Search Results (1,359)

The provision of high-quality colostrum immediately after birth is essential to ensure adequate passive transfer of immunity in neonatal calves. This study evaluated colostrum viscosity as a potential indicator of colostrum quality, its relationship with immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and the influence of cryopreservation on viscosity measurements. Viscosity was determined in 200 colostrum samples using a cone–plate viscometer and an outflow funnel. IgG concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Viscosity measured by the plate–cone viscometer averaged 19.33 ± 22.98 cP. No significant differences were observed between viscosity measurements obtained before freezing and after thawing. Flow times through the outflow funnel averaged 18.48 ± 4.27 s. The mean IgG concentration determined by ELISA was 63.89 ± 23.50 mg/mL. Significant positive correlations were identified between viscosity and IgG concentration, between flow time and IgG concentration, and between viscosity and flow time. ROC analysis of the funnel method yielded an AUC of 0.821 (95% CI: 0.752–0.890), indicating good diagnostic performance for identifying poor-quality colostrum (IgG < 50 mg/mL). These findings indicate that viscosity using either a cone–plate viscometer or an outflow funnel is a useful proxy for IgG concentration and may serve as a practical method for assessing colostrum quality. Furthermore, cryopreservation had no detectable effect on colostrum viscosity. Full article

Chiral pharmaceuticals (CPs) have gained growing attention in environmental studies regarding the differential behavior of individual enantiomers in racemic mixtures. This study investigates the stereoselectivity and efficiency of montmorillonite (MMT), a natural and low-cost adsorbent, for the removal of a wide group chiral pharmaceuticals and metabolites (atenolol, propranolol, metoprolol, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, norfluoxetine, and O-desmethylvenlafaxine). The effects of adsorption conditions including initial CP concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, and humic acid content were evaluated. In most adsorption experiments, no significant stereoselective behavior was observed, except for the case where a low adsorbent dose was applied. Interestingly, as the solution humic acid content increased (up to 40 mg/L), the adsorption capacity was increased for most of the target CPs. Isotherm studies revealed that the Freundlich model described the experimental data well and the process was favorable. Adsorption mechanism was interpreted by material characterization before and after adsorption. High removal efficiencies (88.0 to 99.8%) and the non-enantioselective behavior of MMT indicate that it can be used effectively for the simultaneous removal of both enantiomeric forms of various chiral pharmaceuticals from aqueous matrices. Full article

The vertical migration of soil nitrogen (N) losses in sloped farmlands under natural rainfall conditions remains inadequately understood. This study conducted a two-year (March 2023–February 2025) in situ runoff field monitoring experiment on purple loam slopes in Chongqing, China, systematically investigating the effects of different rainfall patterns (TR, HR, MR, LR) and planting stages (CPS, SFS, MPS, WFS) on the vertical migration of nitrogen at four depths (0, 20, 40, and 60 cm) under natural rainfall conditions. The results demonstrate that rainfall is the key driver of vertical nitrogen migration. The migration loads of total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) all increased significantly with increasing rainfall intensity (p < 0.01), showing the strongest correlation with rainfall amount in the shallow soil layer (L₁). Nitrogen migration loads exhibited a clear decreasing trend with increasing soil depth, declining progressively from the surface (L₁) to deeper layers (L₃). However, higher loads of nitrate nitrogen were maintained in deeper layers, given its strong mobility. The study found that although extreme rainfall events (TR and HR) accounted for only 6.05% of total rainfall events, they contributed to more than 60% of the total nitrogen migration load, highlighting extreme rainfall as the primary driver of nutrient loss. Over 70% of nitrogen loss occurred during the corn planting stage (CPS) with high fertilizer demand, highlighting that this period is critical for nitrogen loss and represents a key window for risk management. The increased soil depth functions as a “sink”, exhibiting certain nitrogen retention and filtration effects. The total nitrogen content in deeper soil layers (L₂, L₃) shows cumulative accumulation, confirming the nitrogen migration pattern from sources (surface layers) to sinks (deep layers) within the soil profile. This study elucidates the core driving mechanisms and critical risk periods for vertical nitrogen migration in purple soil on sloped farmland, providing crucial scientific evidence for precise regional nitrogen fertilizer management and non-point source pollution control. Full article

