bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honeycomb, a New Food Resource with Health Care Functions: The Difference of Volatile Compounds found in Apis cerana and A. mellifera Honeycombs
Authors: Guo Xiali , Liang Yanlang , Yi Shengxiang , Qiu Shengrong , Liu Mingyan , Ning Fangjian , Luo Liping
Published: October 2022

The honeycomb composition is very complex, containing honey, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis, and thus contains a large number of bioactive ingredients, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In recent years, honeycomb as a new functional food resource has been favored by many bee product companies, but the basic research on honeycomb is lacking. The aim of this study is to reveal the chemical differences between A. cerana honeycombs (ACC) and A. mellifera honeycombs (AMC). In this paper, we studied the volatile organic components (VOCs) of ACC and AMC by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). A total of 114 VOCs were identified in 10 honeycombs. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the chemical composition of ACC and AMC were different. Additionally, orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed that benzaldehyde, octanal, limonene, ocimene, linalool, α-terpineol, and decanal are the significant VOCs in AMC extracts, which are mainly derived from propolis. OPLS-DA model also identified 2-phenylethanol, phenethyl acetate, isophorone, 4-oxoisophorone, betula, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl palmitate, and dihydrooxophorone as potential discriminatory markers of ACC, which likely contribute to protecting the hive against microorganisms and keep it clean.
High Concentrate Flavonoids Extract from Citrus Pomace Using Enzymatic and Deep Eutectic Solvents Extraction
Authors: de Oliveira Johnatt Allan Rocha , de Paula Menezes Barbosa Paula , Macêdo Gabriela Alves
Published: October 2022

This paper evaluated methodologies for extracting phenolic compounds by DES (Deep eutectic solvents) associated with pectinlyase. Citrus pomace was characterized chemically, and seven DESs were formulated for extraction. Two groups of extractions were performed. Group 1 extractions were performed only with DESs, at 40 °C and 60 °C, with CPWP (Citrus pomace with pectin) and CPNP (Citrus pomace no pectin). In group 2, the DES was associated with pectinlyase and used only with CPWP at 60 °C in two ways of extraction: E1S (one-step extraction) and E2E (2-step extraction). The extracts were evaluated TPC (total phenolic compounds), individual phenolic compounds by HPLC, and antioxidant capacity by methodologies of DPPH and FRAP. The results of group 1 extractions for CPWP showed the highest phenolic compounds concentration (559.2 ± 2.79 mg/100 g DM) at 60 °C. Group 2 (E2S) showed high values of total phenolic compounds (615.63 ± 28.01 mg/100 g DM) and antioxidant activity (23,200 ± 721.69 µmol TE/g DM), with values higher than conventional extraction (545.96 ± 26.80 mg/100 g DM and 16,682.04 ± 2139 µmol TE/g DM). The study demonstrated the excellent extractive potential of DES for flavonoid extraction from citrus pomace. DES 1 and 5 by E2S showed the highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity values, mainly when associated with pectinlyase.
Physicochemical and Sensorial Characterization of Artisanal Pasta from the Occitanie Region in France
Authors: Belahcen Loubnah , Cassan Denis , Canaguier Elodie , Robin Marie-Hélène , Chiffoleau Yuna , Samson Marie-Françoise , Jard Gwénaëlle
Published: October 2022

Artisanal pasta made from wheat or underutilized cereal flours has grown in popularity with the expansion of the local and short food chains. Artisanal pasta makers do not use the same raw materials or production processes, leading to great variability in the final product. The purpose of the study is to determine the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of artisanal pasta made from durum wheat flour. Seven brands of fusilli pasta manufactured in the Occitanie region (France) were selected and analyzed in terms of their physicochemical composition (protein and ash content in dry samples), cooking properties (optimal cooking time, water absorption, and cooking loss), sensory characteristics (Pivot profile), and consumer appreciation. Differences in the physicochemical characteristics of the dry pasta samples partly explain the variations in pasta characteristics measured after cooking. The Pivot profile varied among pasta brands, but no major differences in hedonic properties were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first time that artisanal pasta made from flour has been characterized in terms of its physicochemical and sensory properties, which highlights the diversity of products on the market.
Effect of Melatonin on Fruit Quality via Decay Inhibition and Enhancement of Antioxidative Enzyme Activities and Genes Expression of Two Mango Cultivars during Cold Storage
Authors: Njie Alagie , Zhang Wen’e , Dong Xiaoqing , Lu Chengyu , Pan Xuejun , Liu Qingguo
Published: October 2022

