Search

Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and biochemical quality of both white and brown rice. Compounds such as total phenolics (TPC), dietary fiber (TDF), gamma oryzanol, phytic acid (PA), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of heavy metals were analyzed. The research was carried out in Taura, Guayas Province, Ecuador, using a bifactorial experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey HDS tests (α = 0.05), complemented by PCA biplot analysis for comprehensive data exploration. The results highlight significant differences in all variables depending on the rice type (R), with brown rice exhibiting higher values. In terms of pest control type (C), only phytic acid showed significant variance, an effect also evident in the interaction (R × C). Cadmium (<0.30 mg/kg) and arsenic (<0.55 mg/kg) levels remained below national standards, with no significant differences across treatments. The biplot analysis revealed PA independence, with higher values in grains managed with biological control, whereas those under chemical control displayed slightly higher and varied values for other studied variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents caused by Loxosceles spiders, commonly known as brown spiders, are frequent in warm and temperate regions worldwide, with a higher prevalence in South America and the southern United States. In the venoms of species clinically associated with accidents, phospholipases D (PLDs) are the most expressed toxins. This classification is based on the toxins' ability to cleave various phospholipids, with a preference for sphingomyelin. Studies using purified PLDs have demonstrated that these enzymes cleave phospholipids from cells, producing derivatives that can activate leukocytes. A dysregulated inflammatory response is the primary effect following envenomation, leading to dermonecrosis, which is histopathologically characterized by aseptic coagulative necrosis—a key feature of envenomation. Although advances in understanding the structure–function relationship of enzymes have been achieved through molecular biology, heterologous expression, site-directed mutations, crystallography, and bioinformatic analyses—describing PLDs in the venoms of various species and highlighting the conservation of amino acid residues involved in catalysis, substrate binding, and magnesium stabilization—little is known about the cellular biology of these PLDs. Studies have shown that the treatment of various cells with recombinant PLDs stimulates the formation of ectosomes and ectocytosis, events that initiate a cascade of intracellular signaling in PLD-binding cells and lead to the release of extracellular microvesicles. These microvesicles may act as signalosomes for other target cells, thereby triggering an inflammatory response and dermonecrosis. In this review, we will discuss the biochemical properties of PLDs, the target cells that bind to them, and the ectocytosis-dependent pathophysiology of envenoming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress is a major concern for lactating dairy cows. This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on six Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows exposed to three thermal conditions represented by the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). These conditions included a baseline pre-treatment phase at THI-72, a heat stress treatment phase at THI-75 and THI-80, and a post-treatment recovery phase at THI-72. The duration of the heat stress treatment phase was 24 h. A total of four trials, each involving three cows, were conducted in an IoT-based climatic chamber to assess various physiological, hematological, biochemical, and production parameters across these phases. Compared to the baseline (THI-72), cows showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and water intake (WI) at both THI-75 and THI-80, with the highest elevations observed at THI-80 (RT: 5.1%, HR: 8.6%, RR: 23.5%, and WI: 19.1%). Feed intake declined significantly (p < 0.05) by 6.5% and 14.0%, and milk yield dropped by 5.3% and 14.7% at THI-75 and THI-80, respectively; milk fat and protein percentages decreased by 1.1-fold and 1.2-fold. Hemoglobin, platelet, and lymphocyte counts, along with biochemical parameters (excluding serum creatinine) also decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The different levels of THI influenced pairwise correlation patterns, with THI-75 showing intense interactions and THI-80 exhibiting greater variability. The findings highlight that Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, even with short-term exposure. This vulnerability can lead to economic losses for Bangladeshi dairy farmers rearing Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus is a ubiquitous soil bacterium for its plant growth-promoting properties, and it is widely used as a biofertilizer. This research aimed to isolate and determine the morphology and biochemical properties associated with plant-growth promotion ability characterizing Bacillus strains. The bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of various highland vegetables grown in Andisols soil in Indonesia. Bacillus isolation was conducted using the serial dilution plate method by means of tryptic soy agar. Characterization of the isolated bacteria included Gram staining, biochemical characteristics, pathogenicity testing, and the production of metabolites, including organic acids, phytohormones, and exopolysaccharides. Four bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus based on colony and cell morphology, the presence of endospore, as well as biochemical properties and metabolite production. The species determination by PCR amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the four Bacillus were identified as Bacillus safensis strain MDL5, Bacillus altitudinis strain RPW2, and Bacillus sp. strain SZ057. The study presents the occurrence of Bacillus within the rhizosphere of vegetables and the understanding of their properties being considered for biofertilizer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to develop coconut flakes that are readily consumable, using various drying techniques following osmotic dehydration in neera syrup concentrate (50ºBrix). A novel methodology and process have been established to create these coconut flakes, offering a distinct production approach. The infusion of neera syrup enhances taste, flavor, and color and augments the product's nutritional content. Through drying experiments at 55, 65, and 75 ºC temperatures, the study seeks to identify the most suitable drying method and temperature. Analysis of the bioactive profile revealed that coconut flakes dried at 65 ℃ using infrared-assisted hot air dehydration (IRHAD) demonstrated exceptional nutritional attributes. These include a Hausner ratio of 1.04, Carr's index of 4.22, rehydration ratio of 2.37, hygroscopicity of 1.68%, bulk density of 0.552 g/mL, tapped density of 0.610 g/mL, protein content