Flexitarians have reduced their meat consumption showing a rising interest in plant-based meat alternatives with 'meaty' characteristics, and we are witnessing an unprecedented growth of meat ...substitutes in the Western market. However, to our knowledge, no information regarding the 'simulated beef burgers' nutritional profile compared to similar meat products has been published yet. Here we show that, whilst both plant-based and meat-based burgers have similar protein profile and saturated fat content, the former are richer in minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. We found that the most abundant minerals in both categories were Na, K, P, S, Ca, and Mg; being Na and S content similar between groups. Only six amino acids differed between categories, being hydroxyproline exclusively in meat-based burgers. Plant-based burgers revealed fourfold greater content of n-6 than meat-based burgers, and greater short-chain fatty acids proportion. Our results demonstrate how 'simulated beef' products may be authenticated based on some specific nutrients and are a good source of minerals. We believe that there is a need to provide complete and unbiased nutritional information on these 'new' vegan products so that consumers can adjust their diet to nutritional needs.
The recently discovered mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) promotes Ca2+ accumulation into the mitochondrial matrix 1, 2. We identified in silico miR-25 as a cancer-related MCU-targeting microRNA ...family and demonstrate that its overexpression in HeLa cells drastically reduces MCU levels and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, while leaving other mitochondrial parameters and cytosolic Ca2+ signals unaffected. In human colon cancers and cancer-derived cells, miR-25 is overexpressed and MCU accordingly silenced. miR-25-dependent reduction of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake correlates with resistance to apoptotic challenges and can be reversed by anti-miR-25 overexpression. Overall, the data demonstrate that microRNA targeting of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling favors cancer cell survival, thus providing mechanistic insight into the role of mitochondria in tumorigenesis and identifying a novel therapeutic target in neoplasia.
► miR-25 regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis ► Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a target of miR-25 ► MCU plays a critical role in apoptosis and tumorigenesis ► MCU is downregulated in different cancer cell lines and in human colonic adenocarcinoma
Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is fundamental for cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Elevation in intracellular Ca2+ concentration is dependent either on Ca2+ influx from ...the extracellular space through the plasma membrane, or on Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, such as the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR). Mitochondria are also major components of calcium signalling, capable of modulating both the amplitude and the spatio-temporal patterns of Ca2+ signals. Recent studies revealed zones of close contact between the ER and mitochondria called MAMs (Mitochondria Associated Membranes) crucial for a correct communication between the two organelles, including the selective transmission of physiological and pathological Ca2+ signals from the ER to mitochondria. In this review, we summarize the most up-to-date findings on the modulation of intracellular Ca2+ release and Ca2+ uptake mechanisms. We also explore the tight interplay between ER- and mitochondria-mediated Ca2+ signalling, covering the structural and molecular properties of the zones of close contact between these two networks.
Although organic farming and agroecology are normally not associated with the use of new technologies, it’s rapid growth, new technologies are being adopted to mitigate environmental impacts of ...intensive production implemented with external material and energy inputs. GPS, satellite images, GIS, drones, help conventional farming in precision supply of water, pesticides, fertilizers. Prescription maps define the right place and moment for interventions of machinery fleets. Yield goal remains the key objective, integrating a more efficient use or resources toward an economic-environmental sustainability. Technological smart farming allows extractive agriculture entering the sustainability era. Societies that practice agroecology through the development of human-environmental co-evolutionary systems represent a solid model of sustainability. These systems are characterized by high-quality agroecosystems and landscapes, social inclusion, and viable economies. This book explores the challenges posed by the new geographic information technologies in agroecology and organic farming. It discusses the differences among technology-laden conventional farming systems and the role of technologies in strengthening the potential of agroecology. The first part reviews the new tools offered by geographic information technologies to farmers and people. The second part provides case studies of most promising application of technologies in organic farming and agroecology: the diffusion of hyperspectral imagery, the role of positioning systems, the integration of drones with satellite imagery. The third part of the book, explores the role of agroecology using a multiscale approach from the farm to the landscape level. This section explores the potential of Geodesign in promoting alliances between farmers and people, and strengthening food networks, whether through proximity urban farming or asserting land rights in remote areas in the spirit of agroecological transition. The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons 4.0 license.
