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Background: Protein instability has been reported to be an important cause of haze in white wines; to investigate the feasibility of protease as a substitute for bentonite in the protein stability of white grape liqueurs, the effect of protease combined with heat treatment on the composition and protein stability of liqueur wines was investigated by chemical analysis, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and amino acid analysis. Results: The results showed that the contents of total acid, volatile acid, pH, and glycerol were not significantly different from the blank control; the effect on total protein content and thermal stability were similar to the bentonite treatment; the L∗, b∗, and Cab∗ values of liqueur wines increased by 5.59%, 4.33%, and 4.33% after protease combined with heat treatment (p < 0.05); SDS‐PAGE results confirmed that protease combined with heat treatment had good hydrolysis for thaumatin‐like proteins (TLPs) and chitinases (CHIs) in liqueur wines. Amino acid analysis revealed that the levels of threonine, serine, tyrosine, arginine, and proline had increased, respectively, and isoleucine (1.26 mg/L) and leucine (1.16 mg/L) were newly detected after protease combined with heat treatment. Particle size analysis showed that the protease combined with heat treatment had less effect on the particle size distribution of the wines. Conclusion: Protease combined with heat treatment had a certain protein stabilizing effect and had no significant negative impact on other nutrients of liqueur wines. Thus, it can be used as an alternative to bentonite for the protein stabilization of liqueur wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholelithiasis (gallstone disease) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the formation of gallstones. Investigation of the composition of gallstones is essential for understanding the mechanisms of their formation and addressing various practical issues. Currently, it remains unclear which protein components are involved in gallstone formation and how they are related to other components of the stones. This study demonstrates a potential for the qualitative and quantitative determination of amino acids in gallstones of men and women of different ages using gas chromatography (GC-17A chromatograph, Shimadzu, Japan). The analysis of the amino acid composition of gallstones involves the acid hydrolysis of the samples in 6 M HCl at 105°C for 12 h, followed by purification, derivatization of the isolated amino acids, and their determination by gas chromatography. This method allows for the identification of both D- and L-forms of amino acids. A statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the STATISTICA 6.0. The study found that cholesterol gallstones in women under the age 50 have the lowest amino acid content. In the amino acid composition of cholesterol gallstones, glycine, along with the L-forms of serine, alanine, and glutamic acid, predominates. Cholesterol gallstones with a mineral component are typical in elderly women (over 60 years old) and middle-aged men (from 37 years old) and exhibit higher amino acid contents than pure cholesterol gallstones. In this type of stones, glycine and the L-forms of leucine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid predominate. The highest amino acid content was found in pigment stones, both in men and women over the age 55. The amino acid composition of pigment-type stones is dominated by glycine and the L-forms of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, and alanine. D-amino acids were not detected in cholesterol gallstones. However, D-aspartic acid was found in cholesterol stones with a mineral component and in pigment gallstones. These findings suggest that gas chromatography is a suitable method for studying the amino acid composition of gallstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties and are therefore considered promising tools in kidney transplantation. Although most studies have been conducted with autologous MSCs, using allogeneic MSCs as an off-the-shelf product is more feasible in clinical settings. However, allogeneic MSCs could potentially induce an immune response, which might eventually be directed towards the kidney allograft because of shared human leukocyte antigen (HLA) epitope mismatches between the kidney and MSC donor. In this study, we performed in-depth analyses of two cohorts (n = 20) that received third-party MSC therapy after kidney transplantation. While the Neptune Study from Leiden University Medical Center specifically selected MSC to avoid repeated HLA antigen mismatches between kidney and MSC donors, the study from the University of Liège did not perform specific MSC selection. The comparative analyses of amino acid mismatches between these cohorts showed that MSC selection to avoid repeated HLA mismatches at the split antigen level was not sufficient to prevent repeated mismatches at the amino acid level. However, repeated amino acid mismatches were not associated with the occurrence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). Thus, the clinical relevance of repeated amino acid mismatches seems to be limited with regard to the risk of DSA formation. Since DSA formation was limited (3 of 20 patients) in this study, larger studies are required to investigate the relevance of preventing repeated HLA mismatches in allogeneic MSC therapy in kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigates the impact of germination and ozone treatment on the nutritional and bioactive properties of grains of two amaranth varieties. The study focused on the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content, and amino acid profile of untreated and treated grains of two amaranth varieties. Germination significantly increased the protein content by 18.5%, crude fibre by 25.7%, and total phenolic content by 34.2% compared to the control. Ozone treatment further enhanced these properties, with a notable increase in antioxidant activity by 41.8% and total flavonoid content by 29.6%. The amino acid profile analysis revealed a significant rise in essential amino acids, particularly lysine, which increased by 22.4% following the combined treatment. These findings suggested that the combined application of germination and ozone treatment significantly enhances the nutritional quality and bioactive properties of amaranth, making it a superior ingredient for functional food products. The results indicated that these processes could be effectively utilised to boost the health benefits of amaranth, contributing to the development of nutrient‐rich food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the causative agent 13 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is one of the most economically 14 devastating viruses in the Vietnamese swine industry. Methods: With a view toward determining the 15 genetic variation among PRRSV strains in Vietnam, we examined 271 PRRSV GP5 protein 16 sequences obtained from strains isolated in Vietnam from 2007 to 2023, for which we constructed 17 phylogenetic trees. Additionally, a collection of 52 PRRSV-1 strains and 80 PRRSV-2 strains 18 isolated in different years were specifically selected for nucleotide and amino acid homology analysis 19 and amino acid sequence alignment. Results: The results revealed 76.1%–100.0% nucleotide and 20 75.2%–100.0% amino acid homologies for the PRRSV-1 GP5 gene, and 81.8%–100.0% nucleotide 21 and 81.1%–100.0% amino acid homologies for the PRRSV-2 GP5 gene. Amino acid mutation sites 22 in PRRSV-2 were found to be primarily distributed in the signal peptide region, antigenic sites, two 23 T-cell antigen regions, two highly variable regions (HVRs), and in the vicinity of the neutralizing 24 epitope, with a deletion mutation occurring in the neutralizing epitope, whereas amino acid mutations 25 in the PRRSV-1 sequences were found to occur predominantly in two T-cell epitopes. Genetic 26 analysis revealed that PRRSV-1 strains in Vietnam are of subtype 1 (Global), whereas PRRSV-2 27 strains are categorized into sublineages L1A, L5A, and L8E, with L8E being the predominantly 28 prevalent strain at present. Recombination analyses indicated that no significant recombination 29 events have occurred in any of the assessed 271 Vietnamese PRRSV strains. Discussion: Our 30 analyses of 271 Vietnamese PRRSV strains have yielded valuable insights regarding the 31 epidemiological trends and genetic dynamics of PRRSV in Vietnam, and will provide a theoretical 32 basis for formulating prevention and control measures for PRRS and the development of PRRS 33 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper reports the first pathological and molecular characterization of the novel variant of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) D181 in poultry flocks in Morocco and Africa. Methods: The study includes six poultry farms, involving three flocks of layers aged between 28 and 67 weeks and three broiler flocks aged 27, 39 and 42 days from different regions of Morocco. In all affected layer flocks, a severe drop in egg production with poor eggshell quality was reported. Necropsy of dead birds was carried out, and samples of trachea, lungs, oviduct, ovaries, and kidneys were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathologic examinations, while other portions were stored at -20 °C for molecular analysis. Real time RT-qPCR for IBV gene group was performed, and IBV variants were identified. Partial S1 gene sequences were amplified by conventional RT-PCR, sequenced, and aligned for phylogenetic and amino acid similarity analysis. Results: Necropsy of dead birds revealed misshapen and hemorrhagic ovarian follicles with an edematous oviduct and severe reaction in the cecal tonsils. A caseous material accumulation in the sinus was noted in few birds. In contrast, the broiler flocks exhibited respiratory clinical signs such as difficulty in breathing, sneezing, tracheal rales, watery eyes and lethargy, associated with a decrease in feed consumption. Mortality in broiler ranged from 2 to 15%. Histopathological analysis of samples showed a lympho-plasmocytic inflammation in the oviduct, trachea, and lungs. Individual necrosis of epithelial cells, with sloughing of the bronchial epithelium and accumulation of desquamated cells with mucus in the airways, was observed in some birds. Partial S1 gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that the Moroccan strains were very closely related to D181 strains isolated in Dutch layers and breeders in 2018. Nucleotide sequence identities reached 90.9–95% with the Dutch isolates (strain CK/NL/D181/2018). Conclusion: Our sequencing results demonstrate for the first time that the D181 IBV genotype is circulating in Moroccan poultry. These findings justify permanent monitoring of circulating strains in order to appropriately adjust vaccination strategies to align with the evolving field situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), encompassing PRRSV‐1 and PRRSV‐2, significantly impacts the global pig industry by causing reproductive disorders and respiratory difficulties. In this paper, we isolated a novel PRRSV‐1 strain, named SCPJ2023, from weaned piglets in Sichuan. Utilizing primary macrophages, we isolated SCPJ2023 and performed complete genome sequencing through metagenomic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis classified SCPJ2023 as pan‐European subtype 1. SCPJ2023 showed a 95.3% similarity to SC2020‐1. Amino acid analysis identified differences in Nsp2, GP3, and GP4 between SCPJ2023 and other representative strains. In vivo challenge experiments demonstrated that SCPJ2023 induced clinical symptoms in piglets, including coughing, fever, reduced appetite, and depression. Pathological examinations revealed hemorrhage and congestion, increased inflammatory cells, thickening of the alveolar wall, and collapse of the alveolar cavity in SCPJ2023‐infected piglets. Altogether, our study identified a novel pathogenic isolate of PRRSV‐1, expanding the newly named SC2020‐1‐like subgroup by identifying additional strains beyond the initial SC2020‐1 isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the ionization characteristics of 19 amino acids using positive-ion Helium-Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (He-DART-MS). The study reveals that multiple hydrogenation radical adducts of amino acids were observed during He-DART-MS analysis, with heterocyclic amino acids being more likely to produce these adducts. Aromatic amino acids, on the other hand, were less likely to exhibit this phenomenon. The findings provide valuable insights for the analysis of related compounds using He-DART-MS. The study received support from the Science and Technology Development Planning Project of Jilin Province and the Project for Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talents of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: It was shown for the first time that the salivary levels of the MUC1 family, including CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and MCA, were significantly dependent on the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer patients. In the presence of HER2 expression, mucin levels decreased with a simultaneous decrease in the levels of free estrogen and progesterone and an increase in the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free amino acids, which was consistent with the aggressive growth pattern and high invasiveness of HER2-positive breast cancer subtypes. The MUC1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins (CA 15-3, CA 27.29, MCA) is aberrantly expressed among patients with breast cancer. Objectives: to measure the level of degradation products of MUC1, including CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and MCA, in the saliva of breast cancer patients and to describe the biochemical processes that influence their expression and the regulation of their biological functions. Methods: The case–control study included three groups (breast cancer, fibroadenomas, and healthy controls). All study participants provided saliva samples strictly before starting treatment. The levels of MUC1, including CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and MCA, free progesterone and estradiol, cytokines (MCP-1, VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18), and amino acids (Asp, Gln, Gly, His, Leu + Ile, Orn, Phe, Pro, Tyr) were determined. Results: It was shown that the levels of the MUC1 family in the saliva of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer were significantly lower compared to the control group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the level of free estradiol affected the expression of MUC1. We obtained a reliable relationship between the aggressive nature of tumor growth, an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a low level of free estradiol, and the suppressed expression of salivary MUC1. Conclusions: Among patients with aggressive breast cancer, a high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a low level of free estradiol, there was an inhibition of the expression of pathologically unchanged glycoprotein MUC1 in saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanine (SOL), chaconine (CHA), and tomatine (TOM) are plant secondary metabolites produced mainly by the species of Solanaceae family, such as tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. These glycoalkaloids (GAs) have a wide range of biological activity, also in insects. However, their mechanisms of action are not precisely understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate how pure GAs and tomato leaf extract (EXT) affect glycolysis, Krebs cycle and β-oxidation of fatty acid pathways in Tenebrio molitor L. beetle. For this purpose, the larvae were injected with SOL, CHA, TOM, and EXT at two concentrations (10–8 and 10–5 M). For experiments, fat body, gut, and heamolymph samples were collected 2 and 24 h after injection. Then, the changes in the expression level of phosphofructokinase, citrate synthase, and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were measured using the RT-qPCR technique. The catalytic activity of these enzymes and the carbohydrate level in insects after GA treatment were determined by spectrophotometric method. Furthermore, the analysis of the amount of amino acids in tissues was performed with a GC–MS technique. The results obtained show that the GAs changed the activity and expression of the genes encoding key enzymes of crucial metabolic pathways. The effect depends on the type of GA compound, the tissue tested, and the incubation time after treatment. Furthermore, TOM and EXT affected trehalose concentration in the insect hemolymph and led to accumulation of amino acids in the fat body. The observed changes may indicate a protein degradation and/or enhanced catabolism reactions for the production of ATP used in detoxification processes. These results suggest that GAs alter energy metabolism in the mealworm T. molitor. The study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of secondary metabolites of plants in insects. This knowledge may allow the design of new natural biopesticides against insect pests because proper energy metabolism is necessary for the survival of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-synuclein aggregation is an important hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia. α-synuclein has been increasingly used as a diagnostic biomarker in PD and other synucleinopathies. Current clinical assays rely on antibody-based immunoassays to detect α-synuclein, which possess high sensitivity, afford high throughput and require small sample volumes. The utility of these assays, however, may be compounded by the specificity, selectivity and batch-to-batch heterogeneity of the antibody used, which can lead to deviations in the total amount of the protein measured when comparing results among different laboratories. Similarly, current mass spectrometry-based quantification methods for α-synuclein lack well-defined, value assigned calibrators to ensure comparability of measurements. Therefore, there is still an unmet need for the standardisation of clinical measurements for α-synuclein that can be achieved by the development of reference measurement procedures (RMPs) utilising calibrators traceable to the SI (International System of Units). Here, we report a candidate RMP for α-synuclein, using an SI traceable primary calibrator and an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) approach to address this need. The gravimetrically prepared primary calibrator was traceably quantified utilising a combination of amino acid analysis (AAA) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) for value assignment. An optimised targeted sample clean-up procedure involving a non-denaturing Lys-C digestion