Food Particles Research Articles

CRISPR/Cas9-induced disruption of Bodo saltans paraflagellar rod-2 gene reveals its importance for cell survival.

SummaryDeveloping transfection protocols for marine protists is an emerging field that will allow the functional characterization of protist genes and their roles in organism responses to the environment. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9 editing protocol for Bodo saltans, a free‐living kinetoplastid with tolerance to both marine and freshwater conditions and a close non‐parasitic relative of trypanosomatids. Our results show that SaCas9/single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex‐mediated disruption of the paraflagellar rod 2 gene (BsPFR2) was achieved using electroporation‐mediated transfection. The use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can increase the efficiency of targeted homologous recombination when a repair DNA template is provided. Our sequence analysis suggests two mechanisms for repairing double‐strand breaks in B. saltans are active; homologous‐directed repair (HDR) utilizing an exogenous DNA template that carries an antibiotic resistance gene and likley non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ). However, HDR was only achieved when a single (vs. multiple) SaCas9 RNP complex was provided. Furthermore, the biallelic knockout of BsPFR2 was detrimental for the cell, highlighting its essential role for cell survival because it facilitates the movement of food particles into the cytostome. Our Cas9/sgRNA RNP complex protocol provides a new tool for assessing gene functions in B. saltans and perhaps similar protists with polycistronic transcription.

Intestinal toxicity of micro- and nano-particles of foodborne titanium dioxide in juvenile mice: Disorders of gut microbiota–host co-metabolites and intestinal barrier damage

The wide use of TiO2 particles in food and the high exposure risk to children have prompted research into the health risks of TiO2. We used the microbiome and targeted metabolomics to explore the potential mechanism of intestinal toxicity of foodborne TiO2 micro−/nanoparticles after oral exposure for 28 days in juvenile mice. Results showed that the gut microbiota—including the abundance of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella—changed dynamically during exposure. The organic inflammatory response was activated, and lipopolysaccharide levels increased. Intestinal toxicity manifested as increased mucosal permeability, impaired intestinal barrier, immune damage, and pathological changes. The expression of antimicrobial peptides, occludin, and ZO-1 significantly reduced, while that of JNK2 and Src/pSrc increased. Compared with micro-TiO2 particles, the nano-TiO2 particles had strong toxicity. Fecal microbiota transplant confirmed the key role of gut microbiota in intestinal toxicity. The levels of gut microbiota–host co-metabolites, including pyroglutamic acid, L-glutamic acid, phenylacetic acid, and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, changed significantly. Significant changes were observed in the glutathione and propanoate metabolic pathways. There was a significant correlation between the changes in gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal cytokine levels. These, together with the intestinal barrier damage signaling pathway, constitute the network mechanism of the intestinal toxicity of TiO2 particles.

"Nano-ghosts": Risk assessment of submicron-sized particles in food biased towards fictional "nano".

Much confusion has been generated in the safety assessment of food-grade TiO2 (E171) by the comingling of studies conducted on submicron-sized particles with those examining the toxicity of more minuscule counterparts. As E171 displays a nano-sized tail in its particle distribution (up to 36 % of particles with a diameter < 100 nm), it was thought that potential hazards of this food additive can be extrapolated from studies on thoroughly nanoscale formulations. This simplistic procedure may, however, overestimate the effects of the nano-sized tail of E171 because TiO2 particles readily aggregate or agglomerate in aqueous suspensions and biological matrices. The resulting larger clusters display a reduced oral bioavailability in comparison to the same material in nano-sized dimensions. Also, even if taken up in trace amounts, the smaller particles likely remain appended to larger particles or clusters and these aggregates or conglomerates may nullify to a great extent their “nano” characteristics. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to reevaluate the literature on the toxicity of TiO2 particles focusing on studies that are directly relevant for the assessment of E171. The purpose is not to avert a ban on the use of E171 in food, which might well be justified in light of the uncertainties associated with this additive employed solely for its colorant properties. Instead, it will be important to avoid in the future this same bias towards a fictional “nano” hazard, especially when evaluating more innovative engineered particles that confer true benefits for example by enhancing nutritional properties, quality, freshness, traceability or sustainability of food.

Hematological manifestations of trichobezoar in a child

Background. Trichobezoar is a dense compound in the human stomach, consisting of swallowed hair, food particles, and gastric mucus. Sometimes it passes into the initial part of the small intestine. Its clinical picture is very similar to that of a tumor, so it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. Materials and methods. The article deals with a case of severe protein-vitamin-iron deficiency anemia in a 5-year-old girl on the background of trichobezoar. Results. The child’s condition is severe due to the clinical picture of iron-protein-deficiency anemia of a very severe degree. During her stay in the hospital, the girl’s condition deteriorated sharply due to the rapid increase in weakness and pallor of the skin, anasarca. Due to the critical growth of the anemic syndrome, the question of the need for blood transfusion and further surgery arose. Conclusions. The peculiarity of this case is a critical increase in anemia in the absence of classic signs of hemolysis on the background of chronic eating and psychosomatic disorders. Thus, it is necessary to form vigilance in pediatricians to trichobezoar and increase the level of knowledge about the correct diagnostic algorithm in such cases.

Microscopic appearances of commonly implanted food particles.

Pathologists come across various structures in the microscopic sections that are unrelated to the tissues. Artifacts can occur in the tissue from the time the area is prepared for biopsy, during fixation, grossing, processing, sectioning and staining of the specimen. Food substances may get entrapped into the oral tissues and can lead to misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to observe the microscopic appearances of commonly implanted food particles. Fourteen food samples were procured from a local market in Chennai, India. This included guava, chilli, chickpeas, channa dal (split chickpeas), cucumber, brinjal, carrot, capsicum, cabbage and urad dal and brown chickpea. The food samples were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 h and were subsequently processed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed, and the sections were observed under the microscope. Each specimen revealed unique, distinct histology of each food type. Channa dal microscopically in hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections revealed round-to-oval structures with central pale eosinophilic lobulation. Capsicum showed round-to-polygonal structures of different shapes and sizes with clear central areas. Urad dal microscopically showed cluster of 5-6 eosinophilic structures separated by regular partitions. It is important to study the microscopic appearances of commonly implanted food particles to prevent any diagnostic dilemmas. Further studies are required involving various other food particles and their microscopic appearances.

Case Report on Pyogenic Liver Abscess

Pyogenic liver abscess PLA is an uncommon cause of hospitalisation where majority of cases are polymicrobial and are most frequently caused by seeding of infection from the biliary system. Herein we describe a case of 80-year-old female patient who presented with upper abdominal pain decreased appetite for one week and multiple episodes of vomiting with the content of blood and food particles. The patient complained of other symptoms including fever and significant weight loss. Anaerobic culture of the patient revealed positive growth results with Isolate 1 Bacteroides fragilis and Isolate 2 Peptostreptococcus species. She was treated with IV antibiotics. A positive response to the therapy was observed and the condition of the patient was stable at the time of discharge.

UNUSUAL FOREIGN BODY IN THE RESPIRATORY TRACT OF CHILDREN

Objective: By "foreign bodies" should be understood all objects of external or internal origin that may block partially or completely the lumen of some parts of the respiratory system - nasal passages, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Most often foreign bodies in the respiratory tract occur in children under 4 y.о. They represent 80% of cases. Twice as often in boys. In 65% of cases, foreign bodies are food particles. 50% of them are accounted for: peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds. Methods: The author demonstrates a case of an unusual foreign body in the upper airway in a 2 y.o. child. He presented at ENT Clinic in the University Hospital of Stara Zagora with sudden paroxysms of coughing and difficulty swallowing, which started during hugging his mom. Results: It was performed an X-ray examination and visualized an object with a metal consistency that corresponded to a safety pin. Immediately was realized pediatric and anesthesiologist consultation and the patient was taken to the operating theatre and under general anesthesia, the foreign body was removed. Conclusions: Aspiration of foreign bodies in the airways is accompanied by dramatic moments and often fatal and it is still a serious problem in Otorhinolaryngological and pediatric practice. This imposes the serious need to strengthen preventive actions in this direction by increasing the consumer culture of the people.

Endoscopic management of esophageal leak post-heller myotomy for achalasia cardia in children

A 9-year-old male child diagnosed to have achalasia cardia when he presented with a history of vomiting of undigested food particles with poor weight gain. He underwent lap Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. The immediate postoperative period was uneventful. After discharge, he presented with peritonitis and septic shock. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen, leak at the lower end of esophagus with intra-abdominal pus collection was identified. After intra-abdominal pus drainage and stabilizing the child, endoscopic covered stent was placed. He recovered well. Endoscopic esophageal covered stent placement is a viable and best option for a sick child with esophageal leak post-Heller myotomy.

Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is the medical term for an oral inflammatory condition brought on by an infection of the soft tissues in proximity to the crown of an immature tooth, including gingiva and dental follicle. It is believed that microbial entry into the follicular area begins the infection once the tooth's follicle establishes contact with the oral cavity. Pericoronitis's microbiota primarily consists of anaerobes. It is commonly accepted that the build-up of food particles close to the opercula and the occlusal injuries caused by the opposing tooth to the tissues present pericoronally both accelerate this process. Third molars that are oriented vertically are more frequently affected by pericoronitis than those that are oriented horizontally, which had a lower incidence of the condition. Pericoronitis may be more likely to develop in patients with impaired immune systems, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or immunodeficiency diseases. Patients with acute pericoronitis exhibit regional erythema, edema, purulence, and intense throbbing pain radiating to the ear, throat, floor of the mouth, temporomandibular joint, and posterior submandibular region during intraoral physical examination. Advanced cases including those developing into cellulitis, Ludwig's angina and peritonsillar abscesses may necessitate immediate attention including surgical intervention. It is advised to utilize only localized treatment measures for patients with localized pain and edema involving the pericoronal tissues and are free of local or systemic symptoms. Antimicrobial therapy is advised if the patient is displaying regional or systemic manifestations in as well as local pain and edema. Surgery is advised only when there have been two or more incidences of pericoronitis or other pathological conditions which maybe potentially be complicated by the presence of partially erupted tooth.

Effects of food particle loss on the evaluation of masticatory ability using image analysis.

To examine how particle loss affects the evaluation of masticatory ability using the image analysis method. The subjects were divided into two groups:Y-group (healthy young adults: 10 male, 10 female; mean age 27.6 ± 1.9 years), and D-group (denture wearing older adults: 13 male, 9 female; mean age, 75.1 ± 5.3 years). Raw carrots, peanuts, and a combined test food from 5 daily food materials (mixed foods) were selected as test foods. Images of the boluses were captured and processed after the subjects freely masticated the test foods until the point of swallowing or completed half strokes of total chewing cycles. The median particle size (X50) was calculated from the data for each particle. We compared X50 calculated from all particles obtained from the masticatory bolus (as X50N) with the X50 of only selectively larger particles (as X50R). Significant correlations were observed between X50N and X50R (p < 0.01) determined in almost all masticatory conditions. In particular, for particle sizes of 2 mm or more, the correlation coefficient between X50N and X50R was notably strong (r > 0.75). The method of analyzing only larger particles makes it possible to evaluate masticatory ability without losing the characteristics of the original particle size distribution of the entire bolus. This finding can be applied for the evaluation of masticatory ability, especially among older adults who have difficulty retrieving the total amount of test food due to decreased activities of daily living.

CATTLE NECROBACTERIOSIS IN THE LIVESTOCK FACILITIES OF THE ALMATY REGION

Necrobacteriosis affects many species of animals. The most susceptible and sensitive to Fusobacterium necrophorum are reindeer, cattle and small cattle, pigs, and rabbits. A constant carriership of the causative agent of necrobacteriosis in the rumen and intestines of ruminants has been established, causative agent is found in food particles during chewing, as well as in feces. The causative agent of necrobacteriosis is widespread in the environment (livestock buildings, walking yards, manure, soil, pastures, stagnant reservoirs, etc.). Infestation of animals occurs when the pathogen enters the injured areas of the skin or mucous membranes of animals. Disturbed blood circulation, cracks and peeling of the horn happen as a result of long-term keeping of animals in damp premices, grazing them in damp, swampy areas, and also maceration of the limb tissues.&#x0D; Four cultures of the causative agent of cattle necrobacteriosis Fusobacterium necrophorum were isolated from sick animals with symptoms of lameness, their biological properties were studied. The pathogenicity of the isolated cultures was studied in laboratory animals. The work was conducted in laboratory and production conditions in "KazSRVI" LLP and at the dairy farm at "Arkabay" human settlement (village) of Talgar district of Almaty region, where stall keeping of animals is practiced. Slices from the diseased hoof of cows were taken at the border of the diseased and healthy tissue. Samples of the selected biological material were plated on Kitt-Tarozzi medium at the sampling site on the farm. The biological material taken from sick animals was studied within several hours after sampling in accordance with the guidelines for laboratory diagnosis of necrobacteriosis. Material for laboratory research (sections from the horny tissue of the hoof on the border with the healthy one) were taken fresh and inoculated on a nutrient medium for anaerobes. &#x0D; The results of cultivation of the necrobacteriosis causative agent on liquid and solid nutrient media under anaerobic conditions are presented. To get rid of the accompanying microflora and obtain a pure culture of F. necrophorum, a bioassay was set on laboratory animals - rabbits. All isolated cultures were highly pathogenic for rabbits. On the 14-15th day after infection, the experimental rabbits died. A pure culture of F. necrophorum, not contaminated with extraneous microflora, was sown from the internal organs of rabbits. It was found that rabbits are the optimal biomodel for purification of the F. necrophorum culture. &#x0D; The biochemical properties of the isolated cultures have been studied. It was found that epizootic cultures of the causative agent of necrobacteriosis emitted hydrogen sulfide and had hemolytic properties. In experiments in vitro and in vivo, it was found that the isolated cultures of F. necrophorum showed hyaluronidase activity. Cultures of F. necrophorum had a high catalase activity, they split hydrogen peroxide with the formation of oxygen (gas bubbles). When studying biochemical properties, it was found that F. necrophorum releases ammonia within 2-3 hours. Four cultures of F. necrophorum isolated from biological material from cattle were identical in biological properties.

Clinical and anamnestic characteristics of children with gastrointestinal food alergy

Summary. The prevalence of food allergy is increasing, especially among children. The clinical manifestations of food allergy are different, they depend on the mechanisms of pathogenesis. There is a need to improve diagnostic criteria and early diagnosis of gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergy. Objective. Evaluation of gastrointestinal manifestations in children with food allergies. Materials and methods. Clinical and anamnestic data of 29 children (12 girls, 17 boys) with gastrointestinal manifestations and food allergy were analyzed. Results. Most often, gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergies were found in children aged 4 to 7 years (55.17%, 16/29). Epigastric pain (62.07%, 18/29), meteorism (24.14%, 7/29), undecorated stool with undigested food particles and mucus (27.59%, 8/29%) were most common among children with food allergies. The onset of gastrointestinal intolerance by the age of 6 months was in 44.8% (13/29) of children, 76.9% (10/13) of whom were exclusively breastfed. The first gastrointestinal manifestations after the introduction of supplementary feeding were in 20.69% (6/29); 10.34% (3/29) of patients had gastrointestinal complaints from 3 years of age, and 6.9% (2/29) of patients from 7 years of age. Gastrointestinal disorders as the first manifestation of allergic "march" was observed in 20.69% (6/29%) of patients. IgE-mediated food allergy was found in 72.41% (21/29) of the examined children: immediate gastrointestinal hypersensitivity - 65.51% (19/29); oral allergic syndrome - 6.89% (2/29). Non-IgE-mediated food allergy is represented by protein-induced enterocolitis and proctosigmoiditis in 27.58% (8/29) of children. Conclusions. Clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergy in children depend on the immunological mechanisms of its occurrence, it should be taken into during of diagnostic. Gastrointestinal food allergy should be diagnosed in time to prevent the evolution and progression of allergic "march". Therefore, it is necessary to develop and search methods and markers for timely diagnosis of these conditions.

A Three-Stage Solidification Model for Food Particles

A three-stage solidification model for food droplets has been implemented in a computational fluid dynamics code. It comprises of an initial cooling stage that is based on the principles of convective heat transfer. This is followed by the solidification period that is initiated once the droplet cools to a phase change temperature. Finally, when the droplet is completely solidified, the tempering phase begins where the droplet cools to the temperature of the ambient air. The model has been validated with respect to the experimental data for cocoa butter. Additional simulations were made in which the crystallization behavior of the cocoa butter droplets in relation to the droplet size, ambient air temperature and the relative drop-gas velocity was investigated. It was found that the crystallization time is exponentially related to the droplet size. Further, it increased with the ambient temperature, but decreased with the relative drop-gas velocity. Overall, the results suggest operating at the extreme values of the process parameters, requiring high amount of energy, to minimize the crystallization time. It was concluded that there is a need for optimizing the operating conditions of the powder production process to minimize the energy requirement of the system while maintaining a reasonable crystallization time.

