Protein Content Research Articles

Circular bioeconomy for cocoa by-product industry: Development of whey protein-cocoa bean shell concentrate particles obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying for commercial applications

The revalorization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) processing wastes, mainly cocoa bean shells, involve some strategies to obtaining maximum benefits of the bioactive compounds and reducing the amounts of waste through its use in new products in the context of the circular bioeconomy. Cocoa bean shells were used to obtain a phenol concentrated and formulate a matrix with isolated whey protein particles. Spray-drying and freeze-drying were used to pulverize the samples. The results indicated that both methods improve the stability of the compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the phenol-protein matrix powder, with significative differences (p<0.05), being the spray-dried matrix the sample with the higher amounts of the total polyphenols. Different amounts of the phenol-protein matrix powder obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying were used for the formulation of the cookies, and significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the physicochemical characteristics, proximal analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, among the formulations. The cookies with the highest protein content were those to which a 12.5 and 20% of the matrix obtained by freeze-drying was added. While the cookies with the highest content of total phenolic compounds (4118.72±27.43) and highest values of antioxidant capacity (521.33±33.68 mmol Trolox/g and 4249.10±51.24 FeSO4/g, by DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively) were those that were added with 20% matrix obtained by spray drying. Likewise, the discriminating variables identified between the cookie formulations were the results of polyphenols, DPPH, FRAP and proteins. This indicate that the addition of a phenol-protein matrix powder as an ingredient in cookies, as comercial application, exhibited an increasing of proteins and polyphenols content, including higher values of antioxidant capacity, in the final product.

Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed meal (ZBM), a novel plant protein raw material, has shown promising potential in enhancing the growth of broiler chickens as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in feed. In the artificial digestive experiment of vitro experiments, the digestibility of ZBM and SBM were assessed using the SDS-III Single Stomach Animal Biometric Digestion System. Subsequently, 180 1-day old AA chicks were divided into three groups for in vivo experiments: corn–soybean-meal-based diet (CON group); ZBM replacing 5% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-1 group); ZBM replacing 10% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-2 group). The experiment period lasted for 42 days. Compared to SBM, ZBM demonstrated higher crude protein content, dry matter digestibility, and extracorporeal digestible protein. Compared with the CON group, the broilers in the ZBM-2 group showed improved ADG and ADFI during the 1–21 d, 22–42 d, and 1–42 d periods (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the ZBM groups exhibited significant increases in slaughter performance compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). The substitution of ZBM for SBM also leads to a significant reduction in serum enzyme indicators (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the lipoprotein and total cholesterol of the ZBM groups were significantly lower than those of the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). Substituting SBM with ZBM significantly enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of immunoglobulin G in broiler serum, while reducing the content of malondildehyde (p &lt; 0.05). The ZBM groups showed significantly higher utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirmed that the substitution of SBM with 5–10% ZBM in broiler diets has a significant positive effect on growth, development, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and nutrient utilization. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the utilization of ZBM in broiler diets but also offers an effective approach for reducing reliance on soybean meal.

Exercise attenuates high-fat diet-induced PVAT dysfunction through improved inflammatory response and BMP4-regulated adipose tissue browning

BackgroundPerivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction impairs vascular homeostasis. Impaired inflammation and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) signaling are involved in thoracic PVAT dysfunction by regulating adipokine secretion and adipocyte phenotype transformation. We investigated whether aerobic exercise training could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced PVAT dysfunction via improved inflammatory response and BMP4-mediated signaling pathways.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups, namely control, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD plus exercise (HEx). After a 6-week intervention, PVAT functional efficiency and changes in inflammatory biomarkers (circulating concentrations in blood and mRNA expressions in thoracic PVAT) were assessed.ResultsChronic HFD feeding caused obesity and dyslipidemia in rats. HFD decreased the relaxation response of PVAT-containing vascular rings and impaired PVAT-regulated vasodilatation. However, exercise training effectively reversed these diet-induced pathological changes to PVAT. This was accompanied by significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) restoring the morphological structure and the decreased lipid droplet size in PVAT. Furthermore, HFD-induced impaired inflammatory response (both in circulation and PVAT) was notably ameliorated by exercise training (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Specifically, exercise training substantially reversed HFD-induced WAT-like characteristics to BAT-like characteristics as evidenced by increased UCP1 and decreased FABP4 protein levels in PVAT against HFD. Exercise training promoted transcriptional activation of BMP4 and associated signaling molecules (p38/MAPK, ATF2, PGC1α, and Smad5) that are involved in browning of adipose tissue. In conjunction with gene expressions, exercise training increased BMP4 protein content and activated downstream cascades, represented by upregulated p38/MAPK and PGC1α proteins in PVAT.ConclusionRegular exercise training can reverse HFD-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, and thoracic PVAT dysfunction in rats. The browning of adipose tissue through exercise appears to be modulated through improved inflammatory response and/or BMP4-mediated signaling cascades in obese rats.

