bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Profile of Eggs from Pasture-Raised Hens Fed a Corn- and Soy-Free Diet and Supplemented with Grass-Fed Beef Suet and Liver
Authors: Sergin Selin , Jambunathan Vijayashree , Garg Esha , Rowntree Jason E. , Fenton Jenifer I.
Published: October 2022

There is increasing interest in using grass-fed beef (GFB) by-products to augment the nutrient profile of eggs among local pasture-raising systems in the US. The objective of this study was to characterize egg yolk fatty acid and antioxidant profiles using eggs from pasture-raised hens fed a corn- and soy-free diet and supplemented with GFB suet and liver compared to eggs from pasture-raised hens fed a corn and soy layer hen feed and commercially obtained cage-free eggs. The egg yolk vitamin and mineral profile was also assessed by a commercial laboratory. Both pasture-raised groups had twice as much carotenoid content, three times as much omega-3 fatty acid content, and a 5–10 times lower omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio compared to the cage-free eggs (p < 0.001). Eggs from hens fed a corn- and soy-free feed and GFB by-products had half as much omega-6 fatty acid content and five times more conjugated linoleic acid, three times more odd-chain fatty acid, and 6–70 times more branched-chain fatty acid content (p < 0.001). Feeding pasture-raised hens GFB suet and liver reduces agricultural waste while producing improved egg products for consumers, but further research is needed to quantify optimal supplementation levels and the efficacy of corn- and soy-free diets.
Protein Quality and Sensory Perception of Hamburgers Based on Quinoa, Lupin and Corn
Authors: Chilón-Llico Raquel , Siguas-Cruzado Lilia , Apaza-Humerez Carmen R. , Morales-García Wilter C. , Silva-Paz Reynaldo J.
Published: October 2022

The need for partial or total substitution of animal protein sources by vegetable sources of high protein quality with good sensory acceptance is a promising alternative. The objective was to develop a hamburger with vegetable protein using a mixture design based on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), Peruvian Andean corn (Zea mays) and Andean lupine (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet). The design of these mixtures allowed obtaining eleven formulations, three of which were selected for complying with the amino acid intake for adults recommended by FAO. Then, a completely randomized design was applied to the selected samples plus a commercial product. Proximal composition was measured on a dry basis (protein, fat, carbohydrates, and ash), calculation of the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and a sensory analysis was carried out using the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method with acceptability in 132 regular consumers of vegetarian products. Protein, fat, carbohydrate, and ash contents ranged from 18.5–24.5, 4.1–7.5, 65.4–72.1 and 2.8–5.9%, respectively. The use of Andean crops favored the protein content and the contribution of sulfur amino acids (SAA) and tryptophan from quinoa and lysine and threonine from lupin. The samples with Andean crops were described as easy to cut, soft, good, healthy, legume flavor, tasty and light brown, however the commercial sample was characterized as difficult to cut, hard, dark brown, uneven color, dry and grainy. The sample with 50% quinoa and 50% lupin was the most acceptable and reached a digestibility of 0.92. It complied with the lysine, threonine, and tryptophan intake, with the exception of SAA, according to the essential amino acid pattern proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Recent Progress in the Study of Taste Characteristics and the Nutrition and Health Properties of Organic Acids in Foods
Authors: Shi Yige , Pu Dandan , Zhou Xuewei , Zhang Yuyu
Published: October 2022

Organic acids could improve the food flavor, maintain the nutritional value, and extend the shelf life of food. This review summarizes the detection methods and concentrations of organic acids in different foods, as well as their taste characteristics and nutritional properties. The composition of organic acids varies in different food. Fruits and vegetables often contain citric acid, creatine is a unique organic acid found in meat, fermented foods have a high content of acetic acid, and seasonings have a wide range of organic acids. Determination of the organic acid contents among different food matrices allows us to monitor the sensory properties, origin identification, and quality control of foods, and further provides a basis for food formulation design. The taste characteristics and the acid taste perception mechanisms of organic acids have made some progress, and binary taste interaction is the key method to decode multiple taste perception. Real food and solution models elucidated that the organic acid has an asymmetric interaction effect on the other four basic taste attributes. In addition, in terms of nutrition and health, organic acids can provide energy and metabolism regulation to protect the human immune and myocardial systems. Moreover, it also exhibited bacterial inhibition by disrupting the internal balance of bacteria and inhibiting enzyme activity. It is of great significance to clarify the synergistic dose-effect relationship between organic acids and other taste sensations and further promote the application of organic acids in food salt reduction.
Evaluation of Radio Frequency-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Non-Anthocyanin Polyphenols from Akebia trifoliata Flowers and Their Biological Activities Using UPLC-PDA-TOF-ESI-MS and Chemometrics
Authors: Song Xiaoyong , Jiang Yongli , Zhong Yu , Wang Danfeng , Deng Yun
Published: October 2022

