bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of β-Carotene Breakdown and Moisture Sorption Behavior of Yellow Cassava Flour during Storage
Authors: Akonor P. T. , Osei Tutu C. , Affrifah N. S. , Budu A. S. , Saalia F. K.
Published: April 2023

β-Carotene is an important plant pigment with high vitamin A activity. The kinetics of β-carotene degradation and moisture sorption behavior of yellow cassava flour produced by different drying techniques was investigated during storage. The β-carotene degradation kinetics were described using a first-order kinetic model, while the moisture adsorption data was fitted to five mathematical equations using nonlinear regression. During storage, the reaction rate constant for β-carotene degradation, which increased with increasing temperature, ranged from 0.0045 to 0.0396, 0.0029 to 0.0309, and 0.0025 to 0.0349 per month for flour produced by solar drying, hot air oven drying, and drum drying, respectively. Flour produced by solar drying had the highest activation energy of 124.2 kJ/mol, whereas drum drying had the lowest activation energy of 85.8 kJ/mol. All the yellow cassava flours showed a type II sigmoidal sorption curve in which the equilibrium moisture content increased with increasing water activity. The GAB model was the best for describing the moisture sorption behavior of the product, with a predicted monolayer moisture ranging from 2.8 (for drum drying) to 8.0 g water/100 g of flour (for solar drying). Findings from this study are vital for establishing the packaging and storage requirements of yellow cassava flour.
Assessment of the Quality Characteristics of Stropharia rugosoannulata Subjected to Five Different Drying Methods
Authors: Wei Lei , Wang Wei , Hou Yueying , Wang Xuefang , Liu Yuqing , Xie Xiaoyang , Li Xiao , Wang Tao , Jing Bingnian
Published: April 2023

The effect of solar drying (SD), room-temperature shaded drying (RSD), hot-air drying (HD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), and microwave drying (MD) was compared on the sensory quality, nutrient substances, bioactive constituents, and antioxidant activities of dried Stropharia rugosoannulata. The results revealed that, in comparison with SD, RSD, HD, and MD, VFD mushrooms exhibited a better appearance with less shrinkage and an ideal colour with lower a colour difference. Meanwhile, a significantly higher content (

p
<
0.05

) of protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, and vitamin C was retained in VFD samples. The HD and VFD samples both had abundant total free amino acids and best met the ideal protein standard. Furthermore, VFD had advantages in terms of better preserving bioactive constituents and stronger antioxidant activities compared to other treatments. Therefore, the VFD-dried S. rugosoannulata obtained a better overall quality compared to the other four drying methods.
Phytochemical Screening, Extraction, and Determination of the Bioactivities of the Extract-Enriched Polyphenols and Saponins from Musa balbisiana Fruit
Authors: Nhon Hoang Thi Ngoc , Phan Thi Thuan , Lien Phan Thi Kim , Van Nguyen Ngoc Hoang , Dao Dong Thi Anh , Anh Le Thi Hong
Published: April 2023

Many parts of Musa balbisiana have been used widely in traditional medicine, food, or cosmetic purposes. The present study is aimed at obtaining the extract-enriching bioactive compounds from M. balbisiana and determining the bioactive activities of the extract. Total polyphenols and saponins in the extracts were quantified. The response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction with methanol support. The optimal extraction conditions were at 120 min in 65°C at the material/solvent ratio of 1/36 (

w
/
v

). The obtained extract containing 51.72 mg/gGAE of total polyphenols (TPC) and 41.66 mg/g of saponins (TSC) was evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic abilities. The extract of M. balbinasia fruit exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 112.57 μg/mL (DPPH) and 14.49 μg/mL (ABTS). The absorbance of the extract was

1.653
±
0.030

at 250 ppm (RP assay). The antibacterial and antifungal inhibition exhibited a correlation with TPC and TSC. The extract inhibited Gram (+) S. aureus better than Gram (-) E. coli, while the inhibition percentage (I%) against A. flavus reached over 70% at 800 ppm. The IC50 value of the extract for anti-inflammatory activity was 187.91 μg/mL. The antidiabetic assessment revealed that methanolic extract showed quite strong inhibition with α-amylase (IC50 68.26 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 72.61 μg/mL). The results of the study showed that M. balbinasia fruit is a potential source of bioactive phytochemicals, which can be used as a plant-based antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-flammatorial, and antidiabetic agent. This is valuable information to support further studies to exploit and apply it in functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Rheological and Sensorial Characteristics of the Reformed Ras Cheese Made Using Cheese Trims and Different Starches
Authors: Emam A. O.
Published: April 2023

The objective was to study the technological suitability of using the Ras cheese trims and starch as casein stabilizer in making novel reformed Ras cheese (RRC) product and to evaluate the effect of two levels of corn, potato, and rice starches whether at the native form or pregelatinized, on the rheological and sensorial properties of that reformed Ras cheese which was supposed to be very close to conventional Ras cheese. Cheese trims were shredded, and table salt was added and kept at 25°C for 24 h. Starch was added in the form of whipped transparent paste, then the mixture was cooked without emulsifying salts to 75°C for 5 minutes at 120 rpm, the cooking temperature was then lowered until reaching 55°C at the same stirring speed, and then, the mixing speed was raised to 1400 rpm for another 1 minute. The molten cheese mass was poured into custom-made moulds. The height from which the cheese was poured into moulds was adapted to be 50 cm from the bottom of the mould. The samples were allowed to set at 5°C for 24 hours. The obtained results indicated that increasing the starch level significantly decreased the values of dry matter, protein, lactose, titratable acidity, water activity (aw), consistency coefficient (

K

), flow behavior index (

n

), Tan δ, hardness, springiness, melt distance, and shredding efficiency and increased the values of ash, pH, critical strain, adhesiveness, and sliceability. The starch source had no significant effect on critical strain,

K

, Tan δ, and sliceability. The rice starch RRCs were distinguished with the highest significant values of aw,

n

, cohesiveness, springiness, flavour, and total sensorial scores. The potato starch RRCs had the lowest hardness, fracturability, shreddability, and total sensorial score, as well as the highest melt distance, free oil, and adhesiveness. The corn starch RRCs were characterized with the lowest aw,

n

, springiness, body, and texture scores, as well as the highest hardness, fracturability, and shreddability. The pregelatinized starch RRCs were associated with increased aw, critical strain,

n

, Tan δ, fracturability, springiness, melt distance, shredding efficiency, sliceability, and all sensorial characteristics except appearance. The native starch RRCs were characterized with the highest pH, hardness, adhesiveness, free oil, and appearance score values.
Standardization of Pasteurization Process for Soft- and Hard-Shell Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)
Authors: Pathak Neeraj , Shakila Robinson Jeya , Jeyasekaran Geevaretnam , Arisekar Ulaganathan , Neethiselvan N. , Padmavathy P. , Patel Akalesh , Mayilvahnan R.
Published: April 2023

Pasteurized hard-shell blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) are widely popular in the United States, while soft-shell crabs are rich in minerals and are often discarded as waste or sold at a substantially low price in the market. Pasteurization time-temperature is standardized for soft-shell crabs processed together with hard-shell crabs. This study was undertaken to develop a pasteurization process for soft-shell crabs together with hard-shell crabs. Precooking time and temperature evaluated for soft-shell crabs based on sensorial analysis yield and drip loss indicated that the heat process at 100°C for 5 min gave higher yield (82%) and lower drip loss (14%). Soft-shell crabs were processed together with hard-shell crabs at three different ratios, viz., 30 : 70, 40 : 60, and 50 : 50. The pasteurization process was employed at seven time-temperature combinations, viz., 83-84°C for 150 min and 160 min, 84-85°C for 140 and 150 min, 85-86°C for 130 min and 140 min, and 86-87°C for 120 min. Crabs processed at a 30 : 70 ratio had a higher sensory score (4.95), and pasteurization at 83-84°C for 150 yielded the best quality product. The total process time (

F

value) determined by the heat penetration study was 58.25 min. Shelf-life stability studies revealed that TVB-N values were higher in those processed at a 50 : 50 ratio and process temperatures greater than 83-84°C but never exceeded in those processed at a 30 : 70 ratio, the permissible limit. Total aerobic bacteria remained low for 1 to 2 log cfu/g correlating well with sensory analysis. Soft-shell crabs can therefore be processed together with hard-shell crabs at a ratio of 30 : 70 and pasteurized at 83-84°C for 150 min with a shelf-fish of 6 months at 2°C without any loss in quality. The standardized process will enable crab processors to use soft-shell crab meat in addition to hard-shell crab meat, which is currently discarded.
Chemical and Pasting Properties of Potato Flour (Solanum tuberosum L.) in relation to Different Processing Techniques
Authors: Buzera Ariel , Nkirote Evelyne , Abass Adebayo , Orina Irene , Sila Daniel
Published: April 2023

Processing potato tubers into flour can be done using various methods, which can impact the flour’s nutritional and pasting properties. This study evaluated the effects of five different processing methods, namely, low-temperature blanching, followed by oven drying (LTB_OD), high-temperature blanching followed by oven drying (HTB_OD), boiling followed by oven drying (Boiling_OD), freeze drying (FD), and oven drying (OD), on the nutritional and pasting properties of potato flour derived from Shangi potato variety. The relationships between the nutritional and pasting properties were determined using Pearson’s correlation and principal component analyses (PCA). The results indicated that freeze-dried flour exhibited higher protein content (10.17%), sucrose (88.87 mg/100 g), and magnesium (44.90 mg/100 g) content, while Boiling_OD flour showed the lowest protein (6.41%), sucrose (15.34 mg/100 g), and magnesium (35.55 mg/100 g) content. All potato flour types demonstrated a decrease in apparent viscosity with increasing shear rate, with freeze-dried flour having the highest apparent viscosity. Freeze-dried flour showed the highest peak viscosity (7098.33 cP) and breakdown viscosity (2672.00 cP). The highest final viscosity (7989.00 cP) was recorded in HTB_OD flour. Protein (

r
=
−
0.92

), fiber (

r
=
−
0.81

), and fat (

r
=
−
0.83

) negatively correlated with the peak viscosity, while sugars (glucose (

r
=
0.95

), fructose (

r
=
0.93

), and sucrose (

r
=
0.87

)) and phosphorus (

r
=
0.86

) positively correlated with pasting properties. The first two principal components explained 90.2% of the total variance. Oven drying and freeze drying were in close proximity in the PCA score plot, indicating that these two flour types have similar chemical and pasting properties. In conclusion, the different processing methods altered the chemical and pasting properties of the flour, therefore influencing their potential use in the food industry. Considering the correlations established in this study, it is likely that chemical properties could be used to predict the pasting properties of potato flour.
Genetic Mechanism of Lower-Order Faults in Shale Formations in Rift Basins
Authors: Yang Haimeng , Wu Xuepeng , Liu Jingshou , Hu Caifu
Published: April 2023

