bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPRi-Library-Guided Target Identification for Engineering Carotenoid Production by Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Göttl Vanessa L. , Schmitt Ina , Braun Kristina , Peters-Wendisch Petra , Wendisch Volker F. , Henke Nadja A.
Published: March 2021

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a prominent production host for various value-added compounds in white biotechnology. Gene repression by dCas9/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) interference (CRISPRi) allows for the identification of target genes for metabolic engineering. In this study, a CRISPRi-based library for the repression of 74 genes of C. glutamicum was constructed. The chosen genes included genes encoding enzymes of glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, regulatory genes, as well as genes of the methylerythritol phosphate and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways. As expected, CRISPRi-mediated repression of the carotenogenesis repressor gene crtR resulted in increased pigmentation and cellular content of the native carotenoid pigment decaprenoxanthin. CRISPRi screening identified 14 genes that affected decaprenoxanthin biosynthesis when repressed. Carotenoid biosynthesis was significantly decreased upon CRISPRi-mediated repression of 11 of these genes, while repression of 3 genes was beneficial for decaprenoxanthin production. Largely, but not in all cases, deletion of selected genes identified in the CRISPRi screen confirmed the pigmentation phenotypes obtained by CRISPRi. Notably, deletion of pgi as well as of gapA improved decaprenoxanthin levels 43-fold and 9-fold, respectively. The scope of the designed library to identify metabolic engineering targets, transfer of gene repression to stable gene deletion, and limitations of the approach were discussed.
Understanding the Interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and the Raw-Meat-Processing Environment Isolate Klebsiella oxytoca in Dual-Species Biofilms via Discovering an Altered Metabolic Profile
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Hu Yunan , Tian Simin , Han Beizhong
Published: March 2021

In a raw-meat-processing environment, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family can coexist with Staphylococcus aureus to form dual-species biofilms, leading to a higher risk of food contamination. However, very little is known about the effect of inter-species interactions on dual-species biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between S. aureus and raw-meat-processing environment isolates of Klebsiella oxytoca in dual-species biofilms, by employing an untargeted metabolomics tool. Crystal violet staining assay showed that the biomass of the dual-species biofilm significantly increased and reached its maximum after incubation for 21 h, compared with that of single species grown alone. The number of K. oxytoca in the dual-species biofilm was significantly higher than that of S. aureus. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that both species were evenly distributed, and were tightly wrapped by extracellular polymeric substances in the dual-species biofilms. Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography equipped with a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) analysis exhibited a total of 8184 positive ions, and 6294 negative ions were obtained from all test samples. Multivariate data analysis further described altered metabolic profiling between mono- and dual-species biofilms. Further, 18 and 21 different metabolites in the dual-species biofilm were screened as biomarkers by comparing the mono-species biofilms of S. aureus and K. oxytoca, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways that were exclusively upregulated in the dual-species biofilm included ABC transporters, amino acid metabolism, and the two-component signal transduction system. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the interactive behavior of inter-species biofilm communities, by discovering altered metabolic profiling.
Probiotic Propionibacterium freudenreichii MJ2 Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation and Mineralization by Increasing the OPG/RANKL Ratio
Authors: Yeom Jiah , Ma Seongho , Lim Young-Hee
Published: March 2021

Osteoblast differentiation is important for the development of bone and the maintenance of bone density. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is a probiotic with an anti-inflammatory property. The aim of this study was to investigate the enhancement effect of P. freudenreichii MJ2 (MJ2) isolated from raw milk on osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and its signaling pathway. For in vitro and in vivo experiments, human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19 and an ovariectomized rat model were used, respectively. Expression levels of genes and proteins related to osteoblast differentiation and mineralization were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Alizarin red S staining was performed to measure osteoblast mineralization. Heat-killed MJ2 (hkMJ2)-treated cells showed significantly increased osteoblast differentiation via an increase in the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) ratio and significantly increased osteoblast mineralization by stimulating the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and runt-related transcription factor 2. Additionally, oral administration of live or heat-killed MJ2 to ovariectomized rats inhibited osteoporosis-induced bone loss. Specifically, surface proteins isolated from MJ2 promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. In conclusion, MJ2 enhanced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization through the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway and the effective component of MJ2 might be its surface proteins.
Effects of Cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris during Its Infection to Silkworm Larvae
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Nishimura Konomi , Suparmin Ahmad , Ikeo Kazuho , Park Enoch Y.
Published: March 2021

