Propionic Research Articles

Fire-safe thermoplastic polyurethane created by a novel silane-containing phosphate

Phosphate is a kind of effective flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but it always results in great damage to mechanical properties. Herein, an organic silane-containing phosphonate (CTA-APTES) was prepared by 3-[Hydroxy (phenyl) phosphoryl]propanoic acid, tyramine and γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane to simultaneously improve the fire safety and decreasing the mechanical loss of TPU. At the loading of 5.0wt%, TPU/CTA-APTES5 passed the UL-94 V-0 rating, and its limiting oxygen index was 28.5%, reaching the non-inflammable grade. While showing remarkable flame-retardant effect on TPU, just as important, the tensile strength and elongation at break of TPU/CTA-APTES5 were 11.34 MPa and 244.5% respectively, increased by 85% and 1471% compared with those of control sample TPU/CEPPA-TA5, remarkably reducing the damage of phosphate to mechanical properties of the substrate. This work provides an efficient strategy to utilize silane-containing phosphate to fabricate high-performance fire-safe TPU.

Enhancing the expression of the unspecific peroxygenase in Komagataella phaffii through a combination strategy

The unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) from Cyclocybe aegerita (AaeUPO) can selectively oxidize C–H bonds using hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen donor without cofactors, which has drawn significant industrial attention. Many studies have made efforts to enhance the overall activity of AaeUPO expressed in Komagataella phaffii by employing strategies such as enzyme-directed evolution, utilizing appropriate promoters, and screening secretion peptides. Building upon these previous studies, the objective of this study was to further enhance the expression of a mutant of AaeUPO with improved activity (PaDa-I) by increasing the gene copy number, co-expressing chaperones, and optimizing culture conditions. Our results demonstrated that a strain carrying approximately three copies of expression cassettes and co-expressing the protein disulfide isomerase showed an approximately 10.7-fold increase in volumetric enzyme activity, using the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as the substrate. After optimizing the culture conditions, the volumetric enzyme activity of this strain further increased by approximately 48.7%, reaching 117.3 U/mL. Additionally, the purified catalytic domain of PaDa-I displayed regioselective hydroxylation of R-2-phenoxypropionic acid. The results of this study may facilitate the industrial application of UPOs.Key points• The secretion of the catalytic domain of PaDa-I can be significantly enhanced through increasing gene copy numbers and co-expressing of protein disulfide isomerase.• After optimizing the culture conditions, the volumetric enzyme activity can reach 117.3 U/mL, using the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as the substrate.• The R-2-phenoxypropionic acid can undergo the specific hydroxylation reaction catalyzed by catalytic domain of PaDa-I, resulting in the formation of R-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propionic acid.

The growth and nutrient removal properties of heterotrophic microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana in simulated wastewater containing volatile fatty acids

To reduce the high cost of organic carbon sources in waste resource utilization in the cultivation of microalgae, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from activated sludge were used as the sole carbon source to culture Chlorella sorokiniana under the heterotrophic cultivation. The addition of VFAs in the heterotrophic condition enhanced the total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) removal of C. sorokiniana, which proved the advantageous microalgae in using VFAs in the heterotrophic culture after screening in the previous study. To discover the possible mechanism of nitrogen and phosphorus adsorption in heterotrophic conditions by microalgae, the effect of different ratios of VFAs (acetic acid (AA): propionic acid (PA): butyric acid (BA)) on the nutrient removal and growth properties of C. sorokiniana was studied. In the 8:1:1 group, the highest efficiency (77.19%) of VFAs assimilation, the highest biomass (0.80 g L−1) and lipid content (31.35%) were achieved, with the highest TN and TP removal efficiencies of 97.44 % and 91.02 %, respectively. Moreover, an aerobic denitrifying bacterium, Pseudomonas, was determined to be the dominant genus under this heterotrophic condition. This suggested that besides nitrate uptake and utilization by C. sorokiniana under the heterotrophy, the conduct of the denitrification process was also the main reason for obtaining high nitrogen removal efficiency.

