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The stable isotope analysis of black powder (BP) is of great significance for its comparison and source inference. Previous studies have verified the feasibility of distinguishing different BP samples through stable isotopes. However, the impact of raw materials and synthesis processes on the stable isotopes of BP remains unclear. On the one hand, the raw materials of BP are widely sourced, and whether stable isotopes can distinguish different source materials remains to be studied. On the other hand, the synthesis of BP involves the physical mixing of raw materials, and whether this process leads to isotope fractionation also needs further investigation. To address these problems, stable isotope ratios of 27 charcoals, 15 potassium nitrates, 6 self‐made and 10 commercial BP samples were analyzed. The results showed that the stable isotope ratios can be utilized to distinguish charcoals and potassium nitrates from different manufacturers and batches. No significant differences in the nitrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratios between the self‐made BP and its raw materials were observed, indicating that the physical mixing process does not induce significant fractionation of stable isotopes. However, the carbon stable isotope ratios of charcoal increased (within 2SD) after being synthesized into BP. Due to the utilization of additives and variations in the synthesis process, the correlation between the stable isotope ratios of commercial BP and its raw materials was complex. The findings of this study provide a scientific reference for tracing the source of BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chestnut tree (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a widespread plant in Europe, rich in high-value compounds, which can be divided mainly into monomeric polyphenols and tannins. These compounds exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidant, as well as anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. Chestnut wood (CW) extracts were prepared using different extraction techniques, process conditions, solvents, and their mixtures. This work aimed to test various extraction techniques and determine the optimal solvent for isolating enriched fractions of vescalagin, castalagin, vescalin, and castalin from CW residues. Supercritical CO2 extraction with a more polar cosolvent was applied at different pressures, which influenced solvent density. According to the results, the proportions of the components strongly depended on the solvent system used for the extraction. In addition, HPLC-DAD was used for semiqualitative purposes to detect vescalagin, castalagin, vescalin, and castalin. The developed valorization protocol allows efficient fractionation and recovery of the polyphenolic components of CW through a sustainable approach that also evaluates pre-industrial scaling-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine nut shells, a biomass residue from the Mediterranean Pinus pinea pine nut industrial processing, were treated by microwave-assisted autohydrolysis to produce xylo-oligosaccharides. Microwave-assisted processes provide alternative heating that may reduce energy input and increase overall process efficiency. The autohydrolysis treatments were performed under isothermal and non-isothermal operations within a wide range of operational conditions (temperature/reaction times) covering several severity regimes (as measured by the log R0 severity factor). The composition of the autohydrolysis liquors was determined in terms of oligo- and monosaccharides, aliphatic acids and degradation compounds. The process was highly selective towards hemicelluloses hydrolysis and liquid streams containing a mixture of oligomeric compounds (mainly xylo-oligosaccharides) could be obtained under relatively mild operation conditions (190 °C, 30 min) with a maximal oligosaccharides' concentration of 18.48 g/L. The average polymerization degree of the obtained oligosaccharides was characterised by HPLC, showing that for the optimal conditions a mixture of oligomers with DPs from 2 to 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Treating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), especially human papillomavirus negative (HPV-) and locally advanced cases, remains difficult. Our previous analyses of radiotherapy-only HNSCC clinical trials data using mechanistically-motivated models of tumor repopulation and killing by radiotherapy predicted that hyperfractionation with twice-daily fractions, or hypofractionation involving increased doses/fraction and reduced treatment durations, both improve tumor control and reduce late normal tissue toxicity, compared with standard protocols using 35x2 Gy. Here we further investigated the validity of these conclusions by analyzing a large modern dataset on 3,346 HNSCC radiotherapy patients from the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, where 42.5% of patients were also treated with chemotherapy. Methods: We used a two-step approach that combines mechanistic modeling concepts with state-of-the-art machine learning, beginning with Random Survival Forests (RSF) for an exploratory analysis and followed by Causal Survival Forests (CSF) for a focused causal analysis. The mechanistic concept of biologically effective dose (BED) was implemented for the standard dose-independent (DI) tumor repopulation model, our alternative dose-dependent (DD) repopulation model, and a simple model with no repopulation (BEDsimp). These BED variants were included in the RSF model, along with age, stage, HPV status and other relevant variables, to predict patient overall survival (OS) and cause-specific mortality (deaths from the index cancer, other cancers or other causes). Results: Model interpretation using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values and correlation matrices showed that high values of BEDDD or BEDDI, but not BEDsimp, were associated with decreased patient mortality. Targeted causal inference analyses were then performed using CSF to estimate the causal effect of each BED variant on OS. They revealed that high BEDDD (>61.8 Gy) or BEDDI (>57.6 Gy), but not BEDsimp, increased patient restricted mean survival time (RMST) by 0.5-1.0 years and increased survival probability (SP) by 5-15% several years after treatment. In addition to population-level averages, CSF generated individual-level causal effect estimates for each patient, facilitating personalized medicine. Discussion: These findings are generally consistent with those of our previous mechanistic modeling, implying the potential benefits of altered radiotherapy fractionation schemes (e.g. 25x2.4 Gy, 20x2.75 Gy, 18x3.0 Gy) which increase BEDDD and BEDDI and counteract tumor repopulation more effectively than standard fractionation. Such regimens may represent potentially useful hypofractionated options for treating HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat bran separated in the standard milling process as a by-product contains many substances of importance in livestock and human nutrition. In the Czech Republic, as in other Central European countries, a significant part of the bran is not traditionally used as a raw material for feed production and is used as a heating fuel. This means that many interesting and health-promoting components of fiber, phenolic compounds, vitamins, proteins, and minerals are lost. The bran is made up of particles of the grain outer coating and sub-coating layers, particularly the pericarp, testa, and aleurone layer. Their composition varies, but while the pericarp in particular is largely composed of cellulose and lignin, the testa and aleurone layer contain many valuable non-starch polysaccharides (hemicelluloses), as well as the macro- and micronutrients mentioned above. Wholemeal flours contain all the anatomical parts of the grain mentioned above, which brings both technological problems in terms of their bakery processing and a not always acceptable sensory impact on the products. This paper summarizes selected physical and physicochemical methods that can be used to remove those components that may cause technological and sensory problems and retain those that, on the other hand, represent a significant nutritional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal research question addressed by this paper is about how and why blockchain based digital technologies and the metaverse ought to be viewed as inclusive innovations. It is stated that Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) crafted from Ethereum blockchains enable upcoming and established artists to prove their credentials and ownership over their works and reach their products to a wider community of buyers both in the real world as well as in the Metaverse. All the same, NFT auction platforms by innovatively fractionating digital versions of artwork and auctioning the fractions to a large community of small buyers, ensure that marginalized sections of buyers of arts works get ownership over quality art works. Given the nascent nature of the innovation, the paper adopts a conceptual approach to understand the implications of NFTs and metaverse in democratizing art institutions through the mechanism of distributed economic systems which are inclusive, authentic and empowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our ability to study and valorize the lignin fraction of biomass is hampered by the fundamental and still unmet challenge of precisely quantifying native lignin's structural features. Here, we developed a rapid elevated‐temperature 1H−13C Heteronuclear Single‐Quantum Coherence Zero (HSQC0) NMR method that enables this precise quantification of native lignin structural characteristics even with whole plant cell wall (WPCW) NMR spectroscopy, overcoming fast spin relaxation in the gel phase. We also formulated a Gaussian fitting algorithm to perform automatic and reliable spectral integration. By combining HSQC0 measurements with yield measurements following depolymerisation, we can confirm the combinatorial nature of radical coupling reactions during biosynthesis leading to a random sequential organization of linkages within a largely linear lignin chain. Such analyses illustrate how this analytical method can greatly facilitate the study of native lignin structure, which can then be used for fundamental studies or to understand lignin depolymerization methods like reductive catalytic fractionation or aldehyde‐assisted fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Durian fruit rinds (Durio zibethinus) have increasingly attracted scientific interest due to their potent bioactive metabolites. In the present study, a comprehensive approach combining chromatographic techniques and bioassays was employed to elucidate the phytochemical constituents present in durian fruit rinds and their corresponding bioactivities. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its fractions obtained through silica gel column chromatography (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed for their flavonoid profiles using thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Among the tested samples, fraction F2 exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (179.55 mg QE/g DW). TLC and HPLC analyses showed the presence of quercetin in all tested samples, with its content ranking in the order of F2 > F3 > F1 > F4 > CEE. The fractions exhibited inhibitory effects on albumin denaturation, protease activity, lipoxygenase (LOX), heat‐induced haemolysis, and xanthine oxidase (XO), surpassing those of the crude extract. These observed bioactivities correlated with the distribution of flavonoids and quercetin content in the samples. LC/MS analysis further showed the presence of flavonoids‐chalcone, flavonols, terpenoids, stilbene glycosides, anthocyanins, phenolics, and amino acids in fraction F2. These results determine the phytochemical profiles, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐XO activities of bioactive fraction obtained from durian fruit rinds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multimodal approach combining inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman spectroscopy enabled a deeper insight into the balance between total titanium (Ti), the soluble titanium fraction and titanium dioxide based particle fraction levels in periprosthetic tissues collected from patients undergoing revision surgery. Hydrofluoric acid usage in the sample digestion allowed for complete digestion of TiO2 particles, thus enabling accurate estimation of total Ti levels. The TiO2 fraction represents 38–94% of the titanium load in the six samples where particles were detected, and the fraction is present mainly in samples from patients with aseptically loosened total hip arthroplasty. Further attention was given to this fraction determining the elemental composition, particle count, particle size and modification of TiO2. The spICP-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the TiO2-derived (nano)particles (NPs) with a 39- to 187-nm median size and particle count up to 2.3 × 1011 particles per gram of tissue. On top of that, the SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles with 230-nm median size and an anatase crystal phase was determined by Raman spectroscopy. This study presents a novel multimodal approach for TiO2 particle determination and characterization in tissue samples and is the first in vivo study of this character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The δ7Li of marine carbonates has been interpreted as an archive of the evolution of seawater δ7Li, and therefore continental weathering, through geological time. However, little is known about the incorporation of Li into calcium carbonate minerals and, consequently, the controls on Li partitioning (D Li) and isotopic fractionation (Δ7Li solid-fluid) associated with Li incorporation. Crucially, we lack a fundamental understanding of how Li partitioning and Δ7Li solid-fluid change in response to the chemical and physical conditions of crystal formation. Here, we present D Li and Δ7Li solid-fluid data from a series of inorganic calcite precipitation experiments where temperature, and solution pH and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were independently varied. We find D Li values in the range 0.8–1.5 × 10−3, which show no relationship with temperature, a strong positive correlation with pH, and a weak positive correlation with DIC. At face value, these patterns are inconsistent with the results of previous precipitation studies. However, the correlations with pH and DIC are consistent with a strong precipitation rate control on D Li that aligns well with previous data, with a likely secondary influence from the incorporation of Li-HCO 3 0 ion pairs from solution. We find Δ7Li solid-fluid values in the range −6 to −2 ‰, which show no relationship with temperature or pH, and a weak positive correlation with DIC and crystal precipitation rate. These results do not agree with previously published data. Considered alongside previously published data, we observe no consistent relationship between Δ7Li solid-fluid and any reported physical or chemical experimental parameter, highlighting the need for substantial further work to determine whether systematic controls on Li isotopic fractionation exist in carbonate minerals, and whether they may be environmentally significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Algal DOM (ADOM) showed stronger adsorption on FeOx than humic acid (HA). • ADOM had a stronger inhibition on phosphate sink than HA, promoting eutrophication. • Carboxylic-rich alicyclic molecules in ADOM contributed to strong adsorption. • Adsorption reduced source-specific compounds: aromatics in HA and proteins in ADOM. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a heterogeneous pool of compounds and exhibits diverse adsorption characteristics with or without phosphorous (P) competition. The impacts of these factors on the burial and mobilization of organic carbon and P in aquatic ecosystems remain uncertain. In this study, an algae-derived DOM (ADOM) and a commercially available humic acid (HA) with distinct compositions were assessed for their adsorption behaviors onto iron (oxy)hydroxides (FeO x), both in the absence and presence of phosphate. ADOM contained less aromatics but more protein-like and highly unsaturated structures with oxygen compounds (HUSO) than HA. The adsorption capacity of FeOx was significantly greater for ADOM than for HA. Protein-like and HUSO compounds in ADOM and humic-like compounds and macromolecular aromatics in HA were preferentially adsorbed by FeOx. Moreover, ADOM demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect on phosphate adsorption than HA. This observation suggests that the substantial release of autochthonous ADOM by algae could elevate internal P loading and pose challenges for the restoration of restore eutrophic lakes. The presence of phosphate suppressed the adsorption of protein-like compounds in ADOM onto FeOx, resulting in an increase in the relative abundance of protein-like compounds and a decrease in the relative abundance of humic-like compounds in post-adsorption ADOM. In contrast, phosphate exhibited no discernible impact on the compositional fractionation of HA. Collectively, our results show the source-composition characters of DOM influence the immobilization of both DOM and P in aquatic ecosystems through adsorption processes. The preferential adsorption of proteinaceous compounds within ADOM and aromatics within HA highlights the potential for the attachment with FeO x to diminish the original source-specific signatures of DOM, thereby contributing to the shared DOM characteristics observed across diverse aquatic environments. This is special type of abstract that is so short and could be inserted after main abstract of article, as a blurb or inserted as annotations into a Table of contents [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fossil fuels has been essential to the development of society, but has also contributed partly to global warming. For example, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industries have increased by 60% since 1990, calling for the recycling of modern biomass in the context of a carbon neutral economy. Here we review the hydrothermal conversion of biomass into biofuels, chemicals and biomaterials with emphasis on subcritical water properties, hydrolysis of biomass, steam explosion, fractionation, carbonization, liquefaction, gasification, and fractionation of bio-oil. We observe that hydrothermal conversion of biomass in the presence of water at subcritical conditions produces value-added compounds with high process efficiency. Subcritical water allows rapid reaction rates, low mass transfer resistance, and gas-like diffusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of nanofiltration purification of water from various organic pollutants was examined. Cellophane film made from cheap natural raw materials was used as a membrane. The model substances targeted for removal were dyes (Safranin O, Orange II, and Remazol Brilliant Blue R, each differing in molecular weight, chemical composition, and charge) and ceftriaxone. The obtained cellophane permeability to water was 0.145 kg/(m2∙h∙atm). Cellophane membranes were found to be effective in retaining dissolved anionic substances containing acid groups. When Orange II and Remazol Brilliant Blue R were removed from the water, the retention coefficients were 97 ± 2 and 99 ± 1%, respectively. For the cationic dye Safranin O, the retention coefficient values were negative, –7 ± 3%. At the same time, ceftriaxone had the retention coefficient of only 41 ± 5%, which can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as its high affinity for cellophane and steric restrictions.

Pulse proteins are playing significant roles in the alternative protein space due to the demand for foods produced in an environmentally sustainable manner and, most importantly, due to the demand for foods of nutritious value. There has been extensive research to mimic animal-derived meat texture, flavour, mouthfeel, etc. However, there is still the perception that many of the plant-based proteins that have been texturized to mimic meat are still highly processed and contain chemicals or preservatives, reducing their appeal as being healthy and precluding any sustainable benefits. To counter this notion, the biotransformation of pulse proteins using enzymes or fermentation offers unique opportunities. Thus, this review will address the significance of pulse proteins in the alternative protein space and some of the processing aids leading to the isolation and modification of such protein concentrates in a sustainable manner. Fermentation-based valorization of pulse proteins will also be discussed as a “clean label” strategy (further adding to sustainable nutritious plant protein production), although some of the processes like the extensive use of water in submerged fermentation need to be addressed.

Trypsin production from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) viscera is one significant way to increase the value of fish’s industrial waste. The present work reports the biochemical properties of trypsin from skipjack tuna viscera. The trypsin was fractionated using 0–60% ammonium sulfate and dialyzed. The enzyme was characterized to find the optimum temperature and pH for the substrate N-α-benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide. The 40–50% ammonium sulfate fractionation showed the highest activity at a specific activity of 1.66 U/mg and yield of 69.91%. Specific activity increased after dialysis to 2.17 U/mg with 4.49 times purity and yield of 39.20%. The molecular weights of the enzymes were estimated as 25, 29, and 35 kDa based on the enzyme activity separated by electrophoresis. The enzyme worked optimally at a temperature and pH of 50–60°C and 8.0, respectively. Metal ions (Ca2+, K+, Na+, Mg2+) at a concentration of 20 mM showed no influence on the activity. Enzyme activity was inhibited by Zn2+ at 20 mM, phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), benzamidine, and soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), which confirmed the characteristics of a serine protease.

Abstract Background The use of ionic liquids (ILs) to fractionate lignocelluloses for various bio-based chemicals productions is in the ascendant. On this basis, the protic ILs consisting of triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate ([TEA][HSO4]) possessed great promise due to the low price, low pollution, and high efficiency. In this study, the microwave-assistant [TEA][HSO4] fractionation process was established for corn stover fractionation, so as to facilitate the monomeric sugars production and supported the downstream acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation. Results The assistance of microwave irradiation could obviously shorten the fractionation period of corn stover. Under the optimized condition (190 W for 3 min), high xylan removal (93.17 ± 0.63%) and delignification rate (72.90 ± 0.81%) were realized. The mechanisms for the promotion effect of the microwave to the protic ILs fractionation process were ascribed to the synergistic effect of the IL and microwaves to the depolymerization of lignocellulose through the ionic conduction, which can be clarified by the characterization of the pulps and the isolated lignin specimens. Downstream valorization of the fractionated pulps into ABE productions was also investigated. The [TEA][HSO4] free corn stover hydrolysate was capable of producing 12.58 g L−1 of ABE from overall 38.20 g L−1 of monomeric sugars without detoxification and additional nutrients supplementation. Conclusions The assistance of microwave irradiation could significantly promote the corn stover fractionation by [TEA][HSO4]. Mass balance indicated that 8.1 g of ABE and 16.61 g of technical lignin can be generated from 100 g of raw corn stover based on the novel fractionation strategy.

Municipal waste is a cost-effective and valuable source of organic matter for agricultural soils. In recent years, MSW compost has been widely used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. However, the excessive use of organic and mineral fertilizers in the production of greenhouse crops leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and health risks for humans. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the municipal waste and manure application on heavy metals in the soil. Also, the health risks for humans were evaluated through the consumption of cucumber cultivated in these soil. In this study, the concentration of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil, mobility of metals, bioavailability, fractionation of metals, effects of pollution in the greenhouse soil and uptake of these metals by cucumber plant following 3 cultivation years of application of municipal waste compost and manure were studied in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in a greenhouse located in the south of Theran province. Also, environmental pollution risks were evaluated. The results showed that the application of municipal waste compost and manure increased both the total and available concentration of heavy metals in the soil. However, the concentration of the measured metals was at the permissible limit of the concentrations of heavy metals in Iranian soils. Copper and Zn were detected as the most mobile metals in control and treated soils with municipal waste compost and manure, respectively. The amount of Pb (2.26 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.06 mg kg-1) in cucumber in treated soil with municipal waste exceeded the limit value for edible vegetables. Based on the results obtained from the health risk index, Pb and Cu represented a high potential risk for the health of adults and children by consuming cucumbers in compost-treated soils. The results of this study showed that despite the three-year application of municipal waste compost and manure, the concentration of heavy metals measured was not higher than the allowed guideline level. However, considering the high bioavailability of heavy metals, repeated application of municipal waste compost would carry a risk of gradual accumulation in the soil over time. Therefore, measuring the total and extractable concentration of heavy metals and metal mobility when assessing likely effects on plant yields and metal uptakes and setting soil quality criteria is important.

Abstract A former work conducted in our Lab, lead to in a effective scale up of vitamin D3 bioconversion into calcitriol by Actinomyces (A.) hyovaginalis isolate CCASU-A11-2 in Lab fermenter (14 L) resulting in 32.8 µg/100 mL of calcitriol. However, the time needed for such a bioconversion process was up to 5 days. Therefore, the objective of this study was to shorten the bioconversion time by using cell-free lysate and studying different factors influencing bioconversion. The crude cell lysate was prepared, freeze-dried, and primarily fractionated into nine fractions, of which, only three fractions, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl elution buffers showed 22, 12, and 2 µg/10 mL, calcitriol production, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was used for protein precipitation, and it did not affect the bioconversion process except at a concentration of 10%w/v. Secondary fractionation was carried out using 80 mL of the 50 mM NaCl elution buffer and the results showed the 80 mL eluent volume was enough for the complete elution of the active protein. The pH 7.8, temperature 28 °C, and 6 h reaction time were optimum for maximum calcitriol production (31 µg/10 mL). In conclusion, the transformation of vitamin D3 into calcitriol was successfully carried out within 6 h and at pH 7.8 and 28 °C using fractionated cell lysate. This process resulted in a 10-fold increase in calcitriol as compared to that produced in our previous study using a 14 L fermenter (32.8 µg/100 mL). Therefore, cell-free lysate should be considered for industrial and scaling up vitamin D3 bioconversion into calcitriol.

[Display omitted] • Antitubercular potential of Halosarcia indica (Willd.) was determined for the first time. • SF3K fraction was observed to be most potent fraction with a MIC of ≤ 3.125 µg/mL. • H. indica bioactive fraction was found non-toxic against Vero cell line. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest leading health diseases of mankind, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is still the major cause of high mortality and morbidity worldwide from a single infectious agent. Plant species belonging to the genus Halosarcia (formerly known as Salicornia) are known for their various medicinal properties like antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, etc., but not evaluated for their antimycobacterial property. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of Halosarcia indica (Willd.) (formerly known as Salicornia brachiata Roxb.), a halophytic plant, a source of antitubercular agents. The study involved the preparation of various extracts from different parts of the plant and the evaluation of their inhibitory activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using in vitro and in vivo assays. It was observed that the aqueous extract of the roots had the highest anti-TB activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/mL and a ten-fold reduction of M. tuberculosis bacilli in the lungs of treated mice. Further fractionation of aqueous extract of roots using butanol, MeOH:CHCl 3 , MeOH, MeOH:H 2 O, and H 2 O yielded fractions with varying anti-TB activity. The subfraction SF3K obtained from fraction 2 (F-2) showed the highest potency, with MIC ≤ 3.125 µg/mL and an increase of 5 days in the mean survival time of M. tuberculosis-infected and treated (with SF3K) mice. This subfraction was found to be non-cytotoxic (in vitro) and non-toxic (during in vivo efficacy evaluation). The present study, for the first time, provides scientific evidence for the use of H. indica in the treatment of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leys are an important part of northern European livestock production, particularly for ruminants since monogastric animals are limited in their ability to digest the fibres of the forage. Crop fractionation methods are a promising option to make forages more beneficial for monogastric animals and decrease the amount of imported protein feed. A leaf stripping harvesting technique was evaluated at Röbäcksdalen in northern Sweden in mixed grass‐clover leys over 2 years. The PremAlfa Mini leaf stripper (Trust'ing‐Alf'ing, Nantes, France) worked well in mixed stands, harvesting on average a third of the available forage biomass, primarily in the form of leaves and soft stems from the clover plants. It proved successful in producing a forage fraction that had a significantly higher crude protein (CP) concentration (+39.1%) and lower neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) concentration (−21.4%) than the pre‐harvest mixed sward (all significant at p <.05 level). Due to the remaining high level of aNDFom in the leaf stripper fraction, it is more suited for use as an energy source for monogastrics rather than as a protein supplement. Alternatively, the leaf stripper fraction could be used to increase digestibility and CP content in the feed rations of high producing dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously demonstrated in a murine colorectal cancer model that normofractionated RT (normoRT: 18 × 2 Gy) induced MDSC infiltration and PD-L1 expression, while hypofractionated RT (hypoRT: 3 × 8 Gy) induced Treg. Here, we wanted to assess whether the association of normoRT with treatments that target two radiation-induced immunosuppressive pathways (MDSC and PD-L1) could improve tumor control. Subcutaneous tumors were induced using colon tumor cells (CT26) in immunocompetent mice (BALB/c) and were treated with RT alone (18 × 2 Gy or 3 × 8 Gy), or concomitantly with 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) (10 mg/kg) to deplete MDSC, and/or anti-PD-L1 (10 mg/kg). We assessed the impact of these combinations on tumor growth and immune cells infiltration by flow cytometry. In addition, we performed tumor rechallenge experiments and IFN-γ ELISpots to study the long-term memory response. Even though tumor growth was significantly delayed in the RT + 5FU compared to 5FU and untreated groups (p <.05), there was no significant difference between RT + 5FU (CRT) and RT alone. The rate of MDSC increased significantly 1 week after the end of normoRT (8.09% ± 1.03%, p <.05) and decreased with the addition of 5FU (3.39% ± 0.69%, p <.05). PD-L1 expressing tumor cells were increased after treatment. Adding anti-PD-L1 significantly delayed tumor growth, achieved the highest complete response rate, and induced a long-lasting protective specific anti-tumor immunity. These results tend to demonstrate the interest of inhibiting two radiation-induced immunosuppressive mechanisms. In patients, the combination of normoRT with 5FU is already the standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer. Adding an anti-PD-L1 to this treatment could show promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative radiotherapy (RT) effectively relieves pain in patients with bone metastases (BMs). Furthermore, several clinical trials, in most cases conducted in high‐income countries (HICs), proved that single‐fraction RT is equally effective compared to multi‐fractionated RT. However, the evidence is scarce regarding low/middle‐income countries (LMICs), where the diagnosis of BMs could be later and RT techniques less advanced. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the efficacy of palliative RT of BMs in the LMIC setting. A literature search was performed independently by two authors on the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Overall, 333 records were screened and after the selection process, 11 papers were included in the analysis. Complete pain response rates ranged from 11.5% to 37.1% (median: 22%) for single‐fraction RT and from 0% to 35.1% (median: 19%) for multi‐fractionated RT. Partial pain response rates ranged from 23.1% to 76.9% (median: 53.8%) for single fraction RT and from 23.8% to 84.6% (median: 65%) for multi‐fractionated RT. Four randomized trials compared single‐fraction RT with multiple‐fraction RT and none of them showed significant differences in terms of pain relief. Our analysis showed that pain response rates after palliative RT recorded in LMIC are like those reported in studies performed in HIC. Even in this setting, RT in single fraction shows comparable pain response rates to multifractional RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to establish the anti-diabetic potential of Blighia unijugata Baker, Anthocleista djalonensis, Senna sieberiana, Senna singueana and Ficus exasperate. Blighia unijugata Baker, Anthocleista djalonensis, Senna sieberiana, Senna singueana Delile and Ficus exasperate Vahl were extracted with methanol and fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethylacetate. The phytochemical analysis, cytotoxicity and antidiabetic properties of the fractions were investigated using standard methods. Phytochemical results of the plants fractions showed various amount of alkaloids ranging from 1.2 - 4.7%with moderate amount of flavonoids, steroids, saponins and trace amount of tannins. The results of cytotoxicity using Fundulopachas gadneri showed senna singueana Delile, ethylacetate fraction and Blighia unijugata Baker-pet ether fraction being the most active (LC50 5. 23). Antidiabetic results showed that most of the fractions are highly active reducing the sugar level of the induced albino rats to normal with Ficus exasperate Vahl, ethylacatate fraction and Blighia unijugata Bakerchloroform fraction showing higher activity against all the induced rats. Comparatively the two fractions showed higher activities than the standard drugs. The results of this research therefore showed Ficus exasperate Vahl, ethylacatate fraction and Blighia unijugata Baker-chloroform fraction possess great potentials as anti-diabetic agents with animals treated withBlighia unijugata Baker-chloroform fraction having better recovery because the experimental animals had steady weight gain and could therefore be a potential as anti-diabetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse proteins are playing significant roles in the alternative protein space due to the demand for foods produced in an environmentally sustainable manner and, most importantly, due to the demand for foods of nutritious value. There has been extensive research to mimic animal-derived meat texture, flavour, mouthfeel, etc. However, there is still the perception that many of the plant-based proteins that have been texturized to mimic meat are still highly processed and contain chemicals or preservatives, reducing their appeal as being healthy and precluding any sustainable benefits. To counter this notion, the biotransformation of pulse proteins using enzymes or fermentation offers unique opportunities. Thus, this review will address the significance of pulse proteins in the alternative protein space and some of the processing aids leading to the isolation and modification of such protein concentrates in a sustainable manner. Fermentation-based valorization of pulse proteins will also be discussed as a "clean label" strategy (further adding to sustainable nutritious plant protein production), although some of the processes like the extensive use of water in submerged fermentation need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the elemental composition of Egyptian glauconite sediments, focusing on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and macronutrients. The primary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing these sediments as a natural source of potassium for agricultural purposes, besides conventional chemical fertilizers like potassium sulfate. To quantify elemental content, chemical analysis was employed across five distinct grain size fractions after grinding glauconite rock. The assessment included potassium, calcium, sodium, and PTE concentrations, utilizing potassium chloride (KCl) and ammonium acetate lactate (AL Solution) as single extractants, and the BCR extraction protocol, in addition to measuring the pseudo-total content of these elements. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) facilitated a comparative analysis of elemental concentrations. Results indicate PTE concentrations within European Union regulations, with an absence of cadmium. Glauconite samples contain approximately 3–3.3% potassium by weight, alongside significant amounts of essential macronutrients (calcium, magnesium) and micronutrients (copper, nickel, zinc) crucial for agriculture. BCR sequential extraction protocol results closely align with or slightly surpass pseudo-total content results. Notably, the AL Solution demonstrates high efficiency compared to KCl or acetic acid in the first step of the BCR method. BCR sequential protocol provides valuable insights into various elemental forms and potential mobility. Overall, this study reveals that glauconite has the potential to serve as a promising alternative potassium fertilizer without causing adverse environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron stable isotopes (δ56Fe) are a useful tool for studying Earth processes, many of which involve redox transformations between Fe(III) and Fe(II). Here, we present two related experimental efforts, a study of the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) associated with the reduction of Fe(III)‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to Fe(II), and measurements of the biological fractionation of Fe isotopes by phytoplankton in culture. Reductants tested were ascorbate, hydroxylamine, Mn(II), dithionite, and photoreduction at pH between 5 and 9 and temperatures from 0 to 100°C. Isotope fractionations were very large, and included both normal and inverse KIEs, ranging from −4‰ to +5‰. Experiments were reproducible, yielding similar results for triplicate experiments run concurrently and for experiments run weeks apart. However, fractionations were not predictable, without a clear relationship to reaction rate, temperature, pH, or the reductant used. Acquisition of Fe by eukaryotic phytoplankton also often involves the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). Several species of diatoms and a coccolithophore were tested for Fe isotope fractionation in culture using EDTA, NTA, and DFB as Fe(III) chelating ligands, yielding fractionations from −1.3‰ to +0.6‰. Biological isotope effects were also unpredictable, showing no clear relationship to species, growth rate, or Fe concentration. Variability in Fe isotope fractionation observed in culture may be explained in part by the sensitivity of KIEs. This work has implications for the industrial purification of isotopes, interpretation of natural δ56Fe, and the use of Fe isotopes as a tracer Fe source and biological processes in the ocean and other natural systems. Plain Language Summary: The stable isotopes of iron react at slightly different rates during natural processes, giving rise to variations in Fe stable isotope ratios (δ56Fe) on Earth's surface. We therefore designed two kinds of experiments with the goal of better understanding variations in δ56Fe on Earth. First, Fe(III) bound to the organic molecule ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was reduced to Fe(II). It was found that under some conditions the lighter isotopes reacted more quickly and under some conditions heavier isotopes reacted more quickly, however there were no clear patterns which allowed us to predict these isotope fractionations. Second, phytoplankton were grown in the laboratory, and their Fe isotope ratios were measured and compared to the media in which they were grown. In these experiments too, a range of fractionations was observed but there were no clear patterns in the results. Though our experiments did not lead to easily predictable results, they contribute to our understanding of how Fe isotopes behave; for example, the large isotope fractionations observed here might have industrial applications for isotope purification, and our work suggests that determining the magnitude of biological Fe isotope fractionation might be better accomplished by in situ observation rather than additional laboratory experiments. Key Points: Iron isotope fractionation was tested during chemical reduction of Fe(III)‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to Fe(II)‐(ferrozine)3Biological fractionation of Fe isotopes was tested for eukaryotic phytoplankton in cultureResults are not easily interpreted but have implications for understanding redox kinetic isotope effects in the laboratory and in nature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many continental paleoclimate archives originate from wetland sedimentary sequences. While several studies have investigated biomarkers derived from peat-generating vegetation typical of temperate/boreal bogs (e.g., Sphagnum), only scant information is available on emergent plants predominant in temperate/subtropical coastal marshlands, peri-lacustrine and fen environments. Here, we address this gap, focusing on two wetlands in the Mediterranean (Nisí fen and Tenaghi Philippon, Greece). We examined the concentration, homologue distribution, and hydrogen stable isotopic composition (δ[sup 2]H) of leaf wax n-alkanes in 13 fen plant species, their surrounding soil, and surface water during the wet growing season (spring) and the declining water table period (summer). Our findings indicate that local graminoid species primarily contribute to the soil n-alkane signal, with a lesser influence from forbs, likely owing to differences in morphology and vegetation structure. The δ[sup 2]H values of surface and soil water align with local average annual precipitation δ[sup 2]H, reflecting winter-spring precipitation. Consistently, the average δ[sup 2]H of local surface, soil, and lower stem water showed negligible evaporative enrichment, confirming minimal [sup 2]H-fractionation during water uptake. We find that δ[sup 2]H values of source water for wax compound synthesis in local fen plants accurately mirror local annual precipitation. Furthermore, despite differences between leaves and lower stems in n-alkane production rates, their δ[sup 2]H values exhibit remarkable similarity, indicating a shared metabolic substrate, likely originating in leaves. Our net [sup 2]H-fractionation values (i.e., precipitation to leaf n-alkanes) align with those in Chinese highlands and other similar environments, suggesting consistency across diverse climatic zones. Notably, our data reveal a seasonal decrease in the carbon preference index (CPI) in plant samples, indicating wax lipid synthesis changes associated with increased aridity. Additionally, we introduce a new parity isotopic difference index (PID) based on the consistent δ[sup 2]H difference between odd and even n-alkane homologues. The PID demonstrates a strong anticorrelation with plant CPI, suggesting a potential avenue to trace long-term aridity shifts through δ[sup 2]H analysis of odd and even n-alkane homologues in sedimentary archives. While further development of the PID is necessary for broad application, these findings highlight the intricate interplay between plant physiology, environmental parameters, and sedimentary n-alkanes in unravelling past climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifts in the hydrogen stable isotopic composition (²H/¹H ratio) of lipids relative to water (lipid/water ²H-fractionation) at natural abundances reflect different sources of the central cellular reductant, NADPH, in bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that lipid/water ²H-fractionation (²εfattyacid/water) can also constrain the relative importance of key NADPH pathways in eukaryotes. We used the metabolically flexible yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a microbial model for respiratory and fermentative metabolism in industry and medicine, to investigate ²εfattyacid/water. In chemostats, fatty acids from glycerol-respiring cells were >550‰ ²H-enriched compared to those from cells aerobically fermenting sugars via overflow metabolism, a hallmark feature in cancer. Faster growth decreased ²H/¹H ratios, particularly in glycerol-respiring cells by 200%. Variations in the activities and kinetic isotope effects among NADP+-reducing enzymes indicate cytosolic NADPH supply as the primary control on ²εfattyacid/water. Contributions of cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase (cIDH) to NAPDH production drive large ²H-enrichments with substrate metabolism (cIDH is absent during fermentation but contributes up to 20 percent NAPDH during respiration) and slower growth on glycerol (11 percent more NADPH from cIDH). Shifts in NADPH demand associated with cellular lipid abundance explain smaller ²εfattyacid/water variations (<30%) with growth rate during fermentation. Consistent with these results, tests of murine liver cells had ²H-enriched lipids from slower-growing, healthy respiring cells relative to fast-growing, fermenting hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings point to the broad potential of lipid ²H/¹H ratios as a passive natural tracker of eukaryotic metabolism with applications to distinguish health and disease, complementing studies that rely on complex isotope-tracer addition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The selection of radiation dose/fractionation schemes for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) is highly controversial. It mainly involves the impact of total biologically effective dose, overall treatment time, and fractionation dose on survival and toxicity. This article comprehensively analyzes current relevant research and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of conventional-dose/fractionation radiotherapy (ConvTRT), hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HyperTRT), hypofractionated radiotherapy (HypoTRT), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), in order to find the most suitable dose fractionation scheme and provide reference for clinical practice. Regardless of the radiotherapy modality, controlling the radiotherapy time to around 3 weeks is beneficial for improving survival and local control rates while reducing toxicity reactions. ConvTRT with a high total prescription dose is not recommended, because a prolonged radiotherapy time may reduce the tumor control probability of some rapidly proliferating tumor cells. In balancing acute reactions, late reactions, and treatment outcomes (local control or overall survival), the advantages of HyperTRT over HypoTRT still exist. For the radical radiotherapy regimen recommended by current guidelines (45 Gy/30 fractions), we suggest moderately increasing the fractionation dose and total dose, which may further improve prognosis. To explore the most suitable dosage regimen for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) and provide references for clinical selection, strict inclusion criteria were applied, and studies were screened from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Subsequently, data on two-year overall survival rates and dosage regimens were collected, and scatter plots were constructed to provide a comprehensive perspective. The survival benefits of various dosage regimens were evaluated, and a linear quadratic equation was utilized to fit the relationship between the biologically effective dose (BED10) and the two-year overall survival rate. Among the five randomized controlled trials, the two-year overall survival rate of ConvTRT regimens with BED10 > 60 Gy (rough value) was only at or below the median of all ConvTRT regimens or all included study regimens, indicating that increasing the number and total dose of ConvTRT does not necessarily lead to better prognosis. In the exploration of HypoTRT regimens, there was a linear positive correlation between BED10 and the two-year overall survival rate (p < 0.0001), while the exploration of HyperTRT regimens was relatively limited, with the majority focused on the 45 Gy/30 F regimen. However, the current 45 Gy/30 F regimen is not sufficient to control LS-SCLC, resulting in a high local recurrence rate. High-dose ConvTRT regimens have long treatment durations and may induce tumor regrowth which may cause reduced efficacy. Under reasonable toxicity reactions, HyperTRT or HypoTRT with higher radiotherapy doses is recommended for treating LS-SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of ionic liquids (ILs) to fractionate lignocelluloses for various bio-based chemicals productions is in the ascendant. On this basis, the protic ILs consisting of triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate ([TEA][HSO4]) possessed great promise due to the low price, low pollution, and high efficiency. In this study, the microwave-assistant [TEA][HSO4] fractionation process was established for corn stover fractionation, so as to facilitate the monomeric sugars production and supported the downstream acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation. Results: The assistance of microwave irradiation could obviously shorten the fractionation period of corn stover. Under the optimized condition (190 W for 3 min), high xylan removal (93.17 ± 0.63%) and delignification rate (72.90 ± 0.81%) were realized. The mechanisms for the promotion effect of the microwave to the protic ILs fractionation process were ascribed to the synergistic effect of the IL and microwaves to the depolymerization of lignocellulose through the ionic conduction, which can be clarified by the characterization of the pulps and the isolated lignin specimens. Downstream valorization of the fractionated pulps into ABE productions was also investigated. The [TEA][HSO4] free corn stover hydrolysate was capable of producing 12.58 g L−1 of ABE from overall 38.20 g L−1 of monomeric sugars without detoxification and additional nutrients supplementation. Conclusions: The assistance of microwave irradiation could significantly promote the corn stover fractionation by [TEA][HSO4]. Mass balance indicated that 8.1 g of ABE and 16.61 g of technical lignin can be generated from 100 g of raw corn stover based on the novel fractionation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe oxyhydroxides are the common dominant phase for As, Cd, Pb and Zn. • Paulmooreite is an important mineral host for Pb and As. • The leaching of Pb, Zn, Cd and As exhibit a strong dependence on pH. • Fe oxyhydroxides and secondary insoluble minerals are the solubility-controlling phases. The lack of understanding of heavy metal speciation and solubility control mechanisms in smelting soils limits the effective pollution control. In this study smelting soils were investigated by an advanced mineralogical analysis (AMICS), leaching tests and thermodynamic modelling. The aims were to identify the partitioning and release behaviour of Pb, Zn, Cd and As. The integration of multiple techniques was necessary and displayed coherent results. In addition to the residual fraction, Pb and Zn were predominantly associated with reducible fractions, and As primarily existed as the crystalline iron oxide-bound fractions. AMICS quantitative analysis further confirmed that Fe oxyhydroxides were the common dominant phase for As, Cd, Pb and Zn. In addition, a metal arsenate (paulmooreite) was an important mineral host for Pb and As. The pH-stat leaching indicted that the release of Pb, Zn and Cd increased towards low pH values while release of As increased towards high pH values. The separate leaching schemes were associated with the geochemical behaviour under the control of minerals and were confirmed by thermodynamic modelling. PHREEQC calculations suggested that the formation of arsenate minerals (schultenite, mimetite and koritnigite) and the binding to Fe oxyhydroxides synchronously controlled the release of Pb, Zn, Cd and As. Our results emphasized the governing role of Fe oxyhydroxides and secondary insoluble minerals in natural attenuation of heavy metals, which provides a novelty strategy for the stabilization of multi-metals in smelting sites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the most common analytical methods for calculating the parameters of minimum reflux condition during fractionation of multicomponent mixtures, taking account of the specified separation products quality requirements. A calculation procedure that makes it possible to simplify determination of minimum reflux or vapor ratios as well as of distillate or residue compositions under minimum reflux condition compared to the known methods is proposed and described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REE) can be found in expressive contents in different secondary sources, such as acid mine drainage (AMD). This work evaluated separation of light and heavy rare earth elements (REE) from an acid mine drainage (AMD) generated in a former uranium mine in Brazil by using ion exchange. This AMD presents pH 3.50, total REE content of 97 mg L−1 and 1.3 g L−1 of sulfate and was used in the REE loading experiments. Loading experiments were carried out in columns using a commercial strong acid cation (SAC) exchange resin. Elution was performed with 0.01 mol L−1 NH4EDTA in systems with one, two and three columns. Regarding the loading step, the resin presented a total loading capacity of 0.58 mmol g−1. The resin proved to be more selective for light REE with adsorption efficiency of 78% and 48% for heavy REE. Regarding elution, high efficiencies between 90 and 100% were achieved for REE. The final REE solution is approximately 10 times more concentrated in the liquor related to the acid mine water. Better fractionation results were achieved for the system with three columns. Although the complete separation of the REE into pure elements was not possible, two distinct fractions of heavy and light REE could be obtained, and La was completely separated from the other REE. In order to improve fractionation and separate the REE into individual ones, the concentrated fractions can proceed to subsequent ion exchange systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure characteristics of lignin were summarized・ The inhibitory mechanism of lignin on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was described, that is, the phenol hydroxyl group can promote the decrease of pH value around cells, thus destroying cell membranes, denaturating proteins, inhibiting the activity of respiratory system and electron transfer enzyme system of microbial cells, and achieving the inhibitory effect, while the reduction of molecular weight can increase the phenol hydroxyl group content of lignin・ The water solubility of lignin can be improved effectively with the increase of hydrophilicity ・ Based on the research status at home and abroad, the main methods to improve the antibacterial activity of lignin (depolymerization, fractionation, extraction of lignin and lignin-silver complex) were introduced, the methods for improving the antibacterial activity of lignin modified by different methods were discussed, and the prospect of improving the antibacterial activity of lignin was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung SBRT has a well-defined role in the treatment of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not surgical candidates or refuse surgery. Biologically effective dose (BED) of greater than or equal to 100 Gy has been recommended. However, optimal fractionation remains unclear. Our objective was analyze patients treated with lung SBRT in our institution and evaluate outcomes according prescribed dose. Patients and methods: One hundred nine patients with early non-small cell lung cancer and treated with lung SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. Differences between dose received, local control, and survival were evaluated. For comparison of BEDs, the prescribed dose for SBRT was stratified according to two groups: high (BED > 120 Gy) and low (BED < 120 Gy). Results: A relationship between mortality and total dose (54.7 Gy ± 4.8) was observed. Significantly worse survival was observed for patients with higher total doses (p < 0.003). It was found that patients receiving BED > 120 had increased mortality compared to patients receiving BED < 120 (p = 0.021). It was observed mean dose/fraction 12.6 Gy/f was a protective factor and decreased the probability of death. Conclusion: Our data suggest that mean total dose lower 54 and a calculated BED < 120 Gy is the optimal. Further prospective data are needed to confirm these results and determine the optimal dose fractionation scheme as a function of tumor size and location of volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A former work conducted in our Lab, lead to in a effective scale up of vitamin D3 bioconversion into calcitriol by Actinomyces (A.) hyovaginalis isolate CCASU-A11-2 in Lab fermenter (14 L) resulting in 32.8 µg/100 mL of calcitriol. However, the time needed for such a bioconversion process was up to 5 days. Therefore, the objective of this study was to shorten the bioconversion time by using cell-free lysate and studying different factors influencing bioconversion. The crude cell lysate was prepared, freeze-dried, and primarily fractionated into nine fractions, of which, only three fractions, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl elution buffers showed 22, 12, and 2 µg/10 mL, calcitriol production, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was used for protein precipitation, and it did not affect the bioconversion process except at a concentration of 10%w/v. Secondary fractionation was carried out using 80 mL of the 50 mM NaCl elution buffer and the results showed the 80 mL eluent volume was enough for the complete elution of the active protein. The pH 7.8, temperature 28 °C, and 6 h reaction time were optimum for maximum calcitriol production (31 µg/10 mL). In conclusion, the transformation of vitamin D3 into calcitriol was successfully carried out within 6 h and at pH 7.8 and 28 °C using fractionated cell lysate. This process resulted in a 10-fold increase in calcitriol as compared to that produced in our previous study using a 14 L fermenter (32.8 µg/100 mL). Therefore, cell-free lysate should be considered for industrial and scaling up vitamin D3 bioconversion into calcitriol. Key points: Biotransformation of vitamin D into calcitriol has been achieved within 6 h using a cell-free lysate of A. hyovaginalis isolate CCASU-A11-2. pH 7.8 and incubation temperatures 28 °C were optimum for maximum calcitriol production using the cell-free lysate. This study results in a 10-fold (31 µL/10 mL) to that obtained using a 14 L Lab fermenter. Bioconversion using cell-free lysate should be considered for industrial production of calcitriol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The competitive interaction of oxyanions and humic nanoparticles (HNPs) with metal (hydr)oxide surfaces can be used to trace the ligand and charge distribution of adsorbed HNPs in relation to heterogeneity, fractionation, and conformational change. Batch adsorption experiments of HNPs on goethite were performed in the absence and presence of phosphate. The size of HNPs was measured with size exclusion chromatography. The Ligand and Charge Distribution (LCD) model framework was further developed to describe the simultaneous interaction of HNPs and phosphate with goethite. Preferential adsorption decreases the mean molar mass of adsorbed HNPs, independent of the phosphate presence, showing a linear dependency on the adsorbed HNPs fraction. Phosphate ion can be used as a probe to trace the distribution of functional groups and the variation in affinity of HNPs. The spatial distribution of adsorbed HNPs is driven by the potential gradients in the electrical double layer, which changes the conformation of the adsorbed HNPs. At the particle level, the adsorption of heterogeneous HNPs has an affinity distribution, which can be explained by the variation in molar mass (kDa) and density of the functional groups (mol kg−1) of the HNPs. The presented model can simultaneously describe the competitive adsorption of HNPs and phosphate in a consistent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extractants diphenyl-N,N-dioctylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide and diphenyl-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide for the SNF reprocessing were tested. The conditions for extraction and separation of uranium and TPE–REE were determined. A flowsheet was proposed for reprocessing SNF from high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. Upon dynamic testing, at least 99.9% of uranium and plutonium and at least 99.5% of americium and rare earth elements were separated. The TPE + REE and U + Pu fractions were recovered. The U + Pu fraction contained approximately 5% Am, while the TPE + REE fraction had less than 0.1% U and Pu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) has increased for the development of clean and green technologies. Conventional geological sources of REE are insufficient to overcome the high demand of REE; hence, the secondary resources are being actively explored. Coal ashes (CAs), a potentially hazardous material, is one of the best secondary sources containing high concentration of REE. The present study aims to explore the abundance of REE in coal and coal ash from different Thermal Power Stations (TPS). The mineralogy and surface morphology of all samples have been determined. The coals mostly consist of quartz and kaolinite, whereas CAs predominantly contain quartz and mullite. Both coal and CAs are dominated by LREE elements, followed by MREE and HREE. The outlook coefficient (Cout) is close to "1" and the critical percentage (Cp) is more than 30%. Coal ash from some of the TPS is identified as secondary source for REE. Fractionation study of REE from coal to CA is carried out to understand the feasibility of CA. A Pearson correlation has been plotted for individual REE elements with other parameters to understand the affinity of REE to different phases of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(phenylene methylene) (PPM) is a multifunctional polymer that is also active as an anticorrosion fluorescent coating material. Although this polymer was synthesized already more than 100 years ago, a versatile synthetic route to obtain soluble high molar mass polymers based on PPM has yet to be achieved. In this article, the influence of bifunctional bis-chloromethyl durene (BCMD) as a branching agent in the synthesis of PPM is reported. The progress of the reaction was followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and NMR analysis. PPM-based copolymers with the highest molar mass reported so far for this class of materials (up to Mn of 205,300 g mol−1) were isolated. The versatile approach of using BCMD was confirmed by employing different catalysts. Interestingly, thermal and optical characterization established that the branching process does not affect the thermoplastic behavior and the fluorescence of the material, thus opening up PPM-based compounds with high molar mass for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the cheese industry, whey, which is rich in lactose and proteins, is underutilized, causing adverse environmental impacts. The fractionation of its components, typically carried out through filtration membranes, faces operational challenges such as membrane fouling, significant protein loss during the process, and extended operating times. These challenges require attention and specific methods for optimization and to increase efficiency. A promising strategy to enhance industry efficiency and sustainability is the use of enzymatic pre‐treatment with the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase). This enzyme plays a crucial role in protein modification, catalyzing covalent cross‐links between lysine and glutamine residues, increasing the molecular weight of proteins, facilitating their retention on membranes, and contributing to the improvement of the quality of the final products. The aim of this study is to review the application of the enzyme TGase as a pretreatment in whey protein filtration. The scope involves assessing the enzyme's impact on whey protein properties and its relationship with process performance. It also aims to identify both the optimization of operational parameters and the enhancement of product characteristics. This study demonstrates that the application of TGase leads to improved performance in protein concentration, lactose permeation, and permeate flux rate during the filtration process. It also has the capacity to enhance protein solubility, viscosity, thermal stability, and protein gelation in whey. In this context, it is relevant for enhancing the characteristics of whey, thereby contributing to the production of higher quality final products in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the chemical structure of the phosphorus (P) fraction in sediments is very important for identifying the bioavailability of P and eutrophication in marine ecosystems. Sediment as a source of P has an important function in P adsorption in waters. To estimate the phosphorus load in water bodies, it is required to define the fraction of phosphorus compounds. This study purposed to evaluate the composition of phosphorus speciation in sediments of Kendari Bay and evaluate their possible contributions to the eutrophication of the coastal ecosystem. P fractionation was examined by chemical extraction and sequencing methods. Sediment characterization was conducted by gravimetry, hydrometry, and spectrophotometry methods. The study result found the total P concentration in the sediment ranged from 0.30 to 0.41 mg/g. Phosphorus content in exchangeable P (Exc-P), Fe-P, Al-P, Ca-P, and organic P (OP) contributed 1.8%, 12.7%, 1.5%, 63.1%, and 21.5% of total P (TP), respectively. We found significant positive correlations between Exc-P, FeP, Al-P, and OP and finer sediment and organic matter. Exc-P and OP are bioavailability (BAP) fractions that potentially release overlying water, contributing 10–35% to TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionTreating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), especially human papillomavirus negative (HPV-) and locally advanced cases, remains difficult. Our previous analyses of radiotherapy-only HNSCC clinical trials data using mechanistically-motivated models of tumor repopulation and killing by radiotherapy predicted that hyperfractionation with twice-daily fractions, or hypofractionation involving increased doses/fraction and reduced treatment durations, both improve tumor control and reduce late normal tissue toxicity, compared with standard protocols using 35×2 Gy. Here we further investigated the validity of these conclusions by analyzing a large modern dataset on 3,346 HNSCC radiotherapy patients from the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, where 42.5% of patients were also treated with chemotherapy.MethodsWe used a two-step approach that combines mechanistic modeling concepts with state-of-the-art machine learning, beginning with Random Survival Forests (RSF) for an exploratory analysis and followed by Causal Survival Forests (CSF) for a focused causal analysis. The mechanistic concept of biologically effective dose (BED) was implemented for the standard dose-independent (DI) tumor repopulation model, our alternative dose-dependent (DD) repopulation model, and a simple model with no repopulation (BEDsimp). These BED variants were included in the RSF model, along with age, stage, HPV status and other relevant variables, to predict patient overall survival (OS) and cause-specific mortality (deaths from the index cancer, other cancers or other causes).ResultsModel interpretation using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values and correlation matrices showed that high values of BEDDD or BEDDI, but not BEDsimp, were associated with decreased patient mortality. Targeted causal inference analyses were then performed using CSF to estimate the causal effect of each BED variant on OS. They revealed that high BEDDD (>61.8 Gy) or BEDDI (>57.6 Gy), but not BEDsimp, increased patient restricted mean survival time (RMST) by 0.5-1.0 years and increased survival probability (SP) by 5-15% several years after treatment. In addition to population-level averages, CSF generated individual-level causal effect estimates for each patient, facilitating personalized medicine.DiscussionThese findings are generally consistent with those of our previous mechanistic modeling, implying the potential benefits of altered radiotherapy fractionation schemes (e.g. 25×2.4 Gy, 20×2.75 Gy, 18×3.0 Gy) which increase BEDDD and BEDDI and counteract tumor repopulation more effectively than standard fractionation. Such regimens may represent potentially useful hypofractionated options for treating HNSCC.

The "genomic shock" hypothesis posits that unusual challenges to genome integrity such as whole genome duplication may induce chaotic genome restructuring. Decades of research on polyploid genomes have revealed that this is often, but not always the case. While some polyploids show major chromosomal rearrangements and derepression of transposable elements in the immediate aftermath of whole genome duplication, others do not. Nonetheless, all polyploids show gradual diploidization over evolutionary time. To evaluate these hypotheses, we produced a chromosome-scale reference genome for the natural allotetraploid grass Brachypodium hybridum, accession "Bhyb26." We compared 2 independently derived accessions of B. hybridum and their deeply diverged diploid progenitor species Brachypodium stacei and Brachypodium distachyon. The 2 B. hybridum lineages provide a natural timecourse in genome evolution because one formed 1.4 million years ago, and the other formed 140 thousand years ago. The genome of the older lineage reveals signs of gradual post-whole genome duplication genome evolution including minor gene loss and genome rearrangement that are missing from the younger lineage. In neither B. hybridum lineage do we find signs of homeologous recombination or pronounced transposable element activation, though we find evidence supporting steady post-whole genome duplication transposable element activity in the older lineage. Gene loss in the older lineage was slightly biased toward 1 subgenome, but genome dominance was not observed at the transcriptomic level. We propose that relaxed selection, rather than an abrupt genomic shock, drives evolutionary novelty in B. hybridum, and that the progenitor species' similarity in transposable element load may account for the subtlety of the observed genome dominance.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment for glioblastomas, aggressive and nearly uniformly fatal brain tumors, provide limited long-term success. Immunosuppression by myeloid cells in both the tumor microenvironment and systemic circulation are believed to contribute to this treatment resistance. Standard multi-modality therapy includes conventionally fractionated radiotherapy over 6 weeks; however, hypofractionated radiotherapy over 3 weeks or less may be appropriate for older patients or populations with poor performance status. Lymphocyte concentration changes have been reported in patients with glioblastoma; however, monocytes are likely a key cell type contributing to immunosuppression in glioblastoma. Peripheral monocyte concentration changes in patients receiving commonly employed radiation fractionation schemes are unknown. METHODS: To determine the effect of conventionally fractionated and hypofractionated radiotherapy on complete blood cell leukocyte parameters, retrospective longitudinal concentrations were compared prior to, during, and following standard chemoradiation treatment. RESULTS: This study is the first to report increased monocyte concentrations and decreased lymphocyte concentrations in patients treated with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy compared to hypofractionated radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: Understanding the impact of fractionation on peripheral blood leukocytes is important to inform selection of dose fractionation schemes for patients receiving radiotherapy.