Cordyceps militaris produces cordycepin, a secondary metabolite that exhibits numerous bioactive properties. However, cordycepin pharmacology in vivo is not yet understood. In this study, the roles of cordycepin in C. militaris during its infection were investigated. After the injection of conidia, C. militaris NBRC100741 killed silkworm larvae more rapidly than NBRC103752. At 96 and 120 h, Cmcns genes (Cmcns1–4), which are part of the cordycepin biosynthesis gene cluster, were expressed in fat bodies and cuticles. Thus, cordycepin may be produced in the infection of silkworm larvae. Further, cordycepin enhanced pathogenicity toward silkworm larvae of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, that are also entomopathogenic fungi and do not produce cordycepin. In addition, by RNA-seq analysis, the increased expression of the gene encoding a lipoprotein 30K-8 (Bmlp20, KWMTBOMO11934) and decreased expression of genes encoding cuticular proteins (KWMTBOMO13140, KWMTBOMO13167) and a serine protease inhibitor (serpin29, KWMTBOMO08927) were observed when cordycepin was injected into silkworm larvae. This result suggests that cordycepin may aid the in vivo growth of C. militaris in silkworm larvae by the influence of the expression of some genes in silkworm larvae.
Automated Gold Grain Counting. Part 1: Why Counts Matter!
Authors: Girard Réjean , Tremblay Jonathan , Néron Alexandre , Longuépée Hugues
Published: March 2021

The quantitative and qualitative assessment of gold grains from samples of glacial till is a well-established method for exploring gold deposits hidden under glaciated cover. This method, which is widely used in the industry and has resulted in numerous successes in locating gold deposits in glaciated terrain, is still based on artisanal gravity separation techniques and visual identification. However, being artisanal, it is limited by inconsistent recoveries and difficulties associated with visually identifying the predominantly small gold grains. These limitations hinder its capacity to decipher subtle or complex signals. To improve detection limits through the recovery of small gold grains, a new approach has recently been introduced into the industry, which is commercially referred to as the “ARTGold” procedure. This procedure involves the use of an optimized miniature sluice box coupled with an automated scanning electron microscopy routine. The capabilities of this improved method were highlighted in this study by comparing till surveys conducted around the Borden gold deposit (Ontario, Canada) using the conventional and improved methods at both local and regional scales. Relative to that with the conventional approach, the improved method increased the recovery of gold grains from samples (regional and down-ice mineralization) by almost one order of magnitude. (regional and down-ice mineralization), dominantly in regard of the small size fractions. Increasing the counts in low-abundance regional samples allows for a better discrimination between background signals and significant dispersions. The described method offers an alternative for improving the characterization of gold dispersal in glaciated terrain and related gold deposit footprints.
Probing the Effect of Water Recycling on Flotation through Anion Spiking Using a Low-Grade Cu–Ni–PGM Ore: The Effect of NO3−, SO42− and S2O32−
Authors: Dzingai Mathew , Manono Malibongwe S. , Corin Kirsten C.
Published: March 2021

Water scarcity necessitates the recycling of process water within mineral processing practices. This may however come with its disadvantages for unit operations such as froth flotation as this process is water intensive and sensitive to water chemistry. It is therefore important to monitor the water chemistry of the recycle stream of process water and any other water source to flotation. Monitoring the concentrations of the anions in recycled process water is therefore important to consider as these are speculated to impact flotation performance. Batch flotation tests were conducted using synthetically prepared plant water (3 SPW) with a TDS of 3069 mg/L as the baseline experiment. 3 SPW contained 528 mg/LNO3− and 720 mg/L SO42−, other anions and cations, and no S2O32−. Upon spiking 3 SPW with selected anions, viz, NO3−, SO42− and S2O32−, it was noted that NO3− and SO42− exhibited threshold concentrations while S2O32− did not show a threshold concentration for both copper and nickel grade. Spiking 3 SPW with 352 mg/L more of NO3− to a total 880 mg/L NO3− concentration resulted in the highest copper and nickel grade compared to 3 SPW while increasing the S2O32− from 60 to 78 mg/L increased nickel and copper grade. 720 to 1200 mg/L SO42− and 528 to 880 mg/L NO3− were deemed the concentration boundaries within which lies the threshold concentration above which flotation performance declines with respect to metal grades, while for S2O32− the threshold concentration lies outside the range considered for this study. Anion distribution between the pulp and the froth did not seem to impact the recovery of copper or nickel. Notably, the correlation between the concentrate grades and anion distribution between the froth and the pulp seemed to be ion dependent.
Improved Efficiency Roll-Off and Operational Lifetime of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with a Tetradentate Platinum(II) Complex by Using an n-Doped Electron-Transporting Layer
Authors: Liu Weiqiang , Zhou Liang , Jin Long Yi , Cheng Gang
Published: March 2021

