Elevated Protein Concentration Research Articles

Fermenting Buckwheat Seeds (Fagopyrum esculentum) with Aspergillus and subsequent amylase treatments enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activities

This research focused on investigating the effects of fermenting processed buckwheat with different Aspergillus species and subsequent treatment with α-amylase, β-amylase, and Glucoamylase. The study found that fermenting with Aspergillus Oryzae 82-3, followed by β-amylase treatment, significantly impacted saccharification within 2 hours, leading to increased total polyphenol content, rutin, and quercetin levels. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) results showed that Asp-82-3 with β-amylase had the highest rutin and quercetin levels. The saccharified buckwheat also exhibits elevated total protein and total carbohydrate content. DPPH analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant activity in treated samples. In vitro assays demonstrated that buckwheat saccharification with amylase after Aspergillus fermentation resulted in potent production, with Asp-82-3 and β-amylase showing the highest Nitric Oxide (NO) production. The study concludes that combining Aspergillus species and amylase for buckwheat saccharification enhances its antioxidant capacity and functional value, making it valuable in the functional food industry.

Algae as an alternative source of protein in poultry diets for sustainable production and disease resistance: present status and future considerations.

Integrating algae into poultry diets offers a promising avenue for enhancing nutrition, boosting sustainability efforts, and potentially stimulating disease resistance. This comprehensive review delves into the essence, diversity, chemical composition, and nutritional merits of algae, spotlighting their emergence as innovative nutrient sources and health supplements for poultry. The growing interest in algae within poultry nutrition stems from their diverse nutritional profile, boasting a rich array of proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thus positioning them as valuable feed constituents. A key highlight of incorporating both macroalgae and microalgae lies in their elevated protein content, with microalgae varieties like Spirulina and Chlorella exhibiting protein levels of up to 50-70%, outperforming traditional sources like soybean meal. This premium protein source not only furnishes vital amino acids crucial for muscular development and overall health in poultry but also serves as an exceptional reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), presenting multiple health benefits for both poultry and consumers alike. Moreover, algae boast antioxidant properties attributed to bioactive compounds like phycocyanin and astaxanthin, mitigating oxidative stress and boosting the bird's immune response, thereby fostering robust health and disease resilience. Incorporating macroalgae and microalgae into poultry diets yields positive impacts on performance metrics. Research evidence underscores the enhancement of growth rates, feed conversion ratios, carcass quality, and meat attributes in broilers, while in layers, supplementation promotes increased egg production, superior egg quality, and increased concentrations of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, algae hold promise for mitigating the environmental footprint of poultry production, though significant outcomes from trials remain sporadic, necessitating further research to elucidate optimal dosages and blends for different algae species in poultry diets. Standardizing the composition of algae utilized in research is imperative, paving the way for potential applications in poultry nutrition as growth stimulants and substitutes for antibiotics. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of dosage, combination, and mechanism of action through rigorous scientific investigation is key to unlocking algae's full potential within poultry nutrition.

Enhancing wastewater treatment with a novel separated algae membrane oxygenated activated sludge reactor

In this investigation, a separated algae membrane oxygenated activated sludge wastewater treatment reactor was developed. During the phase of aeration pump absence, the system, featuring a separated algae biofilm oxygenation activated sludge mechanism with an internal reflux ratio of 5 and a C/N ratio of 10, demonstrated remarkable efficiency in pollutant removal. Specifically, it achieved COD, TN, NH4+-N, and TP removal rates of 96.6 %, 81.9 %, 98.6 %, and 95.5 %, respectively. Despite a decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) during the transition of wastewater from the algae membrane reactor to the aerobic tank, the internal circulation reflux ratio of 5 ensured that the oxygen-enriched effluent from the algae membrane photoreactor maintained a stable DO level in the aerobic tank, ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 mg/L, thus meeting the oxygen demand of the activated sludge. Alterations in the aeration method had a notable impact on the diversity of the microbial community. Notably, the community shifted from bacteria adapted to intermittent aeration to those acclimated to internal recirculation for oxygen supply. The dominant microbial position was reinforced, with the Patescibacteria phylum and the norank_f__norank_o __ Saccharimonadales genus emerging as the dominant entities within the community. Under internal circulation reflux aeration, filamentous green algae persisted, resulting in a significant increase in biomass and chlorophyll content by 3.07 and 2.93 times, respectively. Furthermore, microalgae exhibited elevated protein and polysaccharide content, which increased by 3.14 and 3.16 times, respectively, due to the influence of the internal circulation reflux process, promoting the maturation of the algae membrane.

