Search Results (968)

This study systematically compared the effects of dietary supplementation with glutamine (Gln) and its precursors, including glutamic acid (GA) and α-ketoglutarate (AKG), on growth performance, serum antioxidant and immune parameters, and multi-region gastrointestinal microbiota in suckling lambs. Forty healthy suckling Hu lambs with similar body weight (7.37 ± 1.18 kg) and age (7 ± 0.8 d) were selected and randomly allocated into four groups (n = 10 per group): a control group (CON, without additive), and three treatment groups (GA, AKG, and Gln), each receiving 2 g per animal per day of the corresponding additive. The experimental period lasted for 42 d. All three additives showed a tendency to increase the final body weight (p = 0.056) and significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of lambs (p < 0.05). GA supplementation increased the dry matter intake throughout the entire trial (p < 0.05), whereas the addition of AKG and Gln increased the dry matter intake only during the later period (d 21–42) (p < 0.05). The feed-to-gain ratios did not differ among all groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the CON group, all three treatment groups showed elevated serum activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, as well as increased IgA and IgG contents (p < 0.05). In addition, malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in all three treatment groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, GA supplementation reduced the ruminal alpha diversity while increasing the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (Ruminococcaceae UCG-014) (p < 0.05). All three interventions consistently decreased the abundance of the intestinal pathogen Escherichia-Shigella in the ileum (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed that ruminal Treponema 2 abundance was negatively correlated with ADG, whereas jejunal Methylobacterium and ileal [Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes group were positively correlated with final body weight or ADG. In conclusion, glutamine and its precursors play an important role in modulating gastrointestinal bacterial diversity and composition, enhancing antioxidant and immune functions, and improving the growth performance of suckling lambs. Full article

Optimizing the interaction between planting density and nitrogen (N) application rate is critical for simultaneously improving grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains poorly understood in the fluvo-aquic soil region of the southern Huang–Huai–Hai Plain. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanism by which planting density and nitrogen application interactively regulate source–sink coordination to achieve synergistic high grain yield and high NUE, and to screen the optimal local cultivation combination for winter wheat in southeastern Henan. A two-year consecutive field experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2020 in Shangshui, Henan, using a split-plot design. Three planting densities (D1: 225 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹; D2: 375 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹; D3: 525 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹) and five N rates (N0: 0; N1: 180; N2: 240; N3: 300; N4: 360 kg N ha⁻¹) were established. Results demonstrated that planting density, N rate, and their interaction significantly regulated grain yield, NUE, and dry matter and N allocation, with consistent trends across both years. Increasing density enhanced total biomass and N accumulation, but dry matter and N partitioning to grains declined when density exceeded 375 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹. Grain yield exhibited a quadratic response to N rate; the optimal N rate for maximum yield decreased from 296.33 kg ha⁻¹ at low density (D1) to 237.50–245.38 kg ha⁻¹ at medium and high densities. The combination of 240 kg N ha⁻¹ and 375 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹ (D2N2) produced the highest average grain yield (8875.35 kg ha⁻¹), with simultaneous improvements in spike number and kernels per spike as well as superior dry matter and N partitioning to grains. This combination also maintained high nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE). Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield and NUE were significantly positively correlated with dry matter accumulation, N accumulation, and their partitioning proportions to grains. Overall, D2N2 achieved simultaneous high yield and high NUE by coordinately optimizing dry matter and N partitioning to grains. We therefore recommend reducing N fertilizer to approximately 240 kg ha⁻¹ combined with a moderate planting density of 375 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹ as the preferred strategy for sustainable and intensive winter wheat production in the fluvo-aquic soil region of southeastern Henan and adjacent areas. Full article

Optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from Solidago sp. is essential for the development of plant-derived products with therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Microwave-assisted (MW) and thermal maceration (TM) extraction of S. canadensis aerial parts were comparatively investigated to maximize total flavonoid content (TFC). The obtained extracts were subsequently freeze-dried for storage prior to chemical and biological analyses. Extraction conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken design. Chemical characterization was performed by FTIR, HPLC-PDA, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS, enabling detailed profiling of phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while cytotoxic activity was evaluated against HepG2, HCT-8, and HT-29 tumor cell lines, with HEK-293 cells used as a non-tumorigenic control cell line. Multivariate analysis (PCA) was applied to establish relationships between phytochemical composition and biological responses. Higher TFC values were obtained using MW extraction, whereas TM extracts exhibited greater antioxidant activity. Both extract types induced selective cytotoxic effects against tumor cell lines, while maintaining negligible toxicity toward normal HEK-293 cells. PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns between MW and TM extracts and confirmed a strong association between phenolic composition and bioactivity. The combination of optimized extraction, freeze-drying, and integrated chemical–biological evaluation produced S. canadensis extracts with well-defined phytochemical profiles and biological activity, supporting their potential use in nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Excess zinc (Zn) has an important effect on seed yield and quality, as well as the possibility of subsequent processing. In this study, we investigated the effect of excess Zn concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg kg⁻¹) in the substrate on the seed yield and selected biochemical parameters of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds. The following parameters were investigated: seed yield, individual lipid classes were analyzed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC); gas–liquid chromatography with mass-selective detection (GS-MS) was used to analyze the fatty acid (FA) profile; and trace elements were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that Zn at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg kg⁻¹ caused a decrease in the number of S. alba pods, and the 1000-seed weight also decreased at a Zn concentration of 150 mg kg⁻¹. The Zn concentration in seeds from plants grown on contaminated substrate was higher than the control values and government standard thresholds. Zn at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg kg⁻¹ caused a slight increase in the content of triacylglycerols (up to 1.35–1.36% dry weight) and the total content of unsaturated FAs along with a decrease in saturated and total FAs. Zn at a concentration of 50 mg kg⁻¹ stimulated an increase in the total FA content. A high erucic acid content in S. alba seeds was observed in all studied variants. A mathematical model was used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of biofuels. The parameters relating to the FA composition of seeds of plants grown on a Zn-contaminated substrate did not deteriorate, and in the case of the kinematic viscosity coefficient, they were even improved compared to the control plants and complied with American (ASTM D6751) and European (EN 14214) standards for biofuels. The obtained data indicate a negative effect of high Zn concentrations on seed yield. Changes in the FA composition of S. alba seeds may reduce their value for the production of edible oils due to the high content of erucic acid, but they could be used to produce technical oils (biofuel). Full article

Cocoa accounts for 5.20% of Peru’s cultivated land and is growing at a rate of 8.80% per year; however, yields remain low due to deficiencies in crop management. Therefore, this study used a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to evaluate effects of an organic agroforestry system (OAF) and conventional monocultures (CMs) on soil and production in high-yielding T. cacao plantations in the Upper Huallaga Valley, Peru. Four plantations were evaluated: organic agroforestry (Pa) and conventional monoculture (LE, Sa, and Sh). Soil physicochemical variables and cocoa production were assessed. The MLR analysis revealed that in OAF systems with mature trees, there will be slight losses of clay and silt fractions; the latter can be offset by high planting density. The OAF system showed a significant positive effect on pH. However, the CM system showed significant decreases in pH, CEC, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The interaction between OAF and CM optimized production, increasing the weight of dry beans. Planting density is associated with improvements in pH and bases, as well as fruit index and the weight of dry beans. MLR modeling suggests that integrating OAF systems with conventional management practices in high-density plantations offers valuable alternatives for the design of local agricultural policies and producer support programs, by identifying the factors that link management systems to soil quality and sustainable cocoa productivity in this valley. Full article

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the possibility of predicting the efficiency of CO₂ mineralization using metallurgical wastes (MWs) from the perspective of chemical thermodynamics and on identifying, accordingly, promising MWs for the production of construction materials and products. The study examined MWs from major Russian iron and steel producers, namely: blast furnace, electric steelmaking, ferroalloy, converter steelmaking slag, as well as nepheline slag, a by-product of nepheline ore processing for alumina. The CO₂ binding capacity of MWs was determined using experimental samples fabricated by semi-dry pressing of MW powders, followed by curing them in a gas atmosphere with an CO₂ concentration of 80% vol. It was found that the investigated MWs are capable of absorbing and binding CO₂, thereby improving their physical and mechanical properties. Experimental samples made from nepheline slag bind 11.3 to 12.0 wt.% of CO₂; samples from steelmaking slags: up to 9 wt.% or more; and samples from blast furnace dump slag: approximately 5.5 wt.% At the same time, the compressive strength of samples from steelmaking slags exceeds 100 MPa, that of samples from nepheline slag approaches 80 MPa, and that of samples from blast furnace dump slag exceeds 50 MPa. It has been established that predicting the efficiency of CO₂ mineralization by metallurgical wastes based solely on chemical thermodynamics is not entirely accurate. To develop a preliminary forecasting model for the carbonate hardening potential of various MWs, further studies are needed to identify additional key factors influencing the carbonate hardening process of MWs. Full article

Freeze-drying is the most commonly used method for preserving probiotics. The freeze tolerance of probiotics has a significant impact on both their survival rate and the expression of their functional properties. To enhance the freeze tolerance of probiotics, this study established an adaptive evolution protocol combining cold stress with repeated freeze–thaw cycles to screen for freeze–thaw-tolerant evolved strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MP108. The safety, metabolic, and functional characteristics of these strains were then evaluated. The results showed that the combination of the 8 h cold stress treatment at 4 °C and nine cycles of freezing and thawing at −20 °C effectively enhanced the strain’s freeze tolerance, and the evolved strain L134 was successfully screened through adaptive evolution. Its freeze-dried survival rate and storage survival rate after 6 months of storage were both significantly higher than those of the parental strain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it exhibited good passage stability. At the same time, the safety and acid-producing characteristics of L134 did not show significant changes compared to the parental strain. Furthermore, its tolerance to simulated gastric fluid, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). In particular, compared to MP108, L134 exhibited significantly increased hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity as well as higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT (p < 0.05); the improvement in its freeze tolerance may be related to this enhanced antioxidant capacity. Full article

This study investigated the chemical composition, fermentation dynamics, fatty-acid profile, and polyphenolic evolution of two mixed silages designed to valorize agro-industrial by-products for ruminant feeding. Silages were produced by co-ensiling wheat straw, cheese-whey, and molasses with grape pomace (SIL-1) or olive mill wastewater (SIL-2), and were monitored over a 150-day ensiling period. The two formulations exhibited distinct compositional characteristics and fermentation kinetics. SIL-1 showed higher crude protein content and a more favorable fatty-acid profile, with greater levels of selected long-chain fatty acids, whereas SIL-2 had higher dry matter and structural fiber fractions. Both silages achieved effective fermentation, reaching stable acidic conditions (pH < 4.0), although SIL-1 consistently maintained lower pH and higher buffering capacity. Fermentation end-products differed between silages, with higher concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in SIL-1 and greater lactic acid accumulation in SIL-2, under significant treatment × time interactions. Bioactive compound analysis revealed higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in SIL-1, whereas SIL-2 showed marked degradation of phenolic compounds, including the loss of characteristic secoiridoids. Polyphenolic profiles displayed compound-specific temporal dynamics during ensiling. Overall, both silages were well preserved; however, SIL-1 demonstrated superior nutritional quality and bioactive stability, supporting its potential as a functional feed ingredient for ruminant nutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral delivery of semaglutide (Rybelsus) relies on sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl]amino)caprylate (SNAC) to enhance peptide absorption. However, formulation constraints and SNAC’s localized gastric mechanism have prompted the exploration of alternative enhancers. This study evaluated whether sodium caprate (C10), a well-characterized medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), could achieve systemic exposure comparable to SNAC-based formulations when co-formulated in an immediate-release (IR) tablet. Methods: Preformulation studies assessed the physicochemical properties and buffering capacity of C10. Mechanistic feasibility was evaluated through Caco-2 transport studies and rat pharmacokinetic (PK) trials using aqueous suspensions, comparing the concentration-dependent effects of C10 and SNAC. Based on these findings, three IR tablet architectures (monolayer, bilayer, and dry compression-coated) were developed. The optimized formulation was evaluated in beagle dogs (14 mg semaglutide) and compared with the SNAC-based reference product. Results: C10 exhibited sufficient buffering capacity to neutralize acidic environments. In Caco-2 and rat PK studies, C10 enhanced semaglutide absorption in a concentration-dependent manner, yielding exposure levels equivalent to SNAC at matched doses. Among the tablet designs, the monolayer tablet showed the highest dissolution similarity (f₂ = 67.8) to Rybelsus. In beagle dogs, the optimized monolayer formulation produced pharmacokinetic parameters, including C_max, AUC_last, and t_1/2, that overlapped with those of the SNAC-based reference drug product under matched dosing conditions. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that C10 can effectively support oral semaglutide delivery when incorporated into a rationally designed IR tablet. The findings support the feasibility of MCFA-based permeation enhancer platforms as formulation alternatives to SNAC for oral peptide therapeutics. Full article

White tea (WT) and Indocalamus latifolius leaves (ILLs) are valued for their distinctive aromas and bioactive properties. In this study, flavonoid extraction from ILLs was optimized using total flavonoid yield as the response variable through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The resulting Indocalamus latifolius leaf extract (ILLE) was vacuum-concentrated and sprayed onto WT to produce Indocalamus latifolius leaf–white tea (IT). The effects of spray ratio, spraying liquid temperature, and drying temperature on the sensory and chemical qualities of IT were further evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to compare the metabolite profiles of IT and WT. The optimal extraction conditions for ILLs’ flavonoids were 95 °C, 120 min, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 60:1 mL/g, yielding 4.39 mg/g total flavonoids. The optimal processing parameters for IT were a spray ratio of 1:1.75 g/g, a spraying liquid temperature of 50 °C, and a drying temperature of 105 °C. Compared with WT, IT showed improved sensory and biochemical qualities, including a richer and more persistent ILLs aroma, a more refreshing and more layered taste, and significantly higher levels of water extracts, flavonoids, tea polyphenols, soluble sugars, and amino acids (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed clear compositional differentiation between IT and WT, including the enrichment of several metabolites, some with potential functional relevance, as well as aroma-active compounds. These findings provide chemical and sensory evidence for the distinctive quality of IT and support further development of this novel specialty tea. Full article

The application of manure to field corn has the potential to sustain corn yields and reduce nutrient leaching in the soil profile. A field trial with a randomized complete block design was conducted on Adkins fine sandy loam soil to evaluate the impact of application of manure and synthetic fertilizer on nutrient concentrations (N, P, K and S) in plant and soil as well as field corn yield. Experimental treatments included application of synthetic fertilizer (NPK: T1) and dairy manure application at 12.4-(T2), 24.7-(T3) and 37.1-(T4) tons ha⁻¹ in addition to a non-fertilized control (CK). All manure was applied before planting. Corn was manually harvested, and plants were separated into leaves, stems and cobs to determine dry weights. Post-harvest soil sampling was performed at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm soil depths. The results indicated that in-season leaf nutrient concentration was significantly different among applied treatments. The application of synthetic fertilizer (T1) resulted in the highest plant height (295 cm) and produced a higher corn yield (112.3 Mg ha⁻¹) compared to CK and application of dairy manure. Application of manure at 12.4 tons ha⁻¹ produced higher corn yield (87.8 Mg ha⁻¹) compared to manure application at 24.7 (64.0 Mg ha⁻¹) and 37.1 tons ha⁻¹ (64.5 Mg ha⁻¹). A similar trend was observed for leaf, stem and cob fresh and dry weights. Nutrient recovery was higher under application of synthetic fertilizer, followed by application of manure at 12.4 tons ha⁻¹. Soil nutrient analysis indicated no significant impact on N, P, K and S concentration among treatments except for NH₄⁺–N. However, nutrient concentration significantly varied under different soil depths. These results suggest that a combination of synthetic fertilizer application and manure might be a practical approach for a balanced nutrient supply for field corn. Further investigations are necessary to explore the potential of manure application to ensure balanced nutrient supply, improved yields and reduced nutrient losses in field corn. Full article

Enriching honey with plant additives allows for increasing its antioxidant potential in an additive-dependent manner and at the same time shaping new sensory properties, increasing consumer acceptability. Known spices and by-products from fruit processing can also be used to produce such additives. Combined dry extracts of clove buds and mandarin peels were used to enrich antioxidant properties and to flavor rapeseed honey. Four different extracts combining both raw products were produced by ultrasound-assisted extraction using 50% vol. ethanol and converted into powder by vacuum concentration followed by lyophilization. The obtained extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH assays) as well as total polyphenols content. Phenolic HPLC-DAD profiles were compared and selected polyphenols (syringic acid, ellagic acid, hesperidin and eugenol) were quantified. The dry extracts were incorporated into rapeseed honey (0.25% w/w) during the creaming process. No significant changes in color and texture were visually noted; whereas, some changes (p < 0.05) in titrable acidity and electrical conductivity were observed. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in antioxidant activity (from 4 to 6-fold) and the beneficial enrichment with well-known bioactive compounds (mainly eugenol and hesperidin) was observed for all produced flavored honeys. Moreover, tested properties of the enriched honeys remained stable during 6 months of storage. The two honeys with the most improved antioxidant activity showed better sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability compared to pure rapeseed honey, but slight extract type-dependent differences were noted. It was shown that the proposed sustainable technological process using waste mandarin peels can lead to the development of a new product referred to as “plant-enriched honey” with increased health-promoting value belonging to the functional food segment. Full article

Lactase enzyme-based products experience challenges including residual lactose that result in lactose intolerance. The purpose of this study was to develop polyelectrolyte polysaccharide-enriched lactase-encapsulated liposomal hydrogel films as an edible coating of Perline Mozzarella cheese that delivers enzymes along with the product on the side of absorption in the small intestine. Coatings were investigated for shelf-life enhancement and in vitro enzyme release behaviour. Two different polymeric hydrogel film formulations were evaluated: lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched chitosan (PCLLa) and lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched polyelectrolyte chitosan and sodium alginate (CLLA). Lactase-encapsulated liposomes (mean particle size: 176 nm) were produced using 20% v/v lactase enzyme and 8% w/v lecithin using probe sonication. The edible hydrogel film coatings were applied on Perline Mozzarella cheese using the standard dip-coating method. Shelf-life characteristics of all samples were evaluated using pH, colour change, dry matter determination, microbial evaluation, and sensory analysis. CLLA coatings increased shelf life up to 60 days, displaying a pH of 5.48, continued normal colour, enhanced humidity balance, minimal bacterial growth, and the highest scores for sensory values when compared to both PCLLa (coatings) and the bare cheese substrate (control) samples. Furthermore, CLLA coatings provided greater stability for liposomes within the polyelectrolyte polymeric edible hydrogel film structure. Hence, the combination of liposomes with polyelectrolyte edible hydrogel films provides a novel strategy to enhance lactase enzyme encapsulation (for intolerance), stability, and delivering ability to the small intestine as well as improving the shelf life of coated cheese products. Full article

Water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) is the key to producing quality forage silage and an important energy source for ruminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different silages used as roughage sources [whole-plant sugarcane silage (WSS) vs. elephant grass silage (EGS)] with varying levels of WSC on silage quality, buffalo growth performance, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial communities. Sixteen healthy male crossbred buffaloes were randomly divided into two treatment groups, with eight buffaloes/treatment. One group was fed whole-plant sugarcane silage, and the other group was fed elephant grass silage. Compared with EGS, WSS had higher WSC, lactic acid, and ethanol, but lower pH, ammonia nitrogen, propionic acid, and butyric acid (BA) contents (p < 0.05). Potential probiotics (e.g., Lactiplantibacillus and Hanseniaspora) were more abundant in WSS than in EGS (p < 0.05). Moreover, the feed conversion rate was higher in HWS (p < 0.05). However, rumen fermentation parameters were unaffected by diet (p > 0.05). Moreover, feeding WSS had lower dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and lower acid detergent fiber digestibility (ADFD) (p < 0.05). After WSS feeding, ruminal Treponema_2 was strongly associated with DMD, OMD, and ADFD (p < 0.05), and also showed positive correlations with BA and PA contents in WSS (p < 0.05). Additionally, rumen Ruminiclostridium_5 and Pseudozyma was associated with DMD and ADFD after being fed EGS (p > 0.05), respectively, but the Pseudozyma was associated with BA (p < 0.05) and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_11 (p > 0.05) in EGS. Our findings indicated that WSS exhibited superior fermentation quality and harbored potential beneficial microbes, whereas EGS showed higher apparent nutrient digestibility in buffalo but also contained undesirable bacteria (e.g., Clostridium_sensu_stricto_11). Future research should investigate the long-term effects of WSS feeding on buffalo health, immunity, and production performance, as well as its impact on rumen microbiota stability, to fully assess its potential as a safe and sustainable roughage source. Full article

This work deals with a practical method of using crumb rubber resulting from waste tires to produce modified bitumen via a wet mixing method for road construction in Iraq. Due to wide variation in temperatures and over-loading traffic in Iraq, rutting deformation is the most observed structural pavement problem. Also, tire wear and tear are higher in Iraq than in other countries due to high temperature and dry weather most of the year, which makes considerable amounts of waste tire piles easily accessible. Utilizing this waste material could be crucial to the environment and economy of the country, as well as to the sustainability of resources. Using waste tire materials as bitumen modifiers in the production of hot mix asphalt is a widely practiced experiment, although it is applied differently depending on the weather, type of bitumen used, and its availability. In the methodology of this research, it is suggested to modify asphalt grades 60/70 by a certain amount of crumb rubber (5–20%). The modified asphalt and asphalt grade 40/50 were used in preparing two types of asphalt concretes to examine their volumetric properties and evaluate their rutting behavior. The results for both mixtures were compared to the Iraqi General Specifications for Roads and Bridges (SORB/R9). The findings showed significant improvements in Marshall stability and flow, as well as in the percentages of voids satisfied in the modified mixture. After using rubberized asphalt in the mixture, the rutting depth was recorded below 20 mm and decreased by 30% and 26% at temperatures of 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively, compared to the controlled mixture. Full article