Matrix effect on the Effectiveness of High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment on Antibiotic Residues.

The use of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock poses health risks to consumers. Treatments such as High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) have been shown to reduce antibiotic and pesticide residues in food. This study aims to investigate the matrix effect on the effectiveness of HHP on hydrochloride tetracycline (HTC) and sulfathiazole (STZ) residues in spiked food matrices. The effect of viscosity, as well as carbohydrate, protein, and fat content on the effectiveness of HHP on antibiotic residues, was investigated. The studied matrices were full-fat and fat-free bovine milk and model food systems consisting of aqueous solutions of sugars, aqueous solutions of proteins, and oil in water emulsions. Model food systems were also used to study the viscosity effect. These systems consisted of aqueous solutions of honey, aqueous solutions of apple puree, and aqueous solutions of glycerol. The HHP processing (580 MPa, 6 min, 25 °C) took place under industrial conditions. For both antibiotics, the concentration of sugars and proteins was found to affect the effectiveness of treatment. The concentration of oils affected treatment efficacy only for HTC. Reduction of antibiotics by HHP was also affected by the type of carbohydrate and the viscosity. In conclusion, the composition and the viscosity of the food matrix exert a variable effect on the studied antibiotic residues reduction by HHP indicating different underlying mechanisms of the interactions between food constituents and antibiotics under the same process conditions.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of albendazole sulphoxide and its metabolites in donkey after intramuscular injection.

BACKGROUND: Various anti-parasitic drugs are used to control donkey parasitic diseases. The abuse of donkey drugs leads to the disposition of residues in the edible parts of treated donkeys. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to (1) analyse the pharmacokinetics of ABZSO to serve as reference for the dosage regimen in donkey; and (2) calculate the withdrawal times of the ABZSO in the tissue of the donkey. METHODS: The concentrations of ABZSO and its metabolites in plasma and tissues were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by the programme 3p97. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of ABZSO and ABZSO2 concentration-time data in donkey conformed to the absorption one-compartment open model. The t 1 / 2 k e ${{{t1}} \!\mathord{/ {\vphantom { {2{{k}_{\mathrm{e}}}}}}}}$ of ABZSO was 0.67 h, whereas the t1/2 k e was 12.93 h; the Cmax and the Tp were calculated as 0.58 µg mL-1 and 3.01 h. The Vd/F of ABZSO was estimated to be 10.92 L kg-1; the area under the curve (AUC) was 12.81 µg mL-1 h. The Cmax and AUC values of ABZSO were higher than those of ABZSO2; however, t1/2 K e and Vd/F were lower. Other pharmacokinetics parameters were similar between the two metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that ABZSO2 was the main metabolite of ABZSO in donkey plasma. The concentrations of ABZSO and its chief metabolite (ABZSO2) were detected in liver, kidney, skin and muscle; however, ABZ-SO2NH2 was only detected in liver and kidney. The results also revealed that the depletion of ABZSO and its metabolite in donkey was longer, especially in skin.

The 2022 European Union report on pesticide residues in food.

Under European Union legislation (Article 32, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), the European Food Safety Authority provides an annual report assessing the pesticide residue levels in foods on the European market. In 2022, 96.3% of the overall 110,829 samples analysed fell below the maximum residue level (MRL), 3.7% exceeded this level, of which 2.2% were non-compliant, i.e. results in a given sample exceeded the MRL after taking into account the measurement uncertainty. For the EU-coordinated multiannual control programme subset, 11,727 samples were analysed of which 0.9% were non-compliant. To assess acute and chronic risk to consumer health, dietary exposure to pesticide residues was estimated and compared with available health-based guidance values (HBGV). Continuation of the probabilistic assessment methodology was consolidated to all pesticides listed in the 2022 EU Regulation providing the probability of a consumer being exposed to an exceedance of the HBGV. Overall, the assessed risk to EU consumer's health is low. Recommendations to risk managers are given to increase the effectiveness of European control systems and to ensure a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU.

