pH Levels Research Articles

Determination of Protein Interaction in Milk Protein Concentrate Powders Manufactured from pH-Adjusted and Heat-Treated Skim Milk.

The influence of heating as a pretreatment on the structural and functional attributes of milk protein concentrate (MPC) powders derived from ultrafiltered/diafiltered (UF/DF) skim milk is under-reported. This research delves into the impact of pH and heat treatment on skim milk's properties before UF/DF and how these changes affect the resulting MPC powders. By adjusting the pH of skim milk to 6.5, 6.8, or 7.1 and applying thermal treatment at 90 °C for 15 min to one of two divided lots (with the other serving as a control), we studied the protein interactions in MPC. Post-heat treatment, the skim milk's pH was adjusted back to 6.8, followed by ultrafiltration and spray drying to produce MPC powders with protein content of 82.38 ± 2.72% on a dry matter basis. MPC dispersions from these powders at 5% protein (w/w) were also evaluated for particle size, viscosity, and heat coagulation time (HCT) to further understand how the protein interactions in skim milk influence the properties of MPC dispersions. Capillary electrophoresis was used to assess the casein and whey protein distribution in both the soluble and colloidal phases. Findings revealed that preheating skim milk at pH 7.1 increased serum phase interactions, while heating skim milk preadjusted to a pH of 6.5 promoted whey protein-casein interactions at the micellar interface. Notably, the D (4,3) of casein micelles was larger for dispersions from milk with a preheated pH of 6.5 compared to other pH levels, correlating positively with enhanced dispersion viscosity due to increased volume fraction. These results support the potential for tailoring MPC powder functionality in various food applications through the precise control of the milk's pre-treatment conditions.

Investigating the Rhizosphere Fungal Communities of Healthy and Root-Rot-Infected Lycium barbarum in the Tsaidam Basin, China.

Lycium barbarum is a plant of considerable economic importance in China. However, root rot poses a significant threat to its yield and quality, leading to substantial economic losses. The disparities in rhizosphere soil fungal communities between healthy and root-rot-affected L. barbarum have not been thoroughly explored. Delving into the dynamics between these fungal communities and the onset of root rot may provide pivotal insights for the biological control of this disease in L. barbarum, as well as aid in identifying fungi associated with the condition. In this study, we utilized rhizosphere soil samples from Ningqi No. 1, a distinguished cultivar of L. barbarum, as our experimental material. We assessed the composition and diversity of fungal communities in both diseased (D) and healthy (H) samples using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology. The study's findings revealed that the mean concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic matter (SOM) were significantly higher in the healthy specimens when contrasted with the diseased ones, while the pH levels were notably increased in the latter group. Additionally, the alpha-diversity of fungal communities was observed to be greater within the healthy samples as opposed to the diseased samples. Marked distinctions in fungal diversity were discerned between the healthy (H) and diseased (D) samples. Ascomycota was identified as the predominant fungal phylum in both groups. In the healthy samples, beneficial fungi such as Plectosphaerella and Mortierella were prevalent, in contrast to the diseased samples, the relative abundances of Embellisia and Alternaria demonstrated remarkable increases of 89.59% and 87.41%, respectively. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) illustrated clear distinctions in the composition of fungal communities between the healthy and diseased samples. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated total nitrogen (TN), organic matter (SOM), total phosphorus (TP), Available Potassium (AK), pH, and Total Potassium (TK). Notably, pH showed a stronger correlation with the diseased samples, while TN and SOM were more significantly associated with the healthy samples.

Combining antimiR-25 and cGAMP Nanocomplexes Enhances Immune Responses via M2 Macrophage Reprogramming.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), invariably infiltrated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). These TAMs resemble M2 macrophages, which promote tumor growth and suppress immune responses. GBM cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNA-25, which inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway and prevents TAMs from adopting a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. This study characterizes antimiR-25/cGAMP nanocomplexes (NCs) for potential therapeutic applications. A particle size analysis revealed a significant reduction upon complexation with antimiR-25, resulting in smaller, more stable nanoparticles. Stability tests across pH levels (4-6) and temperatures (25-37 °C) demonstrated their resilience in various biological environments. Biological assays showed that antimiR-25 NCs interacted strongly with transferrin (Tf), suggesting potential for blood-brain barrier passage. The use of cGAMP NCs activated the cGAS-STING pathway in macrophages, leading to increased type I IFN (IFN-β) production and promoting a shift from the M2 to M1 phenotype. The combined use of cGAMP and antimiR-25 NCs also increased the expression of markers involved in M1 polarization. These findings offer insights into optimizing antimiR-25/cGAMP NCs for enhancing immune responses in GBM.

Applicability of plant–clay mineral composite for rapid algae removal from eutrophic freshwaters at the laboratory and field scales1

The global issue of water source eutrophication is exacerbated by increasing industrialization and urbanization, posing significant challenges for clean water management. Although strategies such as nutrient management and biomanipulation are employed, these methods often take longer to demonstrate effectiveness and indirectly work on algal blooms. This has led to the evaluation of eco-friendly technologies such as plant–mineral composites (PMCs) for faster and targeted control of algal proliferation and organic pollution. This study assessed the suitability of PMCs for rapid improvement of eutrophic water quality (focusing on algal control) and optimized their application methods at laboratory and field scales. Laboratory experiments were conducted to identify the critical factors influencing removal activity (RA), considering variables such as water temperature and light intensity. Field trials in reservoirs and a water treatment plant (WTP) explored the controlling factors influencing the RAs for various pollutants. Optimal conditions for maximizing PMC efficacy were determined using response surface methodology (RSM) and generalized linear models. RSM highlighted water temperature as a key factor influencing chlorophyll a RA in a unimodal manner, while demonstrating PMC's effectiveness across varying concentrations, depths, and pH levels. Results from the WTP emphasized the high PMC efficacy in humic matter–rich environments, and those from reservoirs consistently demonstrated PMC's effectiveness regardless of ambient water quality factors such as nutrient and conductivity levels. Comparative analyses indicated distinct PMC impact on algae-associated parameters, emphasizing its potential as an innovative solution for utilizing plant allelopathy and mineral adsorption for efficient algal bloom control and water quality enhancement.

β-glucanase and xylanase for beef cattle on tropical pasture

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of administering an energy-protein supplement with fibrolytic enzymes, either singly or in a blend, on the intake, digestibility, ruminal, and metabolic parameters in grazing beef cattle. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore steers, averaging 36 months of age and a body weight of 559.57 ± 35 kg were evaluated using a 5 x 5 Latin Square design. The treatments included a protein-energy supplement (2 g/kg BW) without additives (Control), or supplemented with 4 g β-glucanase/animal (BGLU); 4 g xylanase/animal (XYLA); 4 g β-glucanase and 1 g xylanase/animal (BGLU+XYLA); and 4 g xylanase and 1 g β-glucanase/animal (XYLA+BGLU). The administration of either single fibrolytic enzymes or the enzyme blend did not significantly influence (P > 0.05) the intakes of forage dry matter (DM), total DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), digestible OM, or the digestibility coefficients of DM, NDF, CP, and OM. Similarly, the use of these enzymes individually or combined did not impact (P > 0.05) the levels of rumen pH, volatile fatty acids, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, microbial nitrogen, serum urea nitrogen, or urinary nitrogen excretion. Providing fibrolytic enzymes, individually or in blends, does not modify the nutrient intake, digestibility, or metabolism in beef cattle on tropical pastures receiving low levels of protein-energy supplements.

Use of Fluorescence Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Tools for the Quality Assessment of Fermented Parkia Biglobosa Seeds During Storage

Fermented <i>Parkia biglobosa</i> seed is a food of high nutritional value that plays a vital role in the diet of many populations, particularly in West Africa. This food offers a combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibers, while having beneficial properties for the health of consumers. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using front face fluorescence (FFFS) to assess the quality of dry fermented seed of <i>Parkia biglobosa (Soumbara)</i> during storage. In this study, the physicochemical parameters (pH, fat and peroxide value (PV)) were determined. The obtained results showed that the pH, fat and PV values varied with the storage duration. For example, from day 1 to day 30, the pH values increased from 6.130 ± 0.05 to 6.723 ± 0.07. By applying principal component analysis (PCA) and factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) on the emission spectra acquired after excitation wavelengths fixed at 250 nm, 340 nm, 360 nm, 290, 290 nm and 410 nm, a perfect discrimination of the soumbara samples according to the storage times. In addition, the factorial discriminant analysis allowed to obtain a correct classification rate between 90 and 100. Regarding the prediction of the pH, fat and PV level, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) applied to the FFFS spectra data gave an excellent prediction with R<sup>2</sup> values of 0.99. The results obtained in this study show that the FFFS method coupled with descriptive and predictive chemometric tools could be applied as an effective, rapid and non-destructive method for monitoring the quality of fermented <i>Parkia biglobosa</i> (soumbara) seeds during storage.

Bacterial Resilience and Community Shifts Under 11 Draining-Flooding Cycles in Rice Soils

Flooded rice cultivation, accounting for 75% of global rice production, significantly influences soil redox potential, element speciation, pH, and nutrient availability, presenting challenges such as extensive water usage and altered soil properties. This study investigates bacterial community dynamics in rice soils subjected to repeated draining and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We demonstrate that bacterial communities exhibit remarkable resilience (the capacity to recover after being altered by a disturbance) but cannot remain stable after long-term exposure to environmental changes. The beta diversity analysis revealed four distinct community states after 11 draining/flooding cycles, indicating resilience over successive environment changes. However, the consistent environmental disturbance reduced microbial resilience, causing the bacterial community structure to shift over time. Those differences were driven by substitutions of taxa and functions and not by the loss of diversity. Notable shifts included a decline in Acidobacteria and an increase in Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi. Increased Verrucomicrobia abundance corresponded with lower pH levels. Functional predictions suggested dynamic metabolic responses, with increased nitrification during drained cycles and a surge in fermenters after the sixth cycle. Despite cyclic disturbances, bacterial communities exhibit resilience, contributing to stable ecosystem functioning in flooded rice soils. These findings enhance our understanding of microbial adaptation, providing insights into sustainable rice cultivation and soil management practices.

Insights on bacteria inactivation in water by cold plasma: Effect of water matrix and pulsed plasmas waveform on physicochemical water properties, species formation and inactivation efficiency of Escherichia coli

This study investigates the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) using pulsed dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) powered by high-voltage nanosecond and/or microsecond pulses to establish optimal operational conditions. The effects of pulse voltage waveform and water matrix (distilled vs. tap water) were evaluated in terms of inactivation efficiency and energy consumption, along with the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Complete E. coli inactivation (9-log CFU/ml) in distilled water was achieved within 20 min of nanopulsed-DBD treatment, coinciding with rapid acidification, while in tap water, 90 min was required for complete inactivation. Interestingly, at treatment times with similar pH levels between water types, E. coli inactivation was more effective in tap water. Ozone concentrations showed the most significant difference, being ∼6 times higher in distilled water (10.3 mg/L) than in tap water (1.7 mg/L). Although distilled and tap water had similar concentrations of short- and long-lived plasma species, the differing inactivation efficiencies indicate a synergistic effect between pH reduction and reactive species in impairing E. coli functionality. Micropulsed-DBD led to increased concentration of plasma species, faster acidification and inactivation in tap water (complete inactivation within 8 min), but at significantly higher electrical energy per order (56.9 kWh/m3 compared to 17.4 kWh/m3 for nanopulsed-DBD). The lowest energy per order was recorded for nanopulsed-DBD in distilled water, at 3.8 kWh/m³, highlighting pulsed-DBD plasma as a safe and energy-efficient method for water disinfection. This study offers valuable insights into using an innovative, sustainable plasma-based approach for bacterial inactivation.

Anti-urolithiatic Effect of Psiadia Punctulata Leaves Ethanolic Extracts Against Sodium Oxalate-Induced Urolithiasis in Rats

Kidney stones are rigid mineral and acidic salt deposits that accumulate in concentrated urine, leading to urolithiasis, the third most common urinary tract disorder. Current treatments for urolithiasis have limitations and frequent recurrences. This study aimed to investigate the anti-urolithiatic effects of ethanolic extracts from Psiadia Punctulata leaves on sodium oxalate-induced urolithiasis in rats. Rats were administered orally Psiadia Punctulata leaves ethanolic extract (PPEE) at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses for 14 days to assess its effectiveness against urolithiasis induced by sodium oxalate. Cystone (500 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. The effects of PPEE on body and kidney weights, urinary output and pH levels, urine and serum parameters, renal oxidative and antioxidative markers, and histopathological evaluations were examined. Oral administration of PPEE at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses showed a significant dose-dependent (P<0.01) antiurolithiatic effect, reversing sodium oxalate-induced ion excretion and urinary calcium oxalate concentration. These findings support the traditional use of PPEE for renal calculi management, possibly due to its antioxidant properties identified through phytochemical screening. However, further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism of action

Preparation of nitrogen liquid fertiliser derived from sheep wool

ABSTRACT This work focuses on the synthesis of a liquid fertiliser deriving from sheep wool waste.. Nitrogen-rich sheep’s wool underwent alkaline hydrolysis with potassium hydroxide. The product obtained by an alkaline hydrolysis process contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the main nutrients necessary for plant growth The hydrolysis parameters, temperature, reaction time, and alkaline agent concentration were optimized using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The amino acids and oligo-elements content of the resulting product also appear to have a positive effect combined with the nutrients when applied to the agricultural field. An adding phosphoric acid to incorporate phosphorus and reduce pH was made, addressing potential stress from alkaline conditions, especially in Moroccan soils. A stability study at pH levels (5, 6, 7, 8) over 120 hours and at temperatures (17°C and 25°C) indicated that neutralization at acidic pH leads to phosphorus potassium salts formation. This new fertilizer is designed for agronomic application.

Blueberry Anthocyanin Functionalized CaMoO4:Tb3+ Nanophosphors for Dual-Mode pH Sensing.

A series of green phosphors, Ca1-y%MoO4:y%Tb3+ (where y = 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) were successfully prepared via hydrothermal synthesis. The pH levels were used to modulate the luminescent of CMO:Tb. To confirm the potential application of proposed phosphors, Blueberry anthocyanin (BBA) was loading onto CMO:Tb surface to form a luminescence probe. The synthesized phosphors and probes were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). As a proof-of-concept, the constructed probes were adopted to evaluate the acidity of solution. The results showed that luminescence emission intensity at 546 nm increased with pH value increasing in the range of 2-12. Meanwhile, the color of the sensor solution changed from bright red to pink, then to purple, and finally to yellow as the pH varies between 2 and 12. The above results indicated that the proposed probe could evaluate the acidity of solution via the dual-mode luminescence detecting and naked eye to obtain accurate results. This proposed strategy gives an insight to design the efficient probes to precisely and sensitively evaluate the acidity in complex samples.

Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Water Using Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium

The presence of antibiotics in the wastewater is a growing concern, as they tend to bioaccumulate and are increasing the resistance of bacteria. This study investigates the microbial degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). This research aims to degrade the ciprofloxacin antibiotic, which is creating multiple problems in the environment and wastewater. Bacterial strains were isolated from wastewater and sludge samples, and their identities were confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. The degradation potential was assessed using a shake flask method under varying conditions, including different antibiotic concentrations, temperatures, pH levels, and inoculum densities. E. coli effectively degraded CIP, achieving 90% degradation at 50 mg/L in 18 days, in optimal conditions like a temperature of 37 °C, a pH of 6.5, and an inoculum concentration of 10−8 CFU/mL. However, at higher concentrations (150 mg/L), degradation decreased. Similarly, E. faecium showed a maximum degradation rate of 100% at 50 mg/L of CIP in 18 days, with optimal degradation occurring at 40 °C, a pH of 6.5, and an inoculum density of 10−8 CFU/mL. This study underscores the effectiveness of selected microbial strains in bioremediation processes, highlighting their potential application in mitigating antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments. This is the preliminary study to explore the potential of isolated bacteria to degrade CIP, and their degradation ability can be utilized to develop a CIP-contaminated wastewater treatment plant.

