High Functional Potential Research Articles

Biodiversity of mudflat intertidal viromes along the Chinese coasts

Viruses constitute the most diverse and abundant biological entities on Earth. However, our understanding of this tiniest life form in complex ecosystems remains limited. Here, we recover 20,102 viral OTUs from twelve intertidal zones along the Chinese coasts. Our analysis demonstrates high viral diversity and functional potential in intertidal zones, encoding important functional genes that can be potentially transferred to microbial hosts and mediate elemental biogeochemical cycles, especially carbon, phosphate and sulfur. Virus-host abundance dynamics vary among different microbial lineages. Viral community composition is closely associated with environmental conditions, including dissolved organic matter. Concordant biogeographic patterns are observed for viruses and microbes. Viral communities are generally habitat specific with low overlaps between intertidal and other habitats. Environmental factors and geographic distance dominate the compositional variation of intertidal viromes. Overall, these findings expand our understanding of intertidal viromes within an ecological framework, providing insights into the virus-host coevolutionary arms race.

Investigation of multinucleation and apoptosis of macrophages of BCG-infected mice and their production of cathepsins and matrix metalloproteinases

The relevance of the study of the role of macrophages and their multinucleated forms in the pathogenesis of tuberculous granulomatosis is determined by its wide prevalence, the presence of severe socio-economic consequences of its morbidity and necrotic complications, which are based on the high destructive potential of macrophages associated with the role of hydrolases in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. Aim of the study was to investigate the features of the multinucleation, apoptosis and expression of a number of hydrolases in macrophages of BCG-infected mice. Material and methods. The intensity of macrophage multinucleation and apoptosis, the peculiarities of their expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-9), catepsins (CatB, CatD), caspase-3, and p53 protein were studied in peritoneal cells cultures of intact and BCG-infected BALB/c mice. Results. The number of multinucleated macrophages increased according to the terms of the experiment, having a maximum value for 3 months of observation, but after 2 months almost reaching this level. The realization of apoptosis, multinucleation of macrophages had a complex character, determining the composition of their subpopulations. The dynamics of the expression of the studied hydrolases by macrophages indicated their unequal role in tissue necrosis at various stages of granulomogenesis. The high functional ability of multinucleated macrophages to produce hydrolases of certain types is shown. Intense expression of MMP-1 in the early stages of granulomogenesis and its maximum value, as well as CatD expression for 3 months, and strong expression of MMP-9 for 6 months were noted. Conclusions. Stimulation of plastic processes in macrophages under conditions of BCG-granulomatosis determines the formation of multinucleated macrophages with high functional potential and intensive expression of hydrolases by macrophages for 2 and 3 months of granulomogenesis. These are periods of high risk of necrotic complications of tuberculous granulomatosis, which should be taken into account when developing methods for their prevention and therapeutic correction.

Intraosseous resection of bone tumors: our experience

Introduction. The effectiveness of efficient surgical interventions in patients with benign, borderline, and malignant bone tumors remains an important topic because such operations imply lower injury rate and volume of surgical intervention while being more physiological. In terms of radicality and consequently recurrence rates they are comparable to more traumatic surgeries such as segmental resections with various types of reconstructions (arthrodesis, endoprosthesis, auto- and allotransplantation using bone fragments, et al) and amputation.Aim. To analyze the results of intraosseous resection for benign, malignant, giant cell, and metastatic bone tumors.Materials and methods. Between 2015 and 2023, 45 interventions of intraosseous resection were performed in 44 patients: 19 (43 %) had enchondroma, 6 (14 %) – giant cell tumor, 4 (9 %) – fibrous dysplasia, 3 (7 %) – solitary bone cyst, 3 (7 %) – aneurysmal bone cyst, 2 (5 %) – chondromyxoid fibroma, 4 (9 %) – metastatic bone lesions, 1 (2 %) – osteoid osteoma, 1 (2 %) – benign fibrous histiocytoma, 1 (2 %) – chondrosarcoma G1 . Among them, 27 interventions were performed in combination with adjuvants (liquid nitrogen cryoablation, argon plasma coagulation, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol). In 24 patients, reconstruction was performed using lyophilized corpse bones, in 5 using autotransplant (fragments of the iliac crest), in 10 using plastic material (in 6 – polymethacrylate, in 4 – osseointegrative material “Rekost”), in 6 using xenoplastic material “Silorif.” Additionally, 16 surgeries were augmented with osteosynthesis (14 extramedullary and 3 intramedullary osteosyntheses).Results. Complications in the early postoperative period were observed in 3 (7 %) patients, in the late postoperative period in 2 (5 %) patients. At follow ups (between 2 and 97 months), 42 (95 %) patients did not have signs of recurrence. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) at these follow ups in recurrence-free patients was excellent (mean score – 93.6 %) and good (mean score – 77 %). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status also showed high functional potential of intraosseous resection: its mean value was 0.3.Conclusion. Use of intraosseous resection including augmentation with adjuvant measures, allowed to achieve excellent functional results in 42 (95 %) of patients with mean follow-up duration of 39.8 months. Fractures in 2 patients demonstrate the necessity of extramedullary osteosynthesis in surgeries on long bones experiencing high load irrespective of the volume of intervention. The obtained results show applicability and high effectiveness of intraosseous resection. For certain indications, it can be the treatment of choice.

Conceptualizing flexible papers using cellulose model surfaces and polymer particles.

Cellulose, as a naturally abundant and biocompatible material, is still gaining interest due to its high potential for functionalization. This makes cellulose a promising candidate for replacing plastics. Understanding how cellulose interacts with various additives is crucial for creating composite materials with diverse properties, as it is the case for plastics. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composite materials are assumed to be related to the mobility of the additives against the cellulose. Using a well-defined cellulose model surface (CMS), we aim to understand the adsorption and desorption of two polymeric particles (core-shell particles and microgels) to/from the cellulose surface. The nanomechanics of particles and CMS are quantified by indentation measurements with an atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM topography measurements quantified particle adsorption and desorption on the CMS, while peak force AFM measurements determined the force needed to move individual particles. Both particles and the CMS exhibited pH-dependent charge behavior, allowing a tunable interaction between them. Particle adsorption was irreversible and driven by electrostatic forces. In contrast, desorption and particle mobility forces are dominated by structural morphology. In addition, we found that an annealing procedure consisting of swelling/drying cycles significantly increased the adhesion strength of both particles. Using the data, we achieve a deeper understanding of the interaction of cellulose with polymeric particles, with the potential to advance the development of functional materials and contribute to various fields, including smart packaging, sensors, and biomedical applications.

Функционально-грамматический максимализм инфинитивной поэзии Иосифа Бродского

This paper is focused on the phenomenon of functional-grammatical maximalism of the independent infinitive, exemplified by Joseph Brodsky’s poetic texts. The expression in them of three predicative categories of the infinitive – time, person and mood – is analysed. The specific features of this expression include: a unique temporal plane of action, expressed in a literary text by the infinitive through its internal time, i.e. the aspect; a composite image of the subject of an infinitive text, i.e. a meta-subject, in which the Self of the speaker merges with the Self of the listener, represented by both the second and the third person or by the seeming absence of the person; and meditative modality characteristic of Brodsky’s infinitive writing, gravitating towards semantic hyperbolism, i.e. the theme of another, unattainable existence. The author used the functional-grammatical, semantic and contextual analyses, generally applied in poetic grammar. The analysis found a combination of homogeneity, formal minimalism and functional maximalism of the infinitive. In addition, the following lexical-grammatical methods of expressing this phenomenon were identified in Brodsky’s poems: the category of aspect and semantics of infinitives, which contribute to changing the nature of time in a poetic text and to expressing the subject’s attitude to the action of debitive, epistemic and meditative modality; additional temporal indicators in the form of secondary parts of the sentence helping to create a time cycle in the text; personal pronouns indicating the presence of persons in contact with the subject of the infinitive action. The phenomenon analysed in this paper can be explained by the nature of the infinitive, which is indefinite and ambiguous and, therefore, has high functional potential. This makes the topic under discussion interesting for linguists and calls for an in-depth study of this linguistic unit using different types of texts.

Ultrasound-assisted adsorption of chlorpyrifos from aqueous solutions using magnetic chitosan/graphene quantum dot‑iron oxide nanocomposite hydrogel beads in batch adsorption column and fixed bed

Chlorpyrifos is a hazardous material that pollutes the environment and also poses risks to human health. Thus, it is necessary to remove chlorpyrifos from aqueous media. In this study, chitosan-based hydrogel beads with different content of iron oxide-graphene quantum dots were synthesized and used for the ultrasonic-assisted removal of chlorpyrifos from wastewater. The results of batch adsorption experiments showed that among the hydrogel beads-based nanocomposites, the chitosan/graphene quantum dot‑iron oxide (10) indicated a higher adsorption efficiency of about 99.997 % at optimum conditions of the response surface method. Fitting the experimental equilibrium data to different models shows that the adsorption of chlorpyrifos is well described by the Jossens, Avrami, and double exponential models. Furthermore, for the first time, the study of the ultrasonic effect on the removal performance of chlorpyrifos showed that the ultrasonic-assisted removal of chlorpyrifos significantly reduces the equilibration time. It is expected that the ultrasonic-assisted removal strategy can be a new method to develop highly efficient adsorbents for rapid removal of pollutants in wastewater. Also, the results of the fixed bed adsorption column showed that the breakthrough time and exhausting time of chitosan/graphene quantum dot‑iron oxide (10) were equal to 485 and 1099 min, respectively. And finally, the adsorption-desorption study showed the successful reuse of adsorbent for chlorpyrifos adsorption in seven runs without a significant decrease in adsorption efficiency. Therefore, it can be said that the adsorbent has a high economic and functional potential for industrial applications.

Morphofunctional state of platelets in their concentrates depending on storage time

Background.Evaluation of the functional state of platelets in the composition of concentrates is necessary to improve the methods of their production, optimize storage conditions and terms, increase therapeutic efficacy, and reduce the risk of transfusion complications.
 Aim.Comprehensive study of the morphofunctional state of platelets during the storage of their concentrates.
 Material and methods.202samples of human platelet apheresis concentrates were studied for storage periods of up to 17days at a temperature of 2224C. The functional state of platelets was assessed using flow cytometry for the expression of P-selectin, active IIb3 integrin, and phosphatidylserines before and after biochemical stimulation. In addition, the mitochondrial potential of platelets, the concentration of intracellular adenosine triphosphate, contractile properties, induced aggregation, and morphological characteristics were studied according to scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA or KruskalWallis).
 Results.In non-activated platelets during storage, the spontaneous expression of P-selectin increased by an average of 7times, and phosphatidylserines by 3times. The induced expression of P-selectin, integrin IIb3 and phosphatidylserines was the highest on the day of receiving the concentrate and gradually decreased during storage to 1/2of the initial level. Platelet aggregation activity in response to collagen stimulation progressively decreased by an average of 100times, in response to the TRAP peptide by 1.5times. In contrast to the expression of activation markers, the ability of platelets to compress plasma clots in most samples changed slightly, within a few percent; in single samples, the contractile function dropped to zero by 47days of storage, which was combined with platelet hyperactivation and depletion. The mitochondrial potential of platelets and the content of adenosine triphosphate were relatively constant. Morphologically, discoid platelets predominated, however, starting from the 1st day of storage, spindle-shaped platelets, and from the 3rd day spherical forms and microaggregates of platelets accumulated.
 Conclusion.Platelets in the composition of concentrates initially have a high functional potential, which gradually decreases due to progressive spontaneous activation with a simultaneous decrease in reactivity and structural changes.

Quédateencasa (Stayhome), jesuisCharlie (I'mCharlie), yazhemat (I'mamother): Hashtags like a New Way of Formation of Compound Nouns such as «Lexicalized Sentence»

This article is devoted to the consideration of such a phenomenon of the XXI century as hashtags - a navigation tool that helps to navigate the flow of information and redirects Internet and social network users along the path they are interested in. The purpose of this article is to study hashtags as a means of replenishing the vocabulary of modern Spanish, French and Russian languages as complex nouns of the "lexicalized sentence" type. The study was based on lexicographic, descriptive, comparative methods, as well as methods of cognitive and structural-semantic analysis and the method of continuous sampling. The features of the functioning of complex nouns of the "lexicalized sentence" type, formed from popular hashtags, are illustrated in the article with examples in Spanish, French and Russian from the modern press and the blogosphere. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that hashtags are considered for the first time as a source of replenishment of the vocabulary of a particular language. A comparative analysis of the structural and semantic features of complex nouns of the "lexicalized sentence" type, formed from popular hashtags, made it possible to identify criteria for classifying such linguistic neologisms as complex nouns of this type in modern Spanish, French and Russian. The study showed that hashtags have a high functional potential and in the last two decades have been one of the productive ways to form new complex nouns such as "lexicalized sentence" in various languages.

Improving the quality of rye-wheat bread enriched with flour from extruded kernels of sunflower seeds for food supplies to military personnel

Bakery products have an unstable heterogeneous structure that needs stabilization. The nutrient composition of these products, in most cases, is unbalanced: it is characterized by a high content of calories and carbohydrates. At the same time, the content of protein, fat, dietary fiber (fiber), vitamins, macro- and microelements is low. This leads to the search for raw materials with high functional and technological potential and with an attractive nutrient profile. The expediency of using in the technologies of bakery products a secondary product of processing sunflower seeds – flour from the extruded kernel of sunflower seeds (FESSK) has been proved. Its nutrient profile has been investigated. A high protein content (38.73 %) with a well-balanced amino acid composition (10 essential and 9 non-essential amino acids) increases the biological value of FESSK. The content of fat (4.87 %), rich in unsaturated fatty acids (16 fatty acids), enriches the nutritional profile of FESSK. The high ash content (8.0 %) (22 elements were found) and the presence of 12 vitamins (92.3 % of the total amount of vitamins) indicates a high biological value of FESSK. It was found that the addition of FESSK in the amount of 10.0 % to the mass of wheat flour increases the humidity by 0.5–1.2 %; reduces acidity by 0.5–1.2°; increases porosity by 7.0–11.0 %; increases the specific volume by 1.12–1.26 cm3/g. It reduces crumbliness of the crumb by 2.0–2.2 times, QMAFAnM – by 4.0–4.8 times, and increases the period of preservation of bread freshness by 1.57–1.77 times

Generation of colon cancer–derived tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) for adoptive cell therapy

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using specific immune cells and stem cells has emerged as a promising treatment option that could complement traditional cancer therapies in the future. In particular, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to be effective against solid tumors in various clinical trials. Despite the enormous disease burden and large number of premature deaths caused by colorectal cancer (CRC), studies on TILs isolated from tumor tissue of patients with CRC are still rare. To date, studies on ACT often lack controlled and comparable expansion processes as well as selected ACT-relevant T-cell populations. We describe a procedure for generating patient-specific TILs, which are prerequisites for clinical trials of ACT in CRC. The manufacturing and characteristics of these TILs differ in important modalities from TILs commonly used for this therapeutic approach. Tumor tissue samples were obtained from 12 patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, predominantly with low microsatellite instability (pMMR-MSI-L). Tumors in the resected specimens were examined pathologically, and an approved volume of tumor tissue was transferred to a disposable perfusion bioreactor. Tissue samples were subjected to an automatically controlled and highly reproducible cultivation process in a GMP-conform, closed perfusion bioreactor system using starting medium containing interleukin-2 and interleukin-12. Outgrowth of TIL from tissue samples was initiated by short-term supplementation with a specific activation cocktail. During subsequent expansion, TILs were grown in interleukin-2–enriched medium. Expansion of TILs in a low-scaled, two-phase process in the Zellwerk ZRP bioreactor under hyperoxic conditions resulted in a number of approximately 2 × 109 cells. The expanded TILs consisted mainly (73%) of the ACT-relevant CD3+/CD8+ effector memory phenotype (CD45RO+/CCR7−). TILs harvested under these conditions exhibited high functional potential, which was confirmed upon nonspecific stimulation (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α cytokine assay)

Underexploited Brazilian Cerrado fruits as sources of phenolic compounds for diseases management: A review

The Brazilian Cerrado is home to a large number of native and endemic species of enormous potential, among which we can highlight the cagaita, gabiroba, jatobá-do-cerrado, lobeira, and mangaba. In this review, we report the nutritional and phenolic composition, as well as bioactivities of these five Brazilian Cerrado fruits. The compiled data indicated that these fruits have high nutritional, functional, and economic potential and contribute to the daily intake of macro- and micronutrients, energy, and phenolic compounds by inhabitants of the Cerrado region. Phenolic-rich extracts obtained from these fruits have shown several bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidyslipidemic, antidiabetic, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, gastrointestinal protective, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, these fruits can be explored by the food industry as a raw material to develop food products of high value-added, such as functional foods, and can also be employed as plant sources to obtain bioactive compounds for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes.

Codium fragile reduces adipose tissue expansion and fatty liver incidence by downregulating adipo- and lipogenesis.

Codium fragile (C. fragile) is a marine alga with high functional food potential. Recent studies have proven C. fragile extract (CFE) effective against obesity. However, the exact underlying mechanism of CFE's anti-obesity effects remains unclear. Herein, CFE was orally administered to male C57BL/6 mice for 7 weeks, along with a high-fat diet. CFE (100 mg/kg) effectively induced weight loss, lowered serum cholesterol levels, and suppressed adipocyte differentiation in white adipose tissue (WAT). Furthermore, CFE effectively reduced hepatic total triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipid levels, while significantly improving liver size and color. mRNA expression analysis in WAT and liver tissue revealed that CFE significantly suppressed the expression of PPARγ and aP-2 in adipocyte differentiation, and SREBP-1c and FAS in de novo lipogenesis, suggesting that CFE's anti-obesity effect is exerted by gene inhibition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Research on marine plants with anti-obesity effects has been increasing recently. This study demonstrated that C. fragile extract (CFE) is effective in reducing body weight and suppressing adipocyte differentiation, along with the improvement of fatty liver in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). The anti-obesity effect of CFE was exhibited by the down-regulation of adipogenesis and lipogenesis, respectively. Based on these results, C. fragile could be useful, not only to effectively combat obesity but also in improving obesity-induced liver dysfunction.

In silico prediction of peptide variants from chia (S. hispanica L.) with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant potential

Plants are known as a rich source of bioactive peptides, and a variety of plant peptides have been studied as potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant agents in food products to prolong their shelf-life, which could pose potential health risks for consumers. Regardless of their high functional potential, no plant peptides are currently used in the food industry for these purposes. In this study, it is performed the selection and optimization of peptides that are not currently reported in any database, derived from a chia peptide fraction. Computer-aided tools were used to identify multifunctional peptides with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant potential. Two peptide sequences (YACLKVK and KLKKNL) showing the highest probability scores for antimicrobial activity were identified from a total of 1067 de novo sequences in a chia peptide fraction (F<1 kDa). Subsequently, the peptides YACLKVK and KLKKNL were used to create scrambled libraries containing permutations of these sequences to explore the antibiofilm potential of different amino acid arrangements. The peptide variants with the highest probability scores for antibiofilm activity were subjected to optimization for the improvement of their activity. Finally, the optimized sequences were analyzed to determine the presence of antioxidant fragments. This computational approach could be a solution for the screening of a large number of peptides with more than one function, allowing the development of multifunctional peptides as alternatives to traditional food preservatives.

Polyphasic Analysis Reveals Potential Petroleum Hydrocarbon Degradation and Biosurfactant Production by Rare Biosphere Thermophilic Bacteria From Deception Island, an Active Antarctic Volcano.

Extreme temperature gradients in polar volcanoes are capable of selecting different types of extremophiles. Deception Island is a marine stratovolcano located in maritime Antarctica. The volcano has pronounced temperature gradients over very short distances, from as high as 100°C in the fumaroles to subzero next to the glaciers. These characteristics make Deception a promising source of a variety of bioproducts for use in different biotechnological areas. In this study, we isolated thermophilic bacteria from sediments in fumaroles at two geothermal sites on Deception Island with temperatures between 50 and 100°C, to evaluate the potential capacity of these bacteria to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and produce biosurfactants under thermophilic conditions. We isolated 126 thermophilic bacterial strains and identified them molecularly as members of genera Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus, and Brevibacillus (all in phylum Firmicutes). Seventy-six strains grew in a culture medium supplemented with crude oil as the only carbon source, and 30 of them showed particularly good results for oil degradation. Of 50 strains tested for biosurfactant production, 13 showed good results, with an emulsification index of 50% or higher of a petroleum hydrocarbon source (crude oil and diesel), emulsification stability at 100°C, and positive results in drop-collapse, oil spreading, and hemolytic activity tests. Four of these isolates showed great capability of degrade crude oil: FB2_38 (Geobacillus), FB3_54 (Geobacillus), FB4_88 (Anoxybacillus), and WB1_122 (Geobacillus). Genomic analysis of the oil-degrading and biosurfactant-producer strain FB4_88 identified it as Anoxybacillus flavithermus, with a high genetic and functional diversity potential for biotechnological applications. These initial culturomic and genomic data suggest that thermophilic bacteria from this Antarctic volcano have potential applications in the petroleum industry, for bioremediation in extreme environments and for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) in reservoirs. In addition, recovery of small-subunit rRNA from metagenomes of Deception Island showed that Firmicutes is not among the dominant phyla, indicating that these low-abundance microorganisms may be important for hydrocarbon degradation and biosurfactant production in the Deception Island volcanic sediments.

Response of amino acid metabolism to decreased temperatures in anammox consortia: Strong, efficient and flexible

Although amino acid (AA) metabolism is basis of bacterial activities, unique characteristics of its response to decreased temperatures are not fully understood. Achieving nitrogen removal rate of 130–150 mg N/ (L∙d), metabolic differences of anammox consortia between 35 °C and four decreased temperatures (15–30 °C) were revealed respectively. 0-11.4-fold abundance variation of marker metabolites evidenced change of key metabolism (metabolism of AA, lipid and energy production) at decreased temperatures. However, AA metabolism varied more obviously than others, implying stronger response and higher functional potential. Efficiently, network topology confirmed more cellular processes represented by growth metabolism and biofilm formation were influenced by AA metabolism. Flexibly, down-regulated biosynthesis of unfavorable AAs for psychrophilic enzyme differed from enhanced biosynthesis of costly AAs, which only matched partial decreased temperatures to save energy. This work elucidates advantages of AA metabolism over others, exogenous amino acids could significantly promote activity of anammox bacteria at decreased temperatures.

Powder Metallurgy Route for the Synthesis of Multiprincipal Element Alloys Sputtering Targets

Sputter deposition of multiprincipal element alloys (MPEAs) is a relatively new field of research with high functional potential. The multicomponent design space is immense and practically unexplored. An important obstacle for academic research of such sputtered films is the availability of single‐alloy targets and technical difficulties in using cosputtering of multiple metal targets or powder targets. This article focuses on the development of a simple powder metallurgy route, including cold uniaxial pressing of powder mixtures followed by pressureless sintering, for the preparation of targets made of two common base alloys forming simple solid solutions, i.e., FeNiCrCo and FeNiCrMn. In addition, targets of the former one containing 10 at% Al are also prepared. The sintered pellets are composed of randomly oriented crystallites with face‐centered cubic structures and an optimum chemical homogeneity. Oxide inclusions and residual porosity, inherent to consolidation and sintering of metal precursors, are observed and possible solutions to overcome these challenging problems are discussed. Nevertheless, encouraging results from preliminary deposition tests of FeNiCrCoAl0.4 using both direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) and high‐power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) are presented.

Health benefits of Kombucha: drink and its biocellulose production

Kombucha (tea and biocelluose) has been used worldwide due to its high nutritional, functional, and economic potential. This fermented tea has been used in folk medicine to treat several pathological conditions and its biocellulose in the industrial sector. In this context, this paper presents a scientific literature review on the main phytochemicals of Kombucha and respective biological activities to assess their potential uses. The tea has presented a wide range of bioactive compounds such as amino acids, anions, flavonoids, minerals, polyphenols, vitamins, and microorganisms. Moreover, its biocellulose is rich in fibers. These compounds contribute to various biological responses such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antihypercholesterolemic effects. In this sense, both the tea and its biocellulose are promising for human use. Besides, Kombucha presents itself as a drink option for vegetarians and/or those seeking healthier diets, as its biocellulose can bring metabolic benefits. Our review demonstrates that both can be used as functional foods and/or sources of bioactive compounds for food and industrial applications.

Morphofunctional Properties of Corneal Stromal Cells.

Human corneal stromal cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from a new source, lenticules obtained during laser vision correction by the ReLEx SMILe method. The resulting culture was mainly presented by fibroblast-like cells with a phenotype CD90-/CD73+/CD105+/keratocan-/lumican-/ALDH1A1+ that differentiate into keratocytes in a specialized medium. The concentration of fetal calf serum-derived growth factors affects the rate of proliferation, production of erythropoietin and brain neurotrophic factor by corneal fibroblasts, and to a lesser extent, their migration activity and production of extracellular matrix components. Thus, the high functional potential of fibroblast-like cells isolated from stromal lenticles can be used to develop cell technologies in ophthalmology.

Ultrasound treatment for improving the bioactive compounds and quality properties of a Brazilian nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) beverage during shelf-life

The use of ultrasound treatment for improving the bioactive compounds and quality properties of a Brazilian nopal beverage was studied. Physicochemical characterization and possible changes in nutritional, microbiological, and sensory parameters throughout the shelf-life were evaluated, and compared with heat treatment. Five products were prepared and analyzed during 28 days of shelf-life: control without treatment (C0), beverage submitted to heat treatment for 10 min (HP10), and beverages submitted to ultrasound treatment for 10 (US10), 20 (US20), and 40 (US40) min, with these times being defined based on a previously conducted pilot study. The US40 beverage presented the highest levels of oligosaccharides (31.99%), organic (48.93%) and ascorbic (26.09%) acids, and minerals (83.59%) compared to those found for HP10. The US40 also showed better antioxidant activity and 81.80% more phenolic compounds when compared with the HP10. The US40 presented greater stability for bioactive compounds and showed fewer changes in the color parameters, lower microorganism count, and greater acceptability regarding quality during shelf-life, while the HP10 sample presented the worst results. Therefore, the US40 beverage has higher functional potential, and ultrasound represents a promising technique to preserve or improve the quality of this product during its processing and shelf-life.

Brassica napus phyllosphere bacterial composition changes with growth stage

AimsPhyllosphere bacteria play critical roles in plant growth promotion, disease suppression and global nutrient cycling but remain understudied.MethodsIn this project, we examined the bacterial community on the phyllosphere of eight diverse lines of Brassica napus for ten weeks in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada.ResultsThe bacterial community was shaped largely by plant growth stage with distinct communities present before and after flowering. Bacterial diversity before flowering had 111 core members with high functional potential, with the peak of diversity being reached during flowering. After flowering, bacterial diversity dropped quickly and sharply to 16 members of the core community, suggesting that the plant did not support the same functional potential anymore. B. napus line had little effect on the larger community, but appeared to have more of an effect on the rare bacteria.ConclusionsOur work suggests that the dominant bacterial community is driven by plant growth stage, whereas differences in plant line seemed to affect rare bacteria. The role of these rare bacteria in plant health remains unresolved.