An exploration of fibre intake and bowel function in a sample of adults at an Irish university campus.

BACKGROUND: Bowel dysfunction can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate fibre intake is associated with good bowel health but intakes have been reported to be low in Ireland. AIM: This study aimed to gather data on fibre intake and bowel habits in a cohort of adults at a university campus in Dublin, Ireland. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed by adapting validated tools to assess habitual fibre intake and bowel function. The questionnaire was circulated through mailing lists and advertised via QR codes on campus in February/March 2023. Data was analysed using SPSS, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 275 valid responses were received. Low fibre intakes (< 19 g/day) were found in 50.5% of participants. A significantly higher proportion of males had low fibre intake compared to females (62.2% vs 44.8%, p = 0.039). Nearly a third (30.2%) of respondents experienced mild symptoms of bowel dysfunction, and 13.1% experienced moderate to severe symptoms. An inverse relationship was observed between fibre intake (g/day) and bowel dysfunction (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, low fibre intakes and some degree of bowel dysfunction were prevalent. Public health campaigns to increase fibre intake could prove to be a cost-effective way to improve bowel function and health amongst adults in Ireland.

Experimental study on axial tensile properties of basalt fibre reinforced recycled aggregate concrete.

In order to investigate the tensile properties of basalt fibre reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (BFRAC), the axial tensile tests were carried out on BFRAC specimens using the concrete axial tensile testing device. The effects of basalt fibre (BF) content and recycled aggregate replacement rate on the tensile properties of BFRAC were quantitatively investigated, and the tensile damage mechanism of BFRAC was analysed. The following conclusions were drawn: The volume fraction of BF had the most prominent effect on the axial tensile properties of BFRAC. The axial tensile strength and peak tensile strain of BFRAC both showed the change rule of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of BF volume fraction. The replacement rate of recycled aggregate is negatively correlated with the tensile properties of BFRAC. The larger the replacement rate, the worse the tensile properties of BFRAC. When the replacement rate of recycled aggregate is 30 % and the volume fraction of BF is 0.3 %, the tensile properties of BFRAC are better, as well as its economic and environmental performance. The axial tensile strength and peak tensile strain were 2.08 MPa and 114 × 10-6, respectively. BFRAC exhibits the toughening and crack arresting effect of BF, and the crack development is relatively slow, showing more obvious plastic damage characteristics.

Moderate cryptoxanthin intake correlates with maintenance of a proper PINT index in a general Japanese population.

INTRODUCTION: Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an early manifestation of diabetic polyneuropathy. Although oxidative stress, inflammation and change of intestinal bacterial population are assumed to be their pathogenesis, the effects of dietary nutrition have not been evaluated. The relationship between dietary nutrition intake and pain sensation was evaluated in the Japanese population. METHODS: We conducted the Iwaki project, a population-based study recruiting 1,028 individuals, in 2018. The relationships between the pain threshold from intraepidermal electrical stimulation (PINT) and the amount of dietary nutrition evaluated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire were examined. The odds ratio was further explored after categorizing subjects based on low (< 63.7 µg/day), intermediate (63.7-159.2 µg/day), and high cryptoxanthin levels (> 159.2 µg/day). RESULTS: Univariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake even after adjustments for other nutritional intakes (ß = 0.107, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed low and high cryptoxanthin intake as significant risk factors for abnormal PINT (≥ 0.20 mA). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake levels after adjustment for other clinically PINT-related factors (ß = 0.09, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adequate intake of cryptoxanthin is recommended to maintain the pain threshold in the Japanese population.

Weight, habitual fibre intake, and microbiome composition predict tolerance to fructan supplementation.