The distribution of lower-order faults affects the development of oil and gas and the distribution of remaining oil, which is also the key to the development of fault block reservoirs in eastern China. The lower-order faults are characterized by short extension, small fault displacement, and difficult identification by traditional seismic interpretation methods. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the development law of faults in combination with the paleostress field during the fault formation period to improve the accuracy of fault seismic interpretation. In this paper, on the basis of reservoir structural analysis and rock mechanics experiments, the geological and mechanical model of the Sanduo period is established to predict the simulation of the paleostress field during the development of lower-order faults. The development of lower-order faults in rift basins is mainly controlled by the minimum principal stress and stress difference, and the shear stress in the profile controls the tendency of faults. Controlled by the paleostress field, the occurrence of lower-order faults in the Weizhuang area, Gaoyou Sag, and Subei Basin is very complex, and the strike of the fault is distributed as a tension shear broom on the plane. The prediction results can provide a reference for the excavation of remaining oil and the development of oil and gas.
Antibiofilm Activity of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts In Vitro and Food Model
Authors: Akbari Saeed , Didar Zohreh , Vazifedoost Mohsen , Hajirostamloo Bahareh , Mohtashami Mahnaz
Published: April 2023

The present study aims at investigating the antibiofilm activity of two various ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts in comparison to peracetic acid in broth culture and food model against pathogenic bacteria. The GC-MS analysis proved that the major components in the subcritical water extract of ginger were Zingerone (28.99%) and cis-6-shogaol (22.1%), while in the aqueous-ethanolic extract was Gingerol (28.404%) and Zingiberene (11.954%). According to the results, ginger subcritical water extract in a concentration of 50% (V/V) had the highest antibiofilm activity, and no significant difference was observed with peracetic acid (0.5%). However, similar results were obtained regarding the antibiofilm activity of the ginger extracts in both environments (broth culture and fish extract as a food model). The gram-positive B.subtilis bacterium was more susceptible to ginger extracts than the gram-negative P.aeruginosabacterium. In conclusion, ginger subcritical water extract could be recommended as a natural and safe antimicrobial compound with antibiofilm potential in the food industry.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Opioid‐Induced Constipation in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ying Jianyue , Xiao Renzhong , Xu Lili , Yan Mei
Published: April 2023

Background. Opioid‐induced constipation (OIC) has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of prescription opioid use, particularly in patients with advanced illnesses. Existing literature suggests that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) could be applied to treat cancer pain and reduce OIC incidence. However, there need to be more systematic review studies on the effectiveness of TENS in treating OIC. Objective. In order to fill the gap of TENS in treating OIC in current knowledge, we have conducted a systematic review and network meta‐analysis. Methods. The comprehensive computer retrieval PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical (CBM), and Wanfang Database were used to collect literature for relevant studies of TENS treatment of OIC, in accordance with the standard of literature filtering, data extraction, and quality evaluation. The data were meta‐analysed using ReviewManager 5.3 software recommended by Cochrane. Results. A total of 180 pieces of literature were yielded through original search. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 9 articles were included in this study. Our analysis of seven studies has revealed that TENS (28.18%) significantly reduces the incidence rate of OIC compared to control (52.45%) (I2 = 57%, P = 0.03; OR = 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.82), Z = 3.70, P < 0.01). The results of two studies indicated that TENS significantly improved the quality of life compared to the control group (i.e., treatment‐as‐usual only) (I2 = 80%, P = 0.03; OR = −1.91; 95% CI, −2.54 to −1.29, Z = 6.00, P < 0.01). Conclusion. The administration of TENS therapy holds the potential to mitigate the occurrence of OIC and augment the quality of life for individuals suffering from cancer. Particularly, TENS therapy proves to be appropriate for propagation within community and domestic environments. Nevertheless, advanced clinical randomized controlled trials of superior quality are necessary to authenticate the comprehensive clinical efficiency and safety of this therapy. Further investigation is indispensable to comprehend its mechanism in greater detail and establish the optimum therapeutic strategy.
Experimental Study on the Flexural Behavior of Connected Precast Concrete Square Piles
Authors: Dong Zhongji , Dang Faning , Gao Jun
Published: April 2023

