Search Results (11,775)

Consumers have become more aware of the impact of nutrition on health, paying attention to the composition and origin of food and looking for natural products. There is a trend towards a “healthy” diet with low-energy foods and a preference for healthier alternatives. This study aimed to assess the technological quality and food safety of very-low-sugar apple jams with steviol glycosides substituting sugar in various quantities. Apple jam variants with SG substitution at concentrations of 30, 50, and 80% selected in preliminary studies were subjected to physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological analyses during storage for 3 and 6 months. The studied jams were sensorily acceptable, and no significant changes in the technological quality of the products were observed, apart from color darkening. The microbiological quality during storage for 3 and 6 months was also satisfactory. The use of a natural sweetener, steviol glycosides, in the production of apple jam was shown to be satisfactory. It resulted in a product with taste and odor similar to conventional jam but with a low energy value. This product is suitable for people with diabetes, people on a restrictive diet, or those who pay attention to a product’s natural features, in line with the clean-label trend. Full article

This study investigated carotenoid content and fruit color variation in 306 pepper accessions from diverse Capsicum species. Red-fruited accessions were predominant (245 accessions), followed by orange (35) and yellow (20). Carotenoid profiles varied significantly across accessions, with capsanthin showing the highest mean concentration (239.12 μg/g), followed by β-cryptoxanthin (63.70 μg/g) and zeaxanthin (63.25 μg/g). Total carotenoid content ranged from 7.09 to 2566.67 μg/g, emphasizing the diversity within the dataset. Correlation analysis revealed complex relationships between carotenoids, with strong positive correlations observed between total carotenoids and capsanthin (r = 0.94 ***), β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.87 ***), and zeaxanthin (r = 0.84 ***). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two distinct carotenoid groups, accounting for 67.6% of the total variance. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 91 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with fruit color (15 SNPs) and carotenoid content (76 SNPs). These SNPs were distributed across all chromosomes, with varying numbers on each. Among individual carotenoids, α-carotene was associated with 28 SNPs, while other carotenoids showed different numbers of associated SNPs. Candidate genes encoding diverse proteins were identified near significant SNPs, potentially contributing to fruit color variation and carotenoid accumulation. These included pentatricopeptide repeat-containing proteins, mitochondrial proton/calcium exchangers, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase SINAT2, histone–lysine N-methyltransferase, sucrose synthase, and various enzymes involved in metabolic processes. Seven SNPs exhibited pleiotropic effects on multiple carotenoids, particularly β-cryptoxanthin and capsanthin. The findings of this study provide insights into the genetic architecture of carotenoid biosynthesis and fruit color in peppers, offering valuable resources for targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing the nutritional and sensory attributes of pepper varieties. Full article

High levels of unsaturated fatty acids in Brazil nuts compromise their sensory quality through lipid oxidation. To mitigate this reaction, it is crucial to package nuts under a vacuum and in aluminate packaging. An alternative method is the application of an edible coating with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to develop an edible coating composed of carboxymethylcellulose and sorbitol, physically reinforced with nanocellulose, and chemically fortified with tocopherol. The edible coating was characterized based on its physical properties, mechanical strength, biodegradability, optical light transmission properties, color parameters, and water vapor permeability. Formulations CC5 (Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) + sorbitol + 5% nanocellulose) and CCT5 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 5% nanocellulose) showed enhanced mechanical strength. The combination of nanocellulose with tocopherol in formulations CCT3 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 3% nanocellulose) and CCT5 developed superior barriers to visible and ultraviolet light, a desired characteristic for coatings intended to increase the shelf life of Brazil nuts. The nuts coated with CC5 and CCT3 showed the lowest PV values at the end of the accelerated oxidation test conducted at 60 °C. Full article

Some individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) experience anosmia, or loss of smell. Although the prevalence of anosmia has decreased with the emergence of the Omicron variant, it remains a significant concern. This review examines the potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 PUFAs, in treating COVID-19-induced anosmia by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of the condition. Omega-3 PUFAs are known for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmission-enhancing properties, which could potentially aid in olfactory recovery. However, study findings are inconsistent. For instance, a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial found no significant effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on olfactory recovery in patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia. These mixed results highlight the limitations of existing research, including small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, short follow-up periods, and combined treatments. Therefore, more rigorous, large-scale studies are urgently needed to definitively assess the therapeutic potential of omega-3 PUFAs for olfactory dysfunction. Further research is also crucial to explore the broader role of PUFAs in managing viral infections and promoting sensory recovery. Full article

Virtual reality offers ordinary users the ability to observe and interact with various abstract or concrete objects visualized in a three-dimensional space from different angles. Users can manipulate, transform, or reconstruct these objects similarly to how they might in a real environment. Manipulating objects in virtual reality is not as effortless as in the real world, due to the lack of sensory feedback and limited input freedom. However, it also offers new advantages that the real world cannot provide, such as the ability to easily select and control remote objects and the support of various auxiliary user interfaces. In particular, when it is necessary to alternately manipulate objects of various sizes, scaling the user’s avatar symmetrically allows for more effective manipulation than in the real world. However, manual scaling interfaces can be cumbersome and may induce dizziness. This study proposes an interaction technique that allows users to conveniently manipulate objects of various sizes without manual scale adjustment, by automatically and instantly adjusting the scale factor according to the size of the selected object and its adjacent objects. To compensate for the change in scale, we also implement a position correction mechanism that adjusts the user’s position in the virtual environment. Preliminary experiments with a small group of participants confirmed that automatic scale adjustment produces significant effects. Based on the feedback from these experiments, a more refined distance calculation method and the timing for scale adjustment were derived. In the main experiment with 14 participants, it was confirmed that the automatic scale adjustment method proposed in this study led to higher accuracy and lower discomfort in task completion compared to the conventional manual scale adjustment method. We expect that the results of this study will effectively contribute to the creation of virtual reality content that requires interaction with objects of various sizes in the future. Full article

Currently, there is a growing demand for ready-to-eat, prepared, high-quality, preservative-free products. However, the shelf-life of these products is often so short that a relatively high percentage of these products cannot be sold and end up as food waste. In this study, pork loin with different marinades (paprika and herbs) was treated with different high hydrostatic pressures (0 MPa, 300 MPa, 450 MPa and 600 MPa) and a bioactive component (piperine) and then the quality of the meat was examined after 0, 4, 8, 12 and 14 days of cold storage. Changes were monitored using color, pH, texture and microbiological analyses. Both pressure, piperine enrichment, storage time and the interactions of different factors had a significant effect on the quality of the loin samples with different marinades. Due to the denaturation of myoglobin, meat slices were less red and lighter after HHP treatment. The addition of piperine reduced this lightness. The pH increased with increasing pressure and decreased with storage time. HHP treatment significantly increased meat hardness, with samples treated at 600 MPa being 19% harder than those treated at 450 MPa. Microbiological results indicated that HHP at 450 MPa and 600 MPa effectively reduced anaerobic total live plate counts, ensuring satisfactory sensory and microbiological quality throughout storage. Piperine fortification also resulted in a more favorable microbiological status during storage without any perceptible change in quality properties during storage. These findings underscore the effectiveness of HHP and piperine enrichment in enhancing the safety and quality of marinated meats. Full article

In the contemporary epistemological debate, it is possible to identify approaches whereby rational and sensory human faculties are not the sole essential dimensions in the knowing process. With its intuitional and empathic nature, love emerges as a specific way through which scientists may also know the world. In the 20th century, the Russian–American sociologist Pitirim A. Sorokin (1889–1968) was one of the scholars who highlighted the epistemological power of love. In his integral epistemology, the relevance of Altruistic Creative Love within the cognitive process is underlined. Love appears as an energy—linked to a specific intuitional human dimension called supraconscious—through which to know reality, which could integrate the empirical–sensory and rational–mindful dimensions. Following this line of thought, this article presents the thought of this scholar, outlining his general theory of knowledge and, in particular, highlighting the function of Altruistic Creative Love in the scientific method and analysing an original scientific dissemination activity embedded in the Sorokinian perspective that makes use of the arts, which can open new “eyes” and stimulate individual and social transformation. Full article