The postharvest deterioration of mango fruits is a critical issue limiting mango storage and preservation due to its climacteric nature. This study evaluated the storage behavior of two mango cultivars and their response to exogenous melatonin (MT, 1000 μmol L−1) treatment in attenuating fruit decay and enhancing fruits’ physiological and metabolic processes and gene relative expression subjected to cold storage. MT treatment in both mango cultivars significantly delayed weight loss, firmness, respiration rate, and decay incidence. However, MT did not influence the TSS, TA, and TSS:TA ratio regardless of the cultivar. Moreover, MT inhibited the decrease in total phenol and flavonoid content and AsA content while delaying the increase in the MDA content of mango during storage in both cultivars. In addition, MT dramatically inhibited the enzyme activity of PPO. In contrast, an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and APX) and PAL and their genes’ relative expression was noticed in MT-treated fruits versus control in both cultivars. However, MT treatment was cultivar dependent in most parameters under study. These results demonstrated that MT treatment could be an essential postharvest treatment in minimizing decay, maintaining fruit quality, and extending mango fruits’ postharvest shelf life by enhancing the physiological and metabolic processes during cold storage.
Gut Microbiota Differentially Mediated by Qingmao Tea and Qingzhuan Tea Alleviated High-Fat-Induced Obesity and Associated Metabolic Disorders: The Impact of Microbial Fermentation
Authors: Cheng Lizeng , Wei Yang , Xu Lurong , Peng Lanlan , Wang Yuanfeng , Wei Xinlin
Published: October 2022

Although dark tea is a unique microbial-fermented tea with a high reputation for having an antiobesity effect, little is known about the effect of microbial fermentation on tea leaves’ antiobesity properties. This study compared the antiobesity effects of microbial-fermented Qingzhuan tea (QZT) and unfermented Qingmao tea (QMT), providing insight into their underlying mechanisms associated with gut microbiota. Our results indicated that the supplementation of QMT extract (QMTe) and QZT extract (QZTe) displayed similar antiobesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, but the hypolipidemic effect of QZTe was significantly stronger than that of QMTe. The microbiomic analysis indicated that QZTe was more effective than QMTe at regulating HFD-caused gut microbiota dysbiosis. Akkermansiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, which have negative correlations with obesity, were enhanced notably by QZTe, whereas Faecalibaculum and Erysipelotrichaceae, which are positively correlated with obesity, were decreased dramatically by QMTe and QZTe. A Tax4Fun analysis of QMTe/QZTe-mediated gut microbiota revealed that QMTe supplementation drastically reversed the HFD-induced upregulation of glycolysis and energy metabolism, whereas QZTe supplementation significantly restored the HFD-caused downregulation of pyruvate metabolism. Our findings suggested that microbial fermentation showed a limited effect on tea leaves’ antiobesity, but enhanced their hypolipidemic activity, and QZT could attenuate obesity and associated metabolic disorders by favorably modulating gut microbiota.
Comprehensive Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Papaya Extracts
Authors: Jeon Yoon A , Chung Sun Woo , Kim Seong Cheol , Lee Young Jae
Published: October 2022

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of papaya (Carica papaya) fruits were evaluated to provide comprehensive information associated with the bioactive compounds. ‘Tainung No. 2’ papaya fruits, cultivated in a greenhouse, Korea, were harvested at unripe and ripe stages and then divided into seed and peel-pulp. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometry, and individual phenolic compounds were relatively quantified by HPLC-DAD and fifteen standards. Antioxidant activities were measured using four assays: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power). Anti-inflammatory activities were measured by the regulation of NF-κB signaling pathways with the measurements of ROS and NO productions as the degree of oxidative stress. Total phenol contents increased in seed and peel–pulp extracts during ripening; flavonoid contents increased only in seed extracts. Total phenolic contents were associated with ABTS radical scavenging activity and FRAP. Of fifteen phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, eupatorine, neochlorogenic acid, and vicenin II were identified among papaya extracts. ROS and NO productions were inhibited in papaya extracts. Especially, NO productions were inhibited higher in ripe seed extracts than in other extracts, which would be associated with the suppression of NF-κB activation and iNOS expression. These results suggest that papaya fruit extracts, including seeds, peels, and pulps, could be potential raw materials for functional foods.
Preparation of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol by Enzymatic Alcoholysis: Effects of Solvent and Water Activity on Acyl Migration
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Liu Keying , Wang Yifan , Huang Zhuoneng , Wang Xiaosan
Published: October 2022

Enzymatic alcoholysis was performed in an organic medium to synthesize 2-monoacylglycerol (2-MAG) rich in arachidonic acid. The results showed that solvent type and water activity (aw) significantly affected the 2-MAG yield. Under the optimum conditions, 33.58% 2-MAG was produced in the crude product in t-butanol system. Highly pure 2-MAG was obtained after two-stage extraction using 85% ethanol aqueous solution and hexane at first stage and dichloromethane and water at second stage. Isolated 2-MAG was used as substrate to investigate the effect of solvent type and aw on 2-MAG acyl migration in a lipase-inactivated system. The results indicated that non-polar solvents accelerated the acyl migration of 2-MAG, whereas isomerization was inhibited in polar solvent systems. The aw exhibited the strongest inhibition effect on 2-MAG isomerization at 0.97, but also affected the hydrolysis of glycerides and lipase selectivity.
Influence of Emulsifying Salts on the Growth of Bacillus thuringiensis CFBP 3476 and Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124 in Processed Cheese
Authors: Fusieger Andressa , da Silva Raiane Rodrigues , Cavicchioli Valéria Quintana , Rodrigues Rafaela da Silva , Honorato Jaqueline Aparecida , de Jesus Silva Sidney Rodrigues , Pena Mariana Lage , Caggia Cinzia , Nero Luís Augusto , de Carvalho Antonio Fernandes
Published: October 2022