of 3.92%, carbohydrate content of 33.86%, fat content of 34.29%, ash content of 1.92%, total phenolic content of 105.38 mg GA/100 g, DPPH activity of 88.81%, and FRAP of 0.00893 mg TE/100 g. Further investigations are warranted to assess the shelf life of coconut flakes, the influence of various packaging materials, and delve deeper into the biochemical properties of the dried samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In today’s conditions, it is not possible to eliminate chemical inputs without reducing food production. Therefore, integrated methods that reduce the negative effects of chemical inputs are needed. One of the alternatives is the use of beneficial bacteria, which can both improve the yield and quality of vegetable crops and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers. This research was carried out to test the effects of a microbial fertiliser combined with inorganic fertiliser on the growth, biochemical properties and yield of lettuce and whether the use of chemical fertilisers could be reduced. Caipira curly lettuce variety was used as plant material. The microbial fertilizer used contains 7 different microorganisms and 2 different yeasts. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: Control (T0), 100% Chemical Fertilisation (T1), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T2), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilization (T3), 100% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T4), Microbial Fertilisation Alone (T5), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T6), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T7). Results The results of the research were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance at a significance level of p

Abstract Mastitis, often caused by bacterial infection, is an inflammatory condition affecting the mammary glands. The condition is particularly prevalent in dairy cattle. Current treatment of bovine mastitis heavily relies on the use of antibiotics. To identify alternative solutions to antibiotic use, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 14 cathelicidins reported from 10 animal species. In conjunction, we assessed two bacteriocins against the bovine-mastitis causative bacterial panel, consisting of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus equi. Among the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cc-CATH3, ML-CATH, and PD-CATH proved to be highly active (minimum inhibitory concentration of 2–41 μg/mL, 0.2–10.3 μM) against all bacterial strains in the panel and field isolates from milk, with elevated somatic cell counts (≥ 500,000 cells/mL). Of the AMPs tested in this study, ML-CATH presented the highest level of effectiveness in controlling mastitis-associated bacterial strains while also possessing minimal cytotoxicity and functional stability against pH change and a high salt condition. The results of in silico analyses on the biochemical features of 12 helical cathelicidins revealed that the charge of AMPs appears to be a major determinant in killing Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, we observed a unique motif, “N(n≥3)-P(n≥1)-N(n≥3)”, from the sequences of PMAP-36, cc-CATH3, ML-CATH, and PD-CATH that exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria compared to others. Our findings support the proposition that AMPs could serve as effective antimicrobial alternatives to conventional antibiotics in treating complex animal diseases caused by microbial infection, such as bovine mastitis.

Background: In today's conditions, it is not possible to eliminate chemical inputs without reducing food production. Therefore, integrated methods that reduce the negative effects of chemical inputs are needed. One of the alternatives is the use of beneficial bacteria, which can both improve the yield and quality of vegetable crops and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers. This research was carried out to test the effects of a microbial fertiliser combined with inorganic fertiliser on the growth, biochemical properties and yield of lettuce and whether the use of chemical fertilisers could be reduced. Caipira curly lettuce variety was used as plant material. The microbial fertilizer used contains 7 different microorganisms and 2 different yeasts. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: Control (T0), 100% Chemical Fertilisation (T1), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T2), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilization (T3), 100% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T4), Microbial Fertilisation Alone (T5), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T6), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T7). Results: The results of the research were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance at a significance level of p < 0.05, and the means were compared using the LSD test. It was observed that the microbial fertiliser did not adversely effect on the growth characteristics of lettuce and even had an ameliorative effect. The highest root dry weights were obtained in the T7, T3, T4 and T1 treatments. T7 treatment had 7.8% and 5.5% more dry weight than T1 and T4 respectively. Biochemical properties were significantly affected by treatments and it was significant that T2 and T4 had similar results. Because chemical fertilizer dose was reduced by 50% in the T2 treatment. The chemical fertiliser dose was reduced by 50% in the T2 treatment. Microbial fertiliser treatments had no negative effect on lettuce colour formation and even greener lettuces were harvested from T1, T7, T3 and T6 treatments. The highest total yield was obtained from T3 (30638.89 kg ha− 1) and T7 (30518.52 kg ha− 1). In other words, when the recommended dose of chemical fertiliser was reduced by 25%, higher yields were obtained. The yields in T3 and T7 were 6.71% and 6.29% higher than in T1, respectively. The marketable yield did not differ statistically between treatments except T0 and T5. Although there was no statistical difference, the highest numerical values belonged to the T7 (28907.41 kg ha− 1) and T3 (28814.82 kg ha− 1) treatments. In terms of marketable yield, T7 and T3 treatments gave 5.05% and 4.71% more than T1, respectively. Conclusions: It was determined that the microbial fertiliser used had no negative effect on the lettuce crop and even had an ameliorative effect. With the use of microbial fertiliser, both chemical fertilisation was reduced and higher yield and quality values were obtained from T3 and T7 treatments compared to chemical treatment alone (T1). In addition, the ameliorative effects of the foliar application of microbial fertiliser were also noted in the T7 treatment. As a result, this study showed that the use of microbial fertiliser could increase yield and quality and save at least 25% of fertiliser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis, often caused by bacterial infection, is an inflammatory condition affecting the mammary