胃饥饿素通过miR-455-5p靶向IGF-1R调控肝细胞胰岛素敏感性的作用及机制研究

目的:探究胃饥饿素通过调控miR-455-5p影响肝细胞胰岛素敏感性的作用机制。方法:采用高糖构建HepG2细胞胰岛素抵抗模型,造模成功后使用去酰基化胃饥饿素(DAG,1μmol/L)干预,分别转染miR-455-5p模拟物(miR-455-5p mimic)或对照物(NC mimic)。检测各组细胞葡萄糖消耗量和细胞内糖原含量。采用荧光原位杂交分析HepG2细胞内miR-455-5p表达水平。应用生物信息学分析、荧光素酶报告基因实验来鉴定与miR-455-5p结合的靶基因,Western Blot检测IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt信号通路的表达水平。结果:在胰岛素抵抗HepG2细胞中,miR-455-5p的表达水平显著上调,葡萄糖消耗量和细胞内糖原含量均明显降低。DAG干预后细胞葡萄糖消耗量和细胞内糖原含量增加,miR-455-5p的表达水平下调,IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt信号通路被激活。生物信息学分析表明IGF-1R是miR-455-5p的靶基因。双荧光素酶报告基因检测、miR-455-5p模拟物和抑制剂转染证实DAG通过抑制miR-455-5p从而激活IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt信号通路。结论:DAG通过miR-455-5p介导的IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt信号通路激活并改善胰岛素抵抗,表明抑制miR-455-5p或外源性补充DAG可能是T2DM治疗的潜在靶点。

miR-455-3p在结直肠癌组织中表达的临床意义及对癌细胞增殖的影响

目的:探讨miR-455-3p在结直肠癌组织中表达的临床意义及对癌细胞增殖的影响。方法:基于GEO数据库(GSE30454和GSE108153),使用limma包分析结直肠癌组织中显著差异表达的miRNAs;借助包含TCGA数据库的UALCAN平台分析miR-455-3p在结直肠癌组织中的差异表达,并通过Kaplan-Meier Plotter网站初步分析miR-455-3p与患者生存的关联;原位杂交(in situ hybridization,ISH)法检测结直肠癌及配对癌旁组织(n=185对)中miR-455-3p的表达情况,并利用两样本秩和检验进行比较;通过Pearson χ^(2)检验和非条件Logistic回归分析miR-455-3p表达与患者临床病理参数的相关性;采用Kaplan-Meier法Log-rank检验、多因素COX回归以及多因子降维(multifactor dimensionality reduction,MDR)法分析miR-455-3p预测结直肠癌患者预后的潜力;qPCR和MTT法检测miR-455-3p在结直肠癌细胞株中的表达及对细胞增殖能力的影响。结果:miR-455-3p、miR-1181、miR-1290和miR-622是两组GEO芯片中的共同差异基因。基于TCGA数据的差异分析和Kaplan-Meier曲线发现miR-455-3p在结直肠癌中的下调与患者预后不良密切相关(P=0.007 9,HR=0.21)。miR-455-3p在结直肠癌中表达减少与肿瘤大小和原发位置显著相关(P<0.05)。miR-455-3p高表达预示结直癌患者生存时间延长(P<0.001),为预后的独立保护因素(P<0.001,HR<1)。miR-455-3p单因素模型具备有效评估无病生存期(disease-free survival,DFS)和总体生存期(overall survival,OS)的潜力(P<0.05,Cross-validation consistency=10/10)。miR-455-3p在结直肠癌细胞株中表达下调(P<0.05),过表达miR-455-3p显著抑制结直肠癌细胞的增殖能力(P<0.05)。结论:miR-455-3p抑制结直肠癌细胞增殖,其低表达有望成为结直癌患者早期诊断和预后评估的潜在生物标志物。

非小细胞肺癌病人血清中miR-455、miR-383表达水平及其临床诊断价值分析

目的检测分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)病人血清微小RNA(miR)-455和miR-383的表达水平,并探讨其临床诊断价值。方法选取我院2020年3月~2023年1月收治的98例NSCLC病人为NSCLC组,同期收治的98例肺部良性疾病病人为肺良性病变组,同期98例体检健康志愿者为健康组。采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)法检测血清miR-455和miR-383的表达水平。Pearson分析NSCLC病人血清miR-455表达水平与miR-383水平的相关性;多元Logistic回归分析及ROC曲线分析NSCLC发生的影响因素及诊断价值。结果健康组、肺良性病变组、NSCLC组血清miR-455、miR-383表达水平依次降低。Pearson分析显示,NSCLC病人血清miR-455表达水平与miR-383水平呈正相关(r=0.582,P<0.05)。Logistic分析发现,miR-455、miR-383低表达是影响NSCLC发生的危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,miR-455和miR-383联合诊断NSCLC的AUC显著大于miR-455单独诊断的AUC(Z=3.604,P=0.000)及miR-383单独诊断的AUC(Z=2.594,P=0.010)。结论NSCLC病人血清miR-455、miR-383相对表达水平明显下调,二者联合检测对NSCLC具有较高的诊断价值。

miR-455-3p对奶山羊化学诱导乳腺上皮细胞乳脂代谢的影响

【目的】探讨miR-455-3p对奶山羊化学诱导乳腺上皮细胞(CiMECs)乳脂代谢的影响,为研究微小RNA(miRNA)对山羊乳腺功能的调控机制提供理论依据。【方法】利用单一小分子化合物RepSox(TGFβR-1/ALK5抑制剂)诱导山羊成纤维细胞(GEFs),诱导8 d后观察细胞形态变化,采用特异性标记物免疫荧光染色和油红O染色鉴定CiMECs是否诱导成功。使用脂质体将miR-455-3p的过表达载体(miR-455-3p mimics、miR-455-3p mimics-NC)和干扰载体(miR-455-3p inhibitors、miR-455-3p inhibitors-NC)转染至CiMECs,通过细胞增殖及毒性检测(CCK-8)试剂盒、甘油三酯检测试剂盒、实时荧光定量PCR检测miR-455-3p对于CiMECs的增殖率、甘油三酯分泌情况及乳脂代谢基因表达量。【结果】GEFs诱导8 d后形成类似于山羊乳腺上皮细胞的岛状、多核和鹅卵石状细胞形状。免疫荧光结果显示,CiMECs可表达上皮特异性标志物抗原,包括细胞角蛋白14(CK14)和CK18;油红O染色结果显示,诱导后的细胞具有分泌脂滴的功能。CiMECs转染结果显示,miR-455-3p mimics极显著促进了miR-455-3p的表达(P<0.01),miR-455-3p inhibitors显著抑制了miR-455-3p的表达(P<0.05)。CCK-8及甘油三酯检测结果表明,与对照组相比,miR-455-3p mimics组细胞增殖率、甘油三酯分泌量均极显著降低(P<0.01),miR-455-3p inhibitors组细胞增殖率、甘油三酯分泌量均显著增加(P<0.05)。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,与对照组相比,诱导后CiMECs中HADHB基因表达量极显著降低(P<0.01);miR-455-3p mimics组HADHB基因表达量极显著升高(P<0.01),miR-455-3p inhibitors组HADHB基因表达量显著降低(P<0.05)。【结论】通过抑制miR-455-3p可促进奶山羊CiMECs增殖,降低脂肪代谢基因HADHB的表达,从而提高山羊奶中脂肪酸含量。研究结果可为后续利用miRNA改善山羊乳品质提供参考。