Processed cheese is a dairy product with multiple end-use applications, where emulsifying salts play a fundamental role in physicochemical changes during production. Moreover, some of these salts may be a strategy to control spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, contributing to safety and shelf life extension. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity of two emulsifying salts (ESSP = short polyP and BSLP = long polyP) against Bacillus thuringiensis CFBP 3476 and Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124, and to compare the in situ effects of two emulsifying salts treatments (T1 = 1.5% ESSP and T2 = 1.0% ESSP + 0.5% BSLP) in processed cheeses obtained by two different methods (laboratory- and pilot-scales), during 45-day storage at 6 °C. C. perfringens ATCC 13124 growth was not affected in vitro or in situ (p > 0.05), but both of the treatments reduced B. thuringiensis CFBP 4376 counts in the tested condition. Counts of the treatments with B. thuringiensis CFBP 3476 presented a higher and faster reduction in cheeses produced by the laboratory-scale method (1.6 log cfu/g) when compared to the pilot-scale method (1.8 log cfu/g) (p < 0.05). For the first time, the inhibitory effect of emulsifying salts in processed cheeses obtained by two different methods was confirmed, and changes promoted by laboratory-scale equipment influenced important interactions between the processed cheese matrix and emulsifying salts, resulting in B. thuringiensis CFBP 4376 growth reduction.
Preparation of Monoclonal Antibody against Pyrene and Benzo [a]pyrene and Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Fish, Shrimp and Crab Samples
Authors: Wu Shuangmin , Li Huaming , Yin Xiaoyang , Si Yu , Qin Liangni , Yang Hongfei , Xiao Jiaxu , Peng Dapeng
Published: October 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental and food pollutants that can cause cancer. In this work, a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) to identify pyrene (PYR) and benzo [a]pyrene (BaP) was prepared, and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ic-ELISA) was established to detect PYR and BaP residues in living aquatic products for the first time. The effects of complete antigens with different coupling ratios on the production of high-sensitivity mAb was explored. Under the optimal conditions, the IC50 value was 3.73 ± 0.43 µg/L (n = 5). The limits of detection (LODs) for PYR and BaP in fish, shrimp, and crab ranged from 0.43 to 0.98 µg/L. The average recoveries of the spiked samples ranged from 81.5–101.9%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 11.7%. The validation of the HPLC-FLD method indicated that the ELISA method set up in this experiment provided a trustworthy tool for PAHs residues detection in aquatic products.
Food Insecurity in the Households of Polish Elderly: Diversity in the Perception of Its Causes by Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics
Authors: Gajda Robert , Jeżewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Styczyńska Marzena , Jarossová Małgorzata Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

The aging of societies and the quality of life of the elderly may be accompanied by food insecurity. The aim of the study was to find the relationships between the perceptions of various causes of food insecurity, i.e., financial, social, health, and spatial, and then between those and the selected sociodemographic characteristics. The survey was conducted in late 2018 and early 2019 among 760 people aged 65 and older in two regions of Poland. Factor analysis with the use of principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the main causes of the prevalence of food insecurity. Cluster analysis using Ward’s hierarchical classification and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between the identified reasons for food insecurity, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic status (SES). Two groups of causes that favor the experience of food insecurity among the elderly were identified, i.e., economic–social reasons and spatial–health reasons. They relate to such situations of food insecurity as concerns about food shortages, lack of staple foods, limited size or frequency of meals, and skipping meals. The high importance of economic–social (HE-S) reasons was associated with the low importance of spatial–health (LS-H) reasons, and conversely, the high importance of spatial–health (HS-H) causes was associated with the low importance of economic–social (LE-S) causes. HE-S and LS-H reasons were combined with low SES and residence in a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants. HS-H causes, on the other hand, were associated with LE-S causes and living in rural areas or towns of fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, as well as high SES. This specificity should be considered in the development of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the phenomenon of experiencing food insecurity in the elderly population.
Effects of Pineapple Peel Ethanolic Extract on the Physicochemical and Textural Properties of Surimi Prepared from Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Majumdar Ranendra , Mehta Naresh , Nirmal Nilesh
Published: October 2022

The effects of ethanolic pineapple peel extract (PPE) powder at various concentrations (0–1.50%, w/w) on the gelling properties of silver carp surimi were investigated. The pineapple peel extract produced with 0–100% ethanol, revealed that 100% ethanol had the highest bioactive properties. Surimi gels with added PPE powder demonstrated improved gel strength (504.13 ± 11.78 g.cm) and breaking force (511.64 ± 11.80 g) up to 1% PPE addition; however, as PPE concentration increased beyond 1%, the gel strength decreased. Similarly, with the addition of 1% PPE powder, more hydrophobic bonds and fewer sulfhydryl groups and free amino groups were seen. However, the gels with PPE powder added showed a slight reduction in the whiteness of the surimi gels. FTIR analysis indicated that the fortification with PPE powder brought about the secondary structure of myofibrillar proteins; peaks shifted to the β-sheet region (PPE gels) from the α-helix region (control). SEM analysis indicated that the gel with 1% PPE powder had a relatively organized, finer and denser gel architecture. Overall results suggested that the addition of PPE powder up to 1% to the surimi gels enhanced the gelling properties as well as the microstructure of the surimi.
Scale-Up of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Protein Recovery Using Screw Presses
Authors: Hansen Mikkel , Andersen Christina Albers , Jensen Peter Ruhdal , Hobley Timothy John
Published: October 2022