Effects of microplastics and food particles on organic pollutants bioaccumulation in equi-fugacity and above-fugacity scenarios

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging contaminants, sorb organic pollutants from the environment or leach out additives, thereby altering the fate of co-existing pollutants to organisms. We chose equi-fugacity and above-fugacity concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as background contamination and plastic additive concentrations, respectively, to investigate the effects of MPs on PCB bioaccumulation; we compared the effects of MPs with those of food-borne particles (FBPs). Co-exposure to MPs and FBPs at both the equi-fugacity and above-fugacity PCB concentrations had no obvious toxic effects (ROS generation and cyp1a expression) on zebrafish. When the zebrafish were exposed to the equi-fugacity PCB concentrations, the PCB concentrations reached 177.7–400.5 ng/g after a 7-d uptake; the presence of MPs did not significantly enhance PCB bioaccumulation. The remaining PCB concentrations in the fish after a 4-d depuration were 58.4–125.1 ng/g; the effects of MPs were the same as those during the uptake period. However, at the above-fugacity PCB concentrations, the MPs markedly increased the PCB bioaccumulation (by 1.8–fold) to 712.9 ng/g. This is because at above-fugacity concentrations, PCBs on MPs migrate to organisms as there were high fugacity gradients. The FBPs enhanced PCB bioaccumulation in zebrafish more effectively than the MPs, even after depuration. In the presence of FBPs, PCB bioaccumulation increased by 2.8- and 4.2- fold after uptake in the equi-fugacity and above-fugacity scenarios, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than that observed for the MPs. This is probably because FBPs are easily assimilated by fish, making the associated PCBs more bioavailable. Finally, during the co-existence of MPs and FBPs, MPs facilitate the depuration of PCBs accumulated via FBP vectors; conversely, FBPs did not affect PCB accumulation via MP vectors. Thus, this study elucidated the effects of MPs and FBPs on the bioaccumulation of pollutants at equi-fugacity or above-fugacity concentrations in aquatic environments.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triphala Oral Spray in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment- A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Malocclusion is one of the most susceptible causes of the development of periodontal diseases and dental caries in young individuals undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. It provides a surface area for the accumulation of food particles, which further leads to plaque formation. Various mechanical and chemical aids are used regularly to decrease the microbial load and accumulation of plaque. Chemical adjuncts such as chlorhexidine mouthwash are widely used as antimicrobial agents that have significant efficacy against oral Streptococci and Actinomyces species. Herbal agents have replaced conventional medications due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Among herbal medicaments, Triphala is the well-known drug formulation that can be used as an adjuvant for commercially available chemical aid. Chlorhexidine mouth wash requires the assistance of the caregivers. Therefore, there is a need for a newer modality to maintain oral hygiene in patients undertaking orthodontic corrections.&#x0D; Objectives: 1. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala oral spray on Streptococcus mutants levels in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. 2. To evaluate the efficacy of Triphala oral spray in reducing dental plaque in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. 3. To evaluate the efficacy of Triphala oral spray reducing gingivitis in children undergoing orthodontic treatment.&#x0D; Methodology: A randomized control trial will be done among – participants with the age group of 10 to 15 years of age. A total of 25 children were included in the study. The participants will be told to use the spray two times a day for one week. After 7 days, plaque index and the gingival index will be re-recorded, and plaque samples will be collected for post-intervention microbial analysis.&#x0D; Results: Triphala-based oral spray will effectively reduce plaque score, reduce gingival inflammation, and show inhibitory effects on microbial count.&#x0D; Conclusion: Triphala oral spray can be used as an adjuvant by the orthodontic patients for reduction of the microbial load. It also provides better acceptability by the children as it does not require any assistance of the caregivers.

Histological Atlas of the Internal Anatomy of Female Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) Mites in Relation to Feeding and Reproduction

Abstract Histochemical staining of histological sections of Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman, 2000) mites reveal the internal body plan and are used to contrast the internal organs associated with feeding and reproduction of starved versus recently fed female mites. The gnathosoma is comprised of a powerful sucking pharynx, which employs 11 alternating dilator and constrictor muscles, the chelicerae, the salivary ducts, and the salivarium. Coronally, the esophagus is visible through the synganglion between its supraesophageal and subesophageal regions and connects posteriorly to the midgut. The midgut is devoid of food particles in starved mites, but in fed mites, the midgut epithelial cells are filled with innumerable globular spheroids replete with lipoproteins, including polyunsaturated lipids, whereas the lumen is filled with saturated lipids or other unidentified nutrients. In the opisthosomal body region of the fed female, the bilobed lyrate organ lies adjacent to the midgut on one side and the ovary on the opposite side, with very close cell to cell linkages that appear to form a syncytium. The fed female ovary contains an enormously enlarged ovum, and numerous elongated nurse cells extending from the lyrate organ. Dyes staining selectively for lipoproteins suggests rapid incorporation of neutral and polyunsaturated lipids and lipoproteins. Also evident near the ovary in fed females is the spermatheca filled with elongated, fully capacitated spermatozoa. The histological and histochemical findings reported in this study provide a fresh insight into the body structure, nutrition, and reproductive activity of the female of this harmful honey bee parasite and disease vector.

Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Commercially Available Chemical and Herbal Mouthwash against Oral Microorganisms

Aim: The present study was done to determine the activity of Naturally prepared licorice mouthwash in comparison to chlorhexidine mouthwash. &#x0D; Introduction: Maintenance of oral hygiene is very important in preventing the growth of a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that accumulates on teeth and hence Mouthwashes are prescribed in dentistry for treatment of several oral conditions and for prevention against various microorganisms. Licorice is derived from "liquiritiae” which is shrub or herb and the yellow colour of it is due to the flavonoids content of the plant, which includes liquiritin, isoliquiritin and other compounds. Herbal Mouthwashes (mouth rinses) are solutions or liquids intended to reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Saveetha Dental Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. The liquorice was extracted and formulated as mouth wash. Fig. 1 denotes the salivary samples were obtained from 20 volunteers (10 test group, 10 control group) and then, the participants were asked to rinse their mouth with freshly prepared licorice mouthwash(test group), chlorhexidine mouthwash (control group) and then paired saliva samples were obtained immediately after and before the mouthwash and finally the Colony forming units were recorded for pre and post usage of both the herbal and commercially available mouthwash.&#x0D; Results: Study showed that there was a mean reduction in the colony-forming units with herbal mouthwash and Chlorhexidine mouth washes. Herbal mouthwash showed reduction in colony forming growth after usage of herbal mouthwash.

Climate change effects on the ecophysiology and ecological functioning of an offshore wind farm artificial hard substrate community

In the effort towards a decarbonised future, the local effects of a proliferating offshore wind farm (OWF) industry add to and interact with the global effects of marine climate change. This study aimed to quantify potential ecophysiological effects of ocean warming and acidification and to estimate and compare the cumulative clearance potential of suspended food items by OWF epifauna under current and future climate conditions. To this end, this study combined ecophysiological responses to ocean warming and acidification of three dominant colonising species on OWF artificial hard substrates (the blue mussel Mytilus edulis, the tube-building amphipod Jassa herdmani and the plumose anemone Metridium senile). In general, mortality, respiration rate and clearance rate increased during 3- to 6-week experimental exposures across all three species, except for M. senile, who exhibited a lower clearance rate in the warmed treatments (+3 °C) and an insensitivity to lowered pH (−0.3 pH units) in terms of survival and respiration rate. Ocean warming and acidification affected growth antagonistically, with elevated temperature being beneficial for M. edulis and lowered pH being beneficial for M. senile. The seawater volume potentially cleared from suspended food particles by this AHS colonising community increased significantly, extending the affected distance around an OWF foundation by 9.2% in a future climate scenario. By using an experimental multi-stressor approach, this study thus demonstrates how ecophysiology underpins functional responses to climate change in these environments, highlighting for the first time the integrated, cascading potential effects of OWFs and climate change on the marine ecosystem.

Inflammasome-independent functions of NAIPs and NLRs in the intestinal epithelium.

The gut relies on the complex interaction between epithelial, stromal and immune cells to maintain gut health in the face of food particles and pathogens. Innate sensing by the intestinal epithelium is critical for maintaining epithelial barrier function and also orchestrating mucosal immune responses. Numerous innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved in such sensing. In recent years, several Nucleotide-binding-domain and Leucine-rich repeat-containing receptors (NLRs) have been found to partake in pathogen or damage sensing while also being implicated in gut pathologies, such as colitis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we discuss the current literature focusing on NLR family apoptosis inhibitory proteins (NAIPs) and other NLRs that have non-inflammasome roles in the gut. The mechanisms behind NLR-mediated protection often converges on similar signalling pathways, such as STAT3, MAPK and NFκB. Further understanding of how these NLRs contribute to the maintenance of gut homeostasis will be important for understanding gut pathologies and developing new therapies.

Examination of Microplastic Particles in Reef Fish Food in Ternate Island Waters, Indonesia

Examination of Microplastic Particles in Reef Fish Food in Ternate Island Waters, Indonesia