Salt reduction in myofibrillar protein gel via inhomogeneous distribution of sodium-containing encapsulated fish oil coacervate: Mucopenetration ability of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

The potential application of fish oil microcapsules as salt reduction strategies in low-salt myofibrillar protein (MP) gel was investigated by employing soy protein isolates/carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (SPI-CMC) coacervates enriched with 25 mM sodium chloride and exploring their rheological characteristics, taste perception, and microstructure. The results revealed that the SPI-CMC coacervate phase exhibited the highest sodium content under 25 mM sodium level, albeit with uneven distribution. Notably, the hydrophilic and adhesive properties of CMC to sodium facilitated the in vitro release of sodium during oral digestion, as evidenced by the excellent wettability and mucopenetration ability of CMC. Remarkably, the fish oil microcapsules incorporating SPI-CMC as the wall material, prepared at pH 3.5 with a core-to-wall ratio of 1:1, demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was supported by the strong hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, the presence of SPI-CMC coacervates and fish oil microcapsules enhanced the interaction between MPs and strengthened the low-salt MP gel network. Coupled with electronic tongue analysis, the incorporation of fish oil microcapsules slightly exacerbated the non-uniformity of sodium distribution. This ultimately contributed to an enhanced perception of saltiness, richness, and aftertaste in low-salt protein gels. Overall, the incorporation of fish oil microcapsules emerged as an effective salt reduction strategy in low-salt MP gel.

Challenges of breastfeeding during COVID-19 and baby friendly protocols adopted at a maternity health center in the northern Emirates of UAE: a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) has caused worldwide panic in the global population taking people's lives, creating fear, and affecting mother-child relationships. Many questions were raised on the dangers of being infected with COVID-19 for newborns and safety concerns during feeding by COVID-19-positive mothers. Moreover, questions and doubts about the safety of the administration of vaccinations for nursing mothers are still open. This review attempts to fill the existing literature gap by exploring concepts concerning COVID-19 and breastfeeding mothers, the safety of vaccinations, the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on both mother and child, important hygiene recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers, and possible solutions to optimize breastfeeding and safety precautions amidst the fear of emergence of novel variants. METHODS: All relevant publications from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus search engines from December 2019 to October 2022 related to SARS-CoV-2, breastfeeding, COVID-19, lactating guidelines, and vaccination were included using 'Breastfeeding AND vaccine AND SARS-CoV-2' as MESH TERMS. Apart from the literature review, existing maternity protocols followed in Northern UAE were gathered from lactation consultants practicing in the UAE. RESULTS: Out of 19,391 records generated, only 24 studies were analyzed and summarized in this exhaustive review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow chart. Previous studies suggest that breastmilk is predominantly the primary source of nutrition for neonates. Breast milk is a rich source of antibodies that help the baby to fight against infections including other benefits. Hygiene recommendations for suspected or confirmed COVID-19-infected mothers are required along with psychological and emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of vaccinations should be advised and encouraged to protect the mothers with antibodies and the neonates by the passive transmission of antibodies through breast milk. This is a significant reason for not stopping breastfeeding even in case of COVID-19 infection. With adherence to proper hygiene methods, breastfeeding is recommended to be continued as the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

Examining Communicative, Critical Health Literacy and eHealth Literacy among International University Students Residing in Japan.

(1) Background: International students with sufficient health literacy are better equipped to respond to public health emergencies and reduce any unintentional harm that may occur during such events. This study aims to assess the current status of health literacy among international students and investigate the factors that influence health literacy. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tokyo on international university students using a questionnaire consisting of the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy and eHealth Literacy Scales. The study analyzed 205 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were utilized to assess the level of health literacy, and linear regression was used to identify the association of socio-demographic characteristics and disease status with health and e-health literacy. (3) Results: Health literacy and e-health literacy were low in 48.29% and 47.29% of international students, respectively. The mean scores of CCHL items ranged from 3.13 to 3.26, while the mean scores of eHEALS items ranged from 3.33 to 3.49. Both health literacy and e-health literacy were better with unmarried status (p = 0.015), and e-health literacy was worse with higher age (p = 0.007). (4) Conclusions: Overall, international students' health literacy and e-health literacy were at intermediate levels, with considerable room for improvement, and affected by certain student attributes.

