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Photosynthesis by phytoplankton reduces partial pressure CO2 of at the surface of the ocean and is therefore a potential means of action for a marine CO2 removal technology. Here we study how glacial rock flour may influence photosynthesis in the open ocean. Glacial rock flour is a fine-grained silicate mineral from the bedrock grinded by the Greenland Ice Sheet and enters the ocean via fjords and coastal waters. It is therefore a natural source of nutrients and trace metals to the ocean. It is easily accessible in large quantities and could be a suitable source for large-scale CO2 removal. The impact of suspended glacial rock flour was analyzed through 14 incubation experiments with natural phytoplankton communities sampled in the subtropical Atlantic. A significant increase in photosynthesis was found in 12 experiments where variable fluorescence Fv/Fm increased 12% and the average concentration of chlorophyll a increased significantly in comparison with control treatments during a 6-day period. Incubations with glacial rock flour showed a significant uptake of phosphorus whereas the average concentrations of silicate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen increased. Nutrient changes could be explained by increasing phytoplankton and microbial biomass, remineralization of organic matter, and weathering (mobilization) of glacial rock flour. These short time experiments indicated that trace metals from glacial rock flour stimulated phytoplankton growth. Thus, glacial rock flour has the potential to increase photosynthesis and phytoplankton growth, and therefore may be a potential means of action for marine CO2 removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao, L.) represents an important market that gained relevance and became an esteemed commodity thanks to cocoa powder, chocolate, and other related products. This work analyzed 59 cocoa powder samples from the European market. Three distinct subgroups were identified: organic or conventional, alkalized or not alkalized, and raw or roasted processing. The impact of the technological process on their pH, color, and compositional traits, as well as their content of biogenic amines and salsolinol, was evaluated. The phenolic fraction was also investigated through both common and emerging methods. The results depict that the influence of the agronomical practices (organic/conventional) did not significantly (p < 0.05) affect the composition of the cocoa powders; similarly, the roasting process was not a determinant of the compounds traced. On the other hand, the alkalinization process greatly impacted color and pH, no matter the cocoa's provenience or obtention or other processes, also resulting in reducing the phenolic fraction of the treated samples. Principal component analysis confirmed that the alkali process acts on pH, color, and phenolic composition but not on the content of other bioactive molecules (biogenic amines and salsolinol). All the samples were safe, while the alkalized powders saw a great reduction in beneficial biocompounds. A novel strategy could be to emphasize on the label whether cocoa powder is non-alkalized to meet the demand for more beneficial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The plant rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides function as key regulators in cell growth and immune responses through the receptor kinase FERONIA (FER). In this study, we report that the transcription factor FgPacC binds directly to the promoter of FgRALF gene, which encodes a functional homologue of the plant RALF peptides from the wheat head blight fungus Fusarium graminearum (FgRALF). More importantly, FgPacC promotes fungal infection via host immune suppression by activating the expression of FgRALF. The FgRALF peptide also exhibited typical activities of plant RALF functions, such as inducing plant alkalinization and inhibiting cell growth, including wheat (Triticum aestivum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Arabidopsis thaliana. We further identified the wheat receptor kinase FERONIA (TaFER), which is capable of restoring the defects of the A. thaliana FER mutant. In addition, we found that FgRALF peptide binds to the extracellular malectin‐like domain (ECD) of TaFER (TaFERECD) to suppress the PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI) and cell growth. Overexpression of TaFERECD in A. thaliana confers plant resistance to F. graminearum and protects from FgRALF‐induced cell growth inhibition. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the fungal pathogen‐secreted RALF mimic suppresses host immunity and inhibits cell growth via plant FER receptor. This establishes a novel pathway for the development of disease‐resistant crops in the future without compromising their yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alkalinization for COVID-19 patients based on current evidence to determine the impact of alkalinization on COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: We searched MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov for studies evaluating the efficacy of alkalinization up to 30 April 2023. Based on the PRISMA 2020 statement criteria a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies were performed. Results: The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in mortality rate in the alkalinization group compared to controls (RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.95; I2 = 0%). However, our subgroup analysis showed no significant improvement in RCT-only studies (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59-1.05; I2 = 0%), the recovery rate was significantly higher in the alkalinization group (RR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.39-3.26; I2 = 0%), duration of recovery also has improved in alkalinization group (SMD 0.76, 95% CI: 0.33-1.18; I2 = 0%). The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in the duration of hospitalization in the alkalinization group compared to controls with very low certainty of evidence (SMD −0.66, 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.35; I2 = 36%). Conclusion: With low certainty of evidence, alkalinization (by sodium bicarbonate) can be an efficient and safe adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 patients. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the available evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis by phytoplankton reduces partial pressure of CO2 at the surface of the ocean and is therefore a potential means of action for a marine CO2 removal technology. Here we study how glacial rock flour may influence photosynthesis in the open ocean. Glacial rock flour is a fine-grained silicate mineral from the bedrock grinded by the Greenland Ice Sheet and enters the ocean via fjords and coastal waters. It is therefore a natural source of nutrients and trace metals to the ocean. It is easily accessible in large quantities and could be a suitable source for large-scale CO2 removal. The impact of suspended glacial rock flour was analyzed through 14 incubation experiments with natural phytoplankton communities sampled in the subtropical Atlantic. A significant increase in photosynthesis was found in 12 experiments where variable fluorescence Fv/Fm increased 12% and the average concentration of chlorophyll a increased significantly in comparison with control treatments during a 6-day period. Incubations with glacial rock flour showed a significant uptake of phosphorus whereas the average concentrations of silicate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen increased. Nutrient changes could be explained by increasing phytoplankton and microbial biomass, remineralization of organic matter, and weathering (mobilization) of glacial rock flour. These short time experiments indicated that trace metals from glacial rock flour stimulated phytoplankton growth. Thus, glacial rock flour has the potential to increase photosynthesis and phytoplankton growth, and therefore may be a potential means of action for marine CO2 removal.

