bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Kemeny Optimization Scheme for Fuzzy Set of Relations
Authors: Mashchenko Serhii O. , Kapustian Olena A. , Rubino Bruno
Published: November 2023

The present paper investigated the aggregation of individual preferences into a group fuzzy preference relation for a fuzzy set of decision-makers (DMs). This aggregation is based on the Kemeny optimization scheme. It was proven that this group relation is a Type-2 fuzzy relation (T2FR). The decomposition approach was used to analyze the group T2FR. It is shown that the group T2FR can be decomposed according to secondary membership grades into a finite collection of Type-1 fuzzy relations. Each of them is a group fuzzy relation for a crisp set of DMs, which is the corresponding α-cut of the original fuzzy set of DMs. Illustrative examples are given.
Progressive Exaptation of Endogenous Retroviruses in Placental Evolution in Cattle
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Kusama Kazuya , Imakawa Kazuhiko
Published: November 2023

Viviparity is made possible by the placenta, a structure acquired relatively recently in the evolutionary history of eutherian mammals. Compared to oviparity, it increases the survival rate of the fetus, owing to the eutherian placenta. Questions such as “How was the placenta acquired?” and “Why is there diversity in placental morphology among mammalian species?” remain largely unsolved. Our present understanding of the molecules regulating placental development remains unclear, owing in no small part to the persistent obscurity surrounding the molecular mechanisms underlying placental acquisition. Numerous genes associated with the development of eutherian placental morphology likely evolved to function at the fetal–maternal interface in conjunction with those participating in embryogenesis. Therefore, identifying these genes, how they were acquired, and how they came to be expressed specifically at the fetal–maternal interface will shed light on some crucial molecular mechanisms underlying placental evolution. Exhaustive studies support the hypothesis that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) could be evolutional driving forces for trophoblast cell fusion and placental structure in mammalian placentas including those of the bovine species. This review focuses on bovine ERVs (BERVs) and their expression and function in the placenta.
Surface Functionalization and Escherichia coli Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Driven by Functional Organic Polymer/Gold Nanofilm-Based Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Cortes-Cano Hugo , Olvera Lilian Iraís , Méndez-Aguilar Emilia M. , España-Sánchez Beatriz Liliana , Arriaga Luis Gerardo , Oza Goldie , Herrera-Celis José
Published: November 2023

In this work, a microfluidic prototype based on polymeric materials was developed to monitor surface processes using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), keeping the reagents free of environmental contamination. The prototype was fabricated on poly(methyl methacrylic acid) (PMMA). A micrometric membrane of a functional organic polymer (FOP) based on p-terphenyl and bromopyruvic acid monomers was formed on the PMMA surface to promote the formation of metal nanoclusters. Au nanosized film was deposited on the FOP membrane to give rise to the SERS effect. A microchannel was formed on another piece of PMMA using micromachining. A representative 3D model of the prototype layer arrangement was built and simulated in COMSOL Multiphysics® to approximate the electric field distribution and calculate the power enhancement factor as the Au film changes over time. The fabrication process was characterized using UV–visible and Raman spectroscopies and XPS. The prototype was tested using a Raman microscope and liquid solutions of cysteamine and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The simulation results demonstrated that the morphological characteristics of the Au layer give rise to the SERS effect, and the power enhancement factor reaches values as high as 8.8 × 105 on the FOP surface. The characterization results showed the formation of the FOP and the Au film on PMMA and the surface functionalization with amine groups. The Raman spectra of the prototype showed temporal evolution as different compounds were deposited on the upper wall of the microchannel. Characteristic peaks associated with these compounds were detected with continuous monitoring over time. This prototype offers many benefits for applications like monitoring biological processes. Some advantages include timely surface evaluation while avoiding environmental harm, decreased use of reagents and samples, minimal interference with the process by measuring, and detecting microorganisms in just 1 h, as demonstrated with the E. coli sample.
The Impact of Regular Physical Exercise on Psychopathology, Cognition, and Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vila-Barrios Lucía , Carballeira Eduardo , Varela-Sanz Adrián , Iglesias-Soler Eliseo , Dopico-Calvo Xurxo
Published: November 2023

The presence of less healthy lifestyle habits among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia which can contribute to the escalation of physical disorders and exacerbation of psychological symptoms is well documented. The present scoping review aims to synthesize and evaluate the available evidence regarding the impact of regular physical exercise on psychopathology, cognition, and quality of life (QoL) in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A literature search was performed across Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus for randomized control trials published up to April 2022. Two independent reviewers applied the selection criteria and a third reviewer resolved discrepancies. A total of twelve studies were included, of which nine used endurance training and three used concurrent training (one of these additionally used resistance training). The results reveal benefits of various modalities of supervised regular exercise in the psychopathology of schizophrenia. Furthermore, regular endurance training seems to improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia and promote their QoL; however, results are inconclusive with respect to this last variable. The assessment of methodological quality in the reviewed articles indicates a high overall risk of bias, particularly in relation to deviations from intended interventions and the selection of reported results. Furthermore, an assessment of exercise reporting revealed that only 5 out of 19 items were fulfilled in more than 50% of the articles. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of different training modalities and the optimal dose–response relationship in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Flexural Behavior of Corroded RC Beams Strengthened by Textile-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Xie Wei , Sheng Jie , Yu Zongjian , Li Yan , Dou Guotao
Published: November 2023

