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Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible dietary components that promote the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms. In many cases, however, this capability is not systematically evaluated. Here, we develop a methodology for determining prebiotic-responsive bacteria using the popular dietary supplement inulin. We first identify microbes with a capacity to bind inulin using mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with inulin. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of sorted cells revealed that the ability to bind inulin was widespread in the microbiota. We further evaluate which taxa are metabolically stimulated by inulin and find that diverse taxa from the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria respond to inulin, and several isolates of these taxa can degrade inulin. Incubation with another prebiotic, xylooligosaccharides (XOS), in contrast, shows a more robust bifidogenic effect. Interestingly, the Coriobacteriia Eggerthella lenta and Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens are indirectly stimulated by the inulin degradation process, expanding our knowledge of inulin-responsive bacteria.

The main purpose of the Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT) [1], whose construction is starting in Frascati, Italy, is to study solutions to mitigate the issue of power exhaust in conditions relevant for ITER and DEMO. DTT will be equipped with a significant amount of auxiliary heating power (45 MW) to reach PSEP/R = 15 MW m-1 required to be DEMO-relevant [2]. DDT is characterized by high flexibility for the assembling and testing of divertor components and for the different magnetic configurations to address the integrated physics and technology problems. The current conceptual design of the beamline for the DTT Neutral Beam Heating system is here presented, with a particular focus on the effect on the DTT plasma and on the technical solutions adopted to maximize the RAMI indexes (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Inspectability) and minimize complexity and costs. Various design options were considered, and a comprehensive set of simulations was carried out using several physics and engineering codes to drive the choice of the most suitable design options and optimize them, aiming at finding a good compromise among different requirements. This paper describes the design of the main components of the DTT NBI beamline, explaining the motivations for the main design choices.

During implant restorative dentistry, common and crippling postoperative complications are pain and swelling of perioral soft tissues which engraving on patient quality of life. Concentrated growth factors (CGF), a novel generation of autologous platelet concentrate, and melatonin, endogenous indoleamine with also bone regenerative properties, may be useful for reconstruction of bony defects as well as in prosthetic and esthetic rehabilitation. We report a clinical case in which guided bone regeneration was performed combining CGF, melatonin and heterologous biomaterial. Great postoperative recovery without any complications was reported. In conclusion, in restorative dentistry the combined use of CGF and melatonin may have important roles in restoring bone defect, in improving implant osteointegration and, not less important, in preventing postoperative complications.

Describes the program Chemistry in an Aquarium which focuses on introducing the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry in interaction with the ecosystem. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)