bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapid LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Ten Flavonoid Metabolites of Naringin in Rat Urine and Its Application to an Excretion Study
Authors: Zeng Xuan , Zheng Yuying , He Yan , Peng Wei , Su Weiwei
Published: January 2022

Naringin is a dietary flavonoid glycoside with multiple bioactivities. It has been involved in numerous metabolism and excretion studies, and its metabolic properties are clear. However, information concerning the excretion profile of its original metabolites are still scarce, and few methods for simultaneous determination of multiple original metabolites of naringin in biological samples have been reported so far. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of ten flavonoid metabolites of naringin in rat urine was developed with an UHPLC-Q-Trap-MS/MS system. One-step protein precipitation method with acetonitrile was used to extract analytes. A rapid chromatographic separation within 11 min was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase of water and methanol, both with 0.1% formic acid (v/v). MS/MS detection was conducted in negative ion mode and multiple reactions monitoring scanning mode. The analytical method was fully validated and successfully applied to monitor the excretion profiles of naringin in rat urine. Quantitative results revealed the visible individual difference and low urinary recovery of flavonoid metabolites in the excretion of naringin, which may be helpful for further study to understand the in vivo behavior and action mechanism of naringin.
Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations Investigation on the Mechanism of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) C-Domain Inhibition by Dipeptides
Authors: Li Congcong , Liu Kaifeng , Chen Siao , Han Lu , Han Weiwei
Published: January 2022

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides extracted from food proteins can lower blood pressure by inhibiting ACE activity. A recent study showed that the inhibitory activity of IY (Ile-Tyr, a dipeptide derived from soybean protein) against ACE was much higher than that of LL (Leu-Leu), although they had similar hydrophobic and predicted activity values. It was difficult to reveal the deep molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon by traditional experimental methods. The Apo and two complex systems (i.e., ACE–LL and ACE–IY) were therefore subjected to 1 μs long Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations. The results showed that the binding of IY can cause obvious contraction of the active site of ACE, mainly manifested by a significant lateral shift of α13, α14, and α15. In addition, hinge 2 and hinge 3 were more stable in the ACE–IY system, while these phenomena were not present in the ACE–LL system. Moreover, the α10 of the IY-bound ACE kept an inward state during the simulation progress, which facilitated the ACE to remain closed. However, for the LL-bound ACE, the α10 switched between two outward states. To sum up, our study provides detailed insights into inhibitor-induced conformational changes in ACE that may help in the design of specific inhibitors targeting ACE for the treatment of hypertension.
Meroterpenoid-Rich Ethanoic Extract of Sargassum macrocarpum Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Joung Eun-Ji , Cao Lei , Gwon Wi-Gyeong , Kwon Mi-Sung , Lim Kwon Taek , Kim Hyeung-Rak
Published: January 2022

Colitis is a colon mucosal disorder characterized by intestinal damage and inflammation. This current study aimed to evaluate the effect of meroterpenoid-rich ethanoic extract of a brown algae, Sargassum macrocarpum (MES) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and explore the possible mechanisms. Mice were given 4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis, followed by 3 days of regular water. MES (12 mg/kg body weight) or celecoxib (10 mg/kg body weight) was administrated orally to mice on a daily basis during these 10 days. Both MES and celecoxib supplementations significantly attenuated DSS-induced weight loss, shortening of colon length, elevated myeloperoxidase activity as well as histomorphological changes of colon. MES and celecoxib reduced the inflammation level of colon tissue, as indicated by its suppression on a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ, and a group of inflammatory proteins, including intracellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular adhesion molecule 1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and inducible nitric oxidase. In addition, their administration down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Moreover, the supplementation of MES suppressed the DSS-induced hyperactivation of Akt, JNK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MES ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that MES may have therapeutic implications for the treatment of colitis.
Multiclass Comparative Analysis of Veterinary Drugs, Mycotoxins, and Pesticides in Bovine Milk by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Hybrid Quadrupole–Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jia Qi , Qiu Jing , Zhang Lin , Liao Guangqin , Jia Yanbo , Qian Yongzhong
Published: January 2022

