bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is More Always Better? A Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial About the Impact of Polydioxanone Threads Quantity for Facial Lifting
Authors: Germani Marcelo , Munoz-Lora Victor R M , Carnevali Ana C N , Geroldo Adriana Marques , Teixeira Fernanda Fogolin , Giro Gabriela
Published: January 2025

Background

Minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, such as the use of polydioxanone (PDO) threads, are increasingly popular for facial rejuvenation.

Objectives

This study investigates the impact of the number of PDO threads on tissue displacement, volume changes, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial involved 22 patients seeking facial lifting using PDO threads. Participants were divided into 2 groups: G1 with 3 threads per hemiface and G2 with 6 threads per hemiface. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry was used to evaluate volumetric changes and tissue displacement at baseline, 20 days, and 60 days posttreatment. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).

Results

Significant volumetric changes were observed over time in both midface and lower face regions (P < .05), but no significant intergroup differences were found (P > .6). Tissue displacement showed statistical significance over time (P = .039) but not between groups (P = .821). GAIS scores did not differ significantly between groups or between patients and specialists. Adverse events were minor and transient, primarily involving pain.

Conclusions

The number of PDO threads used did not significantly influence sustained lifting outcomes or patient satisfaction. Initial improvements in volume and tissue displacement diminished by 60 days, suggesting that additional threads do not enhance long-term efficacy. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to better understand collagen stimulation’s potential role in lasting effects.

Level of Evidence: 2 (Therapeutic)
Sphae: an automated toolkit for predicting phage therapy candidates from sequencing data
Authors: Papudeshi Bhavya , Roach Michael J , Mallawaarachchi Vijini , Bouras George , Grigson Susanna R , Giles Sarah K , Harker Clarice M , Hutton Abbey L K , Tarasenko Anita , Inglis Laura K , Vega Alejandro A , Souza Cole , Boling Lance , Hajama Hamza , Cobián Güemes Ana Georgina , Segall Anca M , Dinsdale Elizabeth A , Edwards Robert A
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Phage therapy offers a viable alternative for bacterial infections amid rising antimicrobial resistance. Its success relies on selecting safe and effective phage candidates that require comprehensive genomic screening to identify potential risks. However, this process is often labor intensive and time-consuming, hindering rapid clinical deployment.

Results

We developed Sphae, an automated bioinformatics pipeline designed to streamline the therapeutic potential of a phage in under 10 minutes. Using Snakemake workflow manager, Sphae integrates tools for quality control, assembly, genome assessment, and annotation tailored specifically for phage biology. Sphae automates the detection of key genomic markers, including virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, and lysogeny indicators such as integrase, recombinase, and transposase, which could preclude therapeutic use. Among the 65 phage sequences analyzed, 28 showed therapeutic potential, 8 failed due to low sequencing depth, 22 contained prophage or virulent markers, and 23 had multiple phage genomes. This workflow produces a report to assess phage safety and therapy suitability quickly. Sphae is scalable and portable, facilitating efficient deployment across most high-performance computing and cloud platforms, accelerating the genomic evaluation process.

Availability and implementation

Sphae source code is freely available at https://github.com/linsalrob/sphae, with installation supported on Conda, PyPi, Docker containers.
Organ-specific malperfusion in acute type A aortic dissection: epidemiological meta-analysis of incidence rates
Authors: Chandiramani Ashwini , Al-Tawil Mohammed , Elleithy Assem , Kakar Sahil , Rajasekar Tharun , Panda Abinash , Sabry Haytham , Haneya Assad , Harky Amer
Published: January 2025

Background

Acute type A aortic dissection is a life-threatening clinical emergency that necessitates immediate surgical intervention with an estimated mortality rate of approximately 1–2% per hour. When complicated by malperfusion, the perioperative mortality rate is reported to be increased by up to 39%. Malperfusion can affect many vascular beds with varying incidence and severity, resulting in coronary, cerebral, visceral, peripheral, renal or spinal malperfusion. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the epidemiology of specific types of organ malperfusion in acute type A aortic dissection and to analyse the impact on the survival outcomes associated with each malperfusion type.

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase were searched through to September 2024 to identify original studies that presented data on the incidence and the survival outcome of organ malperfusion in association with acute type A aortic dissection. The extracted data included patient characteristics and incidence of organ-specific malperfusion. Primary outcomes were the respective in-hospital mortality rate associated with each organ-specific malperfusion and a proportional meta-analysis was conducted to pool results. Quality assessment was performed using the modified National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for single-arm observational studies.

Results

A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 35 361 patients. Peripheral limb malperfusion was the most prevalent with a pooled incidence of 12% (95% c.i. 10 to 14). This was followed by lower limb or iliofemoral with 11% (95% c.i. 9 to 14). Spinal malperfusion was the lowest with 1% (95% c.i. 1 to 2). The pooled mortality rate with organ malperfusion varied between 18 and 36%. Within this population the highest mortality rate was associated with mesenteric malperfusion with 36% (95% c.i. 28 to 45). Following this the highest mortality rate was found with coronary at 33% (95% c.i. 26 to 40) and cerebral at 28% (95% c.i. 24 to 33) malperfusion.

