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We use Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effect of incorporating calcium chloride salt into nanoporous carbon on the performance of an ammonia–carbon adsorption refrigeration system. Simulations of ideal carbon slit-pores with pore sizes of 1, 2, and 3 nm, each containing calcium chloride with ion densities of 0.0, 0.25, and 0.5 nm−3, were carried out at temperatures between 0 and 30 °C and ammonia pressures up to 15.0 bar. The results reveal that ideal 1 nm pores are able to achieve a good refrigeration performance using waste heat below 100 °C to drive the process, but adding salt to these pores increases the waste heat temperature required beyond 100 °C. However, ideal 2 nm pores require the addition of 0.25 nm−3 salt to achieve a similar performance, while the 3 nm pores were unable to achieve a satisfactory refrigeration performance. Considering that real nanoporous carbons usually feature a variety of specific adsorption sites and non-ideal geometries that should have a similar impact to adding salt, these results indicate that nanoporous carbons with pores in the range of 1–2 nm are likely to hold the most promise for adsorption refrigeration applications and that the addition of salt may not always be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding microscopic directional correlations in ion movements within lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrolytes is important because these correlations directly affect the ionic conductivity. Onsager transport coefficients are widely used to understand these correlations. On the other hand, the Van Hove function (VHF) is also capable of determining correlated motions. However, identifying various types of ion correlated motions in LIB electrolytes using VHF is not well explored. Here, we have conducted molecular dynamics simulations of a representative experimental LIB electrolyte system—lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6)—at different concentrations in a (9:1 wt. %) mixture of ethyl methyl carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate in order to explore the capabilities and limitations of using VHF to understand different types of ion correlations. We conclude that analysis of VHF can qualitatively describe both the positive correlation between cation–anion at different salt concentrations and the negative correlation between cation–cation and anion–anion present in high salt concentration, but it cannot foretell which correlation is dominating at any given electrolyte concentration. This type of quantitative information can be obtained only via Onsager's approach. This could be seen as a limitation of relying solely on VHF to fully understand ion correlation in electrolyte media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2023 phase of the international collaborative DECOVALEX modeling project, Task E focused on understanding thermal, hydrological, and mechanical (THM) processes related to predicting brine migration in the excavation damaged zone around a heated excavation in salt. Salt is attractive as a disposal medium for radioactive waste because it is self-healing and is essentially impermeable and non-porous in the far field. Investigation of the short-term, near-field behavior is important for radioactive waste disposal because this early period strongly controls the amount of inflowing brine. Brine leads to corrosion of waste forms and waste packages, and possible dissolution of radionuclides with brine transport being a potential transport vector to the accessible environment.The Task was divided into steps. Step 0 included matching unheated brine inflow data from boreholes at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and matching temperature observations during a Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) heater test. Step 1 included validation of models against a thermo-poroelastic analytical solution, and two-phase flow around an excavation. Finally, Step 2 required all the individual components covered in steps 0 and 1 to come together to match observed brine inflow behavior during the same BATS heater test.There were a range of approaches from the teams, from mechanistic to prescriptive. Given the uncertainties in the problem, some teams used one- or two-dimensional models of the processes, while other teams included more geometrical complexity in three-dimensional models. Task E was a learning experience for the teams involved, and feedback from the modeling teams has led to changes in follow-on BATS experiments at WIPP. The primary Task E lessons learned were the impact of hydrologic initialization methods (wetting up vs. drying down), the difference between confined and unconfined thermal expansion, and the large changes in permeability associated with heating and cooling.

We investigate the collapse and expansion dynamics of a linear polyelectrolyte (PE) with hydrodynamic interactions. Using dissipative particle dynamics with a bead–spring PE model, long-range electrostatics, and explicit ions, we examine how the timescales of collapse tcol and expansion texp depend on the chain length N and obtain scaling relationships tcol ∼ Nα and texp ∼ Nβ. For neutral polymers, we derive values of α = 0.94 ± 0.01 and β = 1.97 ± 0.10. Interestingly, the introduction of electrostatic interaction markedly shifts α to α ≈ 1.4 ± 0.1 for salt concentrations within c = 10−4 to 10−2 M. A reduction in the ion-to-monomer size ratio noticeably reduces α. On the other hand, the expansion scaling remains approximately constant, β ≈ 2, regardless of the salt concentration or ion size considered. We find β > α for all conditions considered, implying that expansion is always slower than collapse in the limit of long polymers. This asymmetry is explained by distinct kinetic pathways of collapse and expansion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hofmeister series characterizes the ability of salt anions to precipitate polyampholytes/proteins. However, the variation of protein size in the bulk solution of acids and the effect of salts on the same have not been studied well. In this article, the four acids (CH3COOH, HNO3, H2SO4, and HCl) and their effects on the hydrodynamic radius (RH) of gelatin in the bulk solution are investigated. The effects of Na salt with the same anions are also considered to draw a comparison between the interactions of acids and salts with polyampholytes. It is suggested that the interactions of polyampholytes with acids are different from those of salts. The interaction series of polyampholytes with acids with respect to the RH of the polyampholyte is C H 3 CO O − > N O 3 − > C l − > S O 4 2 − whereas the interaction series with salts is S O 4 2 − > C H 3 CO O − > C l − > N O 3 − . These different interactions are due to equilibration between acid dissociation and protonation of polyampholytes. Another important factor contributing to the interactions in weak acids is the fact that undissociated acid hinders the movement of dissociated acid. Experiments and simulations were performed to understand these interactions, and the results were identical in terms of the trend in RH (from the experiments) and the radius of gyration (Rg) (from the simulations). It is concluded that the valence of ions and dissociation affect the interaction in the case of acids. However, the interactions are influenced by the kosmotropic and chaotropic effect, hydration, and mobility in the case of salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of personalized sweat sodium replacement on drinking behavior, sodium and water balance, and thermophysiological responses during and after ultraendurance running in hot conditions. Methods: Nine participants (7 male, 2 female) completed two 5-hour treadmill runs (60% maximum oxygen uptake, 30°C ambient temperature), in a double-blind randomized crossover design, consuming sodium chloride (SODIUM) capsules to replace 100% of previously assessed losses or placebo (PLACEBO). Fluid was consumed ad libitum. Results: No effect of SODIUM was observed for ad libitum fluid intake or net fluid balance (P >.05). Plasma sodium concentration increased in both trials, but to a greater extent in SODIUM at 2.5 hours (mean [SD]: 4 [4] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05) and postexercise (4 [3] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05). Plasma volume change was not different between trials (P >.05) but was strongly correlated with sodium balance in SODIUM (r =.880, P <.01). No effect of sodium replacement was observed for heart rate, rectal temperature, thermal comfort, perceived exertion, or physiological strain index. During the 24 hours postexercise, ad libitum fluid intake was greater following SODIUM (2541 [711] mL vs 1998 [727] mL; P =.04), as was urinary sodium excretion (NaCl: 66 [35] mmol, Pl: 21 [12] mmol; P <.01). Conclusions: Personalized sweat sodium replacement during ultraendurance running in hot conditions, with ad libitum fluid intake, exacerbated the rise in plasma sodium concentration compared to no sodium replacement but did not substantially influence overall body-water balance or thermophysiological strain. A large sodium deficit incurred during exercise leads to substantial renal sodium conservation postexercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful experimental tool to probe the local structure in materials with the core hole excitations. Here, the oxygen K-edge XAS spectra of the NaCl solution and pure water are computed by using a recently developed GW-Bethe-Salpeter equation approach, based on configurations modeled by path-integral molecular dynamics with the deep-learning technique. The neural network is trained on ab initio data obtained with strongly constrained and appropriately normed density functional theory. The observed changes in the XAS features of the NaCl solution, compared to those of pure water, are in good agreement between experimental and theoretical results. We provided detailed explanations for these spectral changes that occur when NaCl is solvated in pure water. Specifically, the presence of solvating ion pairs leads to localization of electron-hole excitons. Our theoretical XAS results support the theory that the effects of the solvating ions on the H-bond network are mainly confined within the first hydration shell of ions, however beyond the shell the arrangement of water molecules remains to be comparable to that observed in pure water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt (NaCl), is an essential nutrient for survival, while excessive salt can be detrimental. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, internal taste organs in the pharynx are critical gatekeepers impacting the decision to accept or reject a food. Currently, our understanding of the mechanism through which pharyngeal gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) sense high salt are rudimentary. Here, we found that a member of the ionotropic receptor family, Ir60b, is expressed exclusively in a pair of GRNs activated by high salt. Using a two-way choice assay (DrosoX) to measure ingestion volume, we demonstrate that IR60b and two co-receptors IR25a and IR76b are required to prevent high salt consumption. Mutants lacking external taste organs but retaining the internal taste organs in the pharynx exhibit much higher salt avoidance than flies with all taste organs but missing the three IRs. Our findings highlight the vital role for IRs in a pharyngeal GRN to control ingestion of high salt.

BACKGROUND: Information on salt consumption patterns is needed to inform the need for and design of salt reduction strategies. OBJECTIVES: In northern Ghana, this study aimed to estimate household consumption of salt, including salt from bouillon, and compare (estimated) women and childrens salt intake to global recommendations; to estimate the proportion of salt consumed from bouillon; and to identify factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices, associated with household salt consumption. METHODS: Employing mixed-methods methodology, we conducted a pilot survey (n = 369 households enrolled) and focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 20) in Tolon and Kumbungu districts (14 urban, 14 rural clusters) (clinicaltrials.gov registry: NCT04632771). Households reported purchases of discretionary salt (DS, table salt) and bouillon cubes. DS and total salt (TS; DS+salt from bouillon) consumption for women (15-49 y) and children (2-5 y) were estimated using the Adult Male Equivalent method and compared with global recommendations (

Summary The epigenetic process of RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) regulates the expression of genes and transposons. However, little is known about the involvement of RdDM in the response of maize (Zea mays) to salt stress. Here, we isolated a salt‐sensitive maize mutant and cloned the underlying gene, which encodes KOW DOMAIN‐CONTAINING TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1 (KTF1), an essential component of the RdDM pathway. Evolutionary analysis identified two homologs of KTF1 (ZmKTF1A and ZmKTF1B) with highly similar expression patterns. Whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing revealed that mutations in ZmKTF1 substantially decrease genome‐wide CHH (H = A, C, or T) methylation levels. Moreover, our findings suggest that ZmKTF1‐mediated DNA methylation regulates the expression of multiple key genes involved in oxidoreductase activity upon exposure to salt, concomitant with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. In addition, insertion–deletion mutations (InDels) in the promoter of ZmKTF1 affect its expression, thereby altering Na+ concentrations in seedlings in a natural maize population. Therefore, ZmKTF1 might represent an untapped epigenetic resource for improving salt tolerance in maize. Overall, our work demonstrates the critical role of ZmKTF1 involved in the RdDM pathway in maize salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructose injection is occasionally used to dilute ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate injection for patients who cannot receive glucose or sodium chloride injections in clinical settings. Since our PIVAS staff reported that discoloration occurred after ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate dissolved with fructose injection, this study aims to investigate the stability of ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate in fructose and glucose solutions. Ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate was purchased and diluted with fructose or glucose injection for compatibility testing. The solutions were maintained under various conditions for different periods of time, after which the concentration of ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate and other impurities was analyzed. The chemical structures of unknown impurities were further investigated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical method was validated and was deemed to be suitable for the analyses in this study. Compatibility tests indicated that ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate is sensitive to temperature, illumination, and pH. When diluted with fructose or glucose, the concentration of ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate decreased over time. The contents of impurities increased accordingly. Additionally, an unknown impurity was identified, speculated to be a hydroxyl oxidation product of ademetionine based on the LC-MS/MS results. Both fructose and glucose injections can be used as diluents for ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate, and the resulting mixture remains stable for up to 8 h after preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the physical, biochemical, and microbiological properties of Pangasius mince incorporated with 2% (w/w) sodium alginate and salt were evaluated for 120 days under frozen conditions (−20 °C). The TBARS (0.03–0.62 mg MDA/kg) and free fatty acid (FFA) (<1 mg oleic acid/100 g) were found to be significantly lower in the alginate-treated sample (T2) than in the control mince (C) and salt-added mince sample (T1). Better visual appearance, higher water retention, less moisture reduction (only 1.5%) along with lower total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) (10–17 mg N/100 g) and TVC (<4 log cfu/g) were evident in T2 throughout the storage period than in T1 and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large evaporite deposits, reaching several hundreds of metres of thickness, occur in many basins of our planet but remain poorly understood due to the absence of modern analogues. The origin of ancient evaporites and their highly variable sedimentation rates are often debated and ambiguous. The Danakil rift basin in northern Afar (Ethiopia) features several hundreds of metres of evaporites with deposition still continuing today and, as such, represents a unique modern analogue for older thick evaporite deposits. This study focuses on the multi‐proxy analysis of a 625 m long core from the central part of the basin. The core record, dominated by halite (ca 60%) with subordinate clastic sediments (ca 35%) and potash minerals (ca 5%) reveals, for the first time, the Late Pleistocene to Recent geological and environmental history of the basin. Sediments experienced restricted marine conditions after the last Late Pleistocene marine incursion in the basin, followed by a hypersaline stage leading to the near‐desiccation of the basin with the deposition of thick halite and potash deposits. Subsequent recycling of marginal halite deposits by meteoric waters in lacustrine and salt pan environments significantly increased the evaporite thickness in the subsiding central part of the basin. These findings have implications for the understanding of older thick evaporite deposits that formed in similar depositional settings. They show that several hundred of metres of evaporite can form in less than 128 kyr by evaporation of meteoric and seawater following a single marine flooding of the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on newly acquired density data of synthetically prepared pure and mixed NaCl and CaCl2 aqueous solutions that span a wide range of geothermally encountered concentrations and mixing ratios. The analytical data are provided for the temperature range of 293–353 K at ambient pressure. For the reproduction of that data, PHREESCALE was used. The predictive potential of this numerical tool regarding the density of geothermal fluids of known composition was the major target herein. As a result, the measured data are in good agreement with previous analytical studies found in the literature. Possible sources of errors are discussed in this paper. Density data of the mixed solutions at temperatures other than ambient are unique and close existing data gaps. The numerical model reproduces the newly measured and already existing density data within an error band of approximately 1%. For further use in geothermal applications, this can be considered an excellent agreement. Moreover, the model yields a direct calculation of density without the need to establish complex empirical equations of state and mixing rules. Finally, sensitivity calculations performed with a thermal–hydraulic (TH) numerical reservoir model demonstrate the required accuracy of fluid density for reliably predicting the long-term performance of deep geothermal energy systems. In terms of the productivity index and the timing of thermal breakthrough it shows that the present analytical and numerical uncertainty in density is small enough to reliably state both reservoir parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The design and synthesis of insensitive energetic materials are a necessary and challenging work. The synthesis of novel nitrogen‐rich salts based on 5‐(5‐Nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazole (H2NTT) has been presented. Structural characterization of these two salts was accomplished by utilizing NMR, MS, IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The standard heats of formation were calculated, and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and sensitivity test were carried out. Their detonation performances were estimated by EXPLO 5 program. These newly synthesized salts showed highly positive heat of formation and low sensitivity. It is noteworthy that the diaminoguanidine salt b exhibited good detonation performance superior to traditional explosive TNT (Trinitrotoluene), making it a prospective candidate for insensitive energetic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and salinity are significant challenges to global food security. This study investigated the interactive impacts of Piriformospora indica inoculation with salinity and drought stresses on rice. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted. The first experiment evaluated two P. indica inoculation levels and three salinity levels (0-, 50-, and 100-mM sodium chloride), while the subsequent experiment assessed two inoculation levels under three drought intensities (25%, 50%, and 100% of available water content). P. indica spores were inoculated following optimized seed disinfection and germination processes. The shoot and root biomass under salinity stress were consistently higher in inoculated plants compared to controls. Sodium concentrations in shoots and roots exhibited an overall upward trend, with the trend being less pronounced in inoculated plants due to increased potassium uptake. Under salinity stress, nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations significantly increased in inoculated plants. With increasing salinity, there was a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity and soluble carbohydrate concentrations across all treatments, with a greater increase in inoculated plants. Plants under drought stress experienced reduced root and shoot biomass, but inoculated plants maintained higher biomass. Increasing drought stress led to decreased nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations in all treatments, with the reduction being less severe in inoculated plants. Catalase enzyme activity and carbohydrate increased with rising drought stress, with the increase being more pronounced in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. By promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, P. indica inoculation has a significant potential to enhance crop productivity in extreme climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is an active electrocatalyst for various energy conversion reactions, but its performance depends on the structure of the active surface sites. In this work, we propose a simple strategy to tailor both the roughness and the active site's geometry of copper. To modify the surface of copper, we oxidize and reduce a copper polycrystalline electrode in 0.1 M solutions containing both sodium fluoride and sodium chloride with different chloride/fluoride molar ratios: (0.1‐x) M NaF+x M NaCl. To address the anion effect on the changes in surface geometry, we recorded the voltammetric fingerprints of the modified electrodes using lead underpotential deposition (UPD). The voltammetric analysis suggested that while chloride induces (n10) sites, fluoride promotes an increase in the active surface area and the growth of low‐coordinated sites with (110) or (111) geometry. Solutions containing both fluoride and chloride anions induced (n10) motifs covered by nanometric clusters, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, forming a highly defect‐rich surface. Our work provides a direct link between electrochemical response and ex‐situ structural characterization, and compares, in detail, the effect of chloride and fluoride on the surface nanostructuring of copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various electrospun fibrous membranes have been addressed for oil/water separation owing to their advantages of high specific surface ratio, lightweight, and high porosity. However, they are commonly obtained by solution electrospinning of non‐green raw materials, which could cause serious environmental issues. To realize effective oil/water separation, the optimal processing parameters for melt electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) were determined through orthogonal experiments. Subsequently, PLA fibrous films with cellulose nanofiber (CNF) or sodium chloride (NaCl) for oil/water separation were produced via melt electrospinning. The effects of incorporating CNF or NaCl on the physiochemical properties of melt electrospun PLA fibrous membranes were investigated. In contrast to the pure PLA membranes, the obtained PLA/CNF and PLA/NaCl composite membranes exhibit a finer average fiber diameter and an increased porosity. Also, the oil absorption characteristics and oil/water separation abilities of these fibrous membranes were experimentally studied. In contrast to the 84.55% oil/water separation efficiency of melt‐electrospun PLA fibrous membranes, PLA/CNF exhibits the highest oil/water separation efficiency at 93.54%, whereas PLA/NaCl achieves a maximum efficiency of 90.29%. These findings show the applicability of the eco‐friendly PLA‐based melt electrospun fibrous membrane in the treatment of oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This experiment investigated the impact of aloe vera gel and safe salts on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of minimally processed carrots during storage, aiming to determine the most effective edible coating postharvest treatment. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.01) effects of various treatments on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of carrots compared to untreated ones. Freshly harvested carrots were subjected to different treatments, including a control (T1), 30% aloe vera gel (T2), 1% NaCl (T3), and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T4), combinations thereof, such as 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl (T5) or 1.5% NaHCO3 (T6), and 1% NaCl with 1.5% NaHCO3 (T7), and a combination of 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T8). Among the treatments, the combination of 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl (T5) exhibited the most promising results after nine days of storage, with the lowest weight loss (1.19%), highest firmness (3.80 N), total soluble solids (TSS) content (8.40%), titratable acidity (0.477%), ascorbic acid content (9.02 mg/100 g FW), anthocyanin content (28.84 μg/g FW), phenol content (4.278 mg/100 g FW), and total sugar content (13.32%). This treatment effectively protected carrots from undesirable color, texture, and flavor changes during storage. The utilization of natural‐source‐based edible coatings containing health‐promoting additives presents a viable strategy to enhance both the internal and external qualities of minimally processed carrots. Overall, the edible coating comprising 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl emerges as a promising approach for preserving the quality of minimally processed carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the corrosion resistance of Fe‐36Ni Invar alloys with varying Mg contents in a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution. The electrochemical results reveal that the incorporation of Mg amplified the corrosion behavior of Fe‐36Ni Invar alloy. The inclusion compositions undergo a transformation with the increase of Mg content, evolving from MnO–MnS in 0 Mg alloy to MnO–MnS–MgO in 0.0015 Mg alloy, and ultimately to MnS–MgO–MgS in 0.0030 Mg alloy. During the corrosion process, the small‐sized MnS–MgO–MgS inclusions exhibit greater stability compared to the MnO–MnS inclusions, rendering them less susceptible to attack and dissolution. Adding Mg diminishes the size and number density of inclusions, which effectively decreases the susceptibility to pitting initiation. The introduction of Mg refines the microstructure and elevates the fraction of twin boundaries, which also is responsible for the enhancement of corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although salt is an essential substance vital to life, excessive salt intake could cause various health issues. Therefore, new technologies and strategies should be developed to reduce salt intake without compromising taste. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms of salt taste reception is complex and not completely understood. Sodium chloride is a typical salty substance. It is widely believed that only sodium is important for the generation of salty taste. On the other hand, from a psychophysical perspective, the importance of chloride in salty taste has been indicated. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of both sodiumand chloride-tastes generation is necessary to completely comprehended the fundamentals of salt taste reception. However, the mechanism for detecting chloride taste has remained unclear for many years. Recently, we have identified transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4) as the first molecule that mediates the reception of chloride taste. TMC4 functions as a voltage-dependent chloride channel and plays an important role in the reception of the chloride taste by detecting chloride ions. In this mini-review, we first introduce the known reception mechanism of salty taste, and then discuss the roles of TMC4 in the salt taste reception. The finding of TMC4 may serve as a basis for developing new technologies and formulating strategies to reduce salt intake without compromising taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread across the globe, in every part of the environment. Their presence is expected to triple by 2060, posing risks to both human and environmental health. The present study investigated microplastic contamination using a stereomicroscope and GC-MS in table salts of Pakistan from different origins – sea, rock, and lake. Seventeen branded and 2 unbranded salts showed about 30 to 35 microplastics were present per kilogram of salts on average with the highest 125 MPs/Kg and lowest 30 MPs/Kg. Morphologically, black-coloured microplastic fibres were found to be predominant, and polyethylene was the most abundant chemical component. This study showed that assuming 30–35 MPs per kilogram of salts are found on average, people in Bangladesh are ingesting more microplastics through table salts compared to other regions, and Pakistan ranks lowest because of its lower salt consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For decades standard teaching recommended salt intake (sodium) reduction in patients suffering from heart failure. Neurohumoral activation with subsequent fluid retention provided a solid rationale for this long‐standing recommendation. Until recently no large randomized clinical trial of sodium restriction was available, while some observational studies and metanalyses even suggested a worse outcome with strict sodium restriction in patients with heart failure. Methods: In this narrative review we aimed to extricate from the literature whether strict sodium restriction is beneficial in patients with heart failure. We searched PubMed indexed articles between 2000 and 2023 for these terms: heart failure, salt, sodium, fluid intake. Results: Most randomized trials were small and showed a wide heterogeneity of interventions. A single large, randomized clinical trial was stopped early due to futility. Overall, there is no evidence that severe sodium restriction reduces the incidence of mortality and hospitalization in patients with heart failure. Quality of life and functional class may improve slightly with sodium restriction. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality are not reduced with sodium restriction in patients with heart failure, although some symptomatic improvement may be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Taxes on unhealthy foods can help improve population health in the United Kingdom (UK), but the health effects of food substitutions resulting from these taxes are often unclear. We investigated the potential impacts of a salt and sugar tax on hypothetical intra-category food substitutions, cost, body-mass index (BMI), and environmental footprints. Methods: Purchase panel data from Kantar (2017) were used to determine the most popular foods high in salt or sugar within eight 'salt-intensive'/'sugar-intensive' food categories. Within food categories, the most popular lower salt (≤ 1.5 g salt/100 g product) and lower sugar (≤ 22.5 g sugar/100 g product) substitutes were also identified. Hypothetical swaps between high salt/sugar foods and lower salt/sugar substitutes were explored, focusing on changes to cost, caloric intake and BMI, and environmental impacts in the UK population. Results: The suggested intra-category substitutions were largely like-for-like and did not accrue an added overall cost to consumers. The substitutions reduced calorie intake by about 200 kcal/day and lowered the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the UK from approximately 60–65% to about 40–45%. The proposed food substitutions led to a total reduction of -2.7Mt of greenhouse gases, ∼ -500.000 ha of land, -0.5km3 of blue water, -12km3 of scarcity weighted water, ∼ -12.000t of phosphorus, and nearly − 14.000t of sulphur dioxide over one year for the UK population due to reductions in calorie intake. Conclusion: Food substitutions following a