bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disinfection of dental root canals by cold atmospheric plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dental biofilm
Authors: Sanesi Lorenzo , Puca Valentina , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Pinti Morena , Balice Giuseppe , Femminella Beatrice , Paolantonio Michele , Cela Ilaria , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Choi Eun Ha , Grande Rossella , Sardella Eloisa , Perrotti Vittoria
Published: December 2024

Aim

The intricate structure of the tooth root canals has a role in the colonization and biofilm formation in hidden areas that are hardly reached by standard endodontic treatments. This review aims at summarizing data from in vitro and ex vivo studies for a better understanding of the application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for the disinfection of dental root canals.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were screened. Characteristics of the included studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis on ex vivo studies was carried out to evaluate the effect of CAP on colony forming unit assay of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The study was performed following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Results

A total of 31 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Only 2 investigations reported an indirect plasma treatment, 28 trials used direct CAP administration, while 1 study applied both methods. Most of the studies were conducted on E. faecalis using as carrier gas Helium or Argon alone or in combination with Oxygen as well air. A considerable heterogeneity among studies was found regarding treatments which varied for source type, settings, and protocols of application. Despite this, CAP showed effectiveness in reducing E. faecalis colony forming unit with a standardized mean difference of 4.51, 95% C.I. = 2.55–6.48, p-value < 0.001.

Conclusion

The data demonstrated the antimicrobial effect of direct CAP application against microorganisms. In-vitro studies showed an effect that depended on the time and distance of treatment, while the meta-analysis performed on ex vivo studies showed that the effect of CAP was independent of time and distance.

Systematic Review Registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BJ59V, identifier OSF registries.
Physical fitness levels among children in northeast Italy by sex and age group: a comparison with teachers’ assessments and children in other European countries
Authors: Toscani Andrea , Pedersen Arve Vorland
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Physical fitness is associated with health-related quality of life, especially among youth. Although schools play an important role in promoting children's physical activity, in Italy the lack of qualified physical education teachers in primary schools may be compromising children's achievement of recommended levels of physical activity.

Methods

To test that possibility, we measured the physical fitness of 170 children (i.e., 79 boys and 91 girls) 6-10 years old in two schools in Cadore, Veneto, in northeast Italy, using the Physical Fitness Test, a tool developed in Norway and previously used among children there and in Lithuania. Teachers in Italy also assessed their students' physical fitness, and their rankings were correlated with the children's test results. The test battery included nine elements: a standing broad jump, hopping 7 m on both feet, hopping 7 m on one foot, throwing a tennis ball, pushing a medicine ball, climbing wall bars, a 10 × 5 m shuttle run, a 20 m run, and a 6 min Cooper test.

Results

Test scores generally increased with age and more steeply among boys than girls, and boys outperformed girls on most items. Children in Italy performed similarly to children in Norway but outperformed ones in Lithuania on nearly every item across sex and age groups. The correlation between teachers' predictions and the actual test results was rather low for boys (.538, p < .001) and even lower for girls (.360, p < .001).

Discussion

Data revealed similar results in physical fitness between the three countries, albeit with some differences for individual items. However, primary school teachers in Italy assessed physical fitness rather poorly, possibly due to their lack of specific academic training in physical education and thus limited perception of physical fitness compared with academically trained physical education teachers. Last, because the procedure for categorizing children by age may significantly affect the results and subsequent between-group comparisons, researchers comparing children in different age groups should report their procedures for categorizing age.
Treatment of blunt splenic injury in children in China
Authors: Wang Wu , Lei Haiyan , Zhang Wenhan , Li Wenhai , Bian Hongqiang , Yang Jun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Nonoperative management (NOM) is recognized as a viable treatment for pediatric closed splenic trauma. However, clinical guidelines are applied inconsistently, resulting in different treatment strategies in different regions. This study aimed to investigate the independent risk factors influencing the length of stay in pediatric closed splenic injuries and to analyze the key determinants in the choice of surgical treatment to optimize inpatient management and patient care and improve outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of medical records of pediatric patients with blunt splenic injury (BSI) admitted to Wuhan Children's Hospital from 2020 to 2024 was conducted. The dataset included demographics, mechanism of injury, injury grade, associated injuries, therapeutic measures, and outcomes, which were subjected to statistical analysis. Factors influencing length of hospital stay and treatment regimen were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 88.5% of patients underwent NOM, with 11% requiring splenic embolization due to hemodynamic instability or arterial hemorrhage. Surgery was required in 11.5% of patients, primarily for combined gastrointestinal perforation, or peritonitis. One patient died due to brain injury. Trauma scores and transfusion requirements were higher in the surgical group (37.7 ± 16.1 vs. 17.2 ± 13.1, p < 0.001; 21.7% vs. 100%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that gastrointestinal complications significantly influenced the decision to operate (p = 0.0087). A generalized additive model showed a corresponding increase in length of stay with increasing injury severity, with the curve flattening in the mid to high ISS range (40–60).