A new radio frequency heating-assisted enzymatic extraction (RF-E) method is applied for the determination of phenolic compounds in Akebia trifoliata flowers, compared with hot water, acidified ethanol (EtOH), and enzymatic-assisted (EA) extractions. Non-anthocyanin polyphenol profiles, antibacterial, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, anti-inflammatory activities, and structures of extracts are evaluated. Results show no significant differences in the extraction of total flavonoid content (15.85–16.63 mg QEs/g) and ACE inhibitory activity (51.30–52.86%) between RF-E and EA extracts. RF-E extract shows the highest anti-inflammatory activities. FTIR and UV spectra reveal that acidified EtOH treatment has a significant effect on the structure of the extract due to its highest flavonoid content (20.33 mg QEs/g), thus it has the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sixteen non-anthocyanin polyphenols are identified by UPLC-PDA-TOF-ESI-MS and RF pre-treatment did not cause significant compound degradation. The chemometric analysis shows that enzymatic hydrolysis significantly increased biological activities, and the presence of non-anthocyanin polyphenols correlates well with ACE inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities. Accordingly, A trifoliata flowers have potential as reagents for the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their abundant polyphenols that could be extracted efficiently using RF-E.
Towards Substitution of Hexane as Extraction Solvent of Food Products and Ingredients with No Regrets
Authors: Cravotto Christian , Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie , Claux Ombéline , Abert-Vian Maryline , Tabasso Silvia , Cravotto Giancarlo , Chemat Farid
Published: October 2022

Hexane is a solvent used extensively in the food industry for the extraction of various products such as vegetable oils, fats, flavours, fragrances, colour additives or other bioactive ingredients. As it is classified as a “processing aid”, it does not have to be declared on the label under current legislation. Therefore, although traces of hexane may be found in final products, especially in processed products, its presence is not known to consumers. However, hexane, and in particular the n-hexane isomer, has been shown to be neurotoxic to humans and has even been listed as a cause of occupational diseases in several European countries since the 1970s. In order to support the European strategy for a toxic-free environment (and toxic-free food), it seemed important to collect scientific information on this substance by reviewing the available literature. This review contains valuable information on the nature and origin of the solvent hexane, its applications in the food industry, its toxicological evaluation and possible alternatives for the extraction of natural products. Numerous publications have investigated the toxicity of hexane, and several studies have demonstrated the presence of its toxic metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) in the urine of the general, non-occupationally exposed population. Surprisingly, a tolerable daily intake (TDI) has apparently never been established by any food safety authority. Since hexane residues are undoubtedly found in various foods, it seems more than necessary to clearly assess the risks associated with this hidden exposure. A clear indication on food packaging and better information on the toxicity of hexane could encourage the industry to switch towards one of the numerous other alternative extraction methods already developed.
Health-Promoting Nutrients and Potential Bioaccessibility of Breads Enriched with Fresh Kale and Spinach
Authors: Czarnowska-Kujawska Marta , Starowicz Małgorzata , Barišić Veronika , Kujawski Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Bread is a staple food and can be a potential product to be enriched with various deficient nutrients. The objective of the study was to characterize the nutritional properties of toasted bread enriched with 10% and 20% of kale and wholemeal bread with 20% and 40% of spinach. The supplementation increased the phenolic content up to 2–3 times in the bread with the addition of 20% spinach and 40% kale. The highest antioxidant properties were noticed in extracts of bread with 20% kale. The in vitro digestion released the hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidative compounds, leading to higher bioaccessibility of the breads enriched with these selected green vegetables. Even more than a 2-fold increase in folate content was observed in breads with the greatest addition of kale (20%) and spinach (40%), from 18.1 to 45.3 µg/100 g and from 37.2 to 83.2 µg/100 g, respectively, compared to the non-enriched breads. Breads with spinach showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher contents of all of the tested minerals, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, and P, whereas kale enriched breads showed most of them. The results suggest that the addition of fresh green vegetables can enhance the daily supply of micronutrients and significantly increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant status.
Isorhamnetin Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Metastasis of Human Endometrial Carcinoma Ishikawa Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Promotion and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 Inhibition In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Ye Lei , Ma Run-Hui , Zhang Xiu-Xiu , Thakur Kiran , Zhang Jian-Guo , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Busquets Rosa , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: October 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a very common female cancer which has attracted more and more attention. According to the individual patient’s condition, the current treatment of EC patients is mainly based on surgery, which is supplemented by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine intervention. However, these existing treatment strategies also have some inevitable limitations. Therefore, it is particularly important to find an active ingredient with low toxicity and a high safety profile against EC. Isorhamnetin is a flavonoid known to be present in a variety of plants, such as sea buckthorn, dry willow, and wolfberry. In recent years, the anti-tumor effects of isorhamnetin have been reported. In our study, isorhamnetin was shown to induce apoptosis in Ishikawa cells by inducing the endogenous mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and exogenous death receptor pathway, promoting the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related pathway, and activating the corresponding markers of UPR response. In addition, isorhamnetin affected the expression of MMP2 and MMP9-related proteins in vitro and in vivo and eventually repressed metastasis. Therefore, isorhamnetin can be used as a promising medicinal material for the treatment of EC.
Potential Health Benefits of Yeast-Leavened Bread Containing LAB Pediococcus pentosaceus Fermented Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus): Both In Vitro and In Vivo Aspects
Authors: Omedi Jacob Ojobi , Li Ning , Chen Cheng , Cheng Xin , Huang Jing , Zhang Binle , Gao Tiecheng , Liang Li , Zhou Zhongkai , Huang Weining
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the incorporation of 0–25% pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) fermented by Pediococcus pentosaceus on physicochemical and bioactive properties of yeast-leavened wheat-mung bean bread. The results revealed that β-glucosidase activity increased during dough proofing, which may contribute to changes in dietary fiber. Compared to wheat bread, experimental bread had an increased content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF), total phenolic, total flavonoid, and slowly digestible starch, especially in wheat-mung bean bread prepared with 15% pitaya fermentates (WMB-15F). The effect of bread consumption on systemic inflammation, glucose tolerance, and blood lipid profiles was also evaluated via a mice model. The results indicated that levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines declined and glucose tolerance improved, while LDL and HDL were positively modified compared to control. Furthermore, an increased abundance of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, and Bifidobacterium spp. was observed in WMB-15F mice. Acetic acid was the dominant short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces and serum in all groups. Total SCFAs in circulation were highest in WMB-15F mice compared to other groups. In summary, an increased abundance of beneficial gut microbiota and promoted SCFA production might be highly associated with increased SDF and the release of key phenolic compounds during dough proofing, which exerts health benefits aroused from the consumption of yeast-leavened bread.
Palatability and Bio-Functionality of Chalky Grains Generated by High-Temperature Ripening and Development of Formulae for Estimating the Degree of Damage Using a Rapid Visco Analyzer of Japonica Unpolished Rice
Authors: Nakamura Sumiko , Hasegawa Moeka , Kobayashi Yuta , Komata Chikashi , Katsura Junji , Maruyama Yasuhiro , Ohtsubo Ken’ichi
Published: October 2022