Conclusion

Survival during hospital admission after acute type A aortic dissection can vary depending on the presence and type of malperfusion, with mesenteric, coronary and cerebral malperfusion being associated with the highest in-hospital mortality rates. Organ-specific malperfusion syndromes should be considered when assessing the perioperative risk and surgical planning of patients undergoing surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection.
Synthesis of multisubstituted naphthalenes through consecutive aryne reactions
Authors: Tanaka Takanori , Tabata Shinya , Nakamura Keisuke , Hazama Yuki , Sakata Yuki , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: January 2025

Consecutive aryne reactions using naphthodiyne equivalents are disclosed. Selective naphthalyne generations were achieved by selective activation of the silyl or iodo group in a reagent controlled manner. By virtue of the divergence in transformations of aryne intermediates, a wide variety of molecules that contain a naphthalene core were synthesized from simple modules by the consecutive aryne reactions.
Unsupervised clustering of intra-ventricular haemodynamic forces for the phenotyping of left ventricular function in non-ischaemic left ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Airale Lorenzo , Giustiniani Alessandro , Ródenas-Alesina Eduard , Lozano-Torres Jordi , Escribano-Escribano Pablo , Vila-Olives Rosa , Tobias-Castillo Pablo Eduardo , Calvo-Barceló Maria , Badia-Molins Clara , Cesareo Marco , Lopez-Gutierrez Pere , Ferreira-Gonzalez Ignacio , Milan Alberto , Rodriguez-Palomares Jose , Guala Andrea
Published: January 2025

Aims

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is essential for diagnosing cardiomyopathy, serving as the gold standard for assessing heart chamber volumes and tissue characterization. Haemodynamic forces (HDFs) analysis, a novel approach using standard cine CMR images, estimates energy exchange between the left ventricular (LV) wall and blood. While prior research has focused on peak or mean longitudinal HDF values, this study aims to investigate whether unsupervised clustering of HDF curves can identify clinically significant patterns and stratify cardiovascular (CV) risk in non-ischaemic LV cardiomyopathy (NILVC).

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort of 279 patients with NILVC who underwent cardiac CMR at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona) was examined. Unsupervised clustering of longitudinal and transversal HDF curves was performed using dynamic time warping for dissimilarity measurement and the partitioning around medoids algorithm. Outcomes were defined as a composite of CV mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and ventricular arrhythmias. The median age was 65 (57.0; 74.0) years, with 27.2% females and 35.5% showing late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Unsupervised clustering identified three distinct clusters, delineating risk groups with worsening LA and LV function, indicating a stepwise increase in CV risk profile. Over a median follow-up of 40 months, 60 patients experienced the composite outcome. After adjusting for LGE, LV ejection fraction (EF), and LV size, Clusters 2 and 3 demonstrated a significantly higher risk of adverse events (both P < 0.05) compared with Cluster 1.

Conclusion

Analysing both longitudinal and transversal HDFs throughout the cardiac cycle enables the identification of distinct phenotypes with prognostic value beyond EF and LGE in NILVC patients.
Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: a multimodal imaging approach in an animal model
Authors: Haesen Sibren , Steegen Lisa , Deluyker Dorien , Bito Virginie
Published: January 2025

Aims

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity has high incidence rates and causes significant mortality among cancer survivors. Damage to myocardial tissue leads to left ventricular (LV) dilation with systolic dysfunction, typically assessed through echocardiographic measurement of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and volumes. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes. We aimed to evaluate cardiotoxicity progression and diagnostic performance of different echocardiographic modalities in an animal model.

Methods and results

Female Sprague Dawley rats received either intravenous doxorubicin (DOX) injections weekly for 8 weeks (2 mg/kg/week) or saline (control). Transthoracic LV echocardiography was performed before treatment and at 4, 6, and 8 weeks in the treatment course. Two researchers performed and evaluated M-mode, B-mode, and four-dimensional (4D) echocardiography. Bland–Altman plots were created to show the bias and limits of agreement when comparing echocardiographic modalities. Simple linear regression and Pearson correlation were applied to evaluate interobserver variability. Six weeks after the first DOX injection, LVEF, radial LV fractional shortening, LV end-systolic volume, and LV end-diastolic volume were significantly reduced compared with baseline. LV dysfunction and dilation became more pronounced after 8 weeks of DOX treatment. For all parameters, 4D- and M-mode showed the lowest bias and narrowest limits of agreement. The correlation between the researchers’ measurements was strong for most parameters.