A multiclass and multiresidue method for simultaneously screening and confirming veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, and pesticides in bovine milk was developed and validated with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–hybrid quadrupole–linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Qtrap-MS). A total of 209 targeted contaminants were effectively extracted using an optimized QuEChERS method. Quantitative and qualitative confirmation were achieved simultaneously by multiple reaction monitoring–information-dependent acquisition–enhanced product ion (MRM-IDA-EPI) scan mode. The validation results exhibited a good sensitivity with the LOQs of 0.05–5 μg/kg, which was satisfactory for their MRLs in China or EU. The recoveries of in-house spiked samples were in the range of 51.20–129.76% with relative standard deviations (RSD) between replicates (n = 3) 0.82% and 19.76%. The test results of 140 milk samples from supermarkets and dairy farms in China showed that cloxacillin, aflatoxin M1, acetamiprid, and fipronil sulfone were found with lower concentrations. Combined with the residue results from the literature, penicillin G and cloxacillin (beta-lactams), enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolones), and sulfamerazine (sulfonamides) were more frequently detected in different countries and need to receive more attention regarding their monitoring and control.
Loads of Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms and Characterization of Thermotolerant Escherichia coli in Fresh Raw Milk Cheese
Authors: Hammad Ahmed M. , Eltahan Amira , Hassan Hamdy A. , Abbas Nasser H. , Hussien Heba , Shimamoto Tadashi
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the hygienic status of raw milk cheese and determine the trends of virulence and antimicrobial resistance in thermotolerant Escherichia coli. Two hundred samples of karish, a popular Egyptian fresh raw milk cheese, were analyzed for coliforms and fecal coliforms using a standard most probable number (MPN) technique. Overall, 85% of samples were unsuitable for consumption, as they exceeded Egyptian standards for coliforms (10 MPN/g), and 65% of samples exhibited coliforms at 44.5 °C. Of 150 recovered thermotolerant strains, 140 (93.3%) were identified as E. coli. Importantly, one Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strain carrying a striking virulence pattern, stx1−, stx2+, eae−, was detected. Eleven strains (7.8%, 11/140) showed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Antibiotic resistance genes included blaSHV, blaCTX-M, qnrS, tet(A), and tet(B), which were present in 4.3%, 2.8%, 0.71%, 2.1%, and 0.71% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, this study indicated that hygienic-sanitary failures occurred throughout the production process of most retail karish cheese. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the need for adopting third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli as an indicator for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in raw milk cheese to identify the potential public health burden associated with its consumption.
Bioactive Compounds from Cardoon as Health Promoters in Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Silva Luís R. , Jacinto Telma A. , Coutinho Paula
Published: January 2022

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a Mediterranean plant and member of the Asteraceae family that includes three botanical taxa, the wild perennial cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori), globe artichoke (C. cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. Fiori), and domesticated cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.). Cardoon has been widely used in the Mediterranean diet and folk medicine since ancient times. Today, cardoon is recognized as a plant with great industrial potential and is considered as a functional food, with important nutritional value, being an interesting source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, minerals, inulin, fiber, and sesquiterpene lactones. These bioactive compounds have been vastly described in the literature, exhibiting a wide range of beneficial effects, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antihemorrhoidal, cardiotonic, and choleretic activity. In this review, an overview of the cardoon nutritional and phytochemical composition, as well as its biological potential, is provided, highlighting the main therapeutic effects of the different parts of the cardoon plant on metabolic disorders, specifically associated with hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic activity.
Effects of Tasting and Ingredient Information Statement on Acceptability, Elicited Emotions, and Willingness to Purchase: A Case of Pita Chips Containing Edible Cricket Protein
Authors: Gurdian Cristhiam E. , Torrico Damir D. , Li Bin , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: January 2022

Sustainable and nutritious alternatives are needed to feed the ever-increasing world population. The successful incorporation of edible-cricket protein (ECP) into foods needs deeper consumer insights. Treatments (plain, Italian, and Cajun pita chips containing 6.9% w/w ECP) were evaluated by subjects for overall liking (OL), emotions, and purchase intent (PI) in three different moments: (1) before tasting, (2) after tasting/before ECP statement, and (3) after tasting/after ECP statement. Attributes’ liking scores were evaluated only after tasting/before ECP statement. Liking scores (mixed-effects ANOVA), emotions, and PI across moments within treatments/across treatments within moments were evaluated. Emotion-based penalty-lift analyses for OL within moments were assessed using two-sample t-tests (p < 0.05). Random forest model analyzed after-tasting informed PI and variables’ importance. Although formulations’ OL and PI were similar across moments, plain and Italian chips had higher after-tasting (before and after ECP statement) OL than the Cajun chips. Moments indirectly affected OL via emotions elicitation. Valence and activation/arousal emotions discriminated across moments for the plain treatment whereas valence and mostly activation/arousal terms discriminated across moments for the Italian and Cajun treatments, respectively. For either formulation or moment, “interested” and “adventurous” positively affected OL. Before and after-tasting attribute liking, “satisfied,” and “enthusiastic” emotions were critical in predicting after-tasting informed PI.
Solid-Phase Extraction Approaches for Improving Oligosaccharide and Small Peptide Identification with Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: A Case Study on Proteolyzed Almond Extract
Authors: Huang Yu-Ping , Robinson Randall C. , Dias Fernanda Furlan Goncalves , de Moura Bell Juliana Maria Leite Nobrega , Barile Daniela
Published: January 2022

Reverse-phase solid-phase extraction (SPE) is regularly used for separating and purifying food-derived oligosaccharides and peptides prior to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. However, the diversity in physicochemical properties of peptides may prevent the complete separation of the two types of analytes. Peptides present in the oligosaccharide fraction not only interfere with glycomics analysis but also escape peptidomics analysis. This work evaluated different SPE approaches for improving LC-MS/MS analysis of both oligosaccharides and peptides through testing on peptide standards and a food sample of commercial interest (proteolyzed almond extract). Compared with conventional reverse-phase SPE, mixed-mode SPE (reverse-phase/strong cation exchange) was more effective in retaining small/hydrophilic peptides and capturing them in the high-organic fraction and thus allowed the identification of more oligosaccharides and dipeptides in the proteolyzed almond extract, with satisfactory MS/MS confirmation. Overall, mixed-mode SPE emerged as the ideal method for simultaneously improving the identification of food-derived oligosaccharides and small peptides using LC-MS/MS analysis.
Potential Ophthalmological Application of Extracts Obtained from Tuna Vitreous Humor Using Lactic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Systems
Authors: Abdallah Maha M. , Leonardo Inês C. , Krstić Luna , Enríquez-de-Salamanca Amalia , Diebold Yolanda , González-García María J. , Gaspar Frédéric B. , Matias Ana A. , Bronze Maria Rosário , Fernández Naiara
Published: January 2022

A green technique was developed to extract hyaluronic acid (HA) from tuna vitreous humor (TVH) for its potential application in managing dry eye disease. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) were used to extract HA and were synthesized using natural compounds (lactic acid, fructose, and urea). The DES, the soluble fraction of TVH in DES (SF), and the precipitated extracts (PE) were evaluated for their potential use in dry eye disease treatment. In vitro experiments on human corneal epithelial cell lines and the effect on dry eye-associated microorganisms were performed. The influence of the samples on the HCE viability, their intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, inflammatory response, and antimicrobial properties were studied. According to the results, all samples displayed an antioxidant effect, which was significantly higher for PE in comparison to SF. Most of the tested samples did not induce an inflammatory response in cells, which confirmed the safety in ophthalmic formulations. In addition, the DES and SF proved to be efficient against the studied bacterial strains, while PE did not show an antimicrobial effect. Hence, both DES and SF at defined concentrations could be used as potential compounds in dry eye disease management.
New Advances in the Phenolic Composition of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) by-Products
Authors: Razola-Díaz María del Carmen , Gómez-Caravaca Ana María , Guerra-Hernández Eduardo J. , Garcia-Villanova Belén , Verardo Vito
Published: January 2022

“Horchata” is a well-known Spanish beverage obtained from pressing tiger nuts. Its by-product is a potential source of sugar and fiber but also contains polyphenols; thus, it could be used as a new ingredient in the food industry. The aim of this work is to determine the phenolic compounds and compare the phenolic profile of two tiger nut by-products. A Box–Behnken design has been carried out to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds from tiger nut by-products by ultrasound technology. The independent factors were time (min), ethanol/water (% v/v), and solvent/sample ratio (v/w). The model was validated and confirmed by ANOVA. A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of Valencia and a non-Protected Designation of Origin (n-PDO) tiger nut by-products were extracted under the optimal conditions and were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-TOF-MS (High Performance Liquid Chropatography coupled to a photodiode array time-of-flight mass detector). Moreover, their antioxidant activities measured by three different methods (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-Azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power)) were compared. A total of 45 polar compounds were identified, and the phenolic ones were quantified, some of them for the first time. PDO tiger nut by-product has been demonstrated to be richer in phenolic acids and other polyphenols and has higher antioxidant activity; meanwhile, n-PDO tiger nut by-product is richer in phenol precursors.
The Development of Smoked Mackerel with Reduced Sodium Content
Authors: Rybicka Iga , Silva Marlene , Gonçalves Amparo , Oliveira Helena , Marques António , Fernandes Maria José , Fernandes Maria Helena , Alfaia Cristina Mateus , Fraqueza Maria João , Nunes Maria Leonor
Published: January 2022

The World Health Organization recommends reducing salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) intake by 30% by 2025. Since smoked fish can deliver up to 4 g NaCl/100 g, the aim of this study was to develop safe, healthy and attractive smoked chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) with a reduced NaCl content. Two brines (5% and 10%) were used with different ratios of NaCl and potassium chloride (KCl). In each brine, 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of NaCl was replaced by KCl, resulting in 1.3, 1.1, 0.9 and 0.6 g NaCl (5% brine), and 2.6, 2.0, 1.2 and 0.8 g NaCl (10% brine) per 100 g, respectively. Similar yield, nutritional, safety, texture and colour properties were found in most formulations. The most desirable taste attributes (negligible bitterness and adequate saltiness) were obtained with a 5% brine prepared with 75% NaCl + 25% KCl. Such conditions seemed to allow for obtaining an attractive product for conscious consumers.
Evolutionary Optimisation of Beer Organoleptic Properties: A Simulation Framework
Authors: al-Rifaie Mohammad Majid , Cavazza Marc
Published: January 2022

