Acetic Acid Concentration Research Articles

Effects of adding niacinamide to diets with normal and low protein levels on the immunity, antioxidant, and intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) applied to diets with different crude protein levels on immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora in growing-finishing pigs. Forty barrows (37.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10 per group). The diets in the two phases consisted of a basal diet with 30 mg/kg NAM, a basal diet with 360 mg/kg NAM, a low-protein diet with 30 mg/kg NAM, and a low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM. The results showed that dietary addition of 360 mg/kg NAM decreased IL-12, malondialdehyde, IgG and IgM contents in the plasma and increased total superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with 360 mg/kg NAM increased mRNA expression of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B and toll-like receptor 4 in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). The concentrations of acetic acid and butyric acid in the colonic contents and the abundance of Actinobacteriota in the colon at the phylum level were significantly decreased by feeding low-protein diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, the addition of 360 mg/kg NAM to diets increased (P < 0.05) the Sobs, Ace, and Chao indices of colonic microorganisms in pigs. Overall, the rational use of NAM can improve inflammatory status, enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function, and increase colonic microbial diversity in growing-finishing pigs.

Effect of Dietary Xylanase Inclusion on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digesta Viscosity of Weaned Pigs Fed Wheat–Soybean Meal-Based Diets

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids, and digesta viscosity at different digestive sites in weaned pigs fed wheat–soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy. (2) Methods: A total of 312 weaned pigs (5.1 ± 0.9 kg, 20 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The experimental diets were formulated in a three-phase nursery feeding program: phase 1 (d0–d7), phase 2 (d8–d21), and phase 3 (d22–d42). The experimental diets consisted of a wheat–soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC); the PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) (negative control, NC); and the NC diet with either 900, 1800, 3600, or 7200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d7, 14, 21, and 42 in the nursery phase. The pen fecal score was assessed daily from d0 to d14 and three times a week from d15 to d28. On d21–d24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta, feces for nutrient digestibility, and feces and cecal digesta for the measurement of volatile fatty acid. (3) Results: The addition of xylanase to the NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain; p &gt; 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 &lt; 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 and 4 (diarrhea) than the PC and NC diets. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly (p &lt; 0.1) in response to xylanase addition. Xylanase addition (900 to 7200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in the colon compared to the PC and NC diets. Furthermore, xylanase addition resulted in a lower (p &lt; 0.05) concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and total volatile fatty acid in cecal samples compared to PC. The addition of xylanase resulted in greater acetic and valeric acid concentrations in cecal samples compared to the NC group (p &lt; 0.10). (4) Conclusions: Xylanase addition can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at the total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related to decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its impact on growth performance was minimal in wheat–soybean meal-based diets with a reduction of 100 kcal of ME.

Aerobic Stability of High-Moisture Corn Ensiled with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum During Prolonged Air Exposure

The evaluation of the aerobic stability of silages primarily involves monitoring temperature, while changes in composition are often neglected. In the present study, the effect of aeration on high-moisture corn ensiled with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was investigated and compared with that of the control without inoculant. The corn used in this study was grown in five plots in a split-plot experimental design, and each plot represented the repetition of silage preparation, both with and without inoculant. In the silages, the temperature changes and the content of acids and alcohols were monitored during the 6 days of aeration, while the content of the main nutrients was compared before and after 6 days of aeration. The temperature difference between the silages and the environment was below 3 °C during the entire aeration period, regardless of the ensiling method. The content of lactic acid was higher in L. plantarum silages, while the contents of acetic and propionic acid, methanol and ethanol were higher in the control (p &lt; 0.001). The content of all compounds changed during the aeration period (p &lt; 0.05), regardless of the ensiling method and the stable silage temperature. Aeration affected the content of soluble crude protein and starch (p &lt; 0.05), suggesting starch degradation in high-moisture corn during aeration. Therefore, in addition to monitoring silage temperature, monitoring lactic and acetic acid and the main nutrients should be considered, as the nutritional value of high-moisture corn could decrease during aeration.

Biochar enhances soil interactions and the initial development of sugarcane.

