Altered pH Research Articles

Ecological response mechanism of alkaline wastewater periphytic biofilms to pH alteration

The environmental impact of indiscriminate alkaline wastewater discharge is increasingly concerning. Studying the ecological response mechanisms of periphytic biofilms to such wastewater is crucial for deepening our understanding of its broader environmental implications. In this study, periphytic biofilms collected from the drainage outlet of a tunnel construction project were developed for 56 days at initial pH values of 10 (pH0 10) and 12 (pH0 12). These stabilized biofilms were then transferred to a neutral environment (pH 7) for another 35 days. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in the growth characteristics, microbial interactions, and microbial community composition, function, and assembly patterns of the biofilms. Specifically, results revealed decreased microbial activity, live/dead bacteria ratios, and polysaccharide content in extracellular polymeric substances when the pH was reduced from alkaline to neutral, with incomplete recovery observed after 35 days of incubation in a neutral environment. During neutral pH incubation, proteobacterial abundance increased by 58.39 % and 33.08 % in biofilms cultured at pH0 10 and pH0 12, respectively, becoming the dominant flora, with chemoheterotrophic functions increasing by 8.11 % and 38.23 %, respectively. Network analysis indicated that biofilms in the pH0 12 culture group had a more advanced organizational co-occurrence network, with more complex and stable interactions, than those in the pH0 10 culture group. Microbial community α diversity, key differential species count, the proportion of positively correlated network edges, and null model data showed that microbial communities in biofilms cultured at pH0 10 were more resilient, whereas those cultured at pH0 12 were more resistant. Overall, this study reveals that alkaline wastewater periphytic biofilms adapt and develop high tolerance and metabolic activity but struggle to recover their original state in a short-term neutral environment, with biofilms cultured at pH0 12 exhibiting more complex interactions and higher resistance and those cultured at pH0 10 showing greater resilience.

Unraveling Macrophage Polarization: Functions, Mechanisms, and “Double-Edged Sword” Roles in Host Antiviral Immune Responses

Numerous viruses that propagate through the respiratory tract may be initially engulfed by macrophages (Mφs) within the alveoli, where they complete their first replication cycle and subsequently infect the adjacent epithelial cells. This process can lead to significant pathological damage to tissues and organs, leading to various diseases. As essential components in host antiviral immune systems, Mφs can be polarized into pro-inflammatory M1 Mφs or anti-inflammatory M2 Mφs, a process involving multiple signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that yield diverse phenotypic and functional features in response to various stimuli. In general, when infected by a virus, M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines to play an antiviral role, while M2 macrophages play an anti-inflammatory role to promote the replication of the virus. However, recent studies have shown that some viruses may exhibit the opposite trend. Viruses have evolved various strategies to disrupt Mφ polarization for efficient replication and transmission. Notably, various factors, such as mechanical softness, the altered pH value of the endolysosomal system, and the homeostasis between M1/M2 Mφs populations, contribute to crucial events in the viral replication cycle. Here, we summarize the regulation of Mφ polarization, virus-induced alterations in Mφ polarization, and the antiviral mechanisms associated with these changes. Collectively, this review provides insights into recent advances regarding Mφ polarization in host antiviral immune responses, which will contribute to the development of precise prevention strategies as well as management approaches to disease incidence and transmission.

Enhancing Shelf‐Life of Bael Beverage Through Various Pasteurization Techniques: A Comparative Study at 25°C and 4°C With Thermal, Pulsed Light, and Microwave Treatments