Modern computational techniques offer new perspectives for the personalisation of food properties through the optimisation of their production process. This paper addresses the personalisation of beer properties in the specific case of craft beers where the production process is more flexible. Furthermore, this work presents a solution discovery method that could be suitable for more complex, industrial setups. An evolutionary computation technique was used to map brewers’ desired organoleptic properties to their constrained ingredients to design novel recipes tailored for specific brews. While there exist several mathematical tools, using the original mathematical and chemistry formulas, or machine learning models that deal with the process of determining beer properties based on the predetermined quantities of ingredients, this work investigates an automated quantitative ingredient-selection approach. The process, which was applied to this problem for the first time, was investigated in a number of simulations by “cloning” several commercial brands with diverse properties. Additional experiments were conducted, demonstrating the system’s ability to deal with on-the-fly changes to users’ preferences during the optimisation process. The results of the experiments pave the way for the discovery of new recipes under varying preferences, therefore facilitating the personalisation and alternative high-fidelity reproduction of existing and new products.
Anti-Interference Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Aquatic Food Based on Target-Cyclized RCA with Dynamic Adapter Followed by LAMP
Authors: Zhang Boying , Sun Wenhua , Ran Lingling , Wang Chenru , Wang Jing , An Ran , Liang Xingguo
Published: January 2022

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is considered the most concerning pathogen for seafood. Like other pathogens in food samples, its gene detection suffers from a problem of background interference when isothermal detection methods are used. The sensitivity and specificity greatly decrease due to large amounts of background genome. Here we describe a novel isothermal detection technology based on target-cyclized rolling circle amplification combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (tRCA-lamp). By avoiding unexpected ligation, a short dynamic adapter is employed to increase the sensitivity of target cyclization in the presence of the background genome. At the amplification step, highly specific detection is obtained by linear RCA and simplified LAMP (only two primers are used). Furthermore, visual detection is easily realized with hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB). In the oyster samples, the tRCA-lamp approach can detect V. parahaemolyticus with a detection limit of 22 cfu/g with none necessary to enrich the bacteria and remove the host DNA. This method gets rid of the complicated primer design process and can be extended to the detection of other pathogens in food samples.
Curcumin-Based Photosensitization, a Green Treatment in Inactivating Aspergillus flavus Spores in Peanuts
Authors: Mukubesa Nalukui , Nguenha Rafael , Hong Hung T. , Seididamyeh Maral , Netzel Michael E. , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: January 2022

Controlling microbial contamination in foods using effective clean and green technologies is important in producing food with less contaminants. This study investigates the effect of photosensitization treatment using naturally occurring curcumin on inactivating Aspergillus flavus spores on peanuts. Light dosages of 76.4 J/cm2 and 114.5 J/cm2 at 420 nm were employed in combination with curcumin concentrations from 25 to 100 μM. The inactivation efficiency of the treatment towards spores in suspension achieved a maximum 2 log CFU/mL reduction in viable spores with 75 μM of curcumin at a light dosage of 114.5 J/cm2 (p < 0.05). The in vivo study was then designed using the optimum conditions from the in vitro experiment. The photosensitization treatment at three different curcumin concentrations (50, 75, 100 μM) extended the shelf-life of raw peanuts by 7 days when treated with 75 μM of curcumin combined with a 114.5 J/cm2 light dosage and stored at 25 °C. The treatment effectively reduced average levels of aflatoxin B1 (AF-B1) on peanuts stored for 7 days at 25 °C from 9.65 mg/kg of untreated samples to 0.007 and 0.006 mg/kg for 75 and 100 μM curcumin (p < 0.05) respectively. The results show the potential use of curcumin-based photosensitization treatment in inactivating fungal growth and reducing AF-B1 concentration on raw peanuts.
Cryoprotective Roles of Carboxymethyl Chitosan during the Frozen Storage of Surimi: Protein Structures, Gel Behaviors and Edible Qualities
Authors: Zhu Xiangwei , Zhu Minglang , He Diheng , Li Xueyin , Shi Liu , Wang Lan , Xu Jianteng , Zheng Yi , Yin Tao
Published: January 2022

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) is an ampholytic chitosan derivative that manifests versatile applications in food industry, such as antibacterial ingredients and nutritional additives. However, its use as a cryoprotectant remains under-researched. In this study, the cryoprotective effect of CMCh oligosaccharide (CMCO) on frozen surimi (silver carp) was systematically investigated in terms of protein structures, gelling behaviors, and sensory qualities. CMCO (0.6%) was incorporated in the surimi before frozen storage (−18 °C for 60 days) while the commercial cryoprotectant (4% sucrose, 4% sorbitol) was used as a positive control. Results indicated that CMCO could inhibit the freezing-induced denaturation of myofibrillar protein, whose values of solubility, Ca2+-ATPase and sulfhydryl content were 24.8%, 64.7%, and 17.1% higher than the nonprotected sample, respectively, while the surface hydrophobicity was 21.6% lower. Accordingly, CMCO stabilized microstructure of the surimi gels associated with improved gel strength, viscoelasticity, water-holding capacities, and whiteness. Moreover, the cryoprotective effect of CMCO with higher degree of carboxymethyl substitution (DS: 1.2) was more pronounced than that of low-DS-CMCO (DS: 0.8). Frozen surimi treated with high-DS-CMCO achieved competitive gelling properties and sensory acceptability to those with the commercial counterpart. This study provided scientific insights into the development of ampholytic oligosaccharides as food cryoprotectants.
Enzymatic Preparation of Gentiooligosaccharides by a Thermophilic and Thermostable β-Glucosidase at a High Substrate Concentration
Authors: Xia Wei , Sheng Lingling , Mu Wanmeng , Shi Yuping , Wu Jing
Published: January 2022