As a consequence of the increased demand for proteins for both feed and food, alternative protein sources from green plants such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa) have come into focus, together with methods to recover these proteins. In this study, we have investigated the use of screw presses for protein recovery from alfalfa at laboratory and pilot scale. We found that using a pilot scale screw press, with a working pressure of 6 bar, 16% of the total protein was recovered in one pressing, and that after rehydrating and repressing the alfalfa up to ten times, 48% of the total protein could be recovered. The green alfalfa protein concentrate was analyzed for total protein, amino acid profile, protein digestibility, color, ash, fiber and fat content. It was found that repetitive pressings lowered the digestibility of the protein pool and reduced the total protein concentration due to dilution. To achieve the best quality protein at the highest concentrations, it is recommended to press the alfalfa no more than twice, which results in an alfalfa protein concentrate with more than 32% soluble protein and greater than 82% digestibility.
Comprehensive Evaluation of 24 Red Raspberry Varieties in Northeast China Based on Nutrition and Taste
Authors: Yu Yiping , Yang Guang , Sun Lanying , Song Xingshun , Bao Yihong , Luo Ting , Wang Jinling
Published: October 2022

Red raspberry is a kind of fruit with high nutritional values. To evaluate the comprehensive quality of 24 red raspberry varieties in Northeast China, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and sensory characteristics were measured, followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Altogether, eight important property indexes for processing attributes were selected out using PCA, including titratable acidity (TAC), sugar-acid ratio (SAR), pH, length, diameter, weight, sucrose and citric acid. Six individual sugars, including l-rhamnose monohydrate, fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose and d-trehalose anhydrous, as well as eight organic acids, including oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid and succinic acid, were identified in red raspberry. The two main clusters according to individual sugar, organic acids and SAR indicated that varieties including ‘European red’, ‘DNS9’, ‘Bulgaskc’, ‘Canby’ and ‘Samodiva’ were suitable for fresh-eating or processing to juice or other products directly because they had suitable SAR; other varieties with relatively low SAR were unsuitable for fresh-eating and need to adjust their excessive sour taste during processing.
Meat Quality and Muscle Tissue Proteome of Crossbred Bulls Finished under Feedlot Using Wet Distiller Grains By-Product
Authors: Baldassini Welder , Gagaoua Mohammed , Santiago Bismarck , Rocha Leone , Torrecilhas Juliana , Torres Rodrigo , Curi Rogério , Neto Otávio Machado , Padilha Pedro , Santos Felipe , Lanna Dante Pazzanese , Chardulo Luis Artur
Published: October 2022

Wet distiller grains (WDG) are a corn by-product rich in protein and fiber that can be used in feedlot diets. This study evaluated F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed on a control diet vs. WDG (n = 25/treatment). After a period of 129 days on these feeds, the animals were slaughtered and Longissimus thoracis samples were collected for both a meat quality evaluation and gel-based proteomic analyses. A greater ribeye area (99.47 cm²) and higher carcass weight (333.6 kg) (p < 0.05) were observed in the WDG-finished cattle compared to the control (80.7 cm²; 306.3 kg). Furthermore, there were differences (p < 0.05) in the intramuscular fat between the WDG and control animals (IMF = 2.77 vs. 4.19%), which led to a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in saturated fatty acids (FA). However, no differences (p > 0.10) were observed in terms of tenderness, evaluated using Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF). The proteomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed substantial changes in the biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components of the WDG-finished cattle compared to the control. Proteins related to a myriad of interconnected pathways, such as contractile and structural pathways, energy metabolism, oxidative stress and cell redox homeostasis, and transport and signaling. In this experiment, the use of WDG supplementation influenced the protein expression of several proteins, some of which are known biomarkers of beef quality (tenderness and color), as well as the protein–protein interactions that can act as the origins of increases in muscle growth and reductions in IMF deposition. However, despite the effects on the proteome, the tenderness, evaluated by WBSF, and fatty acid profile were not compromised by WDG supplementation.
Beyond the Penrose Hypothesis: Examining the Association between the Availability of Psychiatric Care and National Homicide Rates in 166 Countries
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: October 2022

