Numerical Computation of Hard Excitation in an Autocatalytic Biochemical System

An autocatalytic biochemical system in the presence of recycling enzyme is solved numerically using two numerical methods based on finite difference schemes. The first method is the well known Euler method which is an explicit method, whereas the second method is implicit. Although the implicit method, method 2, is first-order accurate in time it converges to the fixed point（s） for large time step, L Numerical results show the existence of hard excitation and birhythmicity.

Effective Finite-Difference Techniques for Estimating Sensitivities for Stochastic Biochemical Systems

Cellular environments are in essence stochastic, owing to the random character of the biochemical reaction events in a single cell. Stochastic fluctuations may substantially contribute to the dynamics of systems with small copy numbers of some biochemical species. Then, stochastic models are indispensable for properly portraying the behaviour of the system. Sensitivity analysis is one of the central tools for studying stochastic models of cellular dynamics. Here, we propose some finite-difference strategies for estimating parametric sensitivities of higher-order moments of the system state for stochastic discrete biochemical kinetic models. To reduce the variance of the sensitivity estimator, we employ various coupling techniques. The advantages of the proposed methods are illustrated in several models of biochemical systems of practical relevance.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF A MULTIMOLECULEBIOCHEMICAL SYSTEM

In this paper the author proves some theorems of the existence and uniqueness of the limit cycles of a multimolecule-biochemical system under some conditions. He also analyses the global structure of the trajectories of the system and analyses the cause of disappearance of the limit cycles.

The biochemical pathways of central nervous system neural degeneration in niacin deficiency

Neural degeneration is a very complicated process. In spite of all the advancements in the molecular chemistry, there are many unknown aspects of the phenomena of neurodegeneration which need to be put together. It is a common sequela of the conditions of niacin deficiency. Neural degeneration in Pellagra manifests as chromatolysis mainly in pyramidal followed by other neurons and glial cells. However, there is a gross lack of understanding of biochemi- cal mechanisms of neurodegeneration in niacin deficiency states. Because of the necessity of niacin or its amide derivative NAD in a number of biochemical pathways, it is understandable that several of these pathways may be involved in the common outcome of neural degener- ation. Here, we highlight five pathways that could be involved in the neuraldegeneration for which evidence has accumulated through several studies. These pathways are： 1） the trypto- phan-kyneurenic acid pathway, 2） the mitochondrial ATP generation related pathways, 3） the poly （ADP-ibose） polymerase （PARP） pathway, 4） the BDNF-TRKB Axis abnormalities, 5） the genetic influences of niacin deficiency.

Inference of General Mass Action-Based State Equations for Oscillatory Biochemical Reaction Systems Using <i>k</i>-Step Genetic Programming

Systems biology requires the development of algorithms that use omics data to infer interaction networks among biomolecules working within an organism. One major type of evolutionary algorithm, genetic programming (GP), is useful for its high heuristic ability as a search method for obtaining suitable solutions expressed as tree structures. However, because GP determines the values of parameters such as coefficients by random values, it is difficult to apply in the inference of state equations that describe oscillatory biochemical reaction systems with high nonlinearity. Accordingly, in this study, we propose a new GP procedure called “k-step GP” intended for inferring the state equations of oscillatory biochemical reaction systems. The k-step GP procedure consists of two algorithms: 1) Parameter optimization using the modified Powell method—after genetic operations such as crossover and mutation, the values of parameters such as coefficients are optimized by applying the modified Powell method with secondary convergence. 2) GP using divided learning data—to improve the inference efficiency, imposes perturbations through the addition of learning data at various intervals and adaptations to these changes result in state equations with higher fitness. We are confident that k-step GP is an algorithm that is particularly well suited to inferring state equations for oscillatory biochemical reaction systems and contributes to solving inverse problems in systems biology.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Genetics of biochemical attributes regulating morpho-physiology of upland cotton under high temperature conditions

