bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Cake Proteins: From Concentrate Production to Enhanced Choux Pastry Quality
Authors: Capcanari Tatiana , Covaliov Eugenia , Negoița Cătălina
Published: February 2025

This study explores the production and valorization of hemp seed cake protein concentrate (HPC) as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of choux pastry products, specifically éclairs. By integrating varied concentrations of HPC (0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) into traditional formulations, the physicochemical properties, proximate composition, amino acid profile, and sensory characteristics of the resulting pastries were assessed. Sensory attributes were assessed using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) method, where a trained panel selected applicable descriptors from a predefined list. Results indicated that the incorporation of HPC significantly increased protein content from 8.23% in the control sample (HPC0%) to 11.32% in the HPC20% formulation and improved moisture retention, leading to greater exterior and interior éclairs volume, increasing from 42.15 cm3 to 51.5 cm3 and from 18.34 cm3 to 38.47 cm3, respectively. Furthermore, sensory evaluation revealed pronounced differences in attributes such as flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel, with optimal sensory profiles noted at 10% HPC inclusion. The amino acid analysis demonstrated a balanced composition, particularly of essential amino acids, emphasizing HPC’s potential as a valuable protein source, with significant contributions from leucine (8.17 g/100 g protein), isoleucine (5.56 g/100 g protein), and phenylalanine (6.31 g/100 g protein), as well as notable levels of immunoactive amino acids such as arginine (10.92 g/100 g protein) and glutamic acid (20.16 g/100 g protein). These findings highlight the significant nutritional benefits of HPC enrichment, supporting the development of healthier bakery products and contributing to sustainable food practices within the industry.
Multifilm Mass Transfer and Reaction Rate Kinetics in a Newly Developed In Vitro Digestion System for Carbohydrate Digestion
Authors: Sun Yongmei , Cheng Jingying , Cheng Shu , Langrish Timothy A. G.
Published: February 2025

Multifilm mass transfer theory has been used in conjunction with developing a new in vitro starch digestion model and applied to assessing starch digestion kinetics. One significance of this research is that this in vitro model has similar dynamics, such as similar Reynolds numbers for both in vivo and in vitro systems. In the in vitro intestine model, when the flow rate changes from 5.9 × 10−6 m3 s−1 to 1.0 × 10−5 m3 s−1 inside the intestine wall (inside the sausage casing), the Re number changes from 362 to 615. An oral digestion model, a stomach model, and an intestine model have been built to quantitatively understand reaction rate kinetics and two-film (or multifilm) mass transfer for carbohydrate digestion. This in vitro digestion system represents the oral mastication process to reduce the length scale of the test food, amylase inhibition in the stomach, and glucose generation and transport through the intestine wall according to the various emptying rates from stomach. Another dimensionless group, the Damköhler number (Da), has been calculated based on glucose measurements from this in vitro model, which show similar glycemic responses of the hydrolysis for banana and carrot with in vivo results. Another significance of this research is to distinguish a low GI food from a high GI one in this in vitro system and the possibility to estimate the GI value based on the glucose measurements.
Biotechnological Tools for the Production of Low-FODMAP Wholegrain Wheat and Rye Cookies and Crackers
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra M. , Filipčev Bojana , Vujasinović Vesna , Miljić Uroš , Radivojević Goran , Miljić Milorad , Radosavljević Miloš
Published: February 2025

Fermentable oligosaccharides, di- and monosaccharides, and polyols defined as FODMAPs readily trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects up to 23% of the population, through several mechanisms. A low-FODMAP diet is a short-term solution due to significant nutrient deficiencies, especially in dietary fibre (DF). IBS patients must avoid cereals, especially wholegrain cereals such as wheat and rye, which are an important natural source of DF and therefore FODMAPs (part of soluble DF). This study is the first of its kind to employ biotechnological tools for the creation of wholegrain low-FODMAP cookies and crackers based on wholegrain wheat and rye flours with high FODMAP contents. Endogenous enzymes activated via prolonged dough resting and exogenously activated enzymes originating from chicory extract, wheat malt, and baker’s yeast were employed. The prolonged dough resting time and the addition of wheat malt reduced the FODMAP content in the wholegrain wheat and rye cookies by 46% and 99.5%, respectively. The best result was achieved in the wholegrain wheat crackers, with a FODMAP content reduction of 59.3% based on the combination of a prolonged dough resting time and the addition of wheat malt and baker’s yeast. In the wholegrain rye crackers, a prolonged resting time alone was sufficient to achieve an 83.6% reduction in the total oligosaccharide content.
Elemental Analysis of Coffee with Ion Beam Analytical Techniques
Authors: Debastiani Rafaela , da Silva Leonardo Pessoa , Touguinha Gabriela Corati , dos Santos Carla Eliete Iochims , Amaral Livio , Dias Johnny Ferraz
Published: February 2025

In this review, we present a compilation of results from studies of coffee carried out with accelerator-based analytical techniques employing swift ions. The fundamentals of these techniques are presented in detail. Moreover, different aspects of coffee are discussed, including the analysis of ground and roasted coffee beans, the effects of the drip brewing process on the final beverage, the importance of the water temperature for the extraction of elements during coffee preparation and how chemical markers can help discriminate coffee for forensic purposes. According to the experimental results, a matrix of different coffee types is represented by large amounts of carbon followed by mild amounts of oxygen. Moreover, elemental maps of roasted coffee beans show how the elements are distributed over the scanned area, thus providing valuable information on the co-localization of different elements within the beans. Concerning the drip brewing process, the results suggest that chlorine, potassium and phosphorus are quite soluble in hot water and therefore make their way into the drinking coffee. Moreover, the extraction of elements during the drip brewing process is dependent on the water temperature. The results obtained with ion-based techniques are discussed in perspective with those obtained by other analytical methods, including inductively coupled plasma technique in its various configurations. Advantages and drawbacks of these techniques are discussed. In this way, the present review opens up new possibilities for the analysis of coffee that go beyond traditional analytical techniques.
Effects of Different Kinds of Fruit Juice on Flavor Quality and Hypoglycemic Activity of Black Tea
Authors: Cui Hongchun , Mao Yuxiao , Zhao Yun , Huang Weihong , Zhang Jianyong
Published: February 2025

At present, the heavy bitter taste, poor flavor quality and low functional activity of summer and autumn tea are the bottleneck problems restricting the low utilization rate of summer and autumn tea resources. The research and development of new products of fruit-flavored black tea is conducive to expanding the utilization of summer and autumn tea resources. Different kinds of fruit juice were added during the fermentation and processing of classic black tea, such as bananas, apples, fragrant pear and Sydney pear, in this study. The effects of fruit juice on the flavor quality and amylase inhibitory activity of fruity black tea were researched. The sensory quality, flavor chemicals and α-amylase inhibitory activity were evaluated. The results showed that the sensory evaluation scores of black tea treated with fruit juice were significantly higher than those of black tea treated without fruit juice, especially the crown pear juice. The amylase inhibition rate of black tea treated with fruit juice was significantly higher than the control treated without fruit juice (p < 0.05). The sensory evaluation scores, polyphenol oxidase activity, water extract content, soluble sugar content, free amino acid content, theaflavin content, thearubigin content and inhibition rate of amylase activity of black tea treated with pear juice were significantly higher than those of the apple and banana juices (p < 0.05), especially crown pear juice. Tea polyphenol content and theaflavin content of black tea treated with added pear juice were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the black tea control treated with added apple juice and banana juice, especially crown pear juice. The fruity black tea treated with crown pear juice had a redder broth, more pronounced sweet fruit aroma, sweet and mellow taste and reduced astringency. Therefore, the black tea treated with crown pear juice was preferred. The research hopes to provide a theoretical basis for the research of black tea quality control and the research of summer and autumn tea resources utilization technology.
Development of Lily Starch Films Reinforced with Chitosan–Honeysuckle Essential Oil Hybrid Particles and Cellulose Nanofibers for Enhanced Properties
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Xu Haishan , Chen Ziyi , Xie Ziyi , Wen Hui , Chang Xia , Li Gaoyang
Published: February 2025

To address the limitations of current starch-based food packaging materials, this study develops a novel sustainable material—honeysuckle hybrid particle-enhanced starch active fiber film (LNC). Derived from lily starch, this film is a promising green material for food preservation. The film’s functionality was enhanced by integrating honeysuckle essential oil and chitosan–ZnO composite hybrid particles, while cellulose nanofibers were used to create a stable network structure. Honeysuckle essential oil was analyzed, identifying 40 main compounds, with linalool as the predominant component (48.41%). Subsequently, honeysuckle essential oil hybrid particles (CZH) were successfully developed. Using lily starch as the matrix, the effects of honeysuckle essential oil, CZH, and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) on the film’s properties were investigated, leading to the fabrication of functional composite films (LNCs). The results indicated that CZH and CNF significantly enhanced the molecular structure, crystallinity, thermal stability, surface hydrophobicity (contact angle θ > 103°), and tensile strength (37.31 MPa) of the films. Additionally, CZH improved the film’s UV-blocking capacity (UV-blocking rate of 85.92%), and LNC exhibited superior gas barrier properties. This study demonstrates that lily starch-based composite films possess exceptional mechanical, optical, and barrier properties, thereby highlighting their potential for use in functional food packaging applications.
Enzymatically Interesterified Triadica sebifera Oil: A Novel Shortening for Enhanced Nutritional Quality and Sustainability
Authors: Liu Ying , Gao Pan , Yang Yong , Liu Chunxiao , Zhong Wu , Yin Jiaojiao , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: February 2025

