Metabolic Efficiency Research Articles

Fractal dimensional analysis to reveal traffic flow dynamics as organic metabolism

As urban areas face rapid population and vehicle growth, understanding system dynamics is crucial for managing transportation congestion effectively. Utilizing fractal and metabolic concepts offers fresh perspectives on the behavior and efficiency of complex urban transportation systems. To understand the dynamics of congested traffic flows, we conducted fractal analysis on the traffic pattern in Seoul city with chronic congestion worldwide and investigated its potential for evaluating metabolic efficiency. Our rank and size fractal analysis revealed that Seoul's fractal dimension ranges from 6.7060 to 7.6801. The fractal dimension's curve, when plotted against traffic congestion, shows a peculiar symmetrical relationship. The linear correlation between fractal dimension and metabolic indicators suggests that fractal dimension could potentially serve as a novel metric for evaluating traffic flow efficiency. This study introduces new insights by integrating fractal and metabolic principles to understand traffic system dynamics, marking the first use of fractal analysis in traffic pattern evaluation.

Enhancing metabolic efficiency via novel constitutive promoters to produce protocatechuic acid in Escherichia coli

The antioxidant molecule protocatechuic acid (PCA) can also serve as a precursor for polymer building blocks. PCA can be produced in Escherichia coli overexpressing 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase (DSD), an enzyme that catalyses the transformation of 3-dehydroshikimate to PCA. Nevertheless, optimizing the expression rate of recombinant enzymes is a key factor in metabolic engineering when producing biobased chemicals. In this study, a degenerate synthetic promoter approach was investigated to improve further the production of PCA. By limited screening of a randomized promoter library made using pSEVA221 plasmid in E. coli, three novel synthetic constitutive promoters were selected that increased the PCA yield from glucose by 10–21% compared to the inducible T7-promoter. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the DSD gene, regulated by the synthetic promoters, had high expression during the exponential phase, albeit the gene expression level dropped 250-fold during stationary phase. Besides the increased product yield, the synthetic promoters avoided the need for a costly inducer for gene expression. Screening of the entire promoter library is likely to provide more positive hits. The study also shows that E. coli transformed with the DSD gene on either pSEVA221 or pCDFDuet plasmids exhibit background PCA levels (~ 0.04 g/L) in the absence of a transcriptional regulatory element.Key points• Degenerate synthetic promoters are remarkable tools to produce protocatechuic acid.• The constitutive synthetic promoters did not affect the growth rate of the bacterial host.• The use of constitutive synthetic promoters avoids the need for the costly inducer.

COVID-19 Modified mRNA “Vaccines”: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials, Mass Vaccination, and the Bio-Pharmaceutical Complex, Part 2

The COVID-19 modified mRNA (modmRNA) lipid nanoparticle-based “vaccines” are not classical antigen-based vaccines but instead prodrugs informed by gene therapy technology. Of considerable note, these products have been linked to atypical adverse and serious adverse event profiles. As discussed in Part 1, health-related risks and drawbacks were drastically misreported and underreported in the Pfizer and Moderna trial evaluations of these genetic products. Now in Part 2, we examine the main structural and functional aspects of these injectables. The COVID-19 modmRNA injectable products introduce a unique set of biological challenges to the human body with the potential to induce an extensive range of adverse, crippling, and life-threatening effects. Based on the fact that there is no current method to quantify host (cell-based) spike protein production in vivo following injection with these prodrugs, there is no standard “dose”. This is in part due to differences in spike protein production output, which depends on cell metabolism and transfection efficiency. It is therefore difficult to predict adverse event profiles on an individual basis, but considering that millions of adults across the world have reported severe and serious adverse events in the context of these modmRNA COVID-19 products, valid concerns are raised regarding injection of infants and younger age groups for whom COVID-19 poses only minimal risks. We address the process-related genetic impurities inherent in mass production of these products, and the potential risks posed by these contaminants. We then categorize the principal adverse events associated with the modmRNA products with a brief systems-based synopsis of each of the six domains of potential harms: (1) cardiovascular, (2) neurological, (3) hematologic; (4) immunological, (5) oncological, and (6) reproductive. We conclude with a discussion of the primary public health and regulatory issues arising from this evidence-informed synthesis of the literature and reiterate the urgency of imposing a global moratorium on the modmRNA-LNP-based platform.

Why the dominance of East Africans in distance running? a narrative review

Abstract Introduction Runners from East Africa including Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda have dominated middle- and long-distance running events, for almost six decades. This narrative review examines and updates current understanding of the factors explaining the dominance of East Africans in distance running from a holistic perspective. Content The dominance of East African distance runners has puzzled researchers, with various factors proposed to explain their unparalleled success. Four key elements emerge: 1) biomechanical and physiological attributes, 2) training characteristics, 3) psychological motivations, and 4) African diet. Runners from East Africa often exhibit ectomorphic somatotypes, characterized by lean body compositions which lead them to an extraordinary biomechanical and metabolic efficiency. Their sociocultural lifestyle, training regimens beginning at a young age with aerobic activities, seem crucial, as well as moderate volume, high-intensity workouts at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 m. Psychological factors, including a strong motivation to succeed driven by aspirations for socioeconomic improvement and a rich tradition of running excellence, also contribute significantly. A multifactorial explanation considering these factors, without a clear genetic influence, is nowadays the strongest argument to explain the East African phenomenon. Summary and outlook To unravel the mystery behind the supremacy of East African runners, it is imperative to consider these multifaceted factors. The predominantly rural lifestyle of the East African population underscores the importance of aligning modern lifestyles with the evolutionary past of Homo sapiens, where physical activity was integral to daily life. Further research is required to explain this phenomenon, with a focus on genetics.

A metabolic perspective on polyploid invasion and the emergence of life histories: Insights from a mechanistic model.

Whole-genome duplication (WGD, polyploidization) has been identified as a driver of genetic and phenotypic novelty, having pervasive consequences for the evolution of lineages. While polyploids are widespread, especially among plants, the long-term establishment of polyploids is exceedingly rare. Genome doubling commonly results in increased cell sizes and metabolic expenses, which may be sufficient to modulate polyploid establishment in environments where their diploid ancestors thrive. We developed a mechanistic simulation model of photosynthetic individuals to test whether changes in size and metabolic efficiency allow autopolyploids to coexist with, or even invade, ancestral diploid populations. Central to the model is metabolic efficiency, which determines how energy obtained from size-dependent photosynthetic production is allocated to basal metabolism as opposed to somatic and reproductive growth. We expected neopolyploids to establish successfully if they have equal or higher metabolic efficiency as diploids or to adapt their life history to offset metabolic inefficiency. Polyploid invasion was observed across a wide range of metabolic efficiency differences between polyploids and diploids. Polyploids became established in diploid populations even when they had a lower metabolic efficiency, which was facilitated by recurrent formation. Competition for nutrients is a major driver of population dynamics in this model. Perenniality did not qualitatively affect the relative metabolic efficiency from which tetraploids tended to establish. Feedback between size-dependent metabolism and energy allocation generated size and age differences between plants with different ploidies. We demonstrated that even small changes in metabolic efficiency are sufficient for the establishment of polyploids.

Phytoremediation of diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole in Arabidopsis thaliana cells and seedlings

Diclofenac (DLF), a widely recognized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a broad-spectrum sulfonamide antibiotic, are commonly prescribed medications that have raised concerns as significant contributors to pharmaceutical pollution in natural ecosystems despite their clinical effectiveness. This study investigates the potential phytoremediation pathways for these two drugs in plant systems by tracking and quantifying the fate of the parent compounds and their metabolites in Arabidopsis thaliana using cell and seedling cultures. Results indicated significant differences in the dissipation of DLF according to the treatment and time interaction within the cell cultures. Viable plant cells showed complete dissipation of DLF from an initial concentration of 2758 ng/mL in 96 h, whereas non-viable cells and blank solutions remained stable. The dissipation of SMX was comparable across viable, non-viable, and blanks, showing a minor decrease from 842 to 799 ng/mL over 120 h following the treatment of viable cells. DLF metabolites including 4′-hydroxy-diclofenac, 5-hydroxy-diclofenac, acyl-glutamatyl-diclofenac, 1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-2-indolinone, 5-sulfooxy-diclofenac, 5-glucopyranosyloxy-diclofenac, 1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-indolinone, and 4′-glucopyranosyloxy-diclofenac were recognized, likely formed through acylation, glutamyl conjugation, hydroxylation, dehydration, cyclization, sulfonation, and glucosidation. While for SMX, metabolites including sulfamethoxazole-glucuronide, nitroso-sulfamethoxazole, N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole, and N4-acetyl-5-OH-sulfamethoxazole were identified, potentially produced through glucuronidation, nitrosation, acetylation, and hydroxylation. Phase I metabolite concentrations of DLF and SMX peaked earlier than those of phase II metabolites. Hydroponic A. thaliana demonstrated comparable efficiencies in the phytoremediation of DLF and SMX, with concentrations varying from 1 mg/L to 10 mg/L. Detectable levels of both parent compounds and their metabolites confirmed successful absorption and metabolism within the plant system. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable approach for reducing the environmental toxicity of DLF and SMX and suggests comparable metabolic efficiency. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on phytoremediation and its application in addressing pollution from pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

A descriptive study of carbon dioxide production and removal in full-scale RAS for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) post-smolt: A comparison of two different measurement methods for CO2

Reliable data on metabolic rates and CO2 removal efficiency are essential for fish welfare in intensive production and RAS design. This descriptive study at a commercial post-smolt production facility evaluates two full-scale land-based RAS with different salinity levels: Module1 (M1) (2.5 ± 0.46‰ salinity) and Module2 (M2) (13.6 ± 0.46‰ salinity, with two separate RAS units, M2-RAS1, and M2-RAS2). Over eight weeks, water quality parameters were monitored in different places in the systems. CO2 concentrations were measured with an OxyGuard probe and calculated from total inorganic carbon (TIC). As fish biomass and feed load increased in both modules over time, CO2 concentrations increased and pH decreased, despite bicarbonate addition. In M1, CO2 levels increased from 6.2 to 16.4 mg L−1, while in M2, levels remained between 3.5 and 7.2 mg L−1. Apparent CO2 production, calculated from TIC, averaged at 5.2 ± 0.93 mg CO2 kg fish−1 min−1 in M1, and 3.2 ± 1.25 and 4.0 ± 1.45 mg CO2 kg fish−1 min−1 in M2-RAS1 and M2-RAS2 respectively. At the same time, the theoretical CO2 production rates showed a value of 4.4 ± 0.73, 4.2 ± 0.38, and 3.9 ± 0.71 mg CO2 kg fish−1 min−1 in M1, M2-RAS1, and M2-RAS2 respectively. The theoretical feed-to-CO2 conversion weight-to-weight ratio was estimated to be 0.345. However, M1 exhibited a higher measured feed-to-CO2 conversion ratio of 0.418, while M2-RAS1 and M2-RAS2 displayed ratios of 0.261 and 0.346, respectively. Observed CO2 (%) removal changed from 40% to 54% in M1, from 17% to 46% in M2-RAS1, and 26–44%, in M2-RAS2 over the observation period. This study suggests a significant role of the moving bed biofilter in CO2 removal, however, the effect size varied during the study and between modules, warranting further investigation. On average, 38% of CO2 removal before the degasser occurred within the biofilter in M1, and 49% in both RAS systems in M2. The total carbonate levels fluctuated over time, making it challenging to determine a clear increase or decrease, likely due to manual and varying bicarbonate additions. The two methods for assessing CO2 generally revealed minor differences and need more assessment. The prevalence of nephrocalcinosis was significantly more pronounced in M1 (73%), than in M2 (11%), which could be related to the difference in the CO2 level between the fish tanks. This study provides valuable insights into CO2 dynamics that may be useful in RAS design and operation for optimizing water quality and fish welfare.

StSnRK1.1 protein kinase positively regulates tuber dormancy release of potato

SnRK1 is a plant-specific serine/threonine protein kinase, that plays a vital role in maintaining the energy balance, nutrient distribution, growth, and development of organisms for survival. The period of tuber dormancy seriously affects potato production. To elucidate the effect of the StSnRK1.1 gene on dormancy release, the gene was cloned from the potato cultivar 'Desiree', and the overexpression and interfering expression lines were obtained through genetic transformation. StSnRK1.1 promoted early dormancy release and sprouting of potato tubers in the overexpression line, while it delayed tuber sprouting in the StSnRK1.1-interfering expression line. In addition, it was discovered that abscisic acid (ABA) in the StSnRK1.1 overexpression line was significantly reduced compared with the wild type plants, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were increased. Conversely, the opposite result was found in the StSnRK1.1 gene interference expression line, which indicated that the dormancy release was accelerated, the reactive oxygen species metabolism efficiency was high, and the reactive oxygen species could be quickly removed and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species could be avoided during the dormancy release process. The positive regulatory genes StSnRK2.2 and StABI5 of ABA signal transduction were lower than those of wild type in the overexpression line and higher than that of the wild type in the interfering expression line, while the negative regulatory genes StPP2CA1 and StPP2CA3 of ABA signal transduction were higher than those of the wild type in the overexpression line and lower than that of the wild type in the interfering expression line. In summary, StSnRK1.1 affects ABA signaling by mediating the expression of StSnRK2.2, StABI5, StPP2CA1 and StPP2CA3, which provides a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of StSnRK1.1 to positively regulate the release of potato tuber dormancy. Through yeast two-hybrid (YH2) screening, two interacting proteins, StCAT3 and StFBA1, were identified. The interaction between StCAT3, StFBA1 and StSnRK1.1 was confirmed through bimolecular fluorescence complementation. These results provide novel information for further study on the molecular mechanism of StSnRK1.1 regulating dormancy and germination of potato tubers.

The interplay between gut microbiome and physical exercise in athletes.

The gut microbiome regulates several health and disease-related processes. However, the potential bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and physical exercise remains uncertain. Here, we review the evidence related to the gut microbiome in athletes. The effect of physical exercise on the intestinal microbiome and intestinal epithelial cells depends on the type, volume, and intensity of the activity. Strenuous exercise negatively impacts the intestinal microbiome, but adequate training and dietary planning could mitigate these effects. An increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations can modulate signaling pathways in skeletal muscle, contributing to greater metabolic efficiency, preserving muscle glycogen, and consequently optimizing physical performance and recovery. Furthermore, higher SCFAs concentrations appear to lower inflammatory response, consequently preventing an exacerbated immune response and reducing the risk of infections among athletes. Regarding dietary interventions, the optimal diet composition for targeting the athlete's microbiome is not yet known. Likewise, the benefits or harms of using probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics are not well established, whereas prebiotics appear to optimize SCFAs production. The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in modulating health, performance, and recovery in athletes. SCFAs appear to be the main intestinal metabolite related to these effects. Nutritional strategies focusing on the intestinal microbiome need to be developed and tested in well controlled clinical trials.

Effects of exogenous copper on microbial metabolic function and carbon use efficiency of Panax notoginseng planting soil.

