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Heliyon May 2024Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new...
Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new products. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the melon harvest and off-season on the chemical composition of melon (Cantaloupe, Charentais e Honey Dew) flours and the potential application in products. The flours were evaluated for granulometry, morphology, centesimal composition, lipid and mineral content, total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity, and technological properties. Cakes containing melon flour were produced to replace wheat flour (0, 25, and 50 %) and evaluated for proximate composition, microbiology, and sensory parameters. Flours were classified as fine-grained (MESH >16), except Charentais off-season (medium - MESH 8-16, and fine-grained - MESH >16), and all presented a rough surface and minimal cell wall ruptures. The harvest homogeneously influenced the humidity, as all the off-season flours showed higher levels [17-22 %] (p < 0.05) due to weather conditions. For TPC, Cantaloupe melon flours from the harvest (CFH) [208 mg/100 g] and off-season [877 mg/100 g] stood out (p < 0.05), and the latter showed greater antioxidant potential [328 μmol TE/g]. Palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acid stood out in all flours, and potassium for minerals (63-78 %) in the harvest and off-season. The harvest and off-season specifically influenced the flour of each variety in swelling power, water solubility, oil absorption, and emulsifying capacity. For cakes with CFH, no thermotolerant coliforms and were detected, and the mesophilic count was <1.0 CFU/g. The ash, protein, lipid, and fiber contents increased proportionally to melon flour addition (p < 0.05). Sensory acceptance was high for cakes containing 25 and 50 % of CFH [82.78 % and 82.53 %], and most consumers would likely buy the products (4.04 and 3.99) (p < 0.05). The study contributed to knowledge about the seasonality effect and demonstrated the potential use of melon flour in developing new products.
PubMed: 38756580
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29609 -
Allergologie Select 2024Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational skin diseases. Targeted allergen avoidance can only be achieved by identification of the causative... (Review)
Review
Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational skin diseases. Targeted allergen avoidance can only be achieved by identification of the causative allergen. Therefore, patch testing is of utmost importance in occupational dermatology, not only in terms of assessing causal relationships but also regarding the implementation of prevention measures and evaluation of the legal criteria for an occupational skin disease in Germany (statutory occupational disease BK 5101). The lack of commercial patch test preparations poses a great diagnostic challenge. Patch testing of patient's own materials from their workplace is therefore very important to reduce diagnostic gaps. The performance and documentation of the patch test should be in line with current guidelines and recommendations to ensure the necessary test quality and comprehensibility of the test results.
PubMed: 38756208
DOI: 10.5414/ALX2483E -
Scientific Reports May 2024To explore the potential of using the mineral alteration information extracted by remote sensing technology to indirectly estimate the heavy metal content of salinized...
To explore the potential of using the mineral alteration information extracted by remote sensing technology to indirectly estimate the heavy metal content of salinized soil, 23 sampling points were uniformly set up in the town of Gudao in the Yellow River Delta as the research area in 2022. The concentrations of seven heavy metals, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn and Ni, at the sampling points were determined in laboratory tests. Spectral derivative indices, topographic factors, and mineral alteration information (iron staining, hydroxyl, and carbonate ions) were extracted and screened as modeling factors using Sentinel 2 imagery. An inverse model of heavy metal content was constructed using the random forest algorithm, and the model accuracy was evaluated using the cross-validation method. The results of the study show that: (1) Hydroxyl and carbonate ion alteration can be effectively used for the inversion of soil As and Ni content in this study area. Iron-stained alteration can be used as a modeling factor in the inversion of Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations. (2) The inclusion of alteration information improves the accuracy of heavy metal content inversion. The Cu concentration was verified to be the best predictor, with an RMSE of 3.309, MAPE of 11.072%, and R of 0.904, followed by As, Ni, and Zn; the predictive value of Mn, Cr and Pb was average. (3) Based on the results of concentration inversion, the high concentration areas of As, Ni, and Mn are primarily distributed on both sides of the river and around lakes and ponds. The high-concentration areas of Zn were mainly distributed in the farmland areas on both sides of the river. Areas with high concentrations of Cu were mainly distributed in the eastern oil extraction area, both sides of the rivers, and around lakes.