Background and Objectives: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is the most commonly used flap for head and neck reconstruction. However, complications at the donor site are its major drawbacks. We aimed to identify the patient comorbidities and factors that predict donor site complications after RFFF. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent RFFF reconstruction for head and neck cancer between 2015 and 2022 was performed. Demographic variables, clinical processes, and postoperative complications were assessed. All variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Sixty-seven patients underwent RFFF reconstruction, and all received a split-thickness skin graft at the donor site. Twenty-five patients experienced delayed skin graft healing, whereas nine experienced sensory changes at the donor site. Hypertension and age had statistically significant negative effects on wound healing. The incidence of hand swelling was related to graft size, and the occurrence of paresthesia was significantly higher in diabetic patients and significantly lower in those with acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Conclusions: Patients with hypertension had a higher risk of prolonged wound healing after RFFF than their normotensive patients. Clinicians should pay particular attention to wound healing strategies in patients with hypertension. Additionally, better neuropathy care is recommended to achieve sensory recovery after RFFF in patients with diabetes. Using a skin graft with ADM could be a method to alleviate neurological symptoms. Full article

Leptin is a hormone produced by the small intestines and adipose tissue that promotes feelings of satiety. Leptin receptors (LepRs) are highly expressed in the hypothalamus, enabling central neural control of hunger. Interestingly, LepRs are also expressed in several other regions of the body and brain, notably in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These brain regions mediate higher-order sensory, motor, cognitive, and memory functions, which can be profoundly altered during periods of hunger and satiety. However, LepR expression in these regions has not been fully characterized on a cell-type-specific basis, which is necessary to begin assessing their potential functional impact. Consequently, we examined LepR expression on neurons and glia in the forebrain using a LepR-Cre transgenic mouse model. LepR-positive cells were identified using a ‘floxed’ viral cell-filling approach and co-labeling immunohistochemically for cell-type-specific markers, i.e., NeuN, VGlut2, GAD67, parvalbumin, somatostatin, 5-HT3R, WFA, S100β, and GFAP. In the cortex, LepR-positive cells were localized to lower layers (primarily layer 6) and exhibited non-pyramidal cellular morphologies. The majority of cortical LepR-positive cells were neurons, while the remainder were identified primarily as astrocytes or other glial cells. The majority of cortical LepR-positive neurons co-expressed parvalbumin, while none expressed somatostatin or 5-HT3R. In contrast, all hippocampal LepR-positive cells were neuronal, with none co-expressing GFAP. These data suggest that leptin can potentially influence neural processing in forebrain regions associated with sensation and limbic-related functions. Full article

Sensory processing challenges are crucial yet often neglected aspects in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions. They represent a key area of interest in neuroscience, as they significantly impact children’s daily functioning and quality of life. This observational study examines these challenges in a group of 614 children, aged 3 to 14 years and 11 months, divided into three groups: 183 with neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and learning disorders), 89 with genetic conditions (22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, and pseudohypoparathyroidism), and 342 controls. Sensory processing was assessed using Sensory Profile 2 (SP2). Results indicated that children with neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions exhibited significant sensory processing difficulties compared to controls. SP2 identified distinct sensory challenges across different sensory systems, varying by diagnosis. Notably, genetic conditions appeared to have a more generalised impact across multiple sensory systems, while neurodevelopmental disorders tended to affect specific systems more narrowly. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and tailored evidence-based interventions to address these specific sensory processing issues. Further research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions in these different populations and their integration into broader therapeutic programmes. Full article

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the primary causes of low back pain, causing disability; hence, there is no regenerative nature of the current treatments. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was reported to facilitate tissue repair and alleviate pain. Herein, we determined the therapeutic effect of HA and type II collagen (COLII) hydrogel for tissue repair targeting pain in IVD degeneration. We implanted HA/COLII hydrogel following surgically induced disc injury at coccygeal levels in the rat tail model of pain. We assessed the efficacy of the HA/COLII hydrogel in reducing pain behaviour by using the von Frey assessment, protein expression of growth-associated protein (GAP) 43 for sensory nerve innervation, and disc hydration by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We observed the anti-nociceptive effect of the HA/COLII hydrogel in alleviating mechanical allodynia in rats. There was an inhibition of sensory hyperinnervation indicated by the GAP43 protein in the treatment group. We revealed an increase in T1ρ mapping of MRI, indicating that the hydrogel restored disc hydration in vivo. Our findings suggest the HA/COLII hydrogel alleviates pain behaviour, inhibits hyperinnervation and promotes disc hydration for tissue repair, implying that it is a potential candidate for the treatment of degenerative disc-associated low back pain. Full article