Part of deep foundation pit support engineering needs to select connected precast concrete square piles (CPCSPs). Under the premise that the quality of precast concrete square piles (PCSPs) meets engineering requirements, the quality of CPCSPs becomes the key factor to ensure the safety of foundation pit support structures. This paper puts forward a new connection technology of CPCSPs and carries out the flexural behavior experiment of unconnected precast concrete square piles (UPCSPs) and CPCSPs. The distribution of crack and strain on different surfaces of UPCSPs and CPCSPs are measured by carbon fiber composite strain sense optical cables, glass fiber composite strain sense optical cables, and fixed-point polyurethane strain sense optical cables. The anti-crack load, ultimate load, bending moment, and flexural deformation of UPCSPs and CPCSPs are measured. The experimental results of UPCSPs and CPCSPs are compared. The results show that the anti-crack strength of CPCSPs is greatly increased while the flexural deformation of CPCSPs is decreased before the occurrence of crack. With the development of crack (failure stage), the outside areas of hoop steel plate exhibit cracks. At this moment, the strength of CPCSPs is no longer controlled by the strength of middle areas. The ultimate strength of CPCSPs is basically equivalent to that of UPCSPs. The ultimate bending moment of CPCSPs is higher than its design value (about 66%∼76%). The selection of CPCSPs in the design of foundation pit support has good reliability.
Comparison of Raw and Excess Steam Jet-Cooked/Drum-Dried Pinto Bean Flours and Their Effects on Ground Beef Patties
Authors: Felker Frederick C. , Kenar James A. , Singh Mukti , Winkler-Moser Jill K. , Byars Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2023

Many types of plant-based materials have been investigated as fat replacers or meat extenders in beef patties and meatballs, including cereal and pulse flours as well as isolated plant proteins. Previously, excess steam jet cooking and drum drying of pulse flours were shown to impart potentially useful properties as food ingredients. In this study, pinto bean flour was jet-cooked and drum-dried (JC-DD) and compared with raw pinto bean flour when added to ground beef patties. The finely milled flours were mixed with ground beef at levels of 6, 12, and 18% along with equal amounts of water. The effects of jet cooking and drum drying on the flour included complete breakdown of starch granules, greatly reduced viscosity upon heating in water, and substantial reduction of several volatile beany flavor components. The highest level of JC-DD flour resulted in the highest cooked patty weight, moisture content, and diameter and the lowest cooking time, springiness, and fat content. There were significant color changes in both raw and cooked beef patties to which pinto bean flour was added, but they were not large due to the native color of bean seed coats. Texture analysis revealed that addition of JC-DD flour to the meat resulted in a greater degree of tenderizing compared to the raw flour. The experiments indicate that further investigation of different flour/water ratios and different pulse types might lead to higher substitution levels. Novelty Impact Statement. The use of pulse flour as a meat extender was investigated with the novel approach of processing the pulse flour by excess steam jet cooking and drum drying. Comparison of the effects of raw and jet-cooked flour on the properties of cooked ground beef patties revealed advantages of jet cooking the flour including higher cooked patty weight, moisture content, and diameter and a greater degree of tenderizing.
A Prognostic Model Based on NSUN3 Was Established to Evaluate the Prognosis and Response to Immunotherapy in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jianlin , Kuang Junxi , Yang Yi , Zhang Lei , Leng Bo , She Risheng , Zou Ling
Published: April 2023

It is difficult for traditional therapies to further improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and immunotherapy is considered to be a promising approach to overcome this dilemma. However, only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy, which greatly limits its application. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to elucidate the specific regulatory mechanism of tumor immunity so as to provide a new direction for immunotherapy. NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 3 (NSUN3) is a protein with RNA binding and methyltransferase activity, which has been shown to be involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors. At present, the relationship between NSUN3 and immune implication in LIHC has not been reported. In this study, we first revealed that NSUN3 expression is upregulated in LIHC and that patients with high NSUN3 expression have a poor prognosis through multiple databases. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that NSUN3 may be participated in cell adhesion and cell matrix remodeling. Next, we obtained a set of genes coexpressed with NSUN3 (NCGs). Further LASSO regression was performed based on NCGs, and a risk score model was constructed, which proved to have good predictive power. In addition, Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score of NCGs model was an independent risk factor for LIHC patients. Moreover, we established a nomogram based on the NCGs-related model, which was verified to have a good predictive ability for the prognosis of LIHC. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between NCGs-related model and immune implication. The results implied that our model was closely related to immune score, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, and multiple immune checkpoints. Finally, the pathway enrichment analysis of NCGs-related model showed that the model may be involved in the regulation of various immune pathways. In conclusion, our study revealed a novel role of NSUN3 in LIHC. The NSUN3-based prognostic model may be a promising biomarker for inspecting the prognosis and immunotherapy response of LIHC.
Improving the Quality of Set Yoghurt Using Milk Fat Globule Membrane Fragments
Authors: Ibitoye Joshua , Phan T. T. Q. , Le Duy Nghia , Dewettinck K. , Colgrave Michelle L. , Trzcinski A. P. , Ly-Nguyen B.
Published: April 2023

Lacprodan®PL20, a dairy ingredient that is rich in protein and polar lipids, was added into set yoghurts produced from nonhomogenized raw milk. The set yoghurts were prepared using concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% Lacprodan®PL20, while the control sample was only supplemented with skim milk powder. The effect of Lacprodan®PL20 concentrations on the physical and chemical properties, rheology, and microstructure of set yoghurt was thoroughly investigated to determine some likely improvement or changes in quality. Consequently, Lacprodan®PL20 showed a gradual improvement in the set yoghurt nutritive values, water holding capacity, and apparent viscosity. The results indicated that the firmness of set yoghurt was altered which steadily improved the gel strength, especially at 4% and 6% concentrations. The fermentation process was slightly delayed at 4% and 6% concentrations and pH values were raised as Lacprodan®PL20 concentration increased. The microstructures of the set yoghurts produced with Lacprodan®PL20, as examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealed compacted structures with fewer and smaller holes in the gel matrices. Also, a slight color change was observed in set yoghurt using a colorimeter. These results vividly showed that Lacprodan®PL20, an enriched milk fat globule membrane fragment, has the potential to improve set yoghurt quality by reducing some defects associated with set yoghurt, such as low gel strength, low dry solids, and the likes.
Effects of the Incorporation of Hydrogen and Nitrogen into Milk on the Reducing and Acidification Capacities of Yoghurt Bacteria
Authors: Bulut Menekşe , Alwazeer Duried , Tunçtürk Yusuf
Published: April 2023

The use of gases in different food applications has increased in the last decades. The incorporation of hydrogen into yogurt was reported to improve the organoleptic properties of some dairy products. A study is needed to understand the effect of this application on the behavior of yogurt bacteria during the fermentation stage. The effects of H2- and N2-incorporation into milk on the acidification and reducing capacities of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) were envisaged. A data acquisition multiparameter interface equipped with pH and redox electrodes was used for continuously measuring and recording values. H2 increased the acidification capacity of ST (+10%) and the reducing capacity of LB (+13.7%), whereas N2 increased the acidification capacity of ST (+13.3%) and decreased the reducing capacity of LB (-21.47%) and ST (-18.88%). H2 increased the coagulation time of LB (+12.96%) and ST (+6.15%). Results could reveal the promotive role of hydrogen on the metabolic activity of yogurt bacteria in single cultures and these bacteria grow better in the presence of hydrogen in milk. These results will allow yogurt manufacturers to better understand the behavior of yogurt bacterial strains when the preparation of gas-incorporated yogurt is envisaged and better control its quality attribute notes.
Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Appraisal of Groundwater Quality in Yisr River Catchment, Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia, by Using the GIS, WQI, and Statistical Techniques
Authors: Demelash Abebaw , Atlabachew Abunu , Jothimani Muralitharan , Abebe Abel
Published: April 2023

Groundwater is a primary drinking, agricultural, domestic, and nondomestic water source in Ethiopia’s Yisr River watershed of the Blue Nile River basin. There has been no systematic investigation of the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater in the research area. The study investigated the hydrogeochemical parameters of groundwater in the catchment to find out if it is fit for drinking and irrigation. A total of 26 samples of groundwater were collected and analyzed for seventeen parameters, including pH, temperature, EC, TDS, TH, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cl−,

HCO

3

−

,

CO

3

2
−

,

SO

4

2
−

, F−,

PO

4

2
−

, and

NO

3

−

. The data were processed and evaluated using integrated hydrogeochemical techniques, including individual ionic signatures, interionic ratios, and multivariate statistical methods, such as multiple correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The water quality index (WQI) and Na%, PI, RSC, SAR, EC, TDS, and MH were used to judge the quality of water for drinking and irrigation, respectively. The box plot diagram shows the dominant ions in descending order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and

HCO

3

2
−

 > Cl- > 

SO

4

2
−

 > 

NO

3

−

 > F− for cations and anions, respectively. The chemical composition of shallow wells and springs indicates freshwater. At the same time, the deep groundwater wells are brackish. The two-factor loadings (principal component analysis) were used to explain the existence of anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Three clusters are identified in the dendrogram. The third cluster has the most significant linkage distance among all the clusters. This means that the groundwater sample in this cluster is geochemically different from the other two clusters, and that this cluster is made up of only deep wells. Water quality indices showed that water quality ranged from excellent to very poor, with the majority (53.85%) being excellent and 26.9% being good. The results of the calculated indices for agricultural water quality indicated that the water quality in most collected samples was in the good and excellent categories; however, the EC, RSC, MH, and TDS indices in deep groundwater wells were found to be hazardous. The findings of this study are useful for understanding groundwater sustainability for various reasons. However, they are also helpful in supporting water management and protection in the future.
Development of the Healthy Aging Perspectives Questionnaire among Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yu-Rung , Lee Huan-Fang , Hsieh Pei-Lun , Chen Ching-Min
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire which investigates perspectives regarding healthy aging among old patients with chronic illness. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and surveys between 2014 and 2016. Participants were recruited from the outpatient department of a medical center and a community healthcare center, 23 for interviews and 332 for surveys. The exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify the domains of the questionnaire and reduce the number of scale items. Criterion validity and reliability were evaluated. The final instrument (19 items) comprised the following four domains affected by disease: physical and psychological changes; living environment changes; social relationship changes; and changes in family life. The instrument explained 62.71% of the total variance in healthy aging perspectives. Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation of the questionnaire with the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (r, range: 0.14–0.65). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.8 (Cronbach’s α, range: 0.71–0.89). The questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument useful for examining healthy aging perspectives in older adults with chronic diseases. To enhance healthy aging for older persons with chronic disease, policy makers should acknowledge that elderly with chronic diseases not only have healthcare needs but also need attention regarding their psychological health and social and environmental relationships. The healthy aging perspectives questionnaire (HAPQ) can help clinicians to determine how to approach their older patients with chronic diseases to promote healthy aging.
Comparison between the Radiographic and Clinical Rates of Success for TheraCal and MTA in Primary Tooth Pulpotomy within a 12‐Month Follow‐Up: A Split‐Mouth Clinical Trial
Authors: Hassanpour Sedigheh , Aminabadi Naser Asl , Rahbar Mahdi , Erfanparast Leila
Published: April 2023

