Nutrient Absorption Research Articles

Gut metagenome in Insects and Its Potential in Agricultural and Industrial Applications

Metagenomics has greatly improved our understanding of microbial ecology by revealing the metagenomes of uncultured bacteria, including those associated with insects. These bacteria play important roles in insect defence, reproduction, and food absorption, which influences pest management tactics. Recent next generation sequencing advances in low-cost nucleotide and user-friendly bioinformatics have improved our ability to investigate microbial diversity in economically significant pests. Meta-omics technologies are now essential for defining microbial ecosystems, bio-surveillance, food safety, and commercial advances. Genome studies on insects and plants provide insights into pest control by discovering resistance genotypes and understanding stress-induced genomic changes. This review is focused on how herbivore specialists, such as the diamondback Plutella xylostella, adapt to host plants using gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing has discovered important bacteria-Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum- that help detoxify plant defences, breakdown cell walls, and synthesise amino acids. These findings indicate novel pest management tactics that target gut microbiota interactions. The paper continues with an overview of metagenomic DNA extraction, library creation and screening methods, especially on their applications in biotechnology and bioprocessing.

Effect of D-mannitol and Gibberellic Acid on Physiological Parameters, Early Seedling Growth Characteristics, and Some of the Most Important Chemical Components of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)

Background: One of the important medicinal plants and agricultural products in Asia, particularly in Iran, is barberry, and both salinity and drought can cause osmotic or ionic imbalance in plant cells. In order to study the impacts of D-Mannitol and gibberellic acid on seed germination, physiological parameters, early seedling growth characteristics, and some of the most important chemical ingredients of barberry, one experiment is designed. Methods: The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates, and drought stress was done by D-mannitol at various stress levels, namely, 0 MPa, 40 MPa, and 80 MPa, and the reaction of studied cultivar was assessed on the basis of experimental characteristics associated to germination and seedling growth, and Gibberellic acid treatments were 0 mgL-1, 300 mgL-1, 600 mgL-1, and 900 mgL-1. Results: The effects of D-mannitol were significant in germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigor index, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, leaf dry weight and total sugar. Experimental treatments such as germination percentage, germination rate, and total chlorophyll were also influenced by the application of gibberellic acid. The interaction between D-mannitol and gibberellic acid had significant effect on peroxidase activity. The highest germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigor index, catalase activity, peroxide activity, and Chlorophyll a were obtained for 0 MPa application of D-Mannitol, followed by usage of 40 MPa, and 80 Mpa, respectively. The maximum total chlorophyll, relative water content, and leaf dry weight were also related to control treatment (0 MPa D-Mannitol), while the higher values of proline content, carotenoids and total sugar were obtained for 80 MPa application of D-Mannitol. The maximum values of germination rate, germination percentage, seedling vigor index, peroxidase activity, and chlorophyll a were related to control treatment (0 mgL-1 gibberellic acid), and the highest CAT activity was related to the application of 300 mgL-1 gibberellic acid. The highest total chlorophyll content and relative water content were related to 0 mgL-1 gibberellic acid, while the maximum praline content and leaf dry weight were obtained for the application of 600 mgL-1 and 0 mgL-1 gibberellic acid. There was not any significant difference in carotenoids between gibberellic acid treatments, while the application of 900 mgL-1 gibberellic acid obtained the highest value of total sugar of barberry. Conclusion: Conclusively, on the basis of the results, the application of 80 MPa D-Mannitol and 600 mgL-1 could be recommended as they can increase the absorption of nutrients and water.

Unveiling the nutrient-wealth of black soybean: A holistic review of its bioactive compounds and health implications.

Legumes, an essential component of staple diets, hold a prominent place in global cuisines. Soybean stands out as a widely cultivated legume and is valued for its high protein content, dietary fiber, and rich micronutrients. Several varieties of soybean are available, of which black and yellow varieties show dominance in varied countries and cultures. Over time, the cultivation and consumption of black soybeans have markedly reduced compared to the yellow variety. Despite its rich nutritional and therapeutic indices, it has lost its usage over time. Traditionally, it was utilized in oriental medicine for detoxification and anti-inflammatory potential. However, the antinutrients present in black soybean limit its utilization in the food sector due to their interference with overall nutrient absorption. Several studies in the last few decades have focused on reducing the content of antinutritional factors. However, the information on the use of different processing techniques, both singly and in blends, to reduce antinutrients and enhance the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of bioactive compounds and varied nutrients is limited and fragmented. Furthermore, studies have highlighted black soybeans' protective effects against various degenerative diseases. However, the studies on the effect of processing to enhance its antioxidative properties to make them a sought-after food commodity with nutraceutical potential and therapeutic efficacy are limited and widely scattered. The review aims to consolidate knowledge of diverse processing methods to improve their nutritional and bioactive profile for wider applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Further, it has also highlighted its nutraceutical properties for developing varied functional foods against degenerative diseases to have better therapeutic efficacy.

