Physiological pH Research Articles

Analysis of disturbance factors of magnetorheological damper in continuous impact buffer system

Abstract Magnetorheological (MR) impact buffering systems are widely used in vehicle suspensions, bridge damping, and aircraft landing gear due to their excellent buffering performance and rapid response time. However, under the condition of high-speed continuous impact, magnetorheological damper (MRD) operate in complex environments where various internal and external uncertainties can negatively affect control performance. This paper analyzes the impact of disturbance signals on MR buffering systems and explores control strategies to mitigate these effects. First, we established a hysteresis model based on experimental data and identified parameters using a genetic algorithm to determine the influence of hysteresis disturbances. Next, we developed a temperature model based on the thermal characteristics of SG-MRF2035 magnetorheological fluid, fitting the relationship between temperature and dynamic viscosity to identify temperature disturbances. The results showed that when disturbances were considered, the system exhibited higher peak damping forces and a deviation from the desired ‘platform effect’ in the damping force-displacement relationship. Finally, we applied an Active Disturbance Rejection Control(ADRC) strategy, which effectively compensated for the hysteresis and temperature disturbances, enhancing the system’s robustness. Compared to PID control, the ADRC-controlled system demonstrated lower peak damping forces and a damping force-displacement relationship closer to the desired platform effect.

Increasing the reliability of oil and gas well fastening with polycomponent plugging systems

Purpose. Development of effective composite plugging systems for reliable fastening of oil and gas wells in difficult mining-geological conditions of deposits of Ukraine. Methods. The proposed research is based on an analytical and industrial study of the problems of the well construction and fastening in the conditions of chemogenic deposit occurrence when applying the analysis of geophysical research materials. The research of tamponage solutions and buffer liquids was carried out using standard devices and methods that meet the set of requirements for testing cements and technological systems for well construction. Processing of research results was carried out in MATHSAD and EXCEL. Composite cement CEM V according to the European standard EN 197-1, tamponage cement 1-G, krents - high-basic C2F CaSO4 and low-basic 3(CF) CaSO4 calcium sulfoferites were used for the research. Findings. It was established that the basic plugging material, as well as technological solutions for fastening wells in difficult mining-geological conditions, do not ensure compliance of the well as an engineering structure with operational reliability indicators. As a result, violations in the fastening system are quite often recorded, which require significant time and financial costs for their elimination, and sometimes lead to well liquidation. In order to increase the reliability of fastening wells, it is necessary to use multi-component tamponade systems modified by krents. Calcium sulfoferrite admixtures have been proved to accelerate the kinetics of early strength and contribute to the formation of cement stone with improved characteristics. The need to use effective buffer systems to improve the quality of fastening is substantiated. Originality. On the basis of assessment, systematization and detailed study of geophysical material and features of well fastening under the conditions of exposure to chemogenic sediments, the necessity of using composite plugging material was established. The conducted studies have proved that to ensure reliable fastening of wells in difficult mining-geological conditions, it is necessary to use multicomponent composite plugging material modified by calcium sulfoferites with accelerated kinetics of early strength, which form cement stone with a densely packed structure. Practical implications. Based on the industrial material evaluation and detailed laboratory studies, technological solutions have been developed to increase the reliability of well fastening due to the introduction of multi-component composite plugging material modified by krents and buffer liquids.

Effects of Timing of Repair on Mortality Following Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI) are traditionally treated as emergencies with most fixed within 24 hours of arrival by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) regardless of grade of injury. However, the optimal timing of repair remains debated. All patients with grade 2 and 3 BTAI enrolled in the Aortic Trauma Foundation prospective multi-center registry from 2015 to 2022 were categorized dependent on timing of repair (ER=Early Repair<24 hours, LR=Late Repair>24 hours). Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests were used to compare patient/operative factors and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to 30-day mortality. 222 Grade 2 and 3 BTAI treated by TEVAR were analysed, with 179 in the ER group (81%). There was no difference between the groups regarding Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), age, or gender. Those in ER were more likely to have a widened mediastinum and a shorter distance from the left subclavian artery to the injury. 30-day in-hospital mortality occurred in 14 patients (6%); 2 of which were aortic-related. 30-day mortality was associated with a higher baseline incidence of CAD/PVD/previous cardiac revascularisation; lower systolic blood pressure, GCS, hemoglobin, platelet count and blood pH; and higher lactate and ISS on arrival. On multivariate regression analysis, lower haemoglobin, higher ISS, and Grade 3 BTAI were associated with 30-day mortality (p<0.05), although time to TEVAR was not. In selected patients, delay in performance of TEVAR for Grade 2 & 3 BTAI may be possible. Further research is necessary to identify other factors predictive of success.

