Acid Utilization Research Articles

Acid-mediated strategies designed for stretchable and durable polyacrylamide/sodium alginate dual-network hydrogels toward flexible capacitors and wearable sensors

The utilization of acid as a synthesis assistant provides an effective means to regulate the structure of hydrogels, thereby simplifying the design and preparation process of multifunctional hydrogels. However, there remains a dearth of discourse concerning the utilization of this convenient acid-mediated strategy, which possesses the potential to directly govern molecular interactions within gel networks for rational structure and property design. Herein, we describe the preparation of flexible dual-network conductive hydrogels using polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA) as substrates, driven by the strategy of acid-mediated (HCI, H2SO4, and H2C2O4) in detail for the first time. Especially, the structure-activity relationship of hydrogels was elucidated through a comparative analysis of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and empirical properties, thereby enhancing the understanding of this field. Furthermore, extensive investigations have been conducted to explore the distinct impacts of acid ions and concentrations. The acid-mediated method exhibits superior versatility and operability compared to the filler modification method, thereby enabling a more convenient acquisition of conductive and robust hydrogels suitable for flexible capacitors and wearable sensors. Consequently, this study presents a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective universal strategy for targeted functional hydrogel design.

Exploring Ascorbic Acid's Role in Orthopedic Practices: Present Theories, Innovative Approaches, and Prospects.

In the human body, ascorbic acid (AA) is known for its potent antioxidant and reducing properties and also plays a vital role in supporting the growth of bones and cartilage. It has been used extensively in orthopedicsurgery. Ongoing studies under the umbrella of ascorbic acidresearch investigate its impact on bone and tendon physiology, as well as its influence on joint replacement and postoperative pain. The majority of both laboratory and human studies link the usage of ascorbic acidto enhanced bone health and improved tendon healing. Recent literature suggest that ascorbic acidadministration may have a positive impact on the outcome of orthopedic procedures. On the other hand, controversy exists regarding the efficacy of ascorbic acidin reducing the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome. In brief, the effectiveness of ascorbic acidin enhancing orthopedic procedure outcomes remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Although certain studies have hinted at the potential positive influence of ascorbic acidon these outcomes, further research is required to validate its effectiveness and ascertain the ideal dosage and method of administration for maximizing its anticipated advantages. To establish the efficacy of ascorbic acidin improving orthopedic procedure outcomes, rigorous human trials of high quality are imperative. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of ascorbic acid's utilization in orthopedic practices and to pinpoint prospective areas for future research.

Genomic and phenotypic characterization of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Reading isolates involved in a turkey-associated foodborne outbreak.

Salmonella is a global bacterial foodborne pathogen associated with a variety of contaminated food products. Poultry products are a common source of Salmonella-associated foodborne illness, and an estimated 7% of human illnesses in the United States are attributed to turkey products. From November 2017 to March 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a turkey-associated outbreak of multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) Salmonella enterica serovar Reading (S. Reading) linked to 358 human infections in 42 US states and Canada. Since S. Reading was seldom linked to human illness prior to this outbreak, the current study compared genomic sequences of S. Reading isolates prior to the outbreak (pre-outbreak) to isolates identified during the outbreak period, focusing on genes that were different between the two groups but common within a group. Following whole-genome sequence analysis of five pre-outbreak and five outbreak-associated turkey/turkey product isolates of S. Reading, 37 genes located within two distinct chromosomal regions were identified only in the pre-outbreak isolates: (1) an ~5 kb region containing four protein-coding genes including uidA which encodes beta-glucuronidase, pgdA encoding peptidoglycan deacetylase, and two hypothetical proteins and (2) an ~28 kb region comprised of 32 phage-like genes and the xerC gene, which encodes tyrosine recombinase (frequently associated with phage genes). The five outbreak isolates also had a deletional event within the cirA gene, introducing a translational frame shift and premature stop codon. The cirA gene encodes a protein with dual receptor functions: a siderophore receptor for transport of dihydroxybenzoylserine as well as a colicin Ia/b receptor. Significant differences for the identified genetic variations were also detected in 75 S. Reading human isolates. Of the 41 S. Reading isolates collected before or in 2017, 81 and 90% of the isolates contained the uidA and pgdA genes, respectively, but only 24% of the isolates collected after 2017 harbored the uidA and pgdA genes. The truncation event within the cirA gene was also significantly higher in isolates collected after 2017 (74%) compared to before or in 2017 (5%). Phenotypic analysis of the S. Reading isolates for colicin and cefiderocol sensitivities (CirA) and β-methyl-D-glucuronic acid utilization (UidA and accessory proteins) supported the genomic data. Overall, a similar genome reduction pattern was generally observed in both the turkey and human isolates of S. Reading during the outbreak period, and the genetic differences were present in genes that could potentially promote pathogen dissemination due to variation in Salmonella colonization, fitness, and/or virulence.

