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ABSTRACT: Ruminant milk composition can be affected by many factors, primarily interspecies differences, but also environmental factors (e.g., season, feeding system, and feed composition). Pasture-based feeding systems are known to be influenced by seasonal effects on grass composition. Spring pasture is rich in protein and low in fiber compared with late-season pasture, potentially inducing variability in the composition of some milk metabolites across the season. This study aimed to investigate interspecies and seasonal differences in the milk metabolome across the 3 major commercial ruminant milk species from factories in New Zealand: bovine, caprine, and ovine milk. Samples of bovine (n = 41) and caprine (n = 44) raw milk were collected monthly for a period of 9 mo (August 2016–April 2017), and ovine milk samples (n = 20) were collected for a period of 5 mo (August 2016–January 2017). Milk samples were subjected to biphasic extraction, and untargeted metabolite profiling was performed using 2 separate liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry analytical methods (polar metabolites and lipids). Major differences in the milk metabolome were observed between the 3 ruminant species, with 414 of 587 (71%) polar metabolite features and 210 of 233 (87%) lipid features being significantly different between species. Significant seasonal trends were observed in the polar metabolite fraction for bovine, caprine, and ovine milk (17, 24, and 32 metabolites, respectively), suggesting that the polar metabolite relative intensities of ovine and caprine milk were more susceptible to changes within seasons than bovine milk. We found no significant seasonal difference for the triglycerides (TG) species measured in bovine milk, whereas 3 and 52 TG species changed in caprine and ovine milk, respectively, across the seasons. In addition, 4 phosphatidylcholines and 2 phosphatidylethanolamines varied in caprine milk within the season, and 8 diglycerides varied in ovine milk. The interspecies and seasonal metabolite differences reported here provide a knowledge base of components potentially linked to milk physiochemical properties, and potential health benefits of New Zealand pasture-fed dairy ingredients.

Abstract Glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) monitors cellular glucose uptake. Astrocyte GLUT2 controls glucose counterregulatory hormone secretion. In vivo gene silencing and laser-catapult-microdissection tools were used here to investigate whether ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) GLUT2 may regulate dorsomedial (VMNdm) and/or ventrolateral (VMNvl) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission to control this endocrine outflow in female rats. VMN GLUT2 gene knockdown suppressed or stimulated hypoglycemia-associated glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)1 and GAD2 mRNA expression in VMNdm versus VMNvl GABAergic neurons, respectively. GLUT2 siRNA pretreatment also modified co-expressed transmitter marker gene profiles in each cell population. VMNdm GABA neurons exhibited GLUT2 knockdown-sensitive up-regulated 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha1 (AMPKα1) and -alpha2 (AMPKα2) transcripts during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic augmentation of VMNvl GABA neuron AMPKα2 was refractory to GLUT2 siRNA. GLUT2 siRNA blunted (VMNdm) or exacerbated (VMNvl) hypoglycemic stimulation of GABAergic neuron steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) mRNA. Results infer that VMNdm and VMNvl GABA neurons may exhibit divergent, GLUT2-dependent GABA neurotransmission patterns in the hypoglycemic female rat. Data also document differential GLUT2 regulation of VMNdm versus VMNvl GABA nerve cell SF-1 gene expression. Evidence for intensification of hypoglycemic hypercorticosteronemia and -glucagonemia by GLUT2 siRNA infers that VMN GLUT2 function imposes an inhibitory tone on these hormone profiles in this sex.

ABSTRACT The gut microbiome plays vital roles in human health, including mediating metabolism, immunity, and the gut-brain axis. Many ethnicities remain underrepresented in gut microbiome research, with significant variation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples due to dietary, socioeconomic, health, and urbanization differences. Although research regarding the microbiomes of Indigenous peoples is increasing, Māori microbiome literature is lacking despite widespread inequities that Māori populations face. These inequities likely contribute to gut microbiome differences that exacerbate negative health outcomes. Characterizing the gut microbiomes of underrepresented populations is necessary to inform efforts to address health inequities. However, for microbiome research to be culturally responsible and meaningful, study design must improve to better protect the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Here, we discuss barriers to Indigenous participation in research and the role disparities may play in shaping the gut microbiomes of Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on implications for Māori and areas for improvement.

ABSTRACT The introduction of solid foods to infants, also known as weaning, is a critical point for the development of the complex microbial community inhabiting the human colon, impacting host physiology in infancy and later in life. This research investigated in silico the impact of food-breastmilk combinations on growth and metabolite production by colonic microbes of New Zealand weaning infants using the metagenome-scale metabolic model named Microbial Community. Eighty-nine foods were individually combined with breastmilk, and the 12 combinations with the strongest influence on the microbial production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were identified. Fiber-rich and polyphenol-rich foods, like pumpkin and blackcurrant, resulted in the greatest increase in predicted fluxes of total SCFAs and individual fluxes of propionate and acetate when combined, respectively, with breastmilk. Identified foods were further combined with other foods and breastmilk, resulting in 66 multiple food-breastmilk combinations. These combinations altered in silico the impact of individual foods on the microbial production of SCFAs and BCFAs, suggesting that the interaction between the dietary compounds composing a meal is the key factor influencing colonic microbes. Blackcurrant combined with other foods and breastmilk promoted the greatest increase in the production of acetate and total SCFAs, while pork combined with other foods and breastmilk decreased the production of total BCFAs.IMPORTANCELittle is known about the influence of complementary foods on the colonic microbiome of weaning infants. Traditional in vitro and in vivo microbiome methods are limited by their resource-consuming concerns. Modeling approaches represent a promising complementary tool to provide insights into the behavior of microbial communities. This study evaluated how foods combined with other foods and human milk affect the production of short-chain fatty acids and branched-chain fatty acids by colonic microbes of weaning infants using a rapid and inexpensive in silico approach. Foods and food combinations identified here are candidates for future experimental investigations, helping to fill a crucial knowledge gap in infant nutrition.

