Dry Wt Research Articles

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Cocoa Shell and Their Encapsulation in Gum Arabic and Maltodextrin: A Technology to Produce Functional Food Ingredients.

In this study, the extraction of cocoa shell powder (CSP) was optimized, and the optimized extracts were spray-dried for encapsulation purposes. Temperature (45−65 °C), extraction time (30−60 min), and ethanol concentration (60−100%) were the extraction parameters. The response surface methodology analysis revealed that the model was significant (p ≤ 0.05) in interactions between all variables (total phenolic compound, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assays), with a lack of fit test for the model being insignificant (p > 0.05). Temperature (55 °C), time (45 min), and ethanol concentration (60%) were found to be the optimal extraction conditions. For spray-drying encapsulation, some quality metrics (e.g., water solubility, water activity) were insignificant (p > 0.05). The microcapsules were found to be spherical in shape using a scanning electron microscope. Thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric measurements of the microcapsules revealed nearly identical results. The gum arabic + maltodextrin microcapsule (GMM) showed potential antibacterial (zone of inhibition: 11.50 mm; lower minimum inhibitory concentration: 1.50 mg/mL) and antioxidant (DPPH: 1063 mM trolox/100g dry wt.) activities (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, the microcapsules in this study, particularly GMM, are promising antioxidant and antibacterial agents to be fortified as functional food ingredients for the production of nutraceutical foods with health-promoting properties.

Dark fermentative hydrogen production and transcriptional analysis of genes involved in the unicellular halotolerant cyanobacterium Aphanothece halophytica under nitrogen and potassium deprivation.

The unicellular halotolerant cyanobacterium Aphanothece halophytica is known as a potential hydrogen (H2) producer. This study aimed to investigate the enhancement of H2 production under nutrient deprivation. The results showed that nitrogen and potassium deprivation induced dark fermentative H2 production by A. halophytica, while no differences in H2 production were found under sulfur and phosphorus deprivation. In addition, deprivation of nitrogen and potassium resulted in the highest H2 production in A. halophytica due to the stimulation of hydrogenase activity. The effect of adaptation time under nitrogen and potassium deprivation on H2 production was investigated. The results showed that the highest H2 accumulation of 1,261.96 ± 96.99µmol H2 g dry wt-1 and maximum hydrogenase activity of 179.39 ± 8.18µmol H2 g dry wt-1 min-1 were obtained from A. halophytica cells adapted in the nitrogen- and potassium-deprived BG11 medium supplemented with Turk Island salt solution (BG110-K) for 48h. An increase in hydrogenase activity was attributed to the decreased O2 concentration in the system, due to a reduction of photosynthetic O2 evolution rate and a promotion of dark respiration rate. Moreover, nitrogen and potassium deprivation stimulated glycogen accumulation and decreased specific activity of pyruvate kinase. Transcriptional analysis of genes involved in H2 metabolism using RNA-seq confirmed the above results. Several genes involved in glycogen biosynthesis (glgA, glgB, and glgP) were upregulated under both nitrogen and potassium deprivation, but genes regulating enzymes in the glycolytic pathway were downregulated, especially pyk encoding pyruvate kinase. Interestingly, genes involved in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPP) were upregulated. Thus, OPP became the favored pathway for glycogen catabolism and the generation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which resulted in an increase in H2 production under dark anaerobic condition in both nitrogen- and potassium-deprived cells.

Biodegradation of Bifenthrin using the Bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri (MTCC2300)

Introduction: Pyrethroid pesticides are applied in agricultural fields to protect crop protection from pests and their residues, whichcan adversely affect soil and water quality, causing damage to non-target organisms. This research aimed to explore the potential role of the bacterial strain, Pseudomonas stutzeri in breaking down the pesticide, Bifenthrin. Materials and methods: The study focused on evaluating the efficiency of the bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri (MTCC2300) in degrading the pyrethroid, Bifenthrin. Various concentrations of Bifenthrin (2500, 5000, 7500, and 10000 ppm) were were subjected to treatment with the bacterial strain in minimal broth for 16 days. Results: When the efficiency of P.stutzeri on the degradation of 2500, 5000, 7500 and 10000 ppm of Bifenthrin was tested for a period of 16 days, decrease in pH, and an increase in CO2, NH3 and biomass were observed. pH was reduced to 7.6 while CO2 increased upto 4 mg/ml, NH3 upto 0.8mM and Biomass upto 0.6 g dry wt./ml. In two way ANOVA, Bifenthrin concentration resulted in a statistically significant variation in parameters like, pH, CO2 and NH3 of the culture mmedium. . Conclusion: P.stutzeri could tolerate Bifenthrin concentration upto 10000 ppm and it can be employed in Bioremediation programmes for cleaning pyrethroid pesticide polluted sites.

