Taro is an important root vegetable and has several medicinal and therapeutic properties. The two major therapeutic ingredients are flavonoids and triterpenoids, which are of prime importance. Additionally, the plant has antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. People often use it to treat a number of diseases by prescribing them as medications. Researchers from the pharmaceutical industry can thrive on C. esculenta by using whole-plant extracts. The identification of valuable terpenoids and therapeutics and their preparations are profusely dealt with in this article. Also, the new structural details of connective tissue are also studied as it helps researchers to investigate further uses of taro for humans, it is well known that xanthan can be obtained commercially as stabilizers, thickeners, binders, and more. It is essential to explore this plant for both medicinal and pharmaceutical properties.

The research aimed to identify the effect of high-intensity compound exercises for physical performance skills using the means of hypoxia training in some biochemical variables in the blood of fencing players. The researcher used the experimental approach and determined the community, namely the players of Maysan governorate teams in fencing and for the three weapons (fencing sword, shish, Arab sword) the category of applicants over the age of (20) years, and by (4) players for each weapon, which reached the number of society (12) players, and some procedures were adopted to achieve the objectives of the study. The study came out the results of the study recorded a significant impact on the high level of measurement of blood biochemical variables (EPOs, FERSs, Hb, Hct) and improved by high-intensity compound exercises using the training hypoxic mask among members of the research community.

According to the literature, patients with chronic pain and mental disorders constitute a huge, heterogeneous group. However, it is known that social and psychological processes closely affect the level and expression of chronic pain. In this paper, we present a review of the literature, define methods of identifying pain biomarkers and consider the possibility of using them to assess pain in mental disorders. Group researchers searched PubMed, Scope, and Cochrane databases for "pain biomarkers in mental disorders" between 2011 and 2021. for available databases for full-text, peer-reviewed studies and review publications using the following keywords: pain biomarkers, neuroimaging pain, pain metabolomics, pain and psychiatric disorders, pain electroencephalography (EEG), serum pain biomarkers, saliva biomarkers, and diagnosis pain. The search included full-text articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews. Was used part of the PRISMA method to review the literature systematically. A literature search identified 283 studies based on the initially set inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the subsequent selection stages, 11 studies were selected for analysis. There are three main areas of the possible use of biomarkers for the clinical assessment of pain in psychiatric patients, neuroimaging, changes in metabolite levels in body fluids, and changes in gene expression. As a result of the review, individual pain mediators were distinguished that may be markers of pain in psychiatric patients. Some mediators indicate the specificity of pain and are of diagnostic importance. However, despite significant advances in research, most of the described biomarkers found in clinical trials assessing the severity and frequency of pain have no practical significance in psychiatric disorders. It is possible to diagnose pain based on neuroimaging using various methods, genetic methods, body fluids: blood and urine. Of the many, body fluid biomarkers are the most advanced. Discussion: Biomarker research is a dynamically developing field. The review has proposed new ways to diagnose pain by identifying pain biomarkers. Work presented pain diagnostics in psychiatric disorders based on biomarkers from various neuroimaging methods, blood and urine analysis. The possibility of new, effective techniques gives hope for the correct diagnosis of pain, especially in patients with mental disorders, which would allow for appropriate and adequate therapeutic therapies. In clinical practice is limited to a few methods. Assessment of pain biomarkers in body fluids (serum, saliva, and urine) seems to be the most practical and promising method of clinical application. Conclusions: There are new techniques that give hope for the correct diagnosis of pain, especially in patients with mental disorders, which will allow for their proper and adequate therapy. According to the literature, patients with chronic pain and mental disorders constitute a huge, heterogeneous group. However, it is known that social and psychological processes closely affect the level and expression of chronic pain.

Biochemical compositions of black carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) were analyzed using standard methods. The proximate composition (%) were as follows: crude protein (22.50), crude fibre (1.46), carbohydrate by difference (30.86) and energy (35.4Kcal). The predominant mineral was potassium and nickel was the least. The antinutritional properties (mgkg^-1) ranged as follows: Oxalate (1.35), phytate (62.79), and tannins (0.72). The results suggested that the ant may be a good source of nutrition.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of a predictive model for detecting extracapsular extension on pathology (pECE+) on biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) within 4 years after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: Retrospective data analysis from a single center between 2015 to 2022. Variables under consideration included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, patient age, prostate volume, MRI semantic features and Gleason score (GS). We also assessed the influence of pECE+ and positive surgical margins on BCRFS. using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and Cox regression model were assessed. Additionally, we analyzed the MRI features on BCR (biochemical recurrence) in low/intermediate risk patients. Results: 177 participants with a follow-up exceeding 6 months post-RARP were included. The 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year risks of BCR after curative prostatectomy were 5%, 13%, and 21%, respectively. The survival analysis showed that adverse MRI features as macroscopic ECE on MRI (mECE+), capsular disruption, high tumor capsular contact length (TCCL), GS≥8, positive surgical margins (PSM), and pECE+ on pathology were risk factors for BCR. In low/intermediate-risk patients (pECE- and GS <(4+4)) the presence of adverse MRI features, has been shown to increase the risk of BCR. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of incorporating predictive MRI features for detecting extracapsular extension pre-surgery in influencing early outcomes and clinical decision-making; mECE+, TCCL, capsular disruption, and GS≥8 based on pre-surgical biopsy were independent prognostic factors for early BCR. The presence of adverse features on MRI can assist in identifying low/intermediate-risk patients who would benefit from closer monitoring.

Heat stress (HS) is a strong stress factor that significantly affects the metabolism of dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to investigate how HS affects some biochemical indicators in the blood of dairy cows reared in Bulgaria. The study was conducted on a cattle farm with a capacity of 500 Holstein cows, loose housed in a free stall barn shed type. The research was carried out in three seasons - summer, autumn and winter, and a total of 77 samples were taken from the cows of the farm - 30 blood samples for each season. The cows included in the study were from 30 to 60 days in milk (DIM). Temperature and humidity data were taken from the closest to the farm weather station. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the HS reported during the summer season had a significant impact on the following blood parameters: glucose, urea, total protein and cortisol. In summer, blood glucose values were low and ranged from 1.32 to 1.63 mmol/l in cows on different lactations. Probably because of these low glucose levels, high levels of total protein, ranging from 76.92 to 86.10 g/l, were reported in cows from the first to third lactation. This protein was used by cows to provide energy from non-carbohydrate sources and as a residual product, higher blood urea levels were reported in summer, ranging from 4.79 to 5.23 mmol/l. As proof of the stressful influence of heat on the metabolism of the examined cows, the cortisol values in the summer were in the upper reference norms - 38.44 nmol/l or higher and reached 59.09 nmol/l.

Background: Mules are used worldwide for agrarian purposes such as plowing and harvesting crops. In this study, mules were used for plowing and cultivation. While mules are believed to be less susceptible to diseases and fatigue than horses, no scientific investigation has been conducted to support this belief. The objective was to assess effect of work-associated fatigue on hematological and biochemical parameters in working mules in Mexico. Methodology: Six healthy mules 6.5 to 23 years, 3.5 BCS, were studied. Three blood samples/day were taken at the beginning and end of the work season. One sample taken at the beginning of the day, middle, and end (3 hours apart). Biochemical parameters, including the concentrations of albumin, globulin, total protein, glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, lactate, creatinine kinase (CK), urea, creatinine, calcium, sodium, potassium, total carbon dioxide (tCO2), and al-bumin-to-globulin ratio, were determined using the veterinary Skyla-VB1 automated analyzer (Lite-On Technology Corporation, Hsinchu-Taiwan), and blood lactate concentration using the handheld Lactate Scout Vet. Results: Significant increases in concentrations AST (P < 0.001), BUN (P < 0.001), calcium (P = 0.002), creatine phosphokinase CPK U/L (P < 0.001), tCO2 (P = 0.006), and urea (P < 0.01), were observed at the end of the work season. However, sodium, potassium, and chloride were significantly decreased at the end of the work season. No treatment or time-by-treatment interaction effect was observed for ALP, creatinine, globulin, or the albu-min-to-globulin ratio. Conclusions: The significant decrease in mineral and electrolytes (Na, K, and Cl) at the end of work season could suggest change in electrolytic balance during the strenuous plowing season. A higher concentration of tCO2 at end of the season is a good indicator of metabolic acid-base disturbances. Results indicate use of mules for plowing fields disrupts the mules' micromineral and electrolyte profiles. Increased CPK levels demonstrate that the workload was excessive. This study furthers our understanding of biochemical responses in mules.

The genus Allium L. attracts the attention of researchers due to the presence of valuable medicinal, nutritional and decorative properties, adaptive capabilities, resistance to pests and diseases, ecological plasticity in its representatives, which contributes to the competitiveness of species and the manifestation of a high degree of adaptation outside natural areas and wide geographical distribution. Allium resources in Russia are a potential source of genes for expanding the genetic base of agricultural crops. The leaves of Allium crops have a short freshness period and quickly deteriorate due to spoilage and loss of water. Spoilage and loss of water affect their freshness and properties. The aim of the work was to establish the yield and change in the quality of green leaves of Allium species introduced into the Moscow region during short-term storage, depending on the type of packaging, storage period and temperature. 4-5-year-old plants of 4 species (A. altyncolicum, A. chyatophorum, A. nutans and A. turkestanicum) were grown on the collection plot of perennial onions of VNIIO, a branch of the FGBNU FNTSO. In the conditions of the Moscow region, the yield per leaf generation varied from 2.7 kg/m2 (A. altyncolicum) to 4.9 kg/m2 (A. cyathophorum). The maximum yield of marketable products was noted in hermetically sealed plastic bags when stored for 10 days at a temperature of +6 ... + 80С in a refrigerator with controlled conditions: A. turke-stanicum - 70.0%, A. cyathophorum - 75.5%, A. altyncolicum - 84.9%, A. nutans - 92.9%. However, an increase in the dry matter content (10.1-15.5%) was found during storage in an open polymer box in all tested species. The maximum content of vitamin C during storage in hermetically sealed bags with a density of 100 μm was found in A. altyncolicum (37.1 mg%) and A. nutans (42 mg%). In other species, the maximum value of this indicator was noted before storage. A slight increase in the amount of sugars after storage for 10 days was noted in species with a linear leaf shape when stored in a polymer box. Temperature control is the most effective approach to extend the shelf life of fresh green leaves by measuring its weight loss and vitamin C. Packaging cannot prevent spoilage of vegetables but can protect it against contamination, damage and excessive moisture loss.

