Total Protein Production Research Articles

Harnessing multivariate insights coupled with susceptibility indices to reveal morpho-physiological and biochemical traits in heat tolerance of cotton

Cotton is essential for the global textile industry however, climate change, especially extreme temperatures, threatens sustainable cotton production. This research aims to identify breeding strategies to improve heat tolerance and utilize stress-resistant traits in cotton cultivars. This study investigated heat tolerance for 50 cotton genotypes at the seedling stage by examining various traits at three temperatures (32 °C, 45 °C and 48 °C) in a randomized plot experiment. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied traits. Morphological traits, including root and shoot length, fresh and dry root, and shoot weights, were adversely affected by heat stress. Chlorophyll contents declined significantly, indicating impaired and compromised photosynthetic efficiency. Biochemical assays underlined the elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), total free amino acids (TFA), total soluble sugars (TSS), proline content and declined production of total soluble proteins (TSP), which is indicative of oxidative stress. Physiological traits such as photosynthetic rate and cell membrane stability% decreased severely under stress conditions. The first five PCs under control and the first six PCs under stresses depicted eigenvalues > 1 and presented 72.96%, 76.11%, and 77.93% of total cumulative variability under control, T1 and T2, respectively. Cell membrane stability, a potential marker for heat tolerance, showed a strong positive correlation with total soluble sugars (TSS) and root length (RL) under extreme stress. Based on clustering, the genotypes were classified into four groups. Stress susceptibility indices indicated that NIAB-545 and FH-142 are promising genotypes for developing heat tolerance breeding strategies in cotton.

Bread By-Product and Maize Silage as Alternative Ingredient Feeds for Production of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in High-Concentrate Substrates.

Bread by-product and maize silage as substrates for Tenebrio molitor larvae were studied in four isonitrogenous diets: a control substrate (CTL) made of wheat grain, wheat bran, and soybean meal and three diets where wheat grain and wheat bran were partly substituted with bread by-product (BBP) or with this and either a low (MSL) or high (MSH) proportion of maize silage (170 or 310 g/kg, respectively). Larval weight was weekly monitored, and the chemical composition of larvae and residual substrates was analyzed at the end of the experiment. Larvae fed CTL and BBP grew more than those fed MSL and MSH (p < 0.001). Feed intake was greatest for BBP (p < 0.001), and consequently, feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) was better for larvae fed CTL than BBP, and better for BBP than MSL and MSH (p < 0.001). Besides, total production of crude protein and ether extract were greater for CTL and BBP than for MSH and MSL (p < 0.001). The inclusion of bread by-product in the substrate did not affect growth performance, whereas diets including maize silage impaired larval growth, substrate intake, and F:G. Both by-products can be advantageously used for feeding T. molitor larvae, but the impairments in growth performance should be considered to optimize production costs.

Grifola frondosa extract as a fetal bovine serum supplement for the culture of bovine muscle satellite cells under low serum conditions

Expensive fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a major obstacle to the production of cultivated meat. However, because FBS substitutes do not sufficiently induce cell proliferation, a good alternative is to reduce the amount of FBS and use ingestible additives to promote cell proliferation. In this study, Grifola frondosa extract (GFE) was used to investigate its potential as an additive to promote myogenesis of bovine muscle satellite cells from Hanwoo cattle under low serum conditions (10 % FBS). GFE treated with 10 % FBS only during the proliferation period not only increased cell proliferation and related biomarkers in a concentration-dependent manner (0.78–12.5 μg/mL), but also increased cell differentiation. Additionally, differentiation was promoted when cells were with GFE treated only during the differentiation period. Especially GFE at 12.5 µg/mL induced significantly higher proliferation and differentiation rates than 20 % FBS medium. In particular, compared to treatment alone in the proliferation or differentiation periods, GFE treatment in both periods contributed to an increase in the differentiation rate and significantly enhanced total protein production. The integration of GFE into cultivated meat production presents a promising approach to reducing FBS dependence, lowering costs, and enhancing scalability, aligning with sustainability and consumer acceptance goals.

