Protein Content Research Articles

Improving access: Multi-analytical survey of the Norwegian Sea trade archive to establish storage conditions, digitisation priorities and conservation treatments

The Norwegian Sea Trade Archive (NST Archive) from the University of Bergen Library, Norway, is part of the UNESCO documentary heritage and contains unique documentation of the activity of companies that traded in stock fish in Norway and Europe (16th-20th century). The archive consists primarily of bound paper manuscripts written mostly in brown ink. We have surveyed this collection using a multi-analytical approach focused on the material characterization and condition of the paper carrier and inks. Our main aim was to support decision-making on establishing storage conditions, digitisation priorities, and type and extent of conservation treatments necessary to make the collection accessible.After a first visual examination to detect and quantify damages, for the paper support analysis we measured surface pH, paper thickness and water absorbency. Additionally, on a quarter of all tested materials, we performed a SurveNIR analysis, providing information regarding paper pulp type, lignin, protein and rosin content, degree of polymerization, and mechanical properties. The archival material was grouped into three periods characterising the three milestones in paper production: handmade gelatine-sized rag papers, machine-made rag papers with gelatine and rosin sizing, and papers made from processed wood pulp.Regarding the manuscripts’ inks, we used iron and copper tests to determine the presence of Fe2, Cu2+ and Cu+ions, respectively. For the visual characterization and condition rating of the inks, we used the protocols described by the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage. The variety of ink colours and thickness of the inked lines encountered in each document was noted down. Thus specific tendencies present in each historical period became apparent. Results of the solubility of ink in water and alcohol significantly narrowed treatment options.General tendencies of paper and ink degradation based on differences in papermaking were observed. Surface pH measurement, SurveNIR pH, rosin and protein concentration data showed that most rag papers were of poor to fair quality (pH ≤ 6.0 and low protein content (< 5 %)). Rosin-sized papers dated after 1840 had a lower pH (from 3.3 ± 0.2 to 5.0 ± 0.2) compared to gelatine-sized ones. Based on the obtained results, the overall condition of all the papers is good – slightly damaged but stable. The inks are not severely corroded, and there is no loss of text, although 20 % of the collection does show signs of iron-gall ink (IGI) corrosion. A limited number of documents, mostly before 1800, would require local antioxidative treatment. Due to the low pH of all the papers and the detection of ink corrosion, the collection should be stored in a cool environment, with low relative humidity.After the survey, digitisation priorities were also established.

Maternal High Fat Diet and its expressions in the Heart and Liver in the Mice Embryogenesis.

The developmental biology for the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary heart disease are known but elaborative ideas of triglycerides phenomenon in the embryo-genesis of the liver and the heart are still not clear. The aim of the study was to relate different triglycerides like LXRα, LPL, LDL R, PPARG-, and SREBP-1C expression in the high fat-fed mice with the normal-fed diet mice in the process of developmen-tal and embryo-genesis biology. Tissue preparation was done by RIPA lysis. Different protein content was obtained via western blot for the 6 samples namely A.3 months embryo B.4 months embryo C.Birth day embryo D.3 days infant E. 2 weeks infant F. 4 weeks infant. Protein lysates from the heart tissues of the mice were obtained via ho-mogenization and centrifugation. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H and E) were done to see the fat droplets in the liver tissues at the different developmental stages. LXRα,SREBP-1C expression in 3 months embryo and 4 months embryo is highly expressed in the high-fat diet. LDL-R in the high-fat diet mice is increased in 3 days infant heart but in 3 months and 4 months embryo it has low expression but from the 0th day to the 4 weeks the expression is in a decreasing trend. Similarly, LPL is highly expressed in 3 months embryo and 0th day(Birthday) and thus low expression indecreasing order until 4 weeks infant. Thus, these results collectively show that a maternal HF diet in-creases the expression of proteins such as LPL, and LDLr in the embryo phase and thus getting normal ex-pressions in the adult phase that facilitate Triglycerides (TAG) hydrolysis across the liver and the heart. Also, maternal high-fat diet increases the SREBP1c expression, leading to stimulation of LPL Expression. In summary, using a pregnant mice model, we found that a maternal high-fat diet increases fe-tal fat accumulation. Elevated placental LPL activity and expression of genes that facilitate placental lipid transport suggest that enhanced placental lipid transport may play a key role in maternal nutrition and obesi-ty-induced fetal fat accumulation.

