Complementary Analytical Platforms of NMR Spectroscopy and LCMS Analysis in the Metabolite Profiling of Isochrysis galbana

This study was designed to profile the metabolites of Isochrysis galbana, an indigenous and less explored microalgae species. ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) were used to establish the metabolite profiles of five different extracts of this microalga, which are hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), absolute ethanol (EtOH), EtOH:water 1:1 (AqE), and 100% water (Aq). Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) of the generated profiles revealed that EtOAc and Aq extracts contain a diverse range of metabolites as compared to the other extracts with a total of twenty-one metabolites, comprising carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids, that were putatively identified from the NMR spectra. Meanwhile, thirty-two metabolites were successfully annotated from the LCMS/MS data, ten of which (palmitic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidic acid, cholesterol, DHA, DPA, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, and pheophytin) were similar to those present in the NMR profile. Another eleven glycerophospholipids were discovered using MS/MS-based molecular network (MN) platform. The results of this study, besides providing a better understanding of I. galbana’s chemical make-up, will be of importance in exploring this species potential as a feed ingredient in the aquaculture industry.     

Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in neonatal calves with presumed septicemia

This study was performed to determine the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the serum of neonatal calves with presumed sepsis and determine the correlation between serum concentrations of TNF and the severity and outcome of disease. Thirty-five sick calves < 30 days old that suffered from enteritis, respiratory disease, or both were considered suitable for inclusion in this study by satisfying clinical and laboratory criteria suggestive of septicemia. At admission, blood samples were collected from all calves to determine the prevalence of high concentrations of TNF. The clinical course and outcome of disease then were recorded. Of the 35 calves with presumed sepsis, 10 had high serum TNF concentrations. Scleral injection, weak or absent suckling reflex, sternal or lateral recumbency, unresponsive or comatose state, and death rate of calves with high serum TNF concentration were greater than those values for calves without high serum TNF concentration. Calves with high serum TNF concentration had significantly lower mean IgG (P < .001), globulin (P < .0001), and calcium (P < .0001) concentrations; greater serum creatinine concentrations (P < .0001); and > or = 2+ toxic changes in neutrophils than did calves without high serum TNF concentrations. Mean values for packed cell volume, band neutrophil count, and venous Pco2 were significantly (P < .007) higher in the group of calves with high serum TNF concentration. Results of this study indicate that serum TNF concentration is correlated with clinical criteria of sepsis in neonatal calves. A close association was apparent between disease severity and serum TNF concentrations in this group of calves with presumed septicemia.     

Vitamin D ameliorates liver pathology in mice caused by exposure to endocrine disruptor bisphenol A

Background:Increasing evidence suggests that bisphenol A (BPA) induces liver pathological changes. Further, an association between BPA and circulating vitamin D (VitD) levels were documented.Aim:The role of VitD in BPA-induced liver pathological changes was explored in this study.Methods:Healthy 4.5-week-old male (n = 35) and female (n = 35) Swiss albino mice were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into control and treated groups. The control groups were further divided into sham (no treatment) and vehicle (corn oil), whereas the treated groups were also divided into VitD (2195 U/kg), BPA (50 μg/kg), and BPA + VitD (50 μg/kg + 2195 U/kg) groups. For 6 weeks (twice a week), the animals were dosed intraperitoneally. One week later (at 10.5-weeks-old), the animals were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses.Results:BPA produced a considerable rise in the body and liver weights in both genders of mice when compared to control mice. BPA also caused significant increases in the liver damage markers alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). It also induced liver histopathological changes, including higher apoptotic indices in both genders. On the other hand, treatment with VitD considerably reduced liver damage and slightly decreased the apoptotic index rate. The ALP, ALT, and GGT levels were also markedly reduced. VitD has been proven to have a protective effect on both genders.Conclusions:According to our findings, VitD protects mice from BPA-induced liver damage, possibly via suppressing liver damage markers.     

Shape differences of the Carina sterni in birds of various locomotion types

The anatomy of the sternum in birds varies according to their habitats and type of locomotion. In particular, the carina sterni manifest different shape variations. In this study, the shape of the carina sterni was investigated by means of geometric morphometrics. Birds of different types of locomotion were used in the study: flying, swimming, and terrestrial. Ducks and chickens show a wider variety of shapes. Pigeons are the species with the least differences. The margo cranialis carinae in a turkey is the flattest compared to other species. In chickens, the apex carinae is more caudally than the base of the carina sterni. The margo cranialis of the carina sterni in ducks is concave. The differences in centroid size and shape differences between species collectively are statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The most distinct shape contrast is between the duck and turkey (p: 0.0003). Form differences between the ducks and geese as well as between the chicken and turkey are statistically insignificant. There is less variation in the shape of the carina sterni among avian species representing the same type of locomotion. Although there are many comparative morphological and morphometric studies of birds, shape analysis studies revealing the interspecific differences and similarities of the sternum are very limited. Morphology of the carina sterni can be useful in taxonomic investigations.