Activation of persulfate by g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC for degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater.

In this study, we synthesized a high removal efficiency catalyst using biochar-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron and g-C3N4, denoted as g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC, to activate persulfate (PS) for the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in groundwater. We characterized the morphology and physiochemical properties of g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), BET surface area analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To assess the performance of the g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC catalyst, we investigated various reaction parameters, such as the mass ratio of g-C3N4 to nZVI@SBC, PS concentration, initial pH, initial TPH concentration, and the presence of coexisting ions in the system. The results from batch experiments and repeated use trials indicate that g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC exhibited both excellent catalytic activation capability and impressive durability, making it a promising choice for TPH degradation. Specifically, when the PS concentration reached 1 mM, the catalyst dosage was 0.3 g/L, and the g-C3N4 to nZVI@SBC mass ratio was 2, we achieved a remarkable TPH removal efficiency of 93.8%. Through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) testing and quenching experiments, we identified sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals as the primary active substance involved in the TPH degradation process. Moreover, the g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC composite proved highly effective for in-situ TPH removal from groundwater and displayed an 86% removal rate, making it a valuable candidate for applications in permeable reactive barriers (PRB) aimed at enhancing environmental remediation. In summary, by skillfully utilizing g-C3N4/nZVI@SBC, this study has made notable advancements in synthesis and characterization, presenting a feasible and innovative approach to addressing TPH pollution in groundwater.

D-Galactose Induces Chronic Oxidative Stress and Alters Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets.

Oxidative stress commonly occurs in pig production, which can severely damage the intestinal function of weaned piglets. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of D-galactose with different levels used to induce chronic oxidative stress on growth performance, intestinal morphology and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. The results showed that addition of 10 and 20 g/kg BW D-galactose reduced average daily gain and average daily feed intake from the first to the third week. 10 g/kg BW D-galactose increased the concentration of serum MDA at the second and third week. 10 g/kg BW D-galactose significantly influenced the jejunal and ileal expressions of GPx1, CAT1, and MnSOD. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that compared with the control, 10 and 20 g/kg BW D-galactose significantly decreased the relative abundance of Tenericutes, Erysipelotrichia, Erysipelotrichales, and Erysipelotrichaceae, while increased the relative abundance of Negativicutes, Selenomonnadales, and Veillonellaceae. The results indicated that treatment with 10 g/kg BW/day D-galactose for 3 weeks could induce chronic oxidative stress, reduce the growth performance and alter gut microbiota in weaned piglets.

Natural Polyphenols as Targeted Modulators in Colon Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Applications.

Colon cancer commonly develops from long-term chronic inflammation in the intestine and seriously threatens human health. Natural polyphenols have been valued as a crucial regulator of nutrient metabolism and metabolic diseases, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions and the ability to maintain a balance between gut microbes and their hosts. Notably, experimental and clinical evidence has shown that natural polyphenols could act as a targeted modulator to play a key role in the prevention or treatment of colon cancer. Thus, in this review, we summarized recent advances in the possible regulatory mechanism and the potential application of natural polyphenols in colon cancer, which might be regarded as a novel platform for the colon cancer management.

Glutamate and aspartate alleviate testicular/epididymal oxidative stress by supporting antioxidant enzymes and immune defense systems in boars.

Several potential oxidative agents have damaging effects on mammalian reproductive systems. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) supplementation on antioxidant enzymes and immune defense systems in the outer scrotum of boars injected with H2O2. A total of 24 healthy boars were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: control (basal diet, saline-treated), H2O2 (basal diet, H2O2-challenged outer scrotum (1 mL kg-1 BW)), Glu (basal diet +2% Glu, H2O2-challenged), and Asp (basal diet+2% Asp, H2O2-challenged). Our results showed that both Glu and Asp supplementation improved testicular morphology and decreased the genital index in the H2O2-treated boars. Glu and Asp administration increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and affected the testicular inflammatory cytokine secretion but had no effect on sex hormone levels. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of CAT, CuZnSOD, and GPx4 was altered in the testes and epididymis of boars treated with Asp and Glu. Glu and Asp supplementation also modulated the expression of TGF-ß1, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in the testis and epididymis. These results indicate that dietary Glu and Asp supplementation might enhance antioxidant capacity and regulate the secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines to protect the testes and epididymis of boars against oxidative stress.

d- and l-Aspartate regulates growth performance, inflammation and intestinal microbial community in young pigs.

d-aspartate (d-Asp), an endogenous amino acid, occurs widely in animals and humans with d-enantiomers and plays an important role in the endocrine and nervous systems. However, very few studies are available on growth performance, microbial community, and the intestinal immune and inflammatory status in response to d- and l-aspartate (l-Asp). Thus, in this study, we mainly investigated the effects of dietary 1% d- and l-Asp on growth performance, inflammation, and microbial community in young pigs. Twenty-eight young pigs were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): a control group, in which piglets were fed a basal diet, and other three groups, in which piglets received 1% d-Asp, 1% l-Asp, and 1% dl-aspartate (dl-Asp) for 35 days. The results showed that dietary 1% d-Asp significantly inhibited average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain. Gut microbes were tested and the results showed that l-Asp enhanced bacterial diversity (Shannon and Simpson). At the phylum level, l-Asp enhanced intestinal Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes abundance but decreased Firmicutes abundance. In contrast, dl-Asp decreased intestinal Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes abundance and increased Firmicutes abundance. At the genus level, d-Asp enhanced Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Intestinibacter abundance. Metagenomic predictions by PICRUSt suggested that the altered microbiota were mainly involved in membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, replication and repair, translation, and nucleotide metabolism. In addition, dl-Asp markedly increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. Also, dietary d- and dl-Asp down-regulated TLR 4, NOD1, and MyD88 in the jejunum to mediate the inflammatory response. Collectively, these results indicated that dietary d-Asp and l-Asp affect the growth performance and inflammation in piglets, which might be associated with gut microbiota.