Harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid, is a high affinity inhibitor of the dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) protein. The DYRK1A gene is located within the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) on chromosome 21. We and others have implicated DYRK1A in the phosphorylation of tau protein on multiple sites associated with tau pathology in Down Syndrome and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological inhibition of this kinase may provide an opportunity to intervene therapeutically to alter the onset or progression of tau pathology in AD. Here we test the ability of harmine, and numerous additional β-carboline compounds, to inhibit the DYRK1A dependent phosphorylation of tau protein on serine 396, serine 262/serine 356 (12E8 epitope), and threonine 231 in cell culture assays and in vitro phosphorylation assays. Results demonstrate that the β-carboline compounds (1) potently reduce the expression of all three phosphorylated forms of tau protein, and (2) inhibit the DYRK1A catalyzed direct phosphorylation of tau protein on serine 396. By assaying several β-carboline compounds, we define certain chemical groups that modulate the affinity of this class of compounds for inhibition of tau phosphorylation.

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Integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) is an alternative that can help in intensifying food production while benefiting the environment. However, the assessments of the impacts of ICLS on the soil and economic benefits relative to specific environments in South Dakota are still lacking. This study was to assess the effects of ICLS on soil health and economic benefits under a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.)-rye (Secale cereale L.) rotation in South Dakota. Cover crops blends were planted after the rye crop, and grazing treatments (with and without) were applied after the cover crops establishment in 2015-2016. Data from this study indicate that most soil properties are not negatively impacted by grazing. However, the grazing increased soil bulk density (BD) and decreased soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil water retention (SWR) compared with the ungrazing. The effect of grazing on corn yield was not significant. The cover crops did not impact the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), β-glucosidase, acid hydrolysis carbon fraction, microbial biomass carbon, and SWR, but impacted the SOC, hot/cold water carbon fraction, BD, infiltration rate (q s) in some phases and depths. The effects of different cover crop blends on corn yield were not as strong. The economic analysis showed that implementing ICLS

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Two myrosinase-producing fungi, Lichtheimia sp. JN3C and Aspergillus terreus, were newly isolated from decayed rapeseed meal samples obtained in Anhui Province, China. After preliminary screening, re-screening and combination of two screened strains with a yeast, an optimal composite strain to ferment rapeseed meal was obtained. Results demonstrated that the glucosinolate content of products with two molds fermentation was overall lower than that with single strain fermentation. Fermentation with composite strains containing Candida tropicalis CICIM Y0079(T) had a similar glucosinolate content, whereas the protein content was remarkably increased compared to two molds fermentation. Under sterile conditions, a 96-h fermentation with the composite strains resulted in the degradation of 66.2% of crude fiber, 28.3% of phytic acid, and 98% of total glucosinolates, which are responsible for goiter, and an increase of the protein and tannins content by 27.4 and 15.8%, respectively. In addition, glucosinolates and protein content under the non-sterile condition were not significantly different compared to the sterile condition. The fermentation greatly improved the nutritional quality of rapeseed meal by both degrading undesired substances and increasing protein content.