Determination of Sulfites in Dried Fruits by Paper Spray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Sulfite, a widely used food additive, is subject to regulated labeling. The extraction of sulfite as the stable hydroxymethylsulfonate (HMS) form and its quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been recognized for their good sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility across various food materials. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective and simpler method for sulfite quantitation, while maintaining the superior sensitivity and selectivity of mass spectrometry (MS). To achieve this, we introduced paper spray ionization (PSI), an ambient desorption ionization technique that could achieve the direct measurement of analytes without employing separation. We also employed a novel internal standard (IS) structurally similar to the analyte, replacing the more expensive isotopically labeled IS. Although the PSI-MS/MS method developed in this study exhibited slightly lower analytical performance compared to the conventional LC-MS/MS, it remained effective for sulfite analysis in dried fruits.

Bean Sprouts, Lettuce, and Milk as Water Sources in Tenebrio molitor Larval Growth.

The Tenebrio molitor larva (yellow mealworm) holds great potential as a sustainable ingredient in food and feed. Optimizing its growth under mass farming requires careful water management. However, the availability and cost of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are the most widely used sources of water, can vary geographically, which calls for the search for relatively affordable, effective, and readily available alternatives. We evaluated the effect of three water sources (bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, and milk) as well as their quantity on weights and nutrient profiles of reared T. molitor larvae. Newly hatched mealworm larvae were maintained in controlled conditions of 25 °C and 60% relative humidity under a 12-h light-dark cycle for 15 weeks. When provided as sole-supplements, bean sprouts induced the highest larval weight gains compared to fresh lettuce leaves, which in turn performed better than milk and water. However, the addition of milk to the vegetable supplements enhanced growth. Furthermore, doubling the level of water supply resulted in 70% higher larval weights by week 14 post hatching. Moreover, water sources did not change the nutrient content of the harvested larvae. These findings suggest that mealworm productivity can be enhanced by increasing water feed levels and that bean sprouts may be a superior alternative to lettuce.

Detection of sulfur mustard simulant by trisaryl phosphoric triamide-based resin using a quartz crystal microbalance sensor.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) pose a persistent threat to human safety, and bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, or sulfur mustard (SM) is one of the most dangerous substances and is able to cause serious harm. Detecting SM gas is vital, but current methods have high-temperature requirements and limited selectivity, mainly because of the lack of CWA receptor development, and this makes them challenging to use. To address this issue, we present a trisaryl phosphoric triamide-based resin receptor that preferentially interacts with a SM simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) through dipole interactions. The receptor was synthesized through a facile process using an amine and a triethyl phosphate and the properties of its coating were enhanced using epoxy chemistry. The receptor's superior triamide structure was evaluated using a quartz crystal microbalance and reactivity was confirmed by observing the variations in reactivity according to the number of phosphoramides. The receptor showed better reactivity to 2-CEES vapor than to the known poly(epichlorohydrin) and showed selectivity to other volatile organic compounds. Moreover, its durability was evident even 30 days post-coating. The applicability of this receptor extends to array sensors, sound acoustic wave sensors, and chemo-resistive and chemo-capacitive sensors, and it promises advances in chemical warfare agent detection.

Ultrasmall Pd Clusters in FER Zeolite Alleviate CO Poisoning for Effective Low-Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation.

Ultrasmall Pd4 clusters form in the micropores of FER zeolite during low-temperature treatment (100 °C) in the presence of humid CO gas. They effectively catalyze CO oxidation below 100 °C, whereas Pd nanoparticles are not active as they are poisoned by CO. Using catalytic measurements, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS), microscopy, and density functional theory calculations, we provide the molecular-level insight into this previously unreported phenomenon. Pd nanoparticles get covered with CO at low temperatures, which effectively blocks O2 activation until CO desorption occurs. Small Pd clusters in zeolites, in contrast, demonstrate fluxional behavior in the presence of CO, which significantly increases the affinity for binding O2. Our study provides a pathway to achieve low-temperature CO oxidation activity on the basis of a well-defined Pd/zeolite system.

Stretchable and Lithography-Compatible Interconnects Enabled by Self-Assembled Nanofilms with Interlocking Interfaces.