Fructans are commonly used as dietary fibre supplements for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes. However, fructan consumption has been associated with various dosage-dependent side effects. We characterised side effects in an exploratory analysis of a randomised trial in healthy adults (n = 40) who consumed 18 g/day inulin or placebo. We found that individuals weighing more or habitually consuming higher fibre exhibited the best tolerance. Furthermore, we identified associations between gut microbiome composition and host tolerance. Specifically, higher levels of Christensenellaceae R-7 group were associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, and a machine-learning-based approach successfully predicted high levels of flatulence, with [Ruminococcus] torques group and (Oscillospiraceae) UCG-002 sp. identified as key predictive taxa. These data reveal trends that can help guide personalised recommendations for initial inulin dosage. Our results support prior ecological findings indicating that fibre supplementation has the greatest impact on individuals whose baseline fibre intake is lowest.

Functional ex vivo DNA fibre assay to measure replication dynamics in breast cancer tissue.

Replication stress (RS) is a key trait of cancer cells, and a potential actionable target in cancer treatment. Accurate methods to measure RS in tumour samples are currently lacking. DNA fibre analysis has been used as a common technique to measure RS in cell lines. Here, we investigated DNA fibre analysis on fresh breast cancer specimens and correlated DNA replication kinetics to known RS markers and genomic alterations. Fresh, treatment-naïve primary breast cancer samples (n = 74) were subjected to ex vivo DNA fibre analysis to measure DNA replication kinetics. Tumour cell proliferation was confirmed by EdU incorporation and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (CK) staining. The RS markers phospho-S33-RPA and γH2AX and the RS-inducing proto-oncogenes Cyclin E1 and c-Myc were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Copy number variations (CNVs) were assessed from genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. We found that the majority of proliferating (EdU-positive) cells in each sample were CK-positive and therefore considered to be tumour cells. DNA fibre lengths varied largely in most tumour samples. The median DNA fibre length showed a significant inverse correlation with pRPA expression (r = -0.29, p = 0.033) but was not correlated with Cyclin E1 or c-Myc expression and global CNVs in this study. Nuclear Cyclin E1 expression showed a positive correlation with pRPA levels (r = 0.481, p < 0.0001), while cytoplasmic Cyclin E1 expression exhibited an inverse association with pRPA expression (r = -0.353, p = 0.002) and a positive association with global CNVs (r = 0.318, p = 0.016). In conclusion, DNA fibre analysis performed with fresh primary breast cancer samples is feasible. Fibre lengths were associated with pRPA expression. Cyclin E1 expression was associated with pRPA and the percentage of CNVs. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

[Ophthalmological traits in older adult and risk of Alzheimer's disease: results from a French geriatric cohort]. / Caractéristiques ophtalmologiques chez la personne âgée et risque de maladie d'Alzheimer : résultats d'une cohorte française gériatrique.

Ophthalmological changes have been reported in Alzheimer's patients. Our objectives were to determine whether: i) GCC (ganglion cell complex) and RNFL (retinal nerve fibre layer) thickness were associated with different stages of AD (i.e., no AD, prodromal AD, dementia-stage AD), and ii) GCC and RNFL thickness predicted disease progression in older non-demented patients with subjective memory complaints followed for four years. Ninety-one French older community-dwellers with memory complaint and without open-angle glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (mean, 71.60 ± 4,73 years; 44% women) from the GAIT study underwent examination with HD-OCT, measuring the thickness of the macula, the macular GCC and the RNFL. They also had a complete cognitive diagnosis (i.e., cognitively healthy, prodromal AD, or dementia AD), and a cognitive follow-up 4 years later looking for a possible conversion. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), number of comorbidities, and Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) score were considered as potential confounders. At baseline, 37 (40.7%) patients were diagnosed as cognitively healthy, 47 (51.6%) as MCI, and 7 (7.7%) as AD. Mean GCC thickness was higher in cognitively healthy patients than in MCI patients (79.23 vs. 76.27 µm, p = 0.023), particularly in the inferior and nasal fields (p = 0.023 and p = 0.005, respectively). This difference was also found between cognitively healthy patients and others (MCI and AD) in the superior, inferior and nasal fields (p = 0.030, p = 0.014 and p = 0.002, respectively). There was no difference in RNFL thickness between the different cognitive statuses. After 4 years of follow-up, 12 patients (70.6%) of the 17 followed had not changed their cognitive status, while 5 (29.4%) had converted to a more advanced stage of AD. There were no significant differences between the two groups in either GCC thickness (p = 0.429) or RNFL thickness (p = 0.286). We found decreased CGG thicknesses in Alzheimer's patients at prodromal and dementia stages, compared with cognitively healthy participants. There was no association between RNFL thickness and cognitive status, nor between CCG or RNFL thicknesses and the risk of progressing to AD stages after 4 years of follow-up.