Soil copper (Cu) pollution is a serious environmental risk in the Panax notoginseng planting area. However, the effect of Cu on soil microbial metabolism and nutrient cycling in this area remains unknown. Therefore, Biolog ECO-plate and enzyme stoichiometry methods were utilized in this study to investigate the impact of exogenous Cu (control: 0 mg·kg-1; Cu100: 100 mg·kg-1; Cu400: 400 mg·kg-1; and Cu600: 600 mg·kg-1) on the metabolic function of soil microbial and nutrient limitation in the P. notoginseng soil. The results indicated that Cu100 significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), soil C:N, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) 9.89%, 15.65%, 17.91%, 61.87%, and 90.56% higher than the control, respectively. Moreover, the carbon source utilization ratio of carbohydrates, amino acids, and amphiphilic compounds of Cu100 also increased by 7.16%, 25.47%, and 84.68%, respectively, compared with the control. The activities of β-1,4-glucosidase, cellobiohyrolase, leucine amino peptidase, β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and phosphatase significantly decreased with increasing Cu concentration. Soil enzyme stoichiometry showed that all treatments were limited by nitrogen (vector angle < 45°; 19.045-22.081). Cu600 led to the lowest carbon limitation (1.798) and highest carbon use efficiency (CUE:0.267). The PLS-SEM model also showed that MBC, MBN, MBP, and microbial diversity positively affected carbon and nitrogen limitation (0.654 and 0.424). Soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, stoichiometric ratio, MBC, MBN, and MBP positively affected CUE (0.527 and 0.589). The microbial diversity index significantly negatively affected CUE (-1.490). Multiple linear stepwise regression analyses showed that CUE was mainly influenced by MBC, AP, C:P, and LAP. Thus, P. notoginseng soil can benefit soil microbial carbon and nitrogen limitations at low Cu concentrations. Clarifying the metabolic activity and nutritional status of microorganisms under Cu stress can provide some theoretical basis for realizing China's comprehensive and effective management and control policies for environmental risks from metals by 2035.

Is the TCA cycle malate dehydrogenase-citrate synthase metabolon an illusion?

This review discusses the intriguing yet controversial concept of metabolons, focusing on the malate dehydrogenase-citrate synthase (MDH-CISY) metabolon as a model. Metabolons are multienzyme complexes composed of enzymes that catalyze sequential reactions in metabolic pathways. Metabolons have been proposed to enhance metabolic pathway efficiency by facilitating substrate channeling. However, there is skepticism about the presence of metabolons and their functionality in physiological conditions in vivo. We address the skepticism by reviewing compelling evidence supporting the existence of the MDH-CISY metabolon and highlighting its potential functions in cellular metabolism. The electrostatic interaction between MDH and CISY and the intermediate oxaloacetate, channeled within the metabolon, has been demonstrated using various experimental techniques, including protein-protein interaction assays, isotope dilution studies, and enzyme coupling assays. Regardless of the wealth of in vitro evidence, further validation is required to elucidate the functionality of MDH-CISY metabolons in living systems using advanced structural and spatial analysis techniques.

P-190 Impact of low lactate culture media in embryo development and IVF outcomes

Abstract Study question Can low lactate culture media improve embryo utilization rate in artificial reproductive technology (ART) cycles? Summary answer Embryos cultured in low lactate media showed a significant improved blastocyst utilization rate compared to embryos cultured in standard culture media. What is known already Culture media plays a key role in the embryonic development in the IVF lab. Currently, different culture medias are commercially available, yet no consensus on the most suitable media composition has been reached. Recently, minimizing metabolic stress for the embryo to enhance implantation and pregnancy rates has been suggested. Research on the metabolism of mammalian preimplantation embryos revealed that excess lactate in the culture medium, in addition to pyruvate and glucose, can burden metabolic efficiency, as embryos naturally produce lactate during energy production. Study design, size, duration The prospective, monocentric study was designed and conducted at the Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk GmbH (Dobl, Austria). A total of 60 women with an average age of 32.5 undergoing ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment were included. All of them had at least 6 mature (MII) oocytes at time of insemination. Sibling oocytes were cultured in two different culture medias and outcomes were compared. Patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods Mature (MII) oocytes of each patient (total 621 MII oocytes) were inseminated by ICSI and then equally split into two culture medias: standard (313 oocytes) and low lactate (308 oocytes) covered with mineral-oil overlay and incubated in time-lapse under the same conditions. A total of 428 embryos were obtained. Embryos were evaluated using morphokinetic criteria. The fertilization rate, embryo utilization rate, pregnancy rate and time to Blastocyst were analyzed. Main results and the role of chance No differences were observed in the number of fertilized oocytes (n = 211 and 217 in the standard and low lactate media, respectively). The overall embryo utilization rate was significantly different (p &amp;lt; 0.008) resulting in 52% in standard media and 64.3% using low lactate media. Interestingly, age stratification (18-30; 31-35; 36-41) revealed overall higher embryo utilization rates when using low lactate media in all age groups. Blastocyst utilization rate was significantly different (p &amp;lt; 0.007) 43,1% and 58,05% in the standard and low lactate media, respectively. Regarding the time to blastocyst, it was observed that in the standard culture media 80% of the blastocysts reached blastocyst stage on D + 5 whereas in the low lactate media 92,07% reached blastocyst stage on D + 5, which was also significantly different (p &amp;lt; 0.001). No differences in pregnancy and live birth rates were observed. Limitations, reasons for caution The number of patients may be seen as a study limitation. Results should be confirmed with a bigger sample size. Wider implications of the findings Low lactate media could help improve IVF outcomes due to higher embryo utilization rate leading to better cumulative pregnancy rates. Excessive lactate concentration in culture media could negatively influence embryo metabolism. Trial registration number not applicable

A Precision Livestock Farming Technique from Breeding to Slaughter: Infrared Thermography in Pig Farming

Infrared thermography is a contactless imaging technique, useful for measuring surface temperature at distance, which has been widely applied in animal production. The possible applications within the pig husbandry include sow heat detection, the reduction in the incidence of neonatal mortality, the recognition of the febrile state caused by pathogens, the study of metabolic efficiency, the evaluation of stress caused by heat, by constraints, or by aggressive interaction, and meat quality prediction. Even if this technique could be easily influenced by environmental factors, the continuous improvement in the procedures and the decrease in the cost of the equipment will allow for new and more applications in swine farming in the future.

CARDIOPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF SGLT2-INHIBITORS

Due to its high mortality rate, heart failure (HF) presents a substantial worldwide health burden that calls for efficient treatment approaches. Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) have become essential treatments for heart failure in all left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) levels. Their processes, which include enhanced metabolic efficiency and ventricular loading circumstances, present encouraging results. The effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, in lowering cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations in heart failure patients with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved ejection fraction has been shown in several clinical trials, including DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, EMPEROR-Preserved, and DELIVER. These results represent a revolutionary development in the treatment of HF, emphasizing the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in comprehensive treatments, regardless of renal function or diabetes state.

Evaluating temperature variation of nutrient solution in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) cooling system for temperate vegetable

The production of leafy green vegetables in hydroponic systems within greenhouses has gained global prominence in the fresh vegetable production industry. Hydroponic systems, particularly Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), are highly effective due to their soilless nature and efficient nutrient and water circulation. However, maintaining ideal greenhouse temperatures can be challenging. One strategy to reduce energy costs is to heat or cool the nutrient solution instead of the entire greenhouse environment. By regulating the root zone temperature through nutrient solution management, growers can provide more favourable conditions for temperate leafy greens. These conditions are critical because temperatures above 23°C can inhibit plant growth, while temperatures exceeding 35°C can significantly reduce plant metabolism efficiency. This study investigates how lettuce responds to nutrient solution cooling. Importantly, this research focuses on Malaysia, an equatorial country with a consistently warm and humid climate. In such environments, controlling nutrient solution or air temperature to match the crops' optimal growth requirements is crucial. The study employed Butterhead and Romaine lettuce varieties in a hydroponic NFT system. The EC (Environmental Cooling) treatment involved cooling the nutrient solution, while the RZC (Root Zone Cooling) treatment utilized environmental cooling. The results demonstrated that maintaining a consistent nutrient solution temperature within the range of 14°C to 18°C (as observed in the EC treatment) led to superior plant growth and quality, particularly in the early growth stages. In contrast, the RZC treatment showed temperature fluctuations, causing plant stress and inhibiting growth.

Effects of Seed Priming on Germinability and Biochemical Parameters of Praecitrullus Fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo

The physiological dormancy of freshly harvested seeds of Praecitrullus fistulosus naturally overcomes to some extent if the seeds are stored before germination. Therefore, to avoid storage period, the priming treatments viz., GA3 (150, 500, 1000 µg/ml), cytokinin (150, 500, 1000 µg/ml Kn), ethylene (150, 500,1000 µl/l ethrel), KNO3 (150, 500 µg/ml), HNO3 (150, 500µl/l), and water (hydropriming) were tested at 250C at intervals of 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Conventional seed priming can provide unpredictable outcomes for morpho-physiological characters, as what works for one species or variety may not be successful for another. As a result, it is necessary to investigate the metabolic components that affect seed physiology and germination. Therefore, in the present study, seed metabolic efficiency (SME) and various biochemical parameters were observed, such as total soluble sugars, total starch, total soluble protein, total free amino acids, and α-amylase content. It was observed that seeds primed with 500 µgml-1 KNO3 for 12 h and 24 h respectively, recorded maximum seed metabolic efficiency. Priming in GA3 and KNO3 showed significant improvement in the biochemical parameters which was manifested in better seed metabolic efficiency. Further, correlation analysis validated that SME exhibited a significant positive correlation with the content of total soluble sugar, total free amino acids, and α- amylase activity and negatively correlated with total starch and total soluble protein content. With appropriate priming treatments, it is possible to improve germinability, seed metabolic efficiency, and biochemical attributes of freshly harvested seed lots. This finding suggests that implementing these correlations could potentially alleviate dormancy states in related species within the same family. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 217-225, 2024 (June)

Metabolic Effects of Ketogenic Diets: Exploring Whole-Body Metabolism in Connection with Adipose Tissue and Other Metabolic Organs.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is characterized by minimal carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat intake, leading to ketosis. It is recognized for its efficiency in weight loss, metabolic health improvement, and various therapeutic interventions. The KD enhances glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing triglycerides and total cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein levels and alleviating dyslipidemia. It significantly influences adipose tissue hormones, key contributors to systemic metabolism. Brown adipose tissue, essential for thermogenesis and lipid combustion, encounters modified UCP1 levels due to dietary factors, including the KD. UCP1 generates heat by uncoupling electron transport during ATP synthesis. Browning of the white adipose tissue elevates UCP1 levels in both white and brown adipose tissues, a phenomenon encouraged by the KD. Ketone oxidation depletes intermediates in the Krebs cycle, requiring anaplerotic substances, including glucose, glycogen, or amino acids, for metabolic efficiency. Methylation is essential in adipogenesis and the body's dietary responses, with DNA methylation of several genes linked to weight loss and ketosis. The KD stimulates FGF21, influencing metabolic stability via the UCP1 pathways. The KD induces a reduction in muscle mass, potentially involving anti-lipolytic effects and attenuating proteolysis in skeletal muscles. Additionally, the KD contributes to neuroprotection, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and alters epigenetics. This review encapsulates the metabolic effects and signaling induced by the KD in adipose tissue and major metabolic organs.

Controlled Environment Ecosystem: A Cutting-Edge Technology in Speed Breeding.

The controlled environment ecosystem is a meticulously designed plant growing chamber utilized for cultivating biofortified crops and microgreens, addressing hidden hunger and malnutrition prevalent in the growing population. The integration of speed breeding within such controlled environments effectively eradicates morphological disruptions encountered in traditional breeding methods such as inbreeding depression, male sterility, self-incompatibility, embryo abortion, and other unsuccessful attempts. In contrast to the unpredictable climate conditions that often prolong breeding cycles to 10-15 years in traditional breeding and 4-5 years in transgenic breeding within open ecosystems, speed breeding techniques expedite the achievement of breeding objectives and F1-F6 generations within 2-3 years under controlled growing conditions. In comparison, traditional breeding may take 5-10 years for plant population line creation, 3-5 years for field trials, and 1-2 years for variety release. The effectiveness of speed breeding in trait improvement and population line development varies across different crops, requiring approximately 4 generations in rice and groundnut, 5 generations in soybean, pea, and oat, 6 generations in sorghum, Amaranthus sp., and subterranean clover, 6-7 generations in bread wheat, durum wheat, and chickpea, 7 generations in broad bean, 8 generations in lentil, and 10 generations in Arabidopsis thaliana annually within controlled environment ecosystems. Artificial intelligence leverages neural networks and algorithm models to screen phenotypic traits and assess their role in diverse crop species. Moreover, in controlled environment systems, mechanistic models combined with machine learning effectively regulate stable nutrient use efficiency, water use efficiency, photosynthetic assimilation product, metabolic use efficiency, climatic factors, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and carbon footprints. However, any negligence, even minor, in maintaining optimal photoperiodism, temperature, humidity, and controlling pests or diseases can lead to the deterioration of crop trials and speed breeding techniques within the controlled environment system. Further comparative studies are imperative to comprehend and justify the efficacy of climate management techniques in controlled environment ecosystems compared to natural environments, with or without soil.