Background Cotton is a strategically important fibre crop for global textile industry.It profoundly impacts several countries’industrial and agricultural sectors.Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpre-dictable changes in climate,specifically high temperatures.Breeding heat-tolerant,high-yielding cotton cultivars with wide adaptability to be grown in the regions with rising temperatures is one of the primary objectives of modern cotton breeding programmes.Therefore,the main objective of the current study is to figure out the effective breed-ing approach to imparting heat tolerance as well as the judicious utilization of commercially significant and stress-tolerant attributes in cotton breeding.Initially,the two most notable heat-susceptible(FH-115 and NIAB Kiran)and tolerant(IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak)cotton cultivars were spotted to develop filial and backcross populations to accom-plish the preceding study objectives.The heat tolerant cultivars were screened on the basis of various morphological(seed cotton yield per plant,ginning turnout percentage),physiological(pollen viability,cell membrane thermostabil-ity)and biochemical(peroxidase activity,proline content,hydrogen peroxide content)parameters.Results The results clearly exhibited that heat stress consequently had a detrimental impact on every studied plant trait,as revealed by the ability of crossing and their backcross populations to tolerate high temperatures.However,when considering overall yield,biochemical,and physiological traits,the IUB-13×FH-115 cross went over particularly well at both normal and high temperature conditions.Moreover,overall seed cotton yield per plant exhibited a posi-tive correlation with both pollen viability and antioxidant levels(POD activity and proline content).Conclusions Selection from segregation population and criteria involving pollen viability and antioxidant levels concluded to be an effective strategy for the screening of heat-tolerant cotton germplasms.Therefore,understanding acquired from this study can assist breeders identifying traits that should be prioritized in order to develop climate resilient cotton cultivars.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome-Neonate: Biochemical Parameters as Early Marker of Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcome

Background: Pregnant women and newborns are highly susceptible to Covid-19, manifesting as multisystem inflammatory syndrome-New-born (MISC-N) in many babies born to Covid positive mothers. The relationship between Covid-19 infection during pregnancy and neonatal neurodevelopmental outcome, if any, is unclear necessitating a follow-up study in this aspect. Methods: 16 babies with MIS-N, born to symptomatic Covid antibody positive mothers were enrolled. Demographic profile, treatment details and biochemical parameters were analyzed with neurodevelopmental follow-up. Results: 25% mothers received 2 doses of Covid vaccine;50% had oligohydramnios and 75% received antenatal steroids. 87.5% were preterm of which 62.5% required surfactant with ventilator support and 75% required ionotropic support. Significant association was found between the antibody level and D-dimer levels with the ferritin and LDH levels of the baby (p 0.05);gestational age with LDH and D-dimer levels (p 0.05) and Covid antibody level of the baby vs the duration of ventilator requirement (P-value-0.0009). D-dimer values of babies were positively associated with both maternal antibody and D-dimer levels. Neurodevelopmental follow-up done at 6 months of corrected gestational age showed 37.5% were normal, 37.5% hypertonic and 25% hypotonic. HINE score was below 60 in 62.5%. Development assessment using Bayley-III showed a delay in the motor domain (62.5%), cognitive domain (56.25%) and language domain (62.5%). Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental problems occur in babies born to Covid positive mothers and should be stratified as “high risk”. Anticipatory guidance to prospective mothers for preterm care should be given. Covid antibody titre and D-dimer levels may help to predict the NICU stay, ventilator requirement and the adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in these babies.

Regional Economic Impacts of Biochemical and Pyrolysis Biofuel Production in the Southeastern US: A Systems Modeling Approach

This research developed a regional economic model to estimate the ex-ante impacts of biofuel production on the economy of the southeastern United States. The analysis focuses on biofuels produced using biochemical and pyrolysis technologies. The primary feedstocks considered include switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and poplar (Populus spp.). The economic analysis modifies the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) input-output model to determine the macroeconomic impacts of a mature industry producing biofuels using these technologies and feedstocks. Optimal facility locations are determined using a site locator model that minimizes the costs of procuring feedstock. Given a change in the land use caused by industry demand for feedstock, shocks to the farm economy are forward-linked to sectors supporting biofuel production. Key economic indicators analyzed include changes in employment and value added to the economy. System output is analyzed using a nonparametric bootstrap procedure to simulate the distributions of the impacts. The null hypothesis is that the economic impacts following the introduction of the industries are not different from baseline economic activity. Findings suggest that the net changes in employment and value added to the regional economy are positive, but modest. For example, job increases attributed to the advancement of the industries analyzed range between 0.18% and 0.95%. Total value added to the regional economy ranged between 0.15% and 0.83%.

Engineering Microbial Biofilms for Improved Productivity of Biochemicals Important in Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems

Biofilms are being engineered in-vitro to produce numerous commodities like biofertilizers, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and electricity, the efficacies of which rely on the biochemicals secreted by the biofilms i.e. extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). It has been shown that once EPS-biochemicals of developed biofilms are applied to an ecosystem, they can restore degraded complex ecosystem networks for improved ecosystem functioning and sustainability. Identification of the EPS biochemicals and understanding their contributions to the network interactions in particular, are at initial stage. In the present study, using Aspergillus niger, Nostoc sp., and gram (-) Stenotrophomonas maltophilia & gram (+) Bacillus subtilis as test fungal (F), cyanobacterial (C), and bacterial (B) counterparts, respectively we analyzed morphology and biochemical parameters of fungal-bacterial (FBBs), fungal-cyanobacterial (FCBs), cyanobacterial-bacterial (CBBs), and fungal-cyanobacterial-bacterial biofilms (FCBBs). Results revealed that the FCBBs produced the highest concentrations of lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides whereas FBBs generated the highest diversity of biochemicals. Bacterial type (i.e. gram + or -) and microbial composition in the biofilm affected the biochemical production. Ecologically and industrially important diverse biochemicals which are used individually as medicines, bioremediating agents and industrial chemicals in human society with certain adverse and beneficial effects were detected in the biofilm-EPS. However, in the nature, simultaneous action of those diverse biochemicals applied as biofertilizers has already shown a huge potential to restore the entire agroecosystems degraded due to farmers’ detrimental practices. This striking difference in utilization of the biochemicals and their enhanced effect when they act simultaneously needs further investigations for their better applications.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

A Review of Biochemical Processes and Techniques for Soil Stabilization and Resilience

Biochemical, chemical, and mechanical, techniques have been employed to enhance soil resilience for decades. While the use of mechanical techniques requires transporting huge amounts of soil materials, the cement used in chemical techniques may lead to increase atmospheric carbon dioxide. Numerous studies indicate that biochemical techniques may be less expensive, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. Biopolymers and enzymes derived from microorganisms have been suggested as biological enhancers in strengthening and fortifying soils used for earthen structures. Lime and other treatment techniques used as biobased materials have been shown to be less effective for stabilizing soils. Here, we review biochemical processes and techniques involved in the interactions of soil enzymes, microorganisms, microbial extracellular polymeric substances, and other biopolymers with soil particles, and the challenges and strategies of their use as biobased materials for stabilizing soils. This review provides their impacts on various soil properties and the growth potentials of agricultural crops. .

Haematological and Biochemical Indices of Finisher Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Spurge Weeds (Euphorbia heterophylla) Leaf Meal

The study aimed to investigate the Haematological and Serum Biochemical indices of finisher broiler chickens fed graded levels of Euphorbia heterophylla leaf meal (EHLM) also known as spurge weed. The birds were allotted into six dietary treatments of ten birds segregated into three replicates each. The diets formulated with EHLM were included at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively to replace soybean. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Uncoagulated blood samples were collected from the birds at the end of the 56 days feeding trial and analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentrate (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were calculated using PCV, RBC and Hb. The blood meant for serological analysis was centrifuged at 1000 G for 10 minutes, after which the serum was separated and used for determining serum total protein (Tp), Albumin, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The results revealed that the control group had significantly higher values of PCV, RBC, and Hb compared to other treatment groups. However, the values of MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, heterophils, and eosinophils were similar to the control. The biochemical parameters showed significant differences among treatment groups, but not significantly different from the control. The study concluded that EHLM may not pose a health challenge to broiler chickens at levels of 5 - 15 percent, but improved health, immunity and performance can be achieved at the 15% inclusion level.