Carrot pomace (CP) represents a promising source of dietary fiber with potential applications in functional food systems. This study investigated the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis (Pectinex^® Ultra Tropical, Celluclast^® 1.5 L, and Viscozyme^® L) on the chemical composition, technological, and functional properties of CP. The untreated CP was characterized by a high total dietary fiber (TDF) content, predominated by insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), with a soluble dietary fiber (SDF)/IDF ratio of 1:1.6. Enzymatic treatment significantly reduced TDF and IDF (up to 54.1% and 58.5%, respectively) while increasing reducing sugars by 2.3–3.4-fold and changing the SDF/IDF ratio to 1:1.2–1.5. Technological properties were altered, with decreased oil-retention capacity and color intensity, whereas water-solubility index increased, and water-swelling capacity was enzyme-dependent. Emulsion stability was enhanced in enzymatically treated samples. Total phenolic content increased in the soluble fraction (up to 21.8%). Functional properties, including cholesterol-binding, sodium cholate-binding, and glucose-adsorption capacities, were significantly influenced by enzymatic modification and pH conditions (for cholesterol-binding capacity). Prebiotic activity varied depending on enzyme treatment, and Celluclast^®-modified CP demonstrated the highest prebiotic index, exceeding that of inulin for selected strains. Overall, enzymatic hydrolysis effectively modulated the structural and functional properties of CP, highlighting its potential as a value-added ingredient for the formulation of functional and prebiotic food products. Full article

This study evaluated Palmaria palmata hydrolysates produced using Alcalase^® and Flavourzyme^® at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10% (w/w biomass protein, corresponding to AF1-10), and their performance in oil-in-water nanoemulsions under iron-induced oxidation. AF4 showed significantly higher total amino acid and phenolic contents and the strongest Fe²⁺-chelating activity (IC₅₀ = 1.64 ± 0.22 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and was therefore selected for nanoemulsion stabilization. Nanoemulsions exhibited high physical stability with no significant changes in droplet sizes (D_3,2 ~77–79 nm), ζ-potential (~−18 to −19 mV), and viscosity (~1.2–1.5 cP) (p > 0.05). Dynamic interfacial tension measurements and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated limited interfacial activity of AF4, with most components remaining in aqueous phase. Compared to the control, AF4 significantly reduced peroxide formation (~100–164 vs. 289–357 meq/kg at Day 4–8, p < 0.05) and partially preserved tocopherols. It also delayed the formation of some volatiles during intermediate stages of storage. However, it was less effective than ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Increasing the AF4 concentration did not further improve oxidative stability. These findings suggest that antioxidant efficacy depends on composition, interfacial behavior, and spatial distribution. Antioxidants with limited interfacial activity may therefore exhibit different modes of action within emulsified systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Seasonal crude protein (CP) and phosphorus (P) deficiency in northern Australian pastures reduces feed intake and growth of grazing ruminants, but the hepatic mitochondrial mechanisms underlying this response remain unclear. We characterized the hepatic mitochondrial transcriptome of sheep exposed to CP-P deficiency or matched-intake feed restriction. Methods: Merino wethers were assigned for 63 d to one of three treatments (n = 8/group): High CP-P, Low CP-P, or Restricted, in which High CP-P feed was offered at the same energy intake as the Low CP-P group. Liver RNA was sequenced, and transcripts encoding mitochondrial proteins were identified using MitoCarta 3.0. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as adjusted p < 0.05 and |log2FC| ≥ 0.585. Results: Of 804 mitochondrial genes detected, 83 were differentially expressed in at least one pairwise comparison. The greatest transcriptional response occurred in contrasts against High CP-P (Low CP-P vs. High CP-P: 38 DEGs in 8 enriched pathways; Restricted vs. High CP-P: 37 DEGs in 10 enriched pathways). In both low-intake treatments, ALDH1L2, ALDH1L1, SHMT2, and DMGDH were upregulated, suggesting altered folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. Restricted sheep also showed higher expression of several SLC25A transporters (SLC25A4, SLC25A28, SLC25A29, SLC25A33, and SLC25A34), indicative of enhanced mitochondrial nucleotide and metabolite exchange under CP-P adequate energy restriction. In contrast, Low CP-P sheep showed higher expression of SLC25A15 and SLC25A25 relative to either High CP-P or Restricted sheep, a nutrient-deficiency specific transporter response. CKMT2 expression was also higher in Restricted sheep than in both other groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that reduced metabolizable energy intake was associated with the bulk of the hepatic mitochondrial transcriptional response, particularly in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, whereas CP-P deficiency was associated with a smaller but distinct transporter signature. The liver mitochondrial transcriptome may provide mechanistic insight into nutritional adaptation under CP and P deficiency in grazing sheep. Full article