Conclusion

NOM remains an effective and preferred treatment strategy for pediatric BSI, particularly in the setting of stable hemodynamic parameters. This approach reduces the need for surgical intervention and associated complications while preserving splenic function. The study highlights that gastrointestinal complications are important determinants of surgical management. Further research into long-term outcomes and advancements in conservative management are needed.
The Role of COVID-19 in Excess Mortality in Slovakia: A Novel Approach Based on Healthcare Billing Records
Authors: Barančok Peter , Dudek Ján , Ištokovičová Petra , Kandilaki Daniela , Kotrč Michal , Löffler Ľubica , Mišík Matej , Mužik Roman , Saal Beáta , Vrbiková Martina , Zajac Rudolf , Selvek Martin , Pažitný Peter
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Propose a methodology to identify COVID-19 associated deaths using healthcare billing records and evaluate its effectiveness by comparing the results with excess mortality data from 2020 to 2022 and confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

Methods

A retrospective quantitative analysis was conducted by merging healthcare billing records with cause of death data. The term “COVID-19 associated death” was defined as any death occurring within a defined timeframe following a confirmed contact with COVID-19. This category includes individuals who died directly due to COVID-19, with COVID-19 as a contributing factor, or as an aftermath of a COVID-19 infection, as well as those who died from other causes but had previously contracted COVID-19. This broader definition provides a more comprehensive measure of excess mortality compared to the officially confirmed COVID-19 deaths attributed to the virus.

Results

We identified 35,399 COVID-19 associated deaths during the 3-year pandemic in Slovakia compared to 21,395 confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

Conclusion

The identification of COVID-19 associated deaths with our methodology offers a more accurate explanation for the notably high excess mortality observed in Slovakia (31,789 deaths) during the pandemic, relative to the EU27. Given the high level of excess mortality, the officially confirmed deaths are likely underestimated, and the presented methodology provides a more precise measure of mortality. Additionally, healthcare billing records prove valuable in identifying these deaths at the individual patient level using claims data of health insurance companies, which is crucial for implementing targeted preventive measures and improving preparedness for future pandemics.
Characterization of an Ignition System for Nitromethane-Based Monopropellants
Authors: Kurilov Maxim , Kirchberger Christoph U. , Schlechtriem Stefan
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of a hot-fire test campaign aimed at characterizing a newly developed ignition system for nitromethane-based green monopropellants. Nitromethane-based propellants are a cost-effective replacement for hydrazine and energetic ionic liquid hydrazine alternatives such as LMP-103S and ASCENT. The developed system uses a glow plug as the ignition source. Additionally, gaseous oxygen is injected simultaneously into the combustion chamber at the beginning of a firing. After closing the oxygen valve, a pure monopropellant operation follows. Three test series were carried out using NMP-001, a previously characterized nitromethane-based monopropellant. During the first test series, the required ROF for ignition was identified to be above 0.3. In the second test series, the low-pressure combustion limit was shown to be 13.9 bar, which is significantly lower than the 30 bar limit of heritage nitromethane-based monopropellants. In the third test series, the oxygen injection timing was optimized to minimize the required amount of oxygen for successful ignition to 1.5 g per ignition in this test setup. This approach to ignition is more cost effective than the catalytic initiation used for other monopropellants because neither costly precious-metal catalytic materials nor lengthy preheating procedures are required.
Unified Assessment of Open and Ducted Propulsors
Authors: Schnell Rainer , Mennicken Maximilian
Published: December 2024

This paper reconciles the assessment of fan and propeller performance by deriving common metrics that describe their design and operational characteristics and applies them to real-world design examples. Historically, various applications with large differences in flight Mach number and thrust requirements have led to different design methodologies and performance descriptors for ducted and unducted propulsors, making direct comparisons between these propulsion concepts challenging until today. One of the limitations of conventional propeller design methods is the difficulty in isolating the aerodynamic performance of blade sections from the overall design concept. The overall efficiency is largely impacted by top-level design parameters, while the aerodynamic quality is determined by the shaping and spanwise stacking of blade profiles. In contrast, turbomachinery design focuses primarily on the efficiency of the compression process and their respective efficiency metrics. This paper addresses these issues by systematically breaking down propeller efficiency into contributions commonly used in turbomachinery design. By applying consistent methodologies, we thereby enable a fair and quantitative comparison of the potential performance benefit of each concept. Furthermore, using common performance metrics simplifies the design process, making it more accessible to less experienced designers and facilitating the exploration of alternative design approaches for unducted propulsors.
Molecular Decoration and Unconventional Double Bond Migration in Irumamycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Alferova Vera A. , Baranova Anna A. , Belozerova Olga A. , Gulyak Evgeny L. , Mikhaylov Andrey A. , Solovev Yaroslav V. , Zhitlov Mikhail Y. , Sinichich Arseniy A. , Tyurin Anton P. , Trusova Ekaterina A. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V. , Lapchinskaya Olda A. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Gabibov Alexander G. , Terekhov Stanislav S.
Published: December 2024

