Increase In Acid Content Research Articles

The Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain Overexpressing the Endopolygalacturonase PGU1 Gene on the Aminoacidic, Volatile, and Phenolic Compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

The addition of pectinase enzymes during the maceration stage of grape skins in order to improve the extraction yields and color of red wines is a common practice in many wineries. The objective of this work was to study in depth the changes that occurred in the aminoacidic, volatile, and phenolic compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon wines fermented with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain genetically modified with the gene encoding for endopolygalacturonase (PGU1) in transcriptional fusion with the promoter of the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1) gene, both from S. cerevisiae origin. A higher yield extraction of wine was obtained in wines fermented with the modified strain (PW), increasing by around 6.1% compared to the control wine (CW). Moreover, there was a 40% decrease in the malic acid content in the PW, thus suggesting that this modified yeast could be investigated as a malic acid-reducing agent. There were slight differences in other aroma volatile compounds studied as well as in the phenolic content. However, there was a considerable increase in the amino acid content in the PW.

Impact of Lactic Acid Fermentation on the Organic Acids and Sugars of Developed Oat and Buckwheat Beverages

In recent years, new plant-based foods and drinks have been developed to meet the growing demand for animal-derived alternatives, particularly dairy products. This study investigates the impact of lactic acid fermentation on the organic acids and sugars in oat and buckwheat beverages developed using Lactobacillus johnsonii K4 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus K3, which are potential probiotics. The fermented samples were analyzed for pH changes, bacterial viability, and the concentration of organic acids and sugars over 15 days. The results indicated significant variations in bacterial colony counts, with L. johnsonii K4 showing the highest initial growth. Over 15 days, pH levels decreased, with the most acidic conditions observed in buckwheat beverages. Notably, fermentation led to a significant increase in acetic acid concentration and a reduction in malic acid levels, particularly in buckwheat samples. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of fermentation in enhancing the nutritional profile and shelf-life of plant-based beverages.

Separation of free fatty acids and neutral lipids from an aqueous suspension of crude microalgae oil with ethyl acetate

The aim of this study was to determine the liquid-liquid equilibrium data for a ternary system of water, ethyl acetate and oil from the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus at 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15 K. The potential of the ternary system was also investigated for the selective extraction of free fatty acids and neutral lipids from crude microalgae oil. The equilibrium data were obtained using a model oil formulated from a mixture of refined vegetable oils, with a fatty acid profile analogous to the dark and opaque algae oil. The experimental equilibrium curves and tie lines were provided as a function of temperature for a free fatty acid content of 2%, 20% and 40% (w/w). The free fatty acids in the model oil migrated preferentially to the ethyl acetate-rich phase in each of the systems under study, with extraction efficiencies ranging from 79.4% to 97.1%. However, the extraction efficiencies for the neutral lipids were lower (51.5–70.1%), indicating the preferential extraction of free fatty acids. The distribution coefficients of neutral lipids (1.06–2.34) and free fatty acids (3.85–33.2) were determined in order to better understand the selectivity of the green solvent, ethyl acetate, in the purification of crude oil from algae. The selectivity values varied from 1.84 to 28.6, indicating that the solvent was effective in concentrating neutral lipids and free fatty acids in the ethyl acetate-rich phase. The increase in free fatty acid content therefore reduced the partition coefficient for neutral lipids, improving its selectivity, and making it possible to concentrate this lipid class by liquid-liquid separation with ethyl acetate.

Aging AdipoR2-deficient mice are hyperactive with enlarged brains excessively rich in saturated fatty acids.

