bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review of Nanoemulsion Applications and their Recent
Advancements
Authors: Das Prativa , Panda Jnyana Ranjan , Patro Ch Niranjan , Sahu Baby , Patnaik Soumya Stuti
Published: November 2022

Background:

Nanoemulsions are submicron-sized suspensions that are being studied extensively as pharmacological vehicles for enhancing the outcomes of drug delivery. Nanoemulsions are isotropic thermodynamic systems in which two immiscible liquids [water and oil] are combined to form a single phase using pertinent surfactants. Nano-emulsions are resilient to sedimentation or creaming due to their nano-droplet size. Ostwald ripening represents the principal process accountable for the disintegration of nanoemulsion. Droplet diameters in nanoemulsions typically range from 20 to 500 nanometers. The diameter and surface parameters of nanoemulsion droplets play are of paramount significance in determining the bioactivity of the formulation. Nanoemulsion offers a promising future in various industries like cosmetology, diagnosis, pharmacological regimens, and biomedicine in the future.

Methods:

Pharmaceutical surfactants are utilized to synthesize nanoemulsions, which are generally regarded as safe [GRAS]. The stability of the NEs against coalescence mainly depends on the type and concentration of the surfactant employed. Nanoemulsions are formulated from a variety of oils, notably natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils.

Results:

Over the past decade, various patents and clinical research have exemplified the applications of the NE system. Their application as a drug delivery entity in the ophthalmic, topical, transdermal, intranasal, intravenous, and oral routes is widely appreciated. Also, they have gained remarkable importance in the cosmetic industry.

Conclusion:

This review presents the importance of various components of NE and their importance in droplet formation and provides a brief insight into various drug administration routes of NE.
Update on the revised USDA biotech regulation
Authors:   Animal Plant Health Inspection Service/Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Hoffman Neil
Published: November 2022

In keeping with the directive in Executive Order 13874 (Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products) to adopt regulatory approaches that are proportionate to risk and avoid arbitrary distinctions across like products, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised its biotechnology regulations by promulgating the Sustainable, Ecological, Consistent, Uniform, Responsible, and Efficient (SECURE) rule. Specifically, the SECURE rule: 1) establishes exemptions for plants modified by genetic engineering where the modification could otherwise have been made through conventional breeding; 2) uses risk posed by the introduced trait to determine whether an organism is regulated, rather than relying on whether the organism was developed using a plant pest; and 3) provides a mechanism for a rapid initial review to efficiently distinguish plants developed using genetic engineering that do not pose plausible pathways to increased plant pest risk from those that do. As a result of the focused oversight on potentially riskier crops developed using genetic engineering, USDA is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its oversight program. The reduced regulatory burden is expected to promote innovation by expanding the number and diversity of developers to include smaller businesses and academics and to increase the number and variety of traits being developed through biotechnology.
Analysis of lipid radiolysis in irradiated dried meat products
Authors:   Kansas State University, Yucel Umut , Ivarson Emelie ,   Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Published: November 2022

Irradiation is a non-thermal process used for preservation and decontamination of human and animal food products. Although irradiation process causes minimal changes to the sensory and nutritional quality, certain irradiation-specific compounds form, such as free radicals and related lipid radiolysis products, which can have organoleptic and health concerns, especially at high doses of 50 kGy or more. For example, radiolysis of palmitic acid-containing lipids typically results in the formation of a unique irradiation marker 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB) along with other hydrocarbons (tridecane, 1-tetradecene, tetradecane, 1-pentadecene). Analysis of these irradiation-specific molecules can also be used to back-trace irradiation history of the products. This study involves with the quantitative and mechanistic analysis of the lipid radiolysis products in parallel to changes in the amount of precursor lipid molecules in two dried meat matrixes (e.g., chicken jerkies and pig ears) using SPME-coupled GC-MS analysis. Overall, the formation of rate if 2-DCB was higher (p < 0.05) than hydrocarbons both following zero order kinetics; whereas, the decrease in precursor fatty acids followed first order kinetics. The quantitative analysis requires the use of a suitable internal standard (IS), which can interact with the extraction of the analyte (e.g., 2-DCB) below a critical concentration. This critical concertation was an order of magnitude large in pig ears (>80 ppb) than chicken jerkies (>8 ppb) in parallel to the amount of precursor lipid. Finally, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was employed complementary to GC-MS analysis, however, providing confirmatory information. The findings of this research help to elucidate the irradiation-specific changes in irradiated meat matrices using an analytical method that also allows quantitative analysis of small sample volumes.
Adventures in multiple dimensions of chromatography and mass spectrometry for lipidomic analysis
Authors:   USDA ARS BHNRC MAFCL, Byrdwell William , Kotapati Hari Kiran ,   University of Maryland
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) is commercially available and has become increasingly common in laboratories across the world. Most 2D-LC systems that are coupled to mass spectrometry use one mass spectrometer attached to the outlet of the second dimension, and the first dimension is reconstructed by “stitching together” the signal from all of the modulation periods. This requires short, fast separations in the second dimension, and fast-scanning mass spectrometers, otherwise “under sampling” can occur. Quantification is problematic using the “blobs” in 2D-LC chromatograms. We have bypassed or eliminated many of the shortcomings or limitations in conventional systems by using multiple mass spectrometers distributed across two or three dimensions of chromatography. We have published results showing the use of split-flow 2D-LC with four mass spectrometers in LC1MS2 × LC1MS2 = LC2MS4 experiments that combined non-aqueous reversed-phase (NARP) HPLC with silver ion chromatography UHPLC for analysis of cis/trans isomers and regioisomers in seed oils, with classic quantification of fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) using direct detection in the first dimension and isomer separation in the second dimension. We have further reported split-flow three-dimensional (3D) LC with four mass spectrometers in LC1MS2 × (LC1MS1 + LC1MS1) = LC3MS4 analysis of infant formula that combined classic quantification of FSVs in the first dimension and TAG quantification by lipidomic analysis in the second dimension. We innovated multi-cycle (a.k.a., “constructive wraparound”) chromatography in the second second dimension for improved separation compared to the conventional approach used in the first second dimension. These and other combinations of LCxMSy are described.
Studies on filamentous fungus Fusarium sp. accumulating hydroxy fatty acids
Authors:   Tokushima University, Sakuradani Eiji , Yoshida Kai , Murakawa Naomi , Sakamoto Takaiku
Published: November 2022