The processes at platinum electrodes during the cathode polarization in an alcohol solution of erbium nitrate are discussed. The current density maxima on the cathode branch of voltammograms were found to correspond to the potentials of the hydrogen reduction reactions. The gel-like deposit Er(OH)x(NO3)y(С2Н5О)z·nH2O, x + y + z = 3, formed during the cathode treatment was shown to be not a product of the electron exchange between the cathode and the solution components. The following formation mechanism of the erbium-containing deposit has been suggested. First, the electrochemical process of the hydrogen cathode reduction is implemented. This process leads to the ionic unbalance and causes the alkalinization of the cathode space. This creates conditions for the chemical process of the gel-like erbium hydroxide formation, which is physically adsorbed on the cathode surface as a precipitate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The yeast Komagataella phaffii has become a very popular host for heterologous protein expression, very often based on the use of the AOX1 promoter, which becomes activated when cells are grown with methanol as a carbon source. However, the use of methanol in industrial settings is not devoid of problems, and therefore, the search for alternative expression methods has become a priority in the last few years. Results: We recently reported that moderate alkalinization of the medium triggers a fast and wide transcriptional response in K. phaffii. Here, we present the utilization of three alkaline pH-responsive promoters (pTSA1, pHSP12 and pPHO89) to drive the expression of a secreted phytase enzyme by simply shifting the pH of the medium to 8.0. These promoters offer a wide range of strengths, and the production of phytase could be modulated by adjusting the pH to specific values. The TSA1 and PHO89 promoters offered exquisite regulation, with virtually no enzyme production at acidic pH, while limitation of Pi in the medium further potentiated alkaline pH-driven phytase expression from the PHO89 promoter. An evolved strain based on this promoter was able to produce twice as much phytase as the reference pAOX1-based strain. Functional mapping of the TSA1 and HSP12 promoters suggests that both contain at least two alkaline pH-sensitive regulatory regions. Conclusions: Our work shows that the use of alkaline pH-regulatable promoters could be a useful alternative to methanol-based expression systems, offering advantages in terms of simplicity, safety and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare two methods for assessing damage from the degradation of soils and agricultural lands located in the Kalachevsky district of the Volgograd Region. The amount of damage from soil and land degradation was calculated by the "Methodology for determining the amount of damage from soil and land degradation" (1994) and the cost of restoration (reclamation) of degraded soils was determined using the SmetaWizard estimate program (version 4.1.3). It was established that the most significant contribution to the total amount of damage from soil and land degradation (175 573 000 rubles or 64 955 rubles/ha) was made by the increase in the share of exchangeable sodium in soils (147 424 528 rubles or 54 541 rubles/ha), which is due to the development of the process of alkalinization in the soils of the studied agricultural sector in the region. This degradation process, which is harmful to the agricultural use of soils and lands, was found in areas that comprise 52% of the total farm area. This indicator's significant damage is also associated with extended periods of restoration (reclamation) work, 4 years. The cost of reclamation work amounted to 11 647 353 rubles or 4309 rub./ha. The maximum contribution (78%) to this was made by damage from soil organic matter losses (the amount of damage was 9 131 525 rubles or 3378 rubles/ha). The significant difference in the total values of the environmental and economic assessment of soil degradation and the land of the Donskoye agricultural enterprise in the Kalachevsky district, calculated in various ways, is associated with the methodological features of this assessment: the assessment of damage from degradation by the "Methodology ..." (1994) is a stricter approach than estimating the cost of reclamation (restoration) measures. Thus, soils may be degraded compared with a standard (considered when assessing damage), but this degradation is "insufficient" to justify reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The galvanic corrosion behavior of the AA7075–CS1018 couple was examined in dynamic electrolytes using the ZRA technique. A modified electrochemical setup was developed to support the use of thin-film gel and liquid electrolytes on metallic surfaces. This allowed the collection of chemical information, left behind by the liquid electrolyte during evaporation, through a thin-film gel. The analysis of the gel electrolyte film confirmed the acidification on AA7075 and the alkalinization on CS1018 but also offered novel insights on their dependence on the galvanic current. The galvanic current was proportional to the initial NaCl concentration in the range of 0.01 to 0.06 M. However, due to continuous evaporation, the NaCl concentration increased, limiting oxygen diffusion and decreasing the galvanic current, especially for electrolytes exceeding 0.06 M. The galvanic current was determined by considering the dynamic evolution (caused by the evaporation of the electrolyte film) of both the thickness of the electrolyte and its concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) have long been known to act as signaling molecules in plant cells, but whether they affect cell wall (CW) patterning and expansion remains unclear. Very recent advances in tip-growing cells showed that positively charged RALFs affect key attributes of the structural components of the nascent CW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hungary's first national park was created in 1973 in the Hortobágy area to protect Europe's largest contiguous steppe area and its flora and fauna. The Hortobágy National Park—the Puszta was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape in 1999. The park's outstanding importance is due to the predominantly non-arboreal steppe vegetation, home to a unique bird fauna, and alkaline and chernozem soils with a complex, mosaic-like spatial structure. In addition, the landscape of Hortobágy has a pastoral history stretching back thousands of years. Several hypotheses have been put forward that suggest that the alkaline soils and the habitats that cover them were formed as a result of human activities related to river regulation that began in the second half of the 19th century. However, paleoecological and paleobiological studies over the last 30–40 years have pointed to the natural origin of the alkaline steppes, dating back to the end of the Ice Age. For thousands of years, human activities, in particular, grazing by domestic animals, hardly influenced the natural evolution of the area. The drainage of marshy and flooded areas began in the 19th century, as well as the introduction of more and more intensive agriculture, had a significant impact on the landscape. This paper aims to describe the past natural development of this special alkaline steppe ecosystem, with particular reference to the impacts of past and present human activities, including conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid is one of the few kidney stone minerals that can dissolve using oral alkalinization therapies such as potassium citrate. We report an obese female whose recalcitrant uric acid stones were eliminated using the weight loss medication phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia), a metabolic stimulant and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Pre- and post-dissolution 24-h urine studies and computed tomography images are included with a proposed mechanism of action of this medication. This is the first description of a non-alkaline oral therapy used alone for uric acid stone dissolution. Additional investigation of this medication in obese or diabetic uric acid stone formers is warranted.

Envenomation from Hymenoptera stings, including honeybees, wasps, and hornets, usually results in local erythema and edema. Envenomation with bee stings can have varied presentations, from local erythema and systemic reactions (intravascular hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and liver dysfunction) to anaphylaxis, depending on the number of stings, comorbidities of the patient, and prior sensitization to bee stings. We report a case of massive bee sting envenomation with over 200 bee stings on a patient who presented to our hospital and developed rhabdomyolysis, liver dysfunction, and an elevated troponin I. Early interventions with adequate fluid resuscitation, urine alkalinization, and hepatoprotective measures resulted in a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a Negative Emissions Technology (NET) that shows significant potential for climate change mitigation. By increasing the bicarbonate ion concentration in ocean water, OAE could enhance long-term carbon storage and mitigate ocean acidification. However, the side effects and/or potential co-benefits of OAE on natural planktonic communities remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, a mesocosm experiment was conducted in the oligotrophic waters of Gran Canaria. A CO2-equilibrated Total Alkalinity (TA) gradient was employed in increments of 300 µmol·L-1, ranging from ~2400 to ~4800 µmol·L-1. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the potential impacts of OAE on planktonic communities under natural conditions. The results show that Net Community Production (NCP), Gross Production (GP), Community Respiration (CR) rates, as well as the metabolic balance (GP:CR), did not exhibit a linear response to the whole alkalinity gradient. Instead, significant polynomial and linear regression models were observed for all rates up to ΔTA1800 µmol·L-1, in relation to the Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) concentrations. Notably, the ΔTA1500 and 1800 µmol·L-1 treatments showed peaks in NCP shifting from a heterotrophic to an autotrophic state, with NCP values of 4 and 8 µmol O2 kg-1 d-1, respectively. These peaks and the optimum curve were also reflected in the phytoplankton abundance, size-fractionated chlorophyll α and 14C uptake data. Furthermore, abiotic precipitation occurred in the highest treatment after day 21 but no impact on the measured parameters was detected. Overall, a damaging effect of CO2-equilibrated OAE in the range applied here, on phytoplankton primary production, community metabolism and composition could not be inferred. In fact, a potential cobenefit to OAE was observed in the form of the positive curvilinear response to the DIC gradient up to the ΔTA1800 treatment. Further experimental research at this scale is key to gain a better understanding of the short and long-term effects of OAE on planktonic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adaptation to alkalinization of the medium in fungi involves an extensive remodeling of gene expression. Komagataella phaffii is an ascomycetous yeast that has become an organism widely used for heterologous protein expression. We explore here the transcriptional impact of moderate alkalinization in this yeast, in search of suitable novel promoters able to drive transcription in response to the pH signal. Results: In spite of a minor effect on growth, shifting the cultures from pH 5.5 to 8.0 or 8.2 provokes significant changes in the mRNA levels of over 700 genes. Functional categories such as arginine and methionine biosynthesis, non-reductive iron uptake and phosphate metabolism are enriched in induced genes, whereas many genes encoding iron-sulfur proteins or members of the respirasome were repressed. We also show that alkalinization is accompanied by oxidative stress and we propose this circumstance as a common trigger of a subset of the observed changes. PHO89, encoding a Na+/Pi cotransporter, appears among the most potently induced genes by high pH. We demonstrate that this response is mainly based on two calcineurin-dependent response elements located in its promoter, thus indicating that alkalinization triggers a calcium-mediated signal in K. phaffii. Conclusions: This work defines in K. phaffii a subset of genes and diverse cellular pathways that are altered in response to moderate alkalinization of the medium, thus setting the basis for developing novel pH-controlled systems for heterologous protein expression in this fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Dental Science is the property of Brazilian Dental Science Journal-ICT-UNESP 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.)

High-alkali treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) injection can be a therapeutic approach for killing tumor cells. Alkalization can damage cellular structures and lead to cell death. Increased alkalinity can also enhance the efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX). In this study, NaOH-loaded starch implants (NST implants) were used to induce hyperalkalization (increase pH) in the tumor environment, thereby inducing necrosis and enhancing the effects of DOX. NaOH is a strongly alkaline substance that can increase the pH when injected into a tumor. However, the administration of NaOH can have toxic side effects because it increases the pH of the entire body, not just at the tumor site. To overcome this problem, we developed an injectable NST implant, in which NaOH can be delivered directly into the tumor. This study showed that NST implants could be easily administered intratumorally in mice bearing 4T1 tumors and that most of the NaOH released from the NST implants was delivered to the tumors. Although some NaOH from NST implants can be systemically absorbed, it is neutralized by the body's buffering effect, thereby reducing the risk of toxicity. This study also confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that DOX is more effective at killing 4T1 cells when alkalized. It has been shown that administration of DOX after injection of an NST implant can kill most tumors. Systemic absorption and side effects can be reduced using an NST implant to deliver NaOH to the tumor. In addition, alkalinization induced by NST implants not only exerts anticancer effects but can also enhance the effect of DOX in killing cancer cells. Therefore, the combination of NaOH-loaded starch implants and DOX treatment has the potential to be a novel therapy for tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute 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.)

