Entry Of Nutrients Research Articles

Dynamic interplay between a TonB-dependent heme transporter and a TonB protein in a membrane environment.

Gram-negative bacteria import scarce nutrients such as metals and vitamins by an energized mechanism involving a multicomponent protein system that spans the cell envelope. It consists of an outer membrane TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) and a TonB complex in the inner membrane that provides the proton motive force energy for the nutrient entry. Despite the intense research efforts focused on this system (a) from structural and fundamental microbiology perspectives and (b) for the interest in the development of new antibacterial strategies, the molecular mechanism of the system is not at all well understood. The lack of understanding comes from incomplete structural data and the experimental difficulties of studying an inherently flexible multicomponent complex that resides within the heterogeneous environment of the double membrane bacterial cell envelope. To address these challenges and obtain a comprehensive view of the molecular interactions at atomic level, here, we have used the combined power of advanced molecular simulations and complementary microbiology and biochemical experiments. Our results represent a significant step forward in understanding the structural and molecular bases of this vital mechanism.

Characteristics of the Digestive Tract of Dogs and Cats.

As for other mammals, the digestive system of dogs (facultative carnivores) and cats (obligate carnivores) includes the mouth, teeth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and accessory digestive organs (salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder). These carnivores have a relatively shorter digestive tract but longer canine teeth, a tighter digitation of molars, and a greater stomach volume than omnivorousmammals such as humans and pigs. Both dogs and cats have no detectable or a very low activity of salivary α-amylase but dogs, unlike cats, possess a relativelyhighactivity of pancreatic α-amylase. Thus, cats select low-starch foods but dogs can consume high-starch diets. In contrast tomany mammals, the vitamin B12 (cobalamin)-binding intrinsic factor for the digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 is produced in: (a) dogs primarily by pancreatic ductal cells and to a lesser extent the gastric mucosa; and (b) cats exclusively by the pancreatic tissue. Amino acids (glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate) are the main metabolic fuels in enterocytes of the foregut. The primary function of the small intestine is to digest and absorb dietary nutrients, and its secondary function is to regulate the entry of dietary nutrients into the blood circulation, separate the external from the internal milieu, and perform immune surveillance. The major function of the large intestine is to ferment undigested food (particularly fiber and protein) and to absorb water, short-chain fatty acids (serving as major metabolic fuels for epithelial cells of the large intestine), as well as vitamins. The fermentation products, water, sloughed cells, digestive secretions, and microbes form feces and then pass into the rectum for excretion via the anal canal. The microflora influences colonic absorption and cell metabolism, as well as feces quality. The digestive tract is essential for the health, survival, growth, and development of dogs and cats.

Pathomorphological state of fish in the southern water area of Lake Ladoga

The entry of pollutants and nutrients in various ways (wastewater, aerogenic means and polluting surface runoff) had a negative impact on all parts of the cycle of substances in the reservoir. This was clearly shown by the results of a comprehensive study in the water system: lake. Ilmen - Volkhov river - lake. Ladozhskoye - r. Neva and Neva Bay, which especially affected the ichthyofauna of the studied reservoirs, both visually and during pathomorphological examination. The southern waters of Lake Ladoga are of great fishery importance. More than half of the water area is occupied by the littoral zone - the shallow part of the lake, limited to a depth of 8.4 m. The hydrological features of this water area, combined with sources of pollution, form a high level of anthropogenic influence, which affects the condition of fish and their reproduction. Fishing was carried out in three water areas of the southern part of Lake Ladoga, in the littoral zone. For the study, they took the brain, gills, liver, kidneys, spleen, and gonads. All studies of fish have shown massive toxicosis at the organismal level. A pathological and morphological study carried out at the cellular level confirmed the previously obtained results, revealing pathological changes in various organs. These changes are expressed in hemodynamic disturbances and various degenerative processes, including necrosis, which is the result of prolonged exposure to toxicological substances. On histological preparations, changes in the structural elements of gill tissue from petals to capillaries were observed. The conducted studies showed, along with previously conducted pathological studies, their effectiveness in assessing the condition of fish. They also make it possible to assess both the quality of the fish habitat and the level of its pollution.

Prokaryotic communities inhabiting a high-radon subterranean ecosystem (Castañar Cave, Spain): Environmental and substrate-driven controls

Castañar Cave (Caceres, Spain) is a unique show cave known for its high natural radiation levels. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of its prokaryotic diversity, specifically focusing on investigating the influence of environmental conditions and substrate characteristics on the prokaryotic community structure in the cave sediments. Additionally, the research aims to evaluate the potential impact of human activities on the cave ecosystem. The identification of distinct bioclimatic zones within the cave was made possible through a combination of environmental and microbial monitoring (ATP assays). The results reveal sediment texture as a significant factor, notably affecting the structure, diversity, and phylogenetic variability of the microbial community, including both Bacteria and Archaea. The proportion of clay minerals in sediments plays a crucial role in regulating moisture levels and nutrient availability. These substrate properties collectively exert a significant selective pressure on the structure of prokaryotic communities within cave sediments. The molecular approach shows that heterotrophic bacteria, including those with chitinolytic enzymes, primarily inhabit the cave. Furthermore, chemoautotrophic nitrifiers such as the archaea Nitrososphaeria and the genus Nitrospira, as well as methanotrophic bacteria from the phyla Methylomirabilota, Pseudomonadota, and Verrucomicrobiota, are also present. Remarkably, despite being a show cave, the cave microbiota displays minimal impacts from human activities and the surface ecosystem. Prokaryotic populations exhibit stability in the innermost areas, while the tourist trail area experiences slightly higher biomass increases due to visitor traffic. This suggests that conservation efforts have successfully limited the entry of external nutrients into the innermost cave areas. Additionally, the results suggest that integrating biomarkers like ATP into environmental monitoring can significantly enhance the methods used to study the negative impacts of tourism on cave ecosystems.

Intraduodenal nutrient infusion differentially alters intestinal nutrient sensing, appetite, and satiety responses in lean and obese subjects

BackgroundIntestinal nutrient sensing regulates food intake and energy metabolism by acting locally and relaying nutritional status to the brain. It is unclear whether these mechanisms are altered in obese humans. ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate differences in duodenal nutrient sensing in humans with or without obesity and the effects of transiently blocking vagal transmission on nutrient sensing, hunger, and appetite. MethodsIn a single-blinded, randomized, cross-over design, subjects with or without obesity (n = 14 and n = 11, respectively) were infused intraduodenally with saline or a combination of glucose and oleic acid for 90 min (glucose load: 22.5 g, 1 kcal/min; oleic acid load: 10 g, 1 kcal/min) in the presence or absence of local anesthetic (benzocaine). Blood was sampled at 10-min intervals (120–240 min) and 15-min intervals until termination of the study for measurements of gut hormones, insulin, leptin, and C-peptide. Hunger and satiety sensations were scored using the visual analog scale, and hepatic glucose production and glucose oxidation rates were measured. ResultsDuodenal nutrient infusion in lean subjects led to a 65% drop in acyl ghrelin release and robustly increased cholecystokinin 8 (CCK-8) release (65%; P = 0.023); benzocaine infusion delayed this response (2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance, P = 0.0065). In contrast, subjects with obesity had significantly blunted response to nutrient infusion, and no further effects were observed with benzocaine. Additionally, significant delays were observed in peptide YY (3-36), pancreatic polypeptide, glucose inhibitory peptide, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) response. No significant interactions were found between body mass index (BMI) or baseline hormone levels and areas under the curve for hormones except CCK-8 (BMI, P = 0.018; baseline CCK, P = 0.013). Nutrient-induced hunger and satiety sensations were impeded by benzocaine only in the lean cohort. Hunger and satiety sensations in subjects with obesity were not responsive to nutrient entry into the duodenum, and no additional effects were observed by blocking neural signaling. ConclusionNutrient-induced gut hormone release and response to transient vagal blockade are significantly blunted in subjects with obesity.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.org as NCT02537314.

Drug delivery to the brain – lipid nanoparticles-based approach

The complex structure of the human brain defines it as one of the most inaccessible organs in terms of drug delivery. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents a microvascular network involved in transporting substances between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS) – enabling the entry of nutrients and simultaneously restricting the influx of pathogens and toxins. However, its role as a protective shield for CNS also restricts drug access to the brain. Since many drugs cannot cross the BBB due to unsuitable physicochemical characteristics (i.e., high molecular weight, aqueous solubility, etc.), different technological strategies have been developed to ensure sufficient drug bioavailability. Among these, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are promising approaches thanks to their lipid nature, facilitating their brain uptake, small sizes, and the possibilities for subsequent functionalization to achieve targeted delivery. The review focuses on applying SLNs and NLCs as nanocarriers for brain delivery, outlining the physiological factors of BBB and the physicochemical characteristics of nanocarriers influencing this process. Recent advances in this area have also been summarized.

Submarine groundwater-derived inorganic and organic nutrients vs. mariculture discharge and river contributions in a typical mariculture bay

• Fresh SGD carries 7.4-80 % of the total SGD nutrients in a typical mariculture bay. • SGD contributes much more nutrients than river and rivals mariculture wastewater. • SGD-derived organic nutrients are dominant but were typically ignored previously. • China-wide upscaling shows significance of SGD in the whole mariculture areas. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is recognized as one of the most significant pathways for terrestrial nutrient entry into coastal systems. However, SGD-derived nutrient fluxes, particularly organic nutrients, have not yet been considered in the management of mariculture areas. We quantified both saline (12.5 cm day −1 ) and fresh (1.8 cm day −1 ) SGD and related nutrient fluxes using the radium quartet and water mass balance model, respectively, and then reassessed nutrient budgets in a typical mariculture bay. Although fresh SGD accounts for 13 % of the total SGD, it carries 7.4–80.5 % of the total SGD nutrients, suggesting that fresh SGD was an important source of new nutrients with high nitrogen to phosphorus (N/P) ratios (585) into the coastal waters. Based on the rebuilt nutrient budgets, total SGD and mariculture discharge were the two major nutrient sources into the coastal water, providing 2.8–21.2 and 1.9–13.9 times more nutrients than local rivers, respectively. The nutrient speciation results revealed that SGD-derived organic nutrients, which are typically ignored, were dominant (i.e., dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorus through SGD contributed about 22.9 % and 41.5 % of all nutrient resources). Furthermore, China-wide upscaling showed that SGD-derived nutrient fluxes in the mariculture area along the coast of China are comparable those of the rivers in China. Therefore, we suggest that SGD-derived inorganic and organic nutrient fluxes should be incorporated into the ecosystem management of mariculture areas.

Design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel dual cross-linked gelatin-based bioadhesive for hard and soft tissues adhesion capability

Many surgical treatments require a suitable tissue adhesive that maintains its performance in wet conditions and can be applied simultaneously for hard and soft tissues. In the present study, a dual cross-linked tissue adhesive was synthesized by mixing the gelatin methacryloyl (Gel-MA) and gelatin-dopamine conjugate (Gel-Dopa). The setting reaction was based on a photopolymerization process in the presence of a combination of riboflavin and triethanolamine and a chemical cross-linking process attributed to the genipin as a natural cross-linker. Modified gelatin macromolecules were characterized and the best wavelength for free radical generation in the presence of riboflavin was obtained. Tissue adhesives were prepared with 30% hydrogels of Gel-MA and Gel-Dopa with different ratios in distilled water. The gelation occurred in a short time after light irradiation. The chemical, mechanical, physical, and cytotoxicity properties of the tissue adhesives were evaluated. The results showed that despite photopolymerization, chemical crosslinking with genipin played a more critical role in the setting process. Water uptake, degradation behavior, cytotoxicity, and adhesion properties of the adhesives were correlated with the ratio of the components. The SEM images showed a porous structure that could ensure the entry of cells and nutrients into the surgical area. While acceptable properties in most experiments were observed, all features were improved as the Gel-Dopa ratio increased. Also, the obtained hydrogels revealed excellent adhesive properties, particularly with bone even after wet incubation, and it was attributed to the amount of gelatin-dopamine conjugate. From the obtained results, it was concluded that a dual adhesive hydrogel based on gelatin macromolecules could be a good candidate as a tissue adhesive in wet condition.

Role of Heme Oxygenase in Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cells.

The gastrointestinal tract is a unique organ containing both vascular and luminal routes lined by epithelial cells forming the mucosa, which play an important role in the entry of nutrients and act as a selective barrier, excluding potentially harmful agents. Mucosal surfaces establish a selective barrier between hostile external environments and the internal milieu. Heme is a major nutritional source of iron and is a pro-oxidant that causes oxidative stress. Heme oxygenases (HOs) catalyze the rate-limiting step in heme degradation, resulting in the formation of iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin, which are subsequently converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. In gastrointestinal pathogenesis, HO-1, an inducible isoform of HO, is markedly induced in epithelial cells and plays an important role in protecting mucosal cells. Recent studies have focused on the biological effects of the products of this enzymatic reaction, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions. In this review, the essential roles of HO in the gastrointestinal tract are summarized, focusing on nutrient absorption, protection against cellular stresses, and the maintenance and regulation of tight junction proteins, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications. The biochemical basis of the potential therapeutic implications of glutamine for HO-1 induction in gastrointestinal injury is also discussed.

Stakeholder analysis and prioritization of management measures for a sustainable development in the social-ecological system of the Mar Menor (SE, Spain)

Agricultural and urban activities over the last decades have caused an environmental degradation of the social-ecological system of the Mar Menor, compromising the ecosystem services it offers to society. This article describes a stakeholder analysis through a participatory methodology to identify and characterize them, know their preferences about possible management measures and compare their preferences with the preferences expressed by the group of local population to which such actors belong. Results include the identification of seven main stakeholder groups. Despite the discrepancies among them in the preferential order of the management measures, it is important to point out the consensus of all the interviewed actors to prioritize the measure: Reduce the irrigated area to limit the entry of nutrients into the lagoon. This consensus, which is different from the results obtained in previous studies, represents a recent change of opinion regarding the role of agriculture in the Mar Menor. Results also showed that there are discrepancies between the preferences expressed by some stakeholders and the group of population to which such actors belong. From these results, two interesting conclusions emerge regarding the design and implementation of a deliberative participation process: 1) it is possible to foresee difficulties, at least in its initial phase, in reaching possible consensus on the prioritization of measures and 2) the involvement of the identified stakeholders might be positive in such participatory processes, since they present a distance among their respective positions that is less than the one detected among their corresponding sectors in the local population. Therefore, the involvement of these actors in participatory processes can facilitate the generation of consensus that, later, could be extended to their respective sectors.

Preparation of humic acid water‐retaining agent‐modified polyurethane sponge as a soilless culture material

AbstractBased on the structural characteristics of the polyfunctional groups of humic acid (HA), a HA water‐retaining agent (HAA) was prepared by the polymerization of an aqueous solution using potassium humate, acrylic acid, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and bentonite. HAA was obtained by the polymerization of an aqueous solution using an assembly ligand, and a polyurethane (PU) sponge was used as a carrier to mix HAA in the foaming process of the PU sponge to obtain the HAA‐modified PU (HAA‐PU) sponge matrix. The HAA‐PU sponge prepared with the HAA‐to‐PU mass ratio of 1:4 had the strongest foaming volume and water absorption. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal stability analysis showed the successful preparation of the HAA‐PU sponge substrate, which allowed for the slow entry or storage of moisture and nutrients. The results of the pea seedling growth test on the HAA‐PU sponge and soil CK (control check) group showed that the emergence rate of the HAA‐PU group was>60%. It was not affected by the amount of watering and provided plants with long‐term water and nutrition. The chlorophyll, and vitamin C content of pea seedlings grown in the HAA‐PU sponge group were higher than the soil CK group.

Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolic Signatures of High-Fat-Induced Bone Loss in Mice.

BackgroundAccumulating evidence indicates that high-fat diet (HFD) is a controllable risk factor for osteoporosis, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. As a primary biological barrier for nutrient entry into the human body, the composition and function of gut microbiota (GM) can be altered rapidly by HFD, which may trigger abnormal bone metabolism. In the current study, we analyzed the signatures of GM and serum metabolomics in HFD-induced bone loss and explored the potential correlations of GM and serum metabolites on HFD-related bone loss.MethodsWe conducted a mouse model with HFD-induced bone loss through a 12-week diet intervention. Micro-CT, Osmium-μCT, and histological analyses were used to observe bone microstructure and bone marrow adipose tissue. Quantitative Real-Time PCR was applied to analyze gene expression related to osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the biochemical markers of bone turnover. 16s rDNA sequencing was employed to analyze the abundance of GM, and UHPLC-MS/MS was used to identify serum metabolites. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships among bone phenotypes, GM, and the metabolome.ResultsHFD induced bone loss accompanied by bone marrow adipose tissue expansion and bone formation inhibition. In the HFD group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was increased significantly, while Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Epsilonbacteraeota, and Patescibacteria were decreased compared with the ND group. Association analysis showed that thirty-two bacterial genera were significantly related to bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV). One hundred and forty-five serum metabolites were identified as differential metabolites associated with HFD intervention, which were significantly enriched in five pathways, such as purine metabolism, regulation of lipolysis in adipocyte and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. Sixty-four diffiential metabolites were matched to the MS2 spectra; and ten of them were positively correlated with BV/TV and five were negatively correlated with BV/TV.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that the alternations of GM and serum metabolites were related to HFD-induced bone loss, which might provide new insights into explain the occurrence and development of HFD-related osteoporosis. The regulatory effects of GM and metabolites associated with HFD on bone homeostasis required further exploration.

Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

Background: Basmati rice is an important cereal crop occupying a unique position in Indian agriculture. More than 90% of global rice is produced and consumed in Asia and plays a crucial role in the entry of mineral nutrients into the food chain. Identification of stable genotypes is of great significance because the environmental conditions vary from season to season and year to year. Methods: Thirty six Basmati rice genotypes were evaluated in four production environments during kharif 2016 and kharif 2017 at two locations Kaul and Uchani to study the G × E interaction for milling, appearance, cooking and eating quality parameters. The genotypes were grown in randomized block design with three replications. Result: Based on the stability analysis of Eberhart and Russell model, genotypes viz., Haryana Mahak 1, Pusa 1826-12-271-4 and HKR 06-434 were found stable across the environments for milling%, grain length before cooking and length breadth ratio before cooking, respectively.

Plasma GLP-1 Response to Oral and Intraduodenal Nutrients in Health and Type 2 Diabetes-Impact on Gastric Emptying.

Both gastric emptying and the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are major determinants of postprandial glycemia in health and type 2 diabetes (T2D). GLP-1 secretion after a meal is dependent on the entry of nutrients into the small intestine, which, in turn, slows gastric emptying. To define the relationship between gastric emptying and the GLP-1 response to both oral and small intestinal nutrients in subjects with and without T2D. We evaluated: (i) the relationship between gastric emptying (breath test) and postprandial GLP-1 levels after a mashed potato meal in 73 individuals with T2D; (ii) inter-individual variations in GLP-1 response to (a) intraduodenal glucose (4 kcal/min) during euglycemia and hyperglycemia in 11 healthy and 12 T2D, subjects, (b) intraduodenal fat (2 kcal/min) in 15 T2D subjects, and (c) intraduodenal protein (3 kcal/min) in 10 healthy subjects; and (iii) the relationship between gastric emptying (breath test) of 75 g oral glucose and the GLP-1 response to intraduodenal glucose (4 kcal/min) in 21 subjects (9 healthy, 12 T2D). The GLP-1 response to the mashed potato meal was unrelated to the gastric half-emptying time (T50). The GLP-1 responses to intraduodenal glucose, fat, and protein varied substantially between individuals, but intra-individual variation to glucose was modest. The T50 of oral glucose was related directly to the GLP-1 response to intraduodenal glucose (r = 0.65, P = 0.002). In a given individual, gastric emptying is not a determinant of the postprandial GLP-1 response. However, the intrinsic gastric emptying rate is determined in part by the responsiveness of GLP-1 to intestinal nutrients.

Evaluating the water quality index in dam lake for cold water fish farming

Water quality monitoring and assessment in drinking water resources are of great importance. The entry of pollutants and nutrients into water resources may cause problems for public health and can increase the bioaccumulation and biodiversity risks. This issue is more critical for dam lakes with more retention time, a primary source for drinking, agriculture, fish farming, and industry. This study applies the universal water quality index (U-WQI) to evaluate the dam lake quality in an arid area and identifies the sources of upstream pollutants over time (2016–2020). For this, 16 physical, chemical, and microbial parameters were quarterly measured in three points of Ilam dam lake in Ilam City, Iran. Then, U-WQI was calculated to evaluate water quality for drinking and cold water fish farming. Over the course of monitoring, the average U-WQI for drinking and fish farming was 176.7 and 190.2, respectively. Seasonal changes in the index suggest that fish farming in spring is more suitable than other seasons since the U-WQI decreases in summer and winter.

Nutrient Budgeting — A Robust Indicator of Soil–Water–Air Contamination Monitoring and Prevention

Soil–water–air (SWA) contamination from soil–plant and animal–plant–soil systems have become a major concern for the sustainability of agroecosystems. Nutrient budgeting is one of the techniques that can simultaneously monitor and prevent SWA contamination, if employed in plot, field, regional or continental scale. This study presents nutrient budgeting/balancing (NB) methods, their implications in SWA contamination prevention as well as factors and agricultural practices that affect NB most. Current global policies and regulations aimed at offsetting nutrient pollution are also discussed. We hypothesized that (i) ecosystems equipped with NB approaches can limit the entry of excess nutrients while (ii) policies and actions linked with NB techniques eventually yield in ecosystems preservation. We demonstrated that “nutrient surpluses” derived from crop-livestock systems responsible for SWA contamination can be simultaneously monitored and prevented by using different NBs. Nutrient surpluses are highly linked with the excessive use of fertilizers and manures along with low nutrient utilization efficiency of plants or in animal farming systems. Atmospheric wet and dry depositions, nutrient loss through leaching, surface runoff or erosion and impact of agricultural management e.g., tillage or crop rotation that can enhance nutrient balance should be carefully estimated to prevent over- and underestimation in NBs. However, sustainable policy designing and implementation to prevent SWA contamination need global coordinated actions and may be sustainable if integrated with different NB approaches.

О влиянии растворов фульвокислот из сапропеля на растения салата при различных видах его обработки

Abstract. The purpose of our research was to assess the influence of treatment with fulvic acid (FA) solutions (obtained from sapropel) on the physiological state, production process, and quality of salad crops under intensive controlled conditions. Research method. Treatment of plants with solutions of FA in various concentrations was carried out under controlled conditions using three different methods: soaking cress seeds (0.03-300mg/l); non-root treatment of vegetative plants (90–150 mg/l), when growing lettuce by a low – volume method with drip fertigation with Knop nutrient solution; adding a nutrient solution to the root medium (0.03-150 mg/l), when growing lettuce under nutrient film technique. Results. The most pronounced stimulating effect on plant growth was obtained after seeds treatment with FA solutions in concentrations of 0.3-150.0 mg/l, during non-root treatment of lettuce in concentrations of 0.3 and 150.0 mg/l, and when FA was introduced into the root medium at a concentration of 90.0 mg/l. It was suggested the lettuce growth under the action of FA was conditioned by enhancing plants metabolism and increased entry of nutrients to the aboveground organs of plants (during non – root processing)- and by nutrient uptake increasingas well as activation of the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments-chlorophylls and carotenoids (when a nutrient solution was add to the root medium. Scientific innovation. Under controlled conditions, a comprehensive assessment of the effect of FA solutions obtained from sapropel on the physiological state, production process, and quality of salad crops was carried out. The concentrations of fulvic acid solutions that had the most pronounced stimulating effect on the growth and development of lettuce plants in various types of treatment were determined. The specificity of the responses of lettuce plants to various types of treatment with FA solutions was revealed.

Programmable design of seed coating function induces water-stress tolerance in semi-arid regions.

In semi-arid regions, water stress during seed germination and early seedling growth is the highest cause of crop loss. In nature, some seeds (for example, chia and basil) produce a mucilage-based hydrogel that creates a germination-promoting microenvironment by retaining water, regulating nutrient entry and facilitating interactions with beneficial microorganisms. Inspired by this strategy, a two-layered biopolymer-based seed coating has been developed to increase germination and water-stress tolerance in semi-arid, sandy soils. Seeds are coated with a silk/trehalose inner layer containing rhizobacteria and a pectin/carboxymethylcellulose outer layer that reswells upon sowing and acts as a water jacket. Using Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) cultured under water-stress conditions in an experimental farm in Ben Guerir, Morocco, the proposed seed coating effectively delivered rhizobacteria to form root nodules, resulted in plants with better health and mitigated water stress in drought-prone marginal lands. A programmable seed coating technology has the potential to increase seed germination and water-stress tolerance in semi-arid, sandy soils.

The Unique Phenotype of Lipid-Laden Macrophages

Macrophages are key multi-talented cells of the innate immune system and are equipped with receptors involved in damage and pathogen recognition with connected immune response guiding signaling systems. In addition, macrophages have various systems that are involved in the uptake of extracellular and intracellular cargo. The lysosomes in macrophages play a central role in the digestion of all sorts of macromolecules and the entry of nutrients to the cytosol, and, thus, the regulation of endocytic processes and autophagy. Simplistically viewed, two macrophage phenotype extremes exist. On one end of the spectrum, the classically activated pro-inflammatory M1 cells are present, and, on the other end, alternatively activated anti-inflammatory M2 cells. A unique macrophage population arises when lipid accumulation occurs, either caused by flaws in the catabolic machinery, which is observed in lysosomal storage disorders, or as a result of an acquired condition, which is found in multiple sclerosis, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The accompanying overload causes a unique metabolic activation phenotype, which is discussed here, and, consequently, a unifying phenotype is proposed.

ANALYSIS OF NITRATE, PHOSPHATE, AND SILICATE CONTENT AND THEIR EFFECTS ON PLANKTONIC ABUNDANCE IN THE ESTUARY WATERS OF BATANG ARAU OR PADANG CITY WEST SUMATRA PROVINCE

The entry of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and silicate) from land-based anthropogenic activities (industry, agriculture and household waste) through rivers can potentially cause changes in water quality and will affect fertility and aquatic organisms such as phytoplankton. These three nutrients play an important role in the living tissue cells of living organisms and in the photosynthesis process. This study aims to analyze the effect of nitrate, phosphate and silicate content on the plankton abundance in the estuary of the Batang Arau River, Padang, West Sumatra. The method used is a survey method, the determination of the sampling station is done by purposive sampling, data were analysed by Excel and SPSS Software. Based on the results of laboratory analysis, the nitrate content ranged from 0,117 to 0,485 mg/l, phosphate content from 0,239 to 0,704 mg/l, and silicate content from 0,031 to 0,685 mg/l. Planktonic diatom abundance in the estuary of the Batang Arau River ranges from 194 to 750 ind/l. The results of the statistical analysis of the effect of nitrate, phosphate and silicate with an abundance of diatoms are expressed by the equation Y = 743,019 - 481,828Nitrate - 199,552Phosphate - 172,971Silicate. This equation explains that the effect of nitrate, phosphate and silicate content on diatom abundance has an inverse or negative relationship, where nitrate, phosphate and silicate levels increase, the diatom abundance will decrease. The difference of content and the relationship between parameters analyzed in this research are discussed.