Propionic Research Articles

Structural characterization and prebiotic potential of polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum

Polygonatum sibiricum has been widely used due to its excellent biological activities. We prepared a novel polysaccharide from P. sibiricum (PSP) in this study. According a monosaccharide composition analysis, PSP was mainly composed of fructose and glucose with a molar percentage of 93.81:5.12. The main linkage types were identified as α-D-Glcp-1→ and →2-β-D-Fruf-1→. The molecular weight of PSP showed no significant change after simulated salivary and gastrointestinal digestion. However, PSP could be broken down by intestinal bacteria. Our findings revealed that PSP administration increased the abundance of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium. Furthermore, the results showed that gut microbes could utilize PSP to produce short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Also, the PSP fermentation broth displayed an excellent scavenging effect on free radicals, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical. In summary, this study will help to promote the application of PSP as prebiotics in functional food and the medical industry.

Metabolic response and clade variation in Accumulibacter under phosphorus deprivation stress

Two enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems (R1 and R2) fed with different carbon sources (acetic acid and propionic acid) were used to investigate the metabolic response of nitrite-type denitrifying phosphorus removal functional bacteria Accumulibacter to different phosphorus concentrations and the changes of its clade community structure. The results indicated that the systems almost lost the ability to release phosphorus after 15 d phosphorus deprivation, the contents of poly-P in the sludge of R1 and R2 decreased from 0.63 to 0.02 mgP/mgVSS and from 1.23 to 0.05 mgP/mgVSS, respectively. According to the analysis of stoichiometric parameters, the functional bacteria in both systems performed glycogen accumulating organism metabolism to survive under phosphorus-poor condition. Besides, the two systems exhibited a stronger EBPR ability even after 42 d phosphorus deprivation, and the maximum anoxic phosphorus uptake rate was 1.92 times and 2.29 times of those under phosphorus-rich conditions. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction detection indicated that the proportion of Accumulibacter in the two systems decreased from 16.45 % to 8.78 % and from 31.00 % to 8.43 %, respectively, as phosphorus was deprived. Clade IIC maintained its dominance in both systems, while clade IID was gradually washed out from propionic acid system, suggesting that clade IIC had a more flexible metabolic response to phosphorus deprivation stress.

Spectroscopic Analysis of the Effect of Ibuprofen Degradation Products on the Interaction between Ibuprofen and Human Serum Albumin.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used groups of medicinal compounds in the world. The wide access to NSAIDs and the various ways of storing them due to their easy accessibility often entail the problem with the stability and durability resulting from the exposure of drugs to external factors. The aim of the research was to evaluate in vitro the mechanism of competition between ibuprofen (IBU) and its degradation products, i.e., 4'-isobutylacetophenone (IBAP) and (2RS)-2-(4- formylphenyl)propionic acid (FPPA) during transport in a complex with fatted (HSA) and defatted (dHSA) human serum albumin. The research was carried out using spectroscopic techniques, such as spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The comprehensive application of spectroscopic techniques allowed, among others, for the determination of the binding constant, the number of classes of binding sites and the cooperativeness constant of the analyzed systems IBU-(d)HSA, IBU-(d)HSA-FPPA, IBU-(d)HSA-IBAP; the determination of the effect of ibuprofen and its degradation products on the secondary structure of albumin; identification and assessment of interactions between ligand and albumin; assessment of the impact of the presence of fatty acids in the structure of albumin and the measurement temperature on the binding of IBU, IBAP and FPPA to (d)HSA. The conducted research allowed us to conclude that the presence of ibuprofen degradation products and the increase in their concentration significantly affect the formation of the IBU-albumin complex and thus, the value of the association constant of the drug, changing the concentration of its free fraction in the blood plasma. It was also found that the presence of an ibuprofen degradation product in a complex with albumin affects its secondary structure.

