The impact of Roundup® Original DI on the hemolymph metabolism and gill and hepatopancreas oxidative balance of Parastacus promatensis (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae).

In Brazil, glyphosate is present in more than 130 commercial formulations, and its toxic effects have already been tested in different species to understand its impact on biota Decapod crustaceans are widely used as experimental models due to their biology, sensitivity to pollutants, ease of collection, and maintenance under laboratory conditions. We evaluated the changes in metabolism (hemolymph) and oxidative balance markers (gill and hepatopancreas) of a crayfish (Parastacus promatensis) after exposure to Roundup® (active ingredient: glyphosate). The crayfish were captured in the Garapiá stream within the Center for Research and Conservation of Nature Pró-Mata, Brazil. We collected adult animals outside (fall) and during (spring) the breeding season. The animals were transported in buckets with cooled and aerated water from the collection site to the aquatic animal maintenance room at the university. After acclimatization, the animals were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (0, 65, 260, 520, and 780 µg/L). The results showed a significant variation in the hemolymph glucose, lactate, and protein levels. We observed variations in the tissue antioxidant enzymatic activity after exposure to glyphosate. Finally, the increase in oxidative damage required a high energy demand from the animals to maintain their fitness, which makes them more vulnerable to stress factors added to the habitat.

The branched mitochondrial respiratory chain from the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 as a probable adaptive response to environmental changes.

During their long evolutionary history, jellyfish have faced changes in multiple environmental factors, to which they may selectively fix adaptations, allowing some species to survive and inhabit diverse environments. Previous findings have confirmed the jellyfish's ability to synthesize large ATP amounts, mainly produced by mitochondria, in response to environmental challenges. This study characterized the respiratory chain from the mitochondria of the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 (previously misidentified as Stomolophus meleagris). The in-gel activity from isolated jellyfish mitochondria confirmed that the mitochondrial respiratory chain contains the four canonical complexes I to IV and F0F1-ATP synthase. Specific additional activity bands, immunodetection, and mass spectrometry identification confirmed the occurrence of four alternative enzymes integrated into a branched mitochondrial respiratory chain of Stomolophus sp2: an alternative oxidase and three dehydrogenases (two NADH type II enzymes and a mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). The analysis of each transcript sequence, their phylogenetic relationships, and each protein's predicted models confirmed the mitochondrial alternative enzymes' identity and specific characteristics. Although no statistical differences were found among the mean values of transcript abundance of each enzyme in the transcriptomes of jellyfish exposed to three different temperatures, it was confirmed that each gene was expressed at all tested conditions. These first-time reported enzymes in cnidarians suggest the adaptative ability of jellyfish's mitochondria to display rapid metabolic responses, as previously described, to maintain energetic homeostasis and face temperature variations due to climate change.

Bio-CH4 yield of swine manure and food waste optimized by co-substrate proportions diluted in domestic sewage and pH interactions using the response surface approach.

This research aimed at evaluating optimal conditions to obtain value-added metabolites, such as bio-CH4, by co-digesting swine manure and food waste diluted in domestic sewage. The assays were carried out in batches using the statistical methods of Rotational Central Composite Design (RCCD) and Surface Response to evaluate the ranges of food waste (1.30-9.70 gTS.L-1), pH (6.16-7.84) and granular Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket sludge as inoculum (2.32-5.68 gTS.L-1), besides about 250 mL of swine manure in 500 mL Duran flasks. According to the RCCD matrix, bio-CH4 yields among 600.6 ± 60.1 and 2790.0 ± 112.0 mL CH4 gTS.L-1 were observed, besides the maximum CH4 production rate between 0.4 ± 0.5 and 49.7 ± 2.0 mL CH4 h-1 and λ between ≤0.0 and 299.3 ± 4.5 h. In the validation assay, the optimal conditions of 9.98 gTS.L-1 of food waste, pH adjusted to 8.0 and 2.20 gTS.L-1 of inoculum were considered, and the bio-CH4 yield obtained (5640.79 ± 242.98 mL CH4 gTS.L-1 or also 5201.83 ± 224.07 mL CH4 gTVS.L-1) was 11.3 times higher than in assays before optimization (499.3 ± 16.0 mL CH4 gTS.L-1) with 5 gTS.L-1 of food waste, 3 gTS.L-1 of inoculum and pH 7.0. Besides, the results observed about the energetic balance of the control and validation assays highlight the importance of process optimization, as this condition was the only one with energy supply higher than the energy required for its operation, exceeding max consumption sevenfold. Based on the most dominant microorganisms (Methanosaeta, 31.06%) and the metabolic inference of the validation assay, it could be inferred that the acetoclastic methanogenesis was the predominant pathway to CH4 production.