Study on the Hook Effect in the Detection of Beta2-Microglobulin with Different Reagents in Fully Automated Biochemical Analyzers

Objective:To investigate the hook effect in the detection of beta2-microglobulin(β2-MG)with different reagents as well as on two fully automated biochemical analyzers and their solutions.Methods:Using immunoturbidimetric assay forβ2-MG as the research object,β2-MG levels were detected by different concentration gradients ofβ2-microglobulin samples in Liedemann,Mack,and Myriad reagents of three manufacturers on two automatic biochemical analyzers,and the difference of the hook effect was comparatively analyzed.Results:Leadman reagent showed the hook effect on the Beckman AU5800 automated biochemistry analyzer,while both Maccura and Mindray reagents did not show the hook effect.After the experiments,we found the limit value of the pre-zone check of Leadman reagent,and changed the parameters of the instrument,when the limit value of the pre-zone check was reached,the instrument automatically diluted the specimen five times and then detected it again.After changing the parameters of the instrument,the correlation between the three methods of detecting samples of different concentrations was r>0.99.Conclusion:Before selecting the application of immunoturbidimetric reagents,we have to carry out the risk assessment of the hook effect and selectively set the parameters of the pre-zone check based on the highest concentration that may occur in the clinic;for the items that may have the hook effect,we have to selectively set the parameters of the pre-zone check when the ratio of average reaction rate and the immediate reaction rate is at the limit value,and the phenomenon of antigen excess may occur,the instrument will carry out automatic dilution before detection,so as to avoid the issuance of erroneous results of high-value samples due to the hook effect.

Effects of Milk Replacer on the Performance and Blood Biochemical Indices in Lambs

[Objective] In this study, the performance and blood biochemical indices in lamps fed on milk replacer were researched, the feasibility of early weaned in lamps was discussed. [Method] 37 of 10 days lambs of Suffolk（♂） x XiaoWeiHanYang（ ♀ ） were randomly divided into group A, B, C, D for this experiment. Group A, B, C were fed by 3 milk-replacers containing milk for different protein source respectively, and ten Iambs in each group; group D （seven lambs） were fed by ewes as the control. The performance and blood biochemical indices of the lamps were determined. [ Result] The results showed that the average daily gains of 10 - 15 days of age was not significantly different between group A and D （ P 〉 O. 05 ）, the control were higher significandy than the group B,C （P 〈0.05）. The average daily gains of 16 -25, 26 -35 days of age were not significantly different in group A, B, C, D. The daily weight gains of Group A, B, C in 45 - 55 days of age were higher significantly than the control （P〈0.05 ）. Plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） of group B and C were higher than group A significantly （P〈0.05 ） ;Total protein （ TP）, Plasma albumin （ALB） and Plasma total amino acid were no significant difference among the other 3 groups （P〉0.05 ）. [Conclusion] So, the milk-replacers were available for early-weaned lamb.

Analysis and Evaluation of Biochemical Components in Bitter Tea Plant Germplasms

Bitter tea is a special kind of tea germplasm in China.The major biochemical components of 24 bitter teas and other 8 Camellia sinensis var.sinensis and 8 C.sinensis var.assamica tea germplasms,which were stored in the China National Germplasm Hangzhou Tea Repository(CNGHTR),were analyzed and evaluated.The results showed that no significant differences of major biochemical components affecting the tea quality were found between bitter tea and common tea.According to the processing suitability index,bitter tea was suitable for the manufacturing of black tea;while according to evolutionary indices such as the composition and content of catechin,bitter tea was similar to C.sinensis var.assamica belonging to the relatively primitive type in evolution.The results of cluster analysis indicated that bitter tea was clustered with C.sinensis var.assamica,so it could be considered to belong to C.sinensis var.assamica.

