Minimum pH Research Articles

ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CONFORMATIONAL PROPERTIES OF POLYACRYLIC ACID AND POLY-2-METHYL-5-VINYLPYRIDINE HYDROGELS DURING THEIR REMOTE INTERACTION IN AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT

Introduction. Previous research on the intergel system of polyacrylicacid (PAA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) revealed that at a hydrogel ratio of 3:3, significant activation occurs at 24 hours. This indicates substantial changes in electrochemical and conformational properties at this ratio. The purpose of this research is to investigate the remote interaction between the weak polyelectrolyte polyacrylic acid (PAA) and the weak polybase poly-2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine (P2M5VP) over time and at various molar ratios in an aqueous environment. The study seeks to explore the activation potential of these hydrogels by analyzing their electrochemical properties using conductometry and pH-metry, and to determine the effect of molar ratios on the specific conductivity and swelling degree of the hydrogels. The obtained results.The maximum conductivity of 14.4 µS/cm was achieved at a ratio of 2:4 at 2.5 hours, coinciding with the minimum pH value of 4.4. In the 6:0 ratio, where only the PAA hydrogel is present, the conductivity changes remained minimal within the range of 1-2 µS/cm, indicating the stability of this hydrogel in the absence of P2M5VP. The swelling coefficient also exhibited interesting dynamic changes depending on the time and component ratios. The swelling coefficient of PAA remained stable at 11-14 for the individual hydrogel but showed a maximum value of 41 at a ratio of 1:5 after 24 hours, indicating significant interaction between the hydrogels. The maximum swelling coefficient of P2M5VP, 7.5 and 7.6, was observed at ratios of 5:1 and 2:4, respectively, 2.5 hours into the study, suggesting optimal interaction of the hydrogels during these time intervals. Conclusion. The studies showed that initial differences in conductivity are minimal; however, significant changes occur over time due to intermolecular interactions between the components. The obtained results can be useful for optimizing the sorption properties of hydrogels in metal extraction processes.

The effect of feeding order of forage and oats on metabolic and digestive responses related to gastric emptying in horses.

Feeding order of forage and concentrate might affect gastric emptying and subsequently digestion in horses. The objective of this study was to measure gastric emptying in combination with metabolic and digestive responses in the plasma and caecum, respectively, when changing the feeding order of oats (O) and hay (H) (oats first then hay: O-H vs. hay first then oats: H-O). Four caecum cannulated horses were used in a 2×2 crossover design, with two 12-day periods consisting of 10 d of diet adaptation and two days of data collection. Hay was fed at 0600, 1400 and 2000h, while oats were fed in the morning either 15min before or 1h after feeding hay. On days of data collection, baseline samples were collected before feeding 1.4kg DM hay and 474g DM oats (0.4g starch/kg BW), and data was collected until 8h after feeding. Gastric emptying of oats was estimated using the 13C acetic acid breath test, where breath samples were analysed for 12C:13C ratio after administration of 13C acetic acid mixed with oats. Gastric emptying coefficient (GEC), time where half of the total cumulative recovery of 13C was excreted (t1/2), and time where the maximal amount of 13C was excreted (Tmax) were calculated. Samples of blood and caecal fluid were collected at hourly intervals. Blood plasma was analysed for glucose and insulin and baseline concentrations, peak concentrations, time of peaks and area under the curves (AUC) were calculated. A pH probe was placed in the caecum measuring pH every min to find minimum pH and time to reach minimum pH. Hourly caecal samples were analysed for pH and short-chained fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations. Results from the 13C acetic acid breath test indicated that feeding order affected gastric emptying, as Tmax was longer (P = 0.004) when feeding H-O (2.18h) than O-H (1.09h), but there was no effect on the GEC and T1/2. No effect of feeding order was found for plasma glucose and insulin measures. Feeding order had no effect on minimum pH, but time to reach minimum pH increased (P = 0.014) from 170min for O-H to 280min for H-O, and average pH was lower in the intervals 0 to 170min (P = 0.006) and 170 to 280min (P = 0.006) for O-H than H-O. In general, time of sampling had a larger effect on SCFA concentrations than feeding order. In conclusion, this study indicates that feeding order affected gastric emptying, and the digestive and metabolic responses were more clearly reflected in caecum pH than plasma glucose and insulin.

Kinetic features and mechanism of scorodite formation via multivalent iron source from arsenic-bearing solution

Arsenic-bearing wastes from non-ferrous metallurgy exhibit poor stability during long-term storage, and are transferred as pollutants to the atmosphere and groundwater, thereby, threatening human health and ecological security. Immobilising arsenic as scorodite crystals via a multivalent iron source (Fe(OH)3-FeSO4·7 H2O) is one effective approach for controlling arsenic pollution. However, the kinetic features and mechanisms of this method have not yet been revealed, thereby, necessitating further research. Herein, the kinetics of scorodite generation influenced by the initial pH, Fe/As ratio, Fe(III)/Fe(II) ratio, and reaction temperature were investigated. Prominent features included variations in the minimum pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) platform, Fe/As ratio (1.0), and the delay or advance of scorodite generation. The complicated mechanism of scorodite formation can be divided into coordinated polymerisation, acidic Fe(OH)3 dissolution, polymer oxidation, Fe(II) oxidation, and scorodite crystallisation. The fast coordinated polymerisation of precursors ([Fe(H2O)4(H2AsO4)]nn+) in stage I resulted in a decrease in pH; Fe(OH)3@scorodite and Fe(H2O)2AsO4 basic units were formed via the oxidation of ionic Fe(III) in stage II. Furthermore, regular octahedral scorodite was generated from two sources: the crystallisation of Fe(H2O)2AsO4 basic units and Ostwald ripening of flaky scorodite from Fe(III)–As(V) precipitates at stage III. The Fe(II) in the polymers was mainly oxidised by ferric ions generated from the oxidation of ferrous ions via dissolved O2 from the oxygen gas. Fe(II) ions as carriers for transferring electrons from O2 to polymers. Scorodite formation was controlled by the oxidation of Fe(II) by oxygen gas. Overall, this study provides guidance for the effective immobilisation of arsenic wastes into scorodite via multivalent iron sources to eliminate arsenic pollution.

Association between early metabolic acidosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia/death in preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation: an observational cohort study

BackgroundMetabolic acidosis occurs frequently during the first postnatal days in extremely preterm infants and is mainly attributed to renal immaturity. Recent studies suggested a link between metabolic acidosis and the development of BPD. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the association between severe metabolic acidosis during the first two weeks of life and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) / mortality among preterm infants born before 28 weeks’ gestation.MethodsMonocentric observational cohort study including 1748 blood gas samples of 138 extremely preterm infants born 2020–2022. Metabolic acidosis was defined as pH < 7.2 with base excess (BE) < -10 mmol/L or standard bicarbonate (SBC) < 12 mmol/L. Primary outcome was BPD and/or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age.ResultsFifty-six (40.6%) infants had BPD/death. Metabolic acidosis occurred in 50.0% of infants with BPD/death, compared to 22.0% of BPD-free survivors (p = 0.001) during the first 14 postnatal days. Minimum pH (median 7.12 vs. 7.19, p < 0.001), BE (median -10.9 vs. -9.5 mmol/L, p = 0.005), SBC (median 14.7 vs. 16.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001) were different between the two groups. After adjusting for confounders, pH (postnatal days 2–6), BE (postnatal day 3) and SBC (postnatal days 2–4) were significantly lower in infants with BPD/death. Metabolic acidosis on postnatal days 1–7 was associated with higher odds of BPD (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 3.461, 95% CI 1.325–9.042) and BPD/death (aOR 3.087, 95% CI 1.225–7.778).ConclusionsMetabolic acidosis during the first week of life was associated with higher odds of BPD/death in extremely preterm infants.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Nutrient Status in Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

An experiment was conducted during rabi season, 2021 to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on soil nutrient status in garlic. The study was structured around eighteen treatments with combinations of inorganic fertilizers, biofertilizers and organic manures like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit. The treatment T12 [(75 % RDF + 40 kg Sulphur/ha + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + FYM (25t/ha)] resulted in minimum soil pH (6.82) and electrical conductivity (0.181 dSm-1) as well as highest organic carbon (0.86 %), available Nitrogen (258.84 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (26.72 kg ha-1) contents. Further, the treatment T17 [(100 % RDF + FYM (25t/ha)] recorded maximum available Potassium (180.35 kg ha-1) and treatment T16 [(100 % RDF + 40 kg S/ha + FYM) recorded highest S (44.98 kg ha-1) contents. Thus, it can be concluded that integration of inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizers and organic manures helps in improving the soil nutrient status.

516 Effects of increasing hybrid rye silage as a replacement for barley silage for growing beef heifers

Abstract The objective of these studies was to evaluate effects of increasing hybrid rye silage (HRS; harvested at boot stage in Study 1 and soft-dough in Study 2) inclusion as a replacement for barley silage (BS; harvested at soft-dough stage) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and growth performance of growing beef cattle. In Study 1, ruminally cannulated Hereford × Simmental heifers (n = 8) with an initial body weight (BW) of 519 ± 25.8 kg were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods including 21 d of dietary adaptation and 7 d of data and sample collection to assess DMI and ruminal fermentation. Treatments included a control diet (DM basis) that contained 59.62% BS, 38.60% barley grain, and 1.78% of a vitamin and mineral supplement. Hybrid rye silage replaced 33, 67, and 100% of the BS on a DM basis. In Study 2, steers (n = 384; BW = 343 ± 20.2 kg) were stratified by BW and allocated to 32 pens in a randomized complete block design over 2 yr (4 pens/treatment/yr) to evaluate DMI, growth, and gain:feed (G:F). Steers were fed similar diets as Study 1 for 84 d in both years. In Study 1, increasing HRS linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) decreased DMI from 12.0 to 9.2 kg/d, and linearly increased (P = 0.02) water intake from 18.6 to 22.5 L/d. Increasing HRS linearly increased mean (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and minimum ruminal pH (P &amp;lt; 0.01). There was no effect of HRS inclusion on total short-chain fatty acid concentration (P = 0.46) in ruminal fluid, but the molar proportion of acetate linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) increased while propionate and butyrate linearly decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01, and &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively) with increasing HRS inclusion. Moreover, increasing HRS inclusion linearly increased the molar proportions of isobutyrate and valerate (P = 0.06, and &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively) while caproate decreased linearly (P = 0.02). The ammonia-N concentration linearly increased with increasing HRS inclusion. In Study 2, DMI was 9.23, 9.10, 8.82, 8.08 kg/d (quadratic, P = 0.02) for diets containing 0, 33, 67, and 100% HRS, respectively. Likewise, ADG decreased (1.45, 1.36, 1.30, 1.08 kg/d; quadratic P &amp;lt; 0.01) as HRS inclusion increased and G:F ratio decreased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) from 0.158 with 0% HRS to 0.134 g/kg when diets contained 100% HRS. Final BW was 462, 456, 450, and 432 kg when HRS was included at 0, 33, 67, and 100% of the silage, respectively (quadratic, P = 0.04). In conclusion, replacing BS with increasing proportions of HRS reduced DMI resulting in greater ruminal pH, altered molar proportions of individual SCFA, and reduced growth performance and G:F during the growing phase.

Mitigation of hypoxia and ocean acidification on the inner East China Sea shelf impacted by the 2023 summer drought

Hypoxia and acidification are universal environmental issues in coastal seas, especially in large river dominated shelves, and the East China Sea shelf is a typical case among them. However, the responses of status of hypoxia and acidification in coastal seas to the extremes of river discharges are still to be revealed. This study surveyed the influences of a summer drought on the status of hypoxia and acidification on the inner East China Sea shelf off the Changjiang estuary. In August of 2023 during a summer drought, carbonate system parameters and dissolved oxygen (DO) were surveyed on the East China Sea shelf off the Changjiang estuary. As expected, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) removal (up to >40 μmol kg−1) and DO over-saturation (up to >110 %) accompanied by high pH (up to >8.15) in the surface water were observed. However, low DO (32–172 μmol kg−1), low pH (7.63–8.04) and low saturation state index of aragonite (ΩAr) (1.34–3.06) in the bottom water were observed. Relationships of Excess DIC with DO consumption, and pH and ΩAr with Excess DIC indicated that the hypoxia and acidification in the bottom water was due mainly to the remineralization of the marine-sourced organic matter. Nevertheless, both hypoxia and acidification were mitigated, i.e. the hypoxic area was smaller, the minimum DO concentration, pH and saturation state index of aragonite were higher in August of 2023 than under the general summer condition. The lower Changjiang discharge (∼60 % of the long-term monthly average) mitigated eutrophication of the East China Sea shelf and decreased the phytoplankton biomass in the surface water and subsequently the hypoxia and acidification in the bottom water. However, acidification of the bottom water on the East China Sea shelf was still severe even during the summer drought. Regulating the anthropogenic impact on the coastal marginal seas is still urgently needed to mitigate the acidification status.

EFFECT OF NON-FLUORIDATED AND FLUORIDATED MILK ON DENTAL PLAQUE PH CHALLENGED WITH A SWEETENED DRINK AT VARIOUS TIME INTERVALS

Aim: To investigate the effect of non-fluoridated and fluoridated milk on dental plaque challenged with sweetened drink by measuring the plaque pH at various time intervals. Patients and Methods: A total of 80 children aged 6-8 years who reported to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, of which 10 children who were interested to participate in the study were included. Children were asked to rinse for 2 min with following solutions: Distilled water, 10% sucrose, non-fluoridated milk, fluoridated milk, 10% sucrose followed by distilled water, 10% sucrose followed by non- fluoridated milk, 10% sucrose followed by fluoridated milk. The supragingival plaque was collected before rinsing and after 5,10,15,20,25,30 and 60 min to measure the plaque pH. The values were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis with one way analysis (ANOVA). Results: The result of present study shows that the minimum pH drop was almost similar for non-fluoridated and fluoridated milk group at 5 min which is lower than 10% sucrose group but the recovery of pH to baseline value was at faster rate in fluoridated milk group compared to non-fluoridated milk group. Conclusion: There are parts of world where drinking water cannot be fluoridated due to lack of resources, socio-economic and technical constraints, absence of political will and national policy on oral health. Hence fluoridation of milk can be recommended where fluoride concentration in drinking water is suboptimal and caries experience is significant.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO DYNAMIC DECANTERS USED AT THE PASPANGA WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN BURKINA FASO: CASE OF ACCELATOR AND PULSATOR

Water is a basic resource for humans because their survival and some of their activities depend on it. There are several types of water depending on their sources including groundwater and surface water. In its natural state, most water needs to be treated before consumption. The National Water and Sanitation Office (ONEA) is one of the structures responsible at the national level for the purification of this water. The Paspanga water treatment station is an ONEA structure which exploits the water from the Loumbila and Ouaga 3 dams. This raw water follows an entire treatment process which involves the use of hydraulic structures such as decanters before being drinkable. The analysis of turbidity was carried out by nephelometry, pH and conductivity by electrochemistry, and organic matter by titrimetry. The results obtained made it possible to compare the accelator and pulsator decanters. For the same raw water we observed a drop in turbidity ranging from 58 to 83% for the accelator and from 51 to 75% for the pulsator. For a minimum average pH of the raw water of 6.76, the decanted water of the accelator has a minimum average pH of 6.49 and that of the pulsator of 6.46. For the same raw water we observed a drop in organic matter ranging from 22 to 52% for the accelator and from 16 to 41% for the pulsator. From all these results, it appears that the accelator is more efficient than the pulsator.

Growth limits of psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus as a function of temperature, pH, water activity, and lactic or acetic acid

This work focuses on the effects of temperature, pH, water activity, and concentrations of acetic or lactic acid on the growth limits of psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.). A previously published growth boundary model, based on an ‘interaction term’, was extended by the integration of new environmental factors. Further development has been made by replacing, wherever possible, the single values for strain-dependent parameters by statistical distributions, making it possible to describe the intra-group variability in B. cereus s.l. behaviour. The parameters associated with organic acid (i.e., the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations, MIC) were determined for one strain for lactic acid and three strains for acetic acid. The MICs estimated were close to previously published values for mesophilic reference group III strain F4810/72. The growth/ no growth interface for psychrotrophic B. cereus s.l. in absence of organic acid was defined by the lower growth limits obtained separately for “groups II and V” and “group VI”. The model predictions for the transition between the “no-growth only” and “possible growth” provide fail-safe predictions for ComBase and literature data (468 records). To investigate behaviour of psychrotrophic B. cereus s.l. under organic acid, growth/ no growth data were generated at 15 °C (simulating mild temperature abuse) for three B. cereus s.l. strains (one from group II and two from group VI) at different pH levels (between 4.8 and 6.2), water activities (between 0.974 and 0.997) and concentrations of acetic acid (up to 45 mM) or lactic acid (up to 100 mM). Each of the three strains was studied separately for a total of 312 experiments. The minimum pH levels required for growth increase in the presence of lactic or acetic acid, highlighting their inhibitory effects. These inhibitory effects are enhanced at the lowest water activity tested. Although, group VI strains were reported to be more affected by low aw, only small differences were observed between group II and group VI at aw 0.974. The developed model was found to provide conservative (i.e. fail-safe) predictions for the growth limits under acetic or lactic acid at 15 °C.

Influence of Storage Period on Biochemical Parameters of Aonla Based Fortified Squash

Aonla is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, aonla has got enormous pharmaceutical values. Consumption of fresh aonla fruits has immense benefits, but due to high acidic and astringent content in the fruits, it has very limited table value. Preparation of various value added products specially blended beverages such as RTS, nectar and squash from aonla fruit helps to overcome astringent taste and poor color and flavor. The present investigation “Influence of storage period on biochemical parameters of aonla based fortified squash” was conducted at the Horticulture Processing Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, IGKV, Raipur (CG) during the experimental year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Analysis of bio-chemical parameters under 13 treatments of fortified aonla squash unveiled that the treatment T10 (25% Aonla + 73% Pomegranate + 2% Ginger) documented maximum total soluble solids content and TSS: acid ratio among all the other treatments. Further, the treatment T4 (25% Aonla + 75% Pomegranate) reported maximum pH value and minimum acidity and ascorbic acid content. However, the treatment T13 (100% Aonla) recorded maximum acidity and ascorbic acid content as well as minimum total soluble solids content, pH and TSS: acid ratio.

Residual Soil Fertility and Yield of Okra as Affected by Bio-inoculants and Bio-organic Nutrient Sources

Over the course of two kharif seasons in 2020 and 2021, a study was conducted to explore the impact of bi-inoculants (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas lactis) and bio-organic nutrient sources (farmyard manure, vermicompost, Beejamrit and Jeevamrit) over the fruit yield and residual soil fertility of okra in the Entisols of Himachal Pradesh. The study was structured around seventeen treatments with different combinations of bio-inoculants, bio-formulations and nutrient sources. The investigation revealed that minimum soil pH (6.96), maximum soil organic carbon (0.76 %), available nitrogen (259.36 kg/ha) and available phosphorus (26.98 kg/ha) were obtained with treatment T16 [FYM (50 q/ha) + Vermicompost (25 q/ha) + Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens]. The maximum soil electrical conductivity (0.208 dSm-1) and available potassium (174.65 kg/ha) was obtained in treatment T17 [Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (78N:50P:54K kg/ha)]. The highest gross income (₹2,58,760 /ha), net income (₹1,60,620 /ha) were observed in treatment T16 [FYM (50 q/ha) + Vermicompost (25q/ha) + Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens] and the highest benefit: cost ratio (1.69) was observed in treatment T10 [Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens]. Therefore, it is evident that using bio-organic nutrients such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, and Jeevamrit, in conjunction with the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, is advantageous for enhancing the residual fertility of the soil and achieving sustainable cultivation of okra, while also allowing for a complete savings of 100% on fertilizers.

The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults.

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none.

The effect of conditioning pH behaviour on spodumene flotation with fatty acids

ABSTRACT Spodumene - the primary lithium mineral - is often concentrated by flotation with fatty acid collectors. However, producing high-grade concentrates at high recoveries is challenging and a risk for future operations. Poor spodumene selectivity is largely driven by the sensitive properties and poor solubility of fatty acids and requires high-density conditioning for desired flotation performance. This study related pH behaviour and operating parameters during fatty acid conditioning to flotation performance. The best pH characteristics for >85% lithium recovery at >5.25% Li2O were a minimum pH 6.5–6.8, final pH 6.7–7.1, and a pH change rate of 0.07 ΔpH/min. Regression analysis predicted optimizated conditions of initial pH 8.2, 30 W/L power density, 8 min conditioning and 550 g/t collector. Follow-up testing confirmed a higher W/L improved grade, and recovery was maintained when combined with decreased residence time and pH. Better defining these relationships can improve process control n developing industrial spodumene flotation circuits.

Meat qualities of crossbred young pigs

Relevance. Interbreeding and hybridization are important factors in increasing pig productivity. As a result of the heterosis effect, the multiplicity of sows increases, the safety of offspring increases, the growth rate of young animals improves, the quality of meat improves and, as a result, the profitability of the pig industry increases.The paper presents an assessment of the meat qualities of local young pigs obtained as a result of industrial three-breed crossing.Methods. To implement the scientific and economic experience, three groups of sows of pairs of analogues of a large white breed from the Hypor company (KB Hypor) were formed. Sows of the 1st group were crossed with boars of the Landrace breed from the PIC company (Landrace Pic), the 2nd — with boars of the Landrace breed from the Genesus Genetics company (Landrace Genesus), the 3rd — with boars of the Landrace breed from the Hypor company (Landrace Hypor). As a result, two-breed crossbreeds (F1) were obtained. Next, crossbred sows (F1) of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental groups were crossed with boars of the Duroc breed from Genesus Genetics, as a result, commercial young (F2) were obtained.Results. According to the research results, it was found that the highest pre-slaughter live weight was obtained from animals of the 1st group (125.12 kg), which is more than in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, respectively, by 5.8% and 4.0%. Studies of the chemical composition of the longest back muscle of young pigs showed that the protein content in all meat samples was in the range of 23–24% with a minimum value (23.31%) in the muscle tissue of animals of the 3rd experimental group, and the maximum (23.7%) in the 1st experimental group (the difference was 0.39%). The amount of intramuscular fat in the meat of animals of the 1st (5.57%) and 2nd (6.30%) groups was significantly higher by 1.23% and 1.96%, respectively, compared with analogues of the 3rd group. The minimum pH level of meat was noted in the 1st experimental group (5.51 pH units), the maximum — in the 2nd experimental group (5.56 pH units), the difference was 0.05 pH units. The largest mass fraction of collagen (1.11%) was obtained in the 3rd group, the smallest — in the 1st experimental group (0.66%), the difference was 0.45%.

High Intraoperative Serum Lactate Level is Associated with Acute Kidney Injury after Brain Tumor Resection.

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Identification of risk factors for postoperative AKI is clinically important. Serum lactate can increase in situations of inadequate oxygen delivery and is widely used to assess a patient's clinical course. We investigated the association between intraoperative serum lactate levels and AKI after brain tumor resection. Demographics, medical and surgical history, tumor characteristics, surgery, anesthesia, preoperative and intraoperative blood test results, and postoperative clinical outcomes were retrospectively collected from 4131 patients who had undergone brain tumor resection. Patients were divided into high (n=1078) and low (n=3053) lactate groups based on an intraoperative maximum serum lactate level of 3.35mmol/L. After propensity score matching, 1005 patients were included per group. AKI was diagnosed using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, based on serum creatinine levels within 7 days after surgery. Postoperative AKI was observed in 53 (1.3%) patients and was more frequent in those with high lactate both before (3.2% [n=35] vs. 0.6% [n=18]; P < 0.001) and after (3.3% [n=33] vs. 0.6% [n=6]; P < 0.001) propensity score matching. Intraoperative predictors of postoperative AKI were maximum serum lactate levels > 3.35mmol/L (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 3.57 [1.45-8.74], P = 0.005), minimum blood pH (odds ratio per 1 unit, 0.01 [0.00-0.24], P = 0.004), minimum hematocrit (odds ratio per 1%, 0.91 [0.84-1.00], P = 0.037), and mean serum glucose levels > 200mg/dL (odds ratio, 6.22 [1.75-22.16], P = 0.005). High intraoperative serum lactate levels were associated with AKI after brain tumor resection.

Effects of dietary forage neutral detergent fiber and rumen degradable starch ratios on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes and nutrient digestibility of Hu sheep fed a pelleted total mixed ration.

Pelleted total mixed ration (P-TMR) feeding, which has become a common practice in providing nutrition for fattening sheep, requires careful consideration of the balance between forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF) and rumen degradable starch (RDS) to maintain proper rumen functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary FNDF/RDS ratio (FRR) on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes, and nutrient digestibility in Hu sheep fed a P-TMR diet. This study utilized eight ruminally cannulated male Hu sheep, following a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 31 d each period. Diets consisted of four FRR levels: 1.0 (high FNDF/RDS ratio, HFRR), 0.8 (middle high FNDF/RDS ratio, MHFRR), 0.6 (middle low FNDF/RDS ratio, MLFRR), and 0.4 (low FNDF/RDS ratio, LFRR). Reducing the dietary FRR levels resulted in a linear decrease in ruminal minimum pH and mean pH, while linearly increasing the duration and area of pH below 5.8 and 5.6, as well as the acidosis index. Sheep in the HFRR and MHFRR groups did not experience subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), whereas sheep in another two groups did. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid and the molar ratios of propionate and valerate, as well as the concentrate of lactate in the rumen linearly increased with reducing dietary FRR, while the molar ratio of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio linearly decreased. The degradability of NDF and ADF for alfalfa hay has a quadratic response with reducing the dietary FRR. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. In addition, reducing the dietary FRR caused a linear decrease in OTUs, Chao1, and Ace index of ruminal microflora. Reducing FRR in the diet increased the percentage of reads assigned as Firmicutes, but it decreased the percentage of reads assigned as Bacteroidetes in the rumen. At genus level, the percentage of reads assigned as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio, and Butyrivibrio linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. The results of this study demonstrate that the dietary FRR of 0.8 is crucial in preventing the onset of SARA and promotes an enhanced richness of ruminal microbes and also improves fiber digestibility, which is a recommended dietary FRR reference when formulating P-TMR diets for sheep.

Dental biofilm acidogenicity induced by pediatric oral medications: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo dental biofilm acidogenicity induced by nine long-term pediatric oral liquid medications (OLMs). A double-blind crossover randomized clinical trial was conducted with 12 individuals aged 18 to 22 years who had good oral hygiene (OSI < 1.1) and a DMFT index of less than 12. Each participant was exposed to nine OLMs and a 10% sucrose solution (positive control) as part of the crossover design. The pH of the dental biofilm was measured with a Beetrode® microelectrode at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the minimum pH and the area under the curve (AUC). One-way ANOVA was utilized, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Pediatric OLMs caused a sucrose-like decrease in biofilm pH, regardless of therapeutic class (p > 0.05). The mean ± standard deviation of the AUC ranged from 16.26 ± 11.59 (cetirizine) to 39.22 ± 20.81 (azithromycin), with no statistically significant difference compared to sucrose (25.22 ± 6.97) (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that pediatric OLMs contribute to dental biofilm acidogenicity, with a more pronounced effect induced by medications used for respiratory diseases and also by antibiotics.

Simultaneous dealkalization of red mud and recovery of valuable metals by a novel marine fungus tolerating high alkalinity and salinity

Red mud is a highly saline and alkaline solid waste generated in alumina refinery, which entails dealkalization for safe disposal and valorization. Herein, Trichocomaceae sp. K-2, a novel fungus isolated from marine sediment, was used for the simultaneous dealkalization of red mud and recovery of valuable metals. The fungus demonstrated robust growth at high salinity (45 g/L NaCl), good tolerance to high pH (up to 12), and capability of utilizing low-cost substrates derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Both structural and free alkali can be removed by Trichocomaceae sp. K-2 to achieve a significantly lower minimum pH (<4) in a considerably short timeframe (<16 days), and the alkali removal efficiency as high as 94% was attained. Moreover, concomitant leaching of valuable Nd, Sc and Y from red mud during dealkalization was feasible. Physical disintegration and chemical erosion by the secreted organic acids were responsible for the effective dealkalization, as well as leaching of valuable metals. This study sheds lights on how marine microorganisms can be harnessed to the green disposal of red mud, and provokes the exploration of more robust and versatile marine microbes for the sustainable and cost-effective management of other highly saline and alkaline solid waste.

Nicotine Formulation Influences the Autonomic and Arrhythmogenic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes.

Evidence is mounting that electronic cigarette (e-cig) use induces cardiac sympathetic dominance and electrical dysfunction conducive to arrhythmias and dependent upon nicotine. A variety of nicotine types and concentrations are available in e-cigs, but their relative cardiovascular effects remain unclear. Here we examine how different nicotine forms (racemic, free base, and salt) and concentrations influence e-cig-evoked cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis and provide a mechanism for nicotine-salt-induced autonomic imbalance. ECG-telemetered C57BL/6J mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or e-cig aerosols from propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin solvents either without nicotine (vehicle) or with increasing nicotine concentrations (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) for three 9-minute puff sessions per concentration. Spontaneous ventricular premature beat (VPB) incidence rates, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between treatments. Subsequently, to test the role of β1-adrenergic activation in e-cig-induced cardiac effects, mice were pretreated with atenolol and exposed to either FA or 2.5% nicotine salt. During puffing and washout phases, ≥2.5% racemic nicotine reduced heart rate and increased HRV relative to FA and vehicle controls, indicating parasympathetic dominance. Relative to both controls, 5% nicotine salt elevated heart rate and decreased HRV during washout, suggesting sympathetic dominance, and also increased VPB frequency. Atenolol abolished e-cig-induced elevations in heart rate and declines in HRV during washout, indicating e-cig-evoked sympathetic dominance is mediated by β1-adrenergic stimulation. Our findings suggest that inhalation of e-cig aerosols from nicotine-salt-containing e-liquids could increase the cardiovascular risks of vaping by inducing sympathetic dominance and cardiac arrhythmias. Exposure to e-cig aerosols containing commercially relevant concentrations of nicotine salts may increase nicotine delivery and impair cardiac function by eliciting β1-adrenoceptor-mediated sympathoexcitation and provoking ventricular arrhythmias. If confirmed in humans, our work suggests that regulatory targeting of nicotine salts through minimum pH standards or limits on acid additives in e-liquids may mitigate the public health risks of vaping.