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The application of continuous fermentation with immobilized cells in brewing is a challenge because of problems with carrier selection and reactor design, which have economic impacts on the beer produced. Moreover, immobilization alters yeast physiology, which significantly affects beer flavor and aroma. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a continuous fermentation system, consisting of a packed bed column bioreactor, containing lager brewing yeast, immobilized in alginate–chitosan microcapsules with a liquid core, in the primary beer fermentation. The results showed that the system entered in a stationary mode on the 3rd day and worked stably in this mode for 6 days. The “green” beer was taken at every 24 h at the output of the reactor and used for secondary fermentation with the yeast cells leaked from the capsules during the primary fermentation. The extract consumption, ethanol production, and pH change during primary and secondary fermentation were investigated. Some of the secondary yeast metabolites such as vicinal diketones, higher alcohols, esters, and aldehydes in “green” and final beers were determined and it was found that the flavor profile of the final beer was comparable to two industrially produced Bulgarian beers. Full article

Cyclic trinuclear homo-metal complexes, [{Fe(L³⁺²Br)py}₃] (1) and [{Mn(L³⁺²Br)}₃(py)₂ MeOH] (2), along with a hetero-metal complex, [FeMn₂(L³⁺²H)₃(DMF)₃] (3), were synthesized using asymmetric ditopic ligands (H₃L³⁺²H: 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-6-ol-5-(salicylideneamino)benzoxazole, H₃L³⁺²Br: 2-(2-hydrox-5-bromoyphenyl)-6-ol-5-(5-bromosalicylideneamino)benzoxazole). The molecular structure of 1 is characterized by a tripod structure with three-fold symmetry, where an enantiomer pair forms a dimeric capsule with dimensions of approximately 3 × 1.6 × 1.6 nm³. Complexes 2 and 3, which lack three-fold symmetry, exhibit similar molecular structures to previously reported complexes with these ligands, but do not form a capsule structure. Magnetic measurements of 1–3 reveal the presence of significantly weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions. Full article

The injudicious use of water and fertilizer to maximize crop yield not only leads to environmental pollution, but also causes enormous economic losses. For this reason, we investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) (N0 (0), N60 (60 kg ha⁻¹), and N120 (120 kg ha⁻¹)) at different irrigation levels (I0 (0), I1200 (budding 600 m³ ha⁻¹ + kernel 600 m³ ha⁻¹), and I1800 (budding 900 m³ ha⁻¹ + kernel 900 m³ ha⁻¹)) on oilseed flax in the Loess Plateau of China in 2019 and 2020. The objective was to establish appropriate irrigation and fertilizer management strategies that enhance the grain yield (GY) of oilseed flax and maximize water and N productivity. The results demonstrated that irrigation and N application and their coupling effects promoted dry matter accumulation (DMA) and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) synthesis, and increased the GY of oilseed flax. The contents of NSC in various organs of flax were closely related to grain yield and yield components. Higher NSC in stems was conducive to increased sink capacity (effective capsule number per plant (EC) and thousand kernel weight (TKW)), and the coupling of irrigation and N affected GY by promoting NSC synthesis. Higher GY was obtained by the interaction of irrigation and N fertilizer, with the increase rate ranging from 15.84% to 35.40%. Additionally, in the increased yield of oilseed flax, 39.70–78.06%, 14.49–54.11%, and −10.6–24.93% were contributed by the application of irrigation and nitrogen and the interaction of irrigation and nitrogen (I × N), respectively. Irrigation was the main factor for increasing the GY of oilseed flax. In addition, different climatic conditions changed the contribution of irrigation and N and their interaction to yield increase in oilseed flax. Drought and low temperature induced soluble sugar (SS) and starch (ST) synthesis to resist an unfavorable environment, respectively. The structural equation model showed that the key factors to increasing the GY of oilseed flax by irrigation and nitrogen fertilization were the differential increases in DMA, EC, and TKW. The increases in EC and TKW were attributed to the promotion of DMA and NSC synthesis in oilseed flax organs by irrigation, nitrogen fertilization, and their coupling effects. The I1200N60 treatment obtained higher water use efficiency (WUE) and N partial factor productivity (NPFP) due to lower actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and lower N application rate. Therefore, the strategy of 1200 m³ ha⁻¹ irrigation and 60 kg ha⁻¹ N application is recommended for oilseed flax in semi-arid and similar areas to achieve high grain yield and efficient use of resources. Full article

