bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of MOSH and MOAH - German standard method with improved precision data
Authors:   Max Rubner-Institut, Bruehl Ludger
Published: November 2022

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are divided into the group of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOH are often found at higher levels in edible oils than in most other foods. According to current knowledge, the sources of contamination are distributed along the entire production chain. Therefore, a systematic investigation of these sources and their contribution to the overall contamination is necessary in order to develop and implement appropriate minimization options. This minimization was a great challenge for manufacturers as results from different laboratories often showed limited comparability using the actual European standard method EN16995:2017 especially in the lower concentration range below 10 mg/kg. To overcome this problem an improved method with a lower limit of quantification at 1 mg/kg was developed and published as a German standard method DGF C-VI 22 (20) “Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) with online coupled LC-GC-FID-method for low limit of quantification.” Precision data of total MOSH and MOAH and of fractions according to the advice of the Joint Research Center was successfully determined in a collaborative trial on different edible oil matrices with a group of 14 experienced laboratories from Germany, Austria and Italy. The collaborative trial was evaluated according to ISO 5725. Total MOSH ranged from 2 mg/kg to 99 mg/kg and total MOAH from 1 mg/kg to 31 mg/kg. Good reproducible relative standard deviations of 12.5 %–20.7 % as well as Horrat values ranging between 1.1 and 2.3 have been achieved for total MOSH. The reproducible relative standard deviation of total MOAH ranged from 12.4 % to 39.5 % with Horrat values between 0.9 to 2.6.
Isolation and purification phenolic compounds in California olive pomace by pilot-scale C18 gel chromatography
Authors:   University of California, Davis, Zhao Hefei , Wang Selina
Published: November 2022

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United States (mainly in California) produced 151,950 tons of olives in 2019, which resulted in a large amount of pomace waste. While many researchers focused on crude extraction and macroporous resin purification from European olive pomace on an analytical scale, few studies have been conducted to isolate fractions of US olive pomase (OP) by pilot-scale C18 chromatography. Hexane defatted Arbequina California OP was extracted by water, and the extract was loaded to a pilot-scale chromatography column with 262.5 mL C18 gel, and the elute syrup (ES) was collected. Desorptions were applied by 1 L of acidified water (AW), 35% methanol (35M) and 70% methanol (70M), respectively. The fractions were concentrated then freeze-dried. Total phenol contents (TPC) were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Individual phenols were determined by HPLC-DAD. Results showed that the TPC of the fractions of ES, AW, 35M and 70M were 2.88, 29.39, 170.56 and 235.96 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, respectively. Heatmap cluster analysis showed that ES and AW fractions had similar phenol profiles with hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol-glucoside; and 35M had hydroxytyrosol-glucoside, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol-glucoside, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA), verbascoside and oleuropein; 70M contained hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol-glucoside, tyrosol, but generally had more nonpolar compounds such as verbascoside, rutin and oleuropein. Very interestingly, the 3,4-DHPEA-EDA in water extract at 31.43 min disappeared in 35M and 70M fractions, meanwhile a new peak at 29.25 min showed up which could be a new compound derived from 3,4-DHPEA-EDA possibly because of the acidified process. This study could be the first-ever report of phenol profile of pilot-scale C18 fractions of the US OP. This new data on the chemical compositions of the OP C18 fractions provides practical knowledge for the valorization and industrial food applications of the US olive wastes.
Methodological inconsistencies in novel plant protein functional properties, and improvements for water absorption capacity determinations
Authors:   California State University, Fresno, Goins Analiese , Griffin Sara
Published: November 2022

As consumer interest and demand for new plant-based proteins increases, novel protein sources and extraction methods are developed, and property comparisons are made with existing data. Proteins are deemed suitable for food product use based on their functional properties: water solubility (WSI), oil and water absorption (OAC and WAC), foaming capacity and stability (FC and FS), and emulsifying and gelling properties. These empirical properties can be compared with previous studies if methodology is consistent. However, methodology for analyzing protein functionality is not standardized, which reduces effectiveness of publication communication. This presentation will identify significant differences among protein functionality methodologies to highlight the need for standardization. It will then dive deeper into the common and standardized methods for determining water absorption capacities (WAC) of plant proteins. Forty articles published in the last twenty years on the various functional properties of novel plant proteins were analyzed, and a total of 190 procedures were evaluated for inconsistencies and variations. Differences in methodology included centrifuge or homogenizer rotation speed, oil type used, time allotted for a given step, pH of the test, protein concentration, and specific formulas used to quantify the functional property. Additionally, four methods for WAC determination were compared using various plant proteins. Specific aspects of methods that can lead to incongruous results were identified and potential improvements were proposed. As consumer demand for novel plant proteins grows, product development will benefit from standardized methods for their functional properties, allowing more meaningful comparisons across studies and unique food applications.
Engineering of microalgae toward biodiesel: Facts and prospects
Authors:   FEUP, Malcata F. Xavier
Published: November 2022