Effects of Organic Fertilizer on Photosynthesis, Yield, and Quality of Pakchoi under Different Irrigation Conditions

Water scarcity and the overuse of chemical fertilizers present significant challenges to modern agriculture, critically affecting crop photosynthesis, yield, quality, and productivity sustainability. This research assesses the impact of organic fertilizer on the photosynthetic attributes, yield, and quality of pakchoi under varying irrigation water conditions, including fresh water and brackish water. Findings reveal that the modified rectangular hyperbolic model most accurately captures the photosynthetic reaction to organic fertilization, outperforming other evaluated models. The maximum net photosynthesis rate (Pnmax), yield, soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein content (SP) all exhibited a downward-opening quadratic parabolic trend with increasing amounts of organic fertilizer application. Specifically, under fresh-water irrigation, the optimal Pnmax, yield, SS, and SP were obtained at organic fertilizer rates of 65.77, 74.63, 45.33, and 40.79 kg/ha, respectively, achieving peak values of 20.71 µmol/(m2·s), 50,832 kg/ha, 35.63 g/kg, and 6.25 g/kg. This investigation provides a foundational basis for further research into the intricate relationship between water salinity stress and nutrient management, with the goal of crafting more sophisticated and sustainable farming methodologies. The insights gained could significantly influence organic fertilizer practices, promoting not only higher yields but also superior quality in agricultural outputs.

Brain organoids engineered to give rise to glia and neural networks after 90 days in culture exhibit human-specific proteoforms

Human brain organoids are emerging as translationally relevant models for the study of human brain health and disease. However, it remains to be shown whether human-specific protein processing is conserved in human brain organoids. Herein, we demonstrate that cell fate and composition of unguided brain organoids are dictated by culture conditions during embryoid body formation, and that culture conditions at this stage can be optimized to result in the presence of glia-associated proteins and neural network activity as early as three-months in vitro. Under these optimized conditions, unguided brain organoids generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from male–female siblings are similar in growth rate, size, and total protein content, and exhibit minimal batch-to-batch variability in cell composition and metabolism. A comparison of neuronal, microglial, and macroglial (astrocyte and oligodendrocyte) markers reveals that profiles in these brain organoids are more similar to autopsied human cortical and cerebellar profiles than to those in mouse cortical samples, providing the first demonstration that human-specific protein processing is largely conserved in unguided brain organoids. Thus, our organoid protocol provides four major cell types that appear to process proteins in a manner very similar to the human brain, and they do so in half the time required by other protocols. This unique copy of the human brain and basic characteristics lay the foundation for future studies aiming to investigate human brain-specific protein patterning (e.g., isoforms, splice variants) as well as modulate glial and neuronal processes in an in situ-like environment.

Variability in antivenom neutralization of Mexican viperid snake venoms.

Each year, 3,800 cases of snakebite envenomation are reported in Mexico, resulting in 35 fatalities. The only scientifically validated treatment for snakebites in Mexico is the use of antivenoms. Currently, two antivenoms are available in the market, with one in the developmental phase. These antivenoms, produced in horses, consist of F(ab')2 fragments generated using venoms from various species as immunogens. While previous studies primarily focused on neutralizing the venom of the Crotalus species, our study aims to assess the neutralization capacity of different antivenom batches against pit vipers from various genera in Mexico. We conducted various biological and biochemical tests to characterize the venoms. Additionally, we performed neutralization tests using all three antivenoms to evaluate their effectiveness against lethal activity and their ability to neutralize proteolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities. Our results reveal significant differences in protein content and neutralizing capacity among different antivenoms and even between different batches of the same product. Notably, the venom of Crotalus atrox is poorly neutralized by all evaluated batches despite being the primary cause of envenomation in the country's northern region. Furthermore, even at the highest tested concentrations, no antivenom could neutralize the lethality of Metlapilcoatlus nummifer and Porthidium yucatanicum venoms. These findings highlight crucial areas for improving existing antivenoms and developing new products. Our research reveals variations in protein content and neutralizing potency among antivenoms, emphasizing the need for consistency in venom characteristics as immunogens. While Birmex neutralizes more LD50 per vial, Antivipmyn excels in specific neutralization. The inability of antivenoms to neutralize certain venoms, especially M. nummifer and P. yucatanicum, highlights crucial improvement opportunities, given the medical significance of these species.

