitability of producing maize.

Water Stress-Induced Responses in the Growth, Cuticular Wax Composition, Chloroplast Pigments and Soluble Protein Content, and Redox Metabolism of Two Genotypes of Ricinus communis L.

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses to three different water regimes in two castor bean genotypes (BRS Energia and BRS Nordestina) with different drought tolerance. After 67 days of sowing and 28 days under different water stress levels, some growth parameters were affected by increased stress, resulting in lower height, root, and shoot biomass, leaf area, and number of mature leaves. The increase in cuticular wax load on leaves was prominent under higher water stress. Triterpene and primary alcohols were the main constituent classes identified, but their content did not change under water deficit. Changes primarily occurred in the n-alkane and fatty acid classes. Water stress caused an increase in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, a decrease in soluble protein content, and an increase in the activity of key enzymes of the antioxidant defense system (SOD, CAT, and APX). The BRS Nordestina genotype demonstrated a more efficient protection mechanism against drought compared to BRS Energia.

Changes in Salivary Proteome in Response to Bread Odour.

It is widely recognized that smelling food results in a mouth-watering feeling and influences appetite. However, besides changes in volume, little is known about the effects that food odours have on the composition of saliva. The aim of the present study was to access the effects that smelling bread has on saliva proteome and to compare such effects with those of chewing and ingesting it. Besides a significant increase in saliva flow rate, together with a decrease in total protein concentration, bread odour induced changes in the proportion of different salivary proteins. The expression levels of two spots of cystatins and two spots of amylase increased due to olfactory stimulation, similar to what happened with bread mastication, suggesting that odour can allow anticipation of the type of food eaten and consequently the physiological oral changes necessary to that ingestion. An interesting finding was that bread odour increased the expression levels of several protein spots of immunoglobulin chains, which were decreased by both bread or rice mastication. This may be of clinical relevance since food olfactory stimulation of salivary immunoglobulins can be used to potentiate the oral immune function of saliva. Moreover, the effects of bread odour in the levels of salivary proteins, previously observed to be involved in oral food processing led to the hypothesis of an influence of this odour in the sensory perception of foods further ingested. Further studies are needed to elucidate this point, as well as whether the changes observed for bread odour are specific, or if different food odours lead to similar salivary proteome responses.

Age‐Associated Changes in Cerebrovascular Function and BK Channel Function are Sex‐Specific

Large conductance potassium (BK) channels are known to regulate the myogenic reactivity, yet, it is not clear if aging alters the myogenic reactivity via the BK channel in males and females. Thus we hypothesize that age‐associated changes in BK channel subunits modulate the myogenic reactivity in a sex‐specific manner. We used vascular reactivity, patch‐clamp, and biochemical methods to measure the myogenic reactivity, BK channel function, and expression, respectively, in cerebral vessels of adult and aged male and female Sprague Dawley rats. The results suggest that aging and ovariectomy (OVX) exaggerated the myogenic reactivity of middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in females but attenuated it in males. Aging induced outward eutrophic remodeling in females but inward hypertrophic remodeling in males. Aging decreased total, Kv, BK channel currents, and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOC) in vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from females, but not in males. Aging increased BKα subunit mRNA and protein content both in males and females. However, aging decreased BKβ1 subunit protein and mRNA levels in females only. In males, BKβ1 mRNA is increased, but protein is decreased. Iberiotoxin‐induced MCA constriction is lower in aged females but higher in aged males. OVX decreased, but chronic supplementation of estradiol (OVX+17βE rats) restored BK channel expression and function. BKβ1 mRNA is decreased in cerebral vessels of OVX rats that is consistent with decreased protein content. However, supplementation with 17βE did not increase mRNA, but protein is not decreased suggesting that post‐translational mechanisms contribute to the preservation of the protein. Overall the results suggest that aging and OVX‐associated downregulation of the BKβ1 expression and function in females exaggerates the myogenic reactivity of MCA. However, age‐associated increase in BK channel function in males attenuates the myogenic reactivity of MCA.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by, in part, by a grant from the Intramural Research Support Program from UMMC and AHA Scientist Development Grant 13SDG14000006 (M. R. Pabbidi).