BackgroundThe introduction of complementary foods during the first year of life influences the diversity of the gut microbiome. How this diversity affects immune development and health is unclear. ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effect of consuming kūmara or kūmara with added banana powder (resistant starch) compared to a reference control at 4 months post randomization on the prevalence of respiratory tract infections and the development of the gut microbiome. MethodsThis study is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of mothers and their 6-month-old infants (up to n=300) who have not yet started solids. Infants are randomized into one of 3 groups: control arm (C), standard kūmara intervention (K), and a kūmara intervention with added banana powder product (K+) to be consumed daily for 4 months until the infant is approximately 10 months old. Infants are matched for sex using stratified randomization. Data are collected at baseline (prior to commencing solid food) and at 2 and 4 months after commencing solid food (at around 8 and 10 months of age). Data and samples collected at each timepoint include weight and length, intervention adherence (months 2 and 4), illness and medication history, dietary intake (months 2 and 4), sleep (diary and actigraphy), maternal dietary intake, breast milk, feces (baseline and 4 months), and blood samples (baseline and 4 months). ResultsThe trial was approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health, New Zealand (reference 20/NTA/9). Recruitment and data collection did not commence until January 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection and analyses are expected to conclude in January 2024 and early 2025, respectively. Results are to be published in 2024 and 2025. ConclusionsThe results of this study will help us understand how the introduction of a specific prebiotic complementary food affects the microbiota and relative abundances of the microbial species, the modulation of immune development, and infant health. It will contribute to the expanding body of research that aims to deepen our understanding of the connections between nutrition, gut microbiota, and early-life postnatal health. Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000026921; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378654 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/56772

This paper discusses the concept and model to develop a prototype extracellular vesicle bulk-isolation device (EBID). It proposes an engineering design and potential ways to mitigate limitations in the currently available extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation techniques. A more convenient isolation technique is developed and presented to ensure production-scale isolation and purification of the specific size of EV (approximately 0.1 to 0.34 µm) from a large quantity of cell-culture media or biological fluid sources. A more appropriate design concept was established based on the chitosan-assisted precipitation of EV techniques and the membrane filtration technology-based prototype. After that, a novel theoretical model for bulk isolation of EVs was developed and presented using pressure-driven circulation and particulate flow in the EBID loop, where the EV production results from the biofluid flowing through the EBID membrane filter module (MFM). Governing equations are coupled with Darcy's law to investigate the biofluid flow behavior in the EBID MFM, therefore simulating the isolation process of EVs from their biofluids. The flow characteristics of the EV isolation process within the EBID MFM are theoretically simulated and discussed for improved isolation yield with a high degree of quality and purity.

Solar powered conversion / reduction of carbon dioxide into value added chemicals has been identified as one of the foremost challenges for materials science in the 21st century. Despite extensive research, product yield remained low and one of the primary factors has been the issue of competing adsorption of CO2 and water vapour on the catalyst surface. In this work we employ reduced graphene oxide wrapped TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2 - rGO) as a heterojunction photocatalyst and demonstrate that UV irradiation induces hydrophilicity on the TiO2 surface and, hydrophobicity on the rGO surface. The resulting photocatalyst shows 25 % higher yield of methane over that of untreated photocatalyst. Hence, UV irradiation induced tailoring of the hydrophilicity yields selective adsorption sites for the CO2 and water vapour leading to a significant enhancement of the methane yield through photocatalytic reduction process.

An increasing number of dairy farmers in New Zealand (NZ) have adopted a once-a-day (OAD) milking production system, and little is known about the impact of this production system on milk protein composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of OAD milking on the protein composition in milk from individual cows. Milk was sampled in early, mid-, and late lactation from cows kept at Massey University farms Dairy No. 1 (OAD milking) and Dairy No. 4 (TAD milking) in Palmerston North, NZ. The yields of total milk and milk solids, the proximate composition, and the protein composition were determined. Results showed that OAD milking yielded less milk and milk solids than TAD milking. However, no significant differences in protein, fat, and lactose contents were found. While the proportions of total casein (CN), total whey proteins, αs1-CN, β-CN, and β-lactoglobulin were not affected by the milking frequency, milk from a OAD milking system contained higher proportions of αs2-CN and κ-CN and lower proportions of α-lactalbumin. These proteins also changed differently throughout the milking season in a OAD milking system than in a TAD milking system. These changes in the protein composition of the milk observed in a OAD milking system could have implications for its processing properties and product quality.

Pyrolysis of solid fuels such as coal, peat and biomass enables conversion into solid and liquid products, with noncondensable gas being a by-product. The present study evaluates conversion characteristics of Brazilian coal, peat and biomass samples using vacuum pyrolysis techniques. Feedstock and their respective solid residues (chars) and pyrolytic liquids obtained under vacuum pyrolysis conditions were characterized by proximate and ultimate analyses, gross calorific value, petrographic analyses, reactivity to CO 2 , Raman spectroscopy and organic geochemical methods (extraction, liquid chromatography). Chemical and physical properties in the feedstock samples and solid residues are highly variable. In the coals mean vitrinite reflectances ranged from 0.44% to 1.18% Rrandom indicating a rank range from subbituminous to high volatile/medium volatile bituminous coal. Reflectance measurements obtained from vitrinoid particles identified in solid residues from coal, peat and biomass varied from 2.10% to 10.64% Rrandom. Analyses of the liquid products indicate a tendency of the aliphatic fraction to increase in most of the samples during the pyrolysis process, as well as the predominant formation of polar compounds in the condensable liquids. The results of this study suggest that among the coal samples investigated major conversion to liquids and gases (29.7%–33.2%) occurs in the high volatile bituminous coals from Santa Catarina, whereas in the biomass samples Mamona (Castor Beans), wood chips (Eucalyptus), wooden bars (pinus) and signal grass have all conversion rates > 60%. The conversion rates for the peat samples varied between 32.5 and 46.6%. Reflectance values determined on vitrinoid biomass chars indicate a potential use in soil amendment.

The plasma membrane glucose transporter (GLUT)-2 is unique among GLUT family proteins in that it also functions as a glucose sensor. GLUT2 imposes sex-dimorphic control of hypothalamic astrocyte glucose storage and catabolism by unknown mechanisms. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades operate within stress-sensitive signal transduction pathways. The present study employed an established primary astrocyte culture model and gene knockdown tools to investigate whether one or more of the three primary MAP kinase families are regulated by GLUT2. GLUT2 gene knockdown caused opposing adjustments in total ERK1/2 proteins in glucose-supplied male versus female astrocytes, augmenting or reducing the mean phosphorylated/total protein ratio for 44 and 42 kDa variants in these sexes. Glucose deprivation amplified this ratio for both ERK1/2 variants, albeit by a larger magnitude in males; GLUT2 siRNA exacerbated this stimulatory response in males only. Phosphorylated/total p38 MAPK protein ratios were up-regulated by GLUT2 knockdown in male, but not female astrocytes. Glucose-deprived astrocytes exhibited no change (male) or reduction (female) in this ratio after GLUT2 gene silencing. GLUT2 siRNA increased the phosphorylated/total protein ratio for 54 and 46 kDa SAPK/JNK proteins in each sex when glucose was present. However, glucose withdrawal suppressed (male) or amplified (female) these ratios, while GLUT2 knockdown attenuated these inverse responses. The results show that GLUT2 inhibits ERK1/2, p38, and SAPK/JNK MAPK activity in male astrocytes, but differentially stimulates and inhibits activity of these signaling pathways in female hypothalamic astrocytes. Glucoprivation induces divergent adjustments in astrocyte p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK activities. The findings demonstrate a stimulatory role for GLUT2 in p38 MAPK activation in glucose-starved female astrocytes, but it can act as either an inhibitor or inducer of SAPK/JNK activation in glucose-deprived male versus female glial cells, respectively.