To investigate how the fatty acid composition of brain phospholipids influences brain-specific processes, we leveraged the AdipoR2 (adiponectin receptor 2) knockout mouse model in which the brain is enlarged, and cellular membranes are excessively rich in saturated fatty acids. Lipidomics analysis of brains at 2, 7, and 18 months of age showed that phosphatidylcholines, which make up about two-thirds of all cerebrum membrane lipids, contain a gross excess of saturated fatty acids in AdipoR2 knockout mice, and that this is mostly attributed to an excess palmitic acid (C16:0) at the expense of oleic acid (C18:1), consistent with a defect in fatty acid desaturation and elongation in the mutant. Specifically, there was a ~12% increase in the overall saturated fatty acid content within phosphatidylcholines and a ~30% increase in phosphatidylcholines containing two palmitic acids. Phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, ceramides, lactosylceramides, and dihydroceramides also showed an excess of saturated fatty acids in the AdipoR2 knockout mice while nervonic acid (C24:1) was enriched at the expense of shorter saturated fatty acids in glyceroceramides. Similar defects were found in the cerebellum and myelin sheaths. Histology showed that cell density is lower in the cerebrum of AdipoR2 knockout mice, but electron microscopy did not detect reproducible defects in the ultrastructure of cerebrum neurons, though proteomics analysis showed an enrichment of electron transport chain proteins in the cerebellum. Behavioral tests showed that older (33 weeks old) AdipoR2 knockout mice are hyperactive and anxious compared to control mice of a similar age. Also, in contrast to control mice, the AdipoR2 knockout mice do not gain weight in old age but do have normal lifespans. We conclude that an excess fatty acid saturation in brain phospholipids is accompanied by hyperactivity but seems otherwise well tolerated.

Functional regulation of hydroxyproline, ascorbic acid and lipid peroxidation during GABA chitosan nanoparticles mediated liver regeneration

BACKGROUND: Liver is a vital organ and the role of Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) conjugated chitosan nanoparticles in enhancing the hepatocyte proliferation was reported. To understand the influence of these nanoparticles on various biochemical parameters during enhanced liver regeneration will improve its clinical significance. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the influence of GABA chitosan nanoparticles on ascorbic acid, hydroxyproline and lipid peroxidation levels during liver regeneration. METHODS: Intraperitoneal administration of nanoparticles was done to partially hepatectomised female Sprague Dawley rats (GCNP) and compared the biochemical parameters with sham operated control (C) and with no treatment (PHNT) cases. RESULTS: The hydroxyproline content was increased in the liver of GCNP when compared to PHNT (P < 0.05). The lipid peroxidation level was increased (P < 0.01) in PHNT compared to the control whereas, decreased in GCNP when compared (P < 0.01) with PHNT. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the ascorbic acid content in PHNT when compared with C. It was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in GCNP when compared with PHNT. CONCLUSION: This highlighted the therapeutic implications of lipid peroxidation, hydroxyproline and ascorbic acid in GABA chitosan nanoparticles mediated liver regeneration, which will have immense clinical relevance in maintaining liver health.

Humid heat environment causes anxiety-like disorder via impairing gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in mice

Climate and environmental changes threaten human mental health, but the impacts of specific environmental conditions on neuropsychiatric disorders remain largely unclear. Here, we show the impact of a humid heat environment on the brain and the gut microbiota using a conditioned housing male mouse model. We demonstrate that a humid heat environment can cause anxiety-like behaviour in male mice. Microbial 16 S rRNA sequencing analysis reveals that a humid heat environment caused gut microbiota dysbiosis (e.g., decreased abundance of Lactobacillus murinus), and metabolomics reveals an increase in serum levels of secondary bile acids (e.g., lithocholic acid). Moreover, increased neuroinflammation is indicated by the elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and cortex, activated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling and a microglial response in the cortex. Strikingly, transplantation of the microbiota from mice reared in a humid heat environment readily recapitulates these abnormalities in germ-free mice, and these abnormalities are markedly reversed by Lactobacillus murinus administration. Human samples collected during the humid heat season also show a decrease in Lactobacillus murinus abundance and an increase in the serum lithocholic acid concentration. In conclusion, gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a humid heat environment drives the progression of anxiety disorders by impairing bile acid metabolism and enhancing neuroinflammation, and probiotic administration is a potential therapeutic strategy for these disorders.

The Increased aspartate levels in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lead to improved tolerance against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Gennadius).

