bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Dietary Protein Source and Level on Histological Properties of Muscle and Adipose Tissue of Lambs
Authors: De Marzo Davide , Losacco Caterina , Laudadio Vito , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Xiong Youling L.
Published: March 2023

The muscle and adipose tissue histological properties in wether and ewe lambs of Gentile di Puglia breed, fed diets including two protein sources [soybean meal (SB) and SB plus distillers dried grain with solubles (DD)] and three protein levels (12.5, 15.7, and 18.9%) were evaluated. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus/rump, cut, and stained (reciprocal aerobic and anaerobic stains) for muscle fiber typing and fat cell characterization. Fibers were classified as α-red, β-red, and α-white. Lambs fed SB had larger α-white (p < 0.10) and smaller-diameter β-red and α-red fibers (p < 0.05). Among dietary protein levels, lambs fed 12.5% protein exhibited the highest percentage of α-red and the greatest diameter of α-white fibers, whereas wethers had a higher percentage of α-red (p < 0.05), and ewes had a higher percentage of α-white fibers (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat cells were larger (p < 0.10) in ewes than in wethers. Lambs in the group fed 12.5% protein had larger subcutaneous fat cells at the sacral vertebrae location. Overall, both sources and levels of dietary protein had significant effects on lamb muscle and fat histological features, suggesting the potential of modulating muscle or fiber types through dietary protein strategies.
Bacteria of Zoonotic Interest Identified on Edible Freshwater Fish Imported to Australia
Authors: Williams Michelle , Shamsi Shokoofeh , Williams Thomas , Hernandez-Jover Marta
Published: March 2023

Previous research has shown that freshwater edible fish imported into Australia are not compliant with Australian importation guidelines and as a result may be high risk for bacterial contamination. In the present study, the outer surface of imported freshwater fish were swabbed, cultured, confirmatory tests performed and antimicrobial patterns investigated. Channidae fish (Sp. A/n = 66) were contaminated with zoonotic Salmonella sp./Staphylococcus aureus (n = 1/66) and other bacteria implicated in cases of opportunistic human infection, these being Pseudomonas sp. (including P. mendocina and P. pseudoalcaligenes (n = 34/66)); Micrococcus sp. (n = 32/66); Comamonas testosteroni (n = 27/66) and Rhizobium radiobacter (n = 3/66). Pangasiidae fish (Species B/n = 47) were contaminated with zoonotic Vibrio fluvialis (n = 10/47); Salmonella sp. (n = 6/47) and environmental bacteria Micrococcus sp. (n = 3/47). One sample was resistant to all antimicrobials tested and is considered to be Methicillin Resistant S. aureus. Mud, natural diet, or vegetation identified in Sp. A fish/or packaging were significantly associated with the presence of Pseudomonas spp. The study also showed that visibly clean fish (Sp. B) may harbour zoonotic bacteria and that certain types of bacteria are common to fish groups, preparations, and contaminants. Further investigations are required to support the development of appropriate food safety recommendations in Australia.
Isoflavone Metabolism by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Its Application in the Development of Fermented Soy Food with Beneficial Effects on Human Health
Authors: Langa Susana , Peirotén Ángela , Curiel José Antonio , de la Bastida Ana Ruiz , Landete José María
Published: March 2023

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds (considered as phytoestrogens) with estrogenic and antioxidant function, which are highly beneficial for human health, especially in the aged population. However, isoflavones in foods are not bioavailable and, therefore, have low biological activity. Additionally, their transformation into bioactive compounds by microorganisms is necessary to obtain bioavailable isoflavones with beneficial effects on human health. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can transform the methylated and glycosylated forms of isoflavones naturally present in foods into more bioavailable aglycones, such as daidzein, genistein and glycitein. In addition, certain LAB strains are capable of transforming isoflavone aglycones into compounds with a greater biological activity, such as dihydrodaidzein (DHD), O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA), dihydrogenistein (DHG) and 6-hydroxy-O-desmethylangolensin (6-OH-O-DMA). Moreover, Lactococcus garviae 20-92 is able to produce equol. Another strategy in the bioconversion of isoflavones is the heterologous expression of genes from Slackia isoflavoniconvertens DSM22006, which have allowed the production of DHD, DHG, equol and 5-hydroxy-equol in high concentrations by engineered LAB strains. Accordingly, the consequences of isoflavone metabolism by LAB and its application in the development of foods enriched in bioactive isoflavones, as well as health benefits attributed to their consumption, will be addressed in this work.
1-Methylcyclopropene and UV-C Treatment Effect on Storage Quality and Antioxidant Activity of ‘Xiaobai’ Apricot Fruit
Authors: Lv Yunhao , Fu Anzhen , Song Xinxin , Wang Yufei , Chen Guogang , Jiang Ying
Published: March 2023

