Ammonia Levels Research Articles

Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy in neurosurgical patients: Our experience and systematic literature review.

Sodium valproate is used for the management of seizures, status epilepticus, chronic pain syndrome, bipolar, and other affective disorders. Even with an acceptable safety profile, severe idiosyncratic reactions can occur with valproate use. A rare, serious, and life-threatening side effect of valproate is valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE). We intend to analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment options, and outcome of VHE in neurosurgical patients and review the pertinent literature on this rare sequelae. We retrospectively reviewed patients who developed VHE following valproate use, either for the treatment of epilepsy or for seizure prophylaxis in our centre. We analyzed the demographic details, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes. A total of four patients with a mean age of 26.3 ± 5.1 (range 19 - 32years). Valproate was prescribed for primary seizure prophylaxis in 2 patients (50%). The commonest etiology for valproate prescription was for brain tumors (3, 75%) followed by drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE) (1, 25%). None of the patients were documented to have urea cycle disorder. The mean daily prescribed dosage of valproate was 1250 ± 559mg and the mean duration of administration was 13 ± 13.3months (range 4months - 36months). The mean serum NH3 level was 136,5 ± 44.2µmol/L (range 107 - 212.8) and all patients (4, 100%) had hyperammonemia with a mortality rate of 50% (2 patients). The hyperammonemia was treated by stopping the valproate use (4, 100%) and dialysis (2, 50%). Normalization of ammonia levels led to clinical improvement in 50% (2 patients). Neurological deterioration in the postoperative period is a diagnostic challenge. VHE is a rare and life-threatening sequelae of Valproate-associated Hyperammonemia (VAH) in neurosurgical patients. A high index of suspicion is required due to its ambiguous presentation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can change the course of this life-threatening sequelae.

Optimizing Nitrogen Management in Maize (Zea mays L.) Using Urease and Nitrification Inhibitorss

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth, and in conventional agriculture, it is usually supplied through fertilization. However, N can be lost through various pathways, reducing its availability to plants and decreasing fertilizer efficiency. This study examined the effects of split urea application and fertilizers containing the nitrification inhibitor 3.4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). The fertilizers with inhibitors were applied at both full (100%) and reduced (75%) levels of the standard rate. Conducted over two years, the field trial aimed to assess the capacity of these treatments to mitigate N loss and meet the N requirements of maize effectively. The results of the study revealed that NBPT maintained the required N levels in the soil by meeting the N requirement of maize. On the other hand, DMPP caused N losses due to increasing ammonium levels in the soil during early plant growth stages. NBPT provided the best results in terms of plant yield and N content, whereas DMPP showed lower performance in these parameters. Reduced NBPT doses increased N use efficiency but were less effective in terms of yield compared to full doses. According to the result of the economic analysis, split urea treatment gave better results compared to all treatments. In conclusion, NBPT increased both yield and N use efficiency by regulating N release.

Paediatric acute liver failure: early outcome and evaluation of transplantation criteria in a Belgian transplantation centre

BackgroundOne of the challenges when caring for children admitted for acute liver failure (ALF) is to quickly identify those who will improve spontaneously and those for whom liver transplantation (LT) is the only therapeutic option.MethodsRetrospective study to review our experience, identify mortality risk factors and update our LT criteria in case of paediatric ALF.Results111 children were admitted between March 1989 and May 2021 (mean age 59.1 months). 28 children never met our LT criteria; 17 had contraindication to LT; 66 were registered on the LT waitlist. 14 of these 66 were subsequently withdrawn because of spontaneous liver function recovery; 11 died before having received a liver; 41 were transplanted. Hospital survival rate was 63% for the whole series, 98% for the children without LT criteria and 71% for the transplanted children. Univariate analysis identified cardiovascular and respiratory failures on admission, and grade 4–5 hepatic encephalopathy (HE) during stay significantly associated with death. Non-survivors also had, on admission and during their stay, significantly higher levels of lactate, ammonia and bilirubin and, during their stay, significantly more frequent prothrombin time ≤ 25% or international normalized ratio ≥ 4.0 than the survivors. Multivariate analysis identified grade 4–5 HE, lactate level on admission and ammonia peak level as significant mortality risk factors.ConclusionOur criteria identified almost all children who had the capacity to spontaneously recover their liver function and suggest that updated criteria should combine biological tests and signs of multiple organ failure.

Optimizing Fermentation Strategies for Enhanced Tryptophan Production in Escherichia coli: Integrating Genetic and Environmental Controls for Industrial Applications

Tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid widely used in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and feed industries. Microbial fermentation, mainly using Escherichia coli, has become the preferred method for its production due to sustainability and lower costs. Optimizing tryptophan production requires careful control of various fermentation parameters, including nutrients, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Glucose, as the primary carbon source, must be fed at controlled rates to avoid metabolic overflow, which leads to by-product accumulation and reduced production efficiency. Nitrogen sources, both organic (such as yeast extract) and inorganic (like ammonium), influence biomass growth and tryptophan yield, with ammonium levels requiring careful regulation to avoid toxic accumulation. Phosphate enhances growth but can lead to by-product formation if used excessively. pH is another critical factor, with an optimal range between 6.5 and 7.2, where enzyme activity is maximized. Temperature control promotes growth and production, particularly between 30 °C and 37 °C. High DO levels increase tryptophan titers by boosting the pentose phosphate pathway and reducing by-products like acetate. Furthermore, surfactants and supplements such as betaine monohydrate and citrate help alleviate osmotic stress and enhance precursor availability, improving production efficiency. Careful manipulation of these parameters allows for high-density cell cultures and significant tryptophan accumulation, making microbial fermentation competitive for large-scale production.

Combating vibriosis in Penaeus monodon culture system by administration of endophytic Penicillium citrinum SW171 extract that confers better growth and protection

The black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, has been a key species in the development and expansion of intensive shrimp aquaculture worldwide. The problem of disease susceptibility in P. monodon, particularly vibriosis caused by Vibrio harveyi, poses a significant threat and leads to substantial economic losses. To combat bacterial infections, researchers are exploring the antimicrobial potential of microbes from unique environments, like algicolous endophytes. In this study, we investigated the in vivo exclusion of Vibrio in P. monodon post-larvae using an extract from the endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum SW171 (PCE), evaluating its impact on disease resistance, growth, and survival. Crude endophytic extract was administered both via feed and rearing water for 28 days before the challenge with V. harveyi. Treatment with PCE improved the water quality of rearing water by significantly reducing ammonia and nitrate levels compared to the control. This treatment notably decreased Vibrio colonies without substantial alteration in the overall microbial load of the rearing water. Moreover, the endophytic extract not only inhibited pathogens but also enhanced productivity, as evidenced by improved growth rates (1272 ± 20.8 and 1109.02 ± 28.4mg) compared to the control (1026.02 ± 33.8mg). Transcript levels of the immune-related genes i.e., anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF), crustin, penaeidin, prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme (PPA), phagocytosis-activating protein (PAP), lysozyme-like, ferritin, haemocyanin, lectin, and survivin, were assessed in post-larvae using qRT-PCR. Extract treatment led to significant up-regulation of all genes except PPA, survivin and ALF. The cumulative survival rate of the group orally treated with PCE was 66.9%, while that of water treatment was 64.5%, significantly higher than that of the control group. The higher growth rate and post-challenge survival of P. monodon larvae point towards the immunostimulatory and antibacterial properties of endophytic P. citrinum extract which can be exploited in aquaculture for better production.

Optimizing Synthesis of Anionic Surfactant‐Modified Carbon Black for Enhanced Ammonium Adsorption

The increasing levels of ammonium in wastewater pose serious environmental issues, highlighting the urgent need for effective adsorbents to facilitate its removal. Although conventional biological treatment methods have certain drawbacks, adsorption using carbonaceous materials, such as carbon black produced from waste tires, presents a promising alternative for ammonium removal. However, the use of these materials has not been thoroughly investigated. This study focuses on optimizing the synthesis of carbon black modified with anionic surfactants to improve its capacity for ammonium adsorption. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Box‐Behnken design, the optimization process examined key variables, including reaction time, surfactant concentration, carbon black dosage, and surfactant type. Comprehensive characterization of the adsorbent was conducted to analyze its surface properties, functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition. The regression models produced highly accurate results with an R2 value of 0.9437. The optimal synthesis conditions were identified as a 12.30‐hour reaction time, a surfactant concentration of 8 mmol/L of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and a carbon black dosage of 30 g, achieving an ammonium removal efficiency of 84.80%. This study offers a scalable solution for ammonium removal in wastewater, promising practical applications and future sustainable waste management research.

Growing Media pH and Nutrient Concentrations for Fostering the Propagation and Production of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), recognized for its nutritional value and adaptability to cold climates, faces cultivation challenges, particularly in soil pH and fertility optimization. In a greenhouse study, lingonberry transplants were grown in media with pH levels of 6.5 (3:1:1 PRO-MIX BX/peat moss/perlite) and 5.2 (2:1 peat moss/perlite). Seven months post-exposure to different media pH, various fertility treatments (NPK) were tested, including a control (0–0–0), a balanced 5–5–5 kg ha−1 rate, a standard 36–24–48 kg ha−1 rate, and both higher (up to 54–36–72 kg ha−1) and lower (down to 9–6–12 kg ha−1) rates, applied every three weeks for fifteen weeks across six replications with a standard micronutrient rate. Results showed that media pH significantly affected plant height and volume, with plants at pH 6.5 growing 27% taller and larger than plants at pH 5.2. Fertility levels influenced plant volume, peaking at a moderate fertility rate (18–12–24 kg ha−1) before declining at higher rates. Interactions between pH and fertility significantly impacted shoot biomass, where higher fertility rates (above 36–24–48 kg ha−1) had a more pronounced negative effect on shoot biomass at pH 6.5 compared to pH 5.2. Root dry biomass was consistently 1.2–2.3 times greater than shoot dry biomass and less influenced by the treatments. Shoot death rates increased sharply at fertility rates above 18–12–24 kg ha−1, peaking at 21–35%. Nitrogen concentration in shoots and roots increased with higher fertilizer rates, peaking at 1.74% in the 45–30–60 kg ha−1 treatment. Fertility treatments raised growing media’s electrical conductivity (EC, 1:20 ratio), with a maximum of 1.41 dS m−1 in the 54–36–72 kg ha−1 treatment, though pH remained unchanged. Growing media nitrate levels increased with higher N rates, while ammonium levels were unaffected. Shoot death rates rose significantly with higher nitrate concentrations, particularly above 17.5 mg L−1, but showed no link to ammonium levels. Lingonberries can survive and thrive across a wide range of pH levels. These results indicate that lingonberries are resilient and low maintenance, requiring modest nutrient levels, and excessive fertilization hampers their growth.

The Efficacy and Outcomes of Renal Replacement Therapy in Pediatric Metabolic Disorders

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in pediatric patients with metabolic diseases, specifically focusing on the impact of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) on clinical parameters, toxin reduction, and long-term survival. Methods: This retrospective study included 10 pediatric patients (eight females and two males) treated at a pediatric nephrology department between 2020 and 2023. Patients diagnosed with metabolic disorders, including maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), and glycogen storage disease (GSD), underwent RRT. Clinical data, demographic information, and biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the patients, 50% were diagnosed with MSUD, 30% with MMA, and 20% with GSD. RRT, including HD and PD, was administered to manage acute metabolic crises. HD was particularly effective in rapidly reducing toxic metabolite levels. Patients treated with HD showed significant reductions in leucine and ammonium levels, with median reductions of 94.5% and 86%, respectively. Overall, 60% of the patients demonstrated long-term survival, highlighting the critical role of RRT in managing metabolic crises. In conclusion, RRT, including HD and PD, is crucial in managing pediatric metabolic disorders by effectively reducing toxic metabolite levels and improving clinical outcomes. Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with previous research, highlighting the critical role of RRT in the acute management of metabolic crises and supporting its adoption as a standard treatment method.

Exploring Spatial Dynamics of Water Quality in a Tropical Lake Affected by Aquaculture

Lake Maninjau, like many surface water bodies worldwide, faces significant water pollution challenges due to extensive aquaculture activities, making it an ideal site to study the impact of fish farming on water quality, which has contributed to eutrophication and declining water quality. This study investigates the physicochemical parameters and pollution levels in the lake, aiming to provide insights into its environmental health. In August 2022, a comprehensive sampling campaign was undertaken at nine stations within the upper layers of open water and littoral zones of Lake Maninjau. In situ measurements, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, were conducted, accompanied by water sample collection for laboratory analysis of trace elements and heavy metals. Our study revealed notable variability in water parameters across different sites, with surface water layers exhibiting the greatest differences. While certain parameters such as temperature and conductivity remain relatively stable, pH levels show a decreasing trend with increasing water depth. Dissolved oxygen levels vary widely, while oxidation–reduction potential indicates water pollution, particularly in littoral zones. Potassium dominance within cations likely suggests anthropogenic influences, notably from aquaculture activities, that may also contribute to nutrient enrichment and heavy metal pollution. Elevated levels of total nitrogen and ammonia underscore the lake’s moderate pollution levels, with heavy metals such as mercury exceeding permissible limits, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

Evaluation of the efficiency of the hepatoprotector glucuronate in toxic hepatitis of various etiology

The objective was to study the effectiveness of the use of hepatoprotector glucuronate at the early stage of intensive therapy of toxic hepatitis of various etiologies.Materials and methods. We studied 120 patients with toxic hepatitis who were treated at the Republican research center for emergency medicine in 2022–2023. The study was carried out in two groups of patients. Group I – 60 patients admitted in 2023, who, in addition to traditional therapy, received a complex hepatoprotector glucuronate (Jetepar®)*. Group II (comparison group) – 60 patients who applied in 2022 and received only traditional therapy. Biochemical blood parameters were studied upon admission and over time on day 5. The severity of intellectual impairment was assessed using cognitive scales and the Reitan test on days 2 and 5 from the start of treatment.Results. Upon admission, both groups showed signs of toxic liver damage. In dynamics by the 5th day in patients of group I, there was a decrease in ALT by 63.7%, AST by 66.4%, alkaline phosphatase by 54.2% from the initial values, which was 3.9 and 2.6, 2. 1 lower than in the comparison group. The level of free ammonia in patients of group I on the 5th day decreased by 52%, and lactate by 57% from the initial level, almost to the physiological norm, while in the comparison group (II) only by 24.8% and 38.1%, which was 2.2 and 1.5 times worse than in the main group. Screening of the level of intelligence using two cognitive scales and the Reitan test showed that in patients in the comparison group, cognitive function indicators on the 5th day were 1.4, 1.5 and 1.2 times lower than in the main group.Conclusion. The use of the hepatoprotector glucuronate improves liver parameters and cognitive functions in patients with toxic hepatitis.

STOP1 dominates Arabidopsis tolerance to ammonium over NRT1.1/NPF6.3/CHL1

ABSTRACT The Arabidopsis nitrate transceptor NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1.1 (NRT1.1/NPF6.3/CHL1) plays significant roles even in the absence of nitrate. The loss-of-function of NRT1.1 alleviates growth suppression and chlorosis under toxic levels of ammonium as the sole nitrogen source. Recently, we reported that acidic stress-inducible genes are downregulated by NRT1.1 deficiency under ammonium toxicity conditions, implying that NRT1.1 may exacerbate ammonium-dependent acidic stress. The transcription factor SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY 1 (STOP1) enhances Arabidopsis tolerance to ammonium and acidic stresses. Furthermore, STOP1 directly activates NRT1.1 transcription. These previous findings prompted us to analyze the association between NRT1.1 and STOP1 on ammonium tolerance. Here, we show that ammonium-inducible STOP1 plays a dominant role over NRT1.1 in ammonium tolerance and expression of direct target genes of STOP1. We present a novel scheme in which NRT1.1 and STOP1 jointly regulate common target(s) associated with ammonium tolerance.

Potato growth, nitrogen balance, quality, and productivity response to water-nitrogen regulation in a cold and arid environment.

The pervasively imprudent practices of irrigation and nitrogen (N) application within Oasis Cool Irrigation zones have led to significant soil nitrogen loss and a marked decrease in water and nitrogen use efficiency. To address this concern, a comprehensive field experiment was conducted from April to September in 2023 to investigate the impact of varying degrees of water and fertilization regulation strategies on pivotal parameters including potato yield, quality, nitrogen balance, and water-nitrogen use efficiency. The experimental design incorporated two water deficit degrees at potato seedling (W1, 55%-65% of Field Capacity (FC); W2, 45%-55% of FC), and four distinct nitrogen application gradients (N0, 0 kg ha-1 of N; N1, 130 kg ha-1 of N; N2, 185 kg ha-1 of N; N3, 240 kg ha-1 of N). A control was also included, comprising N0 nitrogen application and full irrigation (W0, 65%-75% of FC), totally eight treatments and one check. The results indicated that the tuber yield, plant dry matter accumulation, plant height, plant stem, and leaf area index increased with higher nitrogen fertilizer application and irrigation volume. However, tuber starch content, vitamin C, and protein content initially increased and then decreased, while reducing sugar content consistently decreased. Except for W1N2 treatment, the irrigation water use efficiency increased as the N application rate rose, while the nitrogen partial factor productivity, crop nitrogen use efficiency and soil nitrogen use efficiency decreased with an increase in N fertilizer application. The W1N2 treatment resulted in a higher yield (43.16 t ha-1), highest crop nitrogen use efficiency (0.95) and systematic nitrogen use efficiency (0.72),while maintaining moderate levels of soil nitrate and ammonium nitrogen. Therefore, through the construction of an integrated evaluation index (IEI), the W1N2 treatment of mild water deficit (55%-65% of FC) at potato seedling combined with the medium nitrogen application (185 kg ha-1 of N) has the highest IEI (0.978), it was recommended as the optimal water-nitrogen regulation and management strategies to facilitate high-yield, high-efficiency, and environmentally sustainable potato production in the cold and arid oasis areas of northwest China.

Serum zinc levels as predictors of covert hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) significantly impacts the quality of life and prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of CHE to identify high-risk patients who would benefit from therapeutic interventions. This single-center, retrospective observational study included 126 patients without a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). CHE was defined as a score above the age-based cutoff value in the Stroop test. Factors associated with the occurrence of CHE and the subsequent development of OHE were evaluated. CHE was detected in 47 patients (37.3%). A multiple logistic regression analysis identified serum zinc levels (per + 1µg/dL, odds ratio 0.95, P = 0.0007) as the only risk factor associated with CHE, with a cutoff value of 60µg/dL (AUC 0.71, P = 0.0001). Neither blood ammonia levels nor liver function were predictive of CHE. During a median observation period of 211days, OHE developed in 18 patients (14.3%). The administration of more than 20mg of furosemide was identified as a risk factor for developing OHE (hazard ratio 23.52, P = 0.0207). Cirrhotic patients with serum zinc levels below 60µg/dL exhibit a high risk of developing CHE, regardless of blood ammonia levels. These patients face a significant risk of developing OHE. Therefore, early zinc supplementation is recommended for the prevention of OHE, particularly for those prescribed 20mg or more of furosemide.

A rare and underestimated cause of anion gap metabolic acidosis in a pediatric patient

Abstract Recognized causes of anion gap metabolic acidosis include methanol, uremia, diabetic ketoacidosis, propylene glycol, isoniazid, iron, lactic acidosis, ethylene glycol, and salicylates, which is taught as the mnemonic, MUDPILES. While this mnemonic can be a useful learning tool, it is important to consider other, atypical causes. Here, we present the case of a 9-year-old male patient with a complex medical history, including trisomy 21 and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who presented to the emergency department (ED) in hypotensive shock. Upon admission, he was noted to have a distended abdomen, evidence of acute pancreatitis and possible sepsis. Of note, his initial labs revealed an anion gap of 30.1 mmol/L, a whole blood lactate of 4.4 mmol/L, a pH of 7.2, and a normal pCO2, indicting an anion gap metabolic acidosis. Importantly, methanol, ethylene glycol, ketones, and salicylates were not detected, and renal function was normal. However, he did have an extensive medication history, including several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Over the coming weeks, he recovered from the acute pancreatitis, but developed fluid overload, electrolyte derangements (hypernatremia and hypokalemia), a worsening metabolic acidosis with an anion gap up to 54.6 mmol/L, and hyperammonemia (plasma NH3 of 232 μmol/L). At this point, the metabolism team was contacted for concerns regarding the rising ammonia levels, which subsequently responded to a combination of lactulose and Rifaximin. An inborn error of metabolism (IEM) was considered, and plasma amino acid analysis was performed (Waters Acquity MassTrak AAA solution) but was not diagnostic. Notably, the patient developed a significantly elevated gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) up to 4088 U/L, suggesting glutathione depletion, however, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were normal. The laboratory was contacted by the metabolism providers for other possible causes of metabolic acidosis and it was suggested that the patient undergo urine organic acid testing. Urine specimens were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) (Aligent system). The results were notable for marked excretion of pyroglutamic acid (5-oxoproline), which is typically associated with acetaminophen, however, the patient’s acetaminophen levels were less than 5 μg/mL, indicating another, atypical cause of increased pyroglutamic acid. In this case, vigabatrin, an anticonvulsant known to cause glutathione depletion and secondary pyroglutamic aciduria was suspected, and subsequently withdrawn. The patient was also started on a trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to replenish glutathione, which resolved the pyroglutamic aciduria and anion gap, and corrected the metabolic acidosis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing pyroglutamic acid as a rare cause of anion gap metabolic acidosis, even in the setting of normal acetaminophen levels, and the importance of organic acid testing in the work-up of such patients. Wider use of the mnemonic GOLD MARK, where the “O” stands for oxoproline, may help in the differential diagnosis of anion gap metabolic acidosis.

