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Aims: Nitrogen (N) deposition increases risks of accelerating soil acidification, but its impact could vary depending on acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and clay mineralogy. We analyzed effects of N deposition on acidification in four forest soils that differed in parent materials. Methods: We developed the method for assessing contribution of external proton input, N transformation, and plant uptake to soil acidification quantitatively in forest soils derived from loess (Qipanshan in Shenyang Liaoning), sandstone (Dinghushan in Zhaoqing Guangdong), granite, and basalt (Jianfengling in Hainan). We further estimated the acidity required for soil pH decreases using ANC (sum of cations) to predict soil pH change in forests affected by N deposition. Results: N deposition contributed 30%, 45%, and 4% of the total proton generation through nitrification in the Qipanshan, Dinghushan, and Jianfengling soils, respectively. Heavy N deposition (50 kg N ha−1 yr−1) also increased acidification through net cation accumulation in growing plant biomass (3.0 kmolc ha−1 yr−1) in Dinghushan, where soil pH decreased by 1 unit in 30 years. Acidity could account for 56% of exchangeable Al accumulation (268 kmolc ha−1), but not for depletion of ANC or total base reserves in the Dinghushan soil. Proton generation associated with N deposition was smaller for the depletion of ANC or total base reserves required for soil pH decrease in Qipanshan and Jianfengling. Conclusion: We found quantitatively that acidification progressed through increased nitrification and plant productivity in the forest soil due to chronic N deposition and low ANC and basic cation reserves derived from sandstone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass from willow and poplar harvested for feed during the growing season may be preserved by ensiling; however, little research has focused on ensiling of these biomasses. This study focuses on the use of ensiling additives to reduce the pH to around 4.0 to secure stable storage. Lab-scale ensiling experiments were conducted with different willow and poplar clones, shoot ages, and harvest times (June or September). Ensiling without additives often resulted in limited pH reduction. The pH could be reduced in the biomass of both species by adding formic acid, and the required dose to reduce the pH to 4.0 (buffering capacity, BC) ranged significantly between biomass types but was in the range of 2–5 kg formic acid (78%) per ton fresh weight. BC decreased with increasing dry matter (DM) content and decreasing crude protein content. The pH could also be reduced during ensiling by applying molasses and/or lactic acid bacteria, although not sufficiently in poplar. Willow biomass was ensiled effectively at the pilot scale with less than 7% DM loss by adding formic acid or by mixing with grass biomass. Comparable pH results were obtained at the lab scale and pilot scale. The study demonstrates how willow and poplar can be ensiled; however, more research is needed on quality changes during ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assisted tree migration has been proposed as a conceptual solution to mitigate lags in biotic responses to anthropogenic climate change. The rationale behind this concept is that tree species currently growing under warmer and drier climates will be more resistant and resilient to the new climatic conditions than tree species naturally growing in currently wetter and colder climates. However, we hypothesize that, by being more stress‐tolerant to warmer and drier conditions, translocated species should exhibit different functional attributes, which could induce important ecological and societal costs and overcome the desired benefits of maintaining wood production and other ecosystem services. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze variation in seven traits of 106 tree and tall shrub species from contrasting latitudinal distributions in western North America and Europe to predict the potential functional changes of forest ecosystems due to the translocation of tree species from low to high latitudes. We show that species from both continents differed primarily by their position on the leaf economy spectrum (LES) and their size traits. Even though, in Europe, differences in LES were significantly correlated to species southern latitudinal positions, in both continents differences in size traits were significantly correlated to latitude. These results suggest that assisted migration by translocating more conservative species of shorter stature in currently cooler climates should decrease the buffering capacity of forest canopies, decrease facilitation for understory species, and increase wildfire risks, whose effects have the potential to accelerate climate warming through negative atmospheric feedback processes. As an alternative solution to assisted migration that may accelerate rather than mitigate climate change, we recommend that foresters gradually diversify the vertical structure and layering of the existing forest canopy to maintain a sustainable water cycle and energy balance between the soil, the tree and the atmosphere without increasing the wildfire risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mashing is a decisive brewing step, affecting wort quality. Critical mashing parameters include time, temperature, pH, mash density and oxygen uptake. While the pH-dependent biochemical changes during mashing have been researched, the oxidative processes remain unclear. This work explores the impact of pH conditions during mashing on the biochemical composition and oxidative properties of wort. In laboratory trials, mashing was conducted at different mashing-in pH (4.5, 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 6.0). The sweet worts were analyzed for extract, fermentable sugars, limit dextrins, amino acids, soluble proteins, polyphenols, color, aldehydes, transition metals, reducing potential, and rate of radical formation. Differences were found in enzymatic activities (particularly proteolysis), color, aldehydes, transition metal ions, the rate of radical formation and the rate of oxygen consumption. Notably, when adjusting the pH at mashing-in, the obtained wort tends to gravitate toward the pH of the unadjusted wort, underscoring its buffering capacity. This was reflected by similar properties of the produced worts, indicating pH playing a lesser role during mashing compared to time/temperature. However, under extreme acidified conditions (pH 4.5 at mashing-in), the produced wort markedly deviates. An intriguing negative correlation between the reducing potential and the content of transition metal ions with the rate of radical formation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Numerous noninvasive strategies are used to prevent dental caries. Remineralization can take place by the use of milk and milk products. Another approach to bacterially mediated diseases has been the use of probiotics. The classic food containing probiotic is yogurt (curd) and consumption of dairy products on daily basis seems to be most natural and effective way to ingest probiotic bacteria. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of probiotic homemade curd and yogurt on salivary pH, calcium level, and buffering capacity. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 students aged 12 years, who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from two different schools and were divided into two groups. Test and control group consumed 200 mL of probiotic yogurt and curd for a period of 30 days. Baseline and 30 days of unstimulated salivary sample (2 ml) was collected and salivary pH, buffering capacity and salivary calcium level was assessed. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean salivary pH and buffering capacity was found to be same in both groups and salivary calcium levels increased with the use of probiotic yogurt at the end of 30 days compared to control group. Conclusion: The consumption of probiotic yogurt for a short period of time can prevent dental caries by increasing salivary calcium levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The huge quantum of vegetable waste (VW) generated in the country has a tendency to decay rapidly owing to high organic and moisture content, and extremely perishable nature which make it an ideal feedstock for renewable energy production. Initial assessment of biochemical methane potential (BMP) of relatively more acidic cabbage, tomato, capsicum, and bitter gourd wastes resulted in lower biogas accumulation (80–120 mL) and methane yield (0.016–0.028 L/g VS added). On the other hand, higher cumulative biogas production (300–320 mL) and corresponding methane yield (0.280–0.300 L/g VS added) were noted for relatively less acidic radish and fenugreek leaves wastes. The Butyrate/Acetate and Propionate/Acetate levels were above inhibitory concentration in case of former set of VWs with poor methane yield, and were lower than inhibitory concentration in case of latter set of VWs with higher methane yield. Biogas volume and methane yield were observed to be 220 mL and 0.112 L/g VS added respectively during co-digestion of all the seven VWs (MVW) while the same were higher (320 mL and 0.255 L/g VS added) during co-digestion of VWs (HBVW) which had performed better during mono-digestion experiment. The determination coefficients for observed methane production potential of VWs (R2 values) were > 0.9 indicating goodness of fit for all the four kinetic models. However, among the four kinetic models, most accurate prediction of biogas potential was achieved by the logistic function and modified Gompertz models considering the minimum deviations between the measured and predicted biogas yields and lowest values displayed for the statistical indicators RMSE, MAPE, AIC, and BIC. The study highlighted the significance of monitoring substrate composition during the anaerobic digestion for preventing process failure due to over-acidification and also paves the path towards effectively utilizing VW as substrate for biogas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unstructured mathematical model is proposed to describe the fermentation kinetics of growth, lactic acid production, pH and sugar consumption by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 as a function of the buffering capacity and initial dry matter concentration of pretreated biomass of Arthrospira platensis in the culture media. Initially the experimental data of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 fermentations in algae-based media with different buffering capacity and dry matter concentration were fitted to a set of primary models. Later the parameters obtained from these models were used to establish mathematical relationships with the independent variables tested. The models were validated with 6 fermentations of Lactobacillus. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 in different algae-based media. In most cases the proposed models adequately describe the biochemical changes taking place during fermentation and are a promising approach for the formulation of algae-based probiotic foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage enclosures made of paper-based materials are commonly used to store and classify archival documents for their hygrothermal buffering effect. However, there is little information about papermaking and quantitative studies on such an effect. Aiming to assess the feasibility of using the enclosure to buffer temperature and relative humidity fluctuations, without any detrimental effect on the collections, this paper reports four measurements and a feasibility assessment: thermophysical properties of the enclosure material, hygroscopic properties of the material, air change rate of the enclosure, buffering effect in a climate chamber and the assessment of safeguarding collections without causing any detrimental effect. The measurement results show that the enclosure can buffer macro-environmental fluctuations, which was considered sufficient to mitigate temperature and humidity fluctuations from the room environment and to secure a condition inside that is safe for the collections. The paper-based material determines the buffering capacity of the enclosure, and an appropriate air change rate ensures average temperature and relative humidity inside the enclosure at a controllable level and prevents off-gassing accumulation. This work provides assurance that using enclosures is an effective approach to collection storage and establishes a significant basis for further heat–air–moisture simulation and energy-saving optimisation study in the service operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of homolactic bacteria and molasses (MOL) in whole-plant soybean silage on dry matter (DM) losses, content of organic acids, bromatological composition, in situ degradation of DM and aerobic stability. Mini-silos (n = 200) were blocked (n = 5) by phenological stage and assigned into a 2×2 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 levels of microbial inoculation (INO, 0 or 105 colony forming units of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus per kg of fresh forage) and 2 levels of powdered MOL (0 and 40 g/kg fresh forage). Mini-silos were opened after 90 days of fermentation. Total losses were lower in silos with MOL. Whole-plant soybean ensiled with the combination of INO and MOL had the highest DM recovery. Adding MOL increased lactic acid content and decreased ammonia nitrogen content (marker of proteolysis), pH and buffering capacity. MOL reduced the contents of NDF. Silage with both INO and MOL had the highest DM content. MOL increased DM degradation. No effects were detected on aerobic stability. INO does not show positive effects on soybean silage nutritive quality when not associated with MOL. Molasses has a positive impact on whole-plant soybean silage by decreasing fermentation losses and pH, while increasing silage nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Knowing and predicting the buffering capacity of a food is of high importance in the context of gastric digestion and health. The aim of this study was to analyze the buffering capacity and the HCl amount needed to acidify a food, both as an indication of the acidity and gastric digestion of commercial and homemade dog foods in relation to their nutrient composition. The study developed prediction equations to estimate the buffering capacity using a set of 30 complete dog foods, each ten different types of commercial dry and wet dog food, and homemade dog food. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate canine food for buffering capacity. The buffering capacity (BC) of food may act as a key regulatory parameter of canine gastric digestion by influencing the activity of gastric enzymes, the solubility of dietary ingredients, the gastric breakdown of food nutrients, and, subsequently, the absorption of nutrients. To analyse a possible effect of food on gastric pH, the BC of wet, dry, and homemade dog food was quantified via an acid titration method until a pH under 2 was achieved. Wet food had the highest BC; between dry and homemade food, there was no significant difference. Using multiple regression analyses, we were able to establish associations between the nutrient composition and the BC of the dog food. Crude protein content was the most important factor that influenced the BC and HCl use per gram of dry matter (DM) (p < 0.001), whereas the initial pH only tended to have an influence. The ash content also tended to affect the used HCl per gram of DM, and the DM content had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the BC per gram of DM. The excessively high ash content found in wet food could be a risk factor for gastric dilatation–volvulus syndrome because it could lead to an insufficient pH drop in the stomach. Our data indicate large differences in the BC of typical dog food; so, estimating the BC using the equations developed herein could help to design individualized dog diets, in particular for dogs with health problems such as gastric hypoacidity, gastric reflux, or gastritis. However, more research about the influence of dog-food BC on gastric pH in vivo is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsites are created by abiotic and biotic features of the landscape and may provide essential habitats for the persistence of biota. Forest canopies and understorey plants may moderate wind and solar radiation to create microclimatic conditions that differ considerably from regional climates. Skirt‐forming plants, where senescent leaves create hut‐like cavities around the stem, create microsites that are sheltered from ambient conditions and extreme weather events, constituting potential refuges for wildlife. We investigate day and night temperatures and humidity for four locations (grass tree cavities, soil, 20 cm above‐ground, 1 m above‐ground) in a South Australian forest with relatively open canopy of stringybark eucalypts (Eucalyptus baxteri, E. obliqua) and an understorey of skirt‐forming grass trees (Xanthorrhoea semiplana) at 5, 10, 20, and 40 m from the forest edge. We also measured the percentage of canopy and understorey covers. Generally, temperature and humidity differed significantly between more sheltered (grass tree cavities, soil) and open‐air microsites, with the former being cooler during the day and warmer and more humid during the night. Furthermore, our results suggest that canopy cover tends to decrease, and understorey cover tends to increase, the temperature of microsites. Distance to the edge was not significantly related to temperature for any microsite, suggesting that the edge effect did not extend beyond 10 m from the edge. Overall, grass trees influenced microclimatic