PSI-12 Dietary isoacids modulate nutrient digestibility and fermentation products in ileal digesta and feces of growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets

Abstract Branched-chain fatty acids, or isoacids, are the product of branched-chain amino acid fermentation and have been associated with benefits on the productivity of ruminants, primarily by positively modulating gut microbes and promoting gastrointestinal health. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal inclusion level of isoacid blend product based on apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and fermentation products in growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets. Twelve cannulated pigs [body weight (BW) = 20.9 + 0.6 kg] were used in a 5-period switch-back design with 6 diets and 2 replicate pigs in each period (n = 10 observations per dietary treatment). Experimental diets consisted of increasing levels (0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5%) of an isoacid blend (isobutyrate, isovalerate, and 2-methyl butyrate, 1:1:1) added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Each experimental period lasted 14 d: 10 d for acclimatization to the diets, 2 d for fecal collection, and 2 d for digesta collection. Diets, fecal, and ileal digesta samples were analyzed for gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), fiber composition, amino acids (AA), and titanium. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids and ammonia were analyzed in digesta and fecal samples. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of isoacids. Dietary supplementation of isoacids improved (P < 0.1, linear and/or quadratic) AID of crude fiber and hemicellulose and most of the indispensable AA (except Met+Cys, Trp, and Val) as well as ATTD of CP, GE, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose. In addition, ATTD of Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Met+Cys, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val increased quadratically (P < 0.1). Collectively, 1% isoacid inclusion promoted the greatest responses in most measured variables (% increase: unsupplemented vs. 1%): AID of Lys (9.3%), Met (5.7%), Thr (17.8%), Leu (7.4%), Ile (9.2%), Phe (7.8%), His (5.9%), Arg (4.9%); ATTD of CP (2.1%), GE (1.3%), NDF (3.9%), hemicellulose (>50%), overall indispensable AA (9.5%), overall dispensable AA (8.6%). On the other hand, the inclusion of isoacids quadratically increased (P = 0.071) the concentration of ammonia and decreased (P < 0.1) the concentration of acetic acid, iso-valeric acid, and total VFA in ileal digesta samples. In fecal samples, the proportion of acetic acid decreased (P < 0.05) quadratically while the proportion of propionic, valeric, and caproic acids increased (P < 0.1). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of isoacids at 1% can improve dietary nutrient digestibility, particularly ileal AA digestibility. Based on the changes in fermentation products, the modulation of intestinal microbiota through the gastrointestinal tract could be potentially related to the effects of isoacids on nutrient digestibility. However, the effects of isoacids supplementation on intestinal microbiota must be determined.

Effects of the fermentation quality and microbial community of waxy maize mixed with fodder soybean silage.

Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis Kulesh) is highly regarded for its high nutritional content and unique taste. Although the stalks and leaves contain high carbohydrate levels after ear harvesting, inadequate crude protein (CP) limits the utilization and promotion of waxy maize silage in animal husbandry. In this study, waxy maize and fodder soybeans were mixed for sowing in different proportions [1:0 (CK), 1:1 (A1), 1:2 (A2), 1:3 (A3), and 1:4 (A4)] to investigate the effects of different mixing ratios on the growth of the waxy maize, the chemical indices, fermentation quality, and the microbial community of the mixed silage after ear harvesting. The mixed planting of waxy maize and fodder soybeans in different proportions had no effect on the yield and quality of the waxy maize ears and increased the aboveground biomass after ear harvesting. After ear harvesting, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents significantly decreased, and the CP content and relative feeding value (RFV) gradually increased in the mixed silage. The pH of the treatments was lower than 4.2 except for A4, and the lowest ammonia nitrogen (AN) concentration was observed in A3. With increasing proportions of fodder soybeans, the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased and that of harmful bacteria decreased; Firmicutes and Lactobacillus were the dominant phylum and genus, respectively, and both increased gradually. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the fermentation indices affecting the microbial community composition in the silage were inconsistent among the different mixed sowing combinations. The Mantel test showed that the composition of the microbial communities in the treatments was significantly correlated with the ADF, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), and propionic acid (PA) contents. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the optimal mixed sowing ratio of waxy maize to fodder soybeans was 1:3, and waxy maize and fodder soybeans silage can increase the utilization of aboveground biomass and improve the fermentation quality and feeding quality of silage by changing the microbial community. These findings lay a certain theoretical foundation for improving the utilization of waxy maize.

Propionic acid promotes neurite recovery in damaged multiple sclerosis neurons.