Abstract Acidification of the cellular lysosome is an important factor in infection of mammalian cells by SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, raising the pH of the lysosome would theoretically be beneficial in prevention or treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, and THAM are buffers that can be used clinically to provide base to patients. To examine whether these bases could raise lysosomal pH and therefore be a primary or adjunctive treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, we measured lysosomal and intracellular pH of mammalian cells after exposure to each of these bases. Mammalian HEK293 cells expressing RpH‐LAMP1‐3xFLAG, a ratiometric sensor of lysosomal luminal pH, were first exposed to Hepes which was then switched to sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, or THAM and lysosomal pH measured. In bicarbonate buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 20); p = NS versus Hepes (n = 20). The mean lysosomal pH in bicarbonate/carbonate was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 21) versus Hepes (n = 21), p = NS. In THAM buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.7 ± 0.07 (n = 20) versus Hepes (4.6 ± 0.1, n = 20), p = NS. In addition, there was no statistical difference between pHi in bicarbonate, carbicarb or THAM solutions. Using the membrane permeable base NH4Cl (5 mM), lysosomal pH increased significantly to 5.9 ± 0.1 (n = 21) compared to Hepes (4.5 ± 0.07, n = 21); p

This article discusses a case of a patient who developed black urine after receiving treatment for a nosocomial infection. The patient was not receiving iron supplementation, so the cause of the dark urine was unknown. The drug used for treatment is a siderophore cephalosporin with chelating activity with ferric iron, and it has been hypothesized that the dark urine may be due to the renal clearance of drug-iron complexes. The article highlights that several drugs can cause urine discoloration and further research is needed to understand the mechanism behind this phenomenon. [Extracted from the article]

The acrosome is a lysosome‐related vesicular organelle located in the sperm head. The acrosomal reaction (AR) is an exocytic process mediated by Ca2+ and essential for mammalian fertilization. Recent findings support the importance of acrosomal alkalinization for the AR. Mibefradil (Mib) and NNC 55‐0396 (NNC) are two amphipathic weak bases that block the sperm‐specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and induce acrosomal pH (pHa) increase by accumulating in the acrosomal lumen of mammalian sperm. This accumulation and pHa elevation increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and trigger the AR by unknown mechanisms of Ca2+ transport. Here, we investigated the pathways associated with the pHa increase‐induced Ca2+ signals using mouse sperm as a model. To address these questions, we used single‐cell Ca2+ imaging, the lysosomotropic agent Gly‐Phe‐β‐naphthylamide (GPN) and pharmacological tools. Our findings show that Mib and NNC increase pHa and release acrosomal Ca2+ without compromising acrosomal membrane integrity. Our GPN results indicate that the osmotic component does not significantly contribute to acrosomal Ca2+ release caused by pHa rise. Inhibition of two‐pore channel 1 (TPC1) channels reduced the [Ca2+]i increase stimulated by acrosomal alkalinization. In addition, blockage of Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels diminished Ca2+ uptake triggered by pHa alkalinization. Finally, our findings contribute to understanding how pHa controls acrosomal Ca2+ efflux and extracellular Ca2+ entry during AR in mouse sperm. Key points: The acrosomal vesicle is a lysosome‐related organelle located in the sperm head. The acrosome reaction (AR) is a highly regulated exocytic process mediated by Ca2+, which is essential for fertilization. However, the molecular identity of Ca2+ transporters involved in the AR and their mechanisms to regulate Ca2+ fluxes are not fully understood.In mammalian sperm, acrosomal alkalinization induces intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase and triggers the AR by unknown molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ transport. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signals caused by acrosomal alkalinization using mouse sperm as a model.TPC1 and CRAC channels contribute to [Ca2+]i elevation during acrosomal alkalinization.Our findings expand our understanding of how the acrosomal pH participates in the physiological induction of the AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of patients with salicylate toxicity frequently requires urine alkalinization to enhance excretion of salicylate. One strategy for determining when to stop urine alkalinization is to wait for two consecutive serum salicylate concentrations to be less than 300 mg/L (2.17 mmol/L) and declining. When alkalinization of the urine ceases, a rebound in serum salicylate concentration can occur from tissue redistribution or delayed gastrointestinal absorption. Whether this can lead to rebound toxicity is not well understood. This was a single-center, retrospective review of cases with a primary ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid reported to the local poison center over a five-year period. Cases were excluded if the product was not listed as the primary ingestion or if there was no serum salicylate concentration documented after discontinuation of intravenous sodium bicarbonate infusion. The primary outcome was the incidence of serum salicylate rebound to a concentration greater than 300 mg/L (2.17 mmol/L) after discontinuation of intravenous sodium bicarbonate infusion. A total of 377 cases were included. Of these, eight (2.1%) had a serum salicylate concentration increase (rebound) after stopping the sodium bicarbonate infusion. All these cases were acute ingestions. Five of the eight cases had rebound serum salicylate concentrations that were greater than 300 mg/L (2.17 mmol/L). Of these five patients, only one reported recurrent symptoms (tinnitus). Prior to stopping urinary alkalinization, the last or the last two serum salicylate concentrations were less than 300 mg/L (2.17 mmol/L) in three and two cases, respectively. In patients with salicylate toxicity, the incidence of rebound in serum salicylate concentration after cessation of urine alkalinization, is low. Even if serum salicylate rebounds to supratherapeutic concentrations, symptoms are often absent or mild. Routine repeat serum salicylate concentrations after urine alkalinization is stopped may be unnecessary unless symptoms recrudesce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, the timely degeneration of tapetal cells is essential for providing nutrients and other substances to support pollen development. Rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) are small, cysteine-rich peptides known to be involved in various aspects of plant development and growth, as well as defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the functions of most of them remain unknown, while no RALF has been reported to involve tapetum degeneration. In this study, we demonstrated that a novel cysteine-rich peptide, EaF82, isolated from shy-flowering 'Golden Pothos' (Epipremnum aureum) plants, is a RALF-like peptide and displays alkalinizing activity. Its heterologous expression in Arabidopsis delayed tapetum degeneration and reduced pollen production and seed yields. RNAseq, RT-qPCR, and biochemical analyses showed that overexpression of EaF82 downregulated a group of genes involved in pH changes, cell wall modifications, tapetum degeneration, and pollen maturation, as well as seven endogenous Arabidopsis RALF genes, and decreased proteasome activity and ATP levels. Yeast two-hybrid screening identified AKIN10, a subunit of energy-sensing SnRK1 kinase, as its interacting partner. Our study reveals a possible regulatory role for RALF peptide in tapetum degeneration and suggests that EaF82 action may be mediated through AKIN10 leading to the alteration of transcriptome and energy metabolism, thereby causing ATP deficiency and impairing pollen development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valorization of wheat straw fiber/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites was investigated through studying the individual and combined effects of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and alkali treatments on the given composites. FTIR spectra indicated the reduction of wheat straw fibers' hydroxyl groups due to hemicellulose removal resulting from alkali treatment. There were also trace diminutions in C-O peak intensities due to the degradation of little amounts of lignin. X-ray analysis revealed the intercalation of nanoclay in the polymer matrix. The improved interaction of fiber-polymer interfaces brought about by alkali treatment was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The water absorption and thickness swelling properties of the nanocomposites were improved due to the barrier properties of nanoclay against water ingress. The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity increased by the individual, and likewise combined treatments. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the temperatures of first and second stages of composites' thermal degradation increased via the formation of a carbonized char layer thermally insulating the deeper composite layers. Differential scanning calorimetry showed some slight increases in the melting temperature, melting enthalpy, crystallisation temperature, crystallisation enthalpy, and crystallinity index of the treated composites due to the nucleating effect of nanofillers. The overall results showed that the combined treatment of OMMT and NaOH (vs. the individual ones) could significantly improve the overall properties of the studied composites. This was due to some interesting synergistic effects of the given treatments converting the wheat straw fiber/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites to high performance materials of choice for industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common method used to obtain cellulosic fibers is alkalinization with NaOH. Depending on NaOH content, treatments remove significant quantities of lignin and hemicellulose as small molecules. In biorefineries, where the preservation of components is needed, KOH may prevent hemicellulose chain formation. Here, we studied the efficacy of obtaining cellulosic fibers from jute using KOH. Jute fibers are about 84.2% holocellulose, which corresponds to 59.5% alpha cellulose and 24.7% hemicellulose. To obtain high cellulosic fiber yields from jute, effects of pulping with different KOH concentrations and altering reaction times were studied using factorial planning (22). Afterward, in natura and treated fibers were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry. Holocellulose sample components were obtained by removing lignin. Factors including concentration and reaction time individually significantly affected cellulose yield. Alpha cellulose was produced when higher levels of the factorial planning conditions were applied. Ideal parameters for cellulose extraction included the addition of 10% (w/v) KOH for 3 h. FTIR analysis was used to ensure that lignocellulosic components were removed by fiber treatment. TG showed that treated fibers were thermally stable at temperatures close to, or higher than, in natura fibers.

In Arabidopsis, the small signaling peptide (peptide hormone) RALF34 is involved in the gene regulatory network of lateral root initiation. In this study, we aimed to understand the nature of the signals induced by RALF34 in the non-model plant cucumber (Cucumis sativus), where lateral root primordia are induced in the apical meristem of the parental root. The RALF family members of cucumber were identified using phylogenetic analysis. The sequence of events involved in the initiation and development of lateral root primordia in cucumber was examined in detail. To elucidate the role of the small signaling peptide CsRALF34 and its receptor CsTHESEUS1 in the initial stages of lateral root formation in the parental root meristem in cucumber, we studied the expression patterns of both genes, as well as the localization and transport of the CsRALF34 peptide. CsRALF34 is expressed in all plant organs. CsRALF34 seems to differ from AtRALF34 in that its expression is not regulated by auxin. The expression of AtRALF34, as well as CsRALF34, is regulated in part by ethylene. CsTHESEUS1 is expressed constitutively in cucumber root tissues. Our data suggest that CsRALF34 acts in a non-cell-autonomous manner and is not involved in lateral root initiation in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The currently recommended treatment strategy for cystine stone formers is based on a progressive approach that starts with the most conservative measures. In patients with cystinuria, increased patient compliance with dietary management and medical treatment is associated with fewer stone interventions. In this case-based review, the dietary management of cystine stone former was reviewed under the guidance of evidence-based medicine. Methods: The dietary management of the 13-year-old cystinuria patient, who underwent 18 endourological stone interventions, was reviewed in the light of evidence-based medicine. A literature search was performed in Pubmed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases according to PRISMA guidelines published from 1993 to September 2022. A total of 304 articles were included in this paper. Results: In managing patients with cystinuria, hyperhydration, and alkalinization of the urine with medical treatment, the rational use of cystine-binding drugs by taking into account individual situations has come to the fore. A limited study has argued that a vegetarian diet is effective as the alkaline load from fruits and vegetables can reduce the amount of alkalizing substances required to achieve urinary alkalinization above pH 7.5, making it particularly suitable for the dietary treatment of cystine stone disease. Conclusion: Life-long follow-up with dietary modification, hyperhydration, and personalized medical therapy (alkalinization and cystine-binding drugs) are critical in preventing chronic kidney disease and kidney failure in cystinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main role of RALF small signaling peptides was reported to be the alkalization control of the apoplast for improvement of nutrient absorption; however, the exact function of individual RALF peptides such as RALF34 remains unknown. The Arabidopsis RALF34 (AtRALF34) peptide was proposed to be part of the gene regulatory network of lateral root initiation. Cucumber is an excellent model for studying a special form of lateral root initiation taking place in the meristem of the parental root. We attempted to elucidate the role of the regulatory pathway in which RALF34 is a participant using cucumber transgenic hairy roots overexpressing CsRALF34 for comprehensive, integrated metabolomics and proteomics studies, focusing on the analysis of stress response markers. CsRALF34 overexpression resulted in the inhibition of root growth and regulation of cell proliferation, specifically in blocking the G2/M transition in cucumber roots. Based on these results, we propose that CsRALF34 is not part of the gene regulatory networks involved in the early steps of lateral root initiation. Instead, we suggest that CsRALF34 modulates ROS homeostasis and triggers the controlled production of hydroxyl radicals in root cells, possibly associated with intracellular signal transduction. Altogether, our results support the role of RALF peptides as ROS regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidification of the cellular lysosome is an important factor in infection of mammalian cells by SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, raising the pH of the lysosome would theoretically be beneficial in prevention or treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, and THAM are buffers that can be used clinically to provide base to patients. To examine whether these bases could raise lysosomal pH and therefore be a primary or adjunctive treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, we measured lysosomal and intracellular pH of mammalian cells after exposure to each of these bases. Mammalian HEK293 cells expressing RpH‐LAMP1‐3xFLAG, a ratiometric sensor of lysosomal luminal pH, were first exposed to Hepes which was then switched to sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, or THAM and lysosomal pH measured. In bicarbonate buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 20); p = NS versus Hepes (n = 20). The mean lysosomal pH in bicarbonate/carbonate was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 21) versus Hepes (n = 21), p = NS. In THAM buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.7 ± 0.07 (n = 20) versus Hepes (4.6 ± 0.1, n = 20), p = NS. In addition, there was no statistical difference between pHi in bicarbonate, carbicarb or THAM solutions. Using the membrane permeable base NH4Cl (5 mM), lysosomal pH increased significantly to 5.9 ± 0.1 (n = 21) compared to Hepes (4.5 ± 0.07, n = 21); p < 0.0001. Similarly, exposure to 1 mM hydroxychloroquine significantly increased the lysosomal pH to (5.9 ± 0.06, n = 20) versus Hepes (4.3 ± 0.1, n = 20), p < 0.0001. Separately steady‐state pHi was measured in HEK293 cells bathed in various buffers. In bicarbonate pHi was 7.29 ± 0.02 (n = 12) versus Hepes (7.45 ± 0.03, [n = 12]), p < 0.001. In cells bathed in carbicarb pHi was 7.27 ± 0.02 (n = 5) versus Hepes (7.43 ± 0.04, [n = 5]), p < 0.01. Cells bathed in THAM had a pHi of 7.25 ± 0.03 (n = 12) versus Hepes (7.44 ± 0.03 [n = 12]), p < 0.001. In addition, there was no statistical difference in pHi in bicarbonate, carbicarb or THAM solutions. The results of these studies indicate that none of the buffers designed to provide base to patients alters lysosomal pH at the concentrations used in this study and therefore would be predicted to be of no value in the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. If the goal is to raise lysosomal pH to decrease the infectivity of SARS‐CoV‐2, utilizing lysosomal permeable buffers at the appropriate dose that is non‐toxic appears to be a useful approach to explore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hungary’s first national park was created in 1973 in the Hortobágy area to protect Europe’s largest contiguous steppe area and its flora and fauna. The Hortobágy National Park—the Puszta was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape in 1999. The park’s outstanding importance is due to the predominantly non-arboreal steppe vegetation, home to a unique bird fauna, and alkaline and chernozem soils with a complex, mosaic-like spatial structure. In addition, the landscape of Hortobágy has a pastoral history stretching back thousands of years. Several hypotheses have been put forward that suggest that the alkaline soils and the habitats that cover them were formed as a result of human activities related to river regulation that began in the second half of the 19th century. However, paleoecological and paleobiological studies over the last 30–40 years have pointed to the natural origin of the alkaline steppes, dating back to the end of the Ice Age. For thousands of years, human activities, in particular, grazing by domestic animals, hardly influenced the natural evolution of the area. The drainage of marshy and flooded areas began in the 19th century, as well as the introduction of more and more intensive agriculture, had a significant impact on the landscape. This paper aims to describe the past natural development of this special alkaline steppe ecosystem, with particular reference to the impacts of past and present human activities, including conservation measures.

Plants have evolved elaborate mechanisms to sense, respond to and overcome the detrimental effects of high soil salinity. The role of calcium transients in salinity stress signaling is well established, but the physiological significance of concurrent salinity-induced changes in cytosolic pH remains largely undefined. Here, we analyzed the response of Arabidopsis roots expressing the genetically encoded ratiometric pH-sensor pHGFP fused to marker proteins for the recruitment of the sensor to the cytosolic side of the tonoplast (pHGFP-VTI11) and the plasma membrane (pHGFP-LTI6b). Salinity elicited a rapid alkalinization of cytosolic pH (pHcyt) in the meristematic and elongation zone of wild-type roots. The pH-shift near the plasma membrane preceded that at the tonoplast. In pH-maps transversal to the root axis, the epidermis and cortex had cells with a more alkaline pHcyt relative to cells in the stele in control conditions. Conversely, seedlings treated with 100 mM NaCl exhibited an increased pHcyt in cells of the vasculature relative to the external layers of the root, and this response occurred in both reporter lines. These pHcyt changes were substantially reduced in mutant roots lacking a functional SOS3/CBL4 protein, suggesting that the operation of the SOS pathway mediated the dynamics of pHcyt in response to salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A common method used to obtain cellulosic fibers is alkalinization with NaOH. Depending on NaOH content, treatments remove significant quantities of lignin and hemicellulose as small molecules. In biorefineries, where the preservation of components is needed, KOH may prevent hemicellulose chain formation. Here, we studied the efficacy of obtaining cellulosic fibers from jute using KOH. Jute fibers are about 84.2% holocellulose, which corresponds to 59.5% alpha cellulose and 24.7% hemicellulose. To obtain high cellulosic fiber yields from jute, effects of pulping with different KOH concentrations and altering reaction times were studied using factorial planning (22). Afterward, in natura and treated fibers were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry. Holocellulose sample components were obtained by removing lignin. Factors including concentration and reaction time individually significantly affected cellulose yield. Alpha cellulose was produced when higher levels of the factorial planning conditions were applied. Ideal parameters for cellulose extraction included the addition of 10% (w/v) KOH for 3 h. FTIR analysis was used to ensure that lignocellulosic components were removed by fiber treatment. TG showed that treated fibers were thermally stable at temperatures close to, or higher than, in natura fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 catalytic conversion to CO would likely be an important part of CO2 mitigation and utilization. In this work, CuAl2O4 was developed with a spinel structure that acts as an active and stable catalyst for this reaction. Here, the fundamental characteristics of CuAl2O4 catalyst were studied to understand the catalytic mechanism for the Reverse Water Gas Shift reaction. Based on the catalytic mechanism, the CuAl2O4 catalyst was found to have exceptional catalytic activity due to the high dispersion of copper on its surface, and it could have higher catalytic activity by increasing the oxygen vacancies on the surface of the catalyst via alkalinization treatment. By combining with XPS spectra, the relationship between the Raman mode and the oxygen vacancy structure on the CuAl2O4 surface was proved. Through these studies, it was proved that alkalinization treatment can regulate the oxygen vacancies on the surface of the catalyst and thus enhance the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Mechanical and physicochemical treatments of milk induce structural modifications of the casein (CN) micelles, affecting their techno-functional properties in dairy processing. Here, we studied the effect of alkalinization and ultra-high-pressure homogenization (UHPH) on CN micelles in raw skim milk (rSM) and pasteurized skim milk (pSM). The pH of both skim milks (approximately 6.7) was adjusted to 8.5 and 10.5 before UHPH at 100, 200, and 300 MPa. The structural changes of the CN micelles during the treatments were assessed using laser diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and turbidity measurements. Finally, ultracentrifugation (70,000 × g for 1 h at 20°C) was carried out to evaluate the protein's distribution between the supernatant (serum phase) and the pellet (colloidal phase) by gel electrophoresis and protein concentration measurement. Alkalinization of both skim milks induced a significant reduction in turbidity, whereas an increase of the average particle size was observed, the effect being more severe in pSM than rSM. At alkaline pH, more proteins were recovered in the serum phase, which suggested that the CN underwent major rearrangements into nonsedimentable CN forms of various sizes, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The amount of CN found in the serum phase at pH 8.5 also increased with the UHPH pressure. Although UHPH did not influence the average CN micelle size at pH 6.7 and 8.5, a pressure-dependent decrease was observed at pH 10.5 for both skim milks. The structural changes of the CN micelles observed in this study throughout the combination of alkalinization and UHPH could be of interest for developing new dairy ingredients with improved functionality.

The role of precipitated Mg-containing corrosion product in the anodic behavior of the steel in aqueous corrosion was ascertained to analyze the corrosion protection mechanism at steel substrate of the Zn-Al-Mg coated steel. For the Zn-Al-Mg coating, the corrosion products that formed during the immersion test passivated the steel in the deaerated solution at pH 8.2. EDS analysis revealed that Mg-species remained on the steel after polarization. However, the concentration of Mg decreased after polarization. The results indicated that the alkalization and barrier effect by the Mg-containing corrosion products passivated the steel substrate, preventing red rust generation at the cut-edge. • Corrosion product of the Zn-Al-Mg coating on steel contained a large amount of Mg. • The steel with the Zn-Al-Mg corrosion products was passivated at initial pH 8.2. • Surface alkalization was likely to occur by the Mg-containing corrosion product. • Mg was detected on the steel surface even after polarization. • Mg in corrosion products was likely to provide barrier effect and alkalinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida auris is a recently emerged global fungal pathogen, which causes life-threatening infections, often in healthcare settings. C. auris infections are worrisome because the fungus is often resistant to multiple antifungal drug classes. Furthermore, C. auris forms durable and difficult to remove biofilms. Due to the relatively recent, resilient, and resistant nature of C. auris, we investigated whether it produces the common fungal virulence factor melanin. Melanin is a black-brown pigment typically produced following enzymatic oxidation of aromatic precursors, which promotes fungal virulence through oxidative stress resistance, mammalian immune response evasion, and antifungal peptide and pharmaceutical inactivation. We found that certain strains of C. auris oxidized L-DOPA and catecholamines into melanin. Melanization occurred extracellularly in a process mediated by alkalinization of the extracellular environment, resulting in granule-like structures that adhere to the fungus' external surface. C. auris had relatively high cell surface hydrophobicity, but there was no correlation between hydrophobicity and melanization. Melanin protected the fungus from oxidative damage, but we did not observe a protective role during infection of macrophages or Galleria mellonella larvae. In summary, C. auris alkalinizes the extracellular medium, which promotes the non-enzymatic oxidation of L-DOPA to melanin that attaches to its surface, thus illustrating a novel mechanism for fungal melanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In cystic fibrosis (CF), loss of CFTR-mediated bicarbonate secretion reduces the airway surface liquid (ASL) pH causing airway host defense defects. Aerosolized sodium bicarbonate can reverse these defects, but its effects are short-lived. Aerosolized tromethamine (THAM) also raises the ASL pH but its effects are much longer lasting. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that nasally administered THAM would alter the nasal bacterial composition in adults with and without CF. Methods: Subjects (n = 32 total) received intranasally administered normal saline or THAM followed by a wash out period prior to receiving the other treatment. Nasal bacterial cultures were obtained prior to and after each treatment period. Results: At baseline, nasal swab bacterial counts were similar between non-CF and CF subjects, but CF subjects had reduced microbial diversity. Both nasal saline and THAM were well-tolerated. In non-CF subjects, nasal airway alkalinization decreased both the total bacterial density and the gram-positive bacterial species recovered. In both non-CF and CF subjects, THAM decreased the amount of Corynebacterium accolens detected, but increased the amount of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum recovered on nasal swabs. A reduction in Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization was also found in subjects who grew C. pseudodiphtheriticum. Conclusions: This study shows that aerosolized THAM is safe and well-tolerated and that nasal airway alkalinization alters the composition of mucosal bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly used local anaesthetic (LA) solutions in the field of dentistry are acidic, and have been known to cause pain and a burning sensation. The present study aimed to determine the pH levels of commercially available LA solutions with and without adrenaline and 8.4% sodium bicarbonate‑buffered LA solution, and to evaluate the pain during the administration of buffered and non‑buffered LA solutions. For this purpose, 20 patients with deep dentinal carious lesions with pulpal involvement affecting the bilateral posterior teeth and requiring the administration of a local nerve block were randomly selected to receive buffered and non‑buffered LA agents on either side, respectively. The patients were instructed to score the pain perceived during LA administration with the aid of a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 1‑10. All the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results revealed that the LA solution of 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline buffered with sodium bicarbonate had a mean (± SD) pH level of 6.92±0.34 and non‑buffered LA solution had a mean pH level of 3.49±0.26. As per the VAS, a greater level of pain was reported during the non‑buffered LA administration (3.15±1.27) compared to the buffered LA administration (1.40±0.68). Buffered local anaesthetics were more likely than non‑buffered solutions to achieve successful anaesthesia [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09‑2.41; P<0.001]. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that a significant reduction in the pain perceived in patients during the administration of LA agents buffered with sodium bicarbonate when used during pulpal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent study, Liang, Wilson, and colleagues demonstrated that the H+-selective ion channel OTOP1, responsible for sour taste transduction, also functions as a gustatory sensor for ammonium in mice. Additionally, this research revealed a novel mode of channel activation by intracellular alkalinization, which is conserved across vertebrate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Female sand flies ingest sugar‐rich solutions and blood, which are digested in the midgut. Digestion of nutrients is an essential function performed by digestive enzymes, which require appropriate physiological conditions. One of the main aspects that influence enzymatic activity is the gut pH, which must be tightly controlled. Considering second messengers are frequently involved in the coordination of tightly regulated physiological events, we investigated if the second messenger cAMP would participate in the process of alkalinization in the abdominal midgut of female L. longipalpis. In midguts containing the indicator dye bromothymol‐blue, cAMP stimulated the alkalinization of the midgut lumen. Through another technique based on the use of fluorescein as a pH indicator, we propose that cAMP is involved in the alkalinization of the midgut by activating HCO3– transport from the enterocyte's cytoplasm to the lumen. The results strongly suggested that the carrier responsible for this process would be a HCO3−/Cl− antiporter located in the enterocytes' apical membrane. Hematophagy promotes the release of alkalinizing hormones in the hemolymph; however, when the enzyme adenylyl cyclase, responsible for cAMP production, was inhibited, we observed that the hemolymph from blood‐fed L. longipalpis' females did not stimulate midgut alkalinization. This result indicated that hormone‐stimulated alkalinization is mediated by cAMP. In the present study, we provide evidences that cAMP has a key role in the control of intestinal pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipients (LTRs) exhibit a disproportionately high rate of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis (IA). Loss of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR-/-) in macrophages (mφs) has been associated with lyosomal alkalinization. We hypothesize that this alkalinization would persist in the iron-laden post-transplant microenvironment increasing the risk of IA. To investigate our hypothesis, we developed a murine CF orthotopic tracheal transplant (OTT) model. Iron levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and colorimetric assays. Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) invasion was evaluated by Grocott methenamine silver staining. Phagocytosis and killing of Af conidia were examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. pH and lysosomal acidification were measured by LysoSensorTM and LysotrackerTM, respectively. Af was more invasive in the CF airway transplant recipient compared to the WT recipient (p < 0.05). CFTR-/- mφs were alkaline at baseline, a characteristic that was increased with iron-overload. These CFTR-/- mφs were unable to phagocytose and kill Af conidia (p < 0.001). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles acidified lysosomes, restoring the CFTR-/- mφs' ability to clear conidia. Our results suggest that CFTR-/- mφs' alkalinization interacts with the iron-loaded transplant microenvironment, decreasing the CF-mφs' ability to kill Af conidia, which may explain the increased risk of IA. Therapeutic pH modulation after transplantation could decrease the risk of IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of food waste (FW) and landfill leachate has shown promising results in enhancing the methane yield. However, leachate includes toxic and refractory compounds that may impact the decomposition process. In this research, co-digested leachate was pretreated using ultrasonication and alkalinization to manipulate its characteristics toward improved synergism with FW. Experimental optimization was conducted through biochemical methane potential (BMP) assays to identify the optimum operating conditions of the pretreatment methods. The study evaluated the synergistic effects of co-digestion with raw and pretreated leachate on enhancing the performance in terms of feedstock solubilization and methane production. The BMP test demonstrated that alkalinization and ultrasonication improved the total methane generation by 35% and 27%, respectively, yielding around 397 and 375 mL CH 4 per g of volatile solids. Moreover, ultrasonication and alkalinization enhanced the synergistic effects by 28% and 36%, respectively, compared to co-digestion with untreated leachate. Optimization by response surface methodology revealed that maximum performance could be achieved with leachate sonication at 212 W for 37.5 min or augmenting 788 g NaOH per kg of volatile solids. Kinetic and statistical models were derived to simulate and assess the impacts of the pretreatment parameters on the AcoD process. The results indicated that the ultrasonication energy had a higher influence on total solubility and methane production than alkaline dosage. Additionally, energy efficiency analyses were performed to examine the overall viability of the examined management approach and found that alkalinization increased the net energy efficiency by 23%, whereas ultrasonication was inefficient within the examined laboratory conditions despite the improved performance. The findings support an integrated organic waste management system where separated FW is co-treated with landfill leachate. [Display omitted] • Anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and pretreated leachate was examined. • Response surface methodology was used to find the optimum pretreatment conditions. • Ultrasonication and alkalinization enhanced the methane yield by 12–35%. • Pretreating leachate improved the synergism between co-substrates by 28–36%. • Alkalinization increased the net energy efficiency by 23%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroprecipitation of ceria onto Ni electrodes from Ce(NO 3) 3 solutions has been studied by comparing deposits obtained with potentiostatic electrolysis of variable durations. The dependence on the deposition charge of (i) ceria layer thickness, (ii) apparent layer density, (iii) coverage of the Ni surface by CeO 2 and (iv) layer resistance was determined. These quantities were respectively assessed using (i) cross-sectional SEM images, (ii) gravimetric measurements, (iii) cyclic voltammetry in alkaline solution and (iv) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental data showed that a porous low-density oxide precipitated initially, leaving a substantial part of the Ni electrode surface in direct contact with the electrolyte. During successive phases of the film growth, the formation of new solid material at the layer|solution interface was progressively replaced by its formation within the layers' pores and at the Ni|layer interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants live in a highly dynamic environment and require to rapidly respond to a plethora of environmental stimuli, so that to maintain their optimal growth and development. A small plant peptide, rapid alkalization factor (RALF), can rapidly increase the pH value of the extracellular matrix in plant cells. RALFs always function with its corresponding receptors. Mechanistically, effective amount of RALF is induced and released at the critical period of plant growth and development or under different external environmental factors. Recent studies also highlighted the role of RALF peptides as important regulators in plant intercellular communications, as well as their operation in signal perception and as ligands for different receptor kinases on the surface of the plasma membrane, to integrate various environmental cues. In this context, understanding the fine-print of above processes may be essential to solve the problems of crop adaptation to various harsh environments under current climate trends scenarios, by genetic means. This paper summarizes the current knowledge about the structure and diversity of RALF peptides and their roles in plant development and response to stresses, highlighting unanswered questions and problems to be solved. • Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides modulate pH of the extracellular matrix in plant cells. • RALFs play key role in plant growth and development. • RALFs are important regulators in plant intercellular communications, integrating various environmental cues. • Important role of RALFs as component of abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms has emerged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) were recently reported to be important players in plant immunity. Nevertheless, the signaling underlying RALF-triggered immunity in crop species against necrotrophic pathogens remains largely unknown. In this study, RALF family in the important oil crop oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was identified and functions of BnRALF10 in immunity against the devastating necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as well as the signaling underlying this immunity were revealed. The oilseed rape genome carried 61 RALFs, half of them were atypical, containing a less conserved YISY motif and lacking a RRXL motif or a pair of cysteines. Family-wide gene expression analyses demonstrated that patterns of expression in response to S. sclerotiorum infection and DAMP and PAMP treatments were generally RALF- and stimulus-specific. Most significantly responsive BnRALF genes were expressionally up-regulated by S. sclerotiorum , while in contrast, more BnRALF genes were down-regulated by BnPep5 and SsNLP1. These results indicate that members of BnRALF family are likely differentially involved in plant immunity. Functional analyses revealed that BnRALF10 provoked diverse immune responses in oilseed rape and stimulated resistance to S. sclerotiorum. These data support BnRALF10 to function as a DAMP to play a positive role in plant immunity. BnRALF10 interacted with BnFER. Silencing of BnFER decreased BnRALF10-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and compromised rape resistance to S. sclerotiorum. These results back BnFER to be a receptor of BnRALF10. Furthermore, quantitative proteomic analysis identified dozens of Bn R ALF10- e licited d efense (RED) proteins, which respond to BnRALF10 in protein abundance and play a role in defense. Our results revealed that BnRALF10 modulated the abundance of RED proteins to fine tune plant immunity. Collectively, our results provided some insights into the functions of oilseed rape RALFs and the signaling underlying BnRALF-triggered immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]