Protective role of hypoxia-induced factor-1α and HIF-1A gene polymorphism in the development of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute surgical disease of the abdominal cavity that becomes severe in 20-30% of patients and has a mortality rate reaching 25%. Hypoxia that occurs during AP may be associated with the activation of a regulatory protein, hypoxia-inducible factor-1á (HIF-1á), which plays an important role in the body’s response to hypoxia. The HIF-1 transcription factor induces the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, erythropoiesis and cellular metabolism, and maintenance of intracellular pH. The purpose of the work is to study the relationship between HIF-1á blood levels and polymorphism of the HIF-1A gene with the criteria of hypoxia, tissue damage and severity of AP. We examined 93 patients with AP of varying severity on days 1 and 3 of the disease, age 48 (39-67) years. We identified 3 groups of patients: with mild AP – 32 people, moderate – 26 people, or severe – 35 people. The comparison group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers, average age 47 (39-56) years. The HIF-1á levels, the presence of HIF-1A gene polymorphism, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, D-dimer, S100 protein, clinical blood test, and blood gas composition were assessed. In patients with AP, clinical and laboratory signs of acute inflammation, microcirculation disorders, hypoxia and organ dysfunction were observed. With mild severity of AP on days 1-3 of observation, the HIF-1á level exceeded its content in the comparison group. With moderate and severe AP, the production of HIF-1á as a factor of adaptation to hypoxia decreased. A relationship was found between the HIF-1á level and the severity of AP. In the same patients, the HIF-1A gene polymorphism (1772CT, rs11549465) was studied to identify carriage of the C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes. It was determined that among the patients, patients with С/С predominated, in whom the concentration of HIF-1á was lower than in the group with С/T. Mortality among patients with the C/C genotype and severe AP was 47%. In the group with the C/T genotype, all patients were discharged, including those with severe AP. A relationship was found between HIF-1á blood levels and the marker of tissue damage S100, mixed hypoxia – lactate, and acid-base state – pHt. The results allow us to consider HIF-1A genotypes as potential predictors of the severity of AP.

Graphene-Based Nano Drug Delivery of Curcumin for the Treatment of Dengue Fever.

Graphene, which is defined as a single-layered sp2 hybridized carbon atoms placed in a honeycomb-like crystal lattice when converted to graphene oxide, has proven its worth by showing its tremendous capacity in controlling the release rate of drugs by entrapping in the numerous pockets present inside it through π-π stacking interaction when used as a nanocarrier. In this experiment graphene oxide was synthesized through traditional Hummer’s method and was used as a nanocarrier to target nanosized drugs, which was prepared by loading curcumin drug into the PVP functionalized graphene oxide by using necessary procedures. After the successful confirmation of the stability, functionalization, and compatibility through various characterization procedures and effective drug loading into the systems, the release behavior of the formulations has been checked through dialysis bag diffusion technique using potassium phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.2, 4.0 and 9.2) for selection of the best medium for determination of the successful sustained-release behavior of the drugs through the dialysis membrane which concluded with satisfactory, sustained and constant drug release phenomenon in the acidic environment reflecting an idea of the fact its favorable release in acidic pH. It is a fact known that dengue fever causes systemic acidosis i.e., reduction of the pH of blood below 7. Thus, when used in-vivo there is a possibility that the formulation has easy access to its target and, performs the desired mechanism of action and can be used as a therapeutic delivery system against the Dengue virus.

Does placental VEGF-A protein expression predict early neurological outcome of neonates from FGR complicated pregnancies?

