Life Sciences Commons^™

Butyrylcholinesterase (Bche) Downregulation In Taxane Resistance: Implications For Prostate Cancer, Buse Cevatemre, Arda Işiklar, İpek Bulut, Ezgi̇ Karyemez, Hamzah Syed, Ceyda Açilan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Despite advancements in chemotherapeutic strategies, drug resistance remains a major barrier to effective cancer treatment. While primary prostate cancers (PC) can be treated with surgery and radiotherapy, treatment options for recurrent PC are limited. Upon progression to the castration-resistant (CR) phase, therapies rely on taxanes (chemotherapeutic drugs) like docetaxel (Dtx) and cabazitaxel (Cbz); however, resistance to taxanes is common in CRPC, highlighting the importance of identifying underlying molecular mechanisms or targets in resistant cells.Materials and methods: In transcriptome (RNA sequencing) analyses comparing taxane-resistant PC cells (resistant to both Dtx and Cbz) with parental (nonresistant, sensitive) cells, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was …

Proteomic Profiling Of Escherichia Coli Cytoplasmic Proteins Under Sublethal Boric Acid Stress, Beki̇r Çöl, Begüm Hazar Çi̇ftçi̇, Merve Sezer Kürkçü, Esra Di̇bek

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Boron is an essential micronutrient for plants and certain bacteria, where it plays critical roles in cellular processes at low concentrations. However, elevated levels of boron-containing compounds, such as boric acid, exhibit antimicrobial toxicity. Although the physiological effects of boric acid on bacteria have been partially characterized, its proteome-wide impacts remain poorly elucidated. This study employs a 2D-PAGE-based proteomic approach to investigate how sublethal boric acid stress alters the cytoplasmic proteome of Escherichia coli BW25113. Materials and methods: E. coli BW25113 cultures were grown to mid-log phase in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and exposed to 70 mM boric acid …

Novel Mrsa-Targeting Phage Metb16: Genomic Features, Structural Insights, And Therapeutic Applications, Berna Erdoğdu, Senanur Dokuz, Görkem Güngör, Wei Lin, Yigang Tong, Tüli̇n Özbek

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Recent reports have indicated that multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, may pose a significant threat to public health and global economic stability. Materials and methods: In this study, we present the isolation and comprehensive characterization of a novel phage, derived from clinically isolated MRSA strains. Results: MetB16 exhibited an incubation period of approximately 20 min, a lysis period of around 45 min, and a burst size of 127 Plaque Forming Units (PFU)/cell. The phage demonstrated remarkable biological stability across a pH spectrum of 4.0–9.0 and maintained integrity within a temperature range of 37 and –80 °C. …

Discovery And Characterization Of Selective Lipase-Inhibiting Polyheterocyclic Derivatives: A Combined In Silico And In Vitro Study, Madjda Benguechoua, Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Houssem Boulebd, Ibtissem Kadi, Ari̇f Mermer, Yakup Şi̇ri̇n, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Obesity has become a global health crisis with an increasing prevalence, necessitating the search for effective therapies. Schiff base derivatives, known for their broad pharmacological activities, have gained attention as potential antiobesity agents. This study aimed to investigate the lipase inhibitory potential of novel Schiff base derivatives and assess their drug-like properties through in vitro assays and in silico methods. Materials and methods: The lipase inhibitory activity of synthesized Schiff base derivatives was evaluated using in vitro assays, with IC50 values determined for each compound. Additionally, in silico ADMET predictions (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), molecular docking studies, …

The Effects Of Hsa-Mir-26a-5p On Cell Proliferation, Migration, And Pi3k Inhibitor Sensitivity In Metformin-Resistant Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Şahi̇ka Cingir Köker, Senem Noyan, Banu Yalçin, İrem Doğan Turaçli

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Metformin is commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is being investigated for its potential antiproliferative effects in cancer, particularly in patients with both T2D and malignancies. Drug resistance can develop with any therapeutic agent, and metformin is no exception. As we showed in our previous study, metformin-resistant MDA-MB-468 (MET-R) cells exhibited an EMT-like phenotype. Many transcription factors, as well as miRNAs, can contribute to this altered phenotype. Our current study identifies the contribution of hsa-miR-26a-5p expression to the previously observed phenotype. Materials and methods: By utilizing bioinformatic tools, we identified hsa-miR-26a-5p, whose expression was significantly altered …

