Genomic characterization of three bacterial isolates antagonistic to the pea root rot pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches.

Microorganisms living in soil and rhizosphere or inside plants can promote plant growth and health. Genomic characterization of beneficial microbes could shed light on their special features. Through extensive field survey across Saskatchewan, Canada, followed by in vitro and greenhouse characterization, we identified several bacterial isolates antagonistic to pea root rot pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches. In this study, the genomes of three isolates-Pseudomonas sp. rhizo 66 (PD-S66), Pseudomonas synxantha rhizo 25 (Ps-S25), and Serratia sp. root 2 (TS-R2)-were sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Genome size of PD-S66 was 6 279 416 bp with 65 contigs, 59.32% GC content, and 5653 predicted coding sequences (CDS). Genome size of Ps-S25 was 6 058 437 bp with 66 contigs, a GC content of 60.08%, and 5575 predicted CDS. The genome size of TS-R2 was 5 282 152 bp, containing 26 contigs, a GC content of 56.17%, and 4956 predicted CDS. For the identification of the isolates, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values were determined, which confirmed PD-S66 and TS-R2 as potential new species, belonging to Pseudomonas and Serratia genera, respectively, while Ps-S25 belongs to species Pseudomonas synxantha. Biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted using antiSMASH. The genomic data provided insight into the genetics and biochemical pathways supporting the antagonistic activity against A. euteiches of these isolates.

Assessment of radioactivity level and associated radiological hazard in fertilizer from Dhaka.

Miners, factory workers, traders, end-users, and foodstuff consumers all run the risk of encountering health hazards derived from the presence of elevated levels of radiation in fertilizers, as these groups often come into direct or indirect contact with fertilizers as well as raw materials throughout various linked processes such as mineral extractions, fertilizer production, agricultural practices. A total of 30 samples of various kinds of fertilizer produced in different factories in Dhaka megacity were analyzed to quantify the concentrations of primordial radionuclides using HPGe detector. Among the analyzed samples, average (range) concentration of 40K was found to be 9920 ± 1091 (8700 ± 957-11,500 ± 1265), 9100 ± 1001 (8600 ± 946-9600 ± 1056), 2565 ± 282 (2540 ± 279-2590 ± 285), and 3560 ± 392 (2620 ± 288-4500 ± 495) Bq/kg in the samples of Muriate of Potash Fertilizer, Sulphate of Potash Fertilizer, Humic Acid Fertilizer, and NPKS Fertilizer, respectively. Elevated concentration of 226Ra was found in Triple Super Phosphate Fertilizer with a mean (range) of 335 ± 37 (290 ± 32-380 ± 42) Bq/kg. The higher activity of 40K can be linked to the greater levels of elemental potassium in phosphate fertilizer. Elevated concentrations of radionuclides may also result from variations in chemical processes as well as the local geology of the mining areas where the raw materials were extracted for fertilizer production. Numerous fertilizer brands surpass prescribed limits for various hazardous parameters, presenting significant health risks to factory workers, farmers, and consumers of agricultural products. This study provides baseline information on the radioactivity of fertilizers, which could be used to develop mitigation methods, establish national fertilizer usage limits, justify regulatory frameworks, and raise public awareness of fertilizer overuse. The findings of the study could potentially help to explore the impact of fertilizer on the food chain.

Increasing rates of cesarean birth in Bangladesh: A household-level pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean birth (CB) rates have been increasing rapidly globally, including in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess national trends in CB rates and to investigate associated factors in Bangladesh. METHODS: We analyzed data from the five most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) between 2003 and 2018. A total of 27,328 ever-married women aged 15-49 who had a live birth in the 2 years preceding the survey were included in this study. We estimated the prevalence of CB from 2003 to 2018, as well as changes in the prevalence. Logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of CB among Bangladeshi mothers was 3.99% in 2003-04; this rate increased to 33.22% in 2017-18. The annual percentage change in CB rate was 16.34% from 2004 to 2017-18, which is alarming relative to the World Health Organization's cesarean birth recommended threshold. Several factors, such as maternal age, maternal and paternal education, working status of the mother, maternal BMI, age at first pregnancy, antenatal care (ANC) use, administrative division, and wealth status, had a significant influence on the rising rate of CB in Bangladesh. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the alarming rate of CB increase in Bangladesh since 2003. It is critical that authorities implement more effective national monitoring measures to identify the causes of this dramatic increase and work to mitigate the rate of unnecessary CB in Bangladesh.