The whitefly, a polyphagous insect pest feeding on nearly 1328 plant species, is a major threat to global cotton production and incurs up to 50% yield losses in cotton production in Pakistan. We investigated whether increased aspartate in phloem sap imparts whitefly toxicity and protects cotton plants from intense damage. The enzymatic step for aspartate production is carried through aspartate aminotransferase (AAT). In this study, we constitutively overexpressed the Oryza sativa cytoplasmic AAT (OsAAT2) under the CaMV35S promoter in Gossypium hirsutum cv. CIM-482. Real-time PCR analysis of the AAT transcripts revealed a 2.85- to 31.7-fold increase in mRNA levels between the different cotton lines. A substantial increase in the free-amino acid content of the major N-assimilation and transport amino acids (aspartate, glutamate, asparagine, and glutamine) was seen in the phloem sap of the transgenic cotton lines. The bioassay revealed that the two transgenic cotton lines with the highest free aspartate content in the phloem sap exhibited 97 and 94% mortality in the adult whitefly population and a 98 and 96% decline in subsequent nymph populations, respectively. There was also a significant change in the physiological behaviour of the transgenic cotton lines, with an increased net assimilation (A), gaseous exchange (Gs) and rate of transpiration (E). Improved morphological characteristics like plant height, total number of bolls and fiber yield were recorded in transgenic cotton lines. The AAT gene shows promise in mitigating whitefly infestations and enhancing the overall health and yield of cotton plants.

Theoretical Studies on the Chemical Degradation and Proton Dissociation Property of PBI used in High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are gaining more and more attention due to their higher efficiency than low-temperature ones. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are the most popular membranes used in HT-PEMFCs. However, their chemical stability and chemical degradation mechanisms, which directly affect the lifetime of fuel cells, have been hardly reported. We applied the density functional theory and used ABPBI as an example membrane to investigate the chemical degradation mechanisms of PBI membranes. The possible degradation mechanisms that occurred on eight sites have been proposed, where sites 2 and 3 located on the phenyl ring are determined as two weak sites toward OH radical and oxygen molecule attack. When the terminal is the H atom at site 7, it is also weak under OH radical attack. Regarding these, the substituent effect on the chemical stability of polymers has been studied. By introducing four -C2F5 or -CN groups, the barrier heights of the corresponding degradation reactions are increased; thus, the chemical stabilities of related membranes are improved. The selection of terminal atoms was also explored for alleviating the chemical degradation of the membrane. The investigated proton transfer properties of nine model compounds revealed that introducing four -C2F5 or -CN groups improves the proton dissociation properties occurring at the cathode. The increase of phosphoric acid concentration is helpful for the proton transfer at both the membrane and the cathode. This work may hopefully help the design and synthesis of HT-PEMFCs with good stability and high efficiency.

Effective Transport Recovery of Palladium(II) from Hydrochloric Acid Solutions Using Polymer Inclusion Membrane with Tetrabutylammonium Bromide.

This article reports on the extraction of palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions using polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as the ion carrier. The membranes were based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the polymer support. The main aim of this study is to determine the possibility of TBAB's application as the effective ion carrier/extractant of Pd(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions. At first, the effect of the hydrochloric acid concentration in the aqueous phase on palladium(II) extraction was investigated. Next, cellulose triacetate membranes with TBAB as the carrier were prepared and applied for the recovery of Pd(II) from HCl solutions. As a result of the investigations, the optimal composition of the receiving phase was determined to be 0.5 M thiourea in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid. The effect of the acid concentration in the source phase was investigated. The results show a linear decrease in the permeability coefficient and initial flux of palladium(II) with an increase in the hydrochloric acid concentration in the source phase. The separation of Pd(II) from Pt(IV) from the hydrochloric acid solution was also studied. The transport rate of Pd(II) was higher than Pt(IV). The separation coefficient SPd/Pt was 1.3. The results show that transport through PIMs with TBAB can be used as an effective method to recover Pd(II) from hydrochloric acid, especially at a low concentration of this acid.