The association between mental illness and violent crimes such as homicide is complex. In 1939, Lionel Penrose hypothesized that the availability of psychiatric hospital beds was inversely related to the prison population, presumably due to the hospitalization of potential offenders with a mental illness. Subsequent studies have found evidence for this association, but questions remain about the contributions of confounding factors. Moreover, there has been a move towards deinstitutionalization and community care of the mentally ill over the past six decades. In this study, the association between national homicide rates and three measures of the availability of psychiatric care—the numbers of psychiatrists, general hospital psychiatric beds, and psychiatric hospital beds per 100,000 population—was examined using a time-lagged correlation analysis. Associations between homicide rates and socioeconomic factors associated with crime were also examined. It was found that the availability of psychiatrists and of general hospital psychiatric beds were both negatively correlated with homicide rates, and that the association with general hospital psychiatric beds remained significant even after correction for confounding factors. These results suggest the need for a more nuanced interpretation of Penrose’s original formulation, involving the interplay of social, economic factors and psychological factors rather than linear causality.
Qualitative Properties of Positive Solutions of a Kind for Fractional Pantograph Problems using Technique Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Boulares Hamid , Benchaabane Abbes , Pakkaranang Nuttapol , Shafqat Ramsha , Panyanak Bancha
Published: October 2022

The current paper intends to report the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for nonlinear pantograph Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential equations. As part of a procedure, we transform the specified pantograph fractional differential equation into an equivalent integral equation. We show that this equation has a positive solution by utilising the Schauder fixed point theorem (SFPT) and the upper and lower solutions method. Another method for proving the existence of a singular positive solution is the Banach fixed point theorem (BFPT). Finally, we provide an example that illustrates and explains our conclusions.
Collocation Method for Optimal Control of a Fractional Distributed System
Authors: Cao Wen , Xu Yufeng
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a collocation method based on the Jacobi polynomial is proposed for a class of optimal-control problems of a fractional distributed system. By using the Lagrange multiplier technique and fractional variational principle, the stated problem is reduced to a system of fractional partial differential equations about control and state functions. The uniqueness of this fractional coupled system is discussed. For spatial second-order derivatives, the proposed method takes advantage of Jacobi polynomials with different parameters to approximate solutions. For a temporal fractional derivative in the Caputo sense, choosing appropriate basis functions allows the collocation method to be implemented easily and efficiently. Exponential convergence is verified numerically under continuous initial conditions. As a particular example, the relation between the state function and the order of the fractional derivative is analyzed with a discontinuous initial condition. Moreover, the numerical results show that the integration of the state function will decay as the order of the fractional derivative decreases.
Spatial Series and Fractal Analysis Associated with Fracture Behaviour of UO2 Ceramic Material
Authors: Paun Maria-Alexandra , Paun Vladimir-Alexandru , Paun Viorel-Puiu
Published: October 2022

SEM micrographs of the fracture surface for UO2 ceramic materials have been analysed. In this paper, we introduce some algorithms and develop a computer application based on the time-series method. Utilizing the embedding technique of phase space, the attractor is reconstructed. The fractal dimension, lacunarity, and autocorrelation dimension average value have been calculated.
Comparison between the Influence of Finely Ground Phosphorous Slag and Fly Ash on Frost Resistance, Pore Structures and Fractal Features of Hydraulic Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Yajun , Zhao Feng , Huo Tingting , Chen E , Tang Shengwen
Published: October 2022

Hydraulic concrete in cold regions is necessary for good frost resistance. The utilization of finely ground PS (FGPS) in the construction of hydropower projects could solve the pollution issue and the fly ash shortage problem. In this work, the influence of FGPS and fly ash on frost resistance, pore structure and fractal features of hydraulic concretes was investigated and compared. The main results are: (1) The inclusion of 15–45% FGPS reduced the compressive strength of plain cement concretes by about 21–52%, 7–23% and 0.4–8.2% at 3, 28 and 180 days, respectively. (2) The inclusion of FGPS less than 30% contributed to the enhancement of 180-day frost resistance. At the same dosage level, the FGPS concrete presented larger compressive strengths and better frost resistance than fly ash concrete at 28 and 180 days. (3) At 3 days, both the addition of FGPS and fly ash coarsened the pore structures. FGPS has a much stronger pore refinement effect than fly ash at 28 and 180 days. The correlation between frost resistance of hydraulic concrete and pore structure is weak. (4) At 28 days, the incorporation of FGPS and fly ash weakened the air void structure of hydraulic concrete. At 180 days, the presence of FGPS and fly ash was beneficial for refining the air void structure. The optimal dosage for FGPS and fly ash in terms of 180-day air void refinement was 30% and 15%, respectively. The frost resistance of hydraulic concretes is closely correlated with the air void structure. (5) The pore surface fractal dimension (Ds) could characterize and evaluate the pore structure of hydraulic concretes, but it was poorly correlated with the frost resistance.
Optimality Guidelines for the Fuzzy Multi-Objective Optimization under the Assumptions of Vector Granular Convexity and Differentiability
Authors: Zhang Jianke , Wang Yueyue , Feng Quanxi , Li Lifeng
Published: October 2022

In this research, we investigate a novel class of granular type optimality guidelines for the fuzzy multi-objective optimizations based on guidelines of vector granular convexity and granular differentiability. Firstly, the concepts of vector granular convexity is introduced to the vector fuzzy-valued function. Secondly, several properties of vector granular convex fuzzy-valued functions are provided. Thirdly, the granular type Karush-Kuhn-Tucker(KKT) optimality guidelines are derived for the fuzzy multi-objective optimizations.
Water Desalination Using Polyelectrolyte Hydrogel: Gibbs Ensemble Modeling
Authors: Laktionov Mikhail , Nová Lucie , Rud Oleg V.
Published: October 2022