Myco- and phyco-remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment: a review.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic organic compounds and pose serious threats to environment and public health. PCBs still exist in different environments such as air, water, soil, and sediments even on ban. This review summarizes the phyco- and myco-remediation technologies developed to detoxify the PCB-polluted sites. It was found that algae mostly use bioaccumulation to biodegradation strategies to reclaim the environment. As bio-accumulator, Ulva rigida C. Agardh has been best at 25ng/g dry wt to remove PCBs. Evidently, Anabaena PD-1 is the only known PCB degrading alga and efficiently degrade Aroclor 1254 and dioxin-like PCBs up to 84.4% and 37.4% to 68.4%, respectively. The review suggested that factors such as choice of algal strains, response of microalgae, biomass, the rate of growth, and cost-effective cultivation conditions significantly influence the remediation of PCBs. Furthermore, the Anabaena sp. linA gene of Pseudomonas paucimobilis Holmes UT26 showed enhanced efficiency. Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm is the most efficient PCB degrading fungus, degrading up to 98.4% and 99.6% of PCB in complex and mineral media, respectively. Combine metabolic activities of bacteria and yeast led to the higher detoxification of PCBs. Fungi-algae consortia would be a promising approach in remediation of PCBs. A critical analysis on potentials and limits of PCB treatment through fungal and algal biosystems have been reviewed, and thus, new insights have emerged for possible bioremediation, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation of PCBs.

Influence of ecological factors on asiaticoside and madecassoside contents and biomass production in Centella asiatica from its natural habitats in south India

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) has high demand in traditional medicine, skin care, pharmaceutical industries and as a leafy vegetable. India and Madagascar are its key producers. Due to its ever growing demand, CA is collected at an uncontrolled rate from its natural habitats, and this results in destruction of its wild genotypes. Here we report the screening of 106 CA accessions collected from their natural habitats in a wide geographical area in south India for their ASI and MAD contents by HPTLC-densitometry. The edaphic-ecologic parameters of the collection locations of CA accessions were recorded and correlated with their saponin (ASI, MAD) contents. Multilocation trials of CA elite lines at four different agro-climatic locations in Kerala were conducted, and their saponin-biomass yields were determined. Crucially, of these 106 CA accessions, only 6 showed saponin contents above the elite benchmark of industries (ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%), viz. , 45/Ca-55 (6.18 ± 0.26%), 46/Ca-56 (5.88 ± 0.11%), 48/Ca-58 (4.64 ± 0.15%), 49/Ca-59 (6.94 ± 0.23%), 53/Ca-63 (5.59 ± 0.20%), 55/Ca-65 (5.94 ± 0.18%). Multilocation trials of these elite lines revealed highest saponin contents in Plot 1, characterized by sandy soil (pH 6.0), organic carbon 2.71%, nitrogen 74.20 Kg/ha, phosphorous 100.70 Kg/ha and potassium 23.52 Kg/ha. GC-MS and ICP-MS analyses showed absence of pesticides in CA elite lines and heavy metal contents were within the permissible levels. Highest (ASI+MAD) content (7.55%, dry wt.) and biomass yield (7534.73 Kg/ha) at Plot 1 were shown by the elite line, 49/Ca-59. Average (ASI+MAD) content and biomass yield at Plot 1 were 5.38 ± 1.82% (dry wt.) and 3462.39 ± 2032.54 Kg/ha (n = 6). Noticeably, all six CA elite lines with high ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) contents were originally collected from high altitude (700–1700 m) locations. This ASI, MAD screening of CA accessions over a wide geographical area and multilocation trials of elite lines reveal its edaphic and ecological preferences. Our study discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in south India. This and our previous two reports on a total of 216 accessions provide the range of ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) in CA accessions in south India. Further, these studies urge the restriction of random (uncontrolled) collections of CA from its natural habitats, and for the development of cultivation practices of the elite lines for commercial purposes. Overall, this study provides collection, cultivation and conservation strategies towards sustainable management of the resources of this high value medicinal herb. • Centella asiatica accessions (106) from south India were screened for ASI, MAD. • Of 106 CA accessions, only 6 satisfied the elite benchmark of ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%. • In multilocation trials, elite line showed ASI+MAD 7.55%, biomass 7534.73 Kg/ha. • Altitudes of CA collection locations were correlated to ASI, MAD, ASI+MAD contents. • Discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in a vast geographical area in south India.

Cadmium-resistant Streptomyces stimulates phytoextraction potential of Crotalaria juncea L. in cadmium-polluted soil

This work evaluated the competence of two strains of cadmium (Cd)-resistant Streptomyces, namely Streptomyces rapamycinicus K5PN1, an indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producer, and Streptomyces cyaneus 11-10SHTh, a siderophore producer on promoting Cd phytoextraction by sunn hemp. The results showed that S. rapamycinicus improved root elongation of sunn hemp seedlings under Cd stress conditions. S. rapamycinicus and S. cyaneus were colonized on the root surface of sunn hemp at concentrations of 2.3 × 104 and 6.4 × 103 CFU g−1 root fresh weight, respectively. The results of pot-culture experiments showed that S. rapamycinicus increased the root and shoot lengths, and dry biomass of sunn hemp planted in high Cd-contaminated soil. The Cd concentration in the leaves of sunn hemp inoculated with S. cyaneus (73.82 ± 2.20 mg kg−1 plant dry wt) was higher than that of plants with S. rapamycinicus inoculation and the uninoculated control. The phytoextraction of Cd by sunn hemp was significantly increased with Cd-resistant Streptomyces inoculation. In conclusion, both strains of Cd-resistant Streptomyces had potential on enhancing Cd phytoextraction efficiency of sunn hemp. Our study suggests the application of Cd-resistant Streptomyces can improve Cd phytoextraction by sunn hemp for restoration of Cd-polluted sites.

Green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using sodium alginate extracted from Sargassum latifolium and their antibacterial activity

Brown seaweed Sargassum latifolium produces a sufficient amount of alginate. It is derived from the cell wall of seaweed as a natural anionic polysaccharide. In the present study, alginate was extracted from S. latifolium, its physicochemical properties, the potential for silver nanoparticles formation, characterization of alginate silver nanoparticles, and its antibacterial activity was studied. Physical analysis of extracted sodium alginate as colour (pale yellow), yield (25.34%), water content (13.17%), ash content (15.5%), and pH (8.6) were investigated. In addition, UV scan analyses of extracted alginate illustrated that the bioactive compounds separated in the range of 200–400 nm. On the other hand, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) scan analysis of synthesized alginate silver nanoparticles gave a maximum peak at 413 nm. Besides that, Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of alginate, and alginate silver nanoparticles revealed a variety of functional groups, such as –OH, –NH, –CH, –COOH, CO, and C–C, and thermogravimetric analysis of extracted sodium alginate demonstrated thermal degradation occurs in two steps; Dehydration followed by degradation to Na2CO3 and a carbonized substance that breaks down slowly between 600 and 750 °C in N2. Biochemical contents, protein, and carbohydrate were receptively, respectively, and were 0.89 and 78.56 mg/g dry wt. Alginate silver nanoparticles recorded maximal antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus more than alginate. On the other hand, alginate has no activity against E. coli.

Integration of the Exogenous Tuning of Thraustochytrid Fermentation and Sulfur Polymerization of Single-Cell Oil for Developing Plant-like Oils.