Irumamycin (Iru) is a complex polyketide with pronounced antifungal activity produced by a type I polyketide (PKS) synthase. Iru features a unique hemiketal ring and an epoxide group, making its biosynthesis and the structural diversity of related compounds particularly intriguing. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of the iru biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) to uncover the mechanisms underlying Iru formation. We examined the iru PKS, including the domain architecture of individual modules and the overall spatial structure of the PKS, and uncovered discrepancies in substrate specificity and iterative chain elongation. Two potential pathways for the formation of the hemiketal ring, involving either an olefin shift or electrocyclization, were proposed and assessed using 18O-labeling experiments and reaction activation energy calculations. Based on our findings, the hemiketal ring is likely formed by PKS-assisted double bond migration and TE domain-mediated cyclization. Furthermore, putative tailoring enzymes mediating epoxide formation specific to Iru were identified. The revealed Iru biosynthetic machinery provides insight into the complex enzymatic processes involved in Iru production, including macrocycle sculpting and decoration. These mechanistic details open new avenues for a targeted architecture of novel macrolide analogs through synthetic biology and biosynthetic engineering.
Sequential Multi-Scale Modeling Using an Artificial Neural Network-Based Surrogate Material Model for Predicting the Mechanical Behavior of a Li-Ion Pouch Cell Under Abuse Conditions
Authors: Schmid Alexander , Ellersdorfer Christian , Ewert Eduard , Feist Florian
Published: December 2024

To analyze the safety behavior of electric vehicles, mechanical simulation models of their battery cells are essential. To ensure computational efficiency, the heterogeneous cell structure is represented by homogenized material models. The required parameters are calibrated against several characteristic cell experiments. As a result, it is hardly possible to describe the behavior of the individual battery components, which reduces the level of detail. In this work, a new data-driven material model is presented, which not only provides the homogenized behavior but also information about the components. For this purpose, a representative volume element (RVE) of the cell structure is created. To determine the constitutive material models of the individual components, different characterization tests are performed. A novel method for carrying out single-layer compression tests is presented for the characterization in the thickness direction. The parameterized RVE is subjected to a large number of load cases using first-order homogenization theory. This data basis is used to train an artificial neural network (ANN), which is then implemented in commercial FEA software LS-DYNA R9.3.1 and is thus available as a material model. This novel data-driven material model not only provides the stress–strain relationship, but also outputs information about the condition of the components, such as the thinning of the separator. The material model is validated against two characteristic cell experiments. A three-point-bending test and an indentation test of the cell is used for this purpose. Finally, the influence of the architecture of the neural network on the computational effort is discussed.
Optimising Grid-Connected PV-Battery Systems for Energy Arbitrage and Frequency Containment Reserve
Authors: Dufo-López Rodolfo , Lujano-Rojas Juan M. , Artal-Sevil Jesús S. , Bernal-Agustín José L.
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a novel method for optimising the size and control strategy of grid-connected, utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage aimed at energy arbitrage and frequency containment reserve (FCR) services. By applying genetic algorithms (GA), the optimal configurations of PV generators, inverters/chargers, and batteries were determined, focusing on maximising the net present value (NPV). Both DC- and AC-coupled systems were explored. The performance of each configuration was simulated over a 25-year lifespan, considering varying pricing, solar resources, battery ageing, and PV degradation. Constraints included investment costs, capacity factors, and land use. A case study conducted in Wiesenthal, Germany, was followed by sensitivity analyses, revealing that a 75% reduction in battery costs is needed to make AC-coupled PV-plus-battery systems as profitable as PV-only systems. Further analysis shows that changes in electricity and FCR pricing as well as limits on FCR charging can significantly impact NPV. The study confirms that integrating arbitrage and FCR services can optimize system profitability.
Facile Synthesis of S/Ti3C2Tx Mxene@Se Cathode for High-Sulfur-Loading Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Shi Yupu , Xu Jianbin , Du Xian , Zhang Yi , Zhao Fan , Tang Ziwei , Kang Le , Du Huiling
Published: December 2024