Global warming inhibits grain filling in rice and leads to chalky grains, which are damaged in physical and cooking qualities. In the present paper, we evaluated 54 Japonica unpolished rice grains harvested in Japan in 2020, and these samples (original grains) were divided to two groups (whole grains and chalky grains). Using rice grains of 100% whole grains or those blended with 30% of chalky grains, we measured contents of sugars and amino acids, and textural properties of boiled rice grains. It was shown that the α-amylase activity and proteinase activity of raw chalky rice were significantly higher than those of whole rice grains, which led to the significant increase of low-molecular-weight sugars and free amino acids after boiling. Furthermore, hardness and toughness of the boiled rice grains were decreased markedly by blending chalky grains. The ratio of α-amylase activity of chalky grains to that of whole grains was shown to be a useful indicator for damage degree by high-temperature ripening. It became possible to estimate the degree of high-temperature damage of rice grains based on only the pasting properties of unpolished rice.
Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) Reduces Obesity and Blood Pressure in Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Thomaz Fernanda Santos , Tan Yuen P. , Williams Craig M. , Ward Leigh C. , Worrall Simon , Panchal Sunil K.
Published: October 2022

6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) has several biological functions. The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of hydroponically grown Tasmanian wasabi (Eutrema japonicum (Miq.) Koidz.) for 6-MSITC in all plant tissues and investigate the influence of wasabi (rhizome and stem blend) in high-carbohydrate, high-fat (H) diet-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either a corn starch (C) or H diet. After the initial 8 weeks, half of the animals on the C and H diets were given 5% (w/w) wasabi powder in their respective diets for an 8-week duration (CW and HW). The control animals received diets without supplementation throughout the 16-week experiment. Our findings demonstrated that wasabi grown under hydroponic conditions contained 6-MSITC in all parts of the plant such as the stem, leaf and flower, as well as the commonly used rhizome, albeit at lower concentrations. Rats treated with wasabi showed reductions in body weight (H, 460.0 ± 9.5; HW, 416.0 ± 3.6 g), fat mass (H, 178 ± 14; HW, 120 ± 23 g), plasma triglycerides (H, 1.7 ± 0.3; HW, 0.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L) and total cholesterol (H, 1.5 ± 0.1; HW, 1.0 ± 0.04 mmol/L), and the plasma activities of aspartate transaminase. Systolic blood pressure and the area under the curve of blood glucose concentration were decreased by wasabi treatment. Thus, wasabi may be a novel alternative treatment to assist in the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Biopreservation of Refrigerated Mackerel (Auxis thazard) Slices by Rice Starch-Based Coating Containing Polyphenol Extract from Glochidion wallichianum Leaf
Authors: Chumsri Paramee , Panpipat Worawan , Cheong Lingzhi , Panya Atikorn , Phonsatta Natthaporn , Chaijan Manat
Published: October 2022