Excessive release to the atmosphere of greenhouse-effect gases—arising from combustion of fossil fuels, has urged a worldwide search for alternative sources of environment-friendly fuels; microalgae constitute an interesting possibility, owing to their widespread presence in most habitats and unique ability to synthesize oil. Microalgae require indeed only sunlight and water to grow—both freely available; together with CO2 as source of carbon—which concomitantly conveys a path for its direct sequestering from the atmosphere; and low-cost inorganic sources of phosphorus and nitrogen. However, the efficiency of the associated metabolic processes is still poor—and this has so far hampered economic feasibility of such microbial factories for eventual manufacture of biodiesel. Recent advances in genetic engineering tools, systems and synthetic biology, and bioinformatics and omics have widened the portfolio of possibilities for tailor-made genome engineering of microalgae. A holistic approach is needed to metabolic engineering, in which various aspects of cellular metabolism—including transcription factors, transporters, competing pathways, and balance between growth and proliferation are to be taken into account. In attempts to harness the potential of genetic engineering upon microalga-mediated oil production, a realistic assessment of risks and opportunities is a must. The current state-of-the-art of metabolic engineering approaches will accordingly be presented, aimed at enhancing lipid productivity by microalgal strains; technical issues will be critically discussed as well. An overview of the challenges and prospects for technical applicability of such techniques will be tackled, focused on oil for esterification downstream as biodiesel—along with ethical concerns associated to large-scale utilization of such tools.
Influence of monosodium glutamate on the oxidative stability of meat lipids
Authors:   University of Vienna, Alberdi-Cedeno Jon , Demir Kubra , Pignitter Marc
Published: November 2022

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive (E621) widely used as flavor enhancer in food industry in order to increase palatability, especially in meat and meat derived products. Its use has increased worldwide by 4.80% during 2017–2021. Therefore, its effect on sensory and organoleptic quality of meat and meat derived products has been extensively investigated. However, so far, studies investigating the impact of MSG on the progress of lipid oxidation in meat are lacking. Therefore, the effect of the fortification of pork burger patties with 0–1.2 % MSG was addressed, paying particular attention to the oxidative stability of their lipids. Samples were storage at 8 °C up to 4 days following oven cooking at 180 °C for 10 min. In order to have an overall view, the samples were analyzed by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Solid Phase Microextraction followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The results showed, for the first time, that the fortification of pork burger patties with MSG caused the degradation of their main polyunsaturated acyl groups, linoleic acyl groups (-6) (p< 0.05), as well as some minor components, such as terpenes, after cooking. The decline of non-oxidized lipids was accompanied by the formation of different oxidation compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones and alcohols among others. In general, the total amount of secondary lipid oxidation compounds was enhanced in the presence of 1.2% MSG compared to the non-treated patties (p< 0.05). Moreover, it was observed that the storage at 8 °C did not have any effects on the oxidative stability of the pork lipids. Overall, MSG was shown to promote lipid oxidation in pork burgers raising concerns about its impact on food quality.
Solutions for modern routine analysis of mycotoxins in edible oils
Authors:   SGS Germany GmbH, Kuhlmann Jan , von Mouillard Nicolaus
Published: November 2022

Mycotoxins are a large and heterogenic group of biogenic organic compounds that can impact the quality and safety of foods. Due to the diversity of fungi, different kinds of foods are affected by different mycotoxins. Some of them have received special attention due to their high frequency of occurrence or due to their toxicity. For example, aflatoxin B1 is genotoxic and one of the most carcinogenic biogenic compounds known so far. Hence, it is not surprise that several authorities worldwide have set maximum levels for this compound as well as for the most relevant further mycotoxins in certain foods, making analysis of regulated mycotoxins a common part of quality control in recent food business. As the most relevant mycotoxins regularly occur in grains, seeds, nuts and fruits, well established and validated techniques for extraction and analysis are available for these matrices. Mainly HPLC approaches or, less abundant, GC techniques are applied and frequently derivatization is part of the analysis. With respect to their mainly polar nature, most mycotoxins are not considered to occur in significant amounts in refined edible oils and fats. This might be the reason that not as much attention has been spent on method development and validation for their determination in edible oils. However, in terms of quality control during food processing and in order to monitor removal of undesired compounds from raw materials, the routine analysis of mycotoxins in edible oils and fats has become an important topic. In this presentation, an accredited in-house validated LC-MS routine method for the parallel determination of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin-A and 9 Fusarium-toxins in edible oils & fats and various seeds, nuts, fruits and compound foods is introduced.
A practical guide for refinery scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint reduction
Authors:   Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc., Johnson Cary , Fildes Jimmy
Published: November 2022

An in-depth analysis of CO2 reduction at a palm oil refining facility. The analysis covers the possible methods to reduce the carbon footprint for the Scope 1 & 2 of the facility to achieve carbon neutrality.
Enzymatic production of antioxidative and antimicrobial hydrolysates from cod solid side-streams
Authors:   Technical University of Denmark, Jacobsen Charlotte , Sorensen Ann-Dorit Moltke ,   Technical University of Denmark, Marinou Dimitra ,   Chr. Hansen
Published: November 2022