Stretchable interconnects with miniature widths are vital for the high-density integration of deformable electronic components on a single substrate for targeted data logic or storage functions. However, it is still challenging to attain high-resolution patternability of stretchable conductors with robust circuit fabrication capability. Here, we report a self-assembled silver nanofilm firmly interlocked by an elastomeric nanodielectric that can be photolithographically patterned into microscale features while preserving high stretchability and conductivity. Both silver and dielectric nanofilms are fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly, ensuring wafer-scale uniformity and meticulous control of thicknesses. Without any thermal annealing, the as-fabricated nanofilms from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit conductivity of 1.54 × 106 S m-1 and stretchability of ∼200%, which is due to the impeded crack propagation by the underlying PU nanodielectrics. Furthermore, it is revealed that AgNP microstrips defined by photolithography show higher stretchability when their widths are downscaled to 100 µm owing to confined cracks. However, further scaling restricts the stretchability, following the early development of cracks cutting across the strip. In addition, the resistance change of these silver interconnects can be decreased using serpentine architectures. As a demonstration, these self-assembled interconnects are used as stretchable circuit boards to power LEDs.

Effects of particle shape and surface roughness on van der Waals interactions and coupling to dynamics in nanocrystals.

The van der Waals interaction between colloids and nanoparticles is one of the key components to understanding particle aggregation, attachment, and assembly. While the ubiquity of anisotropic particle shapes and surface roughness is well-recognized in nanocrystalline materials, the effects of both on van der Waals forces and torques have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we develop a numerical scheme to determine the van der Waals forces and torques between cubic particles with multiple configurations and relative orientations. Our results show that the van der Waals torque due to anisotropic particle shapes is appreciable at nearly all configurations and mutual angles, outcompeting Brownian torque for various materials systems and conditions. Surface roughness enhances this particle shape effect, resulting in stronger van der Waals interactions ascribed to protrusions on the surfaces. Moreover, a scaling analysis indicates that the surface roughness alters the separation dependence of the van der Waals force and, more importantly, significantly influences the dynamics of two approaching particles. Our results clearly demonstrate that surface roughness and anisotropic shape play a crucial role in the energetics and kinetics of various particle-scale and emergent phenomena, such as crystal growth by oriented attachment, nanomaterials synthesis and assembly, mud flow rheology, as well as the deposition of natural nanocrystals within the subsurface.

Oropharyngeal, proximal colonic, and vaginal microbiomes of healthy Korean native black pig gilts.

BACKGROUND: Exploring the microbiome in multiple body sites of a livestock species informs approaches to promote its health and performance through efficient and sustainable modulation of these microbial ecosystems. Here, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to describe the microbiome in the oropharyngeal cavity, proximal colon, and vaginal tract of Jeju Black pigs (JBP), which are native to the Korean peninsula. RESULTS: We sampled nine 7-month-old JBP gilts raised under controlled conditions. The most abundant phyla that we found within the oropharyngeal microbiota were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Firmicutes, collectively providing core features from twenty-five of their genera. We also found a proximal colonic microbial core composed of features from twenty of the genera of the two predominant phyla, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Remarkably, within the JBP vaginal microbiota, Bacteroidetes dominated at phylum level, contrary to previous reports regarding other pig breeds. Features of the JBP core vaginal microbiota, came from seventeen genera of the major phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria. Although these communities were distinct, we found some commonalities amongst them. Features from the genera Streptococcus, Prevotella, Bacillus and an unclassified genus of the family Ruminococcaceae were ubiquitous across the three body sites. Comparing oropharyngeal and proximal colonic communities, we found additional shared features from the genus Anaerorhabdus. Between oropharyngeal and vaginal ecosystems, we found other shared features from the genus Campylobacter, as well as unclassified genera from the families Fusobacteriaceae and Flavobacteriaceae. Proximal colonic and vaginal microbiota also shared features from the genera Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and an unclassified genus of Clostridiales. CONCLUSIONS: Our results delineate unique and ubiquitous features within and across the oropharyngeal, proximal colonic and vaginal microbial communities in this Korean native breed of pigs. These findings provide a reference for future microbiome-focused studies and suggest a potential for modulating these communities, utilizing ubiquitous features, to enhance health and performance of the JBP.

Bacillus-supplemented diet improves growth performance in Jeju native pigs by modulating myogenesis and adipogenesis.