Cleaning Process of Diosgenin from Dioscorea nipponica

This investigation employed HPLC and LC-MS techniques to elucidate the enzymolysis and acid hydrolysis mechanisms of diosgenin obtained through a cleaning process. The findings revealed that the enzymolysis led to the cleavage and subsequent recombination of the glycosidic bond at the C-26 position of protodioscin, resulting in the formation of dioscin present in the enzymatic hydrolysis filter residue. Leveraging this observation, a streamlined and eco-friendly method for diosgenin extraction was devised. Incorporating the Box-Behnken response surface methodology alongside wastewater assessment, the optimal parameters for the cleaning process were established: a sulfuric acid concentration of 3 mol · L−1, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10, an acid hydrolysis temperature of 100 °C, and an acid hydrolysis duration of 3 h. Under these parameters, the yield and purity of diosgenin were 31.07±0.56% and 72.30±0.24% respectively. When benchmarked against the direct acid hydrolysis approach, there was an increase of 133.08% in diosgenin yield, 44.08% enhancement in diosgenin purity, 50% reduction in wastewater generation and acid utilization, and an 83.57% decrease in wastewater’s chemical oxygen demand (COD). This optimized cleaning process is viable for large-scale production and offers a sustainable method for diosgenin production.

Evaluation of the safety of tranexamic acid use in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery: a retrospective comparative cohort study

BackgroundPediatric spinal fusion may be associated with significant intraoperative blood loss, leading to complications from transfusion, hypoperfusion and coagulopathy. One emerging strategy to mediate these risks is by utilization of the anti-fibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA). However, concerns regarding potential adverse reactions, specifically postoperative seizures and thrombotic events, still exist. To assess these risks, we examined the perioperative morbidity of TXA use in a large national database.MethodsRetrospective data from pediatric patients (age 18 years or younger), discharged between January 2013 to December 2015, who underwent primary or revision posterior spinal fusions, was collected from the Premier Perspective database (Premier, Charlotte, NC). Patients were stratified by TXA use and records were assessed for complications of new onset seizures, strokes, pulmonary embolisms (PE) or deep vein thromboses (DVT) occurring during the perioperative period.ResultsIn this cohort of 2,633 pediatric patients undergoing posterior spinal fusions, most often to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 15% received TXA. Overall, adverse events were rare in this patient population. The incidence of seizure, stoke, PE, or DVT in the control group was 0.54% (95% CI, 0.31% to 0.94%) and not significantly different from the TXA group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DVTs, and no incidences of stroke in either group. There were no new-onset seizures or PEs in patients who received TXA.ConclusionsThe use of TXA was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events including seizure, stroke, PE, and DVT. Our findings support the safety of TXA use in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Utilization of crystalline amino acids by Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