Integrated QTL Mapping, Meta-Analysis, and RNA-Sequencing Reveal Candidate Genes for Maize Deep-Sowing Tolerance.

Synergetic elongation of mesocotyl and coleoptile are crucial in governing maize seedlings emergence, especially for the maize sown in deep soil. Studying the genomic regions controlling maize deep-sowing tolerance would aid the development of new varieties that are resistant to harsh conditions, such as drought and low temperature during seed germination. Using 346 F2:3 maize population families from W64A × K12 cross at three sowing depths, we identified 33 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the emergence rate, mesocotyl, coleoptile, and seedling lengths via composite interval mapping (CIM). These loci explained 2.89% to 14.17% of phenotypic variation in a single environment, while 12 of 13 major QTLs were identified at two or more sowing environments. Among those, four major QTLs in Bin 1.09, Bin 4.08, Bin 6.01, and Bin 7.02 supported pleiotropy for multiple deep-sowing tolerant traits. Meta-analysis identified 17 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) based on 130 original QTLs from present and previous studies. RNA-Sequencing of mesocotyl and coleoptile in both parents (W64A and K12) at 3 cm and 20 cm sowing environments identified 50 candidate genes expressed differentially in all major QTLs and MQTLs regions: six involved in the circadian clock, 27 associated with phytohormones biosynthesis and signal transduction, seven controlled lignin biosynthesis, five regulated cell wall organization formation and stabilization, three were responsible for sucrose and starch metabolism, and two in the antioxidant enzyme system. These genes with highly interconnected networks may form a complex molecular mechanism of maize deep-sowing tolerance. Findings of this study will facilitate the construction of molecular modules for deep-sowing tolerance in maize. The major QTLs and MQTLs identified could be used in marker-assisted breeding to develop elite maize varieties.

Exogenous Serotonin (5-HT) Promotes Mesocotyl and Coleoptile Elongation in Maize Seedlings under Deep-Seeding Stress through Enhancing Auxin Accumulation and Inhibiting Lignin Formation.

Serotonin (5-HT), an indoleamine compound, has been known to mediate many physiological responses of plants under environmental stress. The deep-seeding (≥20 cm) of maize seeds is an important cultivation strategy to ensure seedling emergence and survival under drought stress. However, the role of 5-HT in maize deep-seeding tolerance remains unexplored. Understanding the mechanisms and evaluating the optimal concentration of 5-HT in alleviating deep-seeding stress could benefit maize production. In this study, two maize inbred lines were treated with or without 5-HT at both sowing depths of 20 cm and 3 cm, respectively. The effects of different concentrations of 5-HT on the growth phenotypes, physiological metabolism, and gene expression of two maize inbred lines were examined at the sowing depths of 20 cm and 3 cm. Compared to the normal seedling depth of 3 cm, the elongation of the mesocotyl (average elongation 3.70 cm) and coleoptile (average elongation 0.58 cm), secretion of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; average increased 3.73 and 0.63 ng g-1 FW), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; average increased 1.95 and 0.63 µM g-1 FW) in the mesocotyl and coleoptile were increased under 20 cm stress, with a concomitant decrease in lignin synthesis (average decreased 0.48 and 0.53 A280 g-1). Under 20 cm deep-seeding stress, the addition of 5-HT activated the expression of multiple genes of IAA biosynthesis and signal transduction, including Zm00001d049601, Zm00001d039346, Zm00001d026530, and Zm00001d049659, and it also stimulated IAA production in both the mesocotyl and coleoptile of maize seedlings. On the contrary, 5-HT suppressed the expression of genes for lignin biosynthesis (Zm00001d016471, Zm00001d005998, Zm00001d032152, and Zm00001d053554) and retarded the accumulation of H2O2 and lignin, resulting in the elongation of the mesocotyl and coleoptile of maize seedlings. A comprehensive evaluation analysis showed that the optimum concentration of 5-HT in relieving deep-seeding stress was 2.5 mg/L for both inbred lines, and 5-HT therefore could improve the seedling emergence rate and alleviate deep-seeding stress in maize seedlings. These findings could provide a novel strategy for improving maize deep-seeding tolerance, thus enhancing yield potential under drought and water stress.