Both microbial decomposition and oxidative deterioration contribute to the qualitative degradation of fresh or minimally preserved fish, which negatively impacts the shelf-life of fish, especially those with dark flesh like mackerel. It is becoming more typical to use edible coatings to preserve the freshness of fish products. Herein, the effects of a rice starch (RS) based coating incorporated with dried crude, aqueous Mon-pu (Glochidion wallichianum) leaf extract (MPE) at varying concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w) on the quality characteristics of mackerel (Auxis thazard) slices during storage at 4 °C were investigated. Uncoated slices had a shelf-life of 6 days, whereas samples coated with RS and 0.5% MPE extended the shelf-life to 9 days by keeping the overall microbiological quality below the permitted level of 6 log CFU/g. The changes in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; <2 mg malondialdehyde equivalent/kg), propanal content, heme iron degradation, myoglobin redox instability, and surface discoloration (a* value and total color difference; ΔE) can all be delayed by this coating condition. Additionally, the RS-MPE coating can maintain the sensory quality of refrigerated mackerel slices and preserve the textural property (water holding capacity and hardness), as well as postpone the development of an off-odor as indicated by lowered contents of total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N; not exceeding the acceptable limit of 25 mg/100 g) and trimethylamine (TMA; not exceeding the acceptable limit of 10 mg/100 g). Therefore, a biopreservative coating made of RS and MPE, especially at 0.5%, can be employed to extend the shelf-life of refrigerated mackerel slices up to 9 days.
Coupling a Neural Network with a Spatial Downscaling Procedure to Improve Probabilistic Nowcast for Urban Rain Radars
Authors: Marrocu Marino , Massidda Luca
Published: October 2022

Rainfall forecasting plays a key role in mitigating environmental risks in urban areas, which are subject to increasing hydrogeological risk due to transformations in the urban landscape. We present a new technique for probabilistic precipitation nowcasting by generating an ensemble of equiprobable forecasts, which is especially useful for weather radars with limited spatial range, and that can be used operationally on devices with low computational capacity. The ensemble members are obtained by a novel stochastic noise generation process, consistent with the spatial scales not resolved by the prediction model, which allows continuous downscaling of the output of a deep generative neural network. Through an in-depth analysis of the results, for precipitation accumulated in the first hour, measured by all the most robust skill indicators, extended to an entire year of data at 5-min time resolution, we demonstrate that the proposed procedure is able to provide calibrated, reliable, and sharp ensemble rainfall forecasts with a quality comparable or superior to the state-of-the-art classical alternative optical flow technique. The ensemble generation procedure we propose is sufficiently general to be applied in principle to other deterministic architectures as well, thus enabling their generalization in probabilistic terms.
Precision and Reliability of Forecasts Performance Metrics
Authors: St-Aubin Philippe , Agard Bruno
Published: October 2022

The selection of an accurate performance metric is highly important to evaluate the quality of a forecasting method. This evaluation may help to select between different forecasting tools of forecasting outputs, and then support many decisions within a company. This paper proposes to evaluate the sensitivity and reliability of forecasts performance metrics. The methodology is tested using multiple time series of different scales and demand patterns, such as intermittent demand. The idea is to add to each series a noise following a known distribution to represent forecasting models of a known error distribution. Varying the parameters of the distribution of the noise allows to evaluate how sensitive and reliable performance metrics are to changes in bias and variance of the error of a forecasting model. The experiments concluded that sRMSE is more reliable than MASE in most cases on those series. sRMSE is especially reliable for detecting changes in the variance of a model and sPIS is the most sensitive metric to the bias of a model. sAPIS is sensible to both variance and bias but is less reliable.
Skeletal Sex Estimation Methods Based on the Athens Collection
Authors: Chovalopoulou Maria-Eleni , Valakos Efstratios , Nikita Efthymia
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper was to present all studies that have used the Athens Collection in order to develop methods for skeletal sex estimations and highlight the importance of documented skeletal reference collections in forensic anthropology. The Athens Collection is housed at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; it consists of 250 individuals and both sexes are well-represented. Several studies have used this collection for skeletal sex estimations. In particular, macroscopic observation methods have been used based on the cranium and pelvis; metric methods, including geometric morphometrics, have been applied to cranial and postcranial elements. These studies involved both the development of methods for the sex estimation of Greek/Eastern Mediterranean assemblages and an examination of the accuracy of the existing methods, thus making this collection a key resource for forensic anthropological and bioarchaeological research.
Influence of Geotextile Materials on the Fractal Characteristics of Desiccation Cracking of Soil
Authors: Yang Binbin , Yuan Shichong , Shen Zhenzhou , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the irregular cracks formed during the damage evolution of civil engineering materials have been able to be quantitatively described by using fractals. In this study, the fractal characteristics of the desiccation cracking of soil were investigated under different substrate contact and permeability conditions through a natural drying test in the laboratory. Three kinds of base contact conditions of soil, namely, grease, geomembrane, and geotextile, were designed, and two samples for each contact condition, including one parallel sample, were used. The continuous drying experiment was carried out at a constant ambient temperature. The crack morphology under different spacings was analyzed quantitatively using digital image processing technology. The fractal dimensions of three soil substrate contact conditions (grease, geomembranes, and geotextiles) were between 1.238 and 1.93. When the crack network on the soil surface stops developing, the fractal dimensions under the three experimental conditions are 1.88, 1.93 and 1.79, respectively. In the final state of crack development, the crack intensity factor of the sample with grease at the bottom is 2.99% and 4.02% higher than that of the sample with geomembranes and geotextiles at the bottom, respectively. The residual water contents of the samples with bottom contact conditions of grease, geomembrane, and geotextile increase successively, which are 3.12%, 5.76% and 9.71%, respectively. The effects of interface friction and permeability on soil cracking behavior are analyzed, and the evolution characteristics and formation mechanisms of cracks in soil are revealed.
Existence and Ulam–Hyers Stability Analysis for Coupled Differential Equations of Fractional-Order with Nonlocal Generalized Conditions via Generalized Liouville–Caputo Derivative
Authors: Subramanian Muthaiah , Aljoudi Shorog
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we investigate the existence and Hyers–Ulam stability of a coupled differential equations of fractional-order with multi-point (discrete) and integral boundary conditions that are related to Katugampola integrals. This manuscript can be categorized into four parts: The Leray–Schauder alternative and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorems are used to prove the existence of a solution in the first and third section. The second section emphasizes the analysis of uniqueness, which is based on the Banach fixed point theorem’s concept of contraction mapping, and the fourth section establishes the Hyers–Ulam stability results. We demonstrate Hyers–Ulam stability using the traditional functional analysis technique. Finally, the consequences are validated using examples.
Ultimate Boundedness and Finite Time Stability for a High Dimensional Fractional-Order Lorenz Model
Authors: Huang Min , Lu Shichang , Shateyi Stanford , Saberi-Nik Hassan
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the global attractive set (GAS) and positive invariant set (PIS) of the five-dimensional Lorenz model with the fractional order derivative are studied. Using the Mittag-Leffler function and Lyapunov function method, the ultimate boundedness of the proposed system are estimated. An effective control strategy is also designed to achieve the finite time stability of this fractional chaotic system. The corresponding boundedness and control scheme are numerically verified to show the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Analytical Solutions of the Nonlinear Time-Fractional Coupled Boussinesq-Burger Equations Using Laplace Residual Power Series Technique
Authors: Sarhan Aref , Burqan Aliaa , Saadeh Rania , Al-Zhour Zeyad
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present the series solutions of the nonlinear time-fractional coupled Boussinesq-Burger equations (T-FCB-BEs) using Laplace-residual power series (L-RPS) technique in the sense of Caputo fractional derivative (C-FD). To assert the efficiency, simplicity, performance, and reliability of our proposed method, an attractive and interesting numerical example is tested analytically and graphically. In addition, our obtained results show that this algorithm is compatible and accurate for investigating the fractional-order solutions of engineering and physical applications. Finally, Mathematica software 14 is applied to compute the numerical and graphical results.
Fractal Analysis for Wave Propagation in Combustion–Explosion Fracturing Shale Reservoir
Authors: Shang Xiaoji , Zhang Zhizhen , Yang Weihao , Wang J. G. , Zhai Cheng
Published: October 2022

The in-situ combustion–explosion fracturing technology in shale reservoirs can promote continuous fracture expansion with a radial detonation wave first converging into a shock wave and then decaying into an elastic wave. The transformation scale of the shale reservoir is determined by the range of wave propagation during combustion–explosion. As wave propagation paths are usually tortuous and fractal, the previous integer wave models are not competent to describe the wave propagation and estimate the impact range of the combustion–explosion fracturing process. This study develops two fractional wave propagation models and seeks analytical solutions. Firstly, a novel fractional wave model of rotation angle is proposed to describe the process of detonation waves converting into shock waves in a bifurcated structure. The radial displacement gradient of the detonation wave is represented by the internal expansion and rotation deformation of the shale. Secondly, another fractional wave propagation model of radial displacement is proposed to show the process of a shock wave decaying into an elastic wave. Thirdly, the proposed models are analytically solved through the fractional variable separation method and variational iteration method, respectively. Analytical solutions for rotation angle and radial displacement with fractal time and space are obtained. Finally, the impacts of the branching parameter of the detonation wave converge bifurcation system, aggregation order of detonation compression wave, and different types of explosives on the rotation angle of the shock wave are investigated. The propagation mechanism of the primary wave (P-wave) with time and space is analyzed. The analytical solutions can well describe the wave propagation process in fractured shales. The proposed fractional wave propagation models can promote the research of wave propagation in the combustion–explosion fracturing process of shale reservoirs.
Extended Comparison between Two Derivative-Free Methods of Order Six for Equations under the Same Conditions
Authors: Regmi Samundra , Argyros Ioannis K. , Argyros Christopher I. , Sharma Debasis
Published: October 2022

Under the same conditions, we propose the extended comparison between two derivative free schemes of order six for addressing equations. The existing convergence technique used the standard Taylor series approach, which requires derivatives up to order seven. In contrast to previous researchers, our convergence theorems only demand the first derivative. In addition, formulas for determining the region of uniqueness for the solution, convergence radii, and error estimations are suggested. As a consequence, we broaden the utility of these productive schemes. Moreover, we present a comparison of attraction basins for these schemes to obtain roots of complex polynomial equations. The confirmation of our convergence findings on application problems brings this research to a close.
Misperception and Cognition in Markets
Authors: Young Benjamin
Published: October 2022