Probiotics are used in pigs as nutritional supplements to improve health and induce the development of muscle and adipose tissue for enhancing growth performance and harvesting quality meat. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on the physiological and biochemical changes in Jeju native pigs (JNPs), including growth performance, backfat layers, blood parameters, serum IgG levels, myogenic and adipogenic markers, and expression of inflammatory markers. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were higher in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group, while backfat thickness was lower in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group. Blood biochemical parameters and hematological profiles were not altered significantly by Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation. Serum IgG concentration increased in the Bacillus diet group compared to the basal diet group. The Bacillus diet group showed increased adipogenic and myogenic markers expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues. Overall, the data suggest that the Bacillus-based probiotics-supplemented diet regulates myogenesis and adipogenesis in JNPs and improves growth performance. We postulate that this may be due to the changes in the gut microbiota of pigs due to probiotic supplementation.

High-quality metagenome-assembled genomes from proximal colonic microbiomes of synbiotic-treated korean native black pigs reveal changes in functional capacity.

Synbiotics are feed supplements with the potential to promote health and productivity in pigs partly, through modulation of the intestinal microbiome. Our study used shotgun sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques to characterize the effect of a synbiotic containing three Lactobacillus species and a fructo-oligosaccharide on the proximal colonic microbiome of 4- to 7-month-old Korean native black gilts. With shotgun sequencing we constructed unique metagenome-assembled genomes of gut microbiota in Native Black Pig for the first time, which we then used for downstream analysis. Results showed that synbiotic treatment did not alter microbial diversity and evenness within the proximal colons, but altered composition of some members of the Lactobacillaceae, Enterococcaceae and Streptococcaceae families. Functional analysis of the shotgun sequence data revealed 8 clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) that were differentially represented in the proximal colonic microbiomes of synbiotic-treated Jeju black pigs relative to controls. In conclusion, our results show that administering this synbiotic causes changes in the functional capacity of the proximal colonic microbiome of the Korean native black pig. This study improves our understanding of the potential impact of synbiotics on the colonic microbiome of Korean native black pigs.

Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals gluten-induced suppression of small intestine development in young chickens.

Wheat gluten is an increasingly common ingredient in poultry diets but its impact on the small intestine in chicken is not fully understood. This study aimed to identify effects of high-gluten diets on chicken small intestines and the variation of their associated transcriptional responses by age. A total of 120 broilers (Ross Strain) were used to perform two animal experiments consisting of two gluten inclusion levels (0% or 25%) by bird's age (1 week or 4 weeks). Transcriptomics and histochemical techniques were employed to study the effect of gluten on their duodenal mucosa using randomly selected 12 broilers (3 chicks per group). A reduction in feed intake and body weight gain was found in the broilers fed a high-gluten containing diet at both ages. Histochemical photomicrographs showed a reduced villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum of gluten-fed broilers at 1 week. We found mainly a significant effect on the gene expression of duodenal mucosa in gluten-fed broilers at 1 week (289 differentially expressed genes [DEGs]). Pathway analyses revealed that the significant DEGs were mainly involved in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. These pathways are involved in ribosome protein biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism, respectively. Our results suggest a pattern of differential gene expression in these pathways that can be linked to chronic inflammation, suppression of cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. And via such a mode of action, high-gluten inclusion levels in poultry diets could lead to the observed retardation of villi development in the duodenal mucosa of young broiler chicken.

Molecular modeling and dynamic simulation of chicken Mx protein with the S631N polymorphism.

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) proteins are antiviral GTPases induced by type I interferons (IFNs). In chickens, a single Mx protein variant, S631N, has been suggested to possess antiviral activity. However, the impact of this variant on chicken Mx (chMx) protein structure and conformation has not been investigated. Hence, in this study, we applied computational methods such as molecular modeling, molecular dynamic simulation, inter domain motion and residue networks to examine the structure and dynamic behavior of wild-type and mutant chMx. At first, we built 3-dimensional structural models for both wild-type and mutant chMx proteins, which revealed that the structural organization of chMx was similar to that of human Mx proteins. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that angle variation around the hinge1 region led to the different stalk domain conformations between the wild-type and mutant chMx proteins. Domain motion analysis further suggested that the conformational differences in the loop region surrounded by the mutant residue may lead to an inclined stalk domain conformation in the mutant compared to the wild-type protein. In addition, we performed betweenness centrality analysis from residue interaction networks, to identify the crucial residues for intramolecular signal flow in chMx. The results of this study provided information on the differences in structure and dynamics between wild-type and mutant chMx, which may aid in understanding the structural features of the S631N mutant, that may be associated with chMx protein antiviral activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

