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At least 55 records · Page 3

Supplemental selenium source on gut health: insights on fecal microbiome and fermentation products of growing puppies

ABSTRACT Selenium is an essential trace element that can modulate the gut microbiome with an impact on host health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic (selenium-enriched yeast) vs inorganic (sodium selenite) selenium source on fecal end-fermentation products and gut microbiome of puppies from 20 to 52 weeks of age. Alpha and beta diversity of the gut bacterial community were affected by age but not by gender or selenium source. The relative abundance of taxa was differently affected by age, and the DNA concentration of all selected bacterial groups increased with age, although total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, propionate, caproate and lactate concentrations decreased. Organic selenium was associated with a higher concentration of total VFA, propionate and butyrate, a higher number of DNA copies of Lactobacillus, and a trend to lower DNA copies of Escherichia coli. Effects on fecal microbiome during growth differed with selenium source. Females had higher fecal end-fermentation products related to protein degradation, whereas males had higher DNA concentration of Bifidobacterium. Organic selenium might be beneficial over inorganic for dog food supplementation due to the positive modulation of the gut microbiome observed in puppies.

Pereira, Ana Margarida↗

Molecular Distribution, 13C-Isotope, and Enantiomeric Compositions of Carbonaceous Chondrite Monocarboxylic Acids

The water-soluble organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites constitute a record of the synthetic reactions occurring at the birth of the solar system and those taking place during parent body alteration and may have been important for the later origins and development of life on Earth. In this present work, we have developed a novel methodology for the simultaneous analysis of the molecular distribution, compound-specific (delta)(exp 13)C, and enantiomeric compositions of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (MCA) extracted from the hot-water extracts of 16 carbonaceous chondrites from CM, CR, CO, CV, and CK groups. We observed high concentrations of meteoritic MCAs, with total carbon weight percentages which in some cases approached those of carbonates and insoluble organic matter. Moreover, we found that the concentration of MCAs in CR chondrites is higher than in the other meteorite groups, with acetic acid exhibiting the highest concentration in all samples. The abundance of MCAs decreased with increasing molecular weight and with increasing aqueous and/or thermal alteration experienced by the meteorite sample. The (delta)(exp 13)C isotopic values of MCAs ranged from 52 to +27(0/00), and aside from an inverse relationship between (delta)(exp 13)C value and carbon straight-chain length for C3–C6 MCAs in Murchison, the 13C-isotopic values did not correlate with the number of carbon atoms per molecule. We also observed racemic compositions of 2-methylbutanoic acid in CM and CR chondrites. We used this novel analytical protocol and collective data to shed new light on the prebiotic origins of chondritic MCAs.

Aponte, Jose C.↗

Linking Internal Dosimetries of the Propyl Metabolic Series in Rats and Humans Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling

The metabolic series approach has successfully linked internal dosimetries of metabolically related compounds reducing cost and time for chemical risk assessments. Here, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model in rats and humans for the propyl metabolic series including propyl acetate, 1-propanol, propionaldehyde, and propionic acid. Manufacturers use these compounds as organic solvents and intermediates during chemical synthesis. Public exposures can occur through using consumer products containing propyl compounds like cosmetics, aerosol sprays, or foods. To develop the PBPK model, we measured in vitro metabolism of propyl acetate in blood and liver S9 fractions. We measured concentrations of propyl compounds in blood following intravenous (iv) infusion of 13C-propanol or 13C-propionic acid and closed chamber inhalation exposures to propyl acetate or propanol in rats. Using these studies and other published data, we modified an existing PBPK model for the butyl metabolic series to simulate time course concentrations of propyl compounds in rats and humans. Consistent with measured in vitro and in vivo data, the optimized propyl series model predicts rapid clearance of propyl acetate, higher concentrations of propanol in blood from propyl acetate inhalation compared to propanol inhalation, and low concentrations of propionic acid in blood from exposures to propyl acetate or propanol. Regulators can use this model as a tool for propyl compound risk assessment by linking internal dosimetries under various exposure scenarios.