In the last decade, there has been an increased focus and interest in increasing the utilization of existing raw materials and reducing waste especially due to the increasing global population. In the cod filleting industry up to 60% (w/w) of the biomass end up as side-streams e.g., frame, head and gut, which are either used as low value products such as animal feed or are wasted. An example of animal feed is mink feed. However, in Denmark the mink production is closed due to COVID-19 and new utilization possibilities are needed. The cod side-stream used in this study is from Royal Greenland and is very fresh with the possibility of freezing right after production to maintain quality and increase shelf life before further production. Cod frames still contain meat after filleting and could be used as hydrolysates with bioactive properties such as antioxidative and/or antimicrobial activity for food or feed applications. Previous studies have shown that longer peptides (shorter hydrolysis time) potentially have antimicrobial properties and shorter peptides (longer hydrolysis time) have antioxidative properties. Therefore, an experiment was designed using three different types of proteases (Alcalase, Neutrase and Protamex) and different hydrolysis time (½h, 1, 2, 3 and 6h) to produce different hydrolysates. Produced hydrolysates were evaluated for their antioxidative and antimicrobial activities by in vitro antioxidant assay, radical scavenging (DPPH) and metal chelating activity, and by disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrolysates were also characterized with respect to yield, protein content and degree of hydrolysis. The produced hydrolysates showed antioxidant properties. Highest DPPH activity was obtained with Protamex, where-as highest metal chelating activity surprisingly was obtained for a control (no enzyme added). Unfortunately, no antimicro-bial activity was detected for the produced hydrolysates independent of enzymes and hydrolysis time applied. BBI JU-funded WASEABI project.
High-yield soybean lines with improved seed protein and oil balance
Authors:   University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Graef George
Published: November 2022

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a leading supplier of vegetable oil and high-quality protein meal in world markets. Processors expect an oil yield of at least 11 lb bu-1 and want to produce a 48% protein meal. On-farm soybean yields show a linear increase of ~0.45 bu a-1 yr-1, but the prevalent negative association between yield and seed protein concentration resulted in a decrease in seed protein of ~2 percentage points during the past 80 years. Seed oil concentration typically is slightly positively associated with yield and highly negatively correlated with protein, and estimates for the 2021 US soybean extraction rate indicate an all-time high of 11.9 lb bu-1. More extreme levels of protein or oil in the seed have been achieved, but trade-offs with yield and/or the other major component make those soybean lines unsuitable for the commodity market. With large projected increases in demand for both oil and protein, a commodity bean with improved balance of major components that meets the needs of the farmer and processor is needed. By focusing on processing outputs, we realized an improved balance of seed components between protein, oil, and soluble carbohydrates. In multi-environment trials over years, the improved soybean lines yield as well as the elite checks, produce a 48% meal and yield ~1.5 pounds of oil per bushel. In Nebraska tests over two years and 6 locations, new lines showed elite yields (76-86 bu a-1) equal to the checks, produce a 48% protein meal and yield 12.7 pounds of oil per bushel. With judicious choice of parental lines, evaluation and selection based on multiple seed traits and yield, it is possible to increase both oil and protein concentration in the seed and achieve elite yields for commodity markets. These soybeans can help meet the growing demand for both soy protein and oil and provide improved yield and quality for farmers and processors.
Applications and benefits of phospholipase A enzymes in seed oil processing
Authors:   DSM Food & Beverage, Iltchenko Nikita , Beam Jesse , Zha Ying
Published: November 2022

Current market conditions have further driven focus on efficiency for oilseed producers. Phospholipases use for enzymatic degumming and refining has, therefore, become more attractive than ever. Since its introduction a decade ago, enzyme assisted seed oil processing has been demonstrated at many plants around the globe for its benefit on yield increase. With the learnings gained from the field, enzyme producers have brought out new generations of products to improve performance, as well as meeting new requirements of the oil plants, such as lower chemical usage, less byproducts and higher ease of use. We would like to demonstrate the applications and benefits of two new phospholipase A enzymes, being Phospholipase A1 (Purifine® PLA1) and Phospholipase A2 (Purifine® LM), which offers these new benefits to producers, crushing and refining. Often the biggest hurdle encountered in implementing enzyme technology is capital expenditure. DSM has worked to develop options for nearly all plants to ensure benefits from enzymatic degumming can be appreciated across the industry. The applications of these enzymes, including efforts needed to make plant changes to accommodate enzyme usage, are demonstrated herein.
Utility of CRISPR/Cas in accelerating gene discovery in soybean
Authors:   University of Missouri, Stacey Minviluz
Published: November 2022