We consider a market setting where a consumer holds either a naive or sophisticated perception of their preference over products. We introduce the concept of a cognitive equilibrium, in which the consumer can transition between the cognitive states of naiveté and sophistication depending on the degree of exploitation in the market. We compare market outcomes under monopoly and competition. While competition unambiguously improves market outcomes when the consumer’s cognitive state is exogenous, it can strictly lower gains from trade when cognitive states are endogenously determined.
Cryostructuring of Polymeric Systems: 63. Synthesis of Two Chemically Tanned Gelatin-Based Cryostructurates and Evaluation of Their Potential as Scaffolds for Culturing of Mammalian Cells
Authors: Lozinsky Vladimir I. , Kulakova Valentina K. , Grigoriev Alexei M. , Podorozhko Elena A. , Kirsanova Ludmila A. , Kirillova Aleksandra D. , Novikov Ivan A. , Basok Yulia B. , Sevastianov Viktor I.
Published: October 2022

Various gelatin-containing gel materials are used as scaffolds for animal and human cell culturing within the fields of cell technologies and tissue engineering. Cryostructuring is a promising technique for the preparation of efficient macroporous scaffolds in biomedical applications. In the current study, two new gelatin-based cryostructurates were synthesized, their physicochemical properties and microstructure were evaluated, and their ability to serve as biocompatible scaffolds for mammalian cells culturing was tested. The preparation procedure included the dissolution of Type A gelatin in water, the addition of urea to inhibit self-gelation, the freezing of such a solution, ice sublimation in vacuo, and urea extraction with ethanol from the freeze-dried matter followed by its cross-linking in an ethanol medium with either carbodiimide or glyoxal. It was shown that in the former case, a denser cross-linked polymer phase was formed, while in the latter case, the macropores in the resultant biopolymer material were wider. The subsequent biotesting of these scaffolds demonstrated their biocompatibility for human mesenchymal stromal cells and HepG2 cells during subcutaneous implantation in rats. Albumin secretion and urea synthesis by HepG2 cells confirmed the possibility of using gelatin cryostructurates for liver tissue engineering.
Bioresorbable Chitosan-Based Bone Regeneration Scaffold Using Various Bioceramics and the Alteration of Photoinitiator Concentration in an Extended UV Photocrosslinking Reaction
Authors: Azaman Farah Alwani , Zhou Keran , Blanes-Martínez María del Mar , Brennan Fournet Margaret , Devine Declan M.
Published: October 2022

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an ongoing field of research based on clinical needs to treat delayed and non-union long bone fractures. An ideal tissue engineering scaffold should have a biodegradability property matching the rate of new bone turnover, be non-toxic, have good mechanical properties, and mimic the natural extracellular matrix to induce bone regeneration. In this study, biodegradable chitosan (CS) scaffolds were prepared with combinations of bioactive ceramics, namely hydroxyapatite (HAp), tricalcium phosphate-α (TCP- α), and fluorapatite (FAp), with a fixed concentration of benzophenone photoinitiator (50 µL of 0.1% (w/v)) and crosslinked using a UV curing system. The efficacy of the one-step crosslinking reaction was assessed using swelling and compression testing, SEM and FTIR analysis, and biodegradation studies in simulated body fluid. Results indicate that the scaffolds had comparable mechanical properties, which were: 13.69 ± 1.06 (CS/HAp), 12.82 ± 4.10 (CS/TCP-α), 13.87 ± 2.9 (CS/HAp/TCP-α), and 15.55 ± 0.56 (CS/FAp). Consequently, various benzophenone concentrations were added to CS/HAp formulations to determine their effect on the degradation rate. Based on the mechanical properties and degradation profile of CS/HAp, it was found that 5 µL of 0.1% (w/v) benzophenone resulted in the highest degradation rate at eight weeks (54.48% degraded), while maintaining compressive strength between (4.04 ± 1.49 to 10.17 ± 4.78 MPa) during degradation testing. These results indicate that incorporating bioceramics with a suitable photoinitiator concentration can tailor the biodegradability and load-bearing capacity of the scaffolds.
5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Red Led in Endodontics: A Narrative Review and Case Report
Authors: D’Ercole Simonetta , Carlesi Teocrito , Dotta Tatiane Cristina , Pierfelice Tania Vanessa , D’Amico Emira , Tripodi Domenico , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano , Petrini Morena
Published: October 2022