Encorafenib, Cetuximab, And Mfolfox6 In Braf-Mutated Colorectal Cancer, Elena Elez, Takayuki Yoshino, Lin Shen, Sara Lonardi, Eric Van Cutsem, Cathy Eng, Tae Won Kim, Harpreet Singh Wasan, Jayesh Desai, Fortunato Ciardiello, Rona Yaeger, Timothy S Maughan, Van K Morris, Christina Wu, Tiziana Usari, Robert Laliberte, Samuel S Dychter, Xiaosong Zhang, Josep Tabernero, Scott Kopetz, Breakwater Trial Investigators

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: First-line treatment with encorafenib plus cetuximab (EC) with or without chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil [mFOLFOX6]) for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, an aggressive subtype with a poor prognosis, was compared with standard care (chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab) in an open-label, phase 3 trial, which showed significance regarding one of the two primary end points, objective response according to blinded independent central review (odds ratio for EC+mFOLFOX6 vs. standard care, 2.44; one-sided P< 0.001). This result led to accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval of this investigational combination therapy for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, including as first-line therapy. Data on progression-free survival (the second primary end point) and an updated interim analysis of overall …

Mis-Splicing-Derived Neoantigens And Cognate Tcrs In Splicing Factor Mutant Leukemias, Won Jun Kim, Edie I Crosse, Emma De Neef, Inaki Etxeberria, Erich Y Sabio, Eric Wang, Jan Philipp Bewersdorf, Kuan-Ting Lin, Sydney X Lu, Andrea Belleville, Nina Fox, Cynthia Castro, Pu Zhang, Takeshi Fujino, Jennifer Lewis, Jahan Rahman, Beatrice Zhang, Jacob H Winick, Alexander M Lewis, Robert F Stanley, Susan Dewolf, Brigita Meškauskaitė Urben, Meril Takizawa, Tobias Krause, Henrik Molina, Ronan Chaligne, Priya Koppikar, Jeffrey Molldrem, Mathieu Gigoux, Taha Merghoub, Anthony Daniyan, Smita S Chandran, Benjamin D Greenbaum, Christopher A Klebanoff, Robert K Bradley, Omar Abdel-Wahab

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutations in RNA splicing factors are prevalent across cancers and generate recurrently mis-spliced mRNA isoforms. Here we identified a series of bona fide neoantigens translated from highly stereotyped splicing alterations promoted by neomorphic, leukemia-associated somatic splicing machinery mutations. We utilized feature-barcoded peptide-MHC dextramers to isolate neoantigen-reactive T cell receptors (TCRs) from healthy donors, patients with active myeloid malignancy, and following curative allogeneic stem cell transplant. Neoantigen-reactive CD8+ T cells were present in the blood of patients with active cancer and had a distinct phenotype from virus-reactive T cells with evidence of impaired cytotoxic function. T cells engineered with TCRs recognizing …

Expression Of Concern: Characterization Of Tfiie-Regulated Genes By Transcriptomeanalysis, Serdar Baysal

Turkish Journal of Biology

Update: This Expression of Concern has been superseded by a Retraction Notice. The Expression of Concern remains part of the permanent publication record. Please see the Retraction Notice and the original article.

The Editors of Turkish Journal of Biology wish to issue an Expression of Concern regarding the article entitled: “Characterization of TFIIE-regulated genes by transcriptome analysis” by Serdar Baysal published on 20.12.2024. Following the publication of this article, concerns have been raised regarding• Potential violations of academic ethical standards in the published study• Potential intellectual property infringement, including plagiarism• An academic sanction reportedly imposed on the author by …

Utilization Of Watermelon Rind Waste Powder For Developing Bakery Products, Babar Khan, Asadullah Marri, Nida Shaikh, Asif Irshad

Journal of Bioresource Management

Watermelon rind waste powder (WRWP) is a rich source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds; hence it could be used to develop functional foods such as bakery products. The present study aimed to utilize WRWP in bakery products development. The treatments included: T₁ = Cake without WRWP, T₂ = Cake with 10 % WRWP, T₃= Cake with 20 % WRWP, T₄= Biscuit without WRWP, T₅ = Biscuit with 10 % WRWP, T₆ = Biscuit with 20 % WRWP. The physicochemical and nutritional properties of watermelon rind waste powder were also determined. The …

Enhancement Of Phenolic, Flavonoid, And Biological Activi-Ties In Fermented Pea (Pisum Sativum) Extracts Via Frac-Tionation, Anastasia Fitria Devi, Euis Filailla, Setyani Budiari, Hani Mulyani, Nina Artanti

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this study, peas were fermented for 24 h using either Rhizopus oligosporus or Aspergillus oryzae. The resulting fermented peas, along with unfermented peas, were extracted using either methanol or water. The methanol extracts showed greater improvements following fermentation compared to the water extracts, as shown by the IC₅₀ values, which progressed from >500 to ≤200 µg/mL, as determined via the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method. Consequently, further fractionations focused on the methanol extracts of the fermented peas. Six bands were resolved on thin-layer chromatography plates for each extract. Their positions demonstrated significant effects (p < 0.05) on bioactivity. The bottom band (i.e., Band 1) exhibited approximately 70% inhibition, as determined via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and 35% inhibition according to the ABTS method, while the other bands displayed lower to negligible inhibition. Band 5 displayed 85–97% cytotoxicity, while Band 1 did not show any cytotoxicity. The total phenolic content (TPC) of Band 1 and the total flavonoid content (TFC) of Band 6 increased 4.4- and 8.9-fold, respectively, compared to those of the unfractionated extracts. Furthermore, a correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between TFC and the three observed bioactivities. The different cultures significantly (p < 0.05) affected the antioxidant activity of either the fermented pea extracts or the resulting bands, as determined via the DPPH method. These results indicated that fermentation enhanced the antioxidant activity of peas. Subsequent fractionations separated and concentrated compounds from the fermented peas, improving the bioactivities, TPC, and TFC of the resulting fractions.

Synthesis Of Gold Nanoparticles Using Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract And Their Antibacterial Activity, Mohamed M. Sehree, Shakir Ghazi Gergees, Pakhshan A. Hassan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Plant extracts and gold nanoparticles are promising alternatives for combating antibiotic resistance in light of the increasing bacterial resistance. Leaf extract of barley was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Barley gold nanoparticles (BL-AuNPs) were produced by adjusting some reaction parameters. These BL-AuNPs were characterized through employing the UV-visible spectroscopy technique, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). BL-AuNPs were tested for antibacterial efficacy against two strains of Gram-negative bacteria, clinically isolated and considered as multidrug-resistant pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii and Salmonella typhi. The antimicrobial efficiency of the compounds was evaluated …

The Impact Of Microplastics On Water Quality, Heavy Metals, And Health Risks In Bioflocbased Tilapia Farming Systems, Dian Rizky Afriani, Deswati Deswati, Rahmiana Zein, Putri Ramadhani

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Along with microplastics, pollution of heavy metals, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), in freshwater ecosystems poses a serious environmental threat that can adversely affect human health. This study investigates the use of biofloc technology to reduce microplastic and heavy metal contamination while improving water quality. By utilizing microbial aggregates that capture microplastic and heavy metal particles through flocculation and biosorption processes, four experimental treatments were applied, i.e.: A (without biofloc and microplastics); B (with biofloc, without microplastics); C (with biofloc and low-density polyethylene microplastics); and D (with biofloc and high-density polyethylene microplastics). The results indicate that fish …

In Vitro Regeneration Potential Of Pistacia Integerrima And Pistacia Khinjuk Rootstocks: A Modeling Approach For Optimal Medium Formulation, Heydem Eki̇nci̇, Beki̇r Erol Ak

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Micropropagation involves the development of whole plants from small meristematic tissues by culturing them in vitro under aseptic conditions on a nutrient medium. However, identifying a single nutrient medium suitable for propagating Pistacia, a recalcitrant species, remains challenging. While some species exhibit good growth on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, Pistacia species generally yield insufficient results. To address this, a five-dimensional experimental design was developed using Design- Expert software (Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Thirty-three experimental databases were generated by the software using the modified I-optimal criterion. MS medium served as the control treatment. A response surface model (RSM) employing …

2025 Nebraska Custom Rates For Livestock-Related Agricultural Services, Glennis Mcclure

Cornhusker Economics

Conclusion

The 2025 livestock custom rates report serves as a valuable reference for cost benchmarking and service pricing in Nebraska’s livestock sector. While most rates have remained stable, producers and service providers should refer to multiple years’ reports to understand trends and regional variation. As always, actual service rates will vary based on job complexity, geographic location, provider availability, and market demand.

