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ABSTRACTAdar-mediated adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing mainly occurs in nucleus and diversifies the transcriptome in a flexible manner. It has been a challenging task to identify beneficial editing sites from the sea of total editing events. The functional Ser>Gly auto-recoding site in insect Adar gene has uneditable Ser codons in ancestral nodes, indicating the selective advantage to having an editable status. Here, we extended this case study to more metazoan species, and also looked for all Drosophila recoding events with potential uneditable synonymous codons. Interestingly, in D. melanogaster, the abundant nonsynonymous editing is enriched in the codons that have uneditable counterparts, but the Adar Ser>Gly case suggests that the editable orthologous codons in other species are not necessarily edited. The use of editable versus ancestral uneditable codon is a smart way to infer the selective advantage of RNA editing, and priority might be given to these editing sites for functional studies due to the feasibility to construct an uneditable allele. Our study proposes an idea to narrow down the candidates of beneficial recoding sites. Meanwhile, we stress that the matched transcriptomes are needed to verify the conservation of editing events during evolution.

Microbial symbionts range from mutualistic to commensal to antagonistic. While these roles are distinct in their outcome, they are also fluid in a changing environment. Here, we used the Lotus japonicus-Mesorhizobium japonicum symbiosis to investigate short-term and long-term shifts in population abundance using an effective, fast, and low-cost tracking methodology for M. japonicum. We use quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to track previously generated signature-tagged M. japonicum mutants targeting the Tn5 transposon insertion and the flanking gene. We used a highly beneficial wild type and moderately beneficial and non-beneficial mutants of M. japonicum sp. nov. to demonstrate the specificity of these primers to estimate the relative abundance of each genotype within individual nodules and after serial transfers to new hosts. For the moderate and non-beneficial genotypes, qPCR allowed us to differentiate genotypes that are phenotypically indistinguishable and investigate host control with suboptimal symbionts. We consistently found the wild type increasing in the proportion of the population, but our data suggest a potential reproductive trade-off between the moderate and non-beneficial genotypes. The multi-generation framework we used, coupled with qPCR, can easily be scaled up to track dozens of M. japonicum mutants simultaneously. Moreover, these mutants can be used to explore M. japonicum genotype abundance in the presence of a complex soil community.