Background: The leaf of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (Cucurbitaceae) is consumed in different parts of Nigeria because of the numerous nutritional and medicinal attributes ascribed to it. The sub-chronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (TO) was investigated in this study. Methods: Rats in different groups were separately administered 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg TO p.o. for 60 days. Animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Vital organs were harvested and evaluated for in vivo antioxidants and histopathological changes. Results: Results showed no significant changes in the weight of vital organs except in respect of the testes of the group treated with 2000 mg/kg extract which showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in weight compared to the control group. There was a significant (p<0.01) increase in sperm motility and count of the group administered 80 mg/kg extract and a significant (p<0.001) reduction was observed at 2000 mg/kg. There were significant increases in the level of Hb and PCV at 80 and 2000 mg/kg of the extract. In respect of liver function parameters, a significant decrease in AST and ALT levels at doses of 400 and 2000 mg/kg relative to control was observed. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in the level of total cholesterol (400 mg/kg) and increase (p<0.05) in level of HDL (80-2000 mg/kg) compared to control was observed. There was also significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of MDA and significant (p<0.05) decrease in SOD level in the testes at 2000 mg/kg. Histopathological assessment of the testes revealed abnormality at this dose. These effects were reversed after 30 days of cessation of administration of TO. Conclusions: The findings showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis is relatively non-toxic on acute and sub-chronic exposure, with potential to elicit anti-anaemic effect, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and enhance antioxidant status in the brain and liver. Although possibly beneficial at low dose, the extract could be harmful to the testes on prolonged oral exposure at high dose.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive blinding disease that affects vision and quality of life of patients and severely impacts society. This complication, caused by abnormal glucose metabolism, leads to structural, functional, molecular, and biochemical abnormalities in the retina. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation also play pivotal roles in the pathogenic process of DR, leading to mitochondrial damage and decrease in the mitochondrial function. DR causes retinal degeneration in glial and neural cells, while the disappearance of pericytes in retinal blood vessels leads to modifications in vascular regulation and stability. Clinical changes include dilatation and blood flow alterations in response to the reduce in retinal perfusion in retinal blood vessels, leading to vascular leakage, neovascularization and neurodegeneration. Thus, DR is a highly complex disease with various biological factors that contribute to its pathogenesis. The interplay between biochemical pathways and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is essential for understanding the development and progression of DR. Abnormal expression of ncRNAs has been confirmed to promote the development of DR, suggesting that ncRNAs such as miRNAs, lnc-RNAs and circ-RNAs have potential as diagnostic biomarkers and theranostic targets in DR. This review provides an overview of interactions between abnormal biochemical pathways and dysregulated expression of ncRNAs under the influence of hyperglycemic environment in DR.

The development and use of selenium and iodine elements in agriculture aim to enrich agricultural food products for humans. This study was carried out as a three-factor factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Three concentrations of sodium selenate fertilizer (0, 2, 4 mg/l), three potassium iodate (0, 2, 4 mg/l), and two supplementary radiation levels (blue light and sunlight) were used. The results showed that the highest and the lowest (3.44 & 3.12 mg/g f.w) leaf protein value was related to blue light and sunlight treatments, respectively. In the blue light treatment, the maximum and the minimum (4.77 & 3.39 mg/g f.w) leaf sugar amount was observed at 4 and 0 mg/l of the iodine, respectively. At 0 mg/l of selenium, the highest and the lowest (8.63 & 5.34 mg/g f.w) leaf vitamin C amount was recorded at the 4 and 0 mg/l of iodine, respectively. In blue light + 0 mg/l of the selenium, the highest and the lowest (2.94 & 2.10 mg/g f.w) leaf flavonoid quantity was seen at 2 and 0 mg/l of the iodine, respectively. In the blue light conditions, (5.20%) leaf nitrogen content was achieved in the selenium 4 mg/l group. In the same conditions, the maximum and the minimum (3.09 & 2.18%) leaf potassium amount was attained at selenium 2 and 4 mg/l, respectively. Under blue light conditions, the highest and the lowest (0.58 & 0.24 mg/kg dry matter) leaf selenium level was observed at 4 and 0 mg/l, respectively. In sunlightradiation levels, the maximum and the minimum (0.36 & 0.25 mg/kg dry matter) leaf selenium level were found at 4 and 0 mg/l of selenium, respectively. In the blue light conditions, the most and the lowest (1.65 & 0.72 mg/kg dry matter) seed selenium content was related to 4 and 0 mg/l of the selenium, respectively. In the blue light conditions, the highest and the lowest (8.49 & 4.25 mg/kg dry matter) leaf iodine level was recorded at 4 and 0 mg/l of iodine, respectively. In the blue light conditions, the maximum and the minimum (30.56 & 20.62 mg/kg dry matter) seed iodine value was related to 4 and 0 mg/l of the iodine, respectively. In the sunlight, the most and the lowest (24.96 & 20.29 mg/kg dry matter) seed iodine amount was achieved at 4 and 0 mg/l of the selenium, respectively.

Valorization of food and fruit wastes has the potential for the production of sustainable energy and biochemicals. Approximately 70% of the weight of the original jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) fruit is lost during processing as waste in the form of peeled skin and core, both of which have not been utilized and, thus contribute to disposal as well as pollution issues. The major components, cellulose, and hemicellulose, can be biologically transformed easily into bioenergy sources like ethanol, methanol, and butanol; valuable phenolics and biotechnological products like pectin, citric acid, bromelain, ferulic acid, and vanillin; and many other products. These residues can also be utilized as essential sources for the biological transformation process leading to the production of numerous products with added value, such as phenolic antioxidants, phenolic flavor compounds, and organic acids. Thus, the value addition of jackfruit waste can support the sustainable solution towards food and nutritional security. In this way, zero waste can be achieved through novel biorefineries which are critically highlighted in this paper. Furthermore, novel technologies for the conversion of jackfruit wastes are summarized with recent findings.

Background and Objectives: HIV infection is a global public health problem that can lead to the progression of AIDS. Nutritional status and biochemical markers can significantly contribute to the progression of AIDS in HIV/AIDS patients. The main objective of this study is to examine the association between the nutritional and biochemical markers as well as BMI in HIV/AIDS patients in the kingdom of Bahrain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, including 300 patients (248 males and 52 females) with HIV/AIDS in Bahrain. Various biochemical markers were collected from patients’ medical records including CD4^+ T cells counts, albumin, Hb, HCT, MCV, WBC, and creatinine. A semi-structured questionnaire using of a standardized food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used from which total energy and total macronutrients were calculate. Results: the mean BMI of participants was 27.20 kg/m2 with none of the participants had a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (underweight). The majority of patients’ dietary intake of macronutrients and total calories intake were either within or above the recommended RDA levels. The results also showed that all mean values of the nutritional and biochemical markers (CD4^+ T cells counts, albumin, Hb, HCT, MCV, WBC, and creatinine) are within the referenced normal ranges. A significant positive correlation of CD4^+ T cells counts, Hb, HCT and albumin at <0.05 level was found. There was no significant correlation between CD4^+ T cells counts and MCV, WBC and creatinine. A positive significant correlation was found between BMI, CD4^+ T cells counts, and WBC at <0.01 level. Conclusion: BMI values significantly correlated to biochemical markers of AIDS progression. Dietary pattern of participants was undiversified among participants, with high prevalence of obesity and overweight. Malnutrition among this study population was not present.

The large-scale processing of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) generates significant quantities of solid wastes annually. Cassava peels (CP) account for 5 wt.% - 30 wt.% of wastes from the processing of cassava tubers. The poor disposal and management of CP pose risks to human health, safety and the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and examine low cost, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly strategies to mitigate the immediate and long terms disposal and management challenges. Lack of such measures results in the accumulation of CP wastes, which are currently buried, combusted, or dumped in open fields. Therefore, this paper reviewed the potential routes for the biochemical, thermochemical, and plasma valorisation of CP. The literature reviewed revealed that biochemical technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and fermentation are the most widely utilised approaches currently adopted for CP valorisation. AD produces biogas (methane 50-72 vol. % and carbon dioxide 25-45 vol. %), whereas fermentation yields bioethanol. However, the numerous challenges such as substrate-induced inhibition, associated with the biochemical processes hamper microbial degradation, methane formation, and process efficiency. Furthermore, the processes generate secondary wastes or digestate/sludge, which requires additional processing before disposal. Therefore, innovative thermal, thermochemical, and plasma technologies were proposed to valorise CP into syngas, biofuels, bioenergy, biochemicals, and fertilizers, among others. However, the waste products of fermentation cannot be effectively utilised as bio-fertilizers, whereas bioethanol causes corrosion in engines. Overall, the biochemical, thermal, thermochemical and plasma technologies can effectively valorise CP for effective net energy generation.

The meniscus is a meniscus-shaped fibrocartilage tissue located between the femur and tibia，it is mainly composed of meniscus cells and related extracellular matrix.The synovial limbus area of the knee joint capsule near the meniscus is divided into red areas with rich blood vessels and white areas with less blood supply according to the distribution of blood vessels,there is a transition zone called the red and white zone between the two;Red zone has better self-repair ability,The injury in this area can be treated by conservative treatment or surgical suture;Once the white area of the meniscus is torn and involves the free edge area,It is often necessary to partially remove the damaged meniscus.When most of the entire meniscus is severely torn and involved,not only the course of the disease is very long, but it cannot be repaired by sutures,Often a subtotal or total meniscus resection is required,whether it is a partial meniscus resection, a subtotal meniscus resection or a complete resection.In the later period, it may cause quadriceps atrophy and osteoarthritis (OA）.OA is a refractory multi-system disease,involve the patient’s peripheral joints,it has high disability and teratogenicity, and is very harmful to human health.Chondrocyte pyrolysis, degradation, and inflammation play a vital role in the destruction of OA articular cartilage and chondrocyte apoptosis.Meniscus stem cells have strong proliferation and differentiation ability,has become one of the hot spots in the field of meniscus repair,this article studies the role of meniscal stem cells in the development of OA.

A bacterial strain that could effectively degrade DEHP was isolated from the activated sludge and identified as Bacillus sp. by DNA sequencing. The biochemical degradation pathway of DEHP was further analyzed by GC-MS, and the results showed that DEHP was first decomposed into phthalates (DBP). Diuretic sylycol (DEP) was then generated, and phthalates (PA) were generated by a continuous de-ehelateization reaction. Phthalic acid (PA) was oxidized, dehydrogenated, and decarboxylated into protocatechins. Protocatechins enter the TCA cycle through orthotopic ring opening.　To enhance DEHP degradation, sodium alginate and calcium chloride were used as embedding and cross-linking materials, and the strain was immobilized. The immobilization conditions were optimized via an orthogonal experiment, and the results showed that the optimal immobilization conditions were SA mass fraction of 4%, CaCl2 mass fraction of 5%, ratio of bacteria to SA of 1:1, and the crosslinking time of 6 hours. The immobilized bacteria agent was further applied to MBR systems. The results showed that the removal rate of DEHP (5mg/L) in the system by immobilized bacteria was 91.9%, which is significantly higher than that of free bacteria. The 3, 4-dioxygenase gene and microbial community dynamics were analyzed by q-PCR and Illumina Miseq sequencing. The q-PCR results showed that the number of copies of 3, 4-dioxygenase gene in the immobilized system was significantly higher than that of free bacteria. Illumina Miseq sequencing results showed that Micromonospora, Rhodococcus, Bacteroides and Pseudomonas were the dominant generas in the MBR system. The analysis of bacterial community structure indicated that immobilization technology had a positive impact on the system stability. The results implied that this immobilized technique had potential applications in DEHP wastewater treatment.

The processing of fossil fuels is the major environmental issue today which should be lessen. Biomass is gaining much interest these days as an alternate to energy generation. Lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) is abundant and has been used for a variety of purposes. Among them, the lignin polymer having phenyl-propanoid subunits linked together through C-C bonds or ether linkages, can produce numerous chemicals. It can be depolymerized by microbial activity together with certain enzymes (laccases and peroxidases). Both acetic acid and formic acid production by certain fungi contribute significantly to lignin depolymerization. Natural organic acids production by fungi has many key roles in nature that are strictly dependent upon organic acid producing fungus type. Fungal enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic is beneficial over other physiochemical processes. Laccases, the copper containing proteins oxidize a broad spectrum of inorganic as well as organic compounds but most specifically phenolic compounds by radical catalyzed mechanism. Similarly, lignin peroxidases (LiP), the heme containing proteins perform a vital part in oxidizing a wide variety of aromatic compounds with H₂O_2. Lignin depolymerization yields value-added compounds, the important ones are BTX (Benzene, Xylene and Toluene) and phenols as well as certain polymers like polyurethane and carbon fibers. Thus, this review will provide a concept that biological modifications of lignin using acidophilic microbes can generate certain value added and environment friendly chemicals.

Given their severity and non-healing nature, diabetic chronic wounds are a significant concern to the 30.3 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (2015). Peripheral arterial diseases, neuropathy, and infection contribute to the development of these wounds, which lead to an increased incidence of lower extremity amputations. Early recognition, debridement, offloading, and controlling infection are imperative for timely treatment. However, wound characterization and treatment are highly subjective and based largely on the experience of the treating clinician. Many wound dressings have been designed to address particular clinical presentations, but a prescriptive method is lacking for identifying the particular state of chronic, non-healing wounds. The authors suggest that recent developments in wound dressings and biosensing may allow for the quantitative, real-time representation of the wound environment, including exudate levels, pathogen concentrations, and tissue regeneration. Development of such sensing capability could enable more strategic, personalized care at the onset of ulceration and limit the infection leading to amputation. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of diabetic chronic wounds, a brief summary of biomaterial wound dressing treatment options, and biosensor development for biomarker sensing in the wound environment.

There is a recent growth and development with regard to the female athlete. This trend has been reflected in a greater concern for aspects such as nutrition, body composition and the health of female athletes, given the repercussion of these factors on their sporting performance. The aim was to carry out an anthropometric and nutritional assessment of elite Spanish female football athletes based on different biochemical parameters. Ethical consent was obtained from a total of 21 players from a Spanish elite women's football team(20-33years). Anthropometric analysis was carried out using the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry(ISAK). Clinical analyses were performed by the club's medical staff at the beginning of the season through serum and fasting urine samples taken by the players. The athletes presented fat% of 19.1(SD±2.89). 100% of the players had Mg values within the reference values. Values below reference values were observed for Hb (85.7%), vit.D (33.3%), ferritin (23.8%), serum iron (28.6%), transferrin (4.8%) and TSI (42.9%); and above for CK (42.9%), basal cortisol (38.1%), testosterone (19%) and creatinine, total cholesterol, iron, transferrin, TSI and serotonin (4.8%). Differences in Mg levels were only observed between playing positions (p&lt;0.05). There were associations between age and vit.D levels (r=0.607), and weight with vit.D levels (-0.464) and blood cholesterol (-0.487) among others. Given the nutritional knowledge of Spanish elite female football players, as well as the prevalence of deficiencies in iron metabolism parameters and vit.D levels in athletes, the need to implement a correct nutritional assessment and education in this type of athletes is highlighted

Colic, a primary cause of illness and death in horses, necessitates improved prognostic tools. We assessed the predictive value of physiological parameters in colic prognosis. A comprehensive clinical evaluation encompassed heart rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, gut motility, reflux, and limb pulse strength. Results reveal key predictors of fatal outcomes in colic-affected horses. Stomach reflux, absence of gut noises, and increased heart rate (mean increase of 12 bpm) strongly correlate with a poor prognosis. Prolonged capillary refill (mean increase of 3 seconds), elevated packed cell volume (mean increase of 4%), and blood lactate levels (mean increase of 5 mmol/L) underscore the significance of these markers. Notably, blood lactate (p < 0.001), gut noises (p < 0.05), and heart rate (p < 0.001) exhibit the highest predictive significance based on statistical analysis. Future research should explore the prognostic potential of additional parameters and assess the impact of recommended treatments on colic prognosis. This data-driven study emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and thorough assessment in colic cases, offering vital insights into improving equine healthcare and mitigating mortality rates.

L-asparaginase from bacterial sources have been used in antineoplastic treatments and the food industry. A novel type II L-a sparaginase encoded by the N-truncated gene ansZP21 of halotolerant Bacillus subtilis CH11 isolated from Chilca salterns in Peru was expressed using a heterologous system in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)pLysS. The recombinant protein was purified using one-step nickel affinity chromatography and exhibited activity of 234.38 U mg-1 and a maximum catalytic activity at pH 9.0 and 60 °C. The enzyme shows a homotetrameric form with an estimated molecular weight of 155 kDa by gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme half-life at 60 °C was 3 h 48 min, and L-asparaginase retained 50% of initial activity for 24 h at 37 °C. The activity was considerably enhanced by KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, mercaptoethanol, and DL-dithiothreitol (p-value &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the Vmax and Km were 145.2 µmol mL-1 min-1 and 4.752 mM, respectively. These findings evidence a promising novel type II L-asparaginase for future industrial applications.

Seeds stored for a prolonged period are subject to aging and reduction in germination potential (GP), which will negatively affect seed sales. Rare-earth elements have a synergistic effect on the improvement of seed GP. In this study, we examined the effects of neodymium on biochemical components, the antioxidant protective system, and metabolism-related enzymes during germination of naturally and artificially aged seeds of three wheat cultivars. Seed germination indices, biochemical substance contents, and enzyme activities decreased after seed aging. Soaking seeds in neodymium nitrate solution revived aged wheat seeds at an optimal concentration of 20 µmol/L for 8 h. Soaking in neodymium nitrate solution increased the GP (by 2.25%–60.9%), germination index (by 1.69%–29.2%), and vigor index (by 3.36%–18.7%) of aged seeds. Compared with non-soaked seeds, soaking significantly changed the contents of biochemical substances, and the activities of antioxidant protective enzymes and metabolic enzymes in seedlings were increased. Soaking with neodymium may revive aged seeds by regulating the synthesis of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, and decomposing malondialdehyde, in the germinating seed. Root dehydrogenase and amylase showed different responses to the aging modes. The differential responses of root dehydrogenase and amylase may reflect differences in the resistance of enzymes to long-term mild seed aging and short-term severe environmental aging.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in men. Despite therapies such as radical prostatectomy, which is considered curative, distant metastases may form resulting in biochemical recurrence (BCR). This study used radiomic features calculated from multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) to evaluate their ability to predict BCR and PCa presence. Data from a total of 279 patients, of which 46 experienced BCR, undergoing MP-MRI prior to surgery were assessed for this study. After surgery, the prostate was sectioned using patient-specific 3D-printed slicing jigs modeled using the T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Sectioned tissue was stained, digitized, and annotated by a GU-fellowship trained pathologist for cancer presence. Digitized slides and annotations were co-registered to the T2WI and radiomic features were calculated across the whole prostate and cancerous lesions. A tree regression model was fitted to assess the ability of radiomic features to predict BCR, and a tree classification model was fitted with the same radiomic features to classify regions of cancer. We found that 10 radiomic features predict eventual BCR with an AUC of 0.97 and classifying cancer at an accuracy of 89.9%. This study showcases the application for a radiomics-based tool to screen for the presence of prostate cancer and assess patient prognosis, as determined by biochemical recurrence.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating water contamination. BOD5 is the amount of oxygen consumed in five days by microorganisms that oxidize biodegradable organic materials in an aerobic biochemical manner. The primary objective of this effort is to use microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to shorten the time required for BOD5 measurements. We created a regression artificial neural network (AI), and the predictions we obtained for BOD5 measurements were taken over 6 – 24 hours with an average error of just 7%. The outcomes demonstrated by our AI MFC/BES BOD5 sensor’s viability for use in real-world scenarios.

How does the world around us work and what is real? This question has preoccupied humanity since its beginnings. From the 16th century onwards, it has been periodically necessary to revise the prevailing worldview. But things became very strange at the beginning of the 20th century with the advent of relativity theory and quantum physics. The current focus is on the role of information, there being a debate about whether this is ontological or epistemological. A theory has recently been formulated in which spacetime and gravity emerges from microscopic quantum information, more specifically from quantum entanglement via entanglement entropy. A latest theory describes the emergence of reality itself through first-person perspective experiences and algorithmic information theory. In quantum physics, perception and observation play a central role. Perception, interaction with the environment, requires an exchange of information. Via biochemical projection, information is given an interpretation that is necessary to make life and consciousness possible. The world around us is not at all what it seems.

Serum biochemical indicators serve as vital proxies that reflect the physiological state and functions of different organs. The genetic parameters and molecular mechanisms underlying serum biochemical indicators of sheep (Ovis aries) have not been well understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify genetic architecture and genomic loci underlying ten serum biochemical indicators in sheep, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, glucose, phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, urea concentrations and total protein levels. We implemented genetic parameter estimations and GWAS for each trait in 422 Akkaraman lambs. Overall, low to moderate heritability estimates were found, in the range 0.14–0.55. Additionally, low to high genetic correlations were observed among traits. In total, 23 SNP loci were associated with serum biochemical indicators leading to 19 genes . These are SPTA1, MGST2, CACUL1, IGFBP7, PARD3, PHB1, SLC15A5, TRIM35, RGS6, NUP93, CNTNAP2, SLC7A11, B3GALT5, DPP10, HST2ST1, NRP1, LRP1B, MAP3K9, ENSOARG00020040484.1 as well as LOC101103187, LOC101117162, LOC105611309 and LOC101118029. To our knowledge, these data provide the first association between SPTA1 and serum cholesterol and between ENSOARG00020040484.1 and serum glucose. The current findings provide a comprehensive inventory of the relationships between serum biochemical parameters, genetic variants, and disease-relevant characteristics. This information may facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets and fluid biomarkers and establish a strong framework for comprehending the pathobiology of complex diseases as well as providing targets for sheep genetic improvement programmes.

