Low pH Levels Research Articles

PH and ROS Responsiveness of Polymersome Nanovaccines for Antigen and Adjuvant Codelivery: An In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison.

The antitumor immunity can be enhanced through the synchronized codelivery of antigens and immunostimulatory adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells (DCs), using nanovaccines (NVs). To study the influence of intracellular vaccine cargo release kinetics on the T cell activating capacities of DCs, we compared stimuli-responsive to nonresponsive polymersome NVs. To do so, we employed "AND gate" multiresponsive (MR) amphiphilic block copolymers that decompose only in response to the combination of chemical cues present in the environment of the intracellular compartments in antigen cross-presenting DCs: low pH and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. After being unmasked by ROS, pH-responsive side chains are exposed and can undergo a charge shift within a relevant pH window of the intracellular compartments in antigen cross-presenting DCs. NVs containing the model antigen Ovalbumin (OVA) and the iNKT cell activating adjuvant α-Galactosylceramide (α-Galcer) were fabricated using microfluidics self-assembly. The MR NVs outperformed the nonresponsive NV in vitro, inducing enhanced classical- and cross-presentation of the OVA by DCs, effectively activating CD8+, CD4+ T cells, and iNKT cells. Interestingly, in vivo, the nonresponsive NVs outperformed the responsive vaccines. These differences in polymersome vaccine performance are likely linked to the kinetics of cargo release, highlighting the crucial chemical requirements for successful cancer nanovaccines.

In Vitro Propagation of Commercially Used Krymsk 5® (Prunus fruticosa × Prunus lannesiana) Cherry Rootstock: Impact of Sugar Types and pH Levels

In the present study, the effects of different types of sugars and cultivation medium pH levels on the micropropagation of Krymsk 5® cherry rootstock were investigated. During the proliferation stage, the effects of four sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose, and sorbitol) both separately and in two combinations were studied, along with the effects of pre-adjusted pH (4.5, 5.0, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2, or 6.5) on shoot proliferation parameters, growth medium’s post-autoclaving and post-cultivation pH, and their relations. Similarly, during the rooting stage, the effects of four sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, or sorbitol) at three concentrations (1% w/v, 2% w/v, or 3% w/v) without any auxin inclusion were studied as well as the effects of two sugars (sucrose or fructose) at six pre-adjusted pH levels (4.8, 5.2, 5.8, 6.2, or 6.5), also in the absence of auxin, on rooting parameters. Explants cultivated in fructose-supplemented growth mediums exhibited superior proliferation performance, characterized by the highest values of shoots per explant, shoot length, and nodes per explant. Generally, the medium’s pH decreased after autoclaving, and proliferation performance was favored by low pH values (either pre-adjusted or post-autoclaving). As far as rooting is concerned, fructose inclusion induced a higher rooting percentage (88%) compared to sucrose. The highest rooting was obtained in fructose-supplemented rooting mediums at concentrations of 2% or 3% w/v (95% rooting in both cases), in the absence of auxins. Post-autoclaving pH in fructose-supplemented rooting mediums was lower and buffered in low pH levels than in sucrose-supplemented ones, and the rooting of explants in all pH combinations with fructose exceeded 75%. In addition, rooting was negatively correlated with the post-autoclaving pH. These findings underscore the significance of both the sugar type and the post-autoclaving pH of the medium in both proliferation and rooting stages, highlighting their possible physiological, biochemical, or hormonal effects. Additionally, rooting without the use of auxin, but with the correct choice of sugar, emerges with both financial and environmental benefits, whereas fructose could be potentially used as a buffering agent.

Phytate utilization using feed grade acidifiers to improve tibia composition, gut microbiology and intestinal pH of broiler chickens

Phytate is an anti-nutrient in feedstuffs that inhibits nutrient utilization by chelating multivalent cations and other nutrients. Hence, the need to buffer feeds to improve digestibility. Two hundred and eighty eight (288) broiler finisher chickens were used for the study. They were allotted to four treatments each replicated thrice with twenty four (24) broiler chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. The control diet had adequate available phosphorus at 0.5% while others were sub-optimal at 0.4%. Three acidifiers; Fysal®, Acidomix® and Orgacid® were supplemented in the diets of broiler chickens in treatments two to four at 0.1%. Investigations carried out were determination of intestinal pH, tibia bone compositions and gut microbiology. Broiler chickens fed with acidified diets showed significantly (P<0.05) lower pH levels compared to those on the control diet. Tibia weight, calcium and robusticity index were significantly (P<0.05) better in broiler chickens fed with diets containing acidifier supplementation. Those broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Fysal® showed the best results in all tibia compositions. Organic acids significantly (P<0.05) reduced Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus sp. in the intestinal segments of broiler chickens fed with acidified diets. It was concluded that supplementation of organic acid in broiler chickens’ diets at 0.1% can reduce phytate’s chelation on fed minerals, improving bone mineralization and enhancing gut health for better performance.

The Investigation of the Fermentative, Chemical and Microbial Effects of Grape and Tangerine Pomace Added to High Moisture Alfalfa Silage

This study investigated the impact of grape pulp (GRP) and tangerine pulp (TNP) supplementation (10% each) on alfalfa silage quality. The control silage received no additives. After a two-month fermentation period, silage samples were analyzed for chemical composition, fermentation quality, microflora, and organic acids. According to our results, both silage additives effectively lowered pH levels and isobutyric acid, while increased Fleig score and lactic acid levels compared to control group. However, GRP supplementation significantly increased the levels of crude protein (CP), yeast-mold colony count, and butyric acid levels. Conversely, TNP supplementation resulted in higher levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), valeric acid and lower acetic acid levels in the alfalfa silage samples. In conclusion, both GRP and TNP supplements have distinct effects on the chemical composition, silage quality, microflora, and organic acid profiles of alfalfa silage. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing alfalfa silage production and its utilization in animal nutrition. Further research could explore optimal inclusion rates and potential synergistic effects with other additives to enhance silage quality.

High-frequency dynamics of pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature in the coastal ecosystems of the Tanga-Pemba Seascape: implications for upwelling-enhanced ocean acidification and deoxygenation

Ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and warming are three interconnected global change challenges caused by increased anthropogenic carbon emissions. These issues present substantial threats to marine organisms, ecosystems, and the survival of coastal communities depending on these ecosystems. Coastal upwelling areas may experience significant declines in pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature levels during upwelling events, making marine organisms and ecosystems in these areas more susceptible to ocean acidification and deoxygenation. Understanding the dynamics of pH, DO, and temperature in coastal upwelling areas is essential for evaluating the susceptibility of resident organisms and ecosystems to lower pH and DO conditions occurring during upwelling events. To accomplish this, we used the pH and the DO loggers to measure high-frequency data for pH and DO, respectively, over six months in the open ocean and for a 24-hour cycle within the mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef ecosystems of the Tanga-Pemba Seascape (T-PS) during the northeast monsoon season. Our findings revealed the occurrence of multiple upwelling events, with varying durations, that result in significant declines in pH, DO, and temperature within the seascape. This is the first study to confirm the occurrence of multiple upwelling events in the T-PS. Moreover, the study has revealed a pH threshold value of 7.43 for ocean acidification in the T-PS. This is the first study to report a threshold value for ocean acidification in coastal upwelling areas of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Furthermore, it revealed that the extremely low levels of pH that occurred during upwelling events were above the pH threshold value of 7.43 for ocean acidification, while the extremely low levels of DO fell below the oxygen threshold value of 4.6 mg/L for deoxygenation. During upwelling events, seagrass and coral reef ecosystems, but not mangrove ecosystems, demonstrated elevated mean hourly values of pH and DO compared to those of the open ocean. These findings show that marine organisms and ecosystems in the T-PS are frequently exposed to lower pH and DO conditions due multiple upwelling events. However, their susceptibility to these conditions is reduced to some extent by the presence of seagrass meadows within these interconnected systems.

Biodiesel Production Processes with Yeast: A Sustainable Approach

In recent years, renewable sources of energy have been sought due to the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. A promising alternative is biodiesel, particularly when obtained using yeast, as they offer certain advantages over other microorganisms due to their resilience to grow in various conditions, short reproduction times, and lower susceptibility to bacterial infections because they thrive at lower pH levels and have the ability to utilize a wide variety of substrates. Furthermore, biodiesel produced with yeast is composed of methyl ester fatty acids (FAME), providing it with good quality and performance in internal combustion engines, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel. The production of biodiesel using yeast involves six general stages, which offer various methodological alternatives with different degrees of sustainability. The objective of this review is to assess the sustainability degree of various methodologies employed in each of the stages of yeast-based biodiesel production through environmental and economic sustainability indicators.

Retardation effect of the pozzolanic reaction of low-calcium supplementary cementitious materials on clinker hydration at later age: Effects of pore solution, foreign ions, and pH

Clinker hydration at later age in blended cement pastes was found to be retarded by the pozzolanic reaction of low-calcium supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Various mechanisms were explored, including the consumption of pore solution, the presence of foreign ions, and pH-related effects. Experimental results indicated that the dissolution of the foreign ions from SCMs was a secondary effect. The primary cause of the retardation effect was the reduction in pH caused by the pozzolanic reaction. Aqueous precipitation tests yielded the following findings related to pH: (1) At lower pH levels, the precipitation of aluminium-incorporated calcium silicate hydrate(C–A–S–H) gel was reduced due to the decreased nano-adhesion force. (2) The morphology of C–A–S–H gel consisted of small spherical particles at lower pH levels, resulting in a denser capillary pore structure. The latter led to increased water retention within the fine gel pores but a reduced amount of pore solution available in the capillary pores for cement hydration.

SLOW RELEASE DRUG BASED ON HYDROXYUREA/CHITOSAN CROSS-LINKED MATRIX

Hydroxyurea (HU), also known as hydroxycarbamide, is an effective anticancer drug. The present work is based on partially crosslinked chitosan with glutaraldehyde in the presence of hydroxyurea. The obtained embedded HU in the cross-linked matrix was evaluated as a controlled-release drug based on the swelling mechanism. The swelling study was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and deionised water. The % of swelling at equilibrium for the 0.25% crosslinking density after 24 h of immersion was: 200, 150, and 100% in SGF, H2O and SIF medium, respectively. The concentration of the released drug HU from the chitosan matrix in the different media was determined by UV spectroscopy at λmax at 208.5 nm as a function of time. The release rate of HU from the matrix increases with the swelling rate of the partially cross-linked chitosan. The loading capacity of the prepared gel was 33.3% by weight. The loading capacity and the rate of HU release were found to be inversely affected by the high degrees of crosslinking and increased with increasing the degree of hydrogel swelling. In addition, the rate of HU release was higher at lower pH levels. The study showed that the HU released from the hydrogel matrices in SGF reached 75 and 88.3% of the loaded HU within 8 and 24 h, respectively. This is almost twice the reported value in the literature based on polyphosphate‐anion‐crosslinked chitosan microspheres.

Os efeitos da extração alcalina nas características do amido de fava (Phaseolus lunatus)

Abstract This study provides an overview of the use of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) flour as a raw material for starch extraction in consecutive steps for the preparation of lima bean protein concentrate. The starch from lima bean flour was extracted at different alkaline pH levels: 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. The physicochemical, microstructural, crystallinity, pasting, and functional properties of the extracted starch were evaluated. The results showed that the purity of the starch increased with a higher extraction pH. However, a further increase in pH reduced the yield. The alkaline-extracted starch still contained other non-starch compounds. The extraction pH affected the amylose content, presumably due to the interaction of OH- ions with the starch granular components, influencing the yield and amylose level. At lower pH levels, alkali promoted a more orderly granular structure, decreasing starch solubility and resulting in higher yield and amylose content. Meanwhile, at higher pH levels, alkali ions increased protein solubility and starch content. The pH had a slight influence on the starch granule morphology. Lima bean starch exhibited a crystallinity index of 29% to 34% depending on the alkaline extraction pH. All starches showed individual peaks at 2θ values of 15° and 23°, unresolved peaks at 2θ values of 17° and 18°, and a diffracted plane around 5.63°, indicating a C-type starch. After alkali treatment, the starch maintained its C-type structure, indicating no structural transformation in the orthorhombic and hexagonal structures. Increasing the extraction pH to 9 increased starch crystallinity, but a further increase in pH decreased it. Viscosity during pasting was affected by the intensive interaction of water with amylose in the amorphous regions. The extraction pH influenced peak, trough, setback, and final viscosity. The alkaline treatment might disrupt granular regions, altering the functional properties of the starch. Alkaline extraction of starch can be performed on lima bean flour.

Effect of cooking conditions on iron release from pots and development of kinetic models for iron supplementation in NIPs

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the use of iron cookware as a potential strategy for alleviating iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and emphasises the need for action-oriented research in this area. In response to this need, our study systematically investigated the patterns of iron release from various types of cookware under different cooking conditions. Among these, nitrided iron pots (NIPs), the most widely used cookware, were selected for the development of kinetic models to predict iron release efficiently across a range of cooking temperatures and pH levels in food materials. Our results demonstrated that iron release from the pots was significantly influenced by cooking conditions such as the type of cookware, cooking temperatures, cooking times, types of acidic substances, and the pH of the cooking environment. Specifically, higher temperatures, longer cooking times, lower pH levels, and the presence of acetic acid were found to maximise iron release into food. We developed a series of kinetic models—Iron Release-Temperature Models (I, II, and III) and Iron Release-pH Models (IV, V, and VI)—to predict iron release from NIPs. The temperature models are applicable for cooking food with a pH of 5.00–6.00 within a temperature range of 50–100 °C, while the pH models are designed for food with a pH of 3.00–6.00 at boiling temperatures. Validation experiments confirmed the relative accuracy of these models. Additionally, when comparing the predicted iron release with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) guidelines, the findings support the efficacy of iron pots as a viable method for iron supplementation.

A Comparative Study on the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Honeys From Apis mellifera L. and Meliponula beccarii L. Collected From Western Oromia, Ethiopia.

Honey is a natural substance synthesized by honeybees. Its physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities differ among honey types due to floral and entomological origins. This is a comparative study on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey from Apis mellifera and Meliponula beccarii L. (stingless bee) collected from different sources. A. mellifera honey samples were collected from hives (n = 13) and local markets (n = 13). M. beccarii honey samples were collected from local markets (n = 13). The honey samples were designated as A. mellifera fresh honey directly collected from hives (AMFH), A. mellifera honey collected from the local markets (AMMH), and stingless bees (M. beccarii) honey collected from markets (MBH). Physicochemical and antioxidant properties were analyzed using standard protocols. The antioxidant properties of the honey samples were assessed using total phenolic, flavonoids, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Honey from the stingless bee (MBH) had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher (33.5 ± 3.0%) moisture content, free acidity (113 ± 5.0 meq/kg), and maltose (3.1 ± 1.0), but significantly lower (p < 0.001) levels of hydroxymethyl furfural (4.4 ± 2.0 mg/kg), pH (3.0 ± 0.0), EC (0.25 ± 0.0 mS/cm), fructose (19.6 ± 2.4%), glucose (18.2 ± 1.62%), and sucrose (0.18 ± 0.13, p < 0.05) compared to A. mellifera honey collected from markets. Honey from the stingless bees had higher phenolic (273 ± 9.0 mgGAE/100 g), flavonoid (41 ± 21 mgQE/100 g), and antioxidant content (104 ± 6.0 mgAAE/100 g); however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Honey samples from the stingless bees had higher moisture, phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant contents but lower pH, HMF, sugar, ash, and electrical conductivity compared to A. mellifera honeys collected from markets. A. mellifera honey collected directly from the hive had higher quality than those purchased from markets. A strong awareness creation program is needed for consumers as well as honey producers to maintain the quality of honey.

Outcome of adults with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to intensive care unit: a retrospective study.

Background: Numerous advancements in diabetes care have been made over the past 20 years. Few studies discussed the outcome and predictors of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) necessitating admission to intensive care units (ICU). We, therefore, performed a retrospective analysis of DKA patients admitted to King Saud Medical City\&amp;apos;s ICU between August 2022 and August 2023 to examine trends in outcome and predictors. Method: Patients with DKA episodes who visited the emergency room at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between August 2022 and August 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. Every adult patient, who met the American Diabetes Association\&amp;apos;s requirements for DKA diagnosis and was at least 18 years old, was included. Results In the final analysis, we included 218 patients with DKA, of whom 56 (25.6) were under ICU care. The patients admitted to the ICU had higher BMI and were more likely to be male than non-ICU patients, they were also having advanced age. DKA patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had a higher likelihood of ICU admission than those with T1D. In patients with DKA needed ICU care, WBC counts were higher, as were urea level, and CRP. Compared to patients who did not need ICU admission, those who needed to be admitted had lower venous pH level and bicarbonate levels. Furthermore, 3.5% of ICU-admitted patients died in hospital, compared to 0 deaths among non-ICU admitted patients. Conclusion: Of all patients with DKA, 25.6% needed ICU. Some factors that indicate a patient\&amp;apos;s likelihood of needing an ICU were; T2DM, advanced age, an infectious cause, newly diagnosed diabetes, and moderate or severe DKA.

Assessment of the Correlation Between Arterial Blood Gas Indices and Duration of Stay in the Emergency Department Observation Unit for Pediatric Patients Aged 0-18 with Rotavirus Gastroenteritis

Purpose: Rotavirus (RV) is the predominant pathogen responsible for the onset of infectious acute gastroenteritis among children younger than five years of age, which is one of the important public health concerns and one of the childhood gastroenteritis that can cause morbidity and mortality. Although definitive diagnostic methods are important in such cases, these methods are not always easily accessible. That study aims to investigate the association between blood gas parameters in respondents who have tested positive for RV antigen and their subsequent observation time in the emergency department as well as the length of their hospitalization. Materials and methods: In this retrospective analysis encompassed 237 individuals ranging from 0 to 18 years old who sought medical attention at the outpatient clinic or emergency department of Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital and were found to have a positive RV antigen test. Respondents were segregated into cohorts in accordance with age, gender, blood gas parameters, hemogram, biochemical parameters, duration of stay in the emergency observation room, and duration of stay in the pediatric ward. The respondents were categorized based on various criteria including age, sex, blood gas readings, complete blood count, biochemical markers, duration of stay in the emergency observation area, and hospitalization period in the pediatric unit. Comprehensive demographic, blood gas, hematologic, and biochemical data were compiled and analyzed employing SPSS version 22.0. Results: The study identified significant differences in the pH, pO2, and HCO3 levels, along with the mean platelet volume (MPV) among the participants. Notably, a significant correlation was established between the pH levels of blood gases in the emergency room observation space and the observation span for respondents testing positive for RV, whereas no significant link was observed between blood gas values and the duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while blood gas analysis outcomes may not predict hospitalization length in cases of Rotavirus gastroenteritis, respondents presenting with lower blood pH levels tend to spend less time in the emergency observation unit. Therefore, it is recommended that blood gas analysis be conducted routinely for respondents presenting with symptoms of Rotavirus gastroenteritis upon their arrival at the emergency medical services.

Impact of cathodic pH and bioaugmentation on acetate and CH4 production in a microbial electrosynthesis cell.

This study compares carbon dioxide conversion in carbonate-fed microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells operated at low (5.3), neutral (7) and high (8) pH levels and inoculated either with wild-type or bioaugmented mixed microbial populations. Two 100 mL (cathode volume) MES cells inoculated with anaerobic digester sludge were operated with a continuous supply of carbonate solution (5 g L-1 as CO3 2-). Acetate production was highest at low pH, however CH4 production still persisted, possibly due to pH gradients within the cathodic biofilm, resulting in acetate and CH4 volumetric (per cathode compartment volume) production rates of 1.0 ± 0.1 g (Lc d)-1 and 0.84 ± 0.05 L (Lc d)-1, respectively. To enhance production of carboxylic acids, four strains of acetogenic bacteria (Clostridium carboxidivorans, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum, and Eubacterium limosum) were added to both MES cells. In the bioaugmented MES cells, acetate production increased to 2.0 g (Lc d)-1. However, production of other carboxylic acids such as butyrate and caproate was insignificant. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of cathodic biofilm and suspended biomass suggested a low density of introduced acetogenic bacteria implying that selective pressure rather than bioaugmentation led to improved acetate production.

Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages and control hemorrhagic pneumonia on a mice model.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens causing hemorrhagic pneumonia in Chinese forest musk deer. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa is frequently isolated from the lungs of affected musk deer in Shaanxi Province, China. With the increasing bacterial drug resistance, commonly used antibiotics have shown limited efficacy against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Therefore, phages have garnered attention as a promising alternative to antibiotics among researchers. In this study, phages vB_PaeP_YL1 and vB_PaeP_YL2 (respectively referred to as YL1 and YL2) were isolated from mixed sewage samples from a farm. YL1 and YL2 exhibit an icosahedral head and a non-contractile short tail, belonging to the Podoviridae family. Identification results demonstrate good tolerance to low temperatures and pH levels, with minimal variation in potency within 30 min of UV irradiation. The MOI for both YL1 and YL2 was 0.1, and their one-step growth curve latent periods were 10 min and 20 min, respectively. Moreover, both single phage and phage cocktail effectively inhibited the growth of the host bacteria in vitro, with the phage cocktail showing superior inhibitory effects compared to the single phage. YL1 and YL2 possess double-stranded DNA genomes, with YL1 having a genome size of 72,187 bp and a total G + C content of 55.02%, while YL2 has a genome size of 72,060 bp and a total G + C content of 54.98%. YL1 and YL2 are predicted to have 93 and 92 open reading frames (ORFs), respectively, and no ORFs related to drug resistance or lysogeny were found in both phages. Genome annotation and phylogenetic analysis revealed that YL1 is closely related to vB_PaeP_FBPa1 (ON857943), while YL2 is closely related to vB_PaeP_FBPa1 (ON857943) and Phage26 (NC041907). In a mouse model of hemorrhagic pneumonia, phage cocktail treatment showed better control of the disease and significantly reduced lung bacterial load compared to single phage treatment. Therefore, YL1 and YL2 have the potential for the prevention and treatment of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.

Factors associated with mortality of patients with COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation: A retrospective cohort study in a university hospital in Northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation at a university hospital in Northeastern Brazil. This is a retrospective cohort from April to August 2020 through an analysis of medical records, considering the demographic profile, comorbidities, complications, supports, respiratory and laboratory parameters. A total of 65 patients required invasive mechanical ventilation, of which 64.6% died in the ICU. They were older, had more comorbidities, shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit, received more support such as palliative care and two vasopressors simultaneously, showed lower levels of pH, hemoglobin and calcium, and higher levels of bicarbonate, lactate, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, troponin and ferritin at the start of invasive mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, the time course of pH, arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio, arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, lactate, hemoglobin, platelets, lymphocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, coagulation parameters, calcium, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, ferritin, static compliance, airway resistance, tidal volume, and noradrenaline doses showed association with mortality. There was a high mortality rate in invasively mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, with some associated factors identified at the start of invasive mechanical ventilation and others identified over time.

Efficient removal of ibuprofen from aqueous solutions using silica-based nanocomposites: A comparative study

This study investigates the efficacy of environmentally friendly silica-based nanocomposites, SiO2-Fe3O4 and SiO2-ZnO, for removing Ibuprofen (IBU) from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, such as SEM, TEM, EDS, and FTIR. The adsorption capabilities of IBU onto these nanocomposites were explored through comparative analysis, focusing on factors such as pH, initial pollutant concentration, contact time, and temperature. Results reveal that the adsorption process is pH-dependent, and the lower pH levels enhance the adsorption process. The IBU removal process is faster with SiO2-Fe3O4 compared to SiO2-ZnO. Kinetic modeling suggests a pseudo-second-order mechanism [Formula: see text] for IBU adsorption onto the surfaces of both adsorbents. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were employed and demonstrated to analyze the equilibrium data. The Langmuir model revealed a higher maximum adsorption capacity for SiO2-Fe3O4 [Formula: see text] than SiO2-ZnO [Formula: see text]. Thermodynamic analysis indicates a chemisorption mechanism for SiO2-ZnO and a physisorption mechanism for IBU molecules on the surface of SiO2-Fe3O4. In addition, the standard thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption process indicate that IBU adsorption via both nanocomposites is exothermic, resulting in reduced entropy, and occurs spontaneously. This research introduces silica-based nanocomposites with Fe3O4 nanoparticles for efficient Ibuprofen removal from aqueous solution. The magnetic properties allow easy separation and reusability, enhancing treatment effectiveness. The study offers valuable insights for improving water treatment strategies with potential industrial applications.