Effect of RhoA/Rho‐kinase inhibitor in Human Internal Mammary Artery and Clinical Implications

ObjectivesCoronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) is the treatment of choice for severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Graft failure is a common complication after CABG. Different biological mechanisms contribute to the pathophysiology of vascular graft failure including vasospasm. RhoA/Rho‐kinase (ROCK) pathway plays an important role in cell contraction of cardiovascular disease. ROCK is a downstream effector of small GTP‐binding protein RhoA and has two isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ROCK inhibitor fasudil on the vasoconstriction in human internal mammary artery (IMA) from patients undergoing CABG and to explore whether the combination of fasudil and nitroglycerin (NTG) is superior than being used alone.MethodsIsolated human IMA rings (n=8 in each experimental group) taken from 58 patients undergoing CABG were studied in myograph. Cumulative concentration‐relaxation curves for fasudil (−9 to −3.5 log M) were established in IMA precontracted with KCl (30 mM) and U46619 (−8 log M). Cumulative concentration‐contraction curves for KCl (5 to 120 mM) and U46619 (−9 to −4.5 log M) were also established in two ways: (1) in three groups pretreated with the plasma concentration (−6.3 log M) and 10‐fold higher concentration of fasudil (−5.3 log M) or vehicle to estimate the depression effect of fasudil; (2) in four groups pretreated with fasudil (−6.3 log M), NTG (0.1 μM), the combination, and vehicle for 40 minutes. Western Blot was used to measure the change of the ROCK2 protein.ResultsFasudil caused similar cumulative relaxation in KCl‐ or U46619‐ contracted (p > 0.05) rings. Pretreatment with −5.3 log M fasudil significantly depressed subsequent contraction by KCl (P < 0.01 vs. control, P < 0.05 vs. −6.3 log M) and U46619 (P < 0.05 vs. control or −6.3 log M). Pretreatment with the combination of NTG and fasudil significantly depressed the cumulative contraction by KCl (P < 0.01 vs. control; P < 0.05 vs. −5.3 log M; P < 0.01 vs. NTG). Similarly, in U46619‐induced contraction, the combination also significantly depressed the contraction (P < 0.001 vs. control; P < 0.05 vs. −5.3 log M fasudil; P < 0.01 vs. NTG). Fasudil also caused a decrease of ROCK2 protein content (p < 0.05).ConclusionsFasudil has a potent inhibitory effect on the vasoconstriction mediated by KCl and U46619 in human conduit arteries. Combination of fasudil and NTG is more effective than fasudil or NTG alone. These findings provide a new antispastic method in CABG and may be beneficial to long‐term patency of the grafts.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81870288 & 81870227]; the Non‐profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences [2019XK310001 & 2018TX31002]; Tianjin Science and Technology Committee[18PTZWHZ00060];Binhai New Area Health Bureau (2016BWKY007 & 2018BWKZ005).

Synthesis of Mn3O4 nano complex using aqueous extract of Helianthus annuus seed cake and its effect on biological growth of Vigna radiata

Manganese Oxide complex (MnO3O4) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by bio-synthesis method using Manganese Acetate as the precursor, mediated by aqueous extract of Helianthus annuus seed cake. The XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature with tetragonal phase having the average particle size 57 nm. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of Manganese oxide and the absorption peak around 650 nm and 613 nm is assigned to Mn-O stretching. From UV analysis the band gap energy is calculated as 1.47eV. SEM and TEM analysis of the specimen showed, the distribution of nanoparticles is spherical in the range of 10 nm to 70 nm. VSM studies confirm the soft magnetic nature of the sample. The synthesized MnO nanoparticles were incorporated to the sandy loam soil to check the biological growth of Vigna Radiata (Green gram) .Growth attributes measured were plant height, number of leaves, shoot length etc. Germination parameters were calculated based on the observations by POT studies. Harvested plant samples were tested for its phytochemical and biochemical compounds. The results showed an increasing trend of total chlorophyll content and decreased protein content in the MnO treated sample with reference to the untreated plant. The manganese deficiency increased the root surface area due to increased consumption, reduced the amount of manganese translocation caused diminished shoot growth, and yielded an increased root ratio.