glands. The condition is particularly prevalent in dairy cattle. Current treatment of bovine mastitis heavily relies on the use of antibiotics. To identify alternative solutions to antibiotic use, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 14 cathelicidins reported from 10 animal species. In conjunction, we assessed two bacteriocins against the bovine-mastitis causative bacterial panel, consisting of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus equi. Among the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cc-CATH3, ML-CATH, and PD-CATH proved to be highly active (minimum inhibitory concentration of 2–41 μg/mL, 0.2–10.3 μM) against all bacterial strains in the panel and field isolates from milk, with elevated somatic cell counts (≥ 500,000 cells/mL). Of the AMPs tested in this study, ML-CATH presented the highest level of effectiveness in controlling mastitis-associated bacterial strains while also possessing minimal cytotoxicity and functional stability against pH change and a high salt condition. The results of in silico analyses on the biochemical features of 12 helical cathelicidins revealed that the charge of AMPs appears to be a major determinant in killing Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, we observed a unique motif, "N(n≥3)-P(n≥1)-N(n≥3)", from the sequences of PMAP-36, cc-CATH3, ML-CATH, and PD-CATH that exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria compared to others. Our findings support the proposition that AMPs could serve as effective antimicrobial alternatives to conventional antibiotics in treating complex animal diseases caused by microbial infection, such as bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to rising health concerns, consumers are increasingly inclined toward reduced‐fat products, which have driven the need for nutritious alternatives through modifications in recipes and production processes. Despite the growing popularity of coconut‐based products, there is limited research on baked coconut chips, particularly regarding the effects of baking temperatures and product thicknesses. This study addresses this gap by developing baked coconut chips samples (BCSs) as a healthier alternative to traditional fried chips. Baking experiments were conducted at temperatures of 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C, with 160°C identified as optimal for balancing processing time and product quality. The study also compared baked coconut chips with those that were dried and then baked (dried baked coconut chips samples [DBCS]). Among the trials, the 0.5‐mm‐thick coconut chips baked at 160°C exhibited favorable sensory attributes and notable biochemical properties, including 3.13% moisture content, 1.13% ash, 40.49% fat, and significant antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is an economically important carnivorous freshwater fish in China. In this study, we compared the properties of skin collagen from southern catfish fed with raw food (RF) and cooked food (CF). The skin collagen yield in the RF group (8.66 ± 0.11%) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (8.00 ± 0.27%). SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and FTIR analyses revealed that the collagen extracted from southern catfish skin in both groups was type I collagen, with a unique triple helix structure and high purity. The thermal denaturation temperature of collagen in the RF group (35.20 ± 0.11 °C) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (34.51 ± 0.25 °C). The DPPH free radical scavenging rates were 68.30 ± 2.41% in the RF collagen and 61.78 ± 3.91% in the CF collagen, which was higher than that found in most fish collagen. Both the RF and CF groups had high ability to form fibrils in vitro. Under the same conditions, the CF group exhibited faster fibril formation and a thicker fibril diameter (p < 0.05). In addition, the RF group exhibited significantly higher expression of col1a1 compared to the CF group. These results indicated that feeding southern catfish raw food contributed to collagen production, and the collagen from these fish may have potential in biomaterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In various Southeast Asian countries, people have long incorporated the young green seeds of Parkia speciosa, commonly known as stink beans, into their culinary traditions. These seeds can be prepared using various cooking methods, including boiling, microwaving, stir-frying, or even consuming them raw. While several studies have explored the pharmaceutical properties of raw stink beans, this study seeks to expand our knowledge of how different extraction methods can influence the release of bioactive compounds from these young stink bean seeds. Three distinct extraction methods, namely (1) microwave-assisted water extraction, (2) boiling water extraction and (3) 50 % ethanol extraction were employed in this research. The study focused on total phenolic content and antioxidant activities, with the 50 % ethanol extraction method yielding the most promising results. Moreover, only the extract obtained from the 50 % ethanol method exhibited antimicrobial activity against 4 gram-positive bacteria, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and 1 gram-negative bacterium, Salmonella typhi. Notably, extracts obtained from the 3 extraction methods of young stink bean seeds exhibit varying degrees of inhibition of cancer cell growth with low cell toxicity. Taken together, our findings suggest that distinct extraction methods play a key role in obtaining different sets of bioactive compounds from the young seeds of stink beans. Therefore, various cooking methods, including stir-frying, microwaving and pickling in alcohol, may offer diverse sources of bioactive compounds for promoting consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to study the effect of adding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Atriplex halimus L. on biochemical properties, microbial flora, ferment silage and solar-dried cactus fruit scraps. Alfalfa and Atriplex were added to cactus silage to improve nutrient quality. Three mixtures were prepared: M1 based on cactus, M2 based on cactus and alfalfa, and M3 based on cactus and Atriplex. Bran and wheat straw were added to the mixtures to improve the moisture content. After adding alfalfa and Atriplex, the protein content of the pre-ensiling material increased (p < 0.05), reaching 10.63% DM for M1, 16.35% DM for M2, and 17.22% DM for M3. During ensilage, a significant amount of sugar and protein was degraded. All silage treatments achieved stable pH values (M1: 4.35, M2: 4.55, and M3: 4.54). The M2 and M3 treatments had the highest amount of protein. After drying, the protein content of the dried treatments was higher than that of the ensiled treatments (8.05% DM for M1, 14.96% DM for M2, and 15.36% DM for M3). In both storage methods, the microbial population declined. However, silage reduces coliforms, yeasts and moulds more efficiently than solar drying. The drying operation preserves remarkedly the nutritional quality of the mixtures while ensiling reduces the number of undesirable microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are of great interest as novel sources of alternative proteins and biologically active compounds, primarily anticancer agents. Protein-rich insect larval hemolymph is a prospective candidate for pharmaceutical and food industry-related research. In this study, selected biochemical properties and cell toxicity of larval hemolymph from two mealworm species, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio, were analyzed. Total proteins and carbohydrates, antioxidant capacity, and the level of lipid peroxidation were determined. Human cancer (U-87) and normometabolic (MRC-5) cells were treated with different concentrations of larval hemolymph proteins, and the effects on cell viability were assayed 24, 48, and 72 h after treatments. Z. morio hemolymph was shown to be richer in total proteins, showing a higher antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level than T. molitor hemolymph, which was richer in total carbohydrates. Cytotoxicity assays showed that T. molitor and Z. morio hemolymphs differently affect the viability of U-87 and MRC-5 cells in cell type-, dose-, and time-dependent manners. Hemolymph from both species was more cytotoxic to U-87 cells than to MRC-5 cells, which was particularly prominent after 48 h. Additionally, a more potent cytotoxic effect of Z. morio hemolymph was observed on both cell lines, likely due to its higher antioxidant capacity, compared to T. molitor hemolymph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the physical and chemical properties of tomato fruits formed by two different agricultural methods. The study was carried out with tomato fruit samples taken from producers supplying products to the organic and conventional markets during summer and winter periods under open field conditions. Fruit weight, hardness, sunburn rate, surface and pulp color, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, pH value, vitamin C, lycopene, total phenol amount and antioxidant activity of organic and conventionally produced tomato fruits were compared. Fruit weight and sunburn rate were found to be significantly higher in conventionally produced tomato fruits than in organically produced ones. It was determined that TSS amount of conventionally and organically produced tomato fruits showed significant differences with the values of 4.31 % and 7.51 %, vitamin C amount was 14.43 and 18.93 mg 100 g-1, lycopene amount was 78.74 and 95.67 mg kg-1, respectively, and was higher in organically produced ones. Similarly, total phenol content, antioxidant activity and fruit surface color (a*/b*) of organically produced tomato fruits were found to be significantly higher than those of conventionally produced ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem is an evergreen tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including wound healing, fever reduction, and treatment of skin disorders. It has been widely recognized for its various medicinal properties. In this review, A comprehensive overview of the biochemical properties of Neem and its potential benefits are provided. The chemical constituents of Neem including Azadirachtin, Nimbin, and nimbolide, and their biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects are discussed. The potential applications of Neem in medicine, agriculture, and cosmetics are explored. This review highlights the importance of neem as a natural resource with numerous potential benefits for human health and the environment.

Making of jam and jelly is the common method of preserving fruit, the main factor being high concentration of sugar that helps in preservation. In Bangladesh, the star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) BARI Kamranga-1 is available from September through October and January through February. To obtain the health benefits (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, hepato-protective and anti-ulcer activity) of star fruit throughout the year, jam and jelly products were developed using star fruit. Five jams and five jellies were prepared as value-added products using different ingredients with different combinations. Biochemical properties, chemical analysis, and organoleptic observations of star fruit jam and star fruit jelly were measured to determine the quality of the products and overall public acceptance. The overall acceptability of Jam 2 was the highest, and in case of jelly , Jelly 4 showed the highest score. Additional study is needed to understand better, how star fruit can be processed because there are so many local sorts and variants of the fruit. This will enable us to decide which kinds are most suitable for developing specific goods with the potential to enhance health.

Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and biochemical quality of both white and brown rice. Compounds such as total phenolics (TPC), dietary fiber (TDF), gamma oryzanol, phytic acid (PA), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of heavy metals were analyzed. The research was carried out in Taura, Guayas Province, Ecuador, using a bifactorial experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey HDS tests (α = 0.05), complemented by PCA biplot analysis for comprehensive data exploration. The results highlight significant differences in all variables depending on the rice type (R), with brown rice exhibiting higher values. In terms of pest control type (C), only phytic acid showed significant variance, an effect also evident in the interaction (R × C). Cadmium (

Forensic taphonomy involves varied range of factors- decomposition processes, chemical and biological interactions with cadavers, and the chronology of events preceding death, which contribute to reconstruction of events and estimation of post mortem interval (PMI). This research aimed to assess the quality of DNA extracted from embalmed tissues of Sus domesticus buried in different soils and the soil enzyme quality after 1 year. Sus domesticus limbs (n=36) were randomly allocated into three groups (A-C) of, three treatment samples and one control sample. Before burial, each sample was treated in either 10% formaldehyde, absolute methanol, or 50% Pine oil for 24hr except the control samples. The limbs were buried in 36 simulated graves containing clay, sandy, or loamy soil types. DNA quality was assessed by extracting and quantifying DNA from the individual samples. The rate of decomposition was evaluated using modified qualitative decomposition analysis. Biochemical enzyme assays were conducted on the soil from each grave. All the buried limbs experienced weight loss. The formaldehyde preserved samples exhibited significant increase (p≤0.01) in soil urease levels. The control grave soils showed significantly higher (p≤0.01) alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and calcium carbonate values compared to the experimental