Search Results (56,174)

Sodium alginate (SA)–purple sweet potato peel extracts (PPE) from industrial waste indicator films were developed at different drying temperatures (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C). The effects of drying temperatures on the film’s structural, physical, and sensitive properties were investigated. On the structural properties, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction indicated that compactness, intermolecular interactions, and crystallinity of indicator films were improved at a lower drying temperature. On the physical properties, with the drying temperature increasing, elongation at the break increased significantly (p < 0.05); ΔE and water-vapor permeability decreased significantly (p < 0.05); and thickness and tensile strength initially increased significantly (90.46 → 98.46, 62.99 → 95.73) and subsequently decreased significantly (98.46 → 71.93, 95.73 → 55.44) (p < 0.05), with the maximum values obtained at 30 °C. On sensitivity, the corresponding colors of the films became lighter as the drying temperature increased, and the films exhibited relatively excellent pH and NH₃ sensitivity, with easily discernible color changes at lower temperatures. The results of this paper revealed that the overall film characteristics are improved at lower drying temperatures, which will provide valuable references for selecting the drying temperature for preparing indicator films as a guide for industrialized production. Full article

Soluble sugars, including glucose, fructose and sucrose, are the most important determinants that affect the flavor and quality of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit. Vacuolar invertase (VIN), which catalyzes sucrose hydrolysis into glucose and fructose, is a key type of enzyme responsible for soluble sugar metabolism in plant growth and development. Herein, we conducted genome-wide identification, gene expression analysis, subcellular localization and an enzymatic properties assay for the VIN-encoding genes from red pitaya. During red pitaya fruit development towards ripening, the enzymatic activities of VIN showed an up-regulated trend towards ripening. In total, four isoforms (HpVIN1–4) of the VIN-encoding gene were identified from the pitaya genome. Sequence alignment results revealed that the HpVIN1, HpVIN3 and HpVIN4 proteins contained essential motifs for targeting the vacuole and conserved motifs or residues responsible for sucrose binding and hydrolysis. Gene expression pattern analyses revealed that the level of HpVIN4 was obviously increasing during fruit development and acted as the most abundant VIN isoform towards ripening. Subcellular localization detection via transient expression in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts revealed that the HpVIN4 protein was localized in the vacuole. Growth complementation tests of heterologous expression in the invertase-deficient baker’s yeast strain suggested that the HpVIN4 protein had a sucrose hydrolysis activity and could restore the yeast growth in vivo. The identification of enzymatic properties in vitro demonstrated that the HpVIN4 protein could degrade sucrose into glucose and fructose with an optimum pH of 4.0. Specifically, the HpVIN4 protein had an estimated Km value of 5.15 ± 1.03 mmol·L⁻¹ for sucrose hydrolysis. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential roles of VINs during fruit development and towards ripening and provides functional gene resources for regulating soluble sugar accumulation in red pitaya fruit. Full article

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) has been found in many patients with urologic surgery. The authors investigated the effect of analgesic-eluting urethral catheters on postoperative CRBD. Methods: 60 subjects scheduled for urologic surgery requiring urethral catheterization were randomized prospectively to one of three groups (control arm, 0.5% ropivacaine 1 mL/h arm [Study 1 arm] and 0.5% ropivacaine 2 mL/h arm [Study 2 arm]; n = 20 each). The incidence and severity of CRBD were evaluated postoperatively at 24 h as primary outcomes. The incidence of adverse events regarding urethral catheter utilization was assessed as a secondary outcome. Results: The CRBD incidence at 24 h postoperatively in the control, study 1 and study 2 arms was 50.0%, 10.0%, and 15.0%, respectively (p = 0.002). The CRBD severity at 24 h postoperatively showed that patients in the study 1 and study 2 arms had significantly less postoperative CRBD than those in the control arm (visual analog score [VAS]; the mean VAS of the control, study 1, and study 2 arms: 2.1 vs. 1.6 vs. 0.9, p = 0.045). Urethral pain regarding catheter was significantly less severe in the study arms than in the control (VAS score: 6.2 vs. 1.5 vs. 1.4, p < 0.001). The severity and incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.287). Peri-catheter leakage was more frequent in the study 2 arm (p = 0.057). Conclusion: The proper usage of a ropivacaine-eluting catheter can not only alleviate CRBD but reduce catheter-related urethral pain in patients with urologic surgery followed by catheterization, without major adverse events. Full article