and solid-phase extraction strategy was devised, followed by the development of a targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method for the quantification of α-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This candidate RMP was then deployed for the sensitive detection and accurate quantification of multiple proteotypic α-synuclein peptides in patient derived CSF samples. The LC-MS based results were subsequently compared to immunoassay data to assess the overall performance of our approach. The development and adoption of this candidate RMP, along with the availability of the SI traceable primary calibrator will allow for reliable quantifications of α-synuclein in CSF by an LC-MS based assay. The RMP will potentially contribute towards the standardisation of this important biomarker and may lead to future interlaboratory comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses to understand the faunivory of the four sympatric wild Paradoxurinae civet species in Borneo, which share similar ecological characteristics. We also employed compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids to estimate these species' trophic positions (TPs). The bulk stable isotope analysis revealed distinctly lower nitrogen isotope ratios in binturongs than in the other three species. This suggests that binturongs exhibit the lowest degree of faunivory among the four species. Binturongs had the lowest TP estimated from the nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids (2.0–2.1), followed by small-toothed palm civets (2.4–2.5), masked palm civets (2.7), and common palm civets (2.9). These results suggest that there is little faunivory in binturong and variations in faunivory in the other species. Although the number of samples measured for the nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids is small (n = 2 for each species), our results suggest that the varying degree of consumption of animal food sources, such as insects, is the key mechanism of niche partitioning in these four Paradoxurinae civet species in Borneo. Such subtle but essential differences in closely related sympatric species would maintain high biodiversity in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the potential of compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA) for investigating infant feeding practices, we conducted a long‐term study that compared infant and maternal amino acid (AA) nitrogen isotope ratios. Materials and Methods: Fingernail samples were collected from a single mother–infant dyad over 19 months postpartum. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were measured in the bulk keratin of the fingernail samples. Selected samples were then hydrolyzed and derivatized for compound‐specific nitrogen isotope analysis of keratin AAs. Results: As in previous studies, infant bulk keratin nitrogen isotope values increased during exclusive breastfeeding and fell with the introduction of complementary foods and eventual cessation of breastfeeding. Infant trophic AAs had elevated nitrogen isotope values relative to the mother, while the source AAs were similar between the mother and infant. Proline and threonine appeared to track the presence of human milk in the infant's diet as the isotopic composition of these AAs remained offset from maternal isotope values until the cessation of breastfeeding. Discussion: Although CSIA‐AA is costly and labor intensive, it appears to hold potential for estimating the duration of breastfeeding, even after the introduction of complementary foods. Through the analysis of a full suite of AAs, it may also yield insights into infant physiology and AA synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection causes a multifocal demyelinating progressive disease within the central nervous system (CNS) that results in wide range of neurological symptoms. Pathological changes in the brain or CNS could be observed by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the concentrations of amino acids in the CSF of dogs with neurological form of CDV infection, and to identify amino acids as markers that can be used in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of the disease. Heathy dogs (n=6), confirmed by clinical and laboratory examinations (Healthy group), and CDV-infected dogs (n=10) with neurological symptoms, confirmed by clinical, laboratory, and rapid diagnostic test kits (Distemper group), were used. CSF samples were obtained with an appropriate method and were subjected to 1H-NMR analysis. Identification was made on 10, whereas quantification on 8 amino acids. L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, and L-alanine concentrations were significantly lower, while L-histidine and L-tryptophan were significantly higher than the Healthy group (p<0.05). It was concluded that L-tyrosine could be used for assessing mental status changes, L-phenylalanine for evaluating neuroprotective responses, L-threonine and L-histidine for gauging the extent of neurodegeneration and ventricular degeneration, L-alanine for exploring cellular stress and energy metabolism, and L-tryptophan for understanding the process of sympathetic nervous system activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The main edible part of the Lou onion is the pseudostem, which is highly valued for its distinctive flavour. However, harvesting decisions for the pseudostem are often based on size and market price, with little consideration given to flavour. By clarifying the growth of flavour in pseudostems, farmers and consumers may benefit from evidence‐based insights that help optimize harvesting time and maximize flavour quality. RESULTS: This study employed amino acid analysis and gas chromatography–ion migration spectroscopy (GC–IMS) to elucidate the compounds of the pseudostem across different growth phases, and 17 amino acids and 61 volatile substances. Subsequently, analysis revealed that 18 compounds, including arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), valine (Val), (E)‐2‐nonenal, decanal, 2,4‐nonadienal, 2‐octenal, (Z)‐4‐decenal, 2,4‐decadienal benzeneacetaldehyde, linalool, eugenol, (Z)‐6‐nonen‐1‐ol, methyl anthranilate, 2‐acetylpyridine, 3‐sec‐butyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine, and 2,6‐dichlorophenol, were the key compounds in determining the flavour characteristics of the pseudostems, as assessed by taste activity value and relative odour activity value calculations. In addition, correlation analysis, focusing on five amino acids and 38 volatile compounds with variable importance for predictive components scores of >1, identified anisaldehyde, eugenol, (Z)‐6‐nonen‐1‐ol, 2,4‐decadienal, 3‐sec‐butyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine, Arg, Asp, and Val as the key differentiators and contributors to the pseudostems flavour profile. CONCLUSION: During the rapid growth of Lou onions just before the emergence of flower stems, the pseudostem exhibited the most prominent flavour, making this stage most suitable for harvesting compared to the regreening growth stage and the rapid growth period of the aerial bulbs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A statistical analysis of variability in the amino acid composition of the mitochondrial CYTB protein from Asian mountain voles (genus Alticola) has been carried out. The sequences used in the study (N = 36; 380 amino acid residues), as well as information about their geographic origin, have been taken from GenBank. For each sequence, amino acid frequencies have been calculated, as has the matrix of squared Euclidean distances between them, followed by the calculation of principal components (PCs) by the principal coordinate method. Within the space of the first two PCs (Σλ = 76.89%), all sequences are grouped according to their species membership and form the East Siberian (A. strelzowi, A. olchonensis, A. semicanus, and A. tuvinicus), southern (A. stracheyi, A. argentatus, A. albicaudus, A. stoliczkanus, and A. barakshin), and northeastern (A. lemminus and A. macrotis) groups. For the PC1 direction, a change in the frequencies of Met, Gly, Ile → Ala, Thr occurs; the component strongly correlates with a large subset of AA indices (N = 362 at p < 0.01, with allowance for multiple comparisons according to Bonferroni) and the average evolutionary rank of CYTB sequences. For the PC2 direction, there is a change in the Val and Phe → Leu frequencies. This direction significantly correlates with the latitude (r = 752; p < 0.001) and altitude (r = –717; p < 0.01) of the vole habitats, as well as with 21 climatic variables and 54 AA indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant proteins have gained increasing interest as viable substitutes for dairy proteins, primarily due to their favorable functional and nutritional properties. In this study, the impact of varying pH levels (pH 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0) on the structural and functional characteristics of chickpea albumin and globulin was investigated. Amino acid composition analysis revealed that globulin exhibited higher levels of aromatic and hydrophobic amino acid residues, aligning with its higher surface hydrophobicity. Gel electrophoresis data demonstrated that globulin predominantly consisted of polypeptides ranging from 10 to 60 kDa, while albumin primarily featured 18 kDa polypeptides with fewer disulfide bonds. At all tested pH levels, the globulin fraction exhibited higher fluorescence intensity values compared to albumin. Particularly, at pH 3.0, both components displayed tryptophan and tyrosine emission peaks, but with increasing pH, the tyrosine emission peak gradually diminished. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis further elucidated that albumin predominantly consisted of α-helical structures, with varying β-sheet content dependent on pH variations. Notably, albumin displayed significantly higher protein solubility than globulin at all pH values. Furthermore, significant differences in emulsion stability were noted, particularly at a sample concentration of 50 mg/mL, where albumin consistently exhibited superior stability compared to globulin. Overall, these findings hold significant promise for utilizing plant proteins in diverse food and beverage applications, capitalizing on their versatility and advantageous attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of albumin and its constituent amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine under the influence of corona discharge cold plasma, pulsed radiation of hot plasma, and 253.7-nm UV light from a mercury lamp has been studied. The concentration of products before and after treatment was determined by measuring the fluorescence yield. The reaction mechanisms leading to protein degradation are oxidation, nitration, and reduction of disulfide bonds. The degree of protein and amino acid degradation is compared with the effect of hydrogen peroxide. The possibility of assessing the bactericidal effectiveness based on fluorescence yield is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Botrytis Linnaeus) has various health benefits due to its rich bioactive compound content. However, this fresh vegetable faces challenges related to its perishability and short shelf life. This study explores the effect of five drying methods, namely vacuum drying (VD), convective drying (CD), infrared drying (IRD), low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD) and vacuum freeze-drying (VFD), on the bioactive compounds and health-promoting properties of cauliflower. Analyses of amino acids, hydroxycinnamic acid and its derivatives, glucosinolates, and isothiocyanates, as well as evaluations of their anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective properties, were conducted based on these five drying methods. The results revealed that samples treated with VFD and IRD had a higher content of amino acids involved in GSL anabolism. Moreover, VFD samples retained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and glucosinolates to a greater extent than other methods. Nonetheless, the CD and VD samples exhibited higher antiproliferative and neuroprotective effects, which were correlated with their high sulforaphane content. Overall, considering the retention of most bioactive compounds from cauliflower and the topical inflammation amelioration induced in mice, VFD emerges as a more satisfactory option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the chemical composition of Cistanche salsa (C. A. Mey.) G. Beck, a plant native to the Khorezm region, has remained uninvestigated. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the chemical constituents of C. salsa, cultivated in its natural habitat in Khorezm. The investigation encompassed the analysis of macro- and microelements, flavonoids, vitamins, and amino acids in the root, shoot, and flower systems of the plant. Comparative analysis was also conducted with C. salsa plants grown in other regions of the republic. The results revealed that the plant's composition is rich in essential elements, including potassium (170,477 mg/10 g), sodium (4,228 mg/10 g), calcium (24,267 mg/10 g), magnesium (6,160 mg/10 g), and phosphorus (7,486 mg/10 g). Notably, flavonoids such as Apigenin, Hypolaetin, Hyperazid, and Gallic acid were detected in the root, shoot, and flower systems, while Rutin was exclusively found in the flowers. Vitamins B2, B6, B9, B12 and PP, as well as vitamin C, were also identified in the flowers. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the amino acid composition of the shoot, flower, and root parts of the plant revealed the presence of 20 different amino acids. The quantities of specific amino acids were determined, including Serine (4.564127 mg/g), Cysteine (5.416393 mg/g), Proline (12.986894 mg/g), Leucine (2.685912 mg/g), Glutamine (4.228558 mg/g), and Asparagine (3.323265 mg/g). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that C. salsa is rich in vitamins, macro- and micro-elements, flavonoids and amino acids, highlighting its potential as a valuable resource for further research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns with antigens and antibodies used in various test kits render comparability assessments difficult. As the use of common, well-characterized reagents can help address this lack of standardization, the National Research Council Canada has produced two protein reference materials (RMs) for use in SARS-CoV-2 serology assays: biotinylated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RM, ACE2-1, and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein RM, OMIC-1. Reference values were assigned through a combination of amino acid analysis via isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry at 280 nm. Vial-to-vial homogeneity was established using UV–Vis measurements, and protein oligomeric status, monitored by size exclusion liquid chromatography (LC-SEC), was used to evaluate transportation, storage, and freeze–thaw stabilities. The molar protein concentration in ACE2-1 was 25.3 ± 1.7 µmol L−1 (k = 2, 95% CI) and consisted almost exclusively (98%) of monomeric ACE2, while OMIC-1 contained 5.4 ± 0.5 µmol L−1 (k = 2) spike protein in a mostly (82%) trimeric form. Glycoprotein molar mass determination by LC-SEC with multi-angle light scattering detection facilitated calculation of corresponding mass concentrations. To confirm protein functionality, the binding of OMIC-1 to immobilized ACE2-1 was investigated with surface plasmon resonance and the resulting dissociation constant, KD ~ 4.4 nM, was consistent with literature values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Amino acids (AA) are essential nutrients in human milk (HM) and critical for infant growth and development. Several maternal lifestyle factors have been suggested to influence HM AA composition, with possible consequences for the breastfed infant. Whether maternal dietary protein and AA intake is associated with AA concentrations in HM is still largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal dietary AA intake and AA concentrations in HM over the first month postpartum. Data from the observational longitudinal Amsterdam Mother's Milk study were used, consisting of 123 lactating women in their first postpartum month. HM samples were collected three times, on day 10, 17 and 24 postpartum. Maternal dietary protein and AA intake on these collection days was assessed using three 24-h recalls. HM protein-bound and free AA (BAA and FAA, respectively) were analysed by liquid chromatography. Associations between maternal AA intake and AA concentrations in HM were assessed using linear mixed models. Maternal intake was negatively associated with milk concentrations of free arginine (–0·0003; P = 0·01) and free lysine (–0·0004; P = 0·03) and was positively associated with free glutamine (0·002; P = 0·03) and free threonine (0·0008; P = 0·03). However, these associations were attenuated after correction for multiple testing. Both the quality and quantity of dietary protein intake in lactating women do not seem to influence the amino composition of their breast milk when living in an affluent environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The macrocyclic tumonolide (1) with enamide functionality and the linear tumonolide aldehyde (2) are new interconverting natural products from a marine cyanobacterium with a peptide‐polyketide skeleton, representing a hybrid of apratoxins and palmyrolides or laingolides. The planar structures were established by NMR and mass spectrometry. The relative configuration of the stereogenically‐rich apratoxin‐like polyketide portion was determined using J‐based configuration analysis. The absolute configuration of tumonolide (1) was determined by chiral analysis of the amino acid units and computational methods, followed by NMR chemical shift and ECD spectrum prediction, indicating all‐R configuration for the polyketide portion, as in palmyrolide A and contrary to the all‐S configuration in apratoxins. Functional screening against a panel of 168 GPCR targets revealed tumonolide (1) as a selective antagonist of TACR2 with an IC50 of 7.0 μM, closely correlating with binding affinity. Molecular docking studies established the binding mode and rationalized the selectivity for TACR2 over TACR1 and TACR3. RNA sequencing upon treatment of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells demonstrated activation of the pulmonary fibrosis idiopathic signaling pathway and the insulin secretion signaling pathway at 20 μM, indicating its potential to modulate these pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline parvovirus (FPV) or feline panleukopenia virus is a highly contagious, lifethreatening infectious virus in cats. Although FPV vaccination is routinely practiced in China, clinical diseases continue to occur. The investigation of genotypes and viral evolution can contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of FPV. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an up-todate understanding of the epidemiological, genotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics of FPV. In total, 152 rectal swabs were collected from diseased cats. All swab samples were tested for FPV using molecular methods. Amplification of the complete viral protein 2 (VP2) gene was performed for further analysis and to infer the genotypic and evolutionary characteristics of FPV. Of the 152 samples, FPV DNA was detected in 17 (17/152, 11.18%). Cats with FPV showed variable clinical signs such as dehydration, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and blood-stained diarrhea. Furthermore, VP2 sequences were identified in 17 PCR-positive cats, confirming the presence of FPV. Phylogenetic and nucleotide pairwise identity analyses revealed high genetic similarity among FPV sequences (99.6-100%) and clustered them into the FPV-G1 group. Amino acid analysis indicated a novel mutation (Ala91Ser) in all VP2 gene sequences amplified in this study. Our study provides baseline epidemiological data for the better prevention of FPV with respect to vaccination strategies. Genotypic and phylogenetic analyses confirm that FPV-G1 was the predominant FPV group in infected cats in Kunshan. Therefore, a rigorous countrywide investigation of the genotypic and evolutionary characteristics of FPV is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fenugreek seed proteins were extracted using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction with varying solid:solvent ratios (20–60 g/L) and sonication amplitudes (30%–80%) to determine optimal conditions for the highest extraction yield. The functional, structural, and nutritional characteristics of the protein isolates of fenugreek seeds were investigated. The highest yield (98.74 ± 0.49%) was achieved at a solid:solvent ratio of 43.83 g/L and an amplitude of 67.51%. The coagulated protein values of fenugreek seed protein isolates ranged from ~15.8% to 31.2%, water‐holding capacities ranged from ~2.2 to 3.2 g/g, oil‐holding capacities ranged from ~2.6 to 4.1 g/g, foaming capacities ranged from ~16.3% to 21.3%, foam stabilities ranged from ~59.7% to 78.1%, emulsion stabilities ranged from ~30.2 to 34.5 min, emulsion activities ranged from ~73.8 to 76.8 m2/g, and emulsion capacities ranged from ~26.9% to 30.5% under different extraction conditions. SDS‐PAGE analysis revealed three distinct bands (46, 59, and 80 kDa) for the protein isolates. FT‐IR spectroscopy showed a high presence of β‐sheet structures. The amino acid composition analysis of fenugreek seed protein isolates was determined, revealing richness in essential amino acids (317.97 g amino acid/kg protein isolate). In addition, cupcakes enriched with protein isolates (5%, 10%, and 20% as flour substitutes) were produced, and quality properties such as color change, browning index, moisture content, water activity, baking yield, bulk density, hardness, volume, symmetry, and uniformity indexes were determined. The application of protein isolates in cupcake production demonstrated the potential of fenugreek seeds as valuable ingredients for enhancing the nutritional profile of bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bembidion Latreille (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is a genus of small ground beetles containing about 1,380 species. To test previous phylogenetic hypotheses about deeper lineages of Bembidion and near relatives, we recover and examine over 1,800 nuclear protein-coding loci from 33 species representing the main lineages of Bembidion , 10 species of other bembidiine genera, and 7 outgroups. We find that Bembidion exclusive of subgenus Phyla Motschulsky is monophyletic, and we reclassify Phyla as a separate genus. Within Bembidion we find 2 dominant clades, the Bembidion superseries (containing about 490 species in the subgenera Eupetedromus Netolitzky and Lindrochthus Maddison, the Philochthus Stephens complex, and the Bembidion series), and the Ocydromus Clairville superseries (containing almost all other Bembidion representing about 840 species). The only known lineages within Bembidion outside of these superseries are subgenus Hoquedela Müller-Motzfeld and the Desarmatocillenus Netolitzky complex, which combined contain less than 30 species. Most clades are insensitive to variations in analyses and hold up under different sets of taxa and loci, analyses at the nucleotide or amino acid levels, and different analytical methods (maximum likelihood, including posterior mean site frequency analyses, Bayesian analyses, invariant-based methods, and those that consider incomplete lineage sorting). Despite the clarity achieved in most aspects of the phylogeny, there are several unresolved regions, notably the relationships of Desarmatocillenus , Hoquedela , and Phyla to other bembidiines. A divergence dating analysis suggests that crown Bembidion is about 48 million years old (95% confidence intervals 40–58 Ma), and that the 2 large superseries are about 38 million years old (95% confidence intervals about 29–47 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrids (BY) derived from blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, BSB, ♀) and Bleeker’s yellow tai (Xenocypris davidi Bleeker, YT, ♂) have a fast growth rate and body thickness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth advantage of BY are still unclear. MSTN, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is a negative regulator of muscle growth and development. MYOD, a member of the myogenic regulatory factor family (MRFs), is a positive regulator of muscle growth and development. MSTN and MYOD interact to coregulate muscle growth and development. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNAs of mstn and myod in BY, analyzed differential expression of the two genes in muscle of BY and its parents, and observed the localization of the two genes during embryonic development of BY. Multiple sequence alignment of amino acids and phylogenetic analysis showed that mstn and myod were highly conserved in BY, BSB, YT, and other carp family fishes. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that mstn and myod were primarily expressed in muscle of BY, and there were significant differences in the expression of the two genes in the red and white muscles of BY, BSB, and YT at different age. The results of in situ hybridization of embryos showed an overlap in the temporal and spatial expression of mstn and myod in BY embryo development, suggesting that the two genes might interact to co-regulate embryo growth and development. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the mechanisms of mstn and myod in muscle growth of hybrid fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics is the property of Xiangya Medical Periodical Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IMUNOR is an oral biotherapeutic drug that had been developed, registered, and approved in 1997 in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. IMUNOR is a dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) prepared from swine leukocytes. It is characterized as a mixture of small peptides with molecular weights smaller than 12 kDa and a specific portion of nucleotides. The medical uses of IMUNOR include therapeutic applications within its registered range of indications, primarily for the treatment of immunodeficiencies, allergies, and certain acute or relapsing bacterial infections in adults and children. Despite the long-term clinical application of DLE, with strong evidence of positive therapeutic effects and no serious side effects, a detailed physicochemical specification of this mixture was lacking. We developed several methods for more in-depth physicochemical characterization of IMUNOR, including a spectrophotometric method for quantification of the total protein concentration and total DNA concentration in a mixture, several chromatographic methods for identification of individual components present in significant concentrations in IMUNOR, such as HPLC methods and the Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis method, and characterization of amino acid composition of this mixture. For the investigation of the variability among different batches of IMUNOR, five to nine representative batches from a standard manufacturing process on an industrial scale were utilized. Using the analytical methods, we verified and confirmed the batch-to-batch reproducibility of the biological product IMUNOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet demand for plant‐based ingredients with desirable nutritional, techno‐functional properties, and health benefits. In this study, the composition, nutritional quality, and bioactives in industrial hempseed flours and protein isolate generated by milling, germination, isoelectric precipitation (IEP), and enzyme‐assisted extraction (EAE) were evaluated. Moisture, ash, fat, protein, phytic acid, tannin, and trypsin inhibitor content of the hempseed flours and protein isolate were 2.80%–6.46%, 5.07%–28.89%, 0.00%–31.44%, 22.71%–89.94%, 0.55%–1.05%, 274.24–1300.76 μg/g, and 0.00–42.66 U/g, respectively. IEP resulted in the highest protein content (89.94%), indicative of its effective to isolate hempseed protein. Germination and IEP significantly reduced phytic acid and tannin contents by 1.53‐ and 3.63‐fold, respectively. All processing methods improved