Enhancing the potential of rapeseed cake as protein-source food by γ-irradiation.

Rapeseed cake serves as a by-product in the oil extraction industry, characterized by its elevated protein content. However, the presence of antinutritional factors limits the utilization of rapeseed cake as a viable protein source. In this study, different doses of γ-irradiation were used to irradiate rapeseed cake and rapeseed protein isolate was extracted through a modified alkaline solution and acid precipitation method from rapeseed cake. The chemical composition and in vivo acute toxicity of rapeseed protein isolate were determined. The protein recovery rate of rapeseed protein isolate was 39.08 ± 3.01% after irradiation, while the content of antinutritional factors was significantly reduced. Moreover, γ-irradiation did not have any experimentally related effects on clinical observations or clinicopathology in mice. Overall, the reduced antinutrients and increased functional properties suggest that the irradiation of rapeseed cake (<9 kGy) could be utilized as a pre-treatment in the development of rapeseed cake-based value-added protein products.

Differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis in children with Guillain—Barré syndrome and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Clinical cases

Background. Acute flaccid paralysis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a sudden onset of weakness in one or more limbs with decreased or absent tendon reflexes in the affected limbs. This condition may be a manifestation of such pathologies as Guillain-Barré syndrome and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Clinical cases description. We describe two clinical cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome in patient M., 7 years old, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in patient D., 3 years old. In both children, the main clinical manifestation was acute flaccid paralysis. Patient M. was admitted to the Neurological Department of the Moscow Regional Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection with complaints of sharp pronounced weakness in the limbs, inability to walk. According to the disease history, the patient had an acute respiratory viral infection in October 2022. The conducted neurologic examination revealed decreased muscle tone and muscle strength in all limbs, absence of reflexes from the lower limbs. A liquor test was conducted, which revealed increased protein contents. Electroneuromyography detected a pronounced axonal lesion of all motor fibers in the arms and legs. The formulated diagnosis was “Guillain-Barré syndrome, variant of acute motor axonal neuropathy.” The treatment with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins showed positive dynamics. In the second case, patient D. was admitted to the Pediatric Infectious Disease Department of Naro-Fominsk Hospital with similar complaints of sharp weakness in the limbs. Neurological examination showed a diffuse decrease in muscle tone, absence of reflexes from all limbs. Elevated protein contents were determined in the liquor. MRI of the cervical spinal cord showed myelitis of segments C3–C7. Negative antibodies to aquaporin-4 were found. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone, methylprednisolone, and plasmapheresis. Then he was transferred to the Neurological Department of the Moscow Regional Center for Maternity and Childhood Protection, where a repeated MRI of the cervicothoracic spinal cord revealed, in addition to myelitis at the level of C3–C7, a lesion of segments from the level of C2 to the medulla oblongata. The formulated diagnosis was “Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease, seronegative form. Flaccid tetraparesis.” The continued treatment with prednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin produced positive effect. Conclusion. The presented clinical cases will help neurologists to improve timely diagnosis and treatment of causes of acute flaccid paralysis in children, thereby reducing possible complications, disability, and mortality.

Effect of Different Types of Biochar Applications and Phosphate Fertilizer on the Quality and Yield of Edamame Soybeans on Andisols

Edamame soybean (&lt;em&gt;Glycine max &lt;/em&gt;(L.) Merr.) cultivation in phosphorus-limited Andisols presents a formidable challenge due to restricted phosphorus availability despite high phosphorus retention. Unlocking the full potential of this crop demands innovative solutions. This study delves into the transformative effects of biochar and phosphorus fertilizer, individually and synergistically, on edamame soybean growth in Andisols. Employing a randomized complete block design, researchers investigate three types of biochar (B0: control, B1: biochar pellets, B2: biochar powder) and four phosphorus fertilizer rates (P0: control, P1: 27 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; P&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;, P2: 54 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; P&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;, P3: 81 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; P&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;). The bamboo-derived biochar was produced using the Kon-tiki method at ±500 °C. The study reveals no significant interaction between biochar and phosphorus fertilizer. Individually, treatments with B1, B2, and phosphorus fertilizers significantly enhance ammonium, nitrate, and phosphorus availability compared to B0 and P0. Biochar-induced modifications improve phosphorus and nitrogen absorption by roots, resulting in increased shoot dry weight and the root/shoot ratio. However, the number of leaves is solely influenced by phosphorus fertilizer treatment. Additionally, both biochar and phosphorus fertilizers contribute to nitrate reductase activity, root volume, an increased number of pods per plant and higher protein content in edamame soybeans. B2 outperforms B1 and high P3 intensifies this effect, improving nutrient uptake and yield. In summary, biochar and phosphorus fertilizers demonstrate significant potential to revolutionize edamame soybean cultivation in phosphorus-limited Andisols, optimizing pod number per plant and enhancing quality with elevated protein content.

