Amount Of Acid Research Articles

Effects of Dietary L-glutamic acid on the Growth Performance, Gene Expression Associated with Muscle Growth-Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Health of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present research examined the impact of L-glutamic acid (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, muscle composition, gene expression correlated with muscle growth, and intestinal health of largemouth bass. There were 525 fish in total, which were distributed randomly into five groups. Each group had three replicates, and each replicate consisted of 35 fish. Groups with control and experimental diets were assigned glutamic acid amounts of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. The findings demonstrated that glutamic acid supplementation enhanced growth performance, feed intake (FI), and condition factor (CF), with the best value being attained at 0.4% Glu. The mean muscle fiber area was increased and the muscle fiber density was decreased in the 0.6% Glu group. The levels of total amino acids and specific amino acids, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, valine, alanine, and glycine, were shown to be higher in the 0.6% Glu group. In the 0.6% Glu group, the mRNA expression levels of atrogin-1, murf-1, foxo3a, and 4e-bp1 were decreased compared to the control group. Conversely, the mRNA expression levels of myf5, myog, myod, s6k1, tor, akt, and pi3k were increased in the 0.6% Glu group compared to the control group. The 0.4% Glu group had higher intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities and greater villus height, villus width, and muscle thickness. In summary, Glu can support largemouth bass growth, muscular development, intestinal digestion, and absorption.

Studies on Nigerian cashew nut shell liquid: Greening-up extraction process, chemical composition and cost effectiveness

Extractions of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) have always widely been carried out with non-environmentally friendly solvents. Hence, greener solvents are desired as alternative to currently used solvents. Herein, batch extractions of Nigerian CNSL with greener solvents: ethyl acetate and cyclohexane mixture in different ratios were investigated in hot and cold system and results compared with conventional solvent (petroleum ether). Compositional studies of the extracted CNSL and its isolated components were done with Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Cost effectiveness analysis for the extraction solvents and methods was also investigated. It was revealed that ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate-cyclohexane mixture at cold and hot conditions recorded higher CNSL yields than previous reports even at a lower liquid-to-solid ratio. Chemical composition and component quantity extracted did not significantly change under hot or cold system. The present composition of the Nigerian CNSL contains unusually higher amount of anarcardic acid (79 %) and cardanol (14 %) than ever reported. Additionally, degree of unsaturation in the alkyl chain of the CNSL is in the order triene>monoene>diene in the anarcardic acid and cardanol components of the liquid. Cost effectiveness analysis at a kilogramme scale revealed that the order of greenness of extraction route based on solvent type, energy requirement and condition of extraction is ethyl acetate-solvent cold system> ethyl acetate-hot system> ethyl acetate-cyclohexane-system> cyclohexane system > pet. ether system.

Mechanism of A. oleivorans S4 treating soluble phosphorus deficiency and hydrocarbon contamination simultaneously

Both soluble phosphorus (P) deficiency and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination represent challenges in soil environments. While phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria have been identified and employed in environmental bioremediation, the bacteria co-adapted to soluble P deficiency and hydrocarbon contamination has rarely been reported. This study explored the ability of Acinetobacter oleivorans S4 (A. oleivorans S4) to solubilize phosphate using n-hexadecane (H), glucose (G), and a mixed carbon source (HG) in tricalcium phosphate (TCP) medium. A. oleivorans S4 exhibited robust growth in H-TCP, releasing 31 mg L−1 of soluble P. Conversely, A. oleivorans S4 barely grew in G-TCP, releasing 654 mg L−1 of soluble P. In HG-TCP, biomass surpassed that in H-TCP, with phosphate release comparable to that in G-TCP. HPLC analysis revealed a small amount of TCA cycle acids in H-TCP and a large amount of gluconate in G-TCP and HG-TCP. Transcriptomic analysis showed elevated expression of genes associated with alkane degradation, P starvation, N utilization, and trehalose synthesis in H-TCP, revealing the molecular co-adaptation mechanism of A. oleivorans S4. Furthermore, the addition of glucose enhanced alkane degradation, P and N utilization, and reduced trehalose synthesis. It indicated that incomplete glucose metabolism may provide energy for other reactions, and the increase in soluble P mediated by gluconate may alleviate oxidative stress. Overall, A. oleivorans S4 proves promising for remediating soluble P-deficient and hydrocarbon-contaminated environments, and glucose stimulates its transformation into a super phosphate-solubilizing bacterium.