Participation in Future Surveys

To strengthen future reports, producers and service providers are encouraged to participate in upcoming surveys. Interested individuals may register at the following URL: https://cap.unl.edu/nebraska-custom-rates-survey-sign

The 2025 Custom Service Rates Related to Livestock Production in …

Deep Reinforcement Learning-Driven Decision Support System Design For Precision Agriculture: Optimizing Farming And Resource Use, Qingshan Bai

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of agricultural decision support systems by integrating deep reinforcement learning techniques to optimize the path planning of agricultural vehicles. By decomposing the system into dynamics, action, strategy, reward, and discount factor components, a robust framework is established. A value-based reinforcement learning algorithm is introduced, enriched with policy gradient (PG) methodology to enable continuous and adaptive state-to-action decision-making process. A deep neural network (DNN) was used to approximate the state-action value function, resulting in the innovative DNN-PG-Q-learning algorithm. This algorithm leverages an empirical playback pool to enable efficient and intelligent path planning for agricultural …

Accurate Crop Yield Prediction Via Temporal Convolutional Network And Variational Autoencoder, Lei Liu, Xiaoling Song

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

With the advancement of technology, smart agriculture assumes a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. Nevertheless, accurately forecasting crop yields and understanding their determining factors often faces limitations inherent in conventional data processing techniques. To address this challenge, this study proposes a TCN-VAE framework, amalgamating temporal convolutional networks (TCNs) and variational autoencoders (VAEs), to tackle the crop yield prediction task in smart agricultural systems. The framework intricately models four principal categories of features—meteorological conditions, soil conditions, agricultural management, and environmental conditions—via TCN and compensates for missing data using VAE, thereby achieving a comprehensive analysis and …

Comprehensive Characterization Of Purified Naringinase: Effect On Naringin Content, Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Profile, And Grapefruit Juice Quality, Arzu İmece, Memnune Şengül, Bülent Çeti̇n, Ömer İrfan Küfrevi̇oğlu, Arzu Öztürk Kesebi̇r

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Bitterness arising from naringin is a problem in citrus juices, especially grapefruit juice, in terms of consumer preference. Naringinase enzyme is used to eliminate the bitterness. In this study, naringinase was extracellularly extracted, isolated, and characterized from an Aspergillus niger strain in different media. The extracted enzyme was added to grapefruit juice at different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%) (0.078, 0.39 and 0.78 EU) and stored at different temperatures (25, 35, and 45 °C) for 5 h. At the end of the first and fifth h, the amount of naringin, physicochemical properties, phenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities of the grapefruit juice …

Human Settlement Environment And Architectural Ecological Design Based On Artificial Intelligence Technology, Mingxing Xu, Xiongjun Tao

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The main purpose of this paper was to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve the coordination between architectural design and the natural environment, so as to optimize resource utilization and reduce negative environmental impacts and improve the quality of human settlements. To do this, multiple types of data covering the environment, buildings, and user feedback were first collected and preprocessed. Based on these data, the long short-term memory model was used to predict future environmental changes, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm was used for multiobjective optimization of architectural design. The experimental results showed that the AI-driven design scheme …

A Rubric For Assessing Conformance To The Ten Rules For Credible Practice Of Modeling And Simulation In Healthcare, Alexandra Manchel, Ahmet Erdemir, Lealem Mulugeta, Joy Ku, Bruno Rego, Marc Horner, William Lytton, Jerry Myers, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

The power of computational modeling and simulation (M&S) is realized when the results are credible, and the workflow generates evidence that supports credibility for the context of use. The Committee on Credible Practice of Modeling & Simulation in Healthcare was established to help address the need for processes and procedures to support the credible use of M&S in healthcare and biomedical research. Our community efforts have led to the Ten Rules (TR) for Credible Practice of M&S in life sciences and healthcare. This framework is an outcome of a multidisciplinary investigation from a wide range of stakeholders beginning in 2012. …

The Effects Of Melatonin And Pgpr Applications On Phenolic Compounds, Organic Acids, And Agromorphological Characteristics In Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) Fruits By Multivariate Analysis, Akgül Taş

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

In this study, melatonin, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and PGPR + melatonin were applied to the Festival and Kabarla strawberry varieties and the effects of these applications on fruit quality were investigated. The parameters of fruit weight, fruit width and length, soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), phenolic compounds, organic acids, and vitamin C parameters were examined. The analysis shows that significantly better results were obtained in terms of fruit weight, fruit width, fruit length, and SSC values in all fruits treated with melatonin, PGPR, and PGPR + melatonin, although there was variation between the strawberry varieties. …