Lack of change in the respiratory quotient during oxygen supply dependence in endotoxemic shock: a subanalysis of an experimental controlled study / Ausência de alteração no quociente respiratório durante a dependência do suprimento de oxigênio no choque endotoxêmico: subanálise de um estudo experimental controlado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate if the reductions in systemic and renal oxygen consumption are associated with the development of evidence of anaerobic metabolism. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a previously published study. In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated sheep, we measured the respiratory quotient by indirect calorimetry and its systemic, renal, and intestinal surrogates (the ratios of the venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure and content difference to the arterial-venous oxygen content difference. The Endotoxemic Shock Group (n = 12) was measured at baseline, after 60 minutes of endotoxemic shock, and after 60 and 120 minutes of fluid and norepinephrine resuscitation, and the values were compared with those of a Control Group (n = 12) without interventions. Results: Endotoxemic shock decreased systemic and renal oxygen consumption (6.3 [5.6 - 6.6] versus 7.4 [6.3 - 8.5] mL/minute/kg and 3.7 [3.3 - 4.5] versus 5.4 [4.6 - 9.4] mL/minute/100g; p < 0.05 for both). After 120 minutes of resuscitation, systemic oxygen consumption was normalized, but renal oxygen consumption remained decreased (6.3 [5.9 - 8.2] versus 7.1 [6.1 - 8.6] mL/minute/100g; p = not significance and 3.8 [1.9 - 4.8] versus 5.7 [4.5 - 7.1]; p < 0.05). The respiratory quotient and the systemic, renal and intestinal ratios of the venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure and content difference to the arterial-venous oxygen content difference did not change throughout the experiments. Conclusion: In this experimental model of septic shock, oxygen supply dependence was not associated with increases in the respiratory quotient or its surrogates. Putative explanations for these findings are the absence of anaerobic metabolism or the poor sensitivity of these variables in detecting this condition.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se as reduções do consumo de oxigênio sistêmico e renal estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de evidências de metabolismo anaeróbico. Métodos: Esta é uma subanálise de estudo já publicado. Em ovinos anestesiados e ventilados mecanicamente, medimos o quociente respiratório por calorimetria indireta e seus substitutos sistêmicos, renais e intestinais (as razões entre a diferença de pressão venoarterial do teor de dióxido de carbono e a diferença arteriovenosa do teor de oxigênio). O Grupo Choque Endotoxêmico (n = 12) foi medido inicialmente, após 60 minutos do choque endotoxêmico e após 60 e 120 minutos da ressuscitação com fluidos e norepinefrina, e os valores foram comparados com os do Grupo Controle (n = 12) sem intervenções. Resultados: O choque endotoxêmico diminuiu o consumo de oxigênio sistêmico e renal (6,3 [5,6 - 6,6] versus 7,4 [6,3 - 8,5] mL/minuto/kg e 3,7 [3,3 - 4,5] versus 5,4 [4,6 - 9,4] mL/minuto/100g; p < 0,05 para ambos). Após 120 minutos de ressuscitação, o consumo sistêmico de oxigênio foi normalizado, mas o consumo renal de oxigênio permaneceu reduzido (6,3 [5,9 - 8,2] versus 7,1 [6,1 - 8,6] mL/minuto/100g; p = NS e 3,8 [1,9 - 4,8] versus 5,7 [4,5 - 7,1]; p < 0,05). O quociente respiratório e as razões sistêmica, renal e intestinal entre a diferença na pressão venoarterial do teor de dióxido de carbono e a diferença arteriovenosa do teor de oxigênio não se alteraram ao longo dos experimentos. Conclusão: Nesse modelo experimental de choque séptico, a dependência do suprimento de oxigênio não foi associada a aumentos no quociente respiratório ou em seus substitutos. As explicações possíveis para esses achados são a ausência de metabolismo anaeróbico ou a baixa sensibilidade dessas variáveis na detecção dessa condição.

Characterization of bovine ruminal content focusing on energetic potential use and valorization opportunities.

