Protein Research Articles

Systemic Review of Clot Retraction Modulators.

Through a process termed clot retraction, platelets cause thrombi to shrink and become more stable. After platelets are activated via inside-out signaling, glycoprotein αIIbβIII binds to fibrinogen and initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling that ends in actin remodeling, which causes the platelet to change its shape. Clot retraction is also important for wound healing. Although the detailed molecular biology of clot retraction is only partially understood, various substances and physiological conditions modulate clot retraction. In this review, we describe some of the current literature pertaining to clot retraction modulators. In addition, we discuss compounds from Cudrania trucuspidata, Arctium lappa, and Panax ginseng that diminish clot retraction and have numerous other health benefits. Caffeic acid and diindolylmethane, both common in plants and vegetables, likewise reduce clot retraction, as do all-trans retinoic acid (a vitamin A derivative), two MAP4K inhibitors, and the chemotherapeutic drug Dasatinib. Conversely, the endogenous anticoagulant Protein S (PS) and the matricellular protein secreted modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1) both enhance clot retraction. Most studies aiming to identify mechanisms of clot retraction modulators have focused on the increased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor I and the decreased phosphorylation of various phospholipases (e.g., phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and (PI3Ks). One study focused on the decreased phosphorylation of Sarcoma Family Kinases (SFK), and others have focused on increased cAMP levels and the downregulation of inflammatory markers such as thromboxanes, including thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2); prostaglandin A2 (PGE2); reactive oxygen species (ROS); and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. Additionally, pregnancy, fibrinolysis, and the autoimmune condition systemic lupus erythematosus all seem to affect, or at least have some relation with, clot retraction. All the clot retraction modulators need in-depth study to explain these effects.

Evaluation of platelet parameters, coagulation markers, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function in palestinian women with recurrent pregnancy loss

BackgroundMultiple etiologies contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) including immunological, endocrine, anatomical, genetic and infection but more than 50% of cases remain unexplained. Evidences of thrombotic and inflammatory processes were observed at maternal-fetal interface and considered pathological findings in most RPL cases including unexplained cases. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RPL and several risk factors: platelet parameters, coagulation factors, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function.MethodsThis is an unmatched case-control study that included 100 RPL and 100 control women. Anthropometric and health data were collected and a gynecologist examined participants to assure fitting the inclusion criteria. Platelet parameters [including Mean Platelet Mass (MPM), Concentration (MPC) and Volume (MPV)] and ratios (MPV/Platelet, MPC/Platelet, MPM/Platelet, Platelet/Mononuclear cells), coagulation markers [Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), Antithrombin III, D-dimer], antiphospholipid antibodies [Anti-phospholipid (APA), Anti-cardiolipin (ACA) and anti-B2-glycoprotein 1], Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, and thyroid function (Thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase) were measured.ResultsMean ages of cases and controls at marriage were 22.5 years for both, and their current ages were 29.4 and 33.0, respectively. 92% of cases and 99% of controls aged blow 30 years at marriage. 75% of cases have 3–4 miscarriages and 9% have ≥ 7 miscarriages. Our results indicated significantly lower male/female age ratio (p = .019), PC (p = .036) and PS (p = .025) in cases compared to controls. Plasma D-dimer (p = .020) and antiphospholipid antibodies [ACA (IgM and IgG), APA (IgM)] were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between cases and controls concerning APA (IgG), anti-B2-glycoprotein 1 (IgM and IgG), Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, platelet parameters, thyroid markers, family history of miscarriage, consanguineous marriage, and other health data.ConclusionsThis is the first study that investigated the association between platelet, coagulation, antiphospholipid, autoimmune and thyroid parameters, and RPL in Palestinian women. Significant associations between male/female age ratio, PC, PS, D-dimer, ACA (IgM, IgG), APA (IgM) and RPL were observed. These markers could be used in evaluating RPL. These findings confirm the heterogeneous nature of RPL and emphasize the need for further studies to find out risk factors for RPL.