Функциональные характеристики почек возобновления Нeracleum sosnowskyi Manden. в период подготовки к перезимовке

Based on the study of the physiological and biochemical characteristics of Heracleum sosnowskyi buds we identified functional adaptations during the preparation of plants for overwintering. The freezing point of water in the buds tissues was –12 оC in October, while maintaining high water content (more than 80%). Buds has a relatively high efficiency of respiration at low positive temperatures (2–5 оC), which favors morphogenesis processes in the shoot vegetative cone in autumn. During the preparation for overwintering the buds accumulated osmoregulators – soluble sugars, free amino acids, including proline. A relatively high level of cytokinin growth hormones was found in the buds tissues. This contributes to morphogenesis processes and increases plant cold tolerance. We found that in December the abscisic acid (a growth inhibitor and resting hormone) content increases and the level of cytokinins decrease. Heracleum sosnowskyi formed buds differing in the photosynthetic pigments content. Buds with green scale leaves accumulated the greatest amount of chlorophylls and carotenoids, while those with red-brown and yellow ones accumulated the least. The carotenoids accumulation in the green buds tissues protects the formed photosynthetic apparatus at low positive temperatures in autumn. The results on the functional state of H. sosnowskyi terminal buds in natural populations indicate the absence of deep dormancy in plants, and morphogenesis processes in meristems tissues are limited by winter temperatures.

Metabolomics Reveals the Impact of Overexpression of Cytosolic Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase on Photosynthesis and Growth in Nannochloropsis gaditana.

Nannochloropsis gaditana, a microalga known for its photosynthetic efficiency, serves as a cell factory, producing valuable biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and pigments. These components make it an ideal candidate for biofuel production and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we genetically engineered N. gaditana to overexpress the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (cyFBPase) using the Hsp promoter, aiming to enhance sugar metabolism and biomass accumulation. The modified algal strain, termed NgFBP, exhibited a 1.34-fold increase in cyFBPase activity under photoautotrophic conditions. This modification led to a doubling of biomass production and an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content in fatty acids to 20.78-23.08%. Additionally, the genetic alteration activated the pathways related to glycine, protoporphyrin, thioglucosides, pantothenic acid, CoA, and glycerophospholipids. This shift in carbon allocation towards chloroplast development significantly enhanced photosynthesis and growth. The outcomes of this study not only improve our understanding of photosynthesis and carbon allocation in N. gaditana but also suggest new biotechnological methods to optimize biomass yield and compound production in microalgae.

Paeonol and glycyrrhizic acid in combination ameliorate the recurrent nitroglycerin-induced migraine-like phenotype in rats by regulating the GABBR2/TRPM8/PRKACA/TRPV1 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevancePaeonol (PAE) and glycyrrhizic acid (GLY) are predominate components of 14 blood-entering ones of Piantongtang No. 1, which is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for chronic migraine with minimal side effects. Both paeonol and glycyrrhizic acid exhibit analgesic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties individually. Our previous research has highlighted their combined effect (PAE + GLY) in ameliorating migraine symptoms. However, there are not yet any studies exploring the mechanism of action of PAE + GLY in the treatment of migraine. Aim of the studyThis research aimed to determine the mechanism of PAE + GLY in ameliorating the recurrent nitroglycerin-induced migraine-like phenotype in rats. Materials and methodsUsing a nitroglycerin-induced migraine model via subcutaneous injection in the neck, we evaluated the effect of PAE + GLY on migraine-like symptoms. Behavioural tests and biomarkers analysis were employed, alongside transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Mechanistic insights were further verified utilising reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot (WB), ELISA and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. ResultsFollowing treatment with PAE + GLY, hyperalgesia threshold and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels increased, and migraine-like head scratching, histamine and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels were reduced. RNA-Seq experiments revealed that PAE + GLY upregulated the expression of Glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD2) and γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 2 (GABBR2) genes. This upregulation activated the GABAergic synapse pathway, effectively inhibiting migraine attacks. Further validation demonstrated an increase in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in cerebrospinal fluid post PAE + GLY treatment, coupled with increased expression of dural GAD2, GABBR2 and transient receptor potential channel M8 (TRPM8). Consequently, this inhibited the expression of dural cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA) and transient receptor potential channel type 1 (TRPV1), subsequently downregulating p-ERK1/2, p-AKT1, IL-1β and TNF-α. ConclusionsOur findings underscore that PAE + GLY ameliorates inflammatory hyperalgesia migraine by upregulating inhibitory neurotransmitters and modulating the GABBR2/TRPM8/PRKACA/TRPV1 pathway.