Effects of nitrogen starvation on growth and biochemical composition of some microalgae species.

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrient sources for the growth of microalgae. We studied the effects of nitrogen starvation on the growth responses, biochemical composition, and fatty acid profile of Dunaliella tertiolecta, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Nannochloropsis oculata. The lack of nitrogen caused changes in carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and fatty acid composition in all examined microalgae. The carbohydrate content increased 59% in D. tertiolecta, while the lipid level increased 139% in P. tricornutum under nitrogen stress conditions compared to the control groups. Nitrogen starvation increased the oligosaccharide and polysaccharide contents of D. tertiolecta 4.1-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively. Furthermore, triacylglycerol (TAG) levels in N. oculata and P. tricornutum increased 2.3-fold and 7.4-fold, respectively. The dramatic increase in the amount of TAG is important for the use of these microalgae as raw materials in biodiesel. Nitrogen starvation increased the amounts of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides of D. tertiolecta, while increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in N. oculata and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in P. tricornutum. The amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), EPA, DHA, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides in microalgal species can be increased without using the too costly nitrogen source in the culture conditions, which can reduce the most costly of living feeding.

Abcb4-defect cholangitis mouse model with hydrophobic bile acid composition by in vivo liver-specific gene deletion

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a liver disease that occurs during childhood and requires liver transplantation. ABCB4 is localized along the canalicular membranes of hepatocytes, transports phosphatidylcholine into bile, and its mutation causes PFIC3. Abcb4 gene-deficient mice established as animal models of PFIC3 exhibit cholestasis-induced liver injury. However, their phenotypes are often milder than those of human PFIC3, partly because of the existence of large amounts of less toxic hydrophilic bile acids synthesized by the rodent-specific enzymes Cyp2c70 and Cyp2a12. Mice with double deletions of Cyp2c70/Cyp2a12 (CYPDKO mice) have a human-like hydrophobic bile acid composition. PFIC-related gene mutations were induced in CYPDKO mice to determine whether these triple-gene-deficient mice are a better model for PFIC. To establish a PFIC3 mouse model using CYPDKO mice, we induced abcb4 gene deletion in vivo using adeno-associated viruses expressing SaCas9 under the control of a liver-specific promoter and abcb4-target gRNAs. Compared to Abcb4-deficient wild-type mice, Abcb4-deficient CYPDKO mice showed more pronounced liver injury along with an elevation of inflammatory and fibrotic markers. The proliferation of intrahepatic bile ductal cells and hematopoietic cell infiltration were also observed. CYPDKO/abcb4-deficient mice show a predominance of taurine-conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid in the liver. In addition, phospholipid levels in the gallbladder bile were barely detectable. Mice with human-like bile acids exhibit severe cholestatic liver injury when Abcb4 is knocked down using genome editing technology. This mouse model is useful for studying human cholestatic diseases and developing new treatments.

Upcycling of melon seed (Cucumis melo L.) oil processing by-product: evaluation of functional properties and nutritional components as novel ingredient

BackgroundDefatted melon seed, a major by-product from melon oil processing chain, is scarcely utilsed. However, it has high potential value and can be used as novel ingredient in food products production. In line with zero waste policy and food sustainability, exploring and utilisation of this oil processing by-product can reduce food waste, and is key to moving towards a more sustainable food system. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the nutritional profile and functional properties of three varieties of defatted melon seeds (Galia, Cantaloupe, and Honeydew), and then compare them with defatted pumpkin seeds (as control group).ResultsIn this study, three varieties of melon seeds (Galia, Cantaloupe, and Honeydew) and pumpkin seeds (as control group) were defatted using Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether; subsequently, their functional properties and nutritional components were assessed. The defatted melon seeds contained high level of protein (51.1–54.2%, w/w), dietary fibre (29.4–33.2%, w/w), potassium (1181.0–2373.1 mg/100 g), and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid, 1.4–4.3 mmol/kg), whereas in terms of anti-nutritional compounds, they contained a relatively high amount of phytic acid (5.0%—5.8%, w/w). They also exhibited good in water/oil absorption capacity and emulsifying capacity. The phenolics were mainly free phenolics (FP) fraction (75%–77%), followed by the conjugated phenolics (CP) fraction (15%–16%), and the bound phenolics (BP) fraction (about 8%); the antioxidant capacity of each fraction followed the same sequence (FP > CP > BP).ConclusionConsidering the nutritional composition, functional properties, and the presence of potentially bioactive compounds, defatted melon seeds have considerable potential to be used as a functional food ingredient for the reformulation of foods.Graphical