Assessment of the Biocontrol Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Trichoderma asperellum Against Infected Hordeum vulgare L. Germination.

This study investigated the biosynthesis, statistical optimization, characterization, and biocontrol activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by newly isolated Trichoderma sp. The Trichoderma asperellum strain TA-3N was identified based on the ITS gene sequence, together with its phenotypic characteristics (GenBank accession number: OM321439). The color change from light yellow to brown after the incubation period indicates AgNPs biosynthesis. The UV spectrum revealed a single peak with the maximum absorption at 453 nm, indicating that T. asperellum produces AgNPs effectively. A Rotatable Central Composite Design (RCCD) was used to optimize the biosynthesis of AgNPs using the aqueous mycelial-free filtrate of T. asperellum. The optimal conditions for maximum AgNPs biosynthesis (156.02 µg/mL) were predicted theoretically using the desirability function tool and verified experimentally. The highest biosynthetic produced AgNPs by T. asperellum reached 160.3 µg/mL using AgNO3 concentration of 2 mM/mL, initial pH level of 6, incubation time of 60 h, and biomass weight of 6 g/100 mL water. SEM and TEM imaging revealed uniform spherical shape particles that varied in size between 8.17 and 17.74 nm. The synthesized AgNPs have a Zeta potential value of -9.51 mV. FTIR analysis provided insights into the surface composition of AgNPs, identifying various functional groups such as N-H, -OH, C-H, C=O, and the amide I bond in proteins. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays demonstrated that AgNPs in combination with T. asperellum can mitigate the toxic effects of Fusarium oxysporum on barley. This intervention markedly enhanced cell division rates and decreased chromosomal irregularities. The results indicate that AgNPs synthesized by T. asperellum show the potential as an eco-friendly and efficient method for controlling plant diseases. Further studies are necessary to investigate their possible use in the agricultural sector.

Microbiome of Xiphinema elongatum (Nematoda, Longidoridae), isolated from water berry

The soil microbiome is crucial for the environment and significantly impacts the ecosystem. Understanding the microbiome and its interaction with soil microorganisms is essential for improving ecological and environmental strategies. In this study, Xiphinema elongatum nematodes were collected from water berry in Sovenga Hills, Limpopo Province, South Africa, and were analyzed their associated bacterial communities using metabarcoding analysis. The findings revealed that X. elongatum forms associations with a wide range of bacterial species. Among the most abundant species identified, we found Sphingomonas sp., a bacterial species commonly found in various habitats and primarily beneficial to plants, and Candidatus Xiphinematobacter, a bacterial species commonly found in nematode species of Xiphinema as an endosymbiont. The analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the abundance of X. elongatum in the soil is inversely correlated with clay content (r = -0.52) and soil pH levels (r = -0.98), and directly correlated with soil sand content (r = 0.88). This study provides valuable insights into the bacterial species associated with plant-parasitic nematodes in trees in South Africa. It underscores the presence of various potentially detrimental and beneficial nematode-associated bacteria. The results could potentially influence the overall quality of the soil, leading to implications for the productivity and yield of fruit crops. Additionally, the results help us understand the interaction between bacteria and X. elongatum.