tax on salt and sugar could lead to significant benefits for health and the environment, without necessarily resulting in major changes to people's expenditure on familiar salty and sugary snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed systematic study of aqueous polyacrylamide solutions at different concentrations and different molar concentrations of NaCl solutions along with the dependency at scattering angles 175o and 90o has been performed rigorously using the Dynamic Light Scattering method. Aqueous polymer solutions of different concentrations of polymer as well as at different molar concentrations of NaCl solutions were prepared for the study. Analyses of the correlation functions show the presence of three concentration regions consisting each with the presence of fast and slow modes. Out of three, the one (unentangled semidilute) concentration regime shows the unique morphology of polymer solutions irrespective of the change in polymer concentrations and with the change in NaCl concentrations. Furthermore, the angular dependency results show the presence of amount of heterogeneity of polymer chains in the solutions which quantified from the overall change of stretching parameter of slow mode β (Dilute and entangled region ~ 20%, Unentangled region ~ 7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I investigate the material characteristics and spatial contexts of saltpans in two of antiquity's most successful empires—Rome and Han China. Production strategies made salt widely available but were distinct in their form and appearance, as well as process. Rome's infrastructure was less visually imposing and environmentally disruptive compared to the Han installations, which were made to stand out and overtake natural contexts. Born from its sites of production, salt had a different social role and political value in these empires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion−conducting hydrogels show significant potential in plant growth monitoring. Nevertheless, traditional ionic hydrogel sensors experience substantial internal creep and inadequate sensitivity, hindering precise plant growth monitoring. In this study, we developed a flexible hydrogel sensor composed of polyvinyl alcohol and acrylamide. The hydrogel sensor exhibits low creep and high sensitivity. Polyvinyl alcohol, acrylamide, and glycerol are crosslinked to create a robust interpenetrating double network structure. The strong interactions, such as van der Waals forces, between the networks minimize hydrogel creep under external stress, reducing the drift ratio by 50% and the drift rate by more than 60%. Additionally, sodium chloride and AgNWs enrich the hydrogel with conductive ions and pathways, enhancing the sensor's conductivity and demonstrating excellent response time (0.4 s) and recovery time (0.3 s). When used as a sensor for plant growth monitoring, the sensor exhibits sensitivity to small strains and stability for long−term monitoring. This sensor establishes a foundation for developing plant health monitoring systems utilizing renewable biomass materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, respiratory protective devices must be certified before they can be marketed. Among the parameters of interest, inward leakage (IL) characterizes the tightness between the face seal and the face, to verify that the device is well-designed. European standard EN 13274-1 (2001) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 16900-1 (2019) specify that IL should be measured using sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosol or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. For reusable masks made of nonporous materials, both test agents are considered equally acceptable. However, the few studies that have compared IL values measured with various aerosols and gases have come to divergent conclusions. This work then aimed to measure IL with the test agents recommended by the standards to determine whether they are really equivalent. Since krypton (Kr) is an interesting candidate for replacing SF6 in standard tests, IL was assessed with SF6 and Kr simultaneously, and with NaCl aerosol using various calculation methods. Tests were carried out on 5 models of full-face masks donned on a headform connected to a breathing machine simulating 3 sinusoidal breathing rates of various intensities. The respirator fit on the headform was evaluated using a controlled negative pressure method to determine a manikin fit factor. Four scenarios were then tested to represent very poor, bad, good, and excellent fit. Gas concentration was measured using a mass spectrometer, and IL was calculated for SF6 and Kr. A combination of 3 devices allowed the determination of the number-based concentration of particles with diameters between 20 nm and 2 µm, and IL was calculated for each of the 33 channels, as well as using a cumulative number concentration. In addition, to comply with standards, a conversion was carried out to calculate IL using a cumulative mass concentration. The results of this work evidenced that the IL values measured with NaCl were systematically lower than those determined with gases. IL was also shown to vary with particle size, with a maximum value exceeding that calculated with cumulative concentrations (in number or mass). As part of the revision of the standards, protocols for measuring inward leakage should be redefined. On the one hand, acceptability thresholds should be re-evaluated according to the nature of the test agent (gas or aerosol), as it is clear that the 2 options do not give the same results for a given configuration. On the other hand, the aerosol leakage measurement protocol needs to be reworked to enable the measurement of a well-defined, robust, and reproducible inward leakage value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with alopecia areata (AA) may have received several therapies for management of AA during their lives. In the ALLEGRO phase 2b/3 (NCT03732807) study, the oral JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor ritlecitinib demonstrated efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in patients aged ≥ 12 years with AA and ≥ 50% scalp hair loss. This post hoc analysis investigated associations between prior use of AA therapies and Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) responses in patients receiving ritlecitinib for AA. Methods: Patients receiving ritlecitinib 30 mg or 50 mg once daily with or without an initial 4-week 200-mg daily loading dose were grouped by previous exposure to AA treatments, including topicals, intralesional corticosteroids (ILCS), topical immunotherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants or any prior AA treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between response based on a SALT score of ≤ 20 and any prior treatment for AA at weeks 24 and 48. Results: Of 522 patients, 360 (69.0%) had previous exposure to any AA treatment. At Week 24, SALT ≤ 20 response was positively associated with prior use of ILCS (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–3.65; P < 0.05) and negatively associated with prior use of systemic immunosuppressants (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.28–0.88; P < 0.05). Prior use of topicals or topical immunotherapy was not associated with SALT ≤ 20 response at Week 24. By Week 48, no association was identified between SALT ≤ 20 response and prior use of topicals, ILCS, topical immunosuppressants, or systemic immunosuppressants (all P > 0.05). Previous exposure to any AA therapy was not associated with SALT ≤ 20 response at weeks 24 or 48 (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Prior AA treatment history had no effect on longer-term treatment response to ritlecitinib. Trial Registration Number: NCT03732807. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess sodium consumption contributes to arterial dysfunction in humans. The C57BL/6 strain of mice has been used to identify mechanisms by which arterial dysfunction occurs after excess sodium consumption. However, there are concerns that C57BL/6 mice have strain-specific resistance to high-sodium (HS) diet-induced hypertension. To address this concern, we performed a meta-analysis to determine if excess sodium consumption in C57BL/6 mice induces arterial dysfunction. Databases were searched for HS versus standard diet studies that measured arterial function [i.e., systolic blood pressure (BP), endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD), and central arterial stiffness] in C57BL/6 mice. A total of 39 studies were included, demonstrating that the HS condition resulted in higher systolic BP than control mice with a mean difference of 9.8 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] = [5.6, 14], P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the systolic BP was higher in HS compared with the control condition when measured during night compared with daytime with telemetry (P < 0.001). We also identified that the difference in systolic BP between HS and control was ∼2.5-fold higher when administered through drinking water than through food (P < 0.001). A total of 12 studies were included, demonstrating that the HS condition resulted in lower EDD than control with a weighted mean difference of −12.0% (95% CI = [−20.0, −4.1], P = 0.003). It should be noted that there was considerable variability across studies with more than half of the studies showing no effect of the HS condition on systolic BP or EDD. In summary, excess sodium consumption elevates systolic BP and impairs EDD in C57BL/6 mice. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: C57BL/6 mice are perceived as resistant to high-sodium diet-induced arterial dysfunction. This meta-analysis demonstrates that excess sodium consumption elevates blood pressure and impairs endothelium-dependent dilation in C57BL/6 mice. Nighttime measurements show more pronounced blood pressure elevation. In addition, sodium administration via drinking water, compared with food, induces a greater blood pressure elevation. These findings may be influenced by outlier studies, as the majority of studies showed no adverse effect of excess sodium consumption on arterial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global recognition of eco‐friendly products like plant‐based dyes is escalating, driven by their exceptional biological and Ayurvedic attributes. This study isolates colorants from mango turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) using ultrasonic irradiation, supplemented with bio‐mordants to enhance color retention. Through the utilization of Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Design, a technique that was optimized was completed to maximize coloring variables using statistical analysis. Results from 32 experimental runs reveal that optimal color depth (K/S = 19.399) was achieved with ultrasonic‐treated silk fabric (20 min exposure) using 65 mL of irradiated aqueous extract (20 min) with a pH of 5, supplemented with 1.5 g/100 mL salt of sodium chloride, maintained the temperature 75°C for the 45 min. Precoloring treatment with acacia, pomegranate, and pistachio extracts at specified concentrations enhanced colorfastness. Postdyeing, alterations in the concentrations of these extracts led to further improvements in colorfastness. Notably, adding Al+3 and Fe+2 salts, alongside tannic acid, exhibited notable effects in both pre‐ and postdyeing stages. While the colorfastness properties of unmordated silk fabric was lower than mordanted dyed silk fabric. Irradiation with ultrasonic waves significantly boosted the amount of dye that could be extracted from rhizomes of mango turmeric. Moreover, the application of bio and synthetic mordants in a strategic manner led to colorfastness ratings on silk fabric that ranged from excellent to satisfactory. This research underscores ultrasonic technologies and bio‐mordants' efficacy in sustainable dyeing processes, offering insights for developing eco‐friendly textile coloration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: β‐Carotene (BC) is difficult to apply effectively in the food industry due to its low solubility and bioavailability. This work aimed to fabricate Moringa oleifera seed protein (MOSP) stabilized emulsions as delivery vehicles for BC and investigate the effect of aqueous phase conditions including pH and ionic strength on this system. RESULTS: All MOSP samples were positively charged and the particle size of MOSP increased with the increase of pH. At pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl), the MOSP emulsion demonstrated the highest stability coefficient and minimal creaming index, while exhibiting a lower release rate in vitro digestion. The rheological behavior of all MOSP emulsions within the frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz was dominated by viscoelasticity, forming an elastic network structure through dispersed droplets. Additionally, the MOSP emulsion loaded with BC prepared at pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L−1 NaCl displayed enhanced ultraviolet light stability (52.31 ± 0.03% and 51.86 ± 0.05%) as well as thermal stability (72.39 ± 8.67% and 86.78 ± 10.69%). Furthermore, the BC in the emulsion at pH 7.0 exhibited favorable stability (65.14 ± 0.02%) and optimal bioaccessibility (40.30 ± 0.04%) in vitro digestion. CONCLUSION: The results provided reference data for utilizing MOSP as a novel emulsifier and broadening the application of BC in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roadside habitat has been touted as a conservation opportunity for insect pollinators, including the declining monarch butterfly. The spectacular monarch migration is under threat from the loss of habitat and the decline of their milkweed host plants. In the northern part of their range, roadsides could potentially produce millions of monarchs annually due to high densities of milkweed; however, roadside milkweed can accumulate chemicals from roads, such as sodium from road salt. Controlled lab studies have shown mixed effects of sodium on monarch development: small increases can be beneficial as sodium is an important micronutrient in brain and muscle development, but large increases can sometimes decrease survival. It is unclear how dietary sodium affects performance in ecologically relevant conditions and the migration itself. In this experiment, we raised monarchs outdoors, in migration‐inducing conditions, on milkweed sprayed with three levels of sodium chloride. We released 2464 tagged monarchs and held an additional 246 for further lab assays. While our recovery rates to the wintering grounds were low (N = 7 individuals), individuals from all three sodium chloride treatments made it to Mexico. Butterflies reared on control milkweed and low salt concentrated sodium in their tissues, while those on high salt diets excreted sodium, suggesting high salt levels were above a physiological optimum. There were no effects of treatment on wing coloration, survival, body size, immunity, or parasite prevalence. Taken together, our results suggest that monarchs are robust to levels of sodium in milkweeds found along roadsides, which is promising with respect to the toxicity of roadside plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-nozzle nebulisers for pressurised intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) are implemented in clinical practice to improve the homogeneity of tissue drug delivery. Nonetheless, the advantages of such devices over one-nozzle nebulisers have not been demonstrated thus far. In this study, we compared the performance of multi- and one-nozzle nebulisers by conducting physical and ex vivo pharmacological experiments. Methods: The one-nozzle nebuliser Capnopen® and the multi-nozzle nebuliser were the subjects of this study. In physical experiments, the aerosol droplet size was measured by laser diffraction spectroscopy. Spatial spray patterns were depicted on blotting paper. Pharmacological experiments were performed on the enhanced inverted bovine urinary bladder model, demonstrating real-time tissue drug delivery, aerosol sedimentation and homogeneity of doxorubicin and cisplatin tissue distribution. Results: The multi-nozzle nebuliser had a sixfold greater aerosolisation flow and a threefold greater angle of aerosolisation than Capnopen®. The aerosol particle size and distribution range were higher than that of Capnopen®. Spray patterns on blotting paper were more extensive with the multi-nozzle nebuliser. Real-time tissue drug delivery with the multi-nozzle nebuliser was over 100 ml within 1 min, and the aerosol sedimentation was 48.9% ± 21.2%, which was not significantly different from that of Capnopen®. The doxorubicin and cisplatin tissue concentrations were greater with