The present study aims to discuss the main factors involving the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid together with red LED light and its application in endodontic treatment through a narrative review and a case report. Persistence of microorganisms remaining on chemical-mechanical preparation or intracanal dressing is reported as the leading cause of failure in endodontics. Photodynamic therapy has become a promising antimicrobial strategy as an aid to endodontic treatment. Being easy and quick to apply, it can be used both in a single session and in several sessions, as well as not allowing forms of microbial resistance. 5-aminolevulinic acid in combination with red LED light has recently been studied in many branches of medicine, with good results against numerous types of bacteria including Enterococuss faecalis. The case report showed how bacterial count of CFU decreased by half (210 CFU/mL), after 45 min of irrigation with a gel containing 5% of 5-aminolevulinic acid compared to the sample before irrigation (420 CFU/mL). The subsequent irradiation of red LED light for 7 min, the bacterial count was equal to 0. Thus, it is concluded that the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid together with red LED light is effective in endodontic treatment.
Deformation of Gels with Spherical Auxetic Inclusions
Authors: Zidek Jan , Polacek Petr , Jancar Josef
Published: October 2022

Auxetic metamaterials possess unnatural properties, such as a negative Poisson’s ratio, which offers interesting features when combined with traditional materials. This paper describes the deformation behavior of a gel consisting of spherical auxetic inclusions when embedded in a conventional matrix. The auxetic inclusions and conventional matrix were modeled as spherical objects with a controlled pore shape. The auxetic particle had a reentrant honeycomb, and the conventional phase contained honeycomb-shaped pores. The deformation behavior was simulated using various existing models based on continuum mechanics. For the continuum mechanics models—the simplest of which are the Mori–Tanaka theory and self-consistent field mechanics models—the auxetic particle was homogenized as a solid element with Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio and compared with the common composite gel filled with rigid spheres. The finite element analysis simulations using these models were performed for two cases: (1) a detailed model of one particle and its surroundings in which the structure included the design of both the reentrant and conventional honeycombs; and (2) a multiparticle face-centered cubic lattice where both the classic matrix and auxetic particle were homogenized. Our results suggest that auxetic inclusion-filled gels provide an unsurpassed balance of low density and enhanced stiffness.
Green In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles-Peptide Hydrogel Composites: Investigation of Their Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Binaymotlagh Roya , Del Giudice Alessandra , Mignardi Silvano , Amato Francesco , Marrani Andrea Giacomo , Sivori Francesca , Cavallo Ilaria , Di Domenico Enea Gino , Palocci Cleofe , Chronopoulou Laura
Published: October 2022

The present paper investigated the synthesis of peptide-based hydrogel composites containing photo-generated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained in the presence and absence of honey as tensile strength enhancer and hydrogel stabilizer. Fmoc-Phe and diphenylalanine (Phe2) were used as starting reagents for the hydrogelator synthesis via an enzymatic method. In particular, we developed an in situ one-pot approach for preparing AgNPs inside peptide hydrogels using a photochemical synthesis, without any toxic reducing agents, with reaction yields up to 30%. The structure and morphology of the nanohybrids were characterized with different techniques such as FESEM, UV-Vis, DLS, SAXS and XPS. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of these hybrid biomaterials was investigated on a laboratory strain and on a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus. Results demonstrated that honey increased both swelling ability and also mechanical stability of the hydrogel. Finally, a higher antibacterial effect of AgNPs in the hybrid was observed in the presence of honey. In particular, AgNPs/hgel and AgNPs/hgel-honey showed an enhanced antibacterial activity (3.12 mg/L) compared to the free form of AgNPs, alone or in combination with honey (6.25 mg/L) for both S. aureus strains.
Potential Mechanisms of Gut-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Participation in Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Feng Tiange , Zhang Weizhen , Li Ziru
Published: October 2022

The intestine participates in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in multiple facets. It is the major site of nutrient digestion and absorption, provides the interface as well as docking locus for gut microbiota, and harbors hormone-producing cells scattered throughout the gut epithelium. Intestinal extracellular vesicles are known to influence the local immune response, whereas their roles in glucose and lipid homeostasis have barely been explored. Hence, this current review summarizes the latest knowledge of cargo substances detected in intestinal extracellular vesicles, and connects these molecules with the fine-tuning regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in liver, muscle, pancreas, and adipose tissue.
Integrated Analysis of the Fecal Metagenome and Metabolome in Bladder Cancer in a Chinese Population
Authors: Qin Chuan , Chen Zhenghao , Cao Rui , Shi Mingjun , Tian Ye
Published: October 2022

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common malignancy of the urinary system. The gut microbiome produces various metabolites that play functional roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the integrative analysis of the gut microbiome and metabolome in BLCA has still been lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify microbial and functional characteristics and metabolites in BLCA in a Chinese population. Metagenomics, targeted metabolomics, bioinformatics, and integrative analysis were used in fecal samples of BLCA patients and healthy individuals. We found gut microbiomes were significantly dysregulated in BLCA patients, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Blautia, and Eubacterium. We also found 11Z-eicosenoic acid, 3-methoxytyrosine, abrine, aniline-2-sulfonate, arachidic acid, conjugated linoleic acids, elaidic acid, glycylleucine, glycylproline, leucyl-glycine, linoelaidic acid, linoleic acid, nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide, oleic acid, petroselinic acid, and ricinoleic acid to be significantly decreased, while cholesterol sulfate was significantly increased in BLCA patients. Integration of metagenomics and metabolomics revealed interactions between gut microbiota and metabolites and the host. We identified the alterations of gut microbiomes and metabolites in BLCA in a Chinese population. Moreover, we preliminarily revealed the associations between specific gut microbiomes and metabolites. These findings determined potential causative links among gut dysbiosis, dysregulated metabolites, and BLCA.
Importance of Polymorphisms in the Gene of Paraoxonase-1 (SNP rs662) and Apolipoprotein A-I (SNP rs670 and rs5069) in Non-Smoking and Smoking Healthy Subjects and Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ściskalska Milena , Milnerowicz Halina
Published: October 2022