Application Of Vermicompost Extract To Improve The Phytochemical Composition Of Berry Fruits, Jelena Tomić, Žaklina Karaklajić-Stajić, Marijana Pešaković, Svetlana M. Paunović, Boris Rilak, Maja Mikulic-Petkovsek, Metka Hudina, Robert Veberic, Nesi̇be Ebru Kafkas, Sezai̇ Erci̇şli̇, Jerneja Jakopic

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The growing market demand for environmentally friendly products for plant nutrition has led to the development of new fertilizers, particularly liquid compost-based products such as teas, extracts, and leachates. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of chemical fertilization (CF) and its combination with liquid fertilizer based on vermicompost and beneficial microorganisms (CF + VP) on the phytochemical profile of strawberry (Senga Sengana), blackberry (Čačanska Bestrna) and blueberry (Aurora). The results showed that CF + VP positively affected fruit weight (8.8 g), soluble solids (8.9°Bx), total sugars (65.5 g/kg FW), and the sum of all phenolic groups …

Green Biosynthesis Of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Using Saccharum Munja Leaf Extract As A Catalyst For Callus Induction In Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus L.) Plants, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Sameed Arshad Chaudhry, Maryam Maryam, Aysha Arif Chahel, Riaz Ahmad, Mehmet Ramazan Bozhüyük, İbrahi̇m Bozkurt, Magda Abdel-Rahman, Konstantin Korolev

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The common name of a wild grass native to Pakistan with both edible and medicinal properties is Saccharum munja Roxb. (S. munja). Prior research has investigated various plant species for the green biosynthesis of nanoparticles to circumvent issues related to their physical and chemical production. This study presents the first evidence of synthesizing cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) using S. munja leaf extract (SMLE) as both a reducing and a capping agent. This study investigated their ability to induce in vitro callus formation in Dianthus caryophyllus L. (carnation). In this study, Co3O4NPs were synthesized using varying quantities of SMLE to achieve …

Precision Crop Yield Prediction Model Based On Deep Learning And Multimodal Data Fusion, Zijin Mo, Yanxiong Wu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

More precise crop yield prediction methods are essential in advancing precision agriculture, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Deep learning technologies have significantly improved prediction accuracy by allowing the analysis of large-scale agricultural datasets. However, existing approaches still face challenges in effectively integrating multisource data, such as meteorological, soil, and remote sensing information, and optimizing model parameters. To address these issues, this study introduces TCGNet, a novel deep learning architecture that combines a time convolutional network (TCN), convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM), and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The TCN is employed for time series analysis, ConvLSTM …

In Vivo Emergence And Seedling Growth Of Ornamental Pepper Seeds Under Diatomaceous Earth Treatments, Deni̇z Hazar

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Propagation by seeds is very useful in ornamental horticulture, especially for flowering plant production. Seed germination and seedling growth are the most sensitive plant developmental stages and, in nurseries, are under the influence of many biotic and abiotic stress factors. Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, and diatomaceous earth as supplemental Si has been shown to be beneficial for plant growth, flowering, and nutrient content under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions. This study aimed to determine the effects of different methods and doses of Si-containing diatomite on in vivo seed emergence and …

A Comprehensive Review Of Fermentation Technologies In Food Processing: From Traditional To Cutting Edge, Pragati Singh, Niharika Arya, Shalini Sharma, Ankita Sharma, Prasad Rasane, Supriya Singh Gaur, Sawinder Kaur, Mahendra Gunjal, Hasan Kiliçgün, Jyoti Singh

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Fermentation technologies play crucial roles in food processing, offering various advantages, including enhanced flavor profiles, extended shelf life, and improved nutritional qualities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview on the major types of fermentation as well as effects of various factors such as substrate composition, temperature, pH, oxygen availability, and microbial strain selection on the process. Despite its widespread application, traditional fermentation processes face limitations related to yield optimization, contamination risks, and process consistency. Recent advancements have significantly enhanced fermentation efficiency, product quality, and scalability, ultimately expanding the applications beyond food and beverage production into pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biofuels, and waste …

Assessment Of Phenolic Composition, Sugars, And Antioxidant Capacity In Turkish Fig (Ficus Carica L.) Cultivars, Ghassan Zahid, Haşi̇m Kelebek, Ayzi̇n Küden, Flavien Shimira, Yildiz Aka Kaçar

