Macromolecular Components Research Articles

Degradation behaviors of asphalt by microorganisms in asphalt pavement structure

Pseudomonas and Bacillus are dominant microorganisms to widely distributes in asphalt pavement structure. Microbial degradation leads to asphalt aging, and causes its performance deterioration, reducing the durability of asphalt pavement. To better understand the degradation behaviors of dominant microorganisms on asphalt, and reveals their microbial aging mechanisms on asphalt, the effects of microbial degradation on micromorphology, chemical functional group, component and microstructure of asphalt were discussed. Results indicate that main damages of microbial degradation start from asphalt surface and then permeates into its interior. Microorganisms degrade light components of asphalt as nutrients and decompose them into CO2 and H2O through oxidation reactions, but exhibit limited degradation ability to macromolecular components. Microbial degradation causes the content changes of asphalt components, altering the colloidal structure of asphalt. Microorganisms destroy the continuity of asphalt surface and increase surface roughness of asphalt. This study provides a new insight into microbial aging mechanism of asphalt.

Polysaccharides from Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (DBZP) alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through ameliorating gut microbiota

Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Dianbaizhu) is a traditional Chinese herb for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its macromolecular components have always been overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and effect on improving RA of polysaccharides from Dianbaizhu (DBZP). The results showed the yield of DBZP was 4.07 % ± 0.03 %, and it was composed of Mannose (6.63 %), ribose (1.33 %), rhamnose (4.53 %), glucuronic acid (2.95 %), galacturonic acid (32.29 %), glucose (13.78 %), galactose (22.97 %), xylose (3.94 %) and arabinose (11.59 %), with a large molecular weight distribution range. DBZP treatment could reduce the paws thickness and arthritis scores of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, and improve inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, bone erosion, and deterioration. The abundance of several specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Mucispirillum, and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and some metabolites in feces or urine, such as 11beta-hydroxytestosterone, pregnanediol 3-O-glucuronide, p-cresol sulfate and several amino acids and peptides, was also altered. The process of DBZP alleviating RA through gut microbiota involves affecting the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and protein, altering sex hormones levels, and regulating intestinal immune function, such as the differentiation and signaling of Th17 cells. These findings suggest that DBZP possesses a protective effect on CIA in mice via modulating gut microbiota.

Hydrothermal liquefaction: exploring feedstock for sustainable biofuel production

A number of technological strategies utilizing various types of biomass for the production of hydrocarbons have been put forth but their energy intensive methods are a concern for improved efficiency of biofuel production. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has emerged as a promising and feasible technology towards utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. The suitability of different biomass feedstock for HTL is intricately tied to their macromolecular composition and process parameters. The comprehensive analysis of feedstock for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) signal towards the immense potential of various biomass feedstock, such as corn stover, Miscanthus, pine biomass, Spirulina, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran etc. in contributing significantly to renewable energy production. The study emphasizes that the composition of biomass is critical in influencing bio-oil yield during the HTL process. Biomass components like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, each play distinct roles in determining the efficiency of conversion. Specifically, feedstock with higher cellulose and hemicellulose content, such as Miscanthus and sugarcane bagasse, demonstrate superior bio-oil yields. The analysis of proximate factors affecting HTL efficiency reveals that moisture content, ash content and high heating value (HHV) are pivotal in optimizing the process. In addition to composition and physical characteristics, the article underscores the significance of growth conditions and nutrient utilization in cultivating biomass feedstock. Integrating HTL with biomass cultivation can create a sustainable, closed-loop system where nutrients from the HTL process are recycled back into cultivation. Biomass offers a renewable energy alternative, however it also poses challenges related to land use and potential competition with food production. Sustainable practices, such as utilizing agricultural and forestry residues and optimizing collection as well as storage processes, can alleviate some of these concerns. By optimizing feedstock selection, process parameters, and integrating sustainable practices, HTL can play a decisive role in advancing biofuel production and contributing to a more sustainable energy future. The interplay between biomass composition, processing efficiency, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility is essential for realizing the full potential of HTL technology in the bio-economy. The current analysis sheds light on the relationship of bio-oil yield with macromolecular components including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as well as process parameters like ash content, moisture content, higher heating value, fixed carbon and volatiles. Focusing on process optimization, this study embodies a closer analysis of literature aimed at defining optimum strategies for enhancement of HTL.

Exploring the emulsifying properties of biopolymers from Ulva lactuca in stabilizing high internal phase emulsions

Seaweed is a promising raw material for food emulsion stabilizers due to its abundance, low cost, and rich content of various natural biological macromolecules. This study explores the potential of using Ulva lactuca (UL) to stabilize emulsions by employing high-pressure homogenization (HPH) to release its interfacial active components. The results demonstrate that UL extract (ULE) with emulsifying activity was gradually extracted as the HPH pressure increased from 100 to 800 MPa. Concentrating the macromolecular components, specifically polysaccharides and proteins, in the ULE via membrane filtration resulted in a concentrated fraction, referred to as ULER, which exhibited enhanced emulsification performance. By optimizing the oil volume fraction (φ) and pH, it was found that high internal phase emulsions (φ = 0.7–0.8) showed superior viscoelasticity and stability at pH 3–7. In terms of stability, it was observed that the emulsions stabilized by ULER maintained their structure over extended periods without significant phase separation. The strong interaction between exogenous Ca2⁺ and ULER increased the apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity of the emulsion. However, the addition of Ca2⁺ did not significantly enhance the stability of the ULER-stabilized emulsions and, in some cases, even led to a decrease in emulsion stability. This effect may be probably due to the specific interactions between the Ca2⁺ ions and the polysaccharides and proteins in the ULER, which can affect the network structure of the emulsion. Overall, this study highlights the potential of HPH treatment in processing UL to transform it into an effective emulsion stabilizer for applications in the food industry.

Quercus dentata Thunb. leaves extract inhibits CaOx crystallization and ameliorates ethylene glycol-induced CaOx kidney stones via the OPN/CD44 and NLRP3 pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe leaves of Quercus dentata Thunb. (QD), a member of the Fagaceae family and genus Quercus, with distributions in China, Japan, Korea, and other regions. As recorded in the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) and other classical Chinese medical texts, QD has been traditionally employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their hemostatic and diuretic effects and has been used to treat urinary stones (Lin Zheng). It is also the main ingredient of the Mishitong capsule (MST), a Chinese patent drug, used for kidney stones and ureteral stones. Nonetheless, the specific active ingredients and the mechanisms of QD in treating kidney stones remain to be elucidated, which is crucial for advancing the scientific understanding and clinical application of this traditional medicine. Aim of studyThis study aimed to identify the active constituents of QD water extract (QDWE), explore its inhibitory effects on kidney stones through in vitro and in vivo studies, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the OPN/CD44 axis and the NLRP3 signaling pathway to provide a full understanding of its potential as a novel treatment approach against kidney stones. Materials and methodsThe micromolecular components in the supernatant of QDWE (QDS) were analyzed by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS and the monosaccharide composition of the macromolecular polysaccharide components in the crude polysaccharide (QDP) was determined by pre-column derivatization in HPLC. The effects of QDWE, QDS and QDP on the shape, size, and structure of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in vitro were explored by XRD, FTIR and SEM. The effects of QDWE, QDS and QDP on CaOx kidney stones in SD rats induced by ethylene glycol and VD3 were compared in vivo. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of OPN/CD44 and NLRP3 pathways were investigated by Western blot analysis. ResultsThere were 32 compounds identified in QDS. The monosaccharide composition ratio of QDP was Man: L-Rha: D-GlcA: D-GalA: D-Glc: D-Gal: L-Ara = 1.01: 22.52: 8.27: 38.61: 3.43: 17.80: 6.38, indicating a mixture of pectin-type acidic heteropolysaccharides. QDP had a more significant inhibitory effect on CaOx crystals in vitro than QDWE, which can inhibit the formation of CaOx monohydrate crystals (COM) and convert them into thermodynamically unstable CaOx dihydrate (COD) crystals. The high dose of QDWE exhibited significant in vivo efficacy (P < 0.05), including anti-calculus, diuretic effects, and kidney protection, marked by decreased calcification and stone formation, alongside improved kidney vitality. Furthermore, the protective effects of QDWE were demonstrated to be associated with the OPN/CD44 and NLRP3 pathways. ConclusionThe studies identified and analyzed the active constituents of QDWE. Among these, QDP significantly inhibited CaOx crystal generation in vitro and could be a potential component for the treatment of urinary stones in QDWE. Moreover, the results indicated that QDWE had a remarkable therapeutic effect on CaOx stones by modulating the OPN/CD44 axis to affect stone formation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway to mediate inflammation, providing an experimental basis for the mechanism of anti-urinary stone and deep development of QD.

Microplastics and benthic animals reshape the geochemical characteristics of dissolved organic matter by inducing changes in keystone microbes in riparian sediments

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in riparian sediments plays a vital role in regulating element cycling and pollutant behavior of river ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) and benthic animals (BAs) have been frequently detected in riparian sediments, influencing the substance transformation in river ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of systematic investigation on the effects of MPs and BAs on sediment DOM. This study investigated the impact of MPs and BAs on the geochemical characteristics of DOM in riparian sediments and their microbial mechanisms. The results showed that MPs and BAs increased sediment DOC concentration by 34.24%∼232.97% and promoted the conversion of macromolecular components to small molecular components, thereby reducing the humification degree of DOM. Mathematical model verified that the changes of keystone microbes composition in sediments were direct factors affecting the characteristics of DOM in riparian sediment. Especially, MPs tolerant microbes, including Planctomicrobium, Rhodobacter, Hirschia and Lautropia, significantly increased DOC concentration and decreased humification degree (P < 0.05). In addition, MPs and BAs could also influence keystone microbes in sediments by altering the structure of microbial network, thereby indirectly affecting DOM characteristics. The study demonstrates the pollution behavior of MPs in river ecosystems and provides a basis for protecting the ecological function of riparian sediments from MPs pollution.

Rapid sulfurization obscures carotenoid distributions in modern euxinic environments

Anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (green and purple sulfur bacteria) thrive in anoxic environments where light penetrates a sulfide-containing (euxinic) water column. Genomic data and photosynthetic bacterial carotenoid pigments should provide complementary information on the spatio-temporal dynamics of anoxygenic phototrophs in modern euxinic environments. In turn, these contemporary depositional settings often serve as analogues for ancient counterparts. However, in some modern environments, DNA-informed patterns of phototrophic sulfur bacteria occurrence do not match distributions of their carotenoid inventories. One possible explanation for these seemingly incompatible observations is that the rapid sulfurization of carotenoids and incorporation into macromolecules via multiple carbon–sulfur bonds prevents or confounds their detection by conventional means. Here, to evaluate this conundrum, we revisit some representative contemporary euxinic environments where anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria have mostly been detected based on genomic analyses. Although free intact carotenoids are sporadically detected in surface sediments, their distributions do not reveal a complete picture. Exogenously sourced fossil carotenoids (e.g., paleorenieratane) is an additional complication. Carotenoid inventories obtained by desulfurization with Raney nickel, on the other hand, stand in stark contrast to those present as free lipids. In particular, sulfur-linked carotenoids present in euxinic lake sediments provide a more complete picture of compositions of anoxygenic sulfur bacterial communities and account for discrepancies reported in previous studies. We observe a closer alignment between genomic data and patterns of sulfurized carotenoids and, importantly, our results highlight how sulfurization serves as a pathway for the rapid modification of highly functionalised lipids and their sequestration into the macromolecular component of sediment extracts.

Co-overexpression of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase significantly enhanced the resistance of Iranian wheat cultivars to Fusarium

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating fungal disease affecting different cereals, particularly wheat, and poses a serious threat to global wheat production. Chitinases and β-glucanases are two important proteins involved in lysing fungal cell walls by targeting essential macromolecular components, including chitin and β-glucan micro fibrils. In our experiment, a transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum) was generated by introducing chitinase and glucanase genes using Biolistic technique and Recombinant pBI121 plasmid (pBI-ChiGlu (-)). This plasmid contained chitinase and glucanase genes as well as nptII gene as a selectable marker. The expression of chitinase and glucanase was individually controlled by CaMV35S promoter and Nos terminator. Immature embryo explants from five Iranian cultivars (Arta, Moghan, Sisun, Gascogen and A-Line) were excised from seeds and cultured on callus induction medium to generate embryonic calluses. Embryogenic calluses with light cream color and brittle texture were selected and bombarded using gold nanoparticles coated with the recombinant pBI-ChiGlu plasmid. Bombarded calluses initially were transferred to selective callus induction medium, and later, they were transfferd to selective regeneration medium. The selective agent was kanamycin at a concentration of 25 mg/l in both media. Among five studied cultivars, A-Line showed the highest transformation percentage (4.8%), followed by the Sisun, Gascogen and Arta in descending order. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of genes into the genome of wheat cultivars. Furthermore, in an in-vitro assay, the growth of Fusarium graminearum was significantly inhibited by using 200 μg of leaf protein extract from transgenic plants. According to our results, the transgenic plants (T1) showed the resistance against Fusarium when were compared to the non-transgenic plants. All transgenic plants showed normal fertility and no abnormal response was observed in their growth and development.

Antibacterial activity of angelica essential oil, its mechanism against Pseudomonas fluorescens, and its application in the preservation of chilled fresh beef

The mechanism by which Angelica essential oil (AEO) can act as an antimicrobial agent at cellular and metabolic levels to inhibit Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens), and its effectiveness in beef preservation, were investigated and evaluated in this study. Our results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of AEO to P. fluorescens were 12.5 μL/mL and 25 μL/mL, respectively, at which AEO could effectively inhibit P. fluorescens reproduction and retard its growth (p < 0.05). Severe morphological damage to the AEO-treated cells of the microorganism, including cell walls and membranes, were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AEO treatment was also seen to lead to an increase in alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity and conductivity, and a significant leakage of intracellular macromolecular components (such as nucleic acids and proteins), providing further evidence of damage to the integrity of cell wall and cell membrane. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the differential metabolites in the AEO hindered nucleic acid synthesis and expression in the P. fluorescens, leading to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle blockage and amino acid restriction, energy metabolism disorders and membrane damage, mainly through nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport. Moreover, application testing demonstrated the efficacy of AEO in slowing the increase of beef pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), extending the shelf life of chilled beef by 5.39 d, and effectively maintaining the organoleptic quality of beef. These results lay a foundation for the development of AEO as a natural bacteriostatic agent.

Study on breast cancerization and isolated diagnosis in situ by HOF-ATR-MIR spectroscopy with deep learning

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy can characterize the content and structural changes of macromolecular components in different breast tissues, which can be used for feature extraction and model training by machine learning to achieve accurate classification and recognition of different breast tissues. In parallel, the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) stands out in the field of deep learning for its ability to efficiently process sequential data, such as spectroscopic signals. In this study, MIR spectra of breast tissue were collected in situ by coupling the self-developed MIR hollow optical fiber attenuated total reflection (HOF-ATR) probe with a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrometer. Staging analysis was conducted on the changes in macromolecular content and structure in breast cancer tissues. For the first time, a trinary classification model was established based on 1D-CNN for recognizing normal, paracancerous and cancerous tissues. The final predication results reveal that the 1D-CNN model based on baseline correction (BC) and data augmentation yields more precise classification results, with a total accuracy of 95.09%, exhibiting superior discrimination ability than machine learning models of SVM-DA (90.00%), SVR (88.89%), PCA-FDA (67.78%) and PCA-KNN (70.00%). The experimental results suggest that the application of 1D-CNN enables accurate classification and recognition of different breast tissues, which can be considered as a precise, efficient and intelligent novel method for breast cancer diagnosis.

Antioxidant polysaccharide-enriched fractions obtained from olive leaves by ultrasound-assisted extraction with α-amylase inhibition, and antiproliferative activities.

Polysaccharide-rich materials were extracted from the alcohol-insoluble solids of Olea europaea l. **leaves. Structural characteristics were determined by colorimetric techniques, FT-IR, GC-MS, SEC/MALS/VD/DRI, and NMR (1H,13C). The extract and its main macromolecular components were characterized to assess their ability toward antioxidant, α-amylase inhibition, and antiproliferative activities. Results revealed that the ultrasound olive leave extract comprises polysaccharides with uronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and glucose in molar percentages of 11.7%, 11.3%, 7.5%, and 4.9% respectively, constituting 41% of the total mass. In addition, polyphenols (21%) and proteins (9%) are associated with these polysaccharides. Further, the extract showed noticeable ORAC and free radical scavenging abilities, in addition to high in vitro antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 colon carcinoma cell lines. Similarly, the extract exhibited a strong, uncompetitive inhibition of α-amylase by 75% in the presence of the extract with 0.75µg/mL of concentration. This research concludes that ultrasound extraction method can be used for the extraction of polysaccharide-polyphenol-protein complexes. These conjugates exhibit the potential for combined biological activities resulting from a synergistic effect of its compounds, making them promising ingredients for the development of functional food.

The Role of Hyaluronan/Receptor for Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility Interactions in the Modulation of Macrophage Polarization and Cartilage Repair

Hyaluronan (HA), a negatively charged linear glycosaminoglycan, is a key macromolecular component of the articular cartilage extracellular matrix. The differential effects of HA are determined by a spatially/temporally regulated display of HA receptors, such as CD44 and Receptor for Hyaluronan Mediated Motility (RHAMM). HA signaling through CD44 with RHAMM has been shown to stimulate inflammation and fibrotic processes. This study shows an increased expression of RHAMM in pro-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with HA/RHAMM interactions using a 15mer RHAMM-mimetic, HA binding peptide (P15-1) together with high molecular weight (HMW)HA reduced the expression and release of inflammatory markers and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory markers in pro-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with HA/RHAMM interactions in vivo during the regeneration of a full thickness cartilage defect after microfracture surgery in rabbits using three intra-articular injections of P15-1 together with HMWHA reduced the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages and increased the number of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the injured knee joint and greatly improved the repair of the cartilage defect compared to intra-articular injections of HMWHA alone. These findings suggest that HA/RHAMM interactions play a key role in cartilage repair/regeneration via stimulating inflammatory and fibrotic events, including increasing the ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory macrophages. Interfering with these interactions reduced inflammation and greatly improved cartilage repair.

Animal bioenergetics: Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of growth and metabolism of Anguilla anguilla

Bioenergetics and biothermodynamics are valuable tools in research on growth and metabolic processes of a wide range of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and plants, as is shown by the many publications on this topic in the literature. These studies provide insight into growth and metabolism of individual species, as well as interactions between species, like the virus-host interaction (infection) and virus-virus interaction (competition). However, this approach has not yet been applied to animal species. The universality of biothermodynamics and bioenergetics provides a good motive to apply them in analysis of animals. In this research, we made a bioenergetic, biothermodynamic and kinetic characterization for the first time for an animal species – Anguilla anguilla L. (European eel). We made a comparative analysis on yellow (young adult) and silver (mature adult) phases. Metabolic processes were modeled as chemical reactions with characteristic thermodynamic properties: enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy. Moreover, Gibbs energy explained growth rates, through phenomenological equations. This analysis of animal metabolism and growth explained metabolic properties of yellow and silver A. anguilla, including the bioenergetic aspect of life history. Moreover, we compared thermodynamic properties of A. anguilla with those of its main macromolecular components and other organisms. The thermodynamic properties were explained by the structural properties of organisms. This research extends the bioenergetic and biothermodynamic approaches to zoology, which should allow analysis of the energetic aspect of animal metabolic processes, interactions with their environment and interactions with other organisms. Furthermore, it connects the macroscopic perspective of zoology with the microscopic perspectives of biochemistry, bioenergetics and biothermodynamics. This will provide a basis for development of mechanistic models of animal growth and metabolism.

Aqueous ethanol fractionation of softwood and hardwood kraft lignins: Impact on purity and properties

Industrial kraft lignins are mixtures of macromolecular components variable in both structure and composition. To maximize their value in commercial applications, they often need to be homogenized and purified. Several fractionation methods have been reported to improve the properties of kraft lignins, but these reports have been mostly limited to kraft lignins of single origins. In this study, the physicochemical properties of fractions from four industrial kraft lignins were compared. Fractionation was performed on both softwood and hardwood lignins by partial dissolution in aqueous ethanol followed by precipitation with water. The yields of each fraction varied greatly between the lignins, with differences reaching up to 35% for a single fraction. All fractions were characterized which showed that fractions having remarkably similar properties and compositions can be obtained from different lignins. Organic and inorganic impurities were found to concentrate in specific fractions which allowed the isolation of highly purified fractions of kraft lignin. These results highlight the importance of matching individual kraft lignins with suitable applications.