The physicochemical and biochemical changes during the fermentation of four clones and two native varieties of Theobroma cacao L. were studied. Fermentation was performed in traditional wood cubes. During fermentation, the cotyledon pH decreased, and the temperature increased to more than 10 °C above the ambient temperature (47 °C). The fermentation index (FI) increased in the clones C1, C4, C8, C9, and Guayaquil (G) to close to one at 120 h of fermentation. For the FI of the cocoa Criollo (Cr), a value of 2.5 was proposed according to the spectrophotometric scan performance. The total polyphenol content increased in all the samples from 21 (C8) to 70 (Cr) % in a comparison of the TPC at T0 and T120, respectively. The total flavonoid content increased from 16 (C8) to 51% in Guayaquil (G) during the fermentation period. In the case of the methylxanthines, such as theobromine and caffeine, both quantities decreased. The theobromine content decreased in all the samples from 6 (G) to 31% (C8). The caffeine content decreased in all the samples from 3% in Cr to 25% in C1 and G after fermentation. The antioxidant capability did not change after 120 h of fermentation, and the amount of methylxanthines did not affect the antioxidant potential of the fermented cocoa. The FTIR scan of the fat-free cocoa showed significant differences between the unfermented and fermented beans, and several peaks assigned to carbohydrates and proteins decreased. Full article

Polymorphisms in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene are known to be strongly associated with increased cardiovascular risk, primarily through their effects on the lipid profile and consequently on atherosclerotic risk. The acute heart rate response (AHRR) to physical activity is closely related to individual cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CETP gene polymorphisms on AHRR. Our analysis examines the association of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1532624, rs5882, rs708272, rs7499892, and rs9989419) and their haplotypes (H) in the CETP gene with AHRR in 607 people from the Hungarian population. Individual AHRR in the present study was assessed using the YMCA 3-min step test and was estimated as the difference between resting and post-exercise heart rate, i.e., delta heart rate (ΔHR). To exclude the direct confounding effect of the CETP gene on the lipid profile, adjustments for TG and HDL-C levels, next to conventional risk factors, were applied in the statistical analyses. Among the examined five SNPs, two showed a significant association with lower ΔHR (rs1532624—C_dominant: B = −8.41, p < 0.001; rs708272—G_dominant: B = −8.33, p < 0.001) and reduced the risk of adverse AHRR (rs1532624—C_dominant: OR = 0.44, p = 0.004; rs708272—G_dominant: OR = 0.43, p = 0.003). Among the ten haplotypes, two showed significant association with lower ΔHR (H3—CAGCA: B = −6.81, p = 0.003; H9—CGGCG: B = −14.64, p = 0.015) and lower risk of adverse AHRR (H3—CAGCA: OR = 0.58, p = 0.040; H9—CGGCG: OR = 0.05, p = 0.009) compared to the reference haplotype (H1—AGACG). Our study is the first to report a significant association between CETP gene polymorphisms and AHRR. It also confirms that the association of the CETP gene with cardiovascular risk is mediated by changes in heart rate in response to physical activity, in addition to its effect on lipid profile. Full article

The cooling of semen storage at 5 °C from a Thai native rooster (Pradu Hang Dum), supplemented with herbs possessing antioxidant properties, provided limited research. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Aloe vera (AV) gel supplementation at various levels on the quality of cooled semen and subsequent fertility after artificial insemination. Sixty-four chickens had semen pooled, diluted, and supplemented with different levels of AV gel (0% as control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, and 20%), and then stored for 72 h. In Experiment 1, semen quality, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and pH values were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after storage. Experiment 2 assessed fertility potential using the most effective cooled storage semen from Experiment 1. Results showed a decrease in semen quality with prolonged storage time (p < 0.001). The highest semen quality was observed in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel (p < 0.001), whereas the lowest was noted in the 20% AV gel group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 1.0% AV gel group exhibited the highest semen quality at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. The evaluation of fertility and hatchability rates revealed a statistically significant improvement in fertility potential (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel. In summary, this study represents the first investigation of stored Thai native rooster semen using a semen extender supplemented with Aloe vera gel at 5 °C, demonstrating its efficacy for storage up to 72 h. The addition of 1% AV gel was recommended as an antioxidant supplementation during the semen storage process at 5 °C to enhance semen quality and fertility rates. Full article

Sexual dimorphism influences cardiovascular outcomes in type 1 diabetes (T1D), with women facing a higher relative risk of macrovascular events compared to men, especially after menopause. This study hypothesizes that abnormalities in intermediate metabolism may be associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in T1D. We aim to assess low molecular weight metabolites (LMWM) as markers of CAN in T1D, considering the effects of sexual dimorphism and age. In this cross-sectional study, we included 323 subjects with T1D (147 women and 176 men), with a mean age of 41 ± 13 years. A total of 44 women and 41 men were over 50 years old. CAN was assessed using Ewing’s tests, and serum metabolites were analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR). Patients with CAN had lower levels of valine, isoleucine, and threonine, and higher levels of lactate, compared to those without CAN. These differences persisted after adjusting for BMI and estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). In a logistic regression model (R² = 0.178, p < 0.001), the main determinants of CAN included isoleucine [Exp(β) = 0.972 (95% CI 0.952; 0.003)], age [Exp(β) = 1.031 (95% CI 1.010; 1.053)], A_1c [Exp(β) = 1.361 (95% CI 1.058; 1.752)], and microangiopathy [Exp(β) = 2.560 (95% CI 1.372; 4.778)]. Sex influenced LMWM profiles, with over half of the metabolites differing between men and women. However, no interactions were found between CAN and sex, or between sex, age, and CAN, on metabolomics profiles. Our findings suggest an association between CAN and LMWM levels in T1D. The sexual dimorphism observed in amino acid metabolites was unaffected by the presence of CAN. Full article

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) encompasses a wide range of gliomas with different genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic features. Almost 50% of pHGGs present a mutation in genes coding for histone 3, including the subtype harboring the H3.3-G34 mutation. In this context, histone mutations are frequently associated with mutations in TP53 and ATRX, along with PDGFRA and NOTCH2NL amplifications. Moreover, the H3.3-G34 histone mutation induces epigenetic changes in immune-related genes and exerts modulatory functions on the microenvironment. Also, the functionality of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has an impact on treatment response. The prognosis remains poor with conventional treatments, thus eliciting the investigation of additional and alternative therapies. Promising molecular targets include PDGFRA amplification, BRAF mutation, EGFR amplification, NF1 loss, and IDH mutation. Considering that pHGGs harboring the H3.3-G34R mutation appear to be more susceptible to immunotherapies (ITs), different options have been recently explored, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody mediated IT, and Car-T cells. This review aims to summarize the knowledge concerning cancer biology and cancer-immune cell interaction in this set of pediatric gliomas, with a focus on possible therapeutic options. Full article

This study proposed a strategy to prepare metalized pellets for direct steelmaking by hydrogen cooling reduction (HCR) of iron ore pellets with a focus on the effect of H₂ flow rate on the process. It was demonstrated that increasing H₂ flow rate could effectively enhance the reduction performance of iron ore pellets. However, due to the influence of the countercurrent diffusion resistance of gas molecules, too high H₂ flow rate no longer promoted the reduction of the pellets when the maximum reduction rate was reached. The reduction swelling index (RSI) of the pellets initially increased and then decreased with increasing H₂ flow rate. This change was associated with the decreased content of Fe₂SiO₄ in the metalized pellets and the changes in porosity and iron particle size. The compressive strength (CS) decreased continuously, showing a sharp decline when the H₂ flow rate reached 0.6 L/min. It was attributed to the significant increases in porosity and average pore size of the metalized pellets, with the presence of surface cracks. When the H₂ flow rate was 0.8 L/min, the metalized pellets had the optimal performance, namely, reduction degree of 91.45%, metallization degree of 84.07%, total iron content of 80.67 wt%, RSI of 4.66%, and CS of 1265 N/p. The findings demonstrated the importance of controlling the H₂ flow rate in the preparation of metallized pellets by HCR. Full article

