Effects of different marination conditions on the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) fillets inoculated with Morganella psychrotolerans during cold storage.

This study is aimed to determine the effects of different marination conditions (1, 2, 3, 4% acetic and 6, 8, 10% NaCl) on the anchovy fillets inoculated with Morganella psychrotolerans during refrigerated storage (4±1°C) for three months. According to the results of study, marination has great inhibitory effects on the growth of M. psychrotolerans. Total psychrophilic bacteria, total lactic acid bacteria, total yeast and mold, Total Enterobacteriaceae and M. psychrotolerans growth were not observed in the groups treated with 3 and 4% acetic acid. Control groups and fillets marinated with 1% acetic acid showed lower sensory scores. Those groups were rejected on 30th, 45th and 60th days of the storage, respectively, while the groups marinated with 2%, 3%, and 4% acetic acid had higher sensory scores and they were still acceptable until at the end of the study. According to peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assessment, lipid oxidation was delayed in the fillets marinated with high acetic acid concentrations (3 and 4%) comparing with the control and other inoculated fillets. From this research it can be revealed that high acetic acid and salt concentrations suppress the bacteria growth in the anchovy fillets. Thus, marination process can be recommended to be used as a preservation method to inhibit bacterial growth in anchovy fillets for a safe consumption.

A New Alternative Nutritional Source Hawthorn Vinegar: How It Interacts with Protein, Glucose and GLP-1.

(1) Background: There is a balance between nutrition, glycemic control, and immune response. Their roles in physiological mechanisms are essential for maintaining life quality. This study aimed to evaluate hawthorn vinegar's metabolic effects, and describe its possible mechanism. We also pointed out several vinegar production methods to clarify the antioxidant features. (2) Methods: In the study, three vinegar techniques were applied to vinegar: traditional production of hawthorn vinegar (N), thermal pasteurization (P), and ultrasound method (U). Thirty-two female adult Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups: Control, N1 (regular vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw), P1 (pasteurized vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw), and U1(ultrasound treated vinegar; 1 mL/kg bw). Vinegar was administered by oral gavage daily for 45 days. Initial and final weights, the percentage changes of body weight gains, and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) values of plasma and liver were measured. The total protein, globulin, and albumin values of plasma, liver, and intestinal tissue were determined. In addition, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose concentrations were evaluated. (3) Results: There was a statistical increase in total intestinal protein value and an increasing tendency in total protein in plasma and liver in group U1 compared to group Control. However, the GGT concentrations in plasma and liver were slightly lower in group U1 than in group Control. In addition, there were significant increases in plasma GLP-1 values in all experimental groups compared to the Control group (p: 0.015; 576.80 ± 56.06, 773.10 ± 28.92, 700.70 ± 17.05 and 735.00 ± 40.70; respectively groups control, N1, P1, and U1). Also, liver GLP-1 concentrations in groups P1 and U1 were higher than in group Control (p: 0.005; 968.00 ± 25.54, 1176 ± 17.54 and 1174.00 ± 44.06, respectively groups control, P1 and U1). On the other hand, significant decreases were found in plasma glucose concentrations in groups N1 and U1 as to the Control group (p: 0.02; Control: 189.90 ± 15.22, N1: 133.10 ± 7.32 and U1: 142.30 ± 4.14). Besides, liver glucose levels were lower in all experimental groups than in group Control statistically (p: 0.010; 53.47 ± 0.97, 37.99 ± 1.46, 44.52 ± 4.05 and 44.57 ± 2.39, respectively groups control, N1, P1, and U1). (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that hawthorn vinegar can balance normal physiological conditions via intestinal health, protein profiles, and glycemic control. Additionally, ultrasound application of vinegar may improve the ability of hawthorn vinegar, and have positive effects on general health.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid Positivity in Screening and Early Detection of Cervical Dysplasia in Africa, 2023: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) is the best feasible method of screening and early detecting for cervical dysplasia for resource limited settings like Africa. There is no study that can represent Africa on VIA positivity. Therefore, this metaanalysis was planned to verify the best available articles to pool the visual inspection with acetic acid positivity in screening and early detection of cervical dysplasia in Africa. Methods: The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, free Google database search engines, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were used to conduct a true search of this research article. STATA version 14.0 was used to do the metaanalysis. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the identity pf CRD42023392197. Result: This meta-analysis analyzed data from 21,066 women who had VIA examination to estimate the pooled VIA positivity in Africa. The overall pooled effect estimate of VIA positivity in Africa was 11.93 (95%CI: 11.48-12.37). Age <16 year during first intercourse 2.58(95%CI: 1.53-3.62), lifetime sexual partner ≥2 3.92(95%CI: 2.05-5.78) and HIV positivity 2.92(95%CI: 1.72-4.12) were the significant variables which influence VIA positivity. Conclusion: Overall pooled effect estimate of VIA positivity in Africa was high compared to other continents. The main factors that affect VIA positivity are age at first sexual contact being under 16 years old, the number of lifetime sexual partners being at least two, and HIV positivity. Therefore, the WHO's goal of creating Africa free of cervical cancer is still one that requires significant effort.

Enhancing small-scale acetification processes using adsorbed Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 on κ-carrageenan-coated luffa sponge.

Background: This study explored the utilization of luffa sponge (LS) in enhancing acetification processes. LS is known for having high porosity and specific surface area, and can provide a novel means of supporting the growth of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to improve biomass yield and acetification rate, and thereby promote more efficient and sustainable vinegar production. Moreover, the promising potential of LS and luffa sponge coated with κ-carrageenan (LSK) means they may represent effective alternatives for the co-production of industrially valuable bioproducts, for example bacterial cellulose (BC) and acetic acid. Methods: LS and LSK were employed as adsorbents for Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 in a submerged semi-continuous acetification process. Experiments were conducted under reciprocal shaking at 1 Hz and a temperature of 32 °C. The performance of the two systems (LS-AAB and LSK-AAB respectively) was evaluated based on cell dry weight (CDW), acetification rate, and BC biofilm formation. Results: The use of LS significantly increased the biomass yield during acetification, achieving a CDW of 3.34 mg/L versus the 0.91 mg/L obtained with planktonic cells. Coating LS with κ-carrageenan further enhanced yield, with a CDW of 4.45 mg/L. Acetification rates were also higher in the LSK-AAB system, reaching 3.33 ± 0.05 g/L d as opposed to 2.45 ± 0.05 g/L d for LS-AAB and 1.13 ± 0.05 g/L d for planktonic cells. Additionally, BC biofilm formation during the second operational cycle was more pronounced in the LSK-AAB system (37.0 ± 3.0 mg/L, as opposed to 25.0 ± 2.0 mg/L in LS-AAB). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LS significantly improves the efficiency of the acetification process, particularly when enhanced with κ-carrageenan. The increased biomass yield, accelerated acetification, and enhanced BC biofilm formation highlight the potential of the LS-AAB system, and especially the LSK-AAB variant, in sustainable and effective vinegar production. These systems offer a promising approach for small-scale, semi-continuous acetification processes that aligns with eco-friendly practices and caters to specialized market needs. Finally, this innovative method facilitates the dual production of acetic acid and bacterial cellulose, with potential applications in biotechnological fields.

Cervical cancer screening and treatment costing in Senegal.

Introduction: in Senegal, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancers among women. This study estimated the costs associated with cervical cancer screening and treatment for precancerous lesions from the health system perspective. Methods: we estimated costs for screening, diagnostics, and treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional study in seven regions with primary data collected from 50 health facilities. Data collection included structured questionnaires, with secondary data from the Ministry of Health and other sources. A mixed-methods approach combined ingredients-based costing and financial expenditures to estimate direct medical and non-medical costs. All costs are reported in 2019 USD. Results: average costs were $3.71 for visual inspection with acetic acid, $16.49 for Pap smear, and $46.65 for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) testing. Screening cost drivers were clinical exam supplies and clinical equipment for visual inspection with acetic acid, offsite processing of specimens for Pap smear, and lab equipment costs for HPV DNA procedure. The average cost of diagnosis via colposcopy alone was $25.73, and colposcopy with biopsy/endocervical curettage was $74.96. The average cost of treatment followed by one visit for pre-cancerous lesions was $195.24 for loop electrosurgical excision, $47.35 for cryotherapy, and $32.35 for thermal ablation. Clinical equipment and lab costs were the largest contributors to colposcopy and endocervical curettage/biopsy expenses. Clinical equipment made up the largest portion of cryotherapy, loop electrosurgical excision, and thermoablation costs. Conclusion: this study is the first to estimate the costs of HPV screening and treatment in Senegal, which can be used to inform decision-making on cervical cancer investments.