The use of CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully applied in various plant species to induce targeted genome editing, including soybean. Soybean is recalcitrant to transformation and thus, plants with stable CRISPR gene edits are costly and take a long time to produce. Moreover, soybean is allotetraploid and editing paralogous genes are often necessary to obtain observable phenotype(s). For each gene target, we designed two gRNAs to increase editing efficiency and allow rapid genotyping by PCR. We also tested the CRISPR reagents in transient hairy root transformation to determine if the Cas9 and gRNAs would perform properly in transgenic soybean plants. Our results showed that we can indeed obtain highly efficient, cost-effective CRISPR/Cas editing in soybean to generate novel genotypes for gene discovery and downstream field propagation and breeding efforts. Examples of CRISPR-edited genes and their associated seed traits will be discussed.
Lipozyme TL IM-catalyzed synthesis of γ-linolenic acid rich triacylglycerol from borage oil as a novel strategy
Authors:   Korea University, Yoon Hui su , Kim In-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Lipozyme TL IM from Thermomyces lanuginosus is widely employed for various enzymatic reactions such as esterification, hydrolysis, and alcoholysis. However, none of the publications is using Lipozyme TL IM as a biocatalyst to synthesize triacylglycerol (TAG) with fatty acid and glycerol because the silica gel carrier in Lipozyme TL IM aggregates with glycerol. Thus, most studies regarding the synthesis of TAG via lipase-catalyzed esterification have employed Novozym 435, one of the most expensive enzymes. In present study, we attempted to synthesize TAG using Lipozyme TL IM with glyceride, instead of glycerol, and fatty acid as a novel strategy; as a result, γ-linolenic acid (GLA) rich TAG was synthesized successfully via esterification using Lipozyme TL IM. In the first step, GLA was enriched into glyceride fraction from borage oil by C. rugosa lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis and the GLA rich glyceride was separated from the reaction mixture using short-path distillation. GLA was enriched up to 45.9% in glyceride fraction from an initial value of 20.6% under the optimum conditions, which are the temperature of 40 °C and the enzyme loading of 0.05% (based on the oil weight of the total substrate). In the second step, GLA rich TAG was synthesized with the GLA rich glyceride, instead of glycerol, and the fatty acid obtained from part of the GLA rich glyceride by saponification using Lipozyme TL IM as a biocatalyst. The optimum conditions were the temperature of 50 °C, the enzyme loading of 10%, and the vacuum level of 5 torr, respectively. Consequently, the maximum TAG conversion of ca. 93% was achieved after 24 h under the optimum condition.
Bioprocessing strategies to improve the extractability and functional properties of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates from full-fat chickpea flour
Authors:   University of California, Dias Fernanda Furlan Goncalves , Leite Nobrega De Moura Bell Juliana M. , Machida Kazunori
Published: November 2022

Interest in sustainable cost-effective and efficient extraction processes of plant-based matrices has risen due to health, environmental, and social concerns. The concurrent extraction of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates can be achieved by aqueous and enzymatic extraction processes, addressing low extractability by mechanical pressing and the use of flammable solvents. Being a source of proteins, starch, and fiber, chickpeas can be used as a matrix to generate added value compounds for food, feed, and fuel applications. The application of alkaline protease, preceded or not by carbohydrase pretreatments, was evaluated on the extractability of oil, protein, and carbohydrates from full-fat chickpea flour and protein functionality. Enzymatic extraction increased oil and protein extractability from 49.8 to 72.0–77.1% and 62.8 to 83.5–86.1%, respectively. Although the use of carbohydrase pretreatments, before the addition of protease, did not increase oil and protein extractability, it did increase the carbohydrate content of the extracts from 7.7 to 9.2–9.3 mg/mL, with the release of new oligosaccharides revealed by LC-MS/MS. Enzymatic extraction produced proteins with higher solubility (25.6 vs. 68.2–73.6%) and in vitro protein digestibility (83.8 vs. 90.79–94.7%). Post-extraction -galactosidase treatment of the extracts completely hydrolyzed flatulence-causing oligosaccharides into simple sugars. However, because high water usage is a requirement to maximize extractability in single-stage extractions, a two-stage countercurrent extraction process was developed to reduce water usage without loss in extractability. Countercurrent extraction reduced ~50% of the water used in the extraction while increasing oil and protein extractability to 95.8 and 95.7%, respectively. Techno-economic analysis demonstrated improved annual profitability of the countercurrent process despite its higher operating costs. This study highlights the effectiveness of solvent-free enzymatic strategies to maximize process extractability and feasibility, shedding light on the development of a more competitive process to produce chickpea proteins, lipids, and potential prebiotic oligosaccharides for subsequent industrial applications.
Detection of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils in food products based on fatty acid composition.
Authors:   U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Delmonte Pierluigi , Milani Andrea , Prebihalo Sarah
Published: November 2022

Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), the products of incomplete hydrogenation of edible oils with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyzer, were originally introduced into food commerce more than a century ago. Over the years, PHOs became the preferred choice for many food applications, as their production techniques and composition were optimized to meet specific technological, and stability demands. Since the beginning of the current century, several countries adopted regulations aimed to curtail the dietary intake of PHOs. To date, no method is available for the detection of PHOs in commercial fats and oils. While the presence of high amounts of trans fatty acids may be correlated with the presence of a PHO, particularly for trans-octadecenoic fatty acids, low trans-fat PHO may also be present in the marketplace. In this study, we evaluated which fatty acids or combination of fatty acids may be used as markers to detect the presence of a PHO in commercial fats or oils. The possibility of detecting the presence of a PHO (product of chemical hydrogenation) in presence of a dairy fat (product of biohydrogenation) is also discussed.
Physical and oxidative stability of emulsions stabilized with fractionated potato protein hydrolysates obtained from starch production byproduct: Use of bioinformatics and proteomics
Authors:   Technical University of Denmark, Yesiltas Betul , Jacobsen Charlotte , Hansen Egon B. , Overgaard Michael ,   Aalborg University, Marcatili Paolo ,   Technical University of Denmark, Garcia-Moreno Pedro ,   University of Granada, Mikkelsen Rasmus K. ,   Technical University of Denmark, Gregersen Simon ,   Aalborg University
Published: November 2022

With the increasing demand for sustainable and functional proteins from alternative sources, it is necessary to use advanced proteomics and bioinformatics tools for more time and cost-efficient research. The identification and release of abundant proteins/peptides from plant-based sources has been gaining significant attention by the food industry in the last decade. Despite its low protein content (1–2%), the magnitude of proteins obtained from the starch industry (~240,000 tons/year) makes potatoes a highly relevant source as a plant-based protein. Previously, we have identified and validated abundant peptides with good emulsifying and antioxidant properties using bioinformatics and proteomics tools as well as in vitro model systems. Using data-driven targeted hydrolysis, we were able to release validated, functional peptides from the potato protein obtained from potato fruit juice, a protein rich by-product of potato starch production. This work focuses on fractionation of potato protein hydrolysates (PPH) obtained through such targeted hydrolysis using trypsin and subsequent fraction characterization. Unfractionated (PPH1) and membrane-fractionated (PPH2 as >10kDa, PPH3 as 10-5kDa, PPH4 as 5-0.8kDa and PPH5 as < 0.8kDa) PPH was characterized for emulsifying and antioxidant properties/potential. Pendant drop technique and dilatational rheology were applied for determining interfacial tension and viscoelasticity of the PPH fractions at the oil-water interface. PPH2 (>10kDa) showed higher decrease of oil-water interfacial tension. All fractions predominantly provided elastic, weak and easily stretchable interfaces. PPH2 provided more rigid interfacial layer than the other fractions. Radical scavenging and metal chelating activities of PPHs were also tested and the best activities were provided by fractions >5kDa. Furthermore, their ability to form physically and oxidatively stable 5% fish oil-in-water emulsions were investigated during 8-day storage and results generally showed that fractions >5kDa provided the best stability followed by the 5–0.8kDa fraction.
Developing an optimized method for measuring chymotrypsin inhibitor activity in protein products
Authors:   US Dept. of Agriculture, Liu Keshun , Woolman Mike
Published: November 2022

Protease inhibitors of protein nature, such as trypsin inhibitors and chymotrypsin inhibitors, are rich in seeds of legume crops. Soybeans contain Kunitz inhibitor and Bowman-Birk inhibitor. The former mainly inhibits trypsin, while the latter inhibits both trypsin and chymotrypsin. Other legumes contain similar types. Historically, trypsin inhibitor activity in legume products has been of primary interest for measurement due to its antinutritional implication. However, Bowman-Birk inhibitor has been shown therapeutic. It is also more resistant to heat than Kunitz inhibitor. As increasing volumes of plant proteins are being used for food or feed in recent years, there is a growing interest in monitoring chymotrypsin inhibitor activity (CIA) in these products as well. Yet, reported methods for CIA assay vary greatly, with no standard method being available. Three years ago, at our USDA lab, we developed an improved method for measuring trypsin inhibitor activity, which was later adopted as AOCS Official Method, Ba 12a-2020. This presentation reports our new effort in developing a method for measuring CIA, using N-benzoyl-L-tyrosine p-nitroanilide (BTpNA) as a substrate. Unlike the substrate for measuring trypsin inhibitor activity, BTpNA is not water soluble, an organic solvent that is miscible with water must be present. Therefore, the assay system for measuring CIA was much more complicated than that for measuring trypsin inhibitor activity. This made the method development more difficult than originally thought. After investigating effects of many assay parameters, such as organic solvent, the sequence of adding reagents, % chymotrypsin inhibition, etc., an optimized method for CIA measurement was finally developed. It featured dimethylformamide as the organic solvent, the enzyme-last sequence, 5 mL total assay volume, and calculation of the inhibitor activity based on % chymotrypsin inhibition. The proposed method was reliable and robust and could be standardized for measuring CIA in various protein products.
Shotgun Lipidomics Assistant: An open-source application to facilitate high-throughput, comprehensive lipidomics
Authors:   UCLA, Williams Kevin , Su Baolong , Pearson Mackenzie ,   SCIEX, Bensinger Steven ,   UCLA
Published: November 2022

The Sciex Lipidyzer platform bundles instrumentation, lipid standards and a software package that facilitates a lipidomics workflow. The platform was shown to be quantitative and consistently accurate across laboratories, while providing exceptional coverage of the mammalian plasma lipidome. However, the software portion of the platform is severely limited and is no longer being sold by Sciex. In response to these software needs, we developed Shotgun Lipidomics Assistant (SLA), an open-source Python-based application that facilitates DMS-based lipidomics workflows. The SLA utilizes a GUI interface and a set of simple Excel templates to facilitate each step in DMS-based shotgun lipidomics workflow. The SLA application can re-analyze data generated by the Lipidyzer software to produce identical results. Using the SLA, we’ve established an expanded lipidomics assay that measures over 1450 lipid species across 17 subclasses, over 400 more lipid species than the original Lipidyzer method. Further, we demonstrate the SLAs capability to perform isotope correction; a feature that was absent from the original Lipidyzer software. Lastly, we use the SLA to compare lipidomics data generated by DMS shotgun lipidomics on the Sciex 5500 and 6500+, as well as a HILIC lipidomics run performed on the Sciex 6500+ and 7500.
Risk Factors for Early Readmission to Hospital in Patients with Malignancy-related Ascites: A retrospective cohort study (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Chunxiao , Liu Luna , Fan Xiude , Song Qianmei , Dou Naixin
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Malignancy-related ascites (MRA) is a common serious complication of many advanced malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. The high hospital expenditures induced by unplanned readmission in patients with MRA have become an urgent issue to the public.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to overall assess the unplanned early readmission rate of patients with MRA and explore the potential risk factors for such readmission.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study based on 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was performed and patients with MRA were recruited into the analysis. The primary outcome was unplanned 30-day readmission rate and inpatient outcomes. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors for such early readmission.

RESULTS

Data obtained from 32,457 patients with MRA were analyzed, and of these 7,799 individuals (24.03%) were unplanned readmitted within 30-day follow-up. The mortality rate in the readmitted population was 15.15%. Patients at younger age were at a higher risk of readmission. The morbidities including hypertension (OR=1.117, 95%CI: 1.054-1.184), hyperlipemia (OR=1.075, 95%CI: 1.009-1.146) and diabetes (OR=1.118, 95%CI: 1.053-1.188), gastrointestinal malignancies and peritoneal procedure significantly increased the risk of 30-day readmission in patients with MRA.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one in five patients with MRA was unplanned readmitted within 30-day follow-up. The above risk factors should be timely intervened and the corresponding medical care should be strengthened in patients with MRA to lessen the unplanned readmission and improve the readmission outcomes.
Effects of Virtual Reality Exercises on Chronic Low Back Pain: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Afzal M Waqar , Ahmad Ashfaq , Hanif Hafiz Muhammad Bilal , Chaudhary Nauman , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a common health problem globally. Based on the duration of pain, it is classified as acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain. Different treatment strategies are available to reduce chronic low back pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel approach in back pain rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of VR games on chronic low back pain.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 patients with chronic low back pain. The data were collected using a nonprobability, convenient sampling technique. Patients visiting the Department of Physiotherapy, Government Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, were recruited and equally divided into 4 groups. Group A received the Reflex Ridge game; group B received the Body Ball game; group C combined the 2 games without back-strengthening exercises; and group D combined the 2 games with back-strengthening exercises. The participants received 8 treatment sessions, with 3 sessions/wk. The outcomes were pre- and posttest measurements of pain intensity, low back disability, and lumbar range of motion. The repeated measurement ANOVA was used for inter- and intragroup comparison, with significance at P≤.05.

RESULTS

The study comprised a sample of 40 patients with low back pain; 12 (40%) were female and 28 (60%) were male, with a mean age of 37.85 (SD 12.15) years. The pre- and posttest mean pain scores were 7.60 (SD 1.84) and 4.20 (SD 1.62) in group A, 6.60 (SD 1.776) and 5.90 (SD 1.73) in group B, 6.90 (SD 1.73) and 5.40 (SD 1.07) in group C, and 7.10 (SD 1.53) and 3.60 (SD 0.97) in group D, respectively. The mean pain score differences of group D (combining the Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises) compared to groups A, B, and C were –.60 (P=.76), –2.30 (P<.001), and –1.80 (P=.03), respectively. Regarding the range of motion, the forward lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 3.80 (P=.21), 4.80 (P=.07), and 7.40 (P<.001), respectively. Similarly, the right lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P=.04), 5.20 (P<.001), and 4.80 (P<.001), respectively. The left lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P<.001), 4.80 (P=.02), and 2.20 (P<.001). respectively, showing significant pre- and posttreatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

VR exercises had statistically significant effects on improving pain, low back disability, and range of motion in all groups, but the combination of Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises had dominant effects compared to the other groups.