Mix-method toolbox for monitoring greenhouse gas production and microbiome responses to soil amendments.

In this study, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating agronomic field experiments with soil chemistry, molecular biology techniques, and statistics to investigate the impact of organic residue amendments, such as vinasse (a by-product of sugarcane ethanol production), on soil microbiome and greenhouse gas (GHG) production. The research investigates the effects of distinct disturbances, including organic residue application alone or combined with inorganic N fertilizer on the environment. The methods assess soil microbiome dynamics (composition and function), GHG emissions, and plant productivity. Detailed steps for field experimental setup, soil sampling, soil chemical analyses, determination of bacterial and fungal community diversity, quantification of genes related to nitrification and denitrification pathways, measurement and analysis of gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, and CO2), and determination of plant productivity are provided. The outcomes of the methods are detailed in our publications (Lourenço et al., 2018a; Lourenço et al., 2018b; Lourenço et al., 2019; Lourenço et al., 2020). Additionally, the statistical methods and scripts used for analyzing large datasets are outlined. The aim is to assist researchers by addressing common challenges in large-scale field experiments, offering practical recommendations to avoid common pitfalls, and proposing potential analyses, thereby encouraging collaboration among diverse research groups.•Interdisciplinary methods and scientific questions allow for exploring broader interconnected environmental problems.•The proposed method can serve as a model and protocol for evaluating the impact of soil amendments on soil microbiome, GHG emissions, and plant productivity, promoting more sustainable management practices.•Time-series data can offer detailed insights into specific ecosystems, particularly concerning soil microbiota (taxonomy and functions).

Multifunctionality of arginine residues in the active sites of non-canonical d-amino acid transaminases.

Structure-function relationships are key to understanding enzyme mechanisms, controlling enzyme activities, and designing biocatalysts. Here, we investigate the functions of arginine residues in the active sites of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent non-canonical d-amino acid transaminases, focusing on the analysis of a transaminase from Haliscomenobacter hydrossis. Our results show that the tandem of arginine residues R28* and R90, which form the conserved R-[RK] motif in non-canonical d-amino acid transaminases, not only facilitates effective substrate binding but also regulates the catalytic properties of PLP. Non-covalent interactions between residues R28*, R90, and Y147 strengthen the hydrogen bond between Y147 and PLP, thereby maintaining the reactivity of the cofactor. Next, the R90 residue contributes to the stability of the holoenzyme. Finally, the R90I substitution induces structural changes that lead to substrate promiscuity, as evidenced by the effective binding of substrates with and without the α-carboxylate group. This study sheds light on the structural determinants of the activity of non-canonical d-amino acid transaminases. Understanding the structural basis of the active site plasticity in the non-canonical transaminase from H. hydrossis, which is characterized by effective conversion of d-amino acids and α-keto acids, may help to tailor it for industrial applications.

Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fishery Products Using GC-MS/MS in South Korea.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of pesticide contamination in aquaculture and its impact on fishery products. We conducted an assessment of 300 samples collected from nine regions in South Korea, including various types of seafood, such as freshwater fish, marine fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. Pesticide residues in seafood were analyzed using GC-MS/MS after sample preparation using a modified QuEChERS method, revealing the presence of eight pesticides (4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, boscalid, isoprothiolane, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, thifluzamide, and trifluralin) across seven fish species (carp, far eastern catfish, crucian carp, eel, Chinese muddy loach, mirror carp, and sea bass). Following the grouping of DDE with DDT, a risk assessment of fishery products was conducted. After the estimated daily intake (EDI) of fish was calculated and compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the health risk index (HI, %ADI) of the detected pesticides was evaluated and found to be 1.07% or lower. The results suggest that the consumption of domestically farmed fish products in South Korea poses minimal health risks associated with pesticide residues.

Valorization of cell wall polysaccharides extracted from Liubao brick tea residues: chemical, structural, and hypoglycemic properties.