Experimental Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from Two Varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigerian Cultivated Solojo Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp)

Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from the two varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigeria cultivated solojo cowpeas were conducted to determine their nutritional value. These inorganic elements or minerals were classified into 3 categories, the ultra- trace minerals, which is the third category; the micro elements, also known as the trace minerals is the second category; while the first category are the macro elements, also known as major minerals. Some of the macro-elements are Ca, P, Na and Cl, the second category, micro-elements include, iron, copper, cobalt, potassium, magnesium, iodine, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, F, Cr, Se and S. Results show that the proportion of Sodium (Na) which is ingested into the body in the form of NaCl through food intake maintenance of body pH and to retain water ranged from 728.97 to 253.37 ppm (72.90 to 25.34 mg/100 g); 715.24 to 235.45 ppm; 735.28 to 270.37 ppm; 726.59 to 264.35ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively with all values of the germinated samples all bellow the control. While FFDAS iron content ranged from 4.25 to 13.50 mg/100 g; FFBS ranged from 3.15 to 12.56 mg/100 g; DAS ranged from 3.81 to 12.90 mg/100g; BS ranged from 3.42 to 9.40 mg/100 g. The values of the germinated flours were all greater than the ungerminated flour. Iron helps to transport oxygen round the body and also helps in red blood cells building and to convert food into needed energy by the body. While Manganese an element that is needed in micro quantity but necessary to convert food into energy, is also crucial for healthy bone and cartilage creation. Results also show that zinc quantity increased as germination proceeded and the values ranged from 38.80 ppm to 230.00 ppm (3.880 mg/100 g to 23.00 mg/100 g; 0.003880% to 0.0230%); 40.84 to 250.01 ppm; 32.85 to 93.41 ppm; 37.07 to 115.00 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. The Ca content improved significantly (p&lt;0.05) with sprouting, the value extended from 250.56 ppm to 760.03 ppm (25.056 to 76.00 mg/100g or 0.0251 to 0.0760 %); 400.40 to 998.22 ppm; 116.87 to 195.69 ppm; 113.48 to 220.75 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. Zinc element although needed at the micro level in the body, is essential for a strong immune system to keep the body in good health. It is also crucial for the maintenance of a healthy sense of taste and odor, while Calcium is critical for strong bones and teeth, blood coagulation, and muscle tightening and relaxation. Magnesium is needed to build enzyme and antioxidants and also for healthy bones while Potassium is needed to maintain; water balance, muscle movement, and nerve impulses. It functions in conjuction with Na to regulate blood pressure.

Study of the nutritional quality of the seeds of two varieties of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Congo

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is a legume belonging to the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae and which is consumed throughout the world for its seeds and pods. The seeds of this species provide a source of dietary protein available in many parts of the world; this is why they are considered “poor man’s meat” because of their high protein content and low cost, compared to animal proteins. The present study relating to the study of the nutritional value of bean seeds cultivated in Bouenza (Boko-Songho) and in the Plateaux (in Lékana) is a contribution to responding to the need for characterization of these varieties. Thus the general objective of this study which is to establish the nutritional value of these two local varieties “Kikata blanc” and “Lekana” is to use the standards established by the AOAC to achieve this objective, namely: the oven to determine the water content, the Soxhlet method to extract the fat, the Kjedahl method to determine the total protein content, the muffle furnace to know the ash rate, we deduced the carbohydrate content and finally we used spectrometry to identify the minerals in the ashes. We obtained the following results: Contents: Water: 7.65% ±0.07; Lipids: 0.81% ±0.02; Proteins: 10.6% ±0.14; Carbohydrates: 76.68% ±0.06; Ashes: 76.68% ±0.06; Energy value: 356.41 Kcal/100g. Among the minerals sought, we obtained: Phosphorus: 0.50% ±0.007; Magnesium: 0.14% ±0.007; Calcium: 0.04% ±0.006; Iron: 0.01% ±0.00. The results of this study allowed us to see that these two plants have good nutritional values. In order to complete this study, it is appropriate to look for other minerals in the ashes from these seeds; to deepen the studies to know the factors responsible for the differences in the biochemical composition observed between the two varieties.