Fetal hypoxia due to placental dysfunction is thehallmark of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing effect), as a part of physiological placental cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to hypoxia, in FGR was reported. Therefore, the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) protein expression in the FGR placentas and newborns' early neurological outcome was examined. This study included 50 women with FGR complicated pregnancies and 30 uneventful pregnancies. Fetal hemodynamic parameters, neonatal acid-base status after delivery, placental pathohistology and VEGF-A expression were followed. Early neonatal morphological brain evaluation by ultrasound and functional evaluation of neurological status by Amiel- Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (ATNAT) were performed. VEGF-A protein expression level was significantly higher in the FGR placentas than normal term placentas (Fisher-Freeman-Halton's test, p≤0.001). No statistically significant correlation between placental VEGF-A expression and different prenatal and postnatal parameters was noticed. Whereas the alteration of an early neurological status assessed by ATNAT was found in 58 % of FGR newborns, morphological brain changes evaluated by UZV was noticed in 48 % of cases. No association between the level of placental VEGF-A expression and the early neurological deficits was found. As far as we know this is the first study of a possible connection between VEGF-A protein expression in the FGR placentas and neonates' early neurological outcomes. The lack of correlation between the FGR placental VEGF-A expression and neonates' neurological outcome could indicate that optimal early neurodevelopment may take place due to compensatory mechanism not related to placental VEGF-A expression.

Harnessing nanotechnology for breast cancer management: UiO-66 (NH2) metal-organic frameworks functionalized with chitosan and folic acid for the efficient delivery of doxorubicin

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity globally, which could be due to a lack of effective treatments. The inherent inadequacies of traditional medicines in terms of tumour selectivity and undesired toxicity urge us to seek alternative therapies to address these drawbacks. Metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized for use in drug delivery systems (DDS) because of their improved porosity and larger specific surface area. In this research, UiO-66-NH2 MOFs were synthesized via a solvothermal technique and functionalized with chitosan-folic acid (CS-FA) as a DDS for targeted doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. The MOF nanoplatforms were characterized via different techniques, including FTIR, PXRD, BET, TEM, DLS, TGA, SEM, and TGA. Remarkably, compared with the unmodified MOF, UiO-DOX@CS-FA delayed DOX release due to a gated effect induced by the CS-FA surface coating. pH-sensitive DOX release was observed, where 39.76 % of the drug was released in the tumour-mimicking pH of 5.2, whereas 5.84 % of the drug was released at physiological pH (7.4). In vitro cellular toxicity and uptake investigations demonstrated that UiO-DOX@CS-FA is a highly effective targeted DDS against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, in vivo toxicity studies in Wistar rats revealed no evidence of serious adverse effects. The variety of pharmacokinetic characteristics tested indicated that the bioavailability and release kinetics of DOX improved. Our findings lay the groundwork for the development and production of novel polymer conjugate-based nanoparticles with increased tumour-targeting efficacy.

Genetic differentiation and heavy metal pollution influence on horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas populations in Peninsular Malaysia: A comprehensive allozyme analysis

This study aimed study the genetic diversity and differentiation of Asian horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas (Müller, 1785) populations across three distinct locations in Peninsular Malaysia: Kampung Pasir Puteh (KPPuteh), Kuala Sungai Ayam (KSAyam), and Kampung Pulau Sayak (KPSayak). A total of 28 individuals were collected, and their genetic structure was analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis. The study employed multiple buffer systems optimized for separating 20 different enzymes, each contributing to understanding the genetic variability within and between populations. The findings of this study, which revealed significant genetic differentiation, particularly between populations in polluted and less impacted environments, as reflected by high FST values and distinct clustering in the UPGMA dendrogram, are of paramount importance. The results indicate that environmental factors, especially metal-polluted sites at KPPuteh and KSAyam, have played a critical role in shaping the genetic structure of these populations. Populations from the two polluted sites, exhibited higher genetic diversity and greater deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting localized selection pressures. Conversely, from a less polluted site, the unpolluted site at KPSayak population showed lower genetic variability and was genetically distinct from the others. These findings underscore the importance of considering environmental influences in conservation strategies for T. gigas, highlighting the need for site-specific management to preserve genetic diversity and ensure long-term survival of the species.