Urban greenspaces, including green roofs and ground-level urban habitats provide habitat for insect communities in cities. However, beneficial insect communities likely differ between human-managed habitats because of varying provision of resources and connectivity in these greenspaces. This study examined the insect communities in four extensive green roofs and three non-adjacent, similarly structured, managed ground-level habitats. We detected a high degree of overlap in insect taxa but found moderate differences in overall insect community composition between the green roof and ground-level habitats. While there was no difference in Shannon diversity between green roofs and ground-level habitats, the ground-level habitat had greater insect taxa richness. Green roof and ground-level habitats supported pollinators and natural enemies, while ground-level had greater mean pollinator and natural enemy richness and Shannon diversity. Green roofs intentionally designed for biodiversity using native plants for habitat did not differ from those designed for stormwater management and energy reduction using non-native plants in insect community metrics used in this study. These findings suggest that urban greenspaces continue to provide valuable habitat while connectivity and structure play a role in shaping urban insect communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In observational studies, the relationship between coffee intake and bone mineral density (BMD) is contradictory. However, residual confounding tends to bias the results of these studies. Therefore, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to further investigate the potential causal relationship between the two. Methods: Genetic instrumental variables (IVs) associated with coffee intake were derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in 428,860 British individuals and matched using phenotypes in PhenoScanner. Summarized data on BMD were obtained from 537,750 participants, including total body BMD (TB-BMD), TB-BMD in five age brackets ≥60, 45-60, 30-45, 15-30, and 0-15 years, and BMD in four body sites: the lumbar spine, the femoral neck, the heel, and the ultradistal forearm. We used inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods as the primary analytical method for causal inference. In addition, several sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, Weighted median, MR-PRESSO, Cochran's Q test, and Leave-one-out test) were used to test the robustness of the results. Results: After Bonferroni correction, Coffee intake has a potential positive correlation with total body BMD (effect estimate [Beta]: 0.198, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 0.05-0.35, P=0.008). In subgroup analyses, coffee intake was potentially positively associated with TB-BMD (45-60, 30-45 years) (Beta: 0.408, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.69, P=0.005; Beta: 0.486, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.85, P=0.010). In addition, a significant positive correlation with heel BMD was also observed (Beta: 0.173, 95% Cl: 0.08-0.27, P=0.002). The results of the sensitivity analysis were generally consistent. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide genetic evidence for the idea that coffee intake is beneficial for bone density. Further studies are needed to reveal the biological mechanisms and offer solid support for clinical guidelines on osteoporosis prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial interactions contribute significantly to coral health in the marine environment. Most beneficial associations have been described with their bacterial communities, but knowledge of beneficial associations between protozoan ciliates and corals is still lacking. Ciliates are important bacterial predators and provide nutrition to higher trophic-level organisms. The mucus secreted by corals and the microenvironment of the coral surface layer attract ciliates based on their food preferences. The mixotrophic and heterotrophic ciliates play a major role in nutrient cycling by increasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and extractable sulfur, which can enhance the proliferation of coral beneficial microbe. Besides, bacterial predator ciliates reduce the pathogenic bacterial population that infects the coral and also act as bioindicators for assessing the toxicity of the reef ecosystem. Thus, these ciliates can be used as a beneficial partner in influencing coral health and resilience under various stress conditions. Herein, we explore the urgent need to understand the complex beneficial interactions of ciliates that may occur in the coral reef ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of saturated horse beds before they arrive at their final destination is necessary to avoid the risk of animal and environmental contamination. For this purpose, the composting process has great functionality due its to low cost, effectiveness, and operational ease. However, because of the nature of the materials used, this process can be long, and it is necessary to improve it to optimize composting cycles. This work aimed to isolate and identify fungi present in the compost piles of saturated equine bedding made with shavings and rice straw, identifying those with the greatest potential for cellulase production. Using specific cellulolytic media containing shavings or rice straw, seven strains were isolated. The total cellulase enzymatic activity of the isolates from the beds made with shavings was lower than that obtained from rice straw beds. Four strains showed high enzymatic potential for use in the shavings substrate (MA -6 2 f1, MA -6 2 f2, MA -7 9, and MA -7 10) and three for the rice straw substrate (PA -7 5, PA -7 7, and PA -7 10). The isolate PA -7 5 reached 0.376 IU mL−1, the best index among all the isolates. These isolates were identified as belonging to the Aspergillus fumigatus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: A growing stream of research suggests that probiotic fermented milk has a good effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This work aimed to study the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 fermented milk (fermented milk) on rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, and reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in rats fed a high-fat diet (M) for 8 wk, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased. However, the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased with fermented milk (T) for 8 wk, and the number of fat vacuoles in hepatocytes was lower than that in the M group. There were significant differences in 19 metabolites in serum between the M group and the C group (administration of nonfermented milk) and in 17 metabolites between the T group and the M group. The contents of 7 different metabolites, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, thioetheramide-PC, d-aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l-glutamate, were significantly increased in the M group rat serum, and l-palmitoyl carnitine, N6-methyl-l-lysine, thymine, and 2-oxadipic acid were significantly decreased. In the T group rat serum, the contents of 8 different metabolites—1-O-(cis-9-octadecenyl)-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acetylcarnitine, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, d-aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l-glutamate were significantly decreased, whereas creatinine and thymine were significantly increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 50 metabolic pathways were enriched in the M/C group and T/M group rat serum, of which 12 metabolic pathways were significantly different, mainly distributed in lipid metabolism, amino acid, and endocrine system metabolic pathways. Fermented milk ameliorated inflammation, oxygenation, and hepatocyte injury by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolic pathways, and related metabolites in the serum of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The native parasitoids Bracon cephi (Gahan) and B. lissogaster Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reduce populations of Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), a native grassland species, and major wheat pest on the Northern Great Plains of North America. Non-host feeding adults of these braconids increase longevity, egg load, and egg volume when provisioned carbohydrate-rich diets. Nutrition from nectar can enhance the success of natural enemies in pest management programs. Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers, is a potential cover-crop that could add resilient features to the landscape and has extrafloral nectaries (EFN), easy-access nectar sources for beneficial insects. If more cowpea was grown on the Northern Great Plains, would B. cephi and B. lissogaster benefit from foraging on putatively beneficial EFN? We investigated cowpea inflorescence stalk extrafloral nectars (IS-EFN) and leaf stipel extrafloral nectars (LS-EFN) as potential food sources for these parasitoids. Females were caged on EFN sources on living cowpea plants to assess longevity. Egg load and volume were measured at 2, 5, and 10 days after placement. Bracon cephi survived 10 days on water, 38 days on IS-EFN; B. lissogaster 6 days on water, 28 days on IS-EFN. Bracon lissogaster maintained a constant egg load and volume across treatments while B. cephi produced 2.1-fold more eggs that were 1.6-fold larger on IS-EFN. Y-tube olfactometry indicated adult females were attracted to airstreams containing cowpea volatiles. These results demonstrate that non-native, warm-season cowpea benefits these native parasitoids and may improve conservation biocontrol of C. cinctus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing stream of research suggests that probiotic fermented milk has a good effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This work aimed to study the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 fermented milk (fermented milk) on rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, and reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in rats fed a high-fat diet (M) for 8 wk, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased. However, the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased with fermented milk (T) for 8 wk, and the number of fat vacuoles in hepatocytes was lower than that in the M group. There were significant differences in 19 metabolites in serum between the M group and the C group (administration of nonfermented milk) and in 17 metabolites between the T group and the M group. The contents of 7 different metabolites, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, thioetheramide-PC, d -aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l -glutamate, were significantly increased in the M group rat serum, and l-palmitoyl carnitine, N6-methyl-l-lysine, thymine, and 2-oxadipic acid were significantly decreased. In the T group rat serum, the contents of 8 different metabolites—1-O-(cis -9-octadecenyl)-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acetylcarnitine, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, d -aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l -glutamate were significantly decreased, whereas creatinine and thymine were significantly increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 50 metabolic pathways were enriched in the M/C group and T/M group rat serum, of which 12 metabolic pathways were significantly different, mainly distributed in lipid metabolism, amino acid, and endocrine system metabolic pathways. Fermented milk ameliorated inflammation, oxygenation, and hepatocyte injury by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolic pathways, and related metabolites in the serum of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the species of insects associated with cowpea (Vigna unguculata (L.) Walp.) in agroecosystems of Pinar del Río, Cuba. Samplings were carried out during the vegetative and reproductive phases of the cultivars 'INIFAT 93' and 'INIFAT 94'. The frequency of appearance in the two cultivars was determined, as well as their relationship by means of linear regression. The classification criteria of Mason and Bryant were also followed. There were 21 insect species, including phytophagous (61.9%) and beneficial (38.1%), grouped into 14 families and five orders, with the highest representation of Coleoptera and Hemiptera. The families with the highest species richness were Chrysomelidae and Coccinelidae., Of the identified species, 71.4% were observed on the two cowpea bean cultivars. A frequency of occurrence greater than 50% was shown by Empoasca kraemeri Ross & Moore, Liriomyza trifolii Burgess in Comstock, Epitrix cucumeris (Harris), Aphis craccivora Koch, Coleomegilla cubensis (Casey), Condylostylus sp., and Diglyphus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish and other seafood are important sources of nutrients, but they are also sources of chemical contaminants that may cause adverse health effects. This article aimed to identify existing risk–benefit assessments (RBA) of fish, shellfish, and other seafood, compare methodologies, discuss differences and commonalities in findings, and identify limitations and ways forward for future studies. We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature of studies in all languages published from 2000 through April 2019. We identified 106 RBA of fish and other seafood across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and at the global level. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of types of fish and other seafood considered, beneficial and adverse compounds assessed, and overall methodology. Collected data showed that a diet consisting of a variety of lean and fatty fish and other seafood is recommended for the overall population and that women of childbearing age and children should limit the consumption of fish and other seafood types that have a high likelihood of contamination. Our review emphasizes the need for evidence-based, up-to-date, and harmonized approaches in RBA in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panchayati Raj is the basic unit of local administration. The system has three levels of administrations. Gram panchayat, Mandal perished, and block samati or panchayat samati. Generally it refers to the system of local self government in india. It was first introduced by a constitutional amendment In 1992 on the basis of recommendation of L M Shingvi Committee in 1986. The system has been since its introduction have done various activities in rural areas development and women empowerment. But the system has various problems in performing its functions, i.g mass illiteracy, poverty, I'll health conditions etc. In democratic country constitution has given panchayat system with more more power and its power and performance is also increasing. Studies on the subject reveal that Panchayati Raj institution have been made progress and could have brought positive changes in the villages societies and made the village politically, economically empowered. Women were also have made some progress in various fields through panchayati raj institutions. The system is further significantly beneficial to the village as it enabled the central and state governments to allot significant sources of money directly at the village level; and introduces various social protection and development programmers, which could not have been implemented without the without the existence of a well functioning local government structure. In this paper attempt has been made to study assessment of the performance of panchayati raj institutions through women empowerment in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to select beneficial strains from the oral cavity of healthy volunteers and to evaluate these as potential oral probiotic candidates. The selection process was based on the isolation, differentiation, identification, and safety assessment of LAB strains, followed by a series of experiments for the selection of appropriate candidates with beneficial properties. In the screening procedure, 8 isolates from the oral cavity of a Caucasian volunteers were identified as Streptococcus (Str.) salivarius ST48HK, ST59HK, ST61HK, and ST62HK; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lb.) (Lactobacillus plantarum) ST63HK and ST66HK; Latilactobacillus sakei (Lb.) (Lactobacillus sakei) ST69HK; and Lactobacillus (Lb.) gasseri ST16HK based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Physiological and phenotypic tests did not show hemolytic, proteinase, or gelatinase activities, as well as production of biogenic amines. In addition, screening for the presence of efaA, cyt, IS16, esp, asa1, and hyl virulence genes and vancomycin-resistant genes confirmed safety of the studied strains. Moreover, cell-to-cell antagonism indicated that the strains were able to inhibit the growth of tested representatives from the genera Bacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus in a strain-specific manner. Various beneficial genes were detected including gad gene, which codes for GABA production. Furthermore, cell surface hydrophobicity levels ranging between 1.58% and 85% were determined. The studied strains have also demonstrated high survivability in a broad range of pH (4.0–8.0). The interaction of the 8 putative probiotic candidates with drugs from different groups and oral hygiene products were evaluated for their MICs. This is to determine if the application of these drugs and hygiene products can negatively affect the oral probiotic candidates. Overall, antagonistic properties, safety assessment, and high rates of survival in the presence of these commonly used drugs and oral hygiene products indicate Str. salivarius ST48HK, ST59HK, ST61HK, and ST62HK; Lb. plantarum ST63HK and ST66HK; Lb. sakei ST69HK; and Lb. gasseri ST16HK as promising oral cavity probiotic candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adar-mediated adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing mainly occurs in nucleus and diversifies the transcriptome in a flexible manner. It has been a challenging task to identify beneficial editing sites from the sea of total editing events. The functional Ser>Gly auto-recoding site in insect Adar gene has uneditable Ser codons in ancestral nodes, indicating the selective advantage to having an editable status. Here, we extended this case study to more metazoan species, and also looked for all Drosophila recoding events with potential uneditable synonymous codons. Interestingly, in D. melanogaster , the abundant nonsynonymous editing is enriched in the codons that have uneditable counterparts, but the Adar Ser>Gly case suggests that the editable orthologous codons in other species are not necessarily edited. The use of editable versus ancestral uneditable codon is a smart way to infer the selective advantage of RNA editing, and priority might be given to these editing sites for functional studies due to the feasibility to construct an uneditable allele. Our study proposes an idea to narrow down the candidates of beneficial recoding sites. Meanwhile, we stress that the matched transcriptomes are needed to verify the conservation of editing events during evolution.

