Butyric Research Articles

Yeast culture enhances long-term fermentation of corn straw by ruminal microbes for volatile fatty acid production: Performance and mechanism

Ruminal microbes can efficiently ferment biomass waste to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs). However, keeping long-term efficient VFA production efficiency has become a bottleneck. In this study, yeast culture (YC) was used to enhance the VFA production in long-term fermentation. Results showed that YC group improved the volatile solid removal and VFA concentration to 47.8% and 7.82 g/L, respectively, 18.6% and 16.1% higher than the control, mainly enhancing the acetic, propionic, and butyric acid production. YC addition reduced the bacterial diversity, changed the bacterial composition, and improved interactions among bacteria. The regulation mechanism of YC was to increase the abundance and activity of hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria such as Prevotella and Treponema, improve bacterial interactions, and further promote expression of functional genes. Ultimately, a long-term efficient ruminal fermentation of corn straw into VFAs was achieved.

Milk-derived extracellular vehicles alleviate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by modulating gut microbiota

Abstract Background Accounting for around 50% of human heart failure, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is driven by complex and heterogeneous pathological factors, including gut microbiome dysbiosis. We have previously reported that milk-derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs) modulate the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease. However, whether mEVs can affect gut microbiota and thereby alleviate HFpEF remains unexplored. Aims We aim to uncover potential therapeutic effects of mEVs on HFpEF and if so, the underlying mechanisms. Methods The HFpEF mouse model was generated by feeding C57/B6 mice on a high-fat diet and L-NAME for 15 weeks. Mouse feces samples were analyzed to detect the presence of gut dysbiosis in HFpEF. Mice received bovine mEVs through oral gavage. Heart function was assessed with echocardiography. Mouse feces and plasma were collected to analyze gut microbiota and metabolomics, respectively. Results Gut microbiota was disturbed in HFpEF mice. Oral administration of mEVs effectively attenuated heart failure which was evidenced by less bodyweight gain, reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and lung weight, and improvement in cardiac function parameters such as ratios of E/A (1.8 vs. 1.5, p<0.05) and E/E’ (40 vs. 27, p<0.05). Moreover, the increase in mouse blood pressure in HFpEF was also inhibited upon treatment (SBP 130mmHg vs. 100mmHg, DBP 90mmHg vs. 75mmHg, p<0.05). Mechanistically, we ruled out the possibility of direct action of mEVs on the heart as orally administered mEVs were only distributed in the intestine. On the other hand, mEVs restored gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae. As a result, oral administration of mEVs elevated blood levels of Lachnospiraceae metabolite, butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid. To confirm the butyric acid-mediated heart-protective effects of mEVs, we administered butyric acid to HFpEF mice. Strikingly, butyric acid largely reproduced the therapeutic effects of mEVs on HFpEF. Conclusions Oral administration of mEVs restores gut microbiota dysbiosis, thereby attenuating heart failure in HFpEF. mEVs may represent a new biological therapeutic for the treatment of HFpEF.

Impact of Acidic and Alkaline Environments on the Surface Morphology of Biodentine and White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate - An In-vitro Study.

The physical and chemical properties of calcium silicate cement might be affected due to exposure to acidic or alkaline conditions during clinical use. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acidic and alkaline environments on the surface morphology of biodentine (BD) and white mineral trioxide aggregate (wMTA). Disc-shaped specimens of BD (n = 30) and wMTA (n = 30) were prepared in a metal mould and wrapped in pieces of gauze. They were divided into three sub-groups according to the storage media: group A, soaked in sterile distilled water at a pH of 7.0; group B, exposed to butyric acid buffered at pH 4.0; and group C, exposed to calcium hydroxide solution buffered at pH 12.0. The specimens were incubated for 7 days at 37°C, followed by examination under scanning electron microscopy at 1000x and 5000x magnification to characterise the microstructural morphology. Definite changes were seen in the microstructure of BD and wMTA on exposure to acidic and alkaline pH. The microstructure of wMTA tends to exhibit reduced cohesion when exposed to an acidic environment, especially when compared to an alkaline pH. Acidic pH exerts a milder influence on the morphological structure of BD when contrasted with its effects on wMTA. Biodentine may emerge as a more prudent choice than wMTA for utilisation in inflamed periapical regions.