in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD). SDS‐PAGE analysis revealed comparable band patterns in milled and protein isolate, with a strong 50 kDa band attributed as edestin. Amino acid analysis showed that EAE augmented total essential amino acids, particularly protease. Milling and pronase treatment yielded the highest and lowest IVPD‐corrected amino acid score (IVPDCAAS) of 76% and 47%, respectively. Milled and germinated flours contained varying amounts of γ‐tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐carotene, and β‐carotene. Germinated flour exhibited elevated levels of total phenolic (14.36 mg/g), and flavonoid (1.76 mg/g) contents, FRAP, TEAC, and DPPH compared to the other flours suggesting superior antioxidant capacity. Strong positive correlations (r >0.70) were found between IVPD and phytic acid for the protein isolate, total phenolic content, and FRAP for IEP and germinated flours. Overall, hempseed flours with diverse properties could be produced using non‐thermal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Insects and their larvae have attracted attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional commodities in animal feeds. There are currently eight authorised insect species, where most of the research is taking place, the most prominent ones being the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). There are, however, many other alternatives, such as the superworm (Zophobas morio), which, although widely researched, have not yet been approved for use. This review provides a detailed examination of the chemical composition of these three insect species and their impact on broiler growth. Based on the analysis of recent scientific studies, it can be inferred that all three species demonstrate high protein content and a well-balanced composition of amino and fatty acids, along with substantial amounts of minerals, fibre and vitamins. Of particular note is their moderately low ash content, which enhances feed palatability, and the presence of essential minerals that can be further adjusted through substrate enrichment applications. All three species also present considerable amounts of vitamins and especially those of the vitamin B complex, enhancing various physiological functions. Should the challenges related to financial, risk and consumer acceptance factors be effectively managed, we can expect a swift advancement in the use of insects as feed ingredients in the very near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride channels (ClCs) have received global interest due to their significant role in the regulation of ion homeostasis, fluid transport, and electrical excitability of tissues and organs in different mammals and contributing to various functions, such as neuronal signaling, muscle contraction, and regulating the electrolytes' balance in kidneys and other organs. In order to define the chloride voltage-gated channel (CLCN) gene family in buffalo, this study used in silico analyses to examine physicochemical properties, evolutionary patterns, and genome-wide identification. We identified eight CLCN genes in buffalo. The ProtParam tool analysis identified a number of important physicochemical properties of these proteins, including hydrophilicity, thermostability, in vitro instability, and basic nature. Based on their evolutionary relationships, a phylogenetic analysis divided the eight discovered genes into three subfamilies. Furthermore, a gene structure analysis, motif patterns, and conserved domains using TBtool demonstrated the significant conservation of this gene family among selected species over the course of evolution. A comparative amino acid analysis using ClustalW revealed similarities and differences between buffalo and cattle CLCN proteins. Three duplicated gene pairs were identified, all of which were segmental duplications except for CLCN4-CLCN5, which was a tandem duplication in buffalo. For each gene pair, the Ka/Ks test ratio findings showed that none of the ratios was more than one, indicating that these proteins were likely subject to positive selection. A synteny analysis confirmed a conserved pattern of genomic blocks between buffalo and cattle. Transcriptional control in cells relies on the binding of transcription factors to specific sites in the genome. The number of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) was higher in cattle compared to buffalo. Five main recombination breakpoints were identified at various places in the recombination analysis. The outcomes of our study provide new knowledge about the CLCN gene family in buffalo and open the door for further research on candidate genes in vertebrates through genome-wide studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, causing significant economic losses. While the virus's genetic structure is well understood, the specific strains circulating in Bolivia have remained uncharacterized until now. This study aimed to identify and characterize new IBV strains in Bolivia. Tissue samples from broilers exhibiting clinical signs of Infectious Bronchitis were screened to detect IBV using real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Positive samples with low cycle threshold (Ct) values were selected for sequencing the full S1 gene. Of the 12 samples analyzed, 10 were determined to be positive for IBV. However, only four samples yielded sufficient genetic material for sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed the presence of GI-1 and GI-23 lineages, both belonging to genotype I (GI). The GI-1 lineage showed >99% sequence identity to the H120 and Massachusetts vaccine strains, suggesting a close relationship. In contrast, the GI-23 lineage clustered with other IBV strains, showing a distinct subclade that is genetically distant from Brazilian strains. No evidence of recombination was found. Furthermore, amino acid substitution analysis identified specific mutations in the S1 subunit, particularly in the hypervariable regions 1, 2, and 3. These mutations could potentially alter the virus's antigenicity, leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. The findings of this study highlight the importance of continued and broad genomic surveillance of circulating IBV strains and the need to improve vaccination strategies in Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aromatase enzyme plays an important role in the progress of hormonedependent breast cancer, especially in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. In case of postmenopausal women, the aromatization of androstenedione to estrone in adipose tissue is the most important source of estrogen. Generally 60%-75% of pre- and post-menopausal women suffer from estrogendependent breast cancer, and thus suppressing estrogen has been recognized to be a successful therapy. Hence, to limit the stimulation of estrogen, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used in the second-line treatment of breast cancer. Methods: The present computational study employed an in silico approach in the identification of natural actives targeting the aromatase enzyme from a structurally diverse set of natural products. Molecular docking, QSAR studies and pharmacophore modeling were carried out using the VLife Molecular Design Suite (version 4.6). The stability of the compounds was confirmed by molecular dynamics. Results: From molecular docking and analysis of interactions with the amino acid residues of the binding cavity, it was found that the amino acid residues interacting with the non-steroidal inhibitors exhibited p-stacking interactions with PHE134, PHE 221, and TRP 224, while the steroidal drug exemestane lacked p-stacking interactions. QSAR studies were performed using the flavonoid compounds, in order to identify the structural functionalities needed to improve the anti-breast cancer activity. Molecular dynamics of the screened hits confirmed the stability of compounds with the target in the binding cavity. Moreover, pharmacophore modelling presented the pharmacophoric features of the selected scaffolds for aromatase inhibitory activity. Conclusion: The results presented 23 hit compounds that can be developed as anti-breast cancer modulating agents in the near future. Additionally, anthraquinone compounds with minor structural modification can also serve to be potential aromatase inhibitors. The in silico protocol utilised can be useful in the drug discovery process for development of new leads from structurally diverse set of natural products that are comparable to the drugs used clinically in breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt is a potent abiotic stress that arrests plant growth by impairing their physio-biochemical and molecular processes. However, it is unknown how the ABA signaling system and vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter proteins induce stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The present study aimed to identify salt-responsive proteins and signaling pathways involved in the resistance of wheat to salt stress. We explored the proteome profile, 20 amino acids, 14 carbohydrates, 8 major phytohormones, ion content, and salt tolerance genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv.) under 200 mM NaCl with control plants for six days. The results showed that amino acids such as alanine, serine, proline, glutamine, and aspartic acid were highly expressed under salt stress compared with control plants, suggesting that amino acids