Helicobacter pylori infection is usually acquired during childhood and represents one of the most common infections in humans. It is well known that H. pylori has belonged to humankind for hundreds of thousands of years and it accompanied the human migration from Africa. The adult international guidelines recommend treating all infected patients as H. pylori was classified among the first-class human carcinogens by the WHO in 1994 and it is one of the main factors involved in the development of gastric cancer. Conversely, the pediatric international guidelines are more restrictive in recommending the eradication of the infection in children. Although many studies have shown evidence regarding the pathological role of H. pylori regardless of the age of the infected patients, many others have highlighted its protective/positive role in several extra-gastric diseases in children. In this review, both points of view regarding the eradication in children are critically analyzed., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The treatment of saturated horse beds before they arrive at their final destination is necessary to avoid the risk of animal and environmental contamination. For this purpose, the composting process has great functionality due its to low cost, effectiveness, and operational ease. However, because of the nature of the materials used, this process can be long, and it is necessary to improve it to optimize composting cycles. This work aimed to isolate and identify fungi present in the compost piles of saturated equine bedding made with shavings and rice straw, identifying those with the greatest potential for cellulase production. Using specific cellulolytic media containing shavings or rice straw, seven strains were isolated. The total cellulase enzymatic activity of the isolates from the beds made with shavings was lower than that obtained from rice straw beds. Four strains showed high enzymatic potential for use in the shavings substrate (MA -6 2 f1, MA -6 2 f2, MA -7 9, and MA -7 10) and three for the rice straw substrate (PA -7 5, PA -7 7, and PA -7 10). The isolate PA -7 5 reached 0.376 IU mL−1, the best index among all the isolates. These isolates were identified as belonging to the Aspergillus fumigatus species.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of efficient microorganisms (EM) on common bean plants subjected to water stress. Bean plants were cultivated in a greenhouse which were subjected to treatments with different levels pot capacity (CP) (100; 75 and 50% CP) and/or efficient microorganism (EM) in the dilution of 1:20 or 1:100. The variables analyzed were gas exchange, water use efficiency (WUE), fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration, as well as biometric analysis. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test (p < 0.05). Under severe water stress (50% CP) the photosynthetic rate (A) reduced 77% as well as the stomatal conductance. The treatment with EM 1:100 showed transpiration about 3 times higher than the treatment without EM, carboxylative efficiency 3 times higher and initial fluorescence (F0) 1.2 times higher than the other treatments. Under moderate water stress (75% CP) the A reduced by 64%, plants treated with EM 1:100 increased the unregulated energy (compared to plants without EM incorporation and the values of EM were maintained, WUE by these treatments. At both levels of water stress the non-photochemical regulated energy dissipation in plants increased with the application of EM 1:20 and EM 1:100 compared to the control, both treatments with EM increased the F0 by 1,7 (EM 1:100) and 1.33 (EM 1:20). Plants had reduced height, stem diameter, fresh biomass and dry for all treatments compared to the control (100% CP). The treatments with EM reduced the leaf area and EM 1:20 was superior. Efficient microorganisms promoted possible resistance to water deficit, indicating the need for further studies. It was concluded that the use of EM appears to be promising, requiring further studies regarding its effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of Listeria monocytogenes is a relevant goal for dairy products, a process that begins from the supply of feed and management of animals' health. In the present study, we evaluated the safety of two bacteriocinogenic Pediococcus strains and show that both can be considered as safe, based on their haemolytic activity, biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance, all evaluated through phenotypical and biomolecular approaches. Both strains have shown potential as a producer of γ‐aminobutiric acid (GABA) and carry an incomplete set of genes related to folate biosynthesis; both strains were able to adhere to Caco‐2 cell lines with adhesion rates of 6·59% ± 3·73 and 0·84% ± 0·48. Laboratory prepared clover silage, inoculated with each bacteriocinogenic Pediococcus strain and contaminated with L. monocytogenes, proved the hypothesis for bioprotective effect of the tested strains, with the tested pathogen eliminated in the first 24 h of the experiment. These results indicate that evaluated strains can be potential beneficial candidates for application in silage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To document in more details our knowledge of the fungal community associated to the Orchidaceae family, 25 cultivable fungal species were isolated from greenhouse apparently healthy Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum Hook. adult plants. These fungi, were identified based on a molecular approach, belonging predominantly to Fusarium, Trichoderma, Colletotrichum, Curvularia and Didymella genera. To characterize their impact on plant growth and/or plant defense, their ability to produce different metabolites (phytohormones, siderophores) and hydrolytic enzymes, as well as their anti-phytopathogenic activity against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum, were evaluated ex situ. Based on these criteria, three fungi, initially isolated from the roots, Fusarium sp., Trichoderma yunnanense, and Curvularia sp., showed a high potential to act on plant growth. Our results also show that an important number of isolates of the fungal community were able to produce phytohormones, siderophores, and had a similar hydrolytic enzyme production profile. Finally, these fungal abilities, studied ex situ, were analyzed to determine whether they can be used to classify the fungal partners as beneficial or detrimental to their host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to produce a probiotic-containing functional wheat beer (PWB) by an axenic culture system with potential probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var boulardii 17 and probiotic-containing functional sour beer (PSB) by a semi-separated co-cultivation system with potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DTA 81 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae S-04. Additionally, results obtained from in vivo behavioral tests with Swiss Webster mice treated with PWB or PSB were provided, which is scarce in the current literature. Although the use of S. boulardii to produce beers is not a novelty, this study demonstrated that S. boulardii 17 performance on sugar wort stills not completely elucidated; therefore, further studies should be considered before using the strain in industrial-scale production. Co-culture systems with lacticaseibacilli strain and S. cerevisiae have been reported in the literature for PSB production. However, lacticaseibacilli survivability in beer can be improved by semi-separated co-cultivation systems, highlighting the importance of growing lacticaseibacilli in the wort before yeast pitching. Besides, kettle hopping must be chosen as the method for hop addition to produce PSB. The dry-hopping method may prevent iso-alpha formation in the wort; however, a tendency to sediment can drag cells at the tank bottom and negatively affect L. paracasei DTA 81 viability. Despite stress factors from the matrices and the stressful conditions encountered during GI transit, potential probiotic S. boulardii 17 and potential probiotic L. paracasei DTA 81 withstood at sufficient doses to promote antidepressant effects in the mice group treated with PWB or PSB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic variation can influence the evolution of specific phenotypes that contribute to the diversity of bacterial strains observed in the natural environment. Environmentally transmitted symbiotic bacteria are particularly vulnerable to abiotic fluctuations, given that they must accommodate the transition between the free-living state and the host's internal environment. This type of life history strategy can strongly influence the success of a symbiont, and whether adapting to changes outside the host will allow a greater capacity to survive in symbiosis with the host partner. One example of how environmental breadth is advantageous to the symbiosis is the beneficial association between Vibrio fischeri and sepiolid squids (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae). Since Vibrio bacteria are environmentally transmitted, they are subject to a wide variety of abiotic variables prior to infecting juvenile squids and must be poised to survive in the host light organ. In order to better understand how a changing abiotic factor (e.g., pH) influences the diversification of symbionts and their eventual symbiotic competence, we used an experimental evolution approach to ascertain how pH adaptation affects symbiont fitness. Results show that low pH adapted Vibrio strains have more efficient colonization rates compared to their ancestral strains. In addition, growth rates had significant differences compared to ancestral strains (pH 6.5–6.8, and 7.2). Bioluminescence production (a marker for symbiont competence) of pH evolved strains also improved at pH 6.5–7.2. Results imply that the evolution and diversification of Vibrio strains adapted to low pH outside the squid improves fitness inside the squid by allowing a higher success rate for host colonization and symbiotic competence.