Conclusion

Our rat model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity demonstrates that volumetric changes are more pronounced. Both 4D- and M-mode imaging techniques proved effective and reliable compared with the standard B-mode approach, with minimal interobserver variability, indicating strong reproducibility.
Corticosteroid therapy and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Segawa Takatsugu , Taniguchi Tatsunori , Nabeta Takeru , Naruse Yoshihisa , Kitai Takeshi , Yoshioka Kenji , Tanaka Hidekazu , Okumura Takahiro , Baba Yuichi , Matsue Yuya , Sakata Yasushi
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between corticosteroid therapy and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at diagnosis.

Methods and results

This study conducted a post hoc analysis of the ILLUstration of the Management and prognosIs of JapaNese PATiEnts with Cardiac Sarcoidosis, a retrospective multicentre registry. Cardiac sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on the 2016 Japanese Circulation Society and 2014 Heart Rhythm Society criteria. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, and fatal ventricular arrhythmia events. Patients were divided into three groups based on LVEF: preserved LVEF (≥50%, n = 251), moderately impaired LVEF (LVEF, 35–49%; n = 149), and severely impaired LVEF (<35%, n = 99). Among 499 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (mean age: 61.6 ± 11.4 years, male: 36.1%), 419 (84.0%) were treated with corticosteroids after diagnosis. During a median follow-up of 33.7 months (interquartile range, 16.8–62.7 months), 144 primary endpoints (28.9%) occurred. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with better prognosis when assessed in terms of primary endpoint in the entire cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.89, P = 0.010]. When stratified by LVEF, corticosteroid therapy was significantly associated with a lower incidence of primary endpoints in the preserved LVEF group (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15–0.57, P < 0.001), but not in the moderately and severely impaired LVEF groups. This association remained robust, even after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

In this large cohort of cardiac sarcoidosis, corticosteroid therapy was associated with a lower incidence of long-term outcomes only in patients with preserved LVEF at diagnosis.

Clinical Trial Registration

UMIN000034974.
High-recombining genomic regions affect demography inference based on ancestral recombination graphs
Authors: Ishigohoka Jun , Liedvogel Miriam
Published: January 2025

Multiple methods of demography inference are based on the ancestral recombination graph. This powerful approach uses observed mutations to model local genealogies changing along chromosomes by historical recombination events. However, inference of underlying genealogies is difficult in regions with high recombination rate relative to mutation rate due to the lack of mutations representing genealogies. Despite the prevalence of high-recombining genomic regions in some organisms, such as birds, its impact on demography inference based on ancestral recombination graphs has not been well studied. Here, we use population genomic simulations to investigate the impact of high-recombining regions on demography inference based on ancestral recombination graphs. We demonstrate that inference of effective population size and the time of population split events is systematically affected when high-recombining regions cover wide breadths of the chromosomes. Excluding high-recombining genomic regions can practically mitigate this impact, and population genomic inference of recombination maps is informative in defining such regions although the estimated values of local recombination rate can be biased. Finally, we confirm the relevance of our findings in empirical analysis by contrasting demography inferences applied for a bird species, the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), using different parts of the genome with high and low recombination rates. Our results suggest that demography inference methods based on ancestral recombination graphs should be carried out with caution when applied in species whose genomes contain long stretches of high-recombining regions.
Changes in Long-term Services and Supports Among Adults With and Without Dementia During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Truskinovsky Yulya , Freedman Vicki A , Hoffman Geoffrey J , Leggett Amanda N , Wiemers Emily
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

This study draws upon local coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rates as a proxy for pandemic severity to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted long-term services and supports (LTSS) for adults with dementia, relative to adults with care needs unrelated to dementia.

Research Design and Methods

We used the Health and Retirement Study to estimate associations between local COVID-19 mortality rates from March 2020 through April 2021 and LTSS outcomes (receiving paid and unpaid help, monthly hours of paid and unpaid help, number of paid and unpaid helpers, living in a residential care setting, or living with adult children). We compared 2 groups of adults ages 51 and older: those with dementia (n = 522) and those without dementia but having difficulty with at least one activity of daily living (n = 2,036).

Results

We found that higher local COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with a reduction in paid care and living in residential care settings for both groups of adults with care needs. In addition, higher local COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with a greater likelihood of living with adult children among those without dementia and greater hours of unpaid help among those with dementia.