急性胰腺炎患者血清miR-455-3p,miR-141-3p水平表达与病情严重程度的关系研究

目的 探讨急性胰腺炎(acute pancreatitis,AP)患者血清miR-455-3p,miR-141-3p水平表达与病情严重程度的关系。方法 选取2021年11月~2023年11月于都江堰市人民医院就诊的AP患者133例(AP组)作为研究对象;根据病情程度将AP患者分为重症组(n=43)和轻症组(n=90)。同期选取于该院体检健康者135例作为对照组。实时荧光定量PCR(RT-q RCR)法检测血清miR-455-3p和miR-141-3p水平。Spearman相关性分析血清miR-455-3p,miR-141-3p水平与急性生理与慢性健康评分Ⅱ(acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ,APACHE Ⅱ)、Ranson评分的相关性;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清miR-455-3p,miR-141-3p水平对重症AP的诊断价值;多因素Logistics回归分析影响重症AP的发生因素。结果 AP组血清miR-455-3p(0.61±0.13)低于对照组(1.12±0.21),miR-141-3p水平(1.37±0.11)高于对照组(1.04±0.15),差异具有统计学意义(t=23.863,20.513,均P<0.05)。重症组患者血清miR-455-3p水平(0.53±0.10)低于轻症组(0.64±0.12),miR-141-3p水平(1.51±0.14)高于轻症组(1.30±0.15),差异具有统计学意义(t=6.056,7.713,均P<0.05)。重症组患者血清淀粉酶(serum amylase,AMS)、脂肪酶(lipase,LPS)水平及APACHEⅡ,Ranson评分高于轻症组,差异具有统计学意义(t=2.227,2.290,18.267,11.259,均P <0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果表明,AP患者血清miR-455-3p与APACHEⅡ,Ranson评分呈负相关(r=-0.702,-0.783,均P <0.05),miR-141-3p与APACHEⅡ,Ranson评分呈正相关(r=0.787,0.734,均P <0.05)。ROC曲线结果表明血清miR-455-3p,miR-141-3p水平单独及联合诊断重症AP的AUC分别为0.848,0.822和0.919,且二者联合诊断优于单独诊断(Z=3.081,2.524,均P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示miR-455-3p是影响重症AP的保护因素,miR-141-3p是影响重症AP的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论 AP患者血清miR-455-3p下降和miR-141-3p升高与病情严重程度密切相关。

Winter wheat yield improvement by genetic gain across different provinces in China

The replacement of winter wheat varieties has contributed significantly to yield improvement worldwide,with remarkable progress in China.Drawing on two sets of data,production yield from the National Bureau of Statistics of China and experimental yield from literature,this study aims to(1)illustrate the increasing patterns of production yield among different provinces from 1978 to 2018 in China,(2)explore the genetic gain in yield and yield relevant traits through the variety replacement based on experimental yield from 1937 to 2016 in China,and(3)compare the yield gap between experimental yield and production yield.The results show that both the production and experimental yields significantly increased along with the variety replacement.The national annual yield increase ratio for the production yield was 1.67%from 1978 to 2018,varying from 0.96%in Sichuan Province to 2.78%in Hebei Province;such ratio for the experimental yield was 1.13%from 1937 to 2016.The yield gap between experimental and production yields decreased from the 1970s to the 2010s.This study reveals significant increases in some yield components consequent to variety replacement,including thousand-grain weight,kernel number per spike,and grain number per square meter;however,no change is shown in spike number per square meter.The biomass and harvest index consistently and significantly increased,whereas the plant height decreased significantly.