The present study evaluated the effects of biochar derived from sugarcane straw on the physicochemical and biological properties of soil and the initial development of sugarcane. Microcosm and pot experiments were conducted over 60 days to monitor variables such as pH, water retention capacity, microbial activity, initial growth, and the metabolomic profile of the plant leaves. The results indicated that biochar increased the soil water retention capacity without significantly affecting the pH. The biochar significantly promoted root length and mass and favored the growth of the soil microbiota, as reflected by an increase in the amount of microbial biomass carbon. Metabolomic analysis of sugarcane leaves revealed that soil conditioning with biochar at application rates of 3 and 5% w/w led to increased concentrations of the amino acids isoleucine and valine, accompanied by a reduction in galactose, maltose, and glucose levels. Furthermore, biochar treatment resulted in a decrease in aconitic acid and an increase in acetic and succinic acid concentrations. These findings suggest that biochar may be a promising strategy for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of sugarcane cultivation.

Balanced Fertilization Enhances the Nutritional Value and Flavor Profile of Tomato Fruits

The tomato is a key fruit in China. However, the drive to produce higher-quality tomatoes has resulted in fertilizer overuse, soil degradation, and environmental pollution in recent years. Therefore, investigating the effects of balanced fertilization on the nutritional and flavor qualities of tomato plants is crucial. This study applied four fertilizer treatments to assess their effects on sugar and acid contents, sugar-metabolism-related enzyme activity, nitrate levels, ascorbic acid, pigments, polyphenols, and volatiles, and we performed a correlation analysis. The results showed that balanced fertilization increased glucose and fructose contents by 45% and 31% compared to CK (conventional fertilizer), while tartaric, citric, acetic, malic, and shikimic acid contents were reduced by 59%, 27%, 22%, 26%, and 4%, respectively. Additionally, balanced fertilization increased the activities of sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), acid invertase (AI), and neutral invertase (NI) by 58%, 26%, 19%, and 35%, respectively, compared to CK (conventional fertilizer) and upregulated the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), neutral invertase (NI), sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) genes. Moreover, balanced fertilization significantly enhanced the polyphenol content, as well as the diversity and concentration of volatiles. Correlation analysis confirmed that sugar-metabolism-related enzymes and genes were positively correlated with sugar fractions and negatively correlated with the organic acid content. Principal components analysis demonstrated that the balanced fertilization treatment was distinct from the other treatments, and all polyphenols, except for caffeic acid, were positively associated with balanced fertilization.

Effects of Dietary Fiber and Copper on the Performance and Gut Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) levels and copper concentrations on the production performance and cecal microbial diversity of finishing pigs. A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used, with different levels of dietary fiber (low [23% DF]: L and high [30% DF]: H) and copper concentrations (normal [25 mg/kg]: N and supplemented [45 mg/kg]: S) resulting in four diets (LN, LS, HN, and HS). Forty-eight hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial body weight of 76 kg ± 1.5 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups: LN, LS, HN, and HS, with 12 replicates per group and one pig per replicate. There was a 7-day adaptation period followed by a 56-day feeding trial, after which all pigs were slaughtered for sampling. Results indicated that in finishing pigs, the low dietary fiber group exhibited a higher final weight, a higher average daily gain, and a lower feed-to-gain ratio compared to the high fiber group (p &lt; 0.05). The LS group showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and DF than the HN and HS groups (p &lt; 0.05). Blood total protein levels were higher in the high fiber group, whereas blood Cu levels were higher in the supplemented copper group (p &lt; 0.05). High dietary fiber increased the activities of colonic carboxymethylcellulase and β-glucanase (p &lt; 0.05). Concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids were elevated in the high fiber group (p &lt; 0.05). Microbial α-diversity indices (observed species, Chao 1, and Shannon indices) increased with fiber but decreased with copper supplementation (p &lt; 0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased with fiber levels, with a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the LS group. In conclusion, appropriate copper supplementation in diets can mitigate the negative effects of high fiber levels on finishing pig production performance by enhancing nutrient digestibility, fiber-degrading enzyme activity, regulating the microbial community, and its metabolic products.

Glutamate increases the lean percentage and intramuscular fat content and alters gut microbiota in Shaziling pigs

This study aimed to explore the effects of glutamate (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, composition of amino acids and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the colonic microbial community of Shaziling pigs. A total of 48 healthy male Shaziling pigs (150 d, 31.56 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups, and fed a basal diet with no supplement (control group) or supplemented with 1% Glu (Glu group) for 51 d, and 6 pigs per group were finally slaughtered. Glu significantly increased the average daily gain (P = 0.039), lean percentage (P = 0.023), and intramuscular fat (IMF) content (P = 0.015), and decreased the fat percentage (P = 0.021) of Shaziling pigs. In the muscle, Glu increased the concentrations of inosine-5’-monophosphate (P = 0.094), Fe (P = 0.002), Cu (P = 0.052), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (P = 0.024), and decreased the content of C18:2n6 (P = 0.011), n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6 PUFAs) (P = 0.014), and PUFAs (P = 0.014). Moreover, Glu significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes (FAS, SREBP-1C) (P = 0.032, P = 0.026) and muscle growth-related genes (MyHCⅡb, MyHCⅡx) (P = 0.038, P = 0.019) in the muscle, and increased the relative abundance of Spirochaetota (P < 0.001) and the acetic acid content in the colon (P = 0.039). Correlation analysis indicated that the acetic acid content was positively correlated with the relative Spirochaetota abundance and the IMF content, and a negative trend with the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs. In conclusion, these results indicated that Glu could simultaneously increase the lean percentage and IMF content and decrease the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs, and these beneficial effects may be related to increased colonic Spirochaetota abundance and acetic acid concentrations.

Metabolite and mineral contents in root, seed, testa, stem and leaf of Peganum harmala L

In order to investigate the distribution and accumulation characteristics of metabolites and mineral elements in different parts of Peganum harmala L. (P. harmala), and the synergistic or antagonistic effects between them. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) were used to determine the contents of metabolites (proline, phosphorylcholine, choline, lysine, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, asparagine, acetic acid, sucrose, harmaline and vasicine) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, C, N) in five parts of P. harmala, including root, seed, testa, stem and leaf, and to analyze the relationship among the contents of metabolites and mineral elements. The results showed that the contents of acetic acid, proline, lysine, sucrose and Fe in the root were higher than those in other parts, and the contents of harmaline, phosphorylcholine, P, C, N and Zn in the seeds were the highest. The leaves were rich in vasicine, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Mn. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the cumulative variance contribution of the first two principal components was 69.00 %, and the loading values of K, Cu and sucrose were higher, which was consistent with the results of biplot and cluster analysis(HCA). Correlation analysis (CA) results showed that there was a strong overall correlation between the different components of seeds and leaves, and the correlation was greater than that of other parts. The results of this study are helpful to understand the correlation of functional traits among different parts of plants, and determine the internal mechanism of controlling functional traits and the proportional relationship between traits, so as to provide a reference for the resource utilization of plants.

Residual ciprofloxacin in chicken manure inhibits methane production in an anaerobic digestion system

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is commonly used to dispose of laying hen manure. However, veterinary antibiotic residues present in chicken manure may affect the AD process. Here, the effects of three types of veterinary antibiotics commonly used in laying hen breeding on AD were explored. Manures containing antibiotics at two different concentrations were continuously added during AD for 5 days: amoxicillin (HAMX: 145.06 mg/kg, LAMX: 57.88 mg/kg), doxycycline (HDOC: 183.61 mg/kg, LDOC: 98.00 mg/kg), and ciprofloxacin (HCIP: 96.34 mg/kg, LCIP: 40.43 mg/kg). Compared with a control with no veterinary antibiotics, the amoxicillin and doxycycline groups presented no significant effects on biogas production, methane production, VFA concentration, acetic acid concentration or the pH of the AD system (P > 0.05). However, compared with the control, the ciprofloxacin groups presented significantly inhibited biogas and methane production during AD (P < 0.05), and the HCIP and LCIP groups presented significantly decreased biogas (47.82% and 45.37%, respectively) and methane (58.24% and 52.55%, respectively) production (P < 0.05). Moreover, the VFA and acetic acid concentrations of the ciprofloxacin groups were significantly higher than those of control during the entire AD period (P < 0.05), and the pH value at the withdrawal stage was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01), with no significant difference between the HCIP and LCIP groups (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that ciprofloxacin causes VFA and acetic acid accumulation in AD systems, thereby reducing the pH of the systems and inhibiting methanogen growth, ultimately reducing methane production in the AD systems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of ciprofloxacin on methane production in AD systems and offer some considerations for the application of AD systems.

Impact of yeast selection on composition of vinegar fermented from pomace of a Finnish apple cultivar

Alcoholic beverages and vinegar products were produced using the pomace of a Finnish apple cultivar, and the influence of yeast strains on the non-volatile and volatile compound contents were studied. Apple pomace mashes were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and sequential inoculation with Lachancea thermotolerans and S. cerevisiae to produce alcoholic beverages. Commercial non-pasteurized vinegar was used as a starter to ferment alcoholic beverages into vinegars. Ethanol, acetic acid, sugars and organic acids were determined using GC-FID. A total of 63 volatile compounds were detected in the samples using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Alcoholic beverages fermented with the sequential inoculation had the highest total content of organic acids, and pure inoculation with T. delbrueckii resulted in the highest total content of sugars. Selection of different yeast strains did not alter the content of ethanol or acetic acid, but it significantly influenced the composition of volatile compounds in alcoholic beverages and vinegars. Compared to initial apple pomace mash, significant increases in the contents of ethyl esters (up to 4810-folds), higher alcohols (up to 24-folds) and volatile acids (up to 1853-folds) were observed in fermented products depending on the yeasts used. The main volatile compounds in vinegars prepared from S. cerevisiae fermented beverage were 2-phenylethanol, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid, from T. delbrueckii beverage 2-methylpropanoic acid and 3-methylbutanoic acid, and from sequential fermentation ethyl acetate, and ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate. In conclusion, non-Saccharomyces yeasts have potential to produce more complex aromatic profile to fermented products derived from by-products of apple juice processing.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of fucoidan and its regulatory effects on human gut microbiota and metabolites

Dietary polysaccharides affect the intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites in the host. Clarifying the relationship among polysaccharides, intestinal microflora, and their metabolites is helpful to formulate dietary nutrition intervention strategies. Thus, we explored the regulatory effects of fucoidan on the human gut microbiota and its metabolites. After 48 h of fermentation, fucoidan significantly reduced the pH value in the broth, accompanied by an increase in total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propanoic acid contents. Fucoidan significantly reduced the relative abundance of Escherichia_shigella and Blebsiella and increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Concurrently, fucoidan altered the composition of intestinal microbial metabolites. These results indicate that fucoidan can regulate the metabolism of the intestinal flora and host, which may contribute to the intestinal health of the host.

The effect of varying concentrations of acetic acid on the structural and optical properties of semiconductor zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol–gel method

The effect of varying concentrations of acetic acid on the structural and optical properties of semiconductor zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol–gel method

Fermentation Performance of Carob Flour, Proso Millet Flour and Bran for Gluten-Free Flat-Bread.

Sourdough fermentation is rarely used for gluten-free flatbread (GFFB), a product that is challenging to produce, especially when using high-fiber ingredients that bring nutritional benefits but lead to physical deterioration. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the fermentation performance of carob flour (CSPF), proso millet flour (PMF), and proso millet bran (PMB) individually and in combination with Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Kluyveromyces marxianus (LF + KM) and to compare the performance of LF + KM with a commercial starter (LIVENDO® LV1). A mixture design (n = 13) was used to evaluate the fermentation performance of LF + KM (total titratable acidity (TTA); lactobacilli and yeast growth; acetic and lactic acid, fructose, glucose, and saccharose content) at 35 °C for 16 h. The comparison of LF + KM with LV1 fermentation was based on the acidity rate, fermentation quotient, TTA, and finally by determining the physical properties (texture, shape, color) of a rice-corn GFFB in which 10% of flour was supplemented with the sourdoughs. PMB promoted the growth of lactobacilli and the production of organic acids, especially in combination of CSPF and PMF. The optimum flour ratio was 2.4:1:1.2 (PMB:PMF:CSPF). LF + KM shortened the sourdough fermentation time by 2.5 times compared to LV1. The use of LF + KM sourdough reduced the hardness (32%) and chewiness (28%) of the GFFB, while the volume (35%) was increased compared to LV1 sourdough. This study shows the potential of using local alternative flours in sourdough fermentation for the production of GFFB.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Glyphosate Using Graphite Rod Electrodes: Impact of Acetic Acid Pretreatment on Degradation Efficiency

The uncontrolled use of herbicides such as glyphosate (GLY) (N-phosphonomethylglycine) in agricultural production has resulted in its presence in water bodies and in negative impacts on the environment and public health. On the frame of understanding the interaction between GLY and graphite rod surfaces, this contribution relies on the study of electrochemical responses of different GLY concentrations by cyclic voltammetry under both open and closed-circuit conditions. Furthermore, the effect of the electrodes’ electrochemical pretreatment with acetic acid on the double-layer capacitance and the subsequent surface functionalization of the graphite rod materials were evaluated. The increment in GLY concentration showed a decrease in the electrochemical oxidation response associated with the adsorption of the contaminant on the surface of the graphite rod electrode and the concomitant blockage of the active sites. Electrochemical pretreatment of the electrodes with acetic acid and GLY concentration play crucial roles in electric double-layer formation due to their ability to interact with both positive and negative electrical charges. By means of optical microscope observations and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis, it was possible to detect the formation of oxygenated functional groups on the electrode surfaces after the electrochemical pretreatment. Through a 23 factorial design analysis in repetition, the factors significant in the degradation of GLY were identified. The high degradation of GLY with the pretreated electrodes can be attributed to the preferential adsorption of the zwitterionic molecule at the interface, which allowed great direct oxidation of the contaminant on the anode’s surface.

Evaluating the efficacy of endophytic bacteria in controlling rice sheath blight: In vitro and In vivo studies

Rice production is highly susceptible to various pathogens, including Rhizoctonia solani, Curvularia lunata, and Epicoccum rostratum, which are major threats in Asia. Exploring biological control methods using endophytic bacteria offers promising opportunities to enhance rice resilience against these lethal diseases. Using 16S RNA sequencing, we identified four endophytic isolates of Bacillus spp. from rice roots, stems, and leaves. We evaluated the antagonistic activity of these endophytic bacterial isolates against rice pathogens both in vitro and in vivo. These isolates inhibited the growth of C. lunata by 82 %, R. solani by 79 %, and E. rostratum by 88 % in vitro. The detached leaf assay for sheath blight (ShB) disease severity in strains ranged from 10.4 % to 73.3 %. In vivo results showed that B. amyloliquefaciens (R-19) exhibited the lowest disease intensity at 7.2 % and the highest disease suppression at 78.8 %. The fungicide propiconazole at 0.1 % treatment showed the lowest disease intensity of 7.7 % and the highest disease suppression of 73.4 %, compared to the infected control. Besides biocontrol efficacy, endophytic isolates enhance plant growth parameters, including shoot height, root length, fresh and dry weights, number of tillers, and grains per tiller. Plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acids (GA3) increased by 35 % and 53 %, respectively, due to B. subtilis (R-20) and B. amyloliquefaciens (R-19), while flavonoid and indole acetic acid (IAA) concentrations surged by 30%–80 %. Similarly, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoids, antioxidant enzymatic activity, phenolic content, carbohydrates, and proline contents were higher compared to the control. This study provides a foundation for future studies on novel and eco-friendly biocontrol agents. In addition, our study recommends the integration of endophytic bacteria into sustainable agriculture for enhancing rice production and reducing disease impacts.

Evaluation of the Physico-chemical and Biological Properties of Fermented Nipa (Nypa fruticans) Sap Under Closed and Open Vessel Fermentation System for Bioethanol Production

Background The potential of Nipa (Nypa fruticans) sap in the Cagayan Region, Philippines, for bioethanol production remains largely underexplored despite its vast expanse. Methods This study investigates the key physico-chemical properties of Nipa sap from Aparri, Cagayan, with a focus on fermentation dynamics and storage conditions to optimize ethanol production. Two fermentation treatments closed and open vessel conditions, were compared to determine the optimal conditions for maximum ethanol yield. Over a 7-day fermentation period, the acetic acid production, yeast activity, sugar content, and ethanol concentration of closed vessel fermented sap (CVFS) and open vessel fermented sap (OVFS) were monitored. Results CVFS demonstrated a higher ethanol yield (7.56%v/v at peak day), characterized by minimized acetic acid accumulation and stable yeast activity. In contrast, OVFS exhibited significant fluctuations in acetic acid and ethanol levels, indicating a lower fermentation efficiency. Conclusion The presence of methanol and high acetic acid content in open-vessel fermentation systems highlights the importance of fermentation conditions to prevent impurities. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing ethanol production from fermenting Nipa sap by employing closed vessel fermentation, which is crucial for sustainable bioethanol production in the Cagayan region.

Effect of solutions acidity on Haacke’s Figure of Merit of ZnO and ZnO:F thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Fluorine-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:F) thin films are valued for their potential as transparent conductive materials, particularly in optoelectronic applications. In this work, the deposition of highly conductive and transparent fluorine-doped ZnO thin films, deposited by chemical spray on glass substrates is reported. The effect of acetic (AcAc) in the initial fresh solution on Haacke’s Figure of Merit (Φ) of both zinc oxide (ZnO) and fluorine-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:F) thin films was studied. The substrate temperature was fixed to 450°C, and two deposition times (8 and 14 min) were tested. Accordingly, the optical and transport properties, as well as the structural and morphological characteristics of the films were measured. The results indicate that the samples are polycrystalline in all cases and exhibit a wurtzite-type structure of ZnO. The variation of AcAc in the starting solution causes a switch in preferential growth from (002) to (001). As the AcAc content increases, the surface morphology of the films reveals the formation of well-defined hexagonal grains, and the grain size increases. Conversely, the transmittance decreases as the acetic acid increases, which can attributed to carbon incorporation into the film. In addition, the band gap values of the films varied from 3.2 to 3.4 eV. Also, as the acetic acid concentration increased, a drop in the electrical resistivity of ZnO thin films on the order of 0.016 Ω⋅ cm was found for the ZnO:F films deposited with fresh solution for 14 min. This can be ascribed to a dense acetic cloud formed during the synthesis process, trapping volatile F species that incorporate into the ZnO lattice. This enhances Haacke’s Figure of Merit of ZnO:F films deposited with a fresh solution, demonstrating their potential use for application as transparent conductive films. This contrasts with other synthesis methods that require longer aging time in the precursor solution, making these findings useful for large-scale and more efficient production of transparent conductive films.

Changes in Microbial Ecosystems and Serum Metabolomics by Diet Supplementation With Enramycin in Weaning Piglets.

Antibiotics are used in swine production for growth promotion and disease prevention, raising concerns about environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of enramycin supplementation on piglet growth, gut microbiota and blood metabolites. Enramycin promotes piglet growth and temporarily reduces diarrhoea. Gut microbiota analysis revealed changes in microbial composition, including an increase in the abundance of Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Metabolomic analysis has identified elevated levels of dimethylglycine, a known growth-promoting factor, in the enramycin group. Liver gene expression analysis revealed increased mRNA levels of ALDH and dimethylglycine dehydrogenase, which are enzymes involved in dimethylglycine metabolism. The enramycin-treated group had a higher concentration of acetic acid in caecal contents, and their caecal acetic acid concentrations were positively correlated with the abundance of L. reuteri and the content of serum dimethylglycine, respectively. These findings suggest that the promotion effect of enramycin on piglet growth is related to the gut microbiota, blood metabolites and liver gene expression, which provide insights into antibiotic alternatives for swine production.

Anti-Bacterial Potential of Multi-strain Probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Strain Dad-13 and FNCC-0250) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 against Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 In Vitro and In Vivo

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC-0250 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 are probiotics strain isolated from Indonesian local and traditional fermented foods. This study aims to evaluate the administration of multi-strain probiotics at dose of 109 CFU/mL/day for 14 days against the diarrhea-causing bacteria Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 at a dose of 1011 CFU/mL/day. Thirty rats were randomized and the divided into 5 groups, including control group, skim milk group, single-strain group, multi-strain group and E. coli group. Antibacterial activity was analyzed in vitro, feed intake, body weight were analyzed, microbial analysis was carried out on feces and cecum, short chain fatty acids were analyzed and intestinal morphology was measured. The result showed that the single-strain and multi-strain inhibition zone in in vitro test produces a very strong inhibitory potential (&gt; 9 mm). The number of L. plantarum and L. paracasei increased and the number of E. coli decreased significantly in the feces and cecum of Rat indicating the survival rate of the probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract and their ability to fight pathogenic bacteria. The concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid compounds also increased, indicating that the digestive tract is at a low pH so that it can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in rats. In addition, consumption of multi-strain probiotics does not have a negative effect on intestinal morphology. The conclusion is that multi-strain probiotics are able to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in vivo and in vitro. HIGHLIGHTS Multi-strain probiotics isolated from traditional Indonesian fermented foods can reduce the potential for diarrhea. Single-strain and multi-strain have the same effectiveness in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria as seen from the growth of the bacteria. Digestive conditions were damaged in rat that were not given probiotic intervention, but when they received probiotic intervention, digestive conditions improved. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of Acetic Acid on Biofilm Formation in Paracidovorax citrulli, Causal Agent of Bacterial Fruit Blotch.

The unique tissue structure of pathogenic bacteria biofilm plays an important role in its pathogenicity and bactericide resistance. Inhibition or destruction of biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria is of great significance for the control of plant bacterial diseases. In this study, Paracidovorax citrulli was inoculated into KB medium containing acetic acid, and after shaking at 28°C and 55 r/min for 48 h, it was found that the content of extracellular polysaccharide, extracellular protein and extracellular DNA (eDNA) decreased with the increase of acetic acid concentration, which resulted in the decrease of biofilm formation, it is not even possible to form biofilms on plastic slides. When the final concentration of acetic acid in the culture medium was greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/mL, there was no biofilm on the plastic slides. Therefore, the use of acetic acid as an inhibitor of P. citrulli has a good potential for control of bacterial fruit blotch.