Chlorophenols (CPs), such as 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), are persistent and toxic organic pollutants commonly found in industrial effluents. This study investigates their photocatalytic degradation using a TiO₂-based heterogeneous catalyst under UV irradiation, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The degradation kinetics were analyzed using both pseudo-first order and nonlinear Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) models, accounting for competitive adsorption and successive oxidation of intermediates. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified key intermediates, including hydroquinone, catechol, chlorocatechols, and benzoquinone. Nonlinear kinetic modeling of coupled differential equations accurately reproduced the temporal profiles of both the parent compounds and their intermediates, providing mechanistic insights into multi-step hydroxylation, dechlorination, and oxidation processes. The results demonstrate that photocatalytic oxidation effectively mineralizes chlorophenols within 500–600 min, and the developed kinetic model offers a predictive tool for optimizing photocatalytic remediation strategies for chlorinated aromatic pollutants. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a nonlinear Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model integrating experimentally identified degradation intermediates, competitive adsorption phenomena, and parallel photocatalytic reaction pathways for both 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol oxidation systems. Full article

This study comprehensively assesses the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical, nutritional, and rheological properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata) milk. Ultrasonic treatment (24 kHz, 200–300 W, 5–20 min at 25 ± 2 °C) was applied after preliminary aqueous extraction (60–70 °C, 15–20 min) and compared with conventional aqueous extraction (control). Ultrasound significantly increased protein extractability (from 0.11% to 0.15%, p = 0.008) and improved the amino acid profile (8–18% increase without signs of degradation). The content of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium increased by 6–12% (p < 0.001 for K and P, p = 0.001 for Mg), indicating more efficient release of intracellular components. B-group vitamins remained stable, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, E) were not detected. Total mesophilic microflora was reduced to 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU/mL (p = 0.021), with no pathogenic microflora detected. Rheological measurements confirmed pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1), an increase in viscosity up to 20.0 cP, and the formation of a more homogeneous dispersion. Thus, ultrasonic treatment performed under controlled non-thermal conditions after preliminary aqueous extraction effectively improves the structural, functional, and nutritional quality of mung bean plant-based milk. Full article

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) offers a sustainable approach to producing multifunctional therapeutic nanomaterials. This study aimed to synthesize CP-AgNPs and evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential, with a focus on Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cells. CP-AgNPs were prepared by phytochemical reduction using CP leaf extract and characterized by UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and Zeta. Antibacterial activity against H. pylori, time-kill kinetics, and SEM imaging of membrane damage were performed. Antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory assays, together with cytotoxicity studies in AGS cells (DAPI, AO/EtBr, and SEM), were also conducted. CP-AgNPs exhibited an SPR peak at 432 nm, face-centered cubic crystallinity, and spherical morphology (8–32 nm). They showed strong, dose-dependent antibacterial activity against H. pylori, surpassing metronidazole at higher doses. Time-kill assays and SEM confirmed membrane disruption. Antioxidant activity was notable (IC₅₀: 40 µg/mL for DPPH; 60 µg/mL for ABTS). CP-AgNPs demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in AGS cells, inducing apoptosis and morphological alterations. The broad biological activity of CP-AgNPs likely arises from the synergy between silver ions and CP phytochemicals. Their superior antibacterial effects, combined with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicate strong therapeutic potential for gastric diseases. Anticancer activity in AGS cells suggests additional biomedical relevance, which may involve ROS-associated and apoptosis-related pathways, as suggested by previous studies. CP-AgNPs represent a promising natural nanoplatform for managing H. pylori infection, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gastric cancer, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo studies. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of PD-L1, PD-1, CD3, CD4, and CD8 in tumor tissues of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from southern Poland, and to assess their prognostic value in relation to disease-free survival (DFS), taking into account HPV16 status and other clinical, pathological, and demographic factors. Material/Methods: This study included 155 unselected patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) from the southern Poland region, who underwent diagnostic evaluation and surgical treatment. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were obtained from these centers. The patients were treated at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, between 1991 and 2014, with treatment approaches including induction therapy (preoperative), adjuvant therapy (postoperative), or definitive chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin. Protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and quantified (TPS, CPS, H-score). Relationships between expression levels and epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological features were analyzed. Results: The results show that PD-L1 overexpression was associated with worse DFS, whereas overexpression of PD-1, CD3, CD4, and CD8 correlated with improved DFS. These associations were statistically significant in the HPV16-negative subgroup, while no such correlations were found in HPV16-positive patients. In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors associated with improved DFS included HPV16 infection, absence of PD-L1 overexpression, overexpression of CD4 and CD8, and combined chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin. Conclusions: These findings confirm the prognostic relevance of PD-L1, PD-1, and T-cell markers in HNSCC, particularly in HPV16-negative patients, and support further research into the use of these biomarkers in personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived soluble fibers are being explored as sustainable prebiotic ingredients; however, tropical legumes such as Leucaena leucocephala remain understudied. This study evaluated soluble fibers from L. leucocephala seeds after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, focusing on rheological properties, microbial selectivity, metabolite production, and intestinal safety. Methods: The anatomical parts of the seed underwent INFOGEST 2.0 digestion. Soluble fibers were characterized by GC-MS monosaccharide profiling, viscosity, and SEM/EDS analyses, and were used as substrates for both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation supernatants were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids and lactate, and cytotoxicity was assessed using Caco-2 cells. Results: Endosperm polysaccharides exhibited high apparent viscosity (>300 cP) and pseudoplastic behavior. Monosaccharide profiles revealed the presence of galacto-oligosaccharides and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides in the oligosaccharide fraction, and galactomannans, xylans, and arabinoxylans in the polysaccharide fraction. Polysaccharides selectively promoted the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium spp., comparable to or exceeding that of fructo-oligosaccharides (p < 0.05), while limiting pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation produced acetate and lactate concentrations of >4500 ppm and >1000 ppm, respectively. Caco-2 viability remained >90% across all treatments. Conclusions: Compartment-resolved analysis identified the endosperm as the principal source of digestion-resistant viscous fiber, selectively fermented by probiotic bacteria at levels matching or exceeding fructo-oligosaccharides. These findings position L. leucocephala endosperm fiber as a candidate prebiotic substrate, warranting further preclinical evaluation. Full article

Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by Leishmania infantum is increasingly recognized in endemic areas, but the inflammatory profile during infection remains poorly defined. This case–control study evaluated the acute phase proteins (APPs) serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) in cats with anti-L. infantum antibodies and/or DNA and compared them with healthy negative controls. A total of 125 cats were enrolled, including 62 cats positive by IFAT and/or qPCR and 63 healthy controls. Total protein, albumin, albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G), and serum protein electrophoresis were also assessed, and correlations with APPs were investigated in positive cats. Compared with controls, L. infantum-positive cats had significantly higher Hp and Cp concentrations, whereas SAA did not differ significantly. They also showed higher total protein, beta2- and gamma-globulin concentrations and lower albumin and A/G ratio. SAA and Hp were negatively correlated with albumin, whereas Cp was positively correlated with total protein and beta-globulin fractions. No significant correlations were found between APPs and IFAT antibody titer. In exploratory analyses, IFAT seropositivity (cut-off ≥ 1:80) was associated with higher Hp, whereas qPCR positivity was associated with higher SAA and Cp concentrations; however, these results should be interpreted cautiously because qPCR-positive cats were few. These findings indicate a measurable inflammatory and dysproteinemic profile in cats with laboratory evidence of L. infantum exposure and/or infection, but do not establish APPs as disease-specific diagnostic markers. However, diagnostic heterogeneity, limited qPCR testing, lack of standardized clinical staging, and possible confounding diseases limit causal and clinical interpretation. Full article

Photoperiod-sensitive sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) accumulates biomass and sugars during vegetative growth, making it a silage candidate where water limits maize production. This study examined how harvest date and nitrogen (N) rate affect its forage quality and in vitro rumen gas production under rain-fed conditions. In a randomized complete block design with three replications, we evaluated dry matter (DM) yield, morphology, and chemical composition of sweet sorghum harvested at 80 and 110 days after planting (DAP) under five N rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg N/ha). Each treatment was ensiled in laboratory-scale bag silos for 90 days. Silage was analyzed for silage quality and 48-h in vitro rumen gas production and fermentation parameters. Delaying harvest from 80 to 110 DAP increased DM yield and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, lignin), but reduced crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in fresh forage (p < 0.001). Increasing the N rate up to 225 kg N/ha enhanced DM yield, CP, and WSC at both harvest dates. A harvest date × N rate interaction occurred for WSC (p < 0.05). After ensiling, CP and IVDMD were higher in 80-DAP silage. Butyric acid (BA) and ammonia-N (NH₃-N) increased with N rate, but at ≥225 kg N/ha both were lower in 80 DAP silage. The highest 48-h gas production (71.2 and 61.0 mL/200 mg DM) occurred in forage and silage from 110 DAP with 150 kg N/ha. Ruminal pH remained optimal range (6.2–6.8) across treatments. Harvest date and N rate interactively influence sweet sorghum silage quality and rumen fermentability. Under rain-fed conditions, 80 DAP with 225 kg N/ha optimizes silage quality, while 110 DAP with 150 kg N/ha maximizes rumen fermentation potential. These findings support sweet sorghum as a viable silage option where maize production is constrained by water availability. Full article

Structural parameters for over seventy complexes of the composition Cu(η²-X^1×2)(Y³) or Cu(κ²-X¹X²)(Y³) were analyzed in this work, being the third of a series of structural studies on three coordinated copper(I) complexes. Bidentate (X¹X²) with monodentate (Y³) donor ligands build up distorted trigonal planar coordination spheres around copper(I) atoms. The bidentate ligands (X¹X²) create three-, four-, and five-membered metallocyclic rings. The three-membered are: -C¹-C²-Cu-C³; -B¹=B²-Cu-Cl³; -P≡C²-Cu-C³, -B¹-B²-Cu-X³, and B¹-C²-Cu-C³. The X¹-Cu-X² angles indicate a total mean value of 44.2°. The four-membered complexes are -H¹-B(H₂)-H²-Cu-C³; -H¹-B(Ph₂)-H²-Cu-C³; -O¹AlO²-Cu-N³; -O¹CeO²-Cu-N³; -S¹CP²-Cu-C³; -N¹PN²-Cu-C³; -N¹PS²-Cu-P³; -N¹SiO¹-Cu-Cl³; --N¹CS²-Cu-C³; -Si¹-NSi²-Cu-C³, and O¹CO²-Cu-C³, and show a total mean value of the L-Cu-L angles of 71.0°. The five-membered are: -N¹-C=C-N²-Cu-Y³ (more common) and N=C-C=N-Cu-C³. In this group, there are also copper(I) complexes in which the central Ns of five-membered metallocycle are “interlocked” in macrocycles. The X¹-Cu-X² angles exhibit an average value of 82.9°. There is a wide variety of monodentate (Y³) ligands in the studied complexes. The mean value of Cu-Y³ elongates with covalent radius (Å) of coordinate atoms in the sequence: 1.846(13) Å (N³, 0.75) < 1.884(21) Å (O³, 0.73) < 1.928(18) Å (C³, 0.77) < 2.126(18) Å (Cl³, 0.99) < 2.140(5) Å (S³, 1.02) < 2.194(4) Å (P³, 1.06) < 2.246(12) Å (Br³, 1.14) < 2.2445(18) Å (I³, 1.33). The data show that angular distortion from regular trigonal geometry grows in the following order: five-, four-, and three-membered. Full article

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] is the most widely used herbicide worldwide, and its environmental persistence has prompted increasing interest in microbial processes that may contribute to its dissipation. This study evaluated a collection of 15 soil-derived actinobacterial strains for plant growth-promoting traits, extracellular enzymatic activities, glyphosate tolerance, and glyphosate removal under nutrient-sufficient and phosphate-starved conditions. Herbicide tolerance evaluated on agar plates was widespread across the collection, with all strains sustaining growth at 10 and 50 g L⁻¹ of glyphosate. Under nutrient-sufficient conditions glyphosate removal remained limited, with maximum values of 16.15 ± 2.08% (Streptomyces sp. Con7.16) and 15.34 ± 2.89% (Streptomyces sp. Z38). In contrast, prior phosphate starvation markedly enhanced removal efficiency, reaching 42.21 ± 3.59% in Streptomyces sp. Z38 and 39.46 ± 1.94% in Streptomyces sp. Con7.16. Transmission electron microscopy coupled with X-ray microanalysis in the selected Streptomyces sp. Z38 revealed starvation-associated depletion of intracellular polyphosphate granules, followed by partial replenishment when glyphosate was supplied as the sole phosphorus source, consistent with indirect evidence of glyphosate-derived phosphorus acquisition. Genome mining of Streptomyces sp. Z38 identified candidate genes potentially consistent with a non-canonical, C-P lyase-independent phosphonate utilization route; however, these assignments are based exclusively on bioinformatic evidence and require experimental validation. Collectively, these findings indicate that phosphate limitation enhances glyphosate removal in the selected actinobacteria, and the physiological and genomic data are consistent with a starvation-triggered shift toward alternative phosphorus scavenging strategies. Because this strain is intended for future phytoremediation applications in glyphosate-contaminated agricultural soils, elucidating the underlying phosphorus dynamics is essential for anticipating its functional behavior and environmental relevance. Full article