Studies on the degradation pattern of wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase on wheat-derived arabinoxylans.

Wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase is a key enzyme for arabinoxylan degradation, but its wheat-derived arabinoxylan degradation pattern is unclear. Water-extractable arabinoxylan (WEAX) of 300-750 kDa and 30-100 kDa were the two components with the highest degradation efficiency of wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase, followed by > 1000 kDa WEAX, but 100-300 kDa WEAX showed the lowest degradation efficiency. The main enzymatic products were the 5-30 kDa WEAX, which accounted for 57.57%, 68.15%, and 52.28% of WAXH, WAXM, and WAXL products, respectively. The enzymatic efficiency of wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase was relatively high, and the continuity of enzymatic efficiency was good, especially since the enzymatic reaction was the most intense in 1-3 h. WEAX of > 300 kDa was highly significant and positively correlated with viscosity. In comparison, WEAX of < 30 kDa was highly significant and negatively correlated with viscosity. As the enzymatic degradation proceeded, there were fewer and fewer macromolecular components but more and more small molecule components, and the system viscosity became smaller and smaller. In this study, it was found that wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase degraded preferentially 300-750 kDa and 30-100 kDa WEAX, not in the order of substrate size in a sequential enzymatic degradation. Wheat malt endo-1,4-β-xylanase was most efficient within 3 h, primarily generating < 30 kDa WEAX ultimately. The main products were highly significantly negatively correlated with the system viscosity, so that the system viscosity gradually decreased as the enzymatic hydrolysis proceeded. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quantitative MRI reveals heterogeneous impacts of treatment on diseased bone marrow in a mouse model of myelofibrosis.

Analyzing bone marrow in the hematologic cancer myelofibrosis requires endpoint histology in mouse models and bone marrow biopsies in patients. These methods hinder the ability to monitor therapy over time. Preclinical studies typically begin treatment before mice develop myelofibrosis, unlike patients who begin therapy only after onset of disease. Using clinically relevant, quantitative MRI metrics allowed us to evaluate treatment in mice with established myelofibrosis. We used chemical shift-encoded fat imaging, DWI, and magnetization transfer sequences to quantify bone marrow fat, cellularity, and macromolecular components in a mouse model of myelofibrosis. We monitored spleen volume, the established imaging marker for treatment, with anatomic MRI. After confirming bone marrow disease by MRI, we randomized mice to treatment with an approved drug (ruxolitinib or fedratinib) or an investigational agent, navitoclax, for 33 days. We measured the effects of therapy over time with bone marrow and spleen MRI. All treatments produced heterogeneous responses with improvements in bone marrow evident in subsets of individual mice in all treatment groups. Reductions in spleen volume commonly occurred without corresponding improvement in bone marrow. MRI revealed patterns associated with effective and ineffective responses to treatment in bone marrow and identified regional variations in efficacy within a bone. Quantitative MRI revealed modest, heterogeneous improvements in bone marrow disease when treating mice with established myelofibrosis. These results emphasize the value of bone marrow MRI to assess treatment in preclinical models and the potential to advance clinical trials for patients.

Production of low molecular oil from typical polyolefin plastics through molten salts thermal treatment

The resource recovery based on pyrolysis has become the mainstream disposal method for polyolefin plastics in recent years. However, the poor heat transfer characteristics and uneven temperature distribution of plastics lead to inferior product quality. To address these problems, molten salts thermal treatment was performed to conduct targeted regulation of the process. It revealed that the excellent heat storage and thermal conductivity of molten salts provide a strengthened heat source for plastics, promoting product homogenization and high-value conversion. It reduced the energy barrier of the reaction and prompted the conversion of macromolecular components to light oil. Meanwhile, the catalysis of alkali metal salts effectively inhibited the transition cracking of major oil components. The yield of pyrolysis oil increased while the valuable products gradually accumulated, such as α-olefins (ranging from 26.48 % to 31.06 %) and styrene (ranging from 48.89 % to 64.03 %). Additionally, the kinetics of hydrogen could be used to analyze the dynamic processes of plastic pyrolysis well and the activation energy was significantly reduced with molten salts. The contracting volume model was considered to be the most suitable reaction model, providing critical insight for the thermal treatment of plastics at larger scales.