Continuous monitoring of heart failure biomarker using a sensitive graphene-based electrical sensor

Abstract Heart Failure (HF) is a complex condition that imposes significant burdens on both patients and healthcare systems. The economic impact of HF therapy and management is substantial, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate its development. Regular assessments play a pivotal role in identifying individuals at risk and initiating timely interventions to prevent or delay HF progression [1, 2]. NT-proBNP, an amine-terminated form of brain natriuretic peptide, emerges as a promising biomarker in the realm of chronic HF diagnosis, prognosis, and risk assessment [3]. Its utility lies in providing valuable insights into disease progression and prognosis. In recent years, biosensors based on Field Effect Transistors with Graphene (Gr) gate (GFET) have garnered attention for their rapid response, sensitivity, and on-chip integration [4]. Here, we present a sensitive miniaturized GFET sensor for continuous NT-proBNP measurement. The sensor is an array of GFET devices with sensing gates of a monolayer Gr decorated with aptamers as catch probes. Averaging over similar devices in an array approach ensures measurement consistency throughout the experiment. Moreover, the significant challenge posed by the Debye length in FET biosensors is effectively addressed through the functionalization with short folding aptamers [4]. The sensor is built based on a chip comprising an array of 28 individual micro GFETs (Fig. 1a). For the functionalization of Gr gates, we utilized 1-pyrene butyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester as a linker between the aptamer probes and the Gr surface. Subsequently, the Gr surface was incubated with an amine-terminated aptamer solution (Fig. 1c). A schematic diagram of the sensory chip having a droplet of the sample is shown in Fig. 1b. To quantify NT-proBNP levels an 8µL droplet of the buffer solution containing a specific NT-proBNP concentration was deposited onto the sensor. The drain current (IDS) served as the sensor signal for each target concentration (Figs. 2a and 2b). The sensor signal decreased with increasing target concentration, while negligible response was observed when injecting blank buffers. This phenomenon can be attributed to the folding of aptamers upon binding to their target. Also, continuous measurement was conducted at a fixed gate voltage of 0.9V, recording the drain current while the target concentration gradually increased in the sample droplet. This process revealed a decrease in sensor current as we expected (Fig. 2c). The sensor exhibits remarkably low detection limits of 50 pg/mL and a linear range from 100 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL, which are highly conducive for early HF diagnosis and aligning well with reported NT-proBNP levels in patient biofluid [5]. The proposed sensor holds promise as a wearable device for continuous monitoring of high-risk patients. Additionally, this technology shows potential as a detection tool for acute heart failure in hospitalized patients.Sensor viewSensor responses

Yield, silage quality, and feeding preference of late‐summer sown pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone) in Southern Kyushu

AbstractBackgroundPearl millet is characterized by its high dry matter (DM) yields with a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to process as silage.MethodsPearl millet was sown in mid‐September for 3 years to examine its growth, DM yields in early December, and decrease in DM percentage after frost exposure. The crop was processed as round‐bale silage to assess silage quality and preference by breeding beef cattle.ResultsPlants reached a height of 160–200 cm, with heading tiller percentages of 50%–70% in early December. With frost exposure, DM percentage increased in leaves and panicles, followed by stems, reaching over 40%, 1 month after exposure. These increases were positively correlated with cumulative frost exposure. After frost exposure, in vitro DM digestibility and crude protein content declined while acid detergent fiber content increased. Repeated cafeteria feeding experiments showed a reduced preference for either pearl millet silage or Italian ryegrass hay. The silage showed moderate acidity at pH 4.73–5.40, with lactic acid at 0.58%–1.62% DM, acetic acid at 0.03%–0.10% DM, and negligible butyric acid, indicating a satisfactory quality.ConclusionsIn Southern Kyushu, pearl millet sown in late summer can be processed into low‐moisture round‐bale silage in January, the year following sowing.

The efficacy of preemptive multimodal analgesia in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of preemptive multimodal analgesiain elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 133 patients were included according to the criteria and randomly divided into preemptive analgesia (PRA) group (test group, 67patients) and postoperative analgesia (POA) group (control group, 66patients). Results The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)scores of PRA group 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after operation were lower than those of POA group, and the difference was statistically significant, P < 0.001.The incidences of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) and postoperative delirium (POD)in PRA group were 13.43% and 8.98%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in POA group (31.82% and 24.24%), P < 0.05. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in PRA group after the operation were 17.54 ± 2.13 ng/L and 15.57 ± 1.71 ng/L respectively, which were lower than those in POA group (25.45 ± 2.95 ng/L and 23.45 ± 1.88 ng/L), P < 0.05. The level of acetylcholinesterase(AchE) was 56.34 ± 5.62 nmol/L in the POA group, which was significantly higher than that in the POA group (49.59 ± 5.52 nmol/L), P < 0.001. Conclusion Preemptive multimodal analgesia can reduce the incidence of POGD and POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrocolic surgery, improve the recovery process of postoperative gastrointestinal function, increase the concentrations of propionic acid and butyric acid in short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria.

Influence of the Blends of Sheep's and Goat's Milk on the Functional Properties and Volatile Compounds of Lighvan Cheese During Ripening: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACTIn this study, the influence of different ratios of sheep's to goat's milk (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) on the content of functional metabolites and volatiles in Lighvan cheese throughout ripening was investigated. The samples were ripened under brine for 90 days and assessed in terms of variations in chemical composition, proteolysis, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities, antioxidant power, total free amino acids, gamma amino butyric acid, free fatty acids, and volatile compounds. Results showed that by increasing the proportion of goat's milk, the samples exhibited higher antioxidant effect and inhibition of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme during ripening. After 90 days, an increase in α‐glucosidase and a slight decrease in α‐amylase inhibitory activities were observed in Lighvan cheese samples that were produced with 50%, 75% and 100% of goat's milk. In contrast, higher contents of sheep's milk led to a significant increase in the concentration of esters, terpenes and alcohols and a slight increase in gamma‐aminobutyric acid. The highest concentration of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was observed in the cheese prepared with 100% raw sheep's milk after 90 days of ripening. The results revealed the possibility of making a functional white‐brined cheese by monitoring the type and ratio of the used milk and ripening time.

Landfill leachate detoxification and decoloration for energy reclamation via microalgae-bacteria synergy

Upcycling of hidden energy and resources from landfill leachate (LL) into short-chains fatty acids (SCFAs) represents a substantially unexploited opportunity to handle environmental issue and achieve a circular economy. Due to high biotoxicity and poor biodegradability, efficient conversion of LL into SCFAs remains a great challenge. Herein, a hybrid electro-biosystem that coupling spatially separate LL electrochlorination, photo-remediation and dark fermentation was constructed to realize LL toxicity alleviation, resource recovery and SCFAs production in cascade. During LL electrochlorination, macromolecular organics evolution and LL toxicity alleviation mechanisms were revealed, in which available Cl- concentration played key role on LL properties amendment. During microalgae photo-remediation, resources recovery efficiency demonstrates that suitable LL electrochlorination can enhance microalgal photosynthesis and stimulate intracellular energy accumulation. Finally, SCFAs were produced from microalgae biomass via dark fermentation with butyric acid and acetic acid as major products, outputting total energy of 4.38 kJ/L. The work provides a paradigm shift of low-cost LL disposal with extra benefit of SCFAs production.

Computer-Aided Flexible Loops Engineering of Glutamate Dehydrogenase for Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Pesticides l-phosphinothricin.

The access to the enantiopure noncanonical amino acid l-phosphinothricin (l-PPT) by applying biocatalysts is highly appealing in organic chemistry. In this study, a NADH-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from Lachnospiraceae bacterium (LbGluDH) was chosen for the asymmetric synthesis of l-PPT. Three flexible loops undergoing big conformational shifts during the catalysis were identified and rationally engineered following the initial mutagenesis. The enzyme's specific activity toward the key precursor of l-PPT, 2-oxo-4-[(hydroxy) (methyl) phosphinyl] butyric acid (PPO), was improved from negligible to 9 U/mg, and the Km value was reduced to 17 mM. The computational analysis showed that the modified loops broadened the enzyme's narrow tunnels, allowing the substrate to access the binding pocket and get closer to the crucial residue D165, thereby enhancing the catalytic process. Utilizing the variant as the catalyst, the preparation of l-PPT achieved a 100% conversion rate within 60 min, coupled with a stereoselectivity exceeding 99.9%, demonstrating its practical capacity for industrial application. Similar enhancement in catalytic activity was obtained applying the same strategy to a typical NADH-dependent GluDH from Pyrobaculum islandicum (PisGluDH), indicating the effectiveness of our strategy for the protein engineering of GluDHs targeted to the biosynthesis of unnatural compounds.

Effects of Wilting and Exogenous Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Plantago lanceolata Silage

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wilting and exogenous lactic acid bacteria treatments on the chemical composition, fermentation quality, and microbial community composition of Plantago lanceolata silage (PS). This experiment was carried out in the Guizhou Extension Station of Grassland Technology (25°38′48″ N, 106°13′6″ E). The PS samples were divided into four treatment groups, namely control PS (C-PS), wilting-treated PS (W-PS), Lactobacillus brucei-treated PS (LB-PS), and wilting + L. brucei-treated PS (WLB-PS) groups, and analyzed after 60 d of treatment. The W-PS and WLB-PS groups showed significantly lower ether extract, ash, and Neutral detergent fiber contents but significantly higher water-soluble carbohydrate content compared to the C-PS and LB-PS groups (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the W-PS group had significantly lower propionic acid content but significantly higher butyric acid content compared to the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the WLB-PS group had the highest lactic acid content, the lowest pH, and no butyric acid content (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the WLB-PS group showed a high proliferation of beneficial bacterial species (Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus plantarum) and decreased proliferation of undesirable bacterial species (Clostridium lutlcellarli and Clostridium tyrobutyricum). In conclusion, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei increased beneficial microorganisms and inhibited undesirable microorganisms during ensiling, thereby improving the fermentation quality of PS. Therefore, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei may be an effective Plantago lanceolata silage modulation technique.

Integrated kinetic modeling of acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by Clostridium saccharoperbutilacetonicum N1-4: Co-utilization strategy with cane molasses, biomass-derived sugars, and furaldehydes

Sugar-based byproducts such as molasses and bagasse are abundant resources for large-scale biobutanol commercialization. This study presents a comprehensive kinetic model to analyze ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) fermentation by C. saccharoperbutilacetonicum N1-4, emphasizing diverse carbon sources and furaldehyde co-utilization. By leveraging sensitivity analysis against models in the literature and the proposed model as well as parameter optimization using Scilab®, the potential for the simultaneous utilization of sugarcane molasses and bagasse-derived sugars alongside furfural and HMF for butanol synthesis was assessed. These findings revealed that despite the microbial preference for hexose sugars, the incorporation of up to 25% pentose sugars did not significantly hinder butanol production. However, furaldehydes perturbed butyric acid assimilation and acetyl-CoA consumption while enhancing acetone-butanol-ethanol synthesis. The simulation highlighted the peak concentrations of furfural and HMF (0.33 mmol L−1 and 0.03 mmol L−1, respectively), underscoring their conversion to less toxic alcohols, thereby augmenting metabolism. Sensitivity analysis underscores the necessity of enhancing butyric acid assimilation, providing critical insights for optimizing ABE fermentation and advancing biobutanol production from sugar-based byproducts.

Dynamic Analysis of Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community, and Metabolome in the Whole Plant Soybean Silage

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important oilseed crop, known for its rich nutritional content and high-quality protein. To address the shortage of feed protein resources and better utilize soybeans as a raw material, this study investigated the feasibility of using whole-plant soybean (WPS) as silage. As the ensiling period is a critical fermentation parameter, identifying the optimal fermentation duration was a key objective. The research involves fermenting WPS for silage production, conducted over five fermentation durations: 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. The fermentation quality, microbial community, and metabolome of WPS silage were analyzed across these different time points. WPS silage fermented for 30 days exhibited optimal fermentation characteristics, with the highest lactic acid (LA) content observed at 30 days (p &lt; 0.05), while butyric acid (BA) was detected only at 60 and 90 days. At 30 days, Enterococcus genera reached its peak relative abundance and was identified as the dominant genus. Random forest analysis highlighted Pantoea genera as the most influential biomarker. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of essential amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine were significantly enhanced during the later stages of fermentation compared to the earlier stages. Under natural fermentation conditions, the optimal fermentation period for WPS silage is approximately 30 days. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of WPS and the subsequent optimization of fermentation quality.

Anti-Bacterial Potential of Multi-strain Probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Strain Dad-13 and FNCC-0250) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 against Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 In Vitro and In Vivo

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC-0250 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 are probiotics strain isolated from Indonesian local and traditional fermented foods. This study aims to evaluate the administration of multi-strain probiotics at dose of 109 CFU/mL/day for 14 days against the diarrhea-causing bacteria Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 at a dose of 1011 CFU/mL/day. Thirty rats were randomized and the divided into 5 groups, including control group, skim milk group, single-strain group, multi-strain group and E. coli group. Antibacterial activity was analyzed in vitro, feed intake, body weight were analyzed, microbial analysis was carried out on feces and cecum, short chain fatty acids were analyzed and intestinal morphology was measured. The result showed that the single-strain and multi-strain inhibition zone in in vitro test produces a very strong inhibitory potential (&gt; 9 mm). The number of L. plantarum and L. paracasei increased and the number of E. coli decreased significantly in the feces and cecum of Rat indicating the survival rate of the probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract and their ability to fight pathogenic bacteria. The concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid compounds also increased, indicating that the digestive tract is at a low pH so that it can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in rats. In addition, consumption of multi-strain probiotics does not have a negative effect on intestinal morphology. The conclusion is that multi-strain probiotics are able to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in vivo and in vitro. HIGHLIGHTS Multi-strain probiotics isolated from traditional Indonesian fermented foods can reduce the potential for diarrhea. Single-strain and multi-strain have the same effectiveness in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria as seen from the growth of the bacteria. Digestive conditions were damaged in rat that were not given probiotic intervention, but when they received probiotic intervention, digestive conditions improved. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus reuteri or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention facilitates gut barrier function, decreases corticosterone and ameliorates social behavior in LPS-exposed offspring

Probiotic therapy with Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) demonstrates potential as an adjunctive treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a rat model of ASD induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection during pregnancy, we evaluated the effects of these probiotics on offspring. Administration of L. reuteri or LGG for three weeks post-birth improved social deficits and reduced anxiety in LPS-exposed rats. Additionally, probiotics significantly modified short-chain fatty acid profiles, increasing butyric acid levels and decreasing propionic acid levels. They also enhanced colonic barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin4. RNA sequencing identified differential gene expression in pathways related to inflammation, the HPA axis, and reactive oxygen species metabolism, with NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) emerging as a crucial gene. Validation studies confirmed that Lactobacillus strains reduced inflammatory cytokines, inhibited corticosterone secretion, increased antioxidant levels, and suppressed the NF-κB/NOX1 pathway. In an H2O2-induced oxidative stress model using Caco-2 cells, pre-treatment with L. reuteri, LGG, or NF-κB inhibitors enhanced cellular antioxidants, inhibited NF-κB/NOX1 activation, and improved barrier function. Overall, L. reuteri and LGG administration improved social behavior, bolstered colonic barrier function, and mitigated HPA axis overactivation in LPS-exposed rats, while also alleviating oxidative stress in the colon and Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest that L. reuteri and LGG have substantial clinical potential for ASD treatment by targeting multiple pathophysiological mechanisms, including inflammation, HPA axis dysregulation, and oxidative stress, thereby presenting a promising adjunctive therapeutic strategy for enhancing social behavior and gut health in ASD.