This work characterized the bovine ruminal content excluding stomach tissue obtained from a slaughterhouse plant located in Cordoba, Colombia. The goal is to establish possible energetic uses and valorization potential instead of risky local current contaminant practices. Samples of ruminal content (RC) were collected under two conditions as-fresh and dry. Microbiological and bromatological quality, density, proximate and elemental analysis, and calorific power values were measured. There were complemented with optical microscopy, SEM, XEDS, FTIR, TGA, and TGA-MS analysis for both conditions. Ashes of combustion products from mixtures of natural gas and RC were studied, using XRD and XRF techniques. Results showed that fresh-state RC has an important microbiological quality without some human risk pathogens, such as Salmonella sp, E. coli, and vegetable risk pathogens, such as nematodes. Dry and sieved state RC is lignin-cellulosic heterogeneous biomass, with a real density of 164 kg/m3, a calorific power between 12 and 15 kJ/kg, and ashes rich in alkaline-earth elements. These results indicate that RC might have a good potential in co-combustion, gasification, and other energy processes. However, important considerations should be done about management of RC, because its direct application as fertilizer could carry out a negative effect, which was demonstratred in the growth of a model plant.

Hydrothermal pre-treatment followed by anaerobic digestion for the removal of tylosin and antibiotic resistance agents from poultry litter.

Hydrothermal pretreatment (HPT) followed by anaerobic digestion (AD) is an alternative for harvesting energy and removing organic contaminants from sewage sludge and animal manure. This study investigated the use, in an energetically sustainable way, of HPT and AD, alone or combined, to produce methane and remove tylosin and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) from poultry litter (PL). The results showed that HPT at 80 °C (HPT80), followed by single-stage AD (AD-1S), led to the production of 517.9 ± 4.7 NL CH4 kg VS-1, resulting in 0.11 kWh kg PL-1 of electrical energy and 0.75 MJ kg PL-1 of thermal energy, thus supplying 33.6% of the energy spent on burning firewood at a typical farm. In this best-case scenario, the use of HPT alone reduced tylosin concentration from PL by 23.6%, while the process involving HPT followed by AD-1S led to the removal of 91.6% of such antibiotic. The combined process (HPT80 + AD-1S), in addition to contributing to reduce the absolute and relative abundances of ARG ermB (2.13 logs), intI1 (0.39 logs), sul1 (0.63 logs), and tetA (0.74 logs), led to a significant removal in the relative abundance of tylosin-resistant bacteria present in the poultry litter.

High sugar but not high fat diet consumption induces hepatic metabolic disruption and up-regulation of mitochondrial fission-associated protein Drp1 in a model of moderate obesity.

Identification of new modifications and the association with diet patterns are essential for the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To address this problem, we feed rats with high caloric diets based on high sucrose (HSD) and high fat (HFD) and analysed metabolic and mitochondrial alterations. Both diets induce moderated obesity and fat accumulation in the liver after 8, 10 and 12 months of diet. The HSD induces both hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia, as well as up-regulation of transcription factors SRBEP1 and PPARγ along slight increase nitrosylation of proteins and increased mitochondrial fission. In contrast, HFD induced hyperleptinemia without changes in neither insulin levels nor oxidative stress, SREBP1, PPARγ, or mitochondrial dynamics. In conclusion, chronic consumption of high sucrose content diets induces more pathological and metabolic alteration in liver in comparison with consumption of high-fat content diets, although both induces obesity and liver steatosis in these animal models.

Body Condition of Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Broad-Snouted Caiman Females.

In this work, we calculated the body condition indices, K-Fulton and scaled mass index (SMI), of reproductive and non-reproductive Caiman latirostris adult females as an indication of stored energy. We considered 87 adult females captured from 2001 to 2018, both reproductive and non-reproductive. The body condition was calculated considering two scenarios: (a) only the weight of the female, and (b) the sum of the weight of the female and the average dry weight of her nest. We tested the difference in body condition between reproductive and non-reproductive females. We also evaluated the minimal body condition required to guarantee that females above it are reproductive by drawing a line that separated the body condition of strictly reproductive individuals from those that may or may not be reproductive. Reproductive females had better body condition than non-reproductive ones. Our SMI.S line separated almost 70% of the reproductive females. Based on our results, we can guarantee that a female whose body condition is above the line will reproduce, although not all those females below the line are non-reproductive, as a few of those under the line will nest. With this information, we have one more biological indicator to take into account when making management and conservation decisions.