ABSTRACT In view of the variability in recommendations for essential amino acid (EAA) and the use of amino acids supplements in shrimp diets, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of crystalline amino acids (CAA) in practical shrimp feeds. The basal diet was designed to contain 30% protein and 6% lipid. The primary protein source of the basal diet included: 5% fishmeal, 37% soybean, and 5% gelatin. The intact protein was incrementally reduced to produce diets with 28%, 26%, 24%, and 22% protein. In a second series of diets, CAA were supplemented to the reduced protein diets to return the diets to 30% crude protein. Thus, producing a series of diets containing 30% protein with 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% crystalline amino acids. The trial was conducted twice to confirm results. Data within treatments for both trials were variable, resulting in limited statistical differences. From a biological standpoint, percentage weight gain (PWG) and mean final weight (MFW) appeared to decrease with intact protein level of the diet (R2 value [PWG], trial 1: 0.30, trial 2: 0.34, R2 value, [MFW] trial 1: 0.44, trial 2: 0.38). None of the diets with supplemented CAA appeared to have reached the same MFW or PWG as the basal diet. Another trial was run using a fishmeal-based diet (30% CP), which in theory should be replete in all essential amino acids, and a soybean meal-based diet at two different protein levels (30% and 35% CP). The soybean meal-based diets were supplemented with essential CAA in one set and only methionine in another to reach the same level as a percent protein, compared to the fishmeal-based diet. No significant differences were observed between the diets in terms of PWG. However, the fishmeal-based diet seemed to outperform most of the other diets in terms of protein retention efficiency. Based on the results of these trials, it is questionable whether CAA are sufficiently utilized by shrimp.

Utilization of zeolite and humic acid in modification of slow-release urea

One effort to reduce nitrogen loss is to make the fertilizer in a form of slow-release. SRF method can be done conventionally based on centrifugal force. Nitrogen release from UZA fertilizers generally decreased during the incubation period. Urea fertilizer in the form of a slow-release combination of zeolite and humic acid is applied to soil media to reduce the rate of nitrate release. In this case, it is necessary to identify the effect of a release ready modifying zeolite and humic acid. Increase in the concentration of humic acid, the nitrogen content in the fertilizer before and after incubation in general decreased.

Lipid composition of oocytes and tissues of sturgeons depending on conditions of detention

Shortage of sturgeon spawners has led to the need for reservation and long-term detention of spawners, creation of their own brood stocks. The issues of assessing the functional state of producers and the reproductive products and offspring become topical. The wintering conditions of fish in cages at the natural course of temperatures negatively affect their physiological state. During this period, the fish actively move in the cages, but do not feed. The detention of sturgeon spawners in the pools with regulating the parameters of the aquatic environment makes it possible to stabilize the cycle of maturation of the gonads and increase the number of fish-producing females. The lipid composition of caviar affects its fish-breeding quality. The main components of sturgeon caviar fats are triglycerides and lipoid substances, which are represented by phospholipids that are actively involved in generative metabolism during the maturation of gonads. The main fraction of oocyte lipids is represented by triglycerides, whose level in the oocytes of fish from recirculating water installation (RWI) is higher in comparison with cage fish. It was found that sterlet oocyte lipids are mainly represented by triglycerides. Their concentration in the oocytes of fish kept in RWI is higher in comparison with fish kept in cages. Against the higher amount of triglycerides in fish roe from RWI, a decrease in the level of phospholipids and cholesterol was noted. The aging conditions of producers affect the composition of the main lipid fractions. As a result of the research, a relationship was established between the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the tissues of aquatic organ-isms and environmental conditions. The amount of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the muscles of fish kept in RWI was higher than in the tissues of fish kept in cages. Increasing proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the eggs of fish kept in cages indicates a fairly high utilization of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Influence of Post- and Pre-Acid Treatment during Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge on P-Transformation and the Characteristics of Hydrochar

Phosphorus (P) recovery from alternative P-rich residues is essential to meet the growing demands of food production globally. Despite sewage sludge being a potential source for P, its direct application on agricultural land is controversial because of the obvious concerns related to heavy metals and organic pollutants. Further, most of the available P recovery and sludge management technologies are cost-intensive as they require mandatory dewatering of sewage sludge. In this regard, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has gained great attention as a promising process to effectively treat the wet sewage sludge without it having to be dewatered, and it simultaneously enables the recovery of P. This study was conducted to analyse and compare the influence of acid (H2SO4) addition during and after HTC of sewage sludge on P leaching and the characteristics of hydrochar. The obtained results suggested that despite using the same amount of H2SO4, P leaching from solid to liquid phase was significantly higher when acid was used after the HTC of sewage sludge in comparison with acid utilization during the HTC process. After HTC, the reduction in acid-buffering capacity of sewage sludge and increase in solubility of phosphate precipitating metal ions had a greater influence on the mobilization of P from solid to liquid phase. In contrast, utilization of H2SO4 in different process conditions did not have a great influence on proximate analysis results and calorific value of consequently produced hydrochar.