The Effect of Renewable Phosphorus Biofertilizers on Selected Wheat Grain Quality Parameters

Recycling and reusing phosphorus in agriculture can reduce the consumption of natural phosphorus resources, which are continuing to shrink. Phosphorus fertilizers made from renewable raw materials (sewage sludge ash, animal bones, dried animal blood) and activated with phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (Bacillus megaterium, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) offer an alternative to conventional fertilizers. These products should meet consumer and environmental safety standards. In this paper, based on field experiments conducted in northeast Poland, the effects of waste-derived biofertilizers on selected parameters of wheat yield quality are discussed. The study focuses on the technological properties of the grain (hectoliter weight, hardness index, Zeleny index, starch, wet gluten, and protein content), the content of proteogenic amino acids, macro- and micronutrients, and selected toxic elements in the grain. The quality parameters of wheat grain were not affected by the tested biofertilizers applied in P doses up to 35.2 kg ha−1, nor by conventional fertilizers.

Effects of copper, nickel and lead on growth parameters and antioxidative defense system of Solanum lycopersicum L.

The current study assessed the effects of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) in roots and shoots on growth indices, the antioxidative defense system, and metal uptake in Solanum lycopersicum L. variety Punjab Kesar Cherry. For 60 days, S. lycopersicum seeds were exposed to varying amounts of three metals (0-100 μM of Cu and 0-60 μM of Ni and Pb). In comparison to the control, the percentage of germination, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry weight of the roots and shoots all decreased, according to the results. The bioaccumulation factor of both roots and shoots, along with the translocation factor, increased at lower concentrations and decreased at higher concentrations; for Pb, on the other hand, the translocation factor increased with increasing concentrations. At 60 μM, the order of the bioaccumulation factor was Cu&gt;Ni&gt;Pb for roots, and Cu&gt;Pb&gt;Ni for shoots. The antioxidative enzyme activities, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), dehydro ascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S transferase (GST), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were increased at lower concentrations and decreased at higher concentrations under Cu, Ni, and Pb treatments. The order of toxicity in terms of decrease in protein content was observed as Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Cu for both roots and shoots.

Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), adapted to arid and semiarid regions, is grown for seed and petal production, but the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of simultaneous forage and seed production in the autumn and middle types of safflower varieties in dual-purpose cultivation in semiarid areas in the shortfall forage period. An experiment was done based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. The treatments included the cultivation of Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr varieties with the purpose of seed harvesting as control treatments; the same varieties (Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr), once with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% stem elongation stage and seed harvesting; and again with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% branching stage and seed harvesting. The results showed that forage harvesting at the 50% branching stage significantly increased the dry and fresh forage yield compared to the 50% stem elongation stage. The highest fresh and dry forage yields (DFY) (42,229 and 11,266 kg/ha) were related to the Golmehr variety at the 50% branching stage. Forage harvesting at the stem elongation stage decreased the crude protein, protein content, and digestibility compared to the branching stage in three safflower varieties. Parnian variety had the maximum seed yield (2,226 kg/ha) without forage harvesting. The highest seed yield in the second year (2018–2019) of the experiment belonged to the Golmehr variety (1,310 kg/ha) to harvest forage at 50% stem elongation (rapid stem growth) and seed harvest treatment, which compared to the first year (2017–2018), showed an increase of 25%. Finally, the forage harvested amount of all three varieties studied was higher in the branching stage than in the stem elongation stage. These results implied that the Golmehr variety (11,266 kg/ha DFY and 520 kg/ha seed yield) is for dual-purpose cultivation, and the Parnian variety (2,226 kg/ha seed yield) is suitable for only seed production for the semiarid region of Karaj in Iran and similar areas in terms of climate.

Sprouted wheat flour for improving physical, chemical, rheological, microbial load, and quality properties of fino bread

Abstract The aim of this work was to improve the quality parameters, functional properties, and sensory attributes of the fino bread using sprouted whole wheat flour (SWWF) at different levels, i.e., 3, 6, and 9%. Results demonstrated that SWWF has two-fold phenolic compounds and antioxidant ability compared to unsprouted wheat. The SWWF was found to be high in protein, minerals, and fat while low in carbohydrates compared to the control sample. Additionally, the microbial loads of SWWF were within processing-acceptable limits. Dough stability and rheological attributes of wheat with SWWF were evaluated to predict the texture of the final bread. There was a positive correlation between stability time and mixed dough and texture parameters of wheat bread with SWWF. The bread made using SWWF was high in protein content. The panelists accepted the bread up to 9% SWWF addition from a sensory perspective. The findings demonstrated that SWWF might be suggested for utilization as an enhancer, particularly up to 9% addition in the bread-making industry.