Synthesis and evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles from banana peel (Musa spp.) extract for the delivery of ciprofloxacin against resistant Escherichia coli

Background and objectiveResistance to antimicrobials is one of our most significant worldwide challenges. In Africa, around 31 % of the infections of urinary tract (UTIs) initiated by Escherichia coli (E. coli) have been observed to develop ciprofloxacin (CIP) resistance. As a result, significant efforts have been made to investigate novel and improved antibiotics. This study aimed at synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using banana peels (Musa Spp.) extract for delivery of CIP against resistant E. coli. MethodsA green synthesis method was used for the synthesis of IONPs using FeCl3.6H2O as a precursor and banana peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The physicochemical characteristics of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using different methods. ResultsThe formation of hematite (α-Fe2O3) was confirmed with its FTIR characteristic peak at 461 cm−1, 542 cm−1, and 1131 cm−1. The size of synthesized IONPs was found to be 10.4 nm ± 1.98, 48 nm ± 0.9, and 67.3 nm ± 0.9 under XRD, SEM, and DLS measurements respectively. CIP-IONPs had almost the maximum drug loading capacity (33.3 % ± 0.67) with fast and slow drug release patterns at gastric and intestinal or blood pH respectively, and it had a promising resistant reversal with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) 22 mm ± 0.15 against resistance E. coli. ConclusionThe green synthesis of IONP using banana peel extract represents a novel and eco-friendly approach for the delivery of ciprofloxacin, with potential applications in addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Automated Production of [68Ga]Ga-Desferrioxamine B on Two Different Synthesis Platforms.

Background/Objectives: PET imaging of bacterial infection could potentially provide added benefits for patient care through non-invasive means. [68Ga]Ga-desferrioxamine B-a radiolabelled siderophore-shows specific uptake by human-pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and sufficient serum stability for clinical application. In this report, we present data for automated production of [68Ga]Ga-desferrioxamine B on two different cassette-based synthesis modules (Modular-Lab PharmTracer and GRP 3V) utilising commercially obtainable cassettes together with a licensed 68Ge/68Ga radionuclide generator. Methods: Quality control, including the determination of radiochemical purity, as well as a system suitability test, was set up via RP-HPLC on a C18 column. The two described production processes use an acetic acid/acetate buffer system with ascorbic acid as a radical scavenger for radiolabelling, yielding ready-to-use formulations with sufficient activity yield. Results: Batch data analysis demonstrated radiochemical purity of >95% by RP-HPLC combined with ITLC and excellent stability up to 2 h after synthesis. Specifications for routine production were set up and validated with four masterbatches for each synthesis module. Conclusions: Based on this study, an academic clinical trial for imaging of bacterial infection was initiated. Both described synthesis methods enable automated production of [68Ga]Ga-desferrioxamine B in-house with high reproducibility for clinical application.

Nanomolar Hg2+ detection via phenothiazine fluorogenic chemosensor: Applications in water analysis and intracellular imaging

A Knoevenagel condensation reaction paved the way for the development of the PTZ-BCN probe namely (z)-2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)-3-(10-ethyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl) acrylonitrile. PTZ-BCN’s spectral characteristics were verified through the application of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS techniques. The PTZ-BCN probe showed a high selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg2+ ions over other interfering competing metal ions in CH3CN: HEPES buffer (9:1, v/v) system. The addition of Hg2+ results in a notable redshift and fluorescence quenching of the PTZ-BCN probe. An examination of the interaction between the PTZ-BCN probe and Hg2+ involved recoding 1H NMR titration spectra, HRMS, DFT analysis, and Job’s plot respectively. Quantification of the lowest detectable Hg2+ concentration at 2.3 nM, exhibiting a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9985. PTZ-BCN probe has proven effective in quantitatively determining the existence of Hg2+ in real-time water samples, test strips, solid state, and Hela living cells.

Short duration heatwaves increase body temperature and alter blood gas balance but may not cause oxidative stress and intestinal structure variations in lambs

This study investigated the impact of short duration heatwaves (HW) on the body temperature, blood gas, intestinal histology, and oxidative stress parameters of second cross lambs. Seventy-two second cross lambs [Poll Dorset × (Border Leicester × Merino)] were selected and exposed to either one, three or five days HW (28–38°C and 40–60 % relative humidity (RH)) or thermoneutral (TN; 18–21°C, 40–55 % RH) conditions in climate-controlled chambers. Lambs exposed to one to five days HW exhibited higher face, eye and ear temperature compared to animals exposed to equal duration under TN conditions. HW also had a significant impact on blood gas parameters which include higher blood pH, and lower CO2, Ca2+, Na+, CHCO3- and Cl-. However, HW lambs’ histology structure of the ileum and the GSSG: GSH of the ileum and Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle were not influenced (P > 0.05) by HW. LT muscle showed higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in HW conditions, but the TAC of intestine and blood had no difference between HW and TN groups. These results suggest that short-duration HW (one to five days) had a significant impact on lambs’ body temperature and blood parameters, but neither caused oxidative stress nor any changes in their intestinal structure.