Polyelectrolyte hydrogels can absorb a large amount of water across an osmotic membrane as a result of their swelling pressure. On the other hand, the insoluble cross-linked hydrogel network enables dewatering under the influence of external (thermal and/or mechanical) stimuli. Moreover, from a thermodynamic perspective, a polyelectrolyte hydrogel is already an osmotic membrane. These properties designate hydrogels as excellent candidates for use in desalination, at the same time avoiding the use of expensive membranes. In this article, we present our recent theoretical study of polyelectrolyte hydrogel usage for water desalination. Employing a coarse-grained model and the Gibbs ensemble, we modeled the thermodynamic equilibrium between the coexisting gel phase and the supernate aqueous salt solution phase. We performed a sequence of step-by-step hydrogel swellings and compressions in open and closed systems, i.e., in equilibrium with a large and with a comparably small reservoir of aqueous solution. The swelling in an open system removes ions from the large reservoir, whereas the compression in a closed system decreases the salt concentration in the small reservoir. We modeled this stepwise process of continuous decrease of water salinity from seawater up to freshwater concentrations and estimated the energy cost of the process to be comparable to that of reverse osmosis.
Enriched Pathways of Calcium Regulation, Cellular/Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Proliferation Characterize Gluteal Muscle of Standardbred Horses between Episodes of Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Velez-Irizarry Deborah , Williams Zoë J. , Henry Marisa L. , Iglewski Hailey , Herrick Keely , Fenger Clara
Published: October 2022

Certain Standardbred racehorses develop recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER-STD) for unknown reasons. We compared gluteal muscle histopathology and gene/protein expression between Standardbreds with a history of, but not currently experiencing rhabdomyolysis (N = 9), and race-trained controls (N = 7). Eight RER-STD had a few mature fibers with small internalized myonuclei, one out of nine had histologic evidence of regeneration and zero out of nine degeneration. However, RER-STD versus controls had 791/13,531 differentially expressed genes (DEG). The top three gene ontology (GO) enriched pathways for upregulated DEG (N = 433) were inflammation/immune response (62 GO terms), cell proliferation (31 GO terms), and hypoxia/oxidative stress (31 GO terms). Calcium ion regulation (39 GO terms), purine nucleotide metabolism (32 GO terms), and electron transport (29 GO terms) were the top three enriched GO pathways for down-regulated DEG (N = 305). DEG regulated RYR1 and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium stores. Differentially expressed proteins (DEP ↑N = 50, ↓N = 12) involved the sarcomere (24% of DEP), electron transport (23%), metabolism (20%), inflammation (6%), cell/oxidative stress (7%), and other (17%). DEP included ↑superoxide dismutase, ↑catalase, and DEP/DEG included several cysteine-based antioxidants. In conclusion, gluteal muscle of RER-susceptible Standardbreds is characterized by perturbation of pathways for calcium regulation, cellular/oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular regeneration weeks after an episode of rhabdomyolysis that could represent therapeutic targets.
miR-125-3p and miR-276b-3p Regulate the Spermatogenesis of Bactrocera dorsalis by Targeting the orb2 Gene
Authors: Sohail Summar , Tariq Kaleem , Sajid Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Waqar , Peng Wei , Zhang Hongyu
Published: October 2022

Bactrocera dorsalis is considered a major threat to horticultural crops. It has evolved resistance against insecticides. It is believed that development of new methods is highly desirable to control this destructive agricultural pest. Sterile insect technique is emerging as a potential tool to control this insect pest by reducing their reproductive ability. Here we report that orb2 has high expression in the testis of B. dorsalis which is the target of miR-125-3p and miR-276b-3p and plays a critical role in the spermatogenesis. Dual luciferase reporter assay using HEKT293 cells demonstrates that orb2 gene is downregulated by miR-125-3p and miR-276b-3p and is a common target of these miRNAs. Dietary treatment of adult male flies separately and in combination of agomir-125-3p (Ago-125-3p) and agomir-276b-3p (Ago-276b-3p) significantly downregulated the mRNA of orb2. The combined treatments of agomirs suppressed the level of mRNA of orb2 significantly more than any single treatment. Altered expression of miR-125-3p and miR-276b-3p significantly decreased the total and live spermatozoa in the testis which ultimately caused reduction in male fertility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-125-3p, miR-276b-3p, and orb2 dsRNA are the novel agents that could be used in a genetic-based sterile insect technique (SIT) to control the B. dorsalis.
Cloning of Toll-like Receptor 3 Gene from Schizothorax prenanti (SpTLR3), and Expressions of Seven SpTLRs and SpMyD88 after Lipopolysaccharide Induction
Authors: Huang Jiqin , Zhang Jianlu , Zhang Kunyang , Fang Cheng , Li Wanchun , Wang Qijun
Published: October 2022