Xaa-Pro dipeptidase (XPD, EC 3.4.13.9; also known as prolidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of iminopeptide bond in the trans Xaa-Pro dipeptides (Xaa represents any amino acid except proline), which makes it find wide applications in food, medical and environmental protection fields. In the present study, a novel Xaa-Pro dipeptidase from Aspergillus phoenicis ATCC 14332 (ApXPD) was molecularly and biochemically characterized. Reclassification based on phylogenetic analysis and version 12.5 MEROPS database showed that this enzyme was the only fungal XPD in the unassigned subfamily which shared the highest sequence similarity with Xanthomonas campestris prolidase but not with that from the more related fungal species A. niudulans. As compared with other prolidases, ApXPD also contained an N-terminal tail (residues 81-89) and an additional region (PAPARLREKL), and used a different arginine residue for dipeptide selectivity. After heterologous expression and partial purification, recombinant ApXPD was highly active and stable over the alkaline range from 8.5 to 10.0, with a maximum activity at pH 9.0 and more than 80% activity retained after 1-h incubation at pHs of 8.5-10.0 (55oC). It also had an apparent optimum temperature of 55oC and remained stable at 20-30oC. Moreover, this enzyme was a cobalt dependent prolidase that only cleaved dipeptides Lys-Pro, Gly-Pro and Ala-Pro rather than other dipeptides, tripeptides and tetrapeptides. All these distinct features make A. phoenicis ATCC 14332 XPD unique among currently known prolidases, thus defining a novel Xaa-Pro dipeptidase subfamily.

The aim of this study was to examine and understand the physiological and biochemical components of the blood and vitreous humor of goldfish (Carassius auratus). Blood was drawn from the arterial (static) line and vitreous humour was extracted using a syringe from healthy goldfish. An automatic haematology analyzer was used to detect 17 physiological indicators, including white blood cells and red blood cells. At the same time, 20 biochemical indexes, including albumin, calcium, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase, were found in the automatic biochemical analyzer. Experiments were also conducted on the effect of blood and vitreous fluid collection on the subsequent survival rate of the celestial goldfish. The findings demonstrated that there were values for 17 physiological indicators in the blood of the goldfish, including red blood cells (2.19 × 1012), white blood cells (62.21 × 109), hemoglobin (138.25g/L), and no eosinophils or basophils. However, no data for 17 physiological indications of vitreous humor were discovered. The quantities of total protein, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and potassium in the vitreous humor were substantially lower than those in the serum (P < 0.01) according to the results of 20 biochemical indexes in the serum and vitreous humor of goldfish. Alkaline phosphatase, chlorine, and creatinine between vitreous humor and serum did not differ significantly(P > 0.05). The levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and γ-glutamyl transpeptide in vitreous humor were significantly higher than those in serum (P < 0.01). This experiment provides basic datas for the healthy culture of goldfish and the perfection of hematology in goldfish, and the results will be convenient for the further study of development and formation of celestial eye traits.

Eugenol is a widely used fishery anaesthetic. This study investigated the effects of various concentrations of eugenol on blood physiological and biochemical indexes, and muscle flavor, in crucian carp (Carassius auratus). To determine the appropriate concentration of eugenol anesthetic for use in crucian carp transportation and production operations, we evaluated seven anaesthesia groups of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 mg/L and one control group (without eugenol) to determine the effects on blood physiological and biochemical indexes, and muscle flavor. The red blood cells and platelets of crucian carp decreased significantly (P<0.05) with eugenol treatment. With increasing eugenol concentration, the white blood cells and hemoglobin did not change significantly, whereas lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased significantly (P<0.05). The content of phosphorus, magnesium and sodium increased after anaesthesia, whereas the content of potassium decreased with increasing eugenol concentration. After anaesthesia, the content of albumin and total protein in the serum decreased with increasing eugenol concentration (P<0.05); triglyceride first increased and subsequently decreased (P<0.05); blood glucose content first increased and then decreased (P<0.05); and no significant difference was observed in total cholesterol content (P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in muscle glycogen and liver glycogen content after eugenol anaesthesia (P>0.05). The eugenol-based anaesthesia test did not indicate major liver histomorphological effects, but the very small number of gill sheet edema cases observed requires further study. Analysis of electronic nose data indicated that eugenol treatment affected the flavor of the fish. The anaesthesia concentration of 20–80 mg/L had little effect on the physiology and biochemistry of crucian carp, thus providing a reference for the application of eugenol in crucian carp transportation and experimental research.

There are not many exhaustive works emphasizing the amount of genetic diversity among the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) genotypes in Morocco. This work aims to assess the biochemical composition of strawberry tree fruits, as well as to establish the variation of this composition among them. In this study, total phenols, total flavonoids, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, total anthocyanins and free radical scavenging activity through ABTS were investigated in strawberry tree fruits. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative analyses of individual phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were carried out. Color parameters such as lightness (L*), Chroma (c*) and hue angle (h°) were also investigated. All studied variables showed highly significant differences among all samples with the exception of hydrolyzable tannins and chromatic coordinates. Total phenolics varied from 22.63 ± 1.74 to 39.06 ± 2.44 mg GAE/g dry wt, total flavonoids varied from 3.30 ± 0.60 to 8.62 ± 1.10 mg RE/g dry wt and total anthocyanins ranged between 0.12 ± 0.06 and 0.66 ± 0.15 mg cya-3-glu/100g dry wt. In addition, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins amounts were in the range of 10.41 ± 1.07 - 16.08 ± 1.50 mg TAE/g dry wt and 4.08 ± 2.43 - 6.34 ± 3.47 respectively. Moreover, the IC50 value (ABTS) ranged between 1.75 and 19.58 mg AAE/g dry wt. 17 phenolic compounds were detected in strawberry tree fruits. Gallocatechol and catechin were the most abundant phenolic compound. Matrix of correlations revealed significant positive and negative correlations among variables particularly c*, a* and b*. Principal component analysis showed that the first three components formed than 68% of the total inertia. The following variables gallic acid, protocatechuic, gallocatechin, gallic acid derivative, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid derivative II, L* and h* were the most involved in the total variance explained. Hierarchical clustering classified samples into one main cluster, with a single branch. The results highlight a high biochemical diversity within studied strawberry genotypes, which is probably more genetically related

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is an essential enzyme for the de novo synthesis of dTMP and has been a primary target for cancer chemotherapy. Although the physical structure of TYMS and the molecular mechanisms of TYMS catalyzing the conversion of dUMP to dTMP have been conducted thorough studies, oligomeric structure remains unclear. Here, we show that human TYMS not only exists in dimer but also octamer by intermolecular Cys43-disulfide formation. We optimize the expression condition of recombinant human TYMS using Escherichia coli system. Using HPLC-MS/MS, we show that purified TYMS has catalytic activity for producing dTMP. In the absence of reductant β-mercaptoethanol, SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed size of TYMS protein is about 35 KDa, 70 KDa, and 280 KDa. While the Cys43 was mutated to Gly, the band of ~280 KDa and the peak of octamer disappeared. Therefore, TYMS was determined to form octamer, dependent on the presence of Cys43-disulfide. By measuring Steady-State Parameters for monomer, dimer and octamer, we found the k_cat of octamer is increased slightly than monomer. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that octamer in the active state might have a potential influence on the design of new drug targets.

Brucellosis is one of the most common etiologies of laboratory-acquired infections worldwide, and handling of living brucellae should be performed in a Class II biological safety cabinet. The low infecting dose, multiple portals of entry to the body, the great variety of potentially contaminated specimens, and the unspecific clinical manifestations of human infections facilitate the unintentional transmission of brucellae to laboratory personnel. Work accidents such as spillage of culture media cause only a small minority of exposures, whereas >80% of events result from unfamiliarity with the phenotypic features of the genus, misidentification of isolates, and unsafe laboratory practices such as aerosolization of bacteria and working on an open bench without protective goggles or gloves. Although the bacteriological diagnosis of brucellae by traditional methods is simple, the Gram stain and the biochemical profile of the organism, as determined by commercial kits, can be misleading, resulting in inadvertent exposure and contagion. The use of novel identification technologies is not hazard-free. The MALDI-TOF technology requires an initial bacterial inactivation step, while the instruments’ reference database may misidentify Brucella as belonging to other Gram-negative species. The rapid identification by the FISH method mistakes brucellar isolates for members of the closely related Ochrobactrum genus.

Pomegranate juice possesses therapeutic properties against metabolic syndrome. Microencapsulation of pomegranate juice (MPJ) may extend its shelf life; however, further research is necessary to ascertain its comparative efficacy with fresh juice. This work evaluated the effect of (MPJ) in an animal model with induced metabolic syndrome (MetS). Male Wistar rats were induced-MetS by administering 30% sucrose orally for 22 weeks. Once MetS was verified in the animals, 7 groups were formed as follows: control (Ctrl); MetS, MetS+Placebo; Ctrl+MPJ; MetS+MPJ1 600, MetS+MPJ2 1800, and MetS+MPJ3 2900 mg/kg. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, and total HDL-c levels in the MetS+MPJ groups improved significantly (p &lt; 0.05) vs. the MetS group at the end of the study. Microencapsulation maintained the anti-metabolic syndrome properties of pomegranate juice and could be used to control metabolic syndrome.

Treatment wetlands (TWs) are Nature-Based Solutions increasingly used worldwide for wastewater (WW) treatment able to remove mineral and organic pollutants through both physical and biochemical process. Besides the reusable effluent, the TWs produce as main output plant biomass that need to be harvested and disposed at least once a year with significant management costs and TW temporary out of service. This study aims (i) to evaluate the potential of TWs biomass for local energy production and (ii) to understand TW hydraulic conductivity (Ks) effects on the biomass biomethane yield. Specifically, it was addressed by determining the Biochemical Methane Potential of common reed (CR) (Phragmites australis) samples collected at three harvest times from the 10-years-old horizontal subsurface treatment wetland (HSTW) used as a secondary WW treatment system for the IKEA® store located in Catania (Eastern Sicily, Italy). Furthermore, the falling head test was conducted to assess the hydraulic conductivity (Ks) variation in the HSTW, in order to understand the influence on the CR biomethane production. Average methane content values were 130.57 Nm3CH4/tVS (±24.29), 212.70 Nm3CH4/tVS (±50.62) and 72.83 Nm3CH4/tVS (±23.19) in August, September, October 2022, respectively. Ks was correlated with both dry matter (R2 = 0.58) and fiber content (R2 = 0.74) and, consequently, affected the biomethane yield that increased at the Ks increases (R2 = 0.30 in August, R2 = 0.57 in September). In the framework of a circular economy, results showed the successfully possibility of integrating the bioenergy production into TWs. The research could contribute (i) to encourage plant operators to reuse biomass from TWs for local energy production and (ii) to help plant operators to understand Ks effects on the biomass biomethane yield, in order to increase the sustainability of the system and to reduce the maintenance costs.

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) after primary treatments for prostate cancer (PC) is an extremely heterogeneous phase and at least a stratification in low and high-risk cases for early progression in metastatic disease is necessary. At now PSA-DT represents the best parameter to define low and high risk BCR PC, but a real precision medicine is strongly suggested to define a tailored management of patients with BCR. Before defining management, it is necessary to exclude the presence of low volume metastasis associated with PSA progression using new generation imaging preferably with PSMA PET/CT. Low risk BCR cases should be actively observed without early systemic therapies. Early treatment of low risk BCR with continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can produce disadvantages such the development of castration resistance before the appearance of metastases (non-metastatic castration resistant PC). Patients with high risk BCR benefit from early systemic therapy. The primary end point must be metastasis-free survival (MFS), even with the same overall survival (OS). The EMBARK study is able to impact on the management of high risk BCR, by introducing the concept of anticipation and intensification through the use of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) and ADT combination therapy. In high risk (PSA-DT ≤ 9 months) BCR cases, the combination of enzalutamide with leuprolide significantly improves MFS when compared to leuprolide alone, maintaining the quality of life unchanged in an asymptomatic phase of the disease. The possibility of using ARSI alone in this early disease setting is suggested by the EMBARK study (arm with enzalutamide alone) with less evidence than the intensification of the combination therapy. Continued use versus discontinuation upon reaching undetectable PSA levels of enzalutamide plus leuprolide intensified therapy needs to be better defined with further analysis. Real world analysis must verify the significant results obtained in the context of a phase 3 study.

Soil salinity is seen as a major restriction for crop production, and with water scarcity this problem becomes more complicated. Mulching is crucial to salinity dynamics management by decreasing evaporation with improving the soil’s characteristics. Using chitosan as an eco-friendly biostimulant can enhance plant defense genes during different abiotic stresses. Recently, agricultural research has recognized nanoparticles as a pioneer material due to their distinctive physicochemical features. Therefore, a lysimeter experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of mulching (UNM: un-mulched, WPM: white plastic, RSM: rice straw and SDM: sawdust) and chitosan foliar application (Ch0: control, Ch1: 250 mg chitosan L-1, Ch2: 125 mg nano chitosan L-1, and Ch3: 62.5 mg nano chitosan L-1) on the biochemical soil characteristics and common beans productivity under salt affected soil conditions. Organic mulching (RSM and SDM) treatments significantly improved the soil's organic carbon, available nutrient content, and total count of bacteria. WPM treatment lowered soil EC to 6.63 dS m-1 and increased soil water content to 34.13%. The application of Ch3 caused considerable increases in the plant height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, grain yield, and nutrient content in the seed. The total fungi count in the soil and Na% in the seed was significantly decreased due to chitosan foliar applications. Moreover, the interactive effect of different mulch materials plus foliar by chitosan applications gave a statistically similar seed yield in both seasons. Overall, this study revealed the potential of the mulching treatments and foliar application of nano chitosan in improved biochemical soil characteristics and common bean productivity under saline soil conditions.

Diets that restrict the amount of carbohydrates positively affect markers related to metabolic syndrome (MS). However, completely carbohydrate-free diets have been studied in lesser extent, being their effect on biochemical and morphometric parameters in a rat model of MS the main objective of this study. MS was induced by a high-glucose diet for 20 weeks in male Wistar rats with a subsequent exposition to an essentially carbohydrate-free diet (CFD) for 20 weeks. Daily measurements of food consumption and monthly measurements of body weight were made. At week 40, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, ketone bodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, liver and muscle glycogen, and serum, hepatic, renal and pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Exposition to CFD showed decrease in caloric intake and body weight. Likewise, the group showed normalization in liver and serum MDA parameters, insulin, lipid profile, ALT, liver glycogen, and creatinine. The CFD decreased glucose concentration and the inflammatory state, also, increased the concentration of ketone bodies and urea. The change towards CFD reverses the metabolic alterations generated with MS except for glycemia and uremia, probably due to the high rate of gluconeogenesis generated by the high protein content in the diet.

Aim of the study: To draw inferences from a retrospective evaluation of PSMA PET CT scans performed for the evaluation of biochemical recurrence. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 295 PSMA PET CT scans spanning 3 years between 2020 and 2022 was undertaken. Results: Of 295 PET CT scans, 179 were positive, 66 negative and 50 had indeterminate findings. In positive group, 67 had radical prostatectomy and PSMA avid lesions were seen most commonly in pelvic lymph nodes. Remaining 112 positive scans, in non-radical prostatectomy group; 25 had recurrence only in prostate, 17 had recurrence involving prostate bed; 28 had no recurrence in prostate gland, while 42 had recurrence in prostate as well as extra prostatic sites. Overall, in non-prostatectomy group, 75 % population was harbouring a PSMA avid lesion in prostate gland while in remaining 25% population recurrence did not involve prostate gland. Majority of indeterminate findings were seen in small pelvic or retroperitoneal lymph nodes or skeletal regions (ribs/others) and in 9 patients indeterminate focus was seen in the prostate bed only. Follow up PSMA PET CT was helpful in prior indeterminate findings and unexplained PSA rise. Conclusion: A higher recurrence in prostate bed while evaluating biochemical recurrence prompts us to think; whether prostatectomy should be offered more proactively? Follow up PSMA PET CT is helpful for indeterminate findings; a PSA rise of 0.7 ng/ml in 6 months can result in positive PSMA PET CT while negative scan can be seen upto 2ng/ml PSA rise in 6 months.

Polyploidy induction is recognized as one of the major evolutionary processes presenting remark-able morphological, physiological, and genetic variations in plants. Soybean (Glycine max L.), also known as soja bean or soya bean, is an annual leguminous crop of the pea family (Fabaceae) that shares a paleopolypoidy history, dating back to approximately 56.5 million years ago with other leguminous crops such as cowpea and other Glycine specific polyploids. This crop has been documented as one of the polyploid complex species among legumes whose gene evolution and result-ant adaptive growth characteristics, following induced polyploidization has not been fully explored. Furthermore, there are no successfully established in vivo or in vitro based polyploidy in-duction protocols that have been reported so far, particularly, with the intention to develop mutant plants showing strong resistance to abiotic salinity stress. This review, therefore, describes the role of synthetic polyploid plant production in soybean for the mitigation against high soil salt stress levels, and how this evolving approach could be used to further enhance nutritional, pharmaceutical and economic industrial value of soybeans, including addressing challenges involved during the polyploidization process.

Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes RANKL, a cytokine able to interact with the RANK receptor on preosteoclasts and osteoclasts, decreasing their recruitment and differentiation, leading to a decreased bone resorption. The aim of this observational real-life study was to analyze adherence to denosumab therapy, its effectiveness in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and in modulating biochemical skeletal markers upon previous treatments with bisphosphonates in a group of post-menopausal women affected by osteoporosis. Women were recruited in the specialized center from March 2012 to September 2019. Biochemical markers were recorded at baseline and every six months prior to subsequent drug injection. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry was requested at baseline and after 18/24 months. Comparing BMD at baseline and after denosumab therapy in naive patients and in those previously treated with bisphosphonates, a positive therapeutic effect was observed in both groups. The results of our real-life study demonstrate, as expected, that BMD values significantly increased upon denosumab treatment. Interestingly, denosumab showed an increased effectiveness in patients previously treated with bisphosphonates. Moreover, biochemical markers data indicate that osteoporotic patients, without other concomitant unstable health conditions, could be evaluated once a year, decreasing the number of specialistic center access.

Variations in liver metabolism as a result of hepatitis C virus have been established by numerous clinical trials. The use of antioxidants supplements has been reported to minimize the implication of this disease. In this regard, we examined the suitability of Solanum fruit juice, a natural source of vitamin C and citrus flavoniod as a precursor for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Forty adult patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C and were under antiviral therapy were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 patients received their antiviral therapy with normal food and water and served as the control group while patients in group 2 were supplemented with Solanum fruit juice for eight consecutive weeks. Measurements for Anthropometric data, C reactive protein (CRP), atherogenic indices, biochemical parameters and activities of liver marker enzymes were recorded before and after eight weeks. No alterations were found in waist circumference, body mass and body fat following regular use of Solanum fruit juice. The serum levels of oxidative stress markers, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, CRP and atherogenic indices decreased in the Solanum fruit juice group when compared to the control group. Moreover, the activities of the liver marker enzyme AST decreased in those who had high levels before the intervention. These results underscore the benefits of Solanum fruit juice in the diet of patients with HCV as a result of decreased cholesterol in blood serum, decreased inflammation, and increase in antioxidant capacity as well as maintaining body mass index. This clinical trial is registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) with unique identification number PACTR201802003092138.

Today, various dietary supplements are taken to improve endurance performance during physical activity. These supplements have proven to be very successful in controlling and balancing various hormone levels and have contributed to the prevention and healing of metabolic disorders and physical injuries. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of the ACTN3 gene and nutrient supplementation, including beta-alanine, ashwagandha, L-carnitine, and iron, on athletic performance. The ACTN3 gene has been identified as a potential genetic determinant of athletic performance, particularly in activities that require high levels of power and strength. This study investigated the interaction between the ACTN3 gene and supplementation and highlighted the potential for personalized approaches to improve athletic performance. 24 subjects per group, were randomized in a parallel-group design to examine the effects of supplementation on the ACTN3 gene and athletic performance over a 21-day intervention period. Participants in the intervention were divided into four groups of six members each. The same subjects who did not take supplements formed the control group. In addition, the subjects were divided into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4), each consisting of subgroups of control and a treated. All treated groups (TG1, TG2, TG3, and TG4) received 4 supplements for 21 days, namely S1 (ashwagandha), S2 (iron), S3 (beta-alanine) and S4 (L-carnitine), together with the 4 control groups, i.e. CG1, CG2, CG3 and CG4, who received no supplements during the same period. In particular, this study determines the effect of these 4 supplements on actn3 gene expression, testosterone, cholesterol and BUN levels of the participants. The P-values determined for all parameters showed statistically significant values and the final result showed that all supplements had positive effects on the tested parameters. The result showed a highly significant difference between the intake of supplements before and after the intake of 24 athletes per group on the ACTN3 gene expression level and biochemical indicators.

Irrigation with water containing a variety of microcystins (MCs) may pose potential threat to normal growth of agricultural plants. The mechanism of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) induced phytotoxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) at environmental concentrations is still unknown. Rice seedlings were exposed to MC-LR at concentrations of 0.10, 1.0, 10.0 and 50.0 μg·L−1 in hydroponic nutrient solutions for 7, 15, 20, and 34 days in the current study. The absorption and accumulation in leaf and root tissues, as well as a series of key physio-biochemical process changes in leaves of rice at different exposure time points were measured. Results showed that MC-LR could be detected in rice leaves and roots in all exposure groups, however, a significant accumulation trend of MC-LR in plants (BCF > 1) was only found in the lowest group (0.10 μg·L−1). The time-course study revealed a biphasic response of O2•- levels in rice leaves to the exposure of MC-LR, which was more pronounced in higher concentration groups, which could be attributed to the combined effects of antioxidant and detoxification mechanisms in rice. Exposure to 1.0 - 50.0 μg·L−1 MC-LR resulted in significant depletion of GSH and MDA contents in rice leaves at later exposure times. The changes of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rice leaves under MC-LR exposure were firstly investigated in the current study. Low MC-LR concentrations promoted NOS activity, whereas high concentrations inhibited NOS activity during the later exposure times, implying that NO may play a role in MC-LR toxicity in rice. Reduced sucrose synthase (SS) activities in rice exposed to MC-LR can reduce the plant's ability to accumulate carbon and thus may be directly related to the reduction in vegetative growth. These findings suggest that even at low concentrations of MC-LR, terrestrial plants' normal physiological status is disrupted, which, when combined with previous findings, helps reveal the mechanism of MC-LR-induced phytotoxicity.