Limosilactobacillus allomucosae sp. nov., a novel species isolated from wild boar faecal samples as a potential probiotic for domestic pigs

Six strains, WILCCON 0050, WILCCON 0051, WILCCON 0052, WILCCON 0053, WILCCON 0054, WILCCON 0055T, were isolated from four different fecal samples of wild boars on Pulau Ubin, Singapore, Singapore. Based on core genome phylogenetic analysis, the six strains formed a distinct clade within the genus Limosilactobacillus, with the most closely related type strain being Lm. mucosae DSM 13345T. The minimum ANI, dDDH, and AAI values within these six strains were 97.8 %, 78.8 %, and 98.6 %, respectively. In contrast, the ANI, dDDH, and AAI values with Lm. mucosae DSM 13345T were lower, ranging between 94.8–95.1 %, 57.1–59.0 %, and 95.9–97.0 %, respectively. While ANI and AAI were close to the thresholds of 95 % and 97 % for bacterial species delineation, respectively, dDDH was significantly lower than the threshold value of 70 %. Based on our phylogenomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we propose a novel species with the name Limosilactobacillus allomucosae sp. nov., with WILCCON 0055T (DSM 117632T = LMG 33563T) as the designated type strain. In vitro investigations revealed the strains’ ability to break down raffinose-family oligosaccharides, and to utilize prebiotics such as xylo-oligosaccharides and galacturonic acid, thereby enhancing fibre digestion and nutrient absorption. Moreover, strong auto-aggregation properties, as well as resistance to low pH and porcine bile were observed, suggesting their potential survival and persistence during passage through the gut. The high bile tolerance of these strains appears to be attributed to their ability to deconjugate a wide range of conjugated bile compounds. In silico analysis indicated a strong potential for mucin-binding activity, which aids their colonization in the gut. These characteristics indicate the potential suitability of strains of Lm. allomucosae as probiotics for domestic pigs.

An efficient regioconvergent synthesis of 3-aza-obeticholic acid

Bile acids (BAs) are steroidal molecules that play important roles in nutrient absorption, distribution, and excretion. They also act on specific receptors implicated in various metabolic and inflammatory diseases demonstrating their importance as potential drug candidates. Accordingly, there has been a concerted effort to develop new BA derivatives to probe structure–activity relationships with the goal of discovering BA analogues with enhanced pharmacological properties. Among the many steroidal derivatisations reported, the formation of endocyclic azasteroids appeals due to their potential to deliver altered biological responses with minimal change to the steroidal superstructure. Here, we report the synthesis of 3-aza-obeticholic acid (6) via a regioconvergent route. Ammoniolysis of lactones, formed from an m-CPBA-mediated Baeyer-Villiger reaction on a 3-keto-OCA derivative, furnished protected intermediate amido-alcohols which were separately elaborated to amino-alcohols via Hofmann degradation with BAIB. Upon individual N-Boc-protection, these underwent annulation to the 3-aza-A-ring when subjected to either mesylation or a Dess-Martin oxidation/hydrogenation sequence. Global deprotection of the 3-aza-intermediate delivered 3-aza-OCA in ten steps and an overall yield of up to 19 %.

Mitigating acid rain stress and enhancing aquaponics lettuce quality through root protection

Aquaponics is a sustainable eco-agricultural technology that combines aquaculture with horticulture. However, there is still limited research on the effects and preventive measures of acid rain on aquaponics vegetables. Herein, we conducted an experiment to decipher the combined effect of acid rain (pH 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0) and the protecting treatments (AR and AG) on the lettuce, in which plant growth, photosynthetic system, antioxidant system, nutrition and mineral elements were investigated. The results indicated that acid rain was the main factor affecting the growth of lettuce. Without acid rain, the various indicators of lettuce did not alter under AR and AG treatments. As pH decreased, lettuce yield and quality gradually decreased. Acid rain stimulated the antioxidant system and reduced root vitality and nutrient absorption. AG treatment mitigated the harm of acid rain on lettuce root vitality, soluble sugars, nitrate, and ascorbic acid content. At pH 4.0, AG treatment had the greatest mitigating effect. While at pH 3.0, AG treatment had no effect on the SOD activity, total phenolic and soluble sugar content of lettuce. These findings indicated that protecting the roots can mitigate the impact of acid rain on the edible and nutritional value of aquaponics lettuce. As pH decreased, this mitigating effect gradually diminished. In summary, the detrimental effect of acid rain on aquaponics lettuce was inevitable, yet protective root treatments offered a viable strategy to mitigate this stress. This research established a foundation for the enhancement of aquaponics systems resilience to acid rain.