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are gaining much attention because they offer a much higher theoretical energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, the cycling performance of LSBs with high sulfur mass loading is poor due to the shuttle effect, limiting the practical application of LSBs. In this work, a unique porous sulfur/Ti3C2Tx Mxene@selenium (S/Ti3C2Tx@Se) cathode of a LSB is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method to address these challenges. In this composite, Ti3C2Tx forms a conductive framework and Se is tightly anchored on the framework. The Se inhibits the agglomeration of Ti3C2Tx and prevents the collapse of Ti3C2Tx. The S/Ti3C2Tx@Se composite can adsorb lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and suppresses the shuttle effect and volume changes during cycling, improving the cycling stability of LSBs with high S loading. A high capacity of 812.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with 5.0 mg cm−2 sulfur mass loading after 100 cycles is obtained. This work could inspire further research into high-performance S host materials for high-S-loading LSBs.
Differential Impact of Parental Practices and Parental Emotional Clarity on Child Symptoms in Single-Child vs. Multiple-Child Divorced Families
Authors: Merino Laura , Martínez-Pampliega Ana , Herrero Marta
Published: December 2024

Objective: The main objective of this study was to analyze the differences in parental emotional clarity and parental practices among families with a single child and families with more than one child, and their relationship with the children’s internalizing and externalizing symptomatology, specifically, anxiety–depression and aggressive behavior in a conflictive divorce context. Methods: The participants were 247 Spanish divorced parents. In total, 62% of the participants reported being the parents of one child and 38% of two children. All participants answered questionnaires that measured the variables investigated in this study. Results: The results supported the working hypothesis that families with more than one child present with less emotional clarity, which, concatenated with critical and rigid parental guidelines, is associated with children’s greater presence of anxious–depressive and aggressive symptoms. Conclusions: Families with more than one child have less positive parental guidelines and so their children express more symptoms.
Dynamic Modeling of Bacterial Cellulose Production Using Combined Substrate- and Biomass-Dependent Kinetics
Authors: Rincón Alejandro , Hoyos Fredy E. , Candelo-Becerra John E.
Published: December 2024

In this work, kinetic models are assessed to describe bacterial cellulose (BC) production, substrate consumption, and biomass growth by K. xylinus in a batch-stirred tank bioreactor, under 700 rpm and 500 rpm agitation rates. The kinetic models commonly used for Acetobacter or Gluconacetobacter were fitted to published data and compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). A stepwise fitting procedure was proposed for model selection to reduce computation effort, including a first calibration in which only the biomass and substrate were simulated, a selection of the three most effective models in terms of AIC, and a calibration of the three selected models with the simulation of biomass, substrate, and product. Also, an uncoupled product equation involving a modified Monod substrate function is proposed for a 500 rpm agitation rate, leading to an improved prediction of BC productivity. The M2c and M1c models were the most efficient for biomass growth and substrate consumption for the combined AIC, under 700 rpm and 500 rpm agitation rates, respectively. The average coefficients of determination for biomass, substrate, and product predictions were 0.981, 0.994, and 0.946 for the 700 rpm agitation rate, and 0.984, 0.991, and 0.847 for the 500 rpm agitation rate. It is shown that the prediction of BC productivity is improved through the proposed substrate function, whereas the computation effort is reduced through the proposed model fitting procedure.
Sex Differences in Pain Scores and Medication Consumption for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
Authors: Branger Alvaro Guerra , Diaz Morales Stefania , Adkisson Fabiola , Knezevic Nebojsa Nick
Published: December 2024

Background: Chronic pain is defined as any persistent or recurring pain lasting longer than 3 months that significantly affects a person’s quality of life. Millions worldwide are impacted by chronic pain, but its subjective nature makes it difficult to quantify and compare between individuals. Methods: This retrospective analysis aimed to examine the differences in pain perception and reporting between male and female patients, as well as how their pain was managed. Data from 1995 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the Advocate Illinois Masonic Pain Clinic database. The types of pain assessed in this study included lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. Results: The findings indicate that females suffer more from chronic pain conditions than males, where lower back pain had the highest prevalence in both sexes (63.7% reported). Baseline Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores at the first inpatient visit were statistically higher in females than males (7.95 ± 1.35 vs. 7.72 ± 1.46, p = 0.006). After 1 year of treatment, both sexes reported a clinical improvement in their symptoms. With regards to medication, females reported a higher use of medications such as muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants, while males reported a higher use of opioids (measured in MMEs). Conclusions: This study reveals a significant sex difference in the reporting of non-cancer-related chronic pain, with females reporting higher pain intensity than males.
Variations in Some Features of Oral Health by Personality Traits, Gender, and Age: Key Factors for Health Promotion
Authors: Fuentes Allexey Martínez , Romo-González Tania , Huesca-Domínguez Israel , Campos-Uscanga Yolanda , Barranca-Enríquez Antonia
Published: December 2024

Background: Oral diseases remain among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting almost half of the world’s population. This is partly because there has been a separation of the mouth from the rest of the body and human health, and psychological aspects such as personality, thoughts, and emotions are not taken into account in the dental office. The objective was to analyze the relationship between oral health conditions and personality traits in adult patients who underwent dental treatment at the Center for Health Studies and Services. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, and correlational study, carried out at the Center for Health Studies and Services. A total of 184 patients who attended the dentistry area in the period from October 2022 to May 2023 participated in the study, of which 59.78% were women and 40.21% men. The age of the population was 18 to 79 years, with the age range of 21–40 years being the most prevalent (48.37%). Results: The results show that although the hygiene of the population treated was good (0.77 ± 0.79) and that the perception of oral health was positive (14.34 ± 9.43), the means and percentages of oral pathologies and parafunctional habits were high (i.e., DMFT: 9.98 ± 5.40; attrition: 87.50%; onychophagia: 45.10%). It is noteworthy that both the correlation, network, multiple line regression, and logistic regression analyses showed associations of the personality, gender, and age variables with a history of caries and oral hygiene as well as with parafunctional habits. Conclusions: Therefore, variations in both the personality and the age and gender of the patients treated have repercussions on oral health conditions, which can be used in the prevention of oral diseases and in health promotion.
Teachers’, Researchers’, and Educators’ Partnerships: The Effect of Co-Creation on Pupils’ Problem-Solving Performance in Mathematics
Authors: Ampadu Ernest , Narh-Kert Millicent , Yeboah Rita
Published: December 2024

The collaboration between teachers, researchers, and educators has proven essential in advancing teacher professional development and improving pupils’ outcomes. This study investigates the effect of co-creating instructional materials and lesson plans on pupils’ mathematics problem-solving skills by employing the principles of co-creation and design-based research (DBR) to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes. A sample of 530 pupils from six primary schools was used, and data were collected using problem assessment sheets for primary 1, 2, and 3 pupils. The assessment tools measured pupils’ problem-solving understanding and competencies across numbers and algebra, measurement and geometry, and data strands. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied. The findings revealed that pupils’ performance improved across all three strands due to the co-creation process, with the most significant improvements observed among female pupils and those from rural schools. The factorial ANOVA results showed a significant interaction effect between class level and school location in the geometry and measurement and data strands, with F (2, 518) = 15.15, p < 0.001, and F (2, 518) = 12.28, p < 0.001, respectively. However, the interaction effect of the three independent variables on pupils’ performance in the numbers and algebra strand, F (2, 518) = 1.073, p = 0.342, was not significant. The study concludes that co-creation between teachers, researchers, and educators holds substantial potential for enhancing the teaching and learning of problem solving in schools and provides an excellent opportunity for teachers, educators, and researchers to harness their skills and competencies to improve mathematics teaching and learning.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of New Energy Transition Among Government, Traditional Automobile Enterprises, and Research Institutions Under the Dual Carbon Goals
Authors: Gao Jie , Tan Qingmei , Cui Bo
Published: December 2024

This paper delves into the evolutionary dynamics of dynamic games among governments, traditional automotive enterprises, and scientific research institutions during the new energy transition process by establishing a stochastic evolutionary game model. The research focuses on exploring the conditions for the formation of system stability and the key factors influencing strategic choices. MATLAB R2021a software is employed to simulate the game process, visually demonstrating the dynamic changes in the behaviors of each participant. The results indicate that research and development (R&D) costs are a crucial consideration for scientific research institutions when deciding whether to collaborate with traditional automotive enterprises. Traditional automotive enterprises exhibit significantly higher sensitivity to government incentives for cooperation than to potential penalties for non-cooperation. Furthermore, an increase in government support costs notably dampens its enthusiasm for promoting the development of the new energy transition. Reducing government support costs and R&D costs for scientific research institutions, as well as enhancing rewards for cooperative behavior and penalties for non-cooperative behavior, can effectively facilitate the formation of evolutionarily stable strategies among governments, traditional automotive enterprises, and scientific research institutions.
The Observation of Performance Trends by Numerical Simulation with Different Parameters in a Nonlinear Reversible Solid Oxide Cell System
Authors: Leu Jai-Houng , Su Ay , Kuo Shun-Chi , Chen Kuang-Chung
Published: December 2024

The reversible solid oxide cell model is established by COMSOL Multiphysics® (version 5.4) software under multi-physics coupling. According to the governing equation, the simulations were conducted based on the same parameters for many control groups numerically. At the same time, a comparison of these results was involved. For the air electrode in SOFC mode, the performance of the fuel cell will increase with the increase in the porosity. For the fuel electrode in SOFC mode, the increase is much greater than the impact of the porosity. The design parameters compared in this simulation are used to simulate and analyze and predict fuel cell performance under different conditions. The design parameters related to the electrode microstructure are defined in this model as: porosity (electrode porosity), pore size (electrode internal average pore size), and permeability (electrode internal permeability).
Ferulic Acid Esterase-Producing Lactobacilli as Silage Inoculants: A Review on the Efficacy of Improving Fiber Composition and Digestibility of Forages
Authors: Andrada Estefanía , Abeijón-Mukdsi María Claudia , Vinderola Gabriel , Medina Roxana Beatriz
Published: December 2024

Environmental-, animal-, and plant-associated factors are involved in the intake and digestibility of forages. Ferulated crosslinks are key targets for increasing the extent of fiber digestion in forages, for which ferulic acid esterase-producing lactic acid bacteria (FAE+ LAB) arise as silage inoculants that could beneficially impact animal husbandry. In this review article, we analyze the published effects of these inoculants on silage fiber composition, digestibility measures, ferulic acid content, and animal performance. To date, 17 FAE+ LAB strains have been evaluated in ensiling trials, obtaining variable results. When significant effects were detected, reductions in the content of neutral or acid detergent fiber (1.3–6.6% DM, compared with uninoculated silages) and increased digestibility measures (1.4–9.6% DM) were the most frequent outcomes. FAE+ LAB increased the free FA content of silages in several reports. Factors involved in the variability of responses have been scarcely evaluated but include inoculant strain, strain–forage combination, forage characteristics, and ensiling conditions. Two studies indicate that productive and health improvements were obtained when FAE+ LAB-inoculated silages were predominant in the diet of growing steers or dairy goats. Additional research is needed to understand the factors associated with the performance of FAE+ inoculants and the extent of their potential benefits for animal nutrition.
Microencapsulation of Essential Oils and Oleoresins: Applications in Food Products
Authors: Fernandes Beatriz , Oliveira M. Conceição , Marques Ana C. , dos Santos Rui Galhano , Serrano Carmo
Published: December 2024

Essential oils (EOs) and oleoresins (ORs) are plant-derived extracts that contain both volatile and non-volatile compounds used for flavoring, coloring, and preservation. In the food industry, they are increasingly used to replace synthetic additives, aligning with consumer demand for natural ingredients, by substituting artificial flavors, colorants, and preservatives. Microcapsules can be added to a vast range of foods and beverages, including bakery products, candies, meat products, and sauces, as well as active food packages. However, incorporating EOs and ORs into foods and beverages can be difficult due to their hydrophobic nature and poor stability when exposed to light, oxygen, moisture, and temperature. Microencapsulation techniques address these challenges by enhancing their stability during storage, protecting sensitive molecules from reacting in the food matrix, providing controlled release of the core ingredient, and improving dispersion in the medium. There is a lack of articles that research, develop, and optimize formulations of microencapsulated EOs and ORs to be incorporated into food products. Microencapsulated ORs are overlooked by the food industry, whilst presenting great potential as natural and more stable alternatives to synthetic flavors, colorants, and preservatives than the pure extract. This review explores the more common microencapsulation methods of EOs and ORs employed in the food industry, with spray drying being the most widely used at an industrial scale. New emerging techniques are explored, with a special focus on spray drying-based technologies. Categories of wall materials and encapsulated ingredients are presented, and their applications in the food and beverage industry are listed.
The Bacteriocins Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria and the Promising Applications in Promoting Gastrointestinal Health
Authors: Ismael Mohamedelfatieh , Huang Mingxin , Zhong Qingping
Published: December 2024

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising bioactive peptides. Intriguingly, bacteriocins have health benefits to the host and may be applied safely in the food industry as bio-preservatives or as therapeutic interventions preventing intestinal diseases. In recent years, finding a safe alternative approach to conventional treatments to promote gut health is a scientific hotspot. Therefore, this review aimed to give insight into the promising applications of LAB-bacteriocins in preventing intestinal diseases, such as colonic cancer, Helicobacter pylori infections, multidrug-resistant infection-associated colitis, viral gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity disorders. Moreover, we highlighted the recent research on bacteriocins promoting gastrointestinal health. The review also provided insights into the proposed mechanisms, challenges and opportunities, trends and prospects. In addition, a SWOT analysis was conducted on the potential applications. Based on properties, biosafety, and health functions of LAB-bacteriocins, we conclude that the future applications of LAB-bacteriocins are promising in promoting gastrointestinal health. Further in vivo trials are needed to confirm these potential effects of LAB-bacteriocins interventions.
Influence of Elevated Potassium Fertilization on Structural and Functional Properties of Sweet Potato Root Tuber Starch
Authors: Guo Ke , Liu Shuai , Zhang Long , Zhang Qian , Yu Yang , Ma Peiyong , Jia Zhaodong , Wei Cunxu , Bian Xiaofeng
Published: December 2024

Nine sweet potato varieties with different flesh colors were cultivated under uniform environmental conditions with potassium (K) fertilizer treatments at levels of 0, 22.5, and 45 kg/ha. The structural and functional properties of the starches were subsequently analyzed. The soluble sugar content in the dry root tuber increased, with higher K levels in most varieties. Amylose content decreased in Sushu16 but increased in Ningzishu1, with no significant differences observed in other varieties across different K levels. Elevated K levels had no effect on starch protein content, crystalline type, or gelatinization enthalpy. The impact of K fertilizer on starch thermal and pasting properties varied among the varieties. PLSR and PLS-DA analyses revealed that genotype background was the primary factor influencing starch properties. This research will provide a reference for the improvement of sweet potato production quality and efficiency and a scientific basis for the cultivation and utilization of sweet potato root tubers.
Exploring the Potential of Duck Egg White Jelly: Enhancing Texture, Reducing Phosphate, and Innovating Emulsified Meat Snacks
Authors: Zheng Nian-Yao , Chen Yen-Po , Liu Yu-Cheng , Shiu Jia-Shian , Chang Lian-Ben , Wang Sheng-Yao
Published: December 2024

Duck egg white jelly, a protein-rich, alkali-induced gel, mirrors preserved duck egg white in appearance and properties, offering easier storage and utility, especially when excess egg white is available. This research focuses on incorporating duck egg white jelly into emulsified meat snacks to enhance texture while reducing the phosphate content. This study suggests that adding phosphate and duck egg white jelly increases raw meat paste pH, affecting its viscosity. With half the usual phosphate and either 3.0% or 6.0% jelly, the pH significantly increases compared to the control paste, containing 0.2% phosphate (p < 0.05). Viscosity remains unaffected in the group with 6.0% jelly and no phosphate versus the control (p > 0.05). The least favorable viscosity is observed in pastes without phosphate or jelly, suggesting that the jelly plays a similar role to phosphate. After boiling and shaping the pastes into emulsified meat snacks, their texture profiles and water-holding capacities were analyzed. Formulas with phosphate and jelly produced emulsified meat snacks with improved springiness, chewiness, reduced cooking loss, and decreased purge loss during storage. Color analysis showed no significant differences between the control and treatment groups (p > 0.05). Duck egg white jelly, when added, effectively reduces the phosphate content while enhancing texture and consumer acceptance of emulsified meat snacks. It serves as a versatile ingredient for low-phosphate, emulsified meat products, with potential for various meat combinations.
Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Sulforaphene-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Han Lijuan , Ma Xiaobo , Chen Mingwen , He Junbo , Zhang Weinong
Published: December 2024

Sulforaphane (SFE) extracted from radish seeds has garnered significant research attention in recent years due to its notable biological activities, particularly its anticancer properties. However, SFE is highly sensitive to the environment; therefore, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were used to embed SFE to enhance its stability. SFE-SLNs were characterized and compared with free SFE to assess the impact of SLNs on SFE. The SFE-SLNs exhibited a spherical shape with a uniform and stable distribution. FTIR analysis suggested that SLNs might distribute SFE both within and on their surface. The SLNs effectively protected free SFE from breaking down at high temperatures, in water with pH levels between 2.0 and 9.0, and while being stored for over 8 weeks at 25 °C. In addition, the SFE in SFE-SLNs exhibited a sustained release compared to a sudden release of free SFE, leading to enhanced absorption in the intestine and improved bioavailability. Embedding SFE in SLNs did not make it less effective at killing cancer cells. This study provides an effective approach to improving the efficiency and stability of SFE, which could aid in incorporating its beneficial characteristics into products such as beverages, dairy products, solid formulations, and dietary supplements.
Natural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Essential Oils in Poultry Meat Preservation with Focus on Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Kovačević Zorana , Čabarkapa Ivana , Šarić Ljubiša , Pajić Marko , Tomanić Dragana , Kokić Bojana , Božić Dragana D.
Published: December 2024