Gentiooligosaccharides (GnOS) are a kind of oligosaccharide formed by glucose with β-1-6 glycosidic bonds, which has become a new type of functional oligosaccharide for its unique refreshing bitter taste and valuable probiotic effects. However, the research on the enzymatic preparation of GnOS is not thorough enough. In this study, a GH1 thermophilic β-glucosidase from Thermotoga sp. KOL6 was used as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of GnOS. TsBgl1 exhibited excellent thermophilic and thermostable properties by possessing a melting temperature of 101.5 °C and reacting at 80–90 °C efficiently. Its half-life at 90 °C was approximately 5 h, suggesting its high heat resistance as well. TsBgl1 also showed excellent glucose tolerance with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 1720 mM and was stimulated in the presence of 0–900 mM glucose. TsBgl1 showed the highest hydrolytic activity on laminaribiose (Glc-β-1,3-Glc), but mainly synthetized gentiobiose (Glc-β-1,6-Glc) during transglycosylation. By optimizing the reaction conditions and substrate concentration, the highest yield of GnOS synthesized by TsBgl1 reached 144.3 g·L−1 when 1000 g·L−1 glucose was used as a substrate, which was higher than the highest yield ever reported. The thermophilic and thermostable properties of TsBgl1 were considered to be significant advantages in the industrial production of GnOS, where long periods of high-temperature reactions are required. This study was expected to provide an excellent candidate enzyme for industrial production of GnOS and also provide a reference for studying the transglycosylation of GH1 β-glucosidases.
Novel Biocomposite Films Based on High Methoxyl Pectin Reinforced with Zeolite Y for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Nesic Aleksandra , Meseldzija Sladjana , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Onjia Antonije
Published: January 2022

Pectin is a natural biopolymer with broad applications in the food industry and it is suitable to prepare edible films to prolong food shelf-life. However, the main limitation of pectin-based films is their poor mechanical and barrier properties. Zeolite Y is a hydrophobic clay that can be used as film reinforcement material to improve its physicochemical and mechanical properties. In this work, the influence of high methoxyl citrus and apple pectin on physicochemical properties of biopolymer films modified with zeolite Y (0.05–0.2 wt%) was investigated. The films were characterized by FTIR, TGA, WAXD, mechanical analysis, and water vapor permeability analysis, and a potential film application is presented. The WAXD and FTIR analysis demonstrated that the strongest interaction between pectin chains and zeolite Y occurred when citrus high methylated pectin was used. Adding 0.2 wt% of zeolite Y into citrus high methylated pectin matrix enhanced the tensile strength by 66%, thermal stability by 13%, and water vapor barrier by 54%. In addition, fruit shelf-life test was performed, where strawberries were sealed in film. It was shown that sealed strawberries maintained a better color and healthy appearance than the control treatment after 7 days at 10 °C. This study enabled the development of biocomposite films with improved properties for potential application in food packaging.
A Novel Analytical Formula for the Discounted Moments of the ECIR Process and Interest Rate Swaps Pricing
Authors: Boonklurb Ratinan , Duangpan Ampol , Rakwongwan Udomsak , Sutthimat Phiraphat
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an explicit formula of conditional expectation for a product of polynomial functions and the discounted characteristic function based on the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process. We also propose an analytical formula as well as a very efficient and accurate approach, based on the finite integration method with shifted Chebyshev polynomial, to evaluate this expectation under the Extended CIR (ECIR) process. The formulas are derived by solving the equivalent partial differential equations obtained by utilizing the Feynman–Kac representation. In addition, we extend our results to derive an analytical formula of conditional expectation of a product of mixed polynomial functions and the discounted characteristic function. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed scheme are also numerically shown for various modeling parameters by comparing them with those obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, to illustrate applications of the obtained formulas in finance, analytical pricing formulas for arrears and vanilla interest rate swaps under the ECIR process are derived. The pricing formulas become explicit under the CIR process. Finally, the fractional ECIR process is also studied as an extended case of our main results.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Gels in 2021
Authors:   Gels Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Balanced Polymorphism at the Pgm-1 Locus of the Pompeii Worm Alvinella pompejana and Its Variant Adaptability Is Only Governed by Two QE Mutations at Linked Sites
Authors: Bioy Alexis , Le Port Anne-Sophie , Sabourin Emeline , Verheye Marie , Piccino Patrice , Faure Baptiste , Hourdez Stéphane , Mary Jean , Jollivet Didier
Published: January 2022