In this study, we have demonstrated a bioprocessing approach encompassing the exogenous addition of low-molecular-weight compounds to tune the fatty acid (FA) profile in a novel thraustochytrid strain to produce desirable FAs. Maximum lipid recovery (38%, dry wt. biomass) was obtained at 1% Tween 80 and 0.25 mg/L of Vitamin B12. The transesterified lipid showed palmitic acid (C16, 35.7% TFA), stearic acid (C18, 2.1% TFA), and oleic acid (C18:1, 18.7% TFA) as the main components of total FAs, which are mainly present in plant oils. Strikingly, D-limonene addition in the fermentation medium repressed the production of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs). Sulfur-polymerization-guided lipid separation revealed the presence of saturated (SFAs, 53% TFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, 46.6% TFA) in thraustochytrid oil that mimics plant-oil-like FA profiles. This work is industrially valuable and advocates the use of sulfur polymerization for preparation of plant-like oils through tuneable thraustochytrid lipids.

Precise determination of dolomite content in marine sediments

AbstractDolomite (CaMg[CO3]2) is a common rock‐forming mineral. Nevertheless, its mechanisms of formation and the factors that cause dolomite concentration variations within the sedimentary records constitute long‐standing geochemical questions. In addition, the flux of Mg2+leaving the ocean by the formation of dolomite is a controversial question, with some studies arguing that dolomite formation is a negligible Mg2+sink in the modern ocean, while others show that it constitutes more than 50% of the total Mg2+removal rate. An important factor that impedes the resolution of the dolomite Mg2+flux is the lack of analytical methods with adequate precision and detection limit to directly measure minute quantities of authigenic dolomite in marine sediments. Here, we present a new analytical method for direct, precise measurement of dolomite content in marine sediments. The method is based on sequential leaching of carbonate minerals in acid and tracks the CO2emitted by the dissolution. Based on the measurement of gravimetric standards of calcite and dolomite, the method's detection limit and precision were determined as better than 0.2 and ± 0.2 dry wt% of dolomite, respectively. The method out‐performed dolomite quantification made by x‐ray diffraction and by inductive coupled plasma mass‐spectrometry, which provided precision of ± 2 and ± 1 dry wt%, respectively. Measurements of the dolomite content in modern sediments from the seafloor below the oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean and the eutrophic Mississippi plume, and in clayey‐silty alluvial soil from south‐eastern Israel, demonstrated that the aforementioned precisions are also valid for natural samples.

Antifungal and Antiaflatoxigenic Activities of Different Plant Extracts against Aspergillus flavus

In the current study, four organic solvents, including ethanol, methanol, acetone, and diethyl ether, were used to extract turmeric, wheat bran, and taro peel. The efficiency of three different concentrations of each solvent was assessed for their antifungal and anti-mycotoxin production against Aspergillus flavus. The results indicated that 75% ethanolic and 25% methanolic extracts of taro peels and turmeric were active against fungus growth, which showed the smallest fungal dry weight ratios of 1.61 and 2.82, respectively. Furthermore, the 25% ethanolic extract of turmeric showed the best result (90.78%) in inhibiting aflatoxin B1 production. After 30 days of grain storage, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production was effectively inhibited, and the average inhibition ratio ranged between 4.46% and 69.01%. Simultaneously, the Topsin fungicide resulted in an inhibition ratio of 143.92%. Taro extract (25% acetone) produced the highest total phenolic content (61.28 mg GAE/g dry extract wt.) and showed an antioxidant capacity of 7.45 μg/mL, followed by turmeric 25% ethanol (49.82 mg GAE/g), which revealed the highest antioxidant capacity (74.16 μg/mL). RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression of aflD, aflP, and aflQ (structural genes) and aflR and aflS (regulatory genes) was down-regulated significantly compared to both untreated and Topsin-treated maize grains. Finally, the results showed that all three plant extracts could be used as promising source materials for potential products to control aflatoxin formation, thus creating a safer method for grain storage in the environment than the currently used protective method.

Impact of nano-glass (NG) particles on seed germination and it’s accumulation in plant parts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Micro/nano-contaminants have been the focal pollutants in environmental science, which includes several nanomaterials, nanocomposites, fibers, glass, plastics etc. Micro/nano size pollutants are more harmful than macro pollutants due to their size. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on the possible fate of glass particles in the environment, especially in plant and soil systems. Here, the synthesized nano-glass (NG) from the waste windshield and analyzed its uptake and effect on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant system in a hydroponic solution. The findings provided direct evidence that NG reduced the germination % with increasing NG concentrations as 100, 96, 92, and 92% for 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L−1. The lowest root and shoot height (15.40 and 22.42 cm) was achieved in the 40 mg L−1 NG treatment. Decrement in fresh and dry wt. with a maximum reduction of chlorophyll a, b and total content (6.19, 4.98, and 11.17 mg g−1 fresh wt.) was obtained at 40 mg L−1 at 21 days. Rhodamine B was used for fluorescence imaging in seedlings to detect NG movement, Results showed that NG moves via xylem tissues of root part to other parts of the plant. Based on the currently limited or no data and uncertainty regarding the actual impact of NG on soil and plant systems, suggested considerations to address key knowledge gaps are delineated. Further studies are required as a flora build-up of NG can have both environmental influence and consequences on agronomic sustainability and food safety.

Potentiality of Digested Rotten Guava Medium (DRGM) in Replacement of Kosaric Medium (KM): Perspective of Spirulina platensis culture

This study was conducted to evaluate the culture potentiality and growth performance of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) in supernatant digested rotten guava (DRG) in replacement of Kosaric Medium (KM). The Spirulina was inoculated to grow in digested rotten guava media (DRGM) (treatments) with the addition of 9.0 g/L NaHCO3 and micronutrients and KM for a period of 14 days. The cell weight of spirulina was attained a maximum of 12.43±0.20 mg/L (dry wt. basis) in KM followed by 0.818 ± 0.003, 0.815 ± 0.0015 and 0.809± 0.0012 mg/L in supernatant of 60 (T1), 20 (T2) and 40% DRGM (T3), respectively on the 10th day of culture. The cell weight of spirulina grown in these media had highly significant (P<0.01) correlation with the chlorophyll a content (r = 0.746) and total biomass (r = 0.742) of Spirulina. The results showed that the growth performance of spirulina in supernatant of 60% DRGM was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of spirulina grown in supernatant of 20% and 40% DRGM. The physico-chemical parameters viz. light intensity (2748 to 2768 lux/m2/s), temperature (19.0 to 22.2°C), pH (8.1 to 10.6), alkalinity (1522 to 2698 mg/L), nitrate-N (1.25 to 3.64 mg/L) and phosphate-P (11.30 to 55.40 mg/L) were within optimum level during the culture period. The results showed that, the different concentration of digested rotten guava (20%, 40%, 60%) has potential to increase the growth rate of Spirulina. Therefore, the DRG medium may be commercially used for mass culture of Spirulina platensis.

Genome size and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of field-grown and in vitro regenerated Pluchea lanceolata plants.

Pluchea lanceolata is a threatened pharmacologically important plant from the family Asteraceae. It is a source of immunologically active compounds; large-scale propagation may offer compounds with medicinal benefits. Traditional propagation method is ineffective as the seeds are not viable; and root sprout propagation is a slow process and produces less numbers of plants. Plant tissue culture technique is an alternative, efficient method for increasing mass propagation and it also facilitate genetic improvement. The present study investigated a three-way regeneration system in P. lanceolata using indirect shoot regeneration (ISR), direct shoot regeneration (DSR), and somatic embryo mediated regeneration (SER). Aseptic leaf and nodal explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium amended with plant growth regulators (PGRs), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) either singly or in combinations. Compact, yellowish green callus was obtained from leaf explants in 1.0 mg/l BAP (89.10%) added medium; ISR percentage was high, i.e., 69.33% in 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA enriched MS with 4.02 mean number of shoots per callus mass. Highest DSR frequency (67.15%) with an average of 5.62 shoot numbers per explant was noted in 0.5 mg/l BAP added MS medium. Somatic embryos were produced in 1.0 mg/l NAA fortified medium with 4.1 mean numbers of somatic embryos per culture. On BAP (1.0 mg/l) + 0.5 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3) amended medium, improved somatic embryo germination frequency (68.14%) was noted showing 12.18 mean numbers of shoots per culture. Histological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation revealed different stages of embryos, confirming somatic embryogenesis in P. lanceolata. Best rooting frequency (83.95%) of in vitro raised shootlets was obtained in 1.0 mg/l IBA supplemented half MS medium with a maximum of 7.83 roots per shoot. The regenerated plantlets were transferred to the field with 87% survival rate. The 2C genome size of ISR, DSR, and SER plants was measured and noted to be 2.24, 2.25, and 2.22 pg respectively, which are similar to field-grown mother plant (2C = 2.26 pg). Oxidative and physiological events suggested upregulation of enzymatic activities in tissue culture regenerated plants compared to mother plants, so were photosynthetic pigments. Implementation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique on in vivo and in vitro raised plants revealed the presence of diverse phyto-chemicals. The yields of alpha amyrin and lupeol (medicinally important triterpenoids) were quantified using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method and enhanced level of alpha amyrin (2.129 µg g−1 dry wt) and lupeol (1.232 µg g−1 dry wt) was noted in in vitro grown leaf tissues, suggesting in vitro conditions act as a potential trigger for augmenting secondary metabolite synthesis. The present protocol represents a reliable mass propagation technique in producing true-to-type plants of P. lanceolata, conserving 2C DNA and ploidy successfully without affecting genetic homogeneity.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13353-022-00727-7.

In vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity in yoghurts enriched with mango peel powder

This study investigated the potential health benefits and functional properties of mango peel powder (MPP) as a source of antioxidants and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in yoghurts with probiotic bacteria. The study involved plain yoghurt (PY, control), yoghurt fortified with 2% mango peel powder (MY), and yoghurt fortified with 2% MPP and 1% of each probiotic culture of L. casei, L. rhamnosus, B. lactis (MPY). Bioactive potential and individual polyphenols in the products were analysed before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Results showed that both MY (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE) and MPY (0.28 ± 0.04 mg/g GAE) had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher phenolic contents than PY (0.17 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE). Among the 15 quantified phenolic compounds, quercetin-3-rhamnoside was highest in MPP (432.86 ± 11.02 mg/100g dry wt.), followed by MPY (47.97 ± 1.20) and MY (34.44 ± 2.76 mg/100g fresh wt.). The quantities of the major individual phenolic compounds declined significantly (p < 0.05) in MPP only after gastric digestion, while remained stable in MY and MPY. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) increments in α-glucosidase inhibition activity (6.06% and 8.47%, in MY and MPY, respectively) post intestinal digestion. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis of all the sample extracts (undigested and digested) identified a total of 108 phenolic metabolites including 33 phenolic acids, 42 flavonoids, 11 lignans, 3 alkylphenols, 4 coumarins, 3 tyrosols, 1 stilbene, 2 xanthones, 4 phenolic terpene, and 3 tyrosols, 2 hydroxybenzoketones, 1 hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2 other phenolic metabolites. This study provides scientific evidence for the utilization of MPP fortified yoghurts as functional food products.

Ecogeochemistry of Mercury in Aquatic Organisms and their Habitat on the Territory of Moscow

The issue of technogenic mercury pollution of aquatic ecosystems in urban areas of Moscow was considered based on the sampling data of aquatic plants, amphibians and bottom sediments of the water bodies under study. Quantitative assessments of the mercury distribution in wild life and inorganic nature components of 33 water bodies of Moscow in both protected areas and beyond. Information was provided on the average percentage of mercury in some components of freshwater ecosystems. An excess of the average ecotoxicant concentration values in the in duckweed family (24 ng/g dry wt), amphibians (177 ng/g dry wt) and bottom sediments (57 ng/g dry wt) in the territory of Moscow was revealed versus bulk earth and background values. A significant correlation of mercury concentration for the natural components under study (R&gt;0.4) was identified.

Serum Branched-chain Amino Acid Metabolites Increase When Aerobic Exercise Is Initiated With Low Muscle Glycogen

PURPOSE: Initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen blunts anabolic signaling and myogenesis. The underlying mechanisms causing the reduction in post-exercise anabolic signaling is unclear. This study aimed to identify metabolic factors that might contribute to the apparent muscle anabolic resistance that occurs when aerobic exercise is initiated with low muscle glycogen using global metabolomics. METHODS: Using a randomized, crossover design, 11 men (mean ± SD, age: 21 ± 4 y; VO2peak: 44 ± 4 mL/kg/min) completed 2 cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials, followed by 24 hours of isocaloric high fat (1.5 g/kg carbohydrate, 3.0 g/kg fat) or high carbohydrate (6.0 g/kg carbohydrate, 1.0 g/kg fat) refeeding to elicit low (LOW; 217 ± 103 mmol/kg dry wt) or adequate (AD; 396 ± 70 mmol/kg dry wt) muscle glycogen content. Participants then performed 80 min of cycle ergometry (64 ± 3% VO2peak) and ingested 146 g of carbohydrate. Serum samples for metabolomics analysis were collected before glycogen depletion under resting, fasted conditions (BASELINE), before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) exercise. Changes in metabolite profiles were calculated by subtracting BASELINE from PRE and POST within LOW and AD. RESULTS: Treatment or time-by-treatment interactions were observed in 309 metabolites (P < 0.05, Q < 0.10), with 78% of identified metabolites being related amino acid or fatty acid metabolism. There were greater decreases in 80% of diacylglycerol metabolites, while 69% of acyl-carnitine metabolites had greater increases in LOW compared to AD (P < 0.05, Q < 0.10). There were greater increases in 64% of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) metabolites, as well as urea and 3-methylhistidine in LOW compared to AD (P < 0.05, Q < 0.10). CONCLUSION: Greater increases in BCAA and acyl-carnitine metabolites, as well as urea and 3-methylhistidine, suggest that when aerobic exercise is initiated low muscle glycogen, the reliance on BCAA catabolism for substrate oxidation is greater than when exercise is initiated with adequate glycogen stores. Findings may provide a metabolic explanation for why muscle is anabolically resistant to the mechanical stimulus of exercise, and suggest exogenous BCAA requirements to optimize muscle recovery are likely increased when glycogen stores are limited.

Growth performance of Spirulina platensis in supernatant of digested rotten guava

This study was performed to evaluate the culture potentiality and growth performance of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) in supernatant of three different concentrations of digested rotten guava (DRG) and Kosaric Medium (KM) as control. The study consisted of three different concentrations of rotten guavas, such as 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) were allowed to digest under aeration. After 34 days, three replications showed the reddish white-colored supernatant screened and taken in a 2.0 L conical flask. Then, Spirulina was inoculated to grow in these three digested rotten guava media (DRGM) with the addition of micronutrients and KM and 9.0 g/L NaHCO3 for 14 days. The cell weight of Spirulina was attained at a maximum of 12.43±0.10 mg/L (dry wt. basis) in KM, followed by 0.818 ± 0.002, 0.815 ± 0.0014 and 0.809± 0.0011 mg/L in supernatant of 60, 20 and 40% DRGM, respectively on the 10th day of culture. A similar trend was also observed in the case of specific growth rates (based on cell weight and chlorophyll a) and total biomass (mg/L) of Spirulina. Cell weight of Spirulina had a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) correlation with the chlorophyll a content (r= 0.746) and total biomass (r= 0.742) of Spirulina. The results on the growth performance showed that Spirulina grown in supernatant of 60% DRGM was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher (T3) than that of Spirulina grown in supernatant of 20% (T1) and 40% DRGM (T2).

Photosynthesis and growth of Amaranthus tricolor under strontium stress

Amaranthaceae are effective plants for cleaning soil contaminated by heavy metals and radionuclides. In this paper, Amaranthus tricolor was used to investigate the response of the plant photosynthesis to various concentration of strontium ions (0.2, 0.6, 3 and 6 mM), in order to determine the possibility of A. tricolor to remediate strontium contamination. The results showed that strontium ions (0.2–6 mM) had effect on light energy conversion and utilization in A. tricolor. Low level of strontium (0.2 mM) promoted the energy utilization in A. tricolor, while higher Sr concentration (3 mM or higher) increased the excess light energy in the plants. Under strontium stress of 6 mM, the acceptor side of PSII in A. tricolor leaves was more vulnerable to strontium stress than the donor side. Furthermore, strontium stress led to accumulation of QA− and block in QB downstream of the electron transfer chain in PSII of A. tricolor leaves. The tolerance ability of A. tricolor to strontium and remediation is also reflected in its biomass and strontium content in plants. Strontium at 3 mM or below promoted the growth of A. tricolor, while higher concentration inhibited the plant growth, but without obvious wilting or curling of leaves. The maximal dry weight increased by 36.29% in shoots, and 60.14% in roots when the spiked-strontium concentration reached 0.2 mM. The maximal strontium content achieved 8.75 mg/g dry wt in shoots, and 1.71 mg/g dry wt in roots respectively, when strontium concentration was 6 mM. Transfer factors (TFs: ratio of Sr content in shoots to that in roots) of strontium in A. tricolor ranged from 2.85 to 5.93, while bio-concentration factors (BCFs: ratio of Sr content in shoots to that in solutions) ranged from 22.57 to 49.66. In summary, A. tricolor showed the excellent potential to remediate strontium contamination.

Occurrence of primary aromatic amines and nicotine in sediments collected from the United States

Despite extensive use of primary aromatic amines (AAs) in consumer products, little is known about their occurrence in the environment. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 14 AAs and nicotine in 75 sediment samples collected from seven estuarine and freshwater ecosystems in the Unites States. Additionally, risk quotients (RQs) were calculated to assess potential risks of these chemicals to aquatic organisms. Of the 14 AAs analyzed, seven of them were found in sediments. The sum concentrations of seven AAs in sediments were in the range of 10.2 to 1810 ng/g, dry wt (mean: 388 ng/g). Aniline was the most abundant compound, accounting for, on average, 53 % of the total concentrations. Nicotine was found in sediments at a concentration range of <LOQ to 1340 ng/g, dry wt (mean: 119 ng/g). Among the seven sampling locations studied, AAs and nicotine concentrations were the highest in sediment from Altavista wastewater lagoon in Virginia (AV, mean: 1700 ng/g) followed in descending order by Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC, mean: 807 ng/g), Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal (IHSC, mean: 698 ng/g) and New Bedford Harbor (NBH, mean: 482 ng/g). Sediments from the upper Mississippi River (MISS, mean: 63.4 ng/g) and Tittabawassee River (TBR, mean: 52.3 ng/g) contained the lowest concentrations. The RQ values for AAs in sediment ranged from 0 to 733 and that for nicotine ranged from 0 to 2060. Among AAs, the highest RQ value was found for 4-chloroaniline. Nicotine exhibited notable RQ values, which suggested risk from this chemical to aquatic organisms. This is the first study to report the occurrence of AAs in sediments and our results suggest the need for further investigations on the sources and ecological impacts of these chemicals in aquatic ecosystems.

Assessment of mercury enrichment in lake sediment records from Alberta Oil Sands development via fluvial and atmospheric pathways

Exploitation of bitumen-rich deposits in the Alberta Oil Sands Region (AOSR) by large-scale mining and processing activities has generated widespread concern about the potential for dispersal of harmful contaminants to aquatic ecosystems via fluvial and atmospheric pathways. The release of mercury has received attention because it is a potent neurotoxin for wildlife and humans. However, knowledge of baseline mercury concentration prior to disturbance is required to evaluate the extent to which oil sands development has contributed mercury to aquatic ecosystems. Here, we use stratigraphic analysis of total mercury concentration ([THg]) in radiometrically dated sediment cores from nine floodplain lakes in the AOSR and downstream Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) and two upland lakes in the PAD region to establish pre-1900 baseline [THg] and evaluate if [THg] has become enriched via fluvial and atmospheric pathways since oil sands mining and processing began in 1967. Concentrations of THg in sediment cores from the study lakes range from 0.022–0.096 mg/kg (dry wt.) and are below the Canadian interim sediment quality guidelines for freshwater (0.17 mg/kg). Results demonstrate no enrichment of [THg] above pre-1900 baseline via fluvial pathways at floodplain lakes in the AOSR or PAD. Enrichment of [THg] was detected via atmospheric pathways at upland lakes in the PAD region, but this occurred prior to oil sands development and aligns with long-range transport of emissions from coal combustion and other anthropogenic sources across the northern hemisphere recognized in many other lake sediment records. The inventory of anthropogenic [THg] in the upland lakes in the AOSR is less than at the Experimental Lakes Area of northwestern Ontario (Canada), widely regarded as a “pristine” area. The absence of enrichment of [THg] in lake sediment via fluvial pathways is a critical finding for stakeholders, and we recommend that monitoring at the floodplain lakes be used to inform stewardship as oil sands operators prepare to discharge treated oil sands process waters directly into the Athabasca River upstream of the PAD.