ABSTRACTThe influence of thermal (95°C, 5 min), pulsed light (PL, 1.64 kJ/cm2 available fluence) and microwave (MW, 2 kW, and 16 min ≈ 90°C final temperature) treatment on various quality attributes and shelf‐life of bael (Aegle marmelos) beverage was investigated. The quality parameters under consideration included microbial growth, enzyme activity, bioactive components, sensory quality, and physicochemical properties. Effects of different packaging materials (ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and multilayered (ML) pouches) and storage temperatures (25°C and 4°C) were also explored. The rate of sample deterioration, loss of bioactive components, and sensory qualities increased with higher storage temperature. MW and thermal processing showed better storage stability based on the minimum microbial counts, enzyme activities, and minimal changes in soluble solids. Least sedimentation was seen in thermally treated samples. MW treatment was better in preventing alterations in pH and titratable acidity (at 25°C), reducing sugars, browning, and sensory acceptance. On 50th day at 4°C, higher total phenolic content (59%–64%), antioxidant capacity (69%–72%), and total carotenoid content (136%–139%) were obtained with the PL treatment. For both packaging materials, a shelf‐life of 40–50 days (as per aerobic mesophile count ≤ 4.0 log CFU/mL) and 30 days (as per overall sensory acceptability > 5) at 4°C was obtained for thermal and microwave. As per AM count, shelf‐life of PL irradiated beverages was 40 days, and according to sensory acceptability, it was 30 days. Overall, MW processed beverages stored in ML‐pouches and at 4°C exhibited better shelf life and storage quality.

MAIN WAYS OF THE INITIATION OF CANCER CELL DORMANCY: TGFβ ROLE

The development of metastases even long after treatment is one of the most important problems of medicine. There are mechanisms helping cancer cells to survive at various steps of metastasis. The ability of cancer cells to turn into dormant state characterizing of reversible cell cycle blockage is one of such mechanisms. Dormancy is regulated by many factors including TGFβ. The aim of the review to summarize the information about the mechanisms of dormancy development in primary and secondary sites as well as about the role of TGFβ in cancer cell phenotype regulation and its cooperation with intra- and extracellular factors are supposed to promote dormancy development Material and methods. The materials are the results of the investigations on the theme of russian and foreign researchers and ours published data over the past 9 years, from 2015 till 2024. Results. Modern data about the roles of the factors produced by primary tumor and target organ cells in dormancy development are summarized in the article. Dormant phenotype induction can be initiated not only in primary tumor under the influence of hypoxia, pH alterations, inflammation and immune cells regulation etc., but also in the sites of metastasis as a result of the influence of factors produced by primary tumor as well as target organ cells. Modern data allow to suppose, that TGFβ influencing a number of complicated processes can prevent dormancy development and promote cancer cells to reenter cell cycle. Conclusion. Further investigation in this field allow a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the TGFβ influence on dormant cells and will promote the creation of new strategies of anticancer therapy on the basis of TGFβ activity modulation

Preferential Binding of Cations Modulates Electrostatically Driven Protein Aggregation and Disaggregation.

Protein aggregation resulting in either ordered amyloids or amorphous aggregates is not only restricted to deadly human diseases but also associated with biotechnological challenges encountered in the therapeutic and food industries. Elucidating the key structural determinants of protein aggregation is important to devise targeted inhibitory strategies, but it still remains a formidable task owing to the underlying hierarchy, stochasticity, and complexity associated with the self-assembly processes. Additionally, alterations in solution pH, salt types, and ionic strength modulate various noncovalent interactions, thus affecting the protein aggregation propensity and the aggregation kinetics. However, the molecular origin and a detailed understanding of the effects of weakly and strongly hydrated salts on protein aggregation and their plausible roles in the dissolution of aggregates remain elusive. In this study, using fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy in combination with electron microscopy and light scattering techniques, we show that the ionic size, valency, and extent of hydration of cations play a crucial role in regulating the protein aggregation and disaggregation processes, which may elicit unique methods for governing the balance between protein self-assembly and disassembly.

Comparative Analysis of Glandular and Extraglandular Manifestations in Primary and Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Study in Two Academic Centers in North-East Romania.