Overall, the cultural and artistic practices that continue to surround hitchhiking subcultures are largely untapped by serious scholastic research. This paper, deliberately non-linear, explores the haptic dimensions of hitchhiking. We use this mode of travel to make certain observations about our late-modern, or cosmopolitan age, as well as about some of the subcultures surrounding adventurous, competitive, and alternative transport. The piece is grounded in a form of duo-auto-ethnography, inspired by the experiences of two authors who are well-versed in this practice, but who have still not met in person. The paper argues that one of the main lessons to arise from the era of mass hitchhiking during the mid-twentieth century is that the types of sensory knowledge acquired and passed on by hitchhikers themselves are unique in their spatio-temporal potential for being imaginatively transformed into tools for shaping wider socio-political projects. Full article

Intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma (ISCG) is lethal due to lack of effective treatment. We previously established a rat C6-ISCG model and the antitumor effect of F3.CD-TK, an hNSC line expressing CD and TK, via producing cytocidal 5FU and GCV-TP. However, the neurotherapeutic potential of this hNSC approach has remained uninvestigated. Here for the first time, cultured F3.CD-TK cells were found to have a markedly higher oncolytic effect, which was GJIC-dependent, and BDNF expression but less VEGF secretion than F3.CD. In Rowett athymic rats, F3.CD-TK (1.5 × 10⁶ cells/10 µL × 2), injected near C6-ISCG (G55 seeding 7 days earlier: 10 K/each) and followed by q.d. (×5/each repeat; i.p.) of 5FC (500 mg/kg/5 mL/day) and GCV (25 mg/kg/1 mL/day), robustly mitigated cardiorespiratory, locomotor, and sensory deficits to improve neurofunction and overall survival compared to animals receiving either F3.CD or F3.CD-TK+F3.CD debris formula. The F3.CD-TK regimen exerted greater tumor penetration and neural inflammation/immune modulation, reshaped C6-ISCG topology to increase the tumor’s surface area/volume ratio to spare/repair host axons (e.g., vGlut1+ neurites), and had higher post-prodrug donor self-clearance. The multimodal data and mechanistic leads from this proof-of-principle study suggest that the overall stronger anti-ISCG benefit of our hNSC-based GDEPT is derived from its concurrent oncolytic and neurotherapeutic effects. Full article

Background: The environmental enrichment (EE) framework has inspired several early intervention (EI) approaches. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, caregiver acceptance, and satisfaction of implementing the HEP Approach intervention, a novel EI model based on the EE paradigm. Outcome measures for motor development, individual functional goals, sensory functions, caregiver-provided environmental affordances, and motivation for movement were examined. Methods: A pre-post-study design examined 18 premature infants (<33 weeks six days gestation) with a corrected age of 4–10 months. A 21-item Likert scale survey assessed the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and satisfaction of implementing the HEP Approach intervention. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2, Test of Sensory Functions in Infants, Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development, and Infant Movement Motivation Questionnaire were used for outcomes. The goal attainment scale measured progress toward parent goals. The HEP Approach consisted of 12 one-hour sessions implemented over three months. Results: Most participating parents found the HEP Approach intervention feasible, safe, acceptable, and satisfactory. GAS scores demonstrated significant gains with a mean t-score of 67.75 (SD = 2.00). Results found significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in all outcome measures. Conclusions: Results suggest that the HEP Approach intervention is safe, feasible, and acceptable to implement. Outcome measures were meaningful and sensitive in identifying improved motor development, individualized parental goals, sensory functions, caregivers’ use of environmental opportunities, and movement motivation in premature at-risk infants. Results suggest further studies on the HEP Approach are feasible, and highlight the potential of this intervention to inspire and guide future research in this field. Full article

Seafood is highly perishable after being caught, making effective preservation technology essential. A few studies have explored the mechanisms of near-freezing storage combined with high-voltage electric fields for seafood preservation. This study uses near-freezing storage at −1 °C in conjunction with three high-voltage electric fields (5 kV/m, 8 kV/m, and 16 kV/m) to store large yellow croakers for 21 days and assesses their quality through sensory evaluation, pH values, malondialdehyde, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable counts. The results indicate that high-voltage electric fields effectively inhibit endogenous enzyme activity and microbial growth while reducing lipid oxidation in large yellow croakers. The preservation effect is optimal at an electric field strength of 16 kV/m, extending their shelf life by 9 days. These findings offer valuable theoretical and data-driven insights for applying near-freezing storage and electric field preservation technology in cross-regional fish transportation. Full article