conditions by forming a dense understorey and providing cavities that are relatively insulated. The capacity of grass tree cavities to buffer external conditions increased linearly with ambient temperatures, by 0.46°C per degree increase in maximum and 0.25°C per degree decrease in minimum temperatures, potentially offsetting climate warming and enabling persistence of fauna within their thermal limits. These climate moderation properties will make grass trees increasingly important refuges as extreme weather events become more common under anthropogenic climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing a significant decrease in the total acidity of grapes and related wines. This represents a serious issue for sparkling wine production. Consequently, before the second fermentation, the acidification of base wines is often necessary. However, the impacts of the most important organic acids on the foam properties of sparkling wines are not yet well known. The impacts of the addition of tartaric, malic, citric, and lactic acid on the quality of Falanghina and Bombino sparkling wines were evaluated. Analyses were performed soon after the second fermentation and one year after aging sur lees. The addition of each different organic acid to the two base wines resulted in significant changes in the sparkling wines not only in terms of pH, titratable acidity, and buffering capacity but also in the content of total amino acids and, in some cases, in the height of the foam and its stability over time. For both grape varieties, acidified wines showed a lower content of total amino acids in comparison with the control wines. The addition of lactic acid determined a higher persistency of the foam even after one year of aging sur lees only in Falanghina wines. The results obtained herein highlight the importance of organic acids and the pH of the base wines for the content of amino acids in sparkling wines. No strict correlation between organic acid addition and the foamability of wines was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of electrocatalytic reactions depends on not only the composition and structure of the active sites, but also their local environment, including the surrounding electrolyte. In this work, we demonstrate that BF2(OH)2− anion is the key fluoroborate species formed in the mixed KBi/KF (KBi=potassium borate) electrolyte to enhance the rate of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at near‐neutral pH. Through a combination of electrokinetic and in situ spectroscopic studies, we show that the mixed KBi/KF electrolyte promotes the OER via two pathways: 1) stabilizing the interfacial pH during the proton‐producing reaction with its high buffering capacity; and 2) activating the interfacial water via strong hydrogen bonds with F‐containing species. With the KBi/KF electrolyte, electrodeposited Co(OH)2 is able to achieve 100 mA/cm2 at 1.74 V, which is among the highest reported activities with earth‐abundant electrocatalysts at near neutral conditions. These findings highlight the potential of leveraging electrolyte‐engineering for improving the electrochemical performance of the OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of electrocatalytic reactions depends on not only the composition and structure of the active sites, but also their local environment, including the surrounding electrolyte. In this work, we demonstrate that BF2(OH)2− anion is the key fluoroborate species formed in the mixed KBi/KF (KBi=potassium borate) electrolyte to enhance the rate of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at near‐neutral pH. Through a combination of electrokinetic and in situ spectroscopic studies, we show that the mixed KBi/KF electrolyte promotes the OER via two pathways: 1) stabilizing the interfacial pH during the proton‐producing reaction with its high buffering capacity; and 2) activating the interfacial water via strong hydrogen bonds with F‐containing species. With the KBi/KF electrolyte, electrodeposited Co(OH)2 is able to achieve 100 mA/cm2 at 1.74 V, which is among the highest reported activities with earth‐abundant electrocatalysts at near neutral conditions. These findings highlight the potential of leveraging electrolyte‐engineering for improving the electrochemical performance of the OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the distribution of sulfur and iron compounds (dissolved sulfide: H2S and HS−, iron sulfide: FeS, and ionized iron: Fe2+ and Fe3+) in sediments (0–15 cm depth) at four stations in Mikawa Bay, Japan, was evaluated from April 2015 to March 2016. The maximum dissolved sulfide concentrations in the upper part of the sediment porewater (0–4 cm depth) (within 1.4–8.1 mmol·L−1) varied among stations located in a waterway of a large-scale port with a significant dead zone. Moreover, the iron sulfide and ionized iron concentrations in the upper part were highest at a station where the dissolved sulfide concentration was relatively low compared with that of the other sites. Analysis of the theoretical and hypothetical accumulation of particulate oxidized iron (FOOH) at the stations located in the dead zone revealed that the estimated particulate oxidized iron accumulation was higher (2303 mmol·m−2) at a station in which the dissolved sulfide concentration was low compared with the other stations (142–384 mmol·m−2). Altogether, these findings suggest that the sulfur–iron cycling can determine the amount of dissolved sulfides that accumulate in sediments. Hence, artificially adding iron compounds to the seabed may help mitigate free sulfides accumulation and prevent extreme hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a model that would be able to simulate the kinetics of cell growth, lactic acid production, pH drop and sugar consumption in algae-based fermentations with Lactobacillus acidophilus BUCSAV-375 strain. The kinetic parameters of the primary models for these dependent variables were expressed as a function of the initial dry matter concentration of the media, obtaining by treatment of biomass of microalgae of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis), and their buffering capacity. Later the parameters obtained from these models were used to establish mathematical relationships with the independent variables tested. The models were validated with 6 fermentations of L.acidophilus in different algae-based media. In most cases the proposed models adequately describe the biochemical changes taking place during fermentation and are a promising approach for the formulation of algae-based probiotic foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Nutritional factors are suggested to influence the incidence and severity of glandular gastric disease (GGD) in horses. Objectives: To retrospectively assess whether dietary fermentable carbohydrates increase the severity of GGD and to prospectively evaluate whether the partial substitution of concentrates by dehydrated alfalfa would decrease GGD severity scores. Animals: In total, 82 trotters from 4 training centers exercised ≥5 days/week. Methods: Multicenter retrospective observational study, and prospective 2‐arm randomized trial. Glandular mucosae were observed by gastroscopy and scored (0‐4 severity scale) at day 0 (D0). Biochemical composition of the diet fed was compared between ulcerated and nonulcerated groups. After D0, horses either received the same diet (control, n = 41) or pelleted dehydrated alfalfa substituting 50% concentrates (alfalfa, n = 41). Glandular scores were recorded in both groups after 21 (D21) and 42 days (D42). The first end point was a successful outcome, defined as a horse with a glandular score of 2 to 4 on D0, decreasing to a score of 0 to 1 on days 21 or 42. Results: Horses scored 0 to 1 at D0 ingested more (P =.01) soluble sugars from concentrates than those scored 2 to 4 before D0 (77.5 g/kg BW; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.1‐84.0, vs 59.1 g/kg BW; 95% CI: 48.0‐70.3), whereas starch intake did not differ between groups (P =.24). Among horses scored 2 to 4 at D0, fewer were scored 2 to 4 in the alfalfa group (1 out of 6) compared with the control group (6 out of 6) at D42 (P =.02). Clinical success was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa compared with horses in the control group (95% CI: 1.6‐1422.8). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Relationships were found between diet composition and integrity of the glandular mucosa. Feeding pelleted dehydrated alfalfa could help to reduce the incidence and severity of GGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies highlight the potential of climate change refugia (CCR) to support the persistence of biodiversity in regions that may otherwise become unsuitable with climate change. However, a key challenge in using CCR for climate resilient management lies in how CCR may intersect with existing forest management strategies, and subsequently influence how landscapes buffer species from negative impacts of warming climate. We address this challenge in temperate coastal forests of the Pacific Northwestern United States, where declines in the extent of late‐successional forests have prompted efforts to restore old‐growth forest structure. One common approach for doing so involves selectively thinning forest stands to enhance structural complexity. However, dense canopy is a key forest feature moderating understory microclimate and potentially buffering organisms from climate change impacts, raising the possibility that approaches for managing forests for old‐growth structure may reduce the extent and number of CCR. We used remotely sensed vegetation indices to identify CCR in an experimental forest with control and thinned (restoration) treatments, and explored the influence of biophysical variables on buffering capacity. We found that remotely sensed vegetation indices commonly used to identify CCR were associated with understory temperature and plant community composition, and thus captured aspects of landscape buffering that might instill climate resilience and be of interest to management. We then examined the interaction between current restoration strategies and CCR, and found that selective thinning for promoting old‐growth structure had only very minor, if any, effects on climatic buffering. In all, our study demonstrates that forest management approaches aimed at restoring old‐growth structure through targeted thinning do not greatly decrease buffering capacity, despite a known link between dense canopy and CCR. More broadly, this study illustrates the value of using remote sensing approaches to identify CCR, facilitating the integration of climate change adaptation with other forest management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A winter wheat composite cross population (CCP), created in the UK in 2001, has been grown in Germany, Hungary, and the UK since 2005 (F5 generation). In 2008/09 (F8), a cycling pattern for the populations was developed between partners to test the effects of rapidly changing environments on agronomic performance and morphological characteristics. One CCP was grown by eight partners for one year and subsequently sent to the next partner, creating "cycling CCPs" with different histories. In 2013, all eight cycling CCPs and the three non-cycling CCPs (from Germany, Hungary, and the UK) were included in a two-year experiment in Germany with three line varieties as references. Differing seed weights of the F13 at sowing affected some agronomic parameters under drought conditions in 2014/15 but not under less stressful conditions in 2013/14. In both experimental years, the CCPs were comparable to the line varieties in terms of agronomic performance, with some CCPs yielding more than the varieties under the drought conditions of 2015. The results highlight the potential of CCPs to compete with line varieties, while the overall similarity of the CCPs based on their origin and cycling history for agronomic traits indicates a high buffering potential under highly variable environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of Cr(VI) by biosynthesis iron sulfides (FeS1+x) under anoxic conditions has been studied extensively. However, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) when FeS1+x containing SRB removes contaminants during in situ remediation still needs further study. The secondary kinetic constant of biosynthetic FeS1+x with the presence of SRB (called BS-FeS1+x) was 1.72 times that of FeS1+x with the absence of SRB (called BNS-FeS1+x) under FeS1+x:Cr(VI) molar ratio = 10:1, indicating that SRB had a promoting effect on the removal of Cr(VI). Additionally, XPS showed that 5.7% of Cr(VI) remained in the solid phase in the BS-FeS1+x system, indicating BS-FeS1+x could not only remove Cr(VI) by reduction but also by adsorption. Meanwhile, the Cr(VI) removal efficiency of BS-FeS1+x was 100% under anoxic conditions with FeS1+x:Cr(VI) molar ratio = 1:1, which was higher than BNS-SRB (93.4%). SRB could enhance the Cr(VI) removal efficiency, which was possibly due to the constant release of S(-II) and the improvement of the stability and dispersion and the buffering effect. This discovery provided an inspiring idea of the application of biosynthetic iron sulfides to in situ remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buffering capacity of saliva is a crucial function that serves multiple purposes. The normal pH of saliva is 6.3, and the buffering capacity of saliva maintains it above 5.5, thereby preventing demineralization. In this study, we evaluate the buffering capacity of saliva post-consumption of normal and probiotic yogurt. Therefore, the study's objective was to estimate saliva's buffering capacity among the 17-21-year-old population post-probiotic yogurt and regular yogurt consumption. The buffering capacity of saliva was tested using the Ericsson method (1959), where 0.5 mL of saliva was mixed with 1.5 mL of 5 mmol/L HCl. The mixture was mixed aggressively, centrifuged for a minute, and allowed to stand for 10 minutes. The baseline mean salivary buffering capacity of plain yogurt was 5.70±0.42, and after 15 days, it decreased to 4.50±0.70, then it gradually increased to 5.35±0.77 after 30 days of follow-up. The baseline mean salivary buffering capacity of probiotic yogurt was 2.90± 0.42, and after 15 days, it increased to 4.05±0.21 then it increased further to 5.10±0.28 after 30 days of follow-up. Probiotic yogurt reduces the incidence of dental caries by preventing demineralization of the enamel surface caused by reduced pH levels (acidic pH). However, it is seen that the buffering capacity of saliva does not significantly increase after the consumption of probiotic yogurt as compared to regular yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Buffering capacity (BC) is one of the important quality parameters of wort. In this study, the effect of single amino acids on brewing wort pH and its influence in wort BC were investigated. A beer sweet wort (BSW) was used as a control. A synthetic sweet wort (SSW) and synthetic sweet wort without amino acids (SSWNA) were prepared for a general comparison due to its absence of peptides. BC was conducted by the addition of hydrochloric acid. Results showed that a BSW and a SSW differed in their BC because SSW did not contain small peptides/peptides/polypeptides; SSWNA lost its BC severely due to its absence of nitrogenous compounds. Among all amino acids, arginine, and glutamic acid presented a higher influence in initial pH. However, aspartic acid wort demonstrated the best BC; therefore, this amino acid can be used to control the BC of brewers wort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In order to increase efficiency and productivity, the need to use high-energy concentrate in dairy cows' rations seems to be essential. This type of feed increases the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis, which leads to reduced dry matter intake, milk production, and fat content. Therefore, different types of buffers are used to reduce the above consequences. Most buffers used in livestock farms include sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, and bentonite. Scientific reports on rations containing buffers have a significant effect on fermentation parameters such as volume of gas production, potential, and consistent rate of gas production. Materials and Methods: In this study, three types of rations for dairy cows composed of 50:50, 40:60, and 30:70 forage to concentrate ratios and 4 types of buffers and alkalizer including sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate were examined using in vitro technique. The sequence of this experiment included determining the initial pH, buffering capacity, and buffering value index, determining the effect of buffers on the rate of fermentation parameters, microbial production, and utilizable crude protein at the duodenum of different diets in terms of forage to concentrate ratios. Results: The results of this experiment showed that the highest acidogenicity value was related to the treatment of low forage rations containing sodium bicarbonate buffer, which was significantly different from the control treatment. The rate of microbial protein production, in the gas technique, indicated that the highest amount of microbial protein was produced in the low-forage ration containing sodium bicarbonate buffer. In the microbial protein production experiment, it could be used in the small intestine. The highest amount of protein that could be used in the small intestine at eight and Twenty-four hours was related to the treatment of low forage feed containing sodium bicarbonate buffer. Conclusion: The results of treatments indicated that the buffering capacity of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate was significantly higher than sodium bicarbonate. The use of sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate buffers in low-forage diets increase gas production and production of microbial protein. It seems that among the evaluated compounds, sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate have the best effect on the production of microbial protein and utilizable crude protein at the duodenum in different diets in terms of the ratio of forage to concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have documented that during 'green tide' events, comprising green macroalgae blooms in aquatic ecosystems, dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) levels remain relatively steady despite the absorption of a large amount of DIP. In this study, surface sediment samples and a sediment core were extracted using a modified sequential extraction scheme, and water and surface sediment samples were analyzed in April 2017 to better understand phosphorus (P) cycling and replenishment in Subei shoal. We used a simple model on equilibrium of adsorption-desorption to present the buffering capacity of phosphate. The total P (TP) in the surface sediments ranged from 12.2 to 28.4 µmol g−1 (average 15.5 µmol g−1) and was dominated by inorganic P. TP, exchangeable P, reactive and reductive Fe/Al bound P, and authigenic apatite P significantly decreased northward and eastward from Subei shoal, contrary to the detrital P and organic P results. Dissolved and particulate inorganic P in the water samples ranged from 0.01 to 0.54 µmol L−1 (average 0.19 µmol L−1) and 0.9 to 19.6 µmol g−1 (average 4.9 µmol g−1), respectively. The applied model showed that suspended particulate matter is an important regulator of DIP behavior. Thus, modification of SPM can alter the DIP buffering capacity. The calculated buffering capacity in the surface layer of the sea water was > 60 within Subei shoal and always > 10 along the path of floating Ulva prolifera, providing a reasonable explanation for the steady concentration of DIP and its replenishment during the blooming of this green macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersecretion of gastric acid damages the stomach lining, causing the formation of peptic ulcers. Mucilage from medicinal plants offers a relaxing and soothing effect to the endodermal lining of the gut and has antacid properties, which can protect the mucosal lining from gastric acidity. This is the first report aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, acid-neutralizing, and cytotoxicity properties of traditionally used aqueous mucilage from Asparagus exuvialis and Sesamum capense. The physicochemical properties were determined by biochemical methods. Acid neutralizing and buffering capacities were determined by titration methods. Normal mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were used for cytotoxicity evaluation by MTT assay. The physicochemical characterization confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. Sesamum capense mucilage exhibited the most potent artificial gastric juice neutralizing capacity pH of 4.62±0.01, 8.0±0.00 acid neutralization capacity per gram of acid, and 30 minutes duration of acid neutralization. The aqueous mucilage from S. capense did not cause any significant cytotoxicity to 3T3 cell lines showing an IC50 value of 91.5 ± 0.06 μg mL-1, confirming the safe nature of the mucilage. These findings revealed that S. capense has the potential to neutralize gastric acid responsible for ulceration and can be safely consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The IPEC-J2 cell line is frequently used as an in vitro model to study the bioactivity of live probiotics. However, lactic acid bacteria (LB) acidify the medium, and the impact of pH and lactic acid accumulation on cell viability seem to be underestimated. Methods: IPEC-J2 viability was assessed by neutral red and flow cytometry in the presence of eight probiotics at concentrations between 106 and 109 bacteria/mL in maintenance and buffered media. Results: It was shown that a high inoculation level led to higher cytotoxic effects on IPEC-J2 cells after 22 h of incubation and that viability losses were more related to a combination of low pH and lactic acid than to the probiotics themselves. Furthermore, with LB at 106 and 107 bacteria/mL, the addition of phosphates to the media significantly reduced the drop in the pH and preserved the IPEC-J2 viability between 100% and 69%, compared to a highly variable viability between 100% and 17.5% in the unbuffered media. Conclusions: Under certain in vitro conditions, probiotics can lead to the deterioration of animal cells, and pH neutralization is an essential parameter in the cell–probiotic system in order to preserve cell viability and to better evaluate the bioactive properties of live probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and chemical properties of three kinds of laminations relative to the bonding properties of three-layer hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) were studied. The density of the parallel layer lamination of CLT was 640.47±61.85 kg/m3 , and the perpendicular layer laminations for CLT larch wood, poplar, and oriented strand board (OSB) were 392.51±40.14 , 343.73±17.16 , and 384.41±12.93 kg/m3. Block shear bond strength (BBS), wood failure percentage (WFP), and delamination rate (DR) of the hybrid CLT specimens were also determined. The results showed that the three kinds of hybrid CLT prepared with polyurethane (PUR) adhesive had good bonding properties under 1.2 MPa of bonding pressure. The BBS values of CLT with larch wood, poplar hybrid, and OSB hybrid were 2.32, 2.41, and 1.98 MPa, respectively; furthermore, their WFPs were all greater than 80%, and their DRs were 9.32%, 0.37%, and 0.11%, respectively. Regarding the relationship between perpendicular layer material properties and bonding properties, analysis revealed that delamination performance was strongly correlated with pH, buffer capacity, and the surface free energy of the perpendicular layer, whereas the WFP and BBS values had a strong correlation with pH and buffer capacity. Density was determined to be unrelated to bonding performance in the CLT prepared in this experiment. Microscopic analysis of the bonding line proves that the PUR adhesive can effectively penetrate into three different laminations under a bonding pressure of 1.2 MPa and form enough nails to ensure bonding strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Many soils in the developed world have been fertilized with phosphate for several decades. Appreciable phosphate has accumulated in such soils. This is referred to as "legacy P". The benefits of legacy P are not widely appreciated. Here, we report the effects of legacy P on buffering capacity and the consequent effects on the effectiveness of plant growth, and its effects on the continuing reaction between soil and P and the consequent effects in decreasing the decline of P effectiveness with time. Methods: We produced five levels of legacy P by incubating the soil with added phosphate at high temperatures for 30 days. We then measured the effect on sorption/desorption and on plant growth in response to further additions of phosphate. Results: Legacy P decreased soil buffering capacity, decreased hysteresis of desorption, and increased the amount of P in a similar state to that of the recently sorbed P. There were analogous effects of plant growth; effectiveness of P fertiliser increased; the decline in effectiveness with time decreased; and the amount of soil P accessible to plants increased. We think that soil tests reflect only the amount of soil P accessible to plants. Soil testing services which include estimates of phosphate buffering reflect its decrease and the consequent increase in fertilizer effectiveness. We propose a simple test to reflect the rate of decline in effectiveness with time. Conclusions: Managing phosphate applications using soil tests alone underestimates phosphate status and leads to over application of phosphate. It is necessary to also include estimates of the change in phosphate buffering and the change in the rate of decline in effectiveness with time. A simple way to estimate the rate of decline is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Beta-alanine (BA) is a supplement that has received attention for its buffering potential among athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BA supplementation on exercise performance and exercise-induced cell damage in female basketball players. Twenty-two female basketball players participated in a randomized, double-blind study. They ingested 6.4 g·day-1 of BA or an isocaloric placebo (dextrose) over 4 weeks. Exercise performance including aerobic (Bruce test), anaerobic (Wingate test), intermittent (Yo-Yo test) and basketball performance (countermovement jump and free throw shots) was measured before and following the intervention. Exercise measures were performed at the lab and free throw shots were undertaken on a wooden indoor basketball court. Blood samples were also collected before and after the exhaustive exercise to assess lactate concentration, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The exhaustive exercise test induced an increase in lactate concentration and MDA, CK and LDH activity (all p < 0.05). BA supplementation significantly reduced the lactate response to exhaustive exercise (p = 0.001); however, it had no significant effect on exercise-induced MDA, CK and LDH activity (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, exercise performance measures improved from pre- to post-test regardless of supplement/placebo ingestion (all p < 0.05). BA consumption over 4 weeks significantly reduced lactate accumulation following exhaustive exercise, but had no ergogenic effect in female basketball players. Usual dosing of BA does not seem to exhibit protective effect against oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) has been widely recognized as an important source of dissolved nutrients in coastal waters and affects nutrient biogeochemistry. In contrast, little information is available on SGD impacts on coastal carbon budgets. Here, we assessed the SGD and associated carbon (dissolved inorganic carbon [DIC] and total alkalinity [TA]) fluxes in Liaodong Bay (the largest bay of the Bohai Sea, China) and discussed their border implications for coastal DIC budget and buffering capacity. Based on 223Ra and 228Ra mass balance models, the SGD flux was estimated to be (0.92–1.43) × 109 m3 d−1. SGD was the largest contributor of DIC, accounting for 55%–77% of the total DIC sources. The low ratio (<1) of SGD‐derived TA to DIC fluxes and negative correlation between radium isotopes and pH in seawater implied that SGD would potentially reduce seawater pH in Liaodong Bay. Combining the groundwater carbon data in Liaodong Bay with literature data, we found that the SGD‐derived DIC flux off China was 4–9 times greater than those from rivers. By analyzing the TA/DIC ratios in groundwater along the Chinese coast and related carbon fluxes, SGD was thought to partially reduce the CO2 buffer capacity in receiving seawater. These results obtained at the bay scale and national scale suggest that SGD is a significant component of carbon budget and may play a critical role in modulating coastal buffering capacity and atmospheric CO2 sequestration. Plain Language Summary: Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important process of land‐sea interaction, but its significance on coastal carbon budgets is still poorly understood. In this study, the SGD and associated carbon flux were quantified based on high‐resolution radium and carbon data in an urbanized bay (Liaodong Bay, China). By reviewing the coastal groundwater carbon data in the existing literature, this study provided a first approximation of SGD‐derived carbon fluxes at the shelf‐scale along the Chinese coastlines. The results suggested that SGD is an important component of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) budgets at the bay scale and shelf‐scale. SGD with low total alkalinity/DIC ratio would potentially reduce seawater pH and CO2 buffering capacity in receiving coastal waters. This study highlights the important but easily overlooked implications of SGD for coastal carbon budget and carbonate system. Key Points: Submarine groundwater discharge and associated carbon fluxes were estimated in the largest bay of the Bohai Sea, ChinaSubmarine groundwater discharge was an important component of coastal carbon budgets at the bay scale and shelf‐scaleGroundwater carbon inputs to ocean would modify local seawater pH and partially influence CO2 buffering capacity in receiving coastal waters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the buffering capacity of restorative materials during a simulated carious and intrinsic erosive attack. Materials and Methods: Cavities with a volume of 130 μl were milled (Cerec MC XL) out of blocks of Ceram X Mono (CM), Quixfil (QX), Filtek Supreme (FS), Apa Fill 3 (AF), an experimental dual-curing composite containing a bioactive glass (EX), Dyract eXtra (DY), Beautifil (BE), Equia Fil (EQ), Telio CAD (TL) (negative control), TheraCal (TC; positive control), and extracted teeth (ED). 80 μl of lactic acid (pH 4.5) and hydrochloric acid (pH 2.6) were each pipetted into the cavities of two samples of each material. Change of pH in the solutions was measured continuously for 12 min using a calibrated pH electrode. Results: CM, AF, and FS (final pH 3.0-3.2) neutralized hydrochloric acid to a significantly lesser extent than did BE, EQ, DY and QX (final pH 5.0-5.6) (p < 0.05, ANOVA Scheffe). The lactic-acid buffering capacity of CM, BE, and AF was equivalent (final pH 6.3-7.4) to that of ED (7.5), but was surpassed by FS (pH 8.0). pH values for EX and TC (final pH 9.2-11.3) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in response to both acids. Conclusions: Conventional restorative materials do not buffer better than human teeth. However, the experimental composite demonstrates that buffering against carious and intrinsic erosive acid attacks is technically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances can alter the structure and function of ecosystems. In stream ecosystems, changes in discharge and physicochemistry at short, intermediate, and long recurrence intervals can affect food webs and ecosystem processes. In this paper, we compare pH regimes in streams at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, where episodic acidification frequency across the stream network varies widely due to buffering from inputs of bicarbonate‐rich interbasin groundwater. To examine the effects of acidification on ecosystem structure and function, we experimentally increased the buffering capacity of a headwater stream reach and compared it to an unbuffered upstream reach. We compared these reaches to a naturally buffered and unbuffered reaches of a second headwater stream. We quantified ecosystem structural (macroinvertebrate assemblages on leaf litter and coarse woody debris) and functional responses (leaf litter and coarse woody debris decomposition rates, and growth rates of a focal insect taxon [Diptera: Chironomidae]). Non‐metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity revealed that macroinvertebrate assemblages were relatively homogenous across the four study reaches, although the naturally buffered reach was the most dissimilar. Ecosystem function, as measured by chironomid growth rates, was greater in the naturally buffered reach, while decomposition rates did not differ across the four reaches. Our results indicate that biological assemblages are adapted to pH regimes of frequently acidified stream reaches. Our experiment informs the effects on structure and function at short time scales in streams that experience moderate acidification, but larger magnitude acidification events in response to hydroclimatic change, as projected under climate change scenarios, may induce stronger responses in streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on heavy metal ions biosorption by acidophilic microorganisms have not been systematically reported previously. In this study, three acidophilic strains were chosen as model microbes to evaluate the effect of EPS on the adsorption of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Zn2+) from aqueous solutions. The results indicated that buffering capacities and protonation/deprotonation abilities of these acidophiles were enhanced in the presence of EPS. Acid–base titration and FTIR analysis revealed the carboxyl, phosphoryl, amino and hydroxyl groups have provided EPS binding sites for heavy metal ions via deprotonation. The extreme thermophilic archaea had the highest total site concentration of 7.93 ± 0.52 × 10−4 mol/g on the cell surface. Meanwhile, cells with EPS had better performance in adsorption when compared with cells without EPS. The biosorption abilities of the extreme thermophilic archaea with EPS toward Cu2+, Ni2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ were 48 μmol/g, 37.5 μmol/g, 32.5 μmol/g and 28 μmol/g, respectively. This study could provide theoretical support for the treatment of heavy metal ions in acid mine drainage by acidophiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall and temperature are unpredictable factors in Mediterranean environments that result in irregular environmental conditions for crop growth, thus being a critical source of uncertainty for farmers. This study applied divergent single-plant selection for high and low yield within five barley varieties and two Tunisian landraces under semi-arid conditions at an ultra-low density of 1.2 plants/m2 for two consecutive years. Progeny evaluation under dense stands following farmers' practices was conducted in two semi-arid locations in Tunisia during one cropping season and in one location during a second season, totalling three environments. The results revealed significant genotypic effects for all recorded agronomic and physiological traits. No genotype × environment interaction was shown for biological yield, implying a biomass buffering capacity for selected lines under different environmental conditions. However, genotype × environment interaction was present in terms of grain yield since plasticity for biomass production under drought stress conditions was not translated directly to yield compensation for some of the lines. Nevertheless, several lines selected for high yield were identified to surpass their source material and best checks in each environment, while one line (IH4-4) outperformed consistently by 62.99% on average, in terms of grain yield, the best check across all environments. In addition, improved agronomic performance under drought conditions induced an indirect effect on some grain quality traits. Most of the lines selected for high yield maintained or even improved their grain protein content in comparison to their source material (average increase by 2.33%). On the other hand, most of the lines selected for low yield indicated a poor agronomic performance, further confirming the coherence between selection under ultra-low density and performance under dense stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of a water-soluble glass based temporary restorative resin (WSG-TRR) on bacteria-induced pH reductions at the bacteria-material interface. Each material (WSG-TRR, glass-ionomer cement, resin composite and conventional temporary restorative resin) was fixed to the bottom of the well of the experimental apparatus. The well was filled with pelleted cells of Streptococcus mutans, and the pH at the bacteria-material interface was monitored using a miniature pH electrode. The concentration of ions released from WSG-TRR and the effect of fluoride and zinc ions on bacteria-induced pH reduction was evaluated. The buffering capacities of WSG-TRR and WSG were also evaluated. At 90 min after the glucose addition, WSGTRR exhibited the highest pH (5.29±0.12). Fluoride ion was detected at the interface between bacteria and WSG-TRR. Moreover, WSG were found to confer high buffering capacity. A WSG-TRR reduced bacteria-induced pH reductions at the bacteria-material interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated processes contributing to periodic acidification events in headwater streams of Nee Soon Forest Catchment (NSFC) in Singapore by monitoring hydrochemical changes in response to rainfall inputs. Stream chemistry response to most rainfall events was characterized by decreases in pH from means ranging from 5.1 to 5.3 to below 4.8–5.0 and corresponding increases in specific electrical conductivity from baseflow values of 15–30 to 50–80 μS cm−1, indicative of low‐total dissolved solids in stormflow. The decreases in pH in the streams, which are typically acidic year‐round, were related to occasional highly acidic rainfall inputs (pH ~4.05) and likely the flushing of organic acids into the stream by shallow subsurface flow interacting with surface litter and/or organic‐rich soil horizons. The interaction of rainwater runoff with organic matter in the soil matrix possibly alters the chemical composition of stormflow, influencing pH. Decomposition of instream organic matter also reduces stream water pH. Leaching experiments revealed that the overland flow passing through organic matter and A horizon material has the potential to lower stream water pH by approximately a half unit or more, in part, by flushing nitrates that were produced by microbial decomposition of organic matter and/or precipitated sulphur that enterred the forest by wet or dry atmospheric deposition. The observed periodic acid events are a natural phenomenon in the stream system in this urban environment because of naturally acidic rainfall and granitic soils with low buffering potential. However, acid events are likely amplified in frequency and magnitude by anthropogenic pollution emissions of sulphur and nitrogen species (e.g., SO2 and NOx) from local and regional sources that lower rainfall pH. Although, acid runoff events are typically short‐lived (<12–24 h), further longitudinal monitoring and experimental studies are needed to investigate the long‐term implications on sensitive taxa in the NSFC streams. Finally, understanding the flow pathways of stormflow water in the nested system was critical for deciphering the mechanisms driving stream acid events at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Research in the Tropics / Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical is the property of Pesquisa Agropecuaria Tropical and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the discussion on assessing conditioning of the tooth surface with butter prior to subjecting the tooth to demineralisation. Topics include dental caries being a disease of the microbial origin where caries prevention focusing towards development of antimicrobial agents; and caries protective agent being used for either antimicrobial or focusing towards remineralisation of the carious lesion.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on the buffering capacity of saliva and plaque pH in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).Materials and Methods: A total of 15 3- to 8-year-old subjects with CP living in a governmental institution were included in this study. Dental plaque pH and the buffering capacity of saliva were measured at the first visit (baseline) and accepted as control values. CPP-ACP complex (GC Tooth Mousse) was applied to the children twice a day. Measurements were repeated after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks.Results: Plaque indicator data show decreased acidogenicity in the 8-week period. Although there were no significant differences between the baseline and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks' pH scores, a statistically significant difference was observed between the initial and 4th, 6th and 8th weeks' plaque pH scores. Saliva buffer scores were found to statistically significant increase between baseline and the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks.Conclusion: Daily application of 10% w/v CPP-ACP paste is effectively changes saliva buffering capacity and plaque pH, thus promoting caries prevention in the primary and mixed dentition of CP children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recovery after intense interval training plays an important role in improving athletic performance, while the type of recovery and exercise background can affect athletic performance. The aim of this study was to compare the Response of blood buffering capacity to three types of recovery during Repeated High-Intensity endurance test in trained and untrained girls' students of Farhangian University. Methods: 30 female students of Farhangian University (mean age 22.49 ±.3 (year), weight 68.33 ± 7.31 (kg) and height 176.76 ± 8.32 (cm) were randomly selected in three recovery groups (active: N=10, passive: N=10, Stretching: N=10) randomly. The Subjects underwent three types of recovery during the repeated high-intensity endurance test after evaluating the maximum oxygen consumption according to a specific pattern in a crossover methods, three days in a week. Arterial blood sample were taken measured before and immediately after the test and buffering capacity and carnosine were analyzed by ABG and ELISA techniques. After 8-eight weeks of aerobic exercise (65-80% of maximal heart rate), the test and blood sampling were repeated with the same pre-test and at the same time. Results: In untrained girls, only significant difference was found between stretching and active recovery for oxygen saturation, and in trained girls' there was a significant increase in oxygen saturation for active and passive recovery. Significant increase in blood acidity, bicarbonate, base buffers and carnosine was observed in trained girls by active recovery (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that the response of buffering capacity to the three types of recovery was significantly higher in trained subjects. Which is more notable with active recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to evaluate the acid-buffering capacity and antibacterial properties of orthodontic adhesives containing bioactive glasses (BAGs) (45S5, 45S5F, S53P4), Hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and Canasite. Fillers comprising 15 wt% bioactive glasses, HAp, β-TCP, and Canasite incorporated with 55 wt% silanated glass were added to a mixture of UDMA/TEGDMA. Acidbuffering capacity was tested by exposing disc-shaped samples of each adhesive to medium of bacteria-produced acids, and pH changes were recorded at 24 and 48 h. Antibacterial properties were assessed by indirect testing by exposing polymerized adhesive samples to a medium and direct testing by immersing the specimens in solutions containing S. mutans and S. sanguinis. A significant buffering capacity was shown by the 45S5, 45S5F and S53P4 BAG adhesives. The antibacterial properties were not significant in all experimental adhesives. Therefore, the experimental orthodontic adhesives containing BAGs demonstrated a significant buffering capacity but did not show significant antibacterial properties against S. mutans and S. sanguinis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was conducted aimed at using the approach involving the in vitro tests to evaluate effect by various inorganic buffers used in the diets of Holstein dairy cow on the dietary buffering capacity, ruminal acidogenecity value (AV), methane emission and assess the relationship between them. The buffers were sodium bicarbonate (SB), sodium sesquicarbonate (SSc), a potassium carbonate (PC). Basal diets were low forage [30% forage and 70% concentrate, (FC30:70)], mid forage [35% forage and 65% concentrate, (FC35:65)], and high forage [40% forage and 60% concentrate, (FC40:60)]. The buffers were added to the diets in the concentrations of 0.0, 8.0 and 12.0 g/kg dry matter (DM). In vitro pH, AV, and methane emission of the experimental diets were determined using the gas production technique. Results showed that buffering capacity was significantly the highest for the PC, followed by BH, SB, and SSc (143.3, 138.3, 136.6, and 135, respectively). Analysis of the acid load revealed that adding 8 g/kg of DM of SB in the FC40:60 diet led to the lowest AV (9.6 mg Ca g-1 DM). In addition, adding 12 g/kg of DM of BH in the FC30:70 and 8 g/kg of DM of SB in the FC35:65 diet caused the lowest (5.27) and highest (5.43) pH compared to the other treatments, respectively. The FC40:60 diet containing 8 g/kg DM of PC had the lowest level of methane emission (1.01 mL/0.20 g DM). Our findings demonstrated that the rumen acid load and methane emission may alter when the dietary buffering capacities are changed using the inorganic buffers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on long-term effects of various crops and fertilization practices on soil eco-chemical state was performed in the complex of Planosols at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW experimental station in Skierniewice. The study covered three experiments – Ex-1 (established in 1923; no organic fertilization, cereals as a crop), Ex-2 (established in 1992; farmyard manure application every 4 years, cereals as a crop) and Ex-3 (established in 1975; no organic fertilization, blueberries as a crop). Additionally, each experiment covered three mineral fertilization options, including no fertilization, NPK and CaNPK. Soil samples were taken from A-horizons in 2017 and analysed using standard procedures. The results demonstrate considerable influence of crops and fertilization practices on soil eco-chemical state. Both mineral and organic fertilizers positively affected sorptive capacity as compared to control and modified ionic composition of soil sorption complex. Lower exchangeable acidity and higher sum of exchangeable basis and base saturation were noted in fertilized soils and cereals as a crop as compared to controls. Under blueberries there was observed strong acidification of the soil, in particular in combination with NPK fertilizers, as evidenced by the highest exchangeable acidity, hydrolytic acidity, and the lowest base saturation. Liming partially neutralized acidifying effect of blueberries. Fertilization and crops also strongly influenced buffering capacity of the soils. Extremely low ability to neutralize acidic ions was noted in unfertilized soils, whereas the highest at plots fertilized with Ca. The highest ability to neutralize alkaline ions was typical for NPK fertilized soils under blueberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Supplementation with beta-alanine may have positive effects on severe-intensity, intermittent, and isometric strength-endurance performance. These could be advantageous for competitive alpine skiers, whose races last 45 to 150 s, require metabolic power above the aerobic maximum, and involve isometric muscle work. Further, beta-alanine supplementation affects the muscle force-frequency relationship, which could influence explosiveness. We explored the effects of beta-alanine on explosive jump performance, severe exercise energy metabolism, and severe-intensity ski-like performance. Methods: Nine male elite alpine skiers consumed 4.8 g/d beta-alanine or placebo for 5 weeks in a double-blind fashion. Before and after, they performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), a 90-s cycling bout at 110% VO2max (CLT), and a maximal 90-s box jump test (BJ90). Results: Beta-alanine improved maximal (+7 ± 3%, d = 0.9) and mean CMJ power (+7 ± 2%, d = 0.7), tended to reduce oxygen deficit (-3 ± 8%, p = .06) and lactate accumulation (-12 ± 31%) and enhance aerobic energy contribution (+1.3 ± 2.9%, p = .07) in the CLT, and improved performance in the last third of BJ90 (+7 ± 4%, p = .02). These effects were not observed with placebo. Conclusions: Beta-alanine supplementation improved explosive and repeated jump performance in elite alpine skiers. Enhanced muscle contractility could possibly explain improved explosive and repeated jump performance. Increased aerobic energy production could possibly help explain repeated jump performance as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an edible artificial saliva gel, oral moisturizing jelly (OMJ), and a topical commercial gel (GC dry mouth gel) on Candida colonization and saliva properties. Materials and methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in xerostomic post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer patients. Candida colonization, stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), saliva pH, and buffering capacity (BC) were measured at 0, 1, and 2 months after each intervention. Candida colonization was quantified by colony counts and species identified by Candida Chromagar, polymerase chain reaction, and API 20C AUX system. Statistical significance level was 0.05. Results: A total of 56 participants in OMJ (N = 30) and GC (N = 26) groups completed the study. OMJ significantly increased saliva pH (p = 0.042) and BC (p = 0.013) after 1-month use, while GC only improved saliva pH (p = 0.027). Both interventions tended to increase SSFR but only GC had a significant increase at 2 months (p = 0.015). GC and OMJ significantly decreased the number of Candida species at 1 and 2 months, respectively. Both groups tended to reduce Candida counts but not significant. Conclusions: Both OMJ and GC saliva gels could improve saliva pH and decrease the number of Candida species. OMJ is superior to GC in its buffering capacity, while GC may better improve salivary flow rate. Long-term and large-scale study is warranted to test the efficacy of artificial saliva in oral health improvement. Clinical relevance: OMJ and GC gel could decrease the number of Candida species and improve saliva properties in post-radiation xerostomic patients. Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03035825. Date of registration: 25th January 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to determine the acute effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on the number of sprint repetitions during sprint high-intensity intermittent testing. In addition, blood biochemical (pH, HCO3-, and lactate) responses measured in three occasions were investigated. Thirteen male well-trained sprinters (24.65±3.44 yrs) performed two consecutive trials (7 days apart). Athletes were assigned randomly either to ingest a single dose of NaHCO3 (0.3 g/kg) 1 h prior to exercise or placebo using a double-blind crossover design. The intermittent sprint test consisted of 60 s treadmill sprints (90% of maximal work done) and 30-s recovery repeated intermittently until volitional exhaustion. Blood samples were collected from all athletes before exercise, after 1 h of dose intake, and after exercise in each trial. Paired sample t-testing showed that athletes complete significantly more sprint repetitions (p=0.036) during the intermittent sprint test with NaHCO3 (6.846±3.114) than with the placebo (5.538±3.872). Data also revealed no differences between trials in all blood responses at pre-exercise. After 1 h of dose consumption, however, blood pH and HCO3- were higher with NaHCO3 than with placebo (p<0.05), but no differences were noted in lactate between trials (p>0.05). After completion of the test, all blood responses were significantly higher with NaHCO3 than with placebo (p<0.05). In conclusion, intake of 0.3 g/kg of NaHCO3 1 h prior to treadmill sprint-intermittent performance increased sprint repetitions in well-trained sprinters, probably due to activated glycolysis caused by intracellular protons efflux into the blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]