Effect of Growth Retardants on Plant Yield and Seed Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif, 2023 at dryland farm of S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and two Genotypes as main factor (G1- Dharani, G2- K-6), growth retardants as sub factor (T1- Control + RDF of NPK, T2- MH @ 2000 ppm at 20 DAS, T3- MH @ 2000 ppm at 45 DAS, T4- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 20 DAS, T5- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS , T6- ABA @ 250 ppm at 20 DAS, T7- ABA @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS, T8- ABA @ 500 ppm at 20 DAS, T9- ABA @ 500 ppm at 45 DAS, T10- CCC @ 5000 ppm at 20 DAS, T11- CCC @ 5000 ppm at 45 DAS). The current experiment was conducted with an objective to study the impact of growth retardants on reduction of plant stature thereby enhancing the reproductive and assimilates partitioning efficiency. Results revealed that application of T5- PBZ @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS recorded higher Pod yield, Kernel yield, 100 kernel weight, protein content and oil content.

Unlocking Nutritional Potential: Multi-OMICS Strategies for Enhancing Millet Nutritional Traits

Millet grains have long been recognized for their nutritional significance, serving as staple foods for millions around the world. However, unlocking their full nutritional potential remains a crucial challenge. In this study, we explore the application of multi-OMICS (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics) strategies to enhance the nutritional traits of millet grains. By integrating comprehensive molecular datasets, we aim to elucidate the genetic and biochemical pathways governing key nutritional attributes such as protein content, amino acid composition, micronutrient density, and antioxidant capacity in millets. Through targeted breeding and biotechnological interventions informed by multi-OMICS analyses, we seek to develop improved millet varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and agronomic performance. This interdisciplinary approach holds great promise for addressing malnutrition and promoting food security, particularly in regions where millets are dietary staples. By harnessing the power of multi-OMICS technologies, we aim to unleash the full nutritional potential of millets, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient food systems for future generations.

Emotional Stress Induces Adaptive Response in Rat Lymphocytes to Subsequent Ionizing Radiation Exposure.

We studied the molecular mechanisms of cross-adaptation to ionizing radiation (1 Gy) of lymphocytes isolated from rats subjected to emotional stress. The effects of chronic (CES; various types of stress exposure) and acute (AES; forced swimming) emotional stress in rats on indicators of oxidative stress, cell death, and levels of NRF2 and NOX4 proteins involved in the development of the adaptive response were analyzed in isolated lymphocytes. It was found that stress induced an adaptive response in rat lymphocytes and triggered processes similar to the adaptive response induced by low doses of ionizing radiation: an increase in the level of oxidized DNA and cell death, as well as an increase in the content of NOX4 and NRF2 proteins. In animals subjected to emotional stress, suppressed DNA oxidation in response to irradiation, reduced levels of protective factor NRF2, as well as lymphocyte death were observed.

Exploring the Impact of Preoperative Sleep Fragmentation on Cognitive Function in Mice: The Role of Microglial Activation and Iron Metabolism

Background. Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a significant concern, particularly for aged individuals. Sleep fragmentation (SF), a common condition in older adults, is considered a risk factor for PND. The present study explored the impact of SF on cognitive function and its association with microglial activation and iron metabolism. Methods. Adult and aged C57BL/6J mice were subjected to tibial fracture surgery (TFS) and varying durations of SF. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and fear conditioning experiments. Microglial activation was evaluated by measuring CD68 protein expression and inflammatory cytokine levels. Iron metabolism and ferroptosis-related proteins were also examined. Results. SF significantly impacted spatial memory and conditioned fear responses in mice, with aged mice showing greater susceptibility. Microglial activation, indicated by changes in CD68 protein expression and inflammatory cytokine levels, was observed in mice exposed to SF. Alterations in iron metabolism, as evidenced by changes in hippocampal iron content and expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, were also observed in these mice. Conclusion. SF can lead to significant cognitive impairment, particularly in aged mice, likely mediated through microglial activation and dysregulated iron metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of PND and suggest potential targets for intervention. Significance. This study illuminates the complex interactions between SF, microglial activation, and cognitive function. It highlights the importance of sleep quality for cognitive health in older adults and points to potential therapeutic strategies for preventing PND, including targeting microglial activation and iron metabolism.