Vitamin A regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and function through p38 MAPK-PGC-1α signaling pathway and alters the muscle fiber composition of sheep

BackgroundVitamin A (VA) and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), are of great interest for their wide range of physiological functions. However, the regulatory contribution of VA to mitochondrial and muscle fiber composition in sheep has not been reported.MethodLambs were injected with 0 (control) or 7,500 IU VA palmitate into the biceps femoris muscle on d 2 after birth. At the age of 3 and 32 weeks, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were obtained to explore the effect of VA on myofiber type composition. In vitro, we investigated the effects of RA on myofiber type composition and intrinsic mechanisms.ResultsThe proportion of type I myofiber was greatly increased in VA-treated sheep in LD muscle at harvest. VA greatly promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and function in LD muscle of sheep. Further exploration revealed that VA elevated PGC-1α mRNA and protein contents, and enhanced the level of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in LD muscle of sheep. In addition, the number of type I myofibers with RA treatment was significantly increased, and type IIx myofibers was significantly decreased in primary myoblasts. Consistent with in vivo experiment, RA significantly improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function in primary myoblasts of sheep. We then used si-PGC-1α to inhibit PGC-1α expression and found that si-PGC-1α significantly abrogated RA-induced the formation of type I myofibers, mitochondrial biogenesis, MitoTracker staining intensity, UQCRC1 and ATP5A1 expression, SDH activity, and enhanced the level of type IIx muscle fibers. These data suggested that RA improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function by promoting PGC-1α expression, and increased type I myofibers. In order to prove that the effect of RA on the level of PGC-1α is caused by p38 MAPK signaling, we inhibited the p38 MAPK signaling using a p38 MAPK inhibitor, which significantly reduced RA-induced PGC-1α and MyHC I levels.ConclusionVA promoted PGC-1α expression through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, improved mitochondrial biogenesis, and altered the composition of muscle fiber type.Graphical

Blood Profiles of Community-Dwelling People with Sarcopenia: Analysis Based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Routine blood factors can be economical and easily accessible candidates for sarcopenia screening and monitoring. The associations between sarcopenia and routine blood factors remain unclear. This study aimed to examine sarcopenia and blood factor associations based on a nation-wide cohort in China. A total of 1,307 participants and 17 routine blood indices were selected from two waves (year 2011 and year 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019). Generalized mixed-effects models were performed for association analyses. A logistic regression (LR) model was conducted to examine the predictive power of identifying significant blood factors for sarcopenia. A higher sarcopenia risk was cross-sectionally associated with elevated blood concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (OR = 1.030, 95% CI [1.007, 1.053]), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (OR = 1.407, 95% CI [1.126, 1.758]) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR = 1.044, 95% CI [1.002, 1.089]), and a decreased level of glucose (OR = 0.988, 95% CI [0.979, 0.997]). A higher baseline hsCRP value (OR = 1.034, 95% CI [1.029, 1.039]) and a greater over time change in hsCRP within 4 years (OR = 1.034, 95% CI [1.029, 1.039]) were associated with a higher sarcopenia risk. A higher BUN baseline value was related to a decreased sarcopenia risk over time (OR = 0.981, 95% CI [0.976, 0.986]), while a greater over time changes in BUN (OR = 1.034, 95% CI [1.029, 1.040]) and a smaller over time change in glucose (OR = 0.992, 95% CI [0.984, 0.999]) within 4 years were also related to a higher sarcopenia risk. LR based on significant blood factors (i.e., hsCRP, HbA1c, BUN, and glucose), and sarcopenia status in year 2015 yielded an area under the curve of 0.859 (95% CI: 0.836-0.882). Routine blood factors involved in inflammation, protein metabolism, and glucose metabolism are significantly associated with sarcopenia. In clinical practice, plasma hsCRP, BUN, blood sugar levels, sex, age, marital status, height, and weight might be helpful for sarcopenia evaluation and monitoring.

Influence of 19-Nortestosterone on the Content of Steroid Hormones, Hematological Indicators and Individual Links of Metabolism in Tissues of Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The influence of different concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone on the body mass and indexes of internal organs, hematological parameters, testosterone, progesterone and cortisol content, certain links of metabolic processes and enzymatic activity in the tissues of carp (&lt;i&gt;Cyprinus carpio&lt;/i&gt; L.) was studied. Under the short-term impact of 50 &amp;mu;g/dm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;, 19-nortestosterone increased the total protein and albumins content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, decreased the inorganic phosphorus and iron content, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activity in the blood plasma and did not affect the respiratory rate, external body features, the mass of hepatopancreas and spleen and their indexes, hematological indicators, the steroid hormones concentration in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, content of glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma. Under 200 &amp;mu;g/dm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;, the respiratory rate and ESR increased, as well as the cortisol and testosterone content in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, whereas progesterone in blood plasma decreased and in hepatopancreas increased. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone caused elevated protein and albumin content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood plasma activity, whereas glucose, inorganic phosphorus, iron, alkaline phosphatase activity was lower. The 19-nortestosterone did not affect the mass and index of hepatopancreas and spleen, hemoglobin concentration, the erythrocytes, leukocytes and lymphocytes number and ratio of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as triglycerides, creatinine, calcium content, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase activity in blood plasma. The conclusion was made about the carp's ability to adapt to low concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone under its short-term impact by modification of the certain links of metabolism and enzymatic activity. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone significantly affected the hormonal status and metabolism of carp.

Study of composite mixtures based on durum wheat semolina and white beans flour for pasta production as specialized food products

Increasing the number of chronic non-communicable diseases around the world is a critical social problem in many countries. In this regard, the creation of specialized foods that correct dysfunctions of the human body is a priority direction in science and food industry. Legumes are characterized by a high content of protein, minerals and trace elements, which determines their possible use as the main raw materials for creating specialized foods. The aim of this research was to present a medical, biological and technological justification for the possibility of producing pasta based on composite mixtures of durum wheat semolina and white bean flour as specialized foods with increased protein content and optimal mineral ratio. Material and methods. The objects of the study were grains of durum wheat (grade Krasnokutka-13), whole meal flour from white beans, composite mixtures in various percentages, and pasta from them. The nutritional and biological value of durum wheat semolina and bean flour was determined experimentally, the nutrient profile of the developed composite mixtures - by calculation. The rheological properties of dough from composite mixtures and the cooking properties of pasta made from them were assessed. Results. It has been established that increase in the proportion of white bean flour in composite mixes elevated calcium and protein content, optimized an amino acid profile, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus, significantly reduced the glycemic load. Bean flour introduction into composite mixtures positively affected the rheological properties of the dough and products from it, in particular, on the speed and energy intensity of dough kneading and aging processes of starched polysaccharides, however, lead to a decrease in dry pasta strength. The pasta made from composite mixtures meets the technological requirements for pasta in terms of a number of basic indicators, namely: the volume of dry pasta, the volume of pasta after cooking and the boilability coefficient. Conclusion. The rheological and technological properties of composite mixtures and their nutrient profile make it possible to recommend them for the production of pasta, as specialized foods.

A Rare Case of Rickettsia and Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Co-infection in a Male Patient with Meningoencephalitis

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) belong to the Herpesviridae family. Close contact is the primary mode of transmission for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, leading to a persistent lifelong infection. HSVs are widely recognized as causative agents of viral infections affecting the central nervous system, capable of presenting as both meningitis and encephalitis. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the predominant viral cause of encephalitis, accounting for the majority of cases. Here, a rare co-infection case of meningoencephalitis, associated with HSV-1 and rickettsia is described. A 42-year-old man presenting with non-remitting headache for 6 days, fever, sweating, and muscle aches was admitted to the Emergency Department. His Weil-Felix test was positive for Proteus OX2 indicating rickettsial infection. Therapy started promptly however patient’s condition deteriorated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and elevated protein concentration. CSF molecular analysis was positive for HSV-1. His cranial MRI indicated cytotoxic edema and gyral enhancement at the right temporal lobe. He was administered acyclovir for 14 days during hospital stay and was successfully discharged. This case report highlights that HSV-1 meningoencephalitis can co-occur with rickettsia infection in immunocompetent individuals, and co-infection with other agents should always be considered to avoid the progression of the disease.