The flexural behavior of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with textile reinforced concrete (TRC) was analyzed and discussed in this work. Thirteen beams, including one reference beam, three corrosion-only beams, and nine TRC-strengthened corroded beams, were tested under four-point bending. The failure modes, cracks, bearing capacity, load–displacement curves and ductility of the tested beams were analyzed. The results showed that the TRC played a role in increasing the number of cracks and decreasing the width of the cracks in the corroded RC beams. In terms of improving the bearing capacity, TRC can improve the bearing capacity of corroded beams even more than the reference beams, and the strengthening after removing the concrete cover of corroded RC beams is better than direct strengthening. The corroded beams after TRC strengthening exhibited improved ductility. The energy absorption index of the TRC-strengthened corroded RC beams increased with the increase in the number of textile layers.
Future Perspectives in the Second Line Therapeutic Setting for Non-Oncogene Addicted Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Siringo Marco , Baena Javier , Bote de Cabo Helena , Torres-Jiménez Javier , Zurera María , Zugazagoitia Jon , Paz-Ares Luis
Published: November 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the management of non-oncogene addicted non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Blocking the anti-PD-1 axis represents the current standard of care in the first-line setting, with drugs administered either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Despite notable successes achieved with ICIs, most of their long-term benefits are restricted to approximately 20% of patients. Consequently, the post-failure treatment landscape after failure to first-line treatment remains a complex challenge. Currently, docetaxel remains the preferred option, although its benefits remain modest as most patients do not respond or progress promptly. In recent times, novel agents and treatment combinations have emerged, offering fresh opportunities to improve patient outcomes. ICIs combined either with antiangiogenic or other novel immunotherapeutic compounds have shown promising preliminary activity. However, more mature data concerning specific combinations do not support their benefit over standard of care. In addition, antibody–drug conjugates seem to be the most promising alternative among all available compounds according to already-published phase I/II data that will be confirmed in soon-to-be-published phase III trial data. In this report, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current second-line treatment options and discuss future therapeutic perspectives.
The MYC-Regulated RNA-Binding Proteins hnRNPC and LARP1 Are Drivers of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth and Disease Progression and Negatively Predict Patient Survival
Authors: Seibert Marcel , Koschade Sebastian E. , Stolp Verena , Häupl Björn , Wempe Frank , Serve Hubert , Kurrle Nina , Schnütgen Frank , von Metzler Ivana
Published: November 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder in which the MYC oncogene is frequently dysregulated. Due to its central role, MYC has been proposed as a drug target; however, the development of a clinically applicable molecule modulating MYC activity remains an unmet challenge. Consequently, an alternative is the development of therapeutic options targeting proteins located downstream of MYC. Therefore, we aimed to identify undescribed MYC-target proteins in MM cells using Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC) and mass spectrometry. We revealed a cluster of proteins associated with the regulation of translation initiation. Herein, the RNA-binding proteins Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNPC) and La Ribonucleoprotein 1 (LARP1) were predominantly downregulated upon MYC depletion. CRISPR-mediated knockout of either hnRNPC or LARP1 in conjunction with redundant LARP family proteins resulted in a proliferative disadvantage for MM cells. Moreover, high expression levels of these proteins correlate with high MYC expression and with poor survival and disease progression in MM patients. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into MYC’s role in translation initiation by identifying hnRNPC and LARP1 as proliferation drivers of MM cells and as both predictive factors for survival and disease progression in MM patients.
RhoA Is a Crucial Regulator of Myoblast Fusion
Authors: Noviello Chiara , Kobon Kassandra , Randrianarison-Huetz Voahangy , Maire Pascal , Pietri-Rouxel France , Falcone Sestina , Sotiropoulos Athanassia
Published: November 2023

Satellite cells (SCs) are adult muscle stem cells that are mobilized when muscle homeostasis is perturbed. Here we show that RhoA in SCs is indispensable to have correct muscle regeneration and hypertrophy. In particular, the absence of RhoA in SCs prevents a correct SC fusion both to other RhoA-deleted SCs (regeneration context) and to growing control myofibers (hypertrophy context). We demonstrated that RhoA is dispensable for SCs proliferation and differentiation; however, RhoA-deleted SCs have an inefficient movement even if their cytoskeleton assembly is not altered. Proliferative myoblast and differentiated myotubes without RhoA display a decreased expression of Chordin, suggesting a crosstalk between these genes for myoblast fusion regulation. These findings demonstrate the importance of RhoA in SC fusion regulation and its requirement to achieve an efficient skeletal muscle homeostasis restoration.
Aptamer-Based Optical and Electrochemical Sensors: A Review
Authors: Farid Sidra , Ghosh Shreya , Dutta Mitra , Stroscio Michael A.
Published: November 2023