Substitution of Maggot Meal (Hermetia illucens) in Feeds to The Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Protein, a macromolecular component, is relatively expensive in artificial feed because it originates from fishmeal. The study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of maggot meal in the experimental feed with commercial feed on the growth performance and survival of goldfish (Carassius auratus), and it was conducted for 30 days. This study used an experimental method, complete randomized design (CRD), including 4 treatments with 3 replicates. The treatments in this study include A as a control (commercial feed) and test feed B, C, and D, each of which has a maggot meal substitution level (g/kg test feed) of 150, 175, and 200 feed, respectively. The experimental fish in this study is goldfish with an average initial weight of 3.2 ± 1.38 grams per fish. The maintenance tank for goldfish in this study used an aquarium with a water level of 50 cm. Growth performance data taken included specific growth rate (SGR), total feed consumption (TFC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed utilization efficiency (FUE), and survival (SR). The results showed that substituting maggot meal in the feed had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on SGR, TFC, FCR, and FUE but no effect on survival. Based on the results, the best substitution dose of maggot meal that has results close to the control treatment is 175 g/kg, which can produce SGR (0.55%/day), FUE (21.90%), FCR (3.44), TFC (26.67 grams), and SR (80%). Therefore, the 175 g/kg maggot meal can be an alternative ingredient of feed-based fishmeal for goldfish.

Synergistic effects of salt and ultraviolet radiation on the rice-field cyanobacterium Nostochopsis lobatus HKAR-21.

Environmental variation has a significant impact on how organisms, including cyanobacteria, respond physiologically and biochemically. Salinity and ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced variations in the photopigments of the rice-field cyanobacterium Nostochopsis lobatus HKAR-21 and its photosynthetic performance was studied. We observed that excessive energy dissipation after UVR is mostly caused by Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQ), whereas photochemical quenching is important for preventing photoinhibition. These findings suggest that ROS production may play an important role in the UVR-induced injury. To reduce ROS-induced oxidative stress, Nostochopsis lobatus HKAR-21 induces the effective antioxidant systems, which includes different antioxidant compounds like carotenoids and enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The study indicates that Nostochopsis lobatus HKAR-21 exposed to photosynthetically active radiation + UV-A + UV-B (PAB) and PAB + NaCl (PABN) had significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Furthermore, maximum ROS was detected in PAB exposed cyanobacterial cells. The induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been investigated to evaluate the impactof UVR on the cyanobacterial membrane in addition to enzymatic defensive systems. The maximal LPO level was found in PABN treated cells. Based on the findings of this research, it was concluded that salinity and UVR had collegial effects on the major macromolecular components of the rice-field cyanobacterium Nostochopsis lobatus HKAR-21.

Interactions of variants of human apolipoprotein A-I with biopolymeric model matrices. Effect of collagen and heparin

BackgroundThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex tridimensional scaffold that actively participates in physiological and pathological events. The objective of this study was to test whether structural proteins of the ECM and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) may favor the retention of human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) variants associated with amyloidosis and atherosclerosis. MethodsBiopolymeric matrices containing collagen type I (Col, a main macromolecular component of the ECM) with or without heparin (Hep, a model of GAGs) were constructed and characterized, and used to compare the binding of apoA-I having the native sequence (Wt) or Arg173Pro, a natural variant inducing cardiac amyloidosis. Protein binding was observed by fluorescence microscopy and unbound proteins quantified by a colorimetric assay. ResultsBoth, Wt and Arg173Pro bound to the scaffolds containing Col, but the presence of Hep diminished the binding efficiency. Col-Hep matrices retained Arg173Pro more than the Wt. The retained protein was only partially removed from the matrices with saline solutions, indicating that electrostatic interactions may occur but are not the main driving force. Using in addition thermodynamic molecular simulations and size exclusion chromatography approaches, we suggest that the binding of apoA-I variants to the biopolymeric matrices is driven by many low affinity interactions. ConclusionsUnder this scenario Col-Hep scaffolds contribute to the binding of Arg173Pro, as a cooperative platform which could modify the native protein conformation affecting protein folding. General significanceWe show that the composition of the ECM is key to the protein retention, and well characterized biosynthetic matrices offer an invaluable in vitro model to mimic the hallmark of pathologies with interstitial infiltration such as cardiac amyloidosis.