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in conventional shortenings are associated with health concerns. Here, we explore approaches to produce a healthier alternative using Triadica sebifera oil (TSO) and soybean oil (SO). Through optimized enzymatic interesterification (EIE), a 6:4 TSO to SO ratio was used, with a reaction temperature of 60 °C, enzyme dosage of 2%, and 240 min duration. The resulting product was free of TFAs, rich in unsaturated fatty acids (50.31%), and exhibited desirable physical attributes suitable for commercial shortening. The oil produced through EIE displayed a β′ crystal form and an improved melting profile for better texture. This novel shortening meets commercial standards and can replace commercial shortening with TFA in baking and cooking applications. This substitution would lead to a healthier shortening product. The EIE process requires fewer inputs than hydrogenation and is a more environmentally friendly approach for shortening production. This research contributes to more sustainable practices in the food industry while offering a practical solution for healthier shortening.
Cucurbita maxima Plomo Peel as a Valuable Ingredient for Bread-Making
Authors: Alija Durim , Olędzki Remigiusz , Nikolovska Nedelkoska Daniela , Pejcz Ewa , Wojciechowicz-Budzisz Agata , Stamatovska Viktorija , Harasym Joanna
Published: February 2025

The utilization of food industry by-products represents a significant opportunity for developing functional foods. This study investigated the incorporation of Cucurbita maxima Plomo peel powder (PS) into wheat bread formulations to assess its potential as a valuable ingredient for bread-making. PS was incorporated into wheat flour at 1%, 10%, and 20% levels. The dough’s rheological properties were analyzed using Mixolab. Bread samples were evaluated for physical characteristics (volume, texture, colour), antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), and reducing sugar content. Analyses were performed on day 0 and after 7 days of storage. PS incorporation significantly modified dough rheology, with increased development time and enhanced protein stability. Bread volume decreased progressively with PS addition (from 195.5 cm3 to 109.8 cm3 at 20% PS). However, antioxidant activity increased substantially, particularly in the crust, with ABTS values rising from 2.37 to 10.08 TE μM/g DM in water extracts. Total phenolic content and reducing sugars showed significant increases across all PS concentrations. Storage studies revealed stable antioxidant properties but progressive textural changes, with hardness increasing from 6.83 N to 108.8 N at 20% PS after 7 days. While PS incorporation affects bread’s physical properties, the significant enhancement in antioxidant activity and phenolic content suggests its potential as a functional ingredient. The optimal incorporation level should balance technological properties with nutritional benefits.
The Impact of Sensory Perceptions and Country-of-Origin Practices on Consumer Preferences for Rice: A Comparative Study of China and Thailand
Authors: Srisukwatanachai Tanapon , Jiang Baichen , Boonkong Achara , Kassoh Fallah Samuel , Senawin Sutthawongwadee
Published: February 2025

This investigation scrutinizes the impact of sensory perceptions and country of origin (COO) on consumer inclinations for aromatic rice in China and Thailand, elucidating pivotal sensory characteristics and cross-cultural variances in purchasing behavior. A choice experiment (CE) involving 1330 participants from Guangzhou and Bangkok assessed attributes such as fragrance, grain quality, certification, and pricing. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine correlations between sensory perceptions, COO, and willingness to pay (WTP). The findings indicate that fragrance and grain integrity substantially influence preferences, with Chinese consumers more inclined to buy premium-certified rice due to escalating incomes and food safety apprehensions, whereas Thai consumers emphasize domestically produced rice and demonstrate pronounced ethnocentrism. Price sensitivity and brand allegiance similarly affect both markets. This study underscores the significance of enhancing sensory and COO attributes to bolster the global competitiveness of aromatic rice, and it provides pragmatic insights for quality assurance, certification, and culturally nuanced marketing strategies.
Combined Effects of Compound Low-Sodium Alternative Salts and Vacuum Tumbling on the Quality, Water Distribution, and Microstructure of Marinated Beef
Authors: Huang Yanfeng , Yang Shujie , Zhang Longtao , Miao Song , Xu Zhiyong , Zheng Baodong , Deng Kaibo
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a compound low-sodium alternative salt (CLSAS) formulation (2.4% sodium chloride, 0.8% K lactate, 0.4% magnesium chloride, 0.4% Ca ascorbate, 0.2% L lysine, and 4% sorbitol) combined with vacuum tumbling for beef marination. The effects of 4% NaCl static marination (F), CLSAS static marination (L), and CLSAS vacuum tumbling (VT-L) on the physicochemical properties, water distribution, and microstructure of marinated beef were evaluated. Compared with F, L maintained similar yield and color, reduced cooking loss, and improved texture while lowering sodium content. VT-L further enhanced product yield, water content, color, texture, and tenderness. Both CLSAS and vacuum tumbling reduced the relaxation time of immobilized water, promoted orderly formation of protein structure, and altered the microstructure of myogenic fibers. VT-L additionally improved the water-holding capacity of myofibrils and further reduced the relaxation times of immobilized and free water. Overall, VT-L could be an effective approach for enhancing the quality of low-sodium meat products, providing a feasible basis for the industrial application of CLSAS for low-sodium marinated meat products.
Advances in the Identification Methods of Food-Medicine Homologous Herbal Materials
Authors: Jiang Yuying , Wei Shilei , Ge Hongyi , Zhang Yuan , Wang Heng , Wen Xixi , Guo Chunyan , Wang Shun , Chen Zhikun , Li Peng
Published: February 2025