Toll-like receptor 3 (SpTLR3) from Schizothorax prenanti (S. prenanti) was cloned and identified, and the tissue distribution of the SpTLR3 gene was examined in this study. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 gene (SpMyD88) and seven TLR genes (SpTLR2, SpTLR3, SpTLR4, SpTLR18, SpTLR22-1, SpTLR22-2 and SpTLR22-3) from S. prenanti after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were analyzed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The full length of SpTLR3 gene is 3097 bp, and complete coding sequence (CDS) is 2715 bp, which encodes 904 amino acids. The SpTLR3 amino acid sequence shared 43.94–100% identity with TLR3 sequences from other vertebrates; SpTLR3 was expressed in all eight tissues examined; and the highest level appeared in the liver, which was significantly higher than in all other tissues (p < 0.05), followed by the levels in the heart and muscles. LPS significantly up-regulated all eight genes in the S. prenanti tissues at 12 or 24 h (p < 0.05). Compared with the PBS control group, no significant transcripts changes were found in SpTLR2 or SpTLR3 at 12 h after LPS induction, but they were significantly up-regulated at 24 h (p < 0.001). The most abundant transcripts were found in the head kidney SpTLR22 genes after 24 h LPS induction, with high to low levels, which were SpTLR22-1 (564-fold), SpTLR22-3 (508-fold) and SpTLR22-2 (351-fold). Among these eight genes, the expression level of SpTLR4 was the least up-regulated. Overall, SpTLR4 in the head kidney was involved in the antibacterial immune response earlier, and the level was increased at 12 h with extreme significance after LPS stimulation (p < 0.001), while the other seven genes were the most significantly up-regulated at 24 h post injection. Taken together, the results suggest that SpMyD88, SpTLR2, SpTLR3, SpTLR4, SpTLR18, SpTLR22-1, SpTLR22-2 and SpTLR22-3 participate in an innate immune response stimulated by LPS, and the response intensity of the genes was organ-specific, with differing kinetics. Our findings will contribute to a more complete understanding of the roles of these TLR genes in antibacterial immunity.
Obesity and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction: From Pediatrics to Adults
Authors: Menendez Ana , Wanczyk Heather , Walker Joanne , Zhou Beiyan , Santos Melissa , Finck Christine
Published: October 2022

Obesity is a growing health problem that affects both children and adults. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome due to chronic low-grade inflammation present at early stages of the disease. In pediatric patients suffering from obesity, the role of epigenetics, the gut microbiome and intrauterine environment have emerged as causative factors Interestingly, pediatric obesity is strongly associated with low birth weight. Accelerated weight gain oftentimes occurs in these individuals during the post-natal period, which can lead to increased risk of adiposity and metabolic disease. The pathophysiology of obesity is complex and involves biological and physiological factors compounded by societal factors such as family and community. On a cellular level, adipocytes contained within adipose tissue become dysregulated and further contribute to development of comorbidities similar to those present in adults with obesity. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of adipose tissue immune, inflammatory and metabolic adaptation of the adipose tissue in obesity. Early cellular changes as well as the role of immune cells and inflammation on the progression of disease in pivotal pediatric clinical trials, adult studies and mouse models are emphasized. Understanding the initial molecular and cellular changes that occur during obesity can facilitate new and improved treatments aimed at early intervention and subsequent prevention of adulthood comorbidities.
Episomes and Transposases—Utilities to Maintain Transgene Expression from Nonviral Vectors
Authors: Kreppel Florian , Hagedorn Claudia
Published: October 2022

The efficient delivery and stable transgene expression are critical for applications in gene therapy. While carefully selected and engineered viral vectors allowed for remarkable clinical successes, they still bear significant safety risks. Thus, nonviral vectors are a sound alternative and avoid genotoxicity and adverse immunological reactions. Nonviral vector systems have been extensively studied and refined during the last decades. Emerging knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of replication and spatial chromatin organisation, as well as new technologies, such as Crispr/Cas, were employed to enhance the performance of different nonviral vector systems. Thus, nonviral vectors are in focus and hold some promising perspectives for future applications in gene therapy. This review addresses three prominent nonviral vector systems: the Sleeping Beauty transposase, S/MAR-based episomes, and viral plasmid replicon-based EBV vectors. Exemplarily, we review different utilities, modifications, and new concepts that were pursued to overcome limitations regarding stable transgene expression and mitotic stability. New insights into the nuclear localisation of nonviral vector molecules and the potential consequences thereof are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining limitations and provide an outlook on possible future developments in nonviral vector technology.
VDR Polymorphic Variants Are Related to Improvements in CRP and Disease Activity in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis That Undergo Anti-TNF Treatment
Authors: Bugaj Bartosz , Wielińska Joanna , Świerkot Jerzy , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna , Górna Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