Crude glycerol is produced as a by-product on a biodiesel production process. Effective utilization of this crude glycerol may help to reduce manufacturing costs and produce value-added products. We isolated microorganisms that grow in a medium containing crude glycerol as a major carbon source and analyzed their fatty acid composition. Fusarium sp. D2 was found to accumulate fatty acid secondary metabolites such as 10-hydroxystaric acid (HYB) and 10-oxostearic acid (KetoB). These fatty acids were converted form oleic acid containing crude glycerol as a component. We isolated a hydratase gene from strain D2 and characterized the hydratase by gene expression analysis using Escherichia coli. Strain D2 accumulates toxic fatty acids such as free fatty acids added in the medium. We aimed to use strain D2 as a host for the production of functional lipids that have been difficult to produce by fermentation. We tried to develop a host-vector system for strain D2. Here, we introduce studies on Fusarium sp. D2 accumulating hydroxy fatty acids.
LC-GC×GC-TOFMS/FID: Extra dimensionality to untangle mineral oil contamination: a particular look into the MOAH fraction
Authors:   University of Liege, Purcaro Giorgia , Bauwens Gregory
Published: November 2022

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) determination and characterization in food is a challenge due to the MOH mixture’s complexity and the difficulty of isolating the MOH from the rest of the food matrix. MOH is composed of two main fractions, namely saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) hydrocarbons, that need to be isolated from the lipidic fraction of food and from the many interferences compounds that may be co-extracted (e.g., carotenoids, terpenoids, olefins). LC-GC-FID is the method of election for the quantitative determination of both MOSH and MOAH. However, this technique provides a chromatogram characterized by an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) from which no confirmatory information of the identity of the targeted compounds can be obtained. In this scenario, GC×GC-ToFMS/FID is the most promising solution to characterize the MOSH and MOAH fraction in detail and to answer the request of the EFSA and the European Union to characterize more in detail the 3-7 ring MOAH fraction. Herein a fully integrated and automated platform, namely LC-GC×GC-ToFMS/FID was optimized for qualitative and quantitative purposes, along with an efficient extraction step using microwave-assisted saponification and simultaneous extraction of the contaminants of interest from different food and feed samples before the LC GC×GC purification and determination.
1H-NMR Spectral Fingerprints of Extra Virgin Olive Oils: Confirmation of the Identity and Homogeneity within Commercial Lots
Authors:   Eurofins Analytik GmbH, Kuechler Torben , Winkelmann Ole
Published: November 2022

A large portion of extra virgin olive oils sold in supermarkets are blends produced by mixing olive oils from different cultivars, regions or countries. In this way oils from a particular brand will have similar sensory profiles and analytical characteristics. It is common practice that each lot is analyzed extensively prior to bottling, in order to prove its conformity to the clients’ specifications and legal requirements. The so-called mother lot, with a quantity of up to some hundred tons, is subsequently divided into several sublots, which are successively bottled and shipped. Due to technical issues during production or deliberate admixture of another oil the composition of mother lot and sublot may differ, even largely in some cases. In order to detect deviations in the analytical profile of two samples of olive oil with high sensitivity, an analytical method based on 1H-NMR spectroscopy was developed. 1H-NMR allows to detect signals from major and minor components in the samples with high precision, and as the proportions of these components differs between oils, deviations in composition down to 10% can be detected reliably. As samples are often analyzed during the course of several months, only NMR signals which are time-invariant are considered in the evaluation. The method was fully validated and is routinely used for real-life samples. Deviations between supposedly identical samples are frequently observed, underlining the relevance of the method.
MCPD and glycidyl esters - presentation of a modular analysis method for oils and fats as well as compound foods
Authors:   BVL, Kaminski Martin
Published: November 2022

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) are processing contaminants mainly formed during the deodorization of refined vegetable and fish oils and pose a serious health risk due to their potential genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. In recent years, numerous standards have been published to analyze these contaminants by robust and accurate analytical methods in oils and fats (seven AOCS methods, four ISO standards), oil-based emulsions (one AOCS method), and infant formula (two AOAC first action methods). In addition, more and more additional food categories are coming into the focus of food safety and thus also of EU legislation. Therefore, a standardization group was established in Germany in 2019 with the aim to develop a method for the analysis of MCPD + GE in all relevant compound foods. This presentation will describe in detail how the method originally developed for compound foods can also be successfully used for the analysis of oils and fats. The method is based on slow basic ester cleavage followed by a cleanup and the detection by GC-MS/MS. Due to the modular design of the method for compound food, by simply omitting the extraction step, the method can be used for the analysis of oils and fats without further adaptations. The method meets all current performance requirements of the official food control in the EU. Limits of quantification are below 10 µg/kg for all three analytes. Laboratories using the method are thus able to analyse oils and fats as well as compound foods with a single established method, which significantly reduces the validation effort in the laboratory.
Implementation of Green Solvents to Monitor Thermal Oxidation of Common Frying Oils
Authors:   University of Michigan-Flint, Fhaner Matthew
Published: November 2022

Developing simple, fast, and user-friendly methods for monitoring frying oil oxidation has resulted in novel advances in recent years. Current instrumentation and methodologies in this field offer various benefits, but there are few truly quantitative methods for assessing frying oil quality. One analytical method that continues to garner attention is electrochemistry. One of the reasons is the direct quantitative relationship between analytical signal and sample concentration. The direct stoichiometric relationship between electrons and an analyte undergoing reduction or oxidation is a predictable relationship between measured charge (Coulombs) and mols of analyte. To this extent, our group has focused on investigating the use of electrochemical methods for the assessment of antioxidant and lipid degradation. Following two of the twelve principles of green chemistry, our group identified less hazardous solvent systems for the analysis of antioxidants. After identifying potential solvent candidates, our efforts have shifted to evaluating green solvents for the analysis of lipids. Our advancements in solvent options yield the potential for transferring our methods to industry settings such as restaurants and food manufactures with minimal safety risks to the user. Current research utilizes square-wave voltammetry to monitor fatty acid degradation in vegetable, canola, peanut, and safflower oils. In this presentation, voltametric signals (oxidation peak currents, fatty acid–oxidation peak identification, and figures of merit) will be compared against complimentary analytical techniques such as FAME analysis via GC-MS and peroxide value analysis. Preliminary results verify previously reported studies that demonstrate common frying oils produce unique voltametric traces that can be used for qualitative analysis in addition to oxidation peak currents varying with oil concentration and thermal exposure respectively.
Analysis of MCPD and Glycidyl Esters: Recent Occurrence Data in U.S. Infant Formulas and Effects of Cooking on Contaminant Concentrations in Frozen Fried Foods
Authors:   U.S. FDA, Beekman Jessica , Popol Samantha , MacMahon Shaun , Peyton Steven
Published: November 2022

Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD), 2-monochloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD), and glycidol are process-induced chemical contaminants found in a variety of edible oils and food products containing these oils. Studies have shown these contaminants may be carcinogenic and/or genotoxic, making their presence in foodstuffs a potential health concern. Since 2012, researchers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed methods for the analysis of MCPD and glycidyl esters in a variety of matrices, including edible oils, infant formula, and other processed foods. In addition, these methods have been used to collect occurrence data for 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in nearly 1000 food samples in an effort to estimate levels of exposure. Since 2021, researchers at the U.S. FDA have analyzed approximately 200 additional infant formula samples purchased in the U.S. in order to update infant exposure estimates. In addition, occurrence studies have been expanded to include the evaluation of 3-MCPD and glycidyl ester levels in processed foods (such as French fries or fried seafood) that require some form of heating or baking prior to consumption. This presentation will detail the results of these recent studies, including an examination of the effects of cooking (such as baking, deep-frying, and air-frying) on contaminant concentrations in frozen fried foods.
EU policy on certain processing contaminants in vegetable oils and foods containing vegetable oils: recent developments and outlook.
Authors:   European Commission, Verstraete Frans
Published: November 2022