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Fig fruits (Ficus carica L.) have significant health benefits. Türkiye is the leading fig producer in the world. Despite their diversity and rich medicinal properties, the biochemical fingerprints and nutritional quality of local figs are poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the peels and pulps of eight Turkish figs with varying colors for their total phenolic composition, sugars, and antioxidant capacity. Thirty-one phenolic compounds (PCs) were detected using HPLC-MS/MS. The dark-purple 01-1N-58 genotype had the highest amount of colored PCs in fruit peels and pulps (151.25 and 31.57 mg/100 g dw, respectively). Likewise, the maximum quantity of colorless PCs …

Evaluating Potential Changes From Nitrogen To Phosphorus Nutrient Limitation Of Phytoplankton Growth In North Inlet Estuary, Catherine Schlenker, James L. Pinckney

Faculty Publications

In marine systems, molar ratios of the biolimiting inorganic nutrients, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), are assumed to follow the “Redfield ratio” (N:P = 16:1), which is often used to infer nutrient limitation of phytoplankton biomass. Traditionally, estuaries are considered N-limited (N:P <  16) but with higher coastal N-loading, reports of P-limitation (N:P > 16) have increased. In recent decades, nutrient loading in North Inlet Estuary (NIE) has changed such that dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN):dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) ratios increased from ca. 7 to 20 (2002–2021). This suggests that primary production in NIE may be transitioning from N-limitation to NP co-limitation or primary P-limitation. Due to high N:P ratios, we hypothesized that …

Descriptive Sensory Analysis Of Gluten-Containing And Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Available In The Marketplace, Eniola Ola, Victoria J. Hogan, Han-Seok Seo

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Limited research has systematically compared the detailed sensory profiles of commercially available gluten-containing (C) and gluten-free (F) cookies using trained panelists. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive sensory lexicon for C and F chocolate chip cookies and identify key sensory attributes that differentiate them. Seven professionally trained panelists created a lexicon of 33 attributes spanning aroma, flavor, basic taste, texture, and residual property. Using this lexicon, a descriptive analysis was conducted on 12 C and 12 F cookie samples. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the two groups across the 33 sensory attributes (p < 0.05). A mixed model analysis showed that C cookies had higher intensities of chocolate-related and sweet aroma complex notes, while F cookies exhibited stronger nutty, artificial, and off-note flavors. In terms of texture, F cookies were higher in toothpack and powdery mouthcoat, while C cookies displayed more melt-in-mouth characteristics. Principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering revealed three distinct clusters of test samples within both crispy and chewy cookie types, with some F cookies closely aligning with C profiles. These findings, along with the developed lexicon, provide a valuable foundation for enhancing the sensory appeal and quality of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.

A Review Of Plant–Microbe Interactions In The Rhizosphere And The Role Of Root Exudates In Microbiome Engineering, Anagha Wankhade, Emma Wilkinson, David W. Britt, Amita Kaundal

Biological Engineering Student Research

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere are fundamental to plant health, influencing nutrient availability, stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance. Beneficial microbes, such as plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs), including bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance plant resilience through mechanisms like nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression via antimicrobial compounds and siderophores. Root exudates, composed of sugars, organic acids, and secondary metabolites, act as chemoattractants that shape the rhizosphere microbiome by recruiting beneficial microbes. Microbial metabolites can, in turn, modulate plant physiology and exudate profiles, thereby reinforcing mutualistic interactions. Stress conditions alter exudate composition, enabling plants to attract specific microbes that aid in …

Systematic Review: Recent Developments In Magnetic-Nanoparticle-Based Dna Extraction, Stanley Evander Emeltan Tjoa, Mudasir Mudasir, Edi Suharyadi, Budi Setiadi Daryono

Makara Journal of Science

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a research object for various molecular fields of study, and DNA extraction is a basic procedure in molecular biology laboratories. DNA extraction methods are evolving, from several steps using organic solvents to recent technology using magnetic nanoparticles as adsorbents for the purification step. The use of magnetic nanoparticles for DNA extraction is magnetizing because it is simple without heavy machinery, such as centrifugation and organic solvents. The application of this method is extensive and diverse. This systematic review summarizes current development trends for some aspects of this DNA extraction system from the magnetic nanoparticle synthesis method, …