There is a pressing need to identify recent directions in the field of aptamer-based sensing. DNA aptamers that are synthetically generated by in vitro selection mechanisms using the SELEX technique are single-stranded oligonucleotides which are selected to bind to a target with favorable sensitivity and selectivity. These aptamers have attracted significant attention due to their high binding affinity and ability to be easily engineered and provide various detection modes in what are known as aptasensors. Our aim is to focus on specialized detection strategies that have gained less attention but are of vital importance, such as optical detection in live cells, fluorescence polarization sensing, multi-analyte detection, colorimetric bioassays, wavelength shifting, and electrochemical-based detection. This will provide us with a perspective to facilitate developments in aptasensor technology for various targets, promising a bright future for biological receptors in the field of biosensing.
Quantifying Abundance and Mapping Distribution of Loggerhead Turtles in the Mediterranean Sea Using Aerial Surveys: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Pierantonio Nino , Panigada Simone , Lauriano Giancarlo
Published: November 2023

In the Mediterranean, incidental captures in fishing gear contribute to the high mortality of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Understanding the effects of bycatch is complex and requires robust knowledge of baseline population parameters such as abundance and density, as well as an understanding of animals’ distribution in relation to commercial fishing efforts. Based on data collected during multi-species line transect aerial surveys conducted between 2009 and 2017, we present density and abundance estimates, corrected for availability bias, for a large sector of the central Mediterranean, discuss temporal and spatial patterns and provide Potential Biological Removal (PBR) values for the monitored areas. Sightings data were also used to evaluate the spatial and temporal usage areas. Strong latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in density, abundance and area usage emerged from the analysis, with turtles occurring in higher numbers in the deeper pelagic waters of the Tunisian Plateau, the Ionian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto, irrespective of the season. PBR values derived from this study are likely unsustainable. This paper investigates the implications of commercial fisheries for Mediterranean loggerhead turtles across an area rarely included in sea turtle monitoring and has the potential to be relevant towards informed management and conservation of this species and highlights the necessity of international collaborative efforts in the region.
Determining the Optimal Energy Level of Virtual Monoenergetic Images in Dual-Source CT for Diagnosis of Bowel Obstruction and Colitis
Authors: Lahuna Loris , Greffier Joël , Goupil Jean , Frandon Julien , Pastor Maxime , De Oliveira Fabien , Beregi Jean Paul , Dabli Djamel
Published: November 2023

Images from 64 patients undergoing an enhanced abdominal-pelvis scan at portal phase in dual-energy CT mode for the diagnosis of colitis or bowel obstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Acquisitions were performed on a third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT) 100/Sn150 kVp. Mixed images were generated, as well as virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) at 40/50/60/70 keV. Objective image quality was assessed on VMIs and mixed images by measuring contrast, noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Noise, smoothing and overall image quality were subjectively analyzed by two radiologists using Likert scales. For both patient groups, the noise decreased significantly according to the energy level from 40 to 60 keV by −47.2 ± 24.0% for bowel obstruction and −50.4 ± 18.2% for colitis. It was similar between 60 and 70 keV (p = 0.475 and 0.059, respectively). Noise values were significantly higher in VMIs than in mixed images, except for 70 keV (p = 0.53 and 0.071, respectively). Similar results were observed for contrast values, with a decrease between 40 and 70 keV of −56.3 ± 7.9% for bowel obstruction −56.2 ± 10.9% for colitis. The maximum CNR value was found at 60 keV compared to other energy levels and mixed images, but there was no significant difference with the other energy levels apart from 70 keV (−9.7 ± 9.8%) for bowel obstruction and 40 keV (−6.6 ± 8.2%) and 70 keV (−5.8 ± 9.2%) for colitis. The VMIs at 60 keV presented higher scores for all criteria for bowel obstruction and colitis, with no significant difference in smoothing score compared to mixed images (p = 0.119 and p = 0.888, respectively).
Surgical Conservative Management of a Retained Placenta after Angular Pregnancy, a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bitonti Giovanna , Quaresima Paola , Russo Giampiero , Di Carlo Costantino , Amendola Giuseppina , Mazzulla Rosanna , Venturella Roberta , Morelli Michele
Published: November 2023

Angular pregnancies are rare and difficult to diagnose. Evidence suggests they are associated with a higher risk of intrauterine growth restriction and abnormal third stage of labor due to a retained placenta. The lack of standardized AP diagnostic criteria impacts on their correct identification and makes the treatment of potential complications challenging. We present a case of the successful conservative surgical management of a retained placenta after a term AP also complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. Moreover, to identify the best evidence regarding AP diagnostic criteria and retained placenta therapeutic approaches, we have realized an expert literature review.
Voxel-Wise Comparison of Co-Registered Quantitative CT and Hyperpolarised Gas Diffusion-Weighted MRI Measurements in IPF
Authors: Chan Ho-Fung , Weatherley Nicholas D. , Biancardi Alberto M. , Johns Christopher S. , Tahir Bilal A. , Karwoski Ronald A. , Bartholmai Brian J. , Bianchi Stephen M. , Wild Jim M.
Published: November 2023