Study of the nutritional value of Coula edulis kernels from Sembé (Republic of Congo)

Coula edulis Baill., is a non-timber forest product of great importance from a food, cultural and economic point of view for the African countries where this species grows. It belongs to the order Olacales and the family Olacaceae. Almonds extracted from Coula edulis nuts are consumed thanks to the nutrients they contain. Thus, the present study, which has the general objective of promoting Coula edulis almonds with a view to contributing to their better knowledge, could play a capital role in the fight against malnutrition. We therefore used the standards established by the AOAC to determine the nutritional value of these almonds, namely: the oven to determine the water content, the Soxhlet method to extract the fat, the Kjedahl method to determine the total protein content, the muffle furnace to know the ash rate and finally we deducted the carbohydrate content. Thus the characterization of these macronutrients led to the following results: a humidity level of 9.21%; the lipid content of 25.91%; protein content of 8.67%; the ash content of 1.55%, the fiber content of 3.5% and finally the carbohydrate content of 54.66%; which allowed us to find from these results, an energy value of 486.51 Kcal/100g. Compared to the results obtained in this study, we can say that these almonds have a very appreciable richness. Thus, Coula edulis almonds can be used as an excellent raw material in the production of fats or as a good source of carbohydrates in the agri-food sector. The consumption of its almonds by the Congolese population should be encouraged.

Chemical analysis of the effect of the effect of the use of maggots as a source of protein on the quality of fish feed

Objective: The research aims to analyze the chemical content of making fish food by using maggot as a substitute for fish meal as a protein source to improve the quality of fish feed. Material and method: The research method used was an experimental method with 4 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment A is feed consisting of 45% fish meal, 35% maggot meal, 16% corn meal, and 4% tapioca flour; treatment B is feed consisting of 50% fish meal, 30% maggot meal, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour; treatment C is feed consisting of 55% fish meal, 25% maggot meal, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour; and control treatment (k) is feed consisting of 0% fish meal, 50% maggot flour, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour. Results: The results of the research show that the overall water content of the feed produced is low. Regarding protein content, the highest protein content was in the control treatment. The use of maggot flour in feed has the lowest ash content. Regarding fat content, the higher the dose of maggot flour, the lower the fat content of the fish feed. All treatments tested had a lower carbohydrate content than the control treatment. Conclusion: The use of maggot meal as a substitute for fish meal in this research for making fish feed can support chemical feed quality, which contains water, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates according to fish needs.

Phytochemicals Screening, Proximate composition and Antioxidants Analysis of Italian Citrus paradisi Fruits

Citrus paradise is a largely consumed fruit for nutrition and medicinal importance. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemicals, proximate, and antioxidants contents of Italian Citrus paradisi fruits. The phytochemicals screening and proximate analysis were performed using the methods of AOAC. Antioxidants contents and capacities of the extract were determined by DPPH and FRAP Assay. The grapefruits aqueous extract revealed the presence of various phytochemicals and contains significant (p &lt; 0.05) amount of carbohydrates (89.36 %), moisture (74.80 %), lipids (4.56 %), protein (3.36 %), crude fiber (2.36 %), and ash content (0.83 %). The extract exhibited significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in DPPH percentage inhibition of free radical scavenging activity and FRAP properties comparable to that of the standard, ascorbic acid. The grapefruits extract contains various phytochemicals, proximate nutrients, and exhibited free radical scavenging activity. The grapefruits have nutritional status, antioxidant properties, and medicinal importance.

The effects of heating and acidulation on the properties and stability of plant seed protein emulsion gels

AbstractThis study aimed to prepare water-in-oil-type gelled protein emulsions. Sorghum, chickpea, and barley proteins were extracted from the seed flours with an alkaline procedure, and 2% protein solutions were used as an aqueous phase with Span 20 emulsifier to create sunflower oil emulsion gels. Prepared gels were analysed for main physicochemical properties, polymorphism, and rheology. Results showed that stable emulsion gels were creamy-greenish in colour and had mechanical stability. They included β and β′ type fat crystals. Rheological analyses indicated that they were soft-gel-like preparates, having certain levels of structural recovery ability after shear. These emulsion gels could be spreadable-fat-like products or shortening alternatives in processed foods. They might provide an extra advantage due to plant protein content. Food application studies are anticipated in future studies.