The global dairy market has been increasingly diversified with more dairy product offerings of milk products from different animal species. Meanwhile, milk powders remain the main exported dairy product format due to their ease of transportation. In this work, we studied the structural changes, protein hydrolysis and nutrient delivery during dynamic gastric digestion and small intestinal digestion of cow, goat and sheep milk reconstituted from commercial whole milk powders. The results show that the reconstituted milks digest similarly to processed fresh milk. The digestion behaviors of the three reconstituted ruminant milks are broadly similar (gastric coagulation, kinetics of gastric emptying of protein and fat and the high digestibility in the small intestine) with some differences, which are likely contributed by the processing history of the milk powders. The delivery of individual amino acids to the small intestine differed between the early and late stages of gastric digestion, which were primarily affected by the abundance of amino acids in caseins and whey proteins but also by the difference between milk types associated with their gastric coagulation behaviors. This work showed that powdered milk is similar to fresh processed milk in digestion behavior, and the inherent differences between ruminant milks can be modified by processing treatments.

This present review explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) methods in analysing the prediction of thermophysical properties of nanofluids. Nanofluids, colloidal solutions comprising nanoparticles dispersed in various base fluids, have received significant attention for their enhanced thermal properties and broad application in industries ranging from electronics cooling to renewable energy systems. In particular, nanofluids’ complexity and non-linear behaviour necessitate advanced predictive models in heat transfer applications. The AI techniques, which include genetic algorithms (GAs) and machine learning (ML) methods, have emerged as powerful tools to address these challenges and offer novel alternatives to traditional mathematical and physical models. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and other AI algorithms are highlighted for their capacity to process large datasets and identify intricate patterns, thereby proving effective in predicting nanofluid thermophysical properties (e.g., thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity). This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of various published studies devoted to the thermal behaviour of nanofluids, where AI methods (like ANNs, support vector regression (SVR), and genetic algorithms) are employed to enhance the accuracy of predictions of their thermophysical properties. The reviewed works conclusively demonstrate the superiority of AI models over the classical approaches, emphasizing the role of AI in advancing research for nanofluids used in heat transfer applications.

Pharmacological stimulation/antagonism of astrocyte glio-peptide octadecaneuropeptide signaling alters ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) counterregulatory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and nitric oxide transmission. The current research used newly developed capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry methods to investigate hypoglycemia effects on VMN octadecaneuropeptide content, along with gene knockdown tools to determine if octadecaneuropeptide signaling regulates these transmitters during eu- and/or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia caused dissimilar adjustments in the octadecaneuropeptide precursor, i.e., diazepam-binding-inhibitor and octadecaneuropeptide levels in dorsomedial versus ventrolateral VMN. Intra-VMN diazepam-binding-inhibitor siRNA administration decreased baseline 67 and 65 kDa glutamate decarboxylase mRNA levels in GABAergic neurons laser-microdissected from each location, but only affected hypoglycemic transcript expression in ventrolateral VMN. This knockdown therapy imposed dissimilar effects on eu- and hypoglycemic glucokinase and 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha1 (AMPKα1) and -alpha2 (AMPKα2) gene profiles in dorsomedial versus ventrolateral GABAergic neurons. Diazepam-binding-inhibitor gene silencing up-regulated baseline (dorsomedial) or hypoglycemic (ventrolateral) nitrergic neuron neuronal nitric oxide synthase mRNA profiles. Baseline nitrergic cell glucokinase mRNA was up- (ventrolateral) or down- (dorsomedial) regulated by diazepam-binding-inhibitor siRNA, but knockdown enhanced hypoglycemic profiles in both sites. Nitrergic nerve cell AMPKα1 and -α2 transcripts exhibited division-specific responses to this genetic manipulation during eu- and hypoglycemia. Results document the utility of capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometric tools for quantification of ODN in small-volume brain tissue samples. Data show that hypoglycemia has dissimilar effects on ODN signaling in the two major neuroanatomical divisions of the VMN and that this glio-peptide imposes differential control of glucose-regulatory neurotransmission in the VMNdm versus VMNvl during eu- and hypoglycemia.

Abstract Copper iodide (CuI) thin films were prepared on a glass substrate by a facile high pressure (HP)‐PECVD method at room temperature. For this, CuI powder was dissolved in CH3CN. The CuI vapor with plasma was investigated by Optical Emission Spectroscopic (OES) data for identifying the species in the plasma. The XRD study reveals the polycrystalline nature of the films. The SEM analyses indicate the homogeneity of the films. The EDS mapping confirms that the thin films mostly consisted of carbon followed by nitrogen, copper and iodine, respectively. The band gaps of CuI thin films were in the range of ~2.71–3.14 eV. The high transmittance and band gap engineering in HP‐PECVD‐synthesized CuI thin films indicates their potential use as window and hole transport layers in low cost solar cells.

Ruminants’ milk is commonly used for supplying nutrients to infants when breast milk is unavailable or limited. Previous studies have highlighted the differences between ruminants’ milk composition, digestion, absorption, and fermentation. However, whether consuming different ruminants’ milk impact the appearance of the circulatory blood metabolites in the early postnatal life is not well understood. The analysis conducted here aimed to determine the effect of feeding exclusively whole milk from bovine, caprine or ovine species to pigs, approximately 7 days-old for 15 days, on circulatory blood plasma metabolites. Relative intensities of plasma metabolites were detected using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomic approach. Seven polar and 83 non-polar (lipids) metabolites in plasma were significantly different (false discovery rate

BackgroundThe rate of stomach emptying of milk from different ruminant species differs, suggesting that the small intestinal digestibility of nutrients could also differ across these milk types.ObjectiveTo determine the small intestinal amino acid (AA) digestibility of raw bovine, caprine, and ovine milk in the piglet as an animal model for the infant.MethodsSeven-day-old piglets (n = 12) consumed either bovine, caprine, or ovine milk diets for 15 days (n = 4 piglets/milk). On day 15, fasted piglets received a single meal of fresh raw milk normalized for protein content and containing the indigestible marker titanium dioxide. Entire gastrointestinal tract contents were collected at 210 min postprandially. Apparent AA digestibility (disappearance) in different regions of the small intestine was determined.ResultsOn average, 35% of the dietary AAs were apparently taken up in the small intestine during the first 210 min post-feeding, with 67% of the AA digestibility occurring in the first quarter (p ≤ 0.05) and 33% in the subsequent two quarters. Overall, except for isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, the small intestinal apparent digestibility of all AAs at 210 min postprandially in piglets fed ovine milk was, on average, 29% higher (p ≤ 0.05) than for those fed bovine milk. Except for lysine, there was no difference in the apparent digestibility (p > 0.05) of any AAs between piglets fed caprine milk or ovine milk. The apparent digestibility of alanine was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in piglets fed caprine milk than those fed bovine milk. When apparent digestibility was corrected for gastric AA retention, only small differences in the small intestinal apparent digestibility of AAs were observed across milk types.ConclusionBovine, caprine and ovine milk had different apparent small intestinal AA digestibility at 210 min postprandially. When corrected for gastric AA retention, the differences in apparent digestibility across species largely disappeared. The apparent AA digestibility differed across small intestinal locations.