The polychaete Alvinella pompejana lives exclusively on the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys along the East Pacific Rise (EPR), and displays specific adaptations to withstand the high temperatures and hypoxia associated with this highly variable habitat. Previous studies have revealed the existence of a balanced polymorphism on the enzyme phosphoglucomutase associated with thermal variations, where allozymes 90 and 100 exhibit different optimal activities and thermostabilities. Exploration of the mutational landscape of phosphoglucomutase 1 revealed the maintenance of four highly divergent allelic lineages encoding the three most frequent electromorphs over the geographic range of A. pompejana. This polymorphism is only governed by two linked amino acid replacements, located in exon 3 (E155Q and E190Q). A two-niche model of selection, including ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ conditions, represents the most likely scenario for the long-term persistence of these isoforms. Using directed mutagenesis and the expression of the three recombinant variants allowed us to test the additive effect of these two mutations on the biochemical properties of this enzyme. Our results are coherent with those previously obtained from native proteins, and reveal a thermodynamic trade-off between protein thermostability and catalysis, which is likely to have maintained these functional phenotypes prior to the geographic separation of populations across the Equator about 1.2 million years ago.
Ras Multimers on the Membrane: Many Ways for a Heart-to-Heart Conversation
Authors: Ozdemir E. Sila , Koester Anna M. , Nan Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

Formation of Ras multimers, including dimers and nanoclusters, has emerged as an exciting, new front of research in the ‘old’ field of Ras biomedicine. With significant advances made in the past few years, we are beginning to understand the structure of Ras multimers and, albeit preliminary, mechanisms that regulate their formation in vitro and in cells. Here we aim to synthesize the knowledge accrued thus far on Ras multimers, particularly the presence of multiple globular (G-) domain interfaces, and discuss how membrane nanodomain composition and structure would influence Ras multimer formation. We end with some general thoughts on the potential implications of Ras multimers in basic and translational biology.
The Identification of MATE Antisense Transcripts in Soybean Using Strand-Specific RNA-Seq Datasets
Authors: Ku Yee-Shan , Lin Xiao , Fan Kejing , Cheng Sau-Shan , Chan Ting-Fung , Chung Gyuhwa , Lam Hon-Ming
Published: January 2022

Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) have been generally reported as negative regulators of their sense counterparts. Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) proteins mediate the transport of various substrates. Although MATEs have been identified genome-wide in various plant species, their transcript regulators remain unclear. Here, using the publicly available strand-specific RNA-seq datasets of Glycine soja (wild soybean) which have the data from various tissues including developing pods, developing seeds, embryos, cotyledons and hypocotyls, roots, apical buds, stems, and flowers, we identified 35 antisense transcripts of MATEs from 28 gene loci after transcriptome assembly. Spearman correlation coefficients suggested the positive expression correlations of eight MATE antisense and sense transcript pairs. By aligning the identified transcripts with the reference genome of Glycine max (cultivated soybean), the MATE antisense and sense transcript pairs were identified. Using soybean C08 (Glycine max), in developing pods and seeds, the positive correlations between MATE antisense and sense transcript pairs were shown by RT-qPCR. These findings suggest that soybean antisense transcripts are not necessarily negative transcription regulators of their sense counterparts. This study enhances the existing knowledge on the transcription regulation of MATE transporters by uncovering the previously unknown MATE antisense transcripts and their potential synergetic effects on sense transcripts.
Different Shades of Kale—Approaches to Analyze Kale Variety Interrelations
Authors: Hahn Christoph , Howard Nicholas P. , Albach Dirk C.
Published: January 2022

Brassica oleracea is a vegetable crop with an amazing morphological diversity. Among the various crops derived from B. oleracea, kale has been in the spotlight globally due to its various health-benefitting compounds and many different varieties. Knowledge of the existing genetic diversity is essential for the improved breeding of kale. Here, we analyze the interrelationships, population structures, and genetic diversity of 72 kale and cabbage varieties by extending our previous diversity analysis and evaluating the use of summed potential lengths of shared haplotypes (SPLoSH) as a new method for such analyses. To this end, we made use of the high-density Brassica 60K SNP array, analyzed SNPs included in an available Brassica genetic map, and used these resources to generate and evaluate the information from SPLoSH data. With our results we could consistently differentiate four groups of kale across all analyses: the curly kale varieties, Italian, American, and Russian varieties, as well as wild and cultivated types. The best results were achieved by using SPLoSH information, thus validating the use of this information in improving analyses of interrelations in kale. In conclusion, our definition of kale includes the curly varieties as the kales in a strict sense, regardless of their origin. These results contribute to a better understanding of the huge diversity of kale and its interrelations.
The Large Dendritic Morphologies in the Antoniadi Crater (Mars) and Their Potential Astrobiological Significance
Authors: De Blasio Fabio Vittorio
Published: January 2022