Looking through the FOG: microbiome characterization and lipolytic bacteria isolation from a fatberg site.

Sewer systems are complex physical, chemical and microbial ecosystems where fats, oils and grease (FOG) present a major problem for sewer management. Their accumulation can lead to blockages (‘Fatbergs’), sewer overflows and disruption of downstream wastewater treatment. Further advancements of biological FOG treatments need to be tailored to degrade the FOG, and operate successfully within the sewer environment. In this study we developed a pipeline for isolation of lipolytic strains directly from two FOG blockage sites in the UK, and isolated a range of highly lipolytic bacteria. We selected the five most lipolytic strains using Rhodamine B agar plates and pNP-Fatty acid substrates, with two Serratia spp., two Klebsiella spp. and an environmental Acinetobacter strain that all have the capacity to grow on FOG-based carbon sources. Their genome sequences identified the genetic capacity for fatty acid harvesting (lipases), catabolism and utilization (Fad genes). Furthermore, we performed a preliminary molecular characterization of the microbial community at these sites, showing a diverse community of environmental bacteria at each site, but which did include evidence of sequences related to our isolates. This study provides proof of concept to isolation strategies targeting Fatberg sites to yield candidate strains with bioremediation potential for FOG in the wastewater network. Our work sets the foundation for development of novel bioadditions tailored to the environment with non-pathogenic Acinetobacter identified as a candidate for this purpose.

The Utilization of Acid as a Color Stabilizer in the Extraction of Anthocyanins from the Lakum (Cayratia trifolia L.) Peel

Anthocyanins are a group of natural dyes (pigments) that give many colors to plants’ leaves, flowers, and fruits. Anthocyanins are generally acidic and more stable under acidic conditions. One of the plants that contain anthocyanin is the lakum (Cayratia trifolia L.) fruit ripe with a blackish-purple color. This study aimed to determine the best type of acid used to extract anthocyanins from the lakum fruit peel. The extraction process was carried out by maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent acidified with three types of acids, HCl 1%, citric acid 3%, and acetic acid 3%, with an average level of anthocyanin obtained of 283.88, 220.70, and 226.55 mg/L, respectively. This study indicated that the best acid used to extract anthocyanin from the lakum fruit peel with the highest total anthocyanin results was by adding HCl 1%.

Abstract 13458: Obese Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Demonstrates Impaired Myocardial Substrate Utilization

Introduction: Myocardial fatty acid oxidation is impaired in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but increases with obesity with diabetes. HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) patients are often obese, but their myocardial metabolomic profiling compared to HFrEF is unknown. We hypothesized that HFpEF patients have distinctive metabolomics signatures from HFrEF. Methods: Plasma and endomyocardial biopsies were collected from HFpEF patients with clinical HF, LVEF≥50%, and consensus criteria for HFpEF (n=45). Most were obese (median BMI 39.8 kg/m 2 ). Data were compared to end-stage HFrEF (n=30) and unused donor controls (n=20). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measured 97 metabolites (8 organic acids, 30 amino acids [AA], 59 acylcarnitines [AC]). Metabolites undetectable in ≥25% patients were excluded. Statistical analyses used one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test, and false discovery rate of 5% (Benjamini-Hochberg). Results: Myocardial metabolomics revealed HFpEF patients had greater pyruvate levels vs controls and HFrEF (2-2.5x, p<0.0001). Krebs cycle intermediates were reduced in HFpEF tissue vs controls (succinate, p=0.002; fumarate, p=0.009; malate, p=0.008), while myocardial branched chain AAs (isoleucine, leucine, valine) were greater than both controls (all p<0.0001) and HFrEF (p=0.048, <0.0001, <0.0001, respectively). Short chain ACs downstream of branched chain AA catabolism were reduced in HFpEF tissue vs Controls, whereas long chain ACs that reflect fatty acid oxidation were reduced in both HFpEF and HFrEF tissue vs controls, yet increased in HFrEF plasma. HFrEF had reduced tissue long chain ACs vs HFpEF. Plasma metabolomics replicated myocardial changes in only 11% of metabolites. Conclusions: HFpEF myocardium in obese patients displays metabolic signatures consistent with impaired utilization of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids in a pattern quite distinct from HFrEF. This is not discerned from plasma metabolomics. These findings identify a unique metabolic phenotype in HFpEF in which obesity and associated insulin desensitization are coupled with compromised fat metabolism and alternate substrate utilization. This likely contributes to metabolic insufficiency in the HFpEF syndrome.