A Comparison of the Performance of the Pre-Ozonation Process and the Use of Coagulants with Ozone in the Removal of Algae from Surface Water

Purifying surface water in moderate-humid climates is challenging due to high levels of organic compounds and diatom algae, which can produce toxic substances. A new method involving chitosan and ferric chloride coagulants, along with pre-ozonation, shows promise for improving water quality. The study examined various conditions, including pH levels and concentrations of chitosan (20–500 mg/L) and ferric chloride (5–100 mg/L), as well as the pH of reaction mixtures (3–11) and ozone concentrations (2–8 mg/L). Optimal results were achieved at a pH of 10 for both coagulants, with 500 mg/L chitosan and 75 mg/L ferric chloride. A pH of 7 for the reaction mixture and an ozone concentration of 8 mg/L were most effective. The pre-ozonation process alone can eliminate 72% of algae, while combining ozone with chitosan and ferric chloride achieved diatom removal rates of 77% and 79%, respectively. These findings highlight the effectiveness of using lower ozone concentrations in conjunction with coagulants for water purification.

The influence of pH on the liquid-phase transformation of phenolic compounds driven by nitrite photolysis: Implications for characteristics, products and cytotoxicity

The aqueous-phase conversion of phenolic compounds (PhCs) driven by nitrite photolysis has been recognized as a significant source of secondary brown carbon (BrC). However, the influence of pH on the conversion kinetics and product distribution of PhCs remains unclear. In this study, three representative PhCs with varying functional groups were selected to examine their aqueous-phase conversion kinetics in the presence of nitrite under different pH conditions and simulated sunlight conditions. The results indicate that as the pH increases, the decay rates of PhCs decrease, following first-order reaction kinetics. These varying decay rates also suggest that different substituents on the benzene ring significantly impact the reactivity of PhCs. The molecular composition of the products is pH-dependent, with 4-nitrocatechol (4NC) emerging as the primary reaction product. A range of conversion products were detected across different pH values: nitrification dominated at low pH, while hydroxylation products increased with rising pH, and polymerization products appeared prominently at high pH. Due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the nitro group on the benzene ring, fewer products formed from 4-nitrophenol were observed, and the visible absorption spectrum also showed a decreasing trend as the reaction progressed across various pH conditions. Toxicity assays on human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) revealed that the toxicity of the reaction products decreased with increasing pH. Correspondingly, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis rates in cells also declined. This may be due to the fact that at lower pH levels, nitrophenols (NPs), which tend to promote ROS accumulation and cell death, dominate the product mix. This study provides valuable insights into the toxicological properties of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formed from the photo-oxidation products of PhCs under different pH conditions. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental and health impacts of SOA in atmospheric chemistry.

Relaxation-exchange magnetic resonance imaging (REXI): a non-invasive imaging method for evaluating trans-barrier water exchange in the choroid plexus.

The choroid plexus (CP) plays a crucial role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and brain homeostasis. However, non-invasive imaging techniques to assess its function remain limited. This study was conducted to develop a novel, contrast-agent-free MRI technique, termed relaxation-exchange magnetic resonance imaging (REXI), for evaluating CP-CSF water transport, a potential biomarker of CP function. REXI utilizes the inherent and large difference in magnetic resonance transverse relaxation times (T2s) between CP tissue (e.g., blood vessels and epithelial cells) and CSF. It uses a filter block to remove most CP tissue magnetization (shorter T2), a mixing block for CP-CSF water exchange with mixing time tm, and a detection block with multi-echo acquisition to determine the CP/CSF component fraction after exchange. The REXI pulse sequence was implemented on a 9.4 T preclinical MRI scanner. For validation of REXI's ability to measure exchange, we conducted preliminary tests on urea-water proton-exchange phantoms with various pH levels. We measured the steady-state water efflux rate from CP to CSF in rats and tested the sensitivity of REXI in detecting CP dysfunction induced by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. REXI pulse sequence successfully captured changes in the proton exchange rate (from short-T2 component to long-T2 component [i.e., ksl]) of urea-water phantoms at varying pH, demonstrating its sensitivity to exchange processes. In rat CP, REXI significantly suppressed the CP tissue signal, reducing the short-T2 fraction (fshort) from 0.44 to 0.23 (p < 0.0001), with significant recovery to 0.28 after a mixing time of 400 ms (p = 0.014). The changes in fshort at various mixing times can be accurately described by a two-site exchange model, yielding a steady-state water efflux rate from CP to CSF (i.e., kbc) of 0.49 s-1. A scan-rescan experiment demonstrated that REXI had excellent reproducibility in measuring kbc (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.90). Notably, acetazolamide-induced CSF reduction resulted in a 66% decrease in kbc within rat CP. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of REXI for measuring trans-barrier water exchange in the CP, offering a promising biomarker for future assessments of CP function.