The anaerobic digestion (AD) of rumen residues and wheat straw in different proportions of inoculum (66.67, 50, 33.33 %V/V) to substrate and their co-digestion potential have been exhaustively studied in this research. It explores variation of feedstock characteristics such as biodegradability and methane potential during AD and anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of rumen residues (RR) with wheat straw (WS), under mesophilic conditions. Comparative performance was made with a organic load rate of 18 gVS/L (with 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 g/g VS of inoculum to substrate). Among different kinetic models studied (modified Gompertz model, transfer model and logistic function), the AD and ACoD of substrates showed better fit to Gompertz model (R2: 0.977–0.997) indicating variation in lag phase and methane production rate depending on the substrate characteristics. During AD, the methane yield improved as the inoculum ratio increased, however, there was no significant difference in ACoD yield from RR to WS for the inoculum to substrate ratios studied, due to the synergistic effect as a result. of greater biodegradability and optimal conditions (such as the C/N ratio). A comparison of methane generation means indicated that maximum methane production can be achieved by mixing rumen residue (75 %) and wheat straw (25 %) with a C/N ratio of (38.15).

The review presents the most developed by date hypotheses on the mechanisms of the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMF) on organisms. Biophysical models that explain the resonance-like responses of biological systems to LFMF with a specific frequency and amplitude are described. Two groups can be distinguished among these models: one considers ions-cofactors of proteins as the primary targets for the LFMF influence, and the other regards the magnetic moments of particles in biomolecules. Attention is paid to the dependence of resonance-like LFMF effects on the cell type. A radical-pair mechanism of the magnetic field's influence on biochemical processes is described with the example of cryptochrome. Conditions for this mechanism's applicability to explain the biological effects of LFMF are given. A model of the influence of LFMF on radical pairs in biochemical oscillators, which can explain the frequency-amplitude efficiency windows of LFMF, is proposed.

Hematological and biochemical reference values in sickle cell disease (SCD) are crucial for patient management and evaluation of interventions. This study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam, to establish laboratory reference ranges in SCD at steady-state. Patients were grouped into five age groups with respects to their sex. Aggregate functions were used to handle repeated measures within the indi-vidual level in each age group. A nonparametric approach was used to smooth the curves and a parametric approach was used to determine SCD normal ranges. Comparison between males and females and against the general population was documented. Data from 4,422 patients collected from 2004-2015 were analyzed. The majority of the patients (35.41%) were children aged between 5-11 years. There were no significant differences (p≥0.05) in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, basophils and bilirubin direct observed between males and females. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in all selected parameters across age groups except neutrophils and MCHC in adults, as well as platelets and alkaline phosphatase in infants when SCD estimates were compared to the general population. Laboratory reference ranges in SCD at steady-state were different from those of the general population and varied with sex and age. The established reference ranges for SCD at steady-state will be a helpful in the management and monitoring of the progress of SCD.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on myocardial injury induced by I/ R in rats by regulating SIRT3/SOD2/NF-κB signaling pathway, and to provide theoretical guidance for clinical treatment of myocardial I/R injury.Methods:SPF Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: Sham operation group(n=10), I/R group(n=10), Aerobic exercise group(n=10)and Aerobic exercise+κ-receptor antagonist group(Pro DTC group，n=10). The left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD) of rats was ligated and re-canalized to establish I/R rat model. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to examine histological morphology in myocardial tissues of each group. The biological analysis was performed to measure cTnI、CK-MB、BNP levels in blood samples of each group. The expression levels of SOD2, TLR4, and p65 in myocardial tissues were measured by immunohistochemical assay. The influence of aerobic exercise on Beclin-1 、LC3II/I、SIRT3, TLR4, and phosphorylated p65 was measured by Western blotting.Results: The result of histological morphology examination revealed that Aerobic exercise group exhibited integrated cardiac myofilament, less inflammatory cell infiltration, as much as significantly decreased cellular edema. Measurement of cTnI、CK-MB、BNP revealed that oxycodone post-treatment reduces the injury of myocardial tissues(P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining results revealed that aerobic exercise clearly decreased the expression of TLR4 and p65, and increased the expression of SOD2(P<0.05). Besides, Western blotting revealed that aerobic exercise down-regulated the expression of Beclin-1 、LC3II/I、TLR4 and phosphorylated p65, up-regulated the expression of SIRT3(P<0.05).Conclusions: Aerobic exercise significantly improved myocardial I/R injury. The mechanisms may be associated with activating κ-receptor to regulate SIRT3/SOD2/NF-κB pathway.

SARS-CoV-2 is mutating and creating divergent variants across the world. An in-depth investigation of the amino acid substitution in the genomic signature of SARS-CoV-2 proteins is highly essential for understanding its host adaptation and infection biology. A total of 9587 SARS-CoV-2 structural protein sequences collected from 49 different countries are used to characterize protein-wise variants, substitution pattern (type and location), and major substitution changes. The majority of the substitutions are distinct, occurred mostly in a particular location, and leads to a change in amino acid's biochemical properties. In terms of mutational changes, Envelope (E) and Membrane (M) proteins are relatively stable than Nucleocapsid (N) and Spike (S) proteins. Several co-occurrence substitutions are observed, particularly in S and N proteins. Substitution specific to active sub-domains reveals that Heptapeptide Repeat, Fusion peptides, Transmembrane in S protein, and N-terminal and C-terminal domains in N protein are remarkably mutated, and also found few deleterious mutations in these domains.

ATP is the most universal and essential energy molecule in the eukaryotic cell. This is due to its ability to store energy in form of high energy phosphate bonds, which are extremely stable and readily usable by the cell. This energy is key for a variety of biological functions such as cell growth and division, metabolism, signalling, and for the turnover of biomolecules. Understanding how ATP is produced and hydrolysed with a spatiotemporal resolution is necessary to understand its functions both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this review, we will first describe the ATP synthase, the main molecular motor for ATP production in mitochondria. Second, we will review the biochemical assays currently available to estimate ATP quantities in cells, and we will compare their readouts, strengths and weaknesses. Then, we will explore the palette of genetically-encoded biosensors designed for microscope-based approaches and show how their spatiotemporal resolution opened up the possibility to follow ATP levels and production in living cells. Finally, we will comment on how ATP monitoring is used in preclinical practices, and to what extent genetically-encoded sensors could be used as a promising tool to elucidate pathologies in which ATP is implicated.

Silver and gold nanoparticles are a promising tool for medical and industrial application, therefore, their ecotoxicity should be carefully examined. The effect of silver (12 nm) and gold (4.7) nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol on Spirulina platensis biomass growth and biochemical composition was investigated. The spirulina cultivation medium was supplemented with nanoparticles in concentration range 0.025-0.5 µM. Given concentrations stimulated spirulina biomass growth, while content of proteins, carbohydrates and auxiliary pigments was affected insignificantly by presence of nanoparticles in cultivation medium. The pronounced effect of gold nanoparticles at concentration 0.5 µM on the lipids content was observed. TEM images demonstrate that nanoparticles penetrate inside the cell, resulting in ultrastructural changes in cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the diarthrodial joints. Inflammation increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may explain why RA is one of the diseases that induce oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate potential differences in biochemical, hematological and oxidative stress markers in early stages of RA and after different treatment regimens. The study involved 111 patients, 28 men and 83 women, aged 34 to 59 years who were divided based on their c-reactive protein (CRP) levels into inactive RA patients (IRA) with CRP &lt; 1.3 (n = 57, 22 men and 35 women) and active RA patients (ARA) with CRP ≥ 1.3 (n = 54, 6 men and 48 women). The study participants were divided into two groups, A and B, based on their treatment regimen. Group A, which comprised 90% IRA, received methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy. Group B, which comprised 90% ARA, received a combination of leflunomide, a conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and a biologic DMARD. Hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress and RA-specific biomarkers were measured twice in groups A and B, in the early stage in the disease, before and 3 months post-treatment, using conventional colorimetric, fluorometric and immunological assays. According to the results of our study, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ROS, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ions, vitamin C and D, and lipid profile could serve as potential diagnostic markers in the early stages of the disease. Both treatment options were equally effective in improving the overall health of the patients. However, treatment resulted in a further increase in ROS levels and a decrease in antioxidant markers.

The dessert banana is a popular fruit worldwide, but its ripening process is greatly accelerated by high temperatures, which eventually leads to an unpleasant taste and the appearance of spots on the skin of the fruit. To slow down the ripening of bananas, expensive strategies are used, which are usually not practical for conventional farmers in less developed countries. In this study, we try to find a less costly alternative. Therefore, the effects of coatings of lemon peel extract (2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 %), calcium chloride (4 %), and glycerol (2 %) on the shelf life and postharvest quality of banana fruit (Cavendish) stored at 20 ± 3 °C and 50 – 70 % relative humidity were investigated. Treatment with a mixture of 2.5 % lemon peel extract and 2 % glycerol resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the dessert banana by up to 6 days and no detectable fungal infestation. The mixture is an effective alternative to extend the shelf life and reduce quality losses in bananas.

The use of plant-based and microorganism-based biological inputs is a sustainable agricultural practice, promoting a suitable and better utilization of non-renewable resources in the environment. The benefits of using microorganisms are associated with both direct and indirect mechanisms, primarily related to improvements in nutrient absorption and availability, as well as plant growth. The main benefits of using biochemical pesticides are the promotion of sustainability and the management of resistance. Although the use of microorganisms and botanical metabolites is a promising agricultural alternative, it is still primarily concentrated in grain crops. However, due to the wide range of mechanisms of action of plant-based and microorganism-based biological inputs, there is an opportunity to expand their use in agriculture. In the Brazilian biological inputs market, various terminologies have been used to characterize biological-based products, with many of these terms being employed incorrectly and sometimes conflicting with the country’s legislation. Therefore, this review presents the classes of biological inputs and the application and evolution of the plant-based and microbiological-based product market in different crops in Brazil.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy in men, with the majority of newly diagnosed patients eligible for active surveillance. Despite definitive treatment, a considerable percentage of men will experience biochemical recurrence and even regional and distant metastatic recurrence after radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy. Salvage prostatectomy, while oncologically effective, poses significant morbidity with poor functional outcomes. Salvage cryotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative for localized recurrence, demonstrating safety and efficacy. This review examines the oncologic and functional outcomes of whole-gland and focal salvage cryotherapy, including disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. The crucial role of multiparametric prostate MRI and evolving role of next-generation PSMA-targeted PET imaging is also examined. Comparison of outcomes of cryotherapy to other salvage ablation modalities, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is also explored.

Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) is recognized as one of the most valuable pelagic resources across the southeast Pacific Ocean. Despite its nutritious properties it is an underused resource due to its rapid spoilage. The use of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) for the processing of aquatic products could be an efficient alternative to cold storage since HHP might inactivate microbial pathogens and slow down spoilage microorganisms, therefore extending the product’s shelf life. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of HHP at 450 and 550 MPa for 3 min on the physicochemical properties of jack mackerel muscle undergoing pre- and post-rigor mortis stage and further storage for 26 days at 4°C. pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, color, water-holding capacity, and texture were assessed. The proximate composition, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, color, water holding capacity, and texture, showed significant changes between untreated and treated samples, while the water holding capacity was virtually unaffected. Overall results showed an acceptable and long-lasting edible quality of Trachurus murphyi stored at 4°C when preserved through HHP. These findings suggest that the HHP might be able to industrially scale the production of highly physicochemical superior and minimally processed fish products.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a palygorskite-based antibacterial agent (PAA) as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota in sheep. A total of 120 sheep were randomly divided into five groups of six replicates with four sheep each. Sheep were fed a basal diet, an antibiotic diet supplemented with 500 g/t chlortetracycline (CTC), and a basal diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, and 2,000 g/t PAA for 80 d, respectively. Supplementation with 2,000 g/t PAA and 500 g/t CTC increased the average daily gain (ADG) of sheep compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Diets supplemented with 2,000 g/t PAA and 500 g/t CTC reduced (P < 0.05) the feed: gain (F/G ratio) in the overall periods. Dietary Supplementation with 1,000 g/t PAA significantly increased albumin and total protein (P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between growth hormone concentration and PAA supplementation (P < 0.05). In addition, compared to the control group, the CTC group had higher growth hormone concentration and lower lipopolysaccharide concentration (P < 0.05). No dif-ference was observed between the five groups in terms of rumen fermentation characteristics (P > 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was lower in the PAA 2000 and CTC 500 groups than that in the control and PAA 500 groups (P < 0.05). At the genus level, a sig-nificant decrease (P < 0.05) in the relative abundance of RuminococcaceaeUCG-010 was observed in the PAA 1000, PAA 2000, and CTC 500 groups compared with that in the control group. In addition, the relative abundance of Prevotella1 (P < 0.05) was higher in the PAA 2000 group than that in the control group. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with PAA has ameliorative effects on growth performance, blood parameters, and rumen microbiota, with an optimal dosage of 2,000 g/t for sheep.

The proof-of-the-concept of application of low-temperature food waste biochars for the anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (the same substrate) was tested. The concept assumes that residual heat from biogas utilization may be reused for biochar production. Four low-temperature biochars produced under two pyrolytic temperatures 300 °C and 400 °C and under atmospheric and 15 bars pressure with 60 minutes retention time were used. Additionally, the biochar produced during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was tested. The work studied the effect of a low biochar dose (0.05 gBC x gTSsubstrate-1, or 0.65 gBC x L-1) on AD batch reactors’ performance. The biochemical methane potential test took 21 days and the process kinetics using the first-order model were determined. The results showed that biochars obtained under 400°C with atmospheric pressure and under HTC conditions improve methane yield by 3.6%. It has been revealed that thermochemical pressure influences the electrical conductivity of biochars. The biomethane was produced with a rate (k) of 0.24 d-1, and the most effective biochars increased the biodegradability of FW to 81% in comparison to variants without biochars (75%).

Background: Cardiomyopathy is commonly observed disease that may occurs due to mutations in either susceptible genes or modifier gene. People with broad age group are affected either attributable to spontaneous or inherited mutations of these genes. Various gene mutations are reported so far but only few of them were studied in detail. Methods: In the current study, we evaluated epidemiological variables like age, sex, familial status, parental consanguinity. We also described specific clinical symptoms associated with the cardiomyopathy condition in Indian population. Results: Our studies on mutation screening of phospholamban gene revealed two transitions (4880 C/T, 4887 T/G) in 5’ flanking region which might cause inherited dilated cardiomyopathy with refractory congestive heart failure are We further deliberated the gene polymorphism of renin angiotensin system gene angiotensin-1-converting enzyme as an associated marker/ modifier in cardiomyopathy patients and their family members. Conclusions: Information on epidemiological, clinical statistics, phospholamban gene mutation analysis and angiotensin-1-converting enzyme gene polymorphism is essential to guide the successful execution for future therapies and benefits us to identify those patients at risk for faster disease progression, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmia.

Thrombosis has threatened human health in past decades. Bacillus nattokinase is a potential thrombolytic drug without side-effect and low cost and has been introduced into the consumer market as a functional food or dietary supplement. This review firstly summarizes the biodiversity sources and fermentation process of nattokinase, and systematically expounds the structure, cata-lytic mechanism and enzymatic properties of nattokinase; In view of the problems of low fermen-tation yield, insufficient activity and stability of nattokinase, this review discusses the heterologous expression of nattokinase in different microbial hosts, and summarizes the protein and genetic en-gineering progress of nattokinase-producing strains; Finally, this review summarizes the clinical application of nattokinase.

In this study, the olive pomace was considered because of its importance in the environment. So, this study carried out to estimate the total nitrogen content and the fatty acids profile of olive pomace. The olive pomace samples were collected from Irbid, Jarash, Ajloun and Mafraq during the harvesting season 2014 to study the biochemical characteristics of fatty acid composition and the total nitrogen (TN) content. The total nitrogen content was determined by standard Kjeldahl method and the fatty acid profile was detected by gas chromatography (GC). The results show that the total nitrogen content ranged from (0.39 ± 0.0) to (0.62 ± 0.02) with statistically significant difference suggesting that the composition of matrices and their percentage may be responsible for composition of amendments. The calculated total protein percentage ranged between (2.43 ± 0.00) to (3.87 ± 0.17). Also, 13 different fatty acids were quantitatively profiled and quantitated. Oleic acid (C 18:1) was found to be the highest percentage of all other fatty acids and ranged between (59.03%) and (63.81%), moreover the C 18:1/C 18:2 (oil quality) was calculated and C.V% showed variation meaning that nutritional implication could affect the oxidative stability of oils. In conclusion, OP by-product could give a sustainable and alternative-cheap source for fertilizers, pharmaceutical industries, cosmetics and other industries.

Parasitic diseases are among the most serious public health problems in developing countries, causing high mortality and economic burdens. The Trypanosomatidae family includes Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, which cause leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. Both these parasites are among the major agents of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the similarity of the parasites, the evolution of the disease and the clinical indexes are explicitly different in African, Asian, and American forms of infection. Clinical therapies are associated with drug resistance and side effects. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Peptide-based drugs are an attractive class of therapeutic agents. They are recognized for being highly selective and effective, as well as safe and well tolerated. Moreover, they are now being explored in the development of novel therapeutics for a variety of health disorders, including oncology, endocrinology, metabolic, cardiovascular, and bone diseases. In addition, they are being explored in tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. We will discuss current knowledge regarding the parasite life cycle, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

In this experiment, the fermented pineapple residue (FPR) was replaced with 0% (CON), 25% (T25) and 50% (T50) in the diet based on silage royal grass roxb for 30 days in the fattened fatten bulls to evaluate the effect of FPR on growth performance, serum indicators and rumen characteristics.Thirty Simmental calves were selected and divided into three groups according to a completely random design.The temperature and humidity of the cowshed shall be measured every day.Rectal temperature and blood of cattle were measured, and blood and immune markers were measured.The results showed that the rectal temperature decreased significantly when adding 25% fermented pineapple residue (P&lt;0.05), and the rectal temperature decreased significantly when adding 50% fermented pineapple residue (P&lt;0.01).The content of T4 and TC in serum of cattle in T50 group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P&lt;0.01), and the content of T3 was significantly higher than that in the control group (P&lt;0.05), and the content of CR was significantly lower than that in the control group (P&lt;0.01). Fermented pineapple residue can indeed improve the oxidative (heat) stress resistance of finishing cattle. In the correlation experiment, bacterial genera such as Succinniclassicum, Melainabacteria, Lachnospiraceae, and Fibrobacteres all showed significant or extremely significant correlations with heat stress-related indicators.

It is difficult to capture the real-time online measurement data for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in wastewater treatment processes. An optimized extreme learning machine (ELM) based on an improved cuckoo search algorithm (ICS) is proposed in this paper for the design of soft BOD measurement model. In ICS-ELM, the input weights matrices of the extreme learning machine (ELM) and the threshold of the hidden layer are encoded as the cuckoo's nest locations. The best input weights matrices and threshold are obtained by using the strong global search ability of improved cuckoo search (ICS) algorithm. The optimal results can be used to improve the precision of forecasting based on less number of neurons of the hidden layer in ELM. Simulation results show that the soft sensor model has good real-time performance, high prediction accuracy and stronger generalization performance for BOD measurement of the effluent quality compared to other modeling methods such as back propagation (BP) network in most cases.

Dietary intake of Wistar rats of biofortified with 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) kale of both cultivars ‘Oldenbor F1’ and ‘Redbor F1’ for 8 weeks resulted in sig-nificantly higher iodine concentrations in the urine and kidneys of rats, which proves iodine bio-availability. Rats diets with 'Oldenbor F1' and 'Redbor F1' kale non- and -biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA had a significantly lower or a tendency for lower concentration of TSH, triglyc-eride, total and direct bilirubin, TBARs, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations in serum. Dietary intake of 'Oldenbor F1' and 'Redbor F1' kale biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA significantly increased the total antioxidant status (TAS). The study confirms that kale biofortified with iodine in organic form iodoquinoline 8-OH-7-I-5QSA is bioavailable and well absorbed by the Wistar rat and has a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters.

In order to cope with the limited supply of feed for global animal production, there is a pressing need to explore alternative feed resources. Orange pulp, a by-product of agriculture and industry, has shown potential to positively or neutrally impact pig productive performance when included in their diet. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of fermented navel orange pulp (FNOP) on pig growth and productive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FNOP as a dry matter substitute on pig’s growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, meat nutrition, and serum biochemical indicators. The experiment involved 128 finishing Tibetan pigs, divided into four feed treatment groups, with varying levels (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of FNOP replacing dry matter in the basal diet. The results indicated that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP had no adverse effects on pig growth performance. However, at a 15% substitution rate, there was a decrease in serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, along with an increase in feed-to-gain ratio. A 10% FNOP replacement notably increased the eye muscle area of pigs. Additionally, 5% and 10% FNOP substitutions reduced the drip loss of pork. The study also found that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP increased unsaturated fatty acids and umami nucleotide contents in pork, as well as raised serum total protein and uric acid (nucleotide metabolism related-product) levels. These findings suggest that moderate FNOP substitution might enhance meat quality and maintain growth and productive performance in Tibetan pigs by improving protein synthesis and nucleotide metabolism, while also reducing feed costs. The optimal substitution ratio identified was 10%.