The ‘Xiaobai’ apricot fruit is rich in nutrients and is harvested in summer, but the high temperature limits its storage period. To promote commercial quality and extend shelf life, we investigated the effectiveness of Ultraviolet C (UV-C) combined with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on ‘Xiaobai’ apricot fruit stored at 4 ± 0.5 °C for 35 days. The results revealed that the combination treatment of 1-MCP and UV-C performed better than either UV-C or 1-MCP alone in fruit quality preservation. The combination treatment could delay the increase in weight loss, ethylene production, and respiration rate; retain the level of soluble solid content, firmness, titratable acid, and ascorbic acid content; promote the total phenolics and flavonoids accumulation; improve antioxidant enzyme activity and relative gene expression, and DPPH scavenging ability; and reduce MDA, H2O2, O2.− production. The combined treatment improved the quality of apricot fruit by delaying ripening and increasing antioxidant capacity. Therefore, combining UV-C and 1-MCP treatment may be an effective way to improve the post-harvest quality and extend the storage period of the ‘Xiaobai’ apricot fruit, which may provide insights into the preservation of ‘Xiaobai’ apricot fruit.
Health- or Environmental-Focused Text Messages to Increase Consumption of a Sustainable Diet among Young Adults: Importance of Expected Taste
Authors: Kershaw Jonathan C. , Lim Tze Joo , Nolden Alissa A.
Published: March 2023

Taste is a frequently cited barrier to the greater adoption of plant-based foods, a dietary pattern associated with both health and environmental benefits. To examine the role of expected taste in promoting greater adoption of plant-based foods, we examined the impact of a text-message intervention on the expected taste of both meat- and plant-protein foods. Young adults (n = 159) were randomly assigned to receive either health- or environment-focused text messages twice a week for eight weeks. Study measures (pre- and post-) included dietary recalls, the expected tastiness of meat- and plant-protein images and plant-based diets, consumption intention, and person-related factors such as moral satisfaction and the subjective norms of plant-based eating and health and environmental values. Participants rating plant-protein foods tastier at baseline were more likely to report higher actual (p < 0.001) and intended (p = 0.017) consumption of plant proteins following the intervention. While text messages had a limited effect on altering the expected taste of specific plant-protein foods, the messages did elevate the expected tastiness of plant-based diets. Baseline person-related factors positively predicted changes in expected tastiness of plant-based diets. Messages promoting plant-based foods may be more effective if these foods are first perceived as tasty. Furthermore, incorporating person-related considerations into messaging strategies may improve the expected taste of plant-based foods.
Metabolic Variations among Three New Tea Varieties Cultivated in Shandong, China
Authors: Shen Jiazhi , Wang Hui , Sun Litao , Fan Kai , Zhang Xifa , Huang Qingfu , Ding Shibo , Wang Yu , Ding Zhaotang
Published: March 2023

Cultivar identification is a necessary step in tea breeding programs. Rapid identification methods would greatly improve these breeding processes. To preliminarily identify the three new Lucha tea varieties (LC6, LC7, and LC17) cultivated in Shandong, we measured their main agronomic characters and biochemical components. Then, we analyzed the metabolic profiles of these tea varieties and Fuding Dabaicha (FD) using a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system. Their biochemical components indicated that the Lucha varieties had excellent varietal characteristics, with higher amino acid contents. Furthermore, secondary metabolism changed a lot in the Lucha tea varieties compared with that in the FD, with their accumulations of flavonoids and phenolic acids showing significant differences. These differential flavonoids were dominated by flavones and flavanone, flavonols, flavonoid carbonosides, and flavanols monomer. Flavanols especially, including epicatechin glucoside, epicatechin-3-(3″-O-methyl)gallate, epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate, and epitheaflavic acid-3-O-Gallate, showed higher levels in the Lucha varieties. The phenolic acids containing caffeoyl groups showed higher levels in the Lucha varieties than those in the FD, while those containing galloyl groups showed a reverse pattern. Nitrogen metabolism, including amino acids, also showed obvious differences between the Lucha varieties and FD. The differential amino acids were mainly higher in the Lucha varieties, including 5-L-glutamyl-L-amino acid, N-monomethyl-L-arginine, and N-α-acetyl-L-ornithine. By using these approaches, we found that LC6, LC7, and LC17 were excellent varieties with a high yield and high quality for making green teas in Shandong.
Enriched Pea Protein Texturing: Physicochemical Characteristics and Application as a Substitute for Meat in Hamburgers
Authors: Peñaranda Irene , Garrido María Dolores , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier , Igual Marta
Published: March 2023

There is currently a growing trend towards the consumption of vegetable protein, even if it shows some deficiencies in essential amino acids. It has been driven by consumer passion for health and wellness, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and the flexitarian lifestyle. However, the formulation of plant protein food analogues to meat products is complicated by the technological properties of isolated plant protein. One of the processes used to improve these properties is the texturisation of the protein by extrusion, as well as the use of other plant materials that can enrich the formulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pea protein (PP) enriched with lucerne (L), spinach (S) and Chlorella (C) in powdered and texturised forms on the physicochemical properties and extrusion parameters, and to evaluate its technological and sensory quality as a meat analogue in vegetal hamburgers. Texturisation reduced the number of soluble components released, thus reducing the molecular degradation in extruded material. The texturised samples were significantly (p < 0.05) less hygroscopic than the non-textured samples. Once the properties of the powder and texturised had been analysed, they were used to prepare vegetal hamburgers. The addition of vegetable-enriched texturised samples with high chlorophyll content led to more intense colour changes in the vegetal hamburgers during cooking, with PP+C providing the darkest colouring, and also resulted in a final product more similar to a traditional meat hamburger, with higher overall and meat odour/flavour intensity, hardness, juiciness and chewiness, and less legume and spice odour and flavour. Overall, texturisation improved the technological properties of the enriched protein isolate, allowing for more efficient production of vegetal hamburgers.
Long-Term Analysis of Internal Exposure Dose-Reduction Effects by Food Regulation and Food Item Contribution to Dose after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Osanai Minoru , Miura Mayu , Tanaka Chihiro , Kudo Kohsei , Hosokawa Shota , Tsushima Megumi , Noro Tomuhiro , Iwaoka Kazuki , Hosoda Masahiro , Yamaguchi Ichiro , Saito Yoko
Published: March 2023