N-acyl homoserine lactone mediating initial adhesion of microalgal biofilm formation

While pioneering methods have demonstrated that bacterial N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signaling molecules can influence the growth and self-aggregation of suspended microalgae, whether AHLs can affect the initial adhesion to a carrier has remained an open question. Here we revealed that the microalgae exhibited different adhesion potential under AHL mediation, where the performance was affiliated to both AHL types and concentrations. The result can be well explained by the interaction energy theory, where the energy barrier between the carriers and the cells varied due to AHL mediation. Depth analyses revealed that AHL acted through modifying the properties of the surface electron donor of the cells, which were dependent upon three major components, i.e., extracellular protein (PN) secretion, the PN secondary structure, and the PN amino acid composition. These findings expand the known diversity of AHLs mediation on microalgal initial adhesion and metabolisms, which may interface with other major cycles and become helpful to theoretically guide the application of AHLs in microalgal culture and harvesting.

Response of nitrite accumulation to elevated C/NO– 3-N ratio during partial denitrification process: Insights of extracellular polymeric substance, microbial community and metabolic function

This study investigated the response of nitrite accumulation to elevated COD/NO3–-N ratio (C/N) during partial denitrification (PD). Results indicated nitrite was gradually accumulated and remained stable (C/N = 1.5 ∼ 3.0), while that rapidly declined after reaching the peak (C/N = 4.0 ∼ 5.0). The polysaccharide (PS) and protein (PN) content of tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) reached the maximum at C/N of 2.5 ∼ 3.0, which might be stimulated by high level of nitrite. Illumina MiSeq sequencing showed Thauera and OLB8 were dominated denitrifying genera at C/N of 1.5 ∼ 3.0, while Thauera was further enriched with fading OLB8 at C/N of 4.0 ∼ 5.0. Meanwhile, the highly-enriched Thauera might enhance the activity of nitrite reductase (nirK) promoting further nitrite reduction. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed positive correlations between nitrite production and PN content of TB-EPS, denitrifying bacteria (Thauera and OLB8) and nitrate reductases (narG/H/I) in low C/N. Finally, their synergistic effects for driving nitrite accumulation were comprehensively elucidated.

Elemene inhibits the growth and promotes apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through PTEN-Akt signaling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the influence of elemene on growth and apoptotic changes in bladder cancer cells, and the involvement of the phosphatase and tensin homologous protein (PTEN)-serine/threonine kinase (Akt) signal pathway in the process.
 Methods: Human bladder cell line SV-HUC-1 and human bladder cancer cell line T24 were randomly assigned to blank control group and elemene groups. Protein expression levels of apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3] and PTEN, Akt, and p-Akt in both cells were determined using western blot assay.
 Results: In T24 cells, the protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly higher in elemene group than in blank control, while the protein expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 in elemene group were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in blank control group (p < 0.05). The protein expression of PTEN level in T24 cells was significantly higher in elemene group than in blank control group, while protein expression level of p-Akt was significantly lower in elemene group than in blank control (p < 0.05). The Akt protein expression was comparable in elemene and blank control groups.
 Conclusion: Elemene inhibits the growth and enhances apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through a mechanism involving up-regulation of the expression of PTEN and suppression of the expression of pAkt.

Metabolomic pathway regulation for prevention and control of granule sludge bulking in thiosulfate-driven denitrification

The performance of thiosulfate-driven denitrification (TDD) granule reactor and the mechanism of granule sludge bulking were investigated in this study. The results showed that TDD granule bulking occurred under 12 kgNm−3d−1 of nitrogen loading rate (NLR). The higher NLR promoted accumulation of intermediates in the carbon fixation pathway, including citrate, oxaloacetate, oxoglutarate and fumarate. The carbon fixation improved amino acids biosynthesis, which increased proteins (PN) in extracellular polymers (EPS) to 134.6 ± 11.8 mg/gVSS. The excessive PN altered the content, components and chemical groups of EPS, leading to change of granule structure and decline in settling property, permeability and nitrogen removal. By adopting the strategy of intermittently reducing NLR, excess amino acids in sulfur-oxidizing bacteria was consumed through microbial growth-related metabolism instead of EPS synthesis. Therefore, the nitrogen removal rate increased to 10.23 kg-Nm−3d−1 and maintained stable in the long term. The EPS contents decreased from 168.8 ± 13.5 mg/gVSS to 93 ± 11.5 mg/gVSS and the SVI5 decreased from 66 ± 3.5 ml/g to 25 ± 1.5 ml/g. These findings provide an effective strategy to prevent granule bulking and guide practical application of TDD process.