Determination of Carbohydrate Composition in Lentils Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Carbohydrates are the main components of lentils, accounting for more than 60% of their composition. Their content is influenced by genetic factors, with different contents depending on the variety. These compounds have not only been linked to interesting health benefits, but they also have a significant influence on the techno-functional properties of lentil-derived products. In this study, the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the concentration of total carbohydrate, fibre, starch, total sugars, fructose, sucrose and raffinose was investigated. For this purpose, six different cultivars of macrosperm (n = 37) and microsperm (n = 43) lentils have been analysed, the samples were recorded whole and ground and the suitability of both recording methods were compared. Different spectral and mathematical pre-treatments were evaluated before developing the calibration models using the Modified Partial Least Squares regression method, with a cross-validation and an external validation. The predictive models developed show excellent coefficients of determination (RSQ > 0.9) for the total sugars and fructose, sucrose, and raffinose. The recording of ground samples allowed for obtaining better models for the calibration of starch content (R > 0.8), total sugars and sucrose (R > 0.93), and raffinose (R > 0.91). The results obtained confirm that there is sufficient information in the NIRS spectral region for the development of predictive models for the quantification of the carbohydrate content in lentils.

Ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression of findings and associations with racing performance.

BACKGROUND: Equine suspensory ligament branch (branch) ultrasonography is becoming increasingly commonplace presale. No ultrasonographical branch reference data exists for Thoroughbred sales horses. OBJECTIVES: To define the prevalence of ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb suspensory branches of yearling and 2-year-old sales Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance. To track changes in branch findings between 1 and 2 years of age in horses that present for sale at both ages. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study using an enrolled sample. METHODS: Horses were enrolled from a 2016 yearling sale and five 2017 2-year-old sales with consignor permission. Ultrasonography was performed immediately prior to the sales. Ultrasonographical findings relating to branch size, fibrillar pattern, the presence of hyperechoic foci, periligamentar tissue thickness and the adjacent proximal sesamoid bone surface were examined. Associations with racing performance from 2 to 4 years of age were investigated using multivariate regression analyses. Clinical follow-up was sought to ascertain why horses that did not race never started. RESULTS: A total of 593 sales yearlings and 367 2-year-olds had forelimb branch ultrasonography performed. Grade ≥2 fibrillar branch change was present in 8.9% of yearlings and 14.4% of 2-year-olds. A 0.25 cm increase in branch width was associated with a 49-day delayed start to racing careers (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 21-77 days). The presence of grade 2 hyperechoic foci was associated with significantly lower total earnings (P = 0.01, 95% CI: $2000-$16 022) and lower earnings per start (P = 0.003, 95% CI: $349-$1718) in United States Dollars. Grade 3 fibrillar branch change had clinically important reductions in the probability of racing, the calibre of racing performance and earnings. Grade 1 fibrillar pattern was associated with significantly higher earnings per start (P = 0.004, 95% CI: $2641-$5759). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The findings are applicable to horses prepared for public auction and deemed fit to be entered for sale. The results may underestimate the proportion of severe lesions in horses not entered for sale. CONCLUSIONS: Reference values specific to young Thoroughbreds have been established. Grade 1 fibrillar branch change should be regarded as an acceptable appearance in sales yearlings and 2-year-olds. Approximately one-third of grade 2 yearling branches progressed to a grade 3 lesion. Evidence of enlarged branch width and grade 2 hyperechoic foci at 2-year-old sales constitute a risk to racing performance.

Use of Cohesive Approaches for Modelling Critical States in Fibre-Reinforced Structural Materials.

During the operation of structures, stress and deformation fields occur inside the materials used, which often ends in fatal damage of the entire structure. Therefore, the modelling of this damage, including the possible formation and growth of cracks, is at the forefront of numerical and applied mathematics. The finite element method (FEM) and its modification will allow us to predict the behaviour of these structural materials. Furthermore, some practical applications based on cohesive approach are tested. The main effort is devoted to composites with fibres and searching for procedures for their accurate modelling, mainly in the area where damage can be expected to occur. The use of the cohesive approach of elements that represent the physical nature of energy release in front of the crack front has proven to be promising not only in the direct use of cohesive elements, but also in combination with modified methods of standard finite elements.

Surface Treatments' Influence on the Interfacial Bonding between Glass Fibre Reinforced Elium® Composite and Polybutylene Terephthalate.

This study examines the process of using injection moulding to join two different materials to manufacture bi-component moulded products with improved performance characteristics. The two-component process, which combines the advantages of two different technologies-the high efficiency of the injection moulding process and the excellent mechanical properties of long glass fibre composites produced by resin transfer moulding (RTM) technology-offers a particular advantage and improved applicability of the prepared lightweight products in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. The composite studied here consists of Elium® thermoplastic resin (30%) reinforced with unwoven glass fibre fabric (70%) using the RTM process. The Elium® composite sample is consequently used as an insert overmoulded with polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) homopolymer reinforced with 20% w/w of short glass fibre through injection moulding. The influence of different mould temperatures and surface treatments on the adhesion between the materials used is investigated by evaluating the mechanical performance using tensile shear strength tests. It was found that while an increase in mould temperature from 40 °C to 120 °C resulted in a doubling of the initial average bond strength between untreated Elium® RTM inserts and overmoulded PBT parts (0.9 MPa), sandblasting the inserts ensured a further tripling of the bond strength of the composites to a value of 5.4 MPa.

Bond Shear Tests to Evaluate Different CFRP Shear Strengthening Strategies for I-Shaped Concrete Cross-Sections.

I-shaped concrete girders are widely used in precast bridge and roof construction, making them a common structural component in existing infrastructure. Despite well-established strengthening techniques using various innovative materials, such as externally bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement, the shear strengthening of an I-shaped concrete girder is not straightforward. Several research studies have shown that externally bonded CFRP reinforcement might exhibit early debonding at the concave corners of the I-shape, resulting in a marginal increase in shear capacity. This research study aims to assess the performance of two different CFRP shear strengthening strategies for I-shaped concrete cross-sections. In the first strategy, CFRP was bonded along the I-shape of the cross-section with the provision of additional anchorage. In the second strategy, the I-shape was transformed into a rectangular shape by using in-fill blocks over which the CFRP was bonded in a U-configuration. In addition to the strengthening strategies, the investigated parameters included two different materials for the in-fill blocks (conventional and aerated concrete) and two different anchoring schemes (bolted steel plate anchor and CFRP spike anchor). To avoid testing on large-scale girders, a new test methodology has been implemented on concrete I-sections. The test results demonstrate the feasibility of comparing different shear strengthening configurations dedicated to I-sections. Among other findings, the results showed that the local transformation of the I-shape to an equivalent rectangular shape could be a viable solution, resulting in shear strength enhancement of 12% to 53% without and with the anchorages, respectively.

Closing the Fibre Gap-The Impact of Combination of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibre on Bread Quality and Health Benefits.