Over 10 years have passed since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. This study verifies the efficacy of longitudinal regulation on internal exposure doses and analyzes food group contributions to radiation doses using accumulated monitoring test results. The committed effective doses in 10,000 virtual persons from fiscal year (FY) 2012 to 2021, with and without regulation, were estimated as products of radioactivity concentrations randomly sampled from the test results, food intake, and dose coefficient. The distributed values of food intake rather than a mean value in dose estimation were assumed to reflect food intake variations and avoid underestimation of internal exposure doses for high-intake consumers. Furthermore, the ingestion of radioactive cesium from the calculation was analyzed per food group. The 95th percentile of the internal exposure dose (the dose of a “representative person”) was less than 1 mSv/year in both FYs. The regulation effect was substantial in FY 2012, and no noticeable difference in radiation doses was found between the regulation and no regulation conditions after FY 2016. Internal exposure doses decreased until approximately FY 2016 and then remained constant. It was also shown that not only radioactivity concentration but also food intake is a major factor affecting cesium intake. In summary, it was confirmed that Japan had ensured food safety regarding radioactive materials.
Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Ferulic Acid from Muffins and Breads Made from Hairless Canary Seed, Wheat and Corn Blends
Authors: Abdel-Aal El-Sayed M. , Rabalski Iwona , Carey Christine , Gamel Tamer H.
Published: March 2023

Using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model combined with a Caco-2 cell model, this study aims to assess the bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid from muffins and bread prepared from blends of hairless canary seed (HCS), wheat, and corn. Residual digestive enzymes damaged the Caco-2 monolayer and necessitated the requirements for the additional clean-up of the digesta. Several digesta cleanup treatments were examined, and the C18 column, along with AEBSF inhibitor, was selected as the most effective treatment. However, the cleanup treatment reduced lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid concentrations. The bioaccessibility of lutein from muffins was high at 92–94% (without clean-up) and 81–86% (with cleanup); however, the cellular uptake was low (7–9%). The bioaccessibility and cellular uptake (4–11%) of zeaxanthin were lower than lutein. Ferulic acid from muffins exhibited a wide range of bioaccessibility for non-cleanup (105–229%) and clean-up (53–133%) digesta samples; however, cellular uptake was very low (0.5–1.8%). Bread made from wheat/HCS had higher lutein bioaccessibility (47–80%) than the control bread (42%), with an apical cellular uptake ranging from 4.3 to 9.2%. Similar to muffins, the bioaccessibility of zeaxanthin from bread was lower than lutein, while ferulic acid had a fairly high bioaccessibility at 98–103% (without clean-up) and 81–102% (with cleanup); however, zeaxanthin cellular uptake was low (0.2%). These results suggest that muffins and bread could boost the daily consumption of lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid, allowing for a small portion to be absorbed in the small intestine.
Carotenoid and Tocopherol Profiling in 18 Korean Traditional Green Leafy Vegetables by LC-SIM-MS
Authors: Ko Eun-Young , Lee Ji-Ho , Sivanesan Iyyakkannu , Choi Mi-Jung , Keum Young-Soo , Saini Ramesh Kumar
Published: March 2023

Fruits and vegetables are a vital source of redox-active phytochemicals in the diet. Traditional green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a rich source of carotenoids, dietary fiber, minerals, phenols, vitamins, and tocopherols and are commonly consumed in rural areas worldwide. In traditional Korean medicine, many GLVs are used to treat various ailments. However, data on the carotenoid and tocopherol content of many traditional GLVs consumed in the Republic of Korea are insufficient. The current work aims to compare the carotenoid and tocopherol profiles of 18 traditional GLVs by utilizing a single ion monitoring LC-MS approach to identify the potential GLVs for commercial cultivation and healthy diet formulations. Among the traditional GLVs investigated, (all-E)-lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, ranging from 44.4% in Glehnia littoralis to 52.1% in Heracleum moellendorffii. It was followed by (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene. The highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin (75.6 µg/g FW), 9-Z-neoxanthin (48.4 µg/g FW), (all-E)-luteoxanthin (10.8 µg/g FW), (all-E)-lutein (174.1 µg/g FW), total xanthophylls (310.5 µg/g FW), (all-E)-β-carotene (69.6 µg/g FW), and total carotenoids (380.1 µg/g FW) were recorded in Pimpinella brachycarpa. Surprisingly, Taraxacum mongolicum also showed the highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin, (all-E)-lutein, and total carotenoids, which were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05, Tukey HSD) with P. brachycarpa. The highest concentration of (all-E)-zeaxanthin (14.4 µg/g FW) was recorded in Solidago virga-aurea. Among the studied herbs, 13.9 (H. moellendorffii)–133.6 µg/g FW (Toona sinensis) of α-tocopherol was recorded. Overall, the results suggest that P. brachycarpa and T. mongolicum are rich sources of carotenoids. On the other hand, T. sinensis is a rich source of α-tocopherol. These GLVs can be utilized in the diet to enhance the intake of health-beneficial carotenoids and α-tocopherol.
Comparative Study on the Influence of Various Drying Techniques on Drying Characteristics and Physicochemical Quality of Garlic Slices
Authors: Zheng Zhi-An , Wang Shan-Yu , Wang Hui , Xiao Hongmei , Liu Zi-Liang , Pan Ya-Hui , Gao Lei
Published: March 2023