Mars has held large amounts of running and standing water throughout its history, as evidenced by numerous morphologies attributed to rivers, outflow channels, lakes, and possibly an ocean. This work examines the crater Antoniadi located in the Syrtis Major quadrangle. Some parts of the central area of the crater exhibit giant polygonal mud cracks, typical of endured lake bottom, on top of which a dark, tens of kilometers-long network of dendritic (i.e., arborescent) morphologies emerges, at first resembling the remnant of river networks. The network, which is composed of tabular sub-units, is in relief overlying hardened mud, a puzzling feature that, in principle, could be explained as landscape inversion resulting from stronger erosion of the lake bottom compared to the endured crust of the riverine sediments. However, the polygonal mud cracks have pristine boundaries, which indicate limited erosion. Furthermore, the orientation of part of the network is the opposite of what the flow of water would entail. Further analyses indicate the similarity of the dendrites with controlled diffusion processes rather than with the river network, and the presence of morphologies incompatible with river, alluvial, or underground sapping processes, such as overlapping of branches belonging to different dendrites or growth along fault lines. An alternative explanation worth exploring due to its potential astrobiological importance is that the network is the product of ancient reef-building microbialites on the shallow Antoniadi lake, which enjoyed the fortunate presence of a heat source supplied by the Syrtis Major volcano. The comparison with the terrestrial examples and the dating of the bottom of the crater (formed at 3.8 Ga and subjected to a resurfacing event at 3.6 Ga attributed to the lacustrine drape) contribute to reinforcing (but cannot definitely prove) the scenario of microbialitic origin for dendrites. Thus, the present analysis based on the images available from the orbiters cannot be considered proof of the presence of microbialites in ancient Mars. It is concluded that the Antoniadi crater could be an interesting target for the research of past Martian life in future landing missions.
Geophysical and Societal Dimensions of Floods in Manitoba, Canada: A Social Vulnerability Assessment of the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews
Authors: Haque C. Emdad , Mahmud Khandakar Hasan , Walker David , Zaman Jobaed Ragib
Published: January 2022

Being strongly influenced by the landscape of the Red River Valley, geophysical and a variety of sociodemographic and economic factors, the characteristics of floods are complex in the Province of Manitoba, Canada, which causes substantial loss and damage to lives and properties. The primary objectives of this study are two-fold: (i) to identify the geophysical and human-induced conditions of floods, and examine the trend in flood loss and damage in the Province of Manitoba, Canada; and (ii) to analyze the social vulnerability perspectives of floods in the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews, as a local community case study. Using the Delphi technique, primary data were procured from the field for community-level vulnerability analysis. Secondary data for a provincial-level analysis were collected from various public domains, including governmental departments and other non-government sources. The results reveal that a nested set of geophysical and societal factors determine the degree of vulnerability of individual community members. In Manitoba, it was found that socioeconomic damages caused by floods have increased considerably over time despite undertaking costly structural flood mitigation measures. We conclude that minimization of flood damages requires complementing structural measures with knowledge-sharing, collaboration among pertinent institutions, and the adoption of an interactive flood management system approach.
Characteristics of Occupational Injuries among Spanish Nursing Workers
Authors: Rey-Merchán María del Carmen , López-Arquillos Antonio , Rey-Merchán Ana María
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Nursing professionals face a multitude of daily occupational hazards that can cause occupational accidents. AIM: The objective of this work is to analyze the personal variables included in official accident reports, to evaluate their influence on occupational accidents suffered by nursing and nursing assistant professionals. Methodology: A total of 187,821 occupational accidents recorded in Spain from 2011 to 2019 were analyzed in the sector using contingency tables, chi-square, and corrected standardized residuals. Results: The results showed that the older the professional, the probability that once the accident had occurred, its severity would be more serious. Regarding gender, men are more likely to suffer more serious accidents compared to accidents registered by women. Results about the length of service and nationality did not reach statistical significance in the group of accidents analyzed. Conclusions: The planning of preventive measures must be adapted to the profiles of the workers in the most vulnerable sector.
Same Pandemic Yet Different COVID-19 Vaccination Roll-Out Rates in Two Small European Islands: A Comparison between Cyprus and Malta
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Hatziyianni Amalia , Kantaris Marios , Kontemeniotis Antonis , Theodorou Mamas , Pallari Elena
Published: January 2022