Tumor growth and metastatic spreading are heavily affected by the P2X7 receptor as well as microvesicles and exosomes release into the tumor microenvironment. P2X7 receptor stimulation is known to ...trigger vesicular release from immune and central nervous system cells. However, P2X7 role in microvesicles and exosomes delivery from tumor cells was never analyzed in depth. Here we show that P2X7 is overexpressed in patients affected by metastatic malignant melanoma and that its expression closely correlates with reduced overall survival. Antagonism of melanoma cell-expressed P2X7 receptor inhibited in vitro anchorage-independent growth and migration and in vivo dissemination and lung metastasis formation. P2X7 stimulation triggered the release of miRNA-containing microvesicles and exosomes from melanoma cells, profoundly altering the nature of their miRNA content, as well as their dimensions and quantity. Among the more than 200 miRNAs that we found up-or-down-modulated for each vesicular fraction tested, we identified three miRNAs, miR-495-3p, miR-376c-3p, and miR-6730-3p, that were enriched in both the exosome and microvesicle fraction in a P2X7-dependent fashion. Interestingly, upon transfection, these miRNAs promoted melanoma cell growth or migration, and their vesicular release was minimized by P2X7 antagonism. Our data unveil an exosome/microvesicle and miRNA-dependent mechanism for the pro-metastatic activity of the P2X7 receptor and highlight this receptor as a suitable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in malignant melanoma.
Abstract Despite the ongoing impacts of climate change around the world, fossil fuels continue to drive the global economy. The socio-environmental impacts of oil development at the local level are ...widely recognized, especially in high biocultural diversity areas, highlighting the need to develop and implement effective policies that protect both biodiversity and human rights. In consideration of the estimated remaining carbon budget to limit global warming at 1.5 °C, as well as Ecuador’s past attempts at limiting carbon extraction through the Yasuni-ITT Initiative, we adopt a new framework to identify ‘unburnable carbon areas’ with the goal of eventually phasing out fossil fuels. In the Ecuadorian Amazon—one of Earth’s high-biodiversity wilderness areas and home to uncontacted indigenous populations—50 years of widespread oil production is jeopardizing tropical ecosystems. Using the Ecuadorian Amazon as a paradigmatic case study, our research explores the feasibility of implementing energy transition paths based on unburnable carbon areas through spatial multicriteria decision analysis that is based on different approaches to territory management. We modeled interactions between oil development and areas with high biocultural sensitivities using environmental, socio-cultural, and oil-related geospatial information. We found that, for all simulations, concessions that should remain unburnable are mainly located in the south-central sector of Ecuadorian Amazon, surrounding the Yasuní National Park and the intangible zone for uncontacted indigenous people, where no reserves have been identified and oil infrastructure (wells, pipelines, etc) has not been deployed. In the Northern sector, particularly along the ‘Auca’ oil road system, the eventual continuation of fossil production requires best practices to minimize environmental impacts and respect human rights. Our spatial multicriteria approach based on geographical criteria can be replicated in different place contexts to explore different scenarios for effective climate mitigation policies.
Of late, “A2 milk” has gained prominence in the dairy sector due to its potential implications in human health. Consequently, the frequency of A2 homozygous animals has considerably increased in many ...countries. To elucidate the potential implications that beta casein (β-CN) A1 and A2 may have on cheese-making traits, it is fundamental to investigate the relationships between the genetic polymorphisms and cheese-making traits at the dairy plant level. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of the β-CN A1/A2 polymorphism on detailed protein profile and cheese-making process in bulk milk. Based on the β-CN genotype of individual cows, 5 milk pools diverging for presence of the 2 β-CN variants were obtained: (1) 100% A1; (2) 75% A1 and 25% A2; (3) 50% A1 and 50% A2; (4) 25% A1 and 75% A2; and (5) 100% A2. For each cheese-making day (n = 6), 25 L of milk (divided into 5 pools, 5 L each) were processed, for a total of 30 cheese-making processes. Cheese yield, curd nutrient recovery, whey composition, and cheese composition were assessed. For every cheese-making process, detailed milk protein fractions were determined through reversed-phase HPLC. Data were analyzed by fitting a mixed model, which included the fixed effects of the 5 different pools, the protein and fat content as a covariate, and the random effect of the cheese-making sessions. Results showed that the percentage of κ-CN significantly decreased up to 2% when the proportion of β-CN A2 in the pool was ≥25%. An increase in the relative content of β-CN A2 (≥50% of total milk processed) was also associated with a significantly lower cheese yield both 1 and 48 h after cheese production, whereas no effects were observed after 7 d of ripening. Concordantly, recovery of nutrients reflected a more efficient process when the inclusion of β-CN A2 was ≤75%. Finally, no differences in the final cheese composition obtained by the different β-CN pools were observed.
Recent GIS technologies are shaping the direction of Precision Agriculture and Viticulture. Sentinel-2 satellites and UAVs are key resources for multi-spectral analyses of vegetation. Despite being ...extensively adopted in numerous applications and scenarios, the pros and cons of both platforms are still debated. Researchers have currently investigated different aspects of these sources, mainly comparing different vegetation indexes and exploring potential relationships with agronomic variables. However, due to the costs and limitations of such an approach, a standardized methodology for agronomic purposes is still missing. This study aims to fill such a methodology gap by overcoming the potential flaws or shortages of previous works. To achieve this, an image acquisition campaign covering 6 months and over 17 hectares was carried out, followed by an NDVI comparison between Sentinel-2 and UAV to eventually explore relationships with agronomic variables. Comparative analyses were performed by using both classical (Ordinary Least Squares regression and Pearson Correlation) and spatial (Moran’s Index) statistical approaches: here, 90% of cases show r and MI scores above 0.6 for plain images, with these scores expectedly lowering to 72% and 52% when considering segmented images. Moreover, NDVI thematic maps were classified into clusters and validated by the Chi-squared test. Finally, the relationship and distribution of agronomic variables within NDVI and clustered maps were consistently validated through the ANOVA test. The proposed open-source pipeline allows to strengthen existing UAV and satellite applications in Precision Agriculture by integrating more agronomic variables.
Various management practices can influence milk quality traits in dairy cattle. As an example, an increasing investment in automatic milking system to substitute milking parlors has been observed in ...the last 2 decades in dairy farms which could have affected certain bulk milk quality traits. What is more, milking practices can also affect certain milk parameters; as an example, teat disinfectants containing I are used in commercial farms where pre- or postdipping is performed, leading to presence of some I in the bulk milk. However, this trace mineral is also supplied in cows' diet to fulfill their nutritional requirements, partly contributing to the milk I final concentration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the sources of variation of milk I along with other traditional milk quality traits. A total of 91 dairy farms in northeastern Italy were enrolled in the study. In each farm, diet and bulk milk samples were collected on the same day for chemical analysis. Concentration of I, in particular, was determined in both milk and feed with gold standard. Pearson correlations were calculated among the traits available for milk and diet, and a general linear model was used to test significance of fixed effects (feeding system, milking system, farming system, herd size, herd stage of lactation, and sampling month) on milk quality traits including the I concentration. In the case of milk I, diet I and presence of I-based predipping and postdipping teat disinfect application were also tested as fixed effects. Results showed a positive linear correlation between milk and diet I content (correlation coefficient r = 0.78). Although milk I was also positively correlated with lactose content (r = 0.25), dietary I was not correlated with other milk traits. Milk I content was significantly affected by dietary I, I-based predipping teat disinfectant application, and herd composition. Compared with conventional farms, organic farms showed lower protein content and greater somatic cell score (SCS) but similar milk I. Milking system significantly affected only lactose content and SCS of milk. Sampling month was only significant for milk urea nitrogen and herd composition, feeding system, herd size, and herd average days in milk did not modify milk gross composition and SCS. In conclusion, dietary supply of I is the main factor affecting milk I concentration and findings suggest that I level in milk can be naturally improved in dairy cows by modulating the I content in the diet administered. However, further research is needed to evaluate the effect of I-based sanitizers on milk I.
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