High-throughput sequencing-based metagenomic and transcriptomic analysis of intestine in piglets infected with salmonella.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolate HJL777 is a virulent bacterial strain in pigs. The high rate of salmonella infection are at high risk of non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis development. Salmonellosis is most common in young pigs. We investigated changes in gut microbiota and biological function in piglets infected with salmonella via analysis of rectal fecal metagenome and intestinal transcriptome using 16S rRNA and RNA sequencing. We identified a decrease in Bacteroides and increase in harmful bacteria such as Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria by microbial community analysis. We predicted that reduction of Bacteroides by salmonella infection causes proliferation of salmonella and harmful bacteria that can cause an intestinal inflammatory response. Functional profiling of microbial communities in piglets with salmonella infection showed increasing lipid metabolism associated with proliferation of harmful bacteria and inflammatory responses. Transcriptome analysis identified 31 differentially expressed genes. Using gene ontology and Innate Immune Database analysis, we identified that BGN, DCN, ZFPM2 and BPI genes were involved in extracellular and immune mechanisms, specifically salmonella adhesion to host cells and inflammatory responses during infection. We confirmed alterations in gut microbiota and biological function during salmonella infection in piglets. Our findings will help prevent disease and improve productivity in the swine industry.

Multi-Probiotic Lactobacillus Supplementation Improves Liver Function and Reduces Cholesterol Levels in Jeju Native Pigs.

We evaluated the dietary effects of multiple probiotics in Jeju native pigs, using basal diet and multi-probiotic Lactobacillus (basal diet with 1% multi-probiotics) treatments (n = 9 each) for 3 months. We analyzed growth performance, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, blood parameters, hematological profiles, adipokines, and immune-related cytokines in pig tissues. Average daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, and body weight were not significantly different between both groups. In Lactobacillus group, total protein (p < 0.08) and bilirubin (p < 0.03) concentrations increased; blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.08), alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.08), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (p < 0.08) activities decreased. Lactobacillus group showed decreased adiponectin (p < 0.05), chemerin (p < 0.05), and visfatin expression in adipose tissues, and increased TLR4 (p < 0.05), MYD88 (p < 0.05), TNF-α (p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) expression in the liver. Additionally, NOD1 (p < 0.05), NOD2 (p < 0.01), and MYD88 (p < 0.05) mRNA levels in proximal colon tissue upregulated significantly. Colon, longissimus dorsi muscle, fat tissue, and liver histological analyses revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusively, Lactobacillus supplementation improved liver function and reduced cholesterol levels. Its application may treat metabolic liver disorders, especially cholesterol-related disorders.

A rich catalog of C-C bonded species formed in CO2 reduction on a plasmonic photocatalyst.

The understanding and rational design of heterogeneous catalysts for complex reactions, such as CO2 reduction, requires knowledge of elementary steps and chemical species prevalent on the catalyst surface under operating conditions. Using in situ nanoscale surface-enhanced Raman scattering, we probe the surface of a Ag nanoparticle during plasmon-excitation-driven CO2 reduction in water. Enabled by the high spatiotemporal resolution and surface sensitivity of our method, we detect a rich array of C1-C4 species formed on the photocatalytically active surface. The abundance of multi-carbon compounds, such as butanol, suggests the favorability of kinetically challenging C-C coupling on the photoexcited Ag surface. Another advance of this work is the use of isotope labeling in nanoscale probing, which allows confirmation that detected species are the intermediates and products of the catalytic reaction rather than spurious contaminants. The surface chemical knowledge made accessible by our approach will inform the modeling and engineering of catalysts.

Detecting the differential genomic variants using cross-population phenotype-associated variant (XP-PAV) of the Landrace and Yorkshire pigs in Korea.

Although there have been many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and selective sweep analyses to understand pig genomic regions related to growth performance, these methods considered only the gene effect and selection signal, respectively. In this study, we suggest the cross-population phenotype associated variant (XP-PAV) analysis as a novel method to determine the genomic variants with different effects between the two populations. XP-PAV analysis could reveal the differential genetic variants between the two populations by considering the gene effect and selection signal simultaneously. In this study, we used daily weight gain (DWG) and back fat thickness (BF) as phenotypes and the Landrace and Yorkshire populations were used for XP-PAV analysis. The main aim was to reveal the differential selection by considering the gene effect between Landrace and Yorkshire pigs. In the gene ontology analysis of XP-PAV results, differential selective genes in DWG analysis were involved in the regulation of interleukin-2 production and cell cycle G2/M transition. The protein modification and glycerophospholipid biosynthetic processes were the most enriched terms in the BF analysis. Therefore, we could identify genetic differences for immune and several metabolic pathways between Landrace and Yorkshire breeds using the XP-PAV analysis. In this study, we expect that XP-PAV analysis will play a role in determining useful selective variants with gene effects and provide a new interpretation of the genetic differences between the two populations.

Motion of Defects in Ion-Conducting Nanowires.

Superionic conductors are prime candidates for the electrolytes of all-solid-state batteries. Our understanding of the mechanism and performance of superionic conductors is largely based on their idealized lattice structures. But how do defects in the lattice affect ionic structure and transport in these materials? This is a question answered here by in situ transmission electron microscopy of copper selenide, a classic superionic conductor. Nanowires of copper selenide exhibit antiphase boundaries which are a form of a planar defect. We examine the lattice structure around an antiphase boundary and monitor with atomic resolution how this structure evolves in an ordered-to-superionic phase transition. Antiphase boundaries are found to act as barriers to the propagation of the superionic phase. Antiphase boundaries also undergo spatial diffusion and shape changes resulting from thermally activated fluctuations of the neighboring ionic structure. These spatiotemporal insights highlight the importance of collective ionic transport and the role of defects in superionic conduction.

Complete chromosome and plasmid sequences of Staphylococcus aureus strain JDFM SA01, isolated from a milk filter in Korean dairy farm.

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that can source a variety of illness worldwide. In this announcement, we report here the complete genome sequence of S. aureus strain JDFM SA01, isolated from a milk filter collected from Korean dairy farm. The final complete genome assembly consists of one circular chromosome (2,748,925 bp) with an overall GC content of 32.9% and one circular plasmid sequence (24,655 bp) with a GC content of 28.7%.

Association between oropharyngeal microbiome and weight gain in piglets during pre and post weaning life.

Birth weight and subsequent weight gain is of critical importance in the survival and performance of piglets on a commercial swine farm setting. Oropharyngeal microbiome could influence immunity, and feeding behavior thus impacting health and weight gain. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile the composition and predicted metabolic functionality of the oropharyngeal microbiota in 8 piglets (4 with a birthweight ≤ 1.0 kg and 4 with a birthweight ≥ 1.7 kg) at 11, 26, and 63 days of age. We found 9 genera that were significantly associated with average daily gain (ADG) at 11 days (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) and 26 days of age (FDR < 0.1), respectively. The microbial functional profile revealed several pathways associated with ADG (FDR < 0.05). Among these, pathways related to degradation of catechols showed a positive association with ADG at 11, 26, and 63 days of age, implying a potential to breakdown the host-derived catecholamines. We also noted that pathways related to the biodegradation of nucleosides and nucleotides increased with ADG during the pre-weaning phase, while those involved in their biosynthesis decreased. Our findings provide insights into the oropharyngeal microbial memberships and metabolic pathways that are involved in a piglet's weight gain. Thus, providing a basis for the development of strategies aimed at improving weight gain in pigs.

Beneficial roles of probiotics on the modulation of gut microbiota and immune response in pigs.

The importance of probiotics in swine production is widely acknowledged as crucial. However, gaps still remain in the exact roles played by probiotics in modulation of gut microbiota and immune response. This study determined the roles of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain JDFM LP11in gut microbiota modulation and immune response in weaned piglets. L. plantarum JDFM LP11 increased the population of lactic acid bacteria in feces and enhanced the development of villi in the small intestine. Metagenome analysis showed that microbial diversity and richness (Simpson, Shannon, ACE, Chao1) and the relative abundance of the Firmicutes were higher in weaned piglets fed probiotics. Five bacterial families were different in the relative abundance, especially; Prevotellaceae occupied the largest part of microbial community showed the most difference between two groups. Transcriptome analysis identified 25 differentially expressed genes using RNA-sequencing data of the ileum. Further gene ontology and immune DB analysis determined 8 genes associated with innate defense response and cytokine production. BPI, RSAD2, SLPI, LUM, OLFM4, DMBT1 and C6 genes were down-regulated by probiotic supplementation except PLA2G2A. PICRUSt analysis predicting functional profiling of microbial communities indicated branched amino acid biosynthesis and butyrate metabolism promoting gut development and health were increased by probiotics. Altogether, our data suggest that L. plantarum JDFM LP11 increases the diversity and richness in the microbial community, and attenuates the ileal immune gene expression towards gut inflammation, promoting intestinal development in weaned piglets.