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Micromachines Jun 2024Acoustic levitation can provide significant benefits for many fundamental research questions. However, it is important to consider that the acoustic field influences the...
Acoustic levitation can provide significant benefits for many fundamental research questions. However, it is important to consider that the acoustic field influences the measurement environment. This work focuses on the dissolution of immobilised drops using acoustic levitation in liquid-liquid systems. Previous work demonstrated that the acoustic field of standing waves impacts mass transfer by affecting the spread of dissolved substances in the continuous phase in two distinct ways: (I) solutes may either pass through nodal planes of the standing waves or (II) not pass. The binary systems examined for case (I) are 1-hexanol-water and 1-butanol-water, and for case (II), n-butyl acetate-water and toluene-water. This work quantifies the intensification effect of acoustic levitation on dissolution for the two types of behaviour, by comparing them with reference measurements of mechanically attached dissolving drops. The system was designed to ensure minimal intensification. The minimum intensification of mass transfer for levitating drops in the used setup of case (I) was 25%, and for case (II), it was 65%, both increasing with decreasing surface-equivalent diameter. With this understanding, acoustic levitation can be used more accurately in the field of mass transfer studies.
PubMed: 38930775
DOI: 10.3390/mi15060805 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024Cooked sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP: 20% CO 70% N, <0.2% O) with evident yellow stains were analyzed. The aims of this work were to study the...
Cooked sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP: 20% CO 70% N, <0.2% O) with evident yellow stains were analyzed. The aims of this work were to study the microbial cause of the spoilage and to evaluate different antimicrobial compounds to prevent it. was identified as the primary cause of the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. was the main bacteria responsible for the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. The yellow color was also evident during growth in the model system containing cooked sausage extract, but the colonies on MRS agar appeared white, demonstrating that the food substrate stimulated the production of the yellow pigment. The spoilage was also characterized by different volatile compounds, including ketones, ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate, found in the spoiled cooked sausage packages. These compounds explained the activity of because they are typical of heterofermentative LAB, cultivated either on food substrates or in artificial broths. also produced slight swelling in the spoiled packages. The efficacy of different antimicrobials was assessed in model systems composed of cooked sausage extract with the antimicrobials added at food product concentrations. The data showed that sodium lactate, sodium acetate, and a combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate could only slow the growth of the spoiler-they could not stop it from occurring. Conversely, hop extract inhibited , showing a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of approximately 0.008 mg CAE/mL in synthetic broth and 4 mg CAE/kg in cooked sausage slices. Adding hop extract at the MIC did not allow growth and did not change the sensorial characteristics of the cooked sausages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antimicrobial activities of hop extracts against either in vitro or in vivo.
PubMed: 38930557
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061175 -
Microorganisms May 2024Considering current global climate change, drought stress is regarded as a major problem negatively impacting the growth of soybeans, particularly at the critical stages...
Drought-Tolerant Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Mitigate the Detrimental Effects of Drought Stress Induced by Withholding Irrigation at Critical Growth Stages of Soybean (, L.).
Considering current global climate change, drought stress is regarded as a major problem negatively impacting the growth of soybeans, particularly at the critical stages R3 (early pod) and R5 (seed development). Microbial inoculation is regarded as an ecologically friendly and low-cost-effective strategy for helping soybean plants withstand drought stress. The present study aimed to isolate newly drought-tolerant bacteria from native soil and evaluated their potential for producing growth-promoting substances as well as understanding how these isolated bacteria along with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could mitigate drought stress in soybean plants at critical growth stages in a field experiment. In this study, 30 isolates and 30 rhizobacterial isolates were isolated from the soybean nodules and rhizosphere, respectively. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 was used for evaluating their tolerance to drought, and then the production of growth promotion substances was evaluated under both without/with PEG. The most effective isolates (DTB4 and DTR30) were identified genetically using 16S rRNA gene. A field experiment was conducted to study the impact of inoculation with DTB4 and DTR30 along with AMF (, , and ) on the growth and yield of drought-stressed soybeans. Our results showed that the bioinoculant applications improved the growth traits (shoot length, root length, leaf area, and dry weight), chlorophyll content, nutrient content (N, P, and K), nodulation, and yield components (pods number, seeds weight, and grain yield) of soybean plants under drought stress ( ≤ 0.05). Moreover, proline contents were decreased due to the bioinoculant applications under drought when compared to uninoculated treatments. As well as the count of bacteria, mycorrhizal colonization indices, and the activity of soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and phosphatase) were enhanced in the soybean rhizosphere under drought stress. This study's findings imply that using a mixture of bioinoculants may help soybean plants withstand drought stress, particularly during critical growth stages, and that soybean growth, productivity, and soil microbial activity were improved under drought stress.
PubMed: 38930505
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061123 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The present work reports an effective method for the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants using membranes based on different carbonaceous materials. The membranes...
The present work reports an effective method for the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants using membranes based on different carbonaceous materials. The membranes were prepared based on cellulose acetate (18 wt. %), polyvinylpyrrolidone as a pore-generating agent (2 wt. %) and activated carbon (1 wt. %). Activated carbons were developed from residues after extraction of the mushroom using microwave radiation. It has been demonstrated that the addition of activated carbon to the membranes resulted in alterations to their physical properties, including porosity, equilibrium water content and permeability. Furthermore, the chemical properties of the membranes were also affected, with changes observed in the content of the surface oxygen group. The addition of carbon material had a positive effect on the removal of copper ions from their aqueous solutions by the cellulose-carbon composites obtained. Moreover, the membranes proved to be more effective in the removal of copper ions than iron ones and phenol. The membranes were found to show higher effectiveness in copper removal from a solution of the initial concentration of 800 mg/L. The most efficient in copper ions removal was the membrane containing urea-enriched activated carbon.
PubMed: 38930158
DOI: 10.3390/ma17122788 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024: As modulators of the tumor microenvironment, macrophages have been extensively studied for their potential in developing anticancer strategies, particularly in...
: As modulators of the tumor microenvironment, macrophages have been extensively studied for their potential in developing anticancer strategies, particularly in regulating macrophage polarization towards an antitumorigenic (M1) phenotype rather than a protumorigenic (M2) one in various experimental models. Here, we evaluated the effect of PD98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MAPKK MEK1-linked pathway inhibitor, on the differentiation and polarization of THP-1 monocytes in response to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) under various culture conditions for tumor microenvironmental application. : Differentiation and polarization of THP-1 were analyzed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Polarized THP-1 subsets with different treatment were compared by motility, phagocytosis, and so on. : Clearly, PMA induced THP-1 differentiation occurs in adherent culture conditions more than nonadherent culture conditions by increasing CD11b expression up to 90%, which was not affected by PD98059 when cells were exposed to PMA first (post-PD) but inhibited when PD98059 was treated prior to PMA treatment (pre-PD). CD11b THP-1 cells treated with PMA and PMA-post-PD were categorized into M0 (HLA-DR and CD206), M1 (HLA-DR and CD206), and M2 (HLA-DR and CD206), resulting in an increased population of M1 macrophages. The transcription levels of markers of macrophage differentiation and polarization confirmed the increased M1 polarization of THP-1 cells with post-PD treatment rather than with PMA-only treatment. The motility and cytotoxicity of THP-1 cells with post-PD treatment were higher than THP-1 cells with PMA, suggesting that post-PD treatment enhanced the anti-tumorigenicity of THP-1 cells. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed the effect of post-PD treatment on phagocytosis by THP-1 cells. : We have developed an experimental model of macrophage polarization with THP-1 cells which will be useful for further studies related to the tumor microenvironment.
Topics: Humans; Macrophages; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Flavonoids; THP-1 Cells; Cell Differentiation; Monocytes; Flow Cytometry; Phagocytosis
PubMed: 38929626
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60061009 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024: Genitourinary syndrome, previously defined as vulvovaginal atrophy, manifests with signs and symptoms deriving from estrogen diminution in the female genitourinary...
: Genitourinary syndrome, previously defined as vulvovaginal atrophy, manifests with signs and symptoms deriving from estrogen diminution in the female genitourinary tract. Stable ozonides are derivatives of artemisinin found to be stable against strong basic and acidic conditions. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant diminishing the output of reactive oxygen species in the oxidation of fats and the emanation of free radicals, reducing cellular injury and aging. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the positive effects of an ozonide plus a vitamin E acetate-based compound (Ozoile) on genitourinary syndrome symptom relief after a maximum of 20 days of treatment. : The inclusion criteria for patients' enrollment were women of child-bearing age or in menopause reporting genitourinary syndrome's related symptoms, such as pain, burning, a bad smell, dyspareunia, dryness, itching, bleeding, and nervousness. The exclusion criteria were Sjogren's syndrome and patients administered retinoic acid, an agent that causes mucosal dryness. Participants completed a questionnaire before and after 20 days of treatment. : The incidence of pain decreased from 16.7% to 11.8% (-value < 0.0001). In addition, the mean symptom intensity decreased from 2.10 to 0.87 (-value < 0.0001). Dryness was the most frequent pre-treatment symptom and decreased from 85.5% to 53.8% (-value < 0.0001) (mean: 2.21 vs. 0.90; -value < 0.0001). : Ozoile was effective in reducing most gynecologic symptoms related to genitourinary syndrome. However, further studies are needed to compare its effect with other standards of care.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Syndrome; Vitamin E; Antioxidants; Female Urogenital Diseases; Atrophy; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38929497
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060880 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization....
Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization. infection (GIA) is one of the first differential diagnoses and may be present in CIE-affected dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the faecal characteristics and faecal fatty acid profile (short, medium, long, and branched-chain fatty acids) in dogs with food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and dogs infected with compared to healthy control (HC) animals as a potential non-invasive indicator of intestinal health that helps in the differentiation of CIEs. The C16:1n-7 percentage ( = 0.0001) and C16:1n-7/C16:0 ratio ( = 0.0001) served to differentiate between HC, FRE, and IRE. IRE dogs presented lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (∑SCFAs) ( = 0.0008) and acetic acid (C2) ( = 0.0007) compared to the other three groups and lower propionic acid (C3) ( = 0.0022) compared to HCs. IRE and GIA presented higher faecal fat content ( = 0.0080) and ratio of iso/anteiso branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) compared to HC and FRE. Correlations between some fatty acids and desaturation indices with the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index and faecal characteristics were observed, suggesting that these compounds could play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
PubMed: 38929444
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121825 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 20243-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA...
3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA on ruminal fermentation characteristics of grazing ruminants in vitro. Rumen fluid from grazing yak and cattle were collected and incubated with additions of 0, 8, and 16 mM 3NPA. The total gas production, CH production, and dry matter digestibility significantly decreased with increasing 3NPA doses in both ruminant species ( < 0.05) and methane production decreased to almost 100% in cattle at 8 mM NPA but not yak, while H accumulation showed an opposite trend. The total fatty acid (TVFA) production, acetate concentration, and propionate concentration in cattle decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. For yak, the H accumulation reached its apex at 8 mM NPA ( < 0.05). The TVFA in yak decreased significantly with increasing 3NPA doses at 12 and 72 h incubation. Moreover, the acetate concentration and propionate concentration in yak decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. Overall, these findings demonstrated that 3NPA could be used as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions; although, it negatively affected the dry matter degradability in vitro.
PubMed: 38929423
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121804 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Imidazole dipeptides (IDPs) and taurine (Tau) have several health benefits and are known to be contained in natural seafoods. However, their levels vary widely in...
Determination of Imidazole Dipeptides and Related Amino Acids in Natural Seafoods by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Using a Pre-Column Derivatization Reagent.
Imidazole dipeptides (IDPs) and taurine (Tau) have several health benefits and are known to be contained in natural seafoods. However, their levels vary widely in different natural seafoods, making their simultaneous determination desirable. Herein, we employ a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach using a novel amino group derivatization reagent, succinimidyl 2-(3-((benzyloxy)carbonyl)-1-methyl-5-oxoimidazolidin-4-yl) acetate (()-CIMa-OSu), for the simultaneous quantification of IDPs (carnosine (Car) and anserine (Ans)), their related amino acids, and Tau in natural seafoods. Each seafood sample contained different concentrations of IDPs (Car: ND to 1.48 mmol/100 g-wet, Ans: ND to 4.67 mmol/100 g-wet). The Car levels were considerably higher in eel, while Tau was more abundant in squid, boiled octopus, and scallop. Thus, the derivatization reagent ()-CIMa-OSu provides a new approach to accurately assess the nutritional composition of seafoods, thereby providing valuable insight into its dietary benefits.
PubMed: 38928892
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121951 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Postharvest diseases, such as black spots caused by , have caused huge economic losses to the tomato industry and seriously restricted its development. In recent years,...
Postharvest diseases, such as black spots caused by , have caused huge economic losses to the tomato industry and seriously restricted its development. In recent years, biological control has become a new method to control postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. Our research group screened , a yeast demonstrating a promising control effect on a postharvest black spot disease of tomatoes, and explored its physiological mechanism of prevention and control. Therefore, this study investigated the prevention and control effect of metabolites of on tomato black spot disease and the inhibition effect of main components on . A GC-MS analysis found that isoamyl acetate was the main component of that played an inhibitory role. The results showed that isoamyl acetate could inhibit the growth of and had a certain control effect on postharvest black spots in tomatoes. Our findings suggest that isoamyl acetate could be a promising alternative to fungicides for controlling postharvest black spots in tomatoes.
PubMed: 38928889
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121949