In May of 2016, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted a scientific opinion on the risks for human health related to the presence of 2- and 3-monochloropropanediol and their fatty acid esters (MCPDE) and glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) in food. Given the divergence between the opinion of EFSA and the later adopted opinion of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), EFSA decided in 2017 to re-open their opinion to address the divergences. EFSA concluded that glycidol is genotoxic and carcinogenic compound and the presence of GE in food is of health concern. In their updated scientific opinion on 3-MCPDE in 2017, EFSA established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 µg/kg body weight per day for 3-MCPDE. Exposure estimates indicated in certain situations exceedances of this TDI and therefore of possible health concern. Therefore, maximum levels for GE and 3-MCPDE have been established in the EU by Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1322 in vegetable oils, fish oil, oils from other marine organisms and in infant formula to ensure a high level of human health protection. These maximum levels entered into application on 1 January 2021. More recently high levels of MCPDE and GE have been found in foods such as biscuits, pastries, margarine, ... Therefore, discussions are ongoing to establish in addition to the existing maximum levels also maximum levels for 3-MCPDE and GE in certain compound foods containing or produced from vegetable oils. In the presentation up to date information shall be provided on the recent and ongoing discussions on additional regulatory measures for GE and 3-MCPDE and the challenges to be addressed.
MOSH/MOAH in edible oils and fats: current status and mitigation solutions
Authors:   Desmet Ballestra Group, Papastergiadis Antoinos , de Greyt Wim
Published: November 2022

Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) are main constituents of mineral oil-based lubricants that can find their way into food through various points in the production chain. Studies on contamination of oils and fats with MOSH and MOAH have progressed enough and it is now evident that in the coming years monitoring and mitigation measures will be implemented in the oils and fats industry. Accurate characterization and quantification of these contaminants is now possible, allowing to further study and assess consumer exposure and eventually establish regulatory limits. At the same time, the industry has already started to understand better how to avoid contamination and which unit operations can remove contaminants already present in the raw feedstocks. In this presentation critical information on the nature, analysis, occurrence and regulatory status of MOSH and MOAH as well as possible ways to avoid contamination will be discussed. Furthermore, available technological solutions for mitigation during edible oil refining will be presented.
Mitigation of MCPD in physically refined palm oil
Authors:   Nestlé Research—Societé Des Produit Nestlé SA, Nagy Kornel , Redeuil Karine , Nicolas Marine , Theurillat Xanthippe
Published: November 2022

This talk will discuss synergistic opportunities between the effects of recently explored MCPD mitigation concepts in palm oil and sunflower oil. The discussed laboratory concepts will include dry versus wet removal of residual sediments, various degumming conditions and the role the bleaching clay in mitigating or catalyzing the formation of MCPD. The effects of the discussed mitigation concepts were studied by integrating them into the physical refining of crude oil, including water-based degumming and sealed ampoule tests mimicking the thermal conditions of edible oil deodorization. Key experiments were also reproduced in laboratory benchtop deodorizer. The MCPD levels were monitored by both direct LC-HRMS and indirect GC-MS based approaches. Beyond reviewing the MCPD mitigation effects and pros/cons of the investigated concepts, particular emphasis will be put on assessing whether the observed effects are due to correlation or causality between the refining parameters and the MCPD levels.
Targeted genome editing of industrial oilseed crops to enhance synthesis of functional lipids
Authors:   Kansas State University, Alkotami Linah , Jarvis Brice ,   Illinois State University, Lu Chaofu ,   Montana State University, Allen Doug ,   U.S. Department of Agriculture/Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Zhang Jianhui ,   Montana State University, Sedbrook John ,   Illinois State University, Schuler Kathleen ,   Kansas State University, Koley Somnath ,   Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Durrett Timothy ,   Kansas State University
Published: November 2022

Acetyl-triacylglycerols (acetyl-TAG) produced in the seeds of different Euonymus species are triacylglycerols (TAG) that possess an sn-3 acetate group instead of a long chain fatty acid. This unusual structure confers useful properties to acetyl-TAG, including reduced kinematic viscosity and improved cold temperature performance. Acetyl-TAG are synthesized by unique diacylglycerol acetyltransferases (DAcTs), expressed in the endosperm of Euonymus seeds, that use acetyl-CoA to acetylate the sn-3 position of diacylglycerol (DAG) molecules. Isolation and expression of DAcT enzymes from different Euonymus species has resulted in the successful accumulation of high levels of acetyl-TAG in different oil seed crops. For example, expression of EfDAcT isolated from E. fortunei caused acetyl-TAG levels of 81 mol% in camelina seeds and 51 mol% in pennycress. To increase acetyl-CoA supply for EfDAcT, CRISPR-based genome editing was used to generate mutations in FATTY ACID ELONGASE1 (FAE1) genes in both camelina and pennycress. FAE1 is a component of the fatty acid elongase complex that uses acetyl-CoA to produce the very long-chain fatty acids found in the seed oil of Brassicaceae species. Consistent with the hypothesis that eliminating FAE1 function results in more acetyl-CoA availability for acetyl-TAG synthesis, expression of EfDAcT in fae1 mutants resulted in very high levels of acetyl-TAG accumulation. This was particularly evident in pennycress fae1 lines where acetyl-TAG levels exceeded 95 mol% in the best transgenic lines. These results demonstrate the usefulness of genome editing to modify the genetic background of oilseed crops to enhance production of a targeted product.
Soybean Oil-based polymeric coatings for the rejuvenation of old asphalt shingles
Authors:   Iowa State University, Hernandez Nacu , Becker Andrew , Cochran Eric , Forrester Michael
Published: November 2022

