Culture Production Research Articles

4'-Fluorouridine inhibits alphavirus replication and infection in vitro and in vivo.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus that has re-emerged to cause millions of human infections worldwide. In humans, acute CHIKV infection causes fever and severe muscle and joint pain. Chronic and debilitating arthritis and joint pain can persist for months to years. To date, there are no approved antivirals against CHIKV. Recently, the ribonucleoside analog 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU) was reported as a highly potent orally available inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza virus replication. In this study, we assessed 4'-FlU's potency and breadth of inhibition against a panel of alphaviruses including CHIKV, and found that it broadly suppressed alphavirus production in cell culture. 4'-FlU acted on the viral RNA replication step, and the first 4 hours post-infection were the critical time for its antiviral effect. In vitro replication assays identified nsP4 as the target of inhibition. In vivo, treatment with 4'-FlU reduced disease signs, inflammatory responses, and viral tissue burden in mouse models of CHIKV and Mayaro virus infection. Treatment initiated at 2 hours post-infection was most effective; however, treatment initiated as late as 24-48 hours post-infection produced measurable antiviral effects in the CHIKV mouse model. 4'-FlU showed effective oral delivery in our mouse model and resulted in the accumulation of both 4'-FlU and its bioactive triphosphate form in tissues relevant to arthritogenic alphavirus pathogenesis. Together, our data indicate that 4'-FlU inhibits CHIKV infection in vitro and in vivo and is a promising oral therapeutic candidate against CHIKV infection.IMPORTANCEAlphaviruses including chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are mosquito-borne positive-strand RNA viruses that can cause various diseases in humans. Although compounds that inhibit CHIKV and other alphaviruses have been identified in vitro, there are no licensed antivirals against CHIKV. Here, we investigated a ribonucleoside analog, 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU), and demonstrated that it inhibited infectious virus production by several alphaviruses in vitro and reduced virus burden in mouse models of CHIKV and Mayaro virus infection. Our studies also indicated that 4'-FlU treatment reduced CHIKV-induced footpad swelling and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition in the mouse model correlated with effective oral delivery of 4'-FlU and accumulation of both 4'-FlU and its bioactive form in relevant tissues. In summary, 4'-FlU exhibits potential as a novel anti-alphavirus agent targeting the replication of viral RNA.

Persistent organic pollutants dysregulate energy homeostasis in human ovaries in vitro

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has historically been linked to population collapses in wildlife. Despite international regulations, these legacy chemicals are still currently detected in women of reproductive age, and their levels correlate with reduced ovarian reserve, longer time-to-pregnancy, and higher risk of infertility. However, the specific modes of action underlying these associations remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of five commonly occurring POPs − hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), 2,3,3′,4,4′,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB156), 2,2′,3,4,4′,5,5′-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) − and their mixture on human ovaries in vitro. We exposed human ovarian cancer cell lines COV434, KGN, and PA1 as well as primary ovarian cells for 24 h, and ovarian tissue containing unilaminar follicles for 6 days. RNA-sequencing of samples exposed to concentrations covering epidemiologically relevant levels revealed significant gene expression changes related to central energy metabolism in the exposed cells, indicating glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and reactive oxygen species as potential shared targets of POP exposure in ovarian cells. Alpha-enolase (ENO1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4I1 (COX4I1), ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha (ATP5A), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were validated as targets through qPCR in additional cell culture experiments in KGN. In ovarian tissue cultures, we observed significant effects of exposure on follicle atresia and growth as well as protein expression. All POP exposures, except PCB180, decreased unilaminar follicle proportion and increased follicle atresia. Immunostaining confirmed altered expression of LDHA, ATP5A, and GPX4 in the exposed tissues. Moreover, all exposures modified ATP production in KGN and tissue culture. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the disruption of cellular energy metabolism as a novel mode of action underlying POP-mediated interference of follicle growth in human ovaries.

Culture Production and Consumption in Post-COVID Era: A Meta-Analysis of OTT Industry in India

Web series and video on demand services destabilised and efficiently replaced popular entertainment in the past one year, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The subsequent lockdown not only impacted the traditional creative industries, such as TV and films, but it has also catalysed the way narratives are produced and consumed over the internet. Narratives on the web have been posing challenges to traditional storytelling since the past decade, but the changes in the Indian market have been slow until this year. The industry has also been studied extensively from the perspective of various disciplines, film studies, marketing, psychology, and communication being a few of them. These studies have elaborated upon the evolution of the industry, its popularity, challenges and roadblocks specifically in relation to the Indian market. The study in concern tries to trace the evolution of the industry in comparison to the predictions. It tries to verify if the predictions and scope have been met by trajectory and what quantum of growth can be credited to the COVID pandemic lockdown period. This research starts with gathering studies conducted on the industry, specifically in the Indian market, since its existence. With the help of a qualitative meta-analysis, this paper tries to analyse the trends and trajectories predicted vis-a-vis the actual growth in numbers over the years, specifically in the post-COVID era. Researchers aim to suggest a model on the production–consumption patterns and the functioning of the industry.

Wastewater treatment from a science faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic by using ammonium-oxidising and heterotrophic bacteria

During and after the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the use of personal care products and disinfectants increased in universities worldwide. Among these, quaternary ammonium-based products stand out; these compounds and their intermediates caused substantial changes in the chemical composition of the wastewater produced by these institutions. For this reason, improvements and environmentally sustainable biological alternatives were introduced in the existing treatment systems so that these institutions could continue their research and teaching activities. For this reason, the objective of this study was to develop an improved culture medium to cultivate ammonium oxidising bacteria (AOB) to increase the biomass and use them in the treatment of wastewater produced in a faculty of sciences in Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. A Plackett Burman Experimental Design (PBED) and growth curves served for oligotrophic culture medium, and production conditions improved for the AOB. Finally, these bacteria were used with total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) for wastewater treatment in a pilot plant. Modification of base ammonium broth and culture conditions (6607 mg L−1 of (NH4)2SO4, 84 mg L−1 CaCO3, 40 mg L−1 MgSO4·7H2O, 40 mg L−1 CaCl2·2H2O and 200 mg L−1 KH2PO4, 10% (w/v) inoculum, no copper addition, pH 7.0 ± 0.2, 200 r.p.m., 30 days) favoured the growth of Nitrosomonas europea, Nitrosococcus oceani, and Nitrosospira multiformis with values of 8.23 ± 1.9, 7.56 ± 0.7 and 4.2 ± 0.4 Log10 CFU mL−1, respectively. NO2− production was 0.396 ± 0.0264, 0.247 ± 0.013 and 0.185 ± 0.003 mg L−1 for Nitrosomonas europea, Nitrosococcus oceani and Nitrosospira multiformis. After the 5-day wastewater treatment (WW) by co-inoculating the three studied bacteria in the wastewater (with their self-microorganisms), the concentrations of AOB and THB were 5.92 and 9.3 Log10 CFU mL−1, respectively. These values were related to the oxidative decrease of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), (39.5 mg L−1), Ammonium ion (NH4+), (6.5 mg L−1) Nitrite (NO2−), (2.0 mg L−1) and Nitrate (NO3−), (1.5 mg L−1), respectively in the five days of treatment. It was concluded, with the improvement of a culture medium and production conditions for three AOB through biotechnological strategies at the laboratory scale, being a promising alternative to bio-augment of the biomass of the studied bacteria under controlled conditions that allow the aerobic removal of COD and nitrogen cycle intermediates present in the studied wastewater.

Evaluation of stress tolerance and design of alternative culture media for the production of fermentation starter cultures in cacao