The efficiency roll-off and operational lifetime of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a tetradentate Pt(II) emitter is improved by engaging an n-doped electron-transporting layer (ETL). Compared to those devices with non-doped ETL, the driving voltage is lowered, the charged carrier is balanced, and the exciton density in the emissive layer (EML) is decreased in the device with n-doped ETL with 8-hydroxyquinolinolatolithium (Liq). High luminance of almost 70,000 cd m−2 and high current efficiency of 40.5 cd A−1 at high luminance of 10,000 cd m−2 is achieved in the device with 50 wt%-Liq-doped ETL. More importantly, the extended operational lifetime of 1945 h is recorded at the initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2 in the 50 wt%-Liq-doped device, which is longer than that of the device with non-doped ETL by almost 10 times. This result manifests the potential application of tetradentate Pt(II) complexes in the OLED industry.
Photodeposition of Silver on Zinc/Calcium Ferrite Nanoparticles: A Contribution to Efficient Effluent Remediation and Catalyst Reutilization
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo J. C. , Magalhães Carlos A. B. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Almeida Bernardo G. , Pires Ana , Pereira André Miguel , Araujo João Pedro , Castanheira Elisabete M. S. , Coutinho Paulo J. G.
Published: March 2021

The efficient photodegradation of textile dyes is still a challenge, especially considering resistant azo dyes. In this work, zinc/calcium mixed ferrite nanoparticles prepared by the sol–gel method were coupled with silver by a photodeposition method to enhance the photocatalytic potency. The obtained zinc/calcium ferrites are mainly cubic-shaped nanoparticles sized 15 ± 2 nm determined from TEM and XRD and an optical bandgap of 1.6 eV. Magnetic measurements indicate a superparamagnetic behavior with saturation magnetizations of 44.22 emu/g and 27.97 emu/g, respectively, for Zn/Ca ferrite and Zn/Ca ferrite with photodeposited silver. The zinc/calcium ferrite nanoparticles with photodeposited silver showed efficient photodegradation of the textile azo dyes C.I. Reactive Blue 250 and C.I. Reactive Yellow 145. Subsequent cycles of the use of the photocatalyst indicate the possibility of magnetic recovery and reutilization without a significant loss of efficiency.
One-Step Plasma Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanomesh
Authors: Vesel Alenka , Zaplotnik Rok , Primc Gregor , Pirker Luka , Mozetič Miran
Published: March 2021

A one-step method for plasma synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomesh is presented. The method involves a molten polymer, which is a source of carbon, and inductively coupled nitrogen plasma, which is a source of highly reactive nitrogen species. The method enables the deposition of the nanocarbon layer at a rate of almost 0.1 µm/s. The deposited nanocarbon is in the form of randomly oriented multilayer graphene nanosheets or nanoflakes with a thickness of several nm and an area of the order of 1000 nm2. The concentration of chemically bonded nitrogen on the surface of the film increases with deposition time and saturates at approximately 15 at.%. Initially, the oxygen concentration is up to approximately 10 at.% but decreases with treatment time and finally saturates at approximately 2 at.%. Nitrogen is bonded in various configurations, including graphitic, pyridinic, and pyrrolic nitrogen.
Pre-Pregnancy Diet Quality Is Associated with Lowering the Risk of Offspring Obesity and Underweight: Finding from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gete Dereje G. , Waller Michael , Mishra Gita D.
Published: March 2021

Maternal diet plays a critical role in epigenetic changes and the establishment of the gut microbiome in the fetus, which has been associated with weight outcomes in offspring. This study examined the association between maternal diet quality before pregnancy and childhood body mass index (BMI) in offspring. There were 1936 mothers with 3391 children included from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) and the Mothers and their Children’s Health (MatCH) study. Maternal dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative and validated 101-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The healthy eating index (HEI-2015) score was used to explore preconception diet quality. Childhood BMI was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese based on sex and age-specific BMI classifications for children. Multinomial logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors was used for analyses. Greater adherence to maternal diet quality before pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of offspring being underweight after adjustment for potential confounders, highest vs. lowest quartile (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 0.96). Higher adherence to preconception diet quality was also inversely linked with the risk of childhood obesity (RRR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.98). This association was, however, no longer significant after adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI. Sodium intake was significantly associated with decreased risk of childhood overweight and obesity (RRR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.23) and (RRR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.26), respectively. No significant association was detected between preconception diet quality and offspring being overweight. This study suggests that better adherence to maternal diet quality before pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of childhood underweight and obesity.
Use of Salt-Restriction Spoons and Its Associations with Urinary Sodium and Potassium in the Zhejiang Province of China: Results of a Population-Based Survey
Authors: Du Xiaofu , Zhao Di , Henry Megan E. , Fang Le , Xu Jianwei , Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Jie , Bai Yamin , Wu Jing , Ma Jixiang , Zhong Jieming , Yu Min , Appel Lawrence J.
Published: March 2021