Analysis of dentin wear and biological properties promoted by experimental inoffice desensitizing materials

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate dentin wear and biological performance of desensitizing materials.MethodsSeventy bovine root dentin blocks were sectioned. Half of the surface of each specimen was untreated (control) and the other half was immersed in EDTA and treated with the following desensitizing materials: placebo varnish (PLA), fluoride varnish (FLU), sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish + sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), universal adhesive (SBU), S-PRG varnish (SPRG), biosilicate (BIOS), and amelotin solution (AMTN). After application, the specimens were submitted to an erosive-abrasive challenge and the wear analyzed by optical profilometer. Serial dilutions of extracts obtained from the culture medium containing discs impregnated with those desensitizers were applied on fibroblasts and odontoblasts-like cells cultures. Cytotoxicity and production of total protein (TP) by colorimetric assays were determined after 24 h. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsNo dentin wear was observed only for SBU. The lowest dentin wear was observed for AMTN and TMP. Cell viability was significantly reduced after treatment with undiluted extracts of PLA, FLU, TMP and SBU in fibroblasts and TMP and SBU in odontoblast-like cells. SPRG, BIOS and AMTN were cytocompatible at all dilutions tested. Considering TP results, no statistical difference was observed among the groups and high levels for TP were observed after TMP and FLU treatments.ConclusionsUniversal adhesive system may protect dentin with opened tubules from wear after challenge. Extracts of adhesive and fluoride varnishes presented cytotoxic mainly on fibroblasts. The enamel protein may be a future alternative to treat dentin with opened tubules because it may cause low wear under erosive-abrasive challenge with low cytotoxic effects.

From growth inhibition to ultrastructural changes: Toxicological assessment of lambda cyhalothrin and fosetyl aluminium against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In modern agricultural practices, agrochemicals and pesticides play an important role in protecting the crops from pests and elevating agricultural productivity. This strategic utilization is essential to meet global food demand due to the relentless growth of the world's population. However, the indiscriminate application of these substances may result in environmental hazards and directly affect the soil microorganisms and crop production. Considering this, an in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the pesticides' effects i.e. lambda cyhalothrin (insecticide) and fosetyl aluminum (fungicide) at lower, recommended, and higher doses on growth behavior, enzymatic profile, total soluble protein production, and lipid peroxidation of bacterial specimens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis). The experimental findings demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in growth of both tested bacteria, when exposed to fosetyl aluminium concentrations exceeding the recommended dose. This decline was statistically significant (p < 0.000). However, lambda cyhalothrin at three times of recommended dose induces 10% increase in growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and 76.8% decrease in growth of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) respectively as compared to control. These results showed the stimulatory effect of lambda cyhalothrin on P. aeruginosa and inhibitory effect on B. subtilis. Pesticides induced notable alterations in biomarker enzymatic assays and other parameters related to oxidative stress among bacterial strains, resulting in increased oxidative stress and membrane permeability. Generally, the maximum toxicity of both (P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis) was shown by fosetyl aluminium, at three times of recommended dose. Fosetyl aluminium induced morphological changes like cellular cracking, reduced viability, aberrant margins and more damage in both bacterial strains as compared to lambda cyhalothrin when observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Conclusively the, present study provide an insights into a mechanistic approach of pyrethroid insecticide and phosphonite fungicide induced cellular toxicity towards bacteria.

Development and characterization of ceramic-polymeric hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration: incorporating of bioactive glass BG-58S into PDLLA matrix

In recent years, there has been a notable surge of interest in hybrid materials within the biomedical field, particularly for applications in bone repair and regeneration. Ceramic-polymeric hybrid scaffolds have shown promising outcomes. This study aimed to synthesize bioactive glass (BG-58S) for integration into a bioresorbable polymeric matrix based on PDLLA, aiming to create a bioactive scaffold featuring stable pH levels. The synthesis involved a thermally induced phase separation process followed by lyophilization to ensure an appropriate porous structure. BG-58S characterization revealed vitreous, bioactive, and mesoporous structural properties. The scaffolds were analyzed for morphology, interconnectivity, chemical groups, porosity and pore size distribution, zeta potential, pH, in vitro degradation, as well as cell viability tests, total protein content and mineralization nodule production. The PDLLA scaffold displayed a homogeneous morphology with interconnected macropores, while the hybrid scaffold exhibited a heterogeneous morphology with smaller diameter pores due to BG-58S filling. The hybrid scaffold also demonstrated a pH buffering effect on the polymer surface. In addition to structural characteristics, degradation tests indicated that by incorporating BG-58S modified the acidic degradation of the polymer, allowing for increased total protein production and the formation of mineralization nodules, indicating a positive influence on cell culture.