Neurodegeneration in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis still poses a major therapeutic challenge. Effective drugs that target the inflammation can only partially reduce accumulation of neurological deficits and conversion to progressive disease forms. Diet and the associated gut microbiome are currently being discussed as crucial environmental risk factors that determine disease onset and subsequent progression. In people with multiple sclerosis, supplementation of the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid, as a microbial metabolite derived from the fermentation of a high-fiber diet, has previously been shown to regulate inflammation accompanied by neuroprotective properties. We set out to determine whether the neuroprotective impact of propionic acid is a direct mode of action of short-chain fatty acids on CNS neurons. We analysed neurite recovery in the presence of the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid and butyric acid in a reverse-translational disease-in-a-dish model of human-induced primary neurons differentiated from people with multiple sclerosis-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. We found that recovery of damaged neurites is induced by propionic acid and butyric acid. We could also show that administration of butyric acid is able to enhance propionic acid-associated neurite recovery. Whole-cell proteome analysis of induced primary neurons following recovery in the presence of propionic acid revealed abundant changes of protein groups that are associated with the chromatin assembly, translational, and metabolic processes. We further present evidence that these alterations in the chromatin assembly were associated with inhibition of histone deacetylase class I/II following both propionic acid and butyric acid treatment, mediated by free fatty acid receptor signalling. While neurite recovery in the presence of propionic acid is promoted by activation of the anti-oxidative response, administration of butyric acid increases neuronal ATP synthesis in people with multiple sclerosis-specific induced primary neurons.

Inulin Reduces Kidney Damage in Type 2 Diabetic Mice by Decreasing Inflammation and Serum Metabolomics.

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of soluble dietary fiber inulin on the treatment of diabetes-related chronic inflammation and kidney injury in mice with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The T2DM model was created by feeding the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice a high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injecting them with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days). The thirty-six ICR mice were divided into three dietary groups: the normal control (NC) group, the T2DM (DM) group, and the DM + inulin diet (INU) group. The INU group mice were given inulin at the dose of 500 mg/kg gavage daily until the end of the 12th week. After 12 weeks, the administration of inulin resulted in decreased serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE). The administration of inulin not only ameliorated renal injury but also resulted in a reduction in the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors in the spleen and serum oxidative stress levels, when compared to the DM group. Additionally, inulin treatment in mice with a T2DM model led to a significant increase in the concentrations of three primary short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid), while the concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), a prominent inflammatory factor in diabetes, exhibited a significant decrease. The results of untargeted metabolomics indicate that inulin has the potential to alleviate inflammatory response and kidney damage in diabetic mice. This beneficial effect is attributed to its impact on various metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. Consequently, oral inulin emerges as a promising treatment option for diabetes and kidney injury.

Description of Ewiss cheese, a new ewe's milk cheese processed by Swiss cheese manufacturing techniques: microbiological, physicochemical and sensory aspects

Typically, Swiss-type cheese is made from cow's milk. However, in the present work an attempt to expand the sheep supply chain and product offering in this field was made by developing a new type of cheese using Swiss-type cheese technology. The cheese was manufactured under industrial conditions, and fermentations were carried out using freeze-dried commercial starters that are traditionally used in the production of Swiss cheese. Two experimental "Ewiss cheese" (EC) products were produced using raw milk (RM-EC) and pasteurized milk (PM-EC), respectively. Fourteen microbial groups were investigated by plate counts from curd until ripened cheeses. According to microbiological analyses, no statistically significant differences were found between the 2 productions with respect to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The curds were mainly characterized by mesophilic LAB cocci (7.45 log10 cfu/g in RM-EC and 7.33 log10 cfu /g in PM-EC). However, at the end of the ripening period (9 mo), the cheeses exhibited a higher presence of mesophilic LAB rods. Undesired microbiological groups were found only in the curd of raw milk cheese in the range of 104-105 cfu/g, but reaching undetectable levels by plate count in the cheese at the end of ripening. RM-EC and PM-EC were characterized by 76% and 68% of dry matter, respectively. These cheeses contained 29.30% and 34.36% of protein, and 51.31% and 50.38% of fat, respectively. Textural analysis showed differences in terms of hardness, chewiness, and gumminess between the experimental cheeses and Swiss cheese sold on the market. These differences could be attributed to the higher protein content of ewe's milk. The main fatty acids in the cheeses were palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and capric acid. Among the organic acids, RM-EC had higher concentrations of lactic acid, while PM-EC was higher in propionic acid. The ewe's cheeses emitted 46 volatile compounds, including acids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols, and other compounds. PM-EC was characterized by the main compounds of Swiss-type cheese: acetic acid, butyric acid, ethyl butyrate, ethyl caproate, propanoic acid, and tetramethylpyrazine. Sensory evaluation showed that the new dairy products were generally appreciated, and PM-EC was the most preferred by the judges. This research has enabled the development of new ewe's milk products, which could stimulate the valorization of a sector that has been long neglected and still has a large margin of improvement.