Cardiac rest and stress metabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2D): can the diabetic heart flex under stress?

Abstract Background Efficient matching of energy supply to demand is essential for maintaining normal cardiac function. Altered cardiac metabolism may contribute to the development of cardiac dysfunction by impairing metabolic flexibility in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Purpose We aimed to evaluate the effect of T2D on myocardial substrate preferences in response to acute increases in cardiac workload and the effects on contractile function utilising simultaneous coronary sinus (CS) and aorta blood sampling and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging Methods Eligible participants without obstructive coronary artery disease (>50% luminal coronary artery stenosis on coronary angiography) underwent transmyocardial arteriovenous blood sampling. Metabolites in paired coronary sinus and arterial samples were quantified to determine myocardial fuel selection at rest and during a stress protocol with intravenous dobutamine. Free fatty acid (FFA), glucose, 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3HBA) and lactate utilisation at rest and haemodynamic stress was calculated as an extraction fraction % (EF). Participants underwent dobutamine stress multiparametric CMR imaging at 3.0 Tesla (Skyra, Siemens, Germany) on a separate visit within 21 days to quantify cardiac volumes, function and perfusion. Results Two thousand and sixty-one participants were screened and due to stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria for this mechanistic study, three T2D patients and five matching controls were enrolled. Baseline demographics and metabolic and CMR results are documented in Table 1. At peak stress levels there was a significant increase in FFA use from rest to stress in controls only (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in FA or glucose uptake between T2D patients and controls at rest or stress. 3HBA EF was significantly increased in T2D during stress (25.04% vs 5.31%, p=0.007). Mean FFA and 3-HBA changes calculated as extraction fraction at stress and rest are illustrated in Figure 1. Conclusions We demonstrate for the first time in vivo that the diabetic heart switches to ketone bodies during increased workloads as a significant fuel source. At present, it is unknown whether enhanced ketone body metabolism in T2D is beneficial, maladaptive, or a bystander. As the energetic properties of ketones are favourable, increased myocardial ketone oxidation could be an adaptive change designed to compensate for defects in myocardial energy metabolism in diabetes. Further, larger studies are warranted. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation - Clinical Research Training FellowshipWellcome Trust Seed Grant Table 1Figure 1

Experimental study on preparation of titanium-rich material by pressure leaching of titanium concentrate from titanium dioxide waste acid

Based on the current production technology of sulfate process titanium dioxide, this paper discusses the experimental study on preparation of titanium-rich materials by pressure leaching of titanium concentrate from titanium white waste acid, which combines the comprehensive utilization of titanium white waste acid with the production of titanium-rich material, and studies the effects of acid-ore ratio, leaching temperature and time on the grade of titanium-rich materials. The results showed that the titanium-rich materials in a TiO2 grade of above 80% could be obtained under the conditions of 8 ml: 1 g acid-ore ratio, 150 °C acid leaching temperature and 7–8 hours acid leaching time. In addition, XRD analysis shows that after completion of acid leaching, FeTiO3, the main phase in titanium concentrate, has been converted into TiO2 phase in titanium-rich materials.