This study investigates the clinical characteristics and differences between primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren's Syndrome (sSS) in a cohort of 50 patients. Conducted across two academic facilities in North-East Romania, the study emphasizes the importance of glandular and extraglandular manifestations, focusing on salivary flow rates, pH levels, and buffer capacity. Patients were diagnosed using the 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria, with a detailed examination including salivary tests, biopsies, and antibody presence. The findings highlight significant differences between pSS and sSS, particularly in salivary function, with pSS patients exhibiting more severe glandular dysfunction. The study also notes a higher prevalence of inflammatory joint involvement in sSS patients, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between salivary parameters and disease progression, underscoring the necessity of tailored treatment strategies. The research suggests that lower salivary flow rates and altered pH levels in pSS patients contribute to compromised oral health, including increased dental cavities and periodontal disease. The study's results contribute to a deeper understanding of Sjögren's Syndrome and reinforce the need for multidisciplinary management to address both systemic and oral health complications in these patients.

Application of machine learning algorithms for predicting the life-long physiological effects of zinc oxide Micro/Nano particles on Carum copticum

Nanoparticles impose multidimensional effects on living cells that significantly vary among different studies. Machine learning (ML) methods are recommended to elucidate more consistence and predictable relations among the affected parameters. In this study, nine ML algorithms [Support-Vector Regression (SVR), Linear, Bagging, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Gaussian Process, Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Kernel Ridge, and Random Forest] were applied to evaluate their efficiency in predicting the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs: 0.5, 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) and microparticles (ZnO MPs: 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) on Carum copticum. The plant root/shoot biomass; number of leaves, branches, umbellates, and flowers; protein content; reducing sugars; phenolic compounds; chlorophylls (a, b, Total); carotenoids; anthocyanins; H2O2; proline; malondialdehyde (MDA); tissue zinc content; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and media ΔpH were measured and considered input variables. All levels of ZnO MPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control (ZnSO4). The highest shoot/root fresh and dry mass were recorded at 5 µM ZnO MPs compared with the control. The root fresh/dry mass under ZnO NPs treatments was more sensitive than shoot parameters. The number of flowers increased by 134 and 79% in MPs and NPs treatments compared to the control, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced protein content by up to 81% in 125 µM NPs compared to ZnSO4. Reducing sugar content increased to 25, 40 and 36% in 5, 25, 125 µM MPs and 67, 68, 26, 26 and 21% in 0.5, 1, 5, 25 and 125 µM NPs treatments, respectively. The pH alteration was more significant under NPs and affected zinc uptake. All levels of ZnO NPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control. All ML algorithms showed varied efficiencies in predicting the nonlinear relationships among parameters, with higher efficiency in predicting the behavior of root and shoot dry mass, root fresh weight and number of flowers according to R2 index. The model obtained from SVR with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel was selected as a comprehensive model for predicting and determining the efficacy of the results.

Genetic Characterization of the Glucose-PTS in Streptococcus sanguinis, examining competitive fitness.

Ecological shifts in dental microbiome from homeostasis to dysbiosis have been hypothesized to underlie several oral diseases including dental caries. Streptococcus sanguinis, a commensal bacterium, is pivotal in maintaining oral health through its metabolic activities, including the production of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This study aims to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of the glucose::phosphotransferase system (PTS) in the physiology and competitive fitness of S. sanguinis within the oral microbiome, by examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EIIABMan (manL) and HPr of PTS in S. sanguinis strain SK36. Employing genetic engineering, bioinformatic analysis, growth and metabolic assays, recreating and characterizing several unique ManL SNPs in SK36 that were identified among clinical strains of S. sanguinis. Mutations in ManL and HPr correlated with altered growth dynamics, H2O2 production, acid production, and pH homeostasis in a manner uncoupled from canonical regulators such as CcpA and Rex. These genetic variations likely contributed to S. sanguinis's competitiveness, although their ecological impact remains to be further elucidated. This research is part of the ongoing effort to understand the genetic mechanisms that contribute to microbial ecology in relation to health, knowledge from which may allow for enhanced diagnostics, pro-health formulations, and other microbial interventions.