Prevotella enterotype associates with diets supporting acidic faecal pH and production of propionic acid by microbiota

Metabolism of dietary fibres by colon microbiota plays an important role for human health. Personal data from a nutrition study (57 subjects) were analysed to elucidate quantitative associations between the diet, faecal microbiome, organic acid concentrations and pH. Ratios of the predominant acids acetate, butyrate and propionate ranged from 1:0.67:0.27 to 1:0.17:0.36. Pectin-rich diets resulted in higher faecal acetate concentrations. Negative correlation between faecal pH and BSS was observed. Higher faecal pH and lower acid concentrations were related to the higher abundance of amino acid degrading Clostridium, Odoribacter and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, which are weak carbohydrate fermenting taxa. Propionic acid correlated especially to high abundance of Prevotella and low abundance of proteobacteria. The acetate to propionate ratio of the Prevotella enterotype was about half of that of the Bacteroides enterotype. Based on the results we suggest the measurement of faecal pH and organic acid composition for research and diagnostic purposes.

A quantitative analysis on thermochemical sulfate reduction products of two model compounds: Implications for reaction mechanism and alteration process of hydrocarbons

Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) is an important redox reaction that markedly alters hydrocarbons in deep reservoirs. Although the major achievements that involve reaction mechanism, process, and geochemical characteristics were attained in the last 50 years, a quantitative TSR model that includes major products was not built, which restricts the understanding of the reaction mechanism and the generation process of hydrocarbons in TSR. In this study, two series of thermal simulation experiments of the TSR involving n-octadecane (n-C18) and n-dodecylbenzene (C12B) with MgSO4 and H2O in a confined gold-tube system were conducted, and all the major products in different phases, particularly oxygen-containing compounds, were quantitatively analyzed. The results indicated that the high-molecular-weight (HMW) oxygenated compounds in heavy products were predominated by ketones, followed by alcohol and acids, and the low-molecular-weight (LMW) organic acids in water mainly comprised acetic acids, followed by formic acid and propionic acid. Both oxygen-containing compounds prompted the TSR process but in different ways. The accumulation of HMW oxygenated compounds in the non-autocatalytic stages was essential for initiating the catalyzed reaction of TSR. In addition, the oxygenated compounds of hydrocarbons enhance polarity, making hydrocarbons easier to contact with HSO4− or [MgSO4] CIP. The LMW organic acids possibly prompted the TSR process by acidifying the water and thus facilitating the formation of HSO4− and [MgSO4] CIP. The oxidation reaction during TSR possibly converted HMW oxygenated compounds to LMW organic acids and CO2. The quantitative analysis of products in TSR revealed that TSR destroyed the hydrocarbons more rapidly but in a different way from thermal cracking and that the generation process of hydrocarbon types in TSR was in the following order: heavy hydrocarbon, gaseous hydrocarbon/light hydrocarbon/solid bitumen, and gaseous hydrocarbon/solid bitumen. Compared with oil cracking, the TSR promoted the oil reservoir to rapidly progress to more mature stages. The hydrocarbon precursor and reaction extent affected the generation process and the character of all products in the TSR. These results can provide an improved understanding of the TSR mechanism and process and be useful in the evaluation of petroleum potential for TSR-altered oils.

The New Buffer Salt-Protected Sodium Butyrate Promotes Growth Performance by Improving Intestinal Histomorphology, Barrier Function, Antioxidative Capacity, and Microbiota Community of Broilers.