Content of valuable substances in barley grain grown under contrast climate conditions

The influence of abiotic factors and genotype on the quality of barley yield was studied. The research was conducted in various agroclimatic conditions at two state variety-testing sites in 2019. The first is located in the steppe zone of foothills on the ordinary and southern chernozems of the Republic of Khakassia, the second – in the forest-steppe soilclimate zone of the Republic of Tuva. During the experiment, a more contrasting difference in the daily temperature range in the conditions of Tuva was noted. The following varieties of spring chaffy barley of Siberian breeding were used as an object of the study: Uvatsky, Krasnoyarsky 91, Emelya (multi-rowed), Acha, Biom, Tanay, Buyan, Takmak, Abalak, Olenek (two-rowed). Production characteristics of the varieties (weight of 1000 grains, yield), the content of protein, sugars, fat and fiber in grain were determined by using standard methods. More stringent conditions for growing plants in the Republic of Tuva, compared to the Republic of Khakassia, caused a 20% decrease in the weight of 1000 grains and yield, a 47% decrease in protein content in grain, and an increase in the accumulation of fat and fiber in it (by 24 and 48%, respectively). When growing barley in Tuva, less significant intervarietal differences were noted in the production characteristics of the crop and in the content of valuable substances in the grain (except for protein). Varieties of barley with a high content of valuable substances in grain for cultivation in the Republic of Tuva in contrasting climatic conditions were determined. Variety Krasnoyarsky 91 was recommended (there was no decrease in the mass of 1000 grains and the level of productivity) and Biome (the smallest decrease in protein content, the largest increase in the content of fat and sugars in grain).

Stability Test of Glycosaminoglycan and Achasin in Snail (Achatina fullica) Slime and Its Gel Formulation

Snail slime (Achatina fullica) contains glycosaminoglycan, which can accelerate wound healing and achasin, which has antibacterial activity. The Objectives of the study to determine the stability of the protein in snail mucus in three different storage conditions. The snail slime stability test was carried out in two ways, namely the determination of protein content by the Lowry method and seeing the stability of the achasin and glycosaminoglycan proteins by the sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) method. In addition, the formulation of snail slime gel was made with a variety of gelling agents, namely Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) and Carbomer. Protein concentration showed a decrease in protein concentration, but the SDS-PAGE result showed that the decrease was not inactive protein (glycosaminoglycan and achasin). Further study should be conducted to evaluate stability in long time with different excipient and also the effectiveness of formulation in accelerate wound healing. According to the result, we are observed, the snail slime was successfully formulated into a gel with HMPC and carbopol as a gelling agent.

Determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) contents of compost amended soils and plants grown in these soils

ABSTRACT Dietary intake is a major route of exposure to perfluorinated compounds. In the case of exposure to these compounds by nutrition, the consumption of agricultural products is one of the most important places. Biological wastes are converted into composts and are often used for fertiliser purposes to prevent spreading of waste to large areas. These practices cause agricultural areas to be contaminated with perfluorinated compounds and to first pass on to the plants growing on these soils and then to animals and infestations through the food chain. In this study, firstly, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) levels were determined in five different composts. Mean PFOA and PFOS concentrations were between 26.1–102.0 ng g−1 and 0.211–0.649 ng g−1, respectively. After sowing wheat and corn, compost was applied. The amount of PFOA and PFOS that passed to the stalks, leaves, and grains of wheat and corn was determined. Obtained results showed that the total perfluorinated compounds migration decreased as follows: stalk>leaf>grain. Furthermore, the effects of PFOA and PFOS on chlorophyll concentration and soluble protein were examined. A decrease in chlorophyll formation and soluble protein content was observed with increasing PFOA and PFOS concentrations.