Prescribing Trends of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors and Mortality among Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: Insights from the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease Registry.

Background: Despite guideline recommendations, suboptimal prescription rates of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Objective: This study aimed to examine the temporal trends, variations, and mortality outcomes among acute coronary syndrome patients prescribed ACEIs/ARBs in the multi-ethnic population of Malaysia. Methodology: This retrospective study utilized data from the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease-Acute Coronary Syndrome registry, encompassing consecutive patient records from 2008 to 2017 (N = 60,854). Ten-year temporal trends of on-discharge ACEIs/ARBs prescription were examined. Demographics, clinical characteristics and 1-year all-cause mortality outcomes were compared between patients prescribed and not prescribed ACEIs/ARBs. Results: The 10-year prescription rate of on-discharge ACEIs/ARBs was 52.8% (n = 32,140), with a significant decline over the years [linear trend test, P = 0.008; SD = 0.03; SE = 0.001; 95% CI = 0.55-0.64]. Patients aged ≥65 years (aOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.73-0.86) were less likely to be prescribed ACEIs/ARBs than those aged <65 years. In addition, patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM) (aOR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.79-0.92) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.30-0.40) were significantly less likely to receive ACEIs/ARBs. IPW-adjusted survival analysis revealed a 38% lower 1-year all-cause mortality rate in patients prescribed on-discharge ACEIs/ARBs (HR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.56-0.69; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Acute coronary syndrome patients with concomitant DM and CKD were less likely to receive on-discharge ACEIs/ARBs in Malaysia. Suboptimal prescription rates of ACEIs/ARBs persisted over the 10-year period, despite improved 1-year survival in ACS patients prescribed ACEIs/ARBs.

Enhanced environmental stress resistance and functional properties of the curcumin-shellac nano-delivery system: Anti-flocculation of poly-γ-glutamic acid.

Curcumin was widely designed as nanoparticles to remove application restrictions. The occurrence of flocculation is a primary factor limiting the application of the curcumin nano-delivery system. To enhance the environmental stress resistance and functional properties of shellac-curcumin nanoparticles (S-Cur-NPs), γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) was utilized as an anti-flocculant. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of S-Cur-NPs were also improved with γ-PGA incorporation. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of amorphous characteristics in S-Cur-NPs and the combination of γ-PGA and shellac was driven by hydrogen bonding. The hydrophilic, thermodynamic, and surface potential of S-Cur-NPs was improved by the incorporation of γ-PGA. This contribution of γ-PGA on S-Cur-NPs effectively mitigated the flocculation occurrence during heating, storage, and in-vitro digestive treatment. Furthermore, it was revealed that γ-PGA enhanced the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of S-Cur-NPs and effectively protected the functional activity against heating, storage, and in-vitro digestion. Release studies conducted in simulated gastrointestinal fluids revealed that S-Cur-NPs have targeted intestinal release properties. Overall, the design of shellac with γ-PGA was a promising strategy to relieve the application stress of shellac and curcumin in the food industry.

Association of Caffeine Daily Dose With Respiratory Outcomes in Preterm Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Apnea and poor respiratory drive increase the risk of extubation failure (EF) and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in preterm neonates (pre-nates) with respiratory distress. Caffeine citrate (CC) is often prescribed for pre-nates in doses of 5-10 mg/kg in 24 h. This study aimed to evaluate the most effective dosage regimen (5 mg/kg/day vs >5-10 mg/kg/day) to prevent apnea and EF with minimal caffeine-associated potential side effects (CC-APSEs) in pre-nates. This one-year retrospective cohort study included all the eligible neonates admitted to NICU and received CC-therapy till 28 days of life (DOL) or discharge. Based on CC-daily dose formed LD-caffeine-group (5 mg/kg/day) and HD-caffeine-group (>5-10 mg/kg/day). Antenatal, prenatal, and postnatal characteristics, CC-regimen, comorbidities, and CC-APSEs were compared between the groups. Predictors of apnea and EF were analyzed through logistic regression. There were 181 and 72 neonates in the LD and HD-caffeine-groups respectively. In HD-caffeine-group daily CC-dose was 7 to 7.5 mg/kg/day in 93% of neonates and >7.5 to 10 mg/kg/day in only 7%. Significantly fewer neonates experienced apnea and EF in the HD-caffeine-group till 28DOL or discharge. This difference was even greater in the subgroup of ≤28 weeks GA (15.6% vs 40.0%; P < .01). In HD-caffeine-group the incidence of severe/moderate-BPD was significantly lower and the frequency of CC-APSEs was higher. Multivariate analysis showed that; the smaller the GA higher the risk of apnea (AOR = 0.510, 95% CI 0.483-0.999) and EF (AOR = 0.787, 95% CI 0.411-0.997). The HD-caffeine was inversely associated with developing apnea (AOR = 0.244, 95% CI 0.053-0.291) and EF (AOR = 0.103, 95% CI 0.098-2.976). IMV-duration before extubation (AOR = 2.229, 95% CI 1.672-2.498) and severe/moderate-BPD (AOR = 2.410, 95%CI 1.104-2.952) had a high risk of EF. Initiating early HD-caffeine may prevent apnea and extubation failure in preterm neonates. Optimization of caffeine initiation time and dosages can be a safe and feasible approach to decrease the burden of neonatal respiratory morbidities.

Hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice before, during and post COVID-19: a cross-sectional study among university students in the United Arab Emirates.

Aims: Hand hygiene (HH) is an essential practice to evade the transmission of germs and minimize community-acquired infections. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HH and other health and safety measures before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. in university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, targeting university students from all disciplines and study levels. A 44-item questionnaire was used which included student demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of HH, as well as the anticipated risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Participants consented before commencing the questionnaire, and the collected data were analysed using the student's t-test and ANOVA test, as required. Results: A total of 378 responses were received nationwide, with a valid response rate of 98%. The HH knowledge revealed an average score of 62%, which was significantly higher in students with moderate family income. Additionally, the average attitude score was 74.7%, as measured on the Likert scale, and the score lacked any correlation with the other variables. HH practice showed an average score of 86.8%, which was correlated with the students' gender and field of study. Conclusions: This study showed a moderate level of knowledge, a good attitude, and good practice around HH and other safety measures among the UAE's university students. Socioeconomic status, gender, and field of study influenced the study outcomes. This study highlights the need for effective awareness campaigns to reinforce students' health and safety, especially for male and non-health science students, in order to protect against communicable diseases.

Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Bibliometric Analysis Using the Scopus Database.

Robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty represents cutting-edge advancements in orthopedic surgery, harnessing robotic technology to enhance precision, improve clinical outcomes, and facilitate intra-operative procedures. In these robotic-assisted surgeries, the robotic systems assist surgeons in planning and executing joint replacement surgeries, thereby facilitating personalized implant positioning and optimizing the fit and alignment of hip and knee implants. Despite the increasing attention garnered by robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty in recent years, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database has yet to be conducted. This bibliometric analysis reviews the Scopus database from 1961 until 2022 to investigate the literature on the field of robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty. A total of 577 articles that satisfied the selection criteria were included in this review. The majority of the articles focus more on total knee replacement, compared to total hip replacement and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The overwhelming majority of the articles were authored by researchers and clinicians from the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). Similarly, most of the articles with the highest number of citations were authored by researchers and clinicians from these regions. This comprehensive bibliometric analysis using Scopus in the domain of robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement has the potential to act as a roadmap for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, facilitating informed decision-making, promoting collaborative initiatives, and guiding the development of future studies to further advance the field of robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Related to HIV/AIDS Among the Population With Increasing Incidence Rate.

Introduction Lack of awareness and negative attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are key barriers to minimizing the transmission of HIV. Therefore, the present survey-based study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward PLWHA. Methods In the present study, we collected data from 612 Kyrgyz national participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Results Among the participants, 59% (361) were females, and 41% (251) were males. The mean age of the participants was 26.23 (SD = 7.7) years. All participants were aware of HIV/AIDS, and 59.1% (362) agreed to have sufficient information about HIV/AIDS. Overall, the participants displayed a high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission, and 89.2% (546) of them were aware of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. Among the participants, 54% (330) believed that using condoms during sexual intercourse could prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Concerning social attitudes, 17% (104) of the participants agreed that HIV-infected individuals should be isolated from society. Moreover, 39% (238) of them disagreed to work with PLWHA. The results of the study suggest that female participants were more aware of the modes of HIV/AIDS transmission than males. However, misconceptions regarding transmission routes were present in both genders. Conclusion The present study revealed that study participants had correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission modes such as unsafe blood transfusion and injectable drug abuse. However, knowledge about unsafe tattooing and mother-to-baby mode of HIV/AIDS transmission was observed to be lower. Female participants were found to be more aware of HIV/AIDS transmission. There is a need to address the knowledge and awareness gap in the general population of Kyrgyzstan, especially among the male population.