Enhancing Physicochemical Characteristics of Donkey Meat through High‐Voltage Electrostatic Stimulation during Acid Excretion

To investigate the impact of high‐voltage electrostatic stimulation on the quality of donkey meat, ten 30‐month‐old Dezhou donkeys (each weighing 250 ± 50 kg) were selected. Following slaughter, longissimus dorsi (LD) samples from both left and right carcasses were collected. The control group refrigerated the right muscle in a 0–4°C refrigerator for normal acid excretion. Meanwhile, the high‐voltage electrostatic group subjected the left muscle to high‐voltage electrostatic stimulation (30000 V) for 60 s before refrigerating it in the same conditions for acid excretion. The study showed that at the 1st, 6th, and 24th h of acid excretion, the high‐voltage electrostatic group exhibited significantly lower pH levels than the control group (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, a∗ values in the high‐voltage electrostatic group showed an increasing trend relative to the control group at the 6th and 24th h of acid excretion (P = 0.0751, P = 0.0860). With increasing acid excretion time, both treatment groups displayed increased PV and TBARS values. At 48 and 72 h, the PV values in the high‐voltage electrostatic group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). As acid excretion time increased, T‐AOC, SOD, and GSH‐Px in both groups decreased. However, the high‐voltage electrostatic group consistently exhibited higher antioxidant enzyme activity than the control group at all time points. SOD and GSH‐Px activity in the high‐voltage electrostatic group showed an increasing trend at 48 h of acid excretion (P = 0.0838, P = 0.0860). At 72nd h of acid excretion, the shear force of donkey meat in the high‐voltage electrostatic group was significantly lower than that in the ordinary treatment group (P &lt; 0.05). With increasing acid excretion time, the MFI of both treatment groups gradually increased. In particular, at the 1st and 48th h of acid excretion, the MFI of the high‐voltage electrostatic group was significantly higher than that of the ordinary treatment group (P &lt; 0.05). Following high‐voltage electrostatic stimulation, ultrastructure images of donkey meat at 6 and 72 h revealed numerous contractions and stretching bands. Therefore, this stimulation significantly improved the tenderness of donkey meat, reduced the oxidation rate of donkey meat, and improved the quality of donkey meat.

Natural acidified marine systems: Lessons and predictions.

Natural acidified marine systems (ASs) are environments with relatively low pH levels due to natural causes such as volcanic activity, geochemical reactions, and biological processes. These systems act as natural laboratories for the study of the effects of ocean acidification, allowing for the observation of long-term ecological and evolutionary responses. Understanding these systems is crucial for predicting the effects of anthropogenic ocean acidification (OA) on marine ecosystems. There are 23 ASs in which scientific research has shown significant parallelisms in their results worldwide, such as the disappearance of calcareous organisms and the loss of species with key ecological functions under OA conditions. Future research should emphasize continuous collaboration among teams, as well as public access to oceanographic and biological data along with the monitoring of environmental variables at each AS. To preserve these areas, it is imperative to employ non-destructive methods and protect them as human heritage sites.

Further reduction in soil bacterial diversity under severe acidification in European temperate forests

AbstractDespite a decrease in industrial nitrogen and sulfur deposition over recent decades, soil acidification remains a persistent challenge to European forest health, especially in regions of intense agriculture and urbanisation. Using topsoil eDNA metabarcoding and functional annotations from a sample of 49 plots (each 30 × 30 m) located in The Netherlands and Germany, we investigated the effect of severe acidification on bacterial taxonomic diversity under different forest types and explored potential functional implications for nutrient cycling. Furthermore, we assessed which soil parameters known to influence soil bacterial communities affect these acidophilic communities. Here, we are the first to demonstrate under natural conditions that soil bacterial diversity in extremely acidic soils (pH &lt;4.5) continues to decline similarly across forest types as pH further decreases under intensifying human activity. Our results confirmed pH as the key driver of soil bacterial communities, even in extremely acidic soils. Ongoing severe acidification continues to reduce bacterial communities, favouring taxa adapted to extreme acidity and primarily involved in recalcitrant carbon‐degradation compounds (e.g. cellulolysis potential = 0.78%–9.99%) while simultaneously diminishing taxa associated with nitrogen cycling (e.g. fixation potential = 6.72%–0.00%). Altogether, our findings indicate a further decline in bacterial diversity in already extremely acidic soils, likely disrupting nutrient cycling through changes in immobilisation and mineralisation processes. Our study highlights the continuous acidification of European temperate forests to extremely low pH levels, further disrupting forest ecosystem functioning. The significant reduction in bacterial diversity under such a severe acidification gradient, as demonstrated here, underscores the necessity to include severely acidified forests in conservation programmes and monitoring to prevent further degradation of European soils beyond repair.