Discussion and Implications

Although we did not find differences in disruptions of LTSS between persons with and without dementia, observed declines in paid LTSS and increases in unpaid care in the first year of the pandemic may nevertheless have different implications for persons with dementia. Future research should investigate if COVID-19 related disruptions in LTSS led to differential changes in health and unmet needs among adults with dementia, increased strain for their caregivers, and the equitable availability of high-quality paid care.
Association Between Governmental Spending on Social Services and Health Care Use Among Low-Income Older Adults
Authors: Oronce Carlos Irwin A , Ponce Ninez A , Sarkisian Catherine A , Zimmerman Frederick J , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: January 2025

Prior research demonstrates that local government spending on social policies, excluding health care, is linked to improved population health. Whether such spending is associated with better access to primary care and reduced acute care utilization remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the associations between county-level social spending and individual-level health care utilization among low-income Medicare beneficiaries, aged ≥65 years from 2016 to 2018. We linked claims data to four categories of county-level government expenditures from the US Government Finance Database, including (1) public welfare, (2) housing/community development, (3) public transit, and (4) infrastructure-related social services. The main outcomes were annual primary care visit rates, emergency department visits, and preventable hospitalizations. After adjusting for patient and county characteristics, beneficiaries living in counties with higher spending on housing/community development had 11% higher primary care visit rates. Additionally, those living in counties with higher public transit and housing/community development spending experienced 6-10% lower preventable hospitalization rates. Lower preventable hospitalization rates were especially pronounced among acute conditions. These findings suggest that investments in social services that address the health-related social needs of low-income older adults may be an important factor to consider in population-level efforts to reduce acute care utilization.
Hyperacute silicosis after bronchoscopy-induced melanoptysis in a lung transplant patient. A first report in literature
Authors: Saenz Angel , Dreyse Jorge , Melo Joel , Giglio Andres
Published: January 2025

Silicosis, a fibrotic lung disease caused by crystalline silica inhalation, presents unique challenges in lung transplantation. This case reports an unprecedented complication in a lung transplant recipient with chronic silicosis. A man in his 60s, post left single-lung transplantation for silica-induced pneumoconiosis, developed acute respiratory deterioration following routine bronchoscopy. Melanoptysis, followed by imaging showing extensive inflammatory involvement in the transplanted lung, required intubation and prone positioning. This case highlights the potential for residual silicotic material to trigger acute post-transplant complications. It underscores the importance of comprehensive pretransplant evaluation of occupational exposures and heightened awareness of silica-related complications in post-transplant care. The report emphasizes gaps in understanding long-term outcomes and optimal management strategies for lung transplant recipients with silicosis.
The effect of core oil on the encapsulation efficiency and mechanical properties of microcapsules prepared using complex coacervation followed by spray drying/coating
Authors: Huang Qun , Mills Tom , Zhang Zhibing
Published: January 2025

Gelatine-gum Arabic coacervated microcapsules were prepared using complex coacervation followed by spray drying, with L-carvone, limonene, or hexyl salicylate encapsulated as a model flavour or fragrance oil. The influences of different types of core oil or further treatments including maltodextrin coating or glutaraldehyde crosslinking on size, morphology, payload, encapsulation efficiency and mechanical strength of the resulting microcapsules were investigated. Spherical microcapsules with polynuclear core-shell structure were fabricated. The encapsulation efficiency ranged from 5.0 ± 0.4% to 89.0 ± 1.2% for different core oils and 21.1 ± 0.1% to 89.0 ± 1.2% after different treatments. The highest encapsulation efficiency of 89.0% ± 1.2% was obtained for encapsulating hexyl salicylate with a hardening process by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Micromanipulation tests revealed that gelatine-gum Arabic microcapsules exhibited typical rupture behaviours under compression. The rupture force increased with microcapsule diameter, the nominal rupture stress and toughness decreased with the increase of microcapsule size, and the nominal rupture tension was independent of diameter. The apparent Young’s modulus of whole microcapsules was determined by the Hertz model fitted to the experimental force versus displacement data. It has been found that different types of core oils significantly impacted their encapsulation efficiency, the structures of the formed microcapsules, and consequently mechanical properties.
Do different chain lengths and configurations of gallate affect its antioxidant activity?
Authors: Li Qing , Zhu Shengqin , Li Yanqing , Liu Juan , Fu Min , Xue Zhiyong , Yu Lijuan
Published: January 2025

10 gallic acid (GA) esters antioxidants with different ester group structures were prepared and characterized. The antioxidant effects of these antioxidants were evaluated under accelerated storage conditions and compared with commercial antioxidants. The results showed that the antioxidant effects of octyl gallate with 3 different configurations were superior to those of butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and GA, but there was no significant difference in the antioxidant effects of these 3 configurations. In addition, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR showed that omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids were the first to be oxidized. Docosahexaenoic acid is more distributed in the sn-2 position, while eicosapentaenoic acid is more distributed in the sn-1,3 region, and fatty acids located at sn-2 were the least resistant to thermal oxidation. This study provides basic data for selecting suitable antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of fish oil during storage, and also provides design rules and techniques on how to develop new and efficient antioxidants.
From diet to microbiota: how fruits and vegetables influence gut microbiota
Authors: Jia Yuanqiang , Liu Yanan , Wu Yingying , Ren Feiyue , Liu Hongzhi
Published: January 2025