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the initiation of acute pancreatitis (AP). HDL is considered to be a preventing factor against cell membrane oxidation, thanks to the presence on its surface of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1), which activity can be modified by genetic and environmental factors. The impact of SNP rs662 in the PON1 gene and SNP rs670 and rs5069 in the APOAI gene on PON1 activities and its concentration in the population of AP patients and healthy volunteers was investigated. In the group of patients with AP, a decreased HDL concentration and PON1 activities were observed. A decrease in the aryloesterase and lactonase activities of PON1 in AP patients with the TT genotype for SNP rs662 (especially in smokers) was found. In the group of patients with the AA genotype (rs670), the highest concentrations of HDL and apoA-I were observed, which were gradually decreasing in the course of AP. Changes in the concentration of apoA-I were associated with the changes in the concentration and activities of PON1 in the AP patients with the AA genotype for SNP rs670. A decreasing apoA-I concentration contributing to lowering PON1 concentration and its activities during the hospitalization of AP patients with the CC genotype for SNP rs5069 were shown. Therefore, more susceptibility of persons with the CC genotype for SNP rs5069 to pro/antioxidative imbalance was shown. In this process, an important role was played by the HDL level and its interaction with PON1 and apoA-I.
General Designs Reveal Distinct Codes in Protein-Coding and Non-Coding Human DNA
Authors: Cohen Dana
Published: October 2022

This study seeks to investigate distinct signatures and codes within different genomic sequence locations of the human genome. The promoter and other non-coding regions contain sites for the binding of biological particles, for processes such as transcription regulation. The specific rules and sequence codes that govern this remain poorly understood. To derive these (codes), the general designs of sequence are investigated. Genomic signatures are a powerful tool for assessing the general designs of sequence, and cross-comparing different genomic regions for their distinct sequence properties. Through these genomic signatures, the relative non-random properties of sequences are also assessed. Furthermore, a binary components analysis is carried out making use of information theory ideas, to study the RY (purine/pyrimidine), WS (weak/strong) and KM (keto/amino) signatures in the sequences. From this comparison, it is possible to identify the relative importance of these properties within the various protein-coding and non-coding genomic locations. The results show that coding DNA has a strongly non-random WS signature, which reflects the genetic code, and the hydrogen-bond base pairing of codon–anti-codon interactions. In contrast, non-coding locations, such as the promoter, contain a distinct genomic signature. A prominent feature throughout non-coding DNA is a highly non-random RY signature, which is very different in nature to coding DNA, and suggests a structural-based RY code. This marks progress towards deciphering the unknown code(s) in non-protein-coding DNA, and a further understanding of the coding DNA. Additionally, it unravels how DNA carries information. These findings have implications for the most fundamental principles of biology, including knowledge of gene regulation, development and disease.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Exercise-Induced Fat Loss Efficiency
Authors: Bojarczuk Aleksandra , Boulygina Eugenia A. , Dzitkowska-Zabielska Magdalena , Łubkowska Beata , Leońska-Duniec Agata , Egorova Emiliya S. , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Andryushchenko Liliya B. , Larin Andrey K. , Generozov Edward V. , Cięszczyk Pawel , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: October 2022

There is a wide range of individual variability in the change of body weight in response to exercise, and this variability partly depends on genetic factors. The study aimed to determine DNA polymorphisms associated with fat loss efficiency in untrained women with normal weight in response to a 12-week aerobic training program using the GWAS approach, followed by a cross-sectional study in athletes. The study involved 126 untrained young Polish women (age 21.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.7 (2.4) kg/m2) and 550 Russian athletes (229 women, age 23.0 ± 4.1; 321 men, age 23.9 ± 4.7). We identified one genome-wide significant polymorphism (rs116143768) located in the ACSL1 gene (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1, implicated in fatty acid oxidation), with a rare T allele associated with higher fat loss efficiency in Polish women (fat mass decrease: CC genotype (n = 122) −3.8%; CT genotype (n = 4) −31.4%; p = 1.18 × 10−9). Furthermore, male athletes with the T allele (n = 7) had significantly lower BMI (22.1 (3.1) vs. 25.3 (4.2) kg/m2, p = 0.046) than subjects with the CC genotype (n = 314). In conclusion, we have shown that the rs116143768 T allele of the ACSL1 gene is associated with higher fat loss efficiency in response to aerobic training in untrained women and lower BMI in physically active men.