Search Results (14,234)

This study investigates the effects of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) on intestinal microbial composition and metabolic activity in piglets using two complementary approaches: in vitro fermentation and in vivo dietary supplementation with coated Neu5Ac. In vitro fermentation results demonstrated that Neu5Ac stimulates higher production of formate and acetate by piglet intestinal microbiota compared with other human milk-derived monosaccharides (p < 0.05). In vivo feeding trials showed that dietary coated Neu5Ac significantly increased microbial α-diversity and altered the overall microbial composition in both the jejunum and colon (p < 0.05). For instance, coated Neu5Ac reduced the relative abundances of ASV1 Clostridium and ASV17 Clostridium in the jejunum, while raising the relative abundances of ASV3 Veillonella, ASV4 Veillonella, ASV7 Lactobacillus salivarius, ASV11 Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum in the jejunum, and ASV41 Xylanibacter in the colon (p < 0.05). Furthermore, coated Neu5Ac significantly elevated formate and acetate concentrations in the jejunum (p < 0.05) and exhibited a trend toward increased acetate levels in the colon (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, using piglets as a model, this study demonstrates that Neu5Ac facilitates the intestinal colonization of beneficial microbes (e.g., Lactobacillus), leading to enhanced production of microbial metabolites, particularly formate and acetate, which may contribute to improved gut homeostasis in early life. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of essential oils, such as limonene (LIM) and a cinnamaldehyde–carvacrol blend (CCB), on the fermentation, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of corn silage stored for 150 and 200 days. Treatments included a control, CCB (100 and 200 mg/kg DM), and LIM (100 and 200 mg/kg DM). Essential oils improved fermentation by increasing lactic acid (up to 7.46% of DM) and reducing proteolysis (NH₃-N: 0.46–0.59% of total N). Limonene, particularly at 100 mg/kg DM, enhanced the lactic:acetic acid ratio (up to 3.07), better preserved non-fiber carbohydrates (≈32.7%), and increased in vitro DM digestibility (up to 81.5%) compared to the control (≈76.0%). The CCB treatment raised acetic acid concentrations (up to 3.04% of DM). Extending storage to 200 days reduced DM recovery (≈84.0%) versus 150 days (92.5%). Treated silages showed greater aerobic stability, with a lower pH increase after 72 h of air exposure, most notably in the LIM 200 treatment (pH 4.10) compared to the control (pH 5.40). Essential oils, particularly limonene, effectively improve the fermentative quality, nutritional value, and aerobic stability of corn silage under prolonged storage. Full article

Kombucha fermentation is driven by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a cellulose-rich biofilm that hosts a complex microbial consortium. While most kombucha studies focus on the liquid beverage, the SCOBY pellicle itself remains underexplored, particularly with respect to species-level microbial resolution and its intrinsic biological activities. In this study, a commercial kombucha SCOBY was characterized using full-length 16S rRNA gene and ITS amplicon sequencing based on Oxford Nanopore Technology, enabling species-level taxonomic resolution. In parallel, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of dried SCOBY biomass were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), antidiabetic-related enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, DPP4), and anti-aging-related enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase and elastase). The SCOBY bacterial community was strongly dominated by acetic acid bacteria, with Komagataeibacter saccharivorans and Acetobacter tropicalis accounting for more than 60% of total reads, reflecting a biofilm structure optimized for cellulose production and oxidative metabolism. The yeast community showed marked unevenness, with Brettanomyces bruxellensis representing over 80% of reads, consistent with its known role in ethanol production and stress tolerance within kombucha systems. In vitro assays revealed that hydroalcoholic SCOBY extracts consistently exhibited higher biological activity than aqueous extracts across all tested assays. However, both extracts showed substantially lower potency than purified reference compounds, indicating moderate but measurable bioactivity typical of complex fermented matrices. These findings support the potential valorization of SCOBY as a fermentation-derived biomaterial and functional ingredient while underscoring the need for further chemical characterization, mechanistic studies, and biological validation beyond enzyme-based assays. Full article

Hydrogen-mediated microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of chemicals from CO₂ relies on effective gas–liquid transfer at the cathode interface, yet the extent to which cathode surface area regulates acetate productivity remains insufficiently quantified. In this study, three identical MES reactors equipped with stainless-steel cathodes of different geometric areas (8 × 1, 8 × 4, and 8 × 16 cm²) were operated at a constant electric current of 0.3 A. The largest cathode significantly accelerated hydrogen mass transfer (k_La = 0.592 h⁻¹), reaching dissolution equilibrium within 3 min, which was nearly twice as fast as the smallest electrode. Upon inoculation with enriched acetate-producing microbial consortia, the 8 × 16 cm²_cathode reactor fed with CO₂ achieved the highest steady-state acetate concentration of 32 g·L⁻¹ produced at a rate of 2.12 g·L⁻¹·d⁻¹, with 94% hydrogen utilization, and 59% coulombic efficiency. In contrast, smaller electrodes exhibited rapid bubble detachment and reduced residence time, thereby limiting microbial gas uptake, and resulting in low acetate productivity. These findings demonstrate that cathode surface area is a key engineering lever controlling both hydrogen availability and electron recovery efficiency in H₂-driven MES. The results provide practical guidance for electrode design and scale-up of CO₂-to-acetate bioconversion via the MES process. Full article

The sensory quality and flavor of lamb meat, critical to market competitiveness, are influenced by rumen microbial fermentation and dietary management strategies. Coated betaine (CBet), a rumen-protected methyl donor, exerts systemic nutritional regulation in ruminants. This study explored the effects of CBet supplementation on lamb meat quality using 18 Dorset ♂ × Hu sheep ♀ F1 crossbred lambs, randomly assigned to either a control group (basal diet) or a 0.20% CBet-supplemented diet for 60 days (n = 9 per group). The results demonstrated that CBet significantly increased ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs), acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (p < 0.05). Additionally, CBet supplementation enhanced muscle redness (a*), crude fat, crude ash, heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), and tricosanoic acid (C23:0) (p < 0.05) while decreasing shear force and the concentration of cis-13,16-docosadienoic acid (C22:2) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CBet elevated characteristic flavor compounds (e.g., nonanal) and their relative odor activity values (ROAVs), and decreased undesirable odors (e.g., dodecanal) (p < 0.05). As illustrated in the graphical abstract, these improvements were mediated through regulatory effects of CBet on rumen microbiota composition, muscle fatty acids, amino acids, and volatile flavor compounds. Specifically, CBet significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium in the rumen (p < 0.05) and altered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.20% CBet effectively enhances lamb meat quality and flavor, effects closely associated with changes in the abundance of key ruminal microbial taxa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sciatic nerve injuries are among the most common classes of peripheral nerve harm and have a strong impact on quality of life, as well as a significant negative economic impact for patients, society, and governments, since they represent a frequent cause of work-related disabilities and sick leave applications. Following nerve injury, neurons, Schwann, and satellite cells undergo marked changes in phenotype, metabolic activity, neuronal survival, nervous transmission, and an exacerbated activation of the inflammatory response. Leuprolide acetate (LA), a clinically available agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), has shown clear neurotrophic properties and is considered a novel potential candidate for treating neural injuries, including sciatic nerve pathologies. This study aimed to analyze the effect of LA treatment on sensory function and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) changes in a rat sciatic nerve full-transection (SNT) model. Methods: Variations in cold and heat sensitivity were assessed using the thermal plate test, while DRG tissue sections were examined for modifications in reactive gliosis by immunofluorescence analysis, and axonal transport using a retrograde tracer. Also, changes in the expression of pro-regenerative genes Stat3, Socs3, Fos, Jun, Atf4, and Limk1 were quantified by qPCR. Results: Our results showed that LA treatment exerted a distinct neurotrophic effect, since it promoted the specific recovery of cold sensitivity, improved axonal transport, regulated the inflammatory response, and modulated the exacerbated expression of pro-regenerative genes in the SNT model. Conclusions: These findings indicate that LA therapy may have the potential to improve sensory recovery in patients with sciatic nerve injuries. Full article

Given the rising demand for phosphate, a critical mineral for many countries due to its essential role in fertilizer production and global food security, reprocessing waste generated during phosphate mining has become increasingly important to mitigate demand pressures and reduce the environmental impact of the mining industry. This study aims to develop a sustainable hydrometallurgical process to recover residual phosphate from a lithology present in mining waste rock. To this end, a thermodynamic analysis was first performed to assess reaction feasibility during leaching and precipitation. A two-step process was then proposed: the first step involves leaching carbonates (mainly calcite) using acetic acid, optimized through response surface methodology based on a Box–Behnken design; the second step consists of precipitating calcium with phosphoric acid to produce a value-added by-product (brushite) while simultaneously regenerating the acetic acid. A preliminary economic assessment was conducted to evaluate process feasibility. The results show that acetic acid is highly selective for carbonates, yielding a phosphate concentrate containing 30% P₂O₅ with complete phosphate recovery under the following conditions: 3.4 molL⁻¹ acid concentration, 28 °C reaction temperature, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 6 mLg⁻¹ (14.2% solids), and a reaction time of 49 min. In the precipitation step, a calcium recovery of 97% was achieved under optimal conditions (20 °C, 15 min, 500 rpm stirring, and a P:Ca ratio of 1). Furthermore, the preliminary economic assessment indicates that the developed process, based on the use of an organic acid and its recycling, generates a net profit, confirming its economic viability and its contribution to environmentally sustainable phosphate processing. Full article

In this paper, the target compound, 4-hydroxy-3-[[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)methylene]amino]benzenesulfonamide (hereafter referred to as HA), was synthesized via the reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 2-aminophenol-4-sulfonamide in an 86% yield. In methanol–water (v/v, 1:1, pH 5.0 acetate buffer), HA displays a “turn-on” fluorescence response at 531 nm (λex = 411 nm) toward Al³⁺ with high selectivity over 17 common metal ions and 11 anions. The fluorescence intensity is linearly correlated to an Al³⁺ concentration from 1 to 10 µM (R² = 0.999) with a detection limit of 58 nM (3σ/k). Job’s plot and DFT calculations (M06/6-31G) both support a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Under the tested conditions (with the methanol–water medium having an effective ionic strength equivalent to a low-salinity environment), the probe’s performance was unaffected. In natural aqueous samples (tap water and bottled water), which typically have low salinity (estimated as 0–5‰), Al³⁺ in the samples can also be chelated by the HA probe with a precision of relative standard deviation of less than 1%, and the recovery rate is higher than 90%. The probe exhibited acceptable relative recovery and low standard deviation, demonstrating a rapid and convenient novel method for detecting Al³⁺ in a natural aqueous sample. Full article

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the standard supplement for cell culture, yet we previously demonstrated that it drives hyper-proliferation and phenotypic drift in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, compromising their epithelial identity and ciliogenesis. In contrast, a modified chicken embryo extract (CEE) preserved these intrinsic properties, maintaining a stable and physiologically relevant phenotype. To elucidate the metabolic mechanisms driving these distinct cellular fates, we performed a comparative analysis of redox status and metabolomic profiles. We found that FBS forces a metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in mitochondrial stress characterized by elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), calcium overload, and the accumulation of uremic toxins like hippuric acid. Conversely, CEE established a balanced redox environment. Although CEE induced higher intracellular signaling ROS via NADPH oxidase 1/2, it prevented oxidative damage by upregulating antioxidant transcription factors, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and enzymes such as Mn superoxide dismutase. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that CEE is enriched with antioxidants (ascorbic acid, proline) and signaling molecules (5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid). These findings indicate that while FBS imposes a metabolic burden leading to cellular stress, CEE provides a favorable metabolic microenvironment that supports homeostasis and epithelial integrity, validating its superiority as a culture supplement. Full article

Lobesia botrana is a major pest in grapevine, monitored using sex pheromone as a standard practice. However, when the sex pheromone is used in mating disruption (MD), monitoring becomes ineffective. A blend of 2-phenylethanol (2-PET) and acetic acid (AA) was identified as an attractant for L. botrana in MD vineyards. With the aim of increasing the attraction of 2-PET/AA, we evaluated whether terpenoid-based attractants and trap color could enhance the catches of L. botrana in traps baited with 2-PET/AA. First, we assessed the attraction to 2-PET/AA in combination with two terpenoid mixtures. Grape Mimic Mixture 1 (GMM1) contained a 100:78:9 proportion of (E)-β-caryophyllene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, and (E)-β-farnesene, and Grape Mimic Mixture 2 (GMM2) was composed of a 10:1:1:1:1:1 proportion of limonene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (±)-linalool, (E)-caryophyllene, farnesene, and methyl salicylate. Furthermore, we assessed whether traps of different colors (blue, green, orange, red, white, and transparent) could enhance L. botrana catches. Neither GMM1 nor GMM2 improved L. botrana catches over 2-PET/AA alone. In addition, the proportion of mated L. botrana females was similar across treatments. Transparent traps caught more moths than other colors. Our results suggest a modification in the color and odor of traps to improve the monitoring of L. botrana in vineyards treated with MD. Full article

This study investigated the effects of isoacid supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradability, and bacterial community diversity in yaks using corn silage–highland barley straw-based substrates. An in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted with a substrate consisting of 80% whole-plant corn silage and 20% highland barley straw. Treatments included a control (without isoacids) and four isoacid supplemental levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% of substrate dry matter, DM), each with six replicates. A 72 h in vitro gas production experiment was performed to measure cumulative gas production, fermentation parameters, nutrient degradability, and bacterial community diversity. Cumulative gas production increased by 12.96% with 0.2% isoacid supplementation compared to the control (p < 0.05). The contents of microbial protein (MCP), acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) exhibited quadratic responses to the increasing isoacid dosage (p < 0.05). Specifically, MCP content reached a maximum of 0.76 mg/mL with 0.2% isoacids, representing a 31.03% increase compared to the control (p < 0.05). TVFA content was highest (146.85 mmoL/L) at 0.2% isoacid supplementation, with a 16.40% increase compared to the control (p < 0.05). Acetate content increased by 17.99% (p < 0.05), while propionate tended to increase with 0.2% isoacid supplementation (p = 0.08). Supplementation with 0.2% and 0.4% isoacids did not alter the bacterial composition and diversity (p > 0.05). However, at the genus level, g_Ruminococcus, g__Elusimicrobium, g_norank_f_Atopobiaceae, g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales, and g_Romboutsia were identified as differential biomarkers showing significant responses to isoacid supplementation (p < 0.05). Mantel-test analysis revealed positive correlation between g_Ruminococcus abundance and NH₃-N content (r < 0.4, p < 0.05); g_Romboutsia abundance and acetate content (r < 0.40, p < 0.05); g_Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011 abundance and both NH₃-N content and the pH of rumen fluid (r < 0.40, p < 0.05); g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales abundance and rumen pH (r < 0.40, p < 0.01). Supplementation with 0.2% isoacids to corn silage–barley straw substrates improved in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics in yaks, which was associated with altered abundances of key bacterial genera including g_Ruminococcus, g__Elusimicrobium, g_norank_f_Atopobiaceae, g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales. Full article

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-related condition characterized by a decline in testosterone (Ts) levels and associated symptoms that impair quality of life in older men. Although Ts replacement therapy is available, its clinical use is limited by adverse effects. Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a cofactor for γ-glutamylcarboxylase and plays important roles in blood coagulation and bone homeostasis. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4), a VK homolog predominantly found in animal-derived foods, has been shown to enhance Ts production in healthy male rats. However, whether this effect occurs under low-Ts conditions remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of VK on LOH using a leuprorelin acetate (LA)-induced low-Ts rat model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered sustained-release LA and fed a control diet or diets supplemented with VK1 or MK-4 (75 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, MK-4 supplementation significantly ameliorated the reduction in serum Ts levels and seminiferous tubule diameter, whereas VK1 supplementation showed no significant effects. Furthermore, MK-4 supplementation activated the protein kinase A signaling pathway, which is directly involved in testicular Ts production. These findings suggest that MK-4 supplementation may represent a novel nutritional strategy for the management of LOH. Full article

Background: The root of Schisandra propinqua (Wall.) Baill. var. sinensis Oliv is a traditional ethnomedicine in China; it was widely used to treat abscesses, sores, carbuncles, rheumatism, and so on. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the bacteriostatic mechanism of the ethyl acetate extract from the root of Schisandra propinqua (Wall.) Baill. var. Sinensis Oliv (Xiao Xue Teng) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (S. aureus ATCC 25923). Methods: Bioactive bacteriostatic constituents in Xiao Xue Teng were identified through Hybrid Quadrupole-TOF LC/MS/MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Xiao Xue Teng against S. aureus ATCC 25923 was determined using the microbroth dilution method. A time–kill curve analysis was used to evaluate the bacteriostatic effects. SDS-PAGE coupled with nano-liquid NanoLC-ESI-MS/MS, real-time PCR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the bacteriostatic mechanism of Xiao Xue Teng against S. aureus ATCC 25923. Results: The MIC of Xiao Xue Teng against S. aureus ATCC 25923 was determined to be 15.625 µg/mL. The translation initiation factor (IF-2) and elongation factor (EF-Tu) were significantly decreased in S. aureus ATCC 25923 after treatment with Xiao Xue Teng, while the proteins SodA and AhpC were obviously increased. The intracellular levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were significantly increased (p < 0.01) after the treatment with Xiao Xue Teng. Concurrently, the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Moreover, cellular swelling and shrinkage were observed using SEM. Conclusions: The bacteriostatic mechanism of Xiao Xue Teng against S. aureus ATCC 25923 was related to eliciting oxidative stress, inhibiting protein synthesis and enhancing cytoplasmic membrane permeability. Full article

Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don, family Asteraceae) essential oils (HiEOs) and hydrosols (HiHYs) are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural formulations. However, their composition and quality vary depending on geographical origin and production practices, while standardized reference values—particularly for hydrosols—are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of commercial HiEOs and HiHYs from the Adriatic and continental regions of Croatia. Samples were analysed using standard pharmacopoeial methods and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Physicochemical analyses (relative density, acid value, refractive index, pH, turbidity, and essential oil content) showed that all samples were within generally accepted quality ranges, with no significant differences observed between regions using the Mann–Whitney U test. HiEOs were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (53.15–55.60%), whereas HiHYs contained predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes (43.54–69.86%). The main compounds identified in both fractions were α-pinene, neryl acetate, γ-curcumene, and β-selinene, which formed a consistent chemical signature and served as practical biomarkers for the quality of H. italicum EO and hydrosol. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguished sample groupings based on physicochemical properties and chemical composition, indicating regional variability without exceeding accepted quality limits. This study presents the first comparative dataset of Croatian commercial HiEOs and HiHYs, and defines practical parameter ranges to support standardized specifications, ensure consistent quality, and enhance the industrial applicability of immortelle-based products. Full article

This study was conducted to understand how applied potential modulates metabolic flux toward succinic acid during xylose electro-fermentation by Actinobacillus succinogenes under varying feed concentrations (15, 20, 25 g/L). Electro-fermentations were conducted with applied potential at −1.5 V and −2.5 V and compared to open circuit control. Product distribution and carbon balance were quantified to assess the effect of potential on pathway routing. Results showed that applied potential consistently reduced formic acid and increased succinic acid selectivity. At 20 g/L xylose, the highest succinic acid yield was 0.80 mol/mol at −2.5 V, a 28.88% increase compared to that of the control (0.62 mol/mol). Formic acid and acetic acid yields were 0.73 and 0.60 mol/mol, representing a 48.83% and 16.09% reduction, respectively. The carbon allocation to succinic acid was 51% with a total carbon recovery of 81%. In addition, the effects of 10 g/L and 15 g/L NaHCO₃, as well as 10 g/L NaHCO₃ supplemented with gaseous CO_2, were evaluated at 15 g/L xylose and −2.5 V. Supplementation with gaseous CO₂ increased succinic acid yield from 0.74 to 0.85 mol/mol and improved total carbon recovery from 75% to 84%. Collectively, these findings show that applied potential, in combination with bicarbonate or CO₂ supply, can be strategically employed to improve succinic acid production. Full article