Effects of vacuum freeze drying (VFD), air impingement drying (AID), hot air drying based on temperature and humidity control (TH-HAD), pulsed vacuum drying (PVD), and medium- and short-wave infrared radiation drying (MSIRD) on the drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of garlic slices were investigated in the current work. Based on the experimental results, the Weibull model fitted the experimental results better (R2 > 0.99) than the Wang and Singh model. Samples dried with PVD showed the smallest color difference (ΔE*), better rehydration capacity and desirable reducing sugar content. In response to thermal effects and pressure pulsations, the cell walls gradually degraded, and the cell and organelle membranes ruptured. The allicin and soluble pectin contents of garlic slices treated with PVD were higher by 8.0–252.3% and 49.5–92.2%, respectively, compared to those of the samples dried by other techniques. VFD maintained a complete garlic slice structure with the minimum shrinkage and the best appearance. The MSIRD process produced the densest structure, and caused an additional loss of color and phytochemical contents. The findings in current work implied that PVD could be a promising drying technique for garlic slices.
Sustainability on Bread: How Fiber-Rich Currant Pomace Affects Rheological and Sensory Properties of Sweet Fat-Based Spreads
Authors: Reißner Anne-Marie , Rohm Harald , Struck Susanne
Published: March 2023

Dietary fiber may contribute to increasing the nutritional value of “unhealthy food”—for instance, spreads with high fat and sugar content. The high amount of fiber and the presence of phenolic compounds, organic fruit acids, and aroma compounds make currant pomace a promising ingredient to be used in a wide range of foods. However, the particle size of this by-product is a key factor influencing texture, rheology, physical stability, and sensory properties of the final commodities. Wet planetary ball milling of seedless currant pomace suspended in oil resulted in particles <30 µm, which is required for a creamy texture. Spread stiffness and viscosity were adapted by lowering the solid fat content in a way that the fruity spreads with 16 g/100 g pomace resembled a sweet commercial nut spread. The pomace showed stabilizing effects, as oil separation was reduced and a viscosity increase during storage was prevented. Principal component analysis after sensory flash profiling of five formulations highlighted differences in fruitiness, sweetness, greasiness, and viscosity. Hence, depending on the pomace level and fat composition in the formulation, the properties of sweet spreads can be specifically designed to fulfill the respective requirements. Additionally, sweet and savory wafer fillings provide great potential to be enriched with fruit pomace.
Coupling Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography and Reverse-Phase Chromatography for Improved Direct Analysis of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Lin Ruge , Wang Yi , Cheng Huan , Chen Shiguo , Ye Xingqian , Pan Haibo
Published: March 2023

Acid-catalyzed depolymerization is recognized as the most practical method for analyzing subunit composition and the polymerization degree of proanthocyanidins, involving purification by removing free flavan-3-ols, as well as acid-catalyzed cleavage and the identification of cleavage products. However, after the removal of proanthocyanidins with low molecular weights during purification, the formation of anthocyanidins from the extension subunits accompanying acid-catalyzed cleavage occurred. Thus, grape seed extract other than purified proanthocyanidins was applied to acid-catalyzed depolymerization. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography was developed to quantify free flavan-3-ols in grape seed extract to distinguish them from flavan-3-ols from terminal subunits of proanthocyanidins. Reverse-phase chromatography was used to analyze anthocyanidins and cleavage products at 550 and 280 nm, respectively. It is found that the defects of the recognized method did not influence the results of the subunit composition, but both altered the mean degree of polymerization. The established method was able to directly analyze proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract for higher accuracy and speed than the recognized method.
Scheme of Effective Epidemiological Investigations in Trichinella Outbreaks on Pig Farms
Authors: Bilska-Zając Ewa , Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Bełcik Aneta , Karamon Jacek , Sroka Jacek , Cencek Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Trichinellosis is a parasitic, zoonotic disease caused by larvae of the genus Trichinella. Infection occurs via the consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing this parasite. Symptoms of the disease manifest as intestinal disorders, followed by facial swelling, fever, muscle pain and other symptoms, eventually leading to neurological and cardiac complications and even death. In Europe, trichinellosis is most often associated with the consumption of meat from wild boars, pigs and horses. In recent years, wild boars that are hunted illegally and not tested for Trichinella spp. have been the most common cause of trichinellosis in humans; however, there have also been cases where infected pigs have been the source of infection. When trichinellosis is suspected in humans, epidemiological measures are taken to identify the source. Similarly, an epidemiological investigation should be initiated whenever Trichinella spp. has been detected in pigs. However, commonly used actions do not provide sufficient data to determine the source of infection for pigs and to prevent further transmission. Therefore, in this article, we propose a scheme for effective epidemiological investigations into Trichinella outbreaks on pig farms that can help trace the transmission mechanisms of the parasite and that takes into account currently available testing tools. The proposed pathway can be easily adopted for epidemiological investigations in routine veterinary inspection work.
Preserving Ready-to-Eat Meals Using Microwave Technologies for Future Space Programs
Authors: Ross Carolyn , Sablani Shyam , Tang Juming
Published: March 2023

The crewed suborbital and space flights launched by private companies over the past three years have rejuvenated public interest in space travel, including space tourism. Ready-to-eat meals (MREs) are the main source of nutrients and energy for space travelers. It is critical that those meals are free of bacterial and viral pathogens and have adequate shelf life. The participation of private companies in space programs will create new opportunities and demand for high-quality and microbiologically safe MREs for future space travels. In this article, we provide a brief review of nutrition and energy requirements for human activities in space. We discuss the general thermal processing requirements for control of bacterial and viral pathogens in MREs and introduce advanced thermal preservation technologies based on microwaves for production of MREs with different shelf-lives under various storage conditions. We also present the latest advancements in the development of polymer packaging materials for quality preservation of thermally stabilized MREs over extended storage. Finally, we recommend future research on issues related to the sensory quality of specially formulated MREs, microbial safety of dried foods that complement high moisture MREs, and food package waste management in future space missions.
Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Drying Characteristics and Quality of Codonopsis pilosulae Slices
Authors: Yue Yuanman , Zhang Qian , Wan Fangxin , Ma Guojun , Zang Zepeng , Xu Yanrui , Jiang Chunhui , Huang Xiaopeng
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of rotary microwave vacuum drying (RMVD), radio frequency vacuum drying (RFVD), vacuum far infrared drying (VFID), vacuum drying (VD), hot air drying (HD) and natural drying (ND) on the drying characteristics, active ingredients and microstructure of Codonopsis pilosulae slices. Compared with the fitting results of the four models, the Weibull model is the most suitable drying model for Codonopsis. The RFVD and HD color difference values were smaller compared to ND. The effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) under different drying methods was between 0.06 × 10−8 m2/s and 3.95 × 10−8 m2/s. RMVD-dried products had the shortest drying time and retained more active ingredients. The microstructure analysis revealed that the porous structure of RMVD is more favorable for water migration. RMVD is a promising dehydration method for obtaining high-value-added dried Codonopsis products.
Investigation of Histamine Removal by Electrodialysis from the Fermented Fish Sauce and Its Effects on the Flavor
Authors: Ding Yicheng , Qiu Mengting , Tang Xiaoling , Zheng Renchao , Zhou Xuxia
Published: March 2023

Histamine is one of the most concerned safety indicators in fish sauce. Considering its charge property, electrodialysis (ED) was used to control the histamine in fish sauce, and studies were focused on three operating parameters: input current, pH, and flow velocity. A Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology was adopted to derive a statistical model, which indicated that 5.1 A input current, pH 3.8, and 40 L∙h−1 flow velocity were optimal operation conditions. Under this condition, the histamine removal rate reached 53.41% and the histamine content met the allowable histamine limit of below 400 mg·kg−1 in fish sauce, while the amino nitrogen (ANN) loss rate was only 15.46%. In addition, amino acids and volatile compounds changed differently during ED. As a result, with decreased histamine, the fish sauce after ED was also less salty and less fishy. The study first explored utilizing ED to remove histamine from fish sauce, which has positive implications for promoting the safety of aquatic products.
Dynamic Event-Triggered Consensus for Fractional-Order Multi-Agent Systems without Intergroup Balance Condition
Authors: Xu Bingrui , Li Bing
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with the problem of group consensus for a fractional-order multi-agent system (FOMAS) without considering the intergroup balance condition. By adopting a dynamic event-triggered mechanism, the updating frequency of control input is significantly reduced while the consensus performance is maintained. By utilizing the Lyapunov direct method and the properties of a fractional-order derivative, several novel criteria are presented for analyzing the Mittag–Leffler stability of error systems and excluding the Zeno behavior in the triggering mechanism. An example and its simulations are demonstrated to prove the validity of the theoretical results.
Quantum Weighted Fractional-Order Transform
Authors: Zhao Tieyu , Chi Yingying
Published: March 2023

Quantum Fourier transform (QFT) transformation plays a very important role in the design of many quantum algorithms. Fractional Fourier transform (FRFT), as an extension of the Fourier transform, is particularly important due to the design of its quantum algorithm. In this paper, a new reformulation of the weighted fractional Fourier transform (WFRFT) is proposed in order to realize quantum FRFT; however, we found that this reformulation can be applied to other transformations, and therefore, this paper presents the weighted fractional Hartley transform (WFRHT). For the universality of application, we further propose a general weighted fractional-order transform (WFRT). When designing the quantum circuits, we realized the quantum WFRFT via QFT and quantum phase estimation (QPE). Moreover, after extending our design to the WFRHT, we were able to formulate the quantum WFRHT. Finally, in accordance with the research results, we designed the quantum circuit of the general WFRT, and subsequently proposed the quantum WFRT. The research in this paper has great value as a reference for the design and application of quantum algorithms.
Systems Pharmacology and Network Analysis to Advance Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine Decisions in Type-2 Diabetes Therapy
Authors: Saiti Aikaterini , Giannopoulos-Dimitriou Alexandros , Kazakos Ioannis , Galatou Eleftheria , Vizirianakis Ioannis S.
Published: March 2023

Diabetes mellitus type-2 (DMT2) molecular pathophysiology is still challenging since the disease represents a complex, multifactorial metabolic disease caused by polygenic defects and environmental factors. In addition, the resulting secondary organ complications can be affected by various environmental and life-style factors over the years. The metabolic imbalance in DMT2 is manifested by the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells in secreting insulin and the inability of other tissue cells to respond to insulin and utilize blood glucose. However, over recent years, through the advances in genomics and molecular analysis, several genes and microRNAs have been shown to be correlated as potential biomarkers with DMT2 prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy. Furthermore, drug therapy and clinical pharmacology have benefited from pharmacogenomics in a manner where the molecular knowledge can be translated into clinical information aiming to improve precision and personalized medicine therapeutic methodologies in healthcare. In this work, using systems pharmacology and network analysis approaches, we comprehensively assessed the molecular and genomics data associated with DMT2 to: (a) Better understand miRNA, gene, and drug associations; (b) Create connectivity and interaction maps of practical clinical utility; and (c) Facilitate the application of precision medicine therapeutic decisions in group and individual patients. Moreover, in order for the clinical pharmacology guidelines to be implemented in parallel with the generated molecular data, we also carried out an assessment of drug interactions in specific pharmacological classes that affect DMT2 pharmacotherapy outcomes. Overall, the proposed methodology and the results obtained: (a) Enrich our understanding of DMT2 molecular pathophysiology; (b) Unveil important biomarker and drug-gene pharmacogenomics associations; (c) Help the use of personalized therapy options; and (d) Allow precision medicine concepts to be broadly exploited in new therapeutic developments and within the clinical setting.
Polymeric DNA Hydrogels and Their Applications in Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Jing , Song Wenzhe , Li Feng
Published: March 2023

The biomolecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which acts as the carrier of genetic information, is also regarded as a block copolymer for the construction of biomaterials. DNA hydrogels, composed of three-dimensional networks of DNA chains, have received considerable attention as a promising biomaterial due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. DNA hydrogels with specific functions can be prepared via assembly of various functional sequences containing DNA modules. In recent years, DNA hydrogels have been widely used for drug delivery, particularly in cancer therapy. Benefiting from the sequence programmability and molecular recognition ability of DNA molecules, DNA hydrogels prepared using functional DNA modules can achieve efficient loading of anti-cancer drugs and integration of specific DNA sequences with cancer therapeutic effects, thus achieving targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release, which are conducive to cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the assembly strategies for the preparation of DNA hydrogels on the basis of branched DNA modules, hybrid chain reaction (HCR)-synthesized DNA networks and rolling circle amplification (RCA)-produced DNA chains, respectively. The application of DNA hydrogels as drug delivery carriers in cancer therapy has been discussed. Finally, the future development directions of DNA hydrogels in cancer therapy are prospected.
Thermomechanical Performance Assessment of Sustainable Buildings’ Insulating Materials under Accelerated Ageing Conditions
Authors: Pontinha Ana Dora Rodrigues , Mäntyneva Johanna , Santos Paulo , Durães Luísa
Published: March 2023

The reliable characterization of insulation materials in relevant environmental conditions is crucial, since it strongly influences the performance (e.g., thermal) of building elements. In fact, their properties may vary with the moisture content, temperature, ageing degradation, etc. Therefore, in this work, the thermomechanical behaviour of different materials was compared when subjected to accelerated ageing. Insulation materials that use recycled rubber in their composition were studied, along with others for comparison: heat-pressed rubber, rubber_cork composites, aerogel_rubber composite (developed by the authors), silica aerogel, and extruded polystyrene. The ageing cycles comprised dry-heat, humid-heat, and cold conditions as the stages, during cycles of 3 and 6 weeks. The materials’ properties after ageing were compared with the initial values. Aerogel-based materials showed superinsulation behaviour and good flexibility due to their very high porosity and reinforcement with fibres. Extruded polystyrene also had a low thermal conductivity but exhibited permanent deformation under compression. In general, the ageing conditions led to a very slight increase in the thermal conductivity, which vanished after drying of the samples in an oven, and to a decrease in Young’s moduli.
Biomanufacturing Recombinantly Expressed Cripto-1 Protein in Anchorage-Dependent Mammalian Cells Growing in Suspension Bioreactors within a Three-Dimensional Hydrogel Microcarrier
Authors: Lev Rachel , Bar-Am Orit , Lati Yoni , Guardiola Ombretta , Minchiotti Gabriella , Seliktar Dror
Published: March 2023