Development of the immune system in the human embryo.

The fetal immune system is highly specialized which is to generate both tolerogenic and protective immune responses to tolerate both self- and maternal-antigens. Fetal T cells with pro-inflammatory potential are born in a tolerogenic environment and are tightly controlled by both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms. Fetal B-1 and B-2 B cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, respectively, arise in staggered waves of development from distinct progenitors. Innate immune responses are the key to the protection against infection and adaptive immunity creates memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen. This review aims to discuss the recent advances in understanding the development of immune system in fetus. IMPACT: During gestation, essential developmental changes occur to survive the neonates. At early stage, developmental signals and changes may be influenced due to immune deficiencies.

Drivers and distribution of the household-level double burden of malnutrition in Bangladesh: analysis of mother-child dyads from a national household survey.

OBJECTIVE: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) has become an emerging public health issue in many low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to provide important evidence for the prevalence of different types of DBM at the national and subnational levels in Bangladesh. DESIGN: The study utilised data from the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-2018. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with DBM. SETTING: Nationally representative cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: 8697 mothers aged 15 to 49 years with <5 children. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of the DBM was approximately 21 %, where the prevalence of overweight mother (OWM) & stunted child/wasted child/underweight child (SC/WC/UWC) and underweight mother (UWM) & overweight child (OWC) was 13·35 % and 7·69 %, respectively, with a higher prevalence among urban households (OWM & SC/WC/UWC = 14·22 %; UWM & OWC = 10·58 %) in Bangladesh. High inequality was observed among UWM & OWC dyads, concentration index (CI) = -0·2998, while low level of inequality of DBM were observed for OWM & SC (CI = 0·0153), OWM & WC (CI = 0·1165) and OWM & UWC (CI = 0·0135) dyads. We observed that the age and educational status of the mother, number of children, fathers' occupation, size and wealth index of the household, and administrative division were significantly associated with all types of DBM. CONCLUSIONS: Health policymakers, concerned authorities and various stakeholders should stress the prevalence of DBM issues and take necessary actions aimed at identifying and addressing the DBM in Bangladesh.

Prevalence and transmission of COVID-19 in community and household levels of Bangladesh: Longini and Koopman epidemic modelling approach.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic and its transmission rates among people in both community and household levels of Bangladesh. METHODS: We use the cross-sectional online survey data of 2080 individuals, collected from 442 households during June to September 2020 in Bangladesh. The Longini and Koopman stochastic epidemic modelling approach was adapted for analysing the data. To validate the results, a simulation study was conducted using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method via the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm in the context of the Bayesian framework. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic was 15.1% (315 out of 2080) among people in Bangladesh. This proportion was higher in smaller households (size one: 40.0%, two: 35.7% and three: 25.9%) than larger (four: 15.8%, five: 13.3%, six: 14.1%, seven: 12.5% eight: 8.7%, nine: 14.8% and ten or eleven: 5.7%). The transmission rate of COVID-19 in community people was higher (12.0%, 95% CI: 10.0% to 13.0%) than household members (9.0%, 95% CI: 6.0% to 11.0%). CONCLUSION: The susceptible individuals have a higher risk of community infection than the household and the community transmission is more responsible than the household for COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Molecular identification of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and associated risk factors for white spot disease (WSD) prevalence in shrimp (Penaeus monodon) aquaculture in Bangladesh.