Efficient methane fermentation from the waste of a novel straw alkali-heat pretreatment-butyric acid fermentation process

ABSTRACT The butyric acid biorefinery technology for straw is highly significant for environmental protection and the restructuring of the energy system. However, this process produces waste from alkali-heat pretreatment (PW) and butyric acid fermentation (FW). In this study, the feasibility of methane fermentation from the wastes was confirmed, with the methane production from PW and FW of 351.1 ± 11.8 and 741.5 ± 14.2 mLCH4/gVS, respectively. The initial pH and V FW/V PW of methane fermentation using the mixed waste of PW and FW were optimized at 7.5 and 1.8, respectively. The methane fermentation using the mixed waste was also verified by operating two anaerobic digesters in sequencing batch mode. At the V FW/V PW of 0.25 (actual ratio), methane production was 301.20 mLCH4/gVS with the waste load of 0.64 kgVS/m³/d. When the V FW/V PW was 1.8 (optimal ratio), methane production reached 396.45 mLCH4/gVS at the waste load of 1.20 kgVS/m3/d. This study facilitates the comprehensive utilization of all components within rice straw.

Influence of Ensiling Timing and Inoculation on Whole Plant Maize Silage Fermentation and Aerobic Stability (Preliminary Research)

Despite efforts to prevent atypical ensiling conditions, such as delayed ensiling or sealing, these issues frequently occur in practice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delayed ensiling (forage held for 24 h) and sealing, along with inoculation using a blend of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Lactococcus lactis, on the characteristics of the resulting silages. Whole-plant maize (Zea mays L.) was treated with or without a commercial inoculant and ensiled (36% dry matter) for 60 days in 3.0 L glass containers. The forage was either ensiled immediately or subjected to a 24 h delay before ensiling. During the delay, the forage was either covered or left uncovered. Each treatment was replicated five times. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS statistical software (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Delaying the ensiling process by 24 h worsens fermentation parameters, significantly increases dry matter (DM) losses (p &lt; 0.01), and significantly reduces aerobic stability and the hygienic quality of the silage (p &lt; 0.01), as evidenced by higher concentrations of undesirable fermentation products and elevated yeast and mold counts. The inoculation has a significant impact on both forage before ensiling and the characteristics of the resulting silage. Maize forage treated with inoculant showed a lower temperature increase by 8.2–8.1 °C (p &lt; 0.01) when delayed for 24 h before ensiling. In silages, it also resulted in a reduced pH (p &lt; 0.01); increased concentrations of lactic acid; acetic acid; and 1,2-propanediol (p &lt; 0.01); and decreased levels of negative fermentation indicators such as ammonia-N, alcohols, and butyric acid (p &lt; 0.01) During both the fermentation and aerobic exposure periods, inoculated silages exhibited up to 36% and 2.6 times lower (p &lt; 0.01) dry matter loss, while suppressing the growth of yeasts and molds by up to 2.6 and 3.1 times (p &lt; 0.01), respectively, compared to non-inoculated silages. The results of this study support the recommendation to minimize the duration of aerobic exposure of fresh forage during silo filling and to use LAB-based inoculants.

Silage Making of Napier Grass and Sugarcane Top at Different Proportions: Evolution of Natural Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Microbiological Profile

The co-ensiling technique is widely used to improve silage quality; however, it remains unclear as to what high-quality silages can be made by co-ensiling Napier grass (NG) with Sugarcane top (ST). The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, and microbiological profile of silage produced from mixtures of NG and ST in varying ratios. Silage was prepared using a small-scale fermentation system, and treatments were designed as control silage (NG ensiled alone) or with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%ST on a fresh matter basis with six replicates, respectively. Increasing ST in the silage reduced the contents of crude protein, ash, acetic acid, butyric acid, ammonia-N, as well as pH, but increased the contents of dry matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, water-soluble carbohydrate, lactic acid, and lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacillales and Enterobacterales were the dominant orders, with Lactiplantibacillus and Weissella as the dominant genera. Co-ensiling NG with ST enhanced microbial diversity and richness. ST, as a local by-product, is a viable additive to improve NG silage quality and nutrition. This study suggests that good-quality silages can be produced with NG: ST ratios of 40:60 to 20:80 and that these silages offer an opportunity to optimize the nutrient supply for ruminants.

Potential Prebiotic Effects of Artemisia capillaris-Derived Transglycosylated Product.

This study investigated the impact of a transglycosylated product (ACOD) catalyzed by Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR dextransucrase using sucrose as a glucosyl donor and both maltose and Artemisia capillaris as acceptors on gut microbiota through fecal fermentation. ACOD promoted the growth of probiotics such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR, while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus during independent cultivation. Fecal fermentation for 24 h revealed that ACOD significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the blank and fructoooligosaccharide (FOS) groups. Specifically, ACOD led to a 4.5-fold increase in acetic acid production compared to FOSs and a 3.3-fold increase in propionic acid production. Both the ACOD and FOS groups exhibited higher levels of butyric acid than the blank. Notably, ACOD significantly modulated the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and decreasing Escherichia/Shigella and Salmonella. In contrast, FOSs remarkably promoted the growth of Salmonella. These findings suggest that ACOD is a potential candidate for prebiotics that improve the intestinal environment by being actively used by beneficial bacteria.

Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training alleviate glycolipid metabolism through modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolite SCFAs in diabetic rats

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are typical of diabetic patients and are important factors leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of different exercises on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats and the role of gut flora in metabolic maintenance. We measured glycolipid metabolic indices and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content and sequenced and analyzed gut microbes after 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs in type 2 diabetic rats(T2DM). We found that Enterococcaceae, Enterococcus, Subdoligranulum, Kurthia, Bacillales, and Planococcaceae may be key bacterial taxa related to T2DM and that both programs of exercise regulated the intestinal flora of rats with T2DM, improved their glycolipid metabolism, increased the abundance of SCFA-producing intestinal bacteria, and it was found that the PWY-5676 and P163-PWY pathways which are closely related to production of SCFAs were significantly upregulated in the exercise groups. Notably, MICT appeared to be more effective than HIIT in increasing the homogeneity of rat intestinal flora, enriching species, and increasing acetic acid and butyric acid content. These results suggest that exercise improves glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to alterations in the structure of their intestinal flora.

Inhibition effect of non-contact biocontrol bacteria and plant essential oil mixture on the generation of N-nitrosamines in deli meat during storage

To reduce the risk of N-nitrosamines in deli meat products, this study formulated a novel non-contact N-nitrosamines inhibiting preservative IV (NIP-IV) consisting of biocontrol bacteria and plant essential oils (EOs) (Stenotrophomonas rhizophila SR-1 + Paenibacillus provencensis PP-2 + Bacillus subtilis CF-3+ cinnamon EO + grapefruit EO). Luncheon pork, spiced beef, and red sausage were taken as representatives of typical deli meat products and used to validate the effectiveness of NIP-IV in inhibiting N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA) production. The results showed that NIP-IV restrain protein degradation and lipid oxidation in deli meat products and effectively control microbial activity. Biogenic amines, such as phenethylamine, spermidine, cadaverine, and tyramine, were reduced. The conversion of nitrite to NDMA in deli meats was effectively inhibited by NIP-IV. Volatile organic compounds were the key to excellent NIP-IV non-contact preservation. Butyric acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, benzaldehyde, d-limonene, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde were significantly negatively correlated with NDMA in deli meat products.