Supplementation of curcumin promotes the intestinal structure, immune barrier function and cecal microbiota composition of laying hens in early laying period

The prelaying period is critical for laying hens, marked by significant physiological changes such as increased egg production, hormone secretion, and higher nutritional demands. These changes stress the intestine, which is vital for nutrient digestion, absorption, immune defense, and maintaining antioxidant and microbial balance. During this period, maintaining the intestinal health is essential for efficient nutrient absorption. Curcumin, a plant-derived extract, offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory benefits, that can improve gut function. This study evaluated the effects of curcumin on the intestinal structure, immune barrier function, and cecal microbiota composition in laying hens during their early laying period. A total of 180 Snowy White chickens (154 days old) were divided into 5 experimental groups, receiving curcumin at 0 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg for 12 wk. The results showed that curcumin significantly improved the intestinal morphology (P < 0.05), increased mRNA expression of digestive enzymes (such as MGAM, SI, and ANPEP), and enhanced the digestive and absorptive functions. Further, curcumin improved the levels of antioxidant parameters (such as CAT, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and T-SOD) in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum, and increased the expression of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) in the intestinal segments and serum (P < 0.05). Curcumin also improved the intestinal immune barrier function by increasing ZO-1 and Occludin expression. Furthermore, it altered the gut microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria (P < 0.05). At the genus level, curcumin supplementation enhanced the beneficial genera like Phocaeicola, Alistipes, Prevotella, Barnesiella, and Bifidobacterium (P < 0.05), thereby promoting the gut health and microbial diversity. In conclusion, curcumin supplementation during the early laying period of hens offers significant benefits by improving the intestinal health, immune function, and gut microbiota composition. Hence, curcumin serves as a promising dietary additive to support nutrient absorption and immune defense in laying hens during the early laying period of hens.

Bugs and Brains: The Microbiome &amp; Dementia

Interest in the microbiome and its correlation with different neurological diseases has grown significantly over the past decade. The gut microbiome contains a vast array of diverse organisms living in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Predominantly composed of bacteria, the gut microbiome helps regulate homeostasis and metabolism in the host, aiding in immune system development as well as vitamin and nutrient absorption. Studies suggest that, in addition to providing humans with these physiological benefits, the gut microbiome is also linked to and communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis (GBA). Long-standing research on the GBA has demonstrated that the GI tract and the central nervous system are interconnected through both neurological and immunological signaling pathways. Recent research is expanding our understanding of the microbiome and the GBA, revealing correlations between the microbiome impact on the GBA and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia and Lewy body dementia, going as far as to identify and highlight specific microbial species that may serve as risk or protective factors for various forms of dementia. This letter aims to highlight the current findings and recommend the use of tools such as microbial cell-free DNA testing to gain a better understanding of the role of gut dysbiosis in dementia patients.

Combined application of gasification filter cake and Portulaca oleracea to promote soil quality and tomato yields under irrigation with brackish water

Brackish water (BW) irrigation may cause soil quality deterioration and thereby a decrease in crop yields. Here we examined the impacts of applying gasification filter cake (GFC), intercropping with Portulaca oleracea (PO), and their combination on soil quality, nutrient uptake by plants and tomato yields under BW irrigation. The treatments evaluated included (i) freshwater irrigation (Control), (ii) BW irrigation, (iii) GFC application under BW irrigation (BW + GFC), (iv) intercropping with PO under BW irrigation (BW + PO), and (v) the combined application of GFC and PO under BW irrigation (BW + PO + GFC). Overall, the use of BW for irrigation resulted in a decline in both soil quality (assessed by a soil quality index (SQI) integrating a wide range of key soil properties including salinity, nutrient availability and microbial activities) and crop yields. Nevertheless, when subjected to BW irrigation, the application of GFC successfully prevented soil salinity. Additionally, the intercropping of PO decreased the soil sodium adsorption ratio and improved the absorption of nutrients by plants. As a result, the BW + GFC + PO treatment generally showed higher tomato yield as compared to other BW-related treatments (i.e. BW, BW + GFC and BW + PO). Compared to BW, the BW + GFC + PO treatment had an average increase of 24.7% in the total fruit yield of four Cropping Seasons. Furthermore, the BW + GFC + PO treatment consistently exhibited the highest fruit quality index (FQI). Taken together, the combined application of GFC and PO is effective in promoting soil quality and crop yields under BW irrigation.

Root Anatomical Imaging and Phenotyping in Maize.

Root anatomy plays a crucial role in regulating essential processes such as the absorption and movement of water and nutrients in plants. Root anatomy also impacts the energy costs of building and sustaining root tissues, tissue mechanics, and interactions with other organisms. Although several studies in maize have confirmed the functional utility of numerous root anatomical traits, such as that of cortical cell size and number for stress adaptation, there have been significant obstacles in measuring and analyzing root anatomical characteristics. This has resulted in gaps in our understanding of the genetic control and range of phenotypic variations among different cultivars, and how this diversity relates to overall fitness. Here, we review root anatomical phenotypes in maize and their function in stress adaptation, and briefly discuss phenotyping methods available for root anatomy. We further introduce a simple and accessible phenotyping approach that enables a comprehensive investigation of maize root anatomy. Detailed characterization of root traits and the implementation of robust methods for root anatomical phenotyping could have wide-ranging benefits across various areas of plant science, from fundamental research to enhancing crop breeding efforts.

Nutritional Challenges and Treatment After Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is an important weight loss tool in individuals with severe obesity. It is currently the most effective long-term weight loss treatment that lowers obesity-related comorbidities. It also has significant physiological and nutritional consequences that can result in gastrointestinal complications and micronutrient deficiencies. After gastric bypass, clinical events that negatively affect nutritional status include malabsorption, dumping syndrome, kidney stones, altered intestinal bile acid availability, bowel obstruction, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and bacterial overgrowth. Risk factors for poor nutritional status and excessive loss of lean body mass and bone include reduced dietary quality and inadequate intake, altered nutrient absorption, and poor patient compliance with nutrient supplementation. There are unique concerns in adolescents, older individuals, and individuals who become pregnant postoperatively. With careful management, health-care professionals can assist with long-term weight loss success and minimize the risk of acute and long-term nutrition complications after bariatric surgery.

Improving Water-Efficient Irrigation in Terrain Durio Zibethinus Farming Using Hybrid Ant Colony Optimization-Based Soil Moisture Prediction Model

The vegetation stage of Durio Zibethinus trees is characterized by active root development, leaf expansion, and the initiation of reproductive structures. During this crucial phase, adequate irrigation is necessary to satisfy the trees' water requirements. A well-irrigated durian plantation encourages effective nutrient absorption, resulting in healthier trees with increased pest and disease resistance. Understanding the water needs of durian trees is essential for irrigation management to optimize water application and prevent water stress and waterlogging. Typically, sensors measure the soil moisture within the root zone. However, installing soil moisture sensors at each tree is laborious and prohibitively expensive. Using climatic data to forecast the value is a viable option in such a scenario. Climate data are used to create soil moisture predictions incorporated into the irrigation model. This research employs Ant Colony Optimization- Support Vector Regression (ACO-SVR) to predict soil moisture levels. The model is compared to other optimization methods, and its accuracy is assessed using statistical methods. Finally, the prediction models' findings determine the irrigation volume and schedule.

Interactions of Nutrition and Infection: The Role of Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Immune Response to Pathogens and Implications for Child Health.

Approximately five million children die each year from preventable causes, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria. Roughly half of those deaths are attributable to undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). The influence of infection on micronutrient status is well established: The inflammatory response to pathogens triggers anorexia, while pathogens and the immune response can both alter nutrient absorption and cause nutrient losses. We review the roles of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and selenium in the immune system, which act in the regulation of molecular- or cellular-level host defenses, directly affecting pathogens or protecting against oxidative stress or inflammation. We further summarize high-quality evidence regarding the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between MNDs, pathogens, and morbidity or mortality relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries. We conclude with a discussion of gaps in the literature and future directions for multidisciplinary research on the interactions of MNDs, infection, and inflammation.

Optogenetic techniques for understanding the gut peristalsis during chicken embryonic development.

Gut peristaltic movements transport ingested materials along the gut axis, which is critical for food digestion and nutrient absorption. While a large amount of studies have been devoted to analyzing the physiological functions of peristalsis in adults, little is known about how the peristaltic system is established during embryogenesis. In recent years, the chicken developing gut has emerged as an excellent model, in which specific sites along the gut axis can be genetically labeled enabling live imaging and optogenetic analyses. This review provides an overview of recent progress in optogenetic studies of gut peristalsis. Analyses with an improved channelrhodopsin-2 variant demonstrated that the peristalsis can artificially be generated in the developing gut. These studies unveiled novel functional coordination between different regions along the gut axis. In addition, imaging with GCaMP6s, a genetically encoded calcium indicator, enabled a fine mapping of developmental changes in the peristaltic patterns as Ca2+ signals. These advanced techniques will broaden our knowledge of how embryonic peristalsis is established at the cellular and molecular level, leading to the understanding of physiological and pathological processes in adult peristalsis.

Field evaluation and characterization of a novel biostimulant for broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation under drought and salt stress which increases antioxidant, glucosinolate and phytohormone content

Anthropogenic global warming is affecting crop yield and thus compromising food security. Drought and salinization of the irrigation water or soil are increasingly frequent in most arable land, specifically in arid and semiarid areas such as the Mediterranean basin. Many crops have been displaced or their yield has plummeted in recent years, causing food shortages and price increases. In a context of global population growth and reduction in the availability of natural resources used in agriculture, finding novel tools that help farmers to maintain yield in an increasingly arid and saline scenario is of pivotal importance. This is particularly important in organic agriculture, where the number of available tools is very limited. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms of natural origin whose function is to stimulate plant processes related to nutrient absorption, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress or the quality of the agricultural products obtained. In the present work, we have evaluated, in field, the agronomic effectiveness of a novel biostimulant formulation in a cruciferous crop of great interest in the Mediterranean basin (broccoli) under control conditions, water and salt stress. Our research has shown that our product had a positive effect on broccoli production and in delaying flowering time. We have also found that the application of our biostimulant increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense under drought conditions. Similarly, when exposed to salinity, the biostimulant increased the concentration of different phytohormones and glucosinolates. Taken together, our biostimulant increases the tolerance of broccoli to salt stress and water limitation by increasing the antioxidant response, the level of glucosinolates and eliciting the hormonal response.

Effect of exogenous cellulase pretreatment of straw-type fermented total mixed ration on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in growing beef cattle.

This study aimed to assess the impact of corn straw-based unfermented and fermented total mixed rations (TMR) supplemented with exogenous cellulase on the in vitro fermentation characteristics, growth performance, feeding behavior, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation and digestive enzyme activities of Chinese Simmental bulls. Unfermented (direct spraying of exogenous cellulase onto TMR, TMR) and fermented (exogenous cellulase fermentation for more than 7 d, fermented total mixed rations [FTMR]) TMR were collected, dried, powdered and used as fermentation substrates. The fermentation liquid was ruminal fluid collected from Chinese Simmental bulls. The artificial rumen culture fluid were continuously cultured in vitro for 48 h. Based on the diets they were fed, 24 healthy Chinese Simmental bulls (average weight of 495.93 ±10.89 kg) were randomly divided into two groups, with 12 bulls in each group, which were fed TMR or FTMR. The study lasted 56 d. In in vitro experiments, the neutral detergent fiber degradability and total volatile fatty acid, propionate, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate and valerate concentrations were greater in the FTMR group (p<0.05) than in the TMR group. However, the methane production, pH and A/P of the FTMR group tended to be lower (p<0.05) than those of the TMR group. In the in vivo experiments, the average daily gain, eating rate, and feed efficiency of the FTMR groups were greater (p<0.05) than those of the TMR group. Similarly, the NDF degradability of the FTMR group was greater (p<0.05) than that of the TMR group. Compared to those in the TMR group, the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, iso-butyrate, propionate and butyrate were greater in the FTMR group (p<0.05), and the A/P ratio was lower (p<0.05). Similarly, cellulase, xylanase, and β-glucosidase activities were greater (p<0.05) in the FTMR group than in the TMR group. Corn straw-based fermented total mixed rations supplemented with exogenous cellulase play a vital role in decreasing the structural carbohydrate content of TMR and ruminal methane production in vitro, improving nutrient digestion and absorption, optimizing rumen fermentation, and improving the growth performance of beef cattle.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN PADI GOGO (Oryza sativa L.) PADA TANAH PODSOLIK (ULTISOL) YANG DIAPLIKASIKAN ZEOLIT FLY ASH

The low productivity of upland rice on Podzolic (Ultisol) soil is caused by various constraints including low pH, the content of macronutrient N, P, K, Ca and Mg, BS and CEC were low, solubility and high Al saturation, high P fixation, delicate to erosion and water availability were low. Applied of zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash with high CEC is expected to overcome these constraints. The high negative charge on zeolite contributes to increasing soil absorption of nutrients provided or dissolved from soil minerals and decomposition of organic matter. The study was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design, zeolite fly ash as the treatment consisting of 6 levels (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg ha-1) each repeated 3 times. The results showed that the application of zeolite fly ash dose 100-300 kg.ha-1 tends increased the plant height, filled grain number per panicle, the percentage of filled grain and 1000 grain weight compared without zeolite application and the highest increased showed in the number of maximum tillers and productive tillers and weight of milled dry grain per clump was obtained at a dose of 200 kg.ha-1 compared without zeolite is 45, 107 and 106% respectively.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the effects of formula and breast milk on the growth and development of human small intestinal organoids

Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the ideal nutritional resource for infants and can well meet the nutritional requirements for baby’s growth and development. Infant formula is a substitute for breast milk, designed to closely mimic its composition and function for breast milk. Most of the previous studies used tumor colorectal cancer cell lines to study the nutritional potency of formula and its components, so realistic data closer to the baby could not be obtained. Small intestinal organoids, derived from differentiated human embryonic stem cells, can be used to simulate nutrient absorption and metabolism in vitro. In this experiment, we used small intestinal organoids to compare the nutrient absorption and metabolism of three infant formulae for 0–6 months with breast milk samples. Transcriptome and metabolome sequencing methods were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). The pathways related to DEGs, DEMs were enriched using GO, KEGG, GSEA and other methods to investigate their biological characteristics. We have found that both formula and breast milk promote the development of the infant’s immune system, nutrient absorption and intestinal development. In PMH1 we found that the addition of oligofructose to milk powder promoted lipid metabolism and absorption. In PMH2 we found that whey protein powder favours the development of the immune system in infants. In PMH3 we found that oligogalactans may act on the brain-gut axis by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby promoting axon formation and neural development. By linking these biological properties of the milk powder with its composition, we confirmed the effects of added ingredients on the growth and development of infants. Also, we demonstrated the validity of small intestine organoids as a model for absorption and digestion in vitro. Through the above analyses, the advantages and disadvantages of the roles of formula and breast milk in the growth and metabolism of infants were also compared.

Exploration of Protease Resources in the Gut of Omnivorous Gryllotalpa orientalis (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae).

An insect's gut microbiome is an essential "organ" in their life cycle, playing a crucial role by aiding food digestion and nutrient absorption. This study employed both culture-independent and culture-dependent methods to explore the protease resources present in the gut of the omnivorous insect Gryllotalpa orientalis. The findings revealed that the gut extract of G. orientalis contained a diverse array of proteases, including cysteine proteases, pepsin, serine proteases, and trypsin, as well as some unidentified proteases. Furthermore, the protease gene htpX, derived from gut bacterium Priestia megaterium DX-3, has been cloned and recombinantly expressed. The recombinant DX-3-htpX protease exhibited a 61.9-fold increase in fermentation level compared to the DX-3 protease. This protease was characterized as a neutral, heat-resistant metalloprotease with an M48 peptidase domain, and it was observed that the binding of Ca2+ to the recombinant protease resulted in the formation of the largest active pocket. This study provides technical support for further development and utilization of functional protein resources in insect gut.

Chronobiology of Cancers in the Liver and Gut.

Circadian rhythms dictate the timing of cellular and organismal physiology to maintain homeostasis. Within the liver and gut, circadian rhythms influence lipid and glucose homeostasis, xenobiotic metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Disruption of this orchestrated timing is known to negatively impact human health and contribute to disease progression, including carcinogenesis. Dysfunctional core clock timing has been identified in malignant growths and may be used as a molecular signature of disease progression. Likewise, the circadian clock and its downstream effectors also represent potential for novel therapeutic targets. Here, the role of circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of cancers of the liver and gut will be reviewed, and chronotherapy and chronopharmacology will be explored as potential treatment options.