Thermoeconomic analysis of a combined supercritical CO2 reheating under different configurations of Organic Rankine cycle ORC as a bottoming cycle.

Supercritical Brayton cycles have been considered as one of the technologies that present high thermal efficiencies in a wide range of energy conversion systems. Also, these systems can even increase their efficiency by incorporating a suitable bottoming cycle. In this article, a combined supercritical Brayton cycle with an Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) was analyzed. The influence of key system parameters such as the Brayton circuit high-pressure (Phigh), the turbine-1 inlet temperature (TIT), the turbine-1 efficiency ( n t ), and the evaporation pressure ( P e v a p ) on the economic indicators such as the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), the Payback Period (PBP), the Specific Investment Cost (SIC), and net work ( W ˙ n e t ) was studied. Besides, the effect of these parameters on the exergo-economic indicator r k and the relative cost difference r k were studied. Finally, a thermo-economic optimization of the proposed configurations was carried out. The study revealed that the turbine-1 inlet temperature (TIT) was the variable with the most significant effect on the economic and energy indicators of the configurations analyzed. The increase in the turbine temperature up to 850 °C caused a rise of 63.8% for both configurations. Also, the results revealed that the Brayton/SORC configuration presented the best economic performance compared to the Brayton/RORC system. The thermo-economic optimization revealed that temperatures above 800 °C and pressures between 25-30 MPa increase system performance. In addition, the Brayton/SORC configuration has a comparative reduced levelized energy costs and low payback periods, which makes it more attractive.

Reference interval of biochemical parameters of lactating sheep in the tropics / Intervalo de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos

The objective was to estimate the reference intervals of biochemical parameters of lactating ewes in the tropics. Information on up to 290 lactating ewes was compiled from 2006 to 2017. All animals were healthy and were not subjected to forced malnutrition. Animals were raised in different management systems (pasture, total confinement, partial confinement, collective and/or individual confinement). The biochemical profile consisted of information on cholesterol, triglycerides, fructosamine, HDL (high density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), total protein (TP), uric acid, urea, albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Reference values were estimated using the Dixon test, when parametric, and by boostrap, when non-parametric, with a 95% confidence interval. Estimated intervals were 36.3 - 94; 262.22 - 450.66; 7 - 43; 18.6 - 69.4; 1.4 - 8.4; 0.61 - 1.66; 5.4 - 11; 0 - 1.4; 8.4 - 61.5; 1.9 - 3.57 for cholesterol, fructosamine, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, creatinine, TP, uric acid, urea and albumin, respectively. For enzymes and mineral profile, 59 - 160; 37.9 - 127.8; 30 - 190; 8.23 - 12.45; 3.7 - 8.5; 1.7 - 3.8 for AST, GGT, ALP, Ca, P, and Mg, respectively. It can be concluded that the biochemical parameters of lactating ewes in the tropics are different from those determined in the literature.

Objetivou-se estimar os intervalos de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos de ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos. Foram compiladas informações de até 290 ovelhas lactantes no período de 2006 a 2017. Todos os animais eram saudáveis e não passaram por condições de desnutrição forçada. Os animais foram criados em diferentes sistemas de manejo (pasto, confinamento total, semiconfinamento, confinamento coletivo e/ou individual). O perfil bioquímico constituiu informações de colesterol, triglicerídeos, frutosamina, HDL (lipoproteína de alta densidade), VLDL (lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade), proteínas totais, ácido úrico, ureia, albumina, creatinina, cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, AST (aspartato aminotransferase), GGT (gama glutamil transferase) e fosfatase alcalina (FA). Os valores de referência foram estimados através do teste de Dixon, quando paramétrico e por boostrap quando não paramétrico, sendo o intervalo de confiança a 95% de probabilidade. Os intervalos estimados foram 36,3 - 94; 262,22 - 450,66; 7 - 43; 18,6 - 69,4; 1,4 - 8,4; 0,61 - 1,66; 5,4 - 11; 0 - 1,4; 8,4 - 61,5; 1,9 - 3,57 para colesterol, frutosanima, trigligeríceos, HDL, VLDL, creatinina, PT, ácido úrico, ureia e albumina, respectivamente. Para as enzimas e o perfil mineral foram 59 - 160; 37,9 - 127,8; 30 - 190; 8,23 - 12,45; 3,7 - 8,5; 1,7 - 3,8 para AST, GGT, FA, Ca, P, e Mg, respectivamente. Conclui-se que os parâmetros bioquímicos das ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos são discrepantes aos determinados na literatura.