PubMed: 38755273
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62087-y -
Journal of Chromatography. A Jul 2024On-line coupled high performance liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (HPLC-GC-FID) was used to compare the effect of hydrogen, helium and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparison of carrier gases for the separation and quantification of mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) fractions using online coupled high performance liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection.
On-line coupled high performance liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (HPLC-GC-FID) was used to compare the effect of hydrogen, helium and nitrogen as carrier gases on the chromatographic characteristics for the quantification of mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) traces in food related matrices. After optimisation of chromatographic parameters nitrogen carrier gas exhibited characteristics equivalent to hydrogen and helium regarding requirements set by current guidelines and standardisation such as linear range, quantification limit and carry over. Though nitrogen expectedly led to greater peak widths, all required separations of standard compounds were sufficient and humps of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) were appropriate to enable quantitation similar to situations where hydrogen or helium had been used. Slightly increased peak widths of individual hump components did not affect shapes and widths of the MOSH and MOAH humps were not significantly affected by the use of nitrogen as carrier gas. Notably, nitrogen carrier gas led to less solvent peak tailing and smaller baseline offset. Overall, nitrogen may be regarded as viable alternative to hydrogen or helium and may even extend the range of quantifiable compounds to highly volatile hydrocarbon eluting directly after the solvent peak.
Topics: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Gas; Mineral Oil; Hydrocarbons; Nitrogen; Helium; Hydrogen; Flame Ionization; Gases
PubMed: 38744185
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464946 -
The Review of Scientific Instruments May 2024With the development of microfluidic technology, microfluidic chips have played a positive role in applications such as cell culture, microfluidic PCR, and nanopore gene...
With the development of microfluidic technology, microfluidic chips have played a positive role in applications such as cell culture, microfluidic PCR, and nanopore gene sequencing. However, the presence of bubbles interferes with fluid flow and has a significant impact on experimental results. There are many reasons for the generation of bubbles in microfluidic chips, such as pressure changes inside the chip, air vibration inside the chip, and the open chip guiding air into the chip when driving fluid. This study designed and prepared a microfluidic device based on polydimethylsiloxane. First, air was actively introduced into the microfluidic chip, and bubbles were captured through the microfluidic device to simulate the presence of bubbles inside the chip in biological experiments. To remove bubbles trapped in the microfluidic chip, distilled water, distilled water containing surfactants, and mineral oil were pumped into the microfluidic chip. We compared and discussed the bubble removal efficiency under different driving fluids, driving pressures, and open/closed channel configurations. This study helps to understand the mechanism of bubble formation and removal in microfluidic devices, optimize chip structure design and experimental reagent selection, prevent or eliminate bubbles, and reduce the impact of bubbles on experiments.
PubMed: 38739426
DOI: 10.1063/5.0190337 -
ACS Omega May 2024Shale reservoirs have diverse mineral types, and analyzing the sensitivity of the mineral composition to shale pores is of great scientific and engineering significance....
Shale reservoirs have diverse mineral types, and analyzing the sensitivity of the mineral composition to shale pores is of great scientific and engineering significance. In this paper, first, X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments on shale mineral compositions are carried out, and the characteristics of pore structure changes after shale mineral compositions interacted with external fluids (slick water and backflow fluid) are elucidated. Then, the effects of quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite on the pore structure and permeability of shale on the susceptibility to slick water are studied. The results show that (a) quartz and clay minerals are the dominant constituents of each core, with some cores containing minor amounts of plagioclase feldspar and rhodochrosite. (b) The composition of the shale changed significantly following the action of external fluids. The average quartz content of pure shale decreased from 31.62% to 29.1%. The average content of quartz in siliceous shale decreased from 36.53% to 33.5%. The average content of quartz in carbonaceous shale decreased from 9.15% to 8.05%. (c) Factors affecting the sensitivity of shale pore structure and permeability to slick water are mainly quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite. The contents of quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite decreased by an average of 5.1%, 4.6%, and 0.9%, respectively, after slick water action.
PubMed: 38737071
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00498 -
Polymers Apr 2024The lifespan of an electrical transformer, primarily determined by the condition of its solid insulation, is well known under various operating conditions when mineral...
The lifespan of an electrical transformer, primarily determined by the condition of its solid insulation, is well known under various operating conditions when mineral oil is the coolant in these machines. However, there is a trend toward replacing this oil with biodegradable fluids, especially esters; therefore, an understanding of the ageing of solid insulation with these fluids is essential. Currently available data do not allow for the selection of the best ester among those available on the market, as each study applies different conditions, making it impossible to compare results. Thus, this paper analyses the degradation of Kraft and Thermally Upgraded Kraft papers with the following five most promising commercial esters: sunflower, rapeseed, soybean, palm, and synthetic. The materials underwent accelerated thermal ageing at 130, 150, and 170 °C, and the integrity of the papers was evaluated through their polymerisation degree and the obtaining of the degradation kinetic models. The wide range of materials studied in this work, which were subjected to the same treatments, allows for a comparison of the esters, revealing significant differences in the impact of the alternative fluids. Sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean esters provided the best paper protection, i.e., the degree of polymerisation of Kraft paper in the tests at 150 °C decreased by 71% with these fluids, compared to the 83% reduction with mineral oil, 79% reduction with palm ester, and 75% reduction with synthetic ester. Furthermore, different kinetic models were obtained to predict the degradation; it was concluded that the Emsley model provides the best fit. Additionally, it was found that the behaviour of a dielectric fluid with one type of paper cannot be extrapolated, which is only noticeable in broad-scope studies.
PubMed: 38732664
DOI: 10.3390/polym16091196 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the...
The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the spleen of rats both under normal physiological conditions and with coexisting mammary tumorigenesis. The diet of Sprague-Dawley female rats was supplemented either with PSO or with BME, or with a combination for 21 weeks. A chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) was applied intragastrically to induce mammary tumors. In the spleen of rats, the selected elements were determined with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in elemental composition among experimental groups. Multivariate statistical methods were used to discover whether some subtle dependencies exist between experimental factors and thus influence the element content. Experimental factors affected the splenic levels of macroelements, except for potassium. Both diet modification and the cancerogenic process resulted in significant changes in the content of Fe, Se, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Sr, Pb, Cd, B, and Tl in rat spleen. Chemometric analysis revealed the greatest impact of the ongoing carcinogenic process on the mineral composition of the spleen. The obtained results may contribute to a better understanding of peripheral immune organ functioning, especially during the neoplastic process, and thus may help develop anticancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Spleen; Female; Rats; Pomegranate; Plant Extracts; Momordica charantia; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Plant Oils; Dietary Supplements; Seeds; Breast Neoplasms; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental
PubMed: 38731433
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091942 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jun 2024The research aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasonication and succinylation on the functional, iron binding, physiochemical, and cellular mineral uptake efficacy of...
Effect of dual modifications with ultrasonication and succinylation on Cicer arietinum protein-iron complexes: Characterization, digestibility, in-vitro cellular mineral uptake and preparation of fortified smoothie.
The research aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasonication and succinylation on the functional, iron binding, physiochemical, and cellular mineral uptake efficacy of chickpea protein concentrate. Succinylation resulted in significant improvements in the water-holding capacity (WHC) (25.47 %), oil-holding capacity (OHC) (31.38 %), and solubility (5.80 %) of the chickpea protein-iron complex. Mineral bioavailability significantly increased by 4.41 %, and there was a significant increase in cellular mineral uptake (64.64 %), retention (36.68 %), and transport (27.96 %). The ferritin content of the succinylated chickpea protein-iron complex showed a substantial increase of 66.31%. Furthermore, the dual modification approach combining ultrasonication and succinylation reduced the particle size of the protein-iron complex with a substantial reduction of 83.25 %. It also resulted in a significant enhancement of 51.5 % in the SH (sulfhydryl) content and 48.92 % in the surface hydrophobicity. Mineral bioavailability and cellular mineral uptake, retention, and transport were further enhanced through dual modification. In terms of application, the addition of single and dual-modified chickpea protein-iron complex to a fruit-based smoothie demonstrated positive acceptance in sensory attributes. Overall, the combined approach of succinylation and ultrasonication to the chickpea protein-iron complex shows a promising strategy for enhancing the physiochemical and techno-functional characteristics, cellular mineral uptake, and the development of vegan food products.
Topics: Cicer; Biological Availability; Iron; Humans; Food, Fortified; Plant Proteins; Digestion; Minerals; Caco-2 Cells; Succinic Acid; Particle Size; Food Handling; Solubility; Ