Increase In Respiratory Rate Research Articles

Growth and photosynthetic physiology of holopelagic Sargassum (Phaeophyceae) under laboratory conditions

SummarySpecies of holopelagic Sargassum are responsible for Caribbean golden tides, commonly known as ‘Sargassum events’. These events mainly comprise Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans I, which are exposed to high levels of irradiance, but also self‐shading within their floating masses. In this study, we grew S. fluitans and S. natans I and acclimated them to low‐light conditions at 23°C in the laboratory to explore their responses to increasing light intensities. Photosynthesis, respiration, growth, and pigment content were evaluated over 3 weeks. S. fluitans and S. natans I photoacclimate to higher irradiances by decreasing their chlorophyll a and c contents. An increase in maximum photosynthesis and respiration rates was observed under high light, although differences occurred in the saturation irradiance and the initial slope of the photosynthesis versus irradiance curve. These adjustments were reflected in S. fluitans daily growth (from 2% to 7% d−1 at low to high light, respectively) and tissue nitrogen content (1.6–2.7%) but were absent in S. natans I (~1% d−1). The photosynthetic physiology of S. fluitans under these conditions suggests lower light requirements without compromising growth; however, under high light a higher photosynthetic performance was observed. Combining physiological and growth studies in holopelagic Sargassum species will serve as a baseline to understand and explain the success and overgrowth of these species along the Caribbean coast.

Investigation of Melatonin Incorporated CMC-Gelatin Based Edible Coating on the Alleviation of Chilling Injury Induced Pericarp Browning in Longkong.

Longkong (Aglaia dookkoo Griff.) fruit is prone to rapid pericarp browning and shortened shelf life (<7 days) under prolonged low-temperature storage. This study investigates the effect of an edible coating, comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gelatin in a fixed 3:1 ratio, integrated with various concentrations of melatonin (MT) (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mM/L) to mitigate chilling injury in longkong fruit. Coated longkong fruits were stored at 13 °C with 90% relative humidity for 18 days and underwent physicochemical evaluations every three days. Samples coated with CMC-Gel without MT and uncoated fruits were served as controls. The findings indicated that the CMC-Gel-MT coating significantly mitigated pericarp browning, chilling injury, weight loss, and respiration rate increase under extended cold storage conditions. High concentrations of MT (≥0.8 mM/L) in the coating notably inhibited the activities of cellular degrading enzymes such as lipoxygenase and phospholipase D. This inhibition contributed to reduced membrane permeability, lower reactive oxygen species accumulation (H2O2, OH-, O2-), and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the longkong pericarp. Furthermore, the CMC-Gel-MT coating increased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, leading to an enhancement in phenolic content. Consequently, it improved the fruit's ability to scavenge DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,20-azino-di-3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid) radicals. Control samples exhibited high levels of pericarp browning-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase), whereas CMC-Gel-MT-coated fruits, particularly at higher MT concentrations, showed significant reductions in those enzyme activities. In conclusion, incorporating high concentrations of MT in a CMC-Gel-based edible coating is a promising alternative for mitigating chilling injury in longkong fruit.

Low-flow ECCO2R conjoined with renal replacement therapy platform to manage pulmonary vascular dysfunction with refractory hypercapnia in ARDS

BackgroundHypercapnia worsens lung vascular dysfunction during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We tested whether an extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) device based on a renal replacement therapy platform (Prismalung®) may reduce PaCO2 and alleviate lung vascular dysfunction in ARDS patients with refractory hypercapnia. MethodsWe planned to prospectively include 20 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS, pulmonary vascular dysfunction on echocardiography, and PaCO2 ≥ 48 mmHg despite instrumental dead space reduction and the increase in respiratory rate. Hemodynamics, echocardiography, respiratory mechanics, and arterial blood gases were recorded at 2 (H2), 6 (H6) and 24 (H24) hours as ECCO2R treatment was continued for at least 24 h. ResultsOnly eight patients were included, and the study was stopped due to worldwide shortage of ECCO2R membranes and the pandemic. Only one patient fulfilled the primary endpoint criterion (decrease in PaCO2 of more than 20 %) at H2, but this objective was achieved in half of patients (n = 4) at H6. The percentage of patients with a PaCO2 value < 48 mmHg increased with time, from 0/8 (0 %) at H0, to 3/8 (37.5 %) at H2 and 4/8 (50 %) at H6 (p = 0.04). There was no major change in hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables with ECCO2R, except for a significant decrease in heart rate. ECCO2R was prematurely discontinued before H24 in five (62.5 %) patients, due to membrane clotting in all cases. ConclusionsThis pilot study testing showed a narrow efficacy and high rate of membrane thrombosis with the first version of the system. Improved versions should be tested in future trials. Trial registrationRegistered at clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03303807, Registered: October 6, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03303807.

Anatomical and physiological consequences of beech leaf disease in Fagus grandifolia L.

AbstractBeech leaf disease (BLD) is a foliar disease of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia L.) causally linked to the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii and has rapidly spread throughout central and northeastern North America. This study aimed to characterize the anatomical and physiological differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves to provide evidence for a mechanistic link between abnormal leaf development associated with BLD and the long‐term decline of affected trees. We found that leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf thickness were 45% and 249% higher in symptomatic regions, respectively. The difference in leaf thickness was largely attributable to the spongy mesophyll being 410% thicker in symptomatic as compared with asymptomatic regions of the leaves, but palisade mesophyll and abaxial epidermal tissues were also thicker in symptomatic regions. While major vein density was not significantly different, minor vein density was significantly lower in symptomatic regions, suggesting that the effects on leaf development occur after the formation and initial development of first‐ and second‐order veins. Stomatal density was also lower in symptomatic leaves. Maximum photosynthetic rates were approximately 61% lower in symptomatic leaves and respiration rate increased as the percentage of affected leaf tissue increased. Collectively, our data show reduced photosynthetic capacity, increased respiration rates, and higher leaf construction costs, which will likely have a negative, long‐term impact on the carbon balance of trees affected by BLD.

How Does the Provision of Shade during Grazing Affect Heat Stress Experienced by Dairy Cows in Sweden?

Heat stress in dairy cows can cause an increase in body temperature and respiration rate, and a decreased feed intake leading to reduced production. Dairy cows are better at handling heat when they have access to shade. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of providing shade to high-yielding dairy cattle during the summer in the Swedish climate. Twenty high-yielding Swedish Red dairy cows, held on pasture, were divided into two groups, one with access to shade (S) and one without (NS). Milk production was recorded daily and shade temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals at pasture. A major effect of heat stress was found in cows in early lactation in the NS group. In this group, a high mean temperature two days before and a high THI two days before affected the milk production negatively (p < 0.001), which was the same for the maximum temperature and maximum THI measured on the same day (p < 0.001). Increases in the mean temperature and THI two days before also affected milk production negatively (p < 0.05) for cows in early lactation in the S group, though to a lesser extent. This study suggests that dairy cows in early lactation benefit from access to shade during summer.

High dietary cation and anion difference formulation increased heat dissipation in non-lactating goats fed at high ambient temperature.

In our previous study, we observed that a high dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) of 40 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) in the diets of lactating dairy goats increased heat dissipation. In the present study, we believe that the level of DCAD fed to non-lactating and non-pregnant goats was twice as high as that fed to lactating goats in our previous study. This increase could have resulted in a greater water balance due to increased intake of water and unchanged urinary excretion. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the behavioral and heat dissipation effects of a dietary shift from low to high DCAD levels in dairy goats under tropical conditions. Seven non-lactating and non-pregnant crossbred goats were used in this study. All animals were initially fed a low DCAD (15 mEq/100 g DM) diet from days 0-6 and then switched to a high DCAD (89 mEq/100 g DM) diet from day 7 (high DCAD-7) to day 18 (high DCAD-18). The results revealed that a high DCAD increased DM intake from days 13-18 (p < 0.05). The larger daily meal size associated with the high DCAD-18 group was due to increased daytime meal sizes, not nighttime when compared to the low DCAD group. Dietary cation and anion difference supplementation did not affect daily water intake; however, drinking patterns differed between the low DCAD group and the high DCAD-7 group from 07:00 to 09:00 and during nighttime. Similarly, daily urine volume was unaffected by DCAD supplementation, but urinary patterns differed between the low DCAD and high DCAD-18 groups. The daily water balance remained unchanged across all treatments, yet, a higher morning water balance was observed in the high DCAD group. The high DCAD diet led to an increase in respiration rate and rectal temperature compared to the low DCAD diet. The observed eating, drinking, and urinary patterns collectively suggested that high DCAD supplementation mitigates the effects of heat stress in non-lactating goats fed at high ambient temperatures.