Age and Post-Prandial Variations on Selected Metabolites in Dairy Calves Fed Different Liquid Diets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the age and post-prandial variations in selected metabolite concentration that may indicate a shift in metabolism, from pre- to functional ruminant, according to the liquid diet fed to dairy calves. Sixteen newborn Holstein calves were included in the study in a randomized complete block experimental design. The calves were individually housed and fed 6 L/d with whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR). Blood samples were collected weekly at 0 h (before feeding), 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after morning feeding to evaluate glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), fructosamine, total protein, and albumin. Calves fed WM had higher performance (p < 0.01) than did calves fed MR. The different liquid diets did not affect the average concentrations of plasma glucose. However, BHB was higher for WM-fed calves (p < 0.01). The concentration of plasma glucose reached the highest concentration at 1 and 4 hours after feeding WM or MR, respectively. Thus, these would be the most appropriate sampling times to study the glycemic status of calves according to the liquid diet fed. Fructosamine did not prove to be an informative metabolite to understand the shift in metabolism, as a function of rumen development, due to a small reduction as a function of age and a sampling time effect.

Female energy dynamics in the southernmost fiddler crab: Mixed breeding strategy in Leptuca uruguayensis.

At the south of its geographical distribution, the fiddler crab Leptuca uruguayensis shows two population spawning events, with more than 65 % of the females being ovigerous. The aim of this study was to assess the energy dynamics in L. uruguayensis females to estimate how they mix the capital and the income breeding strategies in the first and second spawns of the short reproductive season. The relationship between the hepatosomatic (HIS) and gonadosomatic (GSI) indices was used to assess the contribution of the hepatopancreas to ovary maturation, as indicative of the capital breeding strategy, whereas the feeding rate and the energy available in the food resource (sediment) were estimated to assess the importance of energy intake in ovary maturation, as indicative of the income breeding strategy. Before the first spawn, a significant negative relationship between the HSI and GSI (p < 0.001) and an increase of 28.2 % in the feeding rate were recorded. This suggests that the first spawn was mainly supported by energy reserves in the hepatopancreas, indicating that females used mostly the capital breeding strategy. After the first spawn, total lipid content in the hepatopancreas decreased by 33 %. On the days before the second spawn, the relationship between the HSI and GSI showed a negative but not significant (p = 0.125) trend, whereas the feeding rate increased even more. This suggests that the intense feeding activity provided the most important energetic source for ovary re-maturation, indicating that females used mostly the income breeding strategy. Also, in the second spawn, the GSI was 24.1% smaller, a fact that affected female fecundity and weight of the egg clutches, which were respectively 12 % and 11 % lower than in the first spawn. However, the energy supply allocated to each embryo was equivalent in both spawns. This study shows how L. uruguayensis females mixed the capital and income breeding strategies to take advantage of all available resources to produce two spawns in a short reproductive season.

Liver dysfunction and energy storage mobilization in traíra, Hoplias malabaricus (Teleostei, Erythrinidae) induced by subchronic exposure to toxic cyanobacterial crude extract.

Microcystins (MC) are hepatotoxic for organisms. Liver MC accumulation and structural change are intensely studied, but the functional hepatic enzymes and energy metabolism have received little attention. This study investigated the liver and hepatocyte structures and the activity of key hepatic functional enzymes with emphasis on energetic metabolism changes after subchronic fish exposure to cyanobacterial crude extract (CE) containing MC. The Neotropical erythrinid fish, Hoplias malabaricus, were exposed intraperitoneally to CE containing 100 µg MC-LR eq kg-1 for 30 days and, thereafter, the plasma, liver, and white muscle was sampled for analyses. Liver tissue lost cellular structure organization showing round hepatocytes, hyperemia, and biliary duct obstruction. At the ultrastructural level, the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum exhibited disorganization. Direct and total bilirubin increased in plasma. In the liver, the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) increased, and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased; AST increased in plasma. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were unchanged in the liver, muscle, and plasma. Glycogen stores and the energetic metabolites as glucose, lactate, and pyruvate decrease in the liver; pyruvate decreased in plasma and lactate decreased in muscle. Ammonia levels increased and protein concentration decreased in plasma. CE alters liver morphology by causing hepatocyte intracellular disorder, obstructive cholestasis, and dysfunction in the activity of key liver enzymes. The increasing energy demand implies glucose mobilization and metabolic adjustments maintaining protein preservation and lipid recruitment to supply the needs for detoxification allowing fish survival.

Effects of double burden malnutrition on energetic metabolism and glycemic homeostasis: A narrative review.

Rapid changes in the food process led to greater consumption of ultra-processed foods which, associated with reduced physical activity, increased the number of overweight and obese individuals worldwide. However, in low and middle-income countries (LMICS) the growth of the obesity epidemic took place despite the high prevalence of undernutrition in children. This generated the coexistence of these two nutritional patterns, currently defined as double burden malnutrition (DBM). Several reports have already described the social, political, and economic aspects related to the causes and possible solutions for the control of DBM. Here, we highlight the metabolic alterations, related to fat deposition and glycemic homeostasis, described in experimental models of DBM and the differential effects of therapeutic strategies already tested. Therefore, this work aims to help the scientific community to understand how the DBM can lead to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes through different mechanisms from traditional models of obesity and highlights the need to study these mechanisms and new therapeutic strategies to improve damages caused by DBM.

Inorganic phosphate transporter in Giardia duodenalis and its possible role in ATP synthesis.

Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated protozoan that inhabits vertebrate host intestines, causing the disease known as giardiasis. Similar to other parasites, G. duodenalis must take advantage of environmental resources to survive, such as inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability. Pi is an anionic molecule and an essential nutrient for all organisms because it participates in the biosynthesis of biomolecules, energy storage, and cellular structure formation. The first step in Pi metabolism is its uptake through specific transporters on the plasma membrane. We identified a symporter H+:Pi-type ORF sequence in the G. duodenalis genome (GenBank ID: GL50803_5164), named GdPho84, which is homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO84. In trophozoites, Pi transport was linear for up to 15 min, and the cell density was 3 × 107 cells/ml. Physiological variations in pH (6.4-8.0) did not influence Pi uptake. This Pi transporter had a high affinity, with K0.5 = 67.7 ± 7.1 µM Pi. SCH28080 (inhibitor of H+, K+-ATPase), bafilomycin A1 (inhibitor of vacuolar H+-ATPase), and FCCP (H+ ionophore) were able to inhibit Pi transport, indicating that an H+ gradient in the cell powered uphill Pi movement. PAA, an H+-dependent Pi transport inhibitor, reduced cell proliferation, Pi transport activity, and GdPHO48 mRNA levels. Pi starvation stimulated membrane potential-sensitive Pi uptake coupled to H+ fluxes, increased GdPho84 expression, and reduced intracellular ATP levels. These events indicate that these cells had an increased capacity to internalize Pi as a compensatory mechanism compared to cells maintained in control medium conditions. Internalized Pi can be used in glycolytic metabolism once iodoacetamide (GAPDH inhibitor) inhibits Pi influx. Together, these results reinforce the hypothesis that Pi is a crucial nutrient for G. duodenalis energy metabolism.

Violacein switches off low molecular weight tyrosine phosphatase and rewires mitochondria in colorectal cancer cells.

In the last decade, emerging evidence has shown that low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMWPTP) not only contributes to the progression of cancer but is associated with prostate low survival rate and colorectal cancer metastasis. We report that LMWPTP favors the glycolytic profile in some tumors. Therefore, the focus of the present study was to identify metabolic enzymes that correlate with LMWPTP expression in patient samples. Exploratory data analysis from RNA-seq, proteomics, and histology staining, confirmed the higher expression of LMWPTP in CRC. Our descriptive statistical analyses indicate a positive expression correlation between LMWPTP and energy metabolism enzymes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FASN). In addition, we examine the potential of violacein to reprogram energetic metabolism and LMWPTP activity. Violacein treatment induced a shift of glycolytic to oxidative metabolism associated with alteration in mitochondrial efficiency, as indicated by higher oxygen consumption rate. Particularly, violacein treated cells displayed higher proton leak and ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate (OCR) as an indicator of the OXPHOS preference. Notably, violacein is able to bind and inhibit LMWPTP. Since the LMWPTP acts as a hub of signaling pathways that offer tumor cells invasive advantages, such as survival and the ability to migrate, our findings highlight an unexplored potential of violacein in circumventing the metabolic plasticity of tumor cells.

Approaches to 1,4-Disubstituted Cubane Derivatives as Energetic Materials: Design, Theoretical Studies and Synthesis.

Novel 1,4-disubstituted cubane derivatives have been designed and selected ones have been successfully synthesized and characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, including single-crystal X-ray analysis. A detailed computational study at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory revealed that all newly designed 1,4-disubstituted cubane derivatives possess higher densities, higher density-specific impulse and superior ballistic properties when compared to conventional fuels, for example, RP-1. These compounds also exhibit acceptable kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities which were evaluated in terms of their HOMO-LUMO energy gap and bond dissociation energies, respectively, and are superior to TEX and many other compounds containing explosophoric groups. These results provide novel insights into the possible application of cubane-based energetic materials.

Lack of validity of free-living physical activity energy expenditure estimated from ActiGraph equations in severely obese women: A doubly labelled water study.

The current study aimed to investigate the validity of three ActiGraph predictive equations that are available to estimate free-living physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in women with severe obesity. The study included 20 women with class III obesity (age: 22-38 years). During 14 days of free-living conditions, total energy expenditure was measured using the doubly labelled water method; in addition, participants wore a triaxial accelerometer (model GT3X+) on the hip. The resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry. At group level, the Freedson VM3 Combination was found to be more precise (bias = -61 kcal/day) than the Williams Work-Energy (bias = -283 kcal/day) and the Freedson Combination equations (bias = -186 kcal/day) for estimating PAEE. However, the three predictive equations had a wider limit of agreement (Williams Work-Energy [258, -824 kcal/day], Freedson Combination equations [324, -697 kcal/day] and Freedson VM3 Combination [424, -546 kcal/day]), indicating great uncertainty of the estimate. In conclusion, a wide variation was observed in the performance of different ActiGraph equations in estimating free-living PAEE among women with class III obesity. Therefore, our data do not support the use of these equations, and more studies are needed to improve predictive performance in free-living conditions.

Effects of Moderate-Intensity Physical Training on Skeletal Muscle Substrate Transporters and Metabolic Parameters of Ovariectomized Rats.

A deficit of estrogen is associated with energy substrate imbalance, raising the risk of metabolic diseases. Physical training (PT) is a potent metabolic regulator through oxidation and storage of substrates transported by GLUT4 and FAT CD36 in skeletal muscle. However, little is known about the effects of PT on these carriers in an estrogen-deficit scenario. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of 12 weeks of PT on metabolic variables and GLUT4 and FAT CD36 expression in the skeletal muscle of animals energetically impaired by ovariectomy (OVX). The trained animals swam 30 min/day, 5 days/week, at 80% of the critical load intensity. Spontaneous physical activity was measured biweekly. After training, FAT CD36 and GLUT4 expressions were quantified by immunofluorescence in the soleus, as well as muscular glycogen and triglyceride of the soleus, gluteus maximus and gastrocnemius. OVX significantly reduced FAT CD36, GLUT4 and spontaneous physical activity (p < 0.01), while PT significantly increased FAT CD36, GLUT4 and spontaneous physical activity (p < 0.01). PT increased soleus glycogen, and OVX decreased muscular triglyceride of gluteus maximus. Therefore, OVX can cause energy disarray through reduction in GLUT4 and FAT CD36 and their muscle substrates and PT prevented these metabolic consequences, masking ovarian estrogen's absence.

Evaluation of the Optimal Uses of Five Genotypes of Musa textilis Fiber Grown in the Tropical Region.

Knowing the genotypes of Musa textilis and its fiber production properties is key for developing cultivars with homogeneous properties and focusing on specific products or market segments that generate added value to the fiber. For this reason, the objective was to determine the optimal use of five genotypes of M. textilis (MT01, MT03, MT07, MT11, and CF01) with high productivity grown in the tropical region of Costa Rica. Therefore, anatomical, physical-mechanical, chemical, and energetic analyses were carried out on these fibers to define whether any genotype has the ideal conditions for a specific use. The results showed differences between the genotypes, obtaining significant differences in physical-mechanical properties (tension, water retention, and color), chemical properties (holocellulose, lignin, extractives, and elemental values of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur), and energetic properties (volatiles, ash, and caloric value thermogravimetric analyses), which resulted in the establishment of two groups of genotypes with a dissimilarity degree of 35%. The first group, composed of MT03 and MT01, presented characteristics suitable for paper production, biodegradable materials, and composite materials. On the other hand, the second group, made up of MT07, MT11, and CF01, showed properties suitable for textiles, heavy-duty fibers, and bioenergy.