White spot disease has caused significant economic losses in the shrimp farming industry of Bangladesh over the last two decades. The responsible virus, WSSV, may show severe disease with significant mortality depending on farm management and environmental and seasonal changes. Data on farm management and environmental parameters were collected from the southwest region of Bangladesh in 2018, and WSSV infection was confirmed by the species-specific gene VP28 using conventional PCR, real-time PCR and sequencing. Through bivariate analysis, nine significant risk factors for WSD were identified, viz. farm age, presence of nursery pond, reservoir of PL, weed in farm area, control of weed, stocking density, stocking frequency, ammonia and oxygen concentration. This study detected 46 WSSV-infected shrimp farms by conventional PCR, whereas real-time PCR identified 47 WSSV-positive out of 49 farms. WSSV prevalence was highest in the Khulna region, with 100% positivity in all seasons. WSSV loads ranged from 5.62 × 109 to 2.01 × 1015 copies/g of shrimp tissue. The VP28 gene sequence confirmed that 15 representative samples were 100% identical to the 2018 WSSV strain of India. The relationships among risk factors, prevalence and severity of disease, and origin of WSSV strains could be impactful for WSD management.

Appraisal of different levels of soybean meal in diets on growth, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidation, and gut histology of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study was designed to determine the effect of fishmeal (FM) replacement with soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidation, and gut histomorphology were assessed in the fish fed with five different formulated diets that increasingly replaced FM. The SBM0 contained 100% FM, followed by 25% (SBM25), 50% (SBM50), 75% (SBM75), and 100% (SBM100). Juvenile tilapia having weight and length of 6.6 ± 0.1 g and 5.4 ± 0.2 cm, respectively, were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Each group had 40 individual fish and fed to visual satiation for 90 days. Body weight gain and specific growth rate in fish fed with 25-75% SBM increased significantly (P < 0.01) compared with those in fish fed with SBM100. Fish having the same weight fed with diets SBM50, SBM75, and SBM100 showed a significantly (P < 0.01) longer intestine compared with those fed with SBM0 and SBM25. Villus height of the stomach and intestine was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in the fish fed with the diets SBM0, SBM25, and SBM50 compared with SBM75 and SBM100. Muscular thickness was inversely related with the increasing villus height. Protease activity increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the stomach, anterior intestine, and posterior intestine of fish fed with SBM0 compared with SBM100. In the stomach and anterior and posterior segments of the intestine, significantly (P < 0.01) higher lipase activity was observed in fish fed with the diets SBM0 and SBM25 compared with diet SBM100. In the stomach, anterior intestine, and posterior intestine, amylase activity was also significantly (P < 0.01) greater in SBM0 compared with SBM100. The antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase of the liver were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in fish fed SBM100 compared with SBM0. These results suggest that the replacement of FM up to 75% with SBM could be possible considering the growth performances, gut health, and activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in O. niloticus.

Immunoassay utilizing imaging surface plasmon resonance for the detection of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in maize and cheese.

α-Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a tremorgenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungal species, commonly found on agricultural commodities or fermented food products. A sensitive and rapid imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR) assay was developed to detect CPA in maize and cheese by combining an indirect competitive immunoassay and signal amplification based upon a secondary antibody (Ab2) conjugated with gold nanoparticles. Matrix-matched calibration curves were used to determine CPA content in maize and cheese samples. Recoveries, at two spiking levels in maize and cheese, were 89 to 126%, with standard deviations of repeatability (RSDr) of less than 16%. The limits of detection were 17 and 6 µg/kg in maize and cheese, respectively. To separate the CPA-contaminated samples from uncontaminated samples, a cutoff validation level of 40 µg/kg was introduced. The assay was applied to samples of naturally contaminated maize and was compared with competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA). This is the first report to detect CPA using an immuno-biosensor iSPR format.