The functional diversity of the mammalian intestinal microbiome far exceeds that of the host organism, and microbial genes contribute substantially to the well-being of the host. However, beneficial gut organisms can also be pathogenic when present in the gut or other locations in the body. Among dominant beneficial bacteria are several species of Bacteroides, which metabolize polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, providing nutrition and vitamins to the host and other intestinal microbial residents. These topics and the specific organismal and molecular interactions that are known to be responsible for the beneficial and detrimental effects of Bacteroides species in humans comprise the focus of this review. The complexity of these interactions will be revealed.

Microbial growth characteristics have long been used to investigate fundamental questions of biology. Colony-based high-throughput screens enable parallel fitness estimation of thousands of individual strains using colony growth as a proxy for fitness. However, fitness estimation is complicated by spatial biases affecting colony growth, including uneven nutrient distribution, agar surface irregularities, and batch effects. Analytical methods that have been developed to correct for these spatial biases rely on the following assumptions: (1) that fitness effects are normally distributed, and (2) that most genetic perturbations lead to minor changes in fitness. Although reasonable for many applications, these assumptions are not always warranted and can limit the ability to detect small fitness effects. Beneficial fitness effects, in particular, are notoriously difficult to detect under these assumptions. Here, we developed the linear interpolation-based detector (LI Detector) framework to enable sensitive colony-based screening without making prior assumptions about the underlying distribution of fitness effects. The LI Detector uses a grid of reference colonies to assign a relative fitness value to every colony on the plate. We show that the LI Detector is effective in correcting for spatial biases and equally sensitive toward increase and decrease in fitness. LI Detector offers a tunable system that allows the user to identify small fitness effects with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity. LI Detector can be utilized to develop and refine gene-gene and gene-environment interaction networks of colony-forming organisms, including yeast, by increasing the range of fitness effects that can be reliably detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review article, we aimed to discuss the role of sleep deprivation (SD) in learning and memory processing in basic and clinical studies. There are numerous studies investigating the effect of SD on memory, while most of these studies have shown the impairment effect of SD. However, some of these studies have reported conflicting results, indicating that SD does not impair memory performance or even improves it. So far, no study has discussed or compared the conflicting results of SD on learning and memory. Thus, this important issue in the neuroscience of sleep remains unknown. The main goal of this review article is to compare the similar mechanisms between the impairment and the improvement effects of SD on learning and memory, probably leading to a scientific solution that justifies these conflicting results. We focused on the inconsistent effects of SD on some mechanisms involved in learning and memory, and tried to discuss the inconsistent effects of SD on learning and memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphonia is a prevalent condition that can impact individuals across all age groups. It occurs when normal voice quality is altered, caused by structural and/or functional issues. Evaluation and assessment from clinicians are warranted if dysphonia persists for more than four weeks and/or is coupled with risk factors or other concerning clinical manifestations. Additionally, voice disorders can increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders, as well as raise stress levels and lower self-reported health indicators. Dysphonia can have a substantial influence on interpersonal interactions and lower overall quality of life since effective communication relies significantly on spoken language. Hence, managing dysphonia is essential for enhancing communication abilities, improving quality of life, maintaining vocational functioning, promoting psychological well-being, and addressing underlying health concerns. Speech and language therapy, medical management, surgery, or a combination of the aforementioned are all possible treatments for dysphonia. Speech and language therapy is often the first-line treatment option for dysphonia patients who do not meet the criteria for surgical intervention. Voice therapy is often beneficial and remains the first line of treatment, even when patients approach with benign vocal fold nodules. A well-designed voice therapy program improves both the quality of life and vocal performance. The majority of the studies in the existing literature advocate for and report beneficial outcomes associated with voice therapy; however, more research is needed to provide evidence-based findings to guide clinical practice and achieve optimal outcomes. This comprehensive review elaborately highlights the utilization and efficacy of various voice therapeutic modalities utilized for the management of dysphonia in light of current literature., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Al-Hussain et al.)

The surrounding weeds to agro-ecosystems provide answers to the behavior of many phytophagous species, besides predators and parasitoids. In order to find out that the diversity of organisms entomophagous was determined and surrounding vegetation to rice, corn and cotton were established. Sampling stations were randomly distributed and plant species were determined. The weed identification was performed at species level; the entomofauna was collected with jama, pitfall and manually. The arthropod diversity analysis was performed using the method proposed by Jost; the degree of replacement method was calculated through three values q = 0,1 and 2 and range-abundance curves were constructed. Plant species were grouped into 16 families and 21 genera; being uellia tuberosa and Euphorbia hirta host of natural enemies, while Heliotropium indicum, Caperonia palustris y Amaranthus dubius were hosts of high quantities of phytophagous. The completeness analysis from sample coverage of each crop edge and the trophic roles: phytophagous, parasitoid and predator had a higher than 99% completeness. Comparison of means showed significant differences for associated fauna between the edges of rice-corn crops Z = 2.6929 p = 0,0212) and rice-cotton (Z = 3.7634 p = 0,0005) however, the corn-cotton edges showed no significant difference (Z = 1.0705 p = 0.8532). It can be concluded that the agroecosystem edge of maize, rice and cotton present structural attributes that significantly influence the dynamics and diversity of the associated entomofauna.

The adoption of genetically modified crops (GMOs) has led to the need to assess impacts on non-target organisms. For this, the impact of transgenic maize (Zea mays) on beneficial entomofauna was studied. Arthropods were collected in eight lots of conventional and transgenic maize using the techniques of Berlesse, Pitfall, Jama and Yellow traps. The diversity analysis was performed using the method proposed by Jost (2006) through three values q = 0, 1 and 2 and range-abundance curves were constructed. For the formation of the functional groups, a cluster analysis was performed using Ward’s hierarchical chaining method. 6,932 individuals were collected between conventional and transgenic crops, registering 102 taxa discriminated in 6 species, 42 genera and 54 families. The transgenic crop recorded the highest abundance with 51,60% and the conventional one 48,39%. The range-abundance curve does not indicate differences between the crops for the municipalities of Cereté and San Pelayo. The dendrogram showed eight (8) functional groups. When analyzing the true alpha diversity 0D, the eight (8) functional groups were obtained in both locations; The true diversity in conventional culture was 1D = 6,76 and the transgenic 1D = 6,83. For the 2D order it was 6,17 in conventional and 6,21 in transgenic; it can be concluded that in these results no significant differences were observed in relation to the three diversity profiles between conventional and transgenic crops.

Characterizing the distribution of fitness effects (DFE) for new mutations is central in evolutionary genetics. Analysis of molecular data under the McDonald-Kreitman test has suggested that adaptive substitutions make a substantial contribution to between-species divergence. Methods have been proposed to estimate the parameters of the distribution of fitness effects for positively selected mutations from the unfolded site frequency spectrum (uSFS). Such methods perform well when beneficial mutations are mildly selected and frequent. However, when beneficial mutations are strongly selected and rare, they may make little contribution to standing variation and will thus be difficult to detect from the uSFS. In this study, I analyze uSFS data from simulated populations subject to advantageous mutations with effects on fitness ranging from mildly to strongly beneficial. As expected, frequent, mildly beneficial mutations contribute substantially to standing genetic variation and parameters are accurately recovered from the uSFS. However, when advantageous mutations are strongly selected and rare, there are very few segregating in populations at any one time. Fitting the uSFS in such cases leads to underestimates of the strength of positive selection and may lead researchers to false conclusions regarding the relative contribution adaptive mutations make to molecular evolution. Fortunately, the parameters for the distribution of fitness effects for harmful mutations are estimated with high accuracy and precision. The results from this study suggest that the parameters of positively selected mutations obtained by analysis of the uSFS should be treated with caution and that variability at linked sites should be used in conjunction with standing variability to estimate parameters of the distribution of fitness effects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper we describe the technological properties of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) obtained from a dairy production chain and the development of a fermented milk produced with Lactobacillus casei MRUV6. Fifteen LAB isolates (Lactobacillus sp., Pediococcus sp. and Weissela sp.) presented acidifying abilities (pH ranges from 0.73 to 2.11), were able to produce diacetyl (except by 5 isolates) and exopolysaccharides, and two were proteolytic. L. casei MRUV6 was selected for producing a fermented milk, stored up to 35 d at 4 and 10°C. Counts on MRS agar with added vancomycin (10 mg/l) and MRS agar with added bile salts (1.5% w/v) ranged from 9.7 to 9.9 log CFU/g, independently of the tested conditions, indicating stability and intestinal resistance of L. casei MRUV6, despite some significant differences (P < 0.05). The study demonstrated the technological potential of a potential probiotic candidate strain, L. casei MRUV6, to be used as a starter culture in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In observational studies, the relationship between coffee intake and bone mineral density (BMD) is contradictory. However, residual confounding tends to bias the results of these studies. Therefore, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to further investigate the potential causal relationship between the two., Methods: Genetic instrumental variables (IVs) associated with coffee intake were derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in 428,860 British individuals and matched using phenotypes in PhenoScanner. Summarized data on BMD were obtained from 537,750 participants, including total body BMD (TB-BMD), TB-BMD in five age brackets ≥60, 45-60, 30-45, 15-30, and 0-15 years, and BMD in four body sites: the lumbar spine, the femoral neck, the heel, and the ultradistal forearm. We used inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods as the primary analytical method for causal inference. In addition, several sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, Weighted median, MR-PRESSO, Cochran's Q test, and Leave-one-out test) were used to test the robustness of the results., Results: After Bonferroni correction, Coffee intake has a potential positive correlation with total body BMD (effect estimate [Beta]: 0.198, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 0.05-0.35, P =0.008). In subgroup analyses, coffee intake was potentially positively associated with TB-BMD (45-60, 30-45 years) (Beta: 0.408, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.69, P =0.005; Beta: 0.486, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.85, P =0.010). In addition, a significant positive correlation with heel BMD was also observed (Beta: 0.173, 95% Cl: 0.08-0.27, P =0.002). The results of the sensitivity analysis were generally consistent., Conclusion: The results of the present study provide genetic evidence for the idea that coffee intake is beneficial for bone density. Further studies are needed to reveal the biological mechanisms and offer solid support for clinical guidelines on osteoporosis prevention., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ye, Zhong, Xiong and Wang.)