Ecuador is one of the world's leading producers of cacao beans, and Nacional x Trinitario cacao represents one of the most distinctive varieties due to its flavor and aroma characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the starter culture isolated from microbial diversity during the spontaneous fermentation of Nacional x Trinitario cacao. A total of 249 microbial isolates were obtained from spontaneous culture, with Lactiplantibacillus (45 %), Saccharomyces (17 %), and Acetobacter (2 %) being the most relevant genera for fermentation. Tolerance tests were conducted to select microorganisms for the starter culture. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibited the highest tolerance at pH 5 and 6 % ethanol and tolerated concentrations up to 15 % for glucose and fructose. Acetobacter pasteurianus grew at pH 2 and 6 % ethanol, tolerating high sugar concentrations of up to 15 % for glucose and 30 % for fructose, with growth observed in concentrations up to 5 % for lactic and acetic acid. Subsequently, a laboratory-scale fermentation was conducted with the formulated starter culture (SC) comprising S. cerevisiae, L. plantarum, and A. pasteurianus, which exhibited high tolerance to various stress conditions. The fermentation increased alcoholic compounds, including citrusy, fruity aromas, and floral notes such as 2-heptanol and phenylethyl alcohol, respectively 1.6-fold and 5.6-fold compared to the control. Moreover, the abundance of ketones 2-heptanone and 2-nonanone increased significantly, providing sweet green herbs and fruity woody aromas. Cacao fermented with this SC significantly enhanced the favorable aroma-producing metabolites characteristic of Fine-aroma cacao. These findings underscore the potential of tailored fermentation strategies to improve cacao product quality and sensory attributes, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in optimizing fermentation processes for the cacao industry.

Laser-photobiomodulation on reactive oxygen species production in titanium disc-containig pre-osteoblast cells culture

Laser-photobiomodulation on reactive oxygen species production in titanium disc-containig pre-osteoblast cells culture

Research on Market Competition and Cooperation Opportunities in the Cultural Industries of China, Japan, and Korea

With the deep development of global cultural exchange, the cultural industry, as an important manifestation of soft power, has become a focus of competition among countries. China, Japan, and Korea, geographically close with rich cultural traditions, each have their distinctive cultural industries that have developed rapidly, forming their unique competitive advantages. Japan, with its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative thinking, leads in fields such as animation and design, and its cultural products are beloved by consumers worldwide. Korea has opened up international markets with its innovative production and marketing strategies in pop culture and film, becoming a new force in the global cultural industry. China, with its long history and rich cultural resources, has made significant achievements in investment and creation in the cultural industry in recent years, becoming a global cultural industry hub. However, with the increasing openness of the cultural market and intensified competition, the cultural industries of China, Japan, and Korea face unprecedented challenges. How to further enhance market competitiveness and explore international markets while maintaining their own characteristics has become a focus of attention for the cultural industries and governments of the three countries. Through strengthening cooperation and exchange, the cultural industries of China, Japan, and Korea can certainly shine brighter in the global market, making greater contributions to the cultural prosperity of Asia and the world.

Effect of organic carbon sources on growth, lipid production and fatty acid profile in mixotrophic culture of Scenedesmus dimorphus (Turpin) Kützing

Due to non-renewability of fossil fuels and various environmental problems associated with their use, there is a growing interest in producing biodiesel from microalgae. Finding novel microalgal strains with desired characteristics such as rapid growth rates, high lipid productivity, and suitable fatty acid compositions is important for the production of biodiesel. Comparatively, photoautotrophic cultivation of microalgae results in low biomass yields and lipid productivities. Mixotrophic and heterotrophic cultures, in contrast, lead to higher biomass and lipid productivities but their productivities are species specific and depend a lot on the organic carbon source and culture conditions. In the present study, the potential of Scenedesmus dimorphus for biodiesel oil production under mixotrophic culture was investigated. The effects of organic carbon sources (glucose, ethanol and glycerol) on growth, biomass yields, lipid contents, lipid productivities and fatty acids compositions of Scenedesmus dimorphus in mixotrophic cultures were investigated. In comparison to photoautotrophic cultures, mixotrophic cultures produced significantly higher biomass concentration, lipid content, and lipid productivities (P≤0.05) under all the cultivation conditions investigated. The maximum biomass and lipid productivities achieved by mixotrophic culture were 83.88±0.05 and 17.11±0.04 mg L−1 day−1 respectively which are more than 2.6 and 3.1 folds higher than those obtained under photoautotrophic condition. Using glucose as the organic carbon source was better than ethanol and glycerol in terms of biomass and lipid productivities (glucose > ethanol > glycerol). The majority of the produced fatty acids were composed of C16 and C18 fatty acids. The two most abundant fatty acids in all the cultures were linolenic and palmitic acids. The values of biodiesel properties of oil obtained from S. dimorphus are within the American (ASTM D6751) and European (EN 14214) biodiesel specifications. The results show that S. dimorphus has good potentials for biodiesel oil production and that the productivity can be enhanced by mixotrophic cultivation.