Vitamin D deficiency is related with susceptibility or progression of various autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to assess potential relations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor-coding gene (VDR): rs1544410 (BsmI), rs2228570 (FokI), rs731236 (TaqI), rs7975232 (ApaI), and disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) undergoing anti-TNF therapy. The VDR rs731236 CT genotype was statistically more common among female patients (p = 0.027). An improvement of CRP equal to or higher than 50% after 3 months of anti-TNF therapy was observed for rs2228570 T allele (p = 0.002). After 6 months, CRP improvement equal to or higher than 75% was related to presence of the rs1544410 AA genotype (p = 0.027) and the rs731236 CC homozygotes (p = 0.047). Baseline BASDAI values were lower in individuals with the rs2228570 TT genotype (p = 0.036) and rs7975232 C allele (p = 0.029). After 6 months of treatment, lower BASDAI values were observed in AC heterozygotes (p = 0.005). The same AC genotype was more frequently detected in patients with remission (BASDAI ≤ 2) (p = 0.001) and in those achieving BASDAI improvement equal to or higher than 75% (p = 0.006). In conclusion, VDR SNPs were found to relate to CRP and BASDAI values at different time points of anti-TNF therapy.
Transcriptome-Wide Characterization of piRNAs during the Developmental Process of European Honey-Bee Larval Guts
Authors: Xu Ya-Jing , Long Qi , Fan Xiao-Xue , Ye Ya-Ping , Zhang Kai-Yao , Zhang Jia-Xin , Zhao Hao-Dong , Yao Yu-Tong , Fu Zhong-Min , Chen Da-Fu , Guo Rui , Ji Ting , Lin Zhe-Guang
Published: October 2022

piRNAs play pivotal roles in maintaining genome stability, regulating gene expression, and modulating development and immunity. However, there are few piRNA-associated studies on honey-bees, and the regulatory role of piRNAs in the development of bee guts is largely unknown. Here, the differential expression pattern of piRNAs during the developmental process of the European honey-bee (Apis mellifera) larval guts was analyzed, followed by investigation of the regulatory network and the potential function of differentially expressed piRNAs (DEpiRNAs) in regulating gut development. A total of 843 piRNAs were identified in the larval guts of A. mellifera; among these, 764 piRNAs were shared by 4- (Am4 group), 5- (Am5 group), and 6-day-old (Am6 group) larval guts, while 11, 67, and one, respectively, were unique. The first base of piRNAs in each group had a cytosine (C) bias. Additionally, 61 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated piRNAs were identified in the “Am4 vs. Am5” comparison group, further targeting 9, 983 genes, which were involved in 50 GO terms and 142 pathways, while two up-regulated and five down-regulated piRNAs were detected in the “Am5 vs. Am6” comparison group, further targeting 1, 936 genes, which were engaged in 41 functional terms and 101 pathways. piR-ame-742536 and piR-ame-856650 in the “Am4 vs. Am5” comparison group as well as piR-ame-592661 and piR-ame-31653 in the “Am5 vs. Am6” comparison group were found to link to the highest number of targets. Further analysis indicated that targets of DEpiRNAs in these two comparison groups putatively regulate seven development-associated signaling pathways, seven immune-associated pathways, and three energy metabolism pathways. Moreover, the expression trends of five randomly selected DEpiRNAs were verified based on stem-loop RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. These results were suggestive of the overall alteration of piRNAs during the larval developmental process and demonstrated that DEpiRNAs potentially modulate development-, immune-, and energy metabolism-associated pathways by regulating the expression of corresponding genes via target binding, further affecting the development of A. mellifera larval guts. Our data offer a novel insight into the development of bee larval guts and lay a basis for clarifying the underlying mechanisms.
Assessment of Ground Instabilities’ Causative Factors Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis Methods: Case of the Coastal Region of Northwestern Rif, Morocco
Authors: Tribak Haytam , Gasc-Barbier Muriel , El Garouani Abdelkader
Published: October 2022

An assessment of ground instabilities’ causative factors remains a topical subject. Such studies are rare, and evaluation techniques are still under development. The choice of evaluation technique should take into account the materials available and the objective sought. Statistical analysis methods are the most widely used, with multivariate analysis being the most accurate. The present work evaluates the weights of the influences of the different factors of ground instability of the coastal region between Tetouan and Jebha through multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The application of both methods requires an accurate ground instability inventory with study sites that are well documented through modalities of causative factors and other descriptive data. The performed MCA shows that lithology has a significant influence on the type of existing instability. It also helped classify the instabilities into five distinct classes according to their modalities and specify the factors that differentiate the classes. The PCA shows that lithology is the most influential factor in landslides, contrary to rockfalls, where a variety of factors can be preponderant.
Defecation Dysfunction and Exercise Habits among Survivors of Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Qualitative Study
Authors: Nakagawa Hiromi , Sasai Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: October 2022

This pilot qualitative study aimed to investigate exercise habits and assess defecatory dysfunction among adult survivors of rectal cancer with and without stomas. Patients were eligible for the study if they had stage I–IV rectal cancer, and less than 5 years had elapsed since surgery. We conducted semi-structured interviews with outpatients visiting two general hospitals in Japan and inquired about their diets, defecation, and exercise habits. The interview data were transcribed verbatim, interpreted, and abstracted to generate coding units; we divided the responses into categories and subcategories. Eleven patients had stomas inserted after surgery while six did not. Content analysis identified four categories common to patients with and without stomas: [diet control], [coping with defecation dysfunction], [compromising with defecation dysfunctions], and [maintenance of exercise habits]. Our results suggest the need for intervening among rectal cancer survivors to address eating habits to alleviate defecation dysfunction and exercise habits to maintain physical function. In clinical practice, symptom relief and exercise instruction may improve the well-being of cancer survivors with bowel dysfunction.