As a key component of both traditional medicine and modern healthcare, Food–Medicine Homologous Herbal Materials have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, issues related to the quality and authenticity of medicinal materials on the market often arise, not only compromising their efficacy but also presenting potential risks to consumer health. Therefore, the establishment of accurate and efficient identification methods is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of Food-Medicine Homologous Herbal Materials. This paper provides a systematic review of the research progress on the identification methods for Food-Medicine Homologous Herbal Materials, starting with traditional methods such as morphological and microscopic identification, and focusing on the applications of modern techniques, including biomimetic recognition, chromatography, mass spectrometry, chromatography–mass spectrometry coupling, hyperspectral imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy, and DNA barcoding. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principles, advantages, and limitations of these methods. Finally, the paper outlines the current challenges faced by identification methods and suggests future directions for improvement, aiming to offer a comprehensive technical perspective on identifying Food-Medicine Homologous Herbal Materials and foster further development in this field.
A Rare Case of Small Vessel Vasculitis in Fatal Promazine Intoxication: The Synergy of Adverse Events Resulting in Death
Authors: Tatriele Naomi , Giorato Gloria , Baldisser Francesco , Turrini Rachele , Brunelli Matteo , Ausania Francesco , Pigaiani Nicola
Published: February 2025

Background: Nowadays, exotoxic substance intake is among the most frequently employed methods of suicide. Self-poisoning is quite common among psychiatric patients treated in hospitals. Psychotropic drugs used for suicide include phenothiazines. Promazine hydrochloride (Talofen©) is an alpha-lytic phenothiazine neuroleptic with a high affinity for histaminergic H1 receptors and a low affinity for dopaminergic D2, serotoninergic 5-HT, alpha1-adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors, which may explain its potent sedative effect. The most common adverse effects include extrapyramidal syndromes, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, QTc prolongation, convulsions, delirium, and psychosis. Rare adverse events include the potential occurrence of autoimmune syndromes and vasculitis. Methods: We report herein the delayed death of a 59-year-old woman due to cardiocirculatory arrest on an arrhythmic basis in the context of vasculitis of the small pulmonary vessels and prolongation of the QTc interval secondary to voluntary acute intoxication with promazine hydrochloride. Results: The incident occurred in a psychiatric patient with a history of prior self-harming acts. Histological investigations revealed wavy fibers in the heart, a lymphocytic granulocyte infiltrate in the walls of small- and medium-caliber vessels, and spotty perivascular deposition of histiocyte-macrophage cells in the lungs. Immunophenotypic investigations showed the prevalence of CD15+ and T-CD3+ elements, thus identifying a small vessel vasculitis. These findings were consistent with the literature regarding adverse events following the intake of promazine hydrochloride, although vasculitis is rare. Conclusions: Thus, while QTc lengthening and arrhythmic incidents are widely reported events associated with promazine hydrochloride use, the development of a rare condition such as pulmonary vasculitis undoubtedly played a synergistic and decisive stressogenic role in the genesis of the cardiac event, leading to irreversible functional arrest.
On Quantum Hermite-Hadamard-Fejer Type Integral Inequalities via Uniformly Convex Functions
Authors: Barsam Hasan , Mirzadeh Somayeh , Sayyari Yamin , Ciurdariu Loredana
Published: February 2025