Estimating the magnitude and sensitivity of energy fluxes for stickleback hosts and Schistocephalus solidus parasites using the metabolic theory of ecology.

Parasites are ubiquitous, yet their effects on hosts are difficult to quantify and generalize across ecosystems. One promising metric of parasitic impact uses the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) to calculate energy flux, an estimate of energy lost to parasites. We investigated the feasibility of using metabolic scaling rules to compare the energetic burden of parasitism among individuals. Specifically, we found substantial sensitivity of energy flux estimates to input parameters used in the MTE equation when using available data from a model host-parasite system (Gasterosteus aculeatus and Schistocephalus solidus). Using literature values, size data from parasitized wild fish, and a respirometry experiment, we estimate that a single S. solidus tapeworm may extract up to 32% of its stickleback host's baseline metabolic energy requirement, and that parasites in multiple infections may collectively extract up to 46%. The amount of energy siphoned from stickleback to tapeworms is large but did not instigate an increase in respiration rate in the current study. This emphasizes the importance of future work focusing on how parasites influence ecosystem energetics. The approach of using the MTE to calculate energy flux provides great promise as a quantitative foundation for such estimates and provides a more concrete metric of parasite impact on hosts than parasite abundance alone.

Hydrogen-rich water treatment improves fresh-cut Gastrodia elata quality by regulating reactive oxygen species metabolism and energy metabolism during low temperature storage

The application of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This study aims to investigate the effects of HRW on the quality of fresh-cut Gastrodia elata during low-temperature (4°C) storage. The results indicate that HRW treatment inhibited the decrease in weight loss and the increase in respiration rate, and also slowed down the decrease in total acidity and total soluble solids. HRW treatment could reduce the generation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, enhance the activity and expression of antioxidant-related enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, and increase the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant substances, ascorbic acid and glutathione, while decreasing the activity and expression of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, HRW treatment not only inhibited the reduction in ADP and ATP content and energy charge but also attenuated the increase in AMP content. It also slowed down the decrease in the activities of H+-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase, Ca2+-ATPase, and cytochrome C oxidase. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that HRW treatment enhances the energy levels and effectively mitigates oxidative damage, thereby preserving postharvest quality of fresh-cut G. elata.

Synergistic Utilization of ε-Polylysine and p-Coumaric Acid as Natural Preservatives for Enhancing the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Green Bell Peppers

The utilization of natural preservatives presents a promising avenue for mitigating the spoilage of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables induced by microorganisms, enzymatic browning, and water loss. We have developed an innovative method for preserving fresh-cut green peppers using the combined effects of ε-polylysine (ε-PL) and p-Coumaric acid (p-CA). Through concentration screening experiments, we determined that the optimal concentrations of ε-PL and p-CA were 25 mg/L and 10 mg/L, respectively (ε-p-CA). Treatment with ε-p-CA significantly improved the quality of fresh-cut green peppers. It effectively reduced hardness and weight loss, preserving the texture and appearance of the peppers. Furthermore, ε-p-CA treatment delayed the increase in respiratory rate, electrolyte leakage, and ethylene production, thereby maintaining the structural integrity. Meanwhile, ε-p-CA treatment effectively inhibited the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increase and maintained DPPH radical scavenging activity. The microbial analysis demonstrated the ε-p-CA-treated peppers also showed lower total bacterial, mold, and yeast counts, which prolonged the freshness of fresh-cut peppers. In addition, ε-p-CA treatment improved the retention of phenolics and vitamin C without significantly affecting the color and soluble sugar content of green peppers. Overall, the ε-p-CA treatment showed promise as a natural preservative for extending the shelf life of fresh-cut green peppers.

Blood Serum Stimulates the Virulence Potential of Mucorales through Enhancement in Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism and Rhizoferrin Production.

This study analyzed the role of blood serum in enhancing the mitochondrial metabolism and virulence of Mucorales through rhizoferrin secretion. We observed that the spores of clinically relevant Mucorales produced in the presence of serum exhibited higher virulence in a heterologous infection model of Galleria mellonella. Cell-free supernatants of the culture broth obtained from spores produced in serum showed increased toxicity against Caenorhabditis elegans, which was linked with the enhanced secretion of rhizoferrin. Spores from Mucoralean species produced or germinated in serum showed increased respiration rates and reactive oxygen species levels. The addition of non-lethal concentrations of potassium cyanide and N-acetylcysteine during the aerobic or anaerobic growth of Mucorales decreased the toxicity of the cell-free supernatants of the culture broth, suggesting that mitochondrial metabolism is important for serum-induced virulence. In support of this hypothesis, a mutant strain of Mucor lusitanicus that lacks fermentation and solely relies on oxidative metabolism exhibited virulence levels comparable to those of the wild-type strain under serum-induced conditions. Contrary to the lower virulence observed, even in the serum, the ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2 deletion strain exhibited decreased mitochondrial activity. Moreover, spores produced in the serum of M. lusitanicus and Rhizopus arrhizus that grew in the presence of a mitophagy inducer showed low virulence. These results suggest that serum-induced mitochondrial activity increases rhizoferrin levels, making Mucorales more virulent.

Microbial induced nitrogen recycling in bio-geochemical decomposition sites

Context: The sporadic introduction of deceased plant and animal matter into soils is pivotal in reincorporating organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compounds into biogeochemical cycles. The breakdown of animal remains offers a rich reservoir of C and N, stimulating both local environmental microbial communities and introducing external microbes stemming from the carcasses. Nonetheless, the interactions within these blended microbial communities and the respective impacts of environment- and carcass-originating microbes on C and N cycling remain uncertain. To determine whether environment-derived, carcass-derived, or the merged microbial communities exerted a greater influence on C and N cycling, we conducted controlled laboratory experiments mimicking carcass decomposition hotspots by combining carcass decomposition fluids with soils. We selectively sterilized the decomposition fluid and/or soil to remove microbial communities, creating distinct combinations of environment- and carcass-derived communities, and incubated the treatments at three temperatures (around 15, 25, and 35 °C). Findings: Carcass-sourced bacteria persisted in soils in our simulated decomposition scenarios, albeit in modest quantities. Hybrid communities demonstrated increased respiration rates at around 15 and 35 °C compared to singular soil or carcass communities. Interestingly, at higher temperatures, mixed communities exhibited reduced diversity but higher respiration, suggesting functional overlap. Additionally, mixed community treatments furnished evidence that microbes linked with carcasses might play a role in ammonification and denitrification, while nitrification was mainly carried out by indigenous soil organisms. Conclusions: Our investigation yields valuable insights into the dynamics of microbial communities converging during carcass decomposition and their functions in the recycling of carcasses within terrestrial ecosystems.

Factors determining sperm fertility

The purpose of the work is to to systematize scientific data on factors affecting sperm fertility. Sperm fertility is the ability of a sexually mature organism to reproduce offspring. It is determined by parameters such as sperm motility and the quantity of normal and pathological sperm forms in the ejaculate. The fertility of male producers is acquired in stages: spermatogenesis occurs at the beginning, then the spermatozoa mature in the epididymis. The epididymis plays a significant role in making sperm fertile. Maturation occurs due to a complex of substances produced by the epididymis, and the full maturation of spermatozoa occurs in the genital tract of the female. Thus, fructose, produced by the vesicular glands, affects the fertility of animals. Another substance found in seminal plasma is citric acid, which takes part in the acrosomal reaction. Fertility is influenced by such factors as: the age of the animal, breed, the health of the male's reproductive system, heat stress and others. For instance, as animals age, the number of pathological sperm forms increases in the ejaculate, and their motility decreases. The same happens in cases of inflammatory diseases of the male reproductive system. Changes in the qualitative characteristics of sperm were recorded among Simmental and red breeds, as well as Holstein-Frisian and Jersey breeds. Prolonged or severe heat stress can also have a negative impact on fertility, despite the presence of compensatory mechanisms. These mechanisms are maintained by the presence of sweat glands in the scrotum, which are innervated by sympathetic nerves, as well as a reflex arc between the scrotum and the respiratory center. When the scrotum's temperature rises, respiratory rate increases, facilitating cooling. Furthermore, sperm activity can vary depending on the season. In animals with seasonal reproductive activity, sperm fertility parameters are better during the breeding season.In summary, sperm fertility is a multifactorial process, the success of which is mainly due to the health of the male reproductive system and the presence of many compensatory and adaptive mechanisms.

Abstract 14250: ND-13, a Small DJ-1 Derived Peptide, Confers Cardioprotection by Targeting Mitochondrial Homeostasis

Objectives: DJ-1 protein is a multifunctional protein with cardioprotective effects against acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study aims to elucidate whether ND-13, a small peptide derived from DJ-1, can confer acute cardioprotection after IRI by preserving mitochondrial homeostasis through improvements in mitochondrial respiratory capacity and regulating the balance between mitochondrial fusion/fission. By enhancing mitochondrial respiration and maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial network, ND-13 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for cardioprotection in cardiomyocytes following IRI. Methods: In vitro , ex vivo and in vivo murine models of IRI were used to elucidate the cardioprotective effects of ND-13. Infarct size, cardiac function and mitochondrial function were assessed. Results: ND-13 was shown to confer cardioprotection in three distinct models of IRI: (i) in vitro , cardiomyocyte (CM) death was reduced by 42% (64±1% untreated vs 37±2% treated; p≤0.01); (ii) ex vivo Langendorrf, with 43% decrease in infarct size (51±6.4% untreated vs 29±8.8% treated; p≤0.05); (iii) in vivo , with 35% reduction in infarct size (49±6.4% untreated vs 32±5.0% treated; p≤0.0001). CMs treated with ND-13 in the in vitro model of IRI demonstrated a significant increase in mitochondrial respiration rates, (basal: untreated 37±3 vs treated 63±10 pmol/min/cells, p≤0.05; maximal: untreated 286±20 vs treated 494±53 pmol/min/cells, p≤0.001; and spare respiratory capacity: untreated 251±18 vs treated 421±43 pmol/min/cells, p≤0.001) and a significant increase in levels of cytosolic ATP (untreated 4.0 ± 0.3 vs treated 5.6 ± 0.5 μM, p≤0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrate for the first time, cardioprotection with the DJ-1-derived peptide, ND-13, and this beneficial effect appears to be mediated by its mitoprotective actions with enhanced mitochondrial respiratory efficiency and increased ATP production. Upcoming research aims to explore if ND-13 promotes oxidative phosphorylation by directly binding to complexes of the electron transport chain to maximize respiratory function or by enhancing pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, thereby potentially influencing the regulation of the fission/fusion process.

Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19 with Pregnancy in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pregnant females are a vulnerable population to contract COVID-19. The most promising therapies for COVID-19 infection are Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT). Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19 with pregnancy is rare. A 26-year-old female with 29-30 weeks pregnancy with complaints of shortness of breath and cough was referred. Physical examination showed an increase in respiratory rate. Laboratory tests showed increased WBC (leukocytosis), anemia, thrombocytosis, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), SGOT, and C-reactive protein. The results of the RT-PCR molecular biology test showed confirmed COVID-19. In treatment, complaints worsened with a respiratory rate of 32 beats/minute and oxygen saturation of 93%. The patient was treated with CPT and showed clinical improvement. Convalescent plasma therapy in pregnancy with COVID-19 aims to prevent the binding of spike protein (S) in the virus with the ACE-2 receptor in the host. Convalescent plasma therapy should be carried out in the right conditions according to the agreed criteria. Because clinical and laboratory improvements were observed in this study after convalescent plasma therapy was administered, it can be considered as an alternative therapy in severe clinical conditions.

102 Growth Performance in Pigs fed a High Soybean Meal Diet During Heat Stress

Abstract In the U.S. swine industry, feeding programs are focused on using feed ingredients that are easily digestible and cost effective. With the predicted increases in soybean processing, pig producers may have increased availability of a cost-effective protein source in soybean meal (SBM). This expanded availability of SBM may result in feeding protein above the ostensible requirements, which would likely intensify the thermic effect of digestion, potentially increasing the susceptibility of the pig to heat stress (HS). Heat stress has damaging effects on feed intake and growth performance, costing the swine industry &amp;gt;$900 million annually. Therefore, the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein diets (in the form of SBM) during HS on growth performance in growing pigs. Growing pigs (n = 40; initial BW = 55 ± 5.6 kg) were allocated into six treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) ad libitum control diet (TN-Ctl; n = 6), 2) TN pair-fed (PF) control diet (PF-Ctl; n = 6), 3) HS ad libitum control diet (HS-Ctl; n = 8), 4) TN ad libitum high SBM diet (TN-SBM; n = 6), 5) TN PF high SBM diet (PF-SBM; n = 6), and 6) HS ad libitum high SBM diet (HS-SBM; n = 8). The control diet included 15% crude protein (CP) while the high SBM diet included 23% CP with excess amino acids. The study consisted of two periods: Period 1 (P1; 7 d) in which all pigs were housed in TN environments (26.7 ± 1.4°C) with ad libitum access to respective diets. Period 2 (P2; 21 d), HS groups were exposed to cyclical HS with daytime temperatures reaching 35°C and evening temperatures decreased to 29.4°C. During P2, PF groups were fed to respective HS-Ctl or HS-SBM equivalents in TN conditions. Pigs exposed to HS had an overall increase in rectal temperature and respiration rate (0.91°C and 45 bpm, respectively; P ≤ 0.01) and HS-SBM pigs had increased evening rectal temperature (± 0.13°C; P ≤ 0.01), relative to HS-Ctrl. Overall, HS decreased ADFI (19%; P ≤ 0.01), ADG (26%; P ≤ 0.01) and increased F:G (10%; P ≤ 0.01) irrespective of dietary CP levels. Loin muscle area (P = 0.19) and backfat (P = 0.98) were not different between the TN and HS pigs regardless of diet. Circulating blood urea nitrogen levels did not differ between HS and TN pigs (P = 0.68), but an increase was observed in pigs fed the SBM diet relative to the control diet (P ≤ 0.01). In summary, these results demonstrate that HS decreases growth performance, but the negative effects are not augmented by feeding a high SBM diet.

Sphagnum mosses, the impact of disturbances and anthropogenic management actions on their ecological role in CO2 fluxes generated in peatland ecosystems.

Mosses of the genus Sphagnum are the dominant vegetation in most pristine peatlands in temperate and high-latitude regions. They play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, being responsible for ca. 50% of carbon accumulation through their active participation in peat formation. They have a significant influence on the dynamics of CO2 emissions due to an efficient maximum potential photosynthetic rate, lower respiration rates, and the production of a recalcitrant litter whose decomposition is gradual. However, various anthropogenic disturbances and land use management actions that favor its reestablishment have the potential to modify the dynamics of these CO2 emissions. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the role of Sphagnum in CO2 emissions generated in peatland ecosystems, and to understand the impacts of anthropogenic practices favorable and detrimental to Sphagnum on these emissions. Based on our review, increased Sphagnum cover reduces CO2 emissions and fosters C sequestration, but drainage transforms peatlands dominated by Sphagnum into a persistent source of CO2 due to lower gross primary productivity of the moss and increased respiration rates. Sites with moss removal used as donor material for peatland restoration emit twice as much CO2 as adjacent undisturbed natural sites, and those with commercial Sphagnum extraction generate almost neutral CO2 emissions, yet both can recover their sink status in the short term. The reintroduction of fragments and natural recolonization of Sphagnum in transitional peatlands, can reduce emissions, recover, or increase the CO2 sink function in the short and medium term. Furthermore, Sphagnum paludiculture is seen as a sustainable alternative for the use of transitional peatlands, allowing moss production strips to become CO2 sink, however, it is necessary to quantify the emissions of all the components of the field of production (ditches, causeway), and the biomass harvested from the moss to establish a final closing balance of C.

A decrease in the age of respired carbon from the terrestrial biosphere and increase in the asymmetry ofits distribution.

We provide here a model-based estimate of the transit time of carbon through the terrestrial biosphere, since the time of carbon uptake through photosynthesis until its release through respiration. We explored the consequences of increasing productivity versus increasing respiration rates on the transit time distribution and found that while higher respiration rates induced by higher temperature increase the transit time because older carbon is respired, increases in productivity cause a decline in transit times because more young carbon is available to supply increased metabolism. The combined effect of increases in temperature and productivity results in a decrease in transit times, with the productivity effect dominating over the respiration effect. By using an ensemble of simulation trajectories from the Carbon Data Model Framework (CARDAMOM), we obtained time-dependent transit time distributions incorporating the twentieth century global change. In these simulations, transit time declined over the twentieth century, suggesting an increased productivity effect that augmented the amount of respired young carbon, but also increasing the release of old carbon from high latitudes. The transit time distribution of carbon becomes more asymmetric over time, with more carbon transiting faster through tropical and temperate regions, and older carbon being respired from high latitude regions. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Radiocarbon in the Anthropocene'.

Postharvest Melatonin Application Preserves Quality and Imparts Chilling Tolerance in Peaches

Peach being a climacteric fruit has a limited shelf life. Cold storage of peaches is an essential measure to maintain their quality. However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures causes chilling injury in peaches, resulting in significant economic losses. Approximately, 40% of the produced commodity is lost in postharvest handling in which chilling injury contributes to about 25%. Melatonin can be a green solution and plays a key role in protecting peaches from chilling injury. Therefore, this experiment aimed to determine the effect of melatonin on the “Silver King” peaches by dipping them in 100 μM melatonin for 2 hours followed by storing them at chilling temperatures of 2 ± 1°C and 90–95% relative humidity for 21 d. The results showed that while control fruit experienced chilling injury and poor fruit quality, increased respiration rate, and enhanced senescence, 100 μM melatonin treatment was successful in preserving the fruit quality at chilling temperatures and was associated with the delayed respiration rate and lower malondialdehyde levels, along with the preservation of certain physicochemical parameters, namely, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness, and titratable acidity. Moreover, a 1.5 times higher proline concentration was observed in melatonin-treated peaches when compared to that of nontreated peaches. This rise was linked to the enhanced activity of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase and ornithine-δ-aminotransferase along with a decrease in the activity of proline dehydrogenase during 21 d of storage.

Contact methods for registering respiratory rate: opportunities and perspectives

Introduction. Respiratory rate is known to be one of the most important indicators reflecting the vital functions of a person. An increase in respiratory rate can be found in many diseases and pathological conditions, for example, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, myocardial infarction, heart failure, anaemia, etc. Due to the active introduction of telemedicine monitoring into clinical practice, the measurement of the abovementioned indicator is particularly relevant for the purpose of early detection and prevention of complications of chronic non-infectious diseases, as well as dynamic monitoring of the condition of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.Aim. To search and update information about existing and promising developments for the control of respiratory rate based on different physical principles.Materials and methods. For this review we used databases PubMed, Scopus, MedLine and eLIBRARY. The following keywords were used for the search: “respiratory rate”, “contact”, “measurement”, “sensor”.Results. Contact methods for measuring respiratory rate include a wide range of sensors based on various physical principles. All types of sensors have their own application, but also they have some drawbacks. In order to achieve maximum accuracy of respiratory rate monitoring, it is necessary to carefully assess the conditions in which the patient is located, selecting the most appropriate technological solutions for them. Probably, complex systems, including several different sensors, are able to overcome many shortcomings. In addition, the development of information analysis methods, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies can increase the sensitivity and accuracy of methods of measuring respiratory rate, reducing the frequency of bias associated with various artefacts.Conclusion. Thus, technological development opens up wide opportunities for long-term monitoring of vital functions, prevention and timely response to adverse events.

Effects of Parenteral Nutrition with Amino Acid Alone and Amino Acid-Intralipid Combination on Vital Signs and Rate of Diuresis in ICU Patients

Background: Nearly all cases admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) suffer from poor nutritional status. Accordingly, the type of parenteral nutrition administered can influence these patients’ health conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of parenteral nutrition with the amino acid alone and amino acid-intralipid combination on vital signs and rate of diuresis in ICU patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted over two years, from March 2021 to March 2023. Patients under intravenous nutrition with amino acid (Group A) and amino acid-intralipid (Group B) for three days (as ordered by the ICU specialist) were examined. The patients' vital signs and laboratory findings were recorded before and after the nutrition. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 26. Results: The patients were homogeneous regarding age, sex, disease history, and diagnosis (P &lt; 0.05). After parenteral feeding, urine and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio respectively increased and decreased in Group B. Moreover, the serum bilirubin level significantly decreased in Group B, and SGOT and SGPT increased in Group A. In addition, the breathing rate significantly increased in Group A after intravenous feeding (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Although intravenous amino acid-intralipid nutrition increased and decreased urine and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine, respectively, the patients who received amino acid alone also experienced an increase in urine volume and respiratory rate. Therefore, intravenous amino acid nutrition alone can be cost-effective.