Transcriptome profiling of Brassica napus stem sections in relation to differences in lignin content.

BACKGROUND: Brassica crops are cultivated widely for human consumption and animal feed purposes, and oilseed rape/canola (Brassica napus and rapa) is the second most important oilseed worldwide. Because of its natural diversity and genetic complexity, genomics studies on oilseed rape will be a useful resource base to modify the quantity and quality of biomass in various crops, and therefore, should have a positive impact on lignocellulosic biofuel production. The objective of this study was to perform microarray analysis on two variable lignin containing oilseed rape cultivars to target novel genes and transcription factors of importance in Brassica lignin regulation for applied research. RESULTS: To gain insight into the molecular networks controlling cell wall biosynthetic and regulatory events, we conducted lignin and microarray analysis of top and basal stem sections of brown seeded Brassica napus DH12075 and yellow seeded YN01-429 cultivars. A total of 9500 genes were differentially expressed 2-fold or higher in the stem between the cultivars, with a higher number of expressed genes in the basal section. Of the upregulated genes, many were transcription factors and a considerable number of these were associated with secondary wall synthesis and lignification in B. napus and other plant species. The three largest groups of transcription factors with differential expression were C2H2 and C3HC4 zinc fingers and bHLH. A significant number of genes related to lignin and carbohydrate metabolism also showed differential expression patterns between the stem sections of the two cultivars. Within the same cultivar, the number of upregulated genes was higher in the top section relative to the basal one. CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified and established expression patterns of many new genes likely involved in cell wall biosynthesis and regulation. Some genes with known roles in other biochemical pathways were also identified to have a potential role in cell wall biosynthesis. This stem transcriptome profiling will allow for selecting novel regulatory and structural genes for functional characterization, a strategy which may provide tools for modifying cell wall composition to facilitate fermentation for biofuel production.

Determination of permeability, plasma protein binding, blood partitioning, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Withanolide A in rats: A neuroprotective steroidal lactone.

Preclinical Research & Development Withanolide A (WA), a steroidal lactone is a major bioactive constituent of Withania somnifera (L.) with remarkable neuropharmacological activity. In this study, we investigated the permeability, plasma protein binding (PPB), blood partitioning, intravenous (i.v.), and oral pharmacokinetics as well as i.v. tissue distribution (TD) of pure WA in a rat model. The PPB, RBCs partitioning, and permeability of WA were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method. However, the pharmacokinetics and TD of WA were evaluated by validated and sensitive liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. The PPB and permeability of WA were determined by equilibrium dialysis and parallel artificial membrane permeability assay method, respectively. The results demonstrated that WA has high PPB and passive permeability. Furthermore, WA was found to have fast equilibration between RBCs and plasma. Following i.v. (2 mg/kg) and per-oral (25 mg/kg) administration of WA, the max concentration (Cmax ) in plasma was found as 85.53 ± 6.54 and 48.04 ±5.78 ng/mL, respectively. The TD study results indicated that WA has a rapid and wide TD. The maximum concentration in various tissues was found in following order: Clung > Cliver > Ckidney ≈ Cspleen > Cheart > Cbrain . The preclinical in vitro, as well as pharmacokinetics and TD results, are anticipated to support the future preclinical and clinical application of WA.