Predation preference for extracellular polysaccharides by paramecia and rotifers may have accelerated the decline of membrane biofilm hydraulic resistance

The hydraulic resistance of biofilm layer on membranes impacts the filtration resistance significantly. The effect of predation by two model microfauna (i.e., paramecia and rotifers) on the hydraulic resistance, structure, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and bacterial community of biofilms developed on supporting materials (i.e., nylon mesh) was evaluated in this study. Long-term experiments demonstrated that predation could alter biofilm compositions and accelerated the decline of hydraulic resistance by increasing biofilm heterogeneity and deformation. Importantly, predation preference of paramecia and rotifers on biofilm components were further investigated for the first time by tracking the fluorescence change in the predator bodies after exposure to the stained biofilms. Results indicated that after 12-hour’s incubation, the ratio of extracellular α-polysaccharides (α-PS) to proteins (PN) within the bodies of paramecia and rotifers increased to 2.6 and 3.9, respectively, which was 0.76 in the original biofilms. The ratios of α-PS/live cells within paramecia and rotifers increased to 1.42 and 1.64 from 0.81 in the original biofilms. The ratio of live/dead cells in the predator bodies, however, changed slightly compared to the original biofilms. These results clearly and directly evidenced that both paramecia and rotifers could feed on biofilm EPS and cells, but having a significant preference for PS over PN and cells. Since extracellular PS is recognized as a primary biofilm adhesion agent, the preference for PS could better explain why predation had accelerated the disintegration and hydraulic resistance decline of mesh biofilms.

Stress responses of partial denitrification system under long-term ciprofloxacin exposure in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor

This study evaluated the stress response of partial denitrification (PD) sludge system under ciprofloxacin (CIP) exposure. The results showed that the nitrite accumulation rate (NAR) decreased from 77.41 % to 28.39 % under CIP stress of 200 µg/L, and after adapting to CIP stress, the NAR of PD system recovered to 61.56 % even the CIP increased to 1000 µg/L. The average COD removal efficiency increased from 69.08 ± 2.01 % to 73.33 ± 2.33 %, and the average removal efficiency of CIP increased from 9.83 % ± 0.71 % in phase II (CIP=50 µg /L) to 30.15 % ± 1.63 % in phase V (CIP=1000 µg /L). Under CIP stress, the protein (PN) in Tightly Bound-extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) increased from 77.60 mg/(g-SS) in phase I to 135.58 mg/(g-SS) in phase Ⅲ (influent CIP=200 µg /L). FTIR revealed that functional groups (CO, C-H, C-O-C) in EPS of PD sludge could bind to CIP to protect microbial cells from damage. The results of principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that the addition of CIP had a significant effect on the microbial community structure, CIP exposure led to an increase in biodiversity of PD system. At genus level, Thauera genus abundance decreased, while OLB12 and Denitratisoma genus abundances increased under CIP stress. This was consistent with the result that the conversion of NO3--N to NO2--N was inhibited while NO2--N reduction was promoted. The findings of this study provided insight into the stress-responses of PD system under long-term CIP exposure and provided useful guidance for the risk assessment and control strategy of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

Genetic Predictors of Antipsychotic Efflux Impairment via Blood-Brain Barrier: Role of Transport Proteins

Antipsychotic (AP)-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a current problem of biological and clinical psychiatry. Despite the development of new generations of APs, the problem of AP-induced ADRs has not been solved and continues to be actively studied. One of the important mechanisms for the development of AP-induced ADRs is a genetically-determined impairment of AP efflux across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We present a narrative review of publications in databases (PubMed, Springer, Scopus, Web of Science E-Library) and online resources: The Human Protein Atlas; GeneCards: The Human Gene Database; US National Library of Medicine; SNPedia; OMIM Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man; The PharmGKB. The role of 15 transport proteins involved in the efflux of drugs and other xenobiotics across cell membranes (P-gp, TAP1, TAP2, MDR3, BSEP, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, MRP5, MRP6, MRP7, MRP8, MRP9, BCRP) was analyzed. The important role of three transporter proteins (P-gp, BCRP, MRP1) in the efflux of APs through the BBB was shown, as well as the association of the functional activity and expression of these transport proteins with low-functional and non-functional single nucleotide variants (SNVs)/polymorphisms of the ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC1 genes, encoding these transport proteins, respectively, in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). The authors propose a new pharmacogenetic panel "Transporter protein (PT)-Antipsychotic (AP) Pharmacogenetic test (PGx)" (PTAP-PGx), which allows the evaluation of the cumulative contribution of the studied genetic biomarkers of the impairment of AP efflux through the BBB. The authors also propose a riskometer for PTAP-PGx and a decision-making algorithm for psychiatrists. Conclusions: Understanding the role of the transportation of impaired APs across the BBB and the use of genetic biomarkers for its disruption may make it possible to reduce the frequency and severity of AP-induced ADRs, since this risk can be partially modified by the personalized selection of APs and their dosing rates, taking into account the genetic predisposition of the patient with SSD.

Effects of electroacupuncture at KI3 and ST36 on the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in a rat model of chronic glomerulonephritis.

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) acts as a critical integrating center of endocrine/autonomic responses and regulates visceral functional activities. However, its involvement in electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) remains unclear. Over four experiments, we randomized 111 rats into: control, untreated model (CGN) or EA-treated model (CGN + EA) groups, a model group receiving EA after PVN damage (CGN + EA + Lesion) or untreated model groups injected with adeno-associated viral vectors encoding human M4 muscarinic receptor (CGN + hM4D) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (CGN + EGFP). CGN was modeled by intraperitoneal injection of bovine serum albumin for 2 weeks. Rats in the CGN + EA and CGN + EA + Lesion groups received EA at bilateral ST36 and KI3 for 14 days. Urine/serum samples were collected to evaluate inflammatory factors and changes in renal function. EA inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β, and decreased urine protein (PRO), creatinine (Cre) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. PVN damage influenced the effect of EA on the levels of these parameters. EA appeared to inhibit the firing frequency and spectral energy of PVN neurons. In the viral vector experiment, levels of PRO, Cre, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the CGN group were increased in CGN versus control groups (p < 0.0001), decreased in CGN + hM4D versus CGN groups (p < 0.05) and did not differ between CGN + EGFP and control groups (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that EA at ST36 and KI3 improves CGN in this rat model by weakening the activity of PVN neurons, alleviating impairment of renal function impairment and restricting the release of inflammatory factors.

Controlling the assembly of soy β-conglycinin to fabricate heat-stable particles for high protein liquid systems.

Recently, there is a growing interest in developing protein-fortified liquid systems, which are formulated to provide special nutrient combinations to those with special dietary needs. The fabrication of heat-stable protein for protein-fortified liquid systems relies heavily on precise control of the edible protein-building process. Results suggested that heat-stable 7S protein particles (7SPPs) could be obtained by preheating at 100 °C for an extended time, whereas 7S proteins with better gelling properties were discovered after preheating at lower temperatures. According to the findings of the protein conformational and morphological characterization, the 7SPPs showed rather stable tertiary and secondary structures as well as size distributions, which might be responsible for their heat stability. Additionally, during the reheating test, suspensions of 7SPPs showed no signs of gelation and had a low viscosity even though the protein content was as high as 120 mg mL-1 . However, 7S proteins with improved gelling properties were found to show rising aggregate size, higher susceptibility and larger conformational structure changing rates upon reheating treatment. Soy β-conglycinin (7S) proteins with tunable heat stability were successfully prepared by preheating 10 mg mL-1 protein dispersions at various temperatures (80-120 °C) and durations (15-120 min). These findings provide fundamental insights for developing 7S-based protein-fortified systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oral rifampicin interferes with urine dipstick tests for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Rifampicin (RMP) and its major metabolite, desacetyl rifampicin (dRMP), can interfere with urine dipstick tests (UDTs) in patients with tuberculosis (TB) who receive oral RMP. This study sought to examine the effects of RMP and dRMP on UDTs using 2 different urine dipsticks (i.e., Arkray's Aution Sticks 10EA and GIMA's Combi-Screen 11SYS Plus sticks). Urine colorimetry was applied to measure RMP concentrations and determine the range of total RMP concentration in the urine within 2-6 and 12-24 h of oral administration of RMP. In vitro interference assays and confirmatory tests were performed to evaluate the effects of RMP and dRMP on the analytes. The total RMP concentration in the urine of the 40 TB patients analyzed as urine sample was 88-376 µg/mL within 2-6 h and 22-112 µg/mL within 12-24 h of oral administration of RMP. Interference was observed for different analytes at consistent or varied RMP concentrations between the in vitro interference assays and the confirmatory tests, including 75 patients [Aution Sticks 10EA: 250, 250 µg/mL for protein (PRO); 400, 300 µg/mL for leukocyte esterase (LEU); Combi-Screen 11SYS Plus: 125, 150 µg/mL for ketones (KET); 500, 350 µg/mL for nitrite (NIT); 200, 300 µg/mL for PRO; 125, 150 µg/mL for LEU]. RMP and dRMP interfered with the analytes of the UDTs using the 2 urine dipsticks in different levels. The in vitro interference assay is not an ideal substitute for the confirmatory test. The collection of urine samples within 12-24 h of administration of RMP can prevent the interference caused by RMP and dRMP.

Antithrombin, Protein C, and Protein S: Genome and Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies Identify 7 Novel Loci Regulating Plasma Levels.

Antithrombin, PC (protein C), and PS (protein S) are circulating natural anticoagulant proteins that regulate hemostasis and of which partial deficiencies are causes of venous thromboembolism. Previous genetic association studies involving antithrombin, PC, and PS were limited by modest sample sizes or by being restricted to candidate genes. In the setting of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology consortium, we meta-analyzed across ancestries the results from 10 genome-wide association studies of plasma levels of antithrombin, PC, PS free, and PS total. Study participants were of European and African ancestries, and genotype data were imputed to TOPMed, a dense multiancestry reference panel. Each of the 10 studies conducted a genome-wide association studies for each phenotype and summary results were meta-analyzed, stratified by ancestry. Analysis of antithrombin included 25 243 European ancestry and 2688 African ancestry participants, PC analysis included 16 597 European ancestry and 2688 African ancestry participants, PSF and PST analysis included 4113 and 6409 European ancestry participants. We also conducted transcriptome-wide association analyses and multiphenotype analysis to discover additional associations. Novel genome-wide association studies and transcriptome-wide association analyses findings were validated by in vitro functional experiments. Mendelian randomization was performed to assess the causal relationship between these proteins and cardiovascular outcomes. Genome-wide association studies meta-analyses identified 4 newly associated loci: 3 with antithrombin levels (GCKR, BAZ1B, and HP-TXNL4B) and 1 with PS levels (ORM1-ORM2). transcriptome-wide association analyses identified 3 newly associated genes: 1 with antithrombin level (FCGRT), 1 with PC (GOLM2), and 1 with PS (MYL7). In addition, we replicated 7 independent loci reported in previous studies. Functional experiments provided evidence for the involvement of GCKR, SNX17, and HP genes in antithrombin regulation. The use of larger sample sizes, diverse populations, and a denser imputation reference panel allowed the detection of 7 novel genomic loci associated with plasma antithrombin, PC, and PS levels.

Efficient Mn(II) removal mechanism by Serratia marcescens QZB-1 at high manganese concentration.

Manganese (Mn(II)) pollution has recently increased and requires efficient remediation. In this study, Serratia marcescens QZB-1, isolated from acidic red soil, exhibited high tolerance against Mn(II) (up to 364 mM). Strain QZB-1 removed a total of 98.4% of 18 mM Mn(II), with an adsorption rate of 71.4% and oxidation rate of 28.6% after incubation for 48 h. The strain synthesized more protein (PN) to absorb Mn(II) when stimulated with Mn(II). The pH value of the cultural medium continuously increased during the Mn(II) removal process. The product crystal composition (mainly MnO2 and MnCO3), Mn-O functional group, and element-level fluctuations confirmed Mn oxidation. Overall, strain QZB-1 efficiently removed high concentration of Mn(II) mainly via adsorption and showed great potential for manganese wastewater removal.

Effects of successional sulfadiazine exposure on biofilm in moving bed biofilm reactor: Secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, community activity and functional gene expression

The effects of sulfadiazine (SDZ) on responses of biofilm in a moving bed biofilm reactor were explored with emphasis on the changes in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and functional genes. It was found that 3 to 10 mg/L SDZ reduced the protein (PN) and polysaccharide (PS) contents of EPS by 28.7%-55.1% and 33.3%-61.4%, respectively. The EPS maintained high ratio of PN to PS (10.3–15.1), and the major functional groups within EPS remained unaffected to SDZ. Bioinformatics analysis showed that SDZ significantly altered the community activity such as increased expression of s_Alcaligenes faecali. Totally, the biofilm held high SDZ removal rates, which were ascribed to the self-protection by secreted EPS, and genes levels upregulation of antibiotic resistance and transporter protein. Collectively, this study provides more details on the biofilm community exposure to an antibiotic and highlights the role of EPS and functional genes in antibiotic removal.

Metabolic indicators and their relationship with reproductive efficiency in dairy cows in the high tropics

The specialized herds of the high tropics of Nariño are characterized by semi-intensive breeding models, that is, feeding based on grazing and supplementation. The objective was to analyze the milk production of grazing Holstein cows under conditions of the high tropics, taking into account the energetic and protein metabolites, and their relationship with the dry matter intake (CMS/Kg/d), the body condition (BC), and the reproductive variables. Three periods of lactation were evaluated, thus, between 4-10 days (P1), 45-55 days (P2), and between 185-200 days (P3). The investigation was carried out in four dairy production farms. The forage supply consisted of a mixture of Lolium hybridum, Cenchrus clandestinus Hoschst ex Chiov, Holcus lanatus and Trifolium repens, plus commercial concentrate. A total of 24 Holstein animals (six per productive system) from three births onwards were used, from which blood samples were obtained to determine: non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, total protein (PT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The results showed that milk production during P1 is influenced by CC and body weight (Kg) by +0.04 liters of milk per unit of change in this variable. In P2, the positive incidence variables were PT, BUN, glucose, NEFA, BHB, triglycerides, and cholesterol, and in P3, the increase in CMS made it possible to show that as lactation progresses in more than 180 days, the animals substantially improve their body condition; likewise the NEFA and BHB indicators are related to a better reproductive response.

Thrombin, protein C, and protein S values in mother-infant dyads in the postpartum period

IntroductionThe objective of the study was to establish the normal range for the levels of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), and protein S (PS) in the first week post birth in mother–infant pairings, adjusting for obstetric and perinatal factors, based on 2 different laboratory methods. MethodsDeterminations were carried out in 83 healthy term neonates and their mothers, establishing 3 postpartum age groups: 1−2 days, 3 days, and 4−7 days. ResultsThere were no differences in the levels of any of the proteins between the different age groups in neonates or mothers in the first week post birth. The adjusted analysis found no association with obstetric or perinatal factors. The AT and PC levels were higher in mothers compared to infants (P < .001), while the PS levels were similar in both. Overall, the correlation of maternal and infant protein values was poor, except for the levels of free PS in the first 2 days after delivery. Although we found no differences based on which of the 2 laboratory methods was applied, the absolute values did differ.

Gelation behaviour and gel properties of the 7S and 11S globulin protein fractions from faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) at different NaCl concentrations

The 7S and 11S globulins, the main protein fractions found in legumes, may differ in functionality. This study evaluated gel formation and rheological and microstructural properties of gels formed from the 7S and 11S protein fractions of faba bean. The effect of adding sodium chloride (NaCl) was also investigated. In terms of rheological and mechanical properties, NaCl addition appeared to have an opposing effect on 7S and 11S gels. Gels formed from 7S showed increases in storage modulus and peak stress when NaCl was added, whereas gels formed from 11S showed decreases. Microstructural changes were observed only for 7S gels, for which addition of NaCl resulted in transition from a fine-stranded to a coarse-stranded gel network. The 11S gels showed a fine-stranded gel network at all NaCl concentrations investigated. Gels formed from a mixture of 7S and 11S (7S:11S ratio 3:7) showed similar rheological properties and microstructure as the 11S gels.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the function of SlPRE2 in multiple phytohormones biosynthesis, signal transduction and stomatal development in tomato

Transcriptomic, physiological, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed the potential mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates plant growth and stomatal size via multiple phytohormone pathways in tomato. Paclobutrazol resistance proteins (PREs) are atypical members of the basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family that regulate plant morphology, cell size, pigment metabolism and abiotic stress in response to different phytohormones. However, little is known about the network regulatory mechanisms of PREs in plant growth and development in tomato. In this study, the function and mechanism of SlPRE2 in tomato plant growth and development were investigated. The quantitative RT-PCR results showed that the expression of SlPRE2 was regulated by multiple phytohormones and abiotic stresses. It showed light-repressed expression during the photoperiod. The RNA-seq results revealed that SlPRE2 regulated many genes involved in photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, phytohormone metabolism and signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting the role of SlPRE2 in gibberellin, brassinosteroid, auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and salicylic acid regulated plant development processes. Moreover, SlPRE2 overexpression plants showed widely opened stomata in young leaves, and four genes involved in stomatal development showed altered expression. Overall, the results demonstrated the mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates phytohormone and stress responses and revealed the function of SlPRE2 in stomatal development in tomato. These findings provide useful clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of SlPRE2-regulated plant growth and development in tomato.

The VegPlate for Sports: A Plant-Based Food Guide for Athletes

Nutrition strategies improve physiological and biochemical adaptation to training, facilitate more intense workouts, promote faster recoveries after a workout in anticipation of the next, and help to prepare for a race and maintain the body's hydration status. Although vegetarianism (i.e., lacto-ovo and veganism) has become increasingly popular in recent years, the number of vegetarian athletes is not known, and no specific recommendations have been made for vegetarian dietary planning in sports. Well-planned diets are mandatory to obtain the best performance, and the available literature reports that those excluding all types of flesh foods (meat, poultry, game, and seafood) neither find advantages nor suffer from disadvantages, compared to omnivorous diets, for strength, anaerobic, or aerobic exercise performance; additionally, some benefits can be derived for general health. We conceived the VegPlate for Sports, a vegetarian food guide (VFG) based on the already-validated VegPlate facilitating method, designed according to the Italian dietary reference intakes (DRIs). The VegPlate for Sports is suitable for men and women who are active in sports and adhere to a vegetarian (i.e., lacto-ovo and vegan) diet, and provides weight-based, adequate dietary planning. The VegPlate for Sports represents a practical tool for nutrition professionals and gives the possibility to plan diets based on energy, carbohydrate (CHO), and protein (PRO) necessities, from 50 to 90 Kg body weight (BW).