Utilizing treated wastewater for pasture irrigation: Effects on productivity, plant community structure and soil properties

AbstractSurplus wastewater accumulates in winter and requires a discharging solution. In our study we examined the effects of using treated wastewater (TWW) as supplemental pasture irrigation in winter. To test the effect of TWW irrigation on the vegetation and soil, 10 grazing prevention exclosures were established at Ramat‐Hanadiv Park, Israel, with half of them irrigated with TWW. Soil and vegetation were sampled during 2 years of irrigation and 1 year after cessation of irrigation. Vegetation composition, species richness, and productivity were sampled at the peak of the growing season and various indices of herbage quality were measured. Our results show that irrigation with wastewater increased herbage production by an average of 38% and total pasture protein production by 9% relative to the control subplots. Conversely, TWW irrigation decreased plant protein content while increasing herbage fibre content and lowering its digestibility. Over a period of 2 years, species richness decreased in the irrigated subplots. Most of the soil indices examined were not affected by irrigation, but in the irrigation subplots, sodium values and the sodium adsorption‐ratio were higher than in areas without irrigation. Additional resources in winter enabled the plants to grow rapidly and increased interplant competition. Changes in vegetation composition were revealed through functional group reshuffling and species richness decline. The results of our study show that wastewater irrigation causes an increase in productivity but a decrease in forage quality. At the pastoral system level, the significant increase in productivity leads to increased availability of protein and herbage for animals.

Effect Of Different Alkaline Treatments of Titanium Surface on Human Osteoblasts Metabolism.

This investigation demonstrates the effect of alkali modification of titanium on the metabolism of human osteoblasts. Polished titanium discs were subjected to alkalinization protocols with NaOH (5M) at 60°C or 120°C. Surface topography and roughness were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblasts were seeded onto titanium discs, followed by cell adhesion and viability analysis, total protein and collagen production, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and beta-defensin 3 (HBD3) was evaluated after inflammatory stimulus with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (1 μg/mL) for 4 h. Discs subjected to modification with NaOH showed major irregularities, especially for 120°C-protocol. Increased adhered cell number was observed for surfaces modified by NaOH. Osteoblasts cultured on modified surfaces showed higher cell viability, total protein and collagen synthesis, and ALP activity than that of cells cultured on the polished discs. Osteoblast response to LPS exposure showed increased TNF-α gene expression by these cells when cultured on the polished discs, while increased expression of HBD3 was detected for all groups in the presence of LPS. Modification of titanium discs by NaOH at 60°C or 120°C promoted an increase in adhesion and metabolism of osteoblasts and favored the response to inflammatory stimulus.

PSXIII-1 Proof of Concept of Feeding Non-Protein Nitrogen Based Special Liquid Product (StimGain) Improve the Performance and Production in Swine and Poultry

Abstract Feed is generally the greatest expense for animal production today. Improved feed formulations and new approaches of feeding existing feedstuffs are being explored to increase total protein production. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of an energy-based Special Liquid (StimGain) containing non-protein nitrogen (NPN), alcohol, and distiller grain solubles monogastric diets without critically affecting growth and performance. The Study 1 (Swine grow-finish test) test included 24 pigs (average purchase weight 19.1 kg) per treatment group with three replications were placed for 90 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet with 16% protein, 2) Protein Check: Control diet with 15% protein, 3) StimGain: same as protein check including 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. The Study 2 (Laying Hen test) test included 100 pullets per treatment group, with 10 pullets per cage 10 weeks. At 10 weeks of age, pullets were placed in layer cage 2 birds per cage for 30 weeks. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and vitamins. The Study 3 (Broiler Chicken test) test included 110 birds per treatment group, with 10 birds per cage for 42 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and Vitamins. Differences in growth performance between groups were analyzed for significance using ANOVA then used PostHoc test. Kruskal-Wallis test was done to confirm if there is a significant difference among treatments, and normality was tested by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test to do pairwise comparisons. Significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05 . The pig study (Study 1), StimGain improved average feed to gain (Control = 3.240, Protein check = 3.391, StimGain = 3.016), salable meat production (Contro l= 78.47%, Protein check = 80.02%, StimGain = 82.22%), lard formation (Control = 14.33%, Protein check = 12.39%, StimGain = 11.58%).In Study 2, StimGain increased average laying percent of hens (StimGain hens = 80.47%, Control hens = 79.34%). In the broiler chicken study (Study 3), StimGain improved Feed to Gain (StimGain = 2.590, Control = 2.911) and salable meat weight (average dressed weight to live weight percentage for StimGain birds = 69.93%, Control birds = 69.01%). Diets formulated with StimGain in pigs improved feed to gain ratio and improved the efficiency of proteins, rather than addition of protein to a conventional swine diet. Also, StimGain improved efficiency of metabolism by reducing lard formation and increasing salable meat formation in pigs. StimGain increased average laying percent of hens, and improved feed to gain and salable meat in broilers.

Plant mediated fabrication of silver nanoparticles, process optimization, and impact on tomato plant

Nanotechnology is one of the fastest-growing markets, but developing eco-friendly products, their maximum production, stability, and higher yield is a challenge. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using an easily available resource, leaves extract of the Neem (Azadirachta indica) plant, as a reducing and capping agent, determined their effect on germination and growth of tomato plants. The maximum production of silver nanoparticles was noted at 70 °C after 3 h of reaction time while treating the 10 ml leaf extract of Neem plant with 10 ml of 1 mM silver nitrate. The impact of the extract preparation method and solvent type on the plant mediated fabrication of silver nanoparticles was also investigated. The UV-spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and showed an absorption spectrum within Δ420–440 nm range. The size of the fabricated silver nanoparticles was 22–30 nm. The functional groups such as ethylene, amide, carbonyl, methoxy, alcohol, and phenol attached to stabilize the nanoparticles were observed using the FTIR technique. SEM, EDX, and XRD analyses were performed to study the physiochemical characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles increased the germination rate of tomato seeds up to 70% while decreasing the mean germination time compared to the control. Silver nanoparticles applied at varying concentrations significantly increased the shoot length (25 to 80%), root length (10 to 60%), and fresh biomass (10 to 80%) biomass of the tomato plant. The production of total chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoids, soluble sugar, and protein was significantly increased in tomato plants treated with 5 and 10 ppm silver nanoparticles compared to the control. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles are cost-effective and nontoxic and can be applied in agriculture, biomedical, and other fields.

Aspergillus nomiae and fumigatus Ameliorating the Hypoxic Stress Induced by Waterlogging through Ethylene Metabolism in Zea mays L.

Transient and prolonged waterlogging stress (WS) stimulates ethylene (ET) generation in plants, but their reprogramming is critical in determining the plants' fate under WS, which can be combated by the application of symbiotically associated beneficial microbes that induce resistance to WS. The present research was rationalized to explore the potential of the newly isolated 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-producing fungal endophytic consortium of Aspergillus nomiae (MA1) and Aspergillus fumigatus (MA4) on maize growth promotion under WS. MA1 and MA4 were isolated from the seeds of Moringa oleifera L., which ably produced a sufficient amount of IAA, proline, phenols, and flavonoids. MA1 and MA4 proficiently colonized the root zone of maize (Zea mays L.). The symbiotic association of MA1 and MA4 promoted the growth response of maize compared with the non-inoculated plants under WS stress. Moreover, MA1- and MA4-inoculated maize plants enhanced the production of total soluble protein, sugar, lipids, phenolics, and flavonoids, with a reduction in proline content and H2O2 production. MA1- and MA4-inoculated maize plants showed an increase in the DPPH activity and antioxidant enzyme activities of CAT and POD, along with an increased level of hormonal content (GA3 and IAA) and decreased ABA and ACC contents. Optimal stomatal activity in leaf tissue and adventitious root formation at the root/stem junction was increased in MA1- and MA4-inoculated maize plants, with reduced lysigenous aerenchyma formation, ratio of cortex-to-stele, water-filled cells, and cell gaps within roots; increased tight and round cells; and intact cortical cells without damage. MA1 and MA4 induced a reduction in deformed mesophyll cells, and deteriorated epidermal and vascular bundle cells, as well as swollen metaxylem, phloem, pith, and cortical area, in maize plants under WS compared with control. Moreover, the transcript abundance of ethylene-responsive gene ZmEREB180, responsible for the induction of the WS tolerance in maize, showed optimally reduced expression sufficient for induction in WS tolerance, in MA1- and MA4-inoculated maize plants under WS compared with the non-inoculated control. The existing research supported the use of MA1 and MA4 isolates for establishing the bipartite mutualistic symbiosis in maize to assuage the adverse effects of WS by optimizing ethylene production.

Periplasmic stress contributes to a trade-off between protein secretion andcell growth inEscherichia coli Nissle 1917.

Maximizing protein secretion is an important target in the design of engineered living systems. In this paper, we characterize a trade-off between cell growth and per-cell protein secretion in the curli biofilm secretion system of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Initial characterization using 24-h continuous growth and protein production monitoring confirms decreased growth rates at high induction, leading to a local maximum in total protein production at intermediate induction. Propidium iodide (PI) staining at the endpoint indicates that cellular death is a dominant cause of growth reduction. Assaying variants with combinatorial constructs of inner and outer membrane secretion tags, we find that diminished growth at high production is specific to secretory variants associated with periplasmic stress mediated by outer membrane secretion and periplasmic accumulation of protein containing the outer membrane transport tag. RNA sequencing experiments indicate upregulation of known periplasmic stress response genes in the highly secreting variant, further implicating periplasmic stress in the growth-secretion trade-off. Overall, these results motivate additional strategies for optimizing total protein production and longevity of secretory engineered living systems Graphical Abstract.

Mechanistic insights into hormesis induced by erythromycin in the marine alga Thalassiosira weissflogii

Erythromycin (ERY) is a typical macrolide antibiotic with large production and extensive use on a global scale. Detection of ERY in both freshwaters and coaster seawaters, as well as relatively high ecotoxicity of ERY have been documented. Notably, hormesis has been reported on several freshwater algae under ERY stress, where growth was promoted at relatively lower exposures but inhibited at higher treatment levels. On the contrary, there is limited information of ERY toxicity in marine algae, hampering the risk assessment on ERY in the coaster waters. The presence of hormesis may challenge the current concept of dose-response adopted in chemical risk assessment. Whether and how exposure to ERY can induce dose-dependent toxicity in marine algae remain virtually unknown, especially at environmentally relevant concentrations. The present study used a model marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (T. weissflogii) to reveal its toxicological responses to ERY at different biological levels and decipher the underlying mechanisms. Assessment of multiple apical endpoints shows an evident growth promotion following ERY exposure at an environmentally relevant concentration (1 µg/L), associated with increased contents reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), activated signaling pathways related to ribosome biosynthesis and translation, and production of total soluble protein. By contrast, growth inhibition in the 750 and 2500 µg/L treatments was attributed to reduced viability, increased ROS formation, reduced content of total soluble protein, inhibited photosynthesis, and perturbed signaling pathways involved in xenobiotic metabolism, ribosome, metabolism of amino acid, and nitrogen metabolism. Measurements of multiple apical endpoints coupled with de novo transcriptomics analysis applied in the present study, a systems biology approach, can generate detailed mechanistic information of chemical toxicity including dose-response and species sensitivity difference used in environmental risk assessment.

Anti-Photoaging Effects of the Ethanol Extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Seed Meal on UVB-irradiated HaCaT Cells and Mice

Background Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a traditional Chinese medicine, and its flowers, leaves, and seeds are widely used as food. Currently, E. ulmoides seed oil is capable of improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice, but E. ulmoides seed meal is not fully utilized, and the anti-photoaging effect of it is still unclear. Objectives We examined the anti-photoaging effect of the ethanol extracts of E. ulmoides seed meal (EUSM) in UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells and mice. Materials and Methods EUSM was analyzed using Q-Orbitrap-based high-resolution LC-MS/MS. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted using normal mice and HaCaT cells, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining and Masson’s staining were used to evaluate epidermal thickness and degree of skin fibrosis. The production of hyaluronic acid (HA) and total protein using ELISA kits. The expression of levels for collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1), hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL-1), MMP-3, and MMP-9 were assessed using semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results EUSM contains all-trans-retinoic acid, medicagenic acid, and other chemical constituents. EUSM increased the level of total collagen by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression, and it enhanced the content of HA. In addition, EUSM reduced the production of wrinkles in UVB-induced mouse skin and showed that EUSM decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the mouse skin tissue. Conclusion EUSM has therapeutic potential for UVB-induced skin photoaging and provided a rationale for the application of EUSM in the cosmetic field.

JMJD3 Promotes Myeloid Fibroblast Activation and Macrophage Polarization in Kidney Fibrosis.

Renal fibrosis is a common feature of chronic kidney disease. Myeloid fibroblasts and macrophages contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying myeloid fibroblast activation and macrophage polarization are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of JMJD3 in myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis development in a preclinical model of obstructive nephropathy. To examine the role of JMJD3 in renal fibrosis, we generated mice with global or myeloid cell-specific deletion of JMJD3, and we treated wild-type mice with vehicle or GSK-J4, a selective JMJD3 inhibitor. Mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstructive injury to induced renal fibrosis. JMJD3 expression was significantly increased in the kidneys during the development of renal fibrosis, which was associated with an increase in H3K27 dimethylation. Mice with global or myeloid JMJD3 deficiency exhibited significantly reduced total collagen deposition and extracellular matrix protein production, myeloid fibroblast activation, and M2 macrophage polarization in the obstructed kidney. Moreover, IFN regulatory factor 4, a mediator of M2 macrophage polarization, was significantly induced in the obstructed kidneys, which was abolished by JMJD3 deficiency. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of JMJD3 with GSK-J4 attenuated kidney fibrosis, reduced myeloid fibroblast activation, and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization in the obstructed kidney. Our study identifies JMJD3 as a critical regulator of myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis development. Therefore, JMJD3 may represent a promising therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease.

Characterization of neonatal and infant enterostomy fluids

The composition of gastrointestinal (GI) fluids is crucial for the dissolution, solubilization, and absorption of orally administered drugs. Disease- or age-related changes in GI fluid composition could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of oral drugs. However, limited studies have been conducted on the characteristics of GI fluids in neonates and infants due to practical and ethical challenges. The current study collected enterostomy fluids from 21 neonate and infant patients over an extended period of time and from different regions of the small intestine and colon. The fluids were characterized for pH, buffer capacity, osmolality, total protein, bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, and lipid digestion products. The study found a large variability in the fluid characteristics among the different patients, in line with the highly heterogeneous study population. Compared to adult intestinal fluids, the enterostomy fluids from neonates and infants had low bile salt concentrations, with an increasing trend as a function of age; no secondary bile salts were detected. In contrast, total protein and lipid concentrations were relatively high, even in the distal small intestine. These findings suggest marked differences in intestinal fluid composition between neonates and infants versus adults, which may affect the absorption of certain drugs.

Enhacment of biomass, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins content using co-culture of Glagah consortium and Lipomyces starkeyi

Microorganisms have a high potential as biofuel sources. Co-culture of microalgae and yeasts can result in high lipid production as a modification treatment. The goal of this study was to see how the co-culture of the Glagah consortium (diversity of associated microalgae and bacteria from Glagah Lagoon, Yogyakarta) and Lipomyces starkeyi affected the production of biomass, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The culture was performed under airtight conditions on a shaker at 127 rpm, with a light intensity of 27.75 mol/m2/s and a temperature of 30°C. The culture was subjected to a dark: light (6:18) treatment. Biomass was measured by dry weight, lipids by the Bligh and Dyer method, proteins by the Bradford method and carbohydrates by the phenol-sulfuric acid method. On day 3, L. starkey culture produced the most biomass, yielding 2.21 g/L with a productivity of 0.49 g/L/day. On day 4, the highest lipids produced from co-culture treatment yielded 1.03 g/g with a productivity of 0.21 g/L/day. The highest protein yield was obtained from L. starkeyi culture treatment on day 4, yielding 0.60 g/g with a productivity of 0.12 g/L/day. On day 6, co-culture produced the total carbohydrates, yielding 4.78 g/g with a productivity of 0.68 g/L/day. The co-culture treatment produced the highest lipids and carbohydrates production (1.03 g/g and 4.78 g/g) and productivity (0.21 g/L/day and 0.68 g/L/day), while L. starkeyi culture produced the highest total biomass and protein production (2.21 g/L and 0.6 g/g) and productivity (0.49 g\L\day and 0.12 g/L/day). In microalgae culture, CO2 generally given directly through the aeration process. In this study, the source of CO2 was yeast, whereas yeast also obtained O2 from microalgae in the consortium for their metabolic process. This mutualism symbiosis will help in providing benefits in reducing the costs for the cultivation process, especially in optimizing the production of biomass an lipids.

A win-win situation – Increasing protein production and reducing synthetic N fertilizer use by integrating soybean into irrigated Mediterranean cropping systems

Over the last decades, non-cereal crops have been displaced in European cropping systems leading to a significant dependency on imported soybean. Continuous maize cropping under Mediterranean irrigated conditions can lead to agronomic and environmental problems. The objective of this work was to assess diversified Mediterranean irrigated cropping systems to maximize protein production while reducing synthetic N fertilizer use. A field experiment was carried out from 2019 to 2021 in an irrigated area in NE Spain. Four cropping systems, (i) continuous maize (MM), (ii) soybean in a rotation one out of three years (MSrt), (iii) barley-maize double cropping system (BM), and (iv) barley-soybean double cropping system (BS) were assessed at the crop, pre-crop and cropping system level. Productivity in terms of grain, energy and protein yield was measured at the crop and calculated for the cropping system level. As well, synthetic N fertilizer use efficiency was calculated for each cropping system. At the pre-crop level, soybean introduction led to a 28% yield increase in the following cereal (maize or barley) mainly due to the residual N effect. At the cropping system level, soybean in rotation (MSrt) did not lead to a significant increase in total protein production compared to MM (from 895 to 947 kg ha−1 yr−1), but it mildly increased synthetic N fertilizer use efficiency. Protein production in the BS system (1778 kg protein ha−1 yr−1) was significantly higher than in all other cropping systems (990 kg protein ha−1 yr−1 on average). As well, BS was the cropping system with the highest synthetic N fertilizer use efficiency compared to the other cropping systems (251 and 88 kg grain kg synthetic N fertilizer−1). Our results demonstrate that introducing soybean as a double crop following barley is a successful strategy to reduce environmental impacts resulting from N fertilizer use and increase protein production, contributing to plant protein self-sufficiency and cropping systems diversification.

Cytotoxicity and Biomineralization Potential of Flavonoids Incorporated into PNVCL Hydrogels.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of flavonoids incorporated into poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) hydrogel on cell viability and mineralization markers of odontoblast-like cells. MDPC-23 cells were exposed to ampelopsin (AMP), isoquercitrin (ISO), rutin (RUT) and control calcium hydroxide (CH) for evaluation of cell viability, total protein (TP) production, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule deposition by colorimetric assays. Based on an initial screening, AMP and CH were loaded into PNVCL hydrogels and had their cytotoxicity and effect on mineralization markers determined. Cell viability was above 70% when MDPC-23 cells were treated with AMP, ISO and RUT. AMP showed the highest ALP activity and mineralized nodule deposition. Extracts of PNVCL+AMP and PNVCL+CH in culture medium (at the dilutions of 1/16 and 1/32) did not affect cell viability and stimulated ALP activity and mineralized nodules' deposition, which were statistically higher than the control in osteogenic medium. In conclusion, AMP and AMP-loaded PNVCL hydrogels were cytocompatible and able to induce bio-mineralization markers in odontoblast-cells.

Genetic mutations in ribosomal biogenesis gene TCOF1 identified in human neural tube defects.

Rare mutations in multiple genes have been associated with human neural tube defects (NTDs), but their causative roles in NTDs disease are poorly understood. Insufficiency of the ribosomal biogenesis gene treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1(Tcof1) results in cranial NTDs and craniofacial malformations in mice. Here, we aimed to identify genetic association of TCOF1 with human NTDs. High-throughput sequencing targeted on TCOF1was performed on samples from 355humancases affected by NTDs and 225 controls from a Han Chinese population. Four novel missense variants were found in the NTD cohort. Cell-based assays indicated that the p.(A491G) variant carried by an individual, who shows anencephaly and single-nostril abnormality, attenuates production of total proteins, suggesting a loss-of-function mutation in ribosomal biogenesis. Importantly, this variant promotes nucleolar disruption and stabilizes p53 protein, highlighting an unbalancing effect on cell apoptosis. This study explored the functional impact of a missense variant in TCOF1, implicating a set of novel causative biological factors involved in the pathogenicity of human NTDs, particularly whom combined with craniofacial abnormality.