Utilization of ripe coconut water in the development of probiotic gelatin
Background Desserts with vegetable ingredients are a constantly expanding global market due to the search for alternatives to cow’s milk. Fermentation of these matrices by lactic acid bacteria can add greater functionality to the product, improving its nutritional, sensory, and food safety characteristics, as well as creating bioactive components with beneficial effects on health. Concern for health and well-being has aroused interest in byproducts of the industry that have functional properties for the body, such as mature coconut water, a normally discarded residue that is rich in nutrients. This study aimed to develop a probiotic gelatin based on pulp and water from mature coconuts and evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, viability of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR32 strain in the medium, as well as the texture properties of the product. Methods After collection and cleaning, the physicochemical characterization, mineral analysis, analysis of the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mature coconut water were carried out, as well as the centesimal composition of its pulp. Afterwards, the gelling was developed with the addition of modified corn starch, gelatin, sucrose, and probiotic culture, being subjected to acidity analysis, texture profile and cell count, on the first day and every 7 days during 21 days of storage, under refrigeration at 5 °C. An analysis of the centesimal composition was also carried out. Results The main minerals in coconut water were potassium (1,932.57 mg L−1), sodium (19.57 mg L−1), magnesium (85.13 mg L−1) calcium (279.93 mg L−1) and phosphorus (11.17 mg L−1), while the pulp had potassium (35.96 g kg−1), sodium (0.97 g kg−1), magnesium (2.18 g kg−1), 37 calcium (1.64 g kg−1), and phosphorus (3.32 g kg−1). The phenolic content of the water and pulp was 5.72 and 9.77 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) 100 g−1, respectively, and the antioxidant capacity was 1.67 and 0.98 39 g of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) mg−1, respectively. The coconut pulp had 2.81 g 100 g−1of protein, 1.11 g 100 g−1 of 40 ash, 53% moisture, and 5.81 g 100 g−1 of carbohydrates. The gelatin produced during the storage period presented firmness parameters ranging from 145.82 to 206.81 grams-force (gf), adhesiveness from 692.85 to 1,028.63 gf sec, cohesiveness from 0.604 to 0.473, elasticity from 0.901 to 0.881, gumminess from 86.27 to 97.87 gf, and chewiness from 77.72 to 91.98 gf. Regarding the viability of the probiotic microorganism, the dessert had 7.49 log CFU g−1 that remained viable during the 21-day storage, reaching 8.51 CFU g−1. Acidity ranged from 0.15 to 0.64 g of lactic acid 100 g−1. The centesimal composition of the product showed 4.88 g 100 g−1 of protein, 0.54 g 100 g−1 of ash, 85.21% moisture, and 5.37g 100 g−1 of carbohydrates. The development of the gelatin made it possible to obtain a differentiated product, contributing to diversification in the food sector, providing a viable alternative for maintaining consumer health and reducing costs compared to desserts already available on the market.
Patricio Rocha et al. (2024) Utilization of ripe coconut water in the development of probiotic gelatin. PeerJ 12:e17502 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17502
Response of the subalpine bunchgrasses to wildfires and its effects in the relative abundance of the volcano rabbit in the Ajusco-Chichinautzin Mountain Range
The volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi) is a lagomorph endemic to the central mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is classified as threatened at extinction risk. It is a habitat specialist in bunchgrass communities. The annual wildfires that occur throughout its distribution range are a vulnerability factor for the species. However, the effects of wildfires on volcano rabbit populations are not fully understood. We evaluated the occupancy and change in the volcano rabbit relative abundance index in the burned bunchgrass communities of the Ajusco-Chichinautzin Mountain Range during an annual cycle of wildfire events. Additionally, we assessed the factors that favor and limit occupation and reoccupation by the volcano rabbit using the relative abundance index in burned plots as an indicator of these processes. The explanatory factors for the response of the volcano rabbit were its presence in the nearby unburned bunchgrasses, the height of three species of bunchgrass communities, the proportion of different types of vegetation cover within a 500 m radius around the burned plots, heterogeneity of the vegetation cover, and the extent of the wildfire. Statistical analyses indicated possible reoccupation in less than a year in burned bunchgrass communities adjacent to unburned bunchgrass communities with volcano rabbits. The relative abundance index of volcano rabbits was not favored when the maximum height of the Muhlenbergia macroura bunchgrass community was less than 0.77 m. When the vegetation around the burned plots was dominated by forest (cover >30% of the buffer) and the fire was extensive, the number of latrines decreased per month but increased when the bunchgrass and shrub cover was greater around the burned plots. While the statistical results are not conclusive, our findings indicate a direction for future projects, considering extensive monitoring to obtain a greater number of samples that contribute to consolidating the models presented.