According to a new report by Reports and Data, the global asphalt shingles market is forecasted to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2027. Asphalt shingles are a type of waterproof roofing material that has a long lifespan and is relatively inexpensive; in addition to their numerous colors and styles, makes them the most popular type of roofing material in North America. However, more than 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste is generated in the US alone each year. In this study, we explored the use of a biobased emulsion composed of a partially epoxidized soybean oil together with a poly (acrylated epoxidized soybean oil) with a biobased surfactant to produce a spray that served as a rejuvenator of aged shingles. As asphalt shingles age, they become brittle, becoming less resistant to wind and hail. The application of the soybean oil-based spray to aged asphalt shingles restored their flexibility and dramatically improved their granule retention. This improvement makes for much longer-lasting asphalt shingles capable of standing extreme weather conditions for increased periods and thus decreasing the number of shingles that end up in landfills.
CRISPR/Cas9-based editing of OsNF-YC4/GmNF-YC4 promoter yields high-protein crops
Authors:   C16 Biosciences, Li Ling
Published: November 2022

Genome editing is a new breeding technology widely touted for transgene-free crop improvement; however, to date, the majority of derived traits are created through gene knockout. We describe a novel approach using gene editing to upregulate gene expression by removing negative repressor binding motifs. Our previous work demonstrated that ectopic expression of NF-YC4 increases protein content of leaves and seeds at the expense of carbohydrates. We detected several conserved motifs predicted to be bound by repressors in the promoter of rice and soybean NF-YC4 genes. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the promoters of rice and soybean NF-YC4 genes, we deleted promoter fragments harboring repressor binding motifs. Those deletions resulted in decreased repressor binding, increased NF-YC4 expression, increased protein and decreased carbohydrates. Gene-edited plants showed up to 48% higher leaf protein and 15% increased seed protein. Moreover, we exemplify a general approach for upregulating gene expression through targeted genomic deletions.
Temperature effects on enzyme stability for carbohydrate hydrolysis of soy materials
Authors:   The University of Akron, Kabir Md Fauzul , Ju Lu-Kwang
Published: November 2022

Carbohydrate makes up one-third of the soybean mass. The oligo-/poly-meric carbohydrate lowers the value of soy protein products. Carbohydrate-rich byproducts like soy molasses are undervalued without large-volume applications. It is highly desirable to selectively remove carbohydrate and convert it to monosaccharides, as good fermentation feedstock for making biofuels and bioproducts. Enzymatic hydrolysis is an environment-friendly method to accomplish these, but it requires a complex mixture of enzymes including at least a-galactosidase, sucrase, pectinase, cellulase, and xylanase. Further, while the hydrolysis benefits from being done at elevated temperatures for faster reaction rates, the high temperatures pose challenges to the stability of enzymes. Here we investigated the short-term and long-term effects of high temperatures on these enzymes, to determine their optimum temperatures. For the short-term effects, enzyme broths produced from Aspergillus niger fermentations were analyzed at different temperatures for individual enzyme activities (a-galactosidase, sucrase, ...). The enzyme-assisted Arrhenius model developed by DeLong et al., which considered the temperature effects on enzyme conformation, was used to fit the temperature-dependent activity and determine its short-term optimum temperature. For long-term stability effects, enzyme broths were incubated at multiple temperatures for up to 72 h, and samples were taken at different times and analyzed to follow the activity changes. Regression with kinetic degradation models using the time-dependent activity changes gave the best-fit degradation constant for each enzyme at each temperature. Fitting these constants with the Arrhenius law gave a model that incorporated both effects of temperature and time on enzyme activity. As an application example, we also evaluated the performance of soybean molasses hydrolysis at the selected optimum temperature where the reaction rate was fast enough while denaturation of a-galactosidase, the key enzyme for stachyose and raffinose hydrolysis, was not too fast. Detailed results and discussion will be presented.
Analysis of hopanes by LC-GCxGC-ToF MS/FID, and their use for the confirmation of mineral oil contamination
Authors:   Cargill, Martin Alberca Carlos , Steverink Marian , Gude Thomas ,   Swiss Quality Testing Services (SQTS), Tonak Torsten
Published: November 2022