CLINICALTRIAL

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT20200330046895N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/46916
Desigualdad y pobreza en Colombia: ¿Cuál es el dilema?
Authors: Ruales Suarez Katherin Julieth , Ortiz Benavides Edinson
Published: November 2022

La desigualdad y la pobreza constituyen los fenómenos sociales que más interés han despertado entre economistas, políticos y organismos multilaterales, pero no hay acuerdos sobre su relación de causalidad ni un establecimiento de prioridades al momento de fijar políticas públicas entre una y otra. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la relación entre desigualdad y pobreza en Colombia a la luz de una medida alternativa del Gini, más práctica y eficiente. Los datos de 398.862 hogares de la Encuesta Nacional de Calidad de Vida 2011–2019 en Colombia y de pobreza monetaria y desigualdad de 74 países en los años 2018-2019, demuestran que la igualdad está presente en los extremos del espectro del bienestar o desarrollo y que la desigualdad está en sus partes intermedias. Este hecho invita a redireccionar el punto de atención de la comunidad internacional, ya no en la desigualdad, sino en la población que se queda por debajo de las condiciones mínimas establecidas en una sociedad en un determinado contexto y tiempo, es decir, la población pobre.
Relación entre las Fintech y el marketing financiero
Authors: Malagón Duque Alexandra C. , Sellamén Garzón Alexander , Nova Rodríguez Vladimir
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar la importancia de las fintech y su revolución en el mundo de las finanzas durante los últimos años, así como su impacto en la aceleración del marketing financiero. Para ello, se realizó un análisis exploratorio en el sector financiero sobre la aplicación de las tecnologías de la información al sistema financiero y cómo, de la mano del marketing financiero, se ha ido generando mayor competitividad y nuevos modelos de negocio. El resultado muestra que un nuevo escenario de cambios constantes en el sector financiero ha llevado a la evolución de varios sectores anexos, como las fintech y el marketing financiero. Estos han mantenido un crecimiento acelerado y un papel importante en el proceso de segmentación de mercados. Su eficacia depende de una verdadera cultura en la organización bancaria que permita responder a los desafíos de un nuevo mundo enfocado en los avances tecnológicos y las necesidades de las personas.
PRÁTICAS CORPORAIS DE AVENTURA NA EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR: O QUE OS PROFESSORES TÊM A DIZER?
Authors: Sehn Alana Ivani , Neuenfeldt Derli Juliano
Published: November 2022

Este artigo teve como principal objetivo investigar a compreensão dos professores de Educação Física da rede municipal de ensino de um Município do Vale do Taquari/RS/BRA quanto à orientação da BNCC sobre o ensino de Práticas Corporais de Aventura nas aulas de Educação Física para os Anos Finais do Fundamental. Além disso, também se buscou conhecer a formação inicial e continuada desses professores relacionada ao ensino das Práticas Corporais de Aventura e identificar espaços físicos no município investigado que apresentam potencial para o desenvolvimento dessas práticas corporais. A pesquisa foi qualitativa e descritiva. Os participantes foram três professores da rede municipal de ensino, sendo a coleta feita por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e questionário, ambos por meio do WhatsApp. Ainda, foram feitos registros fotográficos dos espaços públicos do município com potencial para práticas de esportes de aventura. Constatou-se que os entrevistados que não tiveram formação inicial ou continuada relacionada ao ensino das Práticas Corporais de Aventura. Quanto a sua realização, vislumbram práticas fora do contexto escolar e adaptadas para os espaços escolares. Identificou-se que o munícipio possui espaços físicos que podem ser utilizados. Contudo, evidenciou-se insegurança dos professores quanto a realização das práticas corporais de aventura fora da escola, principalmente devido aos riscos à integridade física que elas oferecem. Conclui-se que há necessidade de se investir na formação continuada, assim como criar momentos para os professores de Educação Física trocarem de experiências, estudarem e planejar coletivamente.
Structure based algorithm for solving Graph Isomorphism for Johnson, Generalised Johnson and Strongly Regular graphs
Authors: Jindal Saurav , Kulharia Mahesh , Mahato Suchismita
Published: November 2022

Graph Isomorphism has been reduced to quasi-polynomial time complexity
by Laszlo Babai. However, his solution is not extendable to extremely
symmetric Johnson graphs. A method to reduce the runtime complexity of
Graph Isomorphism to polynomial space would have wide ranging effects.
We have identified and implemented a way to solve Graph Isomorphism for
Johnson, Generalised Johnson and Strongly Regular graphs. The method is
based on structural organisation in terms of participation of vertices
of a graph in formation of cyclical shapes of specific order. The method
successfully identifies isomorphs among Johnson, Generalised Johnson and
Strongly Regular graphs with polynomial time complexity. Such methods
will eventually significant advancements in the field of cryptography,
automata theory, compilers, image processing etc.
Thyroglossal duct cyst as a cause of dyspnea in a two-year-old child
Authors: Resler Katarzyna , Morawska-Kochman Monika , Czarnecka Anna , Konopka Jessica , Zatoński Tomasz , Bagłaj Maciej
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Thyroglossal duct cysts are developmental, epithelial lesions localized in the neck?s median line. They occur mainly in children and adolescents; however, they also occur in one-third of patients older than 20 years of age. The symptoms dependent on the size and location along the path of the thyroglossal duct. Case outline. This article presents a case, with diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment, of a two-yearold girl hospitalized due to dyspnea, caused by a large cyst localized at the base of the tongue during an upper respiratory tract infection. Before surgery, biochemical examinations, diagnostic imaging were performed to exclude ectopic thyroid tissue. Surgery was performed applying Sistrunk?s procedure, which entailed excising the cyst?s tissue at its origin. Conclusion. In patients presenting with thyroglossal duct cysts, upper respiratory tract infections increase the probability of discovering previously existing cysts. A cyst localized around the foramen cecum can cause inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea.
Low-dose empagliflozin as adjunct to hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy in sub-optimally controlled adults with type 1 diabetes: a randomized crossover controlled trial
Authors: Melissa-Rosina Pasqua, , Adnan Jafar, , Alessandra Kobayati, , A. Tsoukas, Michael , Ahmad Haidar,
Published: November 2022