Uriostegui-Velarde et al. (2024) Response of the subalpine bunchgrasses to wildfires and its effects in the relative abundance of the volcano rabbit in the Ajusco-Chichinautzin Mountain Range. PeerJ 12:e17510 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17510
Molecular characterization of Pectobacterium atrosepticum infecting potato and its management through chemicals
Potato farming is a vital component of food security and the economic stability especially in the under developing countries but it faces many challenges in production, blackleg disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pa) is one of the main reason for damaging crop yield of the potato. Effective management strategies are essential to control these losses and to get sustainable potato crop yield. This study was focused on characterizing the Pa and the investigating new chemical options for its management. The research was involved a systematic survey across the three district of Punjab, Pakistan (Khanewal, Okara, and Multan) to collect samples exhibiting the black leg symptoms. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory where gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified through biochemical and pathogenicity tests for Pa. DNA sequencing further confirmed these isolates of Pa strains. Six different chemicals were tested to control blackleg problem in both vitro and vivo at different concentrations. In vitro experiment, Cordate demonstrated the highest efficacy with a maximum inhibition zones of 17.139 mm, followed by Air One (13.778 mm), Profiler (10.167 mm), Blue Copper (7.7778 mm), Spot Fix (7.6689 mm), and Strider (7.0667 mm). In vivo, Cordate maintained its effectiveness with the lowest disease incidence of 14.76%, followed by Blue Copper (17.49%), Air One (16.98%), Spot Fix (20.67%), Profiler (21.45%), Strider (24.99%), and the control group (43.00%). The results highlight Cordate’s potential as a most effective chemical against Pa, offering promising role for managing blackleg disease in potato and to improve overall productivity.
Hameed et al. (2024) Molecular characterization of Pectobacterium atrosepticum infecting potato and its management through chemicals. PeerJ 12:e17518 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17518
Effect of glucocorticoid blockade on inflammatory responses to acute sleep fragmentation in male mice
The association between sleep and the immune-endocrine system is well recognized, but the nature of that relationship is not well understood. Sleep fragmentation induces a pro-inflammatory response in peripheral tissues and brain, but it also activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing glucocorticoids (GCs) (cortisol in humans and corticosterone in mice). It is unclear whether this rapid release of glucocorticoids acts to potentiate or dampen the inflammatory response in the short term. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blocking or suppressing glucocorticoid activity will affect the inflammatory response from acute sleep fragmentation (ASF). Male C57BL/6J mice were injected i.p. with either 0.9% NaCl (vehicle 1), metyrapone (a glucocorticoid synthesis inhibitor, dissolved in vehicle 1), 2% ethanol in polyethylene glycol (vehicle 2), or mifepristone (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, dissolved in vehicle 2) 10 min before the start of ASF or no sleep fragmentation (NSF). After 24 h, samples were collected from brain (prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus) and periphery (liver, spleen, heart, and epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT)). Proinflammatory gene expression (TNF-α and IL-1β) was measured, followed by gene expression analysis. Metyrapone treatment affected pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression during ASF in some peripheral tissues, but not in the brain. More specifically, metyrapone treatment suppressed IL-1β expression in EWAT during ASF, which implies a pro-inflammatory effect of GCs. However, in cardiac tissue, metyrapone treatment increased TNF-α expression in ASF mice, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of GCs. Mifepristone treatment yielded more significant results than metyrapone, reducing TNF-α expression in liver (only NSF mice) and cardiac tissue during ASF, indicating a pro-inflammatory role. Conversely, in the spleen of ASF-mice, mifepristone increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), demonstrating an anti-inflammatory role. Furthermore, irrespective of sleep fragmentation, mifepristone increased pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in heart (IL-1β), pre-frontal cortex (IL-1β), and hypothalamus (IL-1β). The results provide mixed evidence for pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of corticosterone to regulate inflammatory responses to acute sleep loss.