The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health problem with implications on human and veterinary medicine, as well as food production. In the poultry industry, the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant or multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp., which pose a serious risk to meat safety and public health. The genetic transfer of resistance elements between poultry MDR bacteria and human pathogens further exacerbates the AMR crisis and highlights the urgent need for action. Traditional methods of preserving poultry meat, often based on synthetic chemicals, are increasingly being questioned due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. This situation has led to a shift towards natural, sustainable alternatives, such as plant-derived compounds, for meat preservation. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising natural preservatives in the poultry meat industry offering a potential solution to the growing AMR problem by possessing inherent antimicrobial properties making them effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Their use in the preservation of poultry meat not only extends shelf life, but also reduces reliance on synthetic preservatives and antibiotics, which contribute significantly to AMR. The unique chemical composition of EOs, that contains a large number of different active compounds, minimizes the risk of bacteria developing resistance. Recent advances in nano-encapsulation technology have further improved the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of EOs, making them more suitable for commercial use. Hence, in this manuscript, the recent literature on the mechanisms of AMR in the most important Gram-negative poultry pathogens and antimicrobial properties of EOs on these meat isolates was reviewed. Additionally, chemical composition, extraction methods of EOs were discussed, as well as future directions of EOs as natural food preservatives. In conclusion, by integrating EOs into poultry meat preservation strategies, the industry can adopt more sustainable and health-conscious practices and ultimately contribute to global efforts to combat AMR.
Betalains: A Narrative Review on Pharmacological Mechanisms Supporting the Nutraceutical Potential Towards Health Benefits
Authors: Martinez Renata M. , Melo Cristina P. B. , Pinto Ingrid C. , Mendes-Pierotti Soraia , Vignoli Josiane A. , Verri Waldiceu A. , Casagrande Rubia
Published: December 2024

Betalains are naturally occurring pigments sourced mainly from Beta vulgaris (beetroot), Hylocereus spp. (dragon fruit), Amaranthus spp., and Opuntia spp. Betalains are widely used for their vibrant colors and health-promoting properties. These nitrogenous, water-soluble pigments are crucial colorants in the food industry, responsible for the red, purple, and yellow plant tissues, predominantly in the order Caryophyllales. They are grouped into betacyanins, with reddish-violet hues, and betaxanthins, yellow to orange. Examples include beetroot stems for betacyanins and yellow pitaya pulp for betaxanthins. Several pharmacological activities were reviewed in the scientific literature, describing their potential implications for human health. In this review, we focused on the main and latest studies on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of betalains, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, betalain consumption is considered safe, with no major adverse effects or allergic reactions reported. We also approached topics such as the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, stability, and enhanced stabilization of betalains. This article provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive potential of betalains, highlighting the biochemical mechanisms involved. The current knowledge broadens the clinical applicability of betalains, making them potential sources of nutraceutical compounds that can be used to develop functional foods.
Threshold Protocol Game on Graphs with Magic Square-Generalization Labelings
Authors: Fedrigo Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Graphical games describe strategic interactions among a specified network of players. The threshold protocol game is a graphical game that models the adoption of a lesser-used product in a population when individuals benefit by using the same product. The threshold protocol game has historically been considered using infinite, simple graphs. In general, however, players might value some relationships more than others or may have different levels of influence in the graph. These traits are described by weights on graph edges or vertices, respectively. Relative comparisons on arbitrarily weighted graphs have been studied for a variety of graphical games. Alternatively, graph labelings are functions that assign values to the edges and vertices of graphs based on a particular set of rules. This work demonstrates that the outcome of the threshold protocol game can be characterized on a magic square-generalization labeled graph. There are a variety of graph labelings that generalize the concept of magic squares. In each, the labels on similar sets of graph elements sum to a constant. The constant sums of magic square-generalization labelings mean that each player experiences a constant level of influence without needing to specify the value of players relative to one another. The game outcome is compared across different types and features of labelings.
The Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on Dental Anxiety and Intraoperative Pain in Adults Undergoing Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Martínez-Martín Virginia , Verdejo-Herrero Jesús , Romero-del Rey Raúl , Garcia-Gonzalez Jessica , Requena-Mullor María del Mar , Alarcon-Rodriguez Raquel
Published: December 2024

Aims: This study assessed the effect of immersive virtual reality (IVR) on anxiety and intraoperative pain in adult patients undergoing dental extractions with local anesthesia. Methods: In a single-blind, randomized clinical trial from September 2022 to December 2023 at a private dental clinic, 190 patients with dental anxiety were randomly assigned to either an IVR or a control group. Primary outcomes—dental anxiety and perioperative pain—were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), recorded at various stages. Results: The IVR group showed significant reductions in total anxiety, state anxiety, and MDAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pain intensity was also lower in the IVR group (p = 0.03). Additionally, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were consistently lower in the IVR group across different stages. Post anesthesia, the IVR group showed notably lower mean SBP and DBP values (p < 0.001). After surgery, the IVR group also showed lower HR (p = 0.01), SBP (p < 0.001), and DBP (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: IVR significantly reduced STAI, STAI-S, and MDAS scores and decreased intraoperative pain compared to the control group.