Ratio Of Acetic Acid Research Articles

DNA Hyperstructure.

This study presents a new procedure to condense DNA molecules and precipitate them onto a glass slide. The resulting DNA molecules undergo autonomous self-assembly, creating closed superstructures on the micrometer scale, which are called DNA hyperstructures. These structures can be observed using low-magnification (4×) light microscopy. Precisely controlling the alcohol/glacial acetic acid ratio and DNA concentration during precipitation enabled the regulation of structure compaction on the slide. The alcohol/glacial acetic acid ratio is inversely proportional to the DNA concentration to achieve optimal compaction on the slide. Confocal microscopy fluorescence analysis of DNA extracts stained with DAPI shows that nucleic acids self-assemble to form structures during precipitation on the slide. This methodology is relevant since it facilitates the precipitation and visualization of DNA, regardless of its origin or molecular weight. To confirm its versatility, results with DNA extracted from human peripheral blood, the Lambda virus, and plasmid pBR322 are presented. The study examined the morphological features of DNA hyperstructures in both healthy individuals and those diagnosed with different medical conditions or illnesses, revealing distinct patterns specific to each case. This innovative technology has potential for disease detection in peripheral blood samples, ranging from cancer and Alzheimer's disease to determining the gender of the gestational product at an early stage.

Differences in Chemical Composition, Polyphenol Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation among Sorghum Stalks

The aim of the study was to examine the differences in the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation among six varieties of sorghum stalks. The results show that maoliangnuo 1 (M1) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of dry matter, and jinzhong 405 (J4) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of crude protein content. The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stalk jinliangnuo (JN). The levels of chlorogenic acid, homoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, rhoifolin, genistin, quercetin, apigenin, aloe emodin, emodin, and total polyphenols were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in maohongnuo 6 (M6) than in the other stalks. Moreover, stalk M6 contained higher (p < 0.05) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging capacity. There were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between total polyphenols and TAC, superoxide dismutase, GPX, CAT, and DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity. The total gas production was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the sorghum stalk variety and incubation time. Stalk J4 displayed higher values for the (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction and the potential extent of gas production, while stalk M6 exhibited a significantly lower (p < 0.05) insoluble fraction level. Furthermore, stalk M6 exhibited a significantly higher level of (p < 0.05) ruminal fluid propionic acid, but its level of butyric acid and its ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were both significantly lower (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results reported in this paper indicate that the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation all vary greatly among different varieties of sorghum stalks.

Effect of sodium formate and lactic acid bacteria treated rye silage on methane yield and energy balance in Hanwoo steers.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of rye silage treated with sodium formate (Na-Fa) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on the ruminal fermentation characteristics, methane yield and energy balance in Hanwoo steers. Forage rye was harvested in May 2019 and ensiled without additives (control) or with either a LAB inoculant or Na-Fa. The LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum) were inoculated at 1.5 × 1010 CFU/g fresh matter, and the inoculant was sprayed onto the forage rye during wrapping at a rate of 4 L/ton of fresh rye forage. Sixteen percent of the Na-Fa solution was sprayed at a rate of approximately 6.6 L/ton. Hanwoo steers (body weight 275 ± 8.4 kg (n = 3, group 1); average body weight 360 ± 32.1 kg (n = 3, group 2)) were allocated into two pens equipped with individual feeding gates and used in duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The experimental diet was fed twice daily (09:00 and 18:00) during the experimental period. Each period comprised 10 days for adaptation to the pen and 9 days for measurements in a direct respiratory chamber. The body weights of the steers were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Feces and urine were collected for 5 days after 1 day of adaptation to the chamber, methane production was measured for 2 days, and ruminal fluid was collected on the final day. In the LAB group, the ratio of acetic acid in the rumen fluid was significantly lower (p = 0.044) and the ratio of propionic acid in the rumen fluid was significantly higher (p = 0.017). Methane production per DDMI of the Na-FA treatment group was lower than that of the other groups (p = 0.052), and methane production per DNDFI of the LAB treatment group was higher than that of the other groups (p = 0.056). The use of an acid-based additive in silage production has a positive effect on net energy and has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions in ruminants.