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of brassica plants, with the ability to transmit > 100 viruses. Although the adoption of Integrated Pest Management is increasing, chemical treatment remains the predominant method used to control M. persicae globally. Insecticide seed treatments, typically with neonicotinoid active ingredients, have become commonplace in canola crops, and are viewed as a "softer" alternative to foliar sprays but may nevertheless impact natural enemies of M. persicae. In this study, the effects of canola seed treatments, containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and a mixture of thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, were investigated on the parasitoid wasp, Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the green lacewing, Mallada signatus (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), both important natural enemies of M. persicae. Laboratory trials were undertaken using whole plants, with lethal and sublethal effects assessed by measuring several traits. Compared with untreated plants, more aphid mummies were produced and more A. colemani were reared on plants treated with thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin and more aphid mummies were produced on imidacloprid plants. Imidacloprid reduced the time A. colemani spent searching for M. persicae and thiamethoxam reduced its cleaning time. However, after A. colemani were removed from treated plants, there were no such effects observed, suggesting these impacts were relatively short-lived. We found no significant effects of seed treatments on M. signatus. These results point to the complexity of ecotoxicology studies involving multiple trophic levels and indicate that seed treatments may have variable impacts on key fitness traits of natural enemies., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

BACKGROUND: The unintentional introduction of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) from Asia has caused global economic losses in the soft and stone fruit industries. Pesticide use can have unintended negative impacts on natural enemies, disrupting attempts to incorporate integrated pest management programmes. Generalist predators could potentially act as biocontrol agents of D. suzukii. In this context, the predatory capabilities of the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) were investigated. RESULTS: In semi‐field conditions, F. auricularia were effective at reducing the reproductive rate of D. suzukii in more densely populated enclosures. In controlled laboratory conditions, significant negative effects of earwigs were observed for both low (three breeding pairs) and high (six breeding pairs) D. suzukii densities. Both semi‐field and laboratory experiments revealed that F. auricularia predation on adult D. suzukii could not account for the subsequent reductions in population density. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in both larval and adult offspring in the presence of earwigs indicate an impact on D. suzukii via predation prior to metamorphosis or disruption of oviposition. Although F. auricularia may predate D. suzukii populations, its capacity to act as a biocontrol agent may be limited. However, results suggest that F. auricularia may be a more effective biocontrol agent earlier in the growing season. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A weed is an herbaceous plant that grows as a wild plant, and is considered a hindrance in the growth of preferred vegetation or cumbering the ground, and has no value for beauty or use. However, some weeds have roles in medicine, ecology and many other fields. A survey was conducted in Lahore to observe the weed varieties present in the area of Samanabad. The present study was carried out in May and June 2014.The primary purpose of the study was to gain knowledge about the availability of the total number of species present in this area. We also assessed whether these weeds were directly or indirectly beneficial for humans. Results of this study revealed a total of 33 species belonging to 20 different families which were collected and identified. Weeds were arranged in alphabetical order according to their respective families. Data inventory constitutes family name, botanical name, local name and life form. Results revealed the relative diversity of each family as Poaceae at 18.18% and Asteraceae at 15.15%. Out of 33 weed species, 64% were annual, 30% perennial and 6% biennial. The soil of the studied area was a hard, silty loam texture, with a slightly alkaline pH and low electrical conductivity. This study will be helpful in maintaining the flora of the Samanabad region.

This Study tries to investigate the status of history science in common classification of science done by Muslim and its challenges. The scholars and philosophers, who believed in originality of knowledge and rational science, did not accept history as a science. Religious scholars had two various viewpoints for scientific status of history. Most of historians have classified it in traditional sciences related to religion based on its features including subject, method, importance and purpose. Others have considered history as a non-religious science related to literature. Literature_ historians, based on their values and social position, believe that history is a literary science for its subject aspect and also it is a servant science for politicians due to its profit and goal features. Some historians like Ibn Khaldun endeavored to define history as a science of human society with independent subject and method because of such epistemic challenge for history science. However, the Ibn Khaldun's theory has not been regarded by recent historians and scholars. In fact, history has remained as traditional science which is related to theological science and a tool for religious values and politics.

Hormone D and its analogues display immunomodulatory activities providing a beneficial effect in immunoinflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of alfacalcidol treatment on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with active RA. Sixteen patients with active RA and twenty controls were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken before and after 12 weeks of alfacalcidol therapy (2 μg/day). Oxidative stress parameters were determined spectrophotometrically and by flow cytometry assessment. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 score. The results revealed that alfacalcidol treatment, significantly (p = 0.04) reduced SOD activity and CAT activity (p = 0.001) in RA patients. The activity of GPx was significantly lower in RA patients before treatment, compared to controls (p = 0.04). After therapy, GPx activity was restored to control levels, and GSH levels were significantly reduced (p = 0.01). MDA levels in patients at the beginning of the study protocol, remained significantly elevated compared to controls (p = 0.01). Alfacalcidol treatment decreased MDA levels in patients (p = 0.19). Furthermore, 12-weeks alfacalcidol therapy, changed the response of RA patients’ PBMC to stimulation preventing the O2 - production and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation. After alfacalcidol treatment, significant clinical improvement was observed.

European Bark Beetle Ips typographus is a secondary pest that affects dead and weakened spruce trees (Picea genus). Under certain environmental conditions, it has massive outbreaks, resulting in the attacks of healthy trees, becoming a forest pest. It has been proposed that the bark beetle’s microbiome plays a key role in the insect’s ecology, providing nutrients, inhibiting pathogens, and degrading tree defense compounds, among other probable traits yet to be discovered. During a study of bacterial associates from I. typographus, we isolated three strains identified as Pseudomonas from different beetle life stages. A polyphasic taxonomical approach showed that they belong to a new species for which the name Pseudomonas typographi sp nov. is proposed. Genome sequences show their potential to hydrolyze wood compounds and synthesize several vitamins; screening for enzymes production was verified using PNP substrates. Assays in Petri dishes confirmed cellulose and xylan hydrolysis. Moreover, the genomes harbor genes encoding chitinases and gene clusters involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial potential. In vitro tests confirmed the capability of the three P. typographi strains to inhibit several Ips beetles’ pathogenic fungi. Altogether, these results suggest that P. typographi aids I. typographi nutrition and resistance to fungal pathogens.

Brand activation programs have become the mainstay weapons of marketing communications for marketers or brand managers today. Many creative programs were launched to bring consumers and brands closer, to create a pleasant and meaningful consumer experience, and to build a positive image in consumers' minds about brands. This article examines the extent of the effect of the brand activation program on the brand image by utilizing special moments at a fast-food restaurant outlet, McDonald's. This global branded restaurant launches the "Free Egg McMuffin" program to customers in welcoming the National Breakfast Day. Using a quantitative approach, a set of questionnaires was distributed to 100 respondents. Cluster sampling was chosen because of the heterogeneous nature of the respondents. The results of the regression analysis showed that the brand activation variable significantly and positively affected 42.2% of the brand image variable, while the dimensions that had the most positive impact on brand activation were interesting and beneficial factors. This study supports the power of brand activation programs in encouraging the creation of positive images related to brands. Thus, marketers can enhance the attractiveness and benefits of the program through content creativity and context in order to have the maximum impact on brand image amplification.

Although the neutral theory of molecular evolution was proposed to explain DNA and protein sequence evolution, in principle it could also explain phenotypic evolution. Nevertheless, overall, phenotypes should be less likely than genotypes to evolve neutrally. I propose that, when phenotypic traits are stratified according to a hierarchy of biological organization, the fraction of evolutionary changes in phenotype that are adaptive rises with the phenotypic level considered. Consistently, molecular traits are frequently found to evolve neutrally whereas a large, random set of organismal traits were recently reported to vary largely adaptively. Many more studies of unbiased samples of phenotypic traits are needed to test the general validity of this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium biofortification in crops aims to either increase the accumulation of selenium in edible plants or to increase their bioavailability. It is one of the solutions for globally increasing hidden hunger for essential micronutrients. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are advantageous soil bacteria that inhabit plant roots and increase plant growth through various mechanisms in different ways. The motion of selenium across soil, crop and environment interfaces is thus of crucial importance for gain in human selenium status. This review gives an overview of microbial enhancement of selenium as beneficial element for plants, significance of selenium to human health, selenium response in soil crop system, selenium as plant protector against abiotic stresses and the possible approaches to enhancing selenium concentration through use of microorganisms ( selenorhizobacteria ) as biotechnological tools for increasing plant nutrition and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of beneficial microorganisms (MOBs) on the development of the strawberry crop (Fragaria sp.) was evaluated. The investigation was carried out in three phases. (i) First: in the province of Azuay - Ecuador, samples were taken from different plants located on three altitudinal floors with different climatological characteristics. (ii) Second: in the laboratory of the National Agrarian University La Molina, in Lima - Peru, with each plant sample, the mother solution was prepared, as well as culture media for MOBs, after which the beneficial microbial flora was identified. (iii) Third: in the field stage, a microbial consortium was inoculated on the ground, with four repetitions for each altitudinal floor; subsequently strawberry was planted. In the culture medium the presence of yeasts, Bacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., and actinomycetes were found. It was verified that, according to the provenance, the microorganisms have heterogeneous effects in the development of the plants. It is concluded that in each altitudinal floor exist beneficial microorganisms according to the plant species, that their inoculation in the soil increases the number of leaves, as well as it favors the longitudinal, diametral and roots development of the strawberry plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]