High temperature during soybean seed development differentially alters lipid and protein metabolism

ABSTRACT High temperatures during seed development can affect the seed yield and quality in many crops. Here, we analyzed how high temperature alters the main seed storage compounds (lipid and protein) in soybean. At five days after R5 stage (initial seed filling stage), soybean plants were treated with control (20/20ºC day/night) and high temperature (30/30ºC day/night). After treatment, immature seed was sampled, analyzed for lipid and protein contents and for expression of seed storage compounds related genes. High temperature during seed filling increased lipid content but decreased protein content, associating with yield reduction. It increased the expression of two genes related to seed lipid biosynthesis (GmBCCP2 and GmKAS1) and genes for a lipid biosynthesis regulator (GmWRI1) and its transcription factor (GmDREBL), and decreased the expression of genes related to lipid degradation such as GmACXs. High temperature downregulated genes related to seed storage protein (GmGy1, GmGy2, GmGy4, GmGy5 and Gmβ-conglycinin) and upregulated genes for cysteine and aspartate proteinases. Therefore, high temperature during seed filling preferentially accumulates lipid than protein content in seed, although seed yield reduction was associated with lower seed protein content in soybean. Our study provides insights for further improvements of soybean seed oil under abiotic stress such as heat stress. Abbreviations: DAT: days after treatment; TF: transcription factor; DREBL: Dehydration-responsive Element-binding L; WRI1: Wrinkled 1; PK: Ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase 1; PEP: phosphoenolpyruvate; BCCP2: Biotin carboxyl carrier protein; KAS1: ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase 1; ACX: Acyl-coenzyme A peroxidase; MS: Malate synthase; PEPCK: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase; Gy: Glycinin; CysP: Cysteine Proteinase; SoyAP: Aspartic Proteinase; EF1b: Elongation factor 1b.

Effect of high pressure homogenization on the production of yeast extract via autolysis and beta-glucan recovery

The aim of this study was to assess the application of high pressure homogenization (HPH) as a pretreatment prior to the process of autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in order to enhance both the production of yeast extract and the valorization of the solid residue of autolysis for β-glucan extraction. Autolysis of HPH treated (200–600 bar, 1–3 passes) and untreated samples, carried out at 52 °C and pH = 5.5, was mathematically modelled based on protein, amino acid and total solids release. HPH treatment accelerated yeast autolysis at all conditions studied and resulted in higher protein, amino acid and total solids yield. A combination of HPH treatment and shorter autolysis times achieved high extract yields of low turbidity. The β-glucan content of the solid autolysis residue increased with increasing treatment intensity and autolysis time with a simultaneous decrease in protein content due to the mechanical disruption of the cells. Industrial relevanceThe use of HPH as a pretreatment of yeast suspensions allows for the acceleration of yeast extract production by autolysis, reducing the very long autolysis times otherwise required. At the same time, the solid residue obtained after autolysis has a higher β-glucan content for HPH treated samples, allowing for more efficient valorization of this rich in valuable glucan by-product. In our work we have demonstrated that with one pretreatment step, both aspects of the autolytic process can be significantly enhanced.

Antimicrobial Activity and Mechanism of Action of the Amaranthus tricolor Crude Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Potential Application in Cooked Meat.

Amaranthus tricolor has been reported to contain some antimicrobial compounds, such as alkaloids, polyphenols, and terpenoids. However, its effect on Staphylococcus aureus has been less well researched. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and possible mechanism of action of the Amaranthus tricolor crude extract (ATCE) against S. aureus and potential application in cooked meat. The antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was assessed by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations, and growth curve. The changes of bacterial membrane potential, intracellular pH (pHin), content of bacterial protein and DNA, and cell morphology were measured to indicate its antimicrobial mechanism of action. The effects of different concentrations of ATCE on bacterial counts, pH, and color of lean cooked pork during 6 d storage were assessed. The results showed that the diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) and MIC of ATCE against S. aureus were 12.63 ± 0.34 to 12.94 ± 0.43 mm and 80 mg/mL, respectively. The mechanism of action of ATCE against S. aureus was associated with cell membrane depolarization, reduction of pHin, decrease of bacterial protein content, cleavage of cell DNA, and leakage of cytoplasm. Besides, ATCE resulted in a reduction of 1.02 log CFU/g from 3 log CFU/g in S. aureus-inoculated lean cooked pork. The pH values of lean cooked pork treated with ATCE did not show significant changes as the storage time increased, but there was a slight and significant decrease seen with the application of 1 and 2 MIC of ATCE. After treating with ATCE, the color of lean cooked pork showed less lightness (L*), more redness (a∗), similar yellowness (b*), stronger chroma (C*), and weaker hue angle (h*) during 6 days of storage. Therefore, these findings indicate that ATCE has antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and possesses latent energy to become a natural preservative to maintain the quality of lean cooked pork.

Use of indirect calorimetry to evaluate utilization of energy in lactating Jersey dairy cattle consuming diets with increasing inclusion of hydrolyzed feather meal

A study using indirect calorimetry and 12 lactating multiparous Jersey cows (53 ± 23 d in milk at the beginning of the experiment; mean ± standard deviation) was conducted to evaluate the utilization of energy in cattle consuming diets containing increasing hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). A triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 35-d periods (28-d adaption and 4-d collections) was used to compare 4 different dietary treatments. Treatments contained (DM basis) HFM at 0% (0HFM), 3.3% (3.3HFM), 6.7% (6.7MFM), and 10.0% (10HFM). Diets were formulated such that HFM replaced blood meal and nonenzymatically browned soybean meal. With increasing HFM, linear increases were observed for dietary NEL content (1.61, 1.64, 1.69, and 1.70 ± 0.042 Mcal/kg of DM for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), and the efficiency of converting ME to NEL (0.708, 0.711, 0.717, and 0.719). Apparent total-tract digestibility of CP linearly decreased with increasing HFM (63.4, 61.1, 59.9, and 58.6 ± 1.46% for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), whereas long-chain fatty acid digestibility increased with increasing HFM (77.2, 77.7, 78.5, and 80.6 ± 1.30%). With increased inclusion of HFM, fecal N excretion increased (199, 230, 239, 237 ± 12.1 g/d for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively), whereas urinary N excretion decreased (166, 151, 155, and 119 ± 14.8 g/d). Increasing the concentration of HFM resulted in a quadratic effect on DMI (19.6, 20.2, 20.3, and 19.1 ± 0.79 kg/d for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively) and milk yield (31.7, 32.0, 31.9, and 29.7 ± 1.32 kg/d). Increasing HFM linearly decreased the milk protein concentration (3.34, 3.29, 3.23, and 3.23 ± 0.158 for 0HFM, 3.3HFM, 6.7MFM, and 10HFM, respectively) and yield (1.05, 1.05, 1.02, and 0.96 ± 0.040 kg). The inclusion of HFM did not affect energy-correct milk yield (average of 39.3 ± 1.54). Results of this study suggest that HFM can increase dietary NEL content compared with blood meal and nonenzymatically browned soybean meal and maintained energy-corrected milk yield; however, feeding HFM at greater than 6.7% of diet DM decreased DMI, and protein availability may have been reduced with increased HFM, leading to a linear decrease in milk protein concentration and yield.

Lake Edku pollutants induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in muscle tissues of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to assess some water quality parameters of Lake Edku, evaluation of the effect of a complex mixture of contaminants on the fish biochemical composition, and the histopathological changes in muscle tissue of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus inhabiting different locations of Lake Edku. Methods: Water samples and 200 fish of O. niloticus were collected from different regions of Lake Edku and transported to the laboratory. Fish were divided into three groups: El-Maadyah region, Edku drain, and the recovery (El-Maadyah region). Recovery fish were left in aquaria for a month. Water quality parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity were measured. Muscle total protein, total lipid, energy value, moisture, and ash content were determined, and the histopathology of fish muscle was examined. A significant decrease of dissolved oxygen in the Edku drain region compared to El-Maadyah and the recovery groups was observed. The salinity value showed a significant increase in the El-Maadyah region compared to the other groups. On the other hand, Edku drain fish group exhibited a significant decrease in muscle total protein, energy value, and ash content compared to the other groups. In contrast, it exhibited an increase in the water content and a significant increase in total lipids compared to the other groups. The muscle sections of El-Maadyah and Edku drain fish revealed several alterations compared to the recovery fish including hyalinized and necrotic muscle fibers, vacuolar degeneration, parasitic granuloma, infiltration of macrophages, dispersed muscle fibers by edema, fatty tissue, a variable amount of connective tissue proliferation between bundles and glycogen granules. The results confirm that fish contaminated environment could result in the damage of muscle tissue and has negative impacts on the fish quality and its validation to human consumption.

Effect of storage conditions on the physicochemical properties of infant milk formula powders containing different lactose-to-maltodextrin ratios

This study investigated the effect of storage parameters on the physicochemical changes of spray-dried infant milk formula (IMF) powders prepared with various lactose-to-maltodextrin (L:M) ratios (L:M 100:0, L:M 85:15 and L:M 70:30). Powders were characterized during 180 days of storage at 22 and 40 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 11, 23 and 54%. IMF powders were found mostly stable at both temperatures up to 23RH. Deteriorative physicochemical changes were observed at 54RH which were more rapid at 40 °C than at 22 °C. Increasing temperature and RH during storage decreased the glass transition temperature (Tg) to <0 °C and solubility to <25%, while crystallinity increased to >40%. Surface fat content, degree of aggregation and caking increased during storage. Increased surface fat was accompanied by a decrease in surface protein and carbohydrate contents. Incorporation of maltodextrin increased the Tg, decreased the crystallinity and improved the stability of powders.

Effect of Rhizopus azygosporus UICC 539 growth on the nutrient content of sterile slurry and palm kernel cake mixtures at different temperature

This study reported the effect of Rhizopus azygosporus UICC 539 growth on the sterile slurry and palm kernel cake (PKC), and analysis of the nutrient content of the waste mixtures. The fungus showed good growth on Potato Sucrose Agar (PSA) at temperature range of 30 to 50 °C, and could not grow at 55 °C. Inoculum was prepared from fungal culture in Potato Sucrose Broth (PSB) by still fermentation at 30 and 40 °C for 5 days. Sterile slurry and PKC (3:1) in Petri dishes (diameter 9 cm) were prepared and solid-state fermentation was carried out using inoculum (10 %, v/v) at 30 and 40 °C, and incubated for 5 days. Rhizopus azygosporus UICC 539 showed good growth and increased cell numbers on sterile waste mixtures. Effect of fungal growth on the nutrient content of the waste mixtures was observed by comparing the treatment and control. There was an increase in the moisture and ash content, and a decrease in protein content, total calorie and carbohydrate content. There was no change of the calorie from fat and total fat content compared to the control.

Ameliorating effect of Withania somnifera root extract in Escherichia coli–infected broilers

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous Withania somnifera root (WSR) extract in broiler chicks experimentally infected with Escherichia coli O78 @ 107 CFU/0.5 ml intraperitoneally. Clinical signs and mortality due to colibacillosis observed in infected chicks were mild and lasted for short duration in WSR extract supplemented group as compared with the nonsupplemented group. A significant increase in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase activities and a decrease in total protein and albumin concentrations were observed in the infected groups, though these changes were of lower magnitude in WSR extract supplemented group. A significantly higher activity of oxidative blood parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes were noticed in WSR extract supplemented group. The WSR extract supplemented group revealed significantly higher E. coli–specific antibody titer and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation response as compared with the nonsupplemented group. The gross and histopathological lesions of colibacillosis were mild in the WSR extract–supplemented infected group as compared with the nonsupplemented infected group. Withania somnifera root extract supplementation produced 31.48 and 34.38% protection in the gross and histopathological lesions in E. coli infected chicks, respectively. It is concluded that supplementation of 20% WSR extract @ 20 ml/L of water caused a reduction in the severity, mortality, and recovery period of E. coli infection and enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses suggesting its protective effect on limiting the pathology of E. coli infection in broiler chickens.