Machine Learning and Wavelet Transform: A Hybrid Approach to Predicting Ammonia Levels in Poultry Farms.

Ammonia (NH3) is a major pollutant in poultry farms, negatively impacting bird health and welfare. High NH3 levels can cause poor weight gain, inefficient feed conversion, reduced viability, and financial losses in the poultry industry. Therefore, accurate estimation of NH3 concentration is crucial for environmental protection and human and animal health. Three widely used machine learning (ML) algorithms-extreme learning machine (ELM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and random forest (RF)-were initially used as base algorithms. The wavelet transform (WT) with ten levels of decomposition was then applied as a preprocessing method. Three statistical metrics, including the mean absolute error (MAE) and the correlation coefficient (R), were used to evaluate the predictive accuracies of algorithms. The results indicate that the RF algorithms perform robustly individually and in combination with the WT. The RF-WT algorithm performed best using the air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity inputs with a MAE of 0.548 ppm and an R of 0.976 for the testing dataset. In summary, applying WT to the inputs significantly improved the predictive power of the ML algorithms, especially for inputs that initially had a low correlation with the NH3 values.

Effect of bedding application and air change rates on environmental ammonia concentrations for intensively housed beef cattle

Context Manure deposition during livestock export voyages contributes to air ammonia levels, potentially affecting human and animal health if not managed. Mitigation strategies may include increased air change rates and application of bedding. Aim This study examined the effect of bedding application rate (BAR) and air change rate (ACH) on air ammonia (NH3) concentrations and pad properties, including pad surface condition, pH, moisture, and pad ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, for intensively housed beef cattle. Methods Six 7-day runs were conducted with 72 Bos indicus cross steers (mean liveweight ± s.d. = 338 ± 32 kg) housed in respiration chambers by using a 3 × 3 factorial design. The BARs were set to 0%, 50%, and 100% of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), and ACH were varied at 20, 35, and 52. Air NH3 was measured twice daily at three heights. Pad surface condition was collected with the first air NH3 measurement. Video footage captured standing and lying behaviours for each steer. Pad samples were collected on the final day for pad chemical analysis. Key results The ACH of 20 changes per hour resulted in higher air NH3 concentration than ACH of 35 and 52. Higher BAR led to lower pad pH and moisture, with slightly lower pad NH4+ concentration in 100% and 50% BAR than 0% BAR. Although air NH3 concentration on Day 7 was positively correlated with pad NH4+ concentration, BAR had no marked effect on air NH3 concentration (within the temperature range of this experiment). Drier and firmer pad surfaces were associated with each high BAR and high ACH. Moreover, high BAR increased the frequency of lying behaviour in steers. Conclusions These findings indicated that NH3 can be mitigated by optimising air changes to minimise air NH3 concentration and utilising bedding to minimise pad NH4+. This offers practical solutions for intensively housed beef cattle, such as livestock export voyages to improve human and animal welfare onboard. Implications The study results emphasised the importance of optimising ACH to maintain low air NH3 concentrations in livestock export conditions. Although there was no evidence that BAR affects air NH3 directly, it reduced pad NH4+ and improved pad conditions for overall animal comfort and environmental quality in confined housing with sufficient air changes.

Long-lifespan, biodegradable, self-disinfecting, and gas-sensing electronic mask with a Janus-structured all-natural fiber network for personal healthcare

Conventional disposable surgical masks have become an integral part of our daily lives, however, present a limited filtration efficiency, brief operative lifespan, and inability to degrade naturally, bringing a heavy burden to the environment. Moreover, these masks cannot efficaciously eliminate bacteria, potentially causing secondary and cross infections among users, thereby failing to curb the spread of infectious diseases. Herein, a fire-new, long-lifespan, biodegradable, self-disinfecting, and gas-sensing electronic-mask is nano-engineered with a Janus-structured all-natural fiber network (SA-CPN) constructed from animal-collagen and plant-fibers. SA-CPN demonstrates exceptional filtration performance (99.9%) for PM2.5 and maintains outstanding filtration efficiency after 10 test-cycles or 32 h in high-humidity conditions. SA-CPN exhibits robust antibacterial origins for extended periods, with antibacterial rates of 98.30%, 99.36%, and 98.11% against P aeruginosa, S aureus, and E coli, respectively, and can effectively filter airborne bacterial aerosols. Moreover, SA-CPN achieves real-time detection of ammonia concentrations, effectively identifying ammonia levels in exhaled human breath and external environments, and monitoring the human respiratory rate, potentially identifying underlying health conditions. The directional water vapor transmission capability of SA-CPN improves comfort when wearing. Notably, SA-CPN can fully biodegrade within 5 h under enzyme action. The proposed multifunctional electronic mask, featuring biocompatibility, biodegradability, self-disinfection, and ammonia sensing capabilities, holds significant promise in personal medical protective equipment for health monitoring and disease prevention.

The Sexual Dimorphism in Rectum and Protein Digestion Pathway Influence Sex Pheromone Synthesis in Male Bactrocera Dorsalis.

Sexual dimorphism is a crucial aspect of mating and reproduction in many animals, yet the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In Bactrocera dorsalis, sex pheromones trimethylpyrazine (TMP) and tetramethylpyrazine (TTMP) are specifically synthesized by Bacillus strains in the male rectum. In the female rectum, Bacillus strains are found, but TMP and TTMP are not, indicating sexually dimorphic differences in sex pheromone synthesis. Our anatomical observations and precursor measurements revealed significant differences in rectal structure and ammonium levels between sexes. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that ammonium is vital for sex pheromone synthesis in rectal Bacillus strains. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified ammonium-producing genes (carboxypeptidase B and peptide transporter) in the protein digestion pathway that show much higher expression in the male rectum than in the female rectum. Knocking down the expression of either carboxypeptidase B (or inhibiting enzyme activity) or peptide transporter decreases rectal ammonium levels significantly, resulting in the failure of sex pheromone synthesis in the male rectum. This study provides insights into the presence of sexual dimorphism in internal organs and their functionalities in male-specific sex pheromone synthesis and has significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sex pheromone synthesis by symbionts in insects.

Copper Hexacyanoferrate Cathode as a Selective Adsorbent for Ammonium Ions in Sodium-Rich Solutions

Abstract Ammonium ion remediation has led to innovative methods, such as Faradaic redox reaction using Prussian blue. Our approach uses an adsorption reaction that is controlled by electric current instead of potential. By sweeping the potential through current control, selective adsorption of NH4+ was achieved in solutions with high concentrations of Na+ (ca. 1:50). The use of thick electrodes enabled ammonium levels to be reduced to environmentally acceptable levels in three steps, even from highly concentrated solutions of NH4+ (200 mmol/L).

An observational pilot study on Sidma kushta in relation to Yakrit & Pliha as moola sthana of Raktavaha srotas

Acharya Charaka has mentioned fifteen koshtanga in the shareera. Koshtanga refers to the viscera. Two koshtanga, Yakrit and Pliha, have been designated as the moola sthana (primary centres of physiological activity) of the Raktavaha srotas (haemopoiesis). The description of Yakrit & Pliha corresponds to the functions of the liver and spleen in contemporary anatomy. Kushta (skin disease) is a Rakta prodashaja vikara (disease caused due to the vitiation of blood). Sidma Kushta, or psoriasis, is one of the eighteen kushta listed in the Samhita. Its prevalence in the Indian population ranges from 0.44 to 2.8%. Recent observational studies have shown that the prevalence of NAFLD [Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease] (as diagnosed either by imaging or by histology) is remarkably higher in psoriatic patients (occurring in up to 50% of these patients) and suggested the presence of a novel hepato dermal axis. In this pilot study, six individuals diagnosed with sidma kushta were subjected to ultrasonography of the abdomen & selected biochemical assays on the function of the liver, to observe the relationship between sidma kushta and moola sthana of raktavaha srotas.The data was statistically analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and a correlation was observed between the fatty liver grade and the levels of ALT, AST, and blood ammonia.