Search Results (92)

The dried herb of blue fenugreek is used as a spice in the alpine region for the preparation of traditional bread and cheese. After drying, the herb is stored for a period of six to twelve months. During this time, the herb is expected to undergo changes in the compositions of the major flavor- and odor-determining compounds. To identify eventual biochemical processes, we applied different growing (conventional and sterile) and drying (air- and freeze drying) conditions and subsequently conducted periodical analysis of key aroma constituents (α-keto acids and volatile compounds) by LC-MS and GC-MS. The amount of glyoxylic acid was drastically increased in the air-dried sample, while the freeze-dried sample showed significantly higher amounts of α-keto-glutaric acid and pyruvic acid, respectively. During storage, a decrease in sulfuric compounds and an increase in alkane aldehydes were observed when comparing conventional and sterile samples. However, this increase was even greater for monoterpenes (especially camphor and p-cymene), showing thrice as high amounts after storage. Interestingly, both compounds were only formed significantly during the storage under conventional conditions, indicating that their production is induced/caused by microbial organisms. Full article

Imaging is commonly used to help diagnose pancreatic disease in cats. In order to establish normal computed tomography (CT) measurements for the pancreatic ducts in cats, images of 78 cats without clinical evidence of pancreatic disease, and with normal DGGR (1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester lipase values, were evaluated retrospectively by two reviewers. The left pancreatic duct measured 1.4 ± 0.8 mm (mean ± standard deviation), the right pancreatic duct measured 1.1 ± 0.5 mm, and the common duct measured 1.6 ± 0.8 mm. All ducts were better visualised post-contrast, with the left pancreatic duct identified most frequently (not visualised on post-contrast images in only 3% of cases). There was visibility of the right and common hepatic ducts less frequently, not observed post-contrast in 22 and 20% of cases, respectively. The duodenal papilla measured 2.8 ± 0.7 mm in diameter. It had an HU of 43 ± 14 pre-contrast and 109 ± 32 post-contrast. It was identified in all but 6% of cases on post-contrast images. This study shows that the pancreatic ducts and duodenal papilla can be seen on post-contrast images and provides normal ranges of size for the pancreatic duct and duodenal papilla. Full article

Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), also known as glutaric acidemia/glutaric aciduria type II (GA II), is an inborn error of fatty acid, amino acid, and choline metabolism. The chronic management of MADD involves both dietary fat and protein restriction to reduce the substrates of the dehydrogenases affected, the avoidance of prolonged fasting as in any fat metabolism disorder, and monitoring for potential complications. Due to its rarity, there is little published experience on the management of MADD in pregnancy. Herein, we report the successful management of a pregnancy in a patient with late-onset or type III MADD, with considerations for preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Full article

As one kind of renewable aromatic polymer, lignin is severely underused due to its chemical recalcitrance. Lignin can endure demethylation modification to improve its activation by releasing more active functional groups. However, the process suffers from expensive, corrosive, and toxic issues by employing halogen-containing reagents, which has become an obstacle to industrial applications. Herein, a series of dicarboxylic acid-based protic ionic liquids (DAPILs) systems composed of ethanolamine and dibasic organic acids (e.g., aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), succinic acid (SA), and glutaric acid (GA)) with 1~2:1 stoichiometric ratio, have been finely designed for the demethylation of industrial lignin. With [EOA][GA] treatment, the polyphenol content in lignin was favorably increased beyond 1.58 times. The structural tailoring and variation were fully characterized by 2D HSQC and ¹H NMR. The analysis results indicated that, with the increase of phenolic hydroxyl content in lignin, the β-O-4′ bond was broken and the content of structural units (S, G) and the S/G ratio of lignin decreased accordingly. After the treatment, the used IL and tailored lignin can be recovered over 95%. This novel, halogen-free and environmentally friendly lignin-cutting strategy not only opens avenues for high-value utilization of lignin but also expands the field of application of dicarboxylic acid-based protic ionic liquids. Full article

Feed fermented by various strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) produces distinct biologically active substances. This study systematically evaluates the growth performance, gut microbiota modulation, and immune response parameters in Muscovy ducks fed with LP81-fermented diets (LP81-FF) compared to conventional regimens. Our findings demonstrate that LP81-FF elicits dose-dependent improvements in Muscovy duck production parameters. Through a 70-day feeding trial, LP81-FF administration reduced feed intake by 3.1% and improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.18% and 6.65% (p < 0.05) compared to conventional feed. Systemic antioxidant capacity analysis revealed 25.99% elevation in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), accompanied by 14.37% and 30.79% increases in serum IgG and IgM levels, respectively. Immune organ indices showed dose-responsive enhancement, with the high-dose group (HD) achieving 47.27% and 28.92% increases in thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices (p < 0.05). Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that LP81-FF optimized the intestinal microbial community structure of Muscovy ducks by promoting the abundance of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus (beneficial bacteria) (p < 0.05), while inhibiting the increase of Escherichia-Shigella and Rothia (harmful bacteria). It also promoted the secretion of beneficial metabolites such as Glutaric acid and 2,6-Diaminohexanoic acid in the intestine, inhibited the production of harmful substances dominated by Fexofenadine, and enhanced the strength of physical barrier-related factors such as intestinal mucosa villi and goblet cell count. These multi-omics insights establish that LP81-FF enhances growth performance through coordinated modulation of gut–liver axis homeostasis, mucosal immunity activation, and microbial-metabolic network optimization. Our results position LP81-FF as a sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in waterfowl production systems. Full article

This study achieves the particle-resolved modeling of biomass pyrolysis via a novel approach of integrating the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with a semi-detailed chemical kinetic mechanism. By coupling CFD-DEM with a 36-step reaction network, the multiscale interactions between particle-scale hydrodynamics and the formation kinetics of 19 tar components under varying temperatures (630–770 °C) are elucidated. Levoglucosan (44.79%) and methanol (18.64%) are identified as primary tar components. Combined with these, furfural (C₅H₄O₂, 7.22%), methanal (CH₂O, 6.75%), and glutaric acid (C₅H₈O₄, 4.20%) account for over 80% of all the tar components. The secondary decomposition pathways are successfully captured, and changes in the reaction rates, as seen in triglycerides (R23: 307.30% rate increase at 770 °C) and tannins (R24: 265.41% acceleration), are quantified. This work provides the ability to predict intermediate products, offering critical insights into reactor optimization. Full article

This study explores sustainable foamed polyester materials derived from natural or bio-based building blocks, including succinic, glutaric, and adipic acids, combined with trimethylolpropane and pentaerythritol. By precisely tuning the ratio of functional groups, the resulting polymers contain minimal free functionalities, leading to lower hygroscopicity and enhanced stability. The reaction is monitored by tracking the mass loss associated with water formation, the primary condensation by-product, which reveals a first-order kinetic behaviour. Infrared spectroscopy indicates that foaming occurs in a narrow time window, while esterification begins earlier and continues afterwards. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms thermal stability up to ~400 °C, with complete decomposition at 500 °C and no residue. Scanning electron microscopy images of test specimens with varying densities reveal dense, microporosity-free cell walls in both materials, indicating a homogeneous polymer matrix that contributes to the overall stabilisation of the foam structure. In flammability tests, the foams resist ignition during two 10 s methane flame exposures and, under prolonged flame, burn 40 times more slowly than conventional foams. These results demonstrate a modular system for creating bio-based foams with tunable properties—from soft and elastic to rigid—suitable for diverse applications. The materials offer a sustainable alternative to petrochemical foams while retaining excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Full article

Copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and alkyl acrylic acids that swell and shrink in response to pH were prepared by dispersion polymerization at 35 °C using N-isopropylacrylamide (transduction monomer), methylenebisacrylamide (crosslinker), 2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-acetophenone (initiator), N-tert-butylacrylamide (transition temperature modifier), and acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, and propacrylic acid (functional comonomer). The diameter of the microspheres of the copolymer varied between 0.5 µm and 1.0 µm. These microspheres were cast into hydrogel membranes prepared by mixing the pH-sensitive swellable polymer particles with aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solutions followed by crosslinking the polyvinyl alcohol with glutaric dialdehyde for use as pH sensors. Large changes in the turbidity of the polyvinyl alcohol membrane monitored using a Cary 6000 UV–visible absorbance spectrometer were observed as the pH of the buffer solution in contact with the membrane was varied. Polymer swelling was reversible for many of these NIPA-based copolymers. The buffer capacity, ionic strength, pH, and temperature of the buffer solution in contact with the membrane were systematically varied to provide an in-depth pH profile of each copolymer. A unique aspect of this study was the investigation of the response of the NIPA-based polymers to changes in the pH of the solution in contact with the membrane at low buffer concentrations (0.5 mM). The response rate and the reversibility of polymer swelling even at low buffer capacity suggest that NIPA-based copolymers can be coupled to an optical fiber for pH sensing in the environment. We envision using these polymers to monitor rising acidity levels in the ocean due to water that has become enriched in carbon dioxide that endangers shell-building organisms by reducing the amount of carbonate available to them. Full article

Background: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease affecting multiple organ systems and poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical manifestations and absence of specific diagnostic tests. Currently, blood biomarkers such as ACE, sIL-2R, CD163, CCL18, serum amyloid A, and CRP are employed to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of sarcoidosis. Metabolomics holds promise for identifying highly sensitive and specific biomarkers. This study aimed to leverage metabolomics for the early diagnosis of sarcoidosis and to identify metabolic phenotypes associated with disease progression. Methods: Serum samples from patients with sarcoidosis (n = 40, including stage 1 to stage 4), were analyzed for metabolite levels by semi-untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Metabolomics data from patients with sarcoidosis were compared with those from patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls to identify distinguishing metabolic biosignatures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to obtain diagnostic and prognostic metabolic phenotypes. Results: Significant changes in metabolic profiles distinguished stage 1 sarcoidosis from healthy controls, with potential biomarkers including azelaic acid, itaconate, and glutarate. Distinct metabolic phenotypes were observed across the stages of sarcoidosis, with stage 2 exhibiting greater heterogeneity compared with stages 1, 3, and 4. Conclusions: we explored immunometabolic phenotypes by comparing patients with sarcoidosis with patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls, revealing potential metabolic pathways associated with acute and chronic inflammation across the stages of sarcoidosis. Full article

The microwave-assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of several aldoximes and dimethyl-2-methylene glutarate in the presence of diacetoxyiodobenzene as an oxidant produced four new isoxazoline-derived dimethyl carboxylates. Saponification followed by acidification of the latter yielded novel isoxazoline dicarboxylic acids in reasonable to high yields. The structures of these novel compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and HRMS spectroscopy. Their biological activities disclosed higher inhibition of the growth of E. coli organisms by the aromatic compounds than by the aliphatic derivatives, demonstrating their potential in antibiotics research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Clofazimine (CFZ) is a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) II drug introduced in the US market in 1986 for the treatment of leprosy. However, CFZ was later withdrawn from the market due to its extremely low aqueous solubility and low absorption. In the literature, the intrinsic solubility of CFZ has been estimated to be <0.01 μg/mL, and solubilities of its different salt forms in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids are <10 µg/mL. These are extremely low solubilities for the dissolution of a drug administered orally at 100–200 mg doses. Methods: In the present investigation, seven weak organic acids (adipic, citric, glutaric, maleic, malic, succinic, and tartaric) were tested by determining the aqueous solubility of CFZ as the function of acid concentration to investigate whether any of the acids would lead to the supersolubilization of CFZ. Results: There were only minimal increases in solubilities when concentrations of acids in water were increased up to 2.4 M. The solubilities, however, increased to 0.32, 1.23, and 10.68 mg/mL, respectively, in 5 M solutions of tartaric, malic, and glutaric acids after equilibration for 24 h at 25 °C. Crystalline solids were formed after the equilibration of CFZ with all acids. Apparently, salts or cocrystals were formed with all acids, except for glutaric acid, as their melting endotherms in DSC scans were in the range of 207.6 to 248.5 °C, which were close to that of CFZ itself (224.8 °C). In contrast, the adduct formed with glutaric acid melted at the low temperature of 77 °C, and no other peak was observed at a higher temperature, indicating that the material converted to an amorphous state. Conclusions: The increase in CFZ solubility to >10 mg/mL in the presence of 5 M glutaric acid could be called supersolubilization when compared to the intrinsic solubility of the basic drug. Such an increase in CFZ solubility and the conversion of the glutarate adduct to an amorphous state are being exploited to develop rapidly dissolving dosage forms. Full article

Short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS), characterised by growth retardation and short beak, is a contagious disease of ducks, caused by goose parvovirus (GPV). This study aimed to compare morphology and biochemistry data obtained from 4-week-old Pekin ducks naturally infected with parvovirus causing SBDS in healthy Pekin ducks of the same age. Materials and Methods: Forty Pekin ducks (twenty infected GPV and twenty clinically healthy controls) were examined. Measurement of the beak and metatarsus and histopathological examination were conducted, and blood morphological and biochemical analyses were performed for each individual. Results: Statistically significant increases in the SBDS group were observed in white blood cells (WBCs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin levels, while decreases were noted in non-organic phosphorus, potassium, and amylase levels. ALP in the control group was 465.70 ± 161.49, while in the SBDS group it was 353.68 ± 79.97 (p ˂ 0.006). 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase marker offered a refined gauge for pancreatic function, with established reference values for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the unique impact of GPV on the skeletal system of Pekin ducks, revealing significant insights into the mechanisms of SBDS without osteitis. Additionally, this work offers groundbreaking insights into the morphological and biochemical alterations in the blood during SBDS, establishing normative haematological and biochemical indices for Pekin ducks. It also introduces the DGGR lipase marker as a refined marker for pancreatic function for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. It highlights the role of ALP in ensuring proper bone growth and the need for ongoing research on its activity in the context of viral infections. Full article

Amino acid (AA)-related inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) and urea cycle disorders (UCDs) require strict dietary management including foods low in protein such as fruits, vegetables and starchy roots. Despite this recommendation, there are limited data on the AA content of many of these foods. The aim of this study is to describe an analysis of the protein and AA content of a range of fruits, vegetables and starchy roots, specifically focusing on amino acids (AAs) relevant to AA-related IMDs such as phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys) and tyrosine (Tyr). AA analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on 165 food samples. Protein analysis was also carried out using the Dumas method. Foods were classified as either ‘Fruits’, ‘Dried fruits’, ‘Cruciferous vegetables’, ‘Legumes’, ‘Other vegetables’ or ‘Starchy roots’. ‘Dried fruits’ and ‘Legumes’ had the highest median values of protein, while ‘Fruits’ and ‘Cruciferous vegetables’ contained the lowest median results. ‘Legumes’ contained the highest and ‘Fruits’ had the lowest median values for all five AAs. Variations were seen in AA content for individual foods. The results presented in this study provide useful data on the protein and AA content of fruits, vegetables and starchy roots which can be used in clinical practice. This further expansion of the current literature will help to improve diet quality and metabolic control among individuals with AA-related IMDs and UCDs. Full article

Lithium-ion portable batteries (LiPBs) contain valuable elements such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lithium (Li) and manganese (Mn), which can be recovered through solid–liquid extraction using choline chloride-based Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and bi-functional ionic liquids (ILs). This study was carried out to investigate the extraction of metals from solid powder, black mass (BM), obtained from LiPBs, with various solvents used: six choline chloride-based DESs in combination with organic acids: lactic acid (1:2, DES 1), malonic acid (1:1, DES 2), succinic acid (1:1, DES 3), glutaric acid (1:1, DES 4) and citric acid (1:1, DES 5 and 2:1, DES 6). Various additives, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDACl) surfactant, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), pentapotassium bis(peroxymonosulphate) bis(sulphate) (PHM), (glycine + H₂O₂) or (glutaric acid + H₂O₂) were used. The best efficiency of metal extraction was obtained with the mixture of {DES 2 + 15 g of glycine + H₂O₂} in two-stage extraction at pH = 3, T = 333 K, 2 h. In order to obtain better extraction efficiency towards Co, Ni, Li and Mn (100%) and for Cu (75%), the addition of glycine was used. The obtained extraction results using choline chloride-based DESs were compared with those obtained with three bi-functional ILs: didecyldimethylammonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate, [N_10,10,1,1][Cyanex272], didecyldimethylammonium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, [N_10,10,1,1][D2EHPA], and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate, [P_6,6,6,14][Cyanex272]/toluene. The results of the extraction of all metal ions with these bi-functional ILs were only at the level of 35–50 wt%. The content of metal ions in aqueous and stripped organic solutions was determined by ICP-OES. In this work, we propose an alternative and highly efficient concept for the extraction of valuable metals from BM of LiPBs using DESs and ILs at low temperatures instead of acid leaching at high temperatures. Full article

This research aimed to analyze the impact of two different non-Saccharomyces yeast species on the aromatic profile of red wines made from the cv. Babić (Vitis vinifera L.) red grape variety. The grapes were obtained from two positions in the Middle and South of Dalmatia. This study compared a control treatment with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) strain as a type of sequential inoculation treatment with Lachancea thermotolerans (Lt x Sc) and Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td x Sc). The focus was on the basic wine parameters and volatile aromatic compound concentrations determined using the SPME-Arrow-GC/MS method. The results revealed significant differences in cis-linalool oxide, geraniol, neric acid, and nerol, which contribute to the sensory profile with floral and rose-like aromas; some ethyl esters, such as ethyl furoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl lactate, ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-hydroxy butanoate, diethyl glutarate, and diethyl succinate, contribute to the aromatic profile with fruity, buttery, overripe, or aging aromas. A sensory evaluation of wines confirmed that Td x Sc treatments exhibited particularly positive aromatic properties together with a more intense fullness, harmony, aftertaste, and overall impression. Full article