Background. The present study was conducted for contrasting the efficacy of TheraCal and MTA for primary molar pulpotomy. Methods. During the current split‐mouth randomized clinical trial, 90 bilateral primary molars from 45 healthy 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children were pulpotomized using TheraCal in one bilateral tooth and MTA in the other, randomly. Glass ionomer (GI) was used to cover these materials. Then, the treated teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns (SSC) and followed up clinically and radiographically at months 6 and 12 after treatment for any pulpotomy failure indications. Finally, data were analyzed by chi‐square test considering p value < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results. Among 82 teeth available at the final follow‐up session, the total success rates were 98.1% and 99.3% for TheraCal and MTA, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion. TheraCal can be used as an alternative material for pulpotomy of primary teeth instead of MTA.
Exploring the Mechanism of Antioxidant Action of Bitter Almond Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Techniques
Authors: Feng Xuehua , Niu Jingya , Song Zurong , Tao Ali , Zong Rumin , Pei Wenqing , Gong Panpan
Published: April 2023

Objective. A network pharmacology approach was used to investigate the main active ingredients, key targets, and mechanisms of action of bitter almond antioxidants, and preliminary validation of the relevant targets was performed using molecular docking techniques. Methods. The active ingredients of bitter almond were obtained through the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and the main active ingredients were screened by bioavailability (OB) and drug-like properties (DL); the GeneCards database was used to search antioxidant-related disease targets through the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database and analysis; building a “drug-disease-target” visual network map with Cytoscape 3.9.0 software; a protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING website and core targets were screened; GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were obtained using Metoscape. Finally, SailVina software was used to molecularly dock the major active ingredients and target proteins and visualize them using PyMOL software. Results. A total of 19 antioxidant active ingredients were obtained for bitter almond, mainly stigmasterol, glycyrol, and estrone. The targets regulated by their main active ingredients were intersected with oxidative targets, and 53 intersected targets were obtained by Venn diagram, with key targets involving NR3C2, NCOA2, MAOA, ADRA2A, and CHRM1; GO analysis yielded 3616 GO entries, including 2821 biological process (BP) entries, 316 cellular component (CC) entries, and 479 molecular function (MF) entries, and 184 signalling pathways were obtained from KEGG pathway enrichment screening. The molecular docking results showed that Stigmasterol-NR3C2 binding was better. Conclusion. Stigmasterol, glycyrol, estrone, and licochalcone B in bitter almond may be the material basis of antioxidant and have better antioxidant activity; therefore, bitter almond has the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway.
Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Stirred Yogurt Fortified with Vitamin B12 and Melatonin
Authors: Jurado-Guerra Jesus Arnulfo , Flores-Mancha Martha Azucena , Juárez-Moya Juliana , Lechuga-Valles Ruth , Rentería-Monterrubio Ana Luisa , Sánchez-Vega Rogelio , Tirado-Gallegos Juan-Manuel , Chávez-Martínez América
Published: April 2023

Vitamin B12 and melatonin were added to whole milk-stirred yogurt to evaluate its physicochemical (fat, protein, total solids, moisture, syneresis, and color), rheological (flow behavior and dynamic rheology), and color characteristics as

L

,

a

∗

, and

b

∗

and color change (

∆
E

). For this, five treatments (T) were elaborated as follows: T1 = yogurt (Y) without vitamin B12 and melatonin, T2 = Y with 3 μg/L of B12, T3 = Y with 5 mg/L of melatonin, T4 = Y with 2 μg/L of B12 and 3 mg/L of melatonin, and T5 = Y with 3 μg/L of B12 and 5 mg/L of melatonin. The fortification of yogurt with vitamin B12 and melatonin modified (

P
<
0.05

) the content of fat, moisture, and syneresis. Treatment 5 presented the lowest content of fat and the largest content of moisture (

P
<
0.05

). Treatment 4 had the largest syneresis at day 1, and at day 14, there was not differences in syneresis among treatments (

P
>
0.05

). Regarding color, luminosity (

L

∗

) did not have significant differences (

P
>
0.05

) among treatments and neither among storage days, except for T5 that presented the lowest value at day 14. Regarding parameter

a

∗

, all treatments presented negative values (tendency to green), and T2, T3, and T5 showed significant differences (

P
<
0.05

) trough time. No significant differences (

P
>
0.05

) were observed for the

b

∗

values neither among treatments nor among time. The highest value in

Δ
E

, compare to the control, was observed in T5. Regarding flow behavior, T1 showed a significantly different (

P
<
0.05

) higher flow behavior (

n

) than the rest of the treatments. In general, all the samples indicate an increase (

P
<
0.05

) in the flow behavior (

n

) through the storage time. And the consistency index (

K

) showed significant difference (

P
<
0.05

) between T1 and T2 and T3 and T4. In conclusion, the addition of vitamin B12 and melatonin to yogurt generates changes in the physicochemical and rheological properties; likewise, the addition of melatonin in combination with vitamin B12 showed that the viscoelastic characteristics of the fortified yogurts are like the control yogurt. Since these, treatment 5 presented the most similar values of rheology and syneresis compared to the control, so this combination of B12 and melatonin could be employed to develop a new functional yogurt.
[Retracted] Evaluation of the Anticancer Potential of Morus nigra and Ocimum basilicum Mixture against Different Cancer Cell Lines: An In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Almutairi Bader O. , Alsayadi Ahmed I. , Abutaha Nael , AL-mekhlafi Fahd A. , Wadaan Mohamed A.
Published: April 2023

Morus nigra (M) and Ocimum basilicum (O) mixture (MO2) extract was extracted using hexane (MO2H), chloroform (MO2C), ethyl acetate (MO2E), and methanol (MO2M) in a Soxhlet apparatus. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The IC50 values of the MO2C‐treated cancer cells were 11.31 μg/mL (MDA‐MB‐231), 15.45 μg/mL (MCF‐7), 18.9 μg/mL (HepG2), 26.33 μg/mL (Huh‐7), 30.17 μg/mL (LoVo), and 36.76 μg/mL (HCT116). MO2C‐treated cells showed cellular and nuclear morphological alterations like chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies as observed using light and fluorescent microscopy. The antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties were investigated in vitro using 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and egg albumin denaturation assays. It was evident that the MO2M extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (18.13%), followed by the MO2E extract (12.25%), MO2C extract (9.380%), and MO2H extract (6.31%). The highest inhibition percentage of albumin denaturation was observed in MO2H (28.54%), followed by MO2M (4.32%) at 0.2 and 0.1 mg/mL concentrations, respectively. The compounds identified using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis for MO2C extract were α‐trans‐bergamotene, germacrene D, selin‐4,7(11)‐diene, 2 tridecen‐1‐ol, and 2‐decen‐1‐ol. The present study reveals that MO2C has promising anticancer activity and may serve as a potent polyherbal extract in cancer treatment.
Quantitative Study of Load Stability of Quadrotor Based on Lyapunov Exponents
Authors: Dong Tiantian , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Yunping , Chen Cheng
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the issue of dynamic instability in quadrotor caused by changes in load mass during flight. To tackle this problem, the Lyapunov exponent method is adopted to study the dynamics and motion stability of the system. This approach resolves the challenge of constructing system eigenvalues due to the nonlinearity and high order of the quadrotor. To enhance the reliability of stability analysis, a quantitative relationship between system dynamics parameters and motion stability is established by combining the dynamic model with the Lyapunov exponent method. This approach compensates for inaccuracies in theoretical modeling analysis caused by factors such as load mass changes. The experiments demonstrate that changing the wheelbase and load mass improves flight motion stability, ensuring the reliability of the quadrotor flight system. Overall, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the motion stability of a quadrotor and proposes a reliable method for stability analysis that accounts for changes in load mass during flight.
Data from Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (nitro-PAH) signatures and somatic mutations in diesel exhaust-exposed bladder tumors
Authors: Gonzalez Nicole , Rao Nina , Dean Michael , Lee Donghyuk , Hurson Amber N. , Baris Dalsu , Schwenn Molly , Johnson Alison , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Friesen Melissa C. , Zhu Bin , Rothman Nathaniel , Silverman Debra T. , Koutros Stella
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated PAHs (nitro-PAHs), many of which are potent mutagens and possible bladder carcinogens. To explore the association between diesel exposure and bladder carcinogenesis, we examined the relationship between exposure and somatic mutations and mutational signatures in bladder tumors.
Methods: Targeted sequencing was conducted in bladder tumors from the New England Bladder Cancer Study. Using data on 797 cases and 1,418 controls, two-stage polytomous logistic regression was used to evaluate etiologic heterogeneity between bladder cancer subtypes and quantitative, lifetime estimates of respirable elemental carbon (REC), a surrogate for diesel exposure. Poisson regression was used to evaluate associations between REC and mutational signatures.
Results: We observed significant heterogeneity in the diesel-bladder cancer risk relationship, with a strong positive association among cases with high-grade, non-muscle invasive TP53-mutated tumors compared to controls (Odds Ratio(OR)Top Tertile vs.Unexposed=4.8, 95% Confidence Interval(CI)=2.2,10.5; p-trend<0.001; p-heterogeneity=0.002). In muscle-invasive tumors, we observed a positive association between diesel exposure and the nitro-PAH signatures of 1,6-dintropyrene (RR=1.93, 95% CI=1.28,2.92) and 3-nitrobenzoic acid (RR=1.97, 95% CI=1.33,2.92).
Conclusion: The relationship between diesel exhaust and bladder cancer was heterogeneous based on the presence of TP53 mutations in tumors, further supporting the link between PAH exposure and TP53 mutations in carcinogenesis. Future studies that can identify nitro-PAH signatures in exposed tumors are warranted to add human data supporting the link between diesel and bladder cancer.
Impact: This study provides additional insight into the etiology and possible mechanisms related to diesel exhaust-induced bladder cancer.
Data from A tumor suppressive-molecular axis EP300/circRERE/miR-6837-3p/MAVS activates type I interferon pathway and anti-tumor immunity to suppress colorectal cancer
Authors: Ding Nan , You A-Bin , Yang Hu , Hu Guo-sheng , Lai Chun-Ping , Liu Wen , Ye Feng
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The oncogenic role of circRNAs has been well-studied in cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, tumor-suppressive circRNAs and the mechanism through which they exert their anti-tumor effects remain largely unknown. We aim to find out the critical tumor-suppressive circRNAs and their possibility to serve as gene therapy targets. Experimental Design: CircRNA sequencing, gain- and loss- of function experiments，and transcriptomic analysis were performed to find tumor-suppressive and anti-tumor immunity effects of circRERE. Molecular biology experiments were conducted for mechanism exploration. Finally, we conducted adeno-associated virus to deliver circRERE (circRERE-AAV) and evaluated circRERE-AAV alone and in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody in C57BL/6J mice bearing subcutaneous MC38 tumors. Results: CircRERE is lowly expressed in CRC. Overexpression of circRERE inhibits the malignant behaviors of CRC in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown exhibits the opposite effects. The expression of circRERE is regulated by EP300, a histone acetyltransferase downregulated in CRC as well. Mechanistically, circRERE acts as a ceRNA to sponge miR-6837-3p to upregulate MAVS expression, thereby activating type I IFN signaling and promoting anti-tumor immunity. Delivery of circRERE-AAV elicits significant anti-tumor effects, and combination treatment with circRERE-AAV and anti-PD-1 antibody exhibits synergistic effects on tumor growth in preclinical models of CRC. Conclusions: These results uncover modulatory axis constituting of EP300/circRERE/miR-6837-3p/MAVS and its essential roles in anti-tumor immunity, and demonstrate that circRERE-AAV might represent a new therapeutic avenue to prime immune responses and boost the effects of immunotherapy in clinic.
Supplementary Table 3 from EIF4A3 Acts on the PI3K–AKT–ERK1/2–P70S6K Pathway through FLOT1 to Influence the Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Liang Jinghui , Fang Tao , Jiang Jin , Zhao Renchang , Li Rongyang , Han Jingyi , Tian Hui
Published: April 2023