Genomic insights into Yak (Bos grunniens) adaptations for nutrient assimilation in high-altitudes.

High-altitude environments present formidable challenges for survival and reproduction, with organisms facing limited oxygen availability and scarce nutrient resources. The yak (Bos grunniens), indigenous to the Tibetan Plateau, has notably adapted to these extreme conditions. This study delves into the genomic basis of the yak's adaptation, focusing on the positive selection acting on genes involved in nutrient assimilation pathways. Employing techniques in comparative genomics and molecular evolutionary analyses, we selected genes in the yak that show signs of positive selection associated with nutrient metabolism, absorption, and transport. Our findings reveal specific genetic adaptations related to nutrient metabolism in harsh climatic conditions. Notably, genes involved in energy metabolism, oxygen transport, and thermoregulation exhibited signs of positive selection, suggesting their crucial role in the yak's successful colonization of high-altitude regions. The study also sheds light on the yak's immune system adaptations, emphasizing genes involved in response to various stresses prevalent at elevated altitudes. Insights into the yak's genomic makeup provide valuable information for understanding the broader implications of high-altitude adaptations in mammalian evolution. They may contribute to efforts in enhancing livestock resilience to environmental challenges.

Acute Viral Hepatitis E Infection Complicating Postliving Liver Donor Hepatectomy Recovery.

This study presents a case of a living liver donor who developed a hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection postdonation, complicating his recovery. The donor was a 28-year-old male with no prior health issues who underwent a right lobe hepatectomy. Initially, his postoperative course was uneventful, but on the third postoperative day, he became lethargic and icteric. Laboratory tests showed elevated liver function markers, with peak levels on the 5th day. The HEV infection was confirmed through serological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The donor was managed supportively and recovered, with normal liver function at discharge. Unfortunately, the recipient of the liver graft died on the 5th postoperative day due to sepsis, and the impact of HEV infection on the recipient could not be fully assessed due to the complicating factors. This case highlights the importance of considering HEV infection in donors with abnormal postoperative liver functions, especially in regions with high HEV prevalence, and suggests the potential benefit of HEV vaccination for liver donors. Further research is needed to better understand and manage HEV infection in the context of liver donation.

Development of novel carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin-based edible films with pomegranate peel extract as antibacterial/antioxidant agents for beef preservation.

Novel antioxidant and antibacterial composite films were fabricated by incorporating pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose matrices. Increasing PPE concentration significantly (p < 0.05) altered physical properties and improved UV (decrease in light transmission 87.30 % to 9.89 % at 400 nm) and water resistance, while FTIR and molecular docking results revealed hydrogen bonding between PPE and film matrix. PPE incorporation enhanced antioxidant activity up to 84.15 ± 0.12 % and also restricted gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial growth by 72.4 % and 65.9 % respectively after 24 h, measured by antimicrobial absorption assays. For beef packaging applications at refrigeration temperatures, PPE films were most effective at extending shelf-life up to 3 days, as evidenced by reduced total viable counts, total volatile basic nitrogen, weight loss, and pH changes compared to control films. Therefore, these antioxidant and antibacterial films have potential applications in food packaging to protect against mechanical stress, light exposure, microbial spoilage, and oxidative free radicals.

Evaluation of phytochemicals from Thymus serpyllum as potential drug candidates to manage oxidative stress in transition dairy cows.

Dairy cows undergo immense stress and experience autoimmune reactions during the transition period, majorly due to the generation of ROS in the body. So, pharmacological approaches are needed to manage oxidative stress in the transition cows. Recently, the use of phytochemicals as feed additives in cows' nutrition has gained interest in managing various disease conditions. In the current study, we have evaluated the potential effects of phytochemicals derived from methanolic extract of Thymus serpyllum against oxidative stress and autoimmunity via inhibition of bovine nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The free radical scavenging activity of Thymus serpyllum seed and leaf extracts was 71.8 and 75.6%, respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. Similarly, both extracts displayed radicals reducing power and inhibition of lipid-peroxidation maximally at 100 µg/mL. A total of 52 bioactive compounds were identified when the plant extract was characterized by the GC-MS analysis, and five (Thymol, Luteolin 7-o-glucuronide, Rosmarinic acid, Apigenin 6,8-di-c-glucoside, Kaempferol) had binding free energy values of -11.6433, -10.002, -8.2615, -7.1714, -6.4870, respectively, in complexes with bovine NF-κB. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Kaempferol was most stable based on RSMD value and MM/GBSA binding energy. The biochemical assays and computational studies indicated that Thymus serpyllum could be used as a promising feed additive in dairy cows to manage oxidative stress during the transition period.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Design and characterization of tannic acid/ε-polylysine biocomposite packaging films with excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties for beef preservation.

The shelf life of beef is shortened by microbial infection, which limits its supply in the market. Active packaging film is expected to overcome this difficulty. In this study, an antibacterial/antioxidant SS-ε-PL-TA biocomposite film made by soy protein isolate/sodium alginate/ε-polylysine/tannic acid was designed and prepared. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds and enhanced hydrophobic interactions, the biocomposite film showed enhanced mechanical property. Tensile strength increased from 22.8 ± 2.59 MPa to 64.34 ± 6.22 MPa, and elongation at break increased from 7.70 ± 1.07 % to 13.98 ± 0.22 %. The composite film displayed excellent antibacterial activity owing to the damage to cell membranes and biofilms of bacteria. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity also significantly increased (DPPH ∙ scavenging activity was 78.0 %). The shelf life of beef covered with the SS-ε-PL-TA film was extended by 3 days compared to the control group by decreasing lipid oxidation and inhibiting bacterial growth, showing a good application potential in food packaging.

Photodynamic-responsive gelatin-based coating with high utilization curcumin loaded bilayer nanoencapsulation: A promising environmental food packaging.

The development and application of curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic techniques (PDT) in food preservation are highly anticipated to resist microbial contamination and prevent food spoilage. In this study, high-utilization curcumin-loaded bilayer nanoencapsulation was prepared to incorporated into a gelatin-based edible coating for beef preservation. Bilayer nanoencapsulation composed of shellac and poly-γ-glutamic acid (CS-NPs) improved the encapsulation efficiency of shellac to curcumin by >1.5 times. The incorporation of CS-NPs improved the compact of coating structure with hydrogen bonds. In food simulants, coatings possessed control release properties and the release mechanism was Fick diffusion (without the addition of γ-PGA) and non-Fick diffusion (with the addition of γ-PGA). These prepared coatings exhibited excellent barrier, antibacterial (antibacterial ratio > 95 %), and antioxidant properties (scavenging ratio > 90 %). Curcumin mediated antimicrobial photodynamic techniques (PDT) of the coatings were verified with the activity of blue light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). The shelf-life of beef was extended by the coating with blue light. In summary, the design of bilayer CS-NPs significantly improved the utilization of curcumin which provided a high-efficiency strategy for PDT-responsive food packaging with environmental practical.

Reinforcing effect of ε-polylysine-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles on gelatin-based film: Enhancement of physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

The development and application of antibacterial film were highly anticipated to prevent food spoilage caused by bacteria. In this investigation, antibacterial and antioxidant functionalized gelatin-based film was formed with the incorporation of oregano essential emulsion Pickering emulsion (OPE). ε-Polylysine-Carboxymethyl Chitosan nanoparticles (CMCS-ε-PL) composed of different mass ratios of CMCS and ε-PL were orchestrated by electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding, which effectively acted as a stabilizer for OPE. The design of different mass ratios of CMCS and ε-PL in CMCS-ε-PL has a deep effect on the structure and functional properties of OPE and film. It successfully improved the encapsulation efficiency of OPE from 49.52 % to 79.83 %. With the observation of AFM images, the augmentation of surface roughness consequent to OPE incorporation can be relieved by the increased contention of ε-PL in CMCS-ε-PL. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties, barrier properties, anti-oxidation, and antibacterial properties of the films were improved with the incorporation of the above OPE. In particular, a synergistic antibacterial activity between ε-PL and OEO in the film was demonstrated in this study and the mechanism of enhanced antibacterial activity was elucidated by examining the integrity of bacteria cell membrane. The film unequivocally demonstrated its ability to appreciably prolong the shelf life of both beef and strawberries with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Liver Transcriptome Profiling Identifies Key Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism in Yili Geese.

The Yili goose is the only indigenous goose breed that originates from Anser anser in China, known for its adaptability, strong flying ability, and tender meat with a low body lipid content. The liver plays a crucial role in lipid and glucose metabolism, including the intake, secretion, transportation, and storage of fatty acids (FAs). In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was performed to analyze the liver differentially expressed genes of Yili geese and their hybrid geese to investigate differences in liver lipid and glucose metabolism. A total of 452 differentially expressed genes (Q-value < 0.05) were identified. Notably, in KEGG enrichment analysis, four pathways (Q-value < 0.05) were enriched to be associated with lipid and glucose metabolism, including the metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and steroid biosynthesis. This study provides insights into potential candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect the liver lipid metabolism of Yili goose. These findings provide a better understanding of animal liver lipid deposition and metabolism.

Comparative genomics of light harvesting chlorophyll (LHC) gene family and impact of chlorophyll-A contents under drought stress in Helianthus annuus.

Drought is one of the main environmental stressors that can alter the water status of plants; negatively affect growth, assimilation, and photosynthesis; and eventually reduce crop yield. We explored the dependence of drought tolerance traits on chlorophyll-A content. Local sunflower cultivars (FH-01, FH-628, FH-633, FH-572, and FH-653) were grown in pots and subjected to drought by withholding water for 10, 15, or 20 d. One month after germination, the leaves of the treated and non-treated plants were collected and subjected to biochemical analyses. Under different water stress levels, the levels of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and proline increased, whereas those of chlorophyll-A decreased. Regression analysis clearly found that proline (-0.442), POD (-0.528), SOD (-0.532), and CAT (-0.814) have negative beta coefficient values. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the LHC gene family is divided into six clades. Subcellular locations indicated that most LHC genes were located in the chloroplast; however, only few genes were present in the peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Our research found that Arabidopsis thaliana LHC genes were highly homologous to the LHC genes of Helianthus annuus. Furthermore, the LHC genes of both species are located in the chloroplasts; therefore, they play a role in photosynthesis and renewable energy production. This study opens a new horizon for discussing the role of chlorophyll-A in the drought-related traits of sunflowers.

Investigation of the Persistence, Toxicological Effects, and Ecological Issues of S-Triazine Herbicides and Their Biodegradation Using Emerging Technologies: A Review.

S-triazines are a group of herbicides that are extensively applied to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in agricultural production. They are mainly taken up through plant roots and are transformed by xylem tissues throughout the plant system. They are highly persistent and have a long half-life in the environment. Due to imprudent use, their toxic residues have enormously increased in the last few years and are frequently detected in food commodities, which causes chronic diseases in humans and mammals. However, for the safety of the environment and the diversity of living organisms, the removal of s-triazine herbicides has received widespread attention. In this review, the degradation of s-triazine herbicides and their intermediates by indigenous microbial species, genes, enzymes, plants, and nanoparticles are systematically investigated. The hydrolytic degradation of substituents on the s-triazine ring is catalyzed by enzymes from the amidohydrolase superfamily and yields cyanuric acid as an intermediate. Cyanuric acid is further metabolized into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Microbial-free cells efficiently degrade s-triazine herbicides in laboratory as well as field trials. Additionally, the combinatorial approach of nanomaterials with indigenous microbes has vast potential and considered sustainable for removing toxic residues in the agroecosystem. Due to their smaller size and unique properties, they are equally distributed in sediments, soil, water bodies, and even small crevices. Finally, this paper highlights the implementation of bioinformatics and molecular tools, which provide a myriad of new methods to monitor the biodegradation of s-triazine herbicides and help to identify the diverse number of microbial communities that actively participate in the biodegradation process.