Hasan et al. (2024) Effect of glucocorticoid blockade on inflammatory responses to acute sleep fragmentation in male mice. PeerJ 12:e17539 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17539
The best of two worlds: reprojecting 2D image annotations onto 3D models
Imagery has become one of the main data sources for investigating seascape spatial patterns. This is particularly true in deep-sea environments, which are only accessible with underwater vehicles. On the one hand, using collaborative web-based tools and machine learning algorithms, biological and geological features can now be massively annotated on 2D images with the support of experts. On the other hand, geomorphometrics such as slope or rugosity derived from 3D models built with structure from motion (sfm) methodology can then be used to answer spatial distribution questions. However, precise georeferencing of 2D annotations on 3D models has proven challenging for deep-sea images, due to a large mismatch between navigation obtained from underwater vehicles and the reprojected navigation computed in the process of building 3D models. In addition, although 3D models can be directly annotated, the process becomes challenging due to the low resolution of textures and the large size of the models. In this article, we propose a streamlined, open-access processing pipeline to reproject 2D image annotations onto 3D models using ray tracing. Using four underwater image datasets, we assessed the accuracy of annotation reprojection on 3D models and achieved successful georeferencing to centimetric accuracy. The combination of photogrammetric 3D models and accurate 2D annotations would allow the construction of a 3D representation of the landscape and could provide new insights into understanding species microdistribution and biotic interactions.
Spatial and Geographic Information Science
Marcillat et al. (2024) The best of two worlds: reprojecting 2D image annotations onto 3D models. PeerJ 12:e17557 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17557
Bioaccessibility of condensed tannins and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat
The bioaccessibility of tannins as antioxidants in meat is essential to maximise their effectiveness in protecting the product. This property determines the amount of tannins available to interact with meat components, inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation and, consequently, prolonging shelf life and preserving the sensory quality of the product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract (AME) and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of fattened lamb meat. Thirty-six Dorset × Hampshire lambs (3 months old and 20.8 ± 3.3 kg live weight) were used. The lambs were distributed equally (n = 9) into four treatments: T1, T2, T3 and T4, which included a basal diet plus 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% of CT from AME, respectively. At the end of the fattening period, bioaccessibility was evaluated, the animals were slaughtered and a sample of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was collected to assess colour, lipid oxidation, cooking weight loss and shear force on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 of shelf-life, in samples preserved at −20 °C. In addition, the long chain fatty acid profile was analysed. A completely randomised design was used, and the means were compared with Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). The mean lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and hue (H*) values were higher for T3 and T4. The addition of CT did not affect (P > 0.05) redness (a*), cooking weight loss (CWL) or shear force (SF). T4 decreased (P < 0.05) stearic acid and increased cis-9 trans-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Bioaccessibility was higher in the supplemented groups (T1 < T2, T3 and T4). In conclusion, supplementing CT from AME in the diet of lambs did not reduce lipid oxidation, but T3 or T4 improved some aspects of meat colour and CLA deposition.
García Salas et al. (2024) Bioaccessibility of condensed tannins and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat. PeerJ 12:e17572 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17572
Effects of wheat intercropping on growth and occurrence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon
Watermelon is commonly affected by Fusarium wilt in a monoculture cropping system. Wheat intercropping alleviates the affection of Fusarium wilt of watermelon. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of wheat and watermelon intercropping on watermelon growth and Fusarium wilt. Our results showed that wheat and watermelon intercropping promoted growth, increased chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis of watermelon. Meanwhile, wheat and watermelon intercropping inhibited watermelon Fusarium wilt occurrence, decreased spore numbers, increased root vigor, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in watermelon roots. Additionally, wheat and watermelon intercropping enhanced the bacterial colonies and total microbes growth in soil, decreased fungi and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) colonies, and increased soil enzyme activities in watermelon rhizosphere soil. Our results indicated that wheat and watermelon intercropping enhanced watermelon growth and decreased the incidence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. These effects could be due to intercropping inducing physiological changes, regulating soil enzyme activities, and/or modulating soil microbial communities.