The current European guidance on MOSH/MOAH analysis in foodstuffs recommends the use of compound characterization by LC-GCxGC-MS/FID together with the official LC-GC-FID methodology, to gain confidence on the conclusions of a contamination study. This complementary analysis is becoming key in confirming the presence of MOSH/MOAH. Laboratories commonly check for the presence of pristane, phytane, steranes and hopanes, as markers of mineral oil (MO). However, the proper use of these markers in this field is not yet described. In the case of hopanes, the mere presence of the ion fragment 191m/z in a GCxGC-MS contour plot is usually enough to confirm the contamination. But, hopanes are a large family of isomeric compounds with diverse origins: some have biological origin (i.e., living organisms), while others are linked to specific sediments and rocks, or to (heavy) petroleum fractions and petroleum derivatives (i.e., lubricants). Therefore, this work aims to expand the current knowledge on the appropriate use of hopanes of MO origin as markers for MO contamination. Firstly, 18 hopane standards were analysed by LC-GCxGC-MS/FID, in order to properly identify each hopane isomer by obtaining absolute quantifications, additional ion fragments and elution patterns. Secondly, R&D coconut oil samples (crude and refined, from different origins and extraction procedures) were studied on their hopane composition, their possible origins and their potential use for confirmation purposes. First conclusions point to little to no correlation between MOSH and hopane content, and to a wide diversity of hopane origins. Proper total and relative abundance calculations from 2D plots, and set decision limits are needed to be sure about the meaning of their presence. These results should be a call to the cautious use of this compounds as contamination markers, which can have an impact on future analytical developments and governmental agencies’ recommendations for the full characterization of MOSH/MOAH contaminants.
Concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid via Candida rugosa lipase-catalyzed esterification with phytosterol and fatty acid from anchovy oil
Authors:   Korea University, Kang Jeanne , Kim In-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n3), which is one of the well-known polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is contained abundantly in anchovy oil among marine oils. EPA, along with docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3), provide several health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke, protecting vision, and increasing immunity. In the present study, EPA was concentrated efficiently in the unesterified fatty acid when Candida rugosa lipase-catalyzed esterification with phytosterol and fatty acid from anchovy oil was carried out in a solvent system. The effects of several parameters upon the concentration of EPA were investigated including the molar ratio of the substrate, temperature, and enzyme loading. The optimum conditions of molar ratio, temperature, and enzyme loading were 3:1 (phytosterol to fatty acids), 40 °C, 10 % (based on the total weight of substrate), respectively. Under the optimum conditions, EPA content in the unesterified fatty acid increased markedly from 20 % in the initial fatty acid up to 46% after the reaction time of 6 h. DPA and DHA were also concentrated in the unesterified fatty acid with a similar tendency even though the contents of both PUFAs were much lower than EPA. Consequently, the sum of EPA, DPA, and DHA content increased from 24% in the initial fatty acid up to 65% in the unesterified fatty acid, after Candida rugosa lipase-catalyzed esterification. In addition, phytosteryl ester, which has applied into fat-based food products as a functional component, was synthesized simultaneously during the concentration of EPA via enzymatic esterification.
Technology-Based Obesity Prevention Interventions Among Hispanic Adolescents in the United States: Scoping Review
Authors: Soltero Erica G , Lopez Callie , Hernandez Edith , O'Connor Teresia M , Thompson Debbe
Published: November 2022

Background

Given that today’s adolescents are digital front-runners, technology-based obesity prevention strategies are age-appropriate for this population. The use of remote and wireless technologies may be suitable for extending the reach and engagement of obesity prevention efforts among high-risk Hispanic youths, as this subgroup is disproportionately affected by barriers that limit participation in traditional, in-person interventions.

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the intervention and sample characteristics of technology-based obesity prevention interventions among Hispanic adolescents. We also examined feasibility criteria to assess the acceptability and appropriateness of technology-based strategies among Hispanic youths.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Embase and PubMed identified 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers.

Results

Of the 7 included studies, half (n=4, 57%) used a randomized control trial design, with equal implementation in school (n=3, 43%) and clinic (n=4, 57%) settings. Studies commonly targeted improvements in diet (n=4, 57%) and physical activity (n=7, 100%), with only 1 (14%) study focused on sedentary behaviors. Just 2 (29%) studies reported the use of behavioral theories or models. Studies focused primarily on youths in early (n=5, 71%) or middle (n=6, 86%) adolescence, and there was limited information reported on socioeconomic status. Only 3 (43%) study conducted formative work, and few (n=3, 43%) reported on acceptability. Only 1 (14%) study reported that materials were available in Spanish and English, and only 1 (14%) study used culturally tailored content. Additionally, 3 (43%) studies used strategies that considered social determinants of health.

Conclusions

To increase our understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents, there is a need for more feasibility studies that are theoretically grounded and comprehensively report on feasibility-related outcomes. Future studies should also leverage technology to simultaneously address multiple health behaviors beyond diet and physical activity. The result of this review can be used to guide the development of future technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents.

Trial Registration

CliniclaTrials.gov NCT04953442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04953442
Effectiveness and Medicoeconomic Evaluation of Home Monitoring of Patients With Mild COVID-19: Covidom Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jaulmes Luc , Yordanov Youri , Descamps Alexandre , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Dinh Aurélien , Jourdain Patrick , Dechartres Agnès
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Covidom was a telemonitoring solution for home monitoring of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, deployed in March 2020 in the Greater Paris area in France to alleviate the burden on the health care system. The Covidom solution included a free mobile application with daily monitoring questionnaires and a regional control center to quickly handle patient alerts, including dispatching emergency medical services when necessary.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide an overall evaluation of the Covidom solution 18 months after its inception in terms of effectiveness, safety, and cost.