Capnopen®. Although there was no significant difference in the homogeneity of doxorubicin distribution between the two devices, the homogeneity of cisplatin distribution was significantly higher with Capnopen®. Conclusion: The multi-nozzle PIPAC nebuliser did not fulfil expectations. Even though the surface spray patterns were broader with the multi-nozzle nebuliser, the tissue drug homogeneity and concentration were greater with Capnopen®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the crystal structures of three matrine derivatives, namely, the salts (1R,2R,9S,17S)‐6‐oxo‐7,13‐diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.013,17]heptadecan‐13‐ium (2E)‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enoate (matrine caffeinate) sesquihydrate, C15H25N2O+·C9H7O4−·1.5H2O (Matrine–CA), and the 2‐hydroxybenzoate (salicylate) monohydrate, C15H25N2O+·C7H5O3−·H2O (Matrine–SA), as well as the 1.75‐hydrate form, (1R,2R,9S,17S)‐7,13‐diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.013,17]heptadecan‐6‐one 1.75‐hydrate, C15H24N2O·1.75H2O (Matrine–H). Each derivative exhibited a consistent molecular conformation for the matrine core, which is notably distinct from that of the anhydrous form. Notably, both salts crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P212121, with an asymmetric unit featuring one cation and one anion. Within the two salt structures, intermolecular proton transfer between matrine and the acid is observed, culminating in the formation of a matrine cation protonated at the tertiary amine N site. The Matrine–CA crystal packing is manifested as a three‐dimensional (3D) network arising from one‐dimensional (1D) supramolecular helical chains, stabilized by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the case of Matrine–SA, the matrine cation is interconnected via hydrogen bonds with salicylate anions and water molecules, also forming a 1D helical motif. The structure of the hydrate form, Matrine–H, is reported again with the disordered solvent molecules accurately located. To further elucidate the structural attributes, Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots are employed, offering a nuanced perspective on the intermolecular contacts and interactions within these crystalline forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crevice corrosion behavior and mechanism of AA7075‐T651 aluminum alloy was investigated by electrochemical measurements and surface analysis technologies in a neutral nitrate solution with different contents of NaCl. The Cl− was identified as crucial for the initiation and development of the crevice corrosion, with the phenomenon absent in the 0.05 M NaCl solution but initiated in the 0.5 and 1 M NaCl solutions. However, the crevice corrosion was more pronounced in the 0.5 M NaCl solution due to the establishment of a larger galvanic corrosion effect. The rapid dissolution of the anodic phase resulted in the increased Cl− inside the crevice, while the cathodic phase enhanced the localized dissolution through micro‐galvanic corrosion. This synergistic effect significantly facilitated the development of crevice corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the physicochemical properties and tenderness of vacuum‐packaged beef M. semitendinosus as affected by various dilution ratios (DRs, 1:4, 1:2, and 1:1) of green kiwifruit juice extract (GKJE) with phosphate buffer during storage at 4°C for 7 days. In addition, the formation of peptides with antioxidant activity for GKJE ability to hydrolyze proteins present in beef was evaluated at different steps of in vitro digestion. Beef with GKJE showed higher tenderness than control (CTL, beef with brine solution alone) during storage, and the increased DR increased tenderness as compared to lower DRs. The addition of GKJE increased protein digestibility during in vitro digestion. To increase the antioxidant activity in the body, GKJE having a DR of 1:2 and 1:1 should be applied to the beef muscle with effective antioxidant activity. These results suggest that DRs of phosphate buffer and kiwifruit juice of 1:1 and 1:2 have the potential to be used as a meat‐tenderizing agent and could increase the digestibility of meat as well as the antioxidant capability of bioactive peptides. Practical Application: The dilution ratio of kiwi juice with phosphate buffer at 1:1 has the potential to be used as a meat‐tenderizing agent during refrigerated storage and also increase the digestibility of beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lički Škripavac is a traditional Croatian cheese characterised by its soft and rubbery texture and the squeaky sound attained during chewing. Traditionally, it can be produced using two different salting methods: dry salting of curd grains and salting of milk before coagulation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the salting method on the chemical composition, yield, texture and sensory properties of Škripavac cheese. Five batches of Škripavac cheese were produced from 40 L of raw cow milk. Milk was divided into two equal parts and cheeses were produced applying the above-mentioned salting methods. Cheeses produced from milk salted before coagulation had significantly (p<0.05) higher water content, significantly (p<0.01) lower protein content and significantly (p<0.01) higher pH value compared to cheeses with salted curd grains. Also, these cheeses had a higher milk fat recovery (p<0.05) and a higher actual (p<0.0001) and adjusted yield (p<0.01). In terms of textural properties, the cheeses that were produced by adding salt to the curd grains were significantly (p<0.05) harder, less crumbly and less elastic than those produced by salting the milk. The method of salting had no significant effect on sensory characteristics of the Škripavac cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Salami is a fermented meat product with a controlled fermentation process, generally with the addition of specific bacteria that improve flavour and texture properties as well as contribute to safety. Also, other additives such as collagen can be used, due to their functional properties that are incorporated in these products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding collagen to Italian type salami with reduced NaCl on the water activity, ripening time and physicochemical properties. Six treatments were carried out, three with 2.5% sodium chloride (NaCl): without collagen (CON), 0.25% collagen (T25), 0.5% collagen (T50) and three with 1.25% NaCl: without collagen (TR), 0.25% collagen (TR25), 0.5% collagen (TR50). Collagen improved the texture parameters of Italian type salami with NaCl reduction, as well as contributing to an increase in moisture and a reduction in Aw. The addition of 0.5% collagen reduced the ripening time of Italian type salami, reaching a water activity <0.91. Thus, collagen is an ingredient with potential for use in the production of Italian type salami with reduced NaCl, contributing to the improvement of its physicochemical and technological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the biodegradation of microplastics in marine environments. Microorganisms that can degrade microplastics in high-salinity conditions are sought after. Therefore, we aimed to isolate a halotolerant poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-degrading bacterium for applications in biotechnology. The bacterium isolated from seaside soil was identified as Bacillus gibsonii via phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and designated as KRICT-1. We tested whether the KRICT-1 strain showed halotolerance by determining the sodium chloride (NaCl) tolerance at various concentrations. The KRICT-1 strain showed growth at up to 10% NaCl on Luria–Bertani (LB) medium agar plates and 10% NaCl in liquid LB medium, indicating that KRICT-1 can grow and produce a PCL-depolymerizing enzyme under high-salt conditions. The KRICT-1 strain could depolymerize PCL with a PCL film weight loss of 2.82% at up to 10% NaCl concentration after cultivation of 7 weeks. KRICT-1 is the first strain of B. gibsonii which shows PCL-depolymerizing activity. Scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle results confirmed the degradation of PCL by the KRICT-1 strain. The extracellular enzyme produced by the KRICT-1 strain was stable over a wide range of temperatures (15–40 °C) and pH (7.0–9.5). This halotolerant PCL-degrading bacterium can be used in the degradation of biodegradable plastics present in saline soils, saline water, and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling on column internals leads to many malfunctions in chemical processes every year. Despite the importance for the industry, only a few systematic studies exist on the fouling of column internals. Here, a new screening test rig is presented for the rapid and easy characterization of a wide range of internals with respect to their fouling tolerance. A countercurrent of saturated NaCl/water solution and air is used to force crystallization fouling. Photographs help to identify the initial points of fouling on two random packings and provide insights into the growth of deposits. In addition, the fouling tolerance of five different trays is investigated, demonstrating that trays with larger curtain area show greater fouling tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to identify a safe and effective method to assist older adults with pneumonia in tolerating the prone position for a longer duration. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study performed at the Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital. Eighty patients with pneumonia aged ≥ 65 years were included. The patients were able to spontaneous breath in the prone position and were administered intravenous dexmedetomidine or an isotonic sodium chloride solution. The cumulative daily durations of prone positioning for all patients in the two groups were recorded. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who completed ≥ 9 h/day in the prone position. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications in the prone position and patient outcomes. Results: Eighty patients were included (average age: 79.6 ± 8.9 years). The percentage of patients who completed ≥ 9 h/day in the prone position was significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group than in the placebo group (P = 0.011). The percentage of patients who completed ≥ 12 h/day in the prone position was also significantly greater in the dexmedetomidine group than in the placebo group (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in other variables between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that intravenous dexmedetomidine injection can significantly prolong the duration of spontaneous breathing in the prone position in elderly pneumonia patients without obvious adverse events. We provide a safe and effective method to help patients with pneumonia, especially those with delirium or cognitive impairment, who cannot tolerate the length of time needed for spontaneous breathing in the prone position to be effective. Trial registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Center (registration number: ChiCRT2300067383) on 2023-01-05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Despite national recommendations to standardize infusion concentrations, there is minimal guidance on institution-specific strategies and outcomes related to epidural infusion concentration standardization and optimization. The purpose of this project is to identify the optimal compounded preparation for use in select adult epidural infusions and assess the impact on drug and fluid utilization and cost savings if the designated preparation is adopted. Methods A previously validated tool, the VERB (vial, exchange, rate, and bag) analysis, was applied to epidural infusion pump administration data to identify preparations optimized for efficient supply and resource utilization at a large academic medical center. Results Weighing all components of the VERB analysis, the preferred preparation of hydromorphone and bupivacaine for the hospital site was hydromorphone (10 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.125%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (2,500 µg of hydromorphone per epidural). The preferred preparation of fentanyl and bupivacaine was fentanyl (2 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.0625%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (100 µg of fentanyl per epidural). Both recommendations are different from the currently utilized preparations at the study site. Conclusion Analyzing historic drug administration data using the novel 4-step VERB analysis identified optimized drug preparations and fluid bag sizes for the most-prescribed epidural drug combinations at the hospital study site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) composed of PEG35000, Na2CO3, K2CO3, and their mixtures at 298 K was studied. The liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) of these systems, including binodal curves, tie-lines, tie-line length, and slope of the tie-line, were obtained. Additionally, for the first time, salt mixtures with different initial mass ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 were used to prepare the aqueous two-phase systems. The effect of electrolyte and salting-out power for these systems was examined and compared. Consistent with the literature, it was found that the salting-out power of Na+ is higher than that of the K+ cation. Furthermore, in Na2CO3 and K2CO3 mixtures, increasing the amount of sodium ions resulted in stronger salting-out power. The LLE data was correlated with the Othmer-Tobias, Bancroft, and Setschenow models, and good agreement was found with all three models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based proteins are increasingly being utilized as they are sustainable, economical, and can enhance the organoleptic properties of food products. This study investigated the effect of extraction and isolation techniques (alkaline extraction & isoelectric precipitation and salt extraction & micellization) on the functional properties ((solubility, water holding and oil absorption capacity (WHC/OAC), emulsifying activity and stability index (EAI/ESI), foaming capacity and stability (FC/FS), and gelation)) of Moringa oleifera protein isolates. The effect of ionic strength (0.2–1.0 M NaCl) and pH (2–10) on the functional properties were also investigated. Salt extraction & micellization produced an isolate with a high solubility at 0.8 M NaCl and pH 10 (98.1%, 91.8%), EAI at 0.6 M NaCl and pH 6 (56.2 m2/g, 77.0 m2/g), and ESI at 0.8 M NaCl and pH 4 (64.4 min, 243.5 min). Alkaline extraction & isoelectric precipitation resulted in an isolate with a high WHC at 0.6 M NaCl and pH 10 (5.8 g/g, 4.0 g/g), OAC (4.9 g/g), FC at 0.4 M NaCl and pH 2 (203.3%, 163.3%), and gelation at 0.2 M NaCl, 0.4 M NaCl, and pH 8 (20.0%). Both extraction methods can be applied in the valorization of M. oleifera seedcake. Micellized isolate could be used in food emulsions due to better emulsifying properties, while isoelectric isolate can be applied in meats and sauces, owing to better water holding and oil absorption capacity. M. oleifera protein isolates are promising plant-based proteins that can be used in food formulations or to replace animal-derived proteins in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US food supply is increasingly associated with diet-related diseases, toxicity, cancer, and other health harms. These public health concerns are partly attributable to a loophole in federal law. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates the premarket safety of ingredients regulated as food additives but allows the food industry to self-regulate and determine which substances to classify as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) based on undisclosed data and conclusions that the FDA never sees. Furthermore, the FDA lacks a formal approach for reviewing food additives and GRAS substances already found in the food supply. Substances in the food supply thus include innocuous ingredients (e.g., black pepper), those that are harmful at high levels (e.g., salt), those that are of questionable safety (e.g., potassium bromate), and those that are unknown to the FDA and the public. A recent court decision codified these gaps in the FDA's current approach, leaving states to try to fill the regulatory void. The FDA and Congress should consider several policy options to ensure that the FDA is meeting its mission to ensure a safe food supply. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(10):1061–1070. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307755) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]