Dietary fibre (DF) is important for overall health and disease prevention. However, the intake of DF in Westernised countries is below the recommended level, largely due to the excessive consumption of low-fibre foods. Fortifying staple foods, such as bread, with dietary fibre ingredients is one approach to closing the fibre gap in our diet. However, incorporating purified and chemically modified fibre ingredients into food is challenging. This study unveils interactions between soluble-fermentable (arabinoxylan), insoluble-fermentable (resistant starch type IV) and insoluble-unfermentable (cellulose) fibre ingredients and their impact on bread quality using Response Surface Methodology. This resulted in an optimised mixture of these fibre ingredients that can coexist within a bread matrix while maintaining quality characteristics comparable to white wheat bread. The partial replacement of flour with fibre ingredients led to an interference with the gluten network causing a reduction in gluten strength by 12.4% and prolonged gluten network development time by 24.4% compared to the control (no fibre addition). However, the CO2 retention coefficient during dough fermentation was not affected by fibre ingredient inclusion. The fibre content of the white bread was increased by 128%, with only a marginal negative impact on bread quality. Additionally, the fibre-fortified bread showed a lower release of reducing sugars during in vitro starch digestion. This study illustrates the synergy of different types of fibre ingredients in a bread system to advance in closing the fibre gap.

Impact of Simulated Human Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Functional Properties of Dietary Fibres Obtained from Broccoli Leaves, Grape Stems, Pomegranate and Tomato Peels.

This study aimed to analyse the impact of a simulated human digestion process on the composition and functional properties of dietary fibres derived from pomegranate-peel, tomato-peel, broccoli-stem and grape-stem by-products. For this purpose, a computer-controlled simulated digestion system consisting of three bioreactors (simulating the stomach, small intestine and colon) was utilised. Non-extractable phenols associated with dietary fibre and their influence on antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity were investigated throughout the simulated digestive phases. Additionally, the modifications in oligosaccharide composition, the microbiological population and short-chain fatty acids produced within the digestion media were examined. The type and composition of each dietary fibre significantly influenced its functional properties and behaviour during intestinal transit. Notably, the dietary fibre from the pomegranate peel retained its high phenol content throughout colon digestion, potentially enhancing intestinal health due to its strong antioxidant activity. Similarly, the dietary fibre from broccoli stems and pomegranate peel demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in both the small and the large intestines, prompting significant modifications in colonic microbiology. Moreover, these fibre types promoted the growth of bifidobacteria over lactic acid bacteria. Thus, these results suggest that the dietary fibre from pomegranate peel seems to be a promising functional food ingredient for improving human health.

Association analysis of indel variants and gene expression identifies MDM4 as a novel locus for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and power athlete status.

Insertions and deletions (indels) are the second most common type of variation in the human genome. However, limited data on their associations with exercise-related phenotypes have been documented. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between 18,370 indel variants and power athlete status, followed by additional studies in 357,246 individuals. In the discovery phase, the D allele of the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was over-represented in power athletes compared with control subjects (P = 7.8 × 10-9) and endurance athletes (P = 0.0012). These findings were replicated in independent cohorts, showing a higher D allele frequency in power athletes compared with control subjects (P = 0.016) and endurance athletes (P = 0.031). Furthermore, the D allele was positively associated (P = 0.0013) with greater fat-free mass in the UK Biobank. MDM4 encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of p53, which induces muscle fibre atrophy. Accordingly, we found that MDM4 expression was significantly higher in the vastus lateralis of power athletes compared with endurance athletes (P = 0.0009) and was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres (P = 0.0062) and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres (P = 0.0086). The association between MDM4 gene expression and an increased proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres was confirmed in two additional cohorts. Finally, we found that the MDM4 DD genotype was associated with increased MDM4 gene expression in vastus lateralis and greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. In conclusion, MDM4 is suggested to be a potential regulator of muscle fibre specification and size, with its indel variant being associated with power athlete status. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Which indel variants are functional and associated with sport- and exercise-related traits? What is the main finding and its importance? Out of 18,370 tested indels, the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was found to be the functional variant (affecting gene expression) and the most significant, with the deletion allele showing associations with power athlete status, fat-free mass and cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. Furthermore, the expression of MDM4 was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres.

