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.

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. .

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.

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 Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.

Microcantilever sensors for biochemical detection

Microcantilever is one of the most popular miniaturized structures in micro-electromechanical systems(MEMS).Sensors based on microcantilever are ideal for biochemical detection,since they have high sensitivity,high throughput,good specification,fast response,thus have attracted extensive attentions.A number of devices that are based on static deflections or shifts of resonant frequency of the cantilevers responding to analyte attachment have been demonstrated.This review comprehensively presents state of art of microcantilever sensors working in gaseous and aqueous environments and highlights the challenges and opportunities of microcantilever biochemical sensors.

Seed Priming Improves Enzymatic and Biochemical Performances of Rice During Seed Germination under Low and High Temperatures

As an abiotic stress,adverse germination temperatures cause serious disruptions in physiological and biochemical processes involved in seed germination.Using a factorial experiment,we examined the effects of different seed priming treatments on enzymatic and biochemical performances of rice seed germination under different temperatures.Each of the rice genotypes(Hashemi,Sadry-domsefid,IRON-70-7053-7 and NORIN-22)was primed with hydro-hardening,KCl,CaCl2 and ascorbic acid(AsA)and without a priming agent as a control at low(15℃),optimum(25℃)and high(35℃)germination temperatures.The results showed that the enzymatic and biochemical performances of all the rice genotypes were affected by the seed priming agents,especially under the low germination temperature.At 15℃,seed priming with AsA was found to be the best agent for the activities of amylase,α-amylase,catalase(CAT),peroxidase(POX),ascorbate peroxidase(APOX)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)as well as the content of soluble sugars in the NORIN-22 genotype,and for protease activity and soluble protein content in the IRON-70-7053-7 genotype.SOD at the low germination temperature and CAT,POX and protease at the optimum and high germination temperatures were the most important enzymes in occurrence of germination potential in terms of seedling length,vigor index,normal seedling rate and germination rate.Under the priming agents,the highest changes in normal seedling rate were observed at the low and optimum germination temperatures by AsA priming in the Hashemi and NORIN-22 genotypes,and at the high germination temperature under KCl priming in the Hashemi genotype.

Correlation of Abortus Imminence Cases in the First Trimester with Biochemical Markers

Objective: In this study, we compared the biochemical markers of imminent abortion, missed abortion, and healthy pregnant women in the first trimester to see if there were any differences. Materials and Methods: The study method is prospective. Pregnant women who applied to the obstetrics clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between 01.04.22 and 31.10.22 were diagnosed with abortion imminens or missed abortion between 6 weeks and 12 weeks or had normal pregnancy follow-up, had no chronic diseases, and did not take magnesium and calcium supplements were included in the study. 20 pregnant women with missed abortion, 20 pregnant women with abortion imminens diagnosis and 20 normal pregnant women who met the criteria were included in the study. Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hemogram (CBC) levels were checked in pregnant women included in the study. Results: The Mg, Cu, Zn, and CBC values of the study participants’ women did not differ in a statistically significant way. When compared to pregnant women who had a normal pregnancy process, the difference in Ca value was found to be statistically substantially smaller in pregnant women who were diagnosed with abortion imminens and missed abortion. The findings of our study suggest that serum Ca levels be measured prior to conception or at the initial visit. Conclusion: Serum Ca levels were found to be significantly lower in the missed abortion group than in the abortus imminens and normal pregnant groups in our study (p 0.05).

Natural variation of main biochemical components,morphological and yield traits among a panel of 87 tea [Camellia sinensis(L.) O. Kuntze] cultivars