Enhanced short-chain fatty acids production from anaerobic fermentation of secondary sludge by lignosulfonate addition: Towards circular economy

This study is the first to unveil the potential of lignosulfonate as an additive in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from anaerobic fermentation of secondary sludge. Batch-scale tests were performed to assess SCFAs production and distribution with lignosulfonate addition of 20–80 mg/g volatile solids (VS), along with potential mechanisms and phytotoxicity. The results showed that lignosulfonate addition improved the SCFAs production and the ratio of acetic acid, while shortening the fermentation time required. The maximum SCFAs production (185.0 ± 1.0 mg COD/g VS) and acetic acid ratio (51.4 ± 0.6%) were achieved with 60 mg lignosulfonate/g VS at 4 d of fermentation time, outperforming the control (93.1 ± 2.7 mg COD/g VS, 44.4 ± 1.8%). Lignosulfonate addition decreased the zeta potential between sludge particles by 19.9%–45.1%, and increased the extractable extracellular polymeric substances matrix by 1.45–2.33 times, compared to the control group. Furthermore, lignosulfonate addition effectively promoted the solubilization, hydrolysis, and acidification processes by up to 116.0%, 58.8%, and 47.6%, respectively. The seed germination index of Chinese cabbage and lettuce using fermented sludge residues increased by up to 486 ± 29% and 158 ± 13%, respectively. These findings suggest that lignosulfonate addition is a sustainable method for SCFAs recovery from sludge, benefiting sludge agricultural reuse, and contributing to the circular economy.

Enhanced thermophilic dark fermentation of hydrogen production from food waste by Fe-modified biochar

The industrialization of hydrogen production through dark fermentation of food waste faces challenges, such as low yields and unpredictable fermentation processes. Biochar has emerged as a promising green additive to enhance hydrogen production in dark fermentation. Our study demonstrated that the introduction of Fe-modified biochar (Fe-L600) significantly boosted hydrogen production during thermophilic dark fermentation of food waste. The addition of Fe-L600 led to a remarkable 31.19% increase in hydrogen yield and shortened the time needed for achieving stabilization of hydrogen production from 18 h to 12 h. The metabolite analysis revealed an enhancement in the butyric acid pathway as the molar ratio of acetic acid to butyric acid decreased from 3.09 to 2.69 but hydrogen yield increased from 57.12 ± 1.48 to 76.78 ± 2.77 mL/g, indicating Fe-L600 improved hydrogen yield by regulating crucial metabolic pathways of hydrogen production. The addition of Fe-L600 also promoted the release of Fe2+ and Fe3+ and increased the concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the fermentation system, which might promote the activity of hydrogenase and ferredoxin. Microbial community analysis indicated a substantial increase in the relative abundance of Thermoanaerobacterium after thermophilic dark fermentation. The relative abundances of microorganisms responsible for hydrolysis and acidogenesis were also observed to be improved in the system with Fe-L600 addition. This research provides a feasible strategy for improving hydrogen production of food waste and deepens the understanding of the mechanisms of biochar.

TO ISSUE INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MASS TRANSFER PROCESS IN AGITATORS

This study investigates the impact of impeller design on the rate of esterification reaction in a batch reactor. Different impeller designs were tested and compared, including Backswept impeller, C-shaped, Double Blade impeller, and Pitched impeller. The results showed that the choice of impeller design has a significant effect on the rate of esterification reaction, with the Backswept impeller proving to be the most effective. In this work, it is aimed to investigate the esterification of acetic acid and methanol in a batch stirred reactor for the synthesis of methyl acetate. The temperature range of 303.15 K is examined, with sulphuric acid used as the homogeneous catalyst in varying concentrations of 0.0633 mol·L1 to 0.3268 mol·L-1. The feed molar ratio of acetic acid to methanol also varied from 1:1 to 1:4 to observe its influence on the reaction rate. The research delves into the effects of temperature, catalyst concentration, and reactant concentration on the reaction rate. The experimental data is correlated using a second-order kinetic rate equation, and the forward and backward reaction rate constants and activation energies are determined from the Arrhenius plot. The developed kinetic model is compared with previous models in literature. In order to find the most effective impeller for esterification reaction, diameter of impellers was accepted same in the constant volume and dimension of batch reactor. The obtained kinetic equation proves useful for the simulation of a reactive distillation column for the synthesis of methyl acetate. Keywords: the batch reactor, impeller, esterification, effectivity, mass transfer, mixing, mechanical mixers, Logarithmic Shear Rate, Eddy Diffusivity.