grave soils. The experimental samples demonstrated a significant decrease (p≤0.01) in DNA concentration and purity compared to the control groups. The results showed that the embalming treatment altered the relationship between organic matter decomposition and soil biochemical properties. When conducting investigations, it's important to consider various factors in determining the PMI. These factors include the characteristics of the grave soil, the soil biochemical properties, plus any pre-mortem exposure to embalming chemicals. Considering these factors, investigators can effectively estimate PMI, which is crucial in forensic analysis and establishing the timeline of events surrounding a crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi) is an underutilized fruit with extensive nutritional and therapeutic properties. The quality of fruit is directly linked to its physical and biochemical characteristics, which are crucial for its utilization and consumer acceptance. This study aims to investigate the physical, biochemical, thermal, colour, and functional properties of Spanish cherry fruits. Additionally, it aims to predict the mass of the fruit at different growth stages (young, premature, mature, pre-ripe, ripe) using various machine learning algorithms, including multilayer perceptron, linear regression, support vector regression, and Gaussian process. Considering these features will be advantageous in designing and developing equipment for various tasks, including grading, sizing, peeling, storage, packing systems, and preservation. All five developmental stages of Spanish cherry fruits exhibited significant (P < 0.05) and sequential changes in their physiological and biochemical properties. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of fruits at the young to ripen stages ranged from 304 to 123 mg GAE/100 g, 148 to 88 mg QE/100 g, and 90.8 to 84.3%, respectively. Among the machine learning algorithms, the multilayer perceptron and support vector regression models demonstrated the best fit, with the highest correlation values for predicting the mass of fruits at their respective growth stages. The multilayer perceptron model outperformed other machine learning algorithms, exaggerate the highest correlation coefficient and the lowest RMSE and RRSE values of 0.99, 0.23, and 13.53%, respectively, for predicting the mass of fruit at any developmental stage. This study will be invaluable in providing a unified approach for scientists and local farmers to develop processing machinery that fully harnesses the potential of this fruit crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain improvement via chemical mutagen could impart traits with better enzyme production or improved characteristics. The present study sought to investigate the physicochemical properties of pullulanase produced from the wild Bacillus sp and the mutant. The pullulanases produced from the wild and the mutant Bacillus sp. (obtained via induction with ethyl methyl sulfonate) were purified in a-three step purification procedure and were also characterized. The wild and mutant pullulanases, which have molecular masses of 40 and 43.23 kDa, showed yields of 2.3% with 6.0-fold purification and 2.0% with 5.0-fold purification, respectively, and were most active at 50 and 40 °C and pH 7 and 8, respectively. The highest stability of the wild and mutant was between 40 and 50 °C after 1 h, although the mutant retained greater enzymatic activity between pH 6 and 9 than the wild. The mutant had a decreased Km of 0.03 mM as opposed to the wild type of 1.6 mM. In comparison to the wild, the mutant demonstrated a better capacity for tolerating metal ions and chelating agents. These exceptional characteristics of the mutant pullulanase may have been caused by a single mutation, which could improve its utility in industrial and commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the application potential of aspartic protease (Asp) of Trichoderma sp., the protease gene (asp) was cloned from Trichoderma asperellum by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and was successfully expressed in Pichia Pastoris GS115. The recombinant protease (rAsp) was isolated and purified, and its biochemical properties and its effectiveness in hydrolyzing soy protein isolate (SPI) were studied. The results showed that the protease encoded by the asp gene belonged to the aspartic protease family, and its sequence identity with other members of this family was up to 47.74%. The protease activity of rAsp in the fermentation broth obtained by induced expression in a conical flask was 25.8 U/mL. The optimal reaction pH and temperature of rAsp were 2.5 and 45 ℃, respectively, and rAsp had strong stability in the pH range of 2.0–6.0 and below 45 ℃. The activity of rAsp was promoted by Cu2+ and Mn2+ but inhibited by Fe3+, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and pepstantin. The hydrolysis efficiency of SPI with rAsp was 7.7% higher than that with commercial pepsin. Moreover, the ability of rAsp to reduce the allergenicity of β-conglycinin and glycinin was 1.4 and 1.8 times greater than that of the pepsin, respectively. Therefore, rAsp has potential application in soy protein processing.

Zinc and copper pollution in agricultural lands due to anthropogenic activities has become a major environmental problem. While these metals are essential for plant growth, their excessive presence can lead to plant toxicity. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of zinc and copper (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) in soil on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica, commonly known as water spinach. The morphological properties, including plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter, were assessed, along with soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Biochemical properties, specifically the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) in plant tissues, were measured using colorimetric assays. The results revealed significant morphological changes in plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves at 200 ppm zinc treatment compared to the control. Additionally, the number of leaves significantly increased at the 100 ppm copper treatment, while the stem diameter decreased significantly at 300 ppm. Both zinc and copper treatments slightly reduced soil pH and increased soil EC. At the 300 ppm treatment, substantial changes in phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in the stems and leaves of I. aquatica. Copper treatment at 200 ppm increased the TPC of leaves, while 100 ppm copper treatment increased the TFC of stems. Furthermore, the 300 ppm zinc treatment significantly increased the TPC and TFC in stems and leaves. These findings indicate that zinc and copper concentrations have notable effects on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate balance of these metal elements to cultivate plants that are morphologically and physiologically resilient.