Abstract Background The risk of recurrence after completion of curative‐intent treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is hard to predict. Post‐treatment assaying for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an encouraging approach for stratifying patients for therapy, but the prognostic value of this approach is less explored. This study aimed to determine if detection of methylated BCAT1 and IKZF1 following completion of initial treatment identified patients with a poorer recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Methods 142 CRC stage I‐III cases with at least 2 years of follow up (unless recurrence was evident sooner) and a methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 test result between 2 weeks and 12 months after completion of initial treatment were eligible for study inclusion. The association between BCAT1/IKZF1 and RFS was assessed by the log‐rank (Mantel‐Cox) method. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used for multivariable survival analysis. Results Thirty‐three (23.2%) had recurrence at a median 1.6y (interquartile range: 0.8–2.4). Methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 was detected in 19 of the 142 patients (13.4%) and was associated with a significant risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 5.7, 95%CI: 1.9–17.3, p = 0.002). Three‐year RFS for patients with or without detectable methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 was 56.5% and 83.3%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that detection of methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 (HR = 2.6, p = 0.049) and site of the primary tumor (HR = 4.2, p = 0.002) were the only significant prognostic indicators of poor RFS. Conclusions BCAT1/IKZF1 methylation testing after curative‐intent treatment is an independent prognostic indicator for RFS and identifies a subgroup at high risk. Personalized surveillance is warranted for patients with these ctDNA biomarkers detectable after curative‐intent treatment.

In comparison with single-phase materials, heterostructures have been known for superior water splitting applications. In this study, Cu2O and NiFe2O4 are chosen to fabricate thin film heterostructures. Cu2O is electrodeposited at 60 °C for 5 min on ITO-coated glass substrates using three-electrode system. After deposition, the phase formation is confirmed using powder x-ray diffraction studies. The NiFe2O4 (NFO) thin films are deposited using RF sputtering method at room temperature for 2 h on Cu2O/ITO substrates to obtain NFO/Cu2O/ITO Type-II heterostructure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) cross-sectional images show that the thickness of NFO layer is 120 nm and Cu2O layer is 1.5 µm. The photocurrent density of Cu2O on ITO is 0.08 ± 0.002 mA/cm2, and it increased to 0.12 ± 0.002 mA/cm2 after adding NFO layer on Cu2O film due to Type-II heterojunction formation.

We have grown α -Fe _2 O _3 nanorods by solution processing followed by the deposition of Al _2 O _3 overlayer using atomic layer deposition. Al _2 O _3 layer was deposited for two different thicknesses 4 nm and 8 nm and a post-deposition annealing at 550 °C for 2 h in air atmosphere was performed. Crystallinity analysis through x-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the α -Fe _2 O _3 nanorods crystallized into rhombohedral structure, whereas the outer Al _2 O _3 layers remained largely amorphous. Interestingly, the interface showed signs of AlFe _x O _y formation as observed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Gas sensing characteristics were studied using NO _2 with 10, 50, and 100 ppm concentrations at operating temperatures of 30 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C and 190 °C. The room temperature sensitivity values obtained in response to 10 ppm NO _2 were 31%, which surpassed the previously reported values. A higher concentration of surface adsorbed oxygen on the Al _2 O _3 overlayer, as revealed by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, led to enhanced NO _2 sensing at room temperature. A lower activation energy (0.29 eV) of barrier to charge transport for Al _2 O _3 coated α -Fe _2 O _3 nanorods compared to that of bare nanorods (0.45 eV), as calculated from the temperature dependent I-V measurements, supported observation of higher sensitivity at room temperature.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose is a crucial step to improve the efficiency and selectivity of membrane-based separations toward the recovery of milk oligosaccharides free from simple sugars. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects temperature (25.9 to 54.1 °C) and amount of enzyme (0.17 to 0.32% w/w) at 1, 2, and 4 h of reaction on the efficiency of lactose hydrolysis by Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase, preservation of major goat whey oligosaccharides, and on the de-novo formation of oligosaccharides. Lactose hydrolysis above 99% was achieved at 1, 2, and 4 h, not being significantly affected by temperature and amount of enzyme within the tested conditions. Formation of 4 Hexose (Hex) and 4 Hex 1 Hex and an increased de-novo formation of 2 Hex 1 N-Acetyl-Neuraminic Acid (NeuAc) and 2 Hex 1 N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) was observed in all treatments. Overall, processing conditions using temperatures ≤40 °C and enzyme concentration ≤0.25% resulted in higher preservation/formation of goat whey oligosaccharides.

Heat treatment and homogenization of milk are common processing steps intended to reduce microbial load for safe human consumption, and to avoid creaming, respectively. Although the effects of combined pasteurization and homogenization on free fatty acids (FFA) and lipid oxidation markers such as hydroperoxides, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) have been well characterized, their effects on primary oxidized fatty acids known as oxylipins have not yet been determined. This study aimed to determine the effects of two heat treatments: milk pasteurization [high-temperature short time, 72°C for 15 s (HTST)] and sterilization [ultra-high temperature, 135°C for 3 s (UHT)] with or without homogenization (10, 17 or 24 MPa) on FFA (%), primary (hydroperoxides and oxylipins) and secondary oxidation compounds (TBARS). Heat treatments alone significantly reduced most oxylipins compared with raw milk, but did not alter % FFA, hydroperoxide, and TBARS levels. The combination of UHT and homogenization at 24 MPa increased % FFA, hydroperoxide value, and some oxylipins, compared to raw milk and other treatments. Overall, the combination of heat treatment and homogenization significantly increased oxylipin formation compared with heat treatment alone.

OBJECTIVES:. To compare the relative efficacy of pharmacologic interventions in the prevention of delirium in ICU trauma patients. DATA SOURCES:. We searched Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Embase, and Cochrane Registry of Clinical Trials from database inception until June 7, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials comparing pharmacologic interventions in critically ill trauma patients. STUDY SELECTION:. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. DATA EXTRACTION:. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines for network analysis were followed. Random-effects models were fit using a Bayesian approach to network meta-analysis. Between-group comparisons were estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, each with 95% credible intervals. Treatment rankings were estimated for each outcome in the form of surface under the cumulative ranking curve values. DATA SYNTHESIS:. A total 3,541 citations were screened; six randomized clinical trials (n = 382 patients) were included. Compared with combined propofol-dexmedetomidine, there may be no difference in delirium prevalence with dexmedetomidine (HR 1.44, 95% CI 0.39–6.94), propofol (HR 2.38, 95% CI 0.68–11.36), nor haloperidol (HR 3.38, 95% CI 0.65–21.79); compared with dexmedetomidine alone, there may be no effect with propofol (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.79–3.69) nor haloperidol (HR 2.30, 95% CI 0.88–6.61). CONCLUSIONS:. The results of this network meta-analysis suggest that there is no difference found between pharmacologic interventions on delirium occurrence, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, or mortality, in trauma ICU patients.