are the main players in salinity tolerance. The ABA signaling system was activated in response to salinity stress through the modulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and ABA-responsive element binding factor (ABF), resulting in an ABA-mediated downstream response. Additionally, the vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter was identified as a key protein in salt stress tolerance via compartmentalizing Na+ in the vacuole. Furthermore, a significant increase in the abundance of the 14-3-3 protein was noticed in salt-fed plants, suggesting that this protein plays an important role in Na+ compartmentalization. Moreover, up-regulation of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and thioredoxin-scavenged reactive oxygen species resulted in improved plant growth under salt stress. These data will help to identify salt-responsive proteins that can be used in future breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of altered amino acids (AAs) and the carnitine metabolism in non-pregnant women with infertility (NPWI), pregnant women without infertility (PWI) and infertility-treated pregnant women (ITPW) compared with non-pregnant women (NPW, control), and develop more efficient models for the diagnosis of infertility and pregnancy, 496 samples were evaluated for levels of 21 AAs and 55 carnitines using targeted high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Three methods were used to screen the biomarkers for modeling, with eight algorithms used to build and validate the model. The ROC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the infertility diagnosis training model were higher than 0.956, 82.89, 66.64, and 82.57%, respectively, whereas those of the validated model were higher than 0.896, 77.67, 69.72, and 83.38%, respectively. The ROC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis training model were >0.994, 96.23, 97.79, and 97.69%, respectively, whereas those of the validated model were >0.572, 96.39, 93.03, and 94.71%, respectively. Our findings indicate that pregnancy may alter the AA and carnitine metabolism in women with infertility to match the internal environment of PWI. The developed model demonstrated good performance and high sensitivity for facilitating infertility and pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pigtailed monkey (Macaca nemestrina) is one of the species that have potency like the cynomolgus monkey that is widely used as an animal model for asthma study. The CCL7 gene has potential as a genetic marker because of the secreted chemokine that plays a role in asthma. The aims of this research are to characterise the CCL7 gene of pigtailed monkey, compare the structure of their CCL7 gene with other primate species and determine model 3D structure protein prediction of CCL7 protein. The amplicons were sequenced, and the results were analysed by the bioinformatics technique. The 3D CCL7 protein structure was predicted using I-TASSER. We have isolated 2221 bp sequences CCL7 gene and 109 amino acids from pigtailed monkey. Variation of CCL7 gene sequence between pigtailed monkey and other primate species (Macaca fascicularis, M. mulatta and Homo sapiens) was found in exon 1, exon 2 and exon 3 as CDS (Coding DNA Sequence) region. The analysis homology of nucleotides and amino acid sequences of the CCL7 gene indicated that the pigtailed monkey and three other primate species have a high homology rate with an identity score above 90%. Meanwhile, a comparative analysis of CDS and amino acid regions showed that the pigtailed monkey also has the highest similarity with the three other primate species with more than 90% identity score. The 3D structure protein prediction model of the CCL7 pigtailed monkey revealed the highest similarity with H. sapiens with an identity value of about 95%. Therefore, the pigtailed monkey CCL7 gene has high similarity with H. sapiens, which means that based on molecular similarity, the pigtailed monkey has the potential to be an animal model for asthma study, especially the study of molecular and the role of CCL7 in asthma pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein degradation is a common occurrence in tilapia during the refrigeration process, leading to the generation of unpleasant odor and impacting overall flavor and quality. This study characterized the protein degradation of tilapia during cold storage and utilized amino acids metabolomics analysis to identify metabolic pathways and differential metabolites associated with odor formation and changes. The protein degradation of tilapia during cold storage was characterized through analysis of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble peptides, protein concentration, electrophoresis patterns, protein secondary and tertiary structures, as well as microscopic structures. The characterization of these indicators revealed an obvious protein degradation and structural disruption of tilapia during cold storage. Changes in the types and contents of free amino acids (FAAs) were discussed. Protein degradation produced a large number of FAAs, with Lys contributing the most to flavor changes. By employing amino acids metabolomics analysis, primary and secondary differential metabolites were selected, along with differential metabolic pathways based on amino acids metabolism. And the related amino acid metabolic network was constructed. This study contributes to revealing the impact of amino acids metabolism on odor formation and changes, providing further insights for the research and regulation of odor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based protein sources as a sustainable alternative to animal sources are highly relevant for food and dietary supplements industries. Plant proteins are becoming popular as an eco-friendly source for meeting global protein requirements due to their importance in nutrition, management of metabolic diseases, biological activities, functionality in processed food products and their low carbon footprints. We applied biochemical protein extraction protocol and prepared protein concentrate from an underutilised cereal, foxtail millet, with plausible applications in foods and supplements. Herein efforts were utilised to obtain foxtail millet protein (FMP) concentrate by means of standardisation of processes of extraction cum isolation. The conditions including flour to solvent ratio, extraction-precipitation pH, dissolution time, etc. were optimised to significantly improve protein yield and recovery. The FMP concentrate prepared was also analysed for nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, amino acid content and digestion properties in comparison to packaged brown rice protein concentrate. The protein concentrate prepared was found to have high digestibility, rich in essential amino acids with good phenolic and flavonoid content, thereby making it a potential sensory and antioxidant additive for food/pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Concerns exist over observed shifts in value and variance of nitrogen isotopes following physicochemical extraction of lipids from organic matter. The mechanisms behind these apparent changes in bulk tissue δ15N values are not fully understood yet have major implications for analytical costs and integrity of data interpretations. Methods: Changes in proximate analysis, amino acid composition, C:N ratios, bulk tissue and amino acid δ13C and δ15N values, and resulting isotope‐based food web metrics were compared between lipid‐intact and lipid‐extracted muscle tissue of fishes spanning <1% to >20% muscle fat content to identify mechanisms of nitrogen isotope fractionation associated with physicochemical lipid extraction. Results: Bulk δ13C and δ15N values increased and %N, C:N ratios and crude protein content decreased following lipid extraction. Resulting bulk isotope niche spacing and overlap varied significantly between lipid‐intact and lipid‐extracted tissues. While amino acid composition significantly changed during lipid extraction, particularly for lipid‐associated amino acids (e.g., Glu, Lys, Ser), individual amino acid δ13C and δ15N values, and their associated compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA)‐based food web metrics, did not. Conclusions: Physicochemical lipid extraction caused significant tissue composition changes (e.g., leaching of amino acids and 15N‐deplete nitrogenous waste) that affected δ13C and δ15N values and tissue %C and %N beyond simply removing lipids. However, lipid extraction did not alter individual amino acid δ13C or δ15N values or their associated CSIA‐AA‐based food web metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Peanut peptides have good chelating ability with metal ions. However, there are few studies on the chelation mechanism of peanut peptides with calcium and absorption properties of peptide–calcium complex. RESULTS: Peptides with high calcium chelating rate were isolated and purified from peanut protein hydrolysate (PPH), and the chelation rate of component F21 was higher (81.4 ± 0.8%). Six peptides were identified from component F21 by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and the frequency of acidic amino acids and arginine in the amino acid sequence was higher in all six peptides. Peanut peptide–calcium complex (PPH21‐Ca) was prepared by selecting component F21 (PPH21). Ultraviolet analysis indicated that the chelate reaction occurred between peanut peptide and calcium ions. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the chelating sites were carboxyl and amino groups on the amino acid residues of peptides. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface of peanut peptide had a smooth block structure, but the surface of the complex had a granular morphology. Caco‐2 cell model tests revealed that the bioavailability of PPH21‐Ca was 58.4 ± 0.5%, which was significantly higher than that of inorganic calcium at 37.0 ± 0.4%. CONCLUSION: Peanut peptides can chelate calcium ions by carboxyl and amino groups, and the peptide–calcium complex had higher bioavailability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of new calcium supplement products that are absorbed easily. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatinous filter feeders (e.g., salps, doliolids, and pyrosomes) have high filtration rates and can feed at predator:prey size ratios exceeding 10,000:1, yet are seldom included in ecosystem or climate models. We investigated foodweb and trophic dynamics in the presence and absence of salp blooms using traditional productivity and grazing measurements combined with compound-specific isotopic analysis of amino acids estimation of trophic position during Lagrangian framework experiments in the Southern Ocean. Trophic positions of salps ranging 10–132 mm in size were 2.2 ± 0.3 (mean ± std) compared to 2.6 ± 0.4 for smaller (mostly crustacean) mesozooplankton. The mostly herbivorous salp trophic position was maintained despite biomass dominance of ~10-µm-sized primary producers. We show that potential energy flux to >10-cm organisms increases by approximately an order of magnitude when salps are abundant, even without substantial alteration to primary production. Comparison to a wider dataset from other marine regions shows that alterations to herbivore communities are a better predictor of ecosystem transfer efficiency than primary-producer dynamics. These results suggest that diverse consumer communities and intraguild predation complicate climate change predictions (e.g., trophic amplification) based on linear food chains. These compensatory foodweb dynamics should be included in models that forecast marine ecosystem responses to warming and reduced nutrient supply. Food-web and isotope-based trophic analyses suggest that blooms of salps (gelatinous grazers) can increase ecosystem efficiency and energy transfer to large organisms. These compensatory food-web dynamics may offset predicted trophic amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs), pose significant challenges due to their aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Early detection through biomarkers is critical for improving outcomes. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers for gliomas, particularly GBMs, using chiral amino acid profiling. We used chiral amino acid analysis to measure amino acid L- and D-isomer levels in resected tissues (tumor and non-tumor), blood, and urine from 33 patients with primary gliomas and 24 healthy volunteers. The levels of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), a D-amino acid-degrading enzyme, were evaluated to investigate the D-amino acid metabolism in brain tissue. The GBM mouse model was created by transplanting GBM cells into the brain to confirm whether gliomas affect blood and urine chiral amino acid profiles. We also assessed whether D-amino acids produced by GBM cells are involved in cell proliferation. D-asparagine (D-Asn) levels were higher and DAO expression was lower in glioma than in non-glioma tissues. Blood and urinary D-Asn levels were lower in patients with GBM than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001), increasing after GBM removal (p < 0.05). Urinary D-Asn levels differentiated between healthy volunteers and patients with GBM (area under the curve: 0.93, sensitivity: 0.88, specificity: 0.92). GBM mouse model validated the decrease of urinary D-Asn in GBM. GBM cells used D-Asn for cell proliferation. Gliomas induce alterations in chiral amino acid profiles, affecting blood and urine levels. Urinary D-Asn emerges as a promising diagnostic biomarker for gliomas, reflecting tumor presence and severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical expression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infectionis widely variable including fatal cases and patients with mild symptoms and a rapid resolution. We studied saliva from 63 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and from 30 healthy controls by integrating large‐scale proteomics, peptidomics and targeted metabolomics to assess the biochemical alterations following the infection and to obtain a set of putative biomarkers useful for noninvasive diagnosis. We used an untargeted approach by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for proteomics and peptidomics analysis and targeted LC–multiple reaction monitoring/MS for the analysis of amino acids. The levels of 77 proteins were significantly different in COVID‐19 patients. Among these, seven proteins were found only in saliva from patients with COVID‐19, four were up‐regulated and three were down‐regulated at least five‐folds in saliva from COVID‐19 patients in comparison to controls. The analysis of proteins revealed a complex balance between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory proteins and a reduced amount of several proteins with immune activity that possibly favours the spreading of the virus. Such reduction could be related to the enhanced activity of endopeptidases induced by the infection that in turn caused an altered balance of free peptides. In fact, on a total of 28 peptides, 22 (80%) were differently expressed in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and control subjects. The multivariate analysis of such peptides permits to obtain a diagnostic algorithm that discriminate the two populations with a high diagnostic efficiency. Among amino acids, only threonine resulted significantly different between COVID‐19 patients and controls, while alanine levels were significantly different between COVID‐19 patients with different severity. In conclusion, the present study defined a set of molecules to be detected with a quick and easy method based on mass spectrometry tandem useful to reveal biochemical alterations involved in the pathogenesis of such a complex disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD045612. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many improvements have been made to bring infant formula (IF) closer to human milk (HM) regarding its nutritional and biological properties. Nevertheless, the protein components of HM and IF are still different, which may affect their digestibility. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the protein digestibility of HM and IF using the infant INFOGEST digestion method. Pooled HM and a commercial IF were subjected to the infant INFOGEST method, which simulates the physiological digestion conditions of infants, with multiple directions, i.e. the curd state, gel images of SDS-PAGE, molecular weight distribution, free amino acid concentrations and in vitro protein digestion rate. HM underwent proteolysis before digestion and tended to have a higher protein digestion rate with finer curds during gastric digestion, than the IF. However, multifaceted analyses showed that the protein digestibility of HM and IF was not significantly different after gastrointestinal digestion. In conclusion, the infant INFOGEST method showed that the digestibility of HM and IF proteins differed to some extent before digestion and after gastric digestion, but not at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. The findings of this study will contribute to the refinement of IF with better protein digestibility in infant stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-Phenylalanine (L-Phe), which is one of the essential amino acids, is important for the human body because it is used in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine dehydrogenase (PheDH) has been studied as a material for the L-Phe sensor. In particular, the accurate and simple determination of L-Phe concentrations in human samples is needed for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with phenylketonuria. Thermostable PheDH from the bacterium Thermoactinomyces intermedius is suitable as a sensor material; however, it is reactive to not only L-Phe but also L-tyrosine (L-Tyr). Thus, we attempted to improve its substrate specificity for the accurate measurement of L-Phe. In this study, we developed the PheDH mutant with improved substrate specificity by amino acid substitution. The PheDH mutant, in which the 290th asparagine residue was substituted with aspartic acid (N290D), is considered to form a new interaction in the substrate binding site and has a markedly reduced reactivity with L-Tyr compared with the wild-type PheDH; the relative activities (L-Tyr/L-Phe) of the wild-type PheDH and the PheDH N290D mutant were 64.0 and 1.5%, respectively. An enzymatic assay using this mutant was established to quantify the L-Phe concentration in human plasma. The relative errors ranged from −10.3 to 7.4% when compared with the quantitative value determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the immobilized mutant showed a concentration-dependent reactivity with L-Phe and no reactivity with L-Tyr, which indicate its potential use as a sensor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]