Optimization of Total DNA Extraction from Dried Blood Samples.

While dried blood spots are a convenient source of genetic material, they are usually associated with a lower DNA yield than from a native sample. The study evaluated the DNA yield from dried blood samples prepared on glass fibre and cellulose membranes and investigated the reasons for the yield reduction. The extraction of total DNA from membrane-dried blood samples was optimized by spin-column extraction method. It was shown that preliminary short-term (20 min) solubilization of a dried matrix in an aqueous medium, followed by standard extraction protocols for the mixture of the eluate with membranes, provides the highest DNA yield. The yield of DNA from a glass fibre membrane was 40-50% lower compared to a native sample, but on average, two times higher than from a conventional cellulose membrane (filter paper). The reduction of DNA yield when using a dried sample was found to be due to partial retention of nucleic acids by the membrane material during the lysis stage.

Diesel removal in non-aqueous phase by fibres from Calotropis procera: kinetic, isothermal and sorption potential evaluation.

Calotropis procera fibres have been proposed for free-phase diesel removal in case of spillage into groundwater. For this, characterizations were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), wettability and contact angle measurements. Sorption oil capacity, kinetic, isothermal and recycling behaviour were evaluated. For initial optimization of the oil sorption capacity, an experimental design (DOE) was applied, with the optimized condition being 60 g L-1 of diesel in water and 0.01 g of fibre. Then, the results clearly indicated that the fibres have a hydrophobic and oleophilic character, quickly reaching more than 71.43 g g-1 of diesel sorption, according to the adjustment (R² > 0.99) of the pseudo-second order and Langmuir models, governed by absorption mechanisms. It should also be noted that at the end of 8 reuse cycles, the fibre presented a total accumulated sorption capacity of about 252.6 g g-1 of diesel. Furthermore, a laboratory-scale experiment was carried out to remove diesel from groundwater in gas station areas, the fibre removed 98.55% to 99.97% of removal efficiencies were achieved of the free phase over time. Therefore, the material demonstrates excellent characteristics for removing diesel spills in groundwater due to its fast, high and stable removal capacity.

Values of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness are different in children and adults.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The detection of abnormal values of peripapillary nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is important for detecting optic nerve disease in children. BACKGROUND: To evaluate the level of agreement between the adult reference database supplied with an OCT device and the present paediatric study database for the measurement of pRNFL thickness in children. This study also aimed to provide reference values for pRNFL thickness according to the spherical equivalent in the paediatric population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred and twenty-six healthy children were included, who had undergone a full ophthalmological examination including cycloplegic refraction and examination of pRNFL thickness using the Topcon 3D OCT 2000 device (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Values equal to or below the fifth percentile (≤p5) and above the 95th percentile (>p95) were considered abnormal. Observed agreement and specific agreement were investigated between OCT measurements classified with paediatric and adult reference values for normality. RESULTS: Values ≤ p5 in the adult database were recorded for 2 of the 30 values (6.6%) of the pRNFL values by quadrants ≤p5 in the paediatric database and 17 of the 88 (19.3%) values by sectors ≤p5. For values >p95 in the adult database, 88% by quadrants and 72% by sectors would have been classified as being within the normal range using the paediatric database. CONCLUSION: The use of adult reference values currently available in OCT devices can lead to classification errors concerning the normal range of pRNFL thickness in a large proportion of paediatric patients. The use of normative paediatric databases, such as the one discussed in this study, should be taken into consideration.

Cotton BOP1 mediates SUMOylation of GhBES1 to regulate fibre development and plant architecture.

