Search Results (345)

Adequate birth weight is essential for animal survival and subsequent growth. However, the mechanism by which placental DNA methylation influences fetal growth remains incompletely understood. This study employed whole-genome bi-sulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing to analyze placental tissues from two weak piglets and two normal piglets born to the same sow. Transcriptome analysis identified 1989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in blood/immune processes. Additionally, differentially methylated regions linked to DEG repression were enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors and angiogenesis pathways. To investigate the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation, porcine trophoblast cells (PTr2) were treated with either DMSO (control) or the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of PACC1, SLC7A1, and PKP1 gene expression in the 5-Aza-treated group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) assays confirmed that the transcriptional activity of these genes is directly modulated by DNA methylation. These findings suggest that the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation in gene promoters may influence variations in placental morphology and birth weight in piglets, offering new insights into epigenetic regulation of fetal development, though larger studies are needed for validation. Full article

Sulfamethazine (SMT) is an antibiotic with good antimicrobial effect and is widely used to treat human and livestock diseases. Though the degradation of SMT by the conventional Fenton and electro-Fenton (EF) processes is efficient, it is limited by a narrow pH and iron sludge generation. Herein, we constructed a cost-effective EF system with the synergistic effect of zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) and sulfite (Fe⁰-EF/Sulfite), and key parameters such as applied current, catalyst dosing, sulfite dosage, and initial pH were optimized. Under the optimal conditions (Fe⁰ dosing of 50 mg/L, sulfite dosage of 1.5 mM, current of 40 mA, and pH of 3), the removal efficiency of 10 mg/L SMT reached 100% within 30 min, and the degradation rate constant reached 0.194 min⁻¹. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and quenching experiments confirmed the generation of various reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as ^•OH, SO₄⁻, O₂⁻, and ¹O₂, which significantly improved the pollutant removal efficiency. Sulfite accelerated iron cycling and inhibited the formation of iron sludge, thus broadening the pH range of the reaction from three to eight and overcoming the limitations of the conventional EF process. The Fe⁰-EF/Sulfite system performs cost-effectively at a wide pH range, providing an efficient and low-carbon solution for environmental pollution remediation with broad application prospects. Full article

This study aimed to improve the hydrophobicity of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films using a natural wax coating. For this purpose, firstly, the selection, extraction and characterization of a natural wax and fatty acids were carried out. These compounds were extracted from the aerial part of the Halimium viscosum plant. The chromatogram resulting from the chemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 15 compounds, with nonacosane being the major compound present. For film production, two different chemical pulps gels (sulfite and sulfate) were first characterized in terms of solids content, rheology and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The CNF films were produced by the solvent casting method, coated on one side with the extracted wax and subsequently characterized by wettability, surface energy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR, structural properties and water vapor permeability. The results showed that the wax-coated films exhibited a significant increase in water resistance, with a water contact angle exceeding 100°, demonstrating improved hydrophobicity. Also, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the films was drastically reduced after wax coating. Furthermore, the coated films maintained good transparency, making them a viable alternative to synthetic plastic. This study highlights the potential of natural wax coatings to improve the moisture barrier properties of biodegradable CNF films, promoting their application in sustainable packaging solutions. Full article

Laccase, produced by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is a key enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds, leading to a deterioration in the sensory quality of the must. This study investigates the comparative efficacy of the plant-based preparation ESTAAN and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in inhibiting enzymatic oxidation caused by laccase in the must of botrytized Riesling grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). Our aim was to assess the potential to reduce the added level of SO₂ while maintaining technological stability. Laccase activity was evaluated through spectrophotometric analysis. In addition, HPLC was used to determine the acetaldehyde content and the content of selected organic acids, whereas GC-MS was used to analyze geraniol and Fatty Acid Ester. The results demonstrated that ESTAAN significantly reduces laccase activity and limits phenolic oxidation. The combination of ESTAAN and SO₂ demonstrated a synergistic effect, allowing for a reduction in the dosage of sulfite. These findings support the use of ESTAAN as a promising alternative or as a supplement with sulfur dioxide. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources highlights Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF) as a promising alternative. However, microbiological safety remains a key concern. This study investigated the microbial diversity of BSF larvae, comparing two processing methods: (1) boiling followed by drying and (2) drying alone. Microbial diversity was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing, while bacterial loads were quantified using culture-based methods on samples from a French company. A systematic review complemented this analysis by synthesizing the existing knowledge on BSF microbiota. The rearing conditions varied, with substrate pH ranging from 4.1 to 9.0 and ambient temperatures between 24.6 °C and 42.7 °C. Mesophilic bacteria, spores, and lactic acid bacteria reached up to 8.6, 7.7, and 8.5 log CFU/g in the substrates and larvae, while yeasts, molds, and sulfite-reducing bacteria remained below 4.8 log CFU/g. Boiling reduced most loads below detection thresholds, particularly for yeasts, molds, and ASR. Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Cronobacter sp., and coagulase-positive staphylococci were absent, whereas Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were variably detected. Metabarcoding showed shifts in composition, with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes (Bacillota and Clostridiota) dominating. Process 1 more effectively reduced the bacterial loads, though Bacillus and Clostridium remained. Campylobacter sp. detection in powders raises food safety concerns. Full article

The unprecedented development of coastal cities in West Africa is marked by anarchic urbanization accompanied by ineffective environmental management, leading to water pollution. This study is conducted in the southern districts of Lomé, Togo, an area built on sandbars where inappropriate attitudes, behaviors, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices prevail. The objective of this study is to characterize the quality of groundwater in the study area. Bacteriological and physicochemical analyses were carried out on 11 wells in 10 districts in the southern districts during the four seasons of the year. The analysis shows that the groundwater is polluted in all seasons. Nitrate concentrations exceed 50 mg/L in 65% of the samples, while chloride levels surpassed 250 mg/L in 18% of the cases. Regardless of the season, the dominant facies is sodium chloride and potassium chloride. In all districts, the analysis of microbiological parameters including total germs (30 °C, 100/mL), total coliforms (30 °C, 0/mL), Escherichia coli (44 °C, 2/250 mL), fecal streptococci (0/100 mL), and anaerobic sulfite reducers (44 °C, 2/20 mL) reveals values exceeding the European Union standards (2007). Groundwater contamination is facilitated by the sandy nature of the soil, which increases its vulnerability to various pollutants. Togo continues to experience cholera outbreaks, aggravated by poor sanitation infrastructure and limited vaccination coverage. Public health efforts are directed toward improving sanitation and raising awareness about waterborne and non-communicable diseases. Full article

Catechol-like compounds are found throughout biology in the form of both redox-active and metal-binding functional groups. Within the marine environment, catechol groups are known to coordinate strongly with vanadate and ferric ions, and this binding is regulated through redox mechanisms. While investigating marine melanin formation in vitro, we found that DOPA, a catechol-containing amino acid, reacts with both metals differently when provided with sulfite, a weak reductant, and selenite, a weak oxidant. Both compounds interacted with the DOPA–vanadium complex, but only selenite, the more redox-labile chalcogenide, led to the creation of melanin particulates. When DOPA, vanadate, and selenite are present together, a metal-binding spectra shift and a melanin variant are rapidly observed. This variant was found to form large, elongated filaments with a low carboxylic acid content and a unique electron paramagnetic resonance signature. When compared to enzymatically produced melanin, this chemically synthesized variant was more thermally and biologically inert, exhibiting a lower redox activity. The results demonstrate that the regulation of the redox environment from metal–catechol interactions can help to control both the chemical and physical properties of melanin aggregates, suggesting a scalable and cell- and enzyme-free synthesis pathway for applications that may require inert materials of strict composition. Full article

This study investigated the defluorination of PFOA and PFOS using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)/sulfite system, and evaluated its potential application in quantifying individual perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Results showed that 81.9% and 87.5% defluorination of PFOA and PFOS were achieved after 120 min of photoreaction under conditions of pH 12 and 20 mM of sulfite. Higher pH and sulfite dosage facilitated the reaction, while competing ions could suppress the defluorination efficiency. Based on the optimized defluorination conditions for individual PFAS, the potential of fluoride release amount, as an indirect quantification indicator, was further assessed. A strong linearity between the fluoride release and initial PFAS concentration (R² > 0.999) was observed in the PFAS concentration range of 2–100 μM, and such linearity was also shown in the presence of sediment leachates. This correlation enabled the estimation of individual PFAS concentrations by measuring fluoride release after defluorination treatment. The approach was further demonstrated in an adsorption experiment, where calculated distribution coefficients (K_oc) for PFAS–sediment interactions were consistent with previously reported values, supporting the analytical validity of the method under controlled conditions. Overall, this work presents a simple and cost-effective indirect analytical strategy of applying a VUV/sulfite defluorination system for individual PFAS quantitative detection in complex environmental matrices. Full article

Bioprotection in winemaking refers to the use of naturally occurring microorganisms—mainly non-Saccharomyces yeasts—to inhibit the growth of spoilage microbes and reduce the need for chemical preservatives like sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of non-Saccharomyces as bioprotectants. However, the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a bioprotectant has been studied very little. Furthermore, it can offer many advantages for the production of sulfite-free wines. To test if S. cerevisiae could be used in bioprotection, we compared the ability of different strains to inhibit the growth of Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Among the strains tested, the S. cerevisiae Sc54 strain isolated from the vineyard of the Bekaa plain was selected. To investigate its mechanisms of action, we analyzed its metabolite production, including acetic acid and ethanol. Taking into account the low levels of these metabolites and the lack of similar inhibition patterns in media supplemented with acetic acid and ethanol, it appears that other factors contribute to its antagonistic properties. Nutrient competition was ruled out as a factor, as the growth inhibition of B. bruxellensis and H. uvarum occurred rapidly within the first 24 h of co-culture. In this study, we explored the role of the S. cerevisiae killer toxin (Sc54Kt) as a bioprotective agent against H. uvarum and B. bruxellensis spoilage yeasts. Purification procedures with ethanol allowed the extraction of Sc54Kt, yielding two concentrations (0.185 and 0.5 mg/mL). Remarkably, semi-purified Sc54Kt exhibited inhibitory effects at both concentrations under winemaking conditions, effectively controlling the growth and metabolic activity of the target spoilage yeasts. Overall, these findings demonstrate that S. cerevisiae Sc54 not only exerts a strong bioprotective effect but also contributes to improving the quality of wine. The results suggest that S. cerevisiae Sc54 is a promising bioprotective agent for mitigating spoilage yeasts in winemaking, offering a natural and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial strategies. Full article

The different impact and interaction of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment and sulfite addition on the color, phenolic compounds, volatile profile, and sensory properties of a Primitivo wine were studied at bottling and after six months of storage. The results show that PEF treatment, promoting the electroporation of grape skin cells and the permeability of cell membranes, accelerated the extraction of anthocyanins and polyphenols only in the initial phase of maceration. After six months in bottles, wines treated only with PEF show lower levels of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols, but a significant increase in procyanidins B2, which are important for structure and color stability and a richer flavor profile, with higher concentrations of fruity esters and higher alcohols. The use of SO₂ improves anthocyanin stabilization and facilitates the extraction of polyphenols. The wines from the PEF + SO₂ combination maintain greater aromatic freshness, limiting the formation of oxidative compounds. Wines made from SO₂ have a more balanced profile, with cherry, plum, and licorice aromas, although the combined PEF + SO₂ treatment better preserves fresh fruit aromas, reducing the perception of dried fruits and herbaceous notes. Full article

This pilot study investigated the effects of a reduced sulfur (RS) diet on the gut microbiome composition and fecal metabolome in individuals with remitted or active ulcerative colitis (UC). Thirteen participants maintained their habitual diet (control), while nine followed an RS diet for eight weeks (Wk8). Stool and plasma samples were collected at the baseline and Wk8. The sulfur intake decreased in the RS group (−28 g/1000 kcal) versus the control group (−1.7 g/1000 kcal; p < 0.001). The RS group exhibited a significant decrease in lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (−5280 ng/mL), while these levels increased in the control group (620 ng/mL; p < 0.05). The microbiome analysis showed an increased alpha diversity at Wk8 (p < 0.01), suggesting a microbial shift with a RS intake. The metabolic alterations indicated enhanced nitrogen disposal (increased uric acid, methyluric acid, N-acetyl-L-glutamate) and a higher energy demand (elevated ubiquinol and glucose-pyruvate). The RS diet increased beneficial microbes Collinsella stercoris, Asaccharobacter celatus, and Alistipes finegoldii, while decreasing pathobionts Eggerthella lenta and Romboutsia ilealis. Methyluric acid correlated positively with C. stercoris (β = 0.70) and negatively with E. lenta (β = −0.77) suggesting these microbes utilized this metabolite and influenced the microbiome composition. In conclusion, a RS diet promoted microbial diversity, metabolic adaptations, and reduced inflammation, highlighting its potential as a novel strategy for UC management. Full article

The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (ERN) to ammonia offers a promising route to address energy shortages and environmental pollution, but its practical application is hindered by low selectivity due to complex eight-electron transfer pathways and high energy consumption (EC) from the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study proposes a dual strategy: (1) designing a multi-functional self-supported ANP electrode via vapor deposition to enhance ERN activity and (2) replacing the OER with thermodynamically favorable anodic reactions (urea oxidation reaction (UOR), sodium metabisulfite oxidation reaction (S(IV)OR), sulfite and urea oxidation reaction (S(IV)/UOR)) to reduce EC. The ANP cathode achieved a nitrate removal rate (R%) of 97.7%, ammonia selectivity (SE%) of 91.8%, and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 97.3% at −1.2 V, with an ammonia yield of 0.0616 mmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ and an EC of 8.239 kWh/kg, while in situ-generated atomic hydrogen (*H) was identified as key to improving nitrate removal and selectivity. Replacing the OER with alternative anodic reactions significantly improved system efficiency: the UOR reduced EC by 17.5%, S(IV)OR saved 27.6% energy with 7.1% higher ammonia yield, and a hybrid S(IV)/UOR system achieved a 32.1% lower EC and a 12.6% greater ammonia yield than the OER. These differences stemmed from variations in cell voltage and ammonia production rates. This work provides a viable approach for selective nitrate-to-ammonia conversion and guides the design of energy-efficient electrocatalytic systems for sustainable nitrogen recovery. Full article

This review focuses on the potential health risks of artificial food additives, especially their effects on lung health. Preservatives, synthetic colorants, and flavor enhancers, which are commonly used in processed foods, play roles in worsening respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These additives cause oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and immune dysregulation, often through the gut-lung axis. The preservatives sodium nitrite and sulfites have the risk of causing bronchial hyper-responsiveness and allergic reactions. The synthetic colorant, Ponceau 4R, is also related to immune-mediated lung inflammation. Flavoring agents such as diacetyl contribute to occupational respiratory diseases like bronchiolitis obliterans. In animal models, prenatal exposure to additives, such as titanium dioxide (E171), might disrupt the development of respiratory neural networks, with long-term consequences. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which also contain a high concentration of additives, lead to systemic inflammation and impair lung function. Despite their wide usage, the use of these additives has become a warning sign due to their safety issue, particularly in sensitive people like children, pregnant women, and patients with pre-existing respiratory and chronic conditions. The review highlights the serious need for strict regulation and further research on the long-term effects of food additives on respiratory health. Policymakers should ban these food additives that are more harmful to human health. As an alternative to artificial additives, natural flavors and colors from fruits and vegetables, safe preservatives, and minimally processed ingredients can be used. Full article

Rapid and cost-effective measurements of the autofluorescence of wine can provide valuable information on the brand, origin, age, and composition of wine and may be helpful for the authentication of wine and detection of forgery. The list of fluorescent components of wines includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, some vitamins, aromatic amino acids, NADH, and Maillard reaction products. Distinguishing between various fluorophores is not simple, and chemometrics are usually employed to analyze the fluorescence spectra of wines. Front-face fluorescence is especially useful in the analysis of wine, obviating the need for sample dilution. Front-face measurements are possible using most plate readers, so they are commonly available. Additionally, the use of fluorescent probes allows for the detection and quantification of specific wine components, such as resveratrol, oxygen, total iron, copper, hydrogen sulfite, and haze-forming proteins. Fluorescence measurements can thus be useful for at least a preliminary rapid evaluation of wine properties. Full article

The illegal treatment of tuna with nitrite is a significant food safety concern. The risk may be due to not only the high nitrite levels and the possible formation of N-Nitrosamines but also to the possible increase in biogenic amines and microbial load and also pathogens. This study optimized the treatment of red tuna (Thunnus thynnus) with nitrite solutions and then determined several chemical (histamine, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), biogenic amines, nitrite/nitrate, ascorbic acid, and sulfites) and microbiological (total microbial count, Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella, Escherichia coli) parameters, comparing the results obtained with fresh samples with those obtained with treated samples after 5 days of storage (4 °C). The effect of such treatment on samples voluntarily contaminated with some pathogens was also investigated. The results indicate that if the products are characterized by suitable hygienic quality, the total microbial load and the levels of histamine and TVBN after 5 days of storage are below the legal limits, and no health risk subsists. The growth of pathogens/histaminogens (Salmonella and Morganella morganii) was also substantially inhibited during storage. Thus, this work confirmed that the high nitrite amounts and the possible development of N-nitrosamines represent the only significant food safety concerns. Full article