Different light intensity on Messastrum gracile growth under phototrophic cultivation in laboratory.

The present research evaluates the effects of three different lighting intensities, 60 (control), 30 and 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 on Messastrum gracile growth. The observations indicated that a light intensity of 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 resulted in higher cell density during experimental period. The light intensity of 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 had a strong negative impact on M. gracile growth. Parameters such as lipid and protein content, cell density, chlorophyll-a and biomass were lower compared to the other light intensities. On the 14th and 21st growth days, the biomass, lipid and protein content were higher at 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 with 800 mg L- 1, 5.7% and 34.4% biomass dry weight, respectively. The study also highlighted the economic aspects of M. gracile cultivation. The light intensities 30 and 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 were found to be more advantageous than 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 in terms of biomass, unit cost, lipid and protein content. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the light intensities of 30 and 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 are more viable for M. gracile cultivation in laboratory under conditions used.

Low oxygen environment effect on the tomato cell wall composition during the fruit ripening process

BackgroundOxygen concentration is a key characteristic of the fruit storage environment determining shelf life and fruit quality. The aim of the work was to identify cell wall components that are related to the response to low oxygen conditions in fruit and to determine the effects of such conditions on the ripening process. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits at different stages of the ripening process were stored in an anoxic and hypoxic environment, at 0% and 5% oxygen concentrations, respectively. We used comprehensive and comparative methods: from microscopic immunolabelling and estimation of enzymatic activities to detailed molecular approaches. Changes in the composition of extensin, arabinogalactan proteins, rhamnogalacturonan-I, low methyl-esterified homogalacturonan, and high methyl-esterified homogalacturonan were analysed.ResultsIn-depth molecular analyses showed that low oxygen stress affected the cell wall composition, i.e. changes in protein content, a significantly modified in situ distribution of low methyl-esterified homogalacturonan, appearance of callose deposits, disturbed native activities of β-1,3-glucanase, endo-β-1,4-glucanase, and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and disruptions in molecular parameters of single cell wall components. Taken together, the data obtained indicate that less significant changes were observed in fruit in the breaker stage than in the case of the red ripe stage. The first symptoms of changes were noted after 24 h, but only after 72 h, more crucial deviations were visible. The 5% oxygen concentration slows down the ripening process and 0% oxygen accelerates the changes taking place during ripening.ConclusionsThe observed molecular reset occurring in tomato cell walls in hypoxic and anoxic conditions seems to be a result of regulatory and protective mechanisms modulating ripening processes.

Improvement of Yield and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), Some Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants Activity in Response to Zn-Nano Fertilizer in Different Irrigation Regimes

ABSTRACT Peanut, as an oilseed, have high nutritional value for humans and livestock and poultry. The seed yield (SY) of peanut decreases under drought stress conditions, and the zinc (Zn) nano-fertilizer can reduce the negative impacts of water deficiency on peanut plants and improves its SY. This experiment carried out as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Astara, Iran, during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Three irrigation regimes at 50 mm (IR50), 75 mm (IR75) and 100 mm (IR100) evaporation from class A evaporation pan in main plot and three levels of Zn nano-chelate, including 0.5 g. l−1; (Zn0.5), 1 g. l−1; (Zn1) and 1.5 g. l−1; (Zn1.5) in sub plot, comprised experimental treatments. The results indicated that the highest pod yield (PY), SY, oil yield (OY) and protein yield (PRY) of peanut (3633, 2900, 1582 and 826 kg. ha−1, respectively) were obtained in response to Zn nano-chelate with a dose of 1.0 g. l−1 in IR50 treatment. Nonetheless, under foliar spraying of Zn1 and severe drought stress conditions (IR100) were observed the highest proline (14.84 µmol g−1 FW), superoxide dismutase (53.42 Unit mg−1 proteinmin−1), catalase (72.87 nmol mg−1 proteinmin−1), peroxidase (64.17 nmol mg−1 protein min−1), soluble sugar content (172.04 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein content (114.16 mg g−1 DW) and anthocyanin pigments (11.20 µmol g−1 FW). Generally, application of Zn1 treatment, through increasing antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymatic antioxidants, improved peanut SY. Hence, foliar application of Zn nano-chelate could be recommended to enhance peanut yield.

Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study determines the Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh, (India), which consisted of three levels of nitrogen 80, 120 and 160 Kg/ha in main plot and five weed management practices Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT, Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Weed free and Weedy check in subplot thereby, making fifteen treatment combinations and replicated thrice in split plot design . Results indicated that protein content and protein yield, N, P and K content in grain and straw and their uptake after harvest were maximum recorded with the application of 160 Kg N ha-1 and Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT which was comparable to weed free during both the years of investigation on transplanting rice.

Bioelectrochemical protein production valorising NH3-rich pig manure-derived wastewater and CO2 from anaerobic digestion

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cell use is an innovative approach for single-cell proteins (SCP) production. Coupling MES with the valorization of CO2 from anaerobic digestion and nitrogen from livestock effluents has beneficial environmental effects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen overloading. In addition, the reducing power needed can come from surplus renewable energy. In this study, MES with a biochar-functionalized cathode was tested at varying polarizations, i.e. non polarized, −0.6 V and −1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl, and biogas-derived CO2 and recovered ammonia from pig slurry was supplied.Negative polarization switched the microbial community from heterotrophic, typical of unpolarized MES, to a mix of both heterotrophic and autotrophic/electrotrophic communities at −0.6 V and to mainly autotrophic/electrotrophic at −1.0 V. The more negative polarization allowed the highest CO2 and N capture, i.e. 39 ± 2 % of the supplied CO2, and 6.7 ± 0.8 % supplied N. Microbial biomass characterization indicated a protein content on dry matter basis of 33.1 ± 1.3 % (unpolarized), 43.2 ± 0.6 % (−0.6 V) and 69.1 ± 1.0 % (−1.0 V). The amino acids profiles investigated showed a high nutritional value of the produced biomass, not far from those of conventional protein sources used for producing feed/food.

Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bioactive properties and peptide sequence composition of Malatya apricot kernels.

This study used four different apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernels cultivated in Malatya during two consecutive years. The varieties were Hacihaliloglu, Hasanbey, Kabaasi, and Zerdali. The physicochemical properties of the kernels were determined, and the bioactive content of the kernels was evaluated using kernel hydrolysates prepared using trypsin. With regard to the physicochemical properties of the kernels, the dry matter ratio and protein content were the highest in the Hacihaliloglu variety; the ash ratio was the highest in the Kabaasi variety, and the free oil ratio was the highest in the Hasanbey variety. The bioactive compound content changed according to kernel variety. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors activity was found to be the highest in the Hacihaliloglu and Hasanbey varieties, which had the lowest amygdalin content, and Zerdali had the highest amygdalin content. The antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of the kernels varied, with Hasanbey and Kabaasi generally having the highest content in both analyses. Moreover, a concentration of 20 mg mL-1 of the hydrolysate was determined to have a destructive effect for the microorganisms used in this study. The storage protein of the kernels, except Hacihaliloglu, was found to be Prunin 1, with the longest matching protein chain in the kernels being R.QQQGGQLMANGLEETFCSLRLK.E. The results suggest that the peptide sequences identified in the kernels could have antihypertensive, antioxidative, and Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV)inhibitory effects. Consequently, apricot kernels show potential for use in the production of functional food products. Of the kernels evaluated in this study, Hacihaliloglu and Hasanbey were deemed the most suitable varieties due to their higher bioactive content and lower amygdalin content. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis of Soybean Diversity Across Different Countries and Selection Signature of Korean Soybean Accession.