Reduced Injection Site Pain with Altered pH in 24-h Reconstituted Botulinum Toxin: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Study on Cosmetic Applications.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are widely recognized for many cosmetic applications, but still commonly encounter a challenge: injection site pain (ISP). This discomfort can impact the overall patient experience and satisfaction, highlighting a need for innovative solutions to this problem. This randomized controlled study aimed to determine whether adjusting the pH levels in a 24-h reconstituted botulinum toxin can serve as a strategy to mitigate ISP. A controlled trial involving 24 volunteers was executed. Participants received incobotulinum toxin A. One side of each participant's face was treated with fresh toxin, while the other received a 24-h reconstituted version. Pain perceptions post-injection were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). pH values of the fresh toxin were more acidic (6.17) than the 24-h reconstituted toxin (7.17). Out of 24 patients, 13 reported reduced ISP with the 24-h reconstituted toxin. The mean VAS score for the fresh toxin was 5.92, in contrast to 4.17 for the reconstituted toxin, indicating a significant difference (p<0.01). Limitations include the use of a VAS and a relatively small sample size. Altering the pH of BTX demonstrates potential in ISP reduction. However, broader, large-scale investigations are important for comprehensive validation. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The Combined Effects of Temperature and pH to the Toxicity of the Water-Soluble Fraction of Gasoline (WSFG) to the Neotropical Yellow-Tail Tetra, Astyanax altiparanae.

Continental aquatic environments have undergone chemical pollution due to increased anthropogenic activities. Among those substances, petroleum hydrocarbons are a potential hazard for the aquatic animals. Additionally, alterations in the abiotic characteristics of the water, such as temperature and pH, can impose additional stress when those substances are present. We evaluate how alterations in water temperature and pH modified the acute (96h) toxicity of the water-soluble fraction of gasoline (WSFG) to Astyanax altiparanae through physiological analysis. We also investigated the physiological responses after the fish recovery from exposure (96h) in clean water. Both isolated and combined exposures to WSFG resulted in significant physiological changes. Alone, WSFG altered energetic metabolism and haematopoietic functions, potentially due to metabolic hypoxia. When combined with changes in water temperature (30°C) and pH (4.0), A. altiparanae activated additional physiological mechanisms to counterbalance osmoregulatory and acid-base imbalances, likely exacerbated by severe metabolic hypoxia. In both isolated and combined exposure scenarios, A. altiparanae maintained cellular hydration, suggesting a robust capacity to uphold homeostasis under environmental stress conditions. Following a recovery in clean water, energetic metabolism returned to control levels. Nevertheless, plasmatic Na+ and Cl- levels and haematological parameters remained affected by WSFG exposure. Our findings underscore the impact of interactions between WSFG contaminants, temperature and pH, leading to additional biological damage in A. altiparanae.

Aeration treatment promotes transformation of soil phosphorus fractions to plant-available phosphorus by modulating rice rhizosphere microbiota

Microorganisms play an important role in affecting the content of available phosphorus (P) in plant rhizosphere soil. However, the effect of aeration on available P in rice rhizosphere soil and its microbial mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of aeration strategies on available P and P-solubilizing microorganisms in rhizosphere soil, employing three different aeration methods (continuous flooding (CF), continuous flooding and aeration (CFA), and alternate wetting and drying (AWD)). We analyzed the bacterial and fungal community structures in rice rhizosphere soil via Illumina sequencing techniques and quantified the abundance of P transformation functional genes related to inorganic P solubilization (pqqC) and organic P mineralization (phoC, phoD, and appA) through quantitative PCR. Our findings revealed that the AWD treatment significantly increased soil pH and Eh; Both AWD and CFA treatments markedly increased soil Olsen-P content at the tillering and heading stages, as well as the microbial carbon-to-phosphorus ratio (MBC/MBP) at the heading and maturity stages. Cluster analysis showed distinct bacterial communities at the heading and maturity stages under AWD, which differed from those in other treatments. Fungal communities at the tillering and heading stages under CFA and AWD grouped together. AWD and CFA treatments consistently enhanced labile-P in the rhizosphere soil throughout the entire growth stages, while reducing moderately labile-P during the tillering and heading stages. Compared to CF, at the heading and maturity stages, the copy numbers of pqqC, phoD, phoC, and appA were higher under AWD compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study posits that the increase in Olsen-P in paddy fields due to aeration results from improved oxygen conditions in the rhizosphere, alterations in pH and Eh, effects on microbial stoichiometry, and adjustments in the abundance and composition of P-solubilizing microorganisms, thereby promoting P transformation. This conclusion provides new insights into the conversion of soil P Fractions into plant-available forms.