BACKGROUND: Tea dregs, typically generated during the production of instant tea or tea beverages, have conventionally been regarded as waste material and routinely discarded. Nevertheless, contemporary research endeavors are concentrating on discovering efficient methods for utilizing the potential of this discarded resource. RESULTS: In this study, we employed a sequential extraction method using chemical chelating agents to extract and isolate four distinct cell wall polysaccharides, designated as CWTPS-1 through CWTPS-4, from the tea dregs of Liubao brick tea. A comprehensive investigation into their physicochemical, structural, and hypoglycemic properties was conducted. The analysis of chemical composition and physicochemical characteristics revealed that all four CWTPSs were characterized as acidic polysaccharides, albeit with varying chemical compositions and physicochemical attributes. Specifically, the xyloglucan fractions, CWTPS-3 and CWTPS-4, were found to be rich in glucose and xylose, displaying a more uniform molecular weight distribution, greater structural stability, and a more irregular surface compared to the others. Moreover, they exhibited a higher diversity of monosaccharide residues. Importantly, our research unveiled that all four CWTPSs exhibited the capacity to modulate key glucose-regulated and antioxidant enzyme activities within HepG2 cells via the IRS-1-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating cellular insulin resistance. Furthermore, our correlation analysis highlighted significant associations between monosaccharide composition and neutral sugar content with the observed hypoglycemic activity of CWTPSs. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of utilizing tea dregs as a valuable resource, making a significant contribution to the advancement of the tea industry. Furthermore, CWTPS-4 exhibits promising prospects for further development as a functional food ingredient or additive. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improved preconcentration workflow for organic explosive traces in aqueous samples using solvent-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction.

The present study deals with the development of a solvent-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction method for the extraction of HMX, RDX, and TNT from aqueous samples. Benzophenone and methanol were selected as explosives sorbent and dispersive solvent respectively. Extraction parameters like pH, extraction time, amount of sorbent, volume and type of the disperser solvent and centrifuge time were optimized. Dispersion of 0.5 mL dispersive solution (4% (w/v) benzophenone in methanol) was performed by injection into the 5 mL aqueous sample (pH=7) using a 1.0 mL syringe. After centrifuge, the extracted explosives were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-Uv). The results indicated that the linear ranges with the correlation coefficients of 0.99 ≤ R2 were 1.6-204.6 µg L-1, 1.4-213.7 µg L-1 and 1.3-225.9 µg L-1 for HMX, RDX and TNT respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification obtained for each explosive were: 0.3 µg L-1 and 0.8 µg L-1 for HMX, 0.3 µg L-1 and 0.9 µg L-1 for RDX and 0.2 µg L-1 and 0.7 µg L-1 for TNT. Finally, the practical applicability of the developed method was evaluated for the extraction of some organic explosives in water samples followed their determination by HPLC-Uv.

Flexible, scalable and simple-fabricated silver nanorod-decorated bacterial nanocellulose SERS substrates cooperated with portable Raman spectrometer for on-site detection of pesticide residues.

Owing to good flexibility, prominent mechanical properties, three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous structure and low background interference, sustainable bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a highly attractive matrix material for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor. Herein, a highly sensitive, flexible and scalable silver nanorod-decorated BNC (AgNRs@BNC) SERS sensor is developed by a simple vacuum-assisted filtration. The AgNRs were firmly locked in the 3D nanofibrous network of cellulose nanofibers upon vacuum drying process, resulting in the formation of 3D SERS hotspots with a depth of more than 10 µm on the sensor. With 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) as a target molecule, a lowest distinguishable level of 10-12 M and a high enhancement factor of 1.1 × 109 were realized by the optimal AgNRs1.5@BNC SERS sensor. Moreover, the AgNRs@BNC SERS sensor exhibits high detectable level of 10-9 M for thiram molecules by integrating with a portable Raman spectrometer. Besides, toxic thiram residues on grape surface could be directly on-site identified by the combination of AgNRs@BNC SERS sensors and a portable Raman spectrometer through a feasible press-and-peel method. The flexible AgNRs@BNC SERS sensor cooperated with portable Raman system demonstrates great potential for on-site detection of pesticide residues on irregular food surfaces.