The influence of photoperiod on development and population growth performance of the Phytoseiulus persimilis fed on Tetranychus urticae

ABSTRACT Environmental factors, such as photoperiod, can play an important role in the development of mites. The influence of photoperiod (L:D = 4:20, 8:16, 12:12, 16:8 and 20:4) on the development and population parameters of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot fed on two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch was examined under laboratory conditions. Pre-adult development decreased with increasing photoperiod until 12 h, after which the development period progressively increased. Longevity of both sexes demonstrated significant differences throughout photoperiods, with the longest at 20:4 L:D and the shortest at 8:16 L:D. The highest value of mean total fecundity was 13.62 egg/female at 12:12 L:D photoperiod. The net reproductive rate (R 0), the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ), showed the highest value at 12:12 L:D. The R 0, r and λ for P. persimilis increased with increasing photoperiod from 4:20 to 12:12 L:D, but decreased sharply at the 16:8 and 20:4 L:D treatments. Our findings indicate that photoperiod has a significant role in advancing the rate of development, survival rate, and reproduction for commercial production of P. persimilis, with a 12:12 photoperiod length recognized as the ideal period for commercial production in culture.

Critical Appraisal of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb. Extraction Methods, Pharmacological Activities, and Future Prospects

Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb., commonly known as Narkya, holds immense potential as a medicinal plant, exhibiting a wide array of pharmacological activities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods used for extracting bioactive compounds from different plant parts, along with an exploration of their diverse pharmacological activities. The plant’s significance stems from its high content of camptothecin (CPT), a potent anti-cancer alkaloid. We delve into the plant’s anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-helminthic, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, we highlight the challenges faced by N. nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb., due to overexploitation and its endangered status. To address these concerns, the review underscores the importance of sustainable conservation strategies and the implementation of advanced techniques like plant tissue culture and endophyte production for increased CPT production. This holistic analysis not only sheds light on the plant’s multifaceted benefits but also underscores the need for responsible utilization and conservation efforts.

The Glycan Ectodomain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Modulates Cytokine Production and Expression of CD206 Mannose Receptor in PBMC Cultures of Pre-COVID-19 Healthy Subjects.

The ability of recombinant, SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein to modulate the production of two COVID-19 relevant, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ) in PBMC cultures of healthy, pre-COVID-19 subjects was investigated. We observed that cytokine production was largely and diversely modulated by the S protein depending on antigen or mitogen stimulation, as well as on the protein source, insect (S-in) or human (S-hu) cells. While both proteins co-stimulated cytokine production by polyclonally CD3-activated T cells, PBMC activation by the mitogenic lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) was up-modulated by S-hu protein and down-modulated by S-in protein. These modulatory effects were likely mediated by the S glycans, as demonstrated by direct Con A-S binding experiments and use of yeast mannan as Con A binder. While being ineffective in modulating memory antigenic T cell responses, the S proteins and mannan were able to induce IL-6 production in unstimulated PBMC cultures and upregulate the expression of the mannose receptor (CD206), a marker of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage. Our data point to a relevant role of N-glycans, particularly N-mannosidic chains, decorating the S protein in the immunomodulatory effects here reported. These novel biological activities of the S glycan ectodomain may add to the comprehension of COVID-19 pathology and immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

Developing an efficient in vitro elicitation system using UV-B radiation for elevated biomass and azadirachtin production in callus culture of Melia azedarach L. – an important multipurpose industrial plant

Developing an efficient in vitro elicitation system using UV-B radiation for elevated biomass and azadirachtin production in callus culture of Melia azedarach L. – an important multipurpose industrial plant

Enhancement of progesterone biosynthesis via kisspeptin stimulation: Upregulation of steroidogenic transcripts and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) expression in the buffalo luteal cells