Effect of sodium diacetate on fermentation, aerobic stability, and microbial diversity of alfalfa silage.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vital source of forage protein for ruminants, yet its ensiling poses challenges due to high buffering capacity and low water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). This study investigated the impact of sodium diacetate (SDA) on alfalfa silage quality and aerobic stability. SDA was applied at four different rates to wilted alfalfa on a fresh basis: 0g/kg, 3g/kg, 5g/kg, and 7g/kg, and silages were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 45days, followed by 7days of aerobic exposure. A 16S rRNA gene sequencing assay using GenomeLab™ GeXP was performed to determine the relationship between dominant isolated lactic acid bacteria species and fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability on silage. The results showed that Lentilolactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium were the most prevalent bacteria when silos were opened, whereas Weissella paramesenteroides, Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium and Bacillus spp. were most prevalent bacteria after 7days of aerobic exposure. Dry matter, pH, and WSC content were not affected by SDA, but doses above 5g/kg induced a homofermentative process, which increased lactic acid concentration and lactic acid to acetic acid ratio, decreased yeast count during aerobic exposure, and improved aerobic stability. These findings offer useful information for optimizing SDA usage in silage, assuring improved quality and longer storage, and thereby improving animal husbandry and sustainable feed practices.

Development of a highly sensitive and eco-friendly high-performance thin-layer chromatography approach for the determination of empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin simultaneously in pharmaceutical preparations and different biological fluids

A simple, accurate, green and selective high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin in their synthetic ternary mixture and different biological fluids. These three drugs are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and have shown synergistic effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The ternary combination was separated on silica gel TLC plates G60 F254, utilizing a mixture of n-hexane‒ethyl acetate‒methanol‒glacial acetic acid in ratio (4.2:4:1.75:0.05, V/V) as a developing system using ultraviolet (UV) detection at 230 nm. All experimental parameters were optimized with a linearity range of 5‒250 ng per band for each drug, with good sensitivity and low limit of detection values reached, namely 1.72, 1.79, and 1.52 ng per band for empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin, respectively. The developed method was applied for separation of the studied drugs in their synthetic ternary mixture and different biological fluids, with good recovery results ensuring high efficiency of the proposed approach. Eco scale, green analytical procedure index, and AGREE metric tools were used to evaluate the greenness of the proposed method.

Metagenomics-Based Analysis of the Effect of Rice Straw Substitution for a Proportion of Whole-Plant Corn Silage on the Rumen Flora Structure and Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing a portion of whole-plant corn silage with straw on the rumen microbial community structure and carbohydrate-active enzyme activity. The experiment employed a single-factor randomized trial design, with eight late-lactation Chinese Holstein dairy cows being randomly divided into two groups of four replicates each. The control group (CS group) was fed a diet consisting of alfalfa silage and a mixture of alfalfa and whole-plant corn silage, while the experimental group (RS group) received a diet in which one-third of the corn silage was replaced with straw while keeping the other components unchanged. The experiment lasted for a total of 21 days, with a pre-feeding period of 14 days and a formal period of 7 days. The rumen fluid collected on day 21 was used for the rumen fermentation parameters and metagenomic analysis. The concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the rumen of RS group cows were significantly lower than those in the CS group (p < 0.01). The ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was significantly higher in the RS group compared to the CS group (p < 0.01). Metagenomic sequencing revealed that at the genus level, compared to the CS group, the abundance of unclassified bacteria, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Butyrivibrio, Chlamydia, Fibrobacter, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, and unclassified Bacteroidetes in the rumen of RS group cows increased, while the abundance of Eubacterium decreased ([LDA > 3.6], p < 0.05). Compared to the CS group, the enzymatic activities of α-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC3.2.1.55), β-xylosidase (EC3.2.1.37), β-glucosidase (EC3.2.1.21), β-glucosylceramidase (EC3.2.1.45), xylanase (EC3.2.1.8), and arabinanase (EC3.2.1.99) in the rumen of RS group cows increased (p < 0.05). According to the correlation analysis, Alistipes, Bacteroides, and Butyrivibrio showed a significant negative correlation with propionic acid (p < 0.05) and a significant positive correlation with the acetic acid-to-propionic acid ratio (p < 0.05). They also showed a significant positive correlation with GH2, GH3, GH20, GH29, GH43, GH78, GH92, CE1, GT4, β-glucosidase (EC3.2.1.21), α-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55), β-xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.37), β-glucosylceramidase (EC 3.2.1.45), xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8), and arabinanase (EC 3.2.1.99) (p < 0.05). In summary, straw can not only alter the composition and structure of the rumen microbiota in cows but also affect the relative abundance of CAZymes at different levels within the rumen. Cows may, thus, potentially improve the degradation efficiency of straw diets by increasing the abundance of certain rumen microbiota and enzymes.

Fucoidan, as a marine bioactive substance, has shown great potential in regulating the bone-gut axis

Fucoidans exhibit numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects. Although its potential in regulating intestinal flora has been demonstrated, studies on its impact on bone metabolism and its relationship with the bone-gut axis remain limited. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the effects of fucoidan on the gut-bone axis in ovariectomized mice with osteoporosis. Twenty-one SPF ICR female mice were used in this study, distributed as follows: sham-operated (7), ovariectomized (7), and ovariectomized + fucoidan (200 mg/kg, 7). Subsequently, body indices, blood chemistry, bone specimens, short-chain fatty acids, fecal microbiota content, transmission electron microscopy, and RNA-seq transcriptome analysis were assessed, and statistical analysis was performed. The efficacy of fucoidan in treating osteoporosis was demonstrated in this study. Fucoidan treatment led to a significant increase in bone mineral density and procollagen N-terminal propeptide levels and a significant decrease in body weight and C-terminal peptide of human type I collagen and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05). Fucoidan promoted the health of ovariectomized mice, possibly by regulating the gut-bone axis. It significantly decreased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae UG-014, Parasutterella, and Muribaculum and increased the abundance of Akkermansia and Dubosiella (P < 0.05). Moreover, fucoidan protected the intestinal barrier and increased the acetic acid ratio. These changes in microbiota were significantly correlated with clinical features of osteoporosis (P < 0.05). Lipid metabolism emerged as a pivotal factor in the association between the intestinal microbiota and osteoporosis. Notably, intestinal transcriptome sequencing revealed significant changes in the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (Adipoq, Angptl4, Adrb3, and C3ar1) and bone metabolism (Clec3b, Nrtn, Bpnt2, Ccn3, and Lama2) (P < 0.05). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the unexplored microbiome-based mechanism by which fucoidan improves bone quality in ovariectomized mice, possibly by regulating the gut-bone axis.

Effects of the Oat Hay Feeding Method and Compound Probiotic Supplementation on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Rumen Bacteria Community of Dairy Calves.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the oat hay feeding method and compound probiotics (CMP) on the growth, health, serum antioxidant and immune indicators, rumen fermentation, and bacteria community of dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age. Forty-eight female Holstein calves (80 ± 7 days of age, 93.71 ± 5.33 kg BW) were selected and randomly divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted for the experiment, with the factors of the oat hay feeding method (fed as free-choice or 16.7% in the diet) and compound probiotics (CMP) inclusion (0.15% or 0%) in the pelleted starter. The results showed that, compared with giving oat hay as free-choice, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake at 1-84 d (p < 0.05), with an average daily gain (ADG) at 61-84 d (p = 0.02); adding CMP to the pelleted starter did not significantly affect body weight, and reduced the fecal index (p < 0.05). Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the concentration of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.01), while adding CMP increased the catalase (p < 0.01) and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in serum. Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (p < 0.05) and isobutyric acid (p = 0.08), and decreased the ruminal pH (p = 0.08), the concentration of acetic acid (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.01). Feeding 16.7% oat hay reduced the relative abundance of ruminal Firmicutes, Unidentified-Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, NK4A214-group, Olsenella, and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05); adding CMP increased the relative abundance of ruminal Prevotella, Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group, Ruminococcus, NK4A214-group, and Ruminococcus (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterora, Prevotella-7, and Erysipelotricaceae-UCG-002 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake and average daily gain, while slightly reducing the ruminal pH values; adding CMP to the pelleted starter resulted in reduced diarrhea incidence, increased serum antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as ruminal richness and diversity of microorganisms in dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age.