METHODS

Our primary outcome was to measure effectiveness using the number of handled alerts, response escalation, and patient-reported medical contacts outside of Covidom. Then, we analyzed the safety of Covidom by assessing its ability to detect clinical worsening, defined as hospitalization or death, and the number of patients with clinical worsening without any preceding alert. We evaluated the cost of Covidom and compared the cost of hospitalization for Covidom and non-Covidom patients with mild COVID-19 cases seen in the emergency departments of the largest network of hospitals in the Greater Paris area (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris). Finally, we reported on user satisfaction.

RESULTS

Of the 60,073 patients monitored by Covidom, the regional control center handled 285,496 alerts and dispatched emergency medical services 518 times. Of the 13,204 respondents who responded to either of the follow-up questionnaires, 65.8% (n=8690) reported having sought medical care outside the Covidom solution during their monitoring period. Of the 947 patients who experienced clinical worsening while adhering to daily monitoring, only 35 (3.7%) did not previously trigger alerts (35 were hospitalized, including 1 who died). The average cost of Covidom was €54 (US $1=€0.8614) per patient, and the cost of hospitalization for COVID-19 worsening was significantly lower in Covidom than in non-Covidom patients with mild COVID-19 cases seen in the emergency departments of Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris. The patients who responded to the satisfaction questionnaire had a median rating of 9 (out of 10) for the likelihood of recommending Covidom.

CONCLUSIONS

Covidom may have contributed to alleviating the pressure on the health care system in the initial months of the pandemic, although its impact was lower than anticipated, with a substantial number of patients having consulted outside of Covidom. Covidom seems to be safe for home monitoring of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Analysis of Emerging Automation Tools in Industry
Authors: Gupta Kshitij , Thakral Bindu , Gupta Shilpa
Published: November 2022

The increasing demand of speed and accuracy for software testing in the industry requires advanced testing tools. Efficient software testing can only be done by utilizing necessary and appropriate testing methods and frameworks. High quality development can be achieved by using effective automation testing. This paper compares various software testing tools and will aid professionals and researchers in this field.
Healthcare Monitoring System for Diabetic Patients Using Machine Learning
Authors: Reddy Suraka Maha Lakshmi , Gayathri Adusumilli Yagna
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Present-day technology provides quite an efficient way of monitoring an individual’s health. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-based sensors can be considered as one of the solutions for checking personal vital signs data such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and blood glucose (BG). In this study, we propose a personalized healthcare monitoring system by utilizing a BLE-based sensor device dataset, data processing, and machine learning-based algorithms to help diabetic patients to better self-manage their chronic condition. The proposed real-time data processing system utilizes machine Learning algorithms to train the model. Machine learning–based classification methods were tested on a diabetes dataset in order to show that a Multilayer Perceptron can provide early prediction of diabetes given the user’s sensor data as input. Furthermore, the proposed diabetes classification and prediction might be integrated with individualized diet and physical activity recommendations to improve patients' health quality and avert severe circumstances in the future.
Characterization and Identification of Caffeine-Degrading Bacteria KAJ 36
Authors: Arimurti Sattya , Billa Afifuddin Reza , Siswanto Siswanto , Muzakhar Kahar
Published: November 2022

Caffeine could be utilized by caffeine-degrading bacteria as a source of carbon and nitrogen. These bacteria have the potential as an agent of decaffeinating coffee. The objective of this research was to characterize and identify the caffeinedegrading bacteria KAJ 36 that was isolated from the pulp waste of Coffea arabica. The isolate-characterization was performed based on its growth and caffeine degradation activity.in a medium M9 added with 10 g/L caffeine for 7 days. The isolate identification was conducted using 16S rRNA sequence analysis and biochemical analysis. The result indicated that caffein-degrading bacteria were able to grow and degrade the caffein up to 86% activity on M9 medium added 10 g/L caffeine for 7 days incubation. Based on 16S rRNA, the isolated KAJ 36 had sequences of 99% homology with Pseudomonas monteilii. Biochemical analysis showed that this isolation on the specific medium was a gram-negative, oxidative, positive enzymatic activity (oxidase, catalase, urease) and reduce nitrate. Our results showed that the isolated KAJ 36 was capable of producing fluorescent pigment. This bacterium was unable to produce indole or utilize sucrose and lactose. Based on the cultural characteristics, we found that the isolated KAJ 36 could be grown in a medium with pH 5, 7, and 9, and in the environment with up to 37oC. This evidence suggested that P. monteilii KAJ 36 can be used as a potential degradation agent of caffeine and recommend for future research in the bacterial based on the degradation of caffeine-contained coffee.
Variables Influencing the Potency of Community Based Coffee Agro-Tourism in Mount Galunggung, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia
Authors: Jafaruddin Nurhana , Noor Trisna Insan , Karyani Tuti
Published: November 2022