Evaluation of rhizosphere Streptomyces for zinc solubilizing and plant growth promoting properties

Actinobacteria were isolated from rhizosphere soil and its plant growth-promoting ability was tested. Actinobacteria were screened for promoting plant growth by phosphate and zinc solubilization, gibberellin, siderophore, HCN and indole-3-acetic acid production. The abiotic stresses of all the isolates were tested for parameters such as pH, temperature and NaCl. Upon screening, a potent actinobacteria named Streptomyces sp. ZS-18 was isolated and identified based on the colony characteristics. The potent strain solubilized both the zinc oxide (26 ± 0.75mm) and zinc carbonate (22 ± 0.88mm). The utilization of gibberellic acid (80μg/ml) by the potential strain ZS-18 showed maximum production measured by optical density value of 0.179. The growth of the green gram plant was determined by shoot, root, total length, number of leaves and chlorophyll estimation of the leaves. Streptomyces sp. ZS-18 showed good growth on ISP 1, ISP 2, ISP 3, ISP 5 and ISP 7 medium and moderate growth was observed in ISP 4 and ISP 6 medium. In addition, Actinobacteria were tested for antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. The isolate ZS-18 in the pot trial experiment showed increased growth in comparison with control and cow dung manure.

Evaluation on soil fertility quality under biochar combined with nitrogen reduction

A two-year consecutive field experiment was conducted in purple soil in southwest China, to clarify the effects of biochar (0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1, namely, B0, B10, B20 and B40) combined with nitrogen reduction (100%, 80% and 60% of conventional nitrogen application rate, namely, N100, N80 and N60) on soil fertility. The performance of thirty-four indices related to soil chemical, physical and biological properties was evaluated by gray correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis to determine the most appropriate mode for soil fertilization, and to identify the main soil environmental factors affecting rapeseed yield under the biochar combined with nitrogen reduction. The results indicated that available phosphorus, geometric mean diameter of water stability, fungi number, and the utilization of sugars, amino acids, polymers and carboxylic acids by microorganisms could be used as the main soil factors affecting rapeseed yield. The highest score of soil quality was observed in N100B10 treatment, followed by N80B10 and N100B20 treatments, which were almost in line with the results of rapeseed yields. Cluster analysis classified 12 treatments into 5 main groups on the basis of the measured parameters, which was mostly consistent with the result of soil quality scores. Considering both economic and environmental benefits, 10 t ha−1 biochar combined with 144 kg ha−1 nitrogen was the best combination to restore crop productivity and soil quality, and to achieve nitrogen decreasing and benefit increasing. This study provided scientific basis for the rational fertilization and scientific management of biochar combined with nitrogen fertilizer in purple soil area of southwest China.

Abstract 2326: Differential lipid metabolism in mammary cancer cell progression

Abstract There is an association between increased lipid accumulation and aggressive breast cancer phenotypes, and therefore poorer clinical outcomes. The mechanism by which dysregulated lipid metabolism may promote metastasis remains incompletely understood. Several potential mechanisms by which the neutral lipid storage organelles, cytoplasmic lipid droplets, may promote metastasis include utilization of fatty acids (FAs) for oxidation, protection against lipotoxcity, and production of lipid signaling mediators. We have previously demonstrated that metastatic MCF10CA1a mammary cancer cells rely on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) compared to non-metastatic MCF10A-ras cells, using etomoxir to inhibit the rate-limiting enzyme of FAO, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1). Previous literature indicates that there is an increase in various lipid metabolism pathways, including FA uptake, de novo lipogenesis, and FA storage in neutral lipid. We found that there is no significant difference between palmitic acid uptake between the non-metastatic and metastatic cells. In the current study, we show that MCF10CA1a cells have significantly higher levels of carbon incorporation into palmitic and oleic FAs from 13C-acetate (25% and 20% greater), 13C-glucose (21% and 11% greater), and 13C-lactate (29% and 22% greater) respectively, compared to the MCF10A-ras cells, as detected by LC-MS/MS. In order to determine the source of FAs that contributes to the migration-dependent FAO, we assessed MCF10CA1a cell migration following inhibition of lipolysis (adipose triglyceride lipase—ATGL; ATGListatin) alone or in combination with the FAO inhibitor, etomoxir. We determined that inhibition of ATGL, the initial enzyme of triglyceride lipolysis pathway, significantly reduces MCF10CA1a cell migration (20% decrease compared to vehicle). Inhibition of FAO and lipolysis did not induce additional reduction in cell migration. We also showed that MCF10CA1a cells are more dependent on FA metabolism than the non-metastatic MCF10A-ras cells, demonstrated by MCF10CA1a cells having a greater decrease in cell viability compared to the MCF10A-ras cells given each FA metabolism inhibition (p<0.05: 22% greater decrease for FAO inhibition and 16% greater decrease for dual FAO and lipolysis inhibition, p=0.05: 17% greater decrease for FA synthesis inhibition). These data suggest that metastatic MCF10CA1a cells rely on their increased FA metabolism to survive and migrate, and specifically that the catabolism of FAs from triglyceride supports the FAO-driven migration of metastatic cancer cells. Citation Format: Chaylen Andoline, Parik Pawar, Dorothy Teegarden. Differential lipid metabolism in mammary cancer cell progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2326.