In this study, a commercial sodium butyrate protected by a new buffer salt solution (NSB) was tested to determine whether it can be used as an antibiotic alternative in broiler production. A total of 192 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: soybean meal diet (CON), antibiotic diet (ANT, basal diet + 100 mg/kg aureomycin), and NSB (basal diet + 800 mg/kg NSB). The growth performance, serum anti-inflammatory cytokines, intestinal morphology, gut barrier function, antioxidative parameters, SCFAs' content, and cecal microbiota were analyzed. The result showed that NSB significantly improved ADFI and ADG (p < 0.01), and decreased FCR (p < 0.01). Serum anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was up-regulated (p < 0.01), and pro-inflammatory TNF-α was down-regulated (p < 0.05) by NSB supplementation. H&E results showed that VH and the VH/CD ratio significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum in the NSB group. Furthermore, ZO-1 (p < 0.01), claudin-1 (p < 0.01), and occludin (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and claudin-1 (p < 0.01) and mucin-2 (p < 0.05) in the ileum were significantly up-regulated in the NSB group. Additionally, SOD (p < 0.05) and the T-AOC/MDA ratio (p < 0.01) in the jejunum and SOD in the ileum were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the NSB group. The MDA level also significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the ANT group in the jejunum. Propionic acid (p < 0.05) and butyric acid (p < 0.01) content significantly increased in the NSB group in the jejunum and ileum segments. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity among the groups. LEFSe analysis also indicated that Peptostreptococcaceae, Colidextribacter, Firmicutes, Oscillospira, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, which promote SCFA production (p < 0.05), were identified as dominant taxon-enriched bacterial genera in the NSB group. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Colidextribacter with ADFI, ADG, VH, claudin-1 (p < 0.05), and unclassified_f__Peptostreptococcaceae with ADFI, IL-10, and ZO-1 were positively correlated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ADFI and ADG with IL-10, claudin-1, SOD, T-AOC, and butyric acid (p < 0.05), and similarly, ADG with VH (p < 0.05), showed a positive correlation. In conclusion, NSB enhanced the growth performance by improving jejunum and ileum morphology, and serum anti-inflammatory cytokines, and by regulating the intestinal barrier function and antioxidant capacity, SCFAs' content, and cecum microbiota, showing its potential use as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition.

Different microbial ecological agents change the composition of intestinal microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in mice to alleviate loperamide-induced constipation.

Probiotics exert beneficial effects by regulating the intestinal microbiota, metabolism, immune function and other ways of their host. Patients with constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder, experience disturbances in their intestinal microbiota. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of two microbial ecological agents (postbiotic extract PE0401 and a combination of postbiotic extract PE0401 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM 2711) in regulating the makeup of the intestinal microbiota and alleviating loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice. We also preliminarily explored the mechanism underlying their effects. Both microbial ecological agents increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium after administration and were able to relieve constipation. However, the degree of improvement in constipation symptoms varied depending on the makeup of the supplement. The postbiotic extract PE0401 increased peristalsis time and improved faecal properties throughout the intestinal tract of the host. PE0401 relieved constipation, possibly by modulating the levels of the constipation-related gastrointestinal regulatory transmitters mouse motilin, mouse vasoactive intestinal peptide, and 5-hydoxytryptamine in the intestinal tract of the host and by increasing the levels of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetic acid, propionic acid, and isovaleric acid. It also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduced that of Faecalibaculum, Mucispirillum, Staphylococcus, and Lachnoclostridium, which are among the beneficial microbiota in the host intestine. Furthermore, PE0401 decreased the levels of constipation-induced host inflammatory factors. Therefore, the two microbial ecological agents can regulate the intestinal microbiota of constipation mice, and PE0401 has a stronger ability to relieve constipation.

24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretions, plasma metabolomic profiles, and cardiometabolic biomarkers in the United States adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHigh-sodium and low-potassium intakes are associated with a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but there are limited data on the circulating metabolomics profiles of 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretions in free-living individuals. ObjectivesWe aimed to characterize the metabolomics signatures of a high-sodium and low-potassium diet in a cross-sectional study. MethodsIn 1028 healthy older adults from the Women’s and Men’s Lifestyle Validation Studies, we investigated the association of habitual sodium and potassium intakes measured by 2 to 4 24-h urine samples with plasma metabolites (quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) and metabolomic pathways. Our primary exposures were energy-adjusted 24-h urinary sodium excretion, potassium excretion, and sodium-to-potassium ratio, calculated based on energy expenditure derived from the doubly labeled water method. We then assessed the partial correlations of their metabolomics scores, derived from elastic net regressions, with cardiometabolic biomarkers. ResultsHigher sodium excretion was associated with 38 metabolites including higher piperine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and C5:1 carnitine. In pathway analysis, higher sodium excretion was associated with enhanced biotin and propanoate metabolism and enhanced degradation of lysine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Metabolites associated with higher potassium and lower sodium-to-potassium ratio included quinic acid and proline-betaine. After adjusting for confounding factors, the metabolomics score for sodium-to-potassium ratio positively correlated with fasting insulin (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.27), C-peptide (ρ = 0.30), and triglyceride (ρ = 0.46), and negatively with adiponectin (ρ = −0.40), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ρ = −0.42). ConclusionsWe discovered metabolites and metabolomics pathways associated with a high-sodium diet, including metabolites related to biotin, propanoate, lysine, and BCAA pathways. The metabolomics signature for a higher sodium low-potassium diet is associated with multiple components of elevated cardiometabolic risk.

Modulation effect of sulfated polysaccharide from Sargassum fusiforme on gut microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fermentation.

The present study demonstrated the digestion behavior and fermentation characteristics of a sulfated polysaccharide from Sargassum fusiforme (SFSP) in the simulated digestion tract environment. The results showed that the molecular weight of two components in SFSP could not be changed by simulated digestion, and no free monosaccharide was produced. This indicates that most of SFSP can reach the colon as prototypes. During the fermentation with human intestinal flora in vitro, the higher-molecular-weight component of SFSP was utilized, the total sugar content decreased by 16%, the reducing sugar content increased, and the galactose content in monosaccharide composition decreased relatively. This indicates that SFSP can be selectively utilized by human intestinal flora. At the same time, SFSP also changed the structure of intestinal flora. Compared with the blank group, SFSP significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased the abundance of Firmicutes. At the genus level, the abundances of Bacteroides and Megamonas increased, while the abundances of Shigella, Klebsiella, and Collinsella decreased. Moreover, the concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetic, propionic and n-butyric acids significantly increased compared to the blank group. SFSP could down-regulate the contents of trimethylamine, piperidone and secondary bile acid in fermentation broth. The contents of nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid and other organic acids were increased. Therefore, SFSP shows significant potential to regulate gut microbiota and promote human health.

Identification and quantification of novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in a Great Lakes urban-dominated watershed

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic organic fluoro-compounds that are oil-, water-, and flame-resistant, making them useful in a wide range of commercial and consumer products, as well as resistant to environmental degradation. To assess the impact of urbanization and wastewater treatment processes, surface water and sediment samples were collected at 27 sites within the Great Lakes in the Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor (HEC), an international waterway including the highly urbanized Detroit and Rouge Rivers. Samples were analyzed for 92 PFAS via UHPLC-MS/MS. Our previous data in the HEC found the highest amount of PFAS contamination at the Rouge River mouth. In addition to evaluating the input of the Rouge River into the HEC, we evaluated the transport of PFAS into the HEC from other major tributaries. PFAS were detected in both surface water and sediment at all sites in this study, with a total of 10 congeners quantified in all surface water samples and 16 congeners quantified in all sediment samples, indicating ubiquitous contamination. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were pervasive in the HEC as these two compounds were detected in all sites and matrices, often at concentrations above the US EPA's recommended lifetime interim updated health advisories. Surface water samples contained more perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) than any other congener, with average aqueous PFHxA across all surface water samples exceeding the average concentration previously reported in the Great Lakes. Sediment samples were dominated by PFOS, but novel congeners, notably 3-Perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (FPePA), were also quantified in sediment. The Rouge River and other tributaries contribute significantly to the PFAS burden in the HEC including Lake Erie. Overall, our results indicate the need for expanding toxicological research and risk assessment focused on congeners such as PFHxA and PFAS mixtures, as well as regulation that is tighter at the onset of production and encompasses PFAS as a group at a national level.

Identification of renal protective gut microbiome derived-metabolites in diabetic chronic kidney disease: An integrated approach using network pharmacology and molecular docking

Metabolites from the gut microbiota define molecules in the gut-kidney cross talks. However, the mechanistic pathway by which the kidneys actively sense gut metabolites and their impact on diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD) remains unclear. This study is an attempt to investigate the gut microbiome metabolites, their host targeting genes, and their mechanistic action against DCKD.Gut microbiome, metabolites, and host targets were extracted from the gutMgene database and metabolites from the PubChem database. DCKD targets were identified from DisGeNET, GeneCard, NCBI, and OMIM databases. Computational examination such as protein–protein interaction networks, enrichment pathway, identification of metabolites for potential targets using molecular docking, hubgene-microbes-metabolite-samplesource-substrate (HMMSS) network architecture were executed using Network analyst, ShinyGo, GeneMania, Cytoscape, Autodock tools. There were 574 microbial metabolites, 2861 DCKD targets, and 222 microbes targeting host genes. After screening, we obtained 27 final targets, which are used for computational examination. From enrichment analysis, we found NF-ΚB1, AKT1, EGFR, JUN, and RELA as the main regulators in the DCKD development through mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signalling. The (HMMSS) network analysis found F.prausnitzi, B.adolescentis,and B.distasonisprobiotic bacteriafound in the intestinal epithelium, colonic region, metabolize the substrates like tryptophan, other unknown substrates might have direct interaction with the NF-kB1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targets. Docking of these target proteins with 3- Indole propionic acid (IPA) showed high binding energy affinity.From this study we identified, the 3 IPA produced byF. prausnitzi A2-165was found to have renal sensing properties inhibiting MAPK/NF-KB1 inflammatory pathway and would be useful in treating CKD in diabetics.

Effect of Miscellaneous Meals Replacing Soybean Meal in Feed on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Microbiota Composition of 25-50 kg Growing Pigs.

The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content in growing pigs (25-50 kg). A total of 72 (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with initial weights of 25.79 ± 0.23 kg were randomly divided into three treatments. The pigs were fed corn-soybean meal (CON), corn-soybean-miscellaneous meals (CSM), and corn-miscellaneous meals (CMM). Each treatment included six replicates with four pigs per pen (n = 24, 12 barrows and 12 gilts). Soybean meal accounted for 22.10% of the basal diet in the CON group. In the CSM group, miscellaneous meals partially replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 4.50% rapeseed meal, 3.98% cottonseed meal, and 4.50% sunflower meal. In the CMM group, miscellaneous meals entirely replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 8.50% rapeseed meal, 8.62% cottonseed meal, and 8.5% sunflower. The results showed that compared with the CON, the CSM and CMM groups significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage (p < 0.05) but had no effects on average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily feed intake/average daily gain (F/G) (p > 0.05). Moreover, the CMM group significantly reduced nutrient apparent digestibility of gross energy compared with the CON group. The serum biochemical parameters results showed that the CSM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP) compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The CMM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). In comparison with the CON group, the CMM group also significantly improved lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), and citrulline (Cit) levels in serum (p < 0.05). However, the CMM group significantly decreased non-essential amino acid content glycine (Gly) in serum compared with CON (p < 0.05), while compared with the CON group, the CSM and CMM groups had no significant effects on the relative abundance, the alpha-diversity, or the beta-diversity of fecal microbiota. Moreover, compared with the CON group, the CSM group significantly increased butyric acid and valeric acid contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces (p < 0.05). In contrast to the CON group, the CMM group significantly reduced the contents of SCFAs in feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) can partially replace the soybean meal and significantly improve the growth performance of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage. Thus, miscellaneous meals are a suitable protein source as basal diets to replace soybean meals for 25-50 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal.

Effect of adsorption/desorption of substrates/products during isobutyl propionate synthesis over CalB Immo Plus™ in solid/gas biocatalysis

This work revisits the potential of Solid/Gas (S/G) biocatalysis for sustainable ester synthesis, focusing on isobutyl propionate (isoPro) production from propionic acid (aciP) and isobutyl alcohol (isoB) using CalB Immo Plus™ (CalB-IP), Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) supported on ECR1030M (ECR). Our research, conducted in a bench-scale S/G bioreactor, describes the role of adsorption-desorption and intraparticle mass transfer on the production rate of isoPro. Three reaction scenarios were examined at 55°C: simultaneous introduction of both substrates into the reactor; CalB-IP saturation with isoB followed by the supply of aciP; and vice versa, with aciP saturation preceding isoB. Adsorption-desorption-based experiments were conducted to determine breakthrough curves for isoB, aciP, and isoPro over ECR or CalB-IP at 55°C. ECR exhibited significant adsorption capacity, with aciP>isoPro>isoB, in a reversible process. At pseudo-steady state, aciP and isoB were adsorbed at 86% and 84%, respectively, on ECR; while the remaining 14% and 16%, respectively, were adsorbed on the enzyme surface, involving irreversible binding. The experimentation also considered the influence of water activity (aw: 0.11–0.75) on experimental responses. Production rates of isoB adsorption and isoPro were sensitive to aw, while aciP adsorption remained insensitive to aw. At aw = 0.75, isoB adsorbed 35% less over CalB-IP than at aw = 0.11. Additionally, at aw = 0.75, the production of isoPro at the bioreactor outlet in the pseudo-steady state was 33.5% less than when aw = 0.11. These findings offer valuable insights for designing S/G bioreactors, thereby advancing the industrial implementation of sustainable ester synthesis.