Synthesis of Precursors to Ethylene Glycol via the Acid-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Formaldehyde

Methyl glycolate was synthesized as a precursor to ethylene glycol from the acid-catalyzed carbonylation of formaldehyde, followed by esterification with methanol. Homogeneous acids and different solid acids (e.g., resins and zeolites) were used as catalysts, and the effect of the solvent was examined. Afterward, a carboxylic acid protection strategy was proposed. With sulfolane and acetic acid as the mixed solvent, the solubility of CO increases, and the reaction rate can be accelerated. The rapid reaction between acetic acid and glycolic acid inhibits glycolic acid polymerization and pulls the reaction balance to promote the carbonylation reaction rate. Under the optimal solvent system (a molar ratio of acetic acid to sulfolane of 1:5) and the appropriate reaction conditions, the selectivity of the target product is higher than 85%. Solid acid catalysts with a −SO3H or −CF2SO3H functional group are supposed to be efficient in the carbonylation of formaldehyde, based on which a supported Nafion catalyst with a high surface area and total acid content was designed and synthesized. The novel supported Nafion catalyst presents a high total acid content and high Brönsted–Lewis acid ratio due to the characteristics of modified zeolite and, thus, leads to the high reactivity and very low selectivity of the by-product. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed to explain the product’s distribution by ascribing the formation of different products to different types of acid sites.

Enteric Methane Emissions, Rumen Fermentation Characteristics, and Energetic Efficiency of Holstein Crossbred Bulls Fed Total Mixed Ration Silage with Cassava instead of Rice Straw

This study investigated the effects of substituting rice straw with cassava in total mixed ration silage on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminating activity, and energy balance. An energy balance experiment was conducted to determine nutrient and energy utilization in dairy bulls. Four Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred young bulls (93.19% HF × 6.81% Native Thai; average age of 12.08 ± 0.22 months and body weight of 266 ± 9.80 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 28-d periods. The four dietary treatments included substituting cassava with rice straw on a 50, 150, 250, and 350 g/kg dry matter basis. Increasing the amount of cassava in the diet resulted in linearly decreased rumination behaviors and enteric methane emissions (p &lt; 0.05) but a linear increase in feed intake and digestibility, total volatile fatty acid concentration, and propionic acid: acetic acid ratio in the rumen fluid (p &lt; 0.05), thus leading to a greater energy balance status (p &lt; 0.01). Our results indicated that replacing cassava with rice straw from 5% to 35% in the ration of Holstein bulls resulted in a substantial reduction in physically effective fiber and chewing time but improved nutrient and energy supply. The metabolizable energy requirement for the maintenance of crossbred dairy bulls was estimated to be 599.9 kJ/kg metabolic body weight and the efficiency of metabolizable energy used for growth was 0.88. We concluded that cassava is a good energy feed resource for Holstein crossbred bulls in the tropics.

Comparative Surface Study of Ru/Cu- and Ag/Cu-Doped RHS Catalysts from Waste Biomass for Biofuel Application.

The present study compares the surface, textural, and catalytic properties of porous silica doped with bimetallic metal ions that was made from rice husk (RH) biomass. Due to the use of a surfactant during the synthesis process, porous RH-silica (RHS) was derived. In situ doping of silver/copper and ruthenium/copper has been achieved via the xerogel and hydrogel formation methods. The prepared catalysts have been analyzed by various methods, such as surface area and narrow pore size distribution, to confirm their porosity. Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and electron microscopy examination were further performed for physicochemical characterization of the synthesized materials. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that ruthenium and copper ions were incorporated perfectly, forming a hexagonal mesoporous (MCM-41) texture due to hydrogel formation and the method of preparation. Copper oxide nanoparticles with silver incorporation in RHS form cube-shaped particles for CuO formation on the surface of the silica matrix instead due to the method of preparation. In this case, ruthenium/copper-doped porous silica forms hexagon-shaped particles of RuO formation in the mesoporous matrix. Finally, the acetylation of glycerol using acetic acid on as-prepared catalysts has been studied. The catalytic activity increases with an increase in temperature and optimization of the molar ratio of glycerol and acetic acid. Increases in temperature result in higher selectivity toward triacetin formation instead of the conventional formation of monoacetin. Hence, we compared the surface physicochemical properties, catalytic conversion, and selectivity nature of bimetallic metal (Ru/Cu and Ag/Cu) ions incorporated in RHS prepared by different synthetic routes.