The presence of Kisspeptin (Kp) and its receptors in the corpus luteum (CL) of buffalo has recently been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the role of Kp in the modulation of progesterone (P4) synthesis in vitro. The primary culture of bubaline luteal cells (LCs) was treated with 10, 50, and 100 nM of Kp and Kp antagonist (KpA) alongside a vehicle control. The combined effect of Kp and KpA was assessed at 100 nM concentration. Intracellular response to Kp treatment in the LCs was assessed by examining transcript profiles (LHR, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and ERK1/2) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, the immunolocalization of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the LCs was studied using immunocytochemistry. Accumulation of P4 from the culture supernatant was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated that LCs had a greater p-ERK1/2 expression in the Kp treatment groups. A significant increase in the P4 concentration was recorded at 50 nM and 100 nM Kp, while KpA did not affect the basal concentration of P4. However, the addition of KpA to the Kp-treated group at 100 nM concentration suppressed the Kp-induced P4 accumulation into a concentration similar to the control. There was significant upregulation of ERK1/2 and CYP11A1 expressions in the Kp-treated LCs at 100 nM (18.1 and 37fold, respectively, p < 0.01). However, the addition of KpA to Kp-treated LCs modulated ERK1/2, LHR, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1 at 100 nM concentration. It can be concluded that Kp at 100 nM stimulated P4 production, while the addition of KpA suppressed Kp-induced P4 production in the buffalo LCs culture. Furthermore, an increment in p-ERK1/2 expression in the LCs indicated activation of the Kp signaling pathway was associated with luteal steroidogenesis.

Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation with clostridial co-cultures for enhanced biobutanol production

This study has addressed the issue of enhanced biobutanol production through Consolidated Bioprocessing, with the use of clostridial co-cultures combining C. acetobutylicum (Cac) and C. pasteurianum (Cpa). To begin with, the total Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) solvent production and butanol selectivity of individual clostridial cultures grown on different carbon sources present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Thereafter, statistical optimization of ABE fermentation with co-culture system was carried out using Box-Behnken design. The optimization variables were Cac to Cpa inoculum ratio (X1 in mL mL−1), sodium concentration in the medium (X2 g L−1), and xylose/glucose ratio (X3 g g−1 L L−1), whereas response variables were butanol titre (Y1 in g L−1), biomass growth (Y2 OD600), total ABE titre (Y3 in g L−1). Maximum values of the response variables with the corresponding set of optimization parameters were as follows: Y1, max = 12.1 ± 0.45 (for X1 = 0.30, X2 = 5.90, X3 = 0), Y2, max = 4.15 ± 0.03 (for X1 = 0.3, X2 = 2.42, X3 = 0.14), Y3, max = 23.1 ± 0.55 (for X1 = 0.46, X2 = 6.36, X3 = 0). The study demonstrated a substantial ≈ 22% and 61% increment in butanol titre in co-culture system compared to individual fermentations with Cac and Cpa grown on pure glucose, respectively.

Induction of Neuroinflammation and Brain Oxidative Stress by Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Hypertensive Rats.

Neuroinflammation and brain oxidative stress are recognized as significant contributors to hypertension including salt sensitive hypertension. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in intercellular communication in various situations, including physiological and pathological ones. Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that EVs derived from the brains of hypertensive rats with salt sensitivity could trigger neuroinflammation and oxidative stress during hypertension development. To test this hypothesis, we compared the impact of EVs isolated from the brains of hypertensive Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats (DSS) and normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD) rats on inflammatory factors and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production in primary neuronal cultures and brain cardiovascular relevant regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and lamina terminalis (LT). We found that brain-derived DSS-EVs significantly increased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) and chemokines, including TNFα, IL1β, CCL2, CCL5, and CCL12, as well as the transcriptional factor NF-κB in neuronal cultures. DSS-EVs also induced oxidative stress in neuronal cultures, as evidenced by elevated NADPH oxidase subunit CYBA coding gene mRNA levels and persistent mtROS elevation. When DSS-EVs were injected into the brains of normal SD rats, the mRNA levels of PICs, chemokines, and the chronic neuronal activity marker FOSL1 were significantly increased in the PVN and LT. Furthermore, DSS-EVs caused mtROS elevation in brain PVN and LT, particularly in neurons. Our study reveals a novel role for brain-derived EVs from hypertensive rats in triggering neuroinflammation, upregulating chemokine expression, and inducing excessive ROS production. These findings provide insight into the complex interactions between EVs and hypertension-associated processes, offering potential therapeutic targets for hypertension-linked neurological complications.