The Arabidopsis BLADE-ON-PETIOLE (BOP) genes are primarily known for their roles in regulating leaf and floral patterning. However, the broader functions of BOPs in regulating plant traits remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the Gossypium hirsutum BOP1 gene in the regulation of fibre length and plant height through the brassinosteroid (BR) signalling pathway. Transgenic cotton plants overexpressing GhBOP1 display shorter fibre lengths and reduced plant height compared to the wild type. Conversely, GhBOP1 knockdown led to increased plant height and longer fibre, indicating a connection with phenotypes influenced by the BR pathway. Our genetic evidence supports the notion that GhBOP1 regulates fibre length and plant height in a GhBES1-dependent manner, with GhBES1 being a major transcription factor in the BR signalling pathway. Yeast two-hybrid, luciferase complementation assay and pull-down assay results demonstrated a direct interaction between GhBOP1 and GhSUMO1, potentially forming protein complexes with GhBES1. In vitro and in vivo SUMOylation analyses revealed that GhBOP1 functions in an E3 ligase-like manner to mediate GhBES1 SUMOylation and subsequent degradation. Therefore, our study not only uncovers a novel mechanism of GhBES1 SUMOylation but also provides significant insights into how GhBOP1 regulates fibre length and plant height by controlling GhBES1 accumulation.

Assessing the Protein Quality, In Vitro Intestinal Iron Absorption and Human Faecal Microbiota Impacts of Plant-Based Mince.

The nutritional quality of plant-based meat analogues compared to traditional meat products has been questioned in recent commentary, particularly in relation to protein quality and micronutrient bioavailability. However, the attributes of specific products within this category are unclear. We therefore undertook a comprehensive assessment of the compositional and functional attributes of v2food® (Sydney, Australia) plant-based mince, including an assessment of the effects of reformulation, including the addition of amino acids, ascorbic acid, and different forms of elemental iron. The protein digestibility and protein quality of v2food® plant-based mince were comparable to beef mince in the standardized INFOGEST system, and favourable effects on microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were demonstrated in an in vitro digestion system. The use of ferrous sulphate as an iron source improved in vitro intestinal iron absorption by ~50% in comparison to other forms of iron (p < 0.05), although levels were ~3-fold lower than beef mince, even in the presence of ascorbic acid. In conclusion, the current study identified some favourable nutritional attributes of plant-based v2food® mince, specifically microbiota and SCFA changes, as well as other areas where further reformulation could be considered to further enhance the bioavailability of key nutrients. Further studies to assess the effect of plant-based meat analogues on health measures in vivo will be important to improve knowledge in this area.

Toward the Manufacturing of a Non-Toxic High-Performance Biobased Epoxy-Hemp Fibre Composite.

This study describes the production of a new biobased epoxy thermoset and its use with long hemp fibres to produce high-performance composites that are totally biobased. The synthesis of BioIgenox, an epoxy resin derived from a lignin biorefinery, and its curing process have been optimised to decrease their environmental impact. The main objective of this study is to characterise the rheology and kinetics of the epoxy system with a view to optimising the composite manufacturing process. Thus, the epoxy resin/hardener system was chosen considering the constraints imposed by the implementation of composites reinforced with plant fibres. The viscosity of the chosen mixture shows the compatibility of the formulation with the traditional implementation processes of the composites. In addition, unlike BPA-a precursor of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin-BioIgenox and its precursor do not have endocrine disrupting activities. The neat polymer and its unidirectional hemp fibre composite are characterised using three-point bending tests. Results measured for the fully biobased epoxy polymer show a bending modulus, a bending strength, a maximum strain at failure and a Tg of, respectively, 3.1 GPa, 55 MPa, 1.82% and 120 °C. These values are slightly weaker than those of the DGEBA-based epoxy material. It was also observed that the incorporation of fibres into the fully biobased epoxy system induces a decrease in the damping peak and a shift towards higher temperatures. These results point out the effective stress transfers between the hemp fibres and the fully biobased epoxy system. The high mechanical properties and softening temperature measured in this work with a fully biobased epoxy system make this type of composite a very promising sustainable material for transport and lightweight engineering applications.