This paper aims to explore the possibility of utilizing vision transformers (ViTs) for on-edge medical diagnostics by experimenting with the Kvasir-Capsule image classification dataset, a large-scale image dataset of gastrointestinal diseases. Quantization techniques made available through TensorFlow Lite (TFLite), including post-training float-16 (F16) quantization and quantization-aware training (QAT), are applied to achieve reductions in model size, without compromising performance. The seven ViT models selected for this study are EfficientFormerV2S2, EfficientViT_B0, EfficientViT_M4, MobileViT_V2_050, MobileViT_V2_100, MobileViT_V2_175, and RepViT_M11. Three metrics are considered when analyzing a model: (i) F1-score, (ii) model size, and (iii) performance-to-size ratio, where performance is the F1-score and size is the model size in megabytes (MB). In terms of F1-score, we show that MobileViT_V2_175 with F16 quantization outperforms all other models with an F1-score of 0.9534. On the other hand, MobileViT_V2_050 trained using QAT was scaled down to a model size of 1.70 MB, making it the smallest model amongst the variations this paper examined. MobileViT_V2_050 also achieved the highest performance-to-size ratio of 41.25. Despite preferring smaller models for latency and memory concerns, medical diagnostics cannot afford poor-performing models. We conclude that MobileViT_V2_175 with F16 quantization is our best-performing model, with a small size of 27.47 MB, providing a benchmark for lightweight models on the Kvasir-Capsule dataset. Full article

Stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and sleep disturbance worsen cognitive function in mood disorders, prompting a rise in the development of integrative health approaches. The recent investigations in the gut–brain axis field highlight the strong interplay among microbiota, inflammation, and mental health. Thus, this study aimed to investigate a new nutraceutical formulation comprising prebiotics, minerals, and silymarin’s impact on microbiota, inflammation, mood, and sleep quality. The study evaluated the LL1 + silymarin capsule supplementation over 180 days in overweight adults. We analyzed the fecal gut microbiota using partial 16S rRNA sequences, measured cytokine expression via CBA, collected anthropometric data, quality of life, and sleep questionnaire responses, and obtained plasma samples for metabolic and hormonal analysis at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Our findings revealed significant reshaping in gut microbiota composition at the phylum, genus, and species levels, especially in the butyrate-producer bacteria post-supplementation. These changes in gut microbiota were linked to enhancements in sleep quality, mood perception, cytokine expression, and anthropometric measures which microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids might enhance. The supplementation tested in this study seems to be able to improve microbiota composition, reflecting anthropometrics and inflammation, as well as sleep quality and mood improvement. Full article

The current work is devoted to the development of probiotic microencapsulation systems with the co-encapsulation of a plant extract, which can increase the survival of beneficial bacteria and are suitable for potential applications in the enrichment of fermented beverages based on acid whey. The encapsulation process exhibited a high level of effectiveness, achieving 83.0% for Bifidobacterium (BB), 89.2% for Stevia leaf extract (SE), and 91.3% for their combination (BB + SE). The FTIR analysis verified substantial interactions between the encapsulated agents and the polymer matrix, which enhanced the stability of the microcapsules. The BB + SE microcapsules exhibited reduced swelling and moisture content, indicating a denser structure compared to separately encapsulated BB and SE. Comparison of release kinetics of BB, SE and BB + SE loaded microcapsules showed that the combination of active agents has a quicker initial release, reaching 60% release within the first 2 h, and this value increased to 70% after 4 h. The release kinetics studies demonstrated a controlled release of active substances over 24 h. A morphology analysis shows that the surfaces of the dry microcapsules containing BB, SE, and their combination BB + SE have a porous structure. For encapsulated agents, the size of the capsules produced with BB and SE are smaller than those produced with two components (BB + SE), the sizes of which are between 760 µm and 1.1 mm. Modeling of the behavior of microcapsules in a simulated gastrointestinal tract provides information on swelling and active agents release rates as a function of pH in real biological environments. Thus, the new formulations of microcapsules with microorganisms and plant extracts have great potential for the development of fermented whey-based beverages. Full article