Pathological and ultrastructural changes of Bellamya bengalensis under chronic carboxylic acid exposure at environmentally relevant levels: Inferences from general unified threshold model for survival (GUTS) predictions and hepatopancreatic integrity assessment.

This study aimed to understand the effects of freshwater acidification, driven by industrial runoff, agricultural activities, and atmospheric deposition, on the freshwater mollusk Bellamya bengalensis. By systematically investigating the impact of two common carboxylic acids, acetic acid (AA) and benzoic acid (BA), this research employed diverse toxicological, pathological, and ecological assessments. We explored survival predictions through the generic unified threshold model of survival (GUTS-SD), examined oxidative stress responses, and investigated hepatopancreatic alterations. In the experimental design, Bellamya bengalensis were subjected to environmentally relevant sublethal concentrations (10%, 20% LC50) of AA (39.77 and 79.54 mg/l) and BA (31.41 and 62.82 mg/l) over 28 days. Acute toxicity tests revealed increased LC50 values, indicating heightened toxicity with prolonged exposure, particularly due to the greater potency of benzoic acid compared to acetic acid. The GUTS-SD model provided accurate predictions of time-specific effects on populations, presenting long-term exposure (100 days) LC50 values for AA (263.7 mg/l) and BA (330.9 mg/l). Sequentially, the integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis across study intervals highlighted the 28-day interval as the most sensitive, with GST emerging as the most responsive enzyme to oxidative stress induced by AA and BA. Histopathological and ultrastructural assessments of the hepatopancreas showed severe alterations, including necrosis, vacuolation and disrupted micro-villi, which were especially pronounced in higher BA exposure concentrations. These findings highlight the health and survival impacts of carboxylic acid toxicity on Bellamya bengalensis, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate acidification in aquatic ecosystems. The broader ecological implications underscore the importance of effective management and conservation strategies to address ongoing environmental challenges.

Hawthorn Vinegar in Health with a Focus on Immune Responses.

BACKGROUND: The hawthorn fruit is an interesting medicinal plant that has several biological features, especially related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulating actions, and boosting general health. In this study, we aimed to clarify the immunological effects of hawthorn vinegar on immunity and general health. We also focused on three different production processes to improve the antioxidant activity of hawthorn vinegar (2) Methods: In the study, besides the traditional production of hawthorn vinegar (N), thermal pasteurization (P) and ultrasound (U) techniques were applied to vinegars. A total of 56 female adult Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into seven groups; Control, N0.5 (regular vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), N1 (regular vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), P0.5 (pasteurized vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), P1 (pasteurized vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), U0.5 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), and U1 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw). Vinegars were administered by oral gavage daily. The average weight gains, body mass index, and blood hematological parameters were measured, and the Neutrophil Lymphocyte ratio was calculated. The plasma IL-1ß and TNF-α values, and MDA, IL-1ß and TNF-α values of intestinal tissue, were determined. Also, the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method was applied to determine the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß in duodenum. (3) Results: There was a decreasing tendency in the average weight gains in all vinegar groups compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase in NL ratio in all vinegar groups, although not significant. There were no statistical differences among all vinegar groups, although decreases were observed in plasma IL-1ß. Also, the plasma TNF-α values showed slight increases in high-dose-of-vinegar groups (N1, P1 and U1), although not significant. In addition, the intestinal tissue IL-1ß value tended to increase in groups N0.5, N1 and P0.5, while it tended to decrease in P1, U0.5 and U1. On the other hand, there were slight increases in the TNF-α values of intestinal tissue in all groups compared to control, although these were not significant. Furthermore, the intensive expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß were determined in groups U0.5 and U1. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that either high doses or ultrasound applications of hawthorn vinegar have positive effects on intestinal health, boosting immunity and general health.

Changes of microbial communities and metabolites in the fermentation of persimmon vinegar by bioaugmentation fermentation.

To evaluate the effects of bioaugmentation fermentation inoculated with one ester-producing strain (Wickerhamomyces anomalus ZX-1) and two strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 24035 and Lactobacillus acidophilus R2) for improving the flavor of persimmon vinegar, microbial community, flavor compounds and metabolites were analyzed. The results of microbial diversity analysis showed that bioaugmentation fermentation significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia and Wickerhamomyces, while the abundance of Acetobacter, Apiotrichum, Delftia, Komagataeibacter, Kregervanrija and Aspergillus significantly decreased. After bioaugmentation fermentation, the taste was softer, and the sensory irritancy of acetic acid was significantly reduced. The analysis of HS-SPME-GC-MS and untargeted metabolomics based on LC-MS/MS showed that the contents of citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, ethyl lactate, methyl acetate, isocitrate, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were significantly increased. By multivariate analysis, 33 differential metabolites were screened out to construct the correlation between the differential metabolites and microorganisms. Pearson correlation analysis showed that methyl acetate, ethyl lactate, betaine, aconitic acid, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol and isocitrate positively associated with Wickerhamomyces and Lactobacillus. The results confirmed that the quality of persimmon vinegar was improved by bioaugmentation fermentation.

Rapid non-destructive monitoring and quality assessment of the fumigation process of Shanxi aged vinegar based on Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging combined with multiple chemometric algorithms.

The quality of the grains during the fumigation process can significantly affect the flavour and nutritional value of Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV). Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was used to monitor the extent of fumigated grains, and it was combined with chemometrics to quantitatively predict three key physicochemical constituents: moisture content (MC), total acid (TA) and amino acid nitrogen (AAN). The noise reduction effects of five spectral preprocessing methods were compared, followed by the screening of optimal wavelengths using competitive adaptive reweighted sampling. Support vector machine classification was employed to establish a model for discriminating fumigated grains, and the best recognition accuracy reached 100%. Furthermore, the results of partial least squares regression slightly outperformed support vector machine regression, with correlation coefficient for prediction (Rp) of 0.9697, 0.9716, and 0.9098 for MC, TA, and AAN, respectively. The study demonstrates that HSI can be employed for rapid non-destructive monitoring and quality assessment of the fumigation process in SAV.

Enzyme-linked immunoassay for simultaneous detection of methyl parathion and sibutramine in apple cider vinegar.

Methyl parathion, a highly toxic, efficient, and persistent organophosphorus pesticide, is widely used in China. Sibutramine, a non-amphetamine central nervous system depressant, helps lose weight by disrupting hormone regulation, stimulating sympathetic nerves, and suppressing appetite. However, some unethical businesses fail to properly handle raw materials in foods like apple cider vinegar, leading to residual methyl parathion in apples or illegal excessive addition of sibutramine. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an immunoassay for the rapid detection of methyl parathion and sibutramine. The corresponding two haptens were prepared and coupled with the carrier proteins according to methyl parathion-sulfur-bovine serum protein (BSA)/chicken ovalbumin (OVA)-sibutramine (20 : 1 : excess, 15 : 1 : excess, 10 : 1 : excess, and 5 : 1 : excess), and sibutramine-BSA/OVA-methyl parathion (20 : 1 : excess, 10 : 1 : excess: 5 : 1 : excess, and 0 : 1 : excess). The result shows that the inhibition rate of the antibody obtained by methyl parathion-BSA/OVA-sibutramine (20 : 1 : excess) was higher than that of sibutramine-BSA/OVA-methyl parathion, which was 67.93%, and the concentration of methyl parathion was 8.65 ng mL-1 at this inhibition rate. Thus, methyl parathion-BSA/OVA-sibutramine (8.65 : 1 : excess) and the corresponding antibodies were selected for subsequent method establishment. By changing the concentration of the coating and antibody, the inhibition rate was found when the coating was 0.125 ng mL-1 and the antibody was diluted 4000 times. The antibody was used to develop a standard curve for the detection of sibutramine at the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) is 4.59 ng mL-1, the limit of detection (IC10) is 2.21 ng mL-1, the detection range is 2.89 to 7.28 ng mL-1, methyl p-phosphorus at the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) is 15.34 ng mL-1, the limit of detection (IC10) is 0.42 ng mL-1, the detection range is ng mL-1. Under these conditions, the recovery rate was between 88% and 102%, within reasonable limits, indicating the successful establishment of a rapid enzyme-linked ELISA assay.

Influence of oxygen partial pressure on homoacetogenesis and promotion of acetic acid accumulation through low pH regulation under microaerobic conditions.

Homoacetogenesis is an important pathway for bio-utilization of CO2; however, oxygen is a key environmental influencing factor. This study explored the impact of different initial oxygen partial pressures (OPPs) on homoacetogenesis, while implementing low pH regulation enhanced acetic acid (HAc) accumulation under microaerobic conditions. Results indicated that cumulative HAc production increased by 18.2% in 5% OPP group, whereas decreases of 31.3% and 56.0% were observed in 10% and 20% OPP groups, respectively, compared to the control group. However, hydrogenotrophic methanogens adapted to microaerobic environment and competed with homoacetogens for CO2, thus limiting homoacetogenesis. Controlling influent pH 5.0 per cycle increased cumulative HAc production by 18.3% and 18.2% in 5% and 10% OPP groups, respectively, compared with the control group. Consequently, regulating low pH effectively inhibited methanogenic activity under microaerobic conditions, thus increasing HAc production. This study was expected to expand the practical application of homoacetogenesis in bio-utilization of CO2.

Induction into viable but non culturable state and outgrowth heterogeneity of Listeria monocytogenes is affected by stress history and type of growth.

Exposure to sublethal stresses related to food-processing may induce a heterogenous mixture of cells that co-exist, comprising healthy, sublethally injured, dormant and dead cells. Heterogeneity in survival capacity and dormancy of single cells may impede the detection of foodborne pathogens. In this study, we exposed Listeria monocytogenes Scott A strain, to peracetic acid (PAA; 20-40 ppm) and to acidic conditions (hydrochloric (HCl) and acetic (AA) acid, adjusted to pH 2.7-3.0, to evaluate the resuscitation capacity and outgrowth kinetics of metabolically active cells in two different media. Injury and the viable-but-non-culturable (VBNC) status of cells were assessed by flow cytometry using CFDA (metabolically active) and PI (dead) staining. Stressed CFDA+PI- cells were sorted on Tryptic Soy (TS) Agar or in TS broth, both supplemented with 0.6 % Yeast Extract (TSAYE or TSBYE), to evaluate culturability. Resuscitation capacity of CFDA+PI-sorted cells (10 events/well) was monitored by visual inspection on TSAYE and by optical density measurement in TSBYE for 5 days. Sorting of L. monocytogenes viable cells (CFDA+PI-) in Ringer's solution on TSAYE and TSBYE showed 100 % recovery in both media (control condition), while the mean lag time in TSBYE was 9.6 h. Treatment with 20 ppm PAA for 90 and 180 min resulted in 74.79 % and 85.82 % of non-culturable cells in TSBYE and increased the average lag time to 41.7 h and 43.8 h, respectively, compared to the control (9.6 h). The longest average lag time (79.5 h) was detected after treatment with 30 ppm PAA for 90 min, while at the same condition sorting of CFDA+PI- cells resulted in 95.05 % and 93.94 % non-culturable cells on TSAYE and TSBYE, respectively. The highest percentage of wells with non-culturable cells (96.17 %) was detected on TSAYE after treatment with 40 ppm PAA for 30 min. Fractions of VBNC cells were detected in TSBYE after treatment with HCl pH 3.0 for 60 and 240 min, and in TSAYE and TSBYE after exposure to AA pH 2.7. Treatment with AA pH 2.7 for 150-300 min increased the range of recorded lag time values compared to 60 min, from 8.6 h up to 13.3 h, as well as the mean lag times in TSBYE. Modelling of the outgrowth kinetics comparing the two types of stress (oxidative vs acid) and the two systems of growth (colonial vs planktonic) revealed that low starting concentrations hindered the detection of viable L. monocytogenes cells, either due to VBNC induction or cell heterogeneity.

Silver-nanoparticle-modified nanocellulose synthesized by pyroligneous acid: cytotoxicity towards HaCat cells.

In the present study, pyroligneous acid, also known as wood vinegar, has been employed as reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) anchored on nanocellulose (NC). The idea is to confer the latter bactericidal properties for its typical uses such as in cosmetics and food-packing. It has been demonstrated that AgNPs can be directly produced onto NC in one-pot fashion while dramatically enhancing the kinetics of AgNPs synthesis (2 h for reaction completion) in comparison to the NC-less counterpart (10 days for reaction completion). Furthermore, NC allowed for a narrower size distribution of AgNPs. NC-supported and non-supported AgNPs had sizes of 5.1 ± 1.6 nm and 16.7 ± 4.62 nm, respectively. Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCat) cells were then employed as model to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the AgNPs-NC compound. The latter was found not to impact cell proliferation at any formulation, while decreasing the viability by only 6.8% after 72 h. This study contributes to the development of more environmentally benign routes to produce nanomaterials and to the understanding of their impact on cells.

Oxidative Carboxylation of Lignin: Exploring Reactivity of Different Lignin Types.

The increased interest in the utilization of lignin in biobased applications is evident from the rise in lignin valorization studies. The present study explores the responsiveness of lignin toward oxidative valorization using acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The pristine lignins and their oxidized equivalents were analyzed comprehensively using NMR and SEC. The study revealed ring opening of phenolic rings yielding muconic acid- and ester-end groups and side-chain oxidations of the benzylic hydroxyls. Syringyl units were more responsive to these reactions than guaiacyl units. The high selectivity of the reaction yielded oligomeric oxidation products with a narrower dispersity than pristine lignins. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of methyl esters enhanced the carboxylic acid content of oxidized lignin, presenting the potential to adjust the carboxylic acid content of lignin. While oxidation reactions in lignin valorization are well documented, this study showed the feasibility of employing optimized oxidation conditions to engineer tailored lignin-based material precursors.

Remdesivir ameliorates ulcerative colitis-propelled cell inflammation and pyroptosis in acetic acid rats by restoring SIRT6/FoxC1 pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a primary culprit of inflammatory bowel disease that entails prompt and effective clinical intervention. Remdesivir (RDV), a broad-spectrum antiviral nucleotide, has been found to exert anti-inflammatory effects in experimental animals. AIM: This study investigates the prospective anti-inflammatory merit of RDV on an experimental model of UC. The role of SIRT6/FoxC1 in regulating colonic cell inflammation and pyroptosis is delineated. METHOD: Rats were challenged with a single intrarectal dose of acetic acid (AA) solution (2 ml; 4 % v/v) to induce colitis. RDV (20 mg/kg, ip) and sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, po) were administered to rats 14 days before the injection of AA. RESULTS: Administration of RDV ameliorated colonic cell injury and loss as manifested by improvement of severe colon histopathological mutilation and macroscopic damage and disease activity index scores together with restoration of normal colon weight/length ratio. In addition, RDV alleviated colonic inflammatory reactions, thereby curtailing NF-κB activation and the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1ß. Mitigation of colonic oxidative stress and apoptotic reactions were also evident in the setting of RDV treatment. Mechanistically, RDV enhanced the anti-inflammatory cascade, SIRT6/FoxC1, together with curbing the pyroptotic signal, NLRP3/cleaved caspase-1/Gasdermin D-elicited colonic inflammatory cell death. CONCLUSION: This study reveals, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effect of RDV against experimental UC. Augmenting SIRT6/FoxC1-mediated repression of colonic inflammation and pyroptosis might advocate the colo-protective potential of RDV.

[Visual inspection with acetic acid and the control of cervical cancer in primary care]. / Inspección visual con ácido acético y el control del cáncer de cuello uterino en atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a primary alternative to reduce cervical cancer (CaCu) incidence and mortality. The study aimed to determine the proportion of women aged 30-49 years who used VIA in the last two years and the factors associated with the use of the test in the primary care setting. METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter study. Seven hundred and six women aged 30 to 49 years participated, users of primary health care centers in a region of Peru. The dependent variable was the use of the VIA test in the last two years and the independent variables were sociodemographic, socio-health, information and attitudinal factors. RESULTS: The proportion of women who used the VIA test was 30.6%. The following factors were associated with greater use of the test: urban area of residence, having received a recommendation for VIA, feeling worried about acquiring CaCu, having heard about CaCu and the human papilloma virus. Also, considering having a greater or equal probability of developing CaCu compared to women of the same age, and with lower use of the test, coming from the highlands and considering it risky to undergo VIA. CONCLUSION: The VIA screening program for CaCu would not be achieving the desired impact. There is a need to strengthen strategies and interventions in primary care to improve screening behaviors and rates.

Introducción: La inspección visual con ácido acético (IVAA) es una alternativa primaria para mermar la incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino (CaCu). El objetivo del estudio es conocer la proporción de mujeres de 30 a 49 años que usaron el test de IVAA en los últimos dos años y los factores asociados con el uso de la prueba, en el ámbito de la atención primaria. Métodos: Estudio transversal y multicéntrico, participaron 706 mujeres de 30 a 49 años, usuarias de centros de atención primaria en una región del Perú. La variable dependiente fue el uso del test de IVAA, en los últimos dos años y las independientes los factores sociodemográficos, sociosanitarios, de información y actitud. Resultados: La proporción de mujeres que usaron el test de IVAA, fue del 30.6%. Se asociaron con mayor uso de la prueba, el área de residencia urbana, haber recibido recomendación para realizarse la IVAA, sentir preocupación por adquirir CaCu, haber oído hablar del CaCu y del virus del papiloma humano, el considerar tener mayor o igual probabilidad de desarrollar CaCu respecto a mujeres de su edad y con menor uso de la prueba, el proceder de la sierra y considerar riesgoso realizarse la IVAA. Conclusión: El programa de tamizaje del CaCu, mediante IVAA no estaría logrando el impacto deseado. Se requiere fortalecer estrategias e intervenciones en atención primaria, para mejorar las conductas y tasas del cribado.

Implementation of a Novel Method for Processing Proteins from Acetic Acid Bacteria via Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and other members of the complex microbiotas, whose activity is essential for vinegar production, display biodiversity and richness that is difficult to study in depth due to their highly selective culture conditions. In recent years, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for rapidly identifying thousands of proteins present in microbial communities, offering broader precision and coverage. In this work, a novel method based on LC-MS/MS was established and developed from previous studies. This methodology was tested in three studies, enabling the characterization of three submerged acetification profiles using innovative raw materials (synthetic alcohol medium, fine wine, and craft beer) while working in a semicontinuous mode. The biodiversity of existing microorganisms was clarified, and both the predominant taxa (Komagataeibacter, Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, and Gluconobacter) and others never detected in these media (Asaia and Bombella, among others) were identified. The key functions and adaptive metabolic strategies were determined using comparative studies, mainly those related to cellular material biosynthesis, energy-associated pathways, and cellular detoxification processes. This study provides the groundwork for a highly reliable and reproducible method for the characterization of microbial profiles in the vinegar industry.

Exploiting the Thermotolerance of Clostridium Strain M1NH for Efficient Caproic Acid Fermentation from Ethanol and Acetic Acid.

A novel thermotolerant caproic acid-producing bacterial strain, Clostridium M1NH, was successfully isolated from sewage sludge. Ethanol and acetic acid at a molar ratio of 4:1 proved to be the optimal substrates, yielding a maximum caproic acid production of 3.5 g/L. Clostridium M1NH exhibited remarkable tolerance to high concentrations of ethanol (up to 5% v/v), acetic acid (up to 5% w/v), and caproic acid (up to 2% w/v). The strain also demonstrated a wide pH tolerance range (pH 5.5-7.5) and an elevated temperature optimum between 35 and 40 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that Clostridium M1NH shares a 98% similarity with Clostridium luticellarii DSM 29923 T. The robustness of strain M1NH and its efficient caproic acid production from low-cost substrates highlight its potential for sustainable bio-based chemical production. The maximum caproic acid yield achieved by Clostridium M1NH was 1.6-fold higher than that reported for C. kluyveri under similar fermentation conditions. This study opens new avenues for valorizing waste streams and advancing a circular economy model in the chemical industry.

Short-chain fatty acid levels in stools of patients with inflammatory bowel disease are lower than those in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced when the microbiota in the large intestine cause fermentation of dietary carbohydrates and fibers. These fatty acids constitute the primary energy source of colon mucosa cells and have a protective effect in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to compare the SCFA levels in the stools of patients with IBD and healthy controls. METHOD: Healthy controls and patients with IBD aged 18 and over were included in the study. Stool samples from all patients and healthy controls were collected, and stool acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid levels were measured using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurement method. RESULTS: In this study, 64 participants were divided into two groups: 34 were in IBD (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and 30 were in healthy control group. When fecal SCFA concentrations of IBD and healthy control groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed between them. When the fecal SCFA concentrations of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients in the IBD group were compared, however, no statistically significant difference was observed between them. Furthermore, when the participants' diet type (carbohydrate-based, vegetable-protein-based and mixed diet) and the number of meals were compared with fecal SCFA concentrations, no statistically significant difference was observed between them. CONCLUSION: In general, fecal SCFA levels in patients with IBD were lower than those in healthy controls. Moreover, diet type and the number of meals had no effect on stool SCFA levels in patients with IBD and healthy individuals.

Optimizing Cucumis sativus seedling vigor: the role of pistachio wood vinegar and date palm compost in nutrient mobilization.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this research is to enhance the quality of cucumber seedlings grown in greenhouses by experimenting with various soilless culture mediums (CMs) and the application of pistachio wood vinegar (WV). The experimental setup was designed as a factorial experiment within a randomized complete block design (RCBD), in greenhouse conditions featuring three replications to assess the effects of different culture media (CMs) and concentrations of pistachio wood vinegar (WV) on cucumber seedling growth. Cucumber seeds were planted in three CMs: coco peat-peat moss, coco peat-vermicompost, and date palm compost-vermicompost mixed in a 75:25 volume-to-volume ratio. These were then treated with pistachio WV at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 1%, applied four times during irrigation following the emergence of the third leaf. RESULTS: The study revealed that treating seedlings with 0.5% WV in the date palm compost-vermicompost CM significantly enhanced various growth parameters. Specifically, it resulted in a 90% increase in shoot fresh mass, a 59% increase in shoot dry mass, an 11% increase in root fresh mass, a 36% increase in root dry mass, a 65% increase in shoot length, a 62% increase in leaf area, a 25% increase in stem diameter, a 41% increase in relative water content (RWC), and a 6% improvement in membrane stability index (MSI), all in comparison to untreated seedlings grown in coco peat-peat moss CM. Furthermore, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels were 2.3, 2.7, 2.6, and 2.7 times higher, respectively, in seedlings treated with 0.5% WV and grown in the date palm compost-vermicompost CM, compared to those treated with the same concentration of WV but grown in coco peat-peat moss CM. Additionally, the Fv/Fm ratio saw a 52% increase. When plant nutrition was enhanced with the date palm compost-vermicompost CM and 1% WV, auxin content rose by 130% compared to seedlings grown in coco peat-peat moss CM and treated with 0.5% WV. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that using 0.5% WV in conjunction with date palm compost-vermicompost CM significantly betters the quality of cucumber seedlings, outperforming other treatment combinations.