Multimode ultrasonic-assisted decontamination of fruits and vegetables: A review.

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are a significant part of our diet consumption. Microbial and pesticide residues are the predominant safety hazards of F&V consumption. Ordinary water washing has a very limited effect on removing microorganisms and pesticide residues and requires high water usage. Ultrasound, as an environmentally friendly technology, shows excellent potential for reducing microbial contamination and pesticide residue. This paper summarizes the research on ultrasound application in F&V washing, including the removal of microbial and pesticide residues and the comprehensive effect on their physicochemical characteristics. Furthermore, multimode ultrasonic-assisted techniques like multi-frequency and sequential ultrasound, combined with novel and conventional methods, can enhance the ultrasound-based effect and be more effective and sustainable in preventing F&V from microbial contamination. Overall, this work explicitly establishes the background on the potential for ultrasound cleaning and disinfection in the food industry as a green, effective, and ultimate method of preventing foodborne illnesses.

Improved analysis of 230 pesticide residues in three fermented soy products by using automated one-step accelerated solvent extraction coupled with GC-MS/MS.

Consumer concerns over healthy diets are increasing as a result of the toxicity and persistence of pesticide residues in foodstuffs. Developing sensitive and high-throughput monitoring techniques for these trace residues is seen as an essential step in ensuring food safety. An automatic and sensitive multi-residue analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 230 compounds, including pesticides and their hazardous metabolites, in fermented soy products. The method included preparing the sample using on-line extraction and clean-up system based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), then determining the analytes using GC-MS/MS techniques. The homogenized samples (soy sauce, douchi, and sufu) were automatically extracted at 80 °C and 10.3 MPa and at the same time, in situ cleaned by 300 mg of primary secondary amine (PSA) combined with 20 mg of hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes in an extraction cell. The method obtained excellent calibration linearity (r > 0.9220) and a satisfactory analysis of the targeted compounds, which were evaluated with matrix-matched calibration standards over the range of 5-500 µg L-1. The limit of detections (LODs) of analytes were in the range of 0.01-1.29 µg kg-1, 0.01-1.39 µg kg-1, and 0.01-1.34 µg kg-1 in soy sauce, douchi, and sufu, respectively. The limit of quantifications (LOQs), which defined as the lowest spiking level, were set at 5.0 µg kg-1. The recoveries were within 70-120 % for over 95 % of the analytes, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 13.6 %. Moreover, a positive detection rate of 47 % were obtained when the proposed method was used on 15 real fermented soy products. These results suggested that the developed high-throughput method is highly feasible for monitoring of these target analytes in trace level.

Could soil microplastic pollution exacerbate climate change? A meta-analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential.

Microplastics pollution and climate change are primarily investigated in isolation, despite their joint threat to the environment. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted during: the production of plastic and rubber, the use and degradation of plastic, and after contamination of environment. This is the first meta-analysis to assess underlying causal relationships and the influence of likely mediators. We included 60 peer-reviewed empirical studies; estimating GHGs emissions effect size and global warming potential (GWP), according to key microplastics properties and soil conditions. We investigated interrelationships with microbe functional gene expression. Overall, microplastics contamination was associated with increased GHGs emissions, with the strongest effect (60%) on CH4 emissions. Polylactic-acid caused 32% higher CO2 emissions, but only 1% of total GWP. Phenol-formaldehyde had the greatest (175%) GWP via 182% increased N2O emissions. Only polystyrene resulted in reduced GWP by 50%, due to N2O mitigation. Polyethylene caused the maximum (60%) CH4 emissions. Shapes of microplastics differed in GWP: fiber had the greatest GWP (66%) whereas beads reduced GWP by 53%. Films substantially increased emissions of all GHGs: 14% CO2, 10% N2O and 60% CH4. Larger-sized microplastics had higher GWP (125%) due to their 9% CO2 and 63% N2O emissions. GWP rose sharply if soil microplastics content exceeded 0.5%. Higher CO2 emissions, ranging from 4% to 20%, arose from soil which was either fine, saturated or had high-carbon content. Higher N2O emissions, ranging from 10% to 95%, arose from soils that had either medium texture, saturated water content or low-carbon content. Both CO2 and N2O emissions were 43%-56% higher from soils with neutral pH. We conclude that microplastics contamination can cause raised GHGs emissions, posing a risk of exacerbating climate-change. We show clear links between GHGs emissions, microplastics properties, soil characteristics and soil microbe functional gene expression. Further research is needed regarding underlying mechanisms and processes.

Long-term vegetation restoration promotes lignin phenol preservation and microbial anabolism in forest plantations: Implications for soil organic carbon dynamics.

Vegetation restoration contributes to soil organic carbon (C; SOC) sequestration through the accumulation of plant and microbial residues, but the mechanisms underlying this microbially mediated process are not well resolved. To depict the dynamics of plant- and microbial-derived C in restored forest ecosystems, soil samples were collected from Robinia pseudoacacia plantations of different stand ages (15, 25, 35, 45 years old) established on degraded wheat fields. The results showed that the degree of lignin phenol oxidation decreased with increasing stand age (P < 0.05), and hemicellulose-degrading genes were detected at higher relative abundances than other functional gene categories, indicating selective preservation of recalcitrant lignin phenols. Despite both glucosamine (R2 = 0.61, P < 0.001) and muramic acid (R2 = 0.37, P < 0.001) contents trending upward over time, fungal residual C accounted for a greater proportion of SOC compared with bacterial residual C. Accordingly, fungal residual C, which exhibited a similar response pattern as total microbial residual C to vegetation restoration, was considered a major contributor to the SOC pool. These results provided evidence that long-term vegetation restoration enhanced SOC sequestration in R. pseudoacacia forest by promoting the preservation of plant-derived lignin phenols and concomitant microbial anabolism. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis identified two important ecological clusters (i.e., modules) in the fungal network that profoundly influenced lignin phenol oxidation (P < 0.05) and microbial residual C accumulation (P < 0.01). Among the dominant taxa in microbial networks, the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota had potential to degrade recalcitrant C compounds (e.g., cellulose, lignin), whereas the fungal phylum Ascomycota could outcompete for labile C fractions (e.g., dissolved organic C). Findings of this study can enable a mechanistic understanding of SOC stability driven by microbial turnover in restored forest ecosystems.

[Effects of organic fertilizer from traditional Chinese medicine residues on growth and soil microbial community of Salvia miltiorrhiza by metagenomic technique].

Soil microbiome is a key evaluation index of soil health. Previous studies have shown that organic fertilizer from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)residues can improve the yield and quality of cultivated traditional Chinese medicinal materials. However, there are few reports on the effects of organic fertilizer from TCM residues on soil microbiome. Therefore, on the basis of evaluating the effects of organic fertilizer from TCM residues on the yield and quality of cultivated Salvia miltiorrhiza, the metagenomic sequencing technique was used to study the effects of organic fertilizer from TCM residues on rhizosphere microbiome community and function of cultivated S. miltiorrhiza. The results showed that:(1) the application of organic fertilizer from TCM residues promoted the growth of S. miltiorrhiza and the accumulation of active components, and the above-ground and underground dry weight and fresh weight of S. miltiorrhiza increased by 371.4%, 288.3%, 313.4%, and 151.9%. The increases of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B were 887.0% and 183.0%.(2)The application of organic fertilizer from TCM residues significantly changed the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community structures, and the microbial community composition was significantly different.(3)The relative abundance of soil-beneficial bacteria, such as Nitrosospira multiformis, Bacillus subtilis, Lysobacter enzymogenes, and Trichoderma was significantly increased by the application of organic fertilizer from TCM residues.(4)KEGG function prediction analysis showed that metabolism-related microorganisms were more easily enriched in the soil environment after organic fertilizer application. The abundance of functional genes related to nitrification and denitrification could also be increased after the application of organic fertilizer from TCM residues. The results of this study provide guidance for the future application of organic fertilizer from TCM residues in the cultivation of traditio-nal Chinese medicinal materials and enrich the content of green cultivation technology of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.

Efficacy of essential oil from ginger (Zingiber officinale) for anesthesia and transport sedation of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus).

This study evaluated the anesthetic and sedative effects of the essential oil of Zingiber officinale (EOZO) on juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Experiment 1 evaluated concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1 EOZO for times of induction and recovery from anesthesia. Furthermore, hematological responses and residual components of EOZO in plasma were determined immediately after anesthesia. Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L-1 EOZO on water quality, blood variables and residual components of EOZO in plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) immediately after 2 h of transport. Survival was 100%. The three main compounds of EOZO [zingiberene (32.27%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (18.42%) and ß-bisabolene (13.93%)] were observed in animal plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) after anesthesia and transport, demonstrating a direct linear effect among the evaluated concentrations. The concentration of 200 mg L-1 EOZO promoted surgical anesthesia of pacu and prevented an increase in monocyte and neutrophil levels, yet did not alter other hematological parameters. The use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO has a sedative effect on juvenile pacu, thereby reducing oxygen consumption during transport. Furthermore, the use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO in transport water prevented an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, with minimal influences on other blood variables.

SARS-CoV-2 mutant spectra as variant of concern nurseries: endless variation?

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 isolates of a given clade may contain low frequency genomes that encode amino acids or deletions which are typical of a different clade. Methods: Here we use high resolution ultra-deep sequencing to analyze SARS-CoV-2 mutant spectra. Results: In 6 out of 11 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from COVID-19 patients, the mutant spectrum of the spike (S)-coding region included two or more amino acids or deletions, that correspond to discordant viral clades. A similar observation is reported for laboratory populations of SARS-CoV-2 USA-WA1/2020, following a cell culture infection in the presence of remdesivir, ribavirin or their combinations. Moreover, some of the clade-discordant genome residues are found in the same haplotype within an amplicon. Discussion: We evaluate possible interpretations of these findings, and reviewed precedents for rapid selection of genomes with multiple mutations in RNA viruses. These considerations suggest that intra-host evolution may be sufficient to generate minority sequences which are closely related to sequences typical of other clades. The results provide a model for the origin of variants of concern during epidemic spread─in particular Omicron lineages─that does not require prolonged infection, involvement of immunocompromised individuals, or participation of intermediate, non-human hosts.

Immunomodulatory effects of Ulva-derived polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and residues in a murine model of delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Ulva, an edible green alga, contains sulfated polysaccharides and oligosaccharides that possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-allergic effects of Ulva-derived samples of polysaccharides (UP), oligosaccharides (UO), and residues (UR) on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. Oral treatment of mice with UP, UO, and UR (250 mg/kg body weight) daily noticeably improved the DTH reaction as evidenced by attenuation of footpad swelling and cell infiltration at the allergen-challenge site. Although the Ulva samples had limited impacts on the production of serum total IgG, decreased concentrations of allergen-specific IgG and IgG2a and an increased concentration of IgG1 were observed in the treated mice. Moreover, treatment with them suppressed allergen-induced IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion and elevated IL-4 secretion. However, none of the Ulva sample treatments could modulate the production of IL-10. Concordantly, the in situ data reveal that the Ulva sample treatments suppressed IFN-γ and TNF-α expression at the allergen-injection site. These findings collectively suggest the potential of UP, UO, and UR as functional food candidates for the management of delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Multicriteria GIS-based assessment of biomass energy potentials in Nigeria.

The understanding of the geographical variability of biomass energy is an essential requirement for the optimal location of biomass energy conversion plants. This research presents a multicriteria GIS-based assessment of biomass energy potentials and the appropriate siting of biomass plants in Nigeria. The study applies the weighted overlay multicriteria decision analysis method. Crop and forest areas, settlement (energy supply areas), shrub/grasslands, barren land, water bodies, distance from water sources, road accessibility, topography, and aspect are the criteria that were considered for locating a biomass facility in this study. The results suggest that the theoretical, technical, and economical energy potentials of crop residues are highest in the North-East region of Nigeria and estimated at 1,163.32, 399.73, and 110.56 PJ/yr, respectively, and lowest in the South-East at 52.36, 17.99, and 4.98 PJ/yr, respectively. The theoretical, technical, and economical energy potentials of forest residues are highest in the North-West, estimated at 260.18, 156.11, and 43.18 PJ/yr, respectively, and lowest in the South-East at 1.79, 1.08, and 0.30 PJ/yr, respectively. Although most areas were identified to be suitable for siting biomass plants across Nigeria, the most suitable areas are located in the northern part of the country and include Niger, Zamfara, the Federal Capital Territory, Nassarawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Borno State. The study supports the Nigerian bio-energy policy that proposes to effectively utilize Nigeria's non-fuelwood as a substitute for the felling of trees. This is very important to strengthen its commitment at the COP26 International Climate Conference, which is to conserve and restore its forest. Furthermore, this study will serve as a good reference for policymakers to make well-informed decisions on tackling the energy insecurity in Nigeria.

Antibiotic residues in pasteurised and Raw Cow's milk in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This study aimed to investigate antibiotic residues such as oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and levofloxacin, in both pasteurised and raw cow's milk. A method using high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector (HPLC-UV) was developed and validated following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for simultaneous detection and quantification of these residues. The technique demonstrated linearity, with r2 values ranging from 0.999 to 1.00 within the 1.3-15.0 µg ml-1 range for each antibiotic. Thirty cow's milk samples, raw and pasteurised, from Dhaka's local markets were analysed, revealing the presence of enrofloxacin and levofloxacin, while oxytetracycline was absent in all samples. Notably, pasteurised milk samples contained enrofloxacin, levofloxacin and oxytetracycline, with groups P6 and P7 exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit for enrofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (121 µg l-1). This study emphasises antibiotic residues in milk, with a validated method holding promise for routine analysis in industries requiring simultaneous quantitation of multiple antibiotics.

Metal-Binding Protein TaGlo1 Improves Fungal Resistance to Arsenite (AsIII) and Methylarsenite (MAsIII) in Paddy Soil.

Trivalent arsenicals such as arsenite (AsIII) and methylarsenite (MAsIII) are thought to be ubiquitous in flooded paddy soils and have higher toxicity than pentavalent forms. Fungi are widely prevalent in the rice rhizosphere, and the latter is considered a hotspot for As uptake. However, few studies have focused on alleviating As toxicity in paddy soils using fungi. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which the protein TaGlo1, derived from the As-resistant fungal strain Trichoderma asperellum SM-12F1, mitigates AsIII and MAsIII toxicity in paddy soils. Taglo1 gene expression in Escherichia coli BL21 conferred strong resistance to AsIII and MAsIII, while purified TaGlo1 showed a high affinity for AsIII and MAsIII. Three cysteine residues (Cys13, Cys18, and Cys71) play crucial roles in binding with AsIII, while only two (Cys13 and Cys18) play crucial roles for MAsIII binding. TaGlo1 had a stronger binding strength for MAsIII than AsIII. Importantly, up to 90.2% of the homologous TaGlo1 proteins originate from fungi by GenBank searching. In the rhizospheres of 14 Chinese paddy soils, Taglo1 was widely distributed and its gene abundance increased with porewater As. This study highlights the potential of fungi to mitigate As toxicity and availability in the soil-rice continuum and suggests future microbial strategies for bioremediation.