Combining steel with wood has been practised for many years. The issue is related to two main areas, i.e., bonding steel elements with wood so that they serve as connectors facilitating the assembly of wood elements and bonding steel elements to wood beams to improve their load-bearing capacity. In the first case, the adhesives used may be relatively expensive and more difficult to apply, whereas in the second one, especially when steel elements are glued inside the glulam (GL) beams, it is better if the adhesives used are more accessible to apply and cheaper. As it seems rational to reinforce wood with high-modulus ties, research has been carried out to compare the connection quality of commercially available adhesives that can be used for this purpose. Moreover, thermosetting adhesives have been applied as an alternative and cheaper solution. Thermostat adhesives also have a high pH of the bond, which prevents the steel from rusting. The research shows that the load-bearing capacity of the bond depends on whether the bars are ribbed or sheet metal. Moreover, among thermosetting adhesives, the most favourable load-bearing values were obtained using a mixture of PF/pMDI (phenol formaldehyde resin/polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate) and powder from recycled tyres. The shear strength of these joints was 1.63 N/mm² and 3.14 N/mm² for flat specimens and specimens with ribbed bars, respectively. Full article

Biomass serves as a crucial indicator of plant productivity, and the development of biomass models has become an efficient way for estimating tree biomass production rapidly and accurately. This study aimed to develop a rapid and accurate model to estimate the individual aboveground biomass of Salix suchowensis. Growth parameters, including plant height (PH), ground diameter (GD), number of first branches (NFB), number of second branches (NSB) and aboveground fresh biomass weight (FW), were measured from 892 destructive sample trees. Correlation analysis indicated that GD had higher positive correlations with FW than PH, NFB and NSB. According to the biological features and field observations of S. suchowensis, the samples were classified into three categories: single-stemmed type, first-branched type and second-branched type. Based on the field measurement data, regression models were constructed separately between FW and each growth trait (PH, GD, NFB and NSB) using linear and nonlinear regression functions (linear, exponential and power). Then, multiple power regression and multiple linear regression were conducted to estimate the fresh biomass of three types of S. suchowensis. For the single-stemmed plant type, model M1 with GD as the single parameter had the highest adj R², outperforming the other models. Among the 16 constructed biomass-estimating equations for the first-branched plant type, model M32 FW = ^0.010371 × PH^1.15862 × GD^1.250581 × NFB^0.190707 was found to have the best fit, with the highest coefficient of determination (adj R² = 0.6627) and lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC = 5997.3081). When it comes to the second-branched plant type, the best-fitting equation was proved to be the multiple power model M43 with PH, GD, NFB and NSB as parameters, which had the highest adj R² value and best-fitting effect. The stability and reliability of the models were confirmed by the F-test, repeated k-fold cross-validation and paired-sample t-tests. The models developed in this study could provide efficient tools for accurately estimating the total aboveground biomass for S. suchowensis at individual tree levels. The results of this study could also be useful for optimizing the economic productivity of shrub willow plantations. Full article

The by-product of deer skin, which has mostly been used as a decorative material, is rich in collagen and amino acids that could bind to Ca²⁺. Therefore, the preparation process, stability, antioxidant activity and calcium transport capacity of deer skin collagen peptide calcium chelate (Ca-DSCP) were investigated. In addition, the structure of the new chelate was characterized. The preparation process of Ca-DSCP was optimized using one-way experiments and response surface methodology. The ideal conditions were pH 9, 48 °C, and a peptide-to-calcium mass ratio of 5:1. The chelation rate was (60.73 ± 1.54)%. Zeta potential, XRD, UV–vis and FTIR analyses yielded that deer skin collagen peptides (DSCP) underwent a chelating reaction with calcium ions to form new structures. The stability of Ca-DSCP and the fraction of bioavailability of calcium ions were determined using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and a Caco-2 cell monolayer model. The results showed that fraction of bioavailability and stability of DSCP were improved by influencing the structural characterization. The antioxidant activities of DSCP and Ca-DSCP were evaluated by measuring relevant oxidative stress indicators, DPPH radical scavenging capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity. Finally, bioinformatics and molecular docking techniques were utilized to screen and study the antioxidant mechanism of DSCP. Full article