Assessment of complementary feeding of Canadian infants: effects on microbiome & oxidative stress, a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months followed by introduction of iron-rich complementary foods (CFs). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different iron-rich CFs on infant gut inflammation and microbiota. METHODS: Eighty-seven exclusively breastfed infants were randomly assigned to receive one of the following as their first CF: iron-fortified cereal (Cer), iron-fortified cereal with fruit (Cer + Fr), or meat (M). Urine and stool samples were collected to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, gut microbiota and inflammation. RESULTS: Fecal iron differed across feeding groups (p < 0.001); levels were highest in the Cer group and lowest in M group. A significant increase of fecal ROS formation (p < 0.002) after the introduction of CFs was observed, but did not differ across feeding groups. Fecal calprotectin increased within all groups after the introduction of CFs (p = 0.004). Gut microbiota richness increased after introduction of M or Cer + Fr. Regardless of feeding group, Coriobacteriaceae were positively correlated with ROS and Staphylococcaceae were negatively correlated with calprotectin. CONCLUSIONS: Choice of first CF may influence gut inflammation and microbiota, potentially due to variations in iron absorption from different foods. Further research is warranted to fully characterize these associations and to establish implications for infant health. This study was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov registry (Identifier No. NCT01790542 ). TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov registry under the name "Assessment of Complementary Feeding of Canadian Infants" (Identifier No. NCT01790542 ) February 6, 2013.

Theophylline, a methylxanthine drug induces osteopenia and alters calciotropic hormones, and prophylactic vitamin D treatment protects against these changes in rats.

The drug, theophylline is frequently used as an additive to medications for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). We studied the effect of theophylline in bone cells, skeleton and parameters related to systemic calcium homeostasis. Theophylline induced osteoblast apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen species production that was caused by increased cAMP production. Bone marrow levels of theophylline were higher than its serum levels, indicating skeletal accumulation of this drug. When adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with theophylline, bone regeneration at fracture site was diminished compared with control. Theophylline treatment resulted in a time-dependent (at 4- and 8 weeks) bone loss. At 8 weeks, a significant loss of bone mass and deterioration of microarchitecture occurred and the severity was comparable to methylprednisone. Theophylline caused formation of hypomineralized osteoid and increased osteoclast number and surface. Serum bone resorption and formation marker were respectively higher and lower in the theophylline group compared with control. Bone strength was reduced by theophylline treatment. After 8 weeks, serum 25-D3 and liver 25-hydroxylases were decreased in theophylline group than control. Further, theophylline treatment reduced serum 1, 25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25-D3), and increased parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23. Theophylline treated rats had normal serum calcium and phosphate but displayed calciuria and phosphaturia. Co-administration of 25-D3 with theophylline completely abrogated theophylline-induced osteopenia and alterations in calcium homeostasis. In addition, 1,25-D3 protected osteoblasts from theophylline-induced apoptosis and the attendant oxidative stress. We conclude that theophylline has detrimental effects in bone and prophylactic vitamin D supplementation to subjects taking theophylline could be osteoprotective.

Fatty Acid Composition in Feeds and Plasma of Canadian Premature Infants.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present exploratory study was to investigate how the fatty acid (FA) composition of different food sources for preterm infants including breast milk (BM), formula (F), human milk fortifiers (HMFs), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) impacted preterm infant's plasma FA. The associations between FA content of plasma with antioxidant enzyme activity and cognition were also evaluated. METHODS: Thirty-two premature infants were included in the present study. Five different feeds (BM, F, BM + F, BM + HMF, and TPN) were provided. Foods and preterm infant plasma samples were collected at the same time on the same day biweekly where possible. Separation and identification of the plasma and food FA methyl esters were performed by gas-liquid chromatography. Antioxidant enzymes were measured. The Bayley Scale of Infant Development version III was used to evaluate cognition. RESULTS: In food sources, BM contained significantly lower stearic acid (C18:0) (P < 0.05), oleic acid (C18:1n9) (P < 0.01), linoleic acid (C18:2n6) (P < 0.01), α-linoleic acid (C18:3n3) (P < 0.01), and arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (P < 0.05) compared with the F. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the BM + HMF compared with the BM. Stearic acid (C18:0) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the BM + F and BM + HMF compared with the BM. In the plasma lauric acid (C12:0) (P < 0.05) and myristic acid (C14:0) (P < 0.001) were higher in the BM-fed babies compared with the F-fed or TPN-recipient groups. Antioxidant enzymes, activities and cognition scores did not differ by feeding groups, however the study may not have been powered to detect these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The type, and therefore quality, of fatty acids is an important consideration when selecting what is fed to premature infants because differences in feed fatty acids were seen in some plasma fatty acids in the study.