Physiological and Biochemical Characteristic of a Stripe Mutant with Abnormal Flower Organs in Rice

[Objective] The experiment aimed to explore physiological and biochemical changes of leaves after plants were mutated. [Method] A rice double mutant with stripes on stems, leaves and spikelets were taken as experimental materials to study the enzyme activity changes in different growth stages and amino acid variation in rice. [ Result] The SOD activity in mutant was higher than that in wild plant at tillering metaphase, but lower than that in wild type before heading stage and late flowering; the POD activity in three stages increased firstly then declined and the activity showed highest maximal activity at before heading stage. However, the POD activity in wild type showed the opposite change trend; the CAT activity presented degression at three stages, especially high at tillering metaphase, but reverse changes in wild type; the MDA activity decreased at three stages, but it was still higher than that in wild type, besides, the soluble sugar content of mutant was lower, but total amino acid content was increased. [ Conclusion] The expression of mutant characteristics was correlated with SOD, POD, CAT and MDA activity Changes and these changes made the mutant survive and rice quality change at last.

Influence of Water Stress on the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi

Previous studies have shown that water stress can stimulate biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,and physiological and biochemical characteristics of plant can play a key role in its defense responses to water stress.So the physiological and biochemical characteristics of potted Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi plants were investigated under continuous water stress condition.The results showed that the water content in roots,stems and leaves,together with chlorophyll content of the leaves decreased as the water stress strengthened.Simultaneously,the specific leaf weight increased,and the content of proline and soluble sugar in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi leaves increased significantly.The changing trends of the baicalin content in the roots,stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were different.It increased continuously in roots,while ascended constantly in the stems and leaves during the early days under the water stress,but decreased sharply under the heavy stress.In conclusion,proline and soluble sugar had a close correlation with the drought resistance of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.Moderate drought is in favor of synthesizing the secondary metabolites.

Screening of Drought-tolerant Brassica napus L.Varieties and Analysis on Their Physiologic and Biochemical Variations under Drought Stress

[Objective] The aim of this study was to screen drought-tolerant Brassica napus L. germplasm resources by analyzing their physiological and biochemical changes under drought stress. [Method] Forty varieties of B. napus varieties were cultured under PEG-6000 osmotic stress and extreme drought stress in pots, re- spectively. Then, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, malondialdehyde （MDA）, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase（CAT）, peroxidase（POD） were measured under drought stress. [Result] Sever- al drought-tolerant varieties of B. napus were screened out： YAU200908, Xiangyou No.15, YAU200903, YAU200907, YAU200906 and YAU200904. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that, the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid de- creased with drought stress increasing; the contents of proline, soluble sugar, solu- ble protein, MDA and the activities of SOD,CAT, POD raised with drought stress in- creasing. [Conclusion] In the rapeseed varieties with stronger drought tolerance, the decrease in carotenoid content and the increase in proline content, soluble sugar content, MDA content, SOD activity, CAT activity were more obvious, so all these physiological and biochemical indices can be used to evaluate the drought tolerance of rapeseed.

EFFECT OF INHALED NANO-TiO_2 ON LUNG AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDEXES OF MICE

The effect of inhaled nano-TiO2 on lung histology and serum biochemical indexes is evaluated in healthy and adult Kunming mice（eight in each group）after exposure to TiO2 aerosols（1 500 mg/m3）in a sealed chamber.Another eight mice are exposed to indoor air to be served as a control group.Lung tissue and blood are collected after euthanizing the animals.The results show that lactate dehydrogenase（LDH）activity increases in all experimental groups.Alanine aminotransferase（ALT）activity and blood urea nitrogen（BUN）levels are increased in the group exposed to TiO2 aerosols for 28 d,and creatinine（Cr）levels are increased in 14 d and 28 d samples（P0.05）.No obvious changes are observed in other serum indexes.Lungs of mice exposed to 28 d exposure show significant but moderate increase in pulmonary inflammation,and many TiO2 particles are found in the interstitium of pulmonary alveoli.