A Fully-Printed Wearable Bandage-Based Electrochemical Sensor with pH Correction for Wound Infection Monitoring

HighlightsThe first example of a flexible array capable of detecting pyocyanin, a bacterial virulence factor, while correcting dynamic pH fluctuations.Developed a screen-printable conductive nanocomposite ink for fabricating the pyocyanin sensor and utilized a polyaniline/carbon nanocomposite as a pH-sensitive film for the pH sensor.Customized inks are advantageous in terms of flexible printed sensing array integrated onto a bandage surface, capable of monitoring both pyocyanin and pH levels in wound exudate.

Evaluation of Early Childhood Caries and Its Association with Risk Factors among School Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

The study aimed to assess early childhood caries and its correlation with risk variables among school children. 242 children under the age of 5 years were clinically assessed and to ascertain early childhood caries, a validated structured questionnaire was utilized. Demographic data (four questions) and oral health-related activities questions (two questions) were included. To verify visible signs of caries on the occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, the community periodontal index (CPI) probe was used. Caries was diagnosed using the WHO criteria for carious lesions Children's saliva samples (3 mL) were taken, and a digital portable pH meter was used to determine the pH level. All data were gathered and statistically analyzed. The mean age with early childhood caries (ECC) was 4.6 ± 0.4 and 3.8 ± 0.8 without ECC. In both the groups, the highest education of mothers was secondary and less [104 (59%) and 37 (56%), respectively]. In both with and without ECC, the maximum number of mothers Working was 111 (63%) and 41 (62%), respectively. The maximum number of children brushing their teeth once a day in both the groups were139 (79%) and 35 (53%), respectively, and 148 (84%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in the ECC group and 37 (56%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in without ECC group. The salivary pH is slightly less in with ECC (7.22 ± 0.34) group compared to without ECC group (7.48 ± 0.46). And there was a statistically significant difference found between the groups. The current study demonstrated a significant association between the risk factors under investigation and early childhood caries among school children considered in the present study. Identifying children who are at risk might be aided by early screening for caries development. Both developed and developing nations continue to face a major public health issue with ECC. Despite the extensive knowledge that dental health professionals possess about the variables that lead to the development of ECC, it continues to be the most common and neglected oral healthcare requirement in children. How to cite this article: Chavan S, Chetani H, Yumnam G, et al. Evaluation of Early Childhood Caries and Its Association with Risk Factors among School Children: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(8):758-761.

Early reduction in gut microbiota diversity in critically ill patients is associated with mortality

BackgroundCritical illness is associated with an altered gut microbiota, yet its association with poor outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluates the early gut microbiota diversity changes in intensive care unit patients and its association with mortality. Additionally, it explores fecal pH as a potential biomarker for these changes.MethodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, fecal samples were collected at two time points: S1, the first stool passed upon intensive care unit admission, and S2, the first stool passed at least 24 h after S1. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for gut microbiota analysis, with α-diversity measured using the Shannon index. Bayesian joint models were used to estimate the association between time-varying changes in gut microbiota diversity and 60-day mortality, as well as the association between daily changes in stool pH and in diversity.ResultsTwenty-four of 96 patients overall died during follow-up. Daily Shannon index decreased on average by −0.1 points [95% Credible Intervals (CrI) −0.20 to −0.10]. Every point decrease in Shannon index was associated with a 1.99-fold increase in the hazard of death (95% CrI, 1.04 to 4.51). Time-varying fecal pH levels were not associated with changes in Shannon index.ConclusionsGut microbiota diversity decreased over time, associated with increased mortality. Fecal pH is an unreliable marker of gut microbiota change. Future studies on gut microbiota and related biomarkers should focus on the initial days in the intensive care unit to detect and mitigate a decline in gut microbiota diversity.