Smith, Jordan N.↗

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to align dosimetry of the isobutyl metabolic series in rats and humans

Here, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model in rats and humans for the isobutyl metabolic series including isobutyl acetate, isobutanol, isobutyraldehyde, and isobutyric acid. Chemical manufactures routinely use these compounds as solvents, for chemical synthesis, as potential biofuels, de-icing fluids, and additives for food and/or fragrance in consumer products. Human exposure to isobutyl compounds can occur through inhalation or oral routes. We previously developed a PBPK model for the propyl metabolic series and utilized it as a framework to create the isobutyl PBPK model due to the chemical similarities between the two series. To support model development, we measured in vitro metabolism of isobutyl acetate in rat and human blood and liver S9 fractions. Compared to rats, humans demonstrated faster isobutyl acetate hydrolysis in liver S9 fractions, while the hydrolysis rates in blood were similar between the two species. We used concentrations of isobutyl compounds measured in air and blood from rats exposed to isobutyl acetate and isobutanol as well as other published data to further parameterize the model. Following exposure to either isobutyl acetate or isobutanol, we observed isobutanol concentrations highest among the isobutyl compounds in the blood of rats. Overall, the model accurately predicts measured time course concentrations of isobutyl acetate, isobutanol, and isobutyric acid in available data in rats and humans. Sensitivity analyses identified alveolar ventilation rates, isobutyl metabolism rates, and cardiac output as the most sensitive parameters affecting concentrations of isobutyl compounds in blood. The isobutyl PBPK model enables comparisons of internal dose metrics across various isobutyl compound exposures and species and allows for calculation of equivalent external exposures that result in the same dose metric. Regulators can employ this PBPK model to predict and align internal dose metrics of isobutyl compounds for risk assessment purposes.

2-methyl-1-propanol↗

Light-Dependence of Formate (C1) and Acetate (C2) Transport and Oxidation in Poplar Trees

Although apparent light inhibition of leaf day respiration is a widespread reported phenomenon, the mechanisms involved, including utilization of alternate respiratory pathways and substrates and light inhibition of TCA cycle enzymes are under active investigation. Recently, acetate fermentation was highlighted as a key drought survival strategy mediated through protein acetylation and jasmonate signaling. Here, we evaluate the light-dependence of acetate transport and assimilation in Populus trichocarpa trees using the dynamic xylem solution injection (DXSI) method developed here for continuous studies of C1 and C2 organic acid transport and light-dependent metabolism. Over 7 days, 1.0 L of [13C]formate and [13C2]acetate solutions were delivered to the stem base of 2-year old potted poplar trees, while continuous diurnal observations were made in the canopy of CO2, H2O, and isoprene gas exchange together with δ13CO2. Stem base injection of 10 mM [13C2]acetate induced an overall pattern of canopy branch headspace 13CO2 enrichment (δ13CO2 +27‰) with a diurnal structure in δ13CO2 reaching a mid-day minimum followed by a maximum shortly after darkening where δ13CO2 values rapidly increased up to +12‰. In contrast, 50 mM injections of [13C]formate were required to reach similar δ13CO2 enrichment levels in the canopy with δ13CO2 following diurnal patterns of transpiration. Illuminated leaves of detached poplar branches pretreated with 10 mM [13C2]acetate showed lower δ13CO2 (+20‰) compared to leaves treated with 10 mM [13C]formate (+320‰), the opposite pattern observed at the whole plant scale. Following dark/light cycles at the leaf-scale, rapid, strong, and reversible enhancements in headspace δ13CO2 by up to +60‰ were observed in [13C2]acetate-treated leaves which showed enhanced dihydrojasmonic acid and TCA cycle intermediate concentrations. The results are consistent with acetate in the transpiration stream as an effective activator of the jasmonate signaling pathway and respiratory substrate. The shorter lifetime of formate relative to acetate in the transpiration stream suggests rapid formate oxidation to CO2 during transport to the canopy. In contrast, acetate is efficiently transported to the canopy where an increased allocation towards mitochondrial dark respiration occurs at night. The results highlight the potential for an effective integration of acetate into glyoxylate and TCA cycles and the light-inhibition of citrate synthase as a potential regulatory mechanism controlling the diurnal allocation of acetate between anabolic and catabolic processes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Ionic Liquid‐Driven Modulation of DNA Brush Morphology on Nanoparticle Surfaces

Here, the morphology of DNA is strongly influenced by its surrounding environment, including factors such as pH, salt type and valency, and the presence of polymers. Inorganic salts are known to reduce the DNA chain length through mechanisms like electrostatic screening and ion bridging. In contrast, ionic liquids, a new class of organic salts, have previously been found to increase the DNA chain length, indicating a distinct mode of interaction between the ionic liquid and DNA chains. This study utilizes self-assembled DNA-AuNPs as a model system to examine changes in the DNA chain morphology and the nanoscale interaction mechanisms in an ionic liquid environment. The DNA chain lengths are measured in solution using X-ray scattering measurements at varying concentrations of two imidazolium ([$BMIM$] acetate and [$EMIM$] acetate) based ionic liquids. Additionally, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are performed mimicking the experimental system. Our results suggest an interplay of electrostatic and groove-binding interactions governing the DNA chain morphology, which depends on IL concentration and the composition of the DNA chains. It has been found that for DNA chains with majority ssDNA, electrostatic interaction dominate, however with increasing composition of double strands, the DNA chains exhibit compaction due to a non-electrostatic hydrophobic groove-binding mechanism.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Microgravity Compatible Reagentless Instrumentation for Detection of Dissolved Organic Acids and Alcohols in Potable Water