西北春麦区APSIM-Wheat模型作物参数全局敏感性分析与比较

为提高西北春麦区APSIM-Wheat模型的适应性及校准的效率和精度,需要对作物参数进行重新率定,并对参数的取值范围进行标定,设定±10%、±20%、±30%、±40%和±50%五个参数取值范围,采用EFAST法和Morris法比较不同参数取值范围下模型的18个作物参数对春小麦产量和生物量的敏感性,并分析EFAST方法下最适宜的参数取值范围,同时对比两种敏感性分析方法的一致性。结果表明,对产量敏感的参数分别为每克茎籽粒数量(GPGS)、初花期积温(TFI)、灌浆期积温(TSGF)、出苗期到拔节期积温(TEOJ)、开花期积温(TF)、潜在灌浆速率(PGFR);对生物量敏感的参数分别为出苗期到拔节期积温(TEOJ)、灌浆期积温(TSGF)、初花期积温(TFI)、开花期积温(TF)。模型敏感参数和不敏感参数的适宜取值范围分别为±30%和±5%。不同参数取值范围下EFAST法和Morris法得到的敏感性结果一致性较好,在进行参数的敏感性分析时可以互相替代。

Genome-wide association study of grain micronutrient concentrations in bread wheat

Bread wheat(Triticum aestivum)is a staple food crop worldwide.The genetic dissection of important nutrient traits is essential for the biofortification of wheat to meet the nutritional needs of the world's growing population.Here,45,298 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)from 55K chip arrays were used to genotype a panel of 768 wheat cultivars,and a total of 154 quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were detected for eight traits under three environments by genome-wide association study(GWAS).Three QTLs(qMn-3B.1,qFe-3B.4,and qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6)detected repeatedly under different environments or traits were subjected to subsequent analyses based on linkage disequilibrium decay and the P-values of significant SNPs.Significant SNPs in the three QTL regions formed six haplotypes for qMn-3B.1,three haplotypes for qFe-3B.4,and three haplotypes for qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6.Phenotypic analysis revealed significant differences among haplotypes.These results indicated that the concentrations of several nutrient elements have been modified during the domestication of landraces to modern wheat.Based on the QTL regions,we identified 15 high-confidence genes,eight of which were stably expressed in different tissues and/or developmental stages.TraesCS3B02G046100 in qMn-3B.1 and TraesCS3B02G199500 in qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6 were both inferred to interact with metal ions according to the Gene Ontology(GO)analysis.TraesCS3B02G199000,which belongs to qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6,was determined to be a member of the WRKY gene family.Overall,this study provides several reliable QTLs that may significantly affect the concentrations of nutrient elements in wheat grain,and this information will facilitate the breeding of wheat cultivars with improved grain properties.

WPA1 encodes a vWA domain protein that regulates wheat plant architecture

Plant height,spike,leaf,stem and grain morphologies are key components of plant architecture and related to wheat yield.A wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)mutant,wpa1,displaying temperaturedependent pleiotropic developmental anomalies,was isolated.The WPA1 gene,encoding a von Willebrand factor type A(vWA)domain protein,was located on chromosome arm 7DS and isolated by map-based cloning.The functionality of WPA1 was validated by multiple independent EMS-induced mutants and gene editing.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that WPA1 is monocotyledon-specific in higher plants.The identification of WPA1 provides opportunity to study the temperature regulated wheat development and grain yield.

Creating large EMS populations for functional genomics and breeding in wheat

Wheat germplasm is a fundamental resource for basic research,applied studies,and wheat breeding,which can be enriched normally by several paths,such as collecting natural lines,accumulating breeding lines,and introducing mutagenesis materials.Ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)is an alkylating agent that can effectively introduce genetic variations in a wide variety of plant species.In this study,we created a million-scale EMS population(MEP)that started with the Chinese wheat cultivars‘Luyan 128’,‘Jimai 38’,‘Jimai 44’,and‘Shannong 30’.In the M1 generation,the MEP had numerous phenotypical variations,such as>3,000 chlorophyll-deficient mutants,2,519 compact spikes,and 1,692 male sterile spikes.There were also rare mutations,including 30 independent tillers each with double heads.Some M1 variations of chlorophyll-deficiency and compact spikes were inheritable,appearing in the M2 or M3 generations.To advance the entire MEP to higher generations,we adopted a single-seed descendent(SSD)approach.All other seed composites of M2 were used to screen other agronomically important traits,such as the tolerance to herbicide quizalofop-P-methyl.The MEP is available for collaborative projects,and provides a valuable toolbox for wheat genetics and breeding for sustainable agriculture.

The first factor affecting dryland winter wheat grain yield under various mulching measures: Spike number

Water is the key factor limiting dryland wheat grain yield.Mulching affects crop yield and yield components by affecting soil moisture.Further research is needed to determine the relationships between yield components and soil moisture with yield,and to identify the most important factor affecting grain yield under various mulching measures.A long-term 9-yearifeld experiment in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China was carried out with three treatments:no mulch (CK),plastic mulch (M_(P)) and straw mulch (M_(S)).Yield factors and soil moisture were measured,and the relationships between them were explored by correlation analysis,structural equation modeling and significance analysis.The results showed that compared with CK,the average grain yields of M_(P) and M_(S) increased by 13.0and 10.6%,respectively.The average annual grain yield of the M_(P) treatment was 134 kg ha^(–1) higher than the M_(S) treatment.There were no significant differences in yield components among the three treatments (P<0.05).Soil water storage of the M_(S) treatment was greater than the M_(P) treatment,although the differences were not statistically signifiant.Soil water storage during the summer fallow period (SWSSF) and soil water storage before sowing (SWSS) of M_(S) were significantly higher than in CK,which increased by 38.5 and 13.6%,respectively.The relationship between M_(P) and CK was not statistically significant for SWSSF,but the SWSS in M_(P) was significantly higher than in CK.In terms of soil water storage after harvest (SWSH) and water consumption in the growth period(ET),there were no signi?cant differences among the three treatments.Based on the three analysis methods,we found that spike number and ET were positively correlated with grain yield.However,the relative importance of spike number to yield was the greatest in the M_(P )and M_(S) treatments,while that of ET was the greatest in CK.Suifcient SWSSF could indirectly increase spike number and ET in the three treatments.Based on these results,mulch can improve yield and soil water storage.The most important factor affecting the grain yield of dryland wheat was spike number under mulching,and ET with CK.These findings may help us to understand the main factors influencing dryland wheat grain yield under mulching conditions compared to CK.

A novel AgNPs/MOF substrate-based SERS sensor for high-sensitive on-site detection of wheat gluten

Gluten,known as the major allergen in wheat,has gained increasing concerns in industrialized countries,resulting in an urgent need for accurate,high-sensitive,and on-site detection of wheat gluten in complex food systems.Herein,we proposed a silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)/metal-organic framework(MOF)substrate-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)sensor for the high-sensitive on-site detection of wheat gluten.The detection occurred on the newly in-situ synthesized AgNPs/MOF-modified SERS substrate,providing an enhancement factor(EF)of 1.89×10^(5).Benefitting from the signal amplification function of AgNPs/MOF and the superiority of SERS,this sensor represented high sensitivity performance and a wide detection range from 1×10^(-15)mol/L to 2×10^(-6)mol/L with a detection limit of 1.16×10^(-16)mol/L,which allowed monitoring the trace of wheat gluten in complex food system without matrix interference.This reliable sandwich SERS sensor may provide a promising platform for high-sensitive,accurate,and on-site detection of allergens in the field of food safety.

Spectral purification improves monitoring accuracy of the comprehensive growth evaluation index for film-mulched winter wheat

In order to further improve the utility of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)remote-sensing for quickly and accurately monitoring the growth of winter wheat under film mulching, this study examined the treatments of ridge mulching,ridge–furrow full mulching, and flat cropping full mulching in winter wheat.Based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method, four agronomic parameters (leaf area index, above-ground biomass, plant height, and leaf chlorophyll content) were used to calculate the comprehensive growth evaluation index (CGEI) of the winter wheat, and 14 visible and near-infrared spectral indices were calculated using spectral purification technology to process the remote-sensing image data of winter wheat obtained by multispectral UAV.Four machine learning algorithms, partial least squares, support vector machines, random forests, and artificial neural network networks(ANN), were used to build the winter wheat growth monitoring model under film mulching, and accuracy evaluation and mapping of the spatial and temporal distribution of winter wheat growth status were carried out.The results showed that the CGEI of winter wheat under film mulching constructed using the FCE method could objectively and comprehensively evaluate the crop growth status.The accuracy of remote-sensing inversion of the CGEI based on the ANN model was higher than for the individual agronomic parameters, with a coefficient of determination of 0.75,a root mean square error of 8.40, and a mean absolute value error of 6.53.Spectral purification could eliminate the interference of background effects caused by mulching and soil, effectively improving the accuracy of the remotesensing inversion of winter wheat under film mulching, with the best inversion effect achieved on the ridge–furrow full mulching area after spectral purification.The results of this study provide a theoretical reference for the use of UAV remote-sensing to monitor the growth status of winter wheat with film mulching.

Subsoil tillage enhances wheat productivity,soil organic carbon and available nutrient status in dryland fields

Tillage practices during the fallow period benefit water storage and yield in dryland wheat crops.However,there is currently no clarity on the responses of soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),and available nutrients to tillage practices within the growing season.This study evaluated the effects of three tillage practices(NT,no tillage;SS,subsoil tillage;DT,deep tillage)over five years on soil physicochemical properties.Soil samples at harvest stage from the fifth year were analyzed to determine the soil aggregate and aggregate-associated C and N fractions.The results indicated that SS and DT improved grain yield,straw biomass and straw carbon return of wheat compared with NT.In contrast to DT and NT,SS favored SOC and TN concentrations and stocks by increasing the soil organic carbon sequestration rate(SOCSR)and soil nitrogen sequestration rate(TNSR)in the 0-40 cm layer.Higher SOC levels under SS and NT were associated with greater aggregate-associated C fractions,while TN was positively associated with soluble organic nitrogen(SON).Compared with DT,the NT and SS treatments improved soil available nutrients in the 0-20 cm layer.These findings suggest that SS is an excellent practice for increasing soil carbon,nitrogen and nutrient availability in dryland wheat fields in North China.

Involvement of the ABA-and H_(2)O_(2)-Mediated Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle in the Drought Stress Responses of Wheat Roots

Abscisic acid(ABA),hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) and ascorbate(AsA)–glutathione(GSH)cycle are widely known for their participation in various stresses.However,the relationship between ABA and H_(2)O_(2) levels and the AsA–GSH cycle under drought stress in wheat has not been studied.In this study,a hydroponic experiment was conducted in wheat seedlings subjected to 15%polyethylene glycol(PEG)6000–induced dehydration.Drought stress caused the rapid accumulation of endogenous ABA and H_(2)O_(2) and significantly decreased the number of root tips compared with the control.The application of ABA significantly increased the number of root tips,whereas the application of H_(2)O_(2) markedly reduced the number of root tips,compared with that under 15%PEG-6000.In addition,drought stress markedly increased the DHA,GSH and GSSG levels,but decreased the AsA levels,AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios compared with those in the control.The activities of the four enzymes in the AsA–GSH cycle were also markedly increased under drought stress,including glutathione reductase(GR),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),monodehydroascorbate reductase(MDHAR)and dehydroascorbate reductase(DHAR),compared with those in the control.However,the application of an ABA inhibitor significantly inhibited GR,DHAR and APX activities,whereas the application of an H_(2)O_(2) inhibitor significantly inhibited DHAR and MDHAR activities.Furthermore,the application of ABA inhibitor significantly promoted the increases of H_(2)O_(2) and the application of H_(2)O_(2) inhibitor significantly blocked the increases of ABA,compared with those under 15% PEG-6000.Taken together,the results indicated that ABA and H_(2)O_(2) probably interact under drought stress in wheat;and both of them can mediate drought stress by modulating the enzymes in AsA–GSH cycle,where ABA acts as the main regulator of GR,DHAR,and APX activities,and H_(2)O_(2) acts as the main regulator of DHAR and MDHAR activities.