Ondol is a heating system unique to Korean homes that increases indoor temperatures by supplying hot water through pipes embedded in floor slabs. Known for its comfort and sustained heating advantages, ondol has garnered international interest in countries requiring efficient heating solutions. Given the inherent challenges faced during installation and operation, timely inspection of ondol is crucial due to difficulties in detecting and locating defects in buried concrete pipes, often leading to costly rework and removal. However, specialized inspection systems tailored to ondol pipes remain underexplored. Therefore, this paper proposes a robotic inspection system capable of assessing the conditions of ondol pipelines. We analyze the characteristics of ondol piping to establish system requirements and develop a prototype of a compact capsule-shaped inspection robot tailored for ondol pipe inspection. Subsequent laboratory testing validates system performance and usability, confirming field applications through curvature maneuverability and image reception quality tests. This study aims to motivate advancements in ondol-specific system implementation and performance validation, potentially contributing to the smartification of ondol maintenance practices. Full article

The rise of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) presents a significant global challenge in clinical and healthcare settings, severely limiting treatment options. This study aimed to utilize a bacteriophage as an alternative therapy against carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. A novel lytic N4-like Klebsiella phage, vB_kpnP_KPYAP-1 (KPYAP-1), was isolated from sewage. It demonstrated efficacy against the K62 serotype polysaccharide capsule of bla_OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae. KPYAP-1 forms small, clear plaques, has a latent period of 20 min, and reaches a growth plateau at 35 min, with a burst size of 473 plaque-forming units (PFUs) per infected cell. Phylogenetic analysis places KPYAP-1 in the Schitoviridae family, Enquatrovirinae subfamily, and Kaypoctavirus genus. KPYAP-1 employs an N4-like direct terminal repeat mechanism for genome packaging and encodes a large virion-encapsulated RNA polymerase. It lacks integrase or repressor genes, antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial virulence factors, and toxins, ensuring its safety for therapeutic use. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the KPYAP-1 genome is most similar to the KP8 genome, yet differs in tail fiber protein, indicating variations in host recognition. In a zebrafish infection model, KPYAP-1 significantly improved the survival rate of infected fish by 92% at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10, demonstrating its potential for in vivo treatment. These results highlight KPYAP-1 as a promising candidate for developing phage-based therapies targeting carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. Full article

The incidence of breast implant illness (BII) and BII-related explant procedures has not decreased with current surgical and treatment techniques. It is speculated the main underlying cause of BII complications is the result of chronic, sub-clinical infections residing on and around the implant. The infection, and subsequent biofilm, produce antagonistic compounds that drive chronic inflammation and immune responses. In this study, the microbial communities in over 600 consecutive samples of infected explant capsules and tissues were identified via next-generation sequencing to identify any commonality between samples. The majority of the bacteria identified were Gram-positive, with Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis being the dominant organisms. No correlation between sample richness and implant filling was found. However, there was a significant correlation between sample richness and patient age. Due to the complex nature, breast augmentation failures may be better addressed from a holistic approach than one of limited scope. Full article

Telomeres are ribonucleoprotein structures that form a protective buffer at the ends of chromosomes, maintaining genomic integrity during the cell cycle. A decrease in average telomere length is associated with with age and with aging-related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over six months to compare the effects of the Astragalus-based supplement versus a placebo on telomere length (TL) in 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 56.1 ± 6.0 years). Twenty subjects received the supplement, and 20 received placebo capsules. All participants completed the study, and no adverse side effects were reported at six months. Subjects taking the Astragalus-based supplement exhibited significantly longer median TL (p = 0.01) and short TL (p = 0.004), along with a lower percentage of short telomeres, over the six-month period, while the placebo group showed no change in TL. This trial confirmed that the supplement significantly lengthens both median and short telomeres by increasing telomerase activity and reducing the percentage of short telomeres (<3 Kbp) in a statistically and possibly clinically significant manner. These results align with a previous open prospective trial, which found no toxicity associated with the supplement’s intake. These findings suggest that this Astragalus-based supplement warrants further investigation for its potential benefits in promoting health, extending life expectancy, and supporting healthy aging. Full article