Lv et al. (2024) Effects of wheat intercropping on growth and occurrence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. PeerJ 12:e17587 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17587
Positive peritoneal lavage fluid cytology based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells indicates a high risk of peritoneal metastasis
Background Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is the most prevalent type of metastasis in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and has an extremely poor prognosis. The detection of free cancer cells (FCCs) in the peritoneal cavity has been demonstrated to be one of the worst prognostic factors for GC. However, there is a lack of sensitive detection methods for FCCs in the peritoneal cavity. This study aimed to use a new peritoneal lavage fluid cytology examination to detect FCCs in patients with GC, and to explore its clinical significance on diagnosing of occult peritoneal metastasis (OPM) and prognosis. Methods Peritoneal lavage fluid from 50 patients with GC was obtained and processed via the isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells (ISET) method. Immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to identify FCCs expressing chromosome 8 (CEP8), chromosome 17 (CEP17), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Results Using a combination of the ISET platform and immunofluorescence-FISH, the detection of FCCs was higher than that by light microscopy (24.0% vs. 2.0%). Samples were categorized into positive and negative groups, based on the expressions of CEP8, CEP17, and EpCAM. Statistically significant relationships were demonstrated between age (P = 0.029), sex (P = 0.002), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.001), pTNM stage (P = 0.001), and positivity for FCCs. After adjusting for covariates, patients with positive FCCs had lower progression-free survival than patients with negative FCCs. Conclusion The ISET platform highly enriched nucleated cells from peritoneal lavage fluid, and indicators comprising EpCAM, CEP8, and CEP17 confirmed the diagnosis of FCCs. As a potential detection method, it offers an opportunity for early intervention of OPM and an extension of patient survival.
Xuan et al. (2024) Positive peritoneal lavage fluid cytology based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells indicates a high risk of peritoneal metastasis. PeerJ 12:e17602 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17602
Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women
Objective To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. Methods This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA. Results Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius (F = 17.85, P < 0.01) and quadriceps (F = 15.62, P < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles (F = 4.47, P = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (z = −2.16, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. Conclusion The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.
Peng et al. (2024) Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. PeerJ 12:e17606 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17606
Response of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community to chemical fertilization in sugarcane
Most sugarcane cultivation areas in China have undergone over 30 years of continuous monocropping, and long-term chemical fertilizer application has led to severe soil degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in promoting plant nutrient uptake, enhancing plant stress tolerance, and improving soil quality and restoration. However, in agroecosystems, AMF are susceptible to the effects of cultivation, fertilization, and other factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of chemical fertilization on the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil of plant crop of sugarcane. In this study, sugarcane varieties GT58 and GT29 were selected for experiment. Four different chemical fertilization rates were established using controlled-release compound chemical fertilizer (N: P: K = 17:7:17): T1 (0.0 kg/ha), T2 (562.5 kg/ha), T3 (1,125.0 kg/ha), and T4 (2,250.0 kg/ha). The results showed that different fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58. T3 and T4 increased the cane yield by 12.67% and 11.11%, respectively, compared to the control T1 (P < 0.05). The impact on the cane yield in GT29 was not significant. The diversity indices of root-associated AMF in GT58 (Chao index and Shannon index) varied significantly in different fertilization rates. T3 had the highest diversity, showing no significant difference from T1 and T2 but significantly higher than T4. For GT29, there were no significant differences in the diversity indices of root-associated AMF among different fertilization rates. Analyzing the differential species in root-associated soil with different fertilization rates in GT58 at the OTU level revealed that T3 had significantly higher abundances for 5 OTUs compared to the other treatments, and all the differentially abundant species belonged to Glomus. The Mantel analysis revealed that the genus Acaulospora was significantly and positively correlated with millable stalks (P < 0.001), and significantly and positively correlated with tiller number (P < 0.05). The genus Scutellospora showed a significant positive correlation with sprouting rate (P < 0.05). However, the other AMF genera did not show significant correlations with the agronomic traits of sugarcane. In summary, different chemical fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58 and the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil, but not in GT29, which suggests that sugarcane chemical fertilization should consider different sugarcane varieties and the diversity of AMF communities in soil.
Kang et al. (2024) Response of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community to chemical fertilization in sugarcane. PeerJ 12:e17610 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17610