Use of Nanobubbles to Improve Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses

Nanobubble technology has emerged as a transformative approach in bioprocessing, significantly enhancing mass-transfer efficiency for effective microbial activity. Characterized by their nanometric size and high internal pressure, nanobubbles possess distinct properties such as prolonged stability and minimal rise velocities, allowing them to remain suspended in liquid media for extended periods. These features are particularly beneficial in bioprocesses involving aerobic strains, where they help overcome common obstacles, such as increased culture viscosity and diffusion limitations, that traditionally impede efficient mass transfer. For instance, in an experimental setup, nanobubble aeration achieved 10% higher soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal compared to traditional aeration methods. Additionally, nanobubble-aerated systems demonstrated a 55.03% increase in caproic acid concentration when supplemented with air nanobubble water, reaching up to 15.10 g/L. These results underscore the potential of nanobubble technology for optimizing bioprocess efficiency and sustainability. This review delineates the important role of the mass-transfer coefficient (kL) in evaluating these interactions and underscores the significance of nanobubbles in improving bioprocess efficiency. The integration of nanobubble technology in bioprocessing not only improves gas exchange and substrate utilization but also bolsters microbial growth and metabolic performance. The potential of nanobubble technology to improve the mass-transfer efficiency in biotechnological applications is supported by emerging research. However, to fully leverage these benefits, it is essential to conduct further empirical studies to specifically assess their impacts on bioprocess efficacy and scalability. Such research will provide the necessary data to validate the practical applications of nanobubbles and identify any limitations that need to be addressed in industrial settings.

Maternal Synbiotic Supplementation with B. breve M-16V and scGOS/lcFOS Shape Offspring Immune Development and Gut Microbiota at the End of Suckling.

Immune system development during gestation and suckling is significantly modulated by maternal environmental and dietary factors. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infant growth and immune maturation, and its composition can be modulated by the maternal diet. In the present work, we investigated whether oral supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and short-chain galacto-oligosaccharide (scGOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (lcFOS) to rat dams during gestation and lactation has an impact on the immune system and microbiota composition of the offspring at day 21 of life. On that day, blood, adipose tissue, small intestine (SI), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), salivary gland (SG), cecum, and spleen were collected. Synbiotic supplementation did not affect the overall body or organ growth of the pups. The gene expression of Tlr9, Muc2, IgA, and Blimp1 were upregulated in the SI, and the increase in IgA gene expression was further confirmed at the protein level in the gut wash. Synbiotic supplementation also positively impacted the microbiota composition in both the small and large intestines, resulting in higher proportions of Bifidobacterium genus, among others. In addition, there was an increase in butanoic, isobutanoic, and acetic acid concentrations in the cecum but a reduction in the small intestine. At the systemic level, synbiotic supplementation resulted in higher levels of immunoglobulin IgG2c in plasma, SG, and MLN, but it did not modify the main lymphocyte subsets in the spleen and MLN. Overall, synbiotic maternal supplementation is able to positively influence the immune system development and microbiota of the suckling offspring, particularly at the gastrointestinal level.

Long-Term Fasting-Induced Ketosis in 1610 Subjects: Metabolic Regulation and Safety.

There is a growing consensus that fasting-induced ketosis has beneficial effects on human physiology. Despite these compelling benefits, fasting-induced ketosis raises concerns in some clinicians because it is often inappropriately compared with the pathologic uncontrolled ketone production in diabetic ketoacidosis. The determinants of the inter-individual differences in the intensity of ketosis during long-term fasting is unknown. We monitored daily variations in fasting ketonemia, as well as ketonuria, which is less invasive, in a large cohort of 1610 subjects, fasting between 4 and 21 days with the Buchinger Wilhelmi program, minimally supplemented with ~75-250 kcal (daily fruit juice, vegetable soup, and honey). Ketonuria was detected in more than 95% of fasting subjects from day 4 onwards. Subjects consuming only soups, without fruit juice or honey, exhibited reduced caloric intake (72 kcal instead of 236 kcal) and carbohydrate intake (15.6 g instead of 56.5 g), leading to more intense ketonuria. Participants with high ketonuria were, in the majority, males, young, had a higher body weight, and had lower HDL-C and urea values. They had a larger decrease in blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin levels, body weight, and waist circumference. Furthermore, in the high-ketonuria group, a larger increase in blood uric acid concentration was observed. Our study showed that long-term fasting triggered ketosis, never reaching pathological levels, and that ketosis is influenced by age, gender, health, and the level of physical activity. Furthermore, it is modulated but not suppressed by minimal carbohydrate intake. Our study paves the way for better understanding how supplementation can modulate the therapeutic effects and tolerability of long-term fasting.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of coix seed starch nanoparticles

In order to provide theoretical basis for the application of coix seed starch nanoparticles (SNPs) and their application in food colloids as Pickering emulsion, the structural characteristics of coix seed SNPs were studied by means of dry-heat–acid-solution-assisted nano-precipitation. Coix seed SNPs were prepared by dry-heat–acid-solution-assisted nano-precipitation in an alkali soluble system (D-A-SNPs), and the structural characteristics of D-A-SNPs were studied in terms of particle properties, molecular properties, crystallization properties, and thermal properties. The results of particle characteristics show that the D-A-SNP particles are more uniform, coalescence, and have an obvious layered structure. With the increase in hydrochloric acid concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature, the tendency of the particle size of coix seed SNPs decreases first and then increases, and the particle size prepared under treatment conditions (3%, 12 h, 70 °C) is the smallest (32.5 nm). In addition, the order, molecular weight, relative crystallinity, and thermal stability of D-A-SNPs decreased.

Quality and healthy aspects of Lider cheese at different stages of ripening

Lider cheese is a commercial full- fat semi-hard cheese produced from pasteurized goat`s milk in mountain area of Nikšić, Montenegro. The aim of this paper is to characterize the change of protein and fatty acid profiles, mineral content and antioxidant potential during the period of one month of its ripening. Proteolysis was monitored using electrophoresis of total extracts and water-soluble fractions under reducing conditions. Fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatography whereas the mineral content of cheese at different stage of ripening was determined by Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for macroelements and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for microelements, respectively. One month of ripening of Lider cheese is characterized by a relatively slow proteolysis which can be attributed to intensive lose of moisture, by the increase in desirable fatty acid content and consequently by the improvement of fatty acid healthy indices. After 30 days of ripening, mainly due to the degradation of αs-CN, the WSN/ TN and TCA/TN contents increased from 4.69 % to 6.06 % and 1.15 % to 1.90 %, respectively. One- month-old cheese had improved indexes of lipid quality as well as improved reducing power and ability to scavenge free radicals. Ripening did not affect mineral content of cheese if it is expressed on dry matter basis. According to obtained results, the optimal ripening period of Lider cheese is 15 days.

Formic acid enhances whole-plant mulberry silage fermentation by boosting lactic acid production and inhibiting harmful bacteria.

Mulberry has also been regarded as a valuable source of forage for ruminants. This study was developed to investigate the impact of four additives and combinations thereof on fermentation quality and bacterial communities associated with whole-plant mulberry silage. Control fresh material (FM) was left untreated, while other groups were treated with glucose (G, 20 g/kg FM), a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and L. buchneri (L, 106 CFU/g FM), formic acid (A, 5 mL/kg FM), salts including sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (S, 1.5 g/kg FM), a combination of G and L (GL), a combination of G and A (GA), or a combination of G and S (GS), followed by ensiling for 90 days. Dry matter content in the A, S, GA, and GS groups was elevated relative to the other groups (p < 0.01). Relative to the C group, all additives and combinations thereof were associated with reductions in pH and NH3-N content (p < 0.01). The A groups exhibited the lowest pH and NH3-N content at 4.23 and 3.27 g/kg DM, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas the C groups demonstrated the highest values at 4.43 and 4.44 g/kg DM, respectively (p < 0.01). The highest levels of lactic acid were observed in the GA and A groups (70.99 and 69.14 g/kg DM, respectively; p < 0.01), followed by the GL, L, and GS groups (66.88, 64.17 and 63.68 g/kg DM, respectively), with all of these values being higher than those for the C group (53.27 g/kg DM; p < 0.01). Lactobacillus were the predominant bacteria associated with each of these samples, but the overall composition of the bacterial community was significantly impacted by different additives. For example, Lactobacillus levels were higher in the G, A, and GA groups (p < 0.01), while those of Weissella levels were raised in the L, GL, and GS groups (p < 0.01), Pediococcus levels were higher in the A and GA groups (p < 0.01), Enterococcus levels were higher in the G and S groups (p < 0.01), and Lactococcus levels were raised in the S group (p < 0.01). Relative to the C group, a reduction in the levels of undesirable Enterobacter was evident in all groups treated with additives (p < 0.01), with the greatest reductions being evident in the A, S, GA, and GS groups. The additives utilized in this study can thus improve the quality of whole-plant mulberry silage to varying extents through the modification of the associated bacterial community, with A and GA addition achieving the most efficient reductions in pH together with increases in lactic acid content and the suppression of undesirable bacterial growth.

Unique Selectivity Reversal in the Complexation of Uranium(VI) and Plutonium(IV) with Two Novel C-Pivoted Tripodal Amide Ligands: Extraction and Liquid Membrane Transport Studies

ABSTRACT Two new carbon pivoted tripodal amide-containing ligands with different spacers (L I : -CH2- spacer; L II : -CH2-CH2- spacer) have been investigated for the liquid–liquid extraction of tetravalent plutonium and hexavalent uranium from nitric acid feed solutions. The studies were carried out using the ligand solutions prepared in 95% n-dodecane + 5% isodecanol. Pu(IV) extraction was higher than that of U(VI) at 3 M HNO3 for ligand L I which was just the opposite for ligand L II . Increase of the nitric acid concentration resulted in increasing extraction of both metal ions. Isodecanol variation studies exhibited decrease in the extraction of Pu(IV) and U(VI) with increasing isodecanol content in the organic phase. Greater that 98% stripping of Pu(IV) and U(VI) was obtained from the complexes of L I and L II using 0.5 M HNO3 + 0.1 M HEDTA and 1 M Na2CO3, respectively. The slope analysis study suggested the formation of 1:2 (ML2) species with Pu(IV) as well as U(VI) with both ligands at 3 M HNO3. Temperature variation studies showed that the extraction of U(VI) and Pu(IV) with both ligands is exothermic in nature. Supported liquid membrane transport experiments using 0.11 M ligands (L I and L II ) in 95% n-dodecane + 5% isodecanol indicated poor transport (<10% after 2 h) of U(VI) and Pu(IV).

The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and periodontitis: NHANES 2011–2014 and Mendelian randomisation analysis

BackgroundWe aimed to explore the association and potential causality between polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations and the risk of periodontal disease.Materials and methodsData were collected from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to analyse the associations of the concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio with the risk of periodontitis. E-value and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used for sensitivity analyses. In addition, two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were performed to assess the potential causal impact of the concentrations of those fatty acids on periodontitis risk.ResultsA total of 2462 participants from the NHANES were included. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high omega-3 fatty acids levels were negatively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis (P < 0.05), while the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio was positively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between omega-6 concentrations and the risk of periodontitis. The findings mentioned above were confirmed by analysis following a 1:1 PSM. Furthermore, MR examination of the two samples indicated no possible causal link between the risk of periodontitis and the concentrations of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids or the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (P > 0.05).ConclusionAlthough omega-3 fatty acids and the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio were associated with the risk of periodontitis in cross-sectional studies, the MR results did not support a causal relationship between them. Therefore, there is no indication that an increase in the omega-3 fatty acids concentration or a decrease in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio may be beneficial for preventing periodontitis.