The Organic Acid and Alcohol Monitor (OAAM) program has resulted in the successful development of a computer controlled prototype analyzer capable of accurately determining aqueous organic acids and primary alcohol concentrations over a large dynamic range with high sensitivity. Formic, acetic, and propionic acid were accurately determined at concentrations as low as 5 to 10 micrograms/L in under 20 minutes, or as high as 10 to 20 mg/L in under 30 minutes. Methanol, ethanol, and propanol were determined at concentrations as low as 20 to 100 micrograms/L, or as high as 10 mg/L in under 30 minutes. Importantly for space based application, the OAAM requires no reagents or hazardous chemicals to perform these analyses needing only power, water, and CO2 free purge gas. The OAAM utilized two membrane processes to segregate organic acids from interfering ions. The organic acid concentration was then determined based upon the conductiometric signal. Separation of individual organic acids was accomplished using a chromatographic column. Alcohols are determined in a similar manner after conversion to organic acids by sequential biocatalytic and catalytic oxidation steps. The OAAM was designed to allow the early diagnosis of under performing or failing sub-systems within the Water Recovery System (WRS) baselined for the International Space Station (ISS). To achieve this goal, several new technologies were developed over the course of the OAAM program.

Akse, James R.↗

Manufacturing Ethyl Acetate From Fermentation Ethanol

Conceptual process uses dilute product of fermentation instead of concentrated ethanol. Low-concentration ethanol, extracted by vacuum from fermentation tank, and acetic acid constitutes feedstock for catalytic reaction. Product of reaction goes through steps that increases ethyl acetate content to 93 percent by weight. To conserve energy, heat exchangers recycle waste heat to preheat process streams at various points.

Rohatgi, Naresh K.↗

Stable electrospray signal on a microfabricated glass chip with three-dimensional open edge and tiered depth geometries

This paper presents the microfabrication and performance of a three-dimensional electrospray ionization (ESI) emitter tip made from glass, which achieves stable current signals important for chemical analysis. Our novel microfabrication process and custom-built signal conditioning hardware provides the advantage of providing accurate features and steady signals. The fabrication process relies on standard microfabrication techniques (i.e., deposition, photolithography, and wet etching). This fabrication method involves the novel application of two layers of positive and negative photoresists in addition to Parafilm® wax tape. Open edge and tiered depth details were successfully created from a multilayer planar mask. This is a benefit for integrated miniaturized and microfluidic systems that often require micro features for their functionality but relatively large millimeter size features for their physical periphery. We demonstrate the fundamental performance of electrospray with this microfluidic chip. The emitter tip was fixed on a linear axis stage with high resolution (10 μm) to finely control the tip distance from a metal counter electrode plate. Further, a custom printed circuit board system was built to safely control four voltages applied to the microchip ports from a single high voltage power supply. To readily form the electrospray, non-aqueous solvents were used for their low viscosity and a constant voltage of +2.7 kV was applied to the sheath electrospray microchannel. The liquid being sprayed was 80/20 (v/v) methanol/acetonitrile with 0.1% acetic acid in the sheath microchannel and with ammonium acetate (10–40 mM) in its remaining microchannels. The electrospray signal was measured in response to varying the distance (1.4 to 1.6mm) between the electrospray emitter tip and a metal counter electrode plate in addition to the varying concentration of the background electrolyte, ammonium acetate. Stable and repeatable electrospray signal showed linear relationships with emitter tip distance and concentration (r 2 ≥ 0.95).

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Modified LC/MS/MS Method with Enhanced Sensitivity for the Determination of Scopolamine in Human Plasma

Intranasal scopolamine is a choice drug for the treatment of motion sickness during space flight because of its quick onset of action, short half-life and favorable sideeffects profile. The dose administered usually ranges between 0.1 and 0.4 mg. Such small doses make it difficult to detect concentrations of scopolamine in biological fluids using existing sensitive LC/MS/MS method, especially when the biological sample volumes are limited. To measure scopolamine in human plasma to facilitate pharmacokinetic evaluation of the drug, we developed a sensitive LC/MS/MS method using 96 well micro elution plates for solid phase extraction (SPE) of scopolamine in human plasma. Human plasma (100-250 micro L) were loaded onto Waters Oasis HLB 96 well micro elution plate and eluted with 50 L of organic solvent without evaporation and reconstitution. HPLC separation of the eluted sample was performed using an Agilent Zorbax SB-CN column (50 x 2.1 mm) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 3 minutes. The mobile phase for separation was 80:20 (v/v) methanol: ammonium acetate (30 mM) in water. Concentrations of scopolamine were determined using a Micromass Quattro Micro(TM) mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI). ESI mass spectra were acquired in positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring for the determination of scopolamine m/z = 304.2 right arrow 138.1 and internal standard hyoscyamine m/z = 290.2 right arrow 124.1. The method is rapid, reproducible, specific and has the following parameters: scopolamine and the IS are eluted at about 1.1 and 1.7 min respectively. The linear range is 25-10000 pg/mL for scopolamine in human plasma with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99 and CV less than 0.5%. The intra-day and inter-day CVs are less than 15% for quality control samples with concentrations of 75,300, and 750 pg/mL of scopolamine in human plasma. SPE using 96 well micro elution plates allows rapid sample preparation and enhanced sensitivity for the LC/MS/MS determination of scopolamine in a small volume of biological samples. The new method is also cost effective since it uses a small volume of organic solvents compared to the methods using SPE cartridges or regular 96 well SPE plates. This method can be successfully used for bioavailability and pharmacokinetic evaluations of scopolamine, especially when volumes of biological samples are limited. Further investigation to use automated SPE system with 96 well micro elution plates is planned.

Wang, Zuwei↗

Development of a Photoacoustic Formaldehyde Monitor

Key indoor air quality pollutant formaldehyde (H2CO) is tracked on International Space Station (ISS) using passive badges returned to the ground periodically for analysis. The process is time-consuming both in preparation and for analysis upon return 6-12 months later. Badges also require precious crew time for deploy, retrieval and stow. As NASA’s focus in space exploration shifts to the Moon and Mars, archival sample return becomes increasingly impractical, so the aim of this project is to develop a highly reliable real-time analyzer for H2CO at low concentrations with data downlinked. Potential sources of H2CO include materials off gassing, use of formalin as a tissue fixative in biological payloads and overheating of acetal polymers. The Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) for H2CO is 100 ppb for exposures of 7 days or longer. ISS concentrations recently run only 10 - 30 ppb but have spiked as high as 60 ppb in the past. Gateway real time monitoring requirements call for a range of 8 - 140 ppb. For this project, a concentration range of 5 - 500 ppb H2CO is targeted. The core tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the NASA and US Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Monitors based on this technology have been demonstrated on ISS, trialed on a nuclear submarine and are in production as Anomaly Gas Analyzers for both ISS and Orion. Initially, direct absorption TDLS was used exclusively in these monitors, however, the H2CO target concentration is much lower, and a longer wavelength required, so a photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique was adapted, where the laser excitation is detected by a sensitive microphone vs. a conventional photodetector. This paper will discuss the results of NASA-JSC laboratory testing of a prototype PAS based formaldehyde monitor and explore potential adaptations for Gateway missions and beyond.

Paul D Mudgett↗

Development of a Photoacoustic Formaldehyde Monitor

Key indoor air quality pollutant formaldehyde (H 2 CO) is tracked on International Space Station (ISS) using passive badges returned to the ground periodically for analysis. The process is time-consuming both in preparation and for analysis upon return 6-12 months later. Badges also require precious crew time for deploy, retrieval and stow. As NASA’s focus in space exploration shifts to the Moon and Mars, archival sample return becomes increasingly impractical, so the aim of this project is to develop a highly reliable real-time analyzer for H 2 CO at low concentrations with data downlinked. Potential sources of H 2 CO include materials off gassing, use of formalin as a tissue fixative in biological payloads and overheating of acetal polymers. The Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) for H 2 CO in air is 100 ppb for exposures of 7 days or longer. ISS concentrations of H 2 CO are running only 10 - 30 ppb in the recent several years but have spiked as high as 60 ppb. Gateway real time monitoring requirements for H 2 CO call for a range of 8 - 138 ppb. For this project, a concentration range of 5 - 500 ppb H 2 CO is targeted. The core tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) technology used for this project was developed by Vista Photonics through the NASA and US Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Monitors based on TDLS have been demonstrated on ISS, trialed on a nuclear submarine and are being certified as portable Anomaly Gas Analyzers (AGA) for both ISS and Orion. Initially, direct absorption TDLS was used exclusively in these devices. The H 2 CO target concentration, however, is low ppb, and a longer wavelength is required, so a photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique was adapted, where the laser excitation is detected by a sensitive microphone vs. a conventional photodetector. This paper will discuss the results of NASA-JSC laboratory testing of a prototype PAS based formaldehyde in air monitor and briefly discuss next steps.

Photoacoustic Formaldehyde Monitor↗

Trace element release from estuarine sediments of South Mosquito Lagoon near Kennedy Space Center

Analytical partitioning of four trace metals in estuarine sediments collected from eight sites in South Mosquito Lagoon near Kennedy Space Center, in terms of four different categories was accomplished using four different extraction techniques. The concentrations of the four trace metals, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Cu, released in interstitial water extract, 1 N ammonium acetate extract, conc. HCl extract and fusion extract of sediments as well as their concentrations in water samples collected from the same location were determined using flame atomic absorption technique. From the analytical results the percentages of total amount of each metal distributed among four different categories, interstitial water phase, acetate extractable, acid extractable and detrital crystalline material, were determined. Our results suggest that analytical partitioning of trace metals in estuarine sediments may be used to study the mechanism of incorporation of trace metals with sediments from natural waters. A correlation between the seasonal variation in the concentration of acetate extractable trace metals in the sediment and similar variation in their concentration in water was observed. A mechanism for the release of trace metals from estuarine sediments to natural water is also suggested.

Menon, M. P.↗

Separation of radium and actinium using zirconia

Herein, zirconia was investigated as a radiation-resistant support for radium and actinium aqueous ion separations. Acetate and total metal ion concentrations were experimentally evaluated as factors that could affect retention using La and Ba surrogates. Pseudo-second order rate constants were derived and the uptake of La was determined to be endothermic. Elution profiles containing Ba, La, 228 Ra, 228 Ac, and 212 Pb are presented and discussed.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Transient Absorption Spectroscopy Offers Mechanistic Insights for an Iridium/Nickel-Catalyzed C–O Coupling

We report mechanistic insights into an iridium/nickel photocatalytic C–O cross-coupling reaction from time-resolved spectroscopic studies. Using transient absorption spectroscopy, energy transfer from an iridium photocatalyst to a catalytically relevant Ni(II)(aryl) acetate acceptor was observed. Concentration-dependent lifetime measurements suggest the mechanism of the subsequent reductive elimination is a unimolecular process occurring on the long-lived excited state of the Ni(II) complex. Furthermore, we envision that our study of the productive energy-transfer-mediated pathway would encourage the development of new excited-state reactivities in the field of metallaphotocatalysis that are enabled by light harvesting.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Developing Inorganic Resins for Radium and Actinium Generators and Purifications

The inorganic, normal-phase sorbents alumina, titania, and zirconia were evaluated and screened for the separation of Ba, La, 228 Ra, 228 Ac, and 212 Pb in a dilute acid matrix. The results show that the sorbents are capable of fractionating the ions between pH 1–8. Acetate and total metal ion concentrations were experimentally evaluated as factors that could affect retention using La and Ba surrogates. Pseudo-second order rate constants were derived and the uptake of La was determined to be endothermic. A stationary zirconia column was used to isolate Ba from La and Ra from Ac/Pb; elution profiles of each separation are presented. The utility and implications of these sorbents are discussed with respects to large-scale production of 225 Ac from radium targets. This work was published in 2020 and in 2022.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Micro-apparatus for rapid determinations of protein solubilities

We have developed a column-based micro-technique for rapid determinations of protein solubilities. While retaining a large crystal surface area, the column dead volume has been reduced to equal to or less than 5 micro liters. The technique was tested with tetragonal lysozyme (pH 4.5, 0.1 M acetate, 3.0 percent NaCl, 5-25 C) and column volumes of about 60, 300, and 900 micro liters. Identical solubility data were obtained, indicating that equilibration was obtained even in the smallest columns. In addition, solubility data for Br- and I- salts of lysozyme (pH 4.5, 0.1 M acetate buffer, 0.5 M salt concentrations) were obtained. It appears that the technique can be further miniaturized. The limit in further reducing the crystalline column volume is determined by the minimum solution sample size needed to determine the protein concentration.

Pusey, Marc L.↗