Many attentions have been previously focused to identify the multiple biochemical components related to tea quality and health benefits,however, the natural variation of biochemical components present in tea germplasm has not been adequately evaluated. In this study, the main biochemical components, leaf morphological and yield characteristics were evaluated for four rounds of tea leaves in a panel of 87 elite tea cultivars suitable for black, green, or oolong tea. Significant variations were observed among the tea cultivars, as well as seasonal differences in the levels of the free amino acid(FAA), caffeine(CAF), tea polyphenols(TP), water extract(WE) and TP to FAA ratio(TP/FAA). Results showed that the average levels of FAA showed a seasonal change, with the highest level of 4.0% in the 1st spring tea in the cultivars suitable for green tea and the lowest of 3.2% in summer tea in the cultivars suitable for black tea. The average CAF content was highest 3.2% in the cultivars suitable for oolong tea in the 1st spring and the lowest 2.5% in the cultivars suitable for green tea in summer. Limited seasonal and varietal variations were noticed in the average levels of WE among the three categories of tea. In addition, significant natural variation of the morphological characteristics, bud length varying from 2.5 cm to 8.7 cm, bud density from 190.3 buds · m-2to 1 730.3 buds · m-2, mature leaves biomass from 128.4 kg · hm-2to 2 888.4 kg · hm-2, and yield component traits of 100 buds(one bud with two leaves) dry weight from 3.7 g to37.7 g, tea yield/round from 444.6 kg · hm-2to 905.3 kg · hm-2, were observed. The aim of our evaluation was not only to identify the advantages of seasonal and clonal variations but also to provide a new viewpoint for their further application. Representative accessions were selected from the germplasm to promote the establishment of an inherent biochemical constituent expressing the quality of black, green, and oolong tea. The findings might be utilized to establish early selection criteria to enhance the tea breeding and production program.

Role of biochemical markers and autoantibodies in diagnosis of early-stage primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic progressive autoimmune cholestatic disease.The main target organ of PBC is the liver,and nonsuppurative inflammation of the small intrahepatic bile ducts may eventually develop into cirrhosis or liver fibrosis.AIM To explore the clinical characteristics of early-stage PBC,identify PBC in the early clinical stage,and promptly treat and monitor PBC.METHODS The data of 82 patients with PBC confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Second People’s Hospital from January 2013 to November 2021 were collected,and the patients were divided into stage I,stage II,stage III,and stage IV according to the pathological stage.The general data,serum biochemistry,immunoglobulins,and autoimmune antibodies of patients in each stage were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In early-stage(stages I+II)PBC patients,50.0%of patients had normal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,and 37.5%had normal aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels.For the remaining patients,the ALT and AST levels were mildly elevated;all of these patients had levels of<3 times the upper limit of normal values.The AST levels were significantly different among the three groups(stages I+II vs stage III vs stage IV,P<0.05).In the early stage,29.2%of patients had normal alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels.The remaining patients had different degrees of ALP elevation;6.3%had ALP levels>5 times the upper limit of normal value.Moreover,γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT)was more robustly elevated,as 29.2%of patients had GGT levels of>10 times the upper limit of normal value.The ALP values among the three groups were significantly different(P<0.05).In early stage,the jaundice index did not increase significantly,but it gradually increased with disease progression.However,the above indicators were significantly different(P<0.05)between the early-stage group and the stage IV group.With the progression of the disease,the levels of albumin and albumin/globulin ratio tended to decrease,and the difference among the three groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).In early-stage patients,IgM and IgG levels as well as cholesterol levels were mildly elevated,but there were no significant differences among the three groups.Triglyceride levels were normal in the early-stage group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The early detection rates of anti-mitochondria antibody(AMA)and AMA-M2 were 66.7%and 45.8%,respectively.The positive rate of anti-sp100 antibodies was significantly higher in patients with stage IV PBC.When AMA and AMA-M2 were negative,in the early stage,the highest autoantibody was anti-nuclear antibody(ANA)(92.3%),and in all ANA patterns,the highest was ANA centromere(38.5%).CONCLUSION In early-stage PBC patients,ALT and AST levels are normal or mildly elevated,GGT and ALP levels are not elevated in parallel,GGT levels are more robustly elevated,and ALP levels are normal in some patients.When AMA and AMA-M2 are negative,ANA especially ANA centromere positivity suggests the possibility of early PBC.Therefore,in the clinic,significantly elevated GGT levels with or without normal ALP levels and with ANA(particularly ANA centromere)positivity(when AMA and AMA-M2 are negative)may indicate the possibility of early PBC.

Chlorella across latitudes: investigating biochemical composition and antioxidant activities for biotechnological applications

With the present day rise of interest in acquiring sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry,there has been an emphasis on finding natural resources to replace the use of synthetic compounds used in products.Microalgae have garnered significant attention owing to their natural and sustainable capability to produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds.Therefore,this study aims to evaluate the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Chlorella strains from a tropical region(Chlorella UMACC 051 and Chlorella UMACC 038)and a polar region(Chlorella UMACC 250 and Chlorella UMACC 234).The cultures were grown for 10 d.At the end of the experiment,the specific growth rate,chlorophyll-a content,carotenoid content,biomass,and biochemical composition such as carbohydrate,protein and lipid content were determined.In addition,the phytochemical properties were determined using a total phenolic assay while the antioxidant activities were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH).Of all Chlorella strains tested,the tropical Chlorella UMACC 051 showed the fastest growth rate and biomass while the polar Chlorella UMACC 234 contained the highest pigment content and tropical Chlorella UMACC 038 has the highest total phenolic content.The biochemical composition analysis showed all strains have a high lipid content ranging from 45.36%to 60.30%dry weight.All Chlorella strains exhibited a small amount of antioxidant activity(15.42%to 30.15%)and total phenolic content ranging from 1.91±0.04 to 4.43±0.10 mg GAE·g–1 dry weight.The results indicated that polar Chlorella UMACC 234 has the most potential in containing significant amounts of bioactive compounds.

A novel herbal combination ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and regulates altered biochemical parameters in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:To investigate the potential activity of novel herbal combination and novel herbal formulation(syrup)in female Sprague Dawley rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Forty-two rats were randomly divided into seven groups with six rats in each group.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxy methylcellulose orally for 37 days and served as the normal control group.Group 2 was orally administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days and served as the PCOS induction group without treatment.Group 3 to 7 were administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days orally to induce PCOS,and then respectively received clomiphene citrate at 1 mg/kg,100 and 200 mg/kg of novel herbal combination,200 mg/kg of novel herbal formulation(syrup),and 400 mg/kg of marketed formulation of Pushyanuga churna,once daily for 15 days.Effects of the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation were evaluated on the hormonal profile,the levels of antioxidants,the lipid profile and on the ovarian morphology,using letrozole-induced PCOS model in rats.Results:Letrozole caused alterations in hormonal levels and lipid levels similar to PCOS and ovarian histology showed presence of ovarian cysts confirming the induction of PCOS in rats.On treatment with the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation in PCOS-induced rats,the altered hormonal and lipid profiles showed significant recovery to normal levels.Ovarian histology confirmed the restoration of folliculogenesis in the PCOS-induced rats.The treatment with the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination was found to be more effective than novel herbal combination and showed better recovery in various parameters evaluated.The results of the study,however,suggested that treatment with novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation provided minimal protection against oxidative stress caused due to the induction of PCOS.Conclusions:The integrated approach for management of PCOS is to counterbalance the limitations associated with modern therapy.Both the novel herbal combination and the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination show efficacy in the management of PCOS in rats and restore folliculogenesis in the ovary.The syrup formulation of novel herbal combination is most effective in the management of PCOS and shows potential to be developed as an adjuvant therapeutic agent.

Biochemical Profile of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé in 2020

Background: COVID-19, an infectious viral disease, has caused a global health crisis. Most cases remain asymptomatic. The majority of patients have mild symptoms while about 15% develop a severe form. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears broad, encompassing asymptomatic infection, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure that can lead to death. Laboratory tests play an important role in the management of COVID-19 patients. In addition to being essential for the diagnosis, several biological analyses make it possible to identify the inflammatory processes and the potential complications of this disease. This study attempted to identify biochemical assays that could help in the prognosis of the disease to ensure early management. Methods: This was a descriptive study. It focused on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 19, 2020, to January 26, 2021, at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé (Togo). Medians were compared using the (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon) test and frequencies were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: We included 782 patients. The median age was 41 years IQR from 32 to 55. We observed several biochemical abnormalities in varying proportions for all biochemical parameters studied. Compared to non-serious patients, critically ill patients at admission had more frequently elevated urea, creatinine, transaminases, TG, GGT, CRP and blood glucose. Also, they had more frequent decreases in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, and blood calcium. As for patients who died during hospitalization, compared with healed patients, they had more frequent elevations of urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT. CRP and blood glucose. They also had a more frequent decrease in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, blood calcium, and blood glucose (p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study shows that COVID-19 is a multi-organ systemic inflammatory viral disease that should be systematically investigated once the diagnosis is confirmed.