Dynamic Changes of Microbiome with the Utilization of Volatile Fatty Acids as Electron Donors for Denitrification

Volatile fatty acids can be used as carbon sources for denitrification and are easily supplied as by-products from the anaerobic digestion of waste materials. Nitrification and denitrification processes were carried out in a single reactor feeding volatile fatty acids as electron donors and the changes in microbial communities in the reactor were investigated. The microbial communities in the alternating aerobic and anoxic systems were different, and their structure flexibly changed within one reactor. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were highly distributed during denitrification, whereas Proteobacteria was a major phylum during nitrification. In addition, in the denitrification system, the microbial community was substrate dependent. It showed the sequential nitrogen removal in one reactor and the microbial community also followed the change of environmental condition, cyclic nitrification, and denitrification.

Dual sensor measurement shows that temperature outperforms pH as an early sign of aerobic deterioration in maize silage

High quality silage containing abundant lactic acid is a critical component of ruminant diets in many parts of the world. Silage deterioration, a result of aerobic metabolism (including utilization of lactic acid) during storage and feed-out, reduces the nutritional quality of the silage, and its acceptance by animals. In this study, we introduce a novel non-disruptive dual-sensor method that provides near real-time information on silage aerobic stability, and demonstrates for the first time that in situ silage temperature (Tsi) and pH are both associated with preservation of lactic acid. Aerobic deterioration was evaluated using two sources of maize silage, one treated with a biological additive, at incubation temperatures of 23 and 33 °C. Results showed a time delay between the rise of Tsi and that of pH following aerobic exposure at both incubation temperatures. A 11 to 25% loss of lactic acid occurred when Tsi reached 2 °C above ambient. In contrast, by the time the silage pH had exceeded its initial value by 0.5 units, over 60% of the lactic acid had been metabolized. Although pH is often used as a primary indicator of aerobic deterioration of maize silage, it is clear that Tsi was a more sensitive early indicator. However, the extent of the pH increase was an effective indicator of advanced spoilage and loss of lactic acid due to aerobic metabolism for maize silage.

Utilization of Phosphoric Acid and Lime for Stabilizing Laterite for Lateritic Bricks Production

This study investigates the use of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and lime in stabilizing lateritic soil for lateritic bricks production. Varying percentages (0, 2, 4 and 6%) of 1 M H3PO4, 5% lime and their combinations were mixed with lateritic soil for stabilization purpose. Hollow bricks were produced from the different mixes. The bricks were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days under ambient air condition. The compressive strength (fc), bulk density (pb), dry density (pd) and water absorption rate were determined at each of the curing days while the modulus of rupture (fr) and pH were determined after 28 days. The results show a maximum fc of 0.93 N/mm2 and 0.87 N/mm2 were obtained at 5% and 4% H3PO4 stabilization. The maximum pb and pd of 15.2 kN/m3 and 14.9 kN/m3 respectively were obtained at 4% H3PO4 stabilization. The maximum fr of 0.2 N/mm2 was obtained at combined 4% H3PO4 and 5% lime stabilization while none of the bricks passed the water absorption test.