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Winstead D, Di Gioia F, Jauregui M, Jacobson M. Nutritional properties of raw and cooked Azolla caroliniana Willd., an aquatic wild edible plant. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:2050-2060. [PMID: 38455165 PMCID: PMC10916663 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Azolla caroliniana Willd. is an understudied wild edible plant native to the Eastern United States. Other species of Azolla have been used across the world for several thousand years as a livestock feed and as "green manure." The use of Azolla for human consumption is thought to be limited by its high total polyphenolic content (TPC). However, the TPC and nutritional content of A. caroliniana has not been thoroughly studied. We measured TPC and other nutrients before and after cooking methods designed to lower TPC. We found that TPC was 4.26 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kg-1 DW in raw A. caroliniana. All cooking methods significantly lowered TPC. Protein content was 19% DW, and the apparent protein digestibility was 78.45%. Our yield was 173 g FW m-2 day-1 and 5.53 g DW m-2 day-1. Azolla caroliniana is a high-yielding plant with great potential for cultivation and domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Winstead
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, College of Agricultural SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Francesco Di Gioia
- Department of Plant Science, College of Agricultural SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marjorie Jauregui
- Department of Food Science, College of Agricultural SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Michael Jacobson
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, College of Agricultural SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
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2
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Bellekom B, Lewis OT, Hackett TD. Latitudinal and anthropogenic effects on the structuring of networks linking blood-feeding flies and their vertebrate hosts. Med Vet Entomol 2023; 37:675-682. [PMID: 37261902 PMCID: PMC10946476 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Biting flies (Diptera) transmit pathogens that cause many important diseases in humans as well as domestic and wild animals. The networks of feeding interactions linking these insects to their hosts, and how they vary geographically and in response to human land-use, are currently poorly documented but are relevant to understanding cross-species disease transmission. We compiled a database of biting Diptera-host interactions from the literature to investigate how key interaction network metrics vary latitudinally and with human land-use. Interaction evenness and H2' (a measure of the degree of network specificity) did not vary significantly with latitude. Compared to near-natural habitats, interaction evenness was significantly lower in agricultural habitats, where networks were dominated by relatively few species pairs, but there was no evidence that the presence of humans and their domesticated animals within networks led to systematic shifts in network structure. We discuss the epidemiological relevance of these results and the implications for predicting and mitigating future spill-over events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bellekom
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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3
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Poudel P, Duenas AEK, Di Gioia F. Organic waste compost and spent mushroom compost as potential growing media components for the sustainable production of microgreens. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1229157. [PMID: 37469787 PMCID: PMC10352662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1229157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Microgreens are emerging specialty crops becoming increasingly popular for their rich nutrient profile and variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The growing medium is a significant key factor in microgreen yield, quality, and sustainability. The widespread use of peat-based media raises questions regarding the environmental sustainability of microgreens production, and new substrates that are more sustainable are required. To this purpose, a study was designed with the objective of comparing eight alternative growing media evaluating their physicochemical properties and effect on yield, mineral profile, and nutritional quality of peas and radish microgreens. Tested substrates included a standard peat and perlite mixture (PP), coconut coir (CC), spent mushroom compost (SMC), organic waste compost (CMP), and 50:50 (v:v) mixes of PP and SMC, PP and CMP, CC and SMC, and CC and CMP. The physicochemical properties widely differed among the alternative substrates tested. SMC had high electrical conductivity and salt concentration, which resulted in poor seed germination. Growing media tested significantly influenced the production and nutritional quality of both microgreen species and variations were modulated by the species. With a 39.8% fresh yield increase or a small yield decrease (-14.9%) in radish and peas, respectively, PP+CMP (50:50, v/v) mix provided microgreens of similar or higher nutritional quality than PP, suggesting the potential of substituting at least in part peat with CMP. Using locally available CMP in mix with PP could reduce the microgreens industry reliance on peat while reducing costs and improving the sustainability of the production of microgreens. Further research is needed to evaluate also the potential economic and environmental benefits of using locally available organic materials like CMP as alternative growing media and peat-substitute to produce microgreens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Poudel
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Anela E. K. Duenas
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU, United States
| | - Francesco Di Gioia