Effect of bacterial inoculants and their combination with enzymes and chemical additives on fermentation characteristics and ensiling period of maize silage

The study aimed to investigate effect of bacterial inoculants and their combinations with exogenous enzymes and chemical additives on the fermentation characteristics of maize silage at various ensiling periods. Five treatments were prepared viz., bacterial inoculant Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) (control), combination of LP+LF with xylanase enzyme (X), combination of LP+LF with cellulase enzyme (C), combination of LP+LF with X+C and combination of LP+LF with propionic acid (PA). Among the treatments, LP+LF+X+C additive treated silage had minimum dry matter loss throughout ensiling period. There was no significant difference in pH between LP+LF+X+C and LP+LF+X treated silage, but numerically pH value was lower in LP+LF+X+C treated silage. Lactic acid content significantly declined as ensiling period progresses but there was no significant difference among LP+LF+X+C, LP+LF+X treated silage and 15th, 25th days of ensiling. Lactic acid to acetic acid ratio was significantly improved in LP+LF+X+C treated silage as compared to other treatment combinations. The microbial count of silage was increased up to the 15th day of ensiling. This study concluded that desirable pH, lactic acid and flieg point required for good quality silage could be achieved on 15th day of ensiling in silages treated with LP+LF+X+C and LP+LF+X additive combination.

Hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent based microextraction procedure for the determination of four paraben preservatives in vitamin D for babies: A green approach

In this study, an easily available, sensitive, and fast hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent-liquid phase microextraction method developed using deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green solvent for the determination and microextraction of paraben (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl) preservatives in vitamin D for babies. The highest yield for extraction recovery was obtained using DES consisting of a 1:4 M ratio of choline chloride and acetic acid. Moreover, various optimization parameters such as DES volume, DES type, sample volume, and centrifugation time were investigated in order to develop a real sample specific microextraction method. Relative standard deviation values were 0.92%-2.87%, the detection limit was 0.194–0.254 µg/mL, and extraction recovery values were between 87.40% and 102.98%. The method developed in this study was successfully applied to 5 different babies in vitamin D for babies obtained from pharmacies for the determination of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butylparaben. As far as we know, it is the first study conducted both in terms of the determination of paraben preservatives in vitamin D for babies and in terms of the fact that DES used in this study is used for the first time in vitamin D for babies.

Comparison of Black Tea Waste and Legume Roughages: Methane Mitigation and Rumen Fermentation Parameters.

The chemical composition, in vitro total gas and CH4 production and performance of cattle fed on factory black tea waste (Camellia sinensis) (BTW), alfalfa (Medicago Sativa), sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and white clover (Trifolium repens) was investigated. The gas production was quantified at the 24th hour of the incubation process. BTW was found to vary from roughages in chemical composition (p < 0.05). In addition, the roughages differed in terms of nutrient composition and gas production (p < 0.05). In legume roughages, acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) values ranged from 52.36-57.00 mmol/L, 13.46-17.20 mmol/L, 9.79-12.43 mmol/L, and 79.71-89.05 mmol/L, respectively. In comparison with black tea waste, legume roughages had higher values of AA, PA, BA, and TVFA. Black tea waste contained a higher acetic acid ratio than legume roughages when compared as a percentage. There was a similar ratio of propionic acid to the rate calculated for sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and clover (Trifolium repens), and a similar ratio of butyric acid to the ratio determined for alfalfa (Medicago Sativa). The current study shows that the 5.7-6.3% tannin content of black tea waste can be used in ruminant rations with high-quality roughages. Due to the fact that BTW reduces methane emissions from ruminants and eliminates energy waste from them, the environment can be improved. To obtain more reliable results, further animal feeding experiments on legume roughages and BTW are required.

Dietary fat supplement affected energy and nitrogen metabolism efficiency and shifted rumen fermentation toward glucogenic propionate production via enrichment of Succiniclasticum in male twin lambs1

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fat on energy and nitrogen (N) metabolism efficiency, rumen fermentation, and microbiota in twin suckling lambs. Thirty pairs of twin male lambs were randomly divided into two groups with one group receiving a high-fat diet (HF) and the other a normal-fat diet (NF). Two diets (milk replacer and starter) of equal protein and different fat levels. The metabolism test was conducted when the lambs were 50-60 days old, and nine pairs of twin lambs were randomly selected for slaughter to collect rumen fluid at 60 days old. The result showed that fat addition increased the final body weight (BW), ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content, proportion of propionic acid, and estimated methane production (CH4e) (P < 0.05). The high fat diet tended to improve digestive energy (DE), metabolism energy (ME), DE/ME, utilisation of N (0.05 <P < 0.1). However, microbial crude protein (MCP) content, total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic acid ratio, and the ratio of acetate to propionate (A:P) were lower than that in the NF group (P < 0.05). Regardless of whether fat is added or not, no different were observed in blood metabolites between the treatment. High-throughput sequencing revealed that fat addition before weaning increased phyla Proteobacteria and genera of Succinivibrio, but decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium IV, Dialister, Roseburia, Acidaminococcus, and Megasphaera genera. These findings indicated that high fat diet improved body weight, energy and nitrogen utilization may by shifting the rumen toward propionate fermentation via the enrichment of Succinivibrio.

Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold Optimisation through Modification of Chitosan/Ceramic Composition

A large bone defect is defined as a defect that exceeds the regenerative capacity of the bone. Nowadays, autologous bone grafting is still the gold standard treatment. In this study, a hybrid bone tissue engineering scaffold (BTE) was designed with biocompatibility, biodegradability and adequate mechanical strength as the primary objectives. Chitosan (CS) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that can be used in a wide range of applications in bone tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and fluorapatite (FAp) have the potential to improve the mechanical properties of CS. In the present work, different volumes of acetic acid (AA) and different ratios of HAp and FAp scaffolds were prepared and UV cross-linked to form a 3D structure. The properties of the scaffolds were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, swelling studies and compression testing. The cytotoxicity result was obtained by the MTT assay. The degradation rate was tested by weight loss after the scaffold was immersed in SBF. The results showed that a crosslinked structure was formed and that bonding occurred between different materials within the scaffold. Additionally, the scaffolds not only provided sufficient mechanical strength but were also cytocompatibility, depending on their composition. The scaffolds were degraded gradually within a 6-to-8-week testing period, which closely matches bone regeneration rates, indicating their potential in the BTE field.

Effects of dietary crude protein levels in the concentrate supplement after grazing on rumen microbiota and metabolites by using metagenomics and metabolomics in Jersey-yak.

The crude protein level in the diet will affect the fermentation parameters, microflora, and metabolites in the rumen of ruminants. It is of great significance to study the effect of crude protein levels in supplementary diet on microbial community and metabolites for improving animal growth performance. At present, the effects of crude protein level in supplementary diet on rumen fermentation parameters, microbial community, and metabolites of Jersey-Yak (JY) are still unclear. The purpose of this experiment was to study the appropriate crude protein level in the diet of JY. The rumen fermentation indexes (volatile fatty acids and pH) were determined by supplementary diets with crude protein levels of 15.16 and 17.90%, respectively, and the microbial community and metabolites of JYs were analyzed by non-target metabonomics and metagenome sequencing technology, and the changes of rumen fermentation parameters, microbial flora, and metabolites in the three groups and their interactions were studied. The crude protein level in the supplementary diet had significant effects on pH, valeric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.05). The protein level had no significant effect on the dominant microflora at the phylum level (p > 0.05), and all three groups were Bacteroides and Firmicutes. The results of metabolite analysis showed that the crude protein level of supplementary diet significantly affected the metabolic pathways such as Bile secretion and styrene degradation (p < 0.05), and there were different metabolites between the LP group and HP group, and these different metabolites were related to the dominant microbial to some extent. To sum up, in this experiment, the effects of crude protein level in supplementary diet on rumen microorganisms and metabolites of JY and their relationship were studied, which provided the theoretical basis for formulating a more scientific and reasonable supplementary diet in the future.