As the outputs of municipal solid waste have increased rapidly, old waste landfills face problems such as service expiration or early closure. Samples from a landfill in Zhejiang, China, were collected via on-site drilling and analyses of the physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties were conducted. The results indicate that: (1) the waste mainly comprised textiles, stone, plastic, and soil, of which the plastic content was the largest (27.8% on average); (2) the water content was mainly 30–60%, the natural density was 0.313–1.248 g/cm3, and the specific gravity was 1.690–2.254; (3) the reinforced waste shear strength parameter ranges for the cohesion, internal friction angle, effective cohesion, and effective internal friction angle were 4.79–14.91 kPa, 8.63–19.8°, 15.46–24.35 kPa, and 21–28°, respectively; (4) the hydraulic conductivity ranged from 1.251 × 10−8 to 7.746 × 10−6 m/s, and the field water capacity (dry weight) was mostly 30–60%; (5) the compression index of immediate compression ranged from 1.103 to 1.882, whereas that of complete degradation compression was 1.118–1.184; and (6) the organic content was mostly 12–18%, and the cellulose-to-lignin ratio was 0.1–1.9. The physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of municipal solid waste in different countries were also compared and analyzed. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for the analyses of environmental geotechnical characteristics and the stability calculations for municipal solid waste landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan application on the yield and quality of rockets. "Bengi" rocket variety was used as a plant material and chitosan was applied to leaves at four different doses (0 (control)-75-150-300 ppm). The results revealed that the yield values varied between 1691-1914 g m-2, plant height between 24.33-27.92 cm, and leaf width between 4.56-5.71 cm among the applications. The total dry matter, chlorophyll, total phenolics, vitamin C, and antiradical activity values were determined to range between 7.71% and 8.68%, 34.15 and 36.68 SPAD, 104.67 and 180.84 mg 100 g-1, 126.63 and 143.51 mg 100 g-1, and 63.77% and 71.87%, respectively. The highest total phenolic and antiradical activity values were obtained at the 300 ppm application and the highest vitamin C values were obtained from the control group. a* and h° values varied between -17.87 to -18.71 and 124.09 to 125.78. Chitosan applications decreased nitrate accumulation compared to the control group. It was determined that the 75 ppm chitosan dose used in the study was better in terms of yield, plant height, leaf width, total dry matter, chlorophyll, a*, h°, and nitrate accumulation parameters and was the recommended dose for rocket cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study considers the issues of introduction and reintroduction of the Red Book species of checker tree in the system of decorative gardening, forest protection, and forest ecosystems. That is why the purpose of the study was to monitor the green corridors of rural and urban ecosystems of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, to investigate and select the best forms of checker tree in terms of morphological characteristics and physiological properties for promising areas of distribution and conservation in the form of pure and mixed plantings. The following methods were used in the research: route, field, biometric, laboratory, comparative analysis, mathematical and statistical. New forms of checker tree were introduced, studied in in situ and ex situ conditions, and selected for the prospects of their further introduction and reintroduction into the ecological network of Ukraine and conservation to activate trophic, phoric, and other types of biotic interactions in a single territorial ecosystem. Sparsely distributed biotypes of Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto f. Intermedia Kossetz were found in the zone of green corridors of rural and urban ecosystems of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Some specimens of these biotypes were identified as valuable material for introduction into the system of fruit and ornamental gardening, including parks and monuments of landscape art, as well as natural monuments, protected tracts, sanctuaries and reserves of pure and mixed plantings, alleys, forest reclamation strips, etc. It was established that the elements of originality of the selected forms of checker tree - Eva, Podolianochka and Slavka - are the specificity of the crown shape, which determines the level of productivity, small and medium growth force, normal reaction to pruning (which affects the size and yield of fruits), high degree of flowering (60-80%), increased fruit size (diameter of more than 2 cm), increased fruit weight (1.8-2.1 g), increased number of fruits on the stem (≥20 units), a pleasant and harmonious taste of fruits, high quality of fruits, lack of periodicity in fruiting in nature and in culture, high xenogamy (69-75%), high yield of fruits from the plant, increased winter hardiness (7.5 pt.), high drought resistance (8 pt.) and resistance to pests, including pear leaf blister mite (7-9 pt.). The findings can be used in the future to replenish pure and mixed plantings in the ecological network of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of combining phytoextraction and biochar for metal-polluted wetland soils by exploring the changes in soil biochemical properties, especially compared to the outcomes of single phytoremediation or biochar application. Soil biochemical properties serve as reliable indicators of soil quality and exhibit a high sensitivity to microbial community dynamics. Phytoextraction is via the native plants Phragmites australis (P. australis) and Suaeda salsa (S. salsa). The addition of biochar significantly increased the total organic carbon (TOC) and available potassium (AK) contents in the rhizosphere soil of P. australis and more in that of S. salsa. The effects of the combined remediation on the composition of the main classes of bacteria are uncertain, and the abundance of the main fungal classes decreased. At the level of OTU, no significant differences were observed in the richness and diversity of microbial communities between the single and combined remediation approaches. On a genus level, the combined remediation of biochar and S. salsa had the highest specificity of soil bacteria, while the single biochar remediation gave the highest specificity of soil fungi. At the class level, the four most abundant classes of bacteria were actinobacteria, alphaproteobacteria, gammaproteobacteria, and bacterricilineae. Biochar addition decreased the abundance of actinobacteria in P. australis rhizosphere soil but increased the abundance of actinobacteria in S. salsa rhizosphere soil. The sordariomycetes and eurotiomycetes were the dominant fungal classes. The combined remediation reduced the abundance of sordariomycetes, and the abundance of eurotiomycetes decreased after single phytoextraction, biochar, and combined remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine the ameliorative effects of foliar application of some micro-algal (Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis) and some medicinal plant leaves (Salix alba, Psidium guajava, and Olea europaea) extracts on Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean) under salinity stress. On a loamy soil, a pots trial was carried out on bean plants grown under salinity stress. Growth characteristics, pigments, osmolytes, total phenol, and antioxidant enzyme contents were determined. S. platensis extract application showed the greatest improvement in shoot length and fresh weight of shoot, which rose 23.5% and 65.1%, respectively compared to the control. The utilized bio-stimulants, particularly S. platensis extracts, remarkably increased the chlorophyll content compared to the control under salinity stress. The photosynthetic pigment, soluble sugars, and soluble protein levels were strengthened by foliar application of bio-stimulant extract. Proline and antioxidant enzyme levels are significantly reduced using algal and plant extracts treatment. These findings support the treatment's increased contribution to reducing salt stress and their detrimental effects on bean plants.The findings of this study indicate that the use of these biostimulants, especially S. alba, P. guajava, and O. europaea leaf extracts can be considered as an unconventional, ecofriendly, and novel tool in the mitigation of salinity stress.

The southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is an economically important carnivorous freshwater fish in China. In this study, we compared the properties of skin collagen from southern catfish fed with raw food (RF) and cooked food (CF). The skin collagen yield in the RF group (8.66 ± 0.11%) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (8.00 ± 0.27%). SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and FTIR analyses revealed that the collagen extracted from southern catfish skin in both groups was type I collagen, with a unique triple helix structure and high purity. The thermal denaturation temperature of collagen in the RF group (35.20 ± 0.11 °C) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (34.51 ± 0.25 °C). The DPPH free radical scavenging rates were 68.30 ± 2.41% in the RF collagen and 61.78 ± 3.91% in the CF collagen, which was higher than that found in most fish collagen. Both the RF and CF groups had high ability to form fibrils in vitro. Under the same conditions, the CF group exhibited faster fibril formation and a thicker fibril diameter (p < 0.05). In addition, the RF group exhibited significantly higher expression of col1a1 compared to the CF group. These results indicated that feeding southern catfish raw food contributed to collagen production, and the collagen from these fish may have potential in biomaterial applications.

Acid phosphatases (EC 3.1.3.2) are the enzymes that catalyse transphosphorylation reactions and promotes the hydrolysis of numerous orthophosphate esters in acidic media, as a crucial element for the metabolism of phosphate in tissues. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) utilisation and scavenging, as well as the turnover of Pi-rich sources found in plant vacuoles, are major processes in which intracellular and secretory acid phosphatases function. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these enzymes' structural characteristics, specificity, and physiochemical properties is required to comprehend the function of acid phosphatases in plant energy metabolism. Furthermore, acid phosphatases are gaining increasing importance in industrial biotechnology due to their involvement in transphosphorylation processes and their ability to reduce phosphate levels in food products. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the purification methods employed for isolating acid phosphatases from diverse plant sources, as well as their structural and functional properties. Additionally, the review explores the potential applications of these enzymes in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In defining the research objective, consideration was given to the expanding range of applications of third-generation pyrethroids, including cypermethrin—the active substance in Arpon G preparation. The interest in cypermethrin is due to its high thermostability and photostability. This study verified the effect of Arpon G on both the soil condition and the growth and development of Zea mays. To this end, the alpha and beta diversity of bacterial and fungal communities were characterized using the NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) method, as was the response of soil enzymes. The positive response of Z. mays to the soil application of cypermethrin corresponded to higher soil microbial and biochemical activity. Sowing the soil with Z. mays moderated changes in the biodiversity of alpha- and beta-bacterial communities to a greater extent than cypermethrin. The influence of both parameters was less significant for fungi. Although bacteria belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum and fungi from the Ascomycota phylum dominated in the soil, the use of Arpon G reduced the abundance of unique nucleotide sequences in the mycobiome to a greater extent than in the bacteriobiome. The inhibitory potential of Arpon G was only evident for acid phosphatase (by 81.49%) and arylsulfatase (by 16.66%) in the soil sown with Z. mays. The activity of catalase, dehydrogenases, β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and alkaline phosphatase was most strongly associated with the abundance of bacteria, while dehydrogenases were correlated with the abundance of fungi at the genus level. Arpon G can, thus, be considered a safe insecticide for soil conditions and, consequently, for its productive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbiaceae, also known as the spurge family, is a large group of flowering plants. Despite being tropical natives, they are now widespread. Due to its medicinal and commercial importance, this family of plants attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community. The distinctive characteristic of the family is production of milky latex, which is a rich source of several lectins, the proteins that bind carbohydrates. Although their function is unclear, they are believed to defend plants against damaging phytopathogenic microorganisms, insects, and predatory animals. Additionally, they serve as crucial metabolic regulators under a variety of stressors. Detection, separation, purification, and characterization of lectins from the Euphorbiaceae family – mostly from the latex of plants – began over 40 years ago. This effort produced over 35 original research papers that were published. However, no systematic review that compiles these published data has been presented yet. This review summarizes and describes several procedures and protocols employed for extraction and purification of lectins belonging to this family. Physicochemical properties and biological activities of the lectins, along with their medicinal and pharmacological properties, have also been analyzed. Additionally, using examples of ricin and ricin agglutinin, we have structurally analyzed characteristics of the lectin known as Ribosome Inactivating Protein Type II (RIP-Type II) that belongs to this family. We anticipate that this review article will offer a useful compendium of information on this important family of lectins, show the scientists involved in lectin research the gaps in our knowledge, and offer insights for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science 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.)

Biochar is an effective soil amendment with capabilities of boosting carbon sequestration and enhancing soil fertility, thus enhancing plant growth and productivity. While numerous studies have documented the positive effects of biochar on improving soil properties, a number of studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Prosopis juliflora biochar (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 t ha−1) on soil biochemical properties in Coastal Kenya to ascertain biochar's potential for soil fertility improvement. A randomized complete block design was used for setting up the experiment with three replicates, while Casuarina equisetifolia L. was planted as the test crop. Soil sampling for nutrient analysis was conducted quarterly for 12 months to assess nutrient dynamics under different biochar rates in the current study. Compared to soil untreated with Prosopis juliflora biochar, the results showed that there was a significant increase in soil pH by 21% following biochar utilization at the rate of 7.5 t ha−1. Total nitrogen was increased by 32% after the biochar application, whereas the total organic carbon was increased by four folds in comparison to biochar-untreated soil. Available phosphorus was increased by 264% following biochar application in comparison to the control treatment. In addition, the application of biochar resulted in an increment in the soil exchangeable cations (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+) across the assessment periods. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), bacteria and fungi were enhanced by 95, 33 and 48%, respectively, following biochar application at 7.5 t ha−1 in comparison to untreated soil. In conclusion, these results strongly suggest improvement of soil biochemical properties following Prosopis juliflora biochar application, thus providing potential for soil fertility improvement in regions such as the one in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, a strain-producer of recombinant alpaca (Vicugna pacos) prochymosin has been developed. A comparative analysis of the biochemical properties of recombinant alpaca chymosin obtained in the expression systems of K. lactis and Escherichia coli has been carried out. It was found that the recombinant alpaca chymosin synthesized in K. lactis exceeds the analogue obtained in E. coli by 12.9 times in the turnover number of the enzyme, and by 2.9 times in catalytic efficiency. Compared to chymosin expressed in E. coli, the enzyme obtained in a eukaryotic producer has a thermal stability threshold increase of 5°C. Replacing a prokaryotic producer with a eukaryotic one enhances the negative sensitivity of the milk-clotting activity of recombinant alpaca chymosin to an increase in substrate pH in the range of 6.1–6.9, which is accompanied by an increase in the duration of coagulation by 8–35%. With an increase in the concentration of CaCl2 in the substrate, the coagulation activity of the target enzyme synthesized in E. coli was 12–14% higher than that of its analogue obtained in K. lactis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteases are among the most important classes of hydrolytic enzymes and occupy a key position due to their applicability in both physiological and commercial fields. They are essential constituents of all forms of life, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. However, microorganisms represent an attractive source for protease secretion due to their high productivity in a relatively short time and limited space requirements for cultivation, amongst others. Microbial proteases are produced by submerged or solid-state fermentation process during post-exponential or stationary growth phase. The production of these biocatalysts by microbes is influenced by nutritional and physicochemical parameters. Downstream recovery of high-value enzyme products from culture supernatant using suitable techniques is imperative prior to further use of the biocatalysts. Immobilization of these enzymes in appropriate matrices permits reusability, reclamation, enhanced stability and cost-effectiveness of the biocatalysts. The catalytic properties of microbial proteases help in the discovery of enzymes with high activity and stability, over extreme temperatures and pH for utilization in large-scale bioprocesses. This review provides insights into microbial proteases taking cognizance of the bioprocess parameters influencing microbial proteases production coupled with methods employed for protease purification as well as the immobilization and biochemical properties of the biocatalysts for potential biotechnological applications.

The active spread of tuberculosis around the world has been an urgent issue for many decades, but even now, there is no data on all available methods of introducing the pathogen into a previously healthy territory and the mechanisms of mycobacteria activity, and this makes it impossible to eradicate the disease completely. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the rice weevil (lat. Sitophilus oryzae) on the dissociative forms of mycobacterium tuberculosis, their viability, biochemical properties and virulence through passage of the pathogen through the insect’s body. To fulfil this purpose, the following methods were used: biological (experimental infection of laboratory animals), anatomical pathology and determining the viability of mycobacteria by counting colony-forming units. The effect on pathogenic properties of dissociative forms of Mycobacterium bovis (passage 118) after passage through the body of the rice weevil in an experiment on guinea pigs was determined and summarized. The change in the viability of mycobacteria isolated in the dynamics of the experiment in comparison with the original culture was described. The plasticity of the biochemical activity of the pathogen after passing through the body of the beetle was proven, and the influence of the macroorganism on the enzymatic properties of mycobacterium tuberculosis was analysed. The phenomena of the activation of enzymatic systems, which are associated with the adaptation and survival of mycobacteria in the conditions of a changed habitat, were substantiated. The practical value of this study lies in the improved understanding of the processes of the spread of mycobacterium tuberculosis and the established role of insects in the transmission of infection, with the prospect of developing measures to prevent and combat the disease

Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important insect pest of fruits in Egypt. The desire for fresh fruits free of insecticides drives the adoption of environmentally friendly biopesticides to manage pests. The current study sought to estimate the toxicity and biochemical alterations of 3rd larval instar of B. zonata affected by clove, neemazal T/S, garlic, ginger and orange oils compared with indoxacarb at LC50 under laboratory conditions. Results after 24 h of treatment indicated that neemazal T/S is more toxic than other tested oils compared with higher toxicity of indoxacarb with LC50 values of 86.09, 174.72, 4514.38, 7224.01, 9387.73 and 2590.2 μg/mL for indoxacarb, neemazal T/S, ginger, clove, garlic and orange oils, respectively. Moreover, after 24 h of treatment, the larval content of digestive enzymes drastically decreased. All compounds caused a remarkable reduction in protease (except clove oil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phenol oxidase enzyme, α-esterase (except indoxacarb and neemazal T/S) and β-esterase (except ginger oil and neemazal T/S) activity. Also, total carbohydrates, total lipids and total proteins take the same trend. All treatments at LC50 increased the activity of cytochrome p450 and glutathione-s-transferase against 3rd larval instar of B. zonata compared with control. Our findings recommended that the tested botanicals could be an effective substitute for conventional insecticides as well as their safety for human beings and beneficial organisms.