Mutation/metal deficiency in the "electrostatic loop" enhanced aggregation process in apo/holo SOD1 variants: implications for ALS diseases

Despite the many mechanisms it has created to prevent unfolding and aggregation of proteins, many diseases are caused by abnormal folding of proteins, which are called misfolding diseases. During this process, proteins undergo structural changes and become stable, insoluble beta-sheet aggregates called amyloid fibrils. Mutations/disruptions in metal ion homeostasis in the ALS-associated metalloenzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1) reduce conformational stability, consistent with the protein aggregation hypothesis for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanism of involvement is not well understood. Hence, to understand the role of mutation/ metal deficiency in SOD1 misfolding and aggregation, we investigated the effects of apo/holo SOD1 variants on structural properties using biophysical/experimental techniques. The MD results support the idea that the mutation/metal deficiency can lead to a change in conformation. The increased content of β-sheet structures in apo/holo SOD1 variants can be attributed to the aggregation tendency, which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and dictionary of secondary structure in proteins (DSSP) results. Thermodynamic studies of GdnHCl showed that metal deficiency/mutation/intramolecular S–S reduction together are required to initiate misfolding/aggregation of SOD1. The results showed that apo/holo SOD1 variants under destabilizing conditions induced amyloid aggregates at physiological pH, which were detected by ThT/ANS fluorescence, as well as further confirmation of amyloid/amorphous species by TEM. This study confirms that mutations in the electrostatic loop of SOD1 lead to structural abnormalities, including changes in hydrophobicity, reduced disulfide bonds, and an increased propensity for protein denaturation. This process facilitates the formation of amyloid/amorphous aggregates ALS-associated.

Buffer system improves the removal of host cell protein impurities in monoclonal antibody purification.

Polysorbates (PS) are commonly used as stabilizers of biopharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). However, they are prone to chemical and enzymatic degradation. The latter can be caused by residual host cell proteins (HCPs) in the drug substance. Degradation affects the functionality of the PS surfactant which can lead to formation of particles. An increasing number of publications describe enzymatic PS degradation. Significant efforts have been made to characterize HCP removal during Downstream Processing (DSP) of mAbs and to develop mitigation strategies. Here we describe the use of glycine buffer for acidic elution in Protein A affinity chromatography compared to acetate buffer, which is more commonly used in the biopharmaceutical industry. Increased turbidity was observed during pH re-adjustment after low pH virus inactivation when using glycine buffer. Analytical data suggests that this turbidity is caused by the formation of precipitates which include HCP and DNA impurities. Additionally, as a zwitterion, glycine does not contribute to conductivity; this further enhances HCP removal during anion-exchange flow-through chromatography. Although glycine is well known as a possible elution buffer for Protein A affinity chromatography, its positive impact on HCP removal and PS stability have not yet been described in literature.

The long non-coding RNA ROSALIND protects the mitochondrial translational machinery from oxidative damage.

Upregulation of mitochondrial respiration coupled with high ROS-scavenging capacity is a characteristic shared by drug-tolerant cells in several cancers. As translational fidelity is essential for cell fitness, protection of the mitochondrial and cytosolic ribosomes from oxidative damage is pivotal. While mechanisms for recognising and repairing such damage exist in the cytoplasm, the corresponding process in the mitochondria remains unclear.By performing Ascorbate PEroXidase (APEX)-proximity ligation assay directed to the mitochondrial matrix followed by isolation and sequencing of RNA associated to mitochondrial proteins, we identified the nuclear-encoded lncRNA ROSALIND as an interacting partner of ribosomes. ROSALIND is upregulated in recurrent tumours and its expression can discriminate between responders and non-responders to immune checkpoint blockade in a melanoma cohort of patients. Featuring an unusually high G content, ROSALIND serves as a substrate for oxidation. Consequently, inhibiting ROSALIND leads to an increase in ROS and protein oxidation, resulting in severe mitochondrial respiration defects. This, in turn, impairs melanoma cell viability and increases immunogenicity both in vitro and ex vivo in preclinical humanised cancer models. These findings underscore the role of ROSALIND as a novel ROS buffering system, safeguarding mitochondrial translation from oxidative stress, and shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.