Regulation of Fat Content in Triticale Based on Optimization of Technological Processing Modes

Introduction The aim of the study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. A promising method of preparing grain for animal feeding is its preliminary germination. Sprouted grain is a dietary food product, as it increases the content of proteins, essential amino acids, and macro- and microelements in comparison with non-sprouted grain. Methods The purpose of this study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. Regression equations describing the dependences of the quality indicators of the triticale grain germination modes on the factors tw, τ, w and tg affecting them were investigated and obtained. During the study of triticale grains, it was found that the most significant parameter affecting the germination process is the fat content. The optimization of the germination modes of triticale Leather grain was carried out by the method of nonlinear programming. Results During the study, it was found that the maximum fat content during germination of triticale grain was observed with the following technological parameters of germination: grain temperature = 30°C; germination time = 24 h; grain moisture = 13%; and grain temperature = 26°C. When controlling the fat content in triticale based on the optimization of technological modes, the target function was 2.83%. Conclusion The presented results and conclusion will allow to regulate the fat content in triticale grain during germination.

Central angiotensin-(1–7) attenuates hypoglycemia in sepsis-like conditions via reducing systemic and hepatic inflammation

Sepsis is understood as the result of initiating systemic inflammation derived from an inadequate host response against pathogens. In its acute phase, sepsis is marked by an exacerbated reaction to infection, tissue damage, organ failure, and metabolic dysfunction. Among these, hypoglycemia, characterized by disorders of the gluconeogenesis pathway, is related to one of the leading causes of mortality in septic patients. Recent research has investigated the involvement of sympathetic efferent neuroimmune pathways during systemic inflammation. These pathways can be stimulated by several centrally administered drugs, including Angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)). Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of central treatment with Ang-(1–7) on hypoglycemia during endotoxemia. For this, male Wistar Hannover rats underwent stereotaxic surgery for intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of Ang-(1–7) and cannulation of the jugular vein for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Our results demonstrate that LPS was capable of inducing hypoglycemia and that prior central treatment with Ang-(1–7) attenuated this effect. Our data also show that Ang-(1–7) reduced plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and nitric oxide, in addition to the decrease and increase of hepatic IL-6 and IL-10 respectively, in animals subjected to systemic inflammation by LPS, resulting in the reduction of systemic and hepatic inflammation, thus attenuating the deleterious effects of LPS on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase protein content. In summary, the data suggest that central treatment with Ang-(1–7) attenuates hypoglycemia induced by endotoxemia, probably through anti-inflammatory action, leading to reestablishing hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Ontogeny of Human Liver Aldehyde Oxidase: Developmental Changes and Implications for Drug Metabolism.

Despite the increasing importance of aldehyde oxidase (AO) in the drug metabolism of clinical candidates, ontogeny data for AO are limited. The objective of our study was to characterize the age-dependent AO content and activity in the human liver cytosolic fraction (HLC) and human hepatocytes (HH). HLC (n = 121 donors) and HH (n = 50 donors) were analyzed for (1) AO protein content by quantitative proteomics and (2) enzyme activity using carbazeran as a probe substrate. AO activity showed high technical variability and poor correlation with the content in HLC samples, whereas hepatocyte samples showed a strong correlation between the content and activity. Similarly, AO content and activity showed no significant age-dependent differences in HLC samples, whereas the average AO content and activity in hepatocytes increased significantly (∼20-40-fold) from the neonatal levels (0-28 days). Based on the hepatocyte data, the age at which 50% of the adult AO content is reached (age50) was 3.15 years (0.32-13.97 years, 95% CI). Metabolite profiling of carbazeran revealed age-dependent metabolic switching and the role of non-AO mechanisms (glucuronidation and desmethylation) in carbazeran elimination. The content-activity correlation in hepatocytes improved significantly (R2 = 0.95; p < 0.0001) in samples showing <10% contribution of glucuronidation toward the overall metabolism, confirming that AO-mediated oxidation and glucuronidation are the key routes of carbazeran metabolism. Considering the confounding effect of glucuronidation on AO activity, AO content-based ontogeny data are a more direct reflection of developmental changes in protein expression. The comprehensive ontogeny data of AO in HH samples are more reliable than HLC data, which are important for developing robust physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for predicting AO-mediated metabolism in children.