Biochemical Mechanism of Chlorantraniliprole Resistance in the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella Linnaeus

The insecticide chlorantraniliprole exhibits good efifcacy and plays an important role in controlling the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella Linnaeus. However, resistance to chlorantraniliprole has been observed recently in some ifeld populations. At present study, diamondback moths with resistance to chlorantraniliprole （resistant ratio （RR） was 82.18） for biochemical assays were selected. The assays were performed to determine potential resistance mechanisms. The results showed that the selected resistant moths （GDLZ-R） and susceptible moth could be synergized by known metabolic inhibitors such as piperonyl butoxide （PBO）, triphenyl phosphate （TPP） and diethyl-maleate （DEM） at different levels （1.68-5.50-fold and 2.20-2.89-fold, respectively）, and DEM showed the maximum synergism in both strains. In enzymes assays, a high level of glutathione-S-transferase （GST） was observed in the resistant moth, in contrast, moths that are susceptible to the insecticide had only 1/3 the GST activity of the resistant moths. The analysis of short-term exposure of chlorantraniliprole on biochemical response in the resistant strain also showed that GST activity was signiifcantly elevated after exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of chlorantraniliprole （about 1/3 LC50, 12 mg L-1） 12 and 24 h, respectively. The results show that there is a strong correlation between the enzyme activity and resistance, and GST is likely the main detoxiifcation mechanism responsible for resistance to chlorantraniliprole in P. xylostella L., cytochrome P450 monooxygenase （P450） and carboxy-lesterase （CarE） are involved in to some extent.

Biochemical Changes Associated with Germinating Rice Grains and Germination Improvement

To determine biochemical changes during the germination of rice grains （Oryza sativa L. subsp, indica var. Mottaikaruppan） and to improve germination rate using gibberellic acid and surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） （1.0 g/L） and Triton-X-100 （1.0 mL/L）], whole rice grains soaked in distilled water for 12 h at 30℃were germinated in the dark at 30℃ for five days. The highest germination rate （77.1%） was obtained on the 5th day. An increase in the content of reducing sugars from 7.3 to 58.1 mg/g DM （dry matter） was observed from the 1st day of germination. Free amino acids and soluble protein contents increased to 3.69 and 5.29 mg/g DM, respectively on the 5^th day of germination. Total protein content decreased from 100.5 to 91.0 g/kg DM during germination. Increases in amylolytic （1.1 to 190.0 U/g DM） and proteolytic （0 to 0.12 U/g DM） activities were observed during germination. Effects of different concentrations of gibberellic acid on the germination of rice grains were evaluated and 0.1 g/L was found to promote germination. When effects of gibberellic acid （0.1 g/L） and surfactants were evaluated individually and together, higher germination rate was observed in the control experiment （grains germinated in distilled water）, whereas giberellic acid and surfactants decreased the germination rate. Therefore, the flour obtained from the grains germinated for four days using distilled water to obtain high content of soluble materials and enzyme activities can be used in preparation of bakery items.

Effect of Different Protein Levels on Nutrient Digestion Metabolism and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Calves

The current study has been performed to examine the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth, nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as biochemical parameters in calves. Nine healthy newborn calves were selected, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed 3 milk replacers with different protein levels （18, 22, and 26%）, respectively. Five period-digestion-metabolism trials were taken between 12-20, 22-30, 32-40, 42-50, and 52-60 days after birth. All 3 groups showed a similar growth curve during 11 to 61 experimental days, however, the growth rate of the 22% crude protein （CP） group was 8.89% higher than that of the 18% CP group and 19.48% higher than that of the 26% CP group, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry material （DM） declined gradually with age, whereas, the apparent digestibility of N, extract ether （EE） rose slightly. Compared to the 22% CP and 26% CP group, calves fed with 18% CP apparently had a lower digestibility than DM, EE, and nitrogen （N）. The average apparent digestibilities of N were 69.39, 75.36, and 74.55%, respectively. Both the apparent digestibility and retention of calcium （Ca） and phosphorus （P） were steady throughout the experiment, but the average apparent digestibility of P in the 26% CP group was only 63.83%, which was markedly lower than that of the 18% CP group （70.40%） and 22% CP group （69.73%）. In addition, the serum concentrations of total protein （TP）, albumin （ALB）, and globulin （GLOB） of the 22% CP group were higher than those in the 18% CP and 26% CP groups. The urea N （BUN） content in the 18% CP group, on the other hand, was significantly lower than that of the other two groups. The highest glucose （GLU） concentration was found in the 22% CP group （5.38 mmol L^-1）, at the end of the trials. The protein levels in the milk replacer affected the digestion metabolism of nutrition and the serum biochemical parameters of calves at different physiological phases. Calves fed with 22% CP milk replacer had a better growth performance than the other groups.