A Short Review on Obeticholic Acid: An Effective Modulator of Farnesoid X Receptor.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as an orphan nuclear receptor resembling the steroid receptor in the late '90s. Activation of FXR is a crucial step in many physiological functions of the liver. A vital role of FXR is impacting the amount of bile acids in the hepatocytes, which it performs by reducing bile acid synthesis, stimulating the bile salt export pump, and inhibiting its enterohepatic circulation, thus protecting the hepatocytes against the toxic accumulation of bile acids. Furthermore, FXR mediates bile acid biotransformation in the intestine, liver regeneration, glucose hemostasis, and lipid metabolism. In this review, we first discuss the mechanisms of the disparate pleiotropic actions of FXR agonists. We then delve into the pharmacokinetics of Obeticholic acid (OCA), the first-in-class selective, potent FXR agonist. We additionally discuss the clinical journey of OCA in humans, its current evidence in various human diseases, and its plausible roles in the future.

Production performance and biochemical profile of sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca): Influence of site-specific ecological factors and cultivation strategies

Production performance and biochemical characteristics of seaweed under varying cultivation strategies and ecological conditions provide crucial insights for improving sustainable farming practices. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the production performance and biochemical profile of sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) under three farming systems, namely floating long-line (FLL), off-bottom long-line (OBLL), and off-bottom net (OBN), and three site-specific (Khurushkul, Nuniachora, and Sonapara) ecological conditions for a period of nine months (October 2022 to June 2023). Depending on the site suitability for different cultivation systems, 15 plots (5 FLL, 5 OBLL, and 5 OBN) were established in Nuniachora, 10 plots (5 FLL, 5 OBLL) were established in Sonapara, and 5 plots (FLL) were established in Khurushkul of the Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. Depending on the cultivation months, we partially harvested U. lactuca every 15–30 days once it reached 25–35 cm in length. Results showed that the gross weight biomass (GWB) of U. lactuca cultured in the FLL (F = 200.43, p < 0.001) cultivation system was 45.38% and 39.85% higher compared to OBN and OBLL, respectively. The average daily growth rate (DGR) was found to be 11%–13% higher in the FLL method (F = 236.11, p < 0.001). Location-based comparisons indicated a significantly higher (p < 0.05) U. lactuca production in Khurushkul, followed by the Nuniarchora, and the lowest was observed in Sonapara. Seasonality influenced the production performances of U. lactuca, with significantly higher (p < 0.05) growth observed from December to March due to favourable physio-chemical parameters. Multivariate analysis revealed that high salinity, pH, and nutrient concentrations positively influenced growth performances, while high temperature, turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS) had negative effects. U. lactuca harvested from the FLL and OBN systems contained 14.3% and 9.44% higher amounts of protein (F = 36.77, p < 0.001) than the OBN system. The fatty acid analysis showed that U. lactuca from the FLL and OBN systems contained a significantly lower amount of saturated fatty acids but a higher amount of monounsaturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the OBLL system. Among the heavy metals and minerals analyzed, U. lactuca harvested from the FLL system contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of Na and K and lower amounts of Pb, Cr, Co, and Fe. The findings of the present study underscore the superiority of the floating long-line cultivation system for U. lactuca, highlighting its potential for sustainable farming practices to address global food security and utilization in various industrial applications.

Immobilized Burkholderia cepacia Lipase and lts Application in Selective Enrichment of EPA by Hydrolysis of Fish Oil

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an orally active Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, has attracted much attention for its medical and healthcare value. Due to a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) including docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in fish oil, the highly specific enrichment of EPA from fish oil is difficult to achieve. In our study, we conducted immobilization studies on Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) and its application in the selective enrichment of EPA in fish oil. BCL was immobilized on resin LX201A by covalent crosslinking, and immobilization conditions including glutaraldehyde concentration, pH, time were optimized. The optimal immobilization conditions were 0.5% glutaraldehyde, 4 hr, and pH 8.0. The loading rate of BCL reached to 93.5%, and its activity was up to 68263 U/g under the optimal immobilization conditions. After hydrolysis reaction of fish oil for 15h catalyzed by immobilized BCL, EPA content showed a more increase by 33.2%, while a slight increase by 0.78% in DHA content. Moreover, after recycling use for 10 times, the catalytic efficiency of immobilized BCL remained at 93.0%. These indicated that immobilized BCL possessed good selectivity, reusability and stability, providing great application potential in EPA selective enrichment in fish oil industry.

Nested PCR effective to detect low viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 in animal samples

SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal source and was then transmitted to humans, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since a wide range of animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 increases with every new animal infected. The molecular gold standard assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection is real-time RT-PCR, where the Ct obtained is proportional to the amount of nucleic acid and can be a semi-quantitative measure of the viral load. However, since the use of real-time RT-PCR assays in animal samples is low due to the high costs, the use of validated nested PCR assays will help to monitor large-scale animal samplings, by reducing the costs of detection. In the present study, 140 samples from dogs and cats (15 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples with Ct values from 27 to 33, and 125 negative samples), previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, were analyzed by nested PCR. To increase the number of positive samples to determine the sensitivity of the assay, 40 human samples obtained during COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020 were included. The specificity of the primers was analyzed against samples positive to canine coronavirus (CCV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). To calculate the limit of detection (LoD) of the nested PCR, the viral load was estimated extrapolating the Ct value obtained by real-time RT-PCR. The Ct values obtained were considered as semi-quantitative and were able to distinguish between high, moderate and low viral loads. The Kappa value or “agreement” between assays and reliability of the nested PCR were also determined. Eleven of the animal samples analyzed by nested PCR targeting the N gene were detected as positive, while 129 were detected as negative to the virus, with Ct values ranging between17 and 31.5. All the samples from humans analyzed by nested PCR were positive. These results indicate that the assay has a sensitivity of near 95% and a specificity of 100%. No unspecific reactions analyzed by nested PCR were observed with the samples positive to CCV and FIPV. The samples detected as positive to SARS-CoV-2 by nested PCR were those that presented a Ct between17 and 31.5. The LoD of the nested PCR was estimated close to 50 copies/µL of viral load, corresponding with a Ct of 31.5. The Kappa value between assays was excellent (k = 0.829). The results obtained demonstrate that nested PCR is useful to detect SARS-CoV-2 low viral loads at a lower cost than with real-time RT-PCR.

Biallelic null variants in PNPLA8 cause microcephaly by reducing the number of basal radial glia.

Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing lipase 8 (PNPLA8), one of the calcium-independent phospholipase A2 enzymes, is involved in various physiological processes through the maintenance of membrane phospholipids. Biallelic variants in PNPLA8 have been associated with a range of paediatric neurodegenerative disorders. However, the phenotypic spectrum, genotype-phenotype correlations and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we newly identified 14 individuals from 12 unrelated families with biallelic ultra-rare variants in PNPLA8 presenting with a wide phenotypic spectrum of clinical features. Analysis of the clinical features of current and previously reported individuals (25 affected individuals across 20 families) showed that PNPLA8-related neurological diseases manifest as a continuum ranging from variable developmental and/or degenerative epileptic-dyskinetic encephalopathy to childhood-onset neurodegeneration. We found that complete loss of PNPLA8 was associated with the more profound end of the spectrum, with congenital microcephaly. Using cerebral organoids generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we found that loss of PNPLA8 led to developmental defects by reducing the number of basal radial glial cells and upper-layer neurons. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that loss of PNPLA8 altered the fate specification of apical radial glial cells, as reflected by the enrichment of gene sets related to the cell cycle, basal radial glial cells and neural differentiation. Neural progenitor cells lacking PNPLA8 showed a reduced amount of lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid. The reduced number of basal radial glial cells in patient-derived cerebral organoids was rescued, in part, by the addition of lysophosphatidic acid. Our data suggest that PNPLA8 is crucial to meet phospholipid synthetic needs and to produce abundant basal radial glial cells in human brain development.

Comparative assessment of nutritional composition, phenolic compounds, antioxidative and antidiabetic properties of pilosocereus gounellei and Cereus Jamacaru: two unexplored cactus fruits from the Brazilian semi-arid

ABSTRACT In this study, we determine the chemical composition, bioactive compounds profile, antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic potential of two cactus fruits. Pilosocereus gounellei had the highest contents of ash (6.84%), lipid (7.79%), maltose (1.02 mg g−1), soluble fiber (10.85%) and minerals such as Mg. Thirteen volatile compounds (alcohols, terpenes, aldehydes and esters) were found in the fruits. Although higher amounts of quinic acid and quercetrin were found in Cereus Jamacaru, Pilosocereus gounellei had a higher content of p-coumaric acid and rutin. Regarding the functional potential, Cereus Jamacaru had the highest content of total phenolics (65.17 GAE g−1), total flavonoids (26.06 mg EC g−1), antioxidant capacity (28.67; 49.86; 158.79 µM TE g−1 for DPPH, ABTS and ORAC, respectively) and highest inhibition for α-amylase (84.84 ± 0.41%) and protein glycation. In view of their nutritional and bioactive characteristics, these species have great potential to be used in preparations with functional claims.

Protein extracts from microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass. Techno-functional properties and bioactivity: A review

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic and unicellular organisms that contain considerable amounts of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, among others, with applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. These microorganisms can accumulate protein up to 70 % of total biomass depending on the microalgal strain, hence they have been regarded as an alternative protein source for the future. Microalgal proteins have important applications such as emulsifying, foaming, and gelation properties, which are important for the determination of quality and texture of foods. Some microalgal peptides possess important bioactivity with many health-benefit effects. Therefore, to maximize the production of proteins from microalgae and cyanobacteria, many protein extraction procedures have been studied to increase the economic return. They have been tested towards higher protein yields at low energy cost, the preservation of protein native properties, and lower cell debris. This later is fundamental to facilitate the subsequent purification processes so that the overall cost can be reduced. The aim of this work is to review some cell disruption processes for the extraction of protein from microalgae and cyanobacteria, considering that this step is crucial for the overall process due to the high rigidness of microalgal cell covering, which can hamper the release of proteins. It also aims at reviewing the purification techniques after cellular disruption, from conventional to more recent approaches, and finally addresses the antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antibacterial and other bioactive properties of microalgal protein hydrolysates and peptides.

A comparison of the chemical compositions and nutrient values of the sanim and srithong varieties of the farmed golden apple snails (Gastropoda; Ampullariidae; Pomacea canaliculata)

The comparison of the Sanim (SN) and Srithong (ST) varieties of the farmed apple snail Pomacea canaliculata as an alternative protein source has shown that ST contained more hydroxyproline and possessed a greater firmness than SN. Nevertheless, both varieties yielded similar protein contents of 20.90–23.07 % and exhibited similar texture, color, cooking yields and cooking losses after cooking. Good palatability with high liking score was obtained from both snail meat samples, particularly color, texture, and overall attributes. Snail meats possessed good nutritive value with an amount of protein and low fat content, whereas SN contained higher protein and total energy(P < 0.05). Other nutritionally useful chemicals (such as calcium, sodium, iron, vitamins B1 and B2) are present. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results discovered that myosin heavy chain, paramyosin, and actin were the prevalent protein components. Differences in nitrogen content distribution were observed between SN and ST, in which alkaline-soluble protein was the major fraction. Amino acid composition and fatty acid content varied regarding snail varieties with a large amount of essential amino acids and good source of MUFA and PUFA. Therefore, both farmed SN and ST snails could be an effective alternative protein source with a significant amount of nutritive value.

Walnut meal improves meat quality by modulating intestinal microbes in white feather broilers

Improving the number of amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids in the diet is a good way to raise the quality of the meat. Currently, most research on the quality of broiler meat focuses on genetic traits; nevertheless, it is unclear how meat quality is regulated. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different supplemental levels of walnut meal (WM) on growth performance, amino acid and fatty acid composition, microbial composition, and meat quality of white feather broilers. 1 week old white feather broilers (n = 120; Body weight 83.76 ± 2.32 g), were randomly divided into 3 treatments and 4 replicates. Walnut meal of basic diet (CK), 5 %(WM-L) and 10 %(WM-H) were added to the diets of white feather broilers, respectively. The results showed that walnut meal could increase L* 24 h (24 h brightness) of breast muscle of white feathered broilers (p < 0.05). The amount of essential amino acids (e.g., isoleucine, methionine, leucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine), umami amino taste acids (glutamic acid), and PUFA/SFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) (n-3PUFA and n-6 PUFA) in breast muscle increased as the dose was increased. Furthermore, walnut meal regulated amino acid flavour metabolism by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, bifidobacterium, and enterococcus faecalis, according to 16S rRNA sequencing and functional prediction analysis. The correlation showed that amino acid and fatty acid composition was one of the key factors affecting pH value, meat color and tenderness of chicken. In conclusion, dietary addition of walnut meal can increase the content of essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria of broilers, which is of great significance for improving meat quality of white feather broilers.

Synergistic effect of bath-ultrasonication and heating treatments on two-steps treatment of brewers’ spent grain

The study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and techno-functionality of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) treated with two-steps treatment involving 5, 15, and 25 min bath-ultrasonication (USB) continued with autoclave (AH) at 90, 110, and 130 °C and/or water-bath (CWH) at 80, 90, and 100 °C. The two-steps treatments slightly affected the water- and oil-holding capacity and extractable fat content. Most of the two-steps treatments increased the amount of flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids, up to 4 times higher compared to its control. The two-steps treatment involving CWH had no significant (p>0.05) impact on fat content, antioxidants and techo-functionality of BSG. Up to 15 min USB increased the poly-unsaturated fatty acids and lowered the amount of saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the two-steps treatment consists of USB (up to 15 min) continued with AH and CWH increased the amount of nutritional-related chemical composition such as UFA and phenolic acids as well as antioxidant activity of BSG.

Emerging investigator series: Coprecipitation with glucuronic acid limits reductive dissolution and transformation of ferrihydrite in an anoxic soil.

Ferrihydrite, a poorly crystalline Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide, is abundant in soils and is often found associated with organic matter. Model studies consistently show that in the presence of aqueous Fe(II), organic carbon (OC)-associated ferrihydrite undergoes less transformation than OC-free ferrihydrite. Yet, these findings contrast microbial reductive dissolution studies in which the OC promotes the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) in ferrihydrite and leads to the release of associated OC. To shed light on these complex processes, we quantified the extent of reductive dissolution and transformation of native Fe minerals and added ferrihydrite in anoxic soil incubations where pure 57Fe-ferrihydrite (57Fh), pure 57Fe-ferrihydrite plus dissolved glucuronic acid (57Fh + GluCaq), a 57Fe-ferrihydrite-13C-glucuronic acid coprecipitate (57Fh13GluC), or only dissolved glucuronic acid (13GluCaq) were added. By tracking the transformation of the 57Fe-ferrihydrite in the solid phase with Mössbauer spectroscopy together with analysis of the iron isotope composition of the aqueous phase and chemical extractions with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, we show that the pure 57Fe-ferrihydrite underwent more reductive dissolution and transformation than the coprecipitated 57Fe-ferrihydrite when identical amounts of glucuronic acid were provided (57Fh + GluCaqversus57Fh13GluC treatments). In the absence of glucuronic acid, the pure 57Fe-ferrihydrite underwent the least reductive dissolution and transformation (57Fh). Comparing all treatments, the overall extent of Fe(III) reduction, including the added and native Fe minerals, determined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy, was highest in the 57Fh + GluCaq treatment. Collectively, our results suggest that the limited bioavailability of the coprecipitated OC restricts not only the reductive dissolution of the coprecipitated mineral, but it also limits the enhanced reduction of native soil Fe(III) minerals.

Changes in microbial dynamics and fermentation characteristics of alfalfa silage: A potent approach to mitigate greenhouse gas emission through high-quality forage silage

Feeding ruminants with high-quality forage can enhance digestibility and reduce methane production. Development of high-quality silage from leguminous plants with lactic acid bacteria can improve digestibility and it mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we developed a high-quality alfalfa silage with improved fermentation index and microbial dynamics using Levilactobacillus brevis-KCC-44 at low or high moisture (LM/HM) conditions and preserved it for 75 or 150 days. Alfalfa fermentation with L. brevis enhances acidification and fermentation characteristics primarily due to the dominance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) L. brevis (>95%) compared to alfalfa fermented with epiphytic LAB. The inoculant L. brevis improved the anaerobic fermentation indexes resulting in a higher level of lactic acid in both high (10.0 ± 0.12 & 8.90 ± 0.31%DM) and low moisture (0.55 ± 0.08 & 0.39 ± 0.0 %DM) in 75 and 150 days respectively, compared to control silage. In addition, the marginal amount of acetic acid (range from 0.23 ± 0.07 to 2.04 ± 0.27 %DM) and a reduced level of butyric acid (range between 0.03 ± 0.0 to 0.13 ± 02 %DM) was noted in silage treated with LAB than the control. The LAB count and abundance of Levilactobacillus were higher in alfalfa silage fermented with L. brevis. Microbial richness and diversity were reduced in alfalfa silage treated with L. brevis which prompted lactic acid production at a higher level even for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, this L.brevis is an effective inoculant for producing high-quality alfalfa silage since it improves fermentation indexes and provides reproducible ensiling properties.

Effect of different microplastics on the mobilization of soil inorganic phosphorus by exomycorrhizal fungi

&lt;p&gt;Microplastics (MPs) can affect the phosphorus (P) cycle in soil by changing soil properties and the function of microbial communities, but their impact on soil P availability remains unclear. To explore the effects of different types of MPs on the mobilization of soil inorganic P by exomycorrhizal fungi, Lactarius delicious (Ld) was used as the test strain, and polystyrene microspheres (PS), polypropylene (PP) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were used as test materials. The soil was used as the only P source for the media. The effect of different types of MPs on the mobilization of soil inorganic P by exomycorrhizal fungi was studied using liquid culture method. The results showed that exposure to MPs at low to medium concentrations (10 or 100 mg L-1) activated inorganic P in soil by stimulating the secretion of additional organic acids and hydrogen ions by ectomycorrhizal fungi, improving the available P in soil. The effect of mobilizing inorganic P was more significant in the treatment groups exposed to low and medium concentrations of biodegradable PLA. This may be related to the fact that PLA stimulated the ectomycorrhizal fungi to secrete more organic acids, and the release of a large amount of lactic acid after PLA was biodegraded. However, when the exposure concentration of MPs further increased, the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium may be inhibited, the secretion of organic acids and hydrogen ions may be reduced, and the mobilization ability of soil inorganic P may be limited. In addition, it should be noted that high concentrations of non biodegradable MPs (PS and PP) had significant limiting effects on the mobilization of soil inorganic P by exomycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, our study results provide evidence that the presence of MPs may reduce the availability of soil P. Further research should focus on maintaining or improving P availability in plant-microbe systems in MP-polluted soil.&lt;/p&gt;

Lignin, extractives and structural carbohydrate characteristics of Thinopyrum intermedium biomass reveal additional valorization opportunities for dual-crop utilization.

Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, or intermediate wheat grass (IWG), is being developed as the first widely-available perennial grain candidate. However, because the crop is still in development, grain yields are lower than those of traditional cereals. Utilization of its non-grain biomass (e.g. for biofuel production and as a source of fine chemicals) would increase the economic value of its cultivation. The present study provides a structural characterization of the lignin and cell wall carbohydrates in IWG biomass and qualitative profiling of biomass extractives and compares them to those of annual wheat (Triticum aestivum) biomass grown in the same location and growing season. The monosaccharide composition and ester-linked phenolic acid contents of vegetative biomass material from annual wheat and IWG were similar. IWG vegetative biomass is rich in feruloylated arabinoxylans (AX) with a very low substitution rate, whereas the AX from IWG bran have a slightly higher substitution rate. The structure of IWG lignin was investigated using both the quantitative derivatization followed by reductive cleavage method and 2D-NMR analysis, revealing an H:G:S lignin that incorporates tricin and is acylated with coumaric acid and smaller amounts of ferulates. IWG and wheat extractives contained fatty acids, various free phenolic compounds (tricin, monolignols and phenolic acids), phenolic conjugates and phytosterols. The present study provides firm support for the further exploration of T. intermedium biomass as a carbohydrate feedstock (e.g, abundant in lightly substituted AX and cellulose polymers) for biofuel production and source of high-value fine chemicals, such as tricin. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.