The Influence of Composition and Manufacturing Approach on the Physical and Rehydration Properties of Milk Protein Concentrate Powders.

This study investigated the physical and rehydration properties of milk protein concentrate (MPC) powders with five different protein contents (i.e., 38.9, 53.7, 63.6, 74.1, and 84.7%, w/w) prepared by recombining the ultrafiltration (UF) retentate and UF permeate of skim milk. Powder density and flowability increased, while the powder particle size decreased with decreasing powder protein content. The amount of non-wetting MPC powder decreased with decreasing protein content, demonstrating greater wettability for lower protein powders. At protein contents >65% (w/w), the dispersibility and solubility of the powders decreased significantly, likely due to the greater hydrophobic interactions between casein proteins and a lower concentration of lactose. Therefore, as the protein content of the MPC powders was decreased, their rehydration properties improved. The results obtained in this study provide novel insights into the relationship between the composition of recombined UF retentate and UF permeate streams on the subsequent powder particle size, density, and rehydration properties, and demonstrate that such powders possess similar properties to those prepared using conventional direct membrane filtration.

Dysfunction of Salivary Glands, Disturbances in Salivary Antioxidants and Increased Oxidative Damage in Saliva of Overweight and Obese Adolescents.

Obesity is inseparably connected with oxidative stress. This process may disturb the functioning of the oral cavity, although the effect of oxidative stress on salivary gland function and changes in the qualitative composition of saliva are still unknown. Our study is the first to evaluate salivary redox homeostasis in 40 overweight and obese adolescents and in the age- and gender-matched control group. We demonstrated strengthening of the antioxidant barrier (↑superoxide dismutase, ↑catalase, ↑peroxidase, ↑uric acid, ↑total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) with a simultaneous decrease in reduced glutathione concentration in saliva (non-stimulated/stimulated) in overweight and obese teenagers compared to the controls. The concentration of the products of oxidative damage to proteins (advanced glycation end products), lipids (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal) and DNA (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) as well as total oxidative status were significantly higher in both non-stimulated and stimulated saliva as well as plasma of overweight and obese adolescents. Importantly, we observed more severe salivary and plasma redox alterations in obese adolescents compared to overweight individuals. In the study group, we also noted a drop in stimulated salivary secretion and a decrease in total protein content. Interestingly, dysfunction of parotid glands in overweight and obese teenagers intensified with the increase of BMI. We also showed that the measurement of salivary catalase and TAC could be used to assess the central antioxidant status of overweight and obese adolescents.

Chemoradiotherapy Increases Intratumor Heterogeneity of HPSE Expression in the Relapsed Glioblastoma Tumors.

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite intensive care, recurrent tumors developed during the first year are fatal for the patients. Possibly contributing to this effect, among other causes, is that therapy induces changes of polysaccharide heparan sulfate (HS) chains in the cancer cells and/or tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of heparanase (HPSE) expression and HS content in different normal and GBM brain tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease of HPSE protein content in the tumor (12-15-fold) and paratumorous (2.5-3-fold) GBM tissues compared with normal brain tissue, both in cellular and extracellular compartments. The relapsed GBM tumors demonstrated significantly higher intertumor and/or intratumor heterogeneity of HPSE and HS content and distribution compared with the matched primary ones (from the same patient) (n = 8), although overall expression levels did not show significant differences, suggesting local deterioration of HPSE expression with reference to the control system or by the treatment. Double immunofluorescence staining of various glioblastoma cell lines (U87, U343, LN18, LN71, T406) demonstrated a complex pattern of HPSE expression and HS content with a tendency towards a negative association of these parameters. Taken together, the results demonstrate the increase of intratumor heterogeneity of HPSE protein in relapsed GBM tumors and suggest misbalance of HPSE expression regulation by the adjuvant anti-GBM chemoradiotherapy.