Prognostic and relapsing factors of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia: a prospective cohort study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing relapse and prognosis in patients with primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA), an area previously not well understood. This prospective cohort study included patients who satisfied the modified diagnostic criteria of PACA. A modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2 at the last follow-up was defined as a favorable prognosis. Cox and Logistic regression were utilized to identify relapsing and prognostic factors, respectively. A total of 68 patients were included and 35.3% were male. The median onset age was 42.9years (IQR 22.1-54.0). Neuronal autoantibodies were detected in 33 (50.8%) patients. Of the 65 patients who received first-line immunotherapy, 55 (84.6%) were responsive and 10 (15.4%) were not. Responsiveness to first-line immunotherapy emerged as an independent factor for favorable prognosis (HR 16.762; 95% CI 2.877-97.655; p = 0.002), as did the absence of peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy (HR 14.286; 95% CI 2.41-83.333; p = 0.003). Relapses occurred in 19 (27.9%) patients. Onset age ≤ 43years (HR 5.245; 95% CI 1.499-18.35; p = 0.009), presence of peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy (HR 4.280; 95% CI 1.622-11.298; p = 0.003) and elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration (HR 3.443; 95% CI 1.083-10.951; p = 0.036) were statistically significant relapsing factors. This study identified younger onset age, presence of peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy and elevated CSF protein concentration as relapsing factors, and absence of peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy and responsiveness to first-line immunotherapy as independent factors for favorable prognosis in PACA patients. These findings may guide individualized treatment strategies and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Introgression of a Danbaekkong high-protein allele across different genetic backgrounds in soybean.

Soybean meal is a major component of livestock feed due to its high content and quality of protein. Understanding the genetic control of protein is essential to develop new cultivars with improved meal protein. Previously, a genomic region on chromosome 20 significantly associated with elevated protein content was identified in the cultivar Danbaekkong. The present research aimed to introgress the Danbaekkong high-protein allele into elite lines with different genetic backgrounds by developing and deploying robust DNA markers. A multiparent population consisting of 10 F5-derived populations with a total of 1,115 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed using "Benning HP" as the donor parent of the Danbaekkong high-protein allele. A new functional marker targeting the 321-bp insertion in the gene Glyma.20g085100 was developed and used to track the Danbaekkong high-protein allele across the different populations and enable assessment of its effect and stability. Across all populations, the high-protein allele consistently increased the content, with an increase of 3.3% in seed protein. A total of 103 RILs were selected from the multiparent population for yield testing in five environments to assess the impact of the high-protein allele on yield and to enable the selection of new breeding lines with high protein and high yield. The results indicated that the high-protein allele impacts yield negatively in general; however, it is possible to select high-yielding lines with high protein content. An analysis of inheritance of the Chr 20 high-protein allele in Danbaekkong indicated that it originated from a Glycine soja line (PI 163453) and is the same as other G. soja lines studied. A survey of the distribution of the allele across 79 G. soja accessions and 35 Glycine max ancestors of North American soybean cultivars showed that the high-protein allele is present in all G. soja lines evaluated but not in any of the 35 North American soybean ancestors. These results demonstrate that G. soja accessions are a valuable source of favorable alleles for improvement of protein composition.

Neuro-Behçet’s disease with atypical subcortical nodular lesions: A case report and treatment approach

ABSTRACT Neuro-Behçet’s disease (NB) is a rare complication of Behçet’s disease (BD) characterised by central nervous system involvement. While NB typically presents with brainstem lesions, we report an unusual case of NB in a 27-year-old male with multiple subcortical nodular brain lesions but without brainstem, thalamic, or basal ganglia involvement, making this presentation exceptionally rare. The patient had a prior diagnosis of BD and was HLA-B51 positive. He presented with a sudden loss of consciousness, which was attributed to a seizure. Imaging studies showed low-density areas in the white matter of the bilateral temporal lobes and the right frontoparietal lobe on brain CT. Cerebrospinal fluid examination indicated elevated initial pressure and protein concentration, along with increased interleukin-6. Despite presenting with nodular brain lesions, distinguishing between NB and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) was challenging, and required brain biopsy revealing vasculitis. However, even with this biopsy result, TB could not be ruled out, so TB was treated at the same time. Treatment with anti-TB drugs and standard steroid therapy initially failed to improve the patient’s condition. However, increasing the steroid dosage considering the increased steroid degradation by rifampicin, including pulse therapy with 2 g of methylprednisolone, followed by 18 mg of betamethasone, led to remission of the nodular brain lesions and resolution of the nasopharyngeal ulcer. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating between NB and TB based on imaging alone and the potential efficacy of high-dose steroid therapy in cases of steroid-resistant NB with subcortical nodular brain lesions.

Jasmonates and salicylic acid as enigmatic orchestrators of capitula senescence in Cosmos sulphureus Cav.

The fine-tuning of the intricate network of plant growth hormones empowers the balanced responses of plants to environmental and developmental signals. Salicylic acid and jasmonates are emerging as advanced hormones that provide plants with resistance to environmental stresses. Senescence is characterized by coordinated and systematic crosstalk between phytohormones that remodels the biochemical and physiological mechanisms in plants, resulting in cell death. The present investigation examines the role of jasmonates (methyl jasmonate and jasmonic acid) and salicylic acid (SA) in regulating the petal senescence of detached stalks of Cosmos sulphureus. Based on our results, it was revealed that SA and jasmonic acid (JA) at 40μM and methyl jasmonate (MJ) at 0.75μM concentration delayed the senescence of detached flowers of C. sulphureus considerably. These growth regulators improved the membrane stability, reinforced the antioxidant enzyme activities and averted the upsurge of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in the petals. Additionally, SA and jasmonates preserved higher content oftotal phenols, reducing sugars and soluble proteins in the petals, besides impeding the bacterial growth in testing solutions which corroborated with themaximum solution uptake. The elevated soluble protein content was found to be associated with low specific protease activity (SPA) and α-amino acid content in the petal tissues. Our study concluded that SA and jasmonates delayed flower senescence by averting oxidative stress and maintaining the nutritional status of the petals.

Sulfur Application Improves the Nutritional Quality of Maize by Regulating the Amino Acid Balance of Grains

As a crucial staple crop in agricultural production, maize is extensively cultivated worldwide and plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food security. However, the significant deficiency of essential amino acids (EAA) and conditionally essential amino acids (CEAA), such as lysine (Lys), tryptophan (Trp), methionine (Met), and cysteine (Cys), leads to an imbalance of amino acids in the grain. This study investigates the regulatory mechanism of sulfur (S) application for regulating the amino acid balance of maize grains. The results demonstrate that S application has substantial effects on both the maize yield and nutritional quality. The S application resulted in an increase in maize yield by simultaneously enhancing the grain number per ear (GN) and 100-grain weight (GW), while S application elevated protein concentration through the augmentation of Cys concentration in maize grains. Furthermore, the Cys in grains optimizes the amino acid balance by regulating the ratio of other amino acids, thereby enhancing the nutritional quality of maize while ensuring a steady increase in protein concentration, simultaneously. Overall, the S application at 60–90 kg ha−1 synergistically improved both the yield and nutritional quality of maize, meeting the requirements for sustainable development in maize production. The findings offer a novel theoretical foundation and nutrient management approach for achieving high-yield and superior-quality maize production.

Shear thinning behavior of cerebrospinal fluid with elevated protein or cellular concentration

Shear thinning behavior of cerebrospinal fluid with elevated protein or cellular concentration

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of infectious encephalitis and meningitis: a retrospective study of 90 patients

ABSTRACT Background Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are potentially life-threatening and can cause serious morbidity. We evaluated the clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of infectious encephalitis and meningitis and explored the factors affecting the results of mNGS. Methods Patients with suspected cases of encephalitis or meningitis who presented in Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital from 1 March 2018 to 30 September 2022 were collected. Demographic, historical, and clinical information were obtained, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were treated with mNGS. The pathogen was identified using National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank sequence data. Results Ninety-six patients were screened and finally 90 subjects enrolled. Of the 90 enrolled cases, 67 (74.4%) were diagnosed with central nervous system infections, which included 48 cases (71.6%) of viral infection, 11 (12.2%) of bacterial infection, 5 (7.5%) of mycobacterium tuberculosis, 2 (3.0%) of fungal infection, and 1 (1.5%) of rickettsia infection. From these cases, mNGS identified 40 (44.4%) true-positive cases, 3 (3.3%) false-positive case, 22 (24.4%) true-negative cases, and 25 (27.8%) false-negative cases. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS were 61.5% and 88%, respectively. mNGS of CSF could show a higher positive rate in patients with marked CSF abnormalities, including elevated protein concentrations and monocyte counts. Conclusion mNGS of CSF is an effective method for detecting infectious encephalitis and meningitis, and the results should be analyzed combined with conventional microbiological testing results.