Methylomarinovum tepidoasis sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic methanotroph of the family Methylothermaceae isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal field.

A novel aerobic methanotrophic bacterium, designated as strain IN45T, was isolated from in situ colonisation systems deployed at the Iheya North deep-sea hydrothermal field in the mid-Okinawa Trough. IN45T was a moderately thermophilic obligate methanotroph that grew only on methane or methanol at temperatures between 25 and 56 °C (optimum 45-50 °C). It was an oval-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum and an intracytoplasmic membrane system. It required 1.5-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-3 %) for growth. The major phospholipid fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed 99.1 % sequence identity with Methylomarinovum caldicuralii IT-9T, the only species of the genus Methylomarinovum with a validly published name within the family Methylothermaceae. The complete genome sequence of IN45T consisted of a 2.42-Mbp chromosome (DNA G+C content, 64.1 mol%) and a 20.5-kbp plasmid. The genome encodes genes for particulate methane monooxygenase and two types of methanol dehydrogenase (mxaFI and xoxF). Genes involved in the ribulose monophosphate pathway for carbon assimilation are encoded, but the transaldolase gene was not found. The genome indicated that IN45T performs partial denitrification of nitrate to N2O, and its occurrence was indirectly confirmed by N2O production in cultures grown with nitrate. Genomic relatedness indices between the complete genome sequences of IN45T and M. caldicuralii IT-9T, such as digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (51.2 %), average nucleotide identity (92.94 %) and average amino acid identity (93.21 %), indicated that these two methanotrophs should be separated at the species level. On the basis of these results, strain IN45T represents a novel species, for which we propose the name Methylomarinovum tepidoasis sp. nov. with IN45T (=JCM 35101T =DSM 113422T) as the type strain.

Enhancement of isoflavonoid production and release in Pueraria candollei cell suspension culture using elicitors for improving pharmacological activities

Enhancement of isoflavonoid production and release in Pueraria candollei cell suspension culture using elicitors for improving pharmacological activities

Presenting a theory of change for cultivating institutional‐level SoTL cultures through a cross‐institutional community of practice

AbstractIn this chapter, the authors describe the theory of change behind a regional cross‐institutional community of practice (CoP) for educational developers seeking to strengthen their institution's SoTL culture and increase faculty SoTL production by providing institution‐level support initiatives and programming.

Underground Mathematics. Craft Culture and Knowledge Production in Early Modern Europe, by Thomas Morel

Underground Mathematics. Craft Culture and Knowledge Production in Early Modern Europe, by Thomas Morel

Non-native fish species as an important part of Zambia's food system: a case study of the Lake Kariba fishery

Fish have an important role in food systems of Zambia and are a cheaper source of animal protein, vitamins and minerals. Presently, fish catches are dwindling and many children and women in rural Zambia are malnourished because their diet consists mainly of maize, vegetables and legumes. The main component of the diet is nsima, a form of thick porridge prepared from maize flour, which provides energy as carbohydrates. This study was done to assess the impact of a non-native fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Nile tilapia) which has both positive and negative impacts on Zambia’s food system, with particular reference to the Lake Kariba fishery. The study was based on a networked systems framework, achieved through the administration of questionnaires, interviewing 377 randomly selected respondents from the three areas of the lake (I, II and IV) and 156 respondents from 7 selected open fish markets. Focus group discussions (FGD) were done with women, men and youth, who were key informants. Analysis of results using chi-square analysis, which cross-tabulated variables were used to obtain the results. Non-native fish were introduced in the early 1980s for cage culture production in Lake Kariba but some fish accidentally escaped. This has changed the composition and abundance of fish species in the lake. Despite the negative ecological impact on native biodiversity, results showed that more fish are available to households, improving nutrition and disposable income from fish sales. The disposable income is used to purchase other foods, thereby reducing malnutrition among rural households. Thus, the introduction of appropriate non-native species might benefit households and the nation as a whole. Key words: Malnutrition, non-native fish species, Lake Kariba, Zambia, tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus