Protein Ratio Research Articles

Association between diet protein score comprising plants to animal protein ratio and body composition in an Iranian population.

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of death and is associated with various comorbidities. This study evaluates the relationship between protein score, characterized by the plant-to-animal protein ratio (PAR) and total protein per calorie (Pro%), and body composition: fat percentage (FATP), fat mass (FATM), and fat-free mass (FFM). We categorized 4512 individuals (55.2% female) into tertiles based on their protein score and its components. Male participants in the highest and middle protein score tertiles exhibited significantly greater FFM in both adjusted and crude models, and lower FATP and FATM in adjusted model 2. FFM was elevated in the top (P < 0.001) and middle (P = 0.002) Pro% tertiles in males in both adjusted models and only in the top tertile of all models in females (P = 0.003). The analysis of male participants revealed significantly lower FATP and FATM in the highest tertiles of Pro% in adjusted models. Among female participants, only the highest PAR tertile was associated with significantly lower FATM in adjusted model 1 (P = 0.042). Our findings indicate that protein score and its components are associated with favorable body composition differences. Health administrators may leverage these insights to refine dietary guidelines.

Exploring the Molecular Basis of Anticancer Activity in Various Moss Species Against Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background: Mushrooms are shown to protect against the side effects of cancer. Therefore, mushrooms with proven anticancer properties and active ingredients are fascinating in the search for new cancer drugs. Objective: In this study, the effects of extracts from Hericium coralloides (M1), Lactarius deliciosus (M2), Lepista nuda (M3), Pleurotus ostreatus (M4), and Suillus collitinus (M5) together on HCT116 were investigated. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to study the effect on healthy cells. Methods: MTT was used to determine cell viability. Dose-response curves were generated, the IC50 values of the compounds were calculated, and the effect of the extracts was compared using it. The FTIR was used to analyze the quantitative changes of the cellular components. Results and Discussion: The evaluation of the IC50 values of all fungal species showed that they reduced the cell viability of HCT116 cells. In contrast, no significant reduction in cell viability was observed in MSCs. Changes in the ratio of cell membrane lipids, proteins, and cell nucleic acids between control and fungal-treated HCT116 cells were detected by FTIR. Many of the chemotherapeutic agents are of plant origin, and many resources should still be explored to inhibit the side effects of cancer therapy. Conclusion: The data obtained through this experiment will serve as a reference for studies to be a new source of anticancer drugs in modern pharmacology.

Effect of contrasting water-soluble carbohydrate to crude protein ratio’s in perennial ryegrass on nitrogen metabolism in lambs

ABSTRACT The effect of high and low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) to crude protein (CP) ratios on nitrogen balance in lambs was evaluated. Ryegrasses containing either 35.4% WSC and 12% CP (High WSC) or 14.8% WSC and 23.8% CP (High N) were harvested, frozen and fed to lambs in metabolism crates. These contrasts in WSC and CP delivered diets with markedly different WSC:CP ratios (3.17:1 and 0.70:1). These ratios were higher than those reported in ryegrass previously. There was no difference in urinary nitrogen concentration (0.46 vs 0.48 g/l) but as the total urinary volume was higher on the High N diet (4.2 vs 1.5 l/d, P < 0.001), the end result was that more N was excreted in the urine on the high N diet (18.8 vs 7.3 g/d, P < 0.001). However, the proportion of nitrogen intake that was excreted in urine and faeces was higher on the High WSC diet so there was no evidence that a high WSC forage diet improved nitrogen utilisation.

Effect of the Ratio of Protein to Water on the Weak Gel Nonlinear Viscoelastic Behavior of Fish Myofibrillar Protein Paste from Alaska Pollock

The linear and nonlinear rheological behaviors of fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) paste with 75%, 82%, and 90% moisture content were evaluated using small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests. SAOS revealed pastes with 75% and 82% moisture exhibited solid-like behavior, characterized by higher storage modulus (G′) than loss modulus (G″), indicative of weak gel properties with a strong protein interaction. In contrast, the 90% moisture content showed more viscous behavior due to weakened protein–protein entanglements. The frequency exponent (n′ and n″) from the power law equation varied slightly (0.24 to 0.36), indicating limited sensitivity to changes in deformation rate during SAOS. LAOS tests revealed significant structural changes, with Lissajous–Bowditch curves revealing early nonlinearities at 10% strain for 90% moisture content. Decomposed Chebyshev coefficients (e3/e1, v3/v1, S, and T) indicated strain stiffening at lower strains for the 75% and 82% moisture pastes (i.e., &lt; 50% strain for 75% and &lt; 10% strain for 82%), transitioning to strain thinning at higher strains. Additionally, numerical model confirmed the predictability of the 3D printing process from the nonlinear rheological data, confirmed the suitability of the 75% and 82% moisture pastes for applications requiring structural integrity. These insights are essential for optimizing processing conditions in industrial applications. The findings suggest that the 75% and 82% moisture pastes are suitable for applications requiring structural integrity, while the 90% moisture paste is ideal for flow-based processes. These insights are essential for optimizing processing conditions in industrial applications.

Utilizing C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and CRP Ratios for Early Detection of Postoperative Complications Following Rectal Cancer Surgery

Background: Surgical treatment for rectal cancer may cause complications that exacerbate the condition, lengthen hospital stays, and raise healthcare costs. Rectal cancer surgery complications can be detected immediately with postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) monitoring. Elevated levels of CRP indicate the presence of inflammation and can serve as a predictive factor for future outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 67 rectal cancer surgery patients. Prior to and after surgery, CRP levels were measured on days 1–3 and 4–7. Postoperative complications were linked to CRP, surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, conversion), and patient characteristics. This study included t-tests, chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, ANOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, and logistic regression. Results: There was a significant correlation between high levels of CRP on postoperative days 4–7 and the development of problems (p &lt; 0.001). The ratios of CRP/albumin and CRP/platelet were highly predictive of problems over this period (p = 0.000033). Patients who encountered problems had a notably greater estimated blood loss (p = 0.0086). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores and an elevated probability of experiencing problems (p = 0.0078). Moreover, patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery but had to be converted to an open method saw a notably greater incidence of complications (p = 0.0022). From a financial standpoint, the average cost per patient with complications was EUR 1128.75, resulting in a total cost of EUR 44,021.25 for all 39 patients. Conversely, patients who did not experience any difficulties had a cost of EUR 731.25 per patient, resulting in a total of EUR 20,475.00 for all 28 patients. Conclusions: Regularly monitoring CRP, particularly between days 4 and 7 following surgery for rectal cancer, can promptly identify any complications. Monitoring CRP levels and promptly managing any abnormalities can enhance surgical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Design of a Glycoconjugate Vaccine Against Salmonella Paratyphi A

Background/Objectives: Typhoid and paratyphoid fever together are responsible for millions of cases and thousands of deaths per year, most of which occur in children in South and Southeast Asia. While typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) are licensed, no vaccines are currently available against S. Paratyphi A. Here we describe the design of a S. Paratyphi A conjugate. Methods: The serovar-specific O-antigen (O:2) was linked to the CRM197 carrier protein (O:2–CRM197) and a panel of conjugates differing for structural characteristics were compared in mice and rabbits. Results: We identified the O-antigen molecular size, polysaccharide to protein ratio, conjugate cross-linking, and O:2 O-acetylation level as critical quality attributes and identified optimal design for a more immunogenic vaccine. Conclusions: This work guides the development of the O:2–CRM197 conjugate to be combined with TCV in a bivalent formulation against enteric fever.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol to c-reactive protein ratio predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after electrical cardioversion.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after cardioversion is common, and inflammation plays a critical role in its pathophysiology. We aimed to elucidate the predictive role of the ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to c-reactive protein (HDL-C/CRP) as an inflammatory marker in AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion (ECV). We analyzed patients who underwent elective ECV for atrial fibrillation between June 2020 and December 2023. Baseline levels of HDL-C and CRP were obtained. Ninety-six patients were included. The median age was 59 years, and 48% were female. Atrial fibrillation recurred after ECV in 56 patients (58%). In the AF recurrence group, CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher (2 [1-3] vs. 1[0-2]; p = 0.013), left atrial diameter was larger (43 ± 5 vs. 40 ± 6 mm; p = 0.015), and HDL-C/CRP ratio was lower (5.6 [2.7-13.0] vs. 14.0 [4.8-38.0]; p = 0.003) compared with the sinus rhythm group. Cox regression analysis showed that HDL-C/CRP was a predictor of AF recurrence at follow-up (unadjusted HR = 0.97; CI 95%: 0.95-0.99; p = 0.004; adjusted HR = 0.98; CI 95%: 0.96-0.99; p = 0.030). ROC curve showed that HDL-C/CRP ratio was able to predict AF recurrence after ECV (AUC = 0.68; p = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with baseline HDL-C/CRP <7.4 had higher AF recurrence (log-rank test p = 0.013). Our research demonstrated that the lower HDL-C/CRP ratio predicted AF recurrence after ECV during follow-up.

Effects of wheat gluten-soy protein ratios and moisture levels on high-moisture extruded meat analogues for burger patties.

In response to the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives, this study explores the impact of incorporating wheat gluten (WG) into soy protein isolate (SPI) on both the proximate and functional properties of protein blends. The research also examines the effects of high moisture extrusion processing, varying feed moisture levels (60%, 65%, and 70%), and WG-SPI blends on extruder response, as well as the textural, rheological, and solubility characteristics of the resulting extruded meat analogues. Moreover, the prime objective was to gain insights into the impact of using HMMA made at different ratios and feed moisture levels on plant-based burgers. As the WG incorporation level increased in SPI, the RVA viscosity, water absorption, and oil absorption capacities, and foaming stability exhibited a decrease while foaming capacity increased. As feed moisture and WG incorporation levels in SPI increased, the system parameters, rheological, and textural parameters of high moisture extruded meat analogs decreased. WG25-SPI75 showed the highest degree of texturization or sulfide bonds, and its extruded meat analogues at 60% feed moisture level burger patties resemble a similar textural to a chicken burger patty. This study is pivotal in understanding how wheat gluten in SPIs and feeding moisture level influence the textural and rheology properties of HMMA.

Cognotoxemia: endotoxemia and gender predict changes in working memory performance in healthy adults

IntroductionExamining the contribution of peripheral systems to cognitive function under healthy circumstances may improve our understanding of the systems that confer risk or resilience in diseased states. Endotoxemia—a pro-inflammatory response to the translocation of bacteria that reside in the gut on other sources (e.g., respiratory tract; infection) into the blood—was hypothesized to relate to worsened cognitive functioning. Gender was explored as a moderator.MethodsA sample of 162 healthy adults (25–65 years old) provided plasma, from which a measure of endotoxemia was determined [i.e., the ratio of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) to soluble cluster of differentiation 14 receptors (sCD14)]. Participants performed an array of laboratory and ambulatory cognitive tasks at three timepoints, each separated by 9 months. Two sets of multilevel models were used: Prospective models, linking endotoxemia at baseline with changes in cognition across time, and coupling models, which examine correlations of endotoxemia with cognition across time.ResultsA prospective model indicated lower levels of endotoxemia at baseline predicted improvements in working memory across the three timepoints; higher levels were associated with no change in cognitive performance. Gender was not found to modulate this finding. Interestingly, a coupling analysis of endotoxemia and gender across time showed that in men, those with higher endotoxemia performed better at the working memory task overall; in women, working memory performance was similar regardless of endotoxemia level.ConclusionThis work provides initial evidence that endotoxemia may be associated with a dampening of improvement in working memory, improvement consistent with practice effects, which should be expected in a sample of healthy, relatively young adults. The findings also provide preliminary evidence that, at least for men, higher degrees of endotoxemia are not inherently negative, and may link with short term positive outcomes for working memory.

Transient proliferation by reversible YAP and mitogen-control of the cyclin D1/p27 ratio.

Hippo-YAP signaling orchestrates epithelial tissue repair and is therefore an attractive target in regenerative medicine. Yet it is unresolved how YAP integrates with mitogen signaling and contact inhibition to control the underlying transient proliferative response. Here we show that reduced contact inhibition, increased mitogen signaling, and YAP-TEAD activation converge on increasing the nuclear cyclin D1/p27 protein ratio during G1 phase, towards a threshold ratio that dictates whether individual cells enter or exit the cell cycle. YAP increases this ratio indirectly, in concert with mitogen signaling, by increasing EGFR and other receptors that signal primarily through ERK. After a delay, contact inhibition suppresses YAP activity which gradually downregulates mitogen signaling and the cyclin D1/p27 ratio. Increasing YAP activity by ablating the suppressor Merlin/NF2 reveals a balancing mechanism in which YAP suppression and contact inhibition of proliferation can be recovered but only at higher local cell density. Thus, critical for tissue repair, robust proliferation responses result from the YAP-induced and receptor-mediated prolonged increase in the cyclin D1/p27 ratio, which is only reversed by delayed suppression of receptor signaling after contact inhibition of YAP.

Effect of chitosan molecular weight and protein to polysaccharide ratio on the rheological and physicochemical properties of milk proteins–chitosan complex coacervate

The small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheological properties of complex coacervate of milk proteins with high (HMC), medium (MMC), and low (LMC) molecular weight chitosan in the optimal ratios of milk proteins to chitosan (15:1, 10:1, and 5:1, respectively) were measured. In addition, the morphological (SEM), structural (XRD), and thermal (DSC) properties of the complex coacervates were investigated in comparison with the milk protein concentrate. Complex coacervates showed the shear-thinning behavior due to a linear decrease of complex viscosity with increasing frequency. Furthermore, the highest complex modulus and the more compact structure under optimal conditions, in terms of the ratio of protein to chitosan and pH, revealed strong electrostatic bonding between proteins and chitosan. All coacervates showed a G′ > G″ (Tanδ<1), indicating the formation of an interconnected gel-like structure that was described by the power law model. The maximum fracture stress was obtained at optimum conditions (R = 15:1, pH =6.7 for HMC; R = 10:1, pH =5.5 for MMC and R = 5:1, pH =4.6 for LMC), indicating the highest intermolecular interaction between milk proteins and chitosan. The coacervates had a completely amorphous structure similar to MPC, and according to DSC results, the ionic bonds between milk proteins and chitosan were not destroyed up to 300 °C. Coacervation leads to purified milk proteins at a low cost. In addition, the coacervates can be used for the encapsulation of heat-sensitive compounds, and also as a stabilizer to improve the texture of food.

Contribution of ultra-processed food and animal-plant protein intake ratio to the environmental impact of Belgian diets

There is growing concern about the various impacts of food consumption, both on human and planetary health. Given the context-specific nature of consumption patterns, evaluating their national-level impacts is crucial for proactive policy development. This research aims to evaluate the environmental impact of current Belgian diets, with particular attention to the contribution of food groups, ultra-processed foods (UPF), and the animal-to-plant protein ratio. The methodology consists of three key stages. Firstly, the Belgian diet was summarised, based on data from the Belgian National Food Consumption Survey 2014/2015. Secondly, the origin of the most frequently consumed foods was traced using trade databases. Finally, a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted to determine the impact of Belgian diets on climate change, water use, land use, and fossil resource scarcity. In this third step, an iterative procedure for selecting the food items to be included in the study was performed. The iterative approach resulted in the inclusion of 227 food items in the analysis. The results indicate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 4.4 [4.27–4.54] kg CO2-equivalent per person per day. Red meat (35 %), beverages (16 %), dairy products (16 %) and snacks (10 %) are identified as primary contributors to climate change. Similar results were observed for land use impacts. Water use and fossil resource scarcity exhibited different trends, with beverages being the most impactful food group. Moreover, UPF account for 50 % of the total climate change and land use impacts, with a linear relationship observed between increased UPF consumption and GHG emissions and land use. A similar linear trend is observed between the ratio of animal-to-plant protein intake and both climate change and land use impact categories. A shift from the current protein ratio to a ratio of 40/60, as suggested in the Flemish Green Deal Protein Shift has been shown to result in a reduction in GHG emissions of the diet by 31 %. This study emphasises the need to target the consumption of high-impact foods such as UPF and animal-based products. Future research will investigate the relationship between environmental and health impacts.

Exploration of the Active Components and Mechanism of Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) in the Treatment of Influenza Virus Pneumonia Through Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Verification.

This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of platycodin D and luteolin, which are both active components in Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), in the treatment of influenza virus pneumonia through network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental verification. The bioactive components of Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) were screened by TCMSP and literature mining, and the results were standardized via the UniProt database. The action targets for the disease were identified from databases including OMIM, GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and PharmGKB. Then, the visualized key target regulatory network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for the active components were established using Cytoscape3.7.1 software. The findings were illustrated through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The intervention concentrations of platycodin D and luteolin were screened by the CCK8 method, and the important signaling pathways of platycodin D and luteolin for treating influenza virus pneumonia were verified by RT-qPCR and Western blot tests. From data mining, 89 common drug-disease targets were screened out, and five major active components of Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), including platycodin D and luteolin, were obtained. Besides, 11 therapeutic targets including IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, JUN, and MAKP1 were identified by PPI network analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the pathways most related to the mechanisms of Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) against influenza virus pneumonia included the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways and apoptosis. Invitro experiments demonstrated that the model group exhibited a notable elevation in mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, JUN, MAPK1, and the IL-17/-acting protein ratio, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the model group, the IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, JUN, MAPK1 mRNA expression levels, and the IL-17 protein ratio in both the platycodin D group and luteolin group were considerably decreased (p < 0.05). Combined with network pharmacology and experimental verification, this study revealed that platycodin D and luteolin in Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) may treat influenza virus pneumonia by regulating inflammation through the IL-17 signaling pathway.

Luteolin prevents cadmium-induced PC12 cell death by suppressing the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that can cause neurodegenerative disorders. Luteolin (Lut) is a natural flavonoid compound. However, whether Lut protects against Cd-induced nerve cell death remains unclear. In the present study, PC12 cells were used to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Lut against Cd poisoning. Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein expression, and protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activity were analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Lut markedly attenuated the Cd-induced reduction in cell viability, nuclear fragmentation, condensation, and the decrease in the Bcl-2/Bcl-2-associated X protein ratio in PC12 cells. Furthermore, Lut blocked the Cd-mediated activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) enhanced the protective effect of Lut against Cd-induced cell death by suppressing Cd-induced activation of Akt, mTOR, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1. The results showed that Lut prevented Cd-induced cell death partly by blocking the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Lut may be a potential agent for preventing Cd-induced nerve cell damage and neurodegenerative diseases.

Combined dapagliflozin and roxadustat effectively protected heart and kidney against cardiorenal syndrome-induced damage in rodent through activation of cell stress-Nfr2/ARE signalings and stabilizing HIF-1α

BackgroundThis study tested whether combined dapagliflozin (DAPA) and roxadustat (ROX) therapy was superior to a singular therapy in protecting heart and kidney functions in rats with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Methods and resultsAn in vitro study demonstrated that the cell survival (PI3K/Akt/mTOR)/cell stress (ERK1/2, JNK/p-38) signaling was significantly activated by combination therapy with ROX-DAPA (all p<0.001). Additionally, these two signaling pathways further significantly upregulated the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1α which, in turn, significantly upregulated Nrf2/ARE (HO-1/NQO-1) and angiogenesis/cell-growth factors (EPO/SDF-1α/VEGF/FGF/IGF-2) and downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-4-hydroxylase-1 (all p<0.001). Adult-male SD rats were categorized into Groups 1 (sham-operated control)/2 (CRS)/3 (CRS+ROX)/4 (CRS+DAPA)/5 (CRS+ROX+DAPA). By Day 60 after rodent CRS induction, the levels of BUN/creatinine and the ratio of urine protein to creatinine were lowest in Group 1, highest in Group 2, and significantly lower in Group 5 than in Groups 3 and 4; however, they were similar in the latter two groups, whereas the left-ventricular-ejection-fraction exhibited the opposite trend of creatinine among the groups (all p<0.0001). The protein expression levels of cell-survival (p-PI3K/p-Akt-p-mTOR)/cell-stress (p-JNK/p-p38/p-ERK1/2)/Nrf2-ARE (HO-1/NQO-1/SIRT1/SIRT3) signaling factors and angiogenesis factors (HIF-1α/VEGF/SDF-1α/FGF/IGF-2/EPO) significantly and progressively increased from Groups 1–5 (all p<0.0001). ConclusionCombined DAPA-ROX therapy has a synergistic effect on protecting heart and kidney functions against CRS-induced damage in rodents.

The interplay between LHCSR and PSBS proteins provides photoprotection in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii pgr5 mutant under high light

Cyclic electron transport (CET) is a vital alternative route that protects against photodamage and aids in energy production. This process depends on proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5) and PGRL1-dependent pathways associated with CET. The exact roles of these proteins in photosystem I photochemistry under prolonged high light conditions are not fully understood. Continuous light adaptation hinges on two critical mechanisms: alterations in the proton motive force (pmf) and adjustments in the ratio of proteins activated by high light that dissipate excess light through non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). To explore this, we studied pgrl1 and pgr5 mutants to gauge their roles in balancing photochemistry and photoacclimation. These mutants showed inhibited growth, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and a lowered pmf, leading to diminished non-photochemical energy quenching (qE) under high light. Prolonged high light exposure slowed down unregulated energy losses Y(NO), and relaxation helped regulate photosynthetic activity by increasing photoinhibitory quenching (qI), thus preventing further damage to the photosystem. The precise balance between the two pmf components, ΔpH and Δψ, is critical for controlling photochemistry and photoacclimation, yet remains elusive. In pgr5 reduced pmf led to an accumulation of cytochrome b6f under high light, and a decrease in the ΔpH component increased the Δψ component's role in photosynthetic acclimation. Notably, light-harvesting complex stress response protein 3 (LHCSR3) showed decreased expression in pgrl1, whereas pgr5 exhibited no expression of both LHCSR3 and LHCSR1 under high light conditions. Moreover, continuous increase in PSBS protein accumulation in pgr5 suggests enhanced photoprotection in the absence of LHCSR3 under high light. The study provides significant insights into how cyclic electron transport (CET) regulates photoprotective proteins LHCSR and PSBS, influencing Chlamydomonas' survival strategies.

Enhancement of stress resistance of electroactive biofilms against hypersaline shock via exogenous electron mediator addition

Unexpected hypersaline shock from saline wastewater poses a common challenge in the biological treatment processes of WWPTs. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) possess an inherent advantage for treating hypersaline wastewater. The elevated salinity enhances the wastewater’s conductivity, which in turn significantly accelerates the electron and proton transfer within the system. However, excessive increases in salinity can impede electron transport capacity, potentially resulting in cell plasmolysis and system failure in severe instances. Here, we investigated the impact of electron mediator (EM) addition on the resilience of electroactive biofilms (EB) to hypersaline environments in BESs. The EB developed under anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonic disodium salt (AQDS) addition obtained preferable electrochemical properties (e.g., current output, redox peak current, conductivity, electron transfer capacity) under hypersaline shock and showed superior recovery post-hypersaline stress. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis indicated that the enhanced secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the elevated ratio of proteins to polysaccharides are likely pivotal in the formation of EB with high electrochemical activity. Meanwhile, AQDS addition constructed more complex microbial network and enriched halotolerant bacteria (e.g., Solibacillus). Higher mean function abundance of replication & repair, stress tolerance, and biofilm formation were achieved by EM addition. The results of this study present a promising approach to augment the pressure tolerance of EBs, thereby broadening the practical applications of BESs.

The interfacial behaviors of ball-milled gorgon euryale starch - quinoa protein complex and its stabilizing effect on Pickering emulsions

This study investigated the effects of ball-milling treatment on the characteristics of gorgon euryale starch (GES) and quinoa protein (QP), and developed a new strategy by compounding ball-milled GES with QP to study the mechanism of its action on the stability of Pickering emulsions. Through SEM and FTIR analyses, it was found that ball-milling treatment damaged the compound granular structure of GES, reduced the particle size of QP, and caused aggregation. However, the chemical structures of both substances did not change significantly. The Pickering emulsions prepared with the ball-milled GES/QP complex exhibited more significant thickening properties. Ball milling reduced the droplet size of the emulsions (D50 decreased from 6.73 ± 0.12 to 2.85 ± 0.91 μm) and made the distribution more uniform, though an excessive protein ratio led to droplet aggregation and a decrease in the emulsification index. Using the emerging observation method of DIC, it was confirmed that the emulsions prepared with GES/QP (8/2, g/g) and GES/QP (7/3, g/g) showed almost no change in backscattering light intensity and still had good storage stability after 20 days. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of more stable and clean emulsifiers.

Biochemical analysis of soft tissue infectious fluids and its diagnostic value in necrotizing soft tissue infections: a 5-year cohort study

BackgroundNecrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are rapidly progressing and life-threatening conditions that require prompt diagnosis. However, differentiating NSTI from other non-necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) remains challenging. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the biochemical analysis of soft tissue infectious fluid in distinguishing NSTIs from non-necrotizing SSTIs.MethodsThis cohort study prospectively enrolled adult patients between May 2023 and April 2024, and retrospectively included patients from April 2019 to April 2023. Patients with a clinical suspicion of NSTI in the limbs who underwent successful ultrasound-guided aspiration to obtain soft tissue infectious fluid for biochemical analysis were evaluated and classified into the NSTI and non-necrotizing SSTI groups based on their final discharge diagnosis. Common extravascular body fluid (EBF) criteria were applied.ResultsOf the 72 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 10 patients with abscesses identified via ultrasound-guided aspiration were excluded. Based on discharge diagnoses, 39 and 23 patients were classified into the NSTI and non-necrotizing SSTI groups, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed significantly higher albumin, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein levels in the NSTI group than in the non-necrotizing SSTI group, and the NSTI group had significantly lower glucose levels and pH in soft tissue fluids.In the biochemical analysis, LDH demonstrated outstanding discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.955; p < 0.001) among the biochemical markers. Albumin (AUC = 0.884; p < 0.001), lactate (AUC = 0.891; p < 0.001), and total protein (AUC = 0.883; p < 0.001) levels also showed excellent discrimination. Glucose level (AUC = 0.774; p < 0.001) and pH (AUC = 0.780; p < 0.001) showed acceptable discrimination. When the EBF criteria were evaluated, the total scores of Light’s criteria (AUC = 0.925; p < 0.001), fluid-to-serum LDH ratio (AUC = 0.929; p < 0.001), and fluid-to-serum total protein ratio (AUC = 0.927; p < 0.001) demonstrated outstanding discrimination.ConclusionBiochemical analysis and EBF criteria demonstrated diagnostic performances ranging from acceptable to outstanding for NSTI when analyzing soft tissue infectious fluid. These findings provide valuable diagnostic insights into the recognition of NSTI. Further research is required to validate these findings.

Associations of food group intakes with serum carbon isotope ratio values in youth: results from two prospective pediatric cohort studies

BackgroundThe carbon isotope ratio (CIR) is a candidate biomarker for sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in the U.S. However, research specific to youth, who differ in their physiology and dietary patterns compared to adults, is lacking. ObjectivesWe evaluated longitudinal associations of SSB intakes across childhood/adolescence with serum CIR. We also explored the relationship between other dietary intakes and serum CIR. MethodsData were from participants in two longitudinal, pediatric cohorts in Colorado: Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among CHildren Study (EPOCH) (visits at median 10 and 16 y, n=150) and Healthy Start Study (visits at median 5 and 9 y, n=166). Serum CIR was measured using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaires (EPOCH) or 24-hour diet recalls (Healthy Start). We assessed associations of longitudinal dietary intakes (log2-transformed, standardized) with serum CIR using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and energy intake, and associations of change values between visits using linear regression models. ResultsIn linear mixed models, higher SSB intake across visits was associated with higher serum CIR in both cohorts (β [95% CI]: 0.11[0.06,0.15] in EPOCH and 0.14[0.07,0.21] in Healthy Start). Higher meat intake and a higher dietary animal protein ratio were also positively associated with serum CIR in both cohorts (β [95% CI]: 0.08[0.05,0.12] and 0.18[0.13,0.23] in EPOCH; 0.08[0.01,0.16] and 0.28[0.21,0.35] in Healthy Start). In change analyses, there were positive associations for changes in the dietary animal protein ratio between visits with changes in serum CIR in both cohorts, but not for changes in SSB intake. ConclusionsOur findings support serum CIR as a potential biomarker of SSB intake in youth cross-sectionally; however, there was not a strong link between change values over longer-term follow-up. Meat/animal protein intake was also consistently and, at times, more strongly associated with serum CIR.