Tourist attraction which located in the area of Mount Galunggung, Tasikmalaya Regency offers a variety of tourist destinations. The Mount Galunggung tourismarea is currently adding some tourist destinations, such as the development of coffee agro-tourism which involves the community, namely coffee farmers. However, the potential for coffee tourism still requires good planning and designing. The involvement of all stakeholders to support the development of coffee agro-tourism  is expected to make coffee agro-tourism sustainable. The aims of this study were to analyze the factors which affect the development of coffee agro-tourism and to design a model for developing community-based coffee agro-tourism. The research design mixed method of census and Partial Least Square. The number of respondents was 142 that consisted of the community involved in the development of agro-tourism in Sukaratu District. The results of this study showed that the coffee plantation supported the existence of coffee agro-tourism in Galunggung tourism area. The characteristics of variable, agro-tourism resources institutional support and the potential of agro-tourism affected community-based agro-tourism. The model of community-based coffee agro-tourism development in Mount Galunggung tourism area is implemented by maximizing the input of community characteristics  agro-tourism institutional support, and agro-tourism resources, especially the variable of agro-tourism potential so it can produce output for developing community-based agro-tourism potential. This output later will affect outcomes such as the enhancement income of farmers and local communities, the enhancement of coffee productivity, absorption of local labor, socio-cultural preservation, and the established cooperation between stakeholders.
Predicción de la calidad de vida universitaria a través de minería de datos
Authors: Ibañez Ramírez Johan Sebastian , Echeverri Salazar Tatiana , Castrillón Gómez Omar Danilo
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es medir a través de técnicas inteligentes el nivel de vida universitaria de una población universitaria. En esta investigación, una variable dependiente llamada calidad de vida universitaria se toma en cuenta junto con 10 variables independientes: carga académica, recursos económicos, relación con compañeros de clase, relación con docentes, currículum, actividades extracurriculares, vivienda actual,relaciones familiares, estado emocional y entorno universitario. Para el muestreo de estas variables se llevaron a cabo 127 encuestas a estudiantes de una universidad pública ubicada en la región central del país.Subsecuentemente, las variables más relevantes fueron seleccionadas a través de técnicas estadísticas con el fin de establecer un archivo de análisis desde el algoritmo de clasificación de árbol de decisiones J48 de la plataforma Weka. EL resultado demuestra, con una efectividad de más del 80 % que las variables más influyentes en la calidad de vida universitaria son: entorno universitario, vivienda actual, estado emocional y relación con los docentes, encontrando, varias veces, que la calidad de vida también puede depender de variables externas a la universidad, tales como: vivienda actual y estado emocional. Estos resultados son de gran importancia en el diseño de las políticas universitarias por venir.
Corrosion Behavior of Flame Sprayed Cr2O3 Coatings on Carbon Steel in Chloride Solutions
Authors: Nuñez Celis Howard , Rincón Ortiz Mauricio , González Hern´ández Andrés
Published: November 2022

Cr2O3 coatings were deposited on carbon steel through the flame spraying technique using two types of flames (neutral and oxidizing). The protective and morphological characteristics of the coatings were determined. The coatings had layer thickness values of 114 and 214µm for oxidizing and neutral samples, respectively. Porosity percentages of 4.5 % and 2.5 % were determined, where the neutral sample presented the greatest porosity due to the insufficient fusion of the oxide particles during the process, resulting in the formation of a heterogeneous and less compact layer. Microcracks and pores were found on the surface and cross-section of the coatings, due to the thermal expansion generated during the solidification process. The coating protective capacity was evaluated by electrochemical techniques over 672 hours in a 3.5 %wt NaCl saline solution. The results evidenced that the coatings manufactured with the oxidizing flame presented more corrosion resistance compared to those prepared with the neutral flame. The corrosion products were more evident in the neutral flame coatings, because of the diffusion mechanisms from the substrate to the surface coating through the interconnected pores. Finally, the wettability of the sodium chloride solution in the Cr2O3 coatings was measured by the contact angle technique, finding that the oxidizing flame coatings exhibited a higher angle contact value (64.8°) in contrast to the neutral flame coatings (35°).
Consumo cultural en la ciudad de Bahía Blanca, Argentina, 2019
Authors: Leonardi Viviana , Tortul Marina , Elías Silvina
Published: November 2022

Los bienes artísticos y culturales tienen importancia por su valor cultural, social y económico. Por ello, analizar los determinantes del consumo cultural se torna relevante. En esta investigación se testea la hipótesis de aprendizaje basado en el consumo para la demanda de bienes culturales en Bahía Blanca, Argentina, en el año 2019. Para medir el consumo cultural se elabora un índice de consumo general de bienes culturales y se estiman diferentes modelos Probit a partir de información primaria. Se encuentra que la exposición a una edad temprana a actividades culturales y el desarrollo del individuo en un ambiente familiar propicio al consumo cultural tiene un efecto positivo sobre la probabilidad de manifestar un alto consumo cultural en el presente. En este sentido, son recomendables las acciones tendientes a mejorar el acceso a la cultura de los niños y de la familia.