A Novel Method for Development and Validation of the Degradation Products Analysis of N-Carbamylglutamate with UHPLC by Using Design of Experiment Approach.

Carglumic acid, also known as N-carbamyl-l-glutamic acid, is a medication used in the treatment of a rare genetic disorder called N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency. To the authors' knowledge, there was no method reported in the literature for the determination of degradation products suitable for quality control analyses of carglumic acid. Thus, the aim of the presented study is to develop an impurity method with a UHPLC/DAD detector configuration compatible with industrial standards from the European Pharmacopeia and the United States Pharmacopeia, making the drug more accessible for developing and underdeveloped countries through its precise evaluation. The method involved the separation of carglumic acid and its degradation products using a reverse-phase C18 column (Waters, BEH 150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) at a flow rate of 0.39 mL/min with a stop time of 10 min. To separate all unknown and known impurities, a gradient elution (phosphate buffer, pH 2.4, and acetonitrile) system was used. The detection was performed at 214 nm. Forced degradation studies were conducted under different stress conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic stress. Placket-Burman statistical experimental design was used to demonstrate the robustness of this method, and the suitability of the method was confirmed under the applied conditions. Box-Behnken design was used to provide the optimum resolution between the peaks determined to be critical during the optimization. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.7 and 0.15 μg/mL for carglumic acid, respectively.

PSXII-21 How does the inclusion of dried distillers grains plus soluble affect short-chain fatty acid and methane production in feedlot diets?

Abstract The inclusion of the coproduct dry distillers grains plus soluble (DDGS) in the diet of finishing cattle can lead to changes in the nutritional profile of the diets, causing an increase in protein content and a reduction in starch. It is necessary to understand how changes in rumen substrates affect rumen metabolic activity, acids, and enteric methane (CH4) production. Five treatments were used, considering levels of DDGS inclusion in the dry matter (DM) of 1) 0 g/kg of DDGS, 2) 150 g/kg of DDGS, 3) 300 g/kg of DDGS, 4) 450 g/kg DDGS, or 5) 600 g/kg DDGS in finishing diets. The metabolism experiment was conducted with rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (n = 20) with initial body weight (BW) of 401.8 ± 27.0 kg. The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and CH4 were determined using the ex-situ ruminal fermentation technique. Rumen content was manually collected from 0, 4, 8 and 12 h post-feeding. The liquid and solid fractions of rumen content were used in four 50 mL penicillin-type flasks per animal. Of the four flasks prepared, two are called “blank” and inactivated in boiling water to stop fermentation, and the other two (microrumen) are incubated in a thermostatic bath, simulating the conditions existing in the rumen of animals (presence of microorganisms, anaerobes, temperature of 39ºC, natural animal saliva, physiological pH) for 30 min. After 30 min, incubated flasks were also inactivated in boiling water to stop fermentation. Subsequently, measurements of the final products of rumen fermentation (SCFA and CH4) were carried out in each bottle. Total rumen emptying was performed to determine the rumen pool of DM. The data will be analyzed in the SAS software, the mean of the treatments will be compared using test of mean and orthogonal contrasts. The declared significance is P ≤ 0.05. The inclusion or levels of DDGS did not affect CH4 production of gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 and gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There was an effect of the treatments on the production of propionate (gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1; P = 0.0448), with a decreasing linear effect (P = 0.0087) with the increase in the inclusion of DDGS in diet (0; 150; 300; 450; 600 g/kg of DDGS; means 137.20; 160.32; 117.60; 87.09; 91.52 gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 propionate, respectively). There was no effect of DDGS levels on the production of Acetate, Butyrate, or total SCFAs (gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1). In summary, DDGS inclusion affects rumen metabolic activity, decreasing propionate production, but does not affect the production of other SCFAs nor CH4 production.

Machine Learning Enables Reliable Colorimetric Detection of pH and Glucose in Wearable Sweat Sensors

AbstractIn healthcare, blood pH and glucose levels are critical indicators, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes. Although taking blood samples is accurate, it is invasive and unaffordable for many. Wearable sensors offer non‐invasive and continuous detection methods, yet face major challenges, such as high cost, inaccuracies, and complex interpretation. Colorimetric wearable sensors integrated with machine learning (ML) are introduced for accurately detecting pH values and glucose concentrations in sweat. These battery‐free and cost‐effective biosensors, made of cotton textiles, are designed to work seamlessly with smartphones for data collection and automated analysis. A new pH indicator is synthesized with enhanced sensitivity and two types of glucose sensors are developed by depositing enzymatic solutions onto cotton substrates. The sensors' performance is assessed using standard solutions with known pH levels ranging from 4 to 10 and glucose concentrations between 0.03 to 1 mm. The photos captured from these sensors are then analyzed by image processing and three different ML algorithms, achieving an accuracy of 90% in pH and glucose detection. These findings provide effective synthesis methods for textile‐based sweat sensors and demonstrate the significance of employing different ML algorithms for their colorimetric analysis, thus eliminating the need for human intervention in the process.

Prognostic Significance of Lactate Clearance in Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema in the Emergency Department.

Background and Objectives: Acute cardiorespiratory failure disrupts the delicate balance of energy supply, demand, and consumption, with elevated lactate levels and decreased blood pH serving as crucial indicators. Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPO), a common cause of acute respiratory failure, poses a substantial mortality risk. Lactate, a byproduct of pyruvate reduction, is a pertinent marker in perfusion assessment. Lactate clearance (LC) has proven prognostic efficacy in various conditions but lacks consensus on its predictive power in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted in a metropolitan area's third-level emergency department, involved patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema from May 2021 to August 2023. The inclusion criteria specified acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, excluding patients with incomplete data or other respiratory conditions. Lactate clearance, calculated at presentation and after 6 h, served as the primary outcome predictor. Our data analysis employed logistic regression, the ROC curve, and statistical tests. Results: The cohort of 106 patients revealed that a lactate clearance below 14.29% was significantly associated with mortality. While 51.6% of survivors were discharged, LC's predictive success for discharge was inconclusive. Logistic regression underscored the significance of lactate clearance, with a one-unit increase yielding a 5.55-fold probability of survival. The AUC for LC was 0.759. Conclusions: This study pioneers the exploration of lactate clearance in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. LC below 14.29% signifies a poor prognosis, emphasizing its potential as an early treatment initiation marker. While acknowledging this study's limitations, we advocate for further multicenter research to refine the understanding of lactate clearance in this context.

Interaction between reacetylated chitosan and albumin in alcalescent media

Interaction of chitosan and its derivatives with proteins of animal blood at blood pH relevant conditions is of a particular interest for construction of antimicrobial chitosan/protein-based drug delivery systems. In this work, the interaction of a series of N-reacetylated oligochitosans (RA-CHI) having Mw of 10–12 kDa and differing in the degree of acetylation (DA 19, 24, and 40 %) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in alkalescent media is described in first. It is shown that RA-CHI forms soluble complexes with BSA in solutions with pH 7.4 and a low ionic strength. Light scattering study shows that soluble RA-CHI complexes have spherical form with the radius of about 100 nm. Circular dichroism, fluorescent spectroscopy, and micro-IR spectroscopy studies show that the secondary structure of BSA in soluble complexes remain intact. Isothermal titration calorimetry of RA-CHI with DA 24 % and BSA mixing in the buffers with different ionization heats reveals a significant contribution of electrostatic forces to the binding process and an additional ionization of chitosan due to the proton transfer from the buffer substance. An increase of ionic strength to the blood relevant value 0.15 M suppresses the binding. It is shown that application of RA-CHI with higher DA value leads to a decrease in the affinity of RA-CHI to BSA and an alteration of the interaction mechanism. The finding opens an opportunity to the application of N-reacetylated chitosan derivatives in the complex systems compatible with blood plasma proteins.