A mass vaccination strategy is estimated to be the long-term solution to control COVID-19. Different European countries have committed to vaccination strategies with variable population inoculation rates. We sought to investigate the extent to which the COVID-19 vaccination strategies, inoculation rate, and COVID-19 outcome differ between Cyprus and Malta. Data were obtained from the Ministry of Health websites and COVID-19 dashboards, while vaccination data were obtained from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control until mid-June, 2021. Comparative assessments were performed between the two countries using Microsoft® Excel for Mac, Version 16.54. Both islands took part in the European Union’s advanced purchase agreement and received their first batch of vaccines on 27 December 2020. The positivity rate and mortality between December and June differs between the two countries (average positivity rate Cyprus 1.34, Malta 3.37 p ≤ 0.01; average mortality Cyprus 7.29, Malta 9.68 p ≤ 0.01). Both the positivity rate and mortality for Cyprus declined due to strict public health measures and vaccination roll-out in early January (positivity rate by 95% and mortality by 58%). In contrast, for Malta, there was a sharp increase (64% p ≤ 0.01) with almost no public health restrictions in place and soaring cases during the Christmas and Carnival period until March, when lockdown measures were re-introduced. A distinctive difference between Cyprus and Malta in positivity rate (14 per 100,000 population; p ≤ 0.01) can also be observed between January and mid-April 2021. However, from April onwards it is evident that the positivity rate and mortality decline (positivity rate Cyprus by 82%, Malta by 95%; mortality Cyprus by 90%, Malta by 95%, p ≤ 0.01, respectively) in both countries as the vaccination roll-outs progressed, covering about 58.93% of the Maltese population, while Cyprus had fully inoculated about 38.03% of its population. The vaccine strategies and vaccination rates were similar for both countries; yet Malta had the fastest vaccine roll-out. Reluctancy to get vaccinated, significant differences in the vaccination appointment scheduling system, and the freedom of vaccination choice for the citizens in Cyprus may have contributed to a delayed vaccination roll-out. These potential contributing factors should be acknowledged and considered for future vaccination programs and potential COVID-19 boosters.
Post-Traumatic Growth during COVID-19: The Role of Perceived Social Support, Personality, and Coping Strategies
Authors: Xie Chu-Si , Kim Yunhwan
Published: January 2022

Although many studies on mental health have been conducted among various populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have focused on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in the general population. The current study aimed to explore whether perceived social support, personality, and coping strategies are associated with PTG in the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study also investigated whether coping strategies mediate the relations between perceived social support, personality, and PTG. A total of 181 participants (Mage = 24) completed the self-report questionnaire online, which was distributed via various online channels, mainly in China and Sweden. The relations between the study variables were examined with correlation analyses and a multiple mediation analysis. Results showed that more than half of the participants (60.8%) reported experiences of PTG during the pandemic. Additionally, perceived social support, personality traits (extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and coping strategies (problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and social support coping) were positively correlated with PTG. In addition, coping strategies (problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidance coping) mediated the relations between perceived social support, personality traits and PTG. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed, concluding that the findings of this study have the potential to guide intervention efforts to promote positive change during the pandemic.
Perception Bias Effects on Healthcare Management in COVID-19 Pandemic: An Application of Cumulative Prospect Theory
Authors: Wu Tienhua
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed severe threats to human safety in the healthcare sector, particularly in residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) at a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to draw on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) to develop a decision model to explore LTCF administrators’ risk perceptions and management decisions toward this pandemic. This study employed the policy Delphi method and survey data to examine managers’ perceptions and attitudes and explore the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on healthcare decisions. The findings show that participants exhibited risk aversion for small losses but became risk-neutral when considering devastating damages. LTCF managers exhibited perception bias that led to over- and under-estimation of the occurrence of infection risk. The contextual determinants, including LTCF type, scale, and strategy, simultaneously affect leaders’ risk perception toward consequences and probabilities. Specifically, cost-leadership facilities behave in a loss-averse way, whereas hybrid-strategy LTCFs appear biased in measuring probabilities. This study is the first research that proposes a CPT model to predict administrators’ risk perception under varying mixed gain–loss circumstances involving considerations of healthcare and society in the pandemic context. This study extends the application of CPT into organizational-level decisions. The results highlight that managers counteract their perception bias and subjective estimation to avoid inappropriate decisions in healthcare operations and risk governance for a future health emergency.
Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire to Assess Spanish Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions about Their Preparation for Inclusive Education
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Gomez-Paniagua Santiago , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Garcia-Gomez Andres , Adsuar José , Sáez-Padilla Jesús , Muñoz-Bermejo Laura
Published: January 2022

Inclusive education is a right and must be offered to all students, including those with disabilities, providing them with individualized educational attention and support. Teachers play a leading role in the inclusive education process, their preparation and attitudes being essential for this process. This study aimed to present the factor structure and reliability of a questionnaire for the assessment of teachers’ perceptions about their preparation to support inclusive education. The sample consisted of 605 Spanish primary school teachers who responded to the Evaluation of Teachers’ Inclusion Readiness (CEFI-R) Questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability evaluation were performed. The results showed a factor structure with four dimensions (Conception of Diversity, Methodology, Supports and Community Participation), composed of 17 items, with good and excellent goodness-of-fit values and high reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.75–0.94). Thus, the CEFI-R can be considered a quick and easy-to-apply tool to analyze primary school teachers’ perceptions about their preparation to address their students’ diversity of needs, allowing stakeholders to take actions to promote inclusive education.