Carcass Yields and Meat Composition of Roosters of the Portuguese Autochthonous Poultry Breeds: “Branca”, “Amarela”, “Pedrês Portuguesa”, and “Preta Lusitânica”

Poultry meat is an important part of the human diet, and the valorisation of autochthonous breeds is a determinant for the sustainability of the rural areas. The increasing demand for niche products demands for better knowledge of the carcass characteristics and meat quality of these local populations. The present study aims to characterise the roosters’ meat from the “Branca” (BR), “Amarela” (AM), “Pedrês Portuguesa” (PP), and “Preta Lusitânica” (PL) breeds. A total of 80 birds (n = 20 per breed) between 38 and 42 weeks old were slaughtered. The physicochemical and nutritional composition were determined in the breast and drumstick meat. The meat of the PL breed had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) pH value, the AM meat revealed a water-holding capacity (WHC) of superior value and moisture content (p ≤ 0.05), while the BR breed had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) ash content. On the other hand, it was observed that the PP meat had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) yellowness index (b*). The breast meat exhibited, in all breeds, a lower pH value, WHC, redness (a*), and lipid content and greater (p ≤ 0.05) lightness (L*), b*, moisture, and ash and protein contents compared to the drumstick. Furthermore, it presented higher (p ≤ 0.05) K, P, and Mg contents and a superior proportion of total and sensorial relevant amino acids. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the breed differences were more significant in the drumstick, with the AM breed lipids presenting a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of MUFAs in the fat, a lower atherogenic index, and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) value for the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acids ratio, while the BR breed lipids presented a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs ratio and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. Considering the results obtained, it can be concluded that the meat from these breeds is a wholesome dietary option, distinguished by a favourable overall nutritional composition marked by elevated protein content, reduced lipid amounts, and amino and fatty acid profiles with desirable nutritional indices.

CULTIVATION OF VARIABLE LUCERNE VARIETY VICTORIA IN MONOCULTURAL AND POLYCULTURE AGROPHYTOCENOSIS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF UDMURT REPUBLIC

Variable lucerne is a valuable perennial legume crop known for its high fodder productivity, elevated raw protein content (up to 24%), drought resistance, winter hardiness, extended utilisation period, and the ability to maintain soil fertility. This crop is cultivated in pure stands and grass mixtures with other legumes and grasses. In 2016, a new variety of variable lucerne, Victoria, was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements and approved for use in the Volga-Vyatka, Ural, West Siberian, North-Western, Central Chernozem, East Siberian, and Middle Volga regions of the Russian Federation, with the FSBI «UFARC UB RAS» (Federal State Budgetary Institution "Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences") as the originator. The research was conducted in 2019–2022 to study the fodder productivity and nutritional value of monocultural and polyculture agrophytocenosis with the Victoria variety of variable lucerne on derno-podzolic soils in the Udmurt Republic. It was found that variable lucerne made the main contribution to agrophytocenosis yield over three years, accounting for 56–87% in two-component grass mixtures and 44–69% in three-component ones. The prevalence of Festuca rubra and Festuca pratensis in mixed crops increased from 18–26% in the first year of use to 32–43% in the third year. The highest yield (7.3 t/ha) of dry matter was obtained from the grass mixture of variable lucerne and red fescue at a stem density of 727–951 pcs/m2, with variable lucerne accounting for 74–80% and red fescue for 11–21%. Among lucerne-grass agrophytocenoses, the mixtures with Festuca pratensis were the most productive, yielding 6.3–t/ha of dry matter. The feed value of the selected grass mixtures was high: in 1 kg of dry weight, there was 17.4–21.3% raw protein, 0.69–0.76 feed units, and 9.2–10.0 MJ of metabolisable energy.