Background and aimsDaily kiwifruit (KF) consumption has been associated with improved sleep quality, but underlying physiological mechanisms are unknown. This study examined acute effects of fresh and dried green KF, compared with a water control, on sleep quality, mood, and urinary serotonin and melatonin metabolite concentrations.Methods24 men (age: 29 ± 1 years, body mass index: 24 ± 1 kg/m2) with poor (n = 12) or good (n = 12) sleep quality participated in a randomized, single-blind crossover study. One of three treatments was consumed with a standardized evening meal; (1) the flesh of two fresh green KF, (2) dried green KF powder (including skin; equivalent to dry matter of two fresh KF) mixed with water, or (3) a water control, in their own home. Subjective and objective sleep quality, mood, waking urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), vitamin C and B-vitamin concentrations were determined.ResultsRegardless of sleep quality group, compared to control, morning sleepiness, alertness upon awakening, and vigor were improved (p

Abstract Background The introduction of complementary foods and changes in milk feeding result in modifications to gastrointestinal function. The interplay between indigestible carbohydrates, host physiology, and microbiome, and immune system development are areas of intense research relevant to early and later-life health. Methods This 6-month prospective non-randomised feasibility study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ), in January 2018. Forty parents/caregivers and their infants were enrolled, with 30 infants allocated to receive a prebiotic NZ kūmara (flesh and skin; a type of sweet potato) prepared as a freeze-dried powder, and ten infants allocated to receive a commercially available probiotic control known to show relevant immune benefits (109 CFU Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®). The primary outcome was the study feasibility measures which are reported here. Results Recruitment, participant retention, and data collection met feasibility targets. Some limitations to biological sample collection were encountered, with difficulties in obtaining sufficient plasma sample volumes for the proposed immune parameter analyses. Acceptability of the kūmara powder was met with no reported adverse events. Conclusion This study indicates that recruiting infants before introducing complementary foods is feasible, with acceptable adherence to the food-based intervention. These results will inform the protocol of a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) with adjustments to the collection of biological samples to examine the effect of a prebiotic food on the prevalence of respiratory tract infections during infancy. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000157279 . Prospectively registered on 02/01/2018.

This study investigated whether heat treatments (raw, 63 °C for 30 min, and 85 °C for 5 min) affect protein hydrolysis by endogenous enzymes in the milk of ruminants (bovine, ovine, and caprine) using a self-digestion model. Self-digestion consisted of the incubation for six hours at 37 °C of the ruminants’ milk. Free amino group concentration was measured by the o-phthaldialdehyde method, and peptide sequences were identified by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that heat treatments prior to self-digestion decreased the free NH2 by 59% in bovine milk heated at 85 °C/5 min, and by 44 and 53% in caprine milk heated at 63 °C/30 min and 85 °C/5 min, respectively. However, after self-digestion, only new free amino groups were observed for the raw and heated at 63 °C/30 min milk. β-Casein was the most cleaved protein in the raw and heated at 63 °C/30 min bovine milk. A similar trend was observed in raw ovine and caprine milk. Self-digestion increased 6.8-fold the potential antithrombin peptides in the bovine milk heated at 63 °C/30 min. Enhancing bioactive peptide abundance through self-digestion has potential applications in the industry for functional products. Overall, heat treatments affected the free amino groups according to the species and heat treatment applied, which was reflected in the varying degrees of cleaved peptide bonds and peptides released during self-digestion.

Background & Aims: Single immunoglobulin interleukin-1–related receptor (SIGIRR) is a major inhibitor of Toll-like receptor signaling. Our laboratory identified a novel SIGIRR stop mutation (p.Y168X) in an infant who died of severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Herein, we investigated the mechanisms by which SIGIRR mutations induce Toll-like receptor hyper-responsiveness in the neonatal gut, disrupting postnatal intestinal adaptation. Methods: Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 was used to generate transgenic mice encoding the SIGIRR p.Y168X mutation. Ileal lysates, mouse intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lysates, and intestinal sections were used to assess inflammation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, microRNA (miRNA), and interleukin-1–related–associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) expression. Western blot, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), and luciferase assays were performed to investigate SIGIRR–STAT3 signaling in human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC) expressing wild-type or SIGIRR (p.Y168X) plasmids. Results: SigirrTg mice showed increased intestinal inflammation and nuclear factor-κB activation concomitant with decreased IEC expression of miR-146a and miR-155. Mechanistic studies in HIECs showed that although SIGIRR induced STAT3-mediated expression of miR-146a and miR-155, the p.Y168X mutation disrupted SIGIRR-mediated STAT3-dependent miRNA expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays showed that SIGIRR activation of STAT3-induced miRNA expression is dependent on IRAK1. Both in HIECs and in the mouse intestine, decreased expression of miR-146a observed with the p.Y168X mutation increased expression of IRAK1, a protein whose down-regulation is important for postnatal gut adaptation. Conclusions: Our results uncover a novel pathway (SIGIRR–STAT3–miRNA–IRAK1 repression) by which SIGIRR regulates postnatal intestine adaptation, which is disrupted by a SIGIRR mutation identified in human NEC. These data provide new insights into how human genetic mutations in SIGIRR identified in NEC result in loss of postnatal intestinal immune tolerance.

Marine sedimentation rate and bottom-water O2 concentration control organic carbon remineralization and sequestration across continental margins, but whether and how they shape microbiome architecture (the ultimate effector of all biogeochemical phenomena) across shelf and slope sediments is still unclear. Here we reveal distinct microbiome structures and functions, amidst comparable pore fluid chemistries, along 300 cm sediment horizons underlying the seasonal (shallow coastal; water depth: 31 m) and perennial (deep sea; water depths: 530 and 580 m) oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) of the Arabian Sea, situated across the western Indian margin. The sedimentary geomicrobiology was elucidated by analyzing metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, enrichment cultures, and depositional rates measured via radiocarbon and lead excess dating; the findings were then evaluated in light of the other geochemical data available for the cores. Along the perennial-OMZ sediment cores, microbial communities were dominated by Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria, but in the seasonal-OMZ core communities were dominated by Euryarchaeota and Firmicutes. As a perennial-OMZ signature, a cryptic methane production–consumption cycle was found to operate near the sediment surface, within the sulfate reduction zone; overall diversity, as well as the relative abundances of anaerobes requiring simple fatty acids (methanogens, anaerobic methane oxidizers, sulfate reducers, and acetogens), peaked in the topmost sediment layer and then declined via synchronized fluctuations until the sulfate–methane transition zone was reached. The microbiome profile was completely reversed in the seasonal-OMZ sediment horizon. In the perennial-OMZ sediments, deposited organic carbon was higher in concentration and rich in marine components that degrade readily to simple fatty acids; simultaneously, lower sedimentation rate afforded higher O2 exposure time for organic matter degradation despite perennial hypoxia in the bottom water. The resultant abundance of reduced carbon substrates eventually sustained multiple inter-competing microbial processes in the upper sediment layers. The entire geomicrobial scenario was opposite in the sediments of the seasonal OMZ. These findings create a microbiological baseline for understanding carbon–sulfur cycling in distinct depositional settings and water column oxygenation regimes across the continental margins.