Soybean is an important agricultural crop known for its high protein and oil content, contributing to essential nutritional and health benefits for humans. Domesticated in China over 5000 years ago, soybean has since adapted to diverse environments and spread worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the genomic characteristics and population structures of 2,317 publicly available soybean whole-genome sequences from diverse geographical regions, including China, Korea, Japan, Europe, North America and South America. We used large-scale whole-genome sequencing data to perform high-resolution analyses to reveal the genetic characteristics of soybean accessions. Soybean accessions from China and Korea exhibited landrace characteristics, indicating higher genetic diversity and adaptation to local environments. On the other hand, soybean accessions from Japan, the European Union, and South America were found to have low genetic diversity due to artificial selection and breeding for agronomic traits. We also identified key variants and genes associated with the ability to adapt to different environments. In Korean soybean accessions, we observed strong selection signals for isoflavone synthesis, an adaptive trait critical for improving soybean adaptability, survival, and reproductive success by mitigating environmental stress. Identifying specific genomic regions showing unique patterns of selective sweeps for genes such as HIDH, CYP73A11, IFS1, and CYP81E11 associated with isoflavone synthesis provided valuable insights into potential adaptation mechanisms. Our research has significantly improved our understanding of soybean diversity at the genetic level. We have identified key genetic variants and genes influencing adaptability, laying the foundation for future advances in genomics-based breeding programs and crop improvement efforts.

Food patch selection by the largest European herbivore

AbstractThe scaling relationship between digestive system and body mass shapes foraging strategies in herbivores. The Jarman–Bell principle and the forage maturation hypothesis (FMH), two of the most important predictions formulated in herbivore foraging ecology, have been used to explain this relationship.We aimed to test these predictions for the largest European herbivore—the European bison-which is highly sexually dimorphic and recognised as a refugee species in non-optimal forest habitats. We conducted our study in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, where the European bison has been recognized as a refugee species. We estimated vegetation quality and biomass along the foraging paths of male and female European bison, and the vegetation biomass at random points in different habitats and months. We found no support for the Jarmann-Bell principle at the intraspecific level in European bison, as males and females foraged on patches of similar crude protein and fibre content. However, females selected for higher biomass. The quality of vegetation on the bison foraging patches showed a significant spatio-temporal variation. It increased from May to July and then gradually decreased. It also increased with the fertility and wetness of the habitats being the highest in wet forests. Mean biomass on European bison foraging patches (131.5 g/m2), was significantly lower than on random plots (210.5 g/m2), which supported the FMH. Our study suggests that in rich forest habitats, the abundant food resources available in summer may not constrain the metabolic rate/gut capacity ratio of either sex, potentially leading to dietary segregation. In contrast to open habitats, where vegetation maturation is less temporally variable, European bison in rich forest habitats may optimise patch selection and energy intake by tracking a habitat- and species-specific changes in the plant phenology. Understanding the relationship between European bison forage selection and forage nutritional constraints in forest habitats may be critical for conservation programmes, as European bison are better adapted to more open habitats and are recognised as refugee species in suboptimal forest habitats.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the effect of cold storage time on the expression of genes related to oxidative metabolism in Chinese black truffle.

Chinese black truffle (Tuber indicum) is a hypogenous fungus of great value due to its distinctive aroma. In this study, both transcriptome and physicochemical analyses were performed to investigate the changes of nutrients and gene expression in truffle fruiting bodies during cold storage. The results of physicochemical analysis revealed the active metabolism of fruiting bodies in cold storage, showing the decreased contents of protein and soluble sugar, the variations in both polyphenol oxidase activity and total phenol content, and the detrimental effect of reactive oxygen species production caused by heavy metals (cadmium and lead) in truffles. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 139,489 unigenes. Down-regulated expression of genes encoding the catalase-like domain-containing protein (katE), glutaredoxin protein (GRX), a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Sod_Cu), and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) affected the degradation metabolism of intracellular oxides. Ribulose-5-phosphate-3-epimerase (RPE) was a key enzyme in response to oxidative stress in truffle cells through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). A total of 51,612 simple sequence repeats were identified, providing valuable resources for further genetic diversity analysis, molecular breeding, and genetic map-ping in T. indicum. Transcription factors GAL4 and SUF4-like protein were involved in glucose metabolism and histone methylation processes, respectively. Our study provided a fundamental characterization of the physicochemical and molecular variations in T. indicum during the cold storage at 4°C, providing strong experimental evidence to support the improvement of storage quality of T. indicum.

Combined Effect of Potassium Fertiliser, Saline Irrigation Water and Humic Acids On Soil Acidity and Yield Components of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L)

A field experiment was conducted to adapt seedlings of sweet pepper, also called “California Wonder”, to salinity and the role of humic acid and potassium fertiliser in reducing the effect of salinity on the plant. A three-factorial field experiment was conducted according to the Complete Random Block Design, with three replications during the spring season of 2018 to study the humic acid and potassium fertiliser role in enhancing the salt tolerance of pepper plants. The first factor included four levels of saline water irrigation, namely 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS.m-1. The second factor included a foliar application of three levels of humic acids i.e., 0, 25 and 50 kg.h-1. The third factor represents the addition of three levels of potassium fertiliser (potassium sulphate of 50% K2O according to the fertiliser recommendation of 0, 75 and 150 kg. h-1. The considered plant and soil traits were branch per plant, stem diameter (mm), percentage of protein in the fruits and soil pH. The results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 6 ds m-1 in branch per plant with 12.3 and the most significant results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 4 ds m-1 in stem diameter 2.03 mm. The results showed a decrease in branch per plant and stem diameter (mm) by increasing the salinity of irrigation water by 8 ds m-1 and the increase in the addition of humic acid and potassium fertiliser. The results showed a decrease in soil acidity (pH) increasing the salinity of irrigation and increasing fruit protein content by increasing the salinity.

Chlorella vulgaris-mediated bioremediation of food and beverage wastewater from industries in Mexico: Results and perspectives towards sustainability and circular economy

The food and beverage industries in Mexico generate substantial effluents, including nejayote, cheese-whey, and tequila vinasses, which pose significant environmental challenges due to their extreme physicochemical characteristics and excessive organic load. This study aimed to assess the potential of Chlorella vulgaris in bioremediating these complex wastewaters while also producing added-value compounds. A UV mutagenesis treatment (40 min) enhanced C. vulgaris adaptability to grow in the effluent conditions. Robust growth was observed in all three effluents, with nejayote identified as the optimal medium. Physicochemical measurements conducted pre- and post-cultivation revealed notable reductions of pollutants in nejayote, including complete removal of nitrogen and phosphates, and an 85 % reduction in COD. Tequila vinasses exhibited promise with a 66 % reduction in nitrogen and a 70 % reduction in COD, while cheese-whey showed a 17 % reduction in phosphates. Regarding valuable compounds, nejayote yielded the highest pigment (1.62 mg·g−1) and phenolic compound (3.67 mg·g−1) content, while tequila vinasses had the highest protein content (16.83 %). The main highlight of this study is that C. vulgaris successfully grew in 100 % of the three effluents (without additional water or nutrients), demonstrating its potential for sustainable bioremediation and added-value compound production. When grown in 100 % of the effluents, they become a sustainable option since they don't require an input of fresh water and therefore do not contribute to water scarcity. These findings offer a practical solution for addressing environmental challenges in the food and beverage industries within a circular economy framework.

Superoxide dismutase 1-modified dental pulp stem cells alleviate high-altitude pulmonary edema by inhibiting oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a deadly form of altitude sickness, and there is no effective treatment for HAPE. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cell isolated from dental pulp tissues and possess various functions, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress. DPSCs have been used to treat a variety of diseases, but there are no studies on treating HAPE. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to acute low-pressure hypoxia to establish theHAPE model, and SOD1-modified DPSCs (DPSCsHiSOD1) were administered through thetail vein. Pulmonary arterial pressure, lung water content (LWC), total lung protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenates, oxidative stress, and inflammatory indicators were detected to evaluate the effects of DPSCsHiSOD1 on HAPE. Rat type II alveolar epithelial cells (RLE-6TN) were used to investigate the effects and mechanism of DPSCsHiSOD1 on hypoxia injury. We found that DPSCs could treat HAPE, and the effect was better than that of dexamethasone treatment. SOD1 modification could enhance the function of DPSCs in improving the structure of lung tissue, decreasing pulmonary arterial pressure and LWC, and reducing the total lung protein content of BALF and lung homogenates, through anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, we found that DPSCsHiSOD1 could protect RLE-6TN from hypoxic injury by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Our findings confirm that SOD1 modification could enhance the anti-oxidative stress ability of DPSCs through the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway. DPSCs, especially DPSCsHiSOD1, could be a potential treatment for HAPE. Schematic diagram of the antioxidant stress mechanism of DPSCs in the treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema. DPSCs can alleviate oxidative stress by releasing superoxide dismutase 1, thereby reducing ROS production and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway to ameliorate lung cell injury in HAPE.