  

Objective: To assess whether low doses of empagliflozin as adjunct to hybrid closed-loop therapy improve glycemia compared to placebo in adults with type 1 diabetes who are not able to achieve targets with the system alone. 

Research Design and Methods: A double-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial was performed in sub-optimally controlled (HbA1c 7.0-10.5%) adults who were not able to achieve a target time-in-range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) ≥ 70% after 14 days of hybrid closed-loop therapy.  Three 14-day interventions were performed with placebo, empagliflozin 2.5 mg, or empagliflozin 5 mg, as adjunct to the McGill Artificial Pancreas.  Participants were assigned in a 1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio with blocked randomization.  The primary outcome was time-in-range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L).  Analysis was by intention to treat and a p-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant.  This trial is registered, NCT04450563.

Results: 24 participants completed the study (50% male, age 33 ± 14 yrs, HbA1c 8.1 ± 0.5%). The time-in-range was 59.0 ± 9.0% for placebo, 71.6 ± 9.7% for empagliflozin 2.5 mg, and 70.2 ± 8.0% for empagliflozin 5 mg (p <0.0001 between empagliflozin 2.5 mg and placebo, and empagliflozin 5 mg and placebo).  Mean daily capillary ketone levels were not different between arms. There were no serious adverse events, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe hypoglycemia in any intervention.

Conclusions: Empagliflozin 2.5 mg and 5 mg increased time-in-range on hybrid closed-loop therapy by 11–13 percentage points compared to placebo, in those who otherwise were unable to attain glycemic targets. Future studies are required to assess long-term efficacy and safety.
Combination of Eulerian and ray-tracing approaches for copper laser welding simulation
Authors: Daligault Julien , Dal Morgan , Gorny Cyril , Coste Frédéric , Fabbro Rémy
Published: November 2022

Laser welding of pure copper and its alloys is a challenging process with a growing industrial interest due to the latest development in the field of electric mobility. The difficulties are mainly related to the material's high thermal conductivity and a poor absorptivity of few percent at the classical IR laser (YAG). It is also well known that such a configuration can lead to the formation of undesirable defects, such as pores or spatters as a consequence of melt pool instabilities. It has been observed experimentally that the usage of a laser at both high speed and high power tends to limit those instabilities. Although this positive influence has already been observed for equivalent materials, a physical explanation is not yet available. In this perspective, a multiphysical simulation of the process at the melt pool scale is currently being developed by using comsol Multiphysics® software. The latter includes an Eulerian interface tracking method for the liquid-gas interface (phase field) and a ray-tracing description of the laser beam to take into account the well-known beam trapping effect under a keyhole regime. For the sake of time computation, the numerical model is first developed in an axisymmetric coordinate system (r,z) to be representative of a laser spot welding process and to validate the numerical coupling methodology. The model will then be extended to a 3D welding case and used as a predictive tool to make appropriate choices on welding parameters to obtain good quality welds (stable melt pool, low porosity rate, etc.).
Using photodiodes and supervised machine learning for automatic classification of weld defects in laser welding of thin foils copper-to-steel battery tabs
Authors: Chianese Giovanni , Franciosa Pasquale , Sun Tianzhu , Ceglarek Dariusz , Patalano Stanislao
Published: November 2022

This paper has been designed to study whether photodiodes and supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms are sufficient to automatically classify weld defects caused by simultaneous variation of the part-to-part gap and laser power during remote laser welding (RLW) of thin foils, with applications in battery tabs. Photodiodes are used as the primary source of data and are collected in real-time during RLW of copper-to-steel thin foils in the lap joint. Experiments are carried out by the nLight Compact 3 kW fiber laser integrated with the Scout-200 2D scanner. The paper reviews and compares seven supervised ML algorithms (namely, k-nearest neighbors, decision tree, random forest, Naïve–Bayes, support vector machine, discriminant analysis, and discrete wavelet transform combined with the neural network) for automatic classification of weld defects. Up to 97% classification rate is obtained for scenarios with simultaneous variations of weld penetration depth and part-to-part gap. The main causes of misclassification are imputed to the interaction between welding parameters (part-to-part gap and laser power) and process instability at high part-to-part gap (high variation in the process not captured by the photodiodes). Arising opportunities for further development based on sensor fusion, integration with real-time multiphysical simulation, and semi-supervised ML are discussed throughout the paper.