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has co-evolved with the host in an intricate relationship for mutual benefit, however, inappropriate development of this relationship can have detrimental effects. The developing GI microbiota plays a vital role during the first 1,000 days of postnatal life, during which occurs parallel development and maturation of the GI tract, immune system, and brain. Several factors such as mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, exposure to antibiotics, host genetics, and nutrition affect the establishment and resultant composition of the GI microbiota, and therefore play a role in shaping host development. Nutrition during the first 1,000 days is considered to have the most potential in shaping microbiota structure and function, influencing its interactions with the immune system in the GI tract and consequent impact on brain development. The importance of the microbiota-GI-brain (MGB) axis is also increasingly recognized for its importance in these developmental changes. This narrative review focuses on the importance of the GI microbiota and the impact of nutrition on MGB axis during the immune system and brain developmental period in early postnatal life of infants.

Fe2O3 is a stable and low bandgap photocatalyst capable of absorbing a wide range of solar spectra. However, a shorter hole diffusion length impedes its performance as an efficient photocatalyst. The formation of a type II heterojunction is an effective approach to facilitate the quick separation of photogenerated carriers. In this work, we report photo-electrochemical characteristics of WS2 functionalized Fe2O3 nanorod arrays fabricated on FTO coated glass substrate. The Fe2O3 nanorods fabricated by chemical bath deposition and WS2 nanosheets by the hydrothermal technique are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical absorption, Raman spectra, and FT-IR. A heterojunction architecture formed between these resulted in a higher photocurrent density compared to that of bare Fe2O3 nanorods. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky measurements reveal lower charge transfer resistance and higher interfacial charge density for WS2 functionalized Fe2O3 nanorods. An energy band diagram for the heterojunction has been proposed to show the charge separation at the interface.

When describing motion along both the horizontal and vertical axes, languages from different families express the elements encoding verticality before those coding for horizontality (e.g., going up right instead of right up). In light of the motor grounding of language, the present study investigated whether the prevalence of verticality in Path expression also governs the trajectory of arm biological movements. Using a 3D virtual-reality setting, we tracked the kinematics of hand pointing movements in five spatial directions, two of which implied the vertical and horizontal vectors equally (i.e., up right +45° and bottom right −45°). Movement onset could be prompted by visual or auditory verbal cues, the latter being canonical in French (“en haut à droite”/up right) or not (“à droite en haut”/right up). In two experiments, analyses of the index finger kinematics revealed a significant effect of gravity, with earlier acceleration, velocity, and deceleration peaks for upward (+45°) than downward (−45°) movements, irrespective of the instructions. Remarkably, confirming the linguistic observations, we found that vertical kinematic parameters occurred earlier than horizontal ones for upward movements, both for visual and congruent verbal cues. Non-canonical verbal instructions significantly affected this temporal dynamic: for upward movements, the horizontal and vertical components temporally aligned, while they reversed for downward movements where the kinematics of the vertical axis was delayed with respect to that of the horizontal one. This temporal dynamic is so deeply anchored that non-canonical verbal instructions allowed for horizontality to precede verticality only for movements that do not fight against gravity. Altogether, our findings provide new insights into the embodiment of language by revealing that linguistic path may reflect the organization of biological movements, giving priority to the vertical axis.

Abstract Alternative promoter usage generates long and short isoforms (DCLK1-L and DCLK1-S) of doublecortin-like kinase-1 (DCLK1). Tight control of Notch signaling is important to prevent and restitute inflammation in the intestine. Our aim was to investigate whether Notch1–DCLK1 axis regulates the mucosal immune responses to infection and whether this is phenocopied in human models of colitis. In the FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) sections prepared from the colons of ulcerative colitis (UC) and immune-mediated colitis (IRAEC) patients, expression of DCLK1 isoforms correlated positively with Notch1 and negatively with a transcriptional repressor, FoxD3 (Forkhead Box D3). DCLK1 protein staining in these sections was predominantly sub-epithelial (stromal) wherein DCLK1 co-localized with NICD, CD68, CD11c, and neutrophil elastase (NE). NE also co-stained with Citrullinated-H3 indicating the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps. In human neutrophils, elevated levels of DCLK1-S, CXCL-10, Ly6G, MPO, NE, and Notch1/2 in LPS-treated cells were inhibited when LPS was added in conjunction with Notch blocker dibenzazepine (DBZ; LPS + DBZ group). In CR-infected Rag1 −/− mice, higher levels of DCLK1 in the colonic crypts were inhibited when mice received DBZ for 10 days coincident with significant dysbiosis, barrier disruption, and colitis. Concurrently, DCLK1 immunoreactivity shifted toward the stroma in CR + DBZ mice with predominance of DCLK1-S that coincided with higher Notch1 levels. Upon antibiotic treatment, partial restoration of crypt DCLK1, reduction in MPO activity, and increased survival followed. When intestinal epithelial cell-specific Dclk1-knockout (Dclk1 ΔIEC ) or Dclk1 ΔIEC ;Rag1 −/− double knockout (DKO) mice were infected with CR and given a single dose of DBZ, they developed barrier defect and severe colitis with higher levels of stromal DCLK1-S, Ly6G, NE, and Notch1. We therefore propose that, by regulating the mucosal immune responses, the Notch–DCLK1 axis may be integral to the development of murine or human colitis.

While infant formula is usually bovine milk-based, interest in other ruminant milk-based formulas is growing. However, whether different ruminant milk treatments with varying nutrient compositions influence the infant’s brain development remains unknown. The aim was to determine the effects of consuming bovine, caprine, or ovine milk on brain gene expression in the early postnatal period using a pig model of the human infant. Starting at postnatal day 7 or 8, pigs were exclusively fed bovine, ovine, or caprine milk for 15 days. The mRNA abundance of 77 genes in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum regions was measured at postnatal day 21 or 22 using NanoString. The expression level of two hippocampal and nine striatal genes was most affected by milk treatments, particularly ovine milk. These modulatory genes are involved in glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, adrenaline and neurotrophin signaling and the synaptic vesicle cycle. The expression level of genes involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling was associated with pigs’ lactose intake. In contrast, milk treatments did not affect the mRNA abundance of the genes in the prefrontal cortex. This study provides the first evidence of the association of different ruminant milk treatments with brain gene expression related to cognitive function in the first 3 months of postnatal life.

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbons is one of the most sought-after approaches as it not only helps for its mitigation and utilization but does so through the renewable solar energy. Development of suitable materials and protocols to achieve better efficiency in photoconversion has been projected as one of the grand challenges in the 21st century. However, the stability of CO2 leads to a high thermodynamic barrier for its conversion into value added chemicals. In this work, we report the design and fabrication of novel three-component nanostructured photocatalyst material comprising TiO2 nanotube arrays, reduced graphene oxide and Pt nanoparticles. TiO2 nanotubes fabricated by electrochemical anodization are functionalized by chemically deposited graphene oxide layers and Pt particles deposited by sputtering technique. The photocatalysts are characterized for the crystallinity, morphology, and composition through XRD, FE-SEM and EDAX studies. Such a combination ensures easier separation of photogenerated charges as well as better catalytic activity. Further, the photoreduction experiments are carried out at moderately higher temperature of about 80 °C and at about 1.8 atm pressure in an indigenously designed batch reactor to partly overcome the thermodynamic barrier. We have achieved a high methane generation rate of about 3.42 mmol/g/hr. The possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Milk structural assemblies (e.g., casein micelles) occur naturally and can be altered during processing, and this may influence the milk’s nutritional properties. Heat treatment of dairy ensures microbiological safety and extends shelf-life. Both pasteurisation and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing are known to alter natural structural assemblies, but despite widespread use, only four human studies have addressed how heat treatment affects nutrient delivery. In vitro, animal, and human models have all shown more rapid nutrient release or appearance from UHT vs. pasteurised milk, with altered gastric emptying rate proposed as a mechanism. We hypothesised that differences in bovine milk structural assemblies arising from different processing methods would speed up gastric emptying and nutrient delivery following consumption of UHT relative to pasteurised milk. A randomised double-blind crossover trial assessed gastric emptying rate (using magnetic resonance imaging measuring gastric content volume) over 3 h and plasma amino acid appearance (using ultra-performance liquid chromatography) over 5 h following 500 mL of each milk in healthy women (n = 20). Gastric electrical activity was measured using body surface gastric mapping, and abdominal distension using stretch sensors. The time to empty 25% of the stomach contents was greater following UHT vs. pasteurised milk (45 ± 4 vs. 33 ± 4 min p < 0.05). While gastric content remained greater for longer following UHT milk, the incremental area under the curve of plasma essential amino acids was greater than pasteurised milk (55324 ± 3809 vs. 36598 ± 5673 μmol·min·L−1 p < 0.05). The greater amino acid appearance following UHT milk aligns with more rapid release of proteins from the gastric curd observed in vitro, yet the greater gastric content volume implies gastric content composition (e.g., solid vs. liquid) is an important determinant of nutrient release. Dairy processing using different heat treatments, which induced structural modifications, impacted gastric emptying and plasma amino acid appearance, with implications for appetite regulation and nutrient utilisation for metabolism.

Abstract Developing point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic platforms for carcinoembryonic antigen detection is essential. However, thefew implementations of transferring the signal amplification strategies in electrochemical sensing on paper-based platforms are not satisfactory in terms of detection limit (LOD). In the quest for pushing down LOD, majority of the research has been targeted towards development of improved nanostructured substrates for entrapping more analyte molecules and augmenting the electron transfer rate to the working electrode. But, such approaches have reached saturation. This paper focuses on enhancing the mass transport of the analyte towards the sensor surface through the application of an electric field, in graphene-ZnO nanorods heterostructure. These hybrid nanostructures have been deposited on flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrates with screen printed electrodes for PoC application. The ZnO nanorods have been functionalized with aptamers and the working sensor has been integrated with smartphone interfaced indigenously developed low cost potentiostat. The performance of the system, requiring only 50 µl analyte has been evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and validated against commercially available ELISA kit. Limit of detection of 1 fg/ml in human serum with 6.5% coefficient of variation has been demonstrated, which is more than three orders of magnitude lower than the existing attempts on PoC device.

Abstract Background Hydrogen cross-feeding microbes form a functionally important subset of the human colonic microbiota. The three major hydrogenotrophic functional groups of the colon: sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), methanogens and reductive acetogens, have been linked to wide ranging impacts on host physiology, health and wellbeing. Results An existing mathematical model for microbial community growth and metabolism was combined with models for each of the three hydrogenotrophic functional groups. The model was further developed for application to the colonic environment via inclusion of responsive pH, host metabolite absorption and the inclusion of host mucins. Predictions of the model, using two existing metabolic parameter sets, were compared to experimental faecal culture datasets. Model accuracy varied between experiments and measured variables and was most successful in predicting the growth of high relative abundance functional groups, such as the Bacteroides, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Two versions of the colonic model were developed: one representing the colon with sequential compartments and one utilising a continuous spatial representation. When applied to the colonic environment, the model predicted pH dynamics within the ranges measured in vivo and SCFA ratios comparable to those in the literature. The continuous version of the model simulated relative abundances of microbial functional groups comparable to measured values, but predictions were sensitive to the metabolic parameter values used for each functional group. Sulphate availability was found to strongly influence hydrogenotroph activity in the continuous version of the model, correlating positively with SRB and sulphide concentration and negatively with methanogen concentration, but had no effect in the compartmentalised model version. Conclusions Although the model predictions compared well to only some experimental measurements, the important features of the colon environment included make it a novel and useful contribution to modelling the colonic microbiota.

Abstract A tool can function as a body part yet not feel like one: Putting down a fork after dinner does not feel like losing a hand. However, studies show fake body-parts are embodied and experienced as parts of oneself. Typically, embodiment illusions have only been reported when the fake body-part visually resembles the real one. Here we reveal that participants can experience an illusion that a mechanical grabber, which looks scarcely like a hand, is part of their body. We found changes in three signatures of embodiment: the real hand’s perceived location, the feeling that the grabber belonged to the body, and autonomic responses to visible threats to the grabber. These findings show that artificial objects can become embodied even though they bear little visual resemblance to the hand.

Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by innate immune cells can attenuate pro-inflammatory responses. Silent nAChR agonists, which down-modulate inflammation but have little or no ionotropic activity, are of outstanding clinical interest for the prevention and therapy of numerous inflammatory diseases. Here, we compare two silent nAChR agonists, phosphocholine, which is known to interact with nAChR subunits α7, α9, and α10, and pCF3-N,N-diethyl-N′-phenyl-piperazine (pCF3-diEPP), a previously identified α7 nAChR silent agonist, regarding their anti-inflammatory properties and their effects on ionotropic nAChR functions. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of interleukin (IL)-6 by primary murine macrophages was inhibited by pCF3-diEPP, while phosphocholine was ineffective presumably because of instability. In human whole blood cultures pCF3-diEPP inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. The ATP-mediated release of IL-1β by LPS-primed human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes, monocytic THP-1 cells and THP-1-derived M1-like macrophages was reduced by both phosphocholine and femtomolar concentrations of pCF3-diEPP. These effects were sensitive to mecamylamine and to conopeptides RgIA4 and [V11L; V16D]ArIB, suggesting the involvement of nAChR subunits α7, α9 and/or α10. In two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements pCF3-diEPP functioned as a partial agonist and a strong desensitizer of classical human α9 and α9α10 nAChRs. Interestingly, pCF3-diEPP was more effective as an ionotropic agonist at these nAChRs than at α7 nAChR. In conclusion, phosphocholine and pCF3-diEPP are potent agonists at unconventional nAChRs expressed by monocytic and macrophage-like cells. pCF3-diEPP inhibits the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while phosphocholine is ineffective. However, both agonists signal via nAChR subunits α7, α9 and/or α10 to efficiently down-modulate the ATP-induced release of IL-1β. Compared to phosphocholine, pCF3-diEPP is expected to have better pharmacological properties. Thus, low concentrations of pCF3-diEPP may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including trauma-induced sterile inflammation.

Butterflies are concerned with scrupulous ecosystem’s productivity. Their diversity and richness indicate affluence in natural variety and resource cock-and-bull story. The present study reports 40 butterfly species of 5 families, which were obtained from an investigation conducted over a period of six months, from June 2020 to November 2020, in five different areas of Dinhata subdivision, West Bengal, India, via camera photography documentation, visual observation and by confined populace. Out of 40 species, 18 species belong to Nymphalidae, 9 species belong to Pieridae, 9 species belong to Lycaenidae, 3 species belong to Papilionidae, and 1 species belongs to Hesperiidae correspondingly. Nymphalidae was recorded as the most prevailing family owing to their species richness and greater abundance than the others. Alpha diversity indices and Whittaker’s Beta Diversity indices were calculated for all the sites. Pollinator butterflies’ abundance and diversity were not deliberated in the past at the above region. On the whole, in this task, we endeavoured to estimate the diversity of butterflies, but no scientific observation was done here to explicate how their richness and diversity in reality have an effect on natural production.

Abstract Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a key enzyme catalyzing ceramide glycosylation to generate glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which in turn serves as the precursor for cells to produce glycosphingolipids (GSLs). In cell membranes, GSLs serve as essential components of GSL‐enriched microdomains (GEMs) and mediate membrane functions and cell behaviors. Previous studies showed that ceramide glycosylation correlates with upregulated expression of p53 hotspot mutant R273H and cancer drug resistance. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We report herewith that globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) is associated with cSrc kinase in GEMs and plays a crucial role in modulating expression of p53 R273H mutant and drug resistance. Colon cancer cell lines, either WiDr homozygous for missense‐mutated TP53 (R273H+/+) or SW48/TP53‐Dox bearing heterozygous TP53 mutant (R273H/+), display drug resistance with increased ceramide glycosylation. Inhibition of GCS with Genz‐161 (GENZ 667161) resensitized cells to apoptosis in these p53 mutant‐carrying cancer cells. Genz‐161 effectively inhibited GCS activity, and substantially suppressed the elevated Gb3 levels seen in GEMs of p53‐mutant cells exposed to doxorubicin. Complex formation between Gb3 and cSrc in GEMs to activate β‐catenin was detected in both cultured cells and xenograft tumors. Suppression of ceramide glycosylation significantly decreased Gb3‐cSrc in GEMs, β‐catenin, and methyltransferase‐like 3 for m6A RNA methylation, thus altering pre‐mRNA splicing, resulting in upregulated expression of wild‐type p53 protein, but not mutants, in cells carrying p53 R273H. Altogether, increased Gb3‐cSrc complex in GEMs of membranes in response to anticancer drug induced cell stress promotes expression of p53 mutant proteins and accordant cancer drug resistance.

To explore the potential role of tetrathionate in the sedimentary sulfur cycle, population ecology of microorganisms capable of metabolizing this polythionate was revealed at 15–30 cm resolution along two, ∼3 m long, cores collected from 530 and 580 m below the sea level, off India's west coast, within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the Arabian Sea. Metagenome analysis along the cores revealed widespread occurrence of genes involved in the formation, oxidation, and reduction of tetrathionate; high diversity and relative abundance were also detected for bacteria that are known to render these metabolisms in vitro. Results of slurry culture of the sediment samples in thiosulfate- or tetrathionate-containing microbial growth media, data obtained via pure-culture isolation, and finally metatranscriptome analyses corroborated the in situ functionality of the tetrathionate-forming, tetrathionate-oxidizing, and tetrathionate-reducing microorganisms. Ion chromatography of pore waters revealed the presence of up to 11.1 µM thiosulfate in the two cores, whereas tetrathionate remained undetected in spectroscopic assay based on its reaction with cyanide. While thiosulfate oxidation by chemolithotrophic bacteria prevalent in situ is the apparent source of tetrathionate in this ecosystem, high biochemical and geochemical reactivity of this polythionate could be instrumental in its cryptic status in the sulfur cycle. Potential abiotic origin of tetrathionate in the sediment horizon explored could neither be ruled out nor confirmed from the geochemical information available. On the other hand, tetrathionate potentially present in the system can be either oxidized to sulfate or reduced back to thiosulfate/sulfide via chemolithotrophic oxidation and respiration by native bacterial populations, respectively. Up to 2.01 mM sulfide present in the sediment cores may also reduce tetrathionate abiotically to thiosulfate and elemental sulfur. However, in the absence of measured data for O2 or other oxyanions having possibilities of serving as electron acceptors, the biogeochemical modalities of the oxidative half of the tetrathionate cycle remained unresolved.

Abstract Background Understanding the metabolic and lipidomic changes that accompany bone loss in osteoporosis might provide insights about the mechanisms behind molecular changes and facilitate developing new drugs or nutritional strategies for osteoporosis prevention. This study aimed to examine the effects of short- or long-term glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis on plasma metabolites and lipids of ovariectomized (OVX) sheep. Methods Twenty-eight aged ewes were divided randomly into four groups: an OVX group, OVX in combination with glucocorticoids for two months (OVXG2), and OVX in combination with five doses of glucocorticoids (OVXG5) to induce bone loss, and a control group. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomic analysis was applied to monthly plasma samples to follow the progression of osteoporosis over five months. Results The metabolite profiles revealed significant differences in the plasma metabolome of OVX sheep and OVXG when compared with the control group by univariate analysis. Nine metabolites were altered, namely 5-methoxytryptophan, valine, methionine, tryptophan, glutaric acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 5-hydroxylysine and malic acid. Similarly, fifteen lipids were perturbed from multiple lipid classes such as lysophoslipids, phospholipids and ceramides. Conclusion This study showed that OVX and glucocorticoid interventions altered the metabolite and lipid profiles of sheep, suggesting that amino acid and lipid metabolisms are potentially the main perturbed metabolic pathways regulating bone loss in OVX sheep.