The impact of heat stress on the human plasma lipidome.

The year of 2023 displayed the highest average global temperatures since it has been recorded-the duration and severity of extreme heat are projected to increase. Rising global temperatures represent a major public health threat, especially to occupations exposed to hot environments, such as construction and agricultural workers, and first responders. Despite efforts of the scientific community, there is still a need to characterize the pathophysiological processes leading to heat related illness and develop biomarkers that can predict its onset. Here, we performed a plasma lipidomic analysis on male and female subjects who underwent heat tolerance testing (HTT), consisting of a 2-h treadmill walk at 5 km/h with 2% inclination at a controlled temperature of 40°C. We identified 995 lipids from 27 classes, with nearly half of all detected lipids being responsive to HTT. Lipid classes related to substrate utilization were predominantly affected by HTT, with a downregulation of triacylglycerols and upregulation of free fatty acids and acyl-carnitines (CARs). We additionally examined correlations between changes in plasma lipids by using the physiological strain index (PSI). Here, even chain CAR 4:0, 14:0 and 16:1, suggested by-products of incomplete beta oxidation, and diacylglycerols displayed the highest correlation to PSI. PSI did not correlate with plasma lactate levels, suggesting that correlations between even chain CARs and PSI is related to metabolic efficiency versus physical exertion. Overall, our results show that HTT has a strong impact on the plasma lipidome and that metabolic inefficiencies may underlie heat intolerance.

Heterogeneous g-C3N4/polyaniline composites enhanced the conversion of organics into methane during anaerobic wastewater treatment

In this study, g-C3N4/PANI was prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization. Graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with surface defects was deposited onto the surface of conductive polyaniline (PANI) to form a p-n heterojunction. This construction aimed to create an efficient heterogeneous catalyst, increasing the surface defect level and active sites of the composite, and augmenting its capability to capture and transfer extracellular electrons under anaerobic conditions. This addresses the challenge of low efficiency in direct interspecies electron transfer between bacteria and archaea during anaerobic digestion for methane production. The results showed that the prepared g-C3N4/PANI increased the CH4 yield and CH4 production rate by 82% and 96%, respectively. Notably, the conductivity and XPS test results showed that the ratio of g-C3N4 to PANI was 0.15, and the composite exhibited favorable conductivity, with a uniform distribution of pyrrolic nitrogen, pyridinic nitrogen, and graphitic nitrogen, each accounting for approximately 30%. Furthermore, g-C3N4/PANI effectively enhanced the metabolic efficiency of intermediate products such as acetate and butyrate. Analysis of the microbial community structure revealed that g-C3N4/PANI led to a significant increase in the abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanolinea (from 48% to 64%) and enriched Clostridium (a rise of 1%) with direct interspecies electron transfer capability. Microbial community function analysis demonstrated that the addition of g-C3N4/PANI boosted the activities of key enzymes involved in anaerobic digestion, including phosphate transacetylase (PTA), phospho-butyryl transferase (PTB), and NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenase (NNLD), by 47%, 135%, and 153%, respectively. This acceleration in enzymatic activity promoted the metabolism of acetyl-CoA, butyryl-CoA, and pyruvate. Additionally, the function of ABC transporters was enhanced, thereby improving the efficiency of material and energy exchange among microorganisms.