Effects of Accelerated Aging on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Waxy and Non-waxy Wheat Seeds

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the physiological and the biochemical characteristics of waxy wheat seeds under accelerated aging conditions. Five waxy wheat lines, which were Waxy 1, Waxy 4, Waxy 8, Waxy 9, and Waxy 15; and five non-waxy wheat lines： S-39, 04J89, Jan-81, III42-4, and II110 were studied. The seeds were subjected to accelerated aging at 40℃, 45℃, 50℃, 55℃, and 60℃, and 90% relative humidity for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days, respectively. The results showed a gradual increase in conductivity and decrease in germination rate during accelerated aging. SOD, POD and CAT activities increased at lowgrade treatment, but decreased at severe treatment. On the other hand, the soluble protein content decreased at 45 ℃, but successively increased, then decreased 50℃. From the above study, it showed that 90% RH at 55℃ was the best accelerated aging condition for optimum efficiency in a shorter period.

Biochemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Different Shell Color Strains of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas

The shell color of Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas) is a desirable trait; but the nutritional studies on C. gigas with different shell colors have not been conducted. Through successive selective breeding, five shell color strains of black(B), purple(P), orange(O), golden(G) and white(W) C. gigas have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritional value of five shell color strains and one commercial population with a common color. The biochemical composition including moisture, total protein, glycogen, ash, total fat, fatty acids(FA), amino acids and minerals was detected. The results indicated that the protein(50.76%–56.57%) was the major component. The content of glycogen showed a significant difference between orange shell and golden shell strains, as well as between commercial population and golden shell strain. In addition, all shell color strains contained a large amount of essential amino acids(12.20–14.15 g(100 g)^(-1)), of them leucine(2.81–3.29 g(100 g)^(-1)) and lysine(2.79–3.28 g(100 g)^(-1)) were predominant. The oysters were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids(42.26%–45.24% of total fatty acid) with high levels of DHA(18.53%–21.16% of total fatty acid) and EPA(17.23%–18.68% of total fatty acid). Significant differences of mineral contents(Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu) were identified among the six populations. These results indicated that C. gigas with different shell colors presented rich nutritional value with high protein, glycogen, essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The biochemical composition obtained in this study is useful for selective breeding of C. gigas with different shell colors.

Effects of different proportions of two Bacillus sp. on the growth performance, small intestinal morphology, caecal microbiota and plasma biochemical profile of Chinese Huainan Partridge Shank chickens

A total of 900 one-d-old Chinese Huainan Partridge Shank chickens were randomly allocated into nine groups with five replicates of 20 each.Birds were fed with basal diet,basal diet supplemented with 150 mg kg^（–1） aureomycin,basal diet supplemented with different proportions of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis,which was 0：1.0×10~6,2.5×10~5：7.5×10~5,3.3×10~5：6.6×10~5,5.0×10~5：5.0×10~5,6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5,7.5×10~5：2.5×10~5 and 1.0×10~6：0,respectively.The duration of the experiment was 56 d.The results indicated that dietary supplementation of 6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5 of B.lichenifornis：B.subtilis improved final body weight,increased the average daily gain,and reduced feed/gain ratio（P〈0.05）.The numbers of total Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium sp.in the caecum significantly increased,and the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp.significantly declined compared to that of the control（P〈0.05）.Intestinal villous height and villous height to crypt depth ratio of the duodenum,jejunum,and ileum were significantly higher than that of the control,and intestinal crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum was significantly lower（P〈0.05）.The total antioxidant capacity,total superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase ability in plasma significantly improved,while the malondialdehyde concentration in plasma decreased（P〈0.05）.Compared to the control,plasma concentrations of ammonia,uric acid and urea nitrogen and the activity of xanthine oxidase were reduced（P〈0.05）.In conclusion,an inclusion of 6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5 of B.licheniformis：B.subtilis to the diet improved the growth performance,caecal microbiota,plasma biochemical profile,and significantly improved the small intestine morphology,while reducing the mortality rate.