Fast Growth Research Articles

Determining the rate-limiting processes for cell division in Escherichia coli.

A critical cell cycle checkpoint for most bacteria is the onset of constriction when the septal peptidoglycan synthesis starts. According to the current understanding, the arrival of FtsN to midcell triggers this checkpoint in Escherichia coli. Recent structural and in vitro data suggests that recruitment of FtsN to the Z-ring leads to a conformational switch in actin-like FtsA, which links FtsZ protofilaments to the cell membrane and acts as a hub for the late divisome proteins. Here, we investigate this putative pathway using in vivo measurements and stochastic cell cycle modeling at moderately fast growth rates. Quantitatively upregulating protein concentrations and determining the resulting division timings shows that FtsN and FtsA numbers are not rate-limiting for the division in E. coli. However, at higher overexpression levels, they affect divisions: FtsN by accelerating and FtsA by inhibiting them. At the same time, we find that the FtsZ numbers in the cell are one of the rate-limiting factors for cell divisions in E. coli. Altogether, these findings suggest that instead of FtsN, accumulation of FtsZ in the Z-ring is one of the main drivers of the onset of constriction in E. coli at faster growth rates.

Multi-tissue metabolomic profiling reveals the crucial metabolites and pathways associated with scallop growth.

Bivalves represent a vital economic resource in aquaculture for their high productivity and extensive market demand. Growth is one of the most important and desired aquaculture traits for bivalves, regulated by multiple levels, notably intricate metabolic processes. However, the understanding of the metabolic profiles that influence bivalve growth is limited, particularly from a multi-tissue perspective. In this study, metabolic profiles of multiple tissues of Chlamys farreri with different growth performance were systematically investigated by ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Through comparing the metabolic variation between fast-growing (FG) scallops and slow-growing (SG) scallops, 613, 509, 105, and 192 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were identified in the mantle, gill, adductor muscle, and digestive gland, respectively. Growth-related metabolic pathways including sphingolipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and ABC transporter pathway, along with 11 SDMs associated with growth traits were identified in all four tissues, implying they were involved in the growth of multiple tissues in scallops. Tissue-specific metabolic profiling indicated that sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism in the mantle potentially contributed to shell growth, while the gill synergistically participated with the mantle through various metabolic processes, such as tyrosine metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and melanogenesis; energy metabolism was crucial for adductor muscle growth; and nutrients digestion and absorption in the digestive gland were linked to scallop growth. Our results represent the first comprehensive analysis of the crucial pathways and metabolites associated with the growth of C. farreri, offering valuable insights for future bivalve aquaculture production.

Rotating culture regulates the formation of HepaRG-derived liver organoids via YAP translocation.

Liver organoid serves as an alternative model for liver pathophysiology in carbohydrate or lipid metabolism and xenobiotic metabolism transformation. Biomechanical cues including spaceflight mission can affect liver organoid construction and their related functions, but their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood yet. Here, a rotating cell culture device, namely Rotating Flat Chamber (RFC), was specifically designed for adhering cells or cell aggregated to elucidate the effects of altered gravity vector on HepaRG-derived liver organoids construction. The organoids so formed under RFC presented the fast growth rate and large projection area. Meanwhile, the expressions of two pluripotency markers of SOX9 and CD44 were enhanced. This finding was positively correlated with the increased YAP expression and nuclear translocation as well as the elevated α4β6-integrin expression. Inhibition of YAP expression and nuclear translocation decreased the expression of SOX9 and CD44 under RFC, thereby attenuating the pluripotency of HepaRG-derived liver organoids. In conclusion, we proposed a novel liver organoid construction method using rotating culture, by which the pluripotency of liver organoids so constructed is mediated by α4β6-integrin and YAP translocation. This work furthered the understanding in how the gravity vector orientation affects the construction of liver organoids and the related mechanotransductive pathways.

Wolffia globosa, a novel crop species for protein production in space agriculture.

Space agriculture, pivotal for sustainable extraterrestrial missions, requires plants that can adapt to altered gravitational conditions. This study delves into the adaptive responses to altered gravity of Wolffia globosa, an aquatic plant known for its rapid growth and high nutritional value. The research aimed to analyse the effect of simulated microgravity and hypergravity on relative growth rate (RGR), morphological characteristics, protein content, and the correlation between plant size and growth rate of Wolffia globosa. The study highlighted the responses of the species to altered gravity, uncovering inherent variability among seven different clones of W. globosa. Results show a base variability among clones in terms of RGR, size and protein content. Furthermore, some clones are affected by simulated microgravity, showing a decrease in RGR. Differently, under hypergravity, clones showed RGR higher than in 1g control, therefore revealing a novel plant response to hypergravity. Morphological adaptations to gravity alterations were also evident. Among the studied clones, significant morphological changes were observed, further underlining the peculiar adaptation to the hypergravity environment. Differently, under simulated microgravity, morphology was generally stable across clones. A key finding of the study was the significant negative correlation between RGR and the physical dimensions of the plants: the fastest growth was associated with the smallest dimensions of the plants. This correlation might have practical implications in selecting clones for space cultivation, that leads to compact yet highly productive clones. The analysis of the protein content of all the clones revealed mostly no significant changes under hypergravity. Otherwise, a general decrease in protein content was observed under simulated microgravity. Overall, the study confirms the suitability of W. globosa for space agriculture and provides new insights into the perspective of using W. globosa as an alternative crop species for protein production for manned Space missions. Furthermore, it underscores the need for focusing on the clones and the selection of the W. globosa plants that are best adapted to the environmental conditions of space; therefore, selecting those with the best combination of biomass production (by means of growth rate, size), and protein content.

Sorafenib or anthracycline-based chemotherapy for progressive desmoid tumors.

Desmoid tumors can cause morbidity due to local invasion, potentially being fatal when fast growth compromises vital structures. In this context, a timely treatment response is required. This study aims to compare the activity of sorafenib and anthracycline-containing regimens during the first year of treatment. The authors conducted a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of desmoid tumor patients treated with either sorafenib or an anthracycline-containing regimen over 1 year. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR). The secondary end points were time to response (TTR), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events. From 2005 to 2022, 80 patients received sorafenib and 51 received an anthracycline-containing regimen with similar baseline characteristics. The 1-year ORR was 37% for anthracycline and 13% for sorafenib (p=.016). Median best response was -9% (range, -73 to 51) for anthracycline and -4% (range, -69 to 126) for sorafenib. Median TTR was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-7.8) for anthracycline and 8.7 months (95% CI, 6.3-11.1) for sorafenib (p=.2). One-year PFS was 73% (95% CI, 60-86) for anthracycline and 59% (95% CI, 47-71) for sorafenib (p=.3). Common grade 1-2 adverse events for sorafenib were hand-foot syndrome (40%), diarrhea (25%), and fatigue (22%); for anthracycline, they were nausea (31%), fatigue (16%), and rash (14%). Grade 3 events were higher in the anthracycline group, 27% versus 14% (p<.05). Anthracycline-based therapy provided a greater 1-year response rate than sorafenib but was associated with a higher rate of serious adverse events. Higher-risk desmoid tumors, which need a more timely response, might benefit from anthracycline-based therapies, whereas average-risk tumors could benefit from sorafenib.

Life-history of invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio, within a natural lake (Groenvlei), South Africa

Common carp, Cyprinus carpio, is a global invasive species illegally introduced into the Groenvlei system, South Africa, in the 1990s for recreational angling. To manage this population effectively, basic information is needed on its biology including growth and reproduction. This study examined the growth trends of C. carpio using otolith growth zone deposition rates which were validated using a chemical mark–recapture experiment (n = 16). From a total of 140 C. carpio, length-at-age was best described using the Von Bertalanffy growth model for males and females. The average lengths-at-50% maturity were estimated at 314 mm F L (males) and 262 mm F L (females). Compared with other South African C. carpio populations, the Groenvlei population is relatively fast growing and long lived, with the oldest female aged 20 years and the oldest male aged 18 years, likely facilitated by relatively favourable environmental conditions at Groenvlei. Data from this study provide a baseline at the commencement of C. carpio management interventions at Groenvlei and an opportunity to monitor changes in population dynamics facilitated by these efforts.

Comparison of the Effects of Antibiotic Sensitivity and Physical Parameters on the Growth of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Burkholderia cepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; complex and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Burkholderia cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

B&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;urkholderia cepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; complex (Bcc) has been tied to various FDA drug recalls over the past years. It was found that these bacteria can survive on a broad range of molecules in oxygenic and anoxygenic environments as well as sterilized and non-sterilized environments. The main research question focused on how physical requirements and antibiotics can be used to control Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;growth. Four replicates of TSB tubes that had pH 4, 6, 7, and 8 were inoculated with Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and incubated overnight at 4, 20, 25, 37, and 85°C. The transmission readings of the broth cultures were measured to estimate bacterial growth using a Genesys 2 spectrophotometer. The Kirby-Bauer test was performed using Polymyxin, Ticarcillin, Ticarcillin with Clavulanic acid, Penicillin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Streptomycin. The E-test was performed using gradient strips of Cefiderocol (C) l (0.016-256 mg/L) and Imipenem-relebactam (IR) (0.002/4-32/4 mg/L). The antibiotic dilution test was performed for Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline after observing larger zones of inhibitions with the Kirby-Bauer test. There was no visible growth of Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; at 4°C and 85 °C at any pH and pH 4 across the temperatures. However, subcultures showed bacterial growth the following day. The growth rates increased significantly at 25 and 37°C as well as pH 6 and 7. The average diameters of the zones of inhibitions of PXB, TCC, TIC, C30, and TE30 for Bcc were 1.3, 3.7, 3.1, 2.0, and 1.16 mm and for &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; were 0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.1, and 1.6 mm, respectively. Both Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; were resistant to P10, AM10, E15, and S10. MIC for the E-test of Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; for IR and C were 0.67 and 10 and 0.88 and 0. 016. mg/L, respectively. MIC and MBC for the dilution test of the C30 and TE30 for Bcc were 1 and 8 and 64 and 128 and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; 8 and 128 and 16 and 128 µg/ml. These bacteria had faster growth rates with no significant difference in their growth under the various temperature and pH conditions used. The research concluded that both Bcc and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; can grow in typical storage conditions such as 4°C and pH 4, without showing any visible signs of growth. This study showed that &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. cenocepacia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; has significantly higher resistance to antibiotics than Bcc. These results are beneficial for developing strategies to prevent &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Burkholderia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; cross-contamination in clinical environments.

Alternatively activated macrophages are associated with faster growth rate in vestibular schwannoma

Abstract The variability in vestibular schwannoma growth rates greatly complicates clinical treatment. Management options are limited to radiological observation, surgery, radiotherapy and, in specific cases, bevacizumab therapy. As such, there is a pressing requirement for growth restricting drugs for vestibular schwannoma. This study explored potential predictors of vestibular schwannoma growth in depth, highlighting differences between static and growing vestibular schwannoma to identify potential therapeutic targets. High dimensional imaging was used to characterise the tumour microenvironment of four static and five growing vestibular schwannoma (indicated by volumetric change &amp;lt; 20% or ≥ 20% per year, respectively). Single cell spatial information and protein expression data from a panel of 35 tumour immune-targeted antibodies identified specific cell populations, their expression profiles, and their spatial localisation within the tumour microenvironment. Growing vestibular schwannoma contained significantly more proliferative and non-proliferative alternatively activated tumour-associated macrophages per mm2 compared to static vestibular schwannoma. Furthermore, two additional proliferative cell types were identified in growing and static vestibular schwannoma: transitioning monocytes and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1+) Schwann cells. In agreement, growing vestibular schwannoma were characterised by a tumour microenvironment composed of immune-enriched, proliferative neighbourhoods, whereas static vestibular schwannoma were composed of tumour-enriched, non-proliferative neighbourhoods. Finally, classically activated macrophages significantly co-localised with alternatively activated macrophages in static vestibular schwannoma, but this sequestration was reduced in growing vestibular schwannoma. This study provides a novel, spatial characterisation of the immune landscape in growing vestibular schwannoma, whilst highlighting the need for new therapeutic targets that modulate the tumour immune microenvironment.

BIOS-02. DIFFERENT GROWTH PATTERN OF VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS IN NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2 PATIENTS ACCORDING TO AGE

Abstract The natural growth pattern of vestibular schwannoma (VS) associated with the rare disease neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) has not been sufficiently elucidated, and the rationale for proactive treatment for VS in NF2 is not firmly established. This study aimed to uncover the growth pattern of VS associated with NF2 and identify risk factors for rapid growth. A total of 68 VSs from 41 NF2 patients who were diagnosed in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from July 2006 to July 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. NF2 was clinically diagnosed according to the Manchester criteria. The mean age was 34±16 years (mean ± standard deviation) at diagnosis. The initial tumor volume was a median of 0.263 cm³ (interquartile range [IQR], 0.053-0.754 cm³), and 51 VSs exhibited serviceable hearing classified as Gardner-Robertson grade 1 or 2. Patients were followed for a median of 45 months (IQR, 30-80 months), during which the median volume increased by 0.145 cm³ (IQR, 0.020-0.783 cm³), representing an annual growth rate of 0.044 cm³/yr (IQR, 0.003-0.202 cm³) or 12.4%/yr (IQR, 2.2-27.5%). Patients younger than 25 years (15 patients with 28 VSs) had significantly smaller initial tumor sizes (0.170 cm³ [IQR, 0.031-0.339 cm³] vs. 0.510 cm³ [0.099-1.399 cm³]) but faster tumor growth rates (annual growth rate; 27.3%/yr [IQR, 11.3-81.4%/yr] vs. 4.7%/yr [IQR, 0.0-16.1%/yr]) compared to those 25 years or older (26 patients with 40 VSs). Among the 51 VSs with serviceable hearing at diagnosis, 40 VSs were followed up for more than 12 months. Among them, 13 (32.5%) experienced unserviceable hearing deterioration at a median of 58 months. The risk of hearing loss significantly increased with faster tumor growth rates. The growth rate of NF2-related VS was higher in patients under the age of 25, which may be helpful in determining indications for proactive treatments like radiosurgery for NF2-related VS.

CSIG-23. CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTED HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA CELL LINES SHOW AN AGGRESSIVE PHENOTYPE ASSOCIATED WITH UPREGULATION OF IL-6/STAT3 AND AKT SIGNALING

Abstract BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been implicated in glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis by affecting stemness, angiogenesis and immune pathways. Clinical trials targeting CMV in GBM patients have shown some early promise, and CMV seropositivity has been associated with poorer outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the effects of CMV infection on critical signaling pathways in GBM (IL6/STAT3, and Akt signaling) based on the hypothesis that CMV may contribute to poorer outcomes in GBM by increasing oncogenic signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human U251 and LN229 GBM cell lines were infected with mCherry expressing human CMV TB40 strain at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.5. We performed basic phenotypic studies in vitro and investigated the status of IL6/STAT3, and Akt signaling by Western blotting. RESULTS Both LN229 and U251 cell lines were readily infectable by CMV. Infection of U251 cells was over 90% and in LN229 cells was approximately 60%. Interestingly expression of CMV was sustained over many passages in these cell lines. Infection was also verified by the presence of the CMV pp65 protein assessed by Western blotting. Measurement of cell proliferation indicated faster growth after CMV infection. Interrogation of key pro-oncogenic signaling pathways in GBM revealed a robust upregulation of IL6, as well as phospho(Tyr705)-STAT3 and phospho(Thr308)-Akt. This elevation of pro-oncogenic signaling pathways was observed in both cell lines compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Here we show for the first time that infection of human GBM cell lines with CMV results in a more aggressive phenotype associated with upregulation of IL6/STAT3 signaling as well as a significant increase in phospho-Akt levels. We are currently studying sensitivity to standard therapies and additional molecular changes in these cells. These data support the hypothesis that CMV causes more aggressive disease and that CMV is a relevant therapeutic target in GBM.

Ontogenetic and evolutionary trends on cephalopod digestive systems

AbstractMeropelagic octopuses hatch as planktonic paralarvae, being the subject of progressive morphological and behavioural changes ending with settlement on the seafloor as juveniles. The comparative morphological study of digestive systems can help to understand the adaptation to particular niches during this challenging plankton-benthos transition. Here, the morphometric development of the digestive system of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is described through 3D microscopy techniques over the first two months of life. This morphological development is compared with those of adults and the holobenthic cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, as well as with the holopelagic squids Loligo vulgaris and Illex coindetii. Based on present and published results, we suggest four stages for the early development of O. vulgaris: (1) post embryonic, (2) early paralarval, (3) advanced paralarval and (4) early juvenile. The digestive system development was variable over time, with faster growth during the first days of planktonic life and after settlement. All the paralarvae-bearing species showed very proportionally enlarged posterior salivary glands at hatching compared both to more developed conspecifics and to the cuttlefish hatchling. This could reflect a potential common feeding mechanism through external digestion and probably a compensatory mechanism for an early digestive gland underperformance. The proportionally smallest digestive system has been found in L. vulgaris, mainly because of their remarkably smaller digestive glands. All species showed major changes in digestive organs between hatchlings and developed phases, indicating how different ecological contexts over ontogeny are reflected in their digestive structures. Graphical abstract

EPCO-22. DEEP PHENOTYPING IDENTIFIES TRUNCATING MUTATIONS IN THE NF2 LINKER DOMAIN ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE SEVERITY IN NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE II

Abstract INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant tumor syndrome with protean presentation and variable penetrance. Our objective was to perform deep phenotypic and genetic analysis of a diverse NF2 population to identify predictors of worse clinical outcome. METHODS We evaluated 167 patients with NF2 and followed them for a mean duration of 4.5 years. Detailed clinical and radiographic characteristics were collected on each patient, and Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) scores and within-study mortality were monitored. CLIA certified genotyping was supplemented with a custom sequencing panel targeting NF2 and other schwannomatosis-related genes. Outcome predictors were assessed using multivariable linear or logistic regression. RESULTS Germline mutations (nonsense 36%, splice-site 16%, and large deletions 16%) were grouped by predicted protein effect (truncating 41%, non-truncating 27%, and mosaic 33%) and mapped to the NF2chromosomal locus. Patients with truncating NF2 mutations had lower mean age of diagnosis (19.9 versus 25.7, P = 0.01) and faster tumor growth rates (2.4% versus 1.1% for all tumors, P = 0.01). Patients whose truncating mutations occurred within the NF2 linker domain (exons 8, 11 and 12) had more total tumors (adjusted coefficient 15.0, 95% CI 0.8 – 29.0, P = 0.04), and specifically more schwannomas (adjusted coefficient 7.0, 95% CI 0.2 – 13.9, P = 0.04). Presence of a-helical domain mutations predicted higher within-study mortality (adjusted OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.1 – 16.2, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The NF2 linker domain functions a hinge, facilitating binding between the tail domain and the LATS binding site within the FERM domain. In our study, truncating mutations in the NF2 linker domain were associated with higher tumor burden and over four-fold within-study mortality. The linker domain may constitute a novel therapeutic target in patients with NF2.

Functional differences between herbs and woody species in a semiarid Mediterranean plant community: A whole‐plant perspective on growth, nutrient‐use and size

Abstract Despite decades of research, a comprehensive understanding of trait coordination at the whole‐plant level remains elusive. Furthermore, while the link between above‐ground growth rates and leaf traits related to nutrient use is well established, much less is known about the below‐ground compartment. Herbs and woody species exhibit distinct above‐ground growth and nutrient‐use strategies, but whether these differences extend to root traits below‐ground remains unclear. We carried out a common garden experiment with 23 perennials (7 herbs and 16 woody species) coexisting in a Mediterranean shrubland and measured 17 above‐ground and below‐ground traits related to growth, nutrient use and size. We analysed the links between growth rate and nutrient use focusing especially on roots and considering potential differences between herbs and woody species. We also combined plant size data from experimental juveniles and field‐sampled adults to determine the effects of life stage on whole‐plant phenotypic integration. We found a significant relationship between growth rates (both above‐ground and below‐ground) and root nutrient‐use strategies. Root diameter was negatively associated to growth rate only in herbs. Specific root area and root tissue density were positively and negatively correlated with growth rate, respectively, in both herbs and woody species. Moreover, we found significant differences in roots traits between herbs and woody species. Plant growth rate and root nutrient‐use strategies were both positively associated to plant size (height and above‐ground diameter) in juveniles, while a negative relationship was observed in adults. Our work provides insights on the links between whole‐plant growth rate and nutrient‐use strategies in species from a dry Mediterranan shrubland. Specifically, we show that whole‐plant growth rate is strongly associated to root traits, with more acquisitive root nutrient‐use strategies related to faster growth rates, which in turn translated to greater plant size in juveniles but smaller in adults. Our results also highlight root functional differences and contrasting patterns of whole‐plant phenotypic integration between herbs and woody species, offering deeper insights into species coexistence in species‐rich dry Mediterranean environments. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

SecureCloud Guardian: Advancing Data Security via Advanced Dispersion and Encryption in Cloud Strorage (SCG)

Cloud storage, being one of the foundational pillars of modern computing, has been readily embraced and spurred fast growth in the cloud computing domain. Despite this massive and widespread acceptance, major security issues hang over the cloud storage scene and often result in huge security breaches and leaks of information. SecureCloud Guardian, or SCG, comes into the picture as an important instrument that guarantees privacy in information stored over the cloud. SCG follows a multi-pronged approach, including data dispersal techniques, storage distribution protocols, and encryption formats that guarantee efficient data storage. It also employs a hierarchical management approach that leverages user-level secret code as well as secret division algorithms for maintaining cryptographic material, preventing unauthorized access. The experimental studies carried out on SCG verify the effectiveness of this security-centered cloud storage technology in terms of avoiding data leakage. For instance, SCG uploads and downloads 5G files in a mere 646 seconds and 269 seconds, respectively—an attractive choice for consumers looking for secure cloud information storage.

Screening, Identification and Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria for Degrading Mycotoxin Isolated from the Rumen of Yaks

Mycotoxin contamination is a major food safety issue worldwide, posing a serious threat to animal production performance and human health. Lactic acid bacteria are generally regarded as safe fermentation potential probiotics. They have the advantages of low toxicity, small pollution, strong specificity and high safety, and can reduce the contamination of microorganisms and mycotoxins. In this study, we compared the mycotoxin degradation capacity of 15 lactic acid bacteria strains from the rumen of Qinghai yak, through comprehensive analysis, we finally identified the strains as potential probiotics because they have a fast growth speed, strong acid production capacity (pH &lt; 4.5), and they can grow normally in an environment with a pH of 3.5, bile salt concentration of 0.1%, and good self-agglutination and hydrophobicity. It was found that the fermentation group (Pediococcus acidilactici C2, Pediococcus acidilactici E28, Pediococcus pentosaceus A16 and Enterococcus lactis C16) could significantly reduce mycotoxin content, and both the nutritional and fermentation quality of the feed improved after 7 days of fermentation, meaning that the fermentation group can be used as a functional feed additive.

AI-Driven Scaling of Sustainable Startups: Business Models and Environmental Impact

With fast growth in sustainable startups at variance with profitability, the likelihood of high profitability contrasted with minimal environmental impact becomes a great challenge and opportunity. In this article, the role of AI in scaling through innovative business models to meet sustainability goals is investigated. The latest development in optimized operating efficiency, lesser resource consumption, and improved scalability has seen AI use go unexplored in business models designed particularly for environmental sustainability goals. This paper addresses how AI-enabled business model innovation can facilitate scaling up of sustainable start-ups in renewable energy, waste management, and circular economy practices. In addition, resource reallocation under such a scenario comes with a double dividend: it brings better economic growth alongside lower ecological damage, while reduction in AI's adverse environmental impact arises as a by-product. Case studies are expected to summarize the complexity in practice and limitations of AI for sustainable business growth. This study, therefore, provides an answer that contributes to understanding how startups may leverage AI to drive not only economic value but also create environmental value, thus providing the much-needed roadmap for future research in a rapidly changing field.

Assessment of the Suitability of Raw Materials for Construction Manufacturers, from Ellan Anticline, Northwestern Mosul City, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

The fast population growth and significant urban development put pressure and demand on raw materials that are used for construction like carbonate rocks, clay, and gypsum. Providing new background information for these raw materials that may be suitable for different industries, such as cement, Juss, plaster, building stone, and bricks is aimed in this study. Therefore, the study includes a field reconnaissance of seven sites within the Ellan anticline, northwest of Mosul City, several twenty-five rock samples were collected and analyzed from the best exposures of the formations. The results show that unit C of the lower member and the upper member of the Fatha Formation are suitable raw materials for the manufacturing of the cement industry. Gypsum strata in the Fatha Formation are suitable for multiple industries such as cement, Juss, plaster, building units, light tile or blocks, and for the protection of columns. The chemical results of major oxides for limestone from Euphrates and lower members of Fatha formations (units A and B) show that the mean concentrations of CaO, MgO, and alkali oxides are higher than the limit values in Iraqi standards. The bulk-rock analysis for major element oxides of unit C demonstrates that rocks are within the limit values. In addition, most of the oxides of limestone and marly limestone of the upper member of the Fatha Formation are within the standard quality for the cement industry. Clays from Quaternary sediments were found to be suitable for the cement industry only, while the pre-Quaternary appears to be not suitable for cement or perforated brick industries.

Descriptive embryological insights of the colorectum of quail embryos with concern to its functional morphology

BackgroundQuail is an interesting emerging bird species gaining attention in developmental embryology research due to its small size, quick lifespan, and fast growth rate. These characteristics make quail an ideal model for examining the development of the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, the embryonic development of the colorectum was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of its functions in digestion, absorption, and immunity.MethodologyThe morphological anatomy and microscopical structure of the colorectal wall of 74 embryos were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Histologically, the embryos were collected and dissected to extract the intestine. The samples were then fixed in 10% neutral buffer formalin for a minimum of 24 h, and in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffer formalin for semithin processing and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe wall of the embryonic colorectum on the hatching day consisted of three layers; mucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. Mucosa was a simple layer of columnar enterocytes interspersed with goblet cells that appeared as cub-like shaped cells. Additionally, two ganglionic plexuses were also developed in the colorectal wall; Auerbach plexus (among the colorectal tunica muscularis) and Meissner plexus (submucosal plexus).ConclusionThe morphological characteristics of the quail colorectum at different ages were closely related to its functional features.

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mediated dwarfing mutation provides a basis for CaCO3 accumulation by enhancing photosynthetic performance in Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf.

Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt-excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions. Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits. All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion. The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization.

AlGrow: a graphical interface for easy, fast and accurate area and growth analysis of heterogeneously colored targets.

AlGrow software provides a graphical interface to define target color volumes as hulls in color space and applies them to image segmentation and growth rate analysis across a multiplexed image series.