The purpose of this research article was to study the physicochemical characteristics of semi-wild Jara honey grown in Western Georgia. Jara honey is produced in the alpine and sub-alpine forest zone of high mountain Adjara, which is distinguished by its variety of honey plants. The physicochemical characteristics were examined concerning the Alimemtarius Code and EU regulations: moisture content, total carbohydrates, free acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, microelements (Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca), color, total phenols, total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, proline, diastase activity, proteins, and microscopic study of pollens. Using the UPLC-MSB method, grayanotoxin-III was identified in the semi-wild Jara honey samples. The findings demonstrated that the honey has significant concentrations of phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. A directly proportional relationship was established between the quantitative content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of honey. This article is the first study of the characteristics of Jara honey produced in Western Georgia. Full article

The microsomal metabolism of phenol (11 °C) over an annual reproductive cycle from June to December was studied using fall spawning adult brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Hepatic microsomes were isolated from three male and three female fish each month. Incubations were optimized for time, cofactor concentration, pH, and microsomal protein concentration. The formation of phase I ring-hydroxylation metabolites, i.e., hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CAT), was quantified by HPLC with dual-channel electrochemical detection. Sample preparation and chromatographic conditions were optimized to achieve the separation and sensitivity required for the analysis of these labile products. Biotransformation of phenol over a range of substrate concentrations (1 to 150 mM) was quantified for the calculation of Michaelis–Menten constants (Km and Vmax) for each month. Results indicate a nearly equal production of HQ and CAT among males and females in late June. At the peak of maturity in October, there was an approximate ten-fold greater production of ring-hydroxylation metabolites noted in females in comparison with males on a total liver basis. In vitro phase II biotransformation of phenol glucuronidation was assessed by determining the Michaelis–Menten constants (Km, Vmax) using brook trout hepatic microsomes over a range of substrate concentrations (1 to 60 mM). Initially, there were no significant differences in the glucuronide rate of formation (pmol/min/mg protein) or total capacity (nmol/min/liver) between females and males. At the peak of maturation, the maximum rate of glucuronide formation was 4-fold less in females; however, the total capacity was 2-fold less in females due to the increased liver size in the females. The alterations in biotransformation coincided with increases in the hepatic and gonadal somatic indices and with changes in plasma hormone concentrations. These experiments provide insight into the metabolic deactivation of xenobiotics and to provide data for the prediction of altered hepatic biotransformation rates and pathways during the reproductive cycle. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative analgesic and sedative effects of oral CBD in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-two cats were assigned to receive either oral cannabidiol oil (2 mg/kg, CBD group, n = 12) or placebo oil (0.1 mL/kg, Placebo group, n = 10) 60 min before the premedication. The anesthetic protocol included dexmedetomidine/meperidine, propofol, and isoflurane. Intravenous fentanyl was given to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Pain was assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-extubation using the UNESP–Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale and the Glasgow feline composite-measure pain scale. Sedation scores were assessed at the same timepoints and at 15 min after the premedication. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Higher sedation scores were recorded in the CBD group at 15 min after premedication (p = 0.041). Intraoperatively, more cats required fentanyl in the Placebo group than in CBD group (p = 0.028). The pain scores did not differ between groups, except at 0.5 h post-extubation when lower scores were detected in the CBD group (p = 0.003–0.005). Morphine was required in 100% of the animals in both groups. CBD increased preoperative sedation and decreased intraoperative analgesic requirements, with minimal evidence of postoperative analgesic benefits over the placebo. Full article