Biotherapeutic soluble proteins that are recombinantly expressed in mammalian cells can pose a challenge when biomanufacturing in three-dimensional (3D) suspension culture systems. Herein, we tested a 3D hydrogel microcarrier for a suspension culture of HEK293 cells overexpressing recombinant Cripto-1 protein. Cripto-1 is an extracellular protein that is involved in developmental processes and has recently been reported to have therapeutic effects in alleviating muscle injury and diseases by regulating muscle regeneration through satellite cell progression toward the myogenic lineage. Cripto-overexpressing HEK293 cell lines were cultured in microcarriers made from poly (ethylene glycol)-fibrinogen (PF) hydrogels, which provided the 3D substrate for cell growth and protein production in stirred bioreactors. The PF microcarriers were designed with sufficient strength to resist hydrodynamic deterioration and biodegradation associated with suspension culture in stirred bioreactors for up to 21 days. The yield of purified Cripto-1 obtained using the 3D PF microcarriers was significantly higher than that obtained with a two-dimensional (2D) culture system. The bioactivity of the 3D-produced Cripto-1 was equivalent to commercially available Cripto-1 in terms of an ELISA binding assay, a muscle cell proliferation assay, and a myogenic differentiation assay. Taken together, these data indicate that 3D microcarriers made from PF can be combined with mammalian cell expression systems to improve the biomanufacturing of protein-based therapeutics for muscle injuries.
Study of Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin and Puerarin Inclusion Complexes Encapsulated in Sodium Alginate-Grafted 2-Acrylamido-2-Methyl-1-Propane Sulfonic Acid Hydrogels for Oral Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Naeem Abid , Yu Chengqun , Zhu Weifeng , Zang Zhenzhong , Guan Yongmei
Published: March 2023

Puerarin has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunity enhancement, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects. However, due to its poor pharmacokinetic profile (low oral bioavailability, rapid systemic clearance, and short half-life) and physicochemical properties (e.g., low aqueous solubility and poor stability) its therapeutic efficacy is limited. The hydrophobic nature of puerarin makes it difficult to load into hydrogels. Hence, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-βCD)-puerarin inclusion complexes (PIC) were first prepared to enhance solubility and stability; then, they were incorporated into sodium alginate-grafted 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (SA-g-AMPS) hydrogels for controlled drug release in order to increase bioavailability. The puerarin inclusion complexes and hydrogels were evaluated via FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, and DSC. Swelling ratio and drug release were both highest at pH 1.2 (36.38% swelling ratio and 86.17% drug release) versus pH 7.4 (27.50% swelling ratio and 73.25% drug release) after 48 h. The hydrogels exhibited high porosity (85%) and biodegradability (10% in 1 week in phosphate buffer saline). In addition, the in vitro antioxidative activity (DPPH (71%), ABTS (75%), and antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) indicated the puerarin inclusion complex-loaded hydrogels had antioxidative and antibacterial capabilities. This study provides a basis for the successful encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs inside hydrogels for controlled drug release and other purposes.
How the Gut Microbiome Is Altered in COVID-19
Authors: Merra Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Microbioma and Viral Infections Respiratory infections are some of the main causes of hospitalization and mortality in older patients, especially [...]
Occupational Exposure to Inhalational Anesthetics and Teratogenic Effects: A Systematic Review
Authors: García-Álvarez José Manuel , Escribano-Sánchez Guillermo , Osuna Eduardo , Molina-Rodríguez Alonso , Díaz-Agea José Luis , García-Sánchez Alfonso
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: In the current healthcare environment, there is a large proportion of female staff of childbearing age, so, according to existing conflicting studies, the teratogenic effects that inhalational anesthetics may have on exposed pregnant workers should be assessed. This investigation aims to analyze the teratogenic effects of inhalational anesthetics in conditions of actual use, determining any association with spontaneous abortion or congenital malformations. (2) Methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement based on PICO (problem of interest–intervention to be considered–intervention compared–outcome) (Do inhalational anesthetics have teratogenic effects in current clinical practice?). The level of evidence of the selected articles was evaluated using the SIGN scale. The databases used were PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google academic and Opengrey. Primary studies conducted in professionals exposed to inhalational anesthetics that evaluate spontaneous abortions or congenital malformations, conducted in any country and language and published within the last ten years were selected. (3) Results: Of the 541 studies identified, 6 met all inclusion criteria in answering the research question. Since many methodological differences were found in estimating exposure to inhalational anesthetics, a qualitative systematic review was performed. The selected studies have a retrospective cohort design and mostly present a low level of evidence and a low grade of recommendation. Studies with the highest level of evidence do not find an association between the use of inhalational anesthetics and the occurrence of miscarriage or congenital malformations. (4) Conclusions: The administration of inhalational anesthetics, especially with gas extraction systems (scavenging systems) and the adequate ventilation of operating rooms, is not associated with the occurrence of spontaneous abortions or congenital malformations.
Comparison of Three Video Laryngoscopes and Direct Laryngoscopy for Emergency Endotracheal Intubation While Wearing PPE-AGP: A Randomized, Crossover, Simulation Trial
Authors: Kluj Przemysław , Fedorczak Anna , Fedorczak Michał , Gaszyński Tomasz , Kułak Cezary , Wasilewski Mikołaj , Znyk Mateusz , Bartczak Maria , Ratajczyk Paweł
Published: March 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in the safety protocols of endotracheal intubation at every level of care. This study aimed to compare the first-pass success rates (FPS) and intubation times (IT) of three video laryngoscopes (VL) and direct laryngoscopy (DL) for simulated COVID-19 patient emergency intubation (EI). Methods: The study was a prospective, randomized, crossover trial. Fifty-three active paramedics performed endotracheal intubation with the I-viewTM VL, UESCOPE® VL, ProVu® VL and Macintosh direct laryngoscope (MAC) wearing personal protective equipment for aerosol-generating procedures (PPE-AGP) on a manikin with normal airway conditions. Results: The longest IT was noted when the UESCOPE® (29.4 s) and ProVu® (27.7 s) VL were used. The median IT for I-view was 17.4 s and for MAC DL 17.9 s. The FPS rates were 88.6%, 81.1%, 83.0% and 84.9%, respectively, for I-view, ProVu®, UESCOPE® and MAC DL. The difficulty of EI attempts showed a statistically significant difference between UESCOPE® and ProVu®. Conclusions: The intubation times performed by paramedics in PPE-AGP using UESCOPE® and ProVu® were significantly longer than those with the I-view and Macintosh laryngoscopes. The use of VL by prehospital providers in PPE did not result in more effective EI than the use of a Macintosh laryngoscope.
Effectiveness of Transition Care Intervention Targeted to High-Risk Patients to Reduce Readmissions: Study Protocol for the TARGET-READ Multicenter Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Gouveia Alexandre , Mancinetti Marco , Genné Daniel , Méan Marie , John Gregor , Bütikofer Lukas , Aujesky Drahomir , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Donzé Jacques
Published: March 2023

Hospital readmissions within 30 days represent a burden for the patients and the entire health care system. Improving the care around hospital discharge period could decrease the risk of avoidable readmissions. We describe the methods of a trial that aims to evaluate the effect of a structured multimodal transitional care intervention targeted to higher-risk medical patients on 30-day unplanned readmissions and death. The TARGET-READ study is an investigator-initiated, pragmatic single-blinded randomized multicenter controlled trial with two parallel groups. We include all adult patients at risk of hospital readmission based on a simplified HOSPITAL score of ≥4 who are discharged home or nursing home after a hospital stay of one day or more in the department of medicine of the four participating hospitals. The patients randomized to the intervention group will receive a pre-discharge intervention by a study nurse with patient education, medication reconciliation, and follow-up appointment with their referring physician. They will receive short follow-up phone calls at 3 and 14 days after discharge to ensure medication adherence and follow-up by the ambulatory care physician. A blind study nurse will collect outcomes at 1 month by phone call interview. The control group will receive usual care. The TARGET-READ study aims to increase the knowledge about the efficacy of a bundled intervention aimed at reducing 30-day hospital readmission or death in higher-risk medical patients.
ChatGPT Utility in Healthcare Education, Research, and Practice: Systematic Review on the Promising Perspectives and Valid Concerns
Authors: Sallam Malik
Published: March 2023

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based conversational large language model (LLM). The potential applications of LLMs in health care education, research, and practice could be promising if the associated valid concerns are proactively examined and addressed. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the utility of ChatGPT in health care education, research, and practice and to highlight its potential limitations. Using the PRIMSA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted to retrieve English records in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar (published research or preprints) that examined ChatGPT in the context of health care education, research, or practice. A total of 60 records were eligible for inclusion. Benefits of ChatGPT were cited in 51/60 (85.0%) records and included: (1) improved scientific writing and enhancing research equity and versatility; (2) utility in health care research (efficient analysis of datasets, code generation, literature reviews, saving time to focus on experimental design, and drug discovery and development); (3) benefits in health care practice (streamlining the workflow, cost saving, documentation, personalized medicine, and improved health literacy); and (4) benefits in health care education including improved personalized learning and the focus on critical thinking and problem-based learning. Concerns regarding ChatGPT use were stated in 58/60 (96.7%) records including ethical, copyright, transparency, and legal issues, the risk of bias, plagiarism, lack of originality, inaccurate content with risk of hallucination, limited knowledge, incorrect citations, cybersecurity issues, and risk of infodemics. The promising applications of ChatGPT can induce paradigm shifts in health care education, research, and practice. However, the embrace of this AI chatbot should be conducted with extreme caution considering its potential limitations. As it currently stands, ChatGPT does not qualify to be listed as an author in scientific articles unless the ICMJE/COPE guidelines are revised or amended. An initiative involving all stakeholders in health care education, research, and practice is urgently needed. This will help to set a code of ethics to guide the responsible use of ChatGPT among other LLMs in health care and academia.