The stability of the gut microbiota is of critical importance for the maintenance of a wide range of physiological functions in the body. The state of balance of the gut microbiota profoundly affects immune, metabolic, and neurological functions. External factors, such as dietary and lifestyle modifications, have the potential to disrupt this microbial equilibrium, thereby precipitating a spectrum of health complications, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. A diet comprising a substantial proportion of fruits and vegetables has been demonstrated to be an effective means of rectifying imbalances in the gut microbiota. Fruits and vegetables are rich in phytochemicals, including polyphenols, fibre, and carotenoids. These compounds interact with gut microbes, producing beneficial metabolic byproducts, either directly or under the influence of gut microbes. This interaction not only promotes the diversity and stability of the gut microbiota, but also enhances gut and overall health through the production of biologically active metabolites. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of key phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables on the structure and function of the gut microbiota. It also examines the mechanisms by which gut microbes break down these substances and summarises their interactions and potential health benefits. These findings provide a scientific rationale and theoretical support for the use of fruits and vegetables as a strategy to naturally regulate the gut microbiota and promote health.
Synergic effect of phenolic compounds by concentration dependence of andrographolide against carbohydrate digestive enzyme (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) by in vitro, in silico, and fluorescence analysis
Authors: Payaka Apirak , Mansalai Preecha , Sansenya Sompong
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by insufficient insulin secretion and function. One suggested treatment for type 2 DM (T2DM) is inhibiting carbohydrate digestive enzymes to decrease blood glucose levels. Moreover, combination drugs are also recommended for T2DM management. This research investigated the inhibition potential of phenolic compounds (syringic acid and vanillin) and andrographolide (AGL) and the combination of syringic acid/AGL and vanillin/AGL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase by in vitro, in silico, and fluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the inhibition potential of AGL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase was higher than that of syringic acid and vanillin. Furthermore, these compounds’ inhibition of α-glucosidase appears more potent than α-amylase. The combination of syringic acid/AGL and vanillin/AGL shows a synthetic effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase when increasing AGL. The fluorescence technique has confirmed that compounds alone and the combination have binding at the active sites of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. AGL’s lowest inhibition constant (Ki) and highest binding affinity suggest that this compound has stronger binding interactions with the amino acids in the active sites of α-glucosidase and α-amylase than syringic acid and vanillin. Our findings indicate that the combination of syringic acid/AGL and vanillin/AGL is recommended for applications in T2DM treatment.
Physical, textural, microbiological, and sensorial properties and oxidative stability of chicken patty fortified with Maillard reaction products derived from salmon frame (Salmo salar) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Sharma Kartik , Sharma Mruganxi Harshad , Buatong Jirayu , Fu Yu , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: January 2025

The impact of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from salmon frame protein hydrolysate at varying levels (0%–2%) on quality and oxidative stability of chicken patties was investigated. Patties added with 2% MRPs were darker and redder than those containing MRPs at lower levels, while butylated hydroxyanisole (100 mg/kg)-treated patties exhibited the highest lightness (p < .05). MRPs reduced the hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of resulting patties. During refrigerated storage, MRPs, particularly at 2%, effectively retarded lipid and protein oxidation, as evidenced by lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and carbonyl content (p < .05). Chicken patties added with 1% MRP had highest taste and overall likeness scores, while the addition of 2% MRPs negatively impacted flavour likeness (p < .05). Essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid in the MRP added patties, were better retained than those of the control. The addition of 1% MRPs could therefore enhance sensory quality and increase oxidative stability in chicken patty, positioning MRPs as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.
Nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum–okara composite flours and porridges
Authors: Adeyanju Adeyemi Ayotunde , Emmanuel Praise Oluwabusayo , Adetunji Adeoluwa Iyiade , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Published: January 2025

This study examined the impact of okara addition on the nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum flour and porridge. Porridges (fermented and unfermented) were made with 100% sorghum flour and sorghum–okara blends at 70:30 and 50:50 ratios. The inclusion of okara significantly enhanced the porridge's crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash content. It also increased essential amino acids, particularly lysine, and improved in vitro protein digestibility and available lysine by 23%–73% and 50%–104%, respectively, compared to 100% sorghum porridge. Okara addition and fermentation altered pasting properties, reducing peak viscosity (PV), holding strength, breakdown viscosity, and final viscosity while also decreasing the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). Differential scanning calorimetry showed that sorghum flour had higher thermal stability than okara, but this stability decreased with the addition of okara. In terms of colour, the blending of sorghum and okara, along with fermentation, led to noticeable shifts in colour, making the porridges brighter and more colourful. Overall, okara was found to improve the nutritional quality and colour attributes of sorghum-based porridge while also affecting the pasting and thermal properties by reducing its PV and gelatinization temperature.
Effect of plasma manipulation on the developing quick-cooking and the hydration promotion of adzuki bean
Authors: Liang Jiaxin , Yu Shibo , Li Zhenjiang , Wu Yanchun , Lu Lele , Liu Lijuan , Lang Shuangjing , Wang Lidong
Published: January 2025

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) typically requires a long soaking time during processing, which limits its scope and potential applications. To address this issue, this study systematically investigated the effects of plasma technology on promoting hydration and enhancing the cooking quality of adzuki beans. The results showed that plasma treatment made the surface of the adzuki beans rough and uneven, with cracks and holes, and changed the contact angle from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, resulting in an increase in the water absorption rate from 2.19 to 2.85. Additionally, plasma treatment reduced the optimal soaking time required for adzuki beans from 8 to 4 hr before steaming, and the treated bean seeds were less hard and brighter in colour. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of plasma technology in the deep processing of adzuki beans in the food industry and increases the added value of products.
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of baobab seed
Authors: Schulte Henning , Vhangani Lusani Norah , Toepfl Stefan
Published: January 2025

The food security of many sub-Saharan African countries is deteriorating, with the challenges of today further exacerbating this development. Against this backdrop, new and unconventional foods need to be identified that are characterized by their properties as potential solutions. One such interesting option is the baobab tree, whose components (such as the fruit, leaves, and seeds) are already used in many different forms. This review aims to shed light on the characteristics of the baobab tree and the possible applications and composition of its components. The seeds of the baobab tree have been of particular interest, as well as the oil they contain.
Probiotic foxtail millet beverage formulation and evaluation of nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory parameters
Authors: Challa Manasa , Kuna Aparna , Kata Lakshmiprasanna , Das Debjani
Published: January 2025

Currently plant sources, such as cereals, legumes, and millets, are accepted as dairy milk alternatives with the presence of vitamins, dietary fibre, minerals, and antioxidants. The study aims to develop a foxtail millet beverage and probiotic beverage. The foxtail millet beverage with a (1:6) millet-to-water ratio was selected based on sensory evaluation and was used for the development of a probiotic beverage using Lactobacillus culture and fermented for 8, 16, and 24 hr, in which 8 hr of incubation received the best sensory acceptability. The results indicate a significant decrease in pH 4.47 ± 0.01 and a significant increase of total soluble solids 11.83 ± 0.09 °brix, viscosity 33.33 ± 1.17 cP, and sedimentation index 0.30 ± 0.00 g/20 ml in the probiotic beverage. A decrease of total flavonoids and antioxidant activity and an increase of total phenols were observed in probiotic beverages, and a significant (p < .05) increase in the zinc, copper, and calcium content was observed. Consumer evaluation of foxtail millet beverage revealed the acceptability index of 89.09 ± 7.62%, which is an indication that millets can be effectively used for the formulation of probiotic plant-based beverages.
Production of neuroprotective compounds from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germinated under different conditions during the malting process
Authors: Cian Raúl E , Garzón Antonela G , Albarracín Micaela , Drago Silvina R
Published: January 2025

The effect of different barley germination conditions on generation of neuroprotective compounds was studied. Malts were obtained by germination at 20 °C for 35 hr (M1), 20 °C for 72 hr (M2), 25 °C for 35 hr (M3), and 25 °C for 72 hr (M4). M4 showed higher phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and total phenolic acid content than the others. Moreover, a direct relationship (r2: 0.9802) between protein hydrolysis degree and malt protease activity was obtained. Regarding neuroprotective properties, all malts inhibited the acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and prolyl oligopeptidase enzymes. However, M4 showed the highest inhibitory activity. This effect was due to the higher proportion of 595 and 392 Da peptides with high hydrophobicity and the higher phenolic acid content in this malt. Thus, the temperature and time of barley germination influenced the enzymatic activity of proteases and PAL, which modified the activity and profile of neuroprotective compounds in malts.
Types of nanomaterials commonly used in food packaging, film formation techniques, and recent advances in their applications
Authors: Zhao Zhao , Zhang Beining , Huang Nanjuan , Sun Yang , Huai Xue , Miao Jiacheng , Wang Sa , Liu Wei , Liu Yingying , Chen Zhongliang , Zhu Wenzheng , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the types of nanomaterials commonly used in food packaging, their film formation techniques, and recent advances in their applications. The focus is on the introduction of various nanomaterials, including nanosilver, nano zinc oxide, nano titanium dioxide, nano silicon dioxide, chitosan, polylactic acid, cellulose, starch, and protein, detailing their types and properties. The paper also explores both widely adopted and emerging film formation techniques, such as casting, solution casting, coating, electrospinning, and centrifugal spinning. Furthermore, it delves into the functionalities and advantages of nanomaterials in food packaging, such as antibacterial effects, improved packaging performance, intelligent indicators, and material biodegradability. The paper concludes with a discussion on the current benefits and challenges associated with the use of nanomaterials in food packaging, underscoring the need for further research into their safety and cost-effectiveness.
Diversity in physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of various old and new wheat lines for the preparation of chapati and deep fried puffs
Authors: Singh Narpinder , Dubey Aishwary , Katyal Mehak , Singh Anju Mahendru , Ahlawat Arvind Kumar , Kathuria Deepika
Published: January 2025

The genetic diversity in agronomic, grain (physical), and whole wheat meal (WWM) (physicochemical and pasting) properties from 61 old and new wheat lines were evaluated. Furthermore, the rheological and functional properties of chapatti and deep fried puffs prepared from 61 old and new wheat lines were also evaluated. Statistical analysis exhibited significant difference in grain characteristics. Among old and new wheat lines, new lines showed higher grain hardness index, thousand grain weight (TGW), and gain diameter (GD) value. TGW range from 33 to 37 g for maximum old varieties, while it ranged from 36 to 40 g for new varieties. Redness in new wheat lines (a* value ranged from 6.5 to 7.1) was higher compared to old varieties (6.3 to 6.9). Moreover, WWM obtained from different wheat lines exhibit statistically significant difference in physico-chemical and pasting properties. Peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, set back value, and pasting temperature ranged from 1,530 to 2,665 cP, 558 to 1,106 cP, 2,349 to 3,685 cP, 1,284 to 2,322 cP, and 85.5 to 89.75 °C, respectively, in different wheat lines. The G′ value for chapati and deep fried puffs dough ranged from 5,673,300 to 13,393,600 Pa and 4,884,800 to 9,230,800 Pa, respectively. Furthermore, the water holding capacity, water holding time, and breaking strength of deep fried puffs ranged from 23 to 55 ml, 40 to 135 s, and 2.3 to 17.38 N, respectively. The frequency distribution and principal component analysis discovered notable difference in quality traits amongst 61 old and new wheat lines.
Efficacy of pomelo oil gelatin coatings on polylactic acid thin films for enhanced antibacterial properties in food packaging
Authors: Dang Yen T H , Ninan Neethu , Duong The H , Dinh Khuong Ba , Fong Yu Xuan , Luu Trong , Do Xuan Duy , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: January 2025

A sustainable and cost-effective future is anticipated from biodegradable food packaging. Polylactic acid (PLA) films have received momentous attention in food packaging due to their sustainability and biodegradability. However, improving their functionality with antibacterial potential while guaranteeing cell viability remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the encapsulation of natural additives, such as pomelo essential oil (EO), within gelatin and their subsequent spraying on PLA films to develop active food packaging materials. The PLA films coated with gelatin/pomelo oil emulsion (EO + PLA) demonstrated microstructural architecture that contributed to the functional properties of the coating. The water contact angles of PLA and EO + PLA are 74 ± 3° and 63 ± 1°, respectively, still preserving moisture barrier properties. EO + PLA showed a stronger UV absorption peak compared to PLA, thereby showing improved light barrier properties. Antibacterial studies showed a significant reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for EO + PLA. Overall, the pomelo oil-infused gelatin coatings on PLA films effectively inhibited bacterial growth without causing any cytotoxicity, contributing to more sustainable and safer food preservation strategies. Further research is required to explore their scalability and long-term performance for various applications in the industry.
Effects of arginine and lysine on quality of shrimp during freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Xiao Sili , Liu Qiaoyu , Deng Jiaqi , You Yun , Huang Xiaoxia , Zeng Xiaofang , Bai Weidong , Zhuang Xiaoqi , Dong Hao , Ou Baiqiao
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of arginine (Arg) and lysine (Lys) on the quality of shrimp during freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. The application of Arg and Lys significantly enhanced the a* value of shrimp while effectively suppressing the increase in L* and b* value during the F-T process. Thawing loss, cooking loss, low field-nuclear magnetic resonance, and texture analysis showed that Arg and Lys could significantly reduce water redistribution during the F-T cycle, thereby reducing the effect of F-T process on hardness of shrimp. Hematoxylin and eosin staining also revealed that Arg and Lys were able to inhibit the destruction of muscle tissue by ice crystals. Furthermore, total sulfhydryl content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated that Arg and Lys effectively inhibited oxidation and degradation of lipid and protein on white shrimp during the F-T cycles. Raman spectra showed that Arg and Lys significantly inhibited protein structure changes during F-T cycles. In summary, Arg and Lys can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules through guanidine and amino groups, increasing the binding capacity of water. Arg and Lys reduced ice crystal damage, oxidativemage, and protein structure change during F-T process of white shrimp.
Interactions between hydrolysed high methoxyl pectin and heat-treated egg white protein: impact on emulsifying properties
Authors: Cappa Evangelina R , Sponton Osvaldo E , Perez Adrián A , Santiago Liliana G
Published: January 2025

In this study, the interactions between hydrolysed high-methoxyl pectin (HMPH) and heat-treated egg white (HEW) were investigated. Firstly, the hydrolysis of high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) was carried out by heating HMP solutions at concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% at 80–100 °C for 2 hr. The intrinsic viscosity [η] of HMPH decreased linearly with the heating temperature, whereas the HMP concentration had no effect. Additionally, molecular weights decreased from 137 kDa for native HMP to 117–41 kDa for HMPH. The interactions of HMPH with HEW, at a 1:1 mass ratio, were then analysed in terms of zeta potential, turbidity, and colloidal stability through visual assessment after 24 hr. Zeta potential vs. pH profiles remained unaffected by hydrolysis and were primarily governed by the pectin. According to the turbidity vs. pH results (absorbance at 600 nm), the critical pH (pH𝑐) values were 5.7 for HEW-HMP and ~6.1 for HEW-HMPH, while the phase separation onset pH (pH${}_\varphi$) was 3.5 for HEW-HMP and between 3.1 and 3.6 for HEW-HMPH. Visual inspection of the systems after 24 hr showed macroscopic phase separation at pH < 3. The emulsifying properties, including the emulsifying activity index (EAI) and stability, of the 1:1 HEW-HMPH system were evaluated across a pH range of 3–7 by preparing emulsions with corn oil at an oil volume fraction of 0.1 and a total biopolymer concentration of 2%. In general, the EAI of HEW-HMP systems increased compared to HEW, while the EAI of HEW-HMPH decreased relative to HEW-HMP. Furthermore, the most stable emulsions were observed for the HEW-HMP system.
Sodium alginate/soy protein isolate microcapsules enriched with iron sulphate for fortifying cookies
Authors: da Silva Marina Stogmüller Ferreira , Barbosa Bruno Sérgio Toledo , Garcia-Rojas Edwin Elard
Published: January 2025

Iron is a micronutrient that is important to humans, and its deficiency is considered a public health issue. Through this study, we were able to confirm the importance of microencapsulating iron sulphate through complex coacervation using sodium alginate and soy protein isolate as the wall material and its application in a food matrix. The phase diagram results demonstrate a strong affinity between these biopolymers, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of over 90% at a 1:1 ratio. The iron release profile from the microcapsules was as expected, with enhanced absorption in the intestinal phase and an overall accessibility of 59.05%. When the iron microcapsules were incorporated into a cookie, subsequent analysis revealed no significant differences in colour or texture compared with those of the control sample. These findings suggest that iron fortification via microencapsulation can be effectively integrated into widely accepted food products, such as cookies.
Investigating the ability of mid-infrared spectroscopy to analyse dietary supplements (from type to digestion): a preliminary study on sulforaphane supplements
Authors: Ali Redha Ali , Nash Geoffrey R , Torquati Luciana , Gidley Michael J , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: January 2025

Dietary supplements are popular but poorly regulated, leading to concerns about their quality and accuracy of labelling. Developing fast, simple, and sustainable methods to analyse these supplements could help protect consumers by improving quality control and regulation. This study aimed to differentiate protein-based sulforaphane supplements of similar composition using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, investigate the impact of production age on spectral profiles, and assess the ability of MIR spectroscopy to monitor in vitro digestion of these supplements. Supplements were stored for 12 weeks and analysed using an attenuated total reflectance module attached to a MIR instrument every 2 weeks. In addition, INFOGEST static in vitro digestion was performed, and MIR measurements were taken before, during, and after each phase. It was observed that the principal component analysis (PCA) score plots and loadings were different between the type of protein used to prepare the supplement. The PCA analysis of the stored samples showed a similar trend between the samples. The partial least squares regression models were able to predict the type of samples and days of storage, however, with differences. Overall, MIR spectroscopy could be considered a potential tool to be further investigated for quick and qualitative analysis of dietary supplements.
Stability, microstructural and rheological properties of camellia oil emulsion stabilized by sodium caseinate with konjac glucomannan
Authors: Xu Wei , Kang Mengyao , Jia Yin , Luo DengLin , Yin Yongpeng , Wu Guanchen , Zang Jiaxiang
Published: January 2025

Camellia oil is highly regarded for its rich nutritional value; however, its inherent instability limits its application in food processing. To enhance the stability of camellia oil emulsions, this study introduced konjac glucomannan (KGM) and systematically investigated its effects on the physical stability, rheological properties, and microstructure of sodium caseinate-stabilized camellia oil O/W emulsions. The emulsion droplet size and emulsification index were firstly analysed, and the results showed that high KGM concentration induced a decrease in droplet size and an increase in emulsion stability. With the increase in oil–water mass ratio (0.2–0.7), the droplet size gradually increased and was uniformly spherical, and the emulsification index of the emulsions decreased with the addition of high KGM level, which prolonged the storage time of the emulsions. The rheology and microstructure showed that with the increase in KGM concentration, film-like connections were formed between droplets, and a more solid, rigid gel network was formed inside the emulsion, which effectively trapped the emulsified droplets and further increased the stability of the emulsion. This study provides a new theoretical basis for optimizing the stability of camellia oil emulsions by KGM and broadens the application prospects of camellia oil in the food industry.