Correlation between EIF4A3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in LUAD
Supplementary Table 2 from EIF4A3 Acts on the PI3K–AKT–ERK1/2–P70S6K Pathway through FLOT1 to Influence the Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Liang Jinghui , Fang Tao , Jiang Jin , Zhao Renchang , Li Rongyang , Han Jingyi , Tian Hui
Published: April 2023

Information of antibodies
Supplementary Figure 1 from EIF4A3 Acts on the PI3K–AKT–ERK1/2–P70S6K Pathway through FLOT1 to Influence the Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Liang Jinghui , Fang Tao , Jiang Jin , Zhao Renchang , Li Rongyang , Han Jingyi , Tian Hui
Published: April 2023

EIF4A3 promotes the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells in vitro.
Supplementary Table 5 from Disruption of the MYC Superenhancer Complex by Dual Targeting of FLT3 and LSD1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Coleman Daniel J. , VanCampen Jake , Kong Garth , Macaraeg Jommel , Estabrook Joseph , Demir Emek , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Druker Brian J. , Maxson Julia E. , Braun Theodore P.
Published: April 2023

Normalized Read Pileup and Differential Enrichment Clusters of MOLM13 H3K27Ac CUT&Tag (2 Hours After Drug Treatment)
Supplementary Table 18 from Disruption of the MYC Superenhancer Complex by Dual Targeting of FLT3 and LSD1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Coleman Daniel J. , VanCampen Jake , Kong Garth , Macaraeg Jommel , Estabrook Joseph , Demir Emek , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Druker Brian J. , Maxson Julia E. , Braun Theodore P.
Published: April 2023

Single Cell ATAC Cell Type Populations
Supplementary Table 12 from Disruption of the MYC Superenhancer Complex by Dual Targeting of FLT3 and LSD1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Coleman Daniel J. , VanCampen Jake , Kong Garth , Macaraeg Jommel , Estabrook Joseph , Demir Emek , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Druker Brian J. , Maxson Julia E. , Braun Theodore P.
Published: April 2023

MYC Blood Enhancer Complex (BENC) Module Cooordinates in Hg38
Supplementary Table 1 from Disruption of the MYC Superenhancer Complex by Dual Targeting of FLT3 and LSD1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Coleman Daniel J. , VanCampen Jake , Kong Garth , Macaraeg Jommel , Estabrook Joseph , Demir Emek , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Druker Brian J. , Maxson Julia E. , Braun Theodore P.
Published: April 2023

Log2 Normalized Counts of Differentially Expressed Genes from MOLM13 Bulk RNA-seq (24 Hours After Drug Treatment)
Supplementary Fig. 7 from Disruption of the MYC Superenhancer Complex by Dual Targeting of FLT3 and LSD1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Coleman Daniel J. , VanCampen Jake , Kong Garth , Macaraeg Jommel , Estabrook Joseph , Demir Emek , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Druker Brian J. , Maxson Julia E. , Braun Theodore P.
Published: April 2023

GFI1 knockdown weakens the effects of dual FLT3/LSD1 inhibition.