Development of transcriptional factor-based whole-cell biosensors to monitor and degrade antibiotics using mutant cells obtained via adaptive laboratory evolution.

With the widespread use of antibiotics and increasing environmental concerns regarding antibiotic abuse, the detection and degradation of antibiotic residues in various samples has become a pressing issue. Transcriptional factor (TF)-based whole-cell biosensors are low-cost, easy-to-use, and flexible tools for detecting chemicals and controlling bioprocesses. However, because of cytotoxicity caused by antibiotics, the application of such biosensors is limited in the presence of antibiotics. In this study, we used antibiotic-tolerant mutants obtained via adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to develop TF-based whole-cell biosensors for antibiotic monitoring and degradation. The biosensors had high performance and stability in detecting relatively high concentrations of tetracycline (Tc) and nisin. The ALE mutant-based Tc biosensor exhibited a 10-fold larger linear detection range than the wild-type strain-based biosensor. Then, the Tc biosensor was employed to detect residual amounts of Tc in mouse stool, serum, and urine samples and facilitate Tc biodegradation in mouse stool, demonstrating its high utility. Considering that ALE has been demonstrated to enhance cell tolerance to various toxic chemicals, our strategy might facilitate the development of whole-cell biosensors for most antibiotics and other toxic ligands.

Effects of functional correction training on movement patterns and physical fitness in male college students.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of functional corrective training and static stretching on the quality of movement patterns and physical fitness in college students. The study was conducted with 30 male college students from a university in Guangzhou, China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the functional corrective training group (FCT, n = 15, age = 20.93 ± 0.85, BMI = 22.07 ± 2.33) or the static stretching group (SS, n = 13, age = 20.85 ± 0.86, BMI = 21.98 ± 1.80). Two participants from the SS group dropped out due to personal reasons, leaving 13 subjects in that group. Both groups underwent a 6-week training intervention, with sessions held twice a week. The FCT group participated in flexibility training, and/or static motor control training, and/or dynamic motor control training for 10-15 min. The SS group performed static stretching exercises targeting five specific muscles, with 30 s per side and two sets. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS), body composition, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, and pull-ups were assessed before and after the intervention. Differences in FMS outcomes were analyzed using two samples of the Mann-Whitney U test. Physical fitness outcomes were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 2 (group) × 2 (time) design. After 6 weeks of intervention, the FCT group showed statistically significant improvements in the hurdle step (Z = -2.449, p = 0.014), inline lunge (Z = -2.000, p = 0.046), rotary stability (Z = -2.309, p = 0.021), and composite scores (Z = -3.316, p = 0.001). Comparisons between groups indicated that BMI (FCT, ES = 0.04; SS, ES = -0.11), 30-m sprint (FCT, ES = 0.12; SS, ES = 0.28), body fat percentage (BF%) (FCT, ES = -0.25; SS, ES = -0.07), and sit-and-reach (FCT, ES = 0.17; SS, ES = 0.06) were not statistically significant in both the pre- and post-tests. The effect sizes of all physical fitness indicators were greater in the FCT group than in the SS group. The FCT, consisting of two sessions per week for 6 weeks, has been proven to be effective in improving the quality of movement patterns by improved stability and advanced movements. However, the improvements in physical fitness did not reach statistical significance. FMS and FCT are generally affordable and accessible for college students. College students have the opportunity to employ the FMS tool to assess potential injury risks and address them, thereby reducing the risk of injuries.

Effects of sprint interval training on maximal oxygen uptake in athletes: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the effects of sprint interval training on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in athletes, and whether exercise mode, number of sprints, sprint duration, and interval duration would positively impact on athletes' VO2max, so as to improve the reference of exercise prescriptions. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the key words "sprint interval training" and "maximal oxygen uptake" on databases, including both Chinese and English articles published from the establishment of the database to January 2021. The articles were selected by two independent reviewers. The quality of the included studies was evaluated in compliance with the risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomized controlled trials recommended in the Cochrane Handbook. RESULTS: After screening and exclusion, 12 studies were included in the metaanalysis. VO2max in the sprint training group was significantly increased by 2.23 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.99-3.48; p = 0.987). Subgroup analysis was conducted on exercise type, number of sprints, sprint duration, interval duration, and training period, the results of which showed that VO2max of sprinting-based group was increased by 2.43 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.41-4.45; p = 0.987); VO2max of sprint duration group 2.27 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.83-3.71; p = 0.96); VO2max of interval duration < 3 min group 2.39 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.74-4.03; p = 0.92); VO2max of 8-12 sprints group 2.57 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.75-4.38; p = 0.96); VO2max of SIT for 3-4 weeks group 2.78 ml/kg/min (95% CI 1.00-4.57; p = 0.96). The funnel plot and Egger's test did not suggest publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: (1) SIT can significantly enhance VO2max in athletes. (2) The training program of 3-week sprinting-based SIT with 8-12, 20-30s sprints and intervals less than 3 min between each sprint is the most significant in improving VO2max in athletes.

[Germination and propagartors of artificial seeds of Dendrobium huoshanense].

The artificial seeds of Dendrobium huoshanese was produced with Auxiliary buds, Protocorm-like bodies, and adventitious shoots. By using orthogonal experiment, we studied the effect of Maltose (%), hormone rate between 6-BA (mgx L(-1)) and NAA (mgL(-1)), active carbon (%), sodium alginate (%), time of ion exchange (min) on germination rate of artificial seeds of D. huoshanese. Then the leaking rate of maltose and variation of pH value of artificial seed capsule during vegetating of artificial seeds of D. huoshanese was measured. The results show that maltose played the most important role in inducing D. huoshanese artificial seeds to germinate. The optimal combination was: maltose 4%, hormone rate between 6-BA (mg x L(-1)) and NAA (mg x L(-1)) 10:1, active carbon 0.1%, sodium Alginate 4%, time of ion exchange is 10 min. Protocorm-like bodies were appropriate propagartor, the germination rate of artificial seeds of D. huoshanese takeing Protocorm-like bodies as the propagartors is 90.1%. After germination, the survival rate of seedlings of artificial seeds was 80.6%, the leaking rate of maltose of artificial seed capsule was 0.52%, and the pH value of artificial seed capsule decreased during the process of vegetation of artificial seeds. After having been stored at 4 degrees C for 20 d, the germination rate of artificial seeds of D. huoshanese takeing Auxiliary buds, Protocorm-like bodies, Adventitious shoots as the propagartors were 3.3%, 10.6%, 5.2%. Under natural conditions the germination rate was 13.8% after 10.0 g/L carbendazim was appended into artificial seed capsule. This result provides a foundation of manufacture and further study of the artificial seeds of D. huoshanese.