Human Milk Fortification Increases Bnip3 Expression Associated With Intestinal Cell Death In Vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro effect(s) of a bovine-based human breast milk fortifier (HMF) on human intestinal cells. HMF increases the expression of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein (Bnip3) and cell death; the prostaglandin analogue misoprostol will rescue this effect. METHODS: Cultured intestinal cells were exposed to in vitro-digested human breast milk (BM) ±â€ŠHMF. Intracellular oxidation, cell damage/cell death, and BNIP3 expression were measured after exposure. RESULTS: In vitro-digested BM + HMF significantly increased intracellular oxidation, cell damage, and cell death in enterocyte cell cultures compared with either saline or BM controls, an effect that was rescued by the prostaglandin analogue, misoprostol. Bnip3 transcript and Bnip3 protein levels were significantly increased in vitro after treatment with BM + HMF. We also provide evidence that transfection of enterocytes with Bnip3 increases cell death, an effect that is rescued by a nonfunctional Bnip3 splice variant. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that HMF increases intestinal Bnip3 in vitro, and that the gene product triggers cell death. We suggest that misoprostol is a promising therapy, which may reduce intestinal cell death.

Deciphering Aphanomyces euteiches-pea-biocontrol bacterium interactions through untargeted metabolomics.

Aphanomyces euteiches causes root rot in pea, leading to significant yield losses. However, the metabolites involved in this pathosystem have not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to fill this gap and explore mechanisms of bacterial suppression of A. euteiches via untargeted metabolomics using pea grown in a controlled environment. Chemical isotope labeling (CIL), followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), was used for metabolite separation and detection. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed clear separation of metabolites from pathogen-treated pea roots and roots from other treatments. A three-tier approach positively or putatively identified 5249 peak pairs or metabolites. Of these, 403 were positively identified in tier 1; 940 were putatively identified with high confidence in tier 2. There were substantial changes in amino acid pool, and fatty acid and phenylpropanoid pathway products. More metabolites, including salicylic and jasmonic acids, were upregulated than downregulated in A. euteiches-infected roots. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and 12-oxophytodienoic acid were upregulated in A. euteiches + bacterium-treated roots compared to A. euteiches-infected roots. A great number of metabolites were up- or down-regulated in response to A. euteiches infection compared with the control and A. euteiches + bacterium-treated plants. The results of this study could facilitate improved disease management.

Effects of dietary squid oil on breeding performance and embryonic and larval development of butter catfish Ompok pabda.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of squid oil on the endangered butter catfish, Ompok pabda to confer enhanced breeding with embryonic and larval development for promoting its aquaculture. A total of 360 fish were obtained from the Brahmaputra River, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, of which, 60 fish stocked in each tank having an initial weight and length of 16.35 ± 0.57 g and 15.25 ± 0.38 cm, respectively, in the cisterns of 1.22 × 2.44 × 1.25 m (total 6 cisterns) maintained at 90 cm water depth. During the experimental period, a constant physico-chemical conditions of water such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) were 26.5 ± 2 °C, 7.4 ± 0.2, and 6.7 ± 0.5 ppm, respectively, were maintained in each cistern. As the source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), dietary 1 % squid oil (SQO) was supplemented in the diet of the treated group (SQO diet) to compare while the control group offered with basal diet without SQO supplementation (CON diet). The fecundity, spawning, fertilization, hatching rate, and survival rate of fry in SQO group were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in the CON group. Moreover, better early embryonic and larval development of fish was observed in the SQO group i.e. size of fertilized egg diameter, growth and early developmental stages of larvae but not significantly different from the control group. Collectively, the results of the present study showed that dietary SQO supplementation improved the breeding and reproductive performances of butter catfish. The findings of this study could assist to develop a nutrient-rich diet for the better broodstock development of butter catfish at the farm level which may ultimately reduce the mortality and poor survival of offspring of this commercially important catfish species.