Activation of adult endogenous neurogenesis by a hyaluronic acid collagen gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor promotes remodeling and functional recovery of the injured cerebral cortex

The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.

Acetic acid-and furfural-based adaptive evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for improving stress tolerance and lignocellulosic ethanol production

Acetic acid and furfural are known as prevalent inhibitors deriving from pretreatment during lignocellulosic ethanol production.They negatively impact cell growth,glucose uptake and ethanol biosynthesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.Development of industrial S.cerevisiae strains with high tolerance towards these inhibitors is thus critical for efficient lignocellulosic ethanol production.In this study,the acetic acid or furfural tolerance of different S.cerevisiae strains could be significantly enhanced after adaptive evolution via serial cultivation for 40 generations under stress conditions.The acetic acid-based adaptive strain SPSC01-TA9 produced 30.5 g·L^(-1)ethanol with a yield of 0.46 g·g^(-1)in the presence of 9 g·L^(-1)acetic acid,while the acetic acid/furfural-based adaptive strain SPSC01-TAF94 produced more ethanol of 36.2 g·L^(-1)with increased yield up to 0.49 g·g^(-1)in the presence of both 9 g·L^(-1)acetic acid and 4 g·L^(-1)furfural.Significant improvements were also observed during non-detoxified corn stover hydrolysate culture by SPSC01-TAF94,which achieved ethanol production and yield of 29.1 g·L^(-1)and 0.49 g·g^(-1),respectively,the growth and fermentation efficiency of acetic acid/furfural-based adaptive strain in hydrolysate was 95%higher than those of wildtype strains,indicating the acetic acid-and furfural-based adaptive evolution strategy could be an effective approach for improving lignocellulosic ethanol production.The adapted strains developed in this study with enhanced tolerance against acetic acid and furfural could be potentially contribute to economically feasible and sustainable lignocellulosic biorefinery.

A cleaner production strategy for acid mine drainage prevention of waste rock:A porphyry copper case

An in-process technology approach is proposed to identify the source of acid mine drainage(AMD)generation and prevent its formation in a porphyry copper waste rock(WR).Adopting actions before stockpiling the WR enables the establishment of potential contaminants and predicts the more convenient method for AMD prevention.A WR sample was separated into size fractions,and the WR’s net acidgenerating potential was quantified using chemical and mineralogical characterization.The diameter of physical locking of sulfides(DPLS)was determined,and the fractions below the DPLS were desulfurized using flotation.Finally,the WR fractions and tailing from the flotation test were submitted to acid-base accounting and weathering tests to evaluate their acid-generating potential.Results show that the WR’s main sulfide mineral is pyrite,and the DPLS was defined as 850μm.A sulfide recovery of 91%was achieved using a combination of HydroFloat^(®)and Denver cells for a size fraction lower than DPLS.No grinding was conducted.The results show that size fractions greater than DPLS and the desulfurized WR are unlikely to produce AMD.The outcomes show that in-processing technology can be a more proactive approach and an effective tool for avoiding AMD in a porphyry copper WR.

Application of organic fertilizer for improving soybean production under acidic stress

The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production.One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer.The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not only raises sustainability concerns but also contributes to soil acidity.Therefore,the use of organic fertilizer could offer a solution for addressing both issues related to soil acidity and sustainability.The purpose of this study was to investigate the manipulation of soil pH using organic fertilizer for soybean production under acidic stress.The planting medium,consisting of a mixture of topsoil,rice husk charcoal,and organic fertilizer(in a ratio of 2:1:1),was supplemented with 0.5 g of NPK fertilizer as a basal treatment in each planting medium.To regulate the soil acidity to pH 4,we added FeSO_(4) and allowed the mixture to incubate for 30 days.The results demonstrate that the application of three types of organic fertilizers chicken manure(P1),oil palm empty bunch fertilizer(P2),and vermicompost(P3)positively impacts the growth of three soybean varieties.The findings indicate that the application of P2 organic fertilizer can increase vegetative growth almost 50%in soybeans on acidic soil,including plant height,leaf count,and root length.Meanwhile,applying P3 organic fertilizer can boost reproductive growth responses in soybeans on acidic soil,such as pod number(from around 0-4 unit to 42-51 unit),grain number(from around 0-5 unit to 88-90 unit),and grain weight(from around 0-0.37 g to 12-25 g).Organic fertilizer has the potential to regulate soil pH,promoting higher yields of soybeans under acidic stress.

Dietary supplementation with branchedchain amino acids enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets

Background:Under current dietary regimens,milk production by lactating sows is insufficient to sustain the maximal growth of their piglets.As precursors of glutamate and glutamine as well as substrates and activators of protein synthesis,branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)have great potential for enhancing milk production by sows.Methods:Thirty multiparous sows were assigned randomly into one of three groups:control(a corn-and soybean meal-based diet),the basal diet+1.535%BCAAs;and the basal diet+3.07%BCAAs.The ratio(g/g)among the supplemental L-isoleucine,L-leucine and L-valine was 1.00:2.56:1.23.Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine.Lactating sows had free access to drinking water and their respective diets.The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at d 0 of lactation(the day of parturition).On d 3,15 and 29 of lactation,body weights and milk consumption of piglets were measured,and blood samples were obtained from sows and piglets 2 h and 1 h after feeding and nursing,respectively.Results:Feed intake did not differ among the three groups of sows.Concentrations of asparagine,glutamate,glutamine,citrulline,arginine,proline,BCAAs,and many other amino acids were greater(P<0.05)in the plasma of BCAA-supplemented sows and their piglets than those in the control group.Compared with the control,dietary supplementation with 1.535%and 3.07%BCAAs increased(P<0.05)concentrations of free and protein-bound BCAAs,glutamate plus glutamine,aspartate plus asparagine,and many other amino acids in milk;milk production by 14%and 21%,respectively;daily weight gains of piglets by 19%and 28%,respectively,while reducing preweaning mortality rates by 50%and 70%,respectively.Conclusion:Dietary supplementation with up to 3.07%BCAAs enhanced milk production by lactating sows,and the growth and survival of their piglets.

All-trans Retinoic Acid Diminishes Collagen Production in a Hepatic Stellate Cell Line via Suppression of Active Protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Signal

Following acute and chronic liver injury,hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content,but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood.The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation,mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G).Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation.The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR.The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR.The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1.These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal,then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.

Medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides as feed additives for pig production:towards gut health improvement and feed pathogen mitigation

Ongoing challenges in the swine industry,such as reduced access to antibiotics and virus outbreaks(e.g.,porcine epidemic diarrhea virus,African swine fever virus),have prompted calls for innovative feed additives to support pig production.Medium-chain fatty acids(MCFAs)and monoglycerides have emerged as a potential option due to key molecular features and versatile functions,including inhibitory activity against viral and bacterial pathogens.In this review,we summarize recent studies examining the potential of MCFAs and monoglycerides as feed additives to improve pig gut health and to mitigate feed pathogens.The molecular properties and biological functions of MCFAs and monoglycerides are first introduced along with an overview of intervention needs at different stages of pig production.The latest progress in testing MCFAs and monoglycerides as feed additives in pig diets is then presented,and their effects on a wide range of production issues,such as growth performance,pathogenic infections,and gut health,are covered.The utilization of MCFAs and monoglycerides together with other feed additives such as organic acids and probiotics is also described,along with advances in molecular encapsulation and delivery strategies.Finally,we discuss how MCFAs and monoglycerides demonstrate potential for feed pathogen mitigation to curb disease transmission.Looking forward,we envision that MCFAs and monoglycerides may become an important class of feed additives in pig production for gut health improvement and feed pathogen mitigation.

Effects of Low Protein Diets Supplemented with Ami-no Acids on Production Performance,Carcass Qual-ity and Input-output Ratio of Pigs

[ Objectives ] To study the effects of low-protein diets supplemented with amino acids on the production performance, carcass quality and input-output ratio of fattening pigs and growing-finishing pigs. [ Methods] Two studies were conducted on fattening pigs and growing pigs respectively. Pigs in two experimental groupswere fed with low-protein diets supplemented with amino acids and normal diets respectively, and the initial weight, final weight, feed consumption and car- cass index of the tested pigs were measured. [ Results] The average final weight of fattening pigs in test group was 2.4 kg lower than that in control group, while the difference was not significant （P 〉 0.05 ）. The average daily gain of fattening pigs in test group was 60 g lower than that in control group, indicating that low protein diets had a tendency to decrease the growth rate （P 〉 0.05 ）, and reduction of daily weight gain in low protein diet pigs reached 7.6%. The development of pigs in low protein diet group was poor, however, the difference was not significant. Carcass backfat thickness in low-protein diet group was slightly higher than that in control group, the difference was significant （ P 〈 0.05 ）. There was no significant difference in input-output ratio between low-protein diet group and control group. Finalweight of growing-finishing pigs in low-protein diet group was 3.22 % lower than that in control group, the average daily weight gainwas 6.91% lower than that in control group, feed intake in test group was 5.48% lower than that in control group, and difference between the two treatments was significant （P 〈 0.05 ）. Feed meat ratio in low-protein diet group improved, however, the difference was not significant（P 〉0.05）. [ Conclusions] Production performance of the pigs would be decreasedand the input-output ratio could not be improvedwhen the adding contents of crude protein in diets was reduced 3% -4%. Therefore, it is recommended that the crude protein level should be enough when pigs were fed with low-protein diets.

Batch and fed-batch production of butyric acid by Clostridium butyricum ZJUCB

The production of butyric acid by Clostridium butyricum ZJUCB at various pH values was investigated. In order to study the effect of pH on cell growth, butyric acid biosynthesis and reducing sugar consumption, different cultivation pH values ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 were evaluated in 5-L bioreactor. In controlled pH batch fermentation, the optimum pH for cell growth and butyric acid production was 6.5 with a cell yield of 3.65 g/L and butyric acid yield of 12.25 g/L. Based on these results, this study then compared batch and fed-batch fermentation of butyric acid production at pH 6.5. Maximum value (16.74 g/L) of butyric acid concentration was obtained in fed-batch fermentation compared to 12.25 g/L in batch fermentation. It was concluded that culti- vation under fed-batch fermentation mode could enhance butyric acid production significantly (P<0.01) by C. butyricum ZJUCB.

MoS2/Zn3In2S6 composite photocatalysts for enhancement of visible light-driven hydrogen production from formic acid

Enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers is propitious for the promotion of photocatalytic hydrogen production from formic acid decomposition.Herein,MoS2/Zn3In2S6(MoS2/ZIS6)composite photocatalysts containing varying mass percentages of MoS2 were obtained by a straightforward synthetic method.The results confirmed that MoS2,as a cocatalyst,markedly promoted the photogenerated charge separation efficiency and visible light-driven hydrogen production activity of ZIS6(λ>400 nm).Specifically,the as-prepared 0.5%MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate(74.25μmol·h^-1),which was approximately 4.3 times higher than that of ZIS6(17.47μmol·h^-1).The excellent performance of the 0.5%MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalyst may be due to the fact that MoS2 has a low Fermi energy level and can thus enrich photogenerated electrons from ZIS6,and furthermore reduce H+derived from formic acid,to form hydrogen.The structure and morphology of the MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalysts and the reactive species were determined by X-ray diffraction,transmission electron microscopy,and field emission scanning electron microscopy,among others;a plausible mechanistic rationale is discussed based on the results.

Reduced protein diet with near ideal amino acid profile improves energy efficiency and mitigate heat production associated with lactation in sows

Background:The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1)lowering dietary crude protein(CP)increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation,and 2)excessive dietary leucine(Leu)supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation.Methods:Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):1)control(CON;18.75%CP),2)reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile(OPT;13.75%CP)and 3)diet OPT with excessive Leu(OPTLEU;14.25%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1,4,8,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Energy balance was measured on sows during early(day 4 to 8)and peak(day 14 to18)lactation,and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18.Results:Over 21-day lactation,sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid(P<0.05).In peak lactation,sows fed OPT had higher milk energy output(P<0.05)than CON.Sows fed OPTLEU tended(P=0.07)to have less milk energy output than OPT and did not differ from CON.Maternal energy retention was lower(P<0.05)in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows,and did not differ between OPTLEU and OPT sows.Sows fed OPT had higher(P<0.05)apparent energy efficiency for milk production compared to CON.Heat production associated with lactation was lower(P<0.05)or tended to be lower(P=0.082),respectively,in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows.Conclusion:The OPT diet,in peak lactation,improved dietary energy utilization for lactation due to less urinary energy and metabolic heat loss,and triggered dietary energy deposition into milk at the expense of maternal lipid mobilization.Leucine supplementation above requirement may reduce dietary energy utilization for lactation by decreasing the energy partitioning towards milk,partially explaining the effectiveness of OPT diet over CON diets.

Data cleaning method for the process of acid production with flue gas based on improved random forest

Acid production with flue gas is a complex nonlinear process with multiple variables and strong coupling.The operation data is an important basis for state monitoring,optimal control,and fault diagnosis.However,the operating environment of acid production with flue gas is complex and there is much equipment.The data obtained by the detection equipment is seriously polluted and prone to abnormal phenomena such as data loss and outliers.Therefore,to solve the problem of abnormal data in the process of acid production with flue gas,a data cleaning method based on improved random forest is proposed.Firstly,an outlier data recognition model based on isolation forest is designed to identify and eliminate the outliers in the dataset.Secondly,an improved random forest regression model is established.Genetic algorithm is used to optimize the hyperparameters of the random forest regression model.Then the optimal parameter combination is found in the search space and the trend of data is predicted.Finally,the improved random forest data cleaning method is used to compensate for the missing data after eliminating abnormal data and the data cleaning is realized.Results show that the proposed method can accurately eliminate and compensate for the abnormal data in the process of acid production with flue gas.The method improves the accuracy of compensation for missing data.With the data after cleaning,a more accurate model can be established,which is significant to the subsequent temperature control.The conversion rate of SO_(2) can be further improved,thereby improving the yield of sulfuric acid and economic benefits.

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activates ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in tumor-induced osteomalacia

Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-la （HIF-la） in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-la mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-la and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle- shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-la protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-la expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-la inhibitors decreased HIF-la and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-la-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-la consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-la inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-la is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-la activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.

Effects of Carbon Source on Growth Characteristics and Lipid Accumulation by Microalga <i>Dictyosphaerium</i>sp. with Potential for Biodiesel Production

Sustainability and eco-friendliness have both engendered research on alternative replacement of fossil fuel. This study was aimed at determining the effects of varying levels of glucose (10 ~ 40 g/L), and glycerol (0.25 ~ 1.0 mL/L) on the heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth and lipid production by Dictyosphaerium sp. The microalga was cultivated in 2000 mL amber-coloured bottles each containing 1000 mL of a sterile modified BG-11 medium at pH of 7.3. Each bottle was inoculated with a one-week-old pure culture of the isolate (inoculum ratio = 15%) and incubated in the dark at room temperature (30°C ± 2°C) for 10 d. Dictyosphaerium sp. showed the ability to grow heterotrophically and mixotrophically on glucose and on glycerol as a sole carbon substrates. Biomass productivity and specific growth rates did not vary when the initial medium glucose was varied. Lipid accumulation was not dependent on the initial medium glycerol contents. The mean lipid content and productivity of the organism in the present study were high enough to be utilised for industrial processes. Growth and lipid accumulations were better in mixotrophic cultures than both heterotrophic and autotrophic. However, both were better than autotrophic. The percentage compositions of the major fatty acids from Dictyosphaerium sp. grown under different culture conditions show at least five components each. The carbon skeletons eluted ranged from C14 to C22. Oleic acid was a major component of all the fatty acids, which confirm the suitability of the use of the oil for biodiesel production.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Study of Chinese Economic "Growth Drag" Caused by Land Resource in the Perspective of the Modified Two-Level CES Production Function

The purpose of the study is to measure the "growth drag" according to the characteristic of Chinese land resource.Romer model (2001) holds that every country is inevitably affected by the "growth drag" due to the limitation of land resource.So it's of profound strategic significance to measure the "growth drag" according to the character of Chinese land resource.Modified two-level CES production function was employed,and this paper modified the hypothesis of the model.The result indicates that the limitation of Chinese land resource casts shadow over the economic development of China,and the growth rate is 0.4618% lower than that without the limitation of land resource.Through implementing the land resource protection policy along with the technology improvement and the substitute effect of other factors to the land resource,China will keep a steady and balanced economic growth.

Enhancement of α-ketoisovalerate production by relieving the product inhibition of L-amino acid deaminase from Proteus mirabilis

L-Amino acid deaminase(LAAD) is a key enzyme in the deamination of L-valine(L-val) to produce α-ketoisovalerate(KIV). However, the product inhibition of LAAD is a major hindrance to industrial KIV production.In the present study, a combination strategy of modification of flexible loop regions around the product binding site and the avoidance of dramatic change of main-chain dynamics was reported to reduce the product inhibition.The four mutant PM-LAAD^(M4)(PM-LAAD^(S98A/T105A/S106A/L341A)) achieved a 6.2-fold higher catalytic efficiency and an almost 6.7-fold reduction in product inhibition than the wild-type enzyme. Docking experiments suggested that weakened interactions between the product and enzyme, and the flexibility of the "lid" structure relieved LAAD product inhibition. Finally, the whole-cell biocatalyst PM-LAAD^(M4) has been applied to KIV production,the titer and conversion rate of KIV from L-val were 98.5 g·L^-1 and 99.2% at a 3-L scale, respectively. These results demonstrate that the newly engineered catalyst can significantly reduce the product inhibition, that making KIV a prospective product by bioconversion method, and also provide the understanding of the mechanism of the relieved product inhibition of PM-LAAD.

Methodology of factorial design deriving guidelines for simulation of growth curve and production of sugars by Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima

It is practical, economic and sometimes essential to derive rules or conclusions by performing lesser runs of experiments. In this part, a methodology based on 2 f factorial design was brought up to derive guidelines to simulate growth curve and production of sugars by Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima . The growth curve or accumulation process of sugars was idealized by sets of straight lines limited by phase transfers of growth or accumulation of sugars. Normal analyses of the critical values of the transfers were used to derive their linear relationships with the initial conditions of the experimental factors. These linear functions were called guidelines and were used to simulate the growth curve or accumulation of sugars. Generalization of the guideline technique was determined by the kinetic limitation of nutrient nitrogen or sulfur that was dependent upon their stoichiometric deficiency directly derived from their initial values in the medium. This method uses the initial conditions of culture and does not need measurements of concentrations of nitrate, sulfate and pigments during cultivation. It is a practical and useful alternative way to trace and predict approximately the growth curve and production of sugars by S. maxima .

Transformation power or development pressure:economic growth targets and urban carbon productivity

Maintaining moderate economic growth targets(EGTs)is the key for local governments to effectively implement the“carbon peak and carbon neutrality”goals under the refreshed development pattern.Utilizing panel data of 276 prefecture-level cities in China's Mainland from 2010 to 2020,and employing methods such as intermediary and threshold models,this study empirically analyzes the internal mechanism of EGT’s impact on urban carbon productivity(UCP).Our findings demonstrate that:①The overall EGT during the analyzed period is not conducive to improving UCP.This conclusion remains valid after a series of robustness tests.This effect is more pronounced in the central region and resource-based cities than in the east-west region and non resource-based cities.②EGT not only directly suppresses UCP but also exerts indirect negative impacts on UCP from three aspects:delaying the digital economy(DE),constraining financial expansion(FE),and hindering green technology innovation(GTI).This negative indirect effect is similar to or even surpasses the direct effect,suggesting that the internal relationship between EGT and“dual-carbon”goals should be re-evaluated from a new compound perspective.③EGT not only has a simple linear impact on UCP but also significantly exhibits a dynamic evolution pattern in inverted“U”shape.That is,as EGT continuously upgrades,a nonlinear impact on UCP emerges in the form of“promoting first,suppressing later”.This indicates that surpassing the“degree”limit for EGT will be detrimental to the improvement of UCP.This study broadens the scope of carbon productivity analysis by introducing a new perspective centered on EGT.The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable guidance for local governments to effectively manage economic growth expectations and promote the synchronized achievement of dual-carbon objectives.

Optimization of Acetic Acid Production Rate by Thermotolerant <i>Acetobacter</i>spp.

Thermotolerant microorganisms were collected, identified and characterized under different physiological conditions from various rotten fruits in Bangladesh for vinegar production. Among the 15-isolates characterized previously, the strains F-1, F-3 and F-10 represented Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Acetobacter spp., respectively. After checking various parameters for growth, acetic acid production rate was optimized further. Among the 3-starins analyzed here, the strain F-10 gave maximum acetic acid (7.0 g/100 ml) at 37°C in 2% ethanol concentration. The strain F-10 is capable of producing high yield of acetic acid at relatively high temperature, which is an ideal condition for vinegar production, which may reduce the water cooling expenses as well as the risk of contamination.