Effects of Long-Term Coated Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on the Intestinal Health and Colonization of Cecal Salmonella of Laying Hens Infected with Salmonella enteritidis.

Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is widely found in chickens and eggs, and it can potentially induce human illness. The investigation in this study centers on the impacts of long-term dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on intestinal well-being and the colonization of cecum Salmonella in laying hens infected with S. Enteritidis. We segregated a total of 120 Lohmann laying hens aged 51 weeks into four treatment categories: 0 (CON), 300 (CSB1), 500 (CSB2), and 800 (CSB3) mg/kg of CSB, supplemented with CSB from the first day of the experiment. A 24-week observation process was carried out for each laying hen. The S. Enteritidis was orally administered to all chickens on the morning of the first and third days of week 22 of the trial. After the S. Enteritidis challenge, egg production decreased the most in the CON group. Compared to the CON group, the three doses of CSB significantly improved egg production after the S. Enteritidis challenge (PANOVA < 0.05). S. Enteritidis challenge increased plasma DAO activity, but CSB supplementation reduced plasma DAO activity (Plinear < 0.05). The S. Enteritidis challenge disrupted intestinal villi morphology; compared to the CON group, the three dosages of CSB resulted in an increase in villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of infected laying hens (Plinear < 0.05), with a significant increase in jejunal villus height (PANOVA < 0.05). A decrease in ileal crypt depth was also observed (Plinear < 0.05). CSB2 and CSB3 markedly increased the content of butyric acid in the cecum (PANOVA < 0.05). Additionally, in contrast to those in the CON group, the propionic acid content in the CSB supplementation group increased (Plinear < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, mRNA relative expression of the IL-6 and IL-1β in jejunum (Plinear < 0.05) and mRNA relative expression of the IL-1β in ileum (PANOVA < 0.05) were significantly lower, and mRNA relative expression of the IL-10 in ileum (Plinear < 0.05) were significantly higher in the CSB group. In addition, in contrast to the CON group, the CSB supplementation group significantly upregulated mRNA relative expression of the ZO-1 and CLDN1 (PANOVA < 0.05). Additionally, CSB supplementation reduced the number of Salmonella and increased the number of Lactobacilli in the cecum (Plinear < 0.05) and tended to increase the total bacteria count (Plinear = 0.069) and reduce the E. coli count (Plinear = 0.081). In conclusion, long-term dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate can alleviate intestinal injury and the colonization of cecum Salmonella in laying hens infected with S. Enteritidis.

Effect of Fatty Acid Unsaturation on the Intermolecular Weak Interaction at the Low-Rank Coal-Water Interface: Density Functional Theory Calculations and Experimental Study.

The study on the effect of fatty acid saturation on low-rank coal (LRC) flotation is still limited. In this investigation, density functional theory (DFT) combined with Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the mechanism of intermolecular weak interaction at the LRC-water interface of fatty acids (decanoic acid (DA), undecylenic acid (UA), and phenyl propionic acid (PA)) with different saturations and different dodecane (D) composition hydrocarbon oil-fatty acid mixed collectors (D-DA, D-UA, D-PA). The findings demonstrated that the hydrogen bond interaction and electrostatic interaction between the UA/PA with unsaturated bonded carbon chains and the LRC molecular fragments/water molecules were stronger than DA without a saturated bond carbon chain, and UA/PA strengthened its interaction with water molecules on the whole, even PA molecules would preferentially interact with water molecules. The unsaturated bond had a minimal impact on the adsorption of the LRC hydrophobic site, and the strength of the hydrogen bond between the mixed collector and LRC is D-DA > D-UA > D-PA. In the actual flotation process, the strong hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between UA/PA and water molecules weaken the collection performance of the mixed collector D-UA/D-PA for LRC, which also confirmed the research results of DFT, FTIR, and Zeta.