Capsules with microparticle shells became of great interest due to their potential in many fields. Those capsules can be fabricated at high temperatures from particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) by sintering together particles that cover droplets. One of the problems with such an approach is accurately controlling whether particles are already sintered and creating the rigid capsule shell of a capsule. Here, we propose using a non-destructive ultrasound method for monitoring Pickering emulsion-based capsules prepared using heating under an alternating magnetic field. The polyethylene microparticles that were responsive to temperatures higher than 112 °C were used as droplet stabilizers together with iron oxide nanoparticles. During the coalescence of the droplets, facilitated by an external electric field, the ultrasonic attenuation increased, giving evidence that the ultrasound method detects structural changes in Pickering emulsions. The main change was the difference in the droplets’ size, which was also observed via optical microscopy. The attenuation of ultrasound increased even more when measured after magnetic heating for the same concentration of particle stabilizers. Simultaneously, the values of ultrasonic velocity did not exhibit similar variety. The results show that the values of the attenuation coefficient can be used for a quantitative evaluation of the capsule formation process. Full article

Calcium (Ca²⁺) functions as a universal signal messenger in eukaryotes but in bacteria, the physiological roles for Ca²⁺ are limited. Here, we examine the role of Ca²⁺ in Streptococcus pneumoniae during manganese (Mn²⁺) intoxication. S. pneumoniae mntE mutants, lacking the Mn²⁺ efflux transporter, exhibit impaired growth due to accumulation of Mn²⁺ when exposed to elevated exogenous Mn²⁺. This Mn²⁺-sensitive growth defect is restored to wild-type growth level by exogenous Ca²⁺, in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Despite growth restoration of the mntE mutant to wild-type levels, cellular Mn²⁺ remains elevated in this strain. Bacterial capsule production is also increased for the mntE mutant, resulting in reduced adherence capacity to surfaces and poor biofilm formation, which is consistent with it experiencing Mn²⁺ intoxication. Ca²⁺ presence did not significantly impact bacterial capsule production or biofilm formation. Further analysis of the cell morphology demonstrates that Ca²⁺ contributes to cell division and reduces cell chain lengths. Together, these data describe the first role of Ca in S. pneumoniae that has potential implications in bacterial virulence since Ca affects cell division and likely Mn²⁺-associated cellular processes. Full article

Phase change cold storage materials are functional materials that rely on the latent heat of phase change to absorb and store cold energy. They have significant advantages in slight temperature differences, cold storage, and heat exchange. Based on the research status of phase change cold storage materials and their application in air conditioning systems in recent years, this paper provides an overview of the materials and their enhanced research progress. It summarizes the types of phase change cold storage air conditioning systems, optimization schemes, and system applications. This paper also identifies the current issues in phase change cold storage air conditioning and discusses the development trends in cold storage materials and air conditioning systems. It anticipates that future advancements will focus on composite phase change cold storage materials and low-energy consumption intelligent phase change cold storage air conditioning systems in steam compression using spherical capsules and concave–convex plate PCM. Full article

Herein, we present an elegant and simple method for significant improvement of eugenol water solubility using the polymers Soluplus^® and Lutrol F 127 as carriers and spray drying as an encapsulation method. The formulations were optimized by adding myo-inositol—a sweetening agent—and Aerosil^® 200 (colloidal, fumed silica)—an anticaking agent. The highest encapsulation efficiency of 97.9–98.2% was found for the samples containing 5% eugenol with respect to the mass of Soluplus^®. The encapsulation efficiencies of the spray-dried samples with 15% eugenol are around 90%. Although lowering the yield, the addition of Lutrol F 127 results in a more regular particle shape and enhanced powder flowability. The presence of Aerosil^® 200 and myo-inositol also improves the rheological powder properties. The obtained formulations can be used in various dosage forms like powders, granules, capsules, creams, and gels. Full article

The objective of this study is to investigate the surgical, clinical and pathological outcomes of left hemi-hepatectomy during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with primary ovarian cancer. The electronic medical charts of patients with primary ovarian cancer who received CRS including left hemi-hepatectomy from 2000 to 2023 were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. A total of 17 patients underwent left hemi-hepatectomy for resection of a deep peritoneal implant in the round ligament of the liver during primary CRS. Among these 17 patients, hepatic parenchymal invasion was confirmed in 10 patients (58.8%). Tumor distribution of others is as follows: Glisson’s capsule, hilum, falciform ligament and gall bladder. Fourteen patients (82.4%) achieved CRS; the remaining three patients had residual tumors less than 1 cm. The median period to subsequent chemotherapy was 21 days (range, 12–35 days). No specific complications related to left hepatectomy were identified such as liver failure or bile leakage. Left hemi-hepatectomy for complete surgical resection of a deep peritoneal implant of the round ligament of the liver is surgically feasible and safe. Full article