In China, a major source of sodium is salt added during cooking. In this context, use of a salt-restriction spoon (SRS) has been promoted in public health campaigns and by health care providers. To describe use of and factors associated with SRS use, knowledge of correct use, and actual correct use. This study is a population-based, representative survey of 7512 residents, aged 18 to 69 years, of China’s Zhejiang Province. The survey, which was conducted in 2017 using a multistage random sampling strategy, collected demographic information, SRS use, and physical measurements; a 24-h urine collection was obtained from 1,496 of the participants. The mean age of the participants was 44.8 years, 50.1% were females, and over 1/3 (35.3%) were classified as hypertensive. Mean 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretions were 167.3(72.2) mmol/24 h and 38.2(18.2) mmol/24 h, respectively. Only 12.0% (899/7512) of participants once used or were currently using SRS; of the 899 users, 73.4% knew how to use the SRS correctly, and just 46.5% actually used it correctly. SRS use was more commonly associated with behavioral factors rather than socio-demographic factors. Initiation of SRS use by health care providers was associated with correct technical knowledge of SRS. Lower sodium-to-potassium ratio was associated with SRS use, while SRS use was not associated with urinary sodium and potassium excretion. Use of SRS was uncommon in Zhejiang Province of China. Given that a common source of sodium in China is salt added during cooking, use of SRS is an appealing strategy, ideally as part of a multi-component campaign.
i-Rebound after Stroke-Eat for Health: Mediterranean Dietary Intervention Co-Design Using an Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach and the TIDieR Checklist
Authors: Zacharia Karly , Patterson Amanda J. , English Coralie , Ramage Emily , Galloway Margaret , Burke Meredith , Gray Raymond , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley
Published: March 2021

Lifestyle interventions to reduce second stroke risk are complex. For effective translation into practice, interventions must be specific to end-user needs and described in detail for replication. This study used an Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) approach and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to co-design and describe a telehealth-delivered diet program for stroke survivors. Stroke survivors and carers (n = 6), specialist dietitians (n = 6) and an IKT research team (n = 8) participated in a 4-phase co-design process. Phase 1: the IKT team developed the research questions, and identified essential program elements and workshop strategies for effective co-design. Phase 2: Participant co-design workshops used persona and journey mapping to create user profiles to identify barriers and essential program elements. Phase 3: The IKT team mapped Phase 2 data to the TIDieR checklist and developed the intervention prototype. Phase 4: Co-design workshops were conducted to refine the prototype for trial. Rigorous IKT co-design fundamentally influenced intervention development. Modifications to the protocol based on participant input included ensuring that all resources were accessible to people with aphasia, an additional support framework and resources specific to outcome of stroke. The feasibility and safety of this intervention is currently being pilot tested (randomised controlled trial; 2019/ETH11533, ACTRN12620000189921).
Dietary Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Food Sources of Protein and Relationships with Personal and Family Factors in Spanish Children Aged One to <10 Years: Findings of the EsNuPI Study
Authors: Madrigal Casandra , Soto-Méndez María José , Hernández-Ruiz Ángela , Valero Teresa , Lara Villoslada Federico , Leis Rosaura , Martínez de Victoria Emilio , Moreno José Manuel , Ortega Rosa M. , Ruiz-López María Dolores , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Gil Ángel
Published: March 2021

Diet in the first years of life is an important factor in growth and development. Dietary protein is a critical macronutrient that provides both essential and nonessential amino acids required for sustaining all body functions and procedures, providing the structural basis to maintain life and healthy development and growth in children. In this study, our aim was to describe the total protein intake, type and food sources of protein, the adequacy to the Population Reference Intake (PRI) for protein by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) by the Institute of Medicine (IoM). Furthermore, we analyzed whether the consumption of dairy products (including regular milk, dairy products, or adapted milk formulas) is associated with nutrient adequacy and the contribution of protein to diet and whole dietary profile in the two cohorts of the EsNuPI (in English, Nutritional Study in the Spanish Pediatric Population) study; one cohort was representative of the Spanish population from one to <10 years old (n = 707) (Spanish reference cohort, SRS) who reported consuming all kinds of milk and one was a cohort of the same age who reported consuming adapted milk over the last year (including follow-on formula, growing up milk, toddler’s milk, and enriched and fortified milks) (n = 741) (adapted milk consumers cohort, AMS). The children of both cohorts had a high contribution from protein to total energy intake (16.79% SRS and 15.63% AMS) and a high total protein intake (60.89 g/day SRS and 53.43 g/day AMS). We observed that protein intake in Spanish children aged one to <10 years old was above the European and international recommendations, as well as the recommended percentages for energy intakes. The main protein sources were milk and dairy products (28% SRS and 29% AMS) and meat and meat products (27% SRS and 26% AMS), followed by cereals (16% SRS and 15% AMS), fish and shellfish (8% in both cohorts), eggs (5% SRS and 6% AMS), and legumes (4% in both cohorts). In our study population, protein intake was mainly from an animal origin (meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, fish and shellfish, and eggs) rather than from a plant origin (cereals and legumes). Future studies should investigate the long-term effect of dietary protein in early childhood on growth and body composition, and whether high protein intake affects health later in life.
Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes
Authors: Figlioli Flavia , Bianco Antonino , Thomas Ewan , Stajer Valdemar , Korovljev Darinka , Trivic Tatjana , Maksimovic Nebojsa , Drid Patrik
Published: March 2021