[Effects of Biochar on Growth and Pollutant Accumulation of Lettuce in Soil Co-contaminated with Tetracycline and Copper].

Through lettuce potting experiments, the effects of different types of biochar (apple branch, corn straw, and modified sorghum straw biochar with phosphoric acid modification) on lettuce growth under tetracycline (TC) and copper (Cu) co-pollution were investigated. The results showed that compared with those under CK, the addition of biochar treatment significantly increased the plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight of lettuce (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of different biochars significantly increased the nitrate nitrogen, chlorophyll, and soluble protein content in lettuce physiological indicators to varying degrees, while also significantly decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde, proline content, and catalase activity. The effects of biochar on lettuce physiological indicators were consistent during both the seedling and mature stages. Compared with those in CK, the addition of biochar resulted in varying degrees of reduction in the TC and Cu contents of both the aboveground and underground parts of lettuce. The aboveground TC and Cu levels decreased by 2.49%-92.32% and 12.79%-36.47%, respectively. The underground TC and Cu levels decreased by 12.53%-55.64% and 22.41%-42.29%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that nitrate nitrogen, chlorophyll, and soluble protein content of lettuce were negatively correlated with TC content, whereas malondialdehyde, proline content, and catalase activity were positively correlated with TC content. The resistance genes of lettuce were positively correlated with TC content (P &lt; 0.05). In general, modified biochar was found to be more effective in improving lettuce growth quality and reducing pollutant accumulation compared to unmodified biochar, with modified sorghum straw biochar showing the best remediation effect.

Nutrient comparisons among the noble scallops Chlamys nobilis with three different shell colours to provide advices for consumers to choose high-quality food

IntroductionIn aquatic animals, colors not only reflect their sensory qualities but also affect their nutritional components and market price. Noble scallop Chlamys nobilis is an importantly economical bivalve cultured in the south sea of China and renowned for its various shell colors.MethodsIn this study, the nutrient compositions were compared among golden, yellow, and brown shell colour noble scallops originating from the same population for breeding new varieties.ResultsAmong three colour scallops, there is no significant difference in the content of moisture, ash, and total protein content (TPC) but significant differences in total carotenoid content (TCC), total lipid content (TLC), and amino acids (AAs) (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with the TCC of the brown scallop being about 2 times lower. The yellow scallop contained the same nutrients as TCC, TLC, ∑PUFAs (including EPA and DHA), and n-3/n-6 as the golden scallop, and both were significantly higher than the brown scallop (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but they had significantly lower ∑SFAs than the latter (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The correlation between the nutrient indices and the shell color of scallops was 67.5%. There is a significantly positive correlation between TCC and ∑PUFAs (P &amp;lt; 0.05), while a significantly negative correlation exists between TCC and ∑SFAs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). More importantly, the yellow scallop had significantly higher EAAs and FAAs than the golden scallop (P &amp;lt; 0.05).DiscussionThis study showed that the yellow noble scallop not only enriched in carotenoids and PUFAs but also enriched in amino acids. Therefore, the yellow scallop is more benefit to human health, which can provide high-quality food for customers.

Evaluation of lauric acid enhancement of black soldier fly larvae from coconut.

The current study evaluated the potential enhancement of lauric acid (LA) in black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL), a source of this short-chain fatty acid which has antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties. Replicate groups of BSFL were reared on either the coconut or Gainesville diet for 7 days. After the rearing period, BSFL were harvested, purged, dried, and subjected to proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions, and pepsin digestibility analyses. Results demonstrate changes in proximate composition. BSFL reared on the coconut had significantly (P = 0.002) higher lipid content (47.3% vs. 25.2%) on a dry-matter basis. The LA concentration in BSFL produced on the coconut was 31% greater than those reared on Gainesville, resulting in almost 150% more LA. Furthermore, BSFL-fed coconut had reduced crude protein (29.7% of dry weight) and ash (3.7% of dry weight) relative to those fed Gainesville (43.4% and 7.5% for crude protein and ash, respectively) but higher pepsin digestibility (91.0% vs. 87.0%). The relative amounts of various amino acids in the 2 BSFL meals did not differ extensively, with statistically lower concentrations of only phenylalanine and tryptophan and higher concentrations of alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, and serine in BSFL reared on coconut. Results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of BSFL can be manipulated, and an enhancement of LA concentrations of 150% was achieved with coconut, which has value for BSFL as a feed for various livestock, including aquaculture. Lower protein content is a tradeoff in terms of BSFL value as a feed additive.