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Simple Summary: The current dietary structure of humans consists of a higher proportion of ω-6 and a lower proportion of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). Given the limited availability of fish oil and other marine resources, which are also prone to oxidation, identifying stable sources of ω-3 PUFAs and their products has become a prominent research topic. This experiment investigates the effects of schizochytrium algae powder (SAP) or schizochytrium algae oil (SAO) as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on the production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid composition in the eggs of laying quails. The results indicate that the immune function and lipid metabolism of quails were improved with the addition of 3.2% SAP. This addition also significantly increases the ω-3 PUFA content in the eggs, providing a valuable reference for new sources of ω-3 PUFA in food. The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of SAP or SAO as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid deposition patterns in the eggs of laying quails. Chinese yellow-feathered quails served as the experimental subjects. A single-factor design was employed to randomly assign 1288 quails into four treatment groups, with seven replicates per treatment and 46 birds in each replicate. The groups included a control group (basal diet with no SAP), 1.6% SAP, 3.2% SAP, and 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the control group, the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group exhibited a reduction in daily egg-laying rate and egg mass, alongside an increased FCR; (2) the 3.2% SAP group enhanced egg yolk color, while the 1.6% SAP group reduced eggshell thickness, and the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group increased eggshell thickness; (3) compared to the control group, the 3.2% SAP group decreased total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in serum; the addition of either the 3.2% SAP or the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group significantly elevated quail serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels (p < 0.05); (4) in comparison to the control group, the addition of SAP or with SAP increased the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω-3 PUFA in 56-day-old egg yolks while reducing the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that SAP as a source of ω-3 PUFA raw materials could improve quail health by improving lipid metabolism and immunity. 3.2% SAP was recommended as the optimal level to produce the enriched ω-3 PUFA quail eggs with the ω-3 PUFA ≥ 300 mg/100 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust heterogeneous chemistry substantially influences the atmosphere and has profound impacts on our environment and climate. Gas‐particle partitioning on dust not only modifies species' chemical evolutions but also influences their deposition velocity. However, how does dust heterogeneous chemistry impacts acid deposition remains unexplored. In this research, we integrated dust photocatalytic mechanism into GEOS‐Chem to assess its impact on sulfur removal across various regions and time spans in China. We find the photocatalytic mechanism enhances simulation performances of acid deposition. Observational validation demonstrates significant reductions in modeling bias for sulfur dioxide (SO2) dry deposition and sulfate (SO4) total deposition. Additionally, the improved model captures the declining trend of SO4 deposition over 2006–2020. We further identified two key impacts of photocatalytic chemistry: firstly, our findings indicate it enhances sulfur removal more efficiently in near‐desert areas like North China Plain (NCP) than in downwind areas like Yunnan‐Guizhou‐Chongqing region (YGY). Lifetimes of total sulfur reduced from 3.29 to 2.46 days in NCP, and from 2.46 to 1.95 days in YGY. This discrepancy results from faster conversion of SO2 to dust‐phase SO4 and larger proportions of coarse‐mode particles in NCP, resulting in accelerated SO4 deposition velocity. Secondly, our results indicate that because dust photocatalytic chemistry amplifies removal of sulfur through SO4 formation and deposition, decreased dust emission resulted in enhanced sulfur lifetimes over 2006–2014. Sensitivity experiments further show higher dust concentrations accelerate pollutants' removal. These findings underscore the importance of dust heterogeneous chemistry in influencing sulfur deposition, providing scientific insights for mitigating acid deposition in China. Plain Language Summary: Dust heterogeneous chemistry is crucial in the atmosphere, significantly affecting climate and environment. Gas‐particle partitioning on dust not only modifies species' chemical evolutions but also influences their deposition velocity. However, impacts of dust heterogeneous chemistry on acid deposition are not well‐understood. In this study, the dust photocatalytic mechanism is introduced into GEOS‐Chem to analyze how it impacts on sulfur removal across various regions and time spans in China. Our results show the photocatalytic mechanism enhances simulation performances of acid deposition magnitude and long‐term trends, with smaller modeling biases than observation. Two main impacts of photocatalytic chemistry have been found: firstly, it removes sulfur more efficiently in near‐desert areas than in downwind areas. This difference results from the faster conversion of SO2 to dust‐phase SO4 and larger proportions of coarse‐mode particles in near‐desert areas, resulting in a faster SO4 deposition velocity. Secondly, our results indicate because dust photocatalytic chemistry amplifies sulfur removal through SO4 formation and deposition, decreased dust emission resulted in enhanced sulfur lifetimes over 2006–2014. Sensitivity experiments show higher dust concentrations accelerate removal of pollutants. These findings highlight importance of dust heterogeneous chemistry in influencing sulfur deposition, providing valuable insights for tackling acid deposition issues in China. Key Points: Dust photocatalytic mechanism enhances simulation performances of acid depositionDust photocatalytic mechanism enhances sulfur removal more efficiently in near‐desert areas than in downwind areasDecreased dust emissions resulted in enhanced sulfur lifetimes because dust photocatalytic chemistry amplifies the removal of sulfur [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The kidney damage caused by the deposition of uric acid in the kidneys is of urgent need for new treatment drugs due to its complex pathogenesis. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. Also known as C. spicatus , which has a significant therapeutic effect on hyperuricemia nephropathy (HN), however, the specific mechanism of its action is still unknown. Methods: The HN mice model was constructed using adenine (AD) and potassium oxonate (PO), and serum biochemical indexes, kidney pathological changes, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the liver, and renal protein expressions of phosphoribose pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPS) and uric acid transporter were detected. The effects of C. spicatus on uric acid lowering, anti-inflammation, and renal protection of HN mice were verified. The effect of C. spicatus on gut microbiota was assessed by 16 S rRNA sequencing. Establish pseudo-sterile mice through the combined treatment of ampicillin, neomycin, and vancomycin to verify the role of gut microbiota in improving HN in C. spicatus. Results: In HN mice, C. spicatus could significantly reduce serum uric acid levels and improve renal function. In addition, C. spicatus modulated gut microbiota and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Alistipes, and increased the abundance of Alloprevotella and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group.C.spicatus altered the expression of the renal urate transporter and key enzymes in hepatic urate synthesis, leading to a decrease in serum uric acid levels. C. spicatus alleviated kidney inflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 and TLR4/MYD88 inflammatory pathways, and reduced the level of kidney inflammatory factors. It also improved kidney damage by inhibiting the process of renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and improved kidney fibrosis. In pseudo-sterile HN mice, without the effect of gut microbiota, the uric acid lowering, anti-inflammatory, and renal fibrosis improving effects of C. spicatus were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that C. spicatus could reduce uric acid levels, anti-inflammatory effects, and improve HN by regulating the gut microbiota. This provides a novel scientific basis for the clinical application of C. spicatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A century of beech bark disease (BBD) in North America has transformed hardwood forests by reducing the canopy biomass of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), even as beech has come to dominate the sapling layer of many forests. We do not understand the extent to which environmental change drivers such as climate, acidic atmospheric deposition (and its legacy of acidified soils), and invasive disease (BBD) may have contributed to this transformation. We investigated how BBD effects and tree community composition varied along a well-documented soil acidity gradient in the northeastern United States. We surveyed overstory and sapling layer tree species composition, BBD effects, and soil chemistry on 30 watersheds in forests co-dominated by beech and sugar maple (Acer saccharum). We analyzed potential drivers of community composition, BBD, and beech sapling density using linear models and non-metric multidimensional scaling. Predictors accounted for soil chemistry, climate, overstory beech (importance value, IV), mortality, and BBD defect. Overall overstory species composition varied most along the acidity gradient, while beech and BBD severity varied along their own distinct environmental gradient. Species composition of the overstory and sapling layers diverged significantly, with the latter dominated by beech. Beech sapling density was positively related to the proportion of standing dead overstory beech and soil exchangeable aluminum, but was unrelated to the overall proportion of overstory beech or their BBD severity. The dominance of sapling layers by beech may have resulted from a gradual accumulation of canopy-opening events precipitated by BBD and sugar maple decline, the latter driven by stressors such as acidification and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acids profile of meat can be influenced by the amount and type of the lipid supplemented in animal feeding with a modulation of the rumen biohydrogenation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (P UFA). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional and sensory quality of bovine meat as affected by different oilseeds supplementations. Thirty two Podolian x Limousine young bulls were randomly allocated into four experimental treatments: control diet (CO) with no supplemental fat, linseed diet (LS) with a supplementation of 10% whole linseed; sunflower diet (SS) with supplementation of 10% of sunflower seeds; LS+SS diet: with supplementation of linseeds (5%) and sunflowers (5%). After finishing period (140 days), all animals were slaughtered and fatty acids profile and sensory proprieties were evaluated on meat. The results showed that dietary supplementation with linseed or/and sunflower seeds in the diet decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids (P<0.001) and increased monounsatured (P<0.05) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05). Feeding diets containing linseeds as respect with sunflower seeds increased the amount of total n-3 P UFA (P<0.01) and, in particular, of linolenic (P<0.01), eicosapentaenoic (P<0.001), docosapentaenoic (P<0.01) and docosaeasoenoic (P<0.05) acids. An improvement in tenderness, juiciness, chewiness and flavour intensity was observed in beef from animals supplemented with oilseeds. This study suggests that linseed alone or in combination with sunflower seeds is an effective strategy to enrich meat with beneficial fatty acids and to improve some sensory attributes appreciated by consumers. Highlights: Oilseed supplements impact positively on beef fatty acids profile and on sensory properties. Linseed supplementation alone or in combination with sunflower seeds results in an increase of PUFA n-3 fatty acid deposition in meat. Combined supplementation with linseed and sunflower seeds is effective to obtain beef with health fatty acids profile with reduced costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiome is crucial for lipid metabolism in humans and animals. However, how specific gut microbiota and their associated metabolites impact fat deposition remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the colonic microbiome of lean and obese pigs differentially contributes to fat deposition, as evidenced by colonic microbiota transplantation experiments. Notably, the higher abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum was significantly associated with lower backfat thickness in lean pigs. Microbial‐derived lithocholic acid (LCA) species were also significantly enriched in lean pigs and positively correlated with the abundance of B. pseudocatenulatum. In a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice model, administration of live B. pseudocatenulatum decreased fat deposition and enhances colonic secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of the bile salt hydrolase (BSH), which mediates secondary bile acid biosynthesis, impaired the anti‐fat deposition effect of B. pseudocatenulatum in antibiotic‐pretreated, HFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, dietary LCA also decreased fat deposition in HFD‐fed rats and obese pig models. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the anti‐fat deposition role of B. pseudocatenulatum and identify BSH as a potential target for preventing excessive fat deposition in humans and animals. Highlights: The gut microbiota composition and function differ significantly between lean and obese pigs, and breed‐specific microbiomes regulate fat deposition.Gut Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum protects against fat deposition by enhancing secondary bile acid biosynthesis.Dietary supplementation with lithocholic acid also helps prevent fat deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Glycerine pitch waste used to produce efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst. • A single-step synthesis of glycerol-based carbon catalysts. • High acid site density achieved in both SGC and SGPC. • Excellent oleic acid conversion of 92% in biodiesel production by SGPC. • SGPC performs well despite impurities in glycerine pitch. Glycerine pitch is a highly alkaline residue from the oleochemical industry that contains glycerol and contaminants, such as water, soap, salt and ash. In this study, acidic heterogeneous glycerol-based carbon catalysts were synthesised for biodiesel production via single-step partial carbonisation and sulfonation using pure glycerol and glycerine pitch, producing products labelled as SGC and SGPC, respectively. Carbon materials were obtained by heating glycerol and concentrated sulfuric acid (1:3) at 200℃ for 1 h. The produced SGC and SGPC displayed high densities of sulfonic group (–SO 3 H), i.e. 1.49 and 1.00 mmol·g−1, respectively, alongside carboxylic (–COOH) and phenolic (–OH) acid. In the catalytic evaluation, excellent oleic acid conversions of 96.0 ± 0.4 % and 92.4 ± 0.5 % were achieved using SGC and SGPC, respectively, under optimised reaction conditions: 1:10 M ratio of oleic acid to methanol, 5 % (w/w) catalyst, 64℃ and 5 h. SGPC was found to be recyclable with 68.5 % conversion after the 6th cycle, which was attributed to the loss of –SO 3 H and catalyst deactivation by the deposition of oleic acid on its surface. Remarkably, despite the impurities present in the glycerine pitch, the obtained results demonstrated that the reactivity of SGPC is comparable to SGC and superior to that of commercial solid acid catalysts, which demonstrated that the presence of impurities appears to have minimal impact on the production of carbon materials and their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced sulfur and nitrogen deposition has been observed in many transect regions worldwide, from urban/agricultural areas to mountains. The Sichuan Basin (SCB), with 18 prefectural cities, is the most economically-developed region in western China, while the rural Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) lies west of the SCB. Previous regional and national atmospheric modeling studies have suggested that large areas in the SCB-to-QTP transect region experience excessive deposition of sulfur and nitrogen. In this study, we applied a passive monitoring method at 11 sites (one in urban Chengdu and 10 from fivenature reserves) in this transect region from September 2021 to October 2022 to confirm the high sulfur and nitrogen deposition fluxes and to understand the gaps between the modeling and observation results for this transect region. These observations suggest that the five reserves are under eutrophication risk, and only two reserves are partially under acidification risk. Owing to the complex topography and landscapes, both sulfur and nitrogen deposition and critical loads exhibit large spatial variations within a reserve, such as Mount Emei. Regional atmospheric modeling may not accurately capture the spatial variations in deposition fluxes within a reserve; however, it can capture general spatial patterns over the entire transect. This study demonstrates that a combination of state-of-the-art atmospheric chemical models and low-cost monitoring methods is helpful for ecological risk assessments at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial fluid (ISF) flow is identified as an essential physiological process that plays an important role in the development and progression of brain tumours. However, the relationship between the permeability of the tumour tissue, a complex porous medium, and the interstitial fluid flow around the tumour cells at the microscale is not well understood. To shed light on this issue, and in the absence of experimental techniques that can provide direct measurements, we develop a computational model to predict the tissue permeability of brain tumours in different grades by analysing the ISF flow at the pore scale. The 3-D geometrical models of tissue extracellular spaces are digitally reconstructed for each grade tumour based on their morphological properties measured from microscopic images. The predictive accuracy of the framework is validated by experimental results reported in the literature. Our results indicate that high-grade brain tumours are less permeable despite their higher porosity, whereas necrotic areas of glioblastoma are more permeable than the viable tumour areas. This implies that tissue permeability is primarily governed by both tissue porosity and the deposition of hyaluronic acid (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix, while the HA deposition can have a greater effect than macro-level porosity. Parametric studies show that tissue permeability falls exponentially with increasing HA concentration in all grades of brain tumours, and this can be captured using an empirically derived relationship in a quantitative manner. These findings provide an improved understanding of the hydraulic properties of brain tumours and their intrinsic links to tumour microstructure. This work can be used to reveal the intratumoural physiochemical processes that rely on fluid flow and offer a powerful tool to tune textured and porous biomaterials for desired transport properties. Interstitial fluid flow in the extracellular space of brain tumours plays a crucial role in their progression, development, and response to drug treatments. However, the mechanisms of interstitial fluid transport around tumour cells and the characterization of these microscale transports at the tissue scale to meet clinical requirements are largely unknown. In the absence of advanced experimental techniques to capture these pore-scale transport phenomena, we have developed and validated a computational framework to successfully reveal these phenomena across all grades of brain tumours. For the first time, we have quantitatively determined the tissue permeability of all grades of brain tumours as a function of the concentration of hyaluronic acid, a key component of the extracellular matrix. This framework will enhance our ability to capture the intratumoural physicochemical processes in brain tumours and correlate them with tumour tissue-scale behaviours. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their widespread use, sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs), an important class of emerging pollutants, have caused significant ecological disruption. Both acid deposition and salinization of soil may have an impact on migration and degradation of antibiotics. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), has a migration and transformation process in the environment that is closely dependent on environmental pH. Nevertheless, scarcely any studies have been conducted on the effect of soil pH changes on the environmental behavior of sulfamethoxazole. To investigate the impact of different pH levels on the migratory mechanisms and degradation pathways of SMX within soil systems, indoor soil column leaching experiments were conducted. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF–MS) were used to analyse the dynamic changes in the content of SMX as well as to identify its degradation products. The results showed that acidic conditions constrained the vertical migration of antibiotics in the soil. These transformations ensued through a sequence of reaction processes, encompassing ring opening, hydroxylation, S-C bond breaking, and the oxidation of aniline groups. The study of the migration and transformation of sulfamethoxazole under different pH conditions can lay a solid theoretical foundation for the assessment of the pollution risk of sulfamethazine degradation products under acid rain and salt and alkali conditions, so as to better prevent and protect underground water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Gout may disturb renal hemodynamics by promoting uric acid deposition; however, this relationship has not been elucidated with adequate clinical evidence. In this study, we measured the renal artery resistance index (ARI) in patients with gout to identify the risk factors and establish predictive models for elevated renal ARI in these patients. Methods Renal artery ultrasound examination was performed in 235 primary gout patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs); subsequently, their renal interlobar ARI (RIARI), renal segmental ARI (RSARI) and overall intrarenal ARI (OIARI) were recorded. Each ARI > 0.7 was considered elevated. Results RIARI, RSARI and OIARI were higher in patients with gout than in HCs (all P  <   0.001). Nineteen (8.1%), 24 (10.2%) and 18 (7.7%) patients had elevated RIARI, RSARI and OIARI scores, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses disclosed that: age ≥ 60 years (P  =   0.000), abnormal beta2 microglobulin (β2MG) (P  =   0.028), and abnormal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (P  =   0.030) were independently associated with elevated RIARI; age ≥ 60 years (P  =   0.000), and abnormal β2MG (P  =   0.013) were independently related to elevated RSARI; abnormal total protein (TP) (P  =   0.014) were independently linked with elevated OIARI in gout patients. Consequently, predictive models for elevated ARI were established using nomograms based on the aforementioned independent risk factors, which showed a satisfactory value for estimating elevated RIARI [area under the curve (AUC):0.929], RSARI (AUC: 0.926) and OIARI (AUC: 0.660) in patients with gout, as validated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Conclusion Renal ARI were elevated in patients with gout, whose independent risk factors included older age and abnormal β2MG, HDLC and TP levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bandung, Indonesia, represents the complex interactions between climate variability, basin topography, and deposition processes. This study conducted a long-term spatiotemporal analysis, including pH distribution and pollutant accumulation monitoring, to observe the chemical composition of wet deposition in Bandung as part of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET). The results revealed that NH 4 + and NO 3 - were the predominant ions, followed by SO 4 2 - , with their distribution varying across different sites due to local emissions and atmospheric processes. The interactions between these ions, particularly the formation of secondary inorganic aerosols such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, were closely linked to the basin's localized sources and topographical features. Areas experiencing high traffic congestion were classified as acidic regions due to their low pH levels. In contrast, a rural site exhibited a basic pH due to the high concentration of ion NH 4 + . Variations in pH and conductivity, along with the impacts of climatic events such as El Niño and La Niña, emphasized the role of weather patterns in shaping wet deposition dynamics. Seasonal trends indicated elevated total ion concentrations during the dry season, driven by sea salt contributions, as supported by strong correlations between Na+ and Cl - and between Na+ and Mg2+. Additionally, geological materials and atmospheric reactions contributed to the strong correlations observed between soil-derived cations and acidic species. The increasing trend in nss - SO 4 2 - and the contrasting decrease in NO 3 - concentrations in rural areas suggest evolving emission sources and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings of NO near Gale Crater on Mars have been explained by two pathways: formation of nitric acid (HNO3) in a warm climate or formation of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2) in a cool climate. Here, we put forth two hitherto unexplored pathways: (a) deposition of nitric/peroxynitric acid onto ice particles in a cold atmosphere, which settle quickly onto Mars' surface and (b) solar energetic particle‐induced production of nitric/peroxynitric acid. The deposition rates are enhanced and NO production is more efficient under the higher atmospheric pressures typical of Mars' ancient atmosphere. Depending on the unknown rate at which nitric/peroxynitric acid is lost from the surface, the new pathways could result in larger NO‐levels than those detected by the Mars Science Laboratory. We predict a 2:1 ratio of nitrite:nitrate would have deposited in cool surface climates with an icy atmosphere, whereas orders of magnitude more nitrate than nitrite is expected from warm surface climates. Plain Language Summary: The nitrogen oxides discovered in present‐day soil on Mars likely formed in the atmosphere before being deposited on the ground. Two possible mechanisms are deposition of nitric acid (HNO3) when Mars had a warm climate and deposition of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2) during cold climate. The latter scenario involves processes that have not been considered previously and leads to a much faster deposition rate for nitrogen oxides than was reported in previous studies: solar energetic particles splitting N2 in the middle atmosphere, reactions of nitrogen oxides on the surfaces of ice particles in the atmosphere, and deposition of peroxynitric acid onto the Martian surface when surface pressure was higher. Depending on the unknown rate at which they are lost from the surface due to UV photolysis, the maximum accumulation rate for nitrogen oxides could be much larger than is required to explain the present day measurements. We predict that more nitrite would form than nitrate in a cool climate with an icy atmosphere, whereas in a warm climate much more nitrate than nitrite is expected. So, an investigation of the relative amounts of NO2:NO3 in the soil in the present‐day measurements could reveal the climate state under which the salts formed. Key Points: In a cold climate, heterogeneous reactions with atmospheric ice particles would cause faster deposition of HNOx than dry depositionFormation of HNOx species is faster for earlier Martian climates of larger surface pressureModeled NO accumulates to amounts greater than present‐day measurements, so we propose there may be a loss mechanism that is unidentified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Metabolites and microorganisms in the rumen affect host muscle fatty acid deposition. By analyzing the correlations between ruminal microbes and metabolites and multiple fatty acids in goat muscle, we identified several ruminal metabolites and microorganisms that could potentially influence fatty acid deposition in muscle. These results provide data to support the development of targeted feeding management strategies to improve the quality of goat meat. In this study, the fatty acid composition in the muscles of Hechuan white goats was correlated with the metabolome and metagenome of their rumen contents, and potential effects of the metabolites and microorganisms in the rumen on host muscle fatty acid deposition were analyzed. The results of the correlation analysis between the rumen content's metabolome and muscle fatty acid content showed that vitamin-B-related metabolites were significantly correlated with fatty acid content (p < 0.05). Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with stearic acid and negatively correlated with palmitic acid. In accordance with the level of fatty acid content, significant differences were found in the microbial species and abundance among groups at the species level. An abundance of Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae P7, Eubacterium ruminant, and Prevotella in the rumen was significantly correlated with fatty acid content. These results provide data support for the development of targeted feeding management strategies to improve the quality of goat meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Based on the chemical composition and ultrastructure of the middle layer of secondary wall (S2 layers) of the archaeological Chinese fir cell wall, a molecular model of the archaeological Chinese fir cell wall was constructed using molecular dynamics method. • The mechanical behavior of the cell wall of archaeological Chinese fir under tensile load was assessed in three different conditions: absolute dryness, varying moisture content, and exposure to water, acid, and insoluble salt using molecular dynamics simulation, and the mechanism of tensile deformation in the cell wall of archaeological wood was elucidated at the molecular level. • The molecular mechanism of the effect of moisture content on mechanical properties of archaeological wood was revealed, and the optimum moisture content for the preservation of archaeological Chinese fir was determined. The prolonged burial of marine archaeological wood in seawater mudflats results in the internal saturation of the wood with water, acidification, and salt deposition. Despite the application of desalination, deacidification, and drainage treatments to archaeological wood following excavation, the effects of such environments on wood are irreversible. To understand the effects of moisture content, acidic environments, and insoluble salts (Fe 2 S) on the mechanical properties of marine archaeological wood, this study employed molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the tensile performance of wood cell walls under various conditions. The results indicate that, compared to completely dry wood, water molecules can significantly enhance the tensile strength of wood cell walls. However, in systems with a 12 % moisture content, the tensile strength is lower than in systems with a 4 % moisture content. The worst tensile performance of wood cell walls occurs in acidic and salt-deposition conditions. This is mainly due to the fact that an appropriate amount of moisture enhances the interconnections between wood fibers, whereas acidic and salt deposition conditions disrupt these connections. Additionally, the impact of varying quantities of moisture molecules on the mechanical properties of wood also varies. Further exploring the optimal moisture content for the preservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts, using archaeological fir wood as an example, we constructed models of amorphous wood fibers and matrices with moisture content varying from 0 % to 36 %. The results indicate that the system with 8 % moisture content exhibits optimal mechanical performance. Specifically, the shear modulus and chain-direction elastic modulus reach 4.52 GPa and 12.93 GPa, respectively, representing an increase of 25.2 % and 45.1 % compared to completely dry systems. The molecular mechanism by which moisture content influence the mechanical properties of wood was analyzed through parameters such as mean square displacement, diffusion coefficient, and free volume. It is hypothesised that an appropriate amount of water molecules can fill the gaps between fibers, enhancing the inter-fiber bonding and stiffness, and thereby improving the mechanical properties of wood. However, as water molecules continue to be added, this positive effect diminishes. The objective of our study is to gain insight into the mechanical behavior of archaeological wood cell walls from a molecular perspective. This paves the way for multiscale studies to determine the optimal moisture content for preserving wooden artifacts and to identify environmental conditions that can maximize the mechanical performance of archaeological wooden objects. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root causes of forest tree regeneration failure are difficult to resolve, although numerous studies show ungulate herbivory, soil conditions, and competition from undesirable vegetation as likely contributors. To better understand the relative importance of each issue, we conducted a 7-year manipulative experiment to assess the interactive effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory, soil acidity, and competing vegetation on tree regeneration in oak–hickory forests of central Pennsylvania, USA. Outcomes depended on initial tree seedling abundance, and all three factors had significant interactions. At low initial seedling abundance, fencing resulted in the greatest increase, but all treatments had a positive effect on seedling growth and abundance. At higher initial seedling abundance, abundance failed to recover 7 years after herbicide treatment and soil pH was an important predictor. When soil pH was >4.6 from lime application, seedling growth and abundance in unfenced controls with high initial abundance was comparable to the fenced-only treatment. Competing vegetation, assumed to be a symptom of excessive, long-term deer herbivory, does not seem to be the primary factor limiting tree regeneration in our study area. Ameliorating acid deposition warrants greater consideration as a management action because it could provide long-lasting benefits compared to short-term fence installations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nitrogen (N) deposition increases risks of accelerating soil acidification, but its impact could vary depending on acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and clay mineralogy. We analyzed effects of N deposition on acidification in four forest soils that differed in parent materials. Methods: We developed the method for assessing contribution of external proton input, N transformation, and plant uptake to soil acidification quantitatively in forest soils derived from loess (Qipanshan in Shenyang Liaoning), sandstone (Dinghushan in Zhaoqing Guangdong), granite, and basalt (Jianfengling in Hainan). We further estimated the acidity required for soil pH decreases using ANC (sum of cations) to predict soil pH change in forests affected by N deposition. Results: N deposition contributed 30%, 45%, and 4% of the total proton generation through nitrification in the Qipanshan, Dinghushan, and Jianfengling soils, respectively. Heavy N deposition (50 kg N ha−1 yr−1) also increased acidification through net cation accumulation in growing plant biomass (3.0 kmolc ha−1 yr−1) in Dinghushan, where soil pH decreased by 1 unit in 30 years. Acidity could account for 56% of exchangeable Al accumulation (268 kmolc ha−1), but not for depletion of ANC or total base reserves in the Dinghushan soil. Proton generation associated with N deposition was smaller for the depletion of ANC or total base reserves required for soil pH decrease in Qipanshan and Jianfengling. Conclusion: We found quantitatively that acidification progressed through increased nitrification and plant productivity in the forest soil due to chronic N deposition and low ANC and basic cation reserves derived from sandstone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet and dry deposition samples were collected from September 2020 to August 2021 at a suburban site in Mianyang, Southwest China. Major water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) in daily rainfall samples and integrated dry deposition samples were determined using ion chromatography. In rainfall, the annual volume-weighted mean (VWM) concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, and Ca2+ were 30.1, 28.7, 64.9, and 31.8 µeq L-1, respectively. The annual values of acid-neutralizing capacity and fractional acidity were 37.8 µeq L-1 and 0.0035, respectively, indicating that S O4 2-and NO3 - in the rainfall were fully neutralized by NH4+ and Ca2+, which was supported by the annual rainfall pH of 6.7. The annual wet and dry deposition fluxes were 0.27 and 0.09 keq ha-1 yr-1 for SO4 2- and 0.26 and 0.11 keq ha-1 yr-1 for NO3 -, respectively, resulting in a total acid deposition flux of 0.73 keq ha-1 yr-1, which approximated the maximum critical load of acidity in Sichuan province. The annual wet and dry deposition fluxes were 8.3 and 2.9 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for NH4 +-N and 3.7 and 1.5 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for NO3 --N, respectively, leading to a total nitrogen deposition of 16.4 kg N ha-1 yr-1. Moreover, the annual equivalent ratio of [SO4 2-]/[NO3 -] in rainfall was 1.1, suggesting that the acid deposition in Mianyang was a mixed type caused by sulfuric and nitric acids. The annual mass ratio of NH4 +-N/NO3 --N was 2.3, reflecting the important role of agricultural activities in nitrogen deposition in Mianyang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following reductions in acid deposition in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) since the 2000s, many streams remain acidic and the role of organic acids (OA−) remains unknown due to limited OA− data. This study investigated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations as a surrogate for OA− across GRSM and its relationships with watershed characteristics, seasons, flow, and stream chemistry. Baseflow water samples were collected from seven watersheds for 2 years and stormflow samples from three watersheds for 1 year. During baseflow, DOC concentrations ranged from < 0.04 to 2.29 mg L−1 with watershed medians between 0.61 and 1.00 mg L−1. Stormflow DOC concentrations ranged from 1.36 to 5.66 mg L−1. During the summer, median DOC concentrations were about twice that of the other three seasons. Stream DOC concentrations decreased with increasing elevation during baseflow but increased with increasing elevation during stormflow. Considering high elevations historically received greater acid deposition, this gradient between baseflow and stormflow suggests higher elevation streams are more impacted by OA−. Based on an OA−/DOC acidity model, it was estimated that during baseflow OA− was a minor contributor to stream acidity, in the order of 5.3 μeq L−1, however stormflow OA− was estimated at 52.5 μeq L−1, contributing to nearly half of stream acidity. Baseflow DOC was significantly correlated with pH and Ca2+, suggesting stream acidification/recovery is governed by base cations and Ca2+ availability. Furthermore, this study provides essential data for future research to evaluate stream DOC trends during acidification recovery and changes in biogeochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, many catchments in Northern hemisphere have experienced increases in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, resulting in a brownish color of the water, known as aquatic browning. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain browning, but consensus regarding the relative importance of recovery from acid deposition, climate change, and land management remains elusive. To advance our understanding of browning mechanisms, we explored DOC trends across 13 nested boreal catchments, leveraging concurrent hydrological, chemical, and terrestrial ecosystem data to quantify the contributions of different drivers on observed trends. We first identified the related environmental factors, then attributed the individual trends of DOC to potential drivers across space and time. Our results showed that all catchments exhibited increased DOC trends from 2003 to 2021, but the DOC response rates differed by five‐fold. No single mechanism could fully explain the browning; instead, sulfate deposition, climate‐related factors, and site properties jointly controlled the variation in DOC trends. Specifically, the long‐term increases in DOC were primarily driven by recovery from sulfate deposition, followed by increases in terrestrial productivity, temperature, and discharge. However, catchment area and landcover type also regulated the response rate of DOC to these drivers, creating spatial heterogeneity in browning among sub‐catchments despite similar deposition and climate forcing. Interestingly, browning has weakened in the last decade as sulfate deposition has fully recovered and other current drivers are insufficient to sustain the long‐term increases. Our results highlight that multifaceted, spatially structured, and nonstationary drivers must be accounted for to predict future DOC changes. Plain Language Summary: In recent decades, many streams, rivers and lakes in Europe and North America have seen a rise in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), giving the water a brownish color. Several explanations for this phenomenon have been suggested, including recovery from acid rain, climate change, and land use change. Yet it is still unclear which of these drivers is most important. To better understand this, we evaluated DOC changes in 13 nested catchments in northern Sweden, considering all plausible causes. We found that all catchments had an increase in DOC from 2003 to 2021, but the magnitude of increase varied among sites. The main drivers of long‐term increases in DOC were recovery from sulfate deposition, followed by increased plant productivity, stream water temperature, and discharge. Catchment area and land cover properties also affected how DOC levels changed over time. Strikingly, browning has slowed during the last 10 years as these systems have recovered from sulfate deposition, and other factors appear too weak to maintain rates of DOC increase at the same level. Our study shows that we need to consider multiple environmental factors that vary over space and time to predict DOC trends in the future. Key Points: This study evaluated the multiple drivers behind browning using a 19‐year time series across 13 nested boreal catchmentsWe revealed that, despite a history of low deposition, the decline in ionic strength driven by sulfate recovery is the main driver of browning, rather than recovery from acidification per seOur results provided an explanation for the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of browning trends within a boreal catchment network [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gouty inflammation, caused by uric acid crystal deposition, primarily affects tissues around the toe joints and triggers potent inflammatory responses. Current treatments focus on alleviating inflammation and pain using pharmaceutical agents, which can lead to side effects and complications. This has generated interest in non-pharmacological interventions, such as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in a mouse model of acute gout. Gouty inflammation was induced by injecting monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the ankle joints of BALB/c mice. The effects of taVNS on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the ankle joint tissue were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting, histological assessments (H&E staining), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) was also evaluated by signal blocking. Our findings revealed that MSU significantly elevated gout-associated inflammatory cascades and mediators in the ankle joint. Notably, taVNS at 200 µA and 25 Hz effectively reduced these inflammatory responses, decreasing neutrophil infiltration and chemoattraction within the tissue. taVNS showed significant anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing neutrophil activity, offering a novel therapeutic approach for gout beyond conventional pharmacological methods. Additionally, taVNS holds potential for managing various chronic joint diseases. These results highlight taVNS as a promising non-pharmacological therapy for chronic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidification caused by acid deposition and N fertilization can significantly affect the composition and activity of microbial communities in acidic soils. However, whether and how acidification affects soil microorganisms and microbial‐mediated carbon (C) dynamics in alkaline soils are less known. Based on a 7‐year (2016–2023) acid addition experiment in an alkaline grassland (pH > 8) on the Loess Plateau in Northwest China, we examined the effects of soil acidification on soil fungal and bacterial communities and their C metabolism. Unexpectedly, our results showed that soil acidification mainly reduced fungal diversity, rather than bacterial diversity, possibly because acidification led to soil NH4+ accumulation and decreased plant diversity. Also, soil acidification reduced forb but increased grass biomass, and enhanced root production and turnover rate. Laboratory incubation experiments showed that changes in the microbial community and soil properties jointly promoted microbial decomposition of soil organic C (SOC), with more promotion for the decomposition of labile C (i.e. glucose) (+68.4%) than recalcitrant C (i.e. tannin) (+29.1%). Synthesis. Soil acidification reduced fungal diversity and stimulated SOC decomposition in an alkaline grassland. Given that pH decline can also accelerate soil inorganic C dissolution and carbonate‐derived CO2 release, these results highlight that soil acidification can exacerbate C loss in the alkaline soils over the long term. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: As a significant land carbon sink, highly acid subtropical forests in southern China continued to accumulate a significant amount of soil carbon under elevated acid deposition, yet the mechanism of how soil organic carbon (SOC) and its two components: particulate (POC) and mineral-associated (MAOC) organic carbon increased remain unclear. We aim to assess which mechanism and drivers dominated the accumulation of SOC and its two fractions under elevated acid deposition. Methods: We conducted a 11-year field acid addition experiment to study how acid deposition affected the accumulation of SOC and its fractions. Lignin phenols and amino sugars were used as two tracers for plant- and microbe-derived carbon. Results: We found that both POC (0–20 cm) and MAOC (10–20 cm) were significantly increased by acid addition. Acid addition significantly reduced the contributions of fungal-, bacterial- or total microbial residue carbon to SOC but significantly increased the plant-derived soil carbon in both soil depths. The increase of lignin phenol and suppressed soil organic matter decomposition from soil microbes suggested that soil POC increased with acid addition. Soil acidification strongly enhanced MAOC accumulation through increased lignin and mineral protection by iron-aluminum oxides and cations. Conclusion: Our results showed that increased mineral protection of plant-derived carbon was the dominant driver of the increased SOC sequestration under acid addition. This finding identified the dominant pathway for SOC accumulation in a highly acidic subtropical forest and provides new insights into understanding how plant-soil-mineral interact under increasing acid deposition in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foxn1−/− deficient mice are a rare model of regenerative skin wound healing among mammals. In wounded skin, the transcription factor Foxn1 interacting with hypoxia-regulated factors affects re-epithelialization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) reestablishment and is thus a factor regulating scar-forming/reparative healing. Here, we hypothesized that transcriptional crosstalk between Foxn1 and Hif-1α controls the switch from scarless (regenerative) to scar-present (reparative) skin wound healing. To verify this hypothesis, we examined (i) the effect of hypoxia/normoxia and Foxn1 signalling on the proteomic signature of Foxn1−/− (regenerative) dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and then (ii) explored the effect of Hif-1α or Foxn1/Hif-1α introduced by a lentiviral (LV) delivery vector to injured skin of regenerative Foxn1−/− mice with particular attention to the remodelling phase of healing. Results: We showed that hypoxic conditions and Foxn1 stimulation modified the proteome of Foxn1−/− DFs. Hypoxic conditions upregulated DF protein profiles, particularly those related to extracellular matrix (ECM) composition: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai-1), Sdc4, Plod2, Plod1, Lox, Loxl2, Itga2, Vldlr, Ftl1, Vegfa, Hmox1, Fth1, and F3. We found that Pai-1 was stimulated by hypoxic conditions in regenerative Foxn1−/− DFs but was released by DFs to the culture media exclusively upon hypoxia and Foxn1 stimulation. We also found higher levels of Pai-1 protein in DFs isolated from Foxn1+/+ mice (reparative/scar-forming) than in DFs isolated from Foxn1−/− (regenerative/scarless) mice and triggered by injury increase in Foxn1 and Pai-1 protein in the skin of mice with active Foxn1 (Foxn1+/+ mice). Then, we demonstrated that the introduction of Foxn1 and Hif-1α via lentiviral injection into the wounded skin of regenerative Foxn1−/− mice activates reparative/scar-forming healing by increasing the wounded skin area and decreasing hyaluronic acid deposition and the collagen type III to I ratio. We also identified a stimulatory effect of LV-Foxn1 + LV-Hif-1α injection in the wounded skin of Foxn1−/− mice on Pai-1 protein levels. Conclusions: The present data highlight the effect of hypoxia and Foxn1 on the protein profile and functionality of regenerative Foxn1−/− DFs and demonstrate that the introduction of Foxn1 and Hif-1α into the wounded skin of regenerative Foxn1−/− mice activates reparative/scar-forming healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Asian countries have recently upgraded their regional cooperation for clean air through the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia, with elaborate arrangements for monitoring and capacity-building assistance for multiple pollutants. This represents a departure from the earlier informal regimes with vague arrangements on acid deposition. However, despite this notable shift, this formalization in the regional governance for clean air remains largely unexplored in the existing literature. This study fills this gap by analysing the dynamics of formalization through aid from theories of regime complexity and legalization. It focuses on the decade from 2012 to 2021, employing documentary analysis and interviews. The results reveal that governments actively pursue their state interests by adjusting institutional arrangements through regime competition and selection that drive formalization. Sharing cognition of the hazardousness of multiple pollutants achieved through interactions between regional and global institutions serves as a catalyst for reaching an agreement on the arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements released into the atmosphere by human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, flow into forest ecosystems via wet and dry deposition and can flow out via mountainous stream water. The Kajikawa catchment site in Niigata Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, suffers from large amounts of acidic substance deposition due to its geographical conditions and meteorological seasonality and is affected by transboundary air pollution originating from the Asian continent due to northwesterly seasonal winds in winter. This study determined the concentrations of trace elements dissolved in precipitation and stream water to comprehensively evaluate the effects of transboundary air pollution on forest ecosystems. The results showed that the concentrations of trace elements and major inorganic ions in precipitation tended to be high in winter and low in summer. The fluxes of many trace elements also increased in winter, reflecting high precipitation amount. Except for Sr, the enrichment factors of the highly enriched trace elements did not show clear seasonality. Therefore, they were continuously influenced by anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the stable Pb isotope ratio changed significantly during the observation period; however, this was not explained by seasonal changes. This study revealed that trace elements are transported to the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, especially in winter; however, their quantity and content change in response to changes in local and transboundary air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preservation of the Lingguizhugan (LGZG) decoction and patient compliance issue often limit the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Hence, herein, an LGZG oral solution was developed for alleviating MASLD. Additionally, the potential mechanisms underlying LGZG-mediated MASLD mitigation were explored. Methods: A MASLDmousemodel was constructed using oleic and palmitic acid-induced LO2 cells and a high-fat diet. The apoptosis, lipid deposition, and mouse liver function were analyzed to assess the therapeutic effects of the LGZG oral solution on MASLD. Serum untargeted metabolomics, gut microbiota, bile acid (BA) metabolism, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analyses were performed to investigate the potentialmechanismof action of LGZG oral solution on MASLD. Results: The LGZG oral solution ameliorated lipid deposition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathological damage. Serumuntargetedmetabolomics results revealed the LGZG-mediated regulation of the primary BA biosynthetic pathway. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of the fecal microbiota showed that LGZG oral solution increased the relative abundance of the BA metabolism-associated Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and decreased that of Lactobacillus. Additionally, the BA metabolism analysis results revealed a decrease in the total taurine-α/β-muricholic acid levels, whereas those of deoxycholic acid were increased, which activated specific receptors in the liver and ileum, including farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). Activation of FXR resulted in an increase in short heterodimer partner and subsequent inhibition of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c expression, and activation of FXR also results in the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 15/19 expression, and consequently inhibition of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, which correlated with hepatic BA synthesis and lipogenesis, ultimately attenuating lipid deposition and bile acid stasis, thereby improving MASLD. Conclusion: Altogether, the findings of this study suggest that modulating microbiota--BA--FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway may be a potential mechanism of action of LGZG oral solution for the treatment of MASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formulation and delivery of macromolecules through the oral route pose considerable challenges due to factors such as large molecular weight, pH sensitivity, and limited formulation approaches. This challenge is compounded if the drug is poorly permeable, necessitating innovative drug delivery strategies. Vancomycin, a widely prescribed glycopeptide antibiotic, has an oral bioavailability of less than 10%, leading to predominantly intravenous administration and potential patient discomfort. This study explores the potential of the buccal route as a non-invasive, highly vascularised alternative route of administration, offering a rapid onset of action while bypassing the first-pass metabolism. In this study, vancomycin was coated with L-glutamic acid using an isothermal dry particle coater to modulate permeation through the buccal cell line, TR146. Results confirm significant impact of both amino acid concentration and dry particle coating on the rate and extent of drug permeability. With the introduction of L-glutamic acid and utilisation of the isothermal dry particle coater, vancomycin's permeation profile increased six-fold compared to the control due to the formation of drug ion-pair complex. Imaging studies showed the presence of layered micronized glutamic acid particles on the surface of dry coated vancomycin particles which confirms the role of dry coating and amino acid concentration in modulating drug permeation. Microbiology experiments in Staphylococcus aureus, minimum inhibitory concentration and biofilm disruption studies, provided confirmatory evidence of antimicrobial activity of dry coated glutamic acid-vancomycin ion pair particulate structure. This study demonstrates, for the first-time, buccal delivery of dry coated large molecule drug, vancomycin, through controlled deposition of amino acid using innovative particle coating strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a period of 30 years (1993–2022), headwater catchments in the Slavkov Forest (Czech Republic) exhibited a robust increase in stream water DOC (dissolved organic carbon) concentrations following a significant reduction in acidic atmospheric deposition. Sulfur deposition decreased from 34 kg ha−1 yr−1 in 1993 to 2.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 in 2022. Three Norway-spruce-dominated research sites—Černý Potok (CEP), a 15.2 ha peatbog catchment, Lysina (LYS), a 27.3 ha granitic catchment, and Pluhův Bor (PLB), a 21.6 ha serpentinite catchment, were investigated. The three–year average DOC concentration increased from 48.2 mg L−1 (1993–1995) to 68.3 mg L−1 (2020–2022) at CEP (0.69 mg L−1 yr−1). LYS showed an increase from 16.9 mg L−1 to 25.4 mg L−1 (0.30 mg L−1 yr−1 annually). The largest increase was recorded at PLB, with an increase from 15.7 mg L−1 to 36.7 mg L−1 (0.89 mg L−1 yr−1). A decline in ionic strength was identified as the main driver of the DOC increase. The annual runoff declined significantly at CEP and LYS from 465 mm to 331 mm as a result of rising air temperatures and reduced precipitation between 2014 and 2022. PLB (average of 266 mm) did not show a statistically significant decline. Recently, PLB experienced significant deforestation that likely lowered transpiration and thus increased catchment runoff. As a result, DOC fluxes did not change significantly at CEP (average 210 kg ha−1 yr−1) and LYS (90 kg ha −1 yr−1). However, PLB's DOC flux more than doubled, increasing from 44 to 106 kg ha−1 yr−1. Drivers connected with global change, such as increasing temperatures, or potential chemical drivers, such as reductions in Al concentrations and pH changes, were not able to explain the observed changes in DOC concentra tions and fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dietary effect of curcumin (CUR) on amino acid, 5′-nucleotides, fatty acid, and volatile compound profiles of chicken meat. A total of 400 healthy 1-day-old broiler male chicks were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) and fed either a basal diet or a diet with the addition of CUR with concentrations of 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg for 43 days. The results show that the addition of CUR in chicken diets is conducive to promoting the deposition of amino acids and increasing the content of 5′-nucleotides in chicken meat, reducing the contents of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and C20:4 n6 but increasing the ratio between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and SFA. In addition, the volatile compound profile shows that the main volatile compounds in chicken meat are aldehydes (including hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal), with significant increases in their contents observed among chickens in the CUR-intake group. Moreover, it has been found that (E, E)-2,4-nonadienal, trans-2-decenal, benzaldehyde, and trans-2-octenal in chicken meat can significantly increase its overall aroma, and the addition of CUR with 150 mg/kg had the best effect on improving nutritional quality and flavor of chicken meat. This study provides a basis for the comprehensive utilization of CUR as a feed additive with the potential to substitute antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid deposition is widespread in Japan, but acidification of stream water is rare in forest ecosystems. Bedrock‐derived cations, including those released into the soil by weathering of bedrock minerals, generally act to neutralize acid deposition and flow out into streams. Volcanic ash, which is widespread in Japan, may also release cations and neutralize acids, but the contribution of volcanic‐ash‐derived cations is currently poorly explored. To assess the importance of volcanic ash as a source of base cations, we examined strontium in two catchments underlain by chert bedrock at Mount Amamaki, Japan. Additionally, we obtained comparative data from two sandstone‐bedrock catchments in the same area. We measured 87Sr/86Sr ratios in samples of stream water, bulk precipitation, riverbed rock, and soil from the catchments. We used the 87Sr/86Sr data to analyze the relative contributions of atmospheric deposition, bedrock, and volcanic ash in soil as sources of Sr in the stream waters. We estimated volcanic ash in soil to contribute between 46% and 78% of stream‐water Sr for one chert‐bedrock catchment, and between 0% and 52% for the other. We conclude that volcanic ash in soil is an important source of Sr in stream water. Thus, volcanic ash can act as a source of base cations and hence contribute to the acid‐neutralizing capacity of soil in forest ecosystems in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) are widely used antimicrobial agents in livestock and aquaculture, and most of them entering the animal's body will be released into the environment as prodrugs or metabolites, which ultimately affect human health through the food chain. Both acid deposition and salinization of soil may have an impact on the migration and degradation of antibiotics. Sulfamethazine (SM2), a frequently detected compound in agricultural soils, has a migration and transformation process in the environment that is closely dependent on environmental pH. Nevertheless, scarcely any studies have been conducted on the effect of soil pH changes on the environmental behavior of sulfamethazine. We analyzed the migration and degradation mechanisms of SM2 using simulation experiments and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) techniques. The results showed that acidic conditions limited the vertical migration of sulfadimidine, and SM2 underwent different reaction processes under different pH conditions, including S-C bond breaking, S-N bond hydrolysis, demethylation, six-membered heterocyclic addition, methyl hydroxylation and ring opening. The study of the migration pattern and degradation mechanism of SM2 under different pH conditions can provide a solid theoretical basis for assessing the pollution risk of sulfamethazine degradation products under acid rain and saline conditions, and provide a guideline for remediation of antibiotic contamination, so as to better prevent, control and protect groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Base cations have declined within European forests due to leaching, accelerated by atmospheric acid deposition. This study aims at predicting the spatial distribution of pseudototal content of Ca, Mg, and K for coniferous, broadleaved and mixed forest stands. A harmonised database of about 7000 samples from the top mineral layer of 0–30 cm from the entire forest areas of the Czech Republic was used. A regression kriging model was used for spatial prediction of the content of the elements. The influence of the covariates used for the prediction was assessed using generalized additive models for location scale and shape (GAMLSS). The variance explained by the model was best for Ca with the R2 of 0.32, the R2 for Mg was 0.30, and the R2 for K was 0.26. Model fitting assessed by the ratio of performance to inter-quartile distance (RPIQ) showed K as the best fit with a value of 1.12, followed by Mg with the value 0.87, and Ca with 0.25. Ca exhibited the best prediction fit for the GAMLSS, compared with K and Mg, based on their AIC matrix values. The predicted spatial distribution in this study provides information for policy and will provide information for the sustainable management of forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive nitrogen negatively affects terrestrial ecosystems by excessive deposition. Nitric acid gas (HNO3), a component of reactive nitrogen, is readily deposited on ground surfaces due to its high reactivity. However, there have been recent cases in which suppressed deposition fluxes, including upward fluxes, were observed above forests. As the mechanisms of HNO3 dry deposition on forest surfaces are not fully understood, the accuracy of dry deposition estimates remains uncertain. To reduce uncertainties in the estimation, we investigated dry deposition of HNO3 by 1-year measurement in a forest. We measured the vertical profiles of HNO3, nitrate, and sulfate in PM2.5 in a deciduous forest in suburban Tokyo (FM Tama). We observed their concentrations above the forest canopy (30 m) and near the forest floor (2 and 0.2 m) using the denuder/filter pack from October 2020 to September 2021. The HNO3 concentration decreased significantly from 30 to 2 m. However, the decrease in HNO3 was not as significant, and occasionally, emission profiles were produced between 2 and 0.2 m. This was likely caused by HNO3 generated by the volatilization of NH4NO3 near the forest floor, which was warmed by sunlight during daytime in both leafy and leafless periods. Conversely, HNO3 concentrations at 30 m were much higher than those at 2 m and 0.2 m, indicating that the forest acted as a sink for HNO3 from a long-term perspective. It is presumed that HNO3, generated just above the forest canopy, could cause an upward flux if a temperature difference of several degrees occurs between 25 and 20 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐alginate‐based aerogels possess wide prospects in the fields of packaging, aerospace, industrial construction and transportation because of their environmental compatibility and thermal insulation, but it is still a challenge to obtain a sodium alginate‐based aerogel with high flame retardancy and good thermal insulation. Herein, a sodium‐alginate‐based aerogel with high flame retardancy, thermal insulation and good hydrophobic properties was prepared by two‐step crosslinking strategy of phytic acid and metal ions and liquid phase deposition of trans‐cinnamic acid. As a result, the prepared SA/PA Mn+ aerogels obtained excellent flame retardancy (UL‐94 V‐0, LOI 50.1%) and rapid self‐extinguishing, and SA/PA Mn+ aerogels obtained good hydrophobic ability (CA = 134.2°). In addition, the mechanical properties of SA/PA Mn+ aerogels have also been improved, the compressive modulus increased from 0.66 to 6.37 MPa, and the specific modulus increased from 15.7 to 140.2 MPa cm −3 g−1. This research broadens the application of bio‐based flame‐retardant aerogels in the fields of packaging, aerospace, industrial construction and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decades, forest soils in Central Europe recovered from former sulfur and acid deposition. As external S input into forests has strongly decreased and legacy S pools in the soils are diminishing, internal S cycling through mineralization will increasingly become important for ecosystem nutrition. However, it is not known how microbial biomass is affected by the S pool change in the formerly S surplus soils. Here, we present data on the status quo of C, N, and S in microbial biomass in relation to contents in mineral soil and organic layer. The results of forest soil in Eastern Germany (low and high liming), which is slowly recovering from former pollution, are compared to those of a site remote from air pollution in the Swiss Alps. The contents of C, N, and S in soil as well as in microbial biomass were clearly higher in the organic layer than in mineral topsoil at all sites. Despite the generally low content in the mineral A-horizon, the clean-air site showed indications of a more active S-turnover as compared to the high-pollution site. Liming at the high-pollution site improved the conditions for microbial growth (pH increase) in the organic layer resulting in more mobile S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraspecific variation (Intra-V) has played an important role in determining the responses of ecosystem functions to climate change. However, its specific role in the regulation of ecosystem functions during community assembly is less investigated. In this study, we conducted a transect survey in northwest China and determined different plant functional types, namely resource-conservative, medium, and resource-acquisitive strategies, which describe resource-use strategies of plants in multi-functional dimensions. Plant functional traits including canopy, wood density (WD), height, specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were determined. Ecological filters, including external filtering (assembly processes at the regional scale), internal filtering (assembly processes within a certain community), and functional redundancy, were employed to examine plant environment interactions. We found that with the decrease in environmental pressure, dominant shrub plants changed from conservative to acquisition species in drylands. Specifically, a benign environment (such as stable and adequate precipitation, loose soil, and increased acid deposition) significantly increased plant mean traits, such as SLA and WD of shrubs, especially for conservative strategy plants. In addition, a benign environment mainly reduced the functional redundancy of SLA (FRedSLA) by strengthening internal filtering and, ultimately, increased aboveground biomass but decreased species richness. Our results suggest that conservative strategy plants with stronger adaptability to the external environment may exhibit more competitive advantages and play a more important role in community construction under future climate scenarios of gradual warming and wetting in northwest China. Our results also revealed that trait-based Intra-V may be a more reasonable ecological filter than plant mean traits for predicting the structure and function of dryland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 40 years, Model of Acidification of Groundwater In Catchments (MAGIC) has been used to simulate the acidification of soils and waters due to acid deposition. The original model (MAGIC v8) has now been updated and re‐implemented in the C++ Mobius platform and is available as open source. MAGIC‐Forest includes new modules describing hydrology, forest growth, and soil carbon. The Mobius platform facilitates automatic optimization of calibrated parameters and multipoint calibrations using Monte‐Carlo routines. The usefulness of MAGIC is demonstrated here by application to the 50‐year data series for deposition and runoff at Birkenes, a small, calibrated catchment in southern Norway. Acid deposition has declined dramatically at Birkenes since the peak in the 1970s. Sulfate is 90% lower. Stream water has recovered strongly. Decreased concentrations of sulfate have led to increased acid‐neutralizing capacity, pH, and reduced concentrations of toxic aluminum. These changes are well‐simulated by MAGIC. The sulfate control on organic carbon solubility added as part of MAGIC‐Forest improves the simulations. The MAGIC‐Forest modeling tool is now available for applications to scenarios of land‐use and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluated the 25-year-long trends (1994–2018) in mercury (Hg) concentrations and fluxes in spruce litterfall at a forest research plot Načetín (NAC) recovering from acidic deposition in the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic. The mean litterfall Hg deposition averaged 51 ± 18 µg m−2 year−1, which has been the highest litterfall Hg deposition reported up to date on the European continent. In contrast, the wet deposition (2017–2019) was an order of magnitude lower averaging at 2.5 ± 1.5 µg m−2 year−1. All the spruce litterfall components bark, twigs, needles, cones, and a mixture of unidentified fragments had elevated mean Hg concentrations relative to background sites averaging 256 ± 77, 234 ± 62, 119 ± 23, 95 ± 14, and 44 ± 15 µg kg−1, respectively. Elevated litterfall Hg deposition and concentrations were attributed to the nearby local Hg emission source—coal-fired power plants. Temporally, the decrease of Czech Hg emissions since the 1990s was reflected by the decreasing trend of Hg concentrations in litterfall bark, cones, and twigs, while in needles and other material, Hg increased but insignificantly. Total litterfall ratios of Hg/C, Hg/N, and Hg/S were lower than those in soil O horizons averaging at 0.23 ± 0.04, 9.5 ± 2.0, and 170 ± 37 μg g−1, respectively. Since the beginning of monitoring, total litterfall Hg/C exhibited no trend, Hg/N decreased, and Hg/S increased. The litterfall biomass deposition averaging at 469 ± 176 g m−2 year−1 increased through time resulting in an increased Hg litterfall deposition at NAC by 1.1 µg m−2 year−1 despite the decreases in Czech Hg emissions. Peaks of annual litterfall Hg deposition up to 96 µg m−2 year−1 at NAC during the 25 years of monitoring resulted from weather extremes such as rime-snow accumulation, wind gusts, droughts, and insect infestation, which all significantly affected the annual biomass deposition. Based on our observations, further increases in biomass and litterfall Hg deposition rates can be expected due to the onset of bark beetle infestation and the increasing number of droughts caused by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the potential of microfluidic systems, this study presents a groundbreaking approach harnessing energy in microfluidic flows within a purpose‐built microreactor, enabling precise deposition of functional biomaterials. Upon optimizing reactor dimensions and integrating it into a microfluidic system, sequentially flow‐induced deposition of DNA hydrogels and transformation into DNA‐protein hybrid materials with SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology is investigated. However, limited functionalization rates restrict its viability for targeted biocatalytic processes. Therefore, the direct deposition of a phenolic acid decarboxylase is investigated, which is efficiently deposited but shows limited biocatalytic performance due to shear‐induced denaturation. This challenge is overcome by a two‐step immobilization process, resulting in microfluidic bioreactors demonstrating initial high space‐time yields of up to 7000 g L−1 d−1, but whose process stability proves unsatisfactory. However, by exploiting the principle of flow‐induced deposition to immobilize recombinant E. coli cells as functional living materials overexpressing biocatalytically relevant enzymes, bioreactors are produced that show equally high space‐time yields in continuous whole‐cell catalysis which remain constant over periods of up to 10 days. The insights gained offer optimization strategies for advanced functional materials and innovative reactor systems holding promise for applications in fundamental materials science, biosensing, and scalable production of microreactors for biocatalysis and bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO)-meditated intestinal microbiota and immunity on growth, amino acid composition, and Aeromonas salmonicida resistance in rainbow trout. A total of 480 fish were allocated to four feeding treatments: dietary supplementation with 2.0 mL OEO/kg (group L), 4.0 mL OEO/kg (group M), 8.0 mL OEO/kg (group H), and no supplementation as control group (CK group). The results indicated that dietary OEO had a positive impact on the growth performance and pathogen resistance of rainbow trout, with higher amino acid deposition in the muscle and, in particular, a significant enrichment in amino acid pathways was observed. The use of OEO led to an increase in abundance of Proteobacteria and decrease in abundance of Firmicutes in intestinal microbiota. Moreover, the abundance of taxa containing beneficial bacteria such as Streptococcus lutetiensis, Oscillospirales, and Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum increased, while the abundance of taxa containing potential pathogens such as Mycoplasma, Morganellaceae, and Paenalcaligenes decreased in OEO treatment groups. In addition, transcriptome analysis showed that a number of immune-related genes such as TLR3, MyD88, IRF7, and TRAF2 were up-regulated, while il-6, il-21, and il-34 were down-regulated. Thus, OEO intervention contributed to the amino acid deposition and resistance to A. salmonicida infection in rainbow trout by mediating the link between fish immunity and intestinal microbiota function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• pH of precipitation experienced fluctuating decline, continuous improvement, and slight correction. • S deposition was well controlled, while N deposition did not decrease significantly. • Acid rain has changed from sulfuric acid type to mixed sulfuric and nitric acid type. • Atmospheric deposition is an important source of lake S and N and acidifies mountain lakes. • Future acid deposition should focus on the acidifying effect of NH 4 + deposition. The chemical composition of acid rain and its impact on lake water chemistry in Chongqing, China, from 2000 to 2020 were studied in this study. The regional acid rain intensity is affected jointly by the acid gas emissions and the neutralization of alkaline substances. The pH of precipitation experienced three stages of fluctuating decline, continuous improvement, and a slight correction. Precipitation pH showed inflection points in 2010, mainly due to the total control actions of SO 2 and NO x implemented in 2011. The total ion concentrations in rural areas and urban areas were 489.08 µeq/L and 618.57 µeq/L, respectively. The top four ions were SO 4 2−, Ca2+, NH 4 + and NO 3 −, which accounted for more than 90% of the total ion concentration, indicating the anthropogenic effects. Before 2010, SO 4 2− fluctuated greatly while NO 3 − continued to rise; however, after 2010, both SO 4 2− and NO 3 − began to decline rapidly, with the rates of -12.03 µeq/(L·year) and -4.11 µeq/(L·year). Because the decline rate of SO 4 2− was 2.91 times that of NO 3 −, the regional acid rain has changed from sulfuric acid rain to mixed sulfuric and nitric acid rain. The lake water is weakly acidic, with an average pH of 5.86, and the acidification frequency is 30.00%. Acidification of lake water is jointly affected by acid deposition and acid neutralization capacity of lake water. Acid deposition has a profound impact on water acidification, and nitrogen (N) deposition, especially reduced N deposition, should be the focus of future research. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China currently has the highest acid deposition globally, yet research on its status, impacts, causes and controls is lacking. Here, we compiled data and calculated critical loads regarding acid deposition. The results showed that the abatement measures in China have achieved a sharp decline in the emissions of acidifying pollutants and a continuous recovery of precipitation pH, despite the drastic growth in the economy and energy consumption. However, the risk of ecological acidification and eutrophication showed no significant decrease. With similar emission reductions, the decline in areas at risk of acidification in China (7.0%) lags behind those in Europe (20%) or the USA (15%). This was because, unlike Europe and the USA, China's abatement strategies primarily target air quality improvement rather than mitigating ecological impacts. Given that the area with the risk of eutrophication induced by nitrogen deposition remained at 13% of the country even under the scenario of achieving the dual targets of air quality and carbon dioxide mitigation in 2035, we explored an enhanced ammonia abatement pathway. With a further 27% reduction in ammonia by 2035, China could largely eliminate the impacts of acid deposition. This research serves as a valuable reference for China's future acid deposition control and for other nations facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of low-temperature oxygen plasma treatment with various powers of a titanium alloy surface on the structural and morphological properties of a substrate and the deposition of a tannic acid coating was investigated. The surface characteristics of the titanium alloy were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. Following this, the tannic acid coatings were deposited on the titanium alloy substrates and the structural and morphological properties of the tannic acid coatings deposited were subject to characterization by XPS, SEM, and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements. The results show that the low-temperature oxygen plasma treatment of titanium alloys leads to the formation of titanium dioxides that contain –OH groups on the surface being accompanied by a reduction in carbon, which imparts hydrophilicity to the titanium substrate, and the effect increases with the applied plasma power. The performed titanium alloy substrate modification translates into the quality of the deposited tannic acid coating standing out by higher uniformity of the coating, lower number of defects indicating delamination or incomplete bonding of the coating with the substrate, lower number of cracks, thinner cracks, and higher thickness of the tannic acid coatings compared to the non-treated titanium alloy substrate. A similar effect is observed as the applied plasma power increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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