Background: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. Methods: The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m2): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. Results: Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. Conclusions: This study’s results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose “less harmful” methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL.
Effects of Co-Ingestion of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-Ketoglutarate on Jump Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Kaczka Piotr , Kubicka Katarzyna , Batra Amit , Maciejczyk Marcin , Kopera Edyta , Bira Justyna , Zając Tomasz
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of simultaneous supplementation of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate on lower limb power and muscle damage in medium distance runners aged 15.3 (±0.9) years old. Methods: The study group consisted of 40 volunteers aged 14–17 years practicing medium distance running for at least two years. The study lasted 12 days and followed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design. All subjects attended a familiarization session on day 0 before the test. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: supplements and placebo group. The same training cycle protocol was used in both groups during the 12-day training period. Morning warm-up involved 10 min jogging at 60–75% of maximal heart rate and countermovement jump height measurement. Main training units were carried out for both groups with the same volume. Training load assessment (the daily session Rating of Perceived Exertion (s-RPE) method) method takes into consideration the intensity and the duration of the training session to calculate the “training load” (TL). Results: At the end of the training cycle, a significant (p = 0.002) decrease in the countermovement jump (CMJ) height was found in the placebo group when compared to the baseline. In the supplement group, there was no decrease in the countermovement jump height. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase concentration increased during the training days similarly in both groups and decreased on rest days. There were no differences between groups in enzymes concentration. The research results indicate that the supplement combination used in the supplements group prevented a reduction in the CMJ values. In contrast to the supplements group, in the placebo group, the CMJ changes were statistically significant: a noticeable (p = 0.002) decrease in CMJ was noted between the baseline measurement and the 6th measurement. The well-being of the subjects from both groups changed significantly during the training period, and the intergroup differences in the mood level were similar and not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the daily co-supplementation with calcium salt of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (7.5 g) and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate (10 g) during training might help to prevent decline in jump performance. No influence on muscle damage markers or mood was shown.
Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function
Authors: von Schacky Clemens
Published: March 2021

Brain structure and function depend on a constant and sufficient supply with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by blood. Blood levels of EPA and DHA reflect dietary intake and other variables and are preferably assessed as percentage in erythrocytes with a well-documented and standardized analytical method (HS-Omega-3 Index®). Every human being has an Omega-3 Index between 2 and 20%, with an optimum of 8–11%. Compared to an optimal Omega-3 Index, a lower Omega-3 Index was associated with increased risk for total mortality and ischemic stroke, reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, accelerated progression to dementia, psychiatric diseases, compromises of complex brain functions, and other brain issues in epidemiologic studies. Most intervention trials, and their meta-analyses considered EPA and DHA as drugs with good bioavailability, a design tending to produce meaningful results in populations characterized by low baseline blood levels (e.g., in major depression), but otherwise responsible for many neutral results and substantial confusion. When trial results were evaluated using blood levels of EPA and DHA measured, effects were larger than comparing EPA and DHA to placebo groups, and paralleled epidemiologic findings. This indicates future trial design, and suggests a targeted use EPA and DHA, based on the Omega-3 Index.
Circulation of Babesia Species and Their Exposure to Humans through Ixodes ricinus
Authors: Azagi Tal , Jaarsma Ryanne I. , Docters van Leeuwen Arieke , Fonville Manoj , Maas Miriam , Franssen Frits F. J. , Kik Marja , Rijks Jolianne M. , Montizaan Margriet G. , Groenevelt Margit , Hoyer Mark , Esser Helen J. , Krawczyk Aleksandra I. , Modrý David , Sprong Hein , Demir Samiye
Published: March 2021

Human babesiosis in Europe has been attributed to infection with Babesia divergens and, to a lesser extent, with Babesia venatorum and Babesia microti, which are all transmitted to humans through a bite of Ixodes ricinus. These Babesia species circulate in the Netherlands, but autochthonous human babesiosis cases have not been reported so far. To gain more insight into the natural sources of these Babesia species, their presence in reservoir hosts and in I. ricinus was examined. Moreover, part of the ticks were tested for co-infections with other tick borne pathogens. In a cross-sectional study, qPCR-detection was used to determine the presence of Babesia species in 4611 tissue samples from 27 mammalian species and 13 bird species. Reverse line blotting (RLB) and qPCR detection of Babesia species were used to test 25,849 questing I. ricinus. Fragments of the 18S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from PCR-positive isolates were sequenced for confirmation and species identification and species-specific PCR reactions were performed on samples with suspected mixed infections. Babesia microti was found in two widespread rodent species: Myodes glareolus and Apodemus sylvaticus, whereas B. divergens was detected in the geographically restricted Cervus elaphus and Bison bonasus, and occasionally in free-ranging Ovis aries. B. venatorum was detected in the ubiquitous Capreolus capreolus, and occasionally in free-ranging O. aries. Species-specific PCR revealed co-infections in C. capreolus and C. elaphus, resulting in higher prevalence of B. venatorum and B. divergens than disclosed by qPCR detection, followed by 18S rDNA and COI sequencing. The non-zoonotic Babesia species found were Babesia capreoli, Babesia vulpes, Babesia sp. deer clade, and badger-associated Babesia species. The infection rate of zoonotic Babesia species in questing I. ricinus ticks was higher for Babesia clade I (2.6%) than Babesia clade X (1.9%). Co-infection of B. microti with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Neoehrlichia mikurensis in questing nymphs occurred more than expected, which reflects their mutual reservoir hosts, and suggests the possibility of co-transmission of these three pathogens to humans during a tick bite. The ubiquitous spread and abundance of B. microti and B. venatorum in their reservoir hosts and questing ticks imply some level of human exposure through tick bites. The restricted distribution of the wild reservoir hosts for B. divergens and its low infection rate in ticks might contribute to the absence of reported autochthonous cases of human babesiosis in the Netherlands.
Development and Evaluation of 1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA)-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Subramaniam Bavani , Arshad Norhafiza M. , Malagobadan Sharan , Misran Misni , Nyamathulla Shaik , Mun Kein Seong , Nagoor Noor Hasima
Published: March 2021

1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) extracted from the rhizomes of Alpinia conchigera Griff (Zingiberaceae) has been shown to deregulate the NF-ĸB signaling pathway and induce apoptosis-mediated cell death in many cancer types. However, ACA is a hydrophobic ester, with poor solubility in an aqueous medium, limited bioavailability, and nonspecific targeting in vivo. To address these problems, ACA was encapsulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) anchored with plerixafor octahydrochloride (AMD3100) to promote targeted delivery towards C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-expressing prostate cancer cells. The NLC was prepared using the melt and high sheer homogenization method, and it exhibited ideal physico-chemical properties, successful encapsulation and modification, and sustained rate of drug release. Furthermore, it demonstrated time-based and improved cellular uptake, and improved cytotoxic and anti-metastatic properties on PC-3 cells in vitro. Additionally, the in vivo animal tumor model revealed significant anti-tumor efficacy and reduction in pro-tumorigenic markers in comparison to the placebo, without affecting the weight and physiological states of the nude mice. Overall, ACA-loaded NLC with AMD3100 surface modification was successfully prepared with evidence of substantial anti-cancer efficacy. These results suggest the potential use of AMD3100-modified NLCs as a targeting carrier for cytotoxic drugs towards CXCR4-expressing cancer cells.
Does Elevated [CO2] Only Increase Root Growth in the Topsoil? A FACE Study with Lentil in a Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Bourgault Maryse , Tausz-Posch Sabine , Greenwood Mark , Löw Markus , Henty Samuel , Armstrong Roger D. , O’Leary Garry L. , Fitzgerald Glenn J. , Tausz Michael
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations [CO2] are increasing steadily. Some reports have shown that root growth in grain crops is mostly stimulated in the topsoil rather than evenly throughout the soil profile by e[CO2], which is not optimal for crops grown in semi-arid environments with strong reliance on stored water. An experiment was conducted during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons with two lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes grown under Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) in which root growth was observed non-destructively with mini-rhizotrons approximately every 2–3 weeks. Root growth was not always statistically increased by e[CO2] and not consistently between depths and genotypes. In 2014, root growth in the top 15 cm of the soil profile (topsoil) was indeed increased by e[CO2], but increases at lower depths (30–45 cm) later in the season were greater than in the topsoil. In 2015, e[CO2] only increased root length in the topsoil for one genotype, potentially reflecting the lack of plant available soil water between 30–60 cm until recharged by irrigation during grain filling. Our limited data to compare responses to e[CO2] showed that root length increases in the topsoil were correlated with a lower yield response to e[CO2]. The increase in yield response was rather correlated with increases in root growth below 30 cm depth.
Morphological Features of Plants on Ash Settling Ponds. Case Study
Authors: Gamrat Renata , Stankowski Sławomir , Jaroszewska Anna
Published: March 2021

Owing to variable water conditions, chemical conditions of water or ash substrate, ash settling ponds belong to anthropogenic objects which do not easily undergo plant succession. However, there are plants exhibiting biological traits allowing colonisation of a substrate characterised by variability in terms of acidity and heavy metal content. The aim of the study was to determine differences in morphology of plants colonising spontaneous surfaces of ash settling ponds with variability moisture level. We identified also differences in morphology of the plants. Identified: Agrostis stolonifera, Atriplex patula, Juncus bufonius, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis and Ranunculus sceleratus. The obtained results broaden the knowledge on the bioremediation of degraded areas, indicate species that inhabit the surface of ash settlers. Lower water level in ash settling pond I created more favourable conditions for growth of the aboveground parts of plants, and higher waterlevel in ash settling pond II contributed to a more intensive development of the root part of plants. Considering the generative factors and measurement values of the aboveground part of plants, the best adapted species were Juncus bufonius and Atriplex patula. Due to changing water level in ash settling ponds, the species to be monitored is Phragmites australis—most deeply colonising the surface of ash settling ponds.
Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Activities of Hyacinthus orientalis L.: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Kury Lina T. Al , Taha Zainab , Talib Wamidh H.
Published: March 2021

Hyacinthus orientalis L. (family Hyacinthaceae) is traditionally used to treat different diseases including cancer. In this study, the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of this plant were evaluated. Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared, and different solvent fractions were obtained using solvent–solvent extraction. In the anticancer part, MTT assay and caspase-3 ELISA kits were used to measure the antiproliferative and apoptosis induction ability for each extract, respectively. In the immunomodulatory part, lymphocyte proliferation assay and cytokines detection kit were used to measure the effect of extracts of acquired immunity. Phagocytosis and pinocytosis induction were used to evaluate the effect of extracts on the innate immunity. GC–MS, LC–MS, and Foline–Ciocalteu assays were used to identify the chemical composition of the plant. Balb/C mice were inoculated with breast cancer and treated with hydroalcoholic extract of H. orientalis L. Results showed that hydroalcoholic extract and n-hexane fraction were highly effective in apoptosis induction. Both extract and fraction were also effective in stimulating lymphocytes proliferation and phagocytosis. Significant reduction in tumor size was achieved after treating tumor-bearing mice with hydroalcoholic extract. Additionally, high cure percentages (50%) were obtained in treated mice. Results of this study showed that H. orientalis L. has promising anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. However, further studies are needed to explore more details of apoptosis induction ability and other mechanisms of action and to measure different signaling pathways responsible for the anticancer and immunomodulatory response.
Methane Production Rate during Anoxic Litter Decomposition Depends on Si Mass Fractions, Nutrient Stoichiometry, and Carbon Quality
Authors: Hömberg Annkathrin , Knorr Klaus-Holger , Schaller Jörg
Published: March 2021

While Si influences nutrient stoichiometry and decomposition of graminoid litter, it is still unclear how Si influences anoxic litter decomposition and CH4 formation in graminoid dominated fen peatlands. First, Eriophorum vaginatum plants were grown under different Si and P availabilities, then shoots and roots were characterized regarding their proportions of C, Si, N and P and regarding C quality. Subsequently the Eriophorum shoots were subjected to anoxic decomposition. We hypothesized; that (I) litter grown under high Si availability would show a higher Si but lower nutrient mass fractions and a lower share of recalcitrant carbon moieties; (II) high-Si litter would show higher CH4 and CO2 production rates during anoxic decomposition; (III) methanogenesis would occur earlier in less recalcitrant high-Si litter, compared to low-Si litter. We found a higher Si mass fraction that coincides with a general decrease in C and N mass fractions and decreased share of recalcitrant organic moieties. For high-Si litter, the CH4 production rate was higher, but there was no long-term influence on the CO2 production rate. More labile high-Si litter and a differential response in nutrient stoichiometry led to faster onset of methanogenesis. This may have important implications for our understanding of anaerobic carbon turnover in graminoid-rich fens.
Exploring the End-Use Quality Potential of a Collection of Spanish Bread Wheat Landraces
Authors: López-Fernández Matilde , Pascual Laura , Faci Isabel , Fernández Mario , Ruiz Magdalena , Benavente Elena , Giraldo Patricia
Published: March 2021

Modern plant-breeding practices have narrowed the genetic base of wheat, such that there is a need to introduce new germplasms with underexploited diversity into breeding programs. Wheat landraces are a very valuable resource when searching for genetic variation, which not only possess increased adaptability, but also quality-related traits. Several studies have shown a wide genetic diversity in Spanish wheat landraces compared to other germplasm collections; therefore, the main objective of this study is to analyze the variability in a collection of 189 landraces from the Spanish National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Centro de Recursos Fitogenéticos, CRF-INIA, Alcalá de Henares), in relation to end-use quality traits. We characterized the whole collection for high-molecular-weight glutenin and puroindoline allelic composition, and for gluten strength. In addition, grain protein content, grains per spike, and thousand kernel weight were evaluated in samples from four-year field trials. The relationship between glutenin composition and quality was evaluated, and some alleles strongly associated with high quality were identified in the collection, some of them specific for Iberian landraces. The results also show the presence of novel variability within high-molecular-weight glutenin and puroindolines, which needs to be characterized further in order to assess its influence on wheat quality. In addition, a set of landraces showing outstanding values for gluten quality and a good agronomic performance was selected for testing in field trials in order to evaluate the suitability of their direct use in cropping systems.
The Morphological and Anatomical Traits of the Leaf in Representative Vinca Species Observed on Indoor- and Outdoor-Grown Plants
Authors: Ciorîță Alexandra , Tripon Septimiu Cassian , Mircea Ioan Gabriel , Podar Dorina , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Mircea Cristina , Pârvu Marcel
Published: March 2021

Morphological and anatomical traits of the Vinca leaf were examined using microscopy techniques. Outdoor Vinca minor and V. herbacea plants and greenhouse cultivated V. major and V. major var. variegata plants had interspecific variations. All Vinca species leaves are hypostomatic. However, except for V. minor leaf, few stomata were also present on the upper epidermis. V. minor leaf had the highest stomatal index and V. major had the lowest, while the distribution of trichomes on the upper epidermis was species-specific. Differentiated palisade and spongy parenchyma tissues were present in all Vinca species’ leaves. However, V. minor and V. herbacea leaves had a more organized anatomical aspect, compared to V. major and V. major var. variegata leaves. Additionally, as a novelty, the cellular to intercellular space ratio of the Vinca leaf’s mesophyll was revealed herein with the help of computational analysis. Lipid droplets of different sizes and aspects were localized in the spongy parenchyma cells. Ultrastructural characteristics of the cuticle and its epicuticular waxes were described for the first time. Moreover, thick layers of cutin seemed to be characteristic of the outdoor plants only. This could be an adaptation to the unpredictable environmental conditions, but nevertheless, it might influence the chemical composition of plants.
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Poly(acrylonitrile-co-Methyl Acrylate)/Lignin Nanofibers: Effects of Lignin Type and Total Polymer Concentration
Authors: Devadas Suchitha , Al-Ajrash Saja M. Nabat , Klosterman Donald A. , Crosson Kenya M. , Crosson Garry S. , Vasquez Erick S.
Published: March 2021

Lignin macromolecules are potential precursor materials for producing electrospun nanofibers for composite applications. However, little is known about the effect of lignin type and blend ratios with synthetic polymers. This study analyzed blends of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (PAN-MA) with two types of commercially available lignin, low sulfonate (LSL) and alkali, kraft lignin (AL), in DMF solvent. The electrospinning and polymer blend solution conditions were optimized to produce thermally stable, smooth lignin-based nanofibers with total polymer content of up to 20 wt % in solution and a 50/50 blend weight ratio. Microscopy studies revealed that AL blends possess good solubility, miscibility, and dispersibility compared to LSL blends. Despite the lignin content or type, rheological studies demonstrated that PAN-MA concentration in solution dictated the blend’s viscosity. Smooth electrospun nanofibers were fabricated using AL depending upon the total polymer content and blend ratio. AL’s addition to PAN-MA did not affect the glass transition or degradation temperatures of the nanofibers compared to neat PAN-MA. We confirmed the presence of each lignin type within PAN-MA nanofibers through infrared spectroscopy. PAN-MA/AL nanofibers possessed similar morphological and thermal properties as PAN-MA; thus, these lignin-based nanofibers can replace PAN in future applications, including production of carbon fibers and supercapacitors.
Surface and Thermal Characterization of Cotton Fibers of Phenotypes Differing in Fiber Length
Authors: He Zhongqi , Nam Sunghyun , Fang David D. , Cheng Huai N. , He Jibao
Published: March 2021

Cotton is one of the most important and widely grown crops in the world. Understanding the synthesis mechanism of cotton fiber elongation can provide valuable tools to the cotton industry for improving cotton fiber yield and quality at the molecular level. In this work, the surface and thermal characteristics of cotton fiber samples collected from a wild type (WT) and three mutant lines (Li1, Li2-short, Li2-long, Li2-mix, and liy) were comparatively investigated. Microimaging revealed a general similarity trend of WT ≥ Li2-long ≈ Li2-mix > Li1 > Li2 short ≈ liy with Ca detected on the surface of the last two. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric measurements also showed that Li2-short and liy were more similar to each other, and Li2-long and Li2-mix closer to WT while Li1 was quite independent. FT-IR results further demonstrated that wax and amorphous cellulose were co-present in fiber structures during the fiber formation processes. The correlation analysis found that the FT-IR-based maturity parameter was well correlated (p ≤ 0.05) to the onset decomposition temperature and all three weight-loss parameters at onset, peak, and end decomposition stages, suggesting that the maturity degree is a better parameter than crystallinity index (CI) and other FT-IR parameters that reflect the thermal stability of the cotton fiber. In summary, this work demonstrated that genetic mutation altered the surface and thermal characteristics in the same way for Li2-short and liy, but with different mechanisms for the other three mutant cotton fiber samples.