The patterns of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lung disease that directly correspond to elevated hyperpolarised gas diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI metrics are currently unknown. This study aims to develop a spatial co-registration framework for a voxel-wise comparison of hyperpolarised gas DW-MRI and CALIPER quantitative CT patterns. Sixteen IPF patients underwent 3He DW-MRI and CT at baseline, and eleven patients had a 1-year follow-up DW-MRI. Six healthy volunteers underwent 129Xe DW-MRI at baseline only. Moreover, 3He DW-MRI was indirectly co-registered to CT via spatially aligned 3He ventilation and structural 1H MRI. A voxel-wise comparison of the overlapping 3He apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and mean acinar dimension (LmD) maps with CALIPER CT patterns was performed at baseline and after 1 year. The abnormal lung percentage classified with the LmD value, based on a healthy volunteer 129Xe LmD, and CALIPER was compared with a Bland–Altman analysis. The largest DW-MRI metrics were found in the regions classified as honeycombing, and longitudinal DW-MRI changes were observed in the baseline-classified reticular changes and ground-glass opacities regions. A mean bias of −15.3% (95% interval −56.8% to 26.2%) towards CALIPER was observed for the abnormal lung percentage. This suggests DW-MRI may detect microstructural changes in areas of the lung that are determined visibly and quantitatively normal by CT.
A Multi-Object Tracking Approach Combining Contextual Features and Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Zhang Peng , Jing Qingyang , Zhao Xinlei , Dong Lijia , Lei Weimin , Zhang Wei , Lin Zhaonan
Published: November 2023

Aiming to solve the problem of the identity switching of objects with similar appearances in real scenarios, a multi-object tracking approach combining contextual features and trajectory prediction is proposed. This approach integrates the motion and appearance features of objects. The motion features are mainly used for trajectory prediction, and the appearance features are divided into contextual features and individual features, which are mainly used for trajectory matching. In order to accurately distinguish the identities of objects with similar appearances, a context graph is constructed by taking the specified object as the master node and its neighboring objects as the branch nodes. A preprocessing module is applied to exclude unnecessary connections in the graph model based on the speed of the historical trajectory of the object, and to distinguish the features of objects with similar appearances. Feature matching is performed using the Hungarian algorithm, based on the similarity matrix obtained from the features. Post-processing is performed for the temporarily unmatched frames to obtain the final object matching results. The experimental results show that the approach proposed in this paper can achieve the highest MOTA.
GAMP-Based Low-Complexity Sparse Bayesian Learning Channel Estimation for OTFS Systems in V2X Scenarios
Authors: Zheng Yuanbing , Wang Jizhe , Wang Jian , Chen Lu , Wu Chongchong , Li Xue , Liao Yong , Lu Peng , Wan Shaohua
Published: November 2023

Vehicle to everything (V2X) is widely regarded as a critical application for future wireless communication networks. In V2X, large relative speeds between vehicles may severely deteriorate the performance of communication between vehicles. Orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation, which converts time- and frequency-selective channels into non-selective channels in the delay-Doppler (DD) domain, provides a solution for establishing reliable wireless communications in V2X scenarios. However, in the complex multi-scattering scenarios, the channel also suffers from a serious inter-Doppler interference (IDI) problem, which poses a great challenge to the accurate demodulation of OTFS receiver signals. To address the above problems, this paper considers the variation of Doppler sampling points within one symbol when deriving the channel model, which effectively overcomes the IDI problem, and employs a basis expansion model (BEM) to convert the channel estimation into a sparse recovery problem for the basis coefficients. In addition, to better utilize the sparse nature of the OTFS channel, a generalized approximate message passing-sparse Bayesian learning (GAMP-SBL)-based algorithm is employed to estimate the basis coefficients of the channel. The complexity of this algorithm is greatly reduced compared to the conventional SBL algorithm. Finally, system simulation results are reported to verify the superiority of the proposed scheme.
Effect of Flour Particle Size on the Glycemic Index of Muffins Made from Whole Sorghum, Whole Corn, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat, or Refined Wheat Flours
Authors: Pruett Ashley , Aramouni Fadi M. , Bean Scott R. , Haub Mark D.
Published: November 2023

The unique properties of sorghum are increasingly being studied for potential health benefits, with one area of emphasis being the impact of sorghum consumption on mitigating type 2 diabetes. The glycemic index (GI) of muffins made from whole grain sorghum flour ground to three different particle sizes (fine, intermediate, coarse) was tested on eight healthy volunteers (ages 18–40) and compared to the glycemic index of whole grain corn, wheat, and rice flours produced using a similar product formula. Sorghum flour ground through a 0.5 mm screen (“fine”) had an overall similar particle size to that of the brown rice flour ground using a 0.5 mm screen. The range of GI values was 32 to 56, with only the GI of intermediate milled sorghum flour being lower than that of corn, rice, or wheat (p < 0.05). The lowest glycemic index (32 +/− 17) was found when using sorghum flour with an intermediate particle size (167 +/− 4 μm). Muffins made using brown rice had the next lowest glycemic index at 37 +/− 17. All GI values calculated had large standard deviations, which is common for these types of studies. These results can assist in the product development process to advance the quality of healthy, gluten-free sorghum-based foods for consumers. Further research should investigate if these results can be duplicated and the possible reason for the lower GI of intermediate particle size sorghum flour.
Migration Degree of Selected Mycotoxins in the Distillation Process and Their Determination in Distilled Spirits from Pilot-Scale Continuous Distillation
Authors: Shin Jung-Ah , Lee Ki-Teak
Published: November 2023

Mycotoxins (ochratoxin A (20 ppb), aflatoxin B1 (40 ppb), deoxynivalenol (4 ppm), and zearalenone (800 ppb)) were intentionally added to rice bran raw materials. After fermentation, their contents were determined in the distillate and distillery stillage obtained using single-stage and continuous pilot plant-scale columns. After single-stage distillation, aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone were not detected in the distillate, indicating that even if a certain amount (four times the maximum residue limit (MRL)) was present in the raw material, it would not remain in the distillate after fermentation and distillation. Most mycotoxins remained in the distillery stillage, and their residual rates ranged from 54.0–96.2%. For ochratoxin A, 0.19 ppb was found in the distillate and this migration occurred in three consecutive distillations (0.11–0.22 ppb). Ochratoxin A and aflatoxin B1 were not detected in the distillate (alcohol content 93.9% and 95.4%, respectively) obtained from the contaminated fermented liquid (approximately three times the MRL based on the raw material) using the pilot-plant scale continuous distillation column. Therefore, the migration of mycotoxins is difficult when the distilled spirit is produced using a continuous distillation column, even if the raw material is contaminated with certain amounts of the investigated mycotoxins.
Protective Effects of Different Selenium Green Tea Polysaccharides on the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Gao Weilan , Zheng Zhan , Wang Xuehua , Wang Li , Zhang Na , Liu Haiyuan , Cong Xin , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou
Published: November 2023

Selenium polysaccharides have attracted significant interest due to their superior function to that of individual polysaccharides. However, limited research has compared the protective effects of different selenium polysaccharides from different selenization methods on diabetes. This work aims to compare the preventive effects of natural selenium-enriched green tea polysaccharides (NSe-TPS), synthetic selenized green tea polysaccharides (PCSe-TPS), and a mixture of sodium selenite and green tea polysaccharides (ordinary tea polysaccharides (Ord-TPS)+Se) on the development of diabetes. While establishing a diabetes model induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin, different selenium polysaccharides were administered daily by gavage for nine weeks. Our findings indicate that PCSe-TPS exhibited superior preventive effects on developing type 2 diabetes compared to NSe-TPS and Ord-TPS+Se. PCSe-TPS effectively regulated glucose metabolism and insulin resistance by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby preventing elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, PCSe-TPS mitigated oxidative damage and inflammatory responses in liver tissues. Notably, PCSe-TPS intervention reversed the decline in bacterial species richness and the abundance of unclassified_Oscillospiraceae during the development of diabetes in mice. These results provide valuable insights into the protective effects of PCSe-TPS against diabetes development, highlighting its advantages over NSe-TPS and Ord-TPS+Se.
Effects of Vine Water Status on Malate Metabolism and γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Pathway-Related Amino Acids in Marselan (Vitis vinifera L.) Grape Berries
Authors: Zhan Zhennan , Zhang Yanxia , Geng Kangqi , Xue Xiaobin , Deloire Alain , Li Dongmei , Wang Zhenping
Published: November 2023

Malic acid is the predominant organic acid in grape berries, and its content is affected by abiotic factors such as temperature (fruit zone microclimate) and water (vine water status). The objectives of this study were to explore the potential mechanisms behind the effects of vine water status on the biosynthesis and degradation of berry malic acid and the potential downstream effects on berry metabolism. This study was conducted over two growing seasons in 2021 and 2022, comprising three watering regimes: no water stress (CK), light water stress (LWS), and moderate water stress (MWS). Compared to CK, a significantly higher level of malic acid was found in berries from the MWS treatment when the berry was still hard and green (E-L 33) in both years. However, water stress reduced the malic acid content at the ripe berry harvest (E-L 38) stage. The activities of NAD-malate dehydrogenase (NAD-MDH) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were enhanced by water stress. Except for the E-L 33 stage, the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was reduced by water stress. The highest phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity was observed at the berry veraison (E-L 35) stage and coincided with the onset of a decrease in the malate content. Meanwhile, the expression of VvPEPCK was consistent with its enzyme activity. This study showed that water stress changed the content of some free amino acids (GABA, proline, leucine, aspartate, and glutamate), two of which (glutamate and GABA) are primary metabolites of the GABA pathway.
The Wheat Starchy Endosperm Protein Gradient as a Function of Cultivar and N-fertilization Is Reflected in Mill Stream Protein Content and Composition
Authors: Hermans Wisse , Busschaert Justine , De Bondt Yamina , Langenaeken Niels A. , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: November 2023

Within the wheat starchy endosperm, the protein content increases biexponentially from the inner to outer endosperm. Here, we studied how this protein gradient is reflected in mill fractions using three cultivars (Claire, Apache, and Akteur) grown without and with N-fertilization (300 kg N ha−1). The increasing protein content in successive break fractions was shown to reflect the protein gradient within the starchy endosperm. The increasing protein content in successive reduction fractions was primarily due to more aleurone contamination and protein-rich material being harder to reduce in particle size. The miller’s bran fractions had the highest protein content because of their high sub-aleurone and aleurone content. Additionally, the break fractions were used to deepen our understanding of the protein composition gradient. The gradient in relative gluten content, increasing from inner to outer endosperm, was more pronounced without N-fertilization than with and reached levels up to 87.3%. Regarding the gluten composition gradient, no consistent trends were observed over cultivars when N-fertilization was applied. This could, at least partly, explain why there is no consensus on the gluten composition gradient in the literature. This study aids millers in managing fluctuations in the functionality of specific flour streams, producing specialized flours, and coping with lower-quality wheat.
The Impact of Goat Milk Pretreatment with Pulsed Electric Fields on Cheese Quality
Authors: Barbosa Carla , Araújo Alberta , Fernandes Paulo , Romão Alexandre , Alves Manuel Rui
Published: November 2023

To reduce the microbial load in goat’s milk, which is less thermally stable than cow’s milk, an alternative processing method was used in this study. This involved treating the milk with pulsed electric fields (PEFs) (at 10 kV·cm−1, with 50 µs pulses for 3 Hz) and then heat-treating it at 63 °C for 6.0 s, as well as using heat treatment alone at 75 °C for 3.4 s. Cheeses were made using both types of milk treatment, and samples were collected after 5, 15, and 25 days of ripening for DNA extraction and purification, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the MiSeq Illumina sequencing platform. Analysis of the bacterial populations in the two types of cheese using various diversity indices revealed no significant differences in species richness and abundance, although there was a trend for the PEF-treated cheese to have a less diverse set of species with an uneven distribution of relative abundance. However, when examining the composition of the microbial communities in the two types of cheese using Weighted UniFrac analysis and Analysis of Similarities, there were significant differences in the presence and abundance of various species, which could have implications for the development of starter cultures. Concerning physicochemical properties (pH, aw, moisture content, total acidity and L, and a and b color parameters), the results also reveal that, generally, no significant differences were found, except for the color parameter, where cheeses treated with PEF demonstrated more whiteness (L) and yellowness (b) during ripening. Sensory scores for typicity (caprylic, goaty, and acetic) increased over time, but between treatments, only small differences were perceived by panellists in cheese with 5 days of ripening. Concerning texture firmness and cohesiveness, the PEF+HT samples presented lower values than the HT samples, even over storage time. In general, concerning quality parameters, similar behavior was observed between the treatments during the ripening period.
Effect of Fortified Inoculation with Indigenous Lactobacillus brevis on Solid-State Fermentation of Light-Flavor Baijiu
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Huang Xiaoning , Sun Shanfeng , Han Beizhong
Published: November 2023

Baijiu, one of the world’s oldest distilled liquors, is widely consumed globally and has gained increasing popularity in East Asia. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles behind this traditional liquor product remains elusive. Currently, Baijiu is facing the industrial challenge of modernization and standardization, particularly in terms of food quality, safety, and sustainability. The current study selected a Lactobacillus brevis strain based on experiments conducted to assess its environmental tolerance, enzyme activity, and fermentation performance, and highlight its exceptional fermentation characteristics. The subsequent analysis focused on examining the effects of fortifying the fermentation process of L.brevis on key microbiotas, physicochemical parameters, and volatile profiles. The qPCR results revealed that the inoculated L. brevis strategically influenced the the composition of the dominant microbial communities by promoting mutual exclusion, ultimately leading to improved controllability of the fermentation process. Moreover, the metabolism of the inoculated L. brevis provided more compounds for the formation of flavor profiles during fermentation (the content of ethyl acetate was increased to 57.76 mg/kg), leading to a reduction in fermentation time (from 28 d to 21 d). These findings indicate promising potential for the application of the indigenous strain in Baijiu production.
Global Trends in Halal Food Standards: A Review
Authors: Akbar Junaid , Gul Maria , Jahangir Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Saud Shah , Hassan Shah , Nawaz Taufiq , Fahad Shah
Published: November 2023

The demand for ethical foods is rising, with halal foods playing a significant role in this trend. However, halal standards vary globally, which can have substantial implications. Multiple Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) can approve food products but they often prioritize national regulations over international alignment. To explore the similarities and differences in halal standards, we conducted a critical analysis of various standards, including Pakistan’s halal standards, the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, GCC Standardization Organization, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, ASEAN General Guideline, and the halal standards of Thailand, Iran, and Brunei, through a literature survey. While some commonalities exist, differences stemming from various Islamic schools of thought pose challenges for regulators, consumers, and food producers. Controversial issues include stunning, slaughtering, aquatic animals, insects, and labeling requirements. For example, all standards except the GSO allow non-Muslim slaughterers, and stunning is permitted in all standards except those of Pakistan. These disparities underscore the need for standardization and harmonization in the halal food industry to meet the growing demand for ethical foods.
Exploring the Application Potential of Aquaculture Sewage Treatment of Pseudomonas chengduensis Strain WD211 Based on Its Complete Genome
Authors: Peng Huanlong , Wu Hangtao , Gu Wenjie , Lu Yusheng , Qin Hongjie , You Yi , Zhou Donglai , Wang Dan , Sun Lili , Zhou Changmin , Zheng Yanling
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas chengduensis is a new species of Pseudomonas discovered in 2014, and currently, there is a scarcity of research on this bacterium. The P. chengduensis strain WD211 was isolated from a fish pond. This study investigated the purification capability and environmental adaptability of strain WD211 in wastewater and described the basic features and functional genes of its complete genome. According to the results, the sewage treated with strain WD211 showed a decrease in concentration of 18.12% in total nitrogen, 89.39% in NH4+, 62.16% in NO3−, 79.97% in total phosphorus, and 71.41% in COD after 24 h. Strain WD211 is able to survive in a pH range of 6–11. It shows resistance to 7% sodium chloride and different types of antibiotics. Genomic analysis showed that strain WD211 may remove nitrogen and phosphorus through the metabolic pathway of nitrogen assimilation and phosphorus accumulation, and that it can promote organic decomposition through oxygenase. Strain WD211 possesses genes for producing betaine, trehalose, and sodium ion transport, which provide it with salt tolerance. It also has genes for antibiotic efflux and multiple oxidases, which give it antibiotic resistance. This study contributes to the understanding of the sewage treatment ability and potential applications of P. chengduensis.
Association between Polymorphism rs61876744 in PNPLA2 Gene and Keratoconus in a Saudi Cohort
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A. , Azad Taif A. , Sultan Tahira , Khatlani Tanvir , Alshehri Abdulaziz A. , Lobo Glenn P. , Kalantan Hatem , Al-Obeidan Saleh A. , Al-Muammar Abdulrahman M.
Published: November 2023

The genetic etiology of Keratoconus (KC) in Middle Eastern Arabs of Saudi origin is still unclear. A recent genome-wide study identified two significant loci in the region of PNPLA2 (rs61876744) and CSNK1E (rs138380) for KC that may be associated with KC in the Saudi population. In addition, polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, namely, rs429358 and rs7412, responsible for APOE allelic variants ε2, ε3, and ε4, may influence KC via oxidative stress mechanism(s). Thus, we investigated the possible association of polymorphisms rs61876744, rs138380, rs429358, rs7412, and APOE genotypes in KC patients of the Saudi population. This study included 98 KC cases and 167 controls. Polymorphisms rs6187644 and rs138380 were genotyped using TaqMan assays, and rs429358 and rs7412 were genotyped via Sanger sequencing. Although the allele frequency of rs61876744(T) in PNPLA2 was a protective effect against KC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44–0.93), the p-value (p = 0.020) was not significant for multiple testing correction (p = 0.05/4 = 0.015). However, rs6187644 genotype showed a modestly significant protective effect in the dominant model (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.32–0.88, p = 0.013). Polymorphisms rs138380, rs429358, and rs7412 showed no significant allelic or genotype association with KC. However, the ε2-carriers (ε2/ε2 and ε2/ε3 genotypes) exhibited a greater than 5-fold increased risk of KC, albeit non-significantly (p = 0.055). Regression analysis showed no significant effect of age, gender, and the four polymorphisms on KC. Our results suggest that polymorphism rs6187644 in PNPLA2 might be associated with KC in the Middle Eastern Arabs of Saudi origin but warrant a large-scale association analysis at this locus.
Global Evidence of Obliquity Damping in Climate Proxies and Sea-Level Record during the Last 1.2 Ma: A Missing Link for the Mid-Pleistocene Transition
Authors: Viaggi Paolo
Published: November 2023

A recent research has identified an inverse amplitude link between obliquity damping and short eccentricity amplification during the Mid-Late Pleistocene based on LR04 δ18O and equatorial Pacific Site 846 sea surface temperature records that is associated with the Earth’s long-term cooling. In the present study, new evidence of this anticorrelation is presented from Antarctic δD-CO2-CH4 records, global benthic–planktic δ18O, and regional (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean, and Indian) climate-related proxies. Based on a critical review of theoretical constraints (Earth’s oblateness changes and ice-volume phase lag in the obliquity band <5.0 kyr), this widespread and symmetric (bipolar) obliquity response damping has been interpreted as an effect of the obliquity–oblateness feedback, which could be the latent physical mechanism at the origin of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT). Indeed, results and considerations of the present work suggest that fast and positive/negative net variation in the Earth’s oblateness in the obliquity band was controlled by a dominant glacio-eustatic water mass component and, assuming a rapid response of the ice volume to surface temperature changes, the mean obliquity lag response is estimated to be <5.0 kyr over the past 800 kyr. These elements may explain the interglacial/glacial damping observed in the obliquity response. The consolidation of the Earth’s long-term icy state in the subtrend IV, culminating with the post-MPT obliquity damping, might have contributed to the strengthening of the short eccentricity response by mitigating the obliquity ‘ice killing’ during obliquity maxima (interglacials), favouring the obliquity-cycle skipping and a feedback-amplified ice growth in the short eccentricity band (obliquity damping hypothesis). This suggests a different impact of the climate friction than what is generally believed, which is presumably the latent physical mechanism that triggers the transient ‘competitive’ interaction between obliquity and short eccentricity started early during the Piacenzian.
Quantifying Drought Characteristics in Complex Climate and Scarce Data Regions of Afghanistan
Authors: Dost Rahmatullah , Soundharajan Bankaru-Swamy , Kasiviswanathan Kasiapillai S. , Patidar Sandhya
Published: November 2023

Droughts cause critical and major risk to ecosystems, agriculture, and social life. While attempts have been made globally to understand drought characteristics, data scarcity in developing countries often challenges detailed analysis, including climatic, environmental, and social aspects. Therefore, this study developed a framework to investigate regional drought analysis (RDA) using regional drought intensity-duration-frequency (RD-IDF) curves and regional drought risk assessment (RDRA) based on the drought hazard indicator (DHI) and drought vulnerability indicator (DVI) for scarce data regions in Afghanistan. The drought characteristics were analyzed using the regional standardized-precipitation-index (SPI), and standardized precipitation-deficit distribution (SPDD). Further, L-moment statistics were used to classify different homogenous regions based on regional frequency analysis (RFA). The historical monthly precipitation data from 23 rainfall stations for the years 1970 to 2016 were collected from the Ministry of Water and Energy of Afghanistan. Based on the analysis performed, the area was classified into six homogeneous regions R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and R-6. The drought was very consistent—almost 50% of the years—irrespective of the homogeneous region classified. R-4, located in the northeast of the country, had a one-year extreme drought with high resiliency and low risk to drought compared to other regions. As R-1, R-3 and R-5 are located in the southwest, center and southeast parts of Afghanistan, they experience moderate drought with low resiliency and high drought risk due to long period of droughts. Moreover, the uniform distribution of precipitation deficit (Dm), was less in arid climate regions. In contrast, the semi-arid climate regions showed higher values of Dm. Furthermore, in the results in all the regions, the IDF curves showed a high drought intensity with increasing drought return periods. In contrast, the intensity significantly decreased when the time scale increased, and fewer were enhanced within the increasing drought return period. However, the outcome of this study may contain essential information for end users to make spatially advanced planning for drought effect mitigation in Afghanistan.
The Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling of Multiple Geophysical Parameters Approximately 3 Hours Prior to the 2022 M6.8 Luding Earthquake
Authors: Chen Chieh-Hung , Zhang Shengjia , Mao Zhiqiang , Sun Yang-Yi , Liu Jing , Chen Tao , Zhang Xuemin , Yisimayili Aisa , Qing Haiyin , Luo Tianya , Gao Yongxin , Wang Fei
Published: November 2023

Investigating various geophysical parameters from the Earth’s crust to the upper atmosphere is considered a promising approach for predicting earthquakes. Scientists have observed that changes in these parameters can occur days to months before earthquakes. Understanding and studying the impending abnormal phenomena that precede earthquakes is both urgent and challenging. On 5 September 2022, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred in Sichuan, China, at 4:52:18 (Universal Time). The earthquake happened approximately 175 km away from an instrumental array established in 2021 for monitoring vibrations and perturbations in the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere (MVP-LAI). This array consisted of over 15 instruments that regularly monitor changes in various geophysical parameters from the subsurface up to an altitude of approximately 350 km in the ionosphere. Its purpose was to gain insights into the mechanisms behind the coupling of these different geospheres during natural hazards. The seven geophysical parameters from the MVP-LAI system simultaneously exhibited abnormal behaviors approximately 3 h before the Luding earthquake. These parameters include ground tilts, air pressure, radon concentration, atmospheric vertical electric field, geomagnetic field, wind field, and total electron content. The abnormal increase in radon concentration suggests that the chemical channel could be a promising mechanism for the coupling of geospheres. Furthermore, air pressure, the geomagnetic field, and total electron content exhibited abnormal characteristics with similar frequencies. Horizontal wind experienced temporary cessation or weakening, while vertical wind displayed frequent reversals. These anomalies may be attributed to atmospheric resonance before the earthquake. The results demonstrate that the coupling of geospheres, as indicated by the anomalous phenomena preceding an earthquake, could be influenced by multiple potential mechanisms. The multiple anomalies observed in this study provided approximately 3 h of warning for people to prepare for the seismic event and mitigate hazards.