基于汽修专业现代学徒制的探索和研究——现代学徒制“455”带教模式

当前,对于职业学校而言,实施“现代学徒制”已经成了人才培养及教学的高效途径。本文以通过总结实际经验和成功案例为研究对象,通过研究分析我国现在实行“现代学徒制”的现状以及汽修教学中出现的问题,改革“现代学徒制”人才培养模式,提出了着力培养技术技能型人才的“四阶段-五年制-五联合”带教模式。该模式促进现场工程师培养与技术创新相结合,建立基于现代学徒制的创新型人才培养体系。

Effect of Ozone Treatment on Microbiological Properties of Stored Wheat

In this study, ozone gas was applied to samples of durum wheat stored in four experimental groups (durum wheat without any treatment for comparison, durum wheat treated with ozone, purified durum wheat, and purified durum wheat treated with ozone). Two groups were treated with ozone gas at 3 ppm concentration for 1 hour. Groups were then placed in air-tight glass jars and stored for 6 months at variable temperatures between 24.7°C to 34.8°C. Microbiological (total count bacteria, yeast/molds and coliform) and physical properties (moisture, color and ash) evaluated. Ozone application statistically caused a significant reduction in the numbers of bacteria, yeast, molds and coliforms. Ozone application, washing process and storage temperature are the major factors affecting the microbial counts. No significant differences were determined in moisture and ash contents of samples after ozone treatment. The color measurement results showed that color values of wheat samples were affected by ozone treatment, storage and washing.

Assessing the Efficacy of Wheat-Soybean Based Intercropping System at Different Plant Densities in Bambili, Cameroon

Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha−1), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha−1), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.

Effect of Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis as an Improver on the Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Dough

Dough improvers are substances with functional characteristics used in baking industry to enhance dough properties. Currently, the baking industry is faced with increasing demand for natural ingredients owing to increasing consumer awareness, thus contributing to the rising demand for natural hydrocolloids. Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis is a natural gum exhibiting excellent water binding and emulsification capacity. However, very little is reported on how it affects the rheological properties of wheat dough. The aim of this study was therefore, to determine the rheological properties of wheat dough with partial additions of gum Arabic as an improver. Six treatments were analyzed comprising of: flour-gum blends prepared by adding gum Arabic to wheat flour at different levels (1%, 2% and 3%), plain wheat flour (negative control), commercial bread flour and commercial chapati flour (positive controls). The rheological properties were determined using Brabender Farinograph, Brabender Extensograph and Brabender Viscograph. Results showed that addition of gum Arabic significantly (p chapati. These findings support the need to utilize gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis as a dough improver.

The Advantages of Methane Production by Combined Fermentation of Lignite and Wheat Straw

Biogasification of coal is important for clean utilization of coal. Experiments on the fermentation of single lignite, single straw and their mixture were performed to explore the variation characteristics of gas production potential, microbial community and methanogenic metabolic pathways of mixture. Research has shown that mixed fermentation of lignite and straw significantly promoted biomethane production. The abundance of hydrolytic acidifying functional bacteria genera (Sphaerochaeta, Lentimicrobium) in mixed fermentation was higher than that in the fermentation of single lignite and single straw. The abundance of some key CAZy metabolic enzyme gene sequences in mixed fermentation group was increased, which was favorable to improve methane production. Aceticlastic methanogenesis was the most critical methanogenic pathway and acetic acid pathway was more competitive in methanogenic mode during peak fermentation. Macrogenomics provided theoretical support for the claim that mixed fermentation of coal and straw promoted biomethane metabolism, which was potentially valuable in expanding methanogenesis from mixed fermentation of lignite with different biomasses.