The main goal of this study is to provide new q-Fejer and q-Hermite-Hadamard type integral inequalities for uniformly convex functions and functions whose second quantum derivatives in absolute values are uniformly convex. Two basic inequalities as power mean inequality and Holder’s inequality are used in demonstrations. Some particular functions are chosen to illustrate the investigated results by two examples analyzed and the result obtained have been graphically visualized.
Effects of Long COVID in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Long-Term Functional Impairments: A Post Hoc Analysis Focusing on Patients Admitted to the ICU in the COVID-19 Recovery Study II
Authors: Hatakeyama Junji , Nakamura Kensuke , Aso Shotaro , Kawauchi Akira , Fujitani Shigeki , Oshima Taku , Kato Hideaki , Ota Kohei , Kamijo Hiroshi , Asahi Tomohiro , Muto Yoko , Hori Miyuki , Iba Arisa , Hosozawa Mariko , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of functional impairments and the effects of long COVID on long-term functional impairments in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a nationwide multicenter cohort study in collaboration with nine hospitals, collecting data using self-administered questionnaires from participants aged 20 years or older who were diagnosed with COVID-19, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between April 2021 and September 2021, and discharged alive. Questionnaires regarding daily life, sequela, and functional impairments were mailed to patients in August 2022. The effects of long COVID on functional impairments were examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The survey was completed by 220 patients, with a mean of 416 days after discharge. Among respondents, 20.5% had physical impairments (n = 45), 35.0% had mental disorders (n = 77), and 42.7% had either (n = 94). Furthermore, 77.7% had long COVID (171/220), and the most common symptom was dyspnea (40.0%). The multivariate analysis showed that fatigue/malaise, upper respiratory tract symptoms, myalgia, muscle weakness, decreased concentration, sleep disorder, brain fog, and dizziness were risk factors for functional impairments at one year. Conclusions: Many patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU still suffered from post-intensive care syndrome even after one year, which manifested in combination with direct symptoms of the original disease, such as long COVID.
Caffeine as an Active Ingredient in Cosmetic Preparations Against Hair Loss: A Systematic Review of Available Clinical Evidence
Authors: Szendzielorz Ewelina , Spiewak Radoslaw
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Hair loss (alopecia or effluvium) can significantly affect the self-esteem and psychosocial well-being of patients, resulting in a reduced quality of life. It may herald a systemic disease, nutritional deficiency, or side effects of pharmacotherapy. Current therapeutic options for hair loss are not always satisfactory and may be associated with considerable side effects; therefore, new solutions are still sought. Caffeine seems to be an effective agent against hair loss thanks to its stimulating effects on cell growth and good penetration into the hair follicle. The aim of this study was to systematically review published clinical trials of topical caffeine preparations against hair loss. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for clinical trials investigating the efficacy of topical caffeine products in hair loss, published until 29 November 2024. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE classification. Results: The query returned 1121 articles, of which 9 ultimately met the inclusion criteria. In total, 684 people with androgenetic alopecia, excessive hair loss, or hair thinning were included in these trials. In all studies, conclusions were in favor of topical caffeine treatment; however, the level of scientific evidence was medium in 3 studies, low in 1, and very low in the remaining 5. Their major flaws included the lack of randomization and placebo and control groups, as well as the lack of information on the caffeine concentration in the topical products. Conclusions: Results from studies published to date suggest that topical caffeine preparations are safe and effective against hair loss. Nevertheless, better-designed clinical trials of well-defined caffeine products are required for an ultimate statement. Commercial hair products with caffeine offered on the market nowadays may be worth a try, but due to incomplete scientific data and product information, satisfactory outcomes are not guaranteed.
Unveiling CcR2R3-MYB: A Key Regulator of Leaf Pigmentation in Cymbidium Orchids
Authors: Yang Guan-Song , Yao Hong-Xu , He Feng-Mei , Li Zhi-Lin , Wang Yu-Ying
Published: February 2025

Leaf coloration, a critical trait in ornamental foliage plant breeding, is influenced by chlorophyll, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which dictate plant aesthetic and economic value. The regulatory role of MYB transcription factors in leaf pigmentation is well recognized. However, their specific influence on Cymbidium leaf coloration remains obscure despite the genus’s global economic importance. This study utilized a novel orchid mutant with leaf variegation as the experimental material to investigate the role of CcR2R3-MYB genes. This research has successfully identified and cloned a novel MYB transcription factor, namely CcR2R3-MYB, from a leaf variegation mutant of Cymbidium. The expression level of CcR2R3-MYB was significantly higher in the mutant plants, with the protein predominantly localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the gene is closely related to AtMYB106 and DhMYB1 and regulates leaf cell morphogenesis and color variation in Cymbidium. Overexpression of CcR2R3-MYB resulted in a yellowish-green and a reduction in photosynthetic pigment content in the Dendrobium. These findings not only lay a foundation for unraveling the mechanism by which CcR2R3-MYB regulates the development of orchid foliage art but also hold significant implications for creating new orchid germplasm and the enhancement of varietal traits.
Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Aiamla-or Sukanya , Mikkhunthod Kanthima , Pandoi Sumitita , Sangsawad Papungkorn , Tira-umphon Arak , Pola Wissanee
Published: February 2025

Maintaining postharvest quality is critical for preserving the marketability and nutritional value of parthenocarpic cucumbers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UV-B and UV-C radiation on the postharvest quality, including antioxidant compounds, of parthenocarpic cucumbers during room temperature storage. Cengel cucumbers were exposed to 0.54–19.80 kJ·m−2 doses of UV-B, and 0.20–10.35 kJ·m−2 doses of UV-C. Non-irradiated cucumbers served as controls. The fruit were packed in a cotton box and stored at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C), with 75 ± 2% relative humidity, for 7 days. Results showed that low doses of UV-B and UV-C reduced weight loss and wilting, while high doses accelerated color change and increased weight loss and wilting. UV-B did not affect fruit firmness, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, or phenolic contents, while UV-C reduced these parameters. UV-B treatment resulted in higher ascorbic acid and FRAP antioxidant activity in the first three days compared to controls. A low dose of UV-B may enhance ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity in parthenocarpic cucumbers during short-term storage. This approach has potential applications in food preservation by reducing postharvest losses and maintaining nutritional quality. Future research should explore the combined effects of UV-B treatment and low-temperature storage for further benefits.
The Origin of Human Theory-of-Mind
Authors: Bejarano Teresa
Published: February 2025

Is there a qualitative difference between apes’ and humans ‘ability to estimate others’ mental states’, a.k.a. ‘Theory-of-Mind’? After opting for the idea that expectations are empty profiles that recognize a particular content when it arrives, I apply the same description to ‘vicarious expectations’—very probably present in apes. Thus, (empty) vicarious expectations and one’s (full) contents are distinguished without needing meta-representation. Then, I propose: First, vicarious expectations are enough to support apes’ Theory-of-Mind (including ‘spontaneous altruism’). Second, since vicarious expectations require a profile previously built in the subject that activates them, this subject cannot activate any vicarious expectation of mental states that are intrinsically impossible for him. Third, your mental states that think of me as a distal individual are intrinsically impossible states for me, and therefore, to estimate them, I must estimate your mental contents. This ability (the original nucleus of the human Theory-of-Mind) is essential in the human lifestyle. It is involved in unpleasant and pleasant self-conscious emotions, which respectively contribute to ‘social order’ and to cultural innovations. More basically, it makes possible human (prelinguistic or linguistic) communication, since it originally made possible the understanding of others’ mental states as states that are addressed to me, and that are therefore impossible for me.
Membrane-Based Hydrogen Production: A Techno-Economic Evaluation of Cost and Feasibility
Authors: Pg Haji Omar Ali Dk Nur Hayati Amali , Suhaimi Hazwani , Abas Pg Emeroylariffion
Published: February 2025

As the global shift toward a low-carbon economy accelerates, hydrogen is emerging as a crucial energy source. Among conventional methods for hydrogen production, steam methane reforming (SMR), commonly paired with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) for hydrogen purification, stands out due to its established infrastructure and technological maturity. This comprehensive techno-economic analysis focuses on membrane-based hydrogen production, evaluating four configurations, namely SMR, SMR with PSA, SMR with a palladium membrane, and SMR with a ceramic–carbonate membrane coupled with a carbon capture system (CCS). The life cycle cost (LCC) of each configuration was assessed by analyzing key factors, including production rate, hydrogen pricing, equipment costs, and maintenance expenses. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to identify major cost drivers influencing the LCC, providing insights into the economic and operational feasibility of each configuration. The analysis reveals that SMR with PSA has the lowest LCC and is significantly more cost-efficient than configurations involving the palladium and ceramic–carbonate membranes. SMR with a ceramic–carbonate membrane coupled with CCS also demonstrates the most sensitive to energy variations due to its extensive infrastructure and energy requirement. Sensitivity analysis confirms that SMR with PSA consistently provides the greatest cost efficiency under varying conditions. These findings underscore the critical balance between cost efficiency and environmental considerations in adopting membrane-based hydrogen production technologies.
Healthy Behavior for Preventing Cognitive Disability in Older Persons
Authors: Lauretani Fulvio , Marcato Antonio , Testa Crescenzo
Published: February 2025

Sufficient levels of physical activity are fundamental for preventing cardiovascular disease, dementia, and ultimately disability in older persons, yet this protective factor is nullified when excessive hours are spent in continuous sitting. Balancing physical activity and sedentary behavior is crucial for influencing metabolic parameters and vascular patterns, both central and peripheral, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, vascular dementia, and cognitive impairment. The primary goal of geriatric medicine is to improve quality of life and prevent disability by promptly identifying frail older individuals, thus mitigating both cognitive and motor impairments. Achieving this objective requires not only the optimization of pharmacological treatments but also the active promotion of a healthy lifestyle. In this context, investigating preclinical stages of disability, such as Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) Syndrome, which integrates physical and cognitive components of decline, becomes essential. However, despite robust evidence supporting these interventions, greater efforts are needed from the geriatric medical community to bridge the gap between scientific recommendations and everyday clinical practice. Integrating these guidelines into routine care is pivotal for delivering personalized interventions that address both physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior. More research should aim to strengthen this balance, providing clearer, actionable strategies for clinicians to implement, thereby fostering the formation of evidence-based public health guidelines on physical activity specifically tailored for older persons.
Research on the Evaluation and Spatial Distribution Optimization of the Field Intensity Effect of Rural Basic Education Infrastructure in Wuhan’s New Urban District: A Case Study of Liji Township
Authors: Jiang Liang , Chen Jie , Luo Jing , Tian Guanghui
Published: February 2025

Education infrastructure is a critical public service facility in rural areas. The evaluation of rural education infrastructure could have important implications for the spatial distribution optimization of public educational services in countryside regions. Based on the elementary education data and survey data of Liji Town in 2022, this paper built an index evaluation system for Liji Township to explore the optimized spatial distribution mode of rural education infrastructure using models of MCR and field intensity. This system consisted of the potential energy of rural basic education infrastructure, as well as district and service thresholds. The results show the following: (1) The resistance of the rural education infrastructure in Liji Township was lower in the eastern and western parts of the township, as well as along the northern–southern county highway; however, the resistance was higher in the southern and northeastern areas. (2) There were significant differences in the potential energy component of education field intensity, showing a gradual decreasing tendency from the central villages to the peripheral villages. The spatial distribution of the central villages’ potential energy component was consistent with the component of the service threshold. However, the components of both district and service thresholds showed higher values for the suburban villages and lower values for the peripheral villages. (3) The rural basic education infrastructure can be divided into three types, and the corresponding development path is proposed in combination with different types. The optimization result is easy to explain and has potential applications in public education evaluation and facility layout planning. These modes can facilitate the allocation and spatial distribution optimization of basic education infrastructure in rural regions of metropolitan areas.
Evaluating Digital Map Utilization and Interpretation Skills of Students
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroyuki , Song Jiali , Oguchi Takashi , Ogura Takuro , Iizuka Kotaro
Published: February 2025

In recent years, secondary schools and university departments related to geography have begun to teach various topics using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In particular, WebGIS, available online without installing additional software, is recognized as a powerful educational tool for educators and students. However, research on how students perceive and utilize digital maps to understand geographical objects and investigate the complexity of such learning is insufficient. Therefore, we initiated a study to clarify these research questions by implementing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) education using a digital hazard map developed with WebGIS technology, focusing on young people in Japan, including secondary school and university students. The results indicate that DRR education using a simple digital map is helpful for a wide range of students regardless of age. Still, some perceive difficulty in learning to use a digital hazard map. Map representation strongly affects students’ interpretation of vulnerable areas. The maps’ layers and functions are more useful when added gradually, corresponding to students’ ability and familiarity with GIS in the initial stage of geography education using maps to prevent students’ negative impressions caused by complex issues and technical problems.
Fine-Tuning LLM-Assisted Chinese Disaster Geospatial Intelligence Extraction and Case Studies
Authors: Han Yaoyao , Liu Jiping , Luo An , Wang Yong , Bao Shuai
Published: February 2025

The extraction of disaster geospatial intelligence (DGI) from social media data with spatiotemporal attributes plays a crucial role in real-time disaster monitoring and emergency decision-making. However, conventional machine learning approaches struggle with semantic complexity and limited Chinese disaster corpus. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) offer new opportunities to overcome these challenges due to their enhanced semantic comprehension and multi-task learning capabilities. This study investigates the potential application of LLMs in disaster intelligence extraction and proposes an efficient, scalable method for multi-hazard DGI extraction. Building upon a unified ontological framework encompassing core natural disaster elements, this method employs parameter-efficient low-rank adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning to optimize open-source Chinese LLMs using a meticulously curated instruction-tuning dataset. It achieves simultaneous identification of multi-hazard intelligence cues and extraction of disaster spatial entity attributes from unstructured Chinese social media texts through unified semantic parsing and structured knowledge mapping. Compared to pre-trained models such as BERT and ERNIE, the proposed method was shown to achieve state-of-the-art evaluation results, with the highest recognition accuracy (F1-score: 0.9714) and the best performance in structured information generation (BLEU-4 score: 92.9649). Furthermore, we developed and released DGI-Corpus, a Chinese instruction-tuning dataset covering various disaster types, to support the research and application of LLMs in this field. Lastly, the proposed method was applied to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of the Zhengzhou “7.20” flood disaster. This study enhances the efficiency of natural disaster monitoring and emergency management, offering technical support for disaster response and mitigation decision-making.
Discovery of Novel Pyridin-2-yl Urea Inhibitors Targeting ASK1 Kinase and Its Binding Mode by Absolute Protein–Ligand Binding Free Energy Calculations
Authors: Wang Lingzhi , Gao Yalei , Chen Yuying , Tang Zhenzhou , Lin Xiao , Bai Meng , Cao Pei , Liu Kai
Published: February 2025

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a key component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, has been identified as a promising therapeutic target owing to its critical role in signal transduction pathways. In this study, we proposed novel pyridin-2-yl urea inhibitors exhibiting favorable physicochemical properties. The potency of these compounds was validated through in vitro protein bioassays. The inhibition (IC50) of compound 2 was 1.55 ± 0.27 nM, which was comparable to the known clinical inhibitor, Selonsertib. To further optimize the hit compounds, two possible binding modes were initially predicted by molecular docking. Absolute binding free energy (BFE) calculations based on molecular dynamics simulations further discriminated the binding modes, presenting good tendency with bioassay results. This strategy, underpinned by BFE calculations, has the great potential to expedite the drug discovery process in the targeting of ASK1 kinase.
Insights from Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) Proteomic Analysis on Protein Network Modification in Control of Yak Hair Follicle Cycle
Authors: Li Shijie , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu , He Junfeng , Ma Rui , Liao Bo , Zhao Pengfei , Wei Pengqiang , Robert Niayaler
Published: February 2025