Effect of biochar application on physiochemical properties and nitrate degradation rate in a Siliciclastic Riverine Sandy soil

This study investigated the efficacy of biochar as a soil amendment for enhancing soil physicochemical properties and solute transport dynamics, with implications for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. Batch laboratory experiments and column studies were conducted to assess the effects of biochar application on soil parameters and solute transport under saturated conditions. The saturation soil extraction approach was employed in batch leaching tests, while column experiments replicated subsurface conditions. Transport modeling using CXTFIT 2.1 elucidated solute dispersion dynamics in biochar-amended soils. Batch experiments revealed significant alterations in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient release following biochar addition. Biochar exhibited adsorption capacity for fluoride ions and released dissolved organic carbon, highlighting its potential for soil carbon sequestration and microbial activity. Column studies demonstrated enhanced solute dispersion and increased microbial activity in biochar-amended soils, as evidenced by changes in breakthrough curves and degradation rates of nitrate. Indeed, nitrate first-order degradation coefficients were 9.08E-06 for the column with only sandy soil, 3.09E-05 and 1.47E-04 for the columns with minimum and maximum doses of biochar respectively. Biochar application significantly influenced soil physicochemical properties and solute transport dynamics, with potential implications for nutrient management and contaminant attenuation in agricultural systems. Despite limitations in laboratory-scale experiments, this research provides valuable insights into biochar-soil interactions. It underscores the need for further investigation under field conditions to validate findings and optimize biochar management practices for sustainable soil and environmental management.

Lysosomal LRRC8 complex regulates lysosomal pH, morphology and systemic glucose metabolism.

The lysosome integrates anabolic signalling and nutrient-sensing to regulate intracellular growth pathways. The leucine-rich repeat containing 8 (LRRC8) channel complex forms a lysosomal anion channel and regulates PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling, skeletal muscle differentiation, growth, and systemic glucose metabolism. Here, we define the endogenous LRRC8 subunits localized to a subset of lysosomes in differentiated myotubes. We show LRRC8A regulates leucine-stimulated mTOR, lysosome size, number, pH, and expression of lysosomal proteins LAMP2, P62, LC3B, suggesting impaired autophagic flux. Mutating a LRRC8A lysosomal targeting dileucine motif sequence (LRRC8A-L706A;L707A) in myotubes recapitulates the abnormal AKT signalling and altered lysosomal morphology and pH observed in LRRC8A KO cells. In vivo , LRRC8A-L706A;L707A KI mice exhibit increased adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance characterized by reduced skeletal muscle glucose-uptake, and impaired incorporation of glucose into glycogen. These data reveal a lysosomal LRRC8 mediated metabolic signalling function that regulates lysosomal activity, systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin-sensitivity.

Rare bacterial and fungal taxa respond strongly to combined inorganic and organic fertilization under short-term conditions

Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in driving multiple ecosystem functions. Although numerous studies have investigated the effects of fertilization on the entire soil microbial community, the responses of abundant (relative abundance ≥ 1 % in all samples, or ≥ 1 % in some samples but never < 0.01 % in any samples) and rare (relative abundance < 0.01% in all samples, or < 0.01% in some samples but never≥ 1% in any samples) microbial taxa, as along with their relative contributions to ecosystem functions in agricultural soils under combined organic and inorganic fertilization, have been less explored. Here, a field experiment revealed that rare bacterial and fungal taxa were more sensitive to short-term fertilization than abundant taxa. The combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers maintained the alpha-diversity of rare bacterial taxa and enhanced the alpha-diversity of rare fungal taxa. The significant impact of fertilization on the bacterial community was primarily induced by alterations in soil pH (decreased from 6.01 to 5.46), total phosphorus (0.32 – 0.37 g/kg), available phosphorus (1.24 – 4.76 mg/kg), and available potassium (41.11 – 58.78 mg/kg), whereas the fungal community was less influenced by fertilization. The dissimilarity of both abundant (Mantel r = 0.38, P = 0.001) and rare (Mantel r = 0.26, P = 0.014) bacterial taxa exhibited positive relationships with ecosystem multifunctionality. Additionally, ecosystem multifunctionality was positively associated with the relative abundance of specific genera and keystone species, particularly rare bacterial taxa (e.g., Melioribacter, Aquisphaera, Sunxiuqinia, Methylobacterium, and Thermosporothrix), the abundant fungal genus Achroiostachys, and rare fungal taxa (e.g., Paraphelidium, Pseudallescheria, Scutellinia, Niesslia, Tilletia, Coprinopsis, Poaceascoma, Entrophospora sp., Acremonium persicinum, Hydropisphaera erubescens, and Rozellomycota sp.) (ρ = 0.52–0.75, P < 0.05). A partial least-squares path model indicated that soil nutrients (path coefficient = 0.83, p = 0.001) and microbial beta-diversity (path coefficient = 0.18, p = 0.049) exerted primary direct and positive effects on ecosystem multifunctionality, with soil nutrients also indirectly influencing ecosystem multifunctionality through microbial beta-diversity. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant response of rare, rather than abundant, microbial taxa and their contributions to ecosystem multifunctionality. This highlights the potential of appropriately combined inorganic and organic fertilizers, which promote rare microbial taxa, to enhance the multifunctionality of agricultural ecosystems.

An intelligent NIR fluorescent dye with dual response to pH and viscosity for investigating the interactions between LDs and mitochondria

The interaction between lipid droplets and mitochondria plays a pivotal role in biological processes including cellular stress, metabolic homeostasis, cellular autophagy and apoptosis. Deciphering the complex interplay between lipid droplets and mitochondria is essential for gaining insights into the fundamental workings of the cell and can have broad implications for the development of therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. In this study, we develop a pH and viscosity-responsive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe PTOH to investigate the interaction between lipid droplets and mitochondria. This probe demonstrates a significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity at 470 nm when the pH increases, while under acidic conditions, its fluorescence intensity at 730 nm intensifies by a factor of 35 with rising system viscosity. Cell imaging experiments revealed that PTOH can effectively discriminate between normal and cancerous cells, as well as detect intracellular pH and viscosity alterations induced by drugs. Additionally, PTOH is utilized to visualize the interaction between lipid droplets and mitochondria and to differentiate between cellular autophagy and apoptosis phenomena, providing a valuable tool for elucidating the mechanisms underlying lipid droplet-mitochondria interactions and their associated diseases.

Soil pH enhancement and alterations in nutrient and Bacterial Community profiles following Pleioblastus amarus expansion in tea plantations

BackgroundThe expansion of bamboo forests increases environmental heterogeneity in tea plantation ecosystems, affecting soil properties and microbial communities. Understanding these impacts is essential for developing sustainable bamboo management and maintaining ecological balance in tea plantations.MethodsWe studied the effect of the continuous expansion of Pleioblastus amarus into tea plantations, by establishing five plot types: pure P. amarus forest area (BF), P. amarus forest interface area (BA), mixed forest interface area (MA), mixed forest center area (TB), and pure tea plantation area (TF). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of soil chemical properties and utilized Illumina sequencing to profile microbial community composition and diversity, emphasizing their responses to bamboo expansion.Results(1) Bamboo expansion significantly raised soil pH and enhanced levels of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, particularly noticeable in BA and MA sites. In the TB sites, improvements in soil nutrients were statistically indistinguishable from those in pure tea plantation areas. (2) Continuous bamboo expansion led to significant changes in soil bacterial diversity, especially noticeable between BA and TF sites, while fungal diversity was unaffected. (3) Bamboo expansion substantially altered the composition of less abundant bacterial and fungal communities, which proved more sensitive to changes in soil chemical properties.ConclusionThe expansion of bamboo forests causes significant alterations in soil pH and nutrient characteristics, impacting the diversity and composition of soil bacteria in tea plantations. However, as expansion progresses, its long-term beneficial impact on soil quality in tea plantations appears limited.

Response of Malt Barley to NPSZnB and Urea Fertilizers Across Soil Types and Agro-ecologies, Arsi Zone of Oromia, South-Eastern Ethiopia

Field trials were conducted on farmers’ fields during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the optimum NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates for selected crop, soil, and climatic conditions, as well as to assess the economic feasibility of blended and urea fertilizer rates for malt barley by varying levels of NPSZnB fertilizer (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and recommended NP in combined RCBD with three replications on growth performance and yield. The post-harvest soil analysis results of experimental sites revealed that the use of treatments significantly (p&lt; 0.05 and p&lt; 0.001) altered pH, total N, available P, and organic matter for samples taken from malt barley crop experimental sites. Application of different fertilizer levels significantly affected post-harvest pH and organic carbon contents. A significant improvement was observed in soil chemical contents compared to the contents of the soil before treatment application at Lemu-Bilbilo district. Combined levels of NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates significantly affected grain and above-ground biomass yields at Lemu-Bilbilo and Kofele districts. The maximum grain and biomass yield (6197 and 11018 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3646 and 6875 kg ha-1) in the 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Lemu-Bilbilo district up on the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, significant grain and biomass yield (5554 and 10412 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 200 and 250 + 150 kg ha-1 NPSZnB with urea fertilizer, respectively. The maximum grain and biomass yield (5244 and 10092 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3477 and 7736 kg ha-1) in 2017 and 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Kofele district from the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, a significant grain and biomass yield (5125 and 9826 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 150 and 250 + 200 kg ha-1 NPSZnB + urea, respectively.

Dysregulation of muscle cholesterol transport in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons, with a typical lifespan of 3-5 years. Altered metabolism is a key feature of ALS that strongly influences prognosis, with an increase in whole-body energy expenditure and changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, including greater reliance on fat oxidation. Dyslipidemia has been described in ALS as part of the metabolic dysregulation, but its role in the pathophysiology of the disease remains controversial. Among the lipids, cholesterol is of particular interest as a vital component of cell membranes, playing a key role in signal transduction and mitochondrial function in muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether motor dysfunction in ALS might be associated with dysregulation of muscle cholesterol metabolism. We determined cholesterol content and analyzed the expression of key determinants of the cholesterol metabolism pathway in muscle biopsies from thirteen ALS patients and ten asymptomatic ALS-mutation gene carriers compared to sixteen controls. Using human control primary myotubes, we further investigated the potential contribution of cholesterol dyshomeostasis to reliance on mitochondrial fatty acid. We found that cholesterol accumulates in the skeletal muscle of ALS patients and that cholesterol overload significantly correlates with disease severity evaluated by the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale. These defects are associated with overexpression of the genes of the lysosomal cholesterol transporters Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) and 2 (NPC2), which are required for cholesterol transfer from late endosomes/lysosomes to cellular membranes. Most notably, a significant increase in NPC2 mRNA levels could be detected in muscle samples from asymptomatic ALS-mutation carriers, long before disease onset. We found that filipin-stained unesterified cholesterol accumulated in the lysosomal compartment in ALS muscle samples, suggesting dysfunction of the NPC1/2 system. Accordingly, we report here that experimental NPC1 inhibition or lysosomal pH alteration in human primary myotubes was sufficient to induce the overexpression of NPC1 and NPC2 mRNA. Finally, acute NPC1 inhibition in human control myotubes induced a shift towards a preferential use of fatty acids, thus reproducing the metabolic defect characteristic of ALS muscle. We conclude that cholesterol homeostasis is dysregulated in ALS muscle from the presymptomatic stage. Targeting NPC1/2 dysfunction may be a new therapeutic strategy for ALS to restore muscle energy metabolism and slow motor symptom progression.

Photo-reductive decomposition of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its common alternatives by UV/VUV/sulfite process: Mechanism, kinetic modeling, and water matrix effects

The present study investigated the photo-reduction of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its alternatives, focusing on decomposition mechanisms, active species involvement, the influence of background water constituents, and kinetic model development. The decomposition and defluorination rates followed the order of PFOS > PFHxS > 6:2 FTSA > PFBS, with shorter chains and CH2 linkers enhancing the resistance of PFOS alternatives against the attack of hydrated electrons (eaq−). Two primary pathways were identified during the photodegradation of PFAS: (i) H/F exchange at CF bonds with the lowest bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and (ii) functional group cleavage followed by short-chain PFCAs formation, with OH playing a crucial role in transforming intermediates. Adding iodide and elevated temperatures demonstrated a synergistic effect on PFBS decomposition and defluorination, with high temperatures promoting functional group cleavage as the preferred defluorination pathway. The study examined the impact of background water constituents in different aqueous environments, from surface waters to wastewater streams and ion-exchange brine concentrates. Chloride exhibited a concentration-based dual impact on the UV/VUV/sulfite process: promotive effects at low dosages (1–10 mM) by acting as a secondary eaq− mediator, and adverse effects at high dosages (20–500 mM) due to the scavenging effect of generated chlorine radicals (Cl). High ionic strength adversely affected eaq− quantum efficiency. Additionally, bicarbonate and natural organic matter (NOM) had opposing effects on PFOS photo-reduction, primarily through eaq− scavenging and pH alteration. Kinetic modeling revealed reaction rate constants of the studied PFAS with eaq− ranging from 1.8 × 106 to 1.3 × 109 M−1 s−1, corroborating the concentration profiles of active species and highlighting the reductive nature of sulfite-mediated processes.

Hydrolysis kinetics of self-degradable diverters for well stimulation

Self-degradable diverters have gained increased popularity in well stimulation as an environmentally friendly and robust fluid diversion technology. As of now, limited data and conflicting information exist in the literature regarding the hydrolytic degradation rates of diverters under field-representative conditions, and knowing these rates is crucial for optimizing well stimulation designs. In this work, we systematically measured the degradation rates of commercial self-degradable diverters in aqueous solutions spanning a wide solution pH range of 0.3–13.6 and a wide temperature range of 60–110 °C. We first demonstrated that existing bottle degradation test protocols might return misleading results due to the alteration of solution pH by degradation products, and we developed a more reliable experimental protocol using buffer solutions instead. Using this procedure, we found that as the solution pH increased, the hydrolysis rate of diverters first decreased and then increased, with a minimal degradation rate at around pH = 4. Elevated temperatures yielded faster hydrolysis. The collected kinetic data fit reasonably well to a published kinetic model that was originally developed for pure polylactic acid in deionized water, with an R2 value over 0.98 for all pH and temperature conditions. This comparison suggests that the model can be more widely applied to describe the degradation kinetics of commercial diverters over broad temperature and pH ranges. The test protocol, experimental data, and kinetic analysis in this work provide important guidance on improving the efficiency of fluid diversion and well stimulation operations.