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The biodegradable materials for the packaging sector have attracted much attention as they can effectively reduce the reliance on fossil fuel products. The introduction of two‐dimensional layered fillers is readily available for packaging materials to minimize costs while enhancing performance. However, few studies have investigated the molecular structure changes of OMMT to further modulate the comprehensive performance of polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) materials. To fill this gap, we innovatively modified the surfactant's structure to regulate the embedding and dispersion of montmorillonite (OMMT) and interfacial bonding with the substrate, thus further examining the material's antibacterial and degrading properties and discussing mechanisms for the first time. The prepared C18M7@PHB materials present enhanced tensile strength (180%) and high thermal stability, excellent antimicrobial properties compared to the unmodified one. Both the water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of composites have decreased by 87% and 55%, respectively. Moreover, it is found that the composites exhibit various degradation cycles mainly depending on active agent chain length. This work lays a solid foundation for multifunctional packaging materials based on fillers with two‐dimensional layered structures. Highlights: Determining the ideal film's bulk ratio and active agent structure.Optimizing the film's excellent tensile strength and antimicrobial properties.Significantly blocking the infiltration of water vapor and oxygen.Identifying the film's filler's degradation behavior and barrier mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary-resistant starch is emerging as a potential therapeutic tool to limit the negative effects of diabetes on the kidneys. However, its metabolic and immunomodulatory effects have not yet been fully elucidated. Methods: Six-week-old db/db mice were fed a diet containing 12.5% resistant starch or a control diet matched for equivalent regular starch for 10 weeks. db/m mice receiving the control diet were utilised as non-diabetic controls. Freshly collected kidneys were digested for flow cytometry analysis of immune cell populations. Kidney injury was determined by measuring albuminuria, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Portal vein plasma was collected for targeted analysis of microbially-derived metabolites. Intestinal histology and tight junction protein expression were assessed. Results: Resistant starch limited the development of albuminuria in db/db mice. Diabetic db/db mice displayed a decline in portal vein plasma levels of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which was increased with resistant starch supplementation. Diabetic db/db mice receiving resistant starch had a microbially-derived metabolite profile similar to that of non-diabetic db/m mice. The intestinal permeability markers lipopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide binding protein were increased in db/db mice consuming the control diet, which was not seen in db/db mice receiving resistant starch supplementation. Diabetes was associated with an increase in the kidney neutrophil population, neutrophil activation, number of C5aR1+ neutrophils, and urinary complement C5a excretion, all of which were reduced with resistant starch. These pro-inflammatory changes appear independent of fibrotic changes in the kidney. Conclusions: Resistant starch supplementation in diabetes promotes beneficial circulating microbially-derived metabolites and improves intestinal permeability, accompanied by a modulation in the inflammatory profile of the kidney including neutrophil infiltration, complement activation, and albuminuria. These findings indicate that resistant starch can regulate immune and inflammatory responses in the kidney and support the therapeutic potential of resistant starch supplementation in diabetes on kidney health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dapagliflozin (DAPA) demonstrates promise in the management of diabetic mellitus (DM) and cardiomyopathy. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is synthesized by the gut microbiota through the metabolic conversion of choline and phosphatidylcholine. Ferroptosis may offer novel therapeutic avenues for the management of diabetes and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the precise mechanism underlying ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes and the specific role of TMAO generated by gut microbiota in the therapeutic approach for DM and myocardial IRI utilizing DAPA need to be further explored. Nine male SD rats with specific pathogen-free (SPF) status were randomly divided equally into the normal group, the DM + IRI (DIR) group, and the DAPA group. The diversity of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, the Wekell technique was employed to measure the levels of TMAO in the three groups. Application of network pharmacology to search for intersection targets of DAPA, DIR, and ferroptosis, and RT-PCR experimental verification. Ultimately, the overlapping targets that were acquired were subjected to molecular docking analysis with TMAO. The changes of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the gut microbiota of DIR rats were most significantly affected by DAPA. Escherichia-Shigella and Prevotella_9 within the phylum Bacteroidetes could be identified as the primary effects of DAPA on DIR. Compared with the normal group, the TMAO content in the DIR group was significantly increased, while the TMAO content in the DAPA group was decreased compared to the DIR group. For the network pharmacology analysis, DAPA and DIR generated 43 intersecting target genes, and then further intersected with ferroptosis-related genes, resulting in 11 overlapping target genes. The mRNA expression of ALB, HMOX1, PPARG, CBS, LCN2, and PPARA decreased in the DIR group through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) validation, while the opposite trend was observed in the DAPA group. The docking score between TMAO and DPP4 was − 5.44, and the MM-GBSA result of − 22.02 kcal/mol. It epitomizes the finest docking performance among all the target genes with the lowest score. DAPA could reduce the levels of metabolite TMAO produced by gut microbiota, thereby regulating related target genes to decrease ferroptosis in DIR cardiomyocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a beverage made from a combination of Agave sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm3 to 15.67 cm3. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the adaptive evolution of animals, the host and its gut microbiota co-adapt to different elevations. Currently, there are few reports on the rumen microbiota–hepato-intestinal axis of Tibetan sheep at different altitudes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory effect of rumen microorganism–volatile fatty acids (VFAs)–VFAs transporter gene interactions on the key enzymes and genes related to gluconeogenesis in Tibetan sheep. The rumen fermentation parameters, rumen microbial densities, liver gluconeogenesis activity and related genes were determined and analyzed using gas chromatography, RT-qPCR and other research methods. Correlation analysis revealed a reciprocal relationship among rumen microflora–VFAs-hepatic gluconeogenesis in Tibetan sheep at different altitudes. Among the microbiota, Ruminococcus flavefaciens (R. flavefaciens), Ruminococcus albus (R. albus), Fibrobactersuccinogenes and Ruminobacter amylophilus (R. amylophilus) were significantly correlated with propionic acid (p < 0.05), while propionic acid was significantly correlated with the transport genes monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) and anion exchanger 2 (AE2) (p < 0.05). Propionic acid was significantly correlated with key enzymes such as pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvic acid carboxylase and glucose (Glu) in the gluconeogenesis pathway (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expressions of these genes were significantly correlated with those of the related genes, namely, forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2) (p < 0.05). The results showed that rumen microbiota densities differed at different altitudes, and the metabolically produced VFA contents differed, which led to adaptive changes in the key enzyme activities of gluconeogenesis and the expressions of related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tackle the persistent global issue of nonbiodegradable petro‐plastics, this study undertakes the challenge of developing environmentally sustainable and active packaging alternatives. The approach involves preparing composite films by blending poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) while integrating olive oil and zinc oxide to augment their effectiveness. The films are fabricated by mixing different concentrations of ZnO (0.5% to 2.5%) and 10% olive oil into PHB/PLA (70/30) matrix using solvent‐casting. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to assess the properties of prepared films, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, mechanical testing, water vapor permeability, and UV‐blocking properties. Among the tested samples, film containing 1.5% ZnO (referred to as PPOZ1.5) displays highest tensile strength (30.8 MPa) along with improved water vapor permeability. Consequently, PPOZ1.5 film is selected for further investigations which include DPPH (diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, and antimicrobial activity. PPOZ1.5 film exhibits exceptional antioxidant activity (>65%) and significant antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger. Moreover, when utilized to package bread samples, PPOZ1.5 film effectively inhibits microbial growth, ensuring food safety for an extended storage period of more than 12 days, ultimately contributing to the preservation and safety of packaged bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol is a promising feedstock for the bio-based economy as it can be derived from organic waste streams or produced electrochemically from CO2. Acetate production from CO2 in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been widely studied, while more valuable compounds such as butyrate are currently attracting attention. In this study, methanol was used as a co-substrate with CO2 to enhance butyrate production in MES. Feeding with CO2 and methanol resulted in the highest butyrate production rates and titres of 0.36 ± 0.01 g L−1 d−1 and 8.6 ± 0.2 g L−1, respectively, outperforming reactors with only CO2 feeding (0.20 ± 0.03 g L−1 d−1 and 5.2 ± 0.1 g L−1, respectively). Methanol acted as electron donor and as carbon source, both of which contributed ca. 50% of the carbon in the products. Eubacterium was the dominant genus with 52.6 ± 2.5% relative abundance. Thus, we demonstrate attractive route for the use of the C1 substrates, CO2 and methanol, to produce mainly butyrate. Key points: • Butyrate was the main product from methanol and CO2in MES • Methanol acted as both carbon and electron source in MES • Eubacterium dominating microbial culture was enriched in MES [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aroma is one of the key factors for evaluating the quality of green tea. A tender aroma (NX) and floral-like aroma (HX) are two types of high-quality aroma of green tea. In this work, the different aroma types of baked green tea were classified by sensory evaluation. Then, seven tea samples with a typical tender or floral-like aroma were selected for further volatile component analysis by GC-MS. A total of 43 aroma compounds were identified in two different aroma types of baked green tea samples. The PCA showed that linalool, geraniol, 3-hexenyl butyrate, and 3-hexenyl hexanoate were the major volatiles contributing to the HX. On the other hand, most of the alcohol volatiles, such as 1-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-dodecanol, 1-hexadecanol, phenylethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, aldehydes and some hydrocarbons contributed more to the NX. In addition, the chemical composition analysis showed that the content of free amino acids was higher in NX green tea samples, while the content of catechins was relatively higher in HX tea samples. A proteomic analysis revealed that most of the enzymes involved in VPBs pathways, such as phenylalanine ammonialyase, peroxidase, and shikimate-O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, were more abundant in NX than in HX tea samples. These results laid a foundation for the aroma formation mechanism of different aroma types of baked green tea and provided some theoretical guidance for the breeding of specific aroma varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic fermentation has attracted wide attention to effectively reduce carbon footprint and alleviate potential energy shortages, which is being regarded as a sustainable and promising technology to obtain high biohydrogen production from widespread organic wastes. However, biohydrogen commercial uptake is now dominantly inhibited by the low hydrogen yield and process instability. In this work, Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully applied to anaerobic fermentation for investigating their effects on hydrogen yield, activity of bacteria and microbial community structure. The benefits of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs with respect to microbial metabolism, reactivity of enzymes and process optimization are systematically researched through batch experiments. In addition, various characterizations are used to verify the physical and chemical properties of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs. The results show that the activity of hydrogenases and microbe metabolism can be significantly inhibited by excess addition of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs (150 mg/L and 200 mg/L) while the optimum addition 100 mg/L of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs can boost the biohydrogen yield by 49% via facilitating microorganism growth and enhancing key enzymatic activities, which indicate that the Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs display a beneficial influence on electron transfer efficiency and process stability. The existence of Fe3+, Al3+and Ba2+ derived from the corrosion of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs by organic acids synergistically improve the microbial transmembrane transportation and substrate utilization, which contribute to higher conversion rate of glucose into acetate, butyrate and H 2. Meanwhile, the complementary functions of Fe3+ and Al3+ can powerfully shorten the lag phase and promote the glycolysis, which finally accelerate the dark fermentation process. Compared with the control group, Clostridium _ sensu _ stricto _1 is selectively enriched by the addition of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs, which keep heavily involved in the synthesis of H 2. On balance, this study provides an effective strategy to enhance hydrogen productivity and maintain process stability, which offer the valuable information for the sustainable utilization of sewage sludge. [Display omitted] • Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs are synthesized to enhance H 2 production. • Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs show positive effects on activity of H 2 -producing bacteria. • The addition of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs can facilitate H 2 -producing bacteria growth. • Humic acids are reduced by addition of Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs. • Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_ 1 are selectively enriched by Al 2 O 3 /BaFe 2 O 4 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunofluorescence with antibodies against phosphorylated forms of H2AX (γH2AX) is revolutionizing our understanding of repair and signaling of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Unfortunately, the pattern of γH2AX foci depends upon a number of parameters (nature of stress, number of foci, radiation dose, repair time, cell cycle phase, gene mutations, etc...) whose one of the common points is chromatin condensation/decondensation. Here, we endeavored to demonstrate how chromatin conformation affects γH2AX foci pattern and influences immunofluorescence signal. DSBs induced in non-transformed human fibroblasts were analyzed by γH2AX immunofluorescence with sodium butyrate treatment of chromatin applied after the irradiation that decondenses chromatin but does not induce DNA breaks. Our data showed that the pattern of γH2AX foci may drastically change with the experimental protocols in terms of size and brightness. Notably, some γH2AX minifoci resulting from the dispersion of the main signal due to chromatin decondensation may bias the quantification of the number of DSBs. We proposed a model called "Christmas light models" to tentatively explain this diversity of γH2AX foci pattern that may also be considered for any DNA damage marker that relocalizes as nuclear foci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyl butyrate is a short‐chain fatty acid ester (C8) with a fruity aroma. It has broad prospects in the fields of foods, cosmetics and biofuels. At present, butyl butyrate is produced by chemical synthesis in the industry, but it is highly dependent on petroleum‐based products. The growing concerns regarding the future scarcity of fossil fuels have been strongly promoted the transition from traditional fossil fuels and products to renewable bioenergy and biochemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a green biochemical technology to replace traditional petroleum‐based materials. In recent years, microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium have been engineered to serve as cell factories for the sustainable one‐pot production of short‐chain fatty acid esters, including butyl butyrate. This opinion highlights the recent development in the use of lipases and alcohol acyltransferases (AATs) for butyl butyrate production in microbial fermentation, as well as future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a summary of recent advances in kidney research published in Acta Physiologica. The research covers various aspects of renal physiology, including glomerular filtration dynamics, tubular transport mechanisms, hormonal regulation, and genetic and environmental determinants of renal health. The studies discussed in the article explore topics such as the effects of fasting on fibroblast growth factor 23 levels, the role of exercise in protecting against acute kidney injury, the potential benefits of the drug tempol in septic acute kidney injury, the importance of renin-producing cells in kidney regeneration, the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on kidney function, the involvement of Two-pore channels protein 1 in phosphate excretion, the use of MRI markers to assess renal oxygenation, the relationship between kidney dysfunction and atrial fibrillation, and the role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular and kidney pathophysiology. The article also mentions review articles on glomerular crosstalk mechanisms and circadian rhythm in renal physiology and pathophysiology. These recent advancements have the potential to contribute to the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for renal disorders. [Extracted from the article]

Syntrophic interactions are key in anaerobic food chains, facilitating the conversion of complex organic matter into methane. A typical example involves acetogenic bacteria converting fatty acids (e.g., butyrate and propionate), a process thermodynamically reliant on H2 consumption by microorganisms such as methanogens. While most studies focus on H2‐interspecies transfer between these groups, knowledge on acetate cross‐feeding in anaerobic systems is lacking. This study investigated butyrate oxidation by co‐cultures of Syntrophomonas wolfei and Methanospirillum hungatei, both with and without the addition of the acetate scavenger Methanothrix soehngenii. Growth and gene expression patterns of S. wolfei and M. hungatei were followed in the two conditions. Although butyrate consumption rates remained constant, genes in the butyrate degradation pathway of S. wolfei were less expressed in the presence of M. soehngenii, including genes involved in reverse electron transport. Higher expression of a type IV‐pili operon in S. wolfei hints to the potential for direct interspecies electron transfer between S. wolfei and M. soehngenii and an energetically advantageous relationship between the two microorganisms. Overall, the presence of the acetate scavenger M. soehngenii positively influenced the energy metabolism of S. wolfei and highlighted the relevance of including acetate scavengers when investigating syntrophic fatty acid degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential use of butyrate dietary supplementation as a treatment for plant-food allergies, specifically focusing on the allergen Pru p 3 found in peaches. The study conducted experiments on mice and found that butyrate supplementation promoted a tolerogenic environment by increasing the percentage of tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells. These findings suggest that butyrate supplementation may be a promising alternative therapy for food allergies. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects and efficacy of butyrate supplementation in promoting tolerance. [Extracted from the article]

A topic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic and recurrent skin disorder. The protective effects of sodium butyrate (NaB), a metabolite of short-chain fatty acid breakdown by the gut microbiota, have been widely reported in numerous inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of NaB treatment alone on AD has not been reported. In the current study, AD was induced in BALB/c mice with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for 28 days with NaB (200 mg/kg) treatment by gavage. NaB attenuated AD-induced skin bleeding, scarring, dryness, abrasions and erosions. In addition, NaB inhibited inflammatory cells infiltration and attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Mechanistically, NaB reduced histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) expression and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation by increasing the lysine acetylation levels of STAT1 and NF-κB p65 in AD. Taken together, our study suggests that NaB inhibits inflammatory mediators and ameliorates AD by inhibiting HDAC3 expression, thereby upregulating STAT1 and NF-κB p65 lysine acetylation levels and reducing NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Therefore, this study provides a new theoretical basis for NaB in the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketone bodies (acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate) are oxidized in skeletal muscle mainly during fasting as an alternative source of energy to glucose. Previous studies suggest that there is a negative relationship between increased muscle ketolysis and muscle glucose metabolism in mice with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we investigated the connection between increased ketone body exposure and muscle glucose metabolism by measuring the effect of a 3-h exposure to ketone bodies on glucose uptake in differentiated L6 myotubes. We showed that exposure to acetoacetate at a typical concentration (0.2 mM) resulted in increased basal glucose uptake in L6 myotubes, which was dependent on increased membrane glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation. Basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was also increased with a concentration of acetoacetate reflective of diabetic ketoacidosis or a ketogenic diet (1 mM). We found that β-hydroxybutyrate had a variable effect on basal glucose uptake: a racemic mixture of the two β-hydroxybutyrate enantiomers (d and l) appeared to decrease basal glucose uptake, while 3 mM d -β-hydroxybutyrate alone increased basal glucose uptake. However, the effects of the ketone bodies individually were not observed when acetoacetate was present in combination with β-hydroxybutyrate. These results provide insight that will help elucidate the effect of ketone bodies in the context of specific metabolic diseases and nutritional states (e.g., type 2 diabetes and ketogenic diets). NEW & NOTEWORTHY: A limited number of studies investigate the effect of ketone bodies at concentrations reflective of both typical fasting and ketoacidosis. We tested a mix of physiologically relevant concentrations of ketone bodies, which allowed us to highlight the differential effects of d - and l -β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate on skeletal muscle cell glucose uptake. Our findings will assist in better understanding the mechanisms that contribute to muscle insulin resistance and provide guidance on recommendations regarding ketogenic diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Butyrate is a common short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and it has been demonstrated to regulate the development of breast cancer (BC), while the underlying mechanism is still unreported. Methods: Gas chromatography was used to measure the amounts of SCFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in the feces. Cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 assay. The wound healing assay demonstrated cell migration, and the transwell assay demonstrated cell invasion. The levels of protein and gene were determined by western blot assay and RT-qPCR assay, respectively. Results: The levels of SCFA were lower in the faecal samples from BC patients compared to control samples. In cellular experiments, butyrate significantly suppressed the cell viability, migration and invasion of T47D in a dose-dependent manner. In animal experiments, butyrate effectively impeded the growth of BC tumors. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) was highly expressed in the tumors from BC patients. Butyrate inhibited the expression of TLR4. In addition, butyrate promoted the expression of cuproptosis-related genes including PDXK (pyridoxal kinase) and SLC25A28 (solute carrier family 25 member 28), which was lowly expressed in BC tumors. Importantly, overexpression of TLR4 can reverses the promotion of butyrate to PDXK and SLC25A28 expression and the prevention of butyrate to the malignant biological behaviors of T47D cells. Conclusion: In summary, butyrate inhibits the development of BC by facilitating the expression of PDXK and SLC25A28 through inhibition of TLR4. Our investigation first identified a connection among butyrate, TLR4 and cuproptosis-related genes in BC progression. These findings may provide novel target for the treatment of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut bacteria have been associated with cardiovascular dysfunction in humans and rodents. However, studies exploring effects of SCFAs on cardiovascular parameters in the zebrafish, an increasingly popular model in cardiovascular research, remain limited. Here, we performed fecal bacterial 16S sequencing and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the composition and abundance of gut microbiota and SCFAs in adult zebrafish. Following this, the acute effects of major SCFAs on heart rate and vascular tone were measured in anesthetized zebrafish larvae using fecal concentrations of butyrate, acetate, and propionate. Finally, we investigated if coincubation with butyrate may lessen the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) and phenylephrine (PE) on vascular tone in anesthetized zebrafish larvae. We found that the abundance in Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria phyla in the adult zebrafish resembled those reported in rodents and humans. SCFA levels with highest concentration of acetate (27.43 µM), followed by butyrate (2.19 µM) and propionate (1.65 µM) were observed in the fecal samples of adult zebrafish. Immersion in butyrate and acetate produced a ∼20% decrease in heart rate (HR), respectively, with no observed effects of propionate. Butyrate alone also produced an ∼25% decrease in the cross-sectional width of the dorsal aorta (DA) at 60 min (*P < 0.05), suggesting compensatory vasoconstriction, with no effects of either acetate or propionate. In addition, butyrate significantly alleviated the decrease in DA cross-sectional width produced by both ANG II and PE. We demonstrate the potential for zebrafish in investigation of host-microbiota interactions in cardiovascular health. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: We highlight the presence of a core gut microbiota and demonstrate in vivo short-chain fatty acid production in adult zebrafish. In addition, we show cardio-beneficial vasoactive and chronotropic properties of butyrate, and chronotropic properties of acetate in anesthetized zebrafish larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jianqu has been used to alleviate symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia, but its specific anti-functional dyspepsia effect is still unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the impact of Jianqu on functional dyspepsia in mice. Methods: The phytochemical profile of Jianqu was analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Subsequently, Kunming mice were fed a high-calorie or high-protein diet (HCHP) for 7 days, and then orally treated with vehicle or Jianqu (1.62 g/kg body weight (b. w.) and 3.25 g/kg b. w.) for 10 days. A carbon powder solution was used to detect the gastric emptying and intestinal transit rate. The pathological changes in stomach and duodenum were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1 and CD45 expression was measured by immunocytochemical staining. Importantly, the serum gastrointestinal hormones were detected by ELISA. In addition, the gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The cecal short chain fatty acids were assessed by gas chromatography. Results: In general, 17 phytochemical compounds were identified from Jianqu, which significantly improved the gastric emptying rate and intestinal transit rate (p < 0.01), increased the body weight and food intake (p < 0.0001) in HCHP mice as well. Though HCHP did not cause significant pathological lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, increased the expression of CD45 in the duodenum (p < 0.05) was observed. Notably, Jianqu attenuated this abnormal expression of CD45 (p < 0.05). The levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones were significantly normalized by Jianqu intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, Jianqu increased the relative abundance of Roseburia as well as short chain fatty acids levels in cecum (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present results showed that Jianqu alleviated dyspeptic symptoms in HCHP mice possibly through reducing the duodenal leukocyte infiltration, and regulating the expression of gastrointestinal hormones. These effects may be partly related to the increasing cecal short chain fatty acids levels probably via gut microbial modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Radiation therapy‐induced gastrointestinal distress is partly associated with the elimination of gut microbiota. The effectiveness of 5‐HT receptor antagonists to treat radiation therapy‐induced emesis implies a pathophysiological role of 5‐HT. Peripheral 5‐HT is derived from intestinal epithelium. We have investigated the role of gut microbiota in regulating intestinal 5‐HT availability. Experimental Approach: A radiation therapy murine model accompanied by faecal microbiota transplantation from donors fed different diets was investigated, and mouse ileal organoids were used for mechanistic studies. The clinical relevance was validated by a small‐scale human study. Key Results: Short‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) induced gut bacteria to produce butyrate. Irradiated mice receiving HFD‐induced microbiome had the lowest ileal levels of 5‐HT, compared with other recipients. Treatment with butyrate increased 5‐HT uptake in mouse ileal organoids, assayed by the real‐time tracking of a fluorescent substrate for monoamine transporters. Silencing the 5‐HT transporter (SERT) in the organoids abolished butyrate‐stimulated 5‐HT uptake. The competitive tests using different types of selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitors suggested that butyrate acted as a positive allosteric modulator of SERT. In human gut microbiota, butyrate production was associated with the interconversion between acetate and butyrate. Faecal contents of both acetate and butyrate were negatively associated with serum 5‐HT, but only butyrate was positively correlated with body mass index in humans. Conclusion and Implications: Short‐term HFD may be beneficial for alleviating gastrointestinal reactions by increasing butyrate to suppress local 5‐HT levels and providing energy to cancer patients given radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradable polymer poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a promising carbon source for biological mitigation of nitrogen pollution, a significant problem in aquaculture that physical and chemical methods have not provided a comprehensive solution. Here we investigated the impact of PHB on the zero-water-change largemouth bass culture by 30- and 40-day experiments. PHB loaded into the filter circulation pump at 4 g L−1, optimum value determined by the first experiment, significantly reduced the levels of nitrate by 99.65%, nitrite by 95.96%, and total nitrogen by 85.22% compared to the control without PHB. PHB also significantly increased denitrifying bacteria (e.g., Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria) and expression of denitrification genes (e.g., nirK and nirS) in the microbial community, improving growth and health parameters of largemouth bass. While the impact may vary in other culture systems, PHB thus demonstrated its remarkable utility in aquaculture, highlighting ecological assessment and application to larger aquaculture operations as future considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the role of carbohydrates in the nutrition of dogs and cats. It explains that while dogs and cats do not have a nutritional requirement for carbohydrates, they are still important in pet food processing and can serve as a source of glucose. The article discusses different types of carbohydrates, their physiological properties, and the impact of processing on their digestibility. It emphasizes the importance of providing adequate carbohydrates in pet diets, especially during certain life stages. The article also highlights the potential health benefits of dietary fibers, including promoting glycemic control and maintaining gastrointestinal health. It introduces the concept of prebiotics and their role in improving gut health. The production of short-chain fatty acids by gut microbes is mentioned as a key benefit of fiber consumption. The document concludes by stating that further research is needed to understand the effects of food processing and optimal inclusion levels of dietary fibers in companion animal nutrition. [Extracted from the article]

We have modelled theoretical incident photon-to-current electricity (IPCE) action spectra of poly (3 -hexylthiophene) (P 3HT) and [6, 6] -Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester active layer bulk-heterojunction. By the two -dimensional optical model of a multilayer system based on the structure of Glass substrate /SiO2/ITO/PEDOT: PSS/P 3HT: PCBM(1:1)/Ca/Al, the optical responses of the device have been computed for different photoactive layer and Ca layer thicknesses to found an optimal structure which allows obtaining the maximum absorption localized in the active layer and high device performance. The electric field intensity, energy dissipation, generation rate, and IPCE have been computed to enhance the device's performance. The finite element method executes the simulation under an incident intensity of 100mW/cm² of the 1.5 AM illumination. It was found that the optimum structure is achieved by a 180 nm photoactive layer and 5 nm Ca layer thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1) and their impact on the prognosis of oncological diseases have paved the way for the development of revolutionary oncological treatments. These treatments do not combat tumors with drugs "against" cancer cells but rather support and enhance the ability of the immune system to respond directly to tumor growth by attacking the cancer cells with lymphocytes. It has now been widely demonstrated that the presence of an adequate immune response, essentially represented by the number of TILs (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) present in the tumor mass decisively influences the response to treatments and the prognosis of the disease. Therefore, immunotherapy is based on and cannot be carried out without the ability to increase the presence of lymphocytic cells at the tumor site, thereby limiting and nullifying certain tumor evasion mechanisms, particularly those expressed by the activity (under positive physiological conditions) of checkpoints that restrain the response against transformed cells. Immunotherapy has been in the experimental phase for decades, and its excellent results have made it a cornerstone of treatments for many oncological pathologies, especially when combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite these successes, a significant number of patients (approximately 50%) do not respond to treatment or develop resistance early on. The microbiota, its composition, and our ability to modulate it can have a positive impact on oncological treatments, reducing side effects and increasing sensitivity and effectiveness. Numerous studies published in high-ranking journals confirm that a certain microbial balance, particularly the presence of bacteria capable of producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, is essential not only for reducing the side effects of chemoradiotherapy treatments but also for a better response to immune treatments and, therefore, a better prognosis. This opens up the possibility that favorable modulation of the microbiota could become an essential complementary treatment to standard oncological therapies. This brief review aims to highlight the key aspects of using precision probiotics, such as Clostridium butyricum, that produce butyrate to improve the response to immune checkpoint treatments and, thus, the prognosis of oncological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters influenced by both grazing system and breed. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 40 cows with matched age, parity, and physiological status. The cows were evenly divided between Bonsmara and Nguni breeds, as well as communal and commercial grazing systems. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Results: Nguni cows exhibited significantly higher ruminal NH3-N levels (p < 0.05) compared to Bonsmara, ranging from 69.05 to 96.78 mg/l. Commercial grazing demonstrated significantly higher NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.05) than communal grazing. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and specific VFAs (Iso-butyrate, valeric, and iso-valeric) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/l) than in commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/l). Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio did not display significant differences (p > 0.05) between breeds but varied between grazing systems. Communal systems had higher acetate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05), while commercial systems showed higher propionate and butyrate levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Grazing conditions significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, irrespective of breed. Further research is necessary to explore the relationship between forage conditions, diversity, and rumen fermentation within different grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic fermentation for hydrogen production is influenced by various environmental factors that can limit microbial activity. However, machine learning (ML) shows significant potential in explaining the complexity of biological processes. This study focuses on the application of ML in predicting hydrogen production rates (HPR) during anaerobic fermentation of biomass energy. Grey relation analysis was employed to investigate the correlation between operational parameters and HPR. Five ML algorithms, namely decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN), were utilized in conjunction with operating conditions and digestate characteristics as features, with HPR as the target variable. The evaluation of the models was conducted using mean squared error (MSE) and R squared (R2). Notably, butyrate, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and volatile suspended solids (VSS) were identified as key factors influencing hydrogen production during sucrose anaerobic fermentation. Among the ML algorithms tested, XGBoost achieved the highest accuracy, with an R2 value of 0.91 and an MSE of 0.0052. [Display omitted] • Machine learning models developed for the anaerobic fermentation hydrogen production process. • XGBoost method is the best model for this process (R2＞0.9). • Grey relation analysis can assess the degree of correlation of the inputs. • The top three features associated with hydrogen production are Butyrate, ORP, VSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD), based on high fat (over 70% of daily calories), low carbohydrate, and adequate protein intake, has become popular due to its potential therapeutic benefits for several diseases including cancer. Under KD and starvation conditions, the lack of carbohydrates promotes the production of ketone bodies (KB) from fats by the liver as an alternative source of metabolic energy. KD and starvation may affect the metabolism in cancer cells, as well as tumor characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of KD conditions on a wide variety of aspects of breast cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Using two cancer and one non-cancer breast cell line, we evaluate the effect of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHb) treatment on cell growth, survival, proliferation, colony formation, and migration. We also assess the effect of KB on metabolic profile of the cells. Using RNAseq analysis, we elucidate the effect of βHb on the gene expression profile. Results: Significant effects were observed following treatment by βHb which include effects on viability, proliferation, and colony formation of MCF7 cells, and different effects on colony formation of MDA-MB-231 cells, with no such effects on non-cancer HB2 cells. We found no changes in glucose intake or lactate output following βHb treatment as measured by LC-MS, but an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected. RNAseq analysis demonstrated significant changes in genes involved in lipid metabolism, cancer, and oxidative phosphorylation. Conclusions: Based on our results, we conclude that differential response of cancer cell lines to βHb treatment, as alternative energy source or signal to alter lipid metabolism and oncogenicity, supports the need for a personalized approach to breast cancer patient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of additives was achieved for hydrogen and butyric acid production modelled through a three-level Box-Behnken Design of the response surface methodology. Seventeen runs were designed with variables of sodium chloride (0.1–5 g/L), sodium thiosulphate (0–200 mg/L) and minerals (Zinc, iron, cupper and nickel (0–0.8 mM). The model fit to a cubic model with a high R2 of 96% and P value of 0.03. Some of the interactive variables have significant effect on butyrate production. The butyrate concentrations were close to the predicted ones. The model showed that higher butyric acid concentrations were observed with low sodium chloride and high sodium thiosulphate and minerals concentrations. Butyrate/Acetate ratios (BA/A), hydrogen production yield and rates increased with mean values of the independent variables. A cumulative hydrogen formation of 155 mL, yield of 2.6 mmol H 2 /mmol lactose, and rate of 3.6 mL/g/h was observed with the highest BA/AA ratio obtained from experiments. [Display omitted] • Box-Behnken design was applied to enhance butyric acid production. • A modified third-order polynomial regression models were developed with high accuracy. • The interactive variables have significant effect on butyric acid production. • The biohydrogen amount produced was the highest among the literature compared. • The highest BA/AA ratio maximizing butyric acid gave a high hydrogen production potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain functions are influenced by the presence, activity, and metabolism of the gut microbiota through the gut-microbiota-brain (GMB) axis. The consumption of a fiber-rich diet increases the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from bacterial fermentation in the colon. Among SCFAs, butyrate stands out because of its wide array of biological functions, such as ability to influence brain functions. Pharmacologically, sodium butyrate (NaB) regulates gene expression in the brain, where it has several beneficial effects ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to behavioral disorders through inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACis). In this context, we review the mechanisms of action of the two types of butyrate on brain functions, with an emphasis on the epigenetic approach. Both types of butyrate are potentially interesting for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of neurological and psychological disorders due to their neuroprotective functions. However, further studies are needed to investigate the possible neuroepigenetic effects of butyrate derived from bacterial fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New polymorphs of diaquadicrotonato‐ and diaquadibutyratodioxidouranium(VI) were synthesized. X‐ray diffraction analysis at low and room temperatures revealed the monoclinic crystal system for both compounds at both room and low temperatures. New structures contain molecular complexes in which uranium atoms are coordinated by two bidentate carboxylate ions and two water molecules. The crystal structures feature the same packing motif that constitutes layers formed by hydrogen bonds. IR spectroscopy uncovered differences in vibrations of carboxyl and uranyl groups. Voronoi‐Dirichlet parameters of the synthesized compounds and some previously published uranyl carboxylates that have similar complex and crystal structures to the new ones were compared. The new structures demonstrate once again that the volume of Voronoi‐Dirichlet polyhedron of the uranium atom in U sublattice depends on the nature of carboxylate ion alkyl chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rubber seed kernel is a by-product derived from rubber tree plantations. It is rich in C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and has the potential to be used as a protein source for ruminant diets. This investigation has been conducted to determine the influence of rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) and supplementation of RUSKEP at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% dry matter (DM) of substrate. Results: The supplementation with RUSKEP had no effect on gas kinetics, cumulative gas production, or degradability. Ruminal pH decreased linearly (P < 0.01) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. The proportion of acetate (C2) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), but propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) increased linearly (P < 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. With an increasing level of dietary RUSKEP, there was a slight increase in UFA in the rumen by increasing the oleic acid (OA; C18:1 cis-9 + trans-9), linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12), and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 cis-9,12,15) concentrations (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Adding up to 10% of RUSKEP could improve in vitro rumen fermentation and C18 unsaturated fatty acids, especially ALA, in swamp buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyrate‐producing bacteria are found in many outdoor ecosystems and host organisms, including humans, and are vital to ecosystem functionality and human health. These bacteria ferment organic matter, producing the short‐chain fatty acid butyrate. However, the macroecological influences on their biogeographical distribution remain poorly resolved. Here we aimed to characterise their global distribution together with key explanatory climatic, geographical and physicochemical variables. We developed new normalised butyrate production capacity (BPC) indices derived from global metagenomic (n = 13,078) and Australia‐wide soil 16S rRNA (n = 1331) data, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and modelling techniques to detail their ecological and biogeographical associations. The highest median BPC scores were found in anoxic and fermentative environments, including the human (BPC = 2.99) and non‐human animal gut (BPC = 2.91), and in some plant–soil systems (BPC = 2.33). Within plant–soil systems, roots (BPC = 2.50) and rhizospheres (BPC = 2.34) had the highest median BPC scores. Among soil samples, geographical and climatic variables had the strongest overall effects on BPC scores (variable importance score range = 0.30–0.03), with human population density also making a notable contribution (variable importance score = 0.20). Higher BPC scores were in soils from seasonally productive sandy rangelands, temperate rural residential areas and sites with moderate‐to‐high soil iron concentrations. Abundances of butyrate‐producing bacteria in outdoor soils followed complex ecological patterns influenced by geography, climate, soil chemistry and hydrological fluctuations. These new macroecological insights further our understanding of the ecological patterns of outdoor butyrate‐producing bacteria, with implications for emerging microbially focused ecological and human health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in food animal production has brought about an antibiotic resistance crisis in the 21st century. To fight against this silent global pandemic through the transmission of poultry production, various in-feed antibiotic alternatives, primarily sodium butyrate products, are under evaluation, and promising results have been obtained in previous studies. To enhance this green feed additive evolution, this study evaluated the effects of a new type of buffer salt-protected sodium butyrate (NSB), which uses buffer salts to protect sodium butyrate, on the growth performance, various intestinal health indicators, and cecum microbiota of broilers during the rapid growth stage. The result shows that NSB improves growth performance, serum anti-inflammatory cytokines, gut morphology, intestinal immunity and antioxidant capacity, short-chain fatty acids' (SCFAs') content, and cecum microbiota, indicating that NSB can be a potential additive supporting the green feed additive industry in broiler nutrition. In this study, a commercial sodium butyrate protected by a new buffer salt solution (NSB) was tested to determine whether it can be used as an antibiotic alternative in broiler production. A total of 192 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: soybean meal diet (CON), antibiotic diet (ANT, basal diet + 100 mg/kg aureomycin), and NSB (basal diet + 800 mg/kg NSB). The growth performance, serum anti-inflammatory cytokines, intestinal morphology, gut barrier function, antioxidative parameters, SCFAs' content, and cecal microbiota were analyzed. The result showed that NSB significantly improved ADFI and ADG (p < 0.01), and decreased FCR (p < 0.01). Serum anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was up-regulated (p < 0.01), and pro-inflammatory TNF-α was down-regulated (p < 0.05) by NSB supplementation. H&E results showed that VH and the VH/CD ratio significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum in the NSB group. Furthermore, ZO-1 (p < 0.01), claudin-1 (p < 0.01), and occludin (p < 0.05) in the jejunum and claudin-1 (p < 0.01) and mucin-2 (p < 0.05) in the ileum were significantly up-regulated in the NSB group. Additionally, SOD (p < 0.05) and the T-AOC/MDA ratio (p < 0.01) in the jejunum and SOD in the ileum were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the NSB group. The MDA level also significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the ANT group in the jejunum. Propionic acid (p < 0.05) and butyric acid (p < 0.01) content significantly increased in the NSB group in the jejunum and ileum segments. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity among the groups. LEFSe analysis also indicated that Peptostreptococcaceae, Colidextribacter, Firmicutes, Oscillospira, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, which promote SCFA production (p < 0.05), were identified as dominant taxon-enriched bacterial genera in the NSB group. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Colidextribacter with ADFI, ADG, VH, claudin-1 (p < 0.05), and unclassified_f__Peptostreptococcaceae with ADFI, IL-10, and ZO-1 were positively correlated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ADFI and ADG with IL-10, claudin-1, SOD, T-AOC, and butyric acid (p < 0.05), and similarly, ADG with VH (p < 0.05), showed a positive correlation. In conclusion, NSB enhanced the growth performance by improving jejunum and ileum morphology, and serum anti-inflammatory cytokines, and by regulating the intestinal barrier function and antioxidant capacity, SCFAs' content, and cecum microbiota, showing its potential use as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net energy for lactation (NE L) and metabolizable protein (MP) are the 2 main nutritional forces that drive synthesis of milk components. This study investigated mammary-gland metabolism in dairy cows in response to variations in the supply of NE L and MP. Four Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, in which each experimental period consisted of 14 d of dietary treatment. The diets provided 2 levels of NE L (low energy, 25.0 Mcal/d vs. high energy, 32.5 Mcal/d) and 2 levels of MP (low protein, 1,266 g/d vs. high protein, 2,254 g/d of protein digestible in the intestine) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Performance and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured during the last 5 d of each period, and the mammary net balance was measured on d 13 by collecting 6 sets of blood samples from the left carotid artery and left mammary vein. Mammary plasma flow was measured according to the Fick principle for Phe and Tyr. The mammary net balance of carbon equaled the uptake of nutrients expressed as carbon minus the output of lactose, fatty acids (FA) synthesized in the mammary gland, AA of milk protein, and glycerol-3P from triglyceride on d 13. Milk, lactose, fat, and protein yields increased when NE L and MP supplies increased. However, increasing the NE L supply increased FA synthesis more than increasing the protein supply did. In addition, FA secretion increased more than lactose secretion when the NE L supply increased. Increasing the NE L supply increased the left half-udder uptake of all major energy-yielding nutrients by increasing mammary plasma flow. However, nutrient uptake increased more than milk output did, which in turn increased carbon dioxide output. This increase in nutrient oxidation by the mammary gland decreased the mammary efficiency of nutrients utilization when the NE L supply increased. Increasing MP supply tended to increase glucose uptake through mammary clearance and increased mammary AA uptake with no change in mammary plasma flow. In addition, the protein supply did not change the mammary uptake of acetate or β-hydroxybutyrate. The increase in milk-component secretions in response to either NE L or MP supplies occurred through different metabolic adaptations (increase in mammary plasma flow vs. clearances, respectively). These results suggest that the nutrient use by the mammary gland is highly flexible, which helps in maintaining milk and milk-component yields even with limiting nutrient supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to explore the effect of the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance and intestinal health of Yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 828 one-day-old Yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into two groups, with six replicates in each group and sixty-nine broilers in each replicate. The broilers in the control group were fed with basal diet, and the experimental group added 300 mg/kg the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum into the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 63 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, F/G of Yellow-feathered broilers in 1-21 days of the experimental group was decreased by 1.8% (P<0.05), the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 of jejunum were decreased by 50.5%, 72.6%, and 23.1%, respectively (P<0.05), and the score of dung morphology was decreased by 40.3% (P<0.05). The ADG of Yellow-feathered broilers in 22-63 days, the VH in jejunum and ileum, the VH/CD in ileum, and the microbial community abundance of Butyrate-producing bacteria in the experimental group were increased. The study indicates that the metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum combined with the basal diet can improve the growth performance and intestinal health, and then improve the economic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Clinical trials showed the efficacy of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for type 1 diabetes (T1D) by significant reductions in body weight and glycaemic variability, but elevated susceptibility to ketoacidosis via elevated glucagon secretion was a potential concern. The Suglat‐AID evaluated glucagon responses and its associations with glycaemic control and ketogenesis before and after T1D treatment with the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin. Methods: Adults with T1D (n = 25) took 50‐mg open‐labelled ipragliflozin daily as adjunctive to insulin. Laboratory/clinical data including continuous glucose monitoring were collected until 12 weeks after the ipragliflozin initiation. The participants underwent a mixed‐meal tolerance test (MMTT) twice [before (first MMTT) and 12 weeks after ipragliflozin treatment (second MMTT)] to evaluate responses of glucose, C‐peptide, glucagon and β‐hydroxybutyrate. Results: The area under the curve from fasting (0 min) to 120 min (AUC0‐120min) of glucagon in second MMTT were significantly increased by 14% versus first MMTT. The fasting and postprandial β‐hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly elevated in second MMTT versus first MMTT. The positive correlation between postprandial glucagon secretion and glucose excursions observed in first MMTT disappeared in second MMTT, but a negative correlation between fasting glucagon and time below range (glucose, <3.9 mmol/L) appeared in second MMTT. The percentage changes in glucagon levels (fasting and AUC0‐120min) from baseline to 12 weeks were significantly correlated with those in β‐hydroxybutyrate levels. Conclusions: Ipragliflozin treatment for T1D increased postprandial glucagon secretion, which did not exacerbate postprandial hyperglycaemia but might protect against hypoglycaemia, leading to reduced glycaemic variability. The increased glucagon secretion might accelerate ketogenesis when adequate insulin is not supplied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilactose is a disaccharide composed of galactose and mannose, and it is currently considered an "under development" prebiotic. In this study, we described the prebiotic potential of epilactose by in vitro fermentation using human fecal inocula from individuals following a Mediterranean diet (DM) or a Vegan diet (DV). The prebiotic effect of epilactose was also compared with lactulose and raffinose, and interesting correlations were established between metabolites and microbiota modulation. The production of several metabolites (lactate, short-chain fatty acids, and gases) confirmed the prebiotic properties of epilactose. For both donors, the microbiota analysis showed that epilactose significantly stimulated the butyrate-producing bacteria, suggesting that its prebiotic effect could be independent of the donor diet. Butyrate is one of the current golden metabolites due to its benefits for the gut and systemic health. In the presence of epilactose, the production of butyrate was 70- and 63-fold higher for the DM donor, when compared to lactulose and raffinose, respectively. For the DV donor, an increase of 29- and 89-fold in the butyrate production was obtained when compared to lactulose and raffinose, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that epilactose holds potential functional properties for human health, especially towards the modulation of butyrate-producing strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of diverse microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota, which play a pivotal role in breaking down undigested foods, such as dietary fibers. Through the fermentation of these food components, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate are produced, offering numerous health benefits to the host. The production and absorption of these SCFAs occur through various mechanisms within the human intestine, contingent upon the types of dietary fibers reaching the gut and the specific microorganisms engaged in fermentation. Medical literature extensively documents the supplementation of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, in the treatment of gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and gut-brain-related disorders. This review seeks to provide an overview of the dynamics involved in the production and absorption of acetate, propionate, and butyrate within the human gut. Additionally, it will focus on the pivotal roles these SCFAs play in promoting gastrointestinal and metabolic health, as well as their current therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Intestinal development and function are critical to maintaining sustained broiler growth. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) and vitamin D3 (VD3) on the intestinal immunity, barrier, oxidative stress and microflora in early‐stage broilers. In total, 192 one‐day‐old broilers were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design including two dietary supplements at two different levels, in which the main effects were VD3 (3000 or 5000 IU kg−1) and CSB (0 or 1 g kg−1). RESULTS: The results showed that CSB supplementation increased ileal goblet cells (GCs) numbers, villus height and decreased crypt depth in broilers. CSB increased ileal proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and high‐level VD3 decreased cluster of differentiation 3 expression. CSB reduced serum d‐lactate, endotoxin (ET), adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and increased total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) level. Meanwhile, high‐level VD3 decreased serum ET concentration. Furthermore, CSB increased ileal T‐AOC, lysozyme (LYZ) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and decreased MDA, whereas high‐level VD3 decreased ileal MDA and increased secretory immunoglobulin A. CSB up‐regulated ileal claudin1, superoxide dismutase 1, TGF‐β and LYZ mRNA expression and down‐regulated interleukin‐1β mRNA expression. CSB combined with high‐level VD3 increased ileal Faecalibaculum abundance. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Faecalibaculum was related to the immune and barrier function. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with CSB and high‐level VD3 improved early gut health in broilers by promoting intestinal development, enhancing antioxidant capacity, strengthening barrier function and enhancing the favorable composition of the gut bacterial flora. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate, β-glucan and vitamins (A, D3, E, K, C) on breeding indicators and immune parameters of juvenile African catfish was examined. The fish were fed with unenriched (group C) and enriched feed with a variable proportion of sodium butyrate/β-glucan, and constant content of vitamins (W1–W3). After the experiment, blood and the middle gut were collected. The microbiome of the gut was determined using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Liver tissue was collected for determination of expression of immune-related genes (HSP70, IL-1β, TNFα). W2 and W3 were characterized by the most favorable values of breeding indicators (p < 0.05). The highest blood cortisol concentration was in group C (71.25 ± 10.45 ng/mL), and significantly the lowest in W1 (46.03 ± 7.01 ng/ mL) (p < 0.05). The dominance of Cetobacterium was observed in all study groups, with the largest share in W3 (65.25%) and W1 (61.44%). Gene expression showed an increased number of HSP70 genes in W1. IL-1β and TNFα genes peaked at W3. The W3 variant turns out to be the most beneficial supplementation, due to the improvement of breeding and immunological parameters. The data obtained can be used to create a preparation for commercial use in the breeding of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves and twigs of Knema tonkinensis. The essential oil was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, and a total of eighty-six compounds were identified. The major constituents of the oils were β-pinene, α-pinene, bicyclogermacrene, caryophyllene, and copaene. The essential oil from the leaves showed strong antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and yeast, while the essential oil from the twigs also exhibited antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria. This research was supported by the Ph.D. Scholarship Programme of Vingroup Innovation. [Extracted from the article]

The unprecedented increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of low‐cost organo‐inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (OIHPSCs) toward its Shockley‐Queisser limit intriguingly has prompted researchers to investigate the disadvantages of these devices. The issue of operational stability is the main hurdle challenging the way forward for commercialization. To address this, various engineering processes like composition, additives, anti‐solvents, bulk and interface passivation, and deposition techniques have been widely applied to manage both extrinsic and intrinsic factors that induce degradation of the OIHPSCs. In this work, we employed interface passivation, which is an efficient approach to reduce nonradiative recombination. An ultrathin layer of electron donor diketopyrrolopyrrole‐oligothiophene copolymer (DPP860) was applied as an interface passivator between the photoactive layer and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The role of the interface passivation on optoelectronic properties of the OIHPSCs was assessed using current density versus voltage (J‐V) characteristics, photoluminescence spectroscopy and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The findings show devices treated with DPP860 exhibit enhanced current density (Jsc) and fill factor, attributing for suppressed nonradiative recombination. Moreover, it shows relative improvement in the stability of the device. The results of this finding reveal that using oligothiophene copolymer can enhance the photovoltaic performance and the stability of inverted OIHPSCs in the ambient environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the colonic microbiome has numerous benefits for human health, including maintenance of epithelial barrier function, suppression of colitis, and protection against carcinogenesis. Despite the therapeutic potential, there is currently no optimal approach for elevating the colonic microbiome's synthesis of SCFAs. In this study, poly(D, l -lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) was investigated for this application, as it was hypothesised that the colonic microbiota would metabolise PLGA to its lactate monomers, which would promote the resident microbiota's synthesis of SCFAs. Two grades of spray dried PLGA, alongside a lactate bolus control, were screened in an advanced model of the human colon, known as the M-SHIME® system. Whilst the high molecular weight (Mw) grade of PLGA was stable in the presence of the microbiota sourced from three healthy humans, the low Mw PLGA (PLGA 2) was found to be metabolised. This microbial degradation led to sustained release of lactate over 48 h and increased concentrations of the SCFAs propionate and butyrate. Further, microbial synthesis of harmful ammonium was significantly reduced compared to untreated controls. Interestingly, both types of PLGA were found to influence the composition of the luminal and mucosal microbiota in a donor-specific manner. An in vitro model of an inflamed colonic epithelium also showed the polymer to affect the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, such as interleukins 8 and 10. The findings of this study reveal PLGA's sensitivity to enzymatic metabolism in the gut, which could be harnessed for therapeutic elevation of colonic SCFAs. [Display omitted] • PLGA is susceptible to metabolism by the human gut microbiome. • Digestion of PLGA with Mw 2000–2500 g/mol led to sustained lactate release. • Lactate from PLGA was converted to propionate and butyrate in a colonic model. • PLGA affected the abundance and composition of luminal and mucosal microbiota. • PLGA exerted donor-specific effects on intestinal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteins are an abundant biopolymer in organic waste feedstocks for biorefining. When degraded, amino acids are released, but their fate in non-methanogenic microbiomes is not well understood. The ability of a microbiome obtained from an anaerobic digester to produce volatile fatty acids from the twenty proteinogenic amino acids was tested using batch experiments. Batch tests were conducted using an initial concentration of each amino acid of 9000 mg COD L−1 along with 9000 mg COD L−1 acetate. Butyrate production was observed from lysine, glutamate, and serine fermentation. Lesser amounts of propionate, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate were also observed from individual amino acids. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, Anaerostignum, Intestimonas, Aminipila, and Oscillibacter all likely play a role in the conversion of amino acids to butyrate. The specific roles of other abundant taxa, including Coprothermobacter, Fervidobacterium, Desulfovibrio, and Wolinella, remain unknown, but these genera should be studied for their role in fermentation of amino acids and proteins to VFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer patients face increased susceptibility to invasive infections, primarily due to ulcerative lesions on mucosal surfaces and immune suppression resulting from chemotherapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteremia is notorious for its rapid progression into fatal sepsis, posing a significant threat to cancer patients, particularly those experiencing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. This bacterial infection contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality rates among such individuals. Our latest report showed the mutually beneficial effects of postbiotic butyrate on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3)-controlled innate immunity during Salmonella colitis. Hence, we investigated the impact of butyrate and 1,25D3 on chemotherapy-induced gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis in mice. The chemotherapy-induced gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis model was established through oral administration of 1 × 107 CFU of the P. aeruginosa wild-type strain PAO1 in C57BL/6 mice undergoing chemotherapy. Throughout the infection process, mice were orally administered butyrate and/or 1,25D3. Our observations revealed that the combined action of butyrate and 1,25D3 led to a reduction in the severity of colitis and the invasion of P. aeruginosa into the liver and spleen of the mice. This reduction was attributed to an enhancement in the expression of defensive cytokines and antimicrobial peptides within the cecum, coupled with decreased levels of zonulin and claudin-2 proteins in the mucosal lining. These effects were notably more pronounced when compared to treatments administered individually. This study unveils a promising alternative therapy that involves combining postbiotics and 1,25D3 for treating chemotherapy-induced gut-derived P. aeruginosa sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease which is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. The GI tract is home to a wide range of microorganisms, among which bacteria, that can influence the host through various mechanisms. Products produced by these bacteria can act in the gut but can also exert effects in the brain via what is now well established to be the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In those with PD the gut-bacteria composition is often found to be different to that of non-PD individuals. In addition to compositional changes, the metabolic activity of the gut-microbiota is also changed in PD. Specifically, it is often reported that key producers of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as the concentration of SCFAs themselves are altered in the stool and blood of those with PD. These SCFAs, among which butyrate, are essential nutrients for the host and are a major energy source for epithelial cells of the GI tract. Additionally, butyrate plays a key role in regulating various host responses particularly in relation to inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that a reduction in butyrate levels can have a critical role in the onset and progression of PD. Furthermore, it has been shown that restoring butyrate levels in those with PD through methods such as probiotics, prebiotics, sodium butyrate supplementation, and fecal transplantation can have a beneficial effect on both motor and non-motor outcomes of the disease. This review presents an overview of evidence for the altered gut-bacteria composition and corresponding metabolite production in those with PD, with a particular focus on the SCFA butyrate. In addition to presenting current studies regarding SCFA in clinical and preclinical reports, evidence for the possibility to target butyrate production using microbiome based approaches in a therapeutic context is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a particle swarm optimization algorithm (a population-based stochastic optimization technique) combined with 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations, we inverse design periodic arrays of metallic nanoparticles on indium-tin-oxide electrodes and nanoholes in metallic thin films working as electrodes in P3HT (Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)):PCBM ([6,6]-Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester) organic solar cells to achieve the maximum short-circuit currents (J s c ). Nanohole-array electrodes have large optical losses, leading to a net reduction of J s c compared to a reference solar cell. On the other hand, nanoparticle arrays can lead to a significant enhancement of J s c of up to 20%. Detailed simulations show that this enhancement is caused by the grating coupling of the incident light to surface plasmon polaritons at the interface of the metal electrode and the hole transport layer, leading to the enhancement of the electromagnetic field in the organic blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, significantly impacting animal welfare and production efficiency. The two primary ETEC pathotypes associated with post-weaning diarrhea are ETEC F4 and ETEC F18. During the post-weaning period, piglets may be exposed to both ETEC F4 and ETEC F18. However, the effects of coinfection by both strains have not been studied. Short chain fatty acid feed additives, such as butyrate and valerate, are being investigated for their potential to improve animal performance and disease resistance. Therefore, this pilot experiment aimed to test the effects of butyrate glycerides or valerate glycerides on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and immune responses of piglets under ETEC F4-ETEC F18 coinfection conditions. Twenty piglets were individually housed and assigned to one of the three dietary treatments immediately at weaning (21 to 24 d of age). The dietary treatments included control (basal diet formulation), control supplemented with 0.1% butyrate glycerides or 0.1% valerate glycerides. After a 7-d adaptation, all pigs were inoculated with ETEC F4 and ETEC F18 (0.5 × 109 CFU/1.5 mL dose for each strain) on three consecutive days. Pigs and feeders were weighed throughout the trial to measure growth performance. Fecal cultures were monitored for hemolytic coliforms, and blood samples were collected for whole blood and serum analysis. Pigs fed valerate glycerides tended (P = 0.095) to have higher final body weight compared with control. The overall severity of diarrhea was significantly (P

The microbiome modulates host immunity and aids the maintenance of tolerance in the gut, where microbial and food-derived antigens are abundant. Yet modern dietary factors and the excessive use of antibiotics have contributed to the rising incidence of food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and other non-communicable chronic diseases associated with the depletion of beneficial taxa, including butyrate-producing Clostridia. Here we show that intragastrically delivered neutral and negatively charged polymeric micelles releasing butyrate in different regions of the intestinal tract restore barrier-protective responses in mouse models of colitis and of peanut allergy. Treatment with the butyrate-releasing micelles increased the abundance of butyrate-producing taxa in Clostridium cluster XIVa, protected mice from an anaphylactic reaction to a peanut challenge and reduced disease severity in a T-cell-transfer model of colitis. By restoring microbial and mucosal homoeostasis, butyrate-releasing micelles may function as an antigen-agnostic approach for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases.