bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Testis-Specific Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (tACE)-Interactome during Bovine Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Ojaghi Mina , Varghese Jacob , Kastelic John P. , Thundathil Jacob C.
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive understanding of molecular and biochemical changes during sperm capacitation is critical to the success of assisted reproductive technologies. We reported involvement of the testis-specific isoform of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (tACE) in bovine sperm capacitation. The objective of this study was to characterize the tACE interactome in fresh and heparin-capacitated bovine sperm through immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry. These interactions were validated by co-localization of tACE with beta-tubulin as an identified interactome constituent. Although interactions between tACE and several proteins remained unchanged in fresh and capacitated sperm, mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), inactive serine/threonine protein-kinase 3 (VRK3), tubulin-beta-4B chain (TUBB4B), and tubulin-alpha-8 chain (TUBA8) were recruited during capacitation, with implications for cytoskeletal and membrane reorganization, vesicle-mediated transport, GTP-binding, and redox regulation. A proposed tACE interactional network with identified interactome constituents was generated. Despite tACE function being integral to capacitation, the relevance of interactions with its binding partners during capacitation and subsequent events leading to fertilization remains to be elucidated.
Heavy Metal Pollution Reduced the Potentiality of Pen Culture in the Wetland Aquaculture in an Urban Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Nahida , Shaha Dinesh Chandra , Hasan Jahid , Asad Md. Hafij Al , Salam Mohammad Abdus , Khan Murshida , Kundu Sampa Rani , Ahmed Minhaz
Published: January 2022

The Belai beel serves as an important aquatic resource for the livelihood of the local community of the Gazipur district in Bangladesh. However, water pollution in recent times, mainly from industrial wastes and sewage effluents, may disrupt its aquatic environment. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the potential area of pen fish culture in the Belai beel. The study was performed in the Rajbagan (L1), Kamaria (L2) and Rewla (L3) areas of the Belai beel. Grass carp, silver carp, common carp, catla and rui of 20–30 cm in size were stocked at a rate of 15,000 fish/ha and reared for 150 days in pens installed in the L1, L2 and L3 areas, respectively. The fishes were fed with mustard oil cake and rice bran. Maximum fish production was found in Rewla (12.97 ton/ha/150 days) compared to Rajbagan (8.85 ton/ha/150 days) and Kamaria (10.67 ton/ha/150 days) due to it having comparatively good quality water. There were significant differences in metal ion concentrations (p < 0.05) among the three fish pens. In the Rajbagan area, concentrations of Cd and Cu in the water coming from the industrial effluent canal exceeded the acceptable limit. Results indicated that the Rewla area was better than Rajbagan and Kamaria due to it having relatively good quality water for pen fish culture.
Aeroterrestrial and Extremophilic Microalgae as Promising Sources for Lipids and Lipid Nanoparticles in Dermal Cosmetics
Authors: Stoyneva-Gärtner Maya , Uzunov Blagoy , Gärtner Georg
Published: January 2022

Microscopic prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae (microalgae), which can be effectively grown in mass cultures, are gaining increasing interest in cosmetics. Up to now, the main attention was on aquatic algae, while species from aeroterrestrial and extreme environments remained underestimated. In these habitats, algae accumulate high amounts of some chemical substances or develop specific compounds, which cause them to thrive in inimical conditions. Among such biologically active molecules is a large family of lipids, which are significant constituents in living organisms and valuable ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Therefore, natural sources of lipids are increasingly in demand in the modern cosmetic industry and its innovative technologies. Among novelties in skin care products is the use of lipid nanoparticles as carriers of dermatologically active ingredients, which enhance their penetration and release in the skin strata. This review is an attempt to comprehensively cover the available literature on the high-value lipids from microalgae, which inhabit aeroterrestrial and extreme habitats (AEM). Data on different compounds of 87 species, subspecies and varieties from 53 genera (represented by more than 141 strains) from five phyla are provided and, despite some gaps in the current knowledge, demonstrate the promising potential of AEM as sources of valuable lipids for novel skin care products.
Cervical Cytology–Histology Correlation Based on the American Society of Cytopathology Guideline (2017) at the Russian National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology
Authors: Asaturova Aleksandra , Dobrovolskaya Darya , Magnaeva Alina , Tregubova Anna , Bayramova Guldana , Sukhikh Gennady
Published: January 2022

Recent evidence suggests that a cytology–histology correlation (CHC) with discrepancy detection can both evaluate errors and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the cytologic method. We aimed to analyze the errors in cytologic–histologic discrepancies according to the CHC protocol guideline of the American Society of Cytopathology (2017). This retrospective study included 273 patients seen at the National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology (Moscow, Russia) between January 2019 and September 2021. The patients’ mean age was 34 ± 8.1 years. The cytology–histology agreement was noted in 158 cases (57.9%). Major discrepancies were found in 21 cases (7.6%), while minor discrepancies were noted in 93 cases (34.1%). The reason for 13 (4.8%) discrepancies was a colposcopy sampling error and, in 46 (16.8%) cases, the reason was a Papanicolaou (PAP) test sampling error. The discrepancy between primary and reviewed cytology was due interpretive errors in 13 (4.8%) cases and screening errors in 42 (15.4%) cases. We demonstrated that the ASC guidelines facilitate cervical CHC. A uniform application of these guidelines would standardize cervical CHCs internationally, provide a scope for the inter-laboratory comparison of data, and enhance self-learning and peer learning.
Development and Validation of an Insulin Resistance Predicting Model Using a Machine-Learning Approach in a Population-Based Cohort in Korea
Authors: Park Sunmin , Kim Chaeyeon , Wu Xuangao
Published: January 2022

Background: Insulin resistance is a common etiology of metabolic syndrome, but receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis shows a weak association in Koreans. Using a machine learning (ML) approach, we aimed to generate the best model for predicting insulin resistance in Korean adults aged > 40 of the Ansan/Ansung cohort using a machine learning (ML) approach. Methods: The demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, genetic, nutrient, and lifestyle variables of 8842 participants were included. The polygenetic risk scores (PRS) generated by a genome-wide association study were added to represent the genetic impact of insulin resistance. They were divided randomly into the training (n = 7037) and test (n = 1769) sets. Potentially important features were selected in the highest area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve from 99 features using seven different ML algorithms. The AUC target was ≥0.85 for the best prediction of insulin resistance with the lowest number of features. Results: The cutoff of insulin resistance defined with HOMA-IR was 2.31 using logistic regression before conducting ML. XGBoost and logistic regression algorithms generated the highest AUC (0.86) of the prediction models using 99 features, while the random forest algorithm generated a model with 0.82 AUC. These models showed high accuracy and k-fold values (>0.85). The prediction model containing 15 features had the highest AUC of the ROC curve in XGBoost and random forest algorithms. PRS was one of 15 features. The final prediction models for insulin resistance were generated with the same nine features in the XGBoost (AUC = 0.86), random forest (AUC = 0.84), and artificial neural network (AUC = 0.86) algorithms. The model included the fasting serum glucose, ALT, total bilirubin, HDL concentrations, waist circumference, body fat, pulse, season to enroll in the study, and gender. Conclusion: The liver function, regular pulse checking, and seasonal variation in addition to metabolic syndrome components should be considered to predict insulin resistance in Koreans aged over 40 years.
Immunohistochemical Expression Patterns of CD45RO, p105/p50, JAK3, TOX, and IL-17 in Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Aladily Tariq N. , Abushunar Tasnim , Alhesa Ahmad , Alrawi Raneen , Almaani Noor , Abdaljaleel Maram
Published: January 2022

The morphologic changes in early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) might overlap with benign inflammatory dermatitis (BID). Previous studies have described altered expression patterns of several proteins in MF, but their diagnostic significance is uncertain. This study aims at examining the frequency of expression of CD45RO, NFkB-p105/p50, JAK3, TOX, and IL-17 proteins by immunohistochemistry. The cohorts included 21 patients of early-stage MF and 19 with benign BID as a control group. CD45RO was positive in all patients of MF and BID. NFkB-p105/p50 showed normal cytoplasmic staining, indicating an inactive status in all patients of both groups. JAK3 was positive in 3 (14%) MF and in 17 (89%) BID patients (p = 0.003). TOX was expressed in 19 (90%) and 13 (68%) patients of MF and BID, respectively (p = 0.120). IL-17 was detected in 13 (62%) MF and in 7 (37%) BID patients (p = 0.056). Co-expression of TOX and IL-17 was seen in 11 (52%) MF patients but in only 3 (16%) BID patients, which was statistically significant (p = 0.021). We conclude that a double expression of TOX and IL-17 may support the diagnosis of MF in the right clinicopathologic setting, while none of the immunohistochemical stains alone provided a significant discrimination between MF and BID.
Assessment of Differential Forest Growth Following Disturbance in Minnesota, USA
Authors: Wilson David C. , Deo Ram K. , Corcoran Jennifer
Published: January 2022

We used LiDAR metrics and satellite imagery to examine regeneration on forested sites disturbed via harvest or natural means over a 44-year period. We tested the effectiveness of older low-density LiDAR elevation data in producing information related to existing levels of above ground biomass (AGB). To accomplish this, we paired the elevation data with a time series of wetness and greenness indices derived from Landsat satellite imagery to model changes in AGB for sites experiencing different agents of change. Current AGB was determined from high-density LiDAR acquired in northern Minnesota, USA. We then compared high-density LiDAR-based AGB and estimates modeled using Landsat and low-density LiDAR indices for 10,068 sites. Clear differences were found in standing AGB and accumulation rates between sites disturbed by different agents of change. Biomass accumulation following disturbance appears to decrease rapidly following an initial spike as stands 1asZX respond to newly opened growing space. Harvested sites experienced a roughly six-fold increase in the rate of biomass accumulation compared to sites subjected to stand replacing fire or insect and disease, and a 20% increase in productivity when compared to sites subjected to wind mediated canopy loss. Over time, this resulted in clear differences in standing AGB.
Inactive Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Inequality of Opportunity Matter?
Authors: Hussain M. Azhar , Awad Atif
Published: January 2022

The present study seeks to find out how gender, age, area of living, parent background in terms of educational level and occupation determine the probability of youth to be out of the labour market in six Sub-Saharan Africa countries. We utilize data from the school-to-work transition surveys from 2014 and 2015 from the ILO. For each country, we first calculate a revised version of the Human Opportunity Index developed by the World Bank. Second, we compute the contribution of each factor to that index. The results show that dissimilarity has a marked influence in Madagascar and to some extent Malawi and Uganda, while the major challenges with getting the youth onto the labour market are still in Liberia even after taking dissimilarity of unchangeable background into account.
Integrated STEM and Partnerships: What to Do for More Effective Teams in Informal Settings
Authors: Kilty Trina J. , Burrows Andrea C.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore how undergraduate college students formed partnerships in informal educational teams to design and build an interdisciplinary, ill-defined, integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project and translate it to lessons taught to a pre-collegiate student (e.g., K-12 in the US) audience. The authors pursued two research questions: (a) How does an authentic research project provide space for integrating STEM disciplines? (b) How does an authentic research project impact partnerships among team members? Nine undergraduate college students were accepted into the 2020 cohort, forming three teams of three undergraduates each. Teams were roughly composed of one engineering major, one science major, and one education major. Methods of data collection included interviews and field notes. Data were analyzed by assessing the level of partnership achieved based on an already established model. Results indicate that all teams progressed through pre-partnership to at least the partnership (little p) level. Two partnership dimensions achieved the highest (big P) level: one of perception of benefit and one of products and activities. The results have implications that integration of STEM disciplines and forming partnerships could be related, and that building teamwork skills results in products of higher quality. The results are linked to previous research and recommendations for more effective partnerships are provided.
The Structural and Dielectric Properties of Bi3−xNdxTi1.5W0.5O9 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0)
Authors: Zubkov Sergei V. , Parinov Ivan A. , Kuprina Yulia A.
Published: January 2022

A new series of layered perovskite-like oxides Bi3−xNdxTi1.5W0.5O9 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) was synthesized by the method of high-temperature solid-state reaction, in which partial substitution of bismuth (Bi) atoms in the dodecahedra of the perovskite layer (A-positions) by Nd atoms takes place. X-ray structural studies have shown that all compounds are single-phase and have the structure of Aurivillius phases (APs), with close parameters of orthorhombic unit cells corresponding to space group A21am. The dependences of the relative permittivity ε/ε0 and the tangent of loss tgσ at different frequencies on temperature were measured. The piezoelectric constant d33 was measured for Bi3−xNdxTi1.5W0.5O9 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) compounds of the synthesized series.
C-V2X Centralized Resource Allocation with Spectrum Re-Partitioning in Highway Scenario
Authors: Sabeeh Saif , Wesołowski Krzysztof , Sroka Paweł
Published: January 2022

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything communication is an important scenario of 5G technologies. Modes 3 and 4 of the wireless systems introduced in Release 14 of 3GPP standards are intended to support vehicular communication with and without cellular infrastructure. In the case of Mode 3, dynamic resource selection and semi-persistent resource scheduling algorithms result in a signalling cost problem between vehicles and infrastructure, therefore, we propose a means to decrease it. This paper employs Re-selection Counter in centralized resource allocation as a decremental counter of new resource requests. Furthermore, two new spectrum re-partitioning and frequency reuse techniques in Roadside Units (RSUs) are considered to avoid resource collisions and diminish high interference impact via increasing the frequency reuse distance. The two techniques, full and partial frequency reuse, partition the bandwidth into two sub-bands. Two adjacent RSUs apply these sub-bands with the Full Frequency Reuse (FFR) technique. In the Partial Frequency Reuse (PFR) technique, the sub-bands are further re-partitioned among vehicles located in the central and edge parts of the RSU coverage. The sub-bands assignment in the nearest RSUs using the same sub-bands is inverted concerning the current RSU to increase the frequency reuse distance. The PFR technique shows promising results compared with the FFR technique. Both techniques are compared with the single band system for different vehicle densities.
New Resistor-Less Electronically Controllable ±C Simulator Employing VCII, DVCC, and a Grounded Capacitor
Authors: Ferri Giuseppe , Safari Leila , Barile Gianluca , Scarsella Massimo , Stornelli Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a new realization of electronically controllable positive and negative floating capacitor multiplier (±C) is presented. The peculiarity of the presented topology is that, for the first time, it implements a floating equivalent capacitor between its two input terminals, rather than a grounded one. To achieve the best performance, we simultaneously use the advantages provided by the current conveyor and its dual circuit, the voltage conveyor. The proposed topology is resistor free and employs one dual-output second-generation voltage conveyor (VCII±) and one electronically tunable differential voltage current conveyor (E-DVCC) as active building blocks (ABBs) and a single grounded capacitor. The value of the simulated capacitor is controlled by means of a control voltage VC which is used to control the current gain between X and Z terminals of E-DVCC. The circuit is free from any matching condition. A complete non-ideal analysis by considering parasitic impedances as well as non-ideal current and voltage gains of the used ABBs is presented. The proposed circuit is designed at the transistor level in 0.18 µm and ±0.9 V supply voltage. Simulation results using the SPICE program show a multiplication factor ranging from ±10 to ±25.4 with a maximum error of 0.56%. As an example, the application of the achieved floating capacitor as a standard high pass filter is also included.
Strategies of European Energy Producers: Directions of Evolution
Authors: Niemczyk Jerzy , Sus Aleksandra , Bielińska-Dusza Edyta , Trzaska Rafał , Organa Michał
Published: January 2022

The article presents an innovative method of analyzing energy companies’ strategies, which aims to identify the strategic orientation of the entities subject to the research and, thus, to initially define the directions of strategic changes in the analyzed sector. The aim of the research, the results of which were used in this publication, was to identify the features of energy sector companies’ strategies in the European Union in the period of sector transformation caused by the new climate policy. The analysis area is the energy sector, i.e., the sector whose fundamental strategic goal is energy production. The research used a critical analysis of the subject literature and desk research method with the use of the researchers’ own analytical equipment, developed for the needs of this analysis. It was assumed in the conducted research that the primary source of information in the empirical study, the information subject to subsequent analysis, was the analysis of official documents (strategies, financial reports, etc.) posted on the websites of the surveyed corporations. The research results indicate the dominance of the resource-based approach in implementing strategic postulates of the surveyed companies. Nevertheless, the operational activity focuses on the implementation of innovative solutions towards decarbonization and climate neutrality.
Adsorptive Systems for Heat Transformation and Heat Storage Applications
Authors: Gordeeva Larisa G. , Aristov Yuri I.
Published: January 2022

According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2020 [...]
Black Fungi Research: Out-of-This-World Implications
Authors: Tesei Donatella
Published: January 2022

Black fungi are an ecological group of melanized fungi specialized in extremotolerance and assumed to be among the most stress-resistant eukaryotes on Earth. Multi-omics studies have provided significant evidence that they have a peculiar response to stress that differs considerably from that of common mesophilic hyphomycetes. Survival strategies displayed by these organisms have situated them as attractive models for astrobiology and, in general, for studies directed towards the definition of the actual limits for life. Moreover, the ascertained aptitude of black fungi for degradation of hazardous volatile pollutants and for plastic breakdown suggests prospective application of several species.
A Static Pulling Test Is a Suitable Method for Comparison of the Loading Resistance of Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth.) between Urban and Peri-Urban Forests
Authors: Krišāns Oskars , Čakša Linda , Matisons Roberts , Rust Steffen , Elferts Didzis , Seipulis Andris , Jansons Āris
Published: January 2022

In urbanized areas, wind disturbances can be intensified by anthropogenic stresses under which trees may become hazardous, creating serious threats and damages to nearby targets. Therefore, species with notably lower both wood mechanical properties and compartmentalization, such as pioneers, are considered to have higher wind damage risk if subjected to unfavorable growing conditions. Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), are frequently found in both urban and peri-urban forests in Northeastern and Central parts of Europe, which strengthen the necessity for the evaluation of mechanical stability of such species. Therefore, static pulling tests were performed to compare the mechanical stability of the studied species in both urban and peri-urban forests. The loading resistance of the studied species differed, with birch being more stable than aspen, indicating aspen to be more prone to wind damage. Additionally, the mechanical stability of birch did not differ between trees growing in urban and peri-urban forests, suggesting static pulling tests are a suitable method for comparing trees from completely different growing conditions.
Predicting Potential Habitat of a Plant Species with Small Populations under Climate Change: Ostryarehderiana
Authors: Feng Lei , Sun Jiejie , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Yang Xianyu , Tian Xiangni , Wang Tongli
Published: January 2022

Ostrya rehderiana is a famous plant species with extremely small populations. With ongoing global climate change, the extremely small populations would face more uncertainties and risks, including the loss of genetic diversity and extirpation. Thus, assessing the impact of climate change on suitable habitat of O. rehderiana is particularly important for its conservation and restoration. Here, we built niche models with climate variables and soil and human footprint variables. Furthermore, new methods were applied to avoid confounding effects between climate and soil and human footprint variables to simulate the potential habitats of O. rehderiana in current and future climates. We found that the Hargreaves climatic moisture deficit, degree-days below 0 °C, chilling degree-days, and the temperature difference between mean warmest month temperature and mean coldest month temperature, or continentality, were the most important climate factors. The topsoil USDA texture classification, topsoil cation exchange capacity of (clay), and topsoil sodicity (ESP) were the key soil factors determining the suitable distribution of O. rehderiana. Compared with soil factors, human footprint has less influence on the suitable distribution of O. rehderiana. The niche range of this species was projected to expand and shift to north in the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario for the 2050s. Our study results could be referenced in further extremely small populations ecological restoration studies and provide the scientific strategies for the conservation and restoration of O. rehderiana.
Antioxidant Effect via Bioconversion of Isoflavonoid in Astragalus membranaceus Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5276 In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Park Hye Min , Kang Chang-Ho
Published: January 2022

In this study, the antioxidant mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus fermented by Lactiplantibacillusplantarum MG5276 (MG5276F-AM) was evaluated in HepG2 cells and in an animal model. HPLC analysis was performed to confirm the bioconversion of the bioactive compounds in A. membranaceus by fermentation. Calycosin and formononetin, which were not detected before fermentation (NF-AM), were detected after fermentation (MG5276F-AM), and its glycoside was not observed in MG5276F-AM. In HepG2 cells, MG5276F-AM alleviated H2O2-induced oxidative stress by mediating lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels, and upregulated antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In the tBHP-injected mouse model, administration of MG5276F-AM reduced hepatic aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and lipid peroxidation. MG5276F-AM also modulated antioxidant enzymes as well as HepG2 cells. Thus, fermentation of A. membranaceus with L. plantarum MG5276 elevated the isoflavonoid aglycone by hydrolysis of its glycosides, and this bioconversion enhanced antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Special Issue on “Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials”
Authors: Kartsonakis Ioannis A.
Published: January 2022

Nanomaterial is defined a natural, incidental or manufactured material containing particles, in an unbound state, as an aggregate, or as an agglomerate, and where, for 50% or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1–100 nm [...]
Influencing Factors for Sustainable Dietary Transformation—A Case Study of German Food Consumption
Authors: Seubelt Nadine , Michalke Amelie , Gaugler Tobias
Published: January 2022

In a case study of Germany, we examine current food consumption along the three pillars of sustainability to evaluate external factors that influence consumers’ dietary decisions. We investigate to what extent diets meet nutritional requirements (social factor), the diets’ environmental impact (ecological factor), and the food prices’ influence on purchasing behavior (economic factor). For this, we compare two dietary recommendations (plant-based, omnivorous) with the status quo, and we examine different consumption styles (conventional, organic produce). Additionally, we evaluate 1446 prices of food items from three store types (organic store, supermarket, and discounter). With this, we are able to evaluate and compare 30 different food baskets along their health, environmental, and economic impact. Results show that purchasing decisions are only slightly influenced by health-related factors. Furthermore, few consumers align their diet with low environmental impact. In contrast, a large share of consumers opt for cheap foods, regardless of health and environmental consequences. We find that price is, arguably, the main factor in food choices from a sustainability standpoint. Action should be taken by policy makers to financially incentivize consumers in favor of healthy and environmentally friendly diets. Otherwise, the status quo further drives especially underprivileged consumers towards unhealthy and environmentally damaging consumption.
Impact of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Microfluidization on the Techno-Functionality of Oat Bran in Suspension and Acid Milk Gel Models
Authors: Rosa-Sibakov Natalia , de Oliveira Carvalho Maria Julia , Lille Martina , Nordlund Emilia
Published: January 2022

Oat bran is a nutritionally rich ingredient, but it is underutilized in semi-moist and liquid foods due to technological issues such as high viscosity and sliminess. The aim of this work was to improve the technological properties of oat bran concentrate (OBC) in high-moisture food applications by enzymatic and mechanical treatments. OBC was hydrolyzed with β-glucanase (OBC-Hyd) and the water-soluble fraction (OBC-Sol) was separated. OBC, OBC-Hyd and OBC-Sol were further microfluidized at 5% dry matter content. Enzymatic treatment and microfluidization of OBC reduced the molecular weight (Mw) of β-glucan from 2748 kDa to 893 and 350 kDa, respectively, as well as the average particle size of OBC (3.4 and 35 times, respectively). Both treatments increased the extractability of the soluble compounds from the OBC samples (up to 80%) and affected their water retention capacity. OBC in suspension had very high viscosity (969 mPa·s) when heated, which decreased after both enzyme and microfluidization treatments. The colloidal stability of the OBC in suspension was improved, especially after microfluidization. The addition of OBC samples to acid milk gels decreased syneresis, improved the water holding capacity and softened the texture. The changes in the suspension and gel characteristics were linked with reduced β-glucan Mw and OBC particle size.
Nondestructive Prediction of Isoflavones and Oligosaccharides in Intact Soybean Seed Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Amanah Hanim Z. , Tunny Salma Sultana , Masithoh Rudiati Evi , Choung Myoung-Gun , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Kim Moon S. , Baek Insuck , Lee Wang-Hee , Cho Byoung-Kwan
Published: January 2022

The demand for rapid and nondestructive methods to determine chemical components in food and agricultural products is proliferating due to being beneficial for screening food quality. This research investigates the feasibility of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to predict total as well as an individual type of isoflavones and oligosaccharides using intact soybean samples. A partial least square regression method was performed to develop models based on the spectral data of 310 soybean samples, which were synchronized to the reference values evaluated using a conventional assay. Furthermore, the obtained models were tested using soybean varieties not initially involved in the model construction. As a result, the best prediction models of FT-NIR were allowed to predict total isoflavones and oligosaccharides using intact seeds with acceptable performance (R2p: 0.80 and 0.72), which were slightly better than the model obtained based on FT-IR data (R2p: 0.73 and 0.70). The results also demonstrate the possibility of using FT-NIR to predict individual types of evaluated components, denoted by acceptable performance values of prediction model (R2p) of over 0.70. In addition, the result of the testing model proved the model’s performance by obtaining a similar R2 and error to the calibration model.
Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Natural Whey Cultures of Buffalo and Cow Milk
Authors: Marasco Rosangela , Gazzillo Mariagiovanna , Campolattano Nicoletta , Sacco Margherita , Muscariello Lidia
Published: January 2022

In southern Italy, some artisanal farms produce mozzarella and caciocavallo cheeses by using natural whey starter (NWS), whose microbial diversity is responsible for the characteristic flavor and texture of the final product. We studied the microbial community of NWS cultures of cow’s milk (NWSc) for the production of caciocavallo and buffalo’s milk (NWSb) for the production of mozzarella, both from artisanal farms. Bacterial identification at species and strain level was based on an integrative strategy, combining culture-dependent (sequencing of the 16S rDNA, species/subspecies-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and clustering by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) and culture-independent (next-generation sequencing analysis, NGS) approaches. Results obtained with both approaches showed the occurrence of five species of lactic acid bacteria in NWSb (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Lactobacillus helveticus) and five species in NWSc (Lc. lactis subsp. lactis, Enterococcus faecium, and S. thermophilus, Lb. helveticus, and Lb. delbrueckii), with the last two found only by the NGS analysis. Moreover, RAPD profiles, performed on Lc. lactis subsp. lactis different isolates from both NWSs, showed nine strains in NWSb and seven strains in NWSc, showing a microbial diversity also at strain level. Characterization of the microbiota of natural whey starters aims to collect new starter bacteria to use for tracing microbial community during the production of artisanal cheeses, in order to preserve their quality and authenticity, and to select new Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains for the production of functional foods.
Protective Effect of Ganoderma atrum Polysaccharide on Acrolein-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagic Flux in IEC-6 Cells
Authors: Wang Yudan , Chang Xinxin , Zheng Bing , Chen Yi , Xie Jianhua , Shan Jialuo , Hu Xiaoyi , Ding Xiaomeng , Hu Xiaobo , Yu Qiang
Published: January 2022

This study was designed to explore the beneficial effect and mechanism of Ganoderma atrum (G. atrum) polysaccharide (PSG-1) on acrolein-induced IEC-6 cells. Our results indicated that PSG-1 significantly reduced the impairment of acrolein on cell viability, decreased oxidative stress, and enabled normal expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins that were inhibited by acrolein in IEC-6 cells. Furthermore, PSG-1 attenuated the elevation of microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin 1-like protein 1 (Beclin 1) and increased the protein levels of phospho-mTOR (p-mTOR) and phospho-akt (p-akt), indicating that PSG-1 activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and alleviated acrolein-induced autophagy in IEC-6 cells. Moreover, PSG-1 markedly attenuated the acrolein-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, and the decrease in cysteine aspartate lyase (caspase)-3 and caspase-9. In addition, autophagy the inhibitor inhibited acrolein-induced TJ and apoptosis of IEC-6 cells, while the apoptosis inhibitor also inhibited acrolein-induced TJ and autophagy, suggesting that autophagy and apoptosis were mutually regulated. Taken together, the present study proved that PSG-1 could protect IEC-6 cells from acrolein-induced oxidative stress and could repair TJ by inhibiting apoptosis and autophagic flux, where autophagy and apoptosis were mutually regulated.
Sustainable Applications for the Valorization of Cereal Processing By-Products
Authors: Galanakis Charis M.
Published: January 2022

This review article revises the sustainable practices and applications to valorize valuable components recovered from cereal processing by-products. After introducing cereal processing by-products, their healthy compounds, and corresponding functional properties, the article explores reutilization opportunities of by-products emphasizing specific sources (e.g., oat and wheat bran, distillers’ dried grains, etc.) and the biorefinery approach. Proteins and soluble dietary fibers such as arabinoxylans are of particular interest due to their content in the cereal processing by-products and their easy extraction based on conventional technologies such as enzyme-assisted extraction and membrane filtration. Non-thermal technologies have also been suggested to improve sustainability recovery approaches. Finally, the article discusses the different applications for the recovered high-added value compounds that span across biotechnology, foods, and bakery products.
Rheological and Physicochemical Properties of Oleogel with Esterified Rice Flour and Its Suitability as a Fat Replacer
Authors: Kwon U-hui , Chang Yoon Hyuk
Published: January 2022

The objectives of this study were to produce oleogel using esterified rice flour with citric acid (ERCA), to evaluate physicochemical and rheological properties of oleogels, and to investigate their suitability as a fat replacer. Rice flour was esterified with citric acid (30%, w/w) to produce ERCA. Emulsions and oleogels were prepared with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15%, w/w) of ERCA. In the steady shear rheological analysis, it was found that the values of apparent viscosity (ηa, 100) and consistency index (K) of emulsions were significantly increased by increasing the concentrations of ERCA. Oleogels were prepared with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15%, w/w) of ERCA. All oleogels showed a hydrophobic carbonyl bond in the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The peaks on new hydrogen bonds and amorphous regions, which did not appear in oleogel prepared with 0% ERCA, were observed at 3300–3400 cm−1 and 1018 cm−1, respectively, in oleogels prepared with ERCA. With the increase in ERCA concentrations in oleogels, oil loss values were significantly decreased. In a time-dependent test, it was found that all oleogels exhibited thixotropic properties. The frequency sweep test revealed that storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) values of oleogels were elevated with an increase in the concentration of ERCA. Oleogels prepared with 15% ERCA exhibited the lowest peroxide, p-Anisidine, and Total Oxidation(TOTOX) values. The addition of oleogels to cookies did not considerably affect appearance. However, it increased the content of unsaturated fatty acid. These results indicate that oleogels prepared with ERCA can be used as a fat replacer in food industry.
The Efficacy of Tofogliflozin on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Goya Takeshi , Imoto Koji , Tashiro Shigeki , Aoyagi Tomomi , Takahashi Motoi , Kurokawa Miho , Suzuki Hideo , Tanaka Masatake , Kato Masaki , Kohjima Motoyuki , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2022

The increasing number of patients with fatty liver disease is a major health problem. Fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction has been recognized as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although there is no standard therapy for NAFLD, previous reports support the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on NAFLD. Recently, fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction was proposed to be defined as a novel concept, “metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)”, and it was proposed that new criteria for MAFLD diagnosis be established. To clarify the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on MAFLD, we analyzed the efficacy of tofogliflozin in patients with MAFLD. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of tofogliflozin in patients with MAFLD treated at Kyushu University Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Tofogliflozin was used to treat 18 patients with MAFLD. To determine the efficacy of tofogliflozin, we evaluated glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, liver injury, hepatic steatosis, and body composition three and six months after drug initiation. Although our study was a preliminary study because of some limitations (e.g., retrospective, observational, single-arm study, small sample size), we show that tofogliflozin could improve liver injury in patients with MAFLD by improving glucose metabolism and insulin resistance without causing muscle loss.
Influences of NaCl and Na2SO4 on the Micellization Behavior of the Mixture of Cetylpyridinium Chloride + Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone at Several Temperatures
Authors: Ahmed Md. Farid , Abdul Rub Malik , Joy Md. Tuhinur R. , Molla Mohammad Robel , Azum Naved , Anamul Hoque Md.
Published: January 2022

Herein, the conductivity measurement technique is used to determine the interactions that may occur between polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) surfactant in the presence of NaCl and Na2SO4 of fixed concentration at variable temperatures (298.15–323.15 K) with an interval of 5 K. In the absence or presence of salts, we observed three critical micelle concentrations (CMC) for the CPC + PVP mixture. In all situations, CMC1 values of CPC + PVP system were found to be higher in water than in attendance of salts (NaCl and Na2SO4). Temperature and additives have the tendency to affect counterion binding values. Various physico-chemical parameters were analyzed and demonstrated smoothly, including free energy (ΔG0m), enthalpy (ΔH0m) and entropy change (ΔS0m). The micellization process is achieved to be spontaneous based on the obtained negative ΔG0m values. The linearity of the ΔHmo and ΔSmo values is excellent. The intrinsic enthalpy gain (ΔH0*m) and compensation temperature (Tc) were calculated and discussed with logical points. Interactions of polymer hydrophobic chains or the polymer + surfactant associated with amphiphilic surface-active drugs can employ a strong impact on the behavior of the gels.
LncRNAs and the Angiogenic Switch in Cancer: Clinical Significance and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Mabeta Peace , Hull Rodney , Dlamini Zodwa
Published: January 2022

Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer, and the establishment of new blood vessels is vital to allow for a tumour to grow beyond 1–2 mm in size. The angiogenic switch is the term given to the point where the number or activity of the pro-angiogenic factors exceeds that of the anti-angiogenic factors, resulting in the angiogenic process proceeding, giving rise to new blood vessels accompanied by increased tumour growth, metastasis, and potential drug resistance. Long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have been found to play a role in the angiogenic switch by regulating gene expression, transcription, translation, and post translation modification. In this regard they play both anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic roles. The expression levels of the pro-angiogenic lncRNAs have been found to correlate with patient survival. These lncRNAs are also potential drug targets for the development of therapies that will inhibit or modify tumour angiogenesis. Here we review the roles of lncRNAs in regulating the angiogenic switch. We cover specific examples of both pro and anti-angiogenic lncRNAs and discuss their potential use as both prognostic biomarkers and targets for the development of future therapies.
Drought, Low Nitrogen Stress, and Ultraviolet-B Radiation Effects on Growth, Development, and Physiology of Sweetpotato Cultivars during Early Season
Authors: Ramamoorthy Purushothaman , Bheemanahalli Raju , Meyers Stephen L. , Shankle Mark W. , Reddy Kambham Raja
Published: January 2022

Drought, ultraviolet-B (UV-B), and nitrogen stress are significant constraints for sweetpotato productivity. Their impact on plant growth and development can be acute, resulting in low productivity. Identifying phenotypes that govern stress tolerance in sweetpotatoes is highly desirable to develop elite cultivars with better yield. Ten sweetpotato cultivars were grown under nonstress (100% replacement of evapotranspiration (ET)), drought-stress (50% replacement of ET), UV-B (10 kJ), and low-nitrogen (20% LN) conditions. Various shoot and root morphological, physiological, and gas-exchange traits were measured at the early stage of the crop growth to assess its performance and association with the storage root number. All three stress factors caused significant changes in the physiological and root- and shoot-related traits. Drought stress reduced most shoot developmental traits (29%) to maintain root growth. UV-B stress increased the accumulation of plant pigments and decreased the photosynthetic rate. Low-nitrogen treatment decreased shoot growth (11%) and increased the root traits (18%). The highly stable and productive cultivars under all four treatments were identified using multitrait stability index analysis and weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) analyses. Further, based on the total stress response indices, ‘Evangeline’, ‘O’Henry’, and ‘Beauregard B-14’ were identified as vigorous under drought; ‘Evangeline’, ‘Orleans’, and ‘Covington’ under UV-B; and ‘Bonita’, ‘Orleans’, and ‘Beauregard B-14’ cultivars showed greater tolerance to low nitrogen. The cultivars ‘Vardaman’ and ‘NC05-198’ recorded a low tolerance index across stress treatments. This information could help determine which plant phenotypes are desirable under stress treatment for better productivity. The cultivars identified as tolerant, sensitive, and well-adapted within and across stress treatments can be used as source materials for abiotic stress tolerance breeding programs.
Indirect Genetic Effects of ADIPOQ Variants on Lipid Levels in a Sibling Study of a Rural Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Zechen , Ma Yujia , Li Xiaoyi , Yan Zeyu , Ding Kexin , Xiao Han , Wu Yiqun , Chen Dafang , Wu Tao
Published: January 2022

Variations in lipid levels are the result of combinations of genetic and environmental factors. We aim to investigate the indirect effect between siblings of the three polymorphisms of ADIPOQ on serum lipid levels in rural Chinese populations. A total of 2571 sibling pairs were enrolled as study participants. A generalized estimating equation was used to accommodate a family-based design. We used stratified analysis to detect sex combination differences in the indirect genetic effect. We found a significant association between the number of altered risk alleles of rs182052 and ego lipid levels of TG (β = 0.177, P = 0.003), TC (β = 0.140, P = 0.004) and LDL-C (β = 0.098, P = 0.014). Ego and altered genotypes of rs182052 demonstrated a joint effect on ego lipid levels of TC (β = 0.212, P = 0.019), HDL-C (β = 0.099, P = 0.002) and LDL-C (β = 0.177, P = 0.013) in recessive inheritance mode. In opposite-sex siblings, the altered GG genotype of rs182052 increased the ego lipid levels. Thus, our findings demonstrate that ADIPOQ has an indirect genetic effect on lipid levels in sibling pairs, and there are sex-combination differences in the indirect genetic effect in siblings.
Using Simulation Optimization to Solve Patient Appointment Scheduling and Examination Room Assignment Problems for Patients Undergoing Ultrasound Examination
Authors: Chen Ping-Shun , Chen Gary Yu-Hsin , Liu Li-Wen , Zheng Ching-Ping , Huang Wen-Tso
Published: January 2022

This study investigates patient appointment scheduling and examination room assignment problems involving patients who undergo ultrasound examination with considerations of multiple examination rooms, multiple types of patients, multiple body parts to be examined, and special restrictions. Following are the recommended time intervals based on the findings of three scenarios in this study: In Scenario 1, the time interval recommended for patients’ arrival at the radiology department on the day of the examination is 18 min. In Scenario 2, it is best to assign patients to examination rooms based on weighted cumulative examination points. In Scenario 3, we recommend that three outpatients come to the radiology department every 18 min to undergo ultrasound examinations; the number of inpatients and emergency patients arriving for ultrasound examination is consistent with the original time interval distribution. Simulation optimization may provide solutions to the problems of appointment scheduling and examination room assignment problems to balance the workload of radiological technologists, maintain high equipment utilization rates, and reduce waiting times for patients undergoing ultrasound examination.