Elucidation of potential relationship between endogenous proteases and key flavor substances in dry-cured pork coppa

Dry-cured meat products are considerably popular around the world due to unique flavor. Proteolysis is one of the enzymatic reactions from which flavor substances are derived, which is affected by endogenous proteases. The purpose aimed to reveal the potential relationship between endogenous proteases and key flavor substances in dry-cured pork coppa in this paper. The dynamic changes of endogenous proteases activity, free amino acids, and volatiles during dry-cured pork coppa processing were characterized. The results showed that 5 kinds of free amino acids, Glu, Lys, Val, Ala, and Leu, were identified as significant contributors to taste. Meanwhile, key volatiles, such as hexanal, nonanal, octanal, benzaldehyde, 3-methyl butanoic acid, 2-methyl propanoic acid, and ethyl octanoate, greatly contributed to the flavor characteristics of dry-cured pork coppa. Further partial correlation analysis was performed to better elucidate the relationship among parameters. The results revealed that close relationship between endogenous proteases and key substances. RAP not only significantly affected the accumulation of key active-amino acids, but also affected the accumulation of ethyl octanoate, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-octanedione by regulating the accumulation of octanoic acid and Leu. In addition, cathepsin B and D, DPP Ⅱ, DPP Ⅳ and RAP notably affected accumulation of hexanal.

Neuroprotective Effect of Boswellia serrata against 3-NP Induced Experimental Huntington’s Disease

Objectives:: The study aimed to assess the neuroprotective effect of Boswellia serrata against 3-NP-induced experimental Huntington’s disease. Background:: Previous studies have shown Boswellia to have sedative, analgesic, and anti-tumour effects. Boswellia serrata yields four pentacyclic triterpene acids and boswellic acid, a bioactive substance that prevents leukotriene biogenesis. Methods:: The potential neuroprotective effect of Boswellia serrata against 3-nitro propionic acid (3-NP)-induced Huntington's disease (HD) was examined at oral doses of 45 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, and 180 mg/kg. In this study, HD was induced by 3-NP at a dose of 10 mg/kg in Wistar rats. The study used 56 Wistar rats (8 per group) for biochemical (inflammatory markers, acetylcholinesterase activity) and behavioural (elevated plus maze, Y-maze, open-field, tail suspension tests, etc.) assessments. Additionally, a histological examination of the brain was carried out. In addition, the analysis of Boswellia serrata extract was performed by different analytical techniques, like UV spectrophotometer, FTIR, and HPLC methods. Results:: In the brain, succinate dehydrogenase is a mitochondrial enzyme irreversibly inhibited by 3-NP. Administration of 3-NP resulted in HD with altered behavioural and motor changes in rats. Treatment with Boswellia serrata resulted in remarkable protection of rats against 3-NP-induced behaviour and motor deficits in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, in rats administered with 3-NP, Boswellia serrata improved memory performance and lowered levels of inflammatory biomarkers. These results have also been supported by histopathological analysis. Acetyl-11-keto-p-boswellic acid was found to be the main active component of Boswellia serrata extract. Conclusion:: Boswellia serrata at a dose of 180 mg/kg exhibited better protection compared to the other doses against HD induced by 3-NP. More detailed studies based on molecular targets are needed for the Boswellia serrata to transition from the bench to the bedside for use as an adjuvant in HD patients.

Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation.

Our study highlights results that link the composition of the GM to the efficacy of NAC in MIBC. We discovered that patients with higher levels of Bacteroides experienced a worse response to NAC. This microbial signature shows promise as a superior predictor of treatment response over traditional clinical variables. Although preliminary, our findings advocate for larger, more detailed studies to validate these associations.

Cross-hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, manifested as urticaria and/or angioedema, anaphylaxis

BACKGROUND: The main mechanism of drug hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase type 1, which leads to cross-hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from various subgroups of different chemical structures. Clinically, cross-hypersensitivity usually manifests in the form of urticaria and/or angioedema. AIM: To characterize a group of patients with cross-hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs manifesting as urticaria / angioedema / anaphylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve this aim a prospective single-center study was conducted. Patients with a presumptive diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=307) were consulted. A group of patients (n=237) with high probability of such reactions was identified, of which cross-hypersensitivity manifested as urticaria / angioedema / anaphylaxis was observed in 127 patients. This group was divided into 2 phenotypes: a group with concomitant chronic urticaria (n=67) and without it (n=60). We assessed demographic data, drug triggers, clinical manifestations, concomitant atopy, and compared these indicators between both groups. Selected patients underwent a drug provocation test with selective or predominantly selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol. RESULTS: Cross-hypersensitivity reactions manifested as urticaria / angioedema / anaphylaxis is the most common phenotype of immediate-type drug cross-hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (75.6%). Women develop this condition 2.5 times more frequently than men, and are more likely to develop cross-drug hypersensitivity with concomitant chronic urticaria with the onset of approximately 16 years later than men. Mild manifestations of cross-hypersensitivity (urticaria/angioedema) develop more frequently than severe ones (anaphylaxis). Angioedema in children, urticaria in adults with concomitant chronic urticaria and angioedema in adults without concomitant chronic urticaria are it's main manifestations. The most frequent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs triggers are metamizole, acetylsalicylic acid and propionic acid derivatives. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with the lowest risk of developing drug hypersensitivity are coxibs, paracetamol, and to a lesser extent ― meloxicam, nimesulide. CONCLUSION: The data obtained allowed us to expand our understanding of cross-hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs presenting as urticaria/angioedema or anaphylaxis. Selective cyclooxygenase type 2 inhibitors and paracetamol are drugs with the highest safety profile.

Microencapsulation of lemongrass and mangosteen peel as phytogenic compounds to gas kinetics, fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population using in vitro gas technique.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of various doses of microencapsulated lemongrass and mangosteen peel (MELM) on gas dynamics, rumen fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population in in vitro gas experiments. With five levels of microencapsulated-phytonutrient supplementation at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of substrate, 0.5 g of roughage, and a concentrate ratio of 60:40, the trial was set up as a completely randomized design. Under investigation, the amount of final asymptotic gas volume was corresponding responded to completely digested substrate (b) increased cubically as a result of the addition of MELM (P < 0.01) and a cubic rise in cumulative gas output. The amount of MELM form did not change the pH and NH3-N concentration of the rumen after 12 and 24 h of incubation. However, methane production during 24 h of incubation, the levels were cubically decreased with further doses of MELM (P < 0.01) at 12 h of incubation. Increasing the dosage of MELM supplementation at 2% DM resulted in a significant increase in the digestibility of in vitro neutral detergent fiber (IVNDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) at various incubation times (P < 0.05), but decreased above 3% DM supplementations. Moreover, the concentration of propionic acid (C3) exhibited the variations across the different levels of MELM (P < 0.05), with the maximum concentration obtained at 2% DM. The populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Megasphaera elsdenii revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05), while the quantity of Methanobacteriales decreased linearly with increasing doses of MELM. In conclusion, the inclusion of MELM at a concentration of 2% DM in the substrate which could enhance cumulative gas production, NDF and true digestibility, C3 production, and microbial population, while reducing methane concentration and Methanobacterial abundance.

Short-chain fatty acids mitigate Methamphetamine-induced hepatic injuries in a Sigma-1 receptor-dependent manner

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a potent psychostimulant with well-established hepatotoxicity. Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been reported to yield beneficial effects on the liver. In this study, we aim to further reveal the mechanisms of Meth-induced hepatic injuries and investigate the potential protective effects of SCFAs. Herein, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg/kg Meth to induce hepatic injuries. The composition of fecal microbiota and SCFAs was profiled using 16 S rRNA sequencing and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, respectively. Subsequently, SCFAs supplementation was performed to evaluate the protective effects against hepatic injuries. Additionally, Sigma-1 receptor knockout (S1R-/-) mice and fluvoxamine (Flu), an agonist of S1R, were introduced to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of SCFAs. Our results showed that Meth activated S1R and induced hepatic autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress by stimulating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Meanwhile, Meth disrupted SCFAs product-related microbiota, leading to a reduction in fecal SCFAs (especially Acetic acid and Propanoic acid). Accompanied by the optimization of gut microbiota, SCFAs supplementation normalized S1R expression and ameliorated Meth-induced hepatic injuries by repressing the MAPK/ERK pathway. Effectively, S1R knockout repressed Meth-induced activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway and further ameliorated hepatic injuries. Finally, the overexpression of S1R stimulated the MAPK/ERK pathway and yielded comparable adverse phenotypes to Meth administration. These findings suggest that Meth-induced hepatic injuries relied on the activation of S1R, which could be alleviated by SCFAs supplementation. Our study confirms the crucial role of S1R in Meth-induced hepatic injuries for the first time and provides a potential preemptive therapy.

Association between whole grain consumption, tryptophan metabolism, and psychological distress: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate whether psychological distress, whole grain consumption, and tryptophan metabolism are associated in participants undergoing weight management intervention. Seventy-nine women and men (mean age 49.7 ± 9.0 years; BMI 34.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a 7-week weight-loss period (WL), and in a 24-week weight maintenance intervention period (WM). Whole grain consumption was measured using 4-day food diaries. Psychological distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ), and participants were divided into three GHQ groups based on the GHQ scores before WL. Tryptophan metabolites were determined from the participants' fasting plasma using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. GHQ scores were not associated with the whole grain consumption. A positive association was observed between the whole grain consumption and indole propionic acid (IPA) during the WM (p = 0.033). Serotonin levels were higher after the WL in the lowest GHQ tertile (p = 0.033), while the level at the end of the WM was higher compared to other timepoints in the highest GHQ tertile (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001). This difference between groups was not statistically significant. Furthermore, levels of several tryptophan metabolites changed within the groups during the study. Tryptophan metabolism changed during the study in the whole study group, independently from the level of psychological distress. The association between whole grain consumption and IPA is possibly explained by the effects of dietary fibre on gut microbiota. This broadens the understanding of the pathways behind the health benefits associated with the intake of whole grains.

Effect of nonstructural carbohydrates on production performance, rumen metabolism and rumen health in lambs fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete diets.

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) are readily fermentable in the rumen and, are a critical factor while preparing protracted feed for higher animal performance. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were prepared for this investigation to contain varying levels of nonstructural carbohydrates viz., 40.13 (NSC1), 45.21 (NSC2), 50.00 (NSC3) and 55.85 (NSC4) per cent, respectively. The four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were tested in 32 Mecheri ram lambs (around three months of age) in a completely randomised block design (n = 8), and the lambs were fed their respective feed for six months. The study revealed that the increased NSC level in the complete diet increased the body weight and weight gain linearly (P < 0.05). The dietary NSC level affected the dry matter consumption in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05) and the lambs of the NSC4 group consumed significantly (P < 0.05) less DM compared to other dietary groups. The overall average feed conversion efficiency differed significantly (P < 0.05) among dietary groups. The correlation between dietary NSC level and faecal score was quadratic (r2 = 62.7, P < 0.05). The rumen pH, total nitrogen and NH3-N concentration were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) and the molar proportion of total short-chain fatty acids and propionic acid were increased (P < 0.05). The energy loss expressed as methane production was significantly (P < 0.01) lower for the high NSC diet-fed lambs. The lambs fed on a low NSC diet had significantly (P < 0.05) lower carcass weights, dressing percentage and loin eye area. The per cent share of rumen weight in the total fore stomach and the rumen papillae measurements length, width and surface area were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in high NSC diet-fed lambs. Increased levels of NSC in the diet increased (P < 0.05) fat deposition in the internal organs. The saturated fatty acids content in the meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered, whereas, the oleic acid and linoleic acid were increased (P < 0.05) as the NSC level increased in the diet. The study revealed that as the level of NSC increased in the complete diet there was a concomitant improvement in the final body weight, ADG and feed efficiency of post-weaned Mecheri lambs. It can therefore be recommended that the complete feed with 50 per cent NSC levels would be optimum to reap maximum returns from fattening Mecheri lambs.

Mixotrophic denitrification of waste activated sludge fermentation liquid as an alternative carbon source for nitrogen removal: Reducing N2O emissions and costs

Heterotrophic-sulfur autotrophic denitrification (HAD) has been proposed to be a prospective nitrogen removal process. In this work, the potential of fermentation liquid (FL) from waste-activated sludge (WAS) as the electron donor for denitrification in the HAD system was explored and compared with other conventional carbon sources. Results showed that when FL was used as a carbon source, over 99% of NO3−-N was removed and its removal rate exceeded 14.00 mg N/g MLSS/h, which was significantly higher than that of methanol and propionic acid. The produced sulfate was below the limit value and the emission of N2O was low (1.38% of the NO3−-N). Microbial community analysis showed that autotrophic denitrifiers were predominated in the HAD system, in which Thiobacillus (16.4%) was the dominant genus. The economic analysis showed the cost of the FL was 0.062 €/m3, which was 30% lower than that in the group dosed with methanol. Our results demonstrated the FL was a promising carbon source for the HAD system, which could reduce carbon emission and cost, and offer a creative approach for waste-activated sludge resource reuse.

Metabolic signatures of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in severely obese patients

BackroundMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Still, most patients with MASLD die from cardiovascular diseases indicating metabolic alterations related to both liver and cardiovascular pathology. Aims and MethodsThe aim of this study was to assess biologic pathways behind MASLD progression from steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) using non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis in 106 severely obese individuals (78 women, mean age 47.7 7 ± 9.2 years, body mass index 41.8 ± 4.3 kg/m²) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. ResultsWe identified several metabolites that are associated with MASLD progression. Most importantly, we observed a decrease of lysophosphatidylcholines LPC(18:2), LPC(18:3), and LPC(20:3) and increase of xanthine when comparing those with steatosis to those with MASH. We found that indole propionic acid and threonine were negatively correlated to fibrosis, but not with the metabolic disturbances associated with cardiovascular risk. Xanthine, ketoleucine, and tryptophan were positively correlated to lobular inflammation and ballooning but also with insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, respectively. The results did not change when taking into account the most important genetic risk factors of MASLD. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there are several separate biological pathways, some of them independent of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, associating with MASLD.

Evaluating gut microbiome as a biomarker of pathological complete response in patients with early locally advanced triple negative breast cancer (LA TNBC): A pilot study.

593 Background: It has previously been shown that microbial metabolic pathways are differentially activated in immunotherapy resistance, hence can serve as potential biomarker as well as target for therapeutic intervention. With the advent of Immune Checkpoint Blockers (ICB) in the neoadjuvant (NA) setting of locally advanced (LA) TNBC, we hypothesized that similar microbial metabolite mediated resistance may be at play. We are presenting data demonstrating differences in microbiome and metabolites in these patients. Methods: 28 patients who received NA pembrolizumab and chemotherapyfor LA TNBC were identified at Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa General Hospital between February 2022 to October 2023. Blood and stool samples were collected at therapy initiation, at completion of neoadjuvant treatment and/or when the patients developed grade 3 or higher toxicity to therapy. We evaluated stool metagenomics and untargeted stool/plasma metabolomics as correlatives. Patient characteristics were as follows: 21 Caucasian, 3 African-American, 2 Hispanic, 2 unknown, median age 51 years, median body mass index (BMI) 28.5 kg/m2. 17 patients had stage II, while 11 patients had stage III TNBC. Results: Response was assessed in 27 patients, of which 11 had pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) while 16 had residual disease (RD). 1 patient progressed, while on NA therapy, while 8 patients developed grade 3-4 immune related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation and death in one patient. We conducted shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomic profiling on pre and post treatment fecal and plasma samples respectively to identify gut microbial diversity, composition and differentially abundant metabolites associated with pCR.There wasno difference in alpha and beta diversity; however significant enrichment of microbiota with genus Akkermansia HR 0.04, p 0.03 was noted in those with pCR. We observed higher abundance of tryptophan metabolizing clostridium species HR 50541, p &lt;0.001, along with differential activation of microbial tryptophan pathway in those with residual disease, specifically higher abundance of hydroxyindole acetic acid HR 1.54 P&lt;0.005, indole propionic acid HR 1.75 p 0.05 and indole butyric acid HR 1.86 p 0.04. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first analysis of differences in the microbiome and microbial metabolism in patients with LA TNBC treated with NA ICB. Despite being a small study, it shows a more aggressive disease pattern with higher RD than noted in KEYNOTE 522 and shows significant concern for serious immune mediated adverse effects. This highlights the importance of biomarkers to stratify patients most likely to benefit from ICB. Enrichment of microbiota and immunosuppressive tryptophan metabolites were associated with pCR and should be validated in large studies as biomarker of response to NA ICB in TNBC.

Improvement and Validation of an Analytical Method for Propionic Acid and Salts (Sodium, Calcium, and Potassium) in Foods

Improvement and Validation of an Analytical Method for Propionic Acid and Salts (Sodium, Calcium, and Potassium) in Foods

Recovery of Propionic Acid from Aqueous Phase using Alamine 336 in 1 - Octanol by Reactive Extraction

The by-products of carboxylic acids are useful in chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, preservations, drug delivery towards a more economical energy efficient technology. Physical and chemical equilibria results are presented as equilibrium distribution, distribution co -efficient, extraction efficiency, loading ratio and volume percentage by varying concentrations. The distribution of propionic acid between aqueous phase and organic phase reaches equilibrium over a concentration range of 0.009 kmol/m3 – 0.055 kmol/m3 . The optimum TOA concentration is found to be 40% at which KD value for 1 - octanol is 16.7. The modified separation increases with decrease in TOA &amp; acid concentration and alamine loading with acid Z decreases with increase in alamine concentration in 1 – octanol. Optimum extraction efficiency is 43.82% for a conc. of 40% TOA at 0.2 kmol/m3.

Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Synthetic Cattle Breath Volatiles Attract Host-Seeking Stable Flies, Stomoxys calcitrans.

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are blood-feeding ectoparasites of cattle. Host-seeking stable flies respond to various cattle host cues, but a potential role of cattle breath gases [carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4)] and cattle breath volatiles (acetone, isoprene, 2-butanone, 2-propanol, propionic acid, 3-methyl butyric acid, phenol), alone or in combination, on host-seeking behavior of stable flies has not yet been comprehensively investigated. In laboratory and greenhouse experiments, we tested the hypotheses that (1) CO2 and CH4 interactively attract stable flies, (2) CO2 'gates' attraction of stable flies to CH4, and (3) breath volatiles on their own, or in combination with both CO2 and CH4, attract stable flies. In Y-tube olfactometer experiments, the blend of CH4 (0.5%) and CO2 (1%) in breathing air ('b-air') attracted significantly more female flies than CH4, or CO2, in b-air. The flies' responses to CH4 were contingent upon their prior or concurrent exposure to CO2. In two-choice experiments in a large greenhouse compartment, significantly more flies landed on the host-look-alike barrel that disseminated a blend of CO2 and CH4 in b-air (CO2/CH4/b-air) than on the barrel disseminating either b-air or CO2. Moreover, significantly more flies landed on the barrel that disseminated synthetic breath volatiles (SBVs) than on the barrel disseminating b-air. The blend of CO2/CH4/b-air and SBVs elicited more fly landings on barrels than CO2/CH4/b-air but not than SBVs. SBVs, possibly combined with both CH4 and CO2, could be developed as a lure to enhance trap captures of stable flies in livestock production facilities.

Simultaneous Quantification of Twelve Compounds from Bamboo/Wood Vinegar by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Bamboo vinegar is a liquid biomass with a huge yield and complex chemical composition. At present, the relative quantification of bamboo vinegar has been investigated in most studies. To analyze twelve compounds from bamboo vinegar simultaneously, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and an external standard method were used to develop an analytical method. In this method, chromatographic separations of all compounds were above 1.5. The linear range was between 0.100 and 10.000 mg/L, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was between 0.9981 and 0.9997, indicating a good linear relationship. The limit of detection (LOD) was between 0.004 and 0.780 mg/L; the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was between 0.016 and 3.120 mg/L; the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of instrument precision and method stability were less than 8%; the recovery rate was between 89.25% and 113.77%, and its RSD was between 0.44% and 5.70%. Using this method, fourteen bamboo vinegars and six wood vinegars were analyzed, and it was found that the content of propionic acid, phenol, and 2-methoxyphenol was higher in most samples. In addition, the differences in physicochemical properties between distilled bamboo vinegar and its original solution after atmospheric distillation were investigated.

Gut dysbiosis contributes to SCFAs reduction-associated adipose tissue macrophage polarization in gestational diabetes mellitus

AimsThe prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has spurred investigations into various interconnected factors, among which gut dysbiosis is notably prominent. Although gut dysbiosis is strongly associated with GDM, the specific role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of GDM remains unknown. This study aims to explore the pathogenesis of GDM from gut microbiota. Materials and methodsIn our study, we constructed two GDM mice models: one induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the other through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from GDM patients. In vitro, we used a co-culture system of RAW264.7 and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Key findingsWe induced a GDM-like state in pregnant mice by FMT from GDM patients, which was consistent with the HFD model. A potential mechanism identified involves the diminished abundance of SCFA-producing microbiota, which reduces SCFAs, particularly propionic acid and butyric acid. In vitro, butyric and propionic acids were observed to alleviate LPS-induced TLR4-NF-κB activation, thereby reducing inflammation levels and inhibiting adipose insulin resistance via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This reduction appears to trigger the polarization of adipose tissue macrophages toward M1 and promote insulin resistance in adipose tissue. SignificanceOur study fills this knowledge gap by finding that alterations in gut microbiota have an independent impact on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in the GDM state. In vivo and in vitro, gut dysbiosis is linked to adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance via the bacterial product SCFAs in the GDM state, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of GDM.

Unravelling the effect of extraction on anthocyanin functionality and prebiotic potential

Anthocyanins, considered as prebiotic ingredients for functional foods, were extracted from black soybean (BS), black grape (BG), black carrot (BCPm), and black rice (BR) using conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The study employed a split-plot design with CSE and MAE as main plot factors and anthocyanin extracts (AEs) as subplot factors. Anthocyanins were evaluated for stability (polymeric color, degradation index) and functionality (antioxidant capacity). Prebiotic potential on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Weissella confusa was assessed in fermented soymilk. MAE showed higher extraction yield than CSE in BG (3-fold), BS (2-fold), BCPm (1.2-fold), and BR (1.6-fold). Black grape (1255.76 mg/L) and black soybean (976.5 mg/L) had highest anthocyanin with better stability, functionality, and prebiotic potential. The SCFA concentration (propionic acid and butyric acid) increased significantly in BG fortified-fermented soymilk. Overall, anthocyanin-enriched soymilk exhibited higher prebiotic potential, with MAE as the superior extraction method for anthocyanin functionality and stability.