The main objective of this this cross-sectional study was to analyze the influence of lifestyle fac-tors (diet, physical activity, sleep), which can affect the concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and SCFAs potential role in modulating cardiometabolic disease risk by interact-ing with biochemical and body composition parameters. The study comprised 77 healthy, non-obese individuals, aged 30-45 years who were assessed in the light of SCFAs concentration in stool, diet, physical activity level and sleep duration. Moreover, body composition measurement and patients’ biochemical parameters were included in the analysis. We have indicated a signifi-cant negative correlation between several SCFAs [especially acetic acid (AA), isobutyric acid (IBA), butyric acid (BA), isovaleric acid (IVA) and valeric acid (VA)] with BMI, VAT/SAT ratio (visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio) and percentage of fat mass in a group of females enrolled in the study as well as with waist circumference (WC) in case of both sexes included in the study. Moreover, the results of our study acknowledged the importance of a diet in shaping SCFAs pro-file - we noticed the significant negative associations between energy and fat intake and some SCFAs in males [IBA, IVA, VA, isocaproic acid (ICA)]. In terms of fiber intake, we noticed elevat-ed concentrations of vast majority of SCFAs and amount of SCFAs in total in case of both sexes included in the study. These strong correlations reflect the fact that diet shapes the composition of the gut microbiota and SCFAs (main microbial metabolites) are synthesized from dietary fiber. Furthermore, we noticed that in a group of women, the concentration of AA, propionic acid (PA) and ICA as well as the total concentration of SCFAs showed a significant positive association with their sleep duration. We concluded that SCFAs can have a potential role in modulating car-diometabolic disease risk by interacting with adiposity parameters and diet. In addition, this potential direct link between diet and SCFAs may at least partly contribute to sleep improvement.

The effects of wastewater step-feeding on the performance of Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands (HSF CWs) are numerically investigated. The purpose is to check if this alternative feeding technique increases the ability of HSF CWs to remove pollutants. Two methodologies are used: Initially, the Tanks-In-series (TIS) methodology, based on Finite Volume Method (FVM), is analyzed by using the volumetric degradation coefficient λ. In this case the operation of CW is similar with a series of Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (CSTR), under steady conditions. Then, the Step-Feeding (SF) procedure is presented, when the CW is operated like a Plug Flow Reactor (PFR). The results show that the SF procedure does not improve the performance of HSF CWs on removing Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), operating under Mediterranean conditions.

This article describes a novel electrochemical on-chip biosensor that utilizes anti-PSA antibody (Ab) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance the sensing and detection capability of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. The AgNPs are prepared, characterized, and applied onto a silicon photonic on-chip biosensing receptor platform designed to enhance the accurate detection of PSA. The AgNPs were synthesized by a chemical reduction method using silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as the precursor. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and light microscopy were among the methods used in the characterization and analysis of the AgNPs. Each stage of the immunosensor fabrication was characterized using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed immunosensor was applied in the detection of PSA, a prostate cancer biomarker, with a high sensitivity and a limit of detection of 0.17 ng/mL over a linear concentration range of 2.5 to 11.0 ng/mL. The immunosensor displayed good stability and was selective in the presence of interfering species like immunoglobulin (Ig) in human serum, ascorbic acid (AA), and diclofenac (Dic). The detectivity and sensitivity are significantly higher than previous reports on similar or related technologies.

We examined special roles of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in an attempt to resolve the puzzle that chronic diseases cannot be cured by medicine. By exploring a skill-learning model, we found that the CNS is able to remember certain information reflecting biochemical and cellular (B&C) processes in the body. From the skill using ability, we found that the CNS is able to control basic B&C processes that drive and power the skill. From the ability to adjust forces and force direction of a physical act, we found that the CNS is able to adjust B&C processes that drive the physical act. From this adjustment capability, we further inferred that the CNS must also store information on the baseline B&C processes. As a whole, we found that the CNS can maintain information on baseline B&C processes, up-regulate or down-regulate the processes, and make comparisons in performing its regulatory functions. We found that chronic diseases are the results of deviated baseline B&C processes. Per the proved hypothesis, the CNS maintains deviated baseline B&C processes, and thus protects the body states of fully developed diseases. We then used the three CNS roles to explain that cancer progresses with increasing malignancy, cancer quickly returns after a surgery, cancer cells repopulate after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cancer develops drug resistance inevitably, immune cells rebound after suppression, generally poor benefits of cancer drugs such as beta-blockers, etc. We further showed that long-term exercises generally push most, if not all, baseline B&C processes in diametrical opposing directions against the diseased B&C processes, implying that exercises play unique roles in reversing chronic diseases. Finally, we proposed several strategical approaches to resetting the CNS’ state memory as the essential condition for curing chronic diseases.

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are the main drugs for symptomatic treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. A recently designed, synthesized and tested hybrid compound between the AChE inhibitor galantamine (GAL) and the antioxidant polyphenol curcumin (CU) showed high AChE inhibition in vitro. Here, we describe tests for acute and short-term toxicity in mice as well as antioxidant tests on brain homogenates measured the levels of malondialdehide (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Haematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. In the acute toxicity tests, the novel AChE inhibitor given orally in mice showed LD50 of 49 mg/kg. The short-term administration of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg did not show toxicity. In the ex vivo tests, the GAL-CU hybrid performed better than GAL and CU themselves. In a dose of 5 mg/kg, it demonstrates 25% reduction in AChE activity, 28% and 73% increase in the levels of MDA and GSH, respectively. No significant changes in blood biochemical data were observed. The GAL-CU hybrid is a novel non-toxic AChE inhibitor with high antioxidant activity which makes it a perspective multitarget drug candidate for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

A plenty of theories on the origin of genetic codes have been proposed so far, yet all ignored the energetic driving force, its relation to the biochemical system, and most importantly, the missing “matchmaker” between proteins and nucleic acids. Here, a new hypothesis is proposed, according to which ATP is at the origin of the primordial genetic code by driving the coevolution of the genetic code with the pristine biochemical system. This hypothesis aims to show how the genetic code was produced e.g. by photochemical reactions in a protocell that derived from a lipid vesicle enclosing various life’s building blocks (e.g. nucleotides and peptides). At extant cell, ATP is the only energetic product of photosynthesis, and is at the energetic heart of the biochemical systems. ATP could energetically form and elongate chains of both polynucleotides and polypeptides, thus acting a “matchmaker” between these two bio-polymers and eventually mediating precellular biochemical innovation from energy transformation to informatization. ATP was not the only one that could drive the formation of polynucleotides and polypeptides, but favored by precellular selection. The protocell innovated a photosynthesis system to produce ATP efficiently and regularly with the aids of proteins and RNA/DNA. The completion of permanently recording the genetic information by DNA marked the dawn of cellular life operated by Darwinian evolution. The ATP hypothesis assumes or supports the photochemical origin of life, shedding light on the origins of both photosynthetic and biochemical systems, which remains largely unknown thus far. Based on ATP hypothesis, virus (like the new coronavirus) could not be the earliest life on Earth, as it has neither biochemical systems nor lipid bilayer membrane that provided relatively isolated environment for the development of protobiochemical reactions, although it owns the genetic code of a cellular life. Virus could not be a bridge between life and non-life, but is an anti-life substance, as it depletes cellular material for its own replication, and then spreads by destroying the host cells. It can be imagined that if cellular life are completely wiped out by the virus, the complete destruction of life on Earth would be inevitable.

Thousands of antibodies for diagnostic and other analytical purposes are on the market. However, it is often difficult to identify duplicates, reagent changes, and to assign the correct original publications to an antibody. This slows down scientific progress and might even be a cause of irreproducible research and a waste of resources. Recently, activities were started to suggest the sole use of recombinant antibodies in combination with the open communication of their sequence. In this case, such uncertainties should be eliminated. Unfortunately, this approach seems to be rather a long-term vision since the development and manufacturing of recombinant antibodies remain quite expensive in the foreseeable future. Also, nearly all commercial antibody suppliers may be reluctant to publish the sequence of their antibodies, since they fear counterfeiting. De-novo sequencing of antibodies is also not feasible today for a reagent user without access to the hybridoma clone. Nevertheless, it seems to be crucial for any scientist to have the opportunity to identify an antibody undoubtedly to guarantee the traceability of any research activity using antibodies from a third party as a tool. For this purpose, we developed a method for the identification of antibodies based on a MALDI-TOF-MS fingerprint. To circumvent lengthy denaturation, reduction, alkylation, and enzymatic digestion steps, the fragmentation was performed with a simple formic acid hydrolysis step. Eighty-nine unknown monoclonal antibodies were used for this study to examine the feasibility of this approach. Although the molecular assignment of peaks was rarely possible, antibodies could be easily recognized in a blinded test, simply from their mass-spectral fingerprint. A general protocol is given, which could be used without any optimization to generate fingerprints for a database. We want to propose that in most scientific projects relying critically on antibody reagents, such a fingerprint should be established to prove and document the identity of the used antibodies and to assign a specific reagent to a datasheet of a commercial supplier, a public database record or an antibody ID.

Climate change has emerged as a crucial global issue that significantly threatens the survival of plants. In particular, low temperature (LT) is one of the critical environmental factors that influence plant morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes during both the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. LT, including abrupt drops in temperature, as well as winter conditions, can cause detrimental effects on the growth and development of tomato plants, ranging from sowing, transplanting, truss appearance, flowering, fertilization, flowering, fruit ripening, and yields. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the comprehensive mechanisms underlying the adaptation and acclimation of tomato plants to LT at the morphological and the molecular levels. In this review, we discuss the previous and current knowledge of morphological and physiological changes, which contains major factors and traits associated with the LT stress response during the period of the vegetative and reproductive growth and development in tomato plants. Moreover, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of physiological and biochemical responses, and molecular mechanisms, including LT perception, signaling transduction, gene regulation, and fruit ripening and epigenetic regulation. The comprehensive understanding of LT response provides a solid basis to develop the LT-resistant varieties for sustainable tomato production under the ever-changing temperature fluctuations.

The topic of predictive toxicology has been greatly influenced by recent progress in comprehending drug toxicity processes and enhancing medication development. The integration of omics technologies, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, with traditional toxicological assessments has yielded extensive knowledge about the biological pathways implicated in drug-induced toxicity. The utilization of a multi-omics method amplifies the ability to identify biomarkers that can detect toxicity at an early stage, hence enhancing the safety profile of novel therapeutic medicines. Machine learning and in silico models, such as QSAR models and multi-task deep learning algorithms, have become essential tools. They have shown great accuracy in predicting toxicity endpoints and have helped in the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The introduction of microphysiological systems and PBPK modeling has enhanced the transfer of preclinical discoveries to clinical results, providing more precise forecasts of human reactions to medications. Notwithstanding these progressions, obstacles such as the diversity of data and the complex nature of omics data require sophisticated computational techniques for efficient analysis. Continued cooperation and established procedures are crucial to fully utilize these technologies, guaranteeing the creation of safer and more efficient medicinal agents.