Highland animals have unique hair growth mechanisms to allow them to adapt to harsh living environments. Compared with other species, their hair cycle growth is affected by more environmental factors. Yaks, as highland animals, have obvious periodic hair growth characteristics in a year; this biological process is regulated by numerous proteins, but the specific molecular regulatory mechanism is still unclear. Here we analyzed the histological characteristics of yak hair follicles (HFs) at each stage and conducted TMT proteomics research. The protein expression network of yak hair at each stage and the mechanism of the yak HF growth cycle were systematically explored, and the candidate proteins Sfrp1 and Ppard were verified. A total of 3176 proteins were quantifiable and 1142 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were obtained at five stages of the yak hair cycle. DEPs enriched in complement activation change, tissue development, lipid metabolism, WNT pathway, VEGF pathway, JAK-STAT pathway, and PPAR pathway may promote the growth of yak hair follicles, such as Serpinf1, Ppard, and Stat3. DEPs enriched in complement system, coagulation, cell adhesion, lipid metabolic process, proliferation of epidermal cells, and estrogen pathway may promote the degeneration of yak hair, such as Sfrp1, Eppk1, and Egfr. Using Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis, we found that core nodes of DEP networks in yak skin are significantly different at three critical time points in hair follicle development, and lipid metabolism proteins are common core DEP nodes during yak HF growth and degeneration. The expression of Sfrp1 and Ppard in yak hair follicles at different periods showed they are related to yak hair cycle control. This study showed that the protein regulatory network of the yak HF growth cycle is complex and dynamically changing and revealed key candidate proteins that may affect yak hair follicle development. These findings provided detailed data for further understanding of the plateau adaptation mechanism of the yak, which is of great significance to make better use of the yak livestock resources and enhance their economic value.
The Chemical Defensome: A Survey of Environmental Sensing and Response Genes in Copepods
Authors: Roncalli Vittoria , Ascione Daniela , Lauritano Chiara , Carotenuto Ylenia
Published: February 2025

Highly conserved among eukaryotes, the chemical defensome protects organisms against chemical stressors and helps to reestablish the altered homeostatic state. The defensome includes genes such as transporters (e.g., adenosine triphosphate ATP-binding cassette), phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. During their life cycle, planktonic copepods, the most abundant and ubiquitous metazoans on Earth, are exposed to many environmental stressors that impair their survival and fitness. Here, using high-quality publicly available transcriptomic data, defensome genes were searched in copepods belonging to different orders and living in different environments (e.g., Antarctic, Subarctic, Mediterranean). Gene expression responses were investigated in four calanoids exposed to different stresses to identify a common and species-specific detoxification system. Our results confirm that the defensome is highly conserved among copepods but also report differences in the relative contribution of genes among species living in different habitats, suggesting a fitness adaptation to environmental pressures. The genes provided here can be used as biomarkers of chemical defense and can also be tested in other planktonic organisms to assess the “health” of marine organisms, which is useful for understanding environmental adaptations and they can be used to assess changes and make predictions at the population and community levels.
Exploring the Potential of Glutathione Reductase Overexpression to Improve Tellurium Nanoparticle Production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Romero Jefferson O. , Castro-Fernández Víctor , Pérez-Agudelo Estefanía , Ávila-Salas Fabián , Mura Francisco , Arenas Salinas Felipe
Published: February 2025

Tellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs) are emerging as valuable materials in various technological and biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. In general, TeNPs are prepared using chemical methods based on a redox reaction in which strong reducing agents are employed which are often toxic and harmful to the environment. Biological biosynthesis provides a green strategy for substituting the commonly used reducing chemical agents with microorganisms or enzymes. Among the enzymes noted as key players in microbial tellurite reduction, glutathione reductase (GR) has been identified; however, its specific role in enhancing TeNP biosynthesis has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of GR overexpression on TeNP production in Escherichia coli (E. coli). For this purpose, four GR enzymes from different microorganisms identified as tellurite resistant were heterogeneously expressed and purified from E. coli. The kinetic parameters for NADPH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), the native substrates of GR, were determined to evaluate their TR activity under saturated NADPH concentrations. The GR from Pseudomonas lini strain BNF22 presented the highest catalytic efficiency for NADPH and exhibited greater TR activity. This enzyme was overexpressed in E. coli MG1655 (DE3) and cells overexpressing GR increased the yield of TeNPs in those cells, presenting an increased elemental cell tellurium composition. Our results provide valuable insights for the development of engineered E. coli as a platform for TeNP biosynthesis. Using microorganisms as a green strategy for TeNP production, the results of this study highlight the enzymatic mechanisms underlying the role of GR in the biosynthesis of TeNPs.