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Poudel P, Di Gioia F, Lambert JD, Connolly EL. Zinc biofortification through seed nutri-priming using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea and sunflower microgreens. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1177844. [PMID: 37139105 PMCID: PMC10150129 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1177844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies caused by malnutrition and hidden hunger are a growing concern worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts. A potentially sustainable way to mitigate such challenges is the production of nutrient-dense crops through agronomic biofortification techniques. Among several potential target crops, microgreens are considered suitable for mineral biofortification because of their short growth cycle, high content of nutrients, and low level of anti-nutritional factors. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of zinc (Zn) biofortification of pea and sunflower microgreens via seed nutri-priming, examining the effect of different Zn sources (Zn sulfate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn oxide nanoparticles) and concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) on microgreen yield components; mineral content; phytochemical constituents such as total chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and total phenolic compounds; antioxidant activity; and antinutrient factors like phytic acid. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized factorial block design with three replications. Seed soaked in a 200 ppm ZnSO4 solution resulted in higher Zn accumulation in both peas (126.1%) and sunflower microgreens (229.8%). However, an antagonistic effect on the accumulation of other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, and Cu) was seen only in pea microgreens. Even at high concentrations, seed soaking in Zn-EDTA did not effectively accumulate Zn in both microgreens' species. ZnO increased the chlorophyll, total phenols, and antioxidant activities compared to Zn-EDTA. Seed soaking in ZnSO4 and ZnO solutions at higher concentrations resulted in a lower phytic acid/Zn molar ratio, suggesting the higher bioaccessibility of the biofortified Zn in both pea and sunflower microgreens. These results suggest that seed nutrient priming is feasible for enriching pea and sunflower microgreens with Zn. The most effective Zn source was ZnSO4, followed by ZnO. The optimal concentration of Zn fertilizer solution should be selected based on fertilizer source, target species, and desired Zn-enrichment level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Poudel
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Francesco Di Gioia
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Francesco Di Gioia,
| | - Joshua D. Lambert
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Erin L. Connolly
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Garrood WT, Cuber P, Willis K, Bernardini F, Page NM, Haghighat-Khah RE. Driving down malaria transmission with engineered gene drives. Front Genet 2022; 13:891218. [PMID: 36338968 PMCID: PMC9627344 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.891218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The last century has witnessed the introduction, establishment and expansion of mosquito-borne diseases into diverse new geographic ranges. Malaria is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite making great strides over the past few decades in reducing the burden of malaria, transmission is now on the rise again, in part owing to the emergence of mosquito resistance to insecticides, antimalarial drug resistance and, more recently, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the reduced implementation efficiency of various control programs. The utility of genetically engineered gene drive mosquitoes as tools to decrease the burden of malaria by controlling the disease-transmitting mosquitoes is being evaluated. To date, there has been remarkable progress in the development of CRISPR/Cas9-based homing endonuclease designs in malaria mosquitoes due to successful proof-of-principle and multigenerational experiments. In this review, we examine the lessons learnt from the development of current CRISPR/Cas9-based homing endonuclease gene drives, providing a framework for the development of gene drive systems for the targeted control of wild malaria-transmitting mosquito populations that overcome challenges such as with evolving drive-resistance. We also discuss the additional substantial works required to progress the development of gene drive systems from scientific discovery to further study and subsequent field application in endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T. Garrood
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Cuber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Core Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Willis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Bernardini
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole M. Page
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roya E. Haghighat-Khah
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Roya E. Haghighat-Khah,
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Batume C, Akol AM, Mukwaya LG, Birungi J, Kayondo JK. Life-history attributes of juvenile Anopheles gambiae s.s. in central Uganda; implications for malaria control interventions. Med Vet Entomol 2022; 36:212-222. [PMID: 35388913 PMCID: PMC9322574 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is among the leading causes of death in Uganda, and Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) is the predominant vector. Although current vector control interventions have greatly reduced the malaria burden, the disease persists. New interventions are needed in order to eradicate them. Evaluation of new tools will require the availability of well-characterized test vector populations. Juvenile An. gambiae s.s. from Kibbuye and Kayonjo-derived populations were characterized under semi-field and laboratory conditions, given that various vector traits, including abundance and fitness are dependent on development profiles at this life stage. Ten replicates comprising 30 first instar larvae each were profiled for various life-history attributes (egg hatching, larval development time, larval survivorship, pupal weight and pupation rate). All parameters were similar for the two sites under laboratory conditions. However, the similarities or differences between field and laboratory development were parameter-specific. Whereas, larval survivorship and pupal weight were similar across seasons and laboratory in colonies from both sites, in the semi-field settings, pupation rate and larval survivorship differed between seasons in both sites. In addition, the average larval development time during the wet season was longer than that of the laboratory for both sites. Availability of mirror field sites is important for future tool evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Batume
- Department of EntomologyUganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)EntebbeUganda
| | - Anne M. Akol
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries SciencesCollege of Natural Sciences, Makerere University KampalaKampalaUganda
| | - Louis G. Mukwaya
- Department of EntomologyUganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)EntebbeUganda
| | - Josephine Birungi
- Department of EntomologyUganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)EntebbeUganda
- ILRI‐ BiosciencesInternational Livestock Research InstituteNairobiKenya
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Peña N, Zhang W, Watkins C, Halucha M, Alshammary H, Hernandez MM, Liu WC, Albrecht RA, Garcia-Sastre A, Simon V, Katanski C, Pan T. Profiling Selective Packaging of Host RNA and Viral RNA Modification in SARS-CoV-2 Viral Preparations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:768356. [PMID: 35186917 PMCID: PMC8851031 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.768356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses package host RNAs in their virions which are associated with a range of functions in the viral life cycle. Previous transcriptomic profiling of host RNA packaging mostly focused on retroviruses. Which host RNAs are packaged in other viruses at the transcriptome level has not been thoroughly examined. Here we perform proof-of-concept studies using both small RNA and large RNA sequencing of six different SARS-CoV-2 viral isolates grown on VeroE6 cells to profile host RNAs present in cell free viral preparations and to explore SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA modifications. We find selective enrichment of specific host transfer RNAs (tRNAs), tRNA fragments and signal recognition particle (SRP) RNA in SARS-CoV-2 viral preparations. Different viral preparations contain the same set of host RNAs, suggesting a common mechanism of packaging. We estimate that a single SARS-CoV-2 particle likely contains up to one SRP RNA and four tRNA molecules. We identify tRNA modification differences between the tRNAs present in viral preparations and those in the uninfected VeroE6 host cells. Furthermore, we find uncharacterized candidate modifications in the SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. Our results reveal an under-studied aspect of viral-host interactions that may be explored for viral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Peña
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher Watkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mateusz Halucha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hala Alshammary
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matthew M. Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogen Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Randy A. Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogen Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogen Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogen Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher Katanski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Committee on Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Kormos A, Lanzaro GC, Bier E, Santos V, Nazaré L, Pinto J, Aguiar dos Santos A, James AA. Ethical Considerations for Gene Drive: Challenges of Balancing Inclusion, Power and Perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:826727. [PMID: 35127663 PMCID: PMC8814439 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.826727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in gene-drive research has stimulated discussion and debate on ethical issues including community engagement and consent, policy and governance, and decision-making involved in development and deployment. Many organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and individual professionals have contributed to ensuring that these issues are considered prior to the application of gene-drive technology. Central topics include co-development of the technology with local stakeholders and communities and reducing asymmetry between developers and end-users. Important questions include with whom to conduct engagement and how to define community acceptance, develop capacity-building activities, and regulate this technology. Experts, academics, and funders have suggested that global frameworks, standards, and guidelines be developed to direct research in answering these important questions. Additionally, it has been suggested that ethical principles or commitments be established to further guide research practices. The challenging and interesting contradiction that we explore here is that the vast majority of these conversations transpire with little or no input from potential end-users or stakeholders who, we contend, should ultimately determine the fate of the technology in their communities. The question arises, whose concerns regarding marginalization, disempowerment, and inequity should be included in discussions and decisions concerning how inequities are perceived and how they may be addressed? At what stage will true co-development occur and how will opinions, perspectives and knowledge held by low-income country stakeholders be applied in determining answers to the questions regarding the ethics being debated on the academic stage? Our opinion is that the time is now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Kormos
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ana Kormos,
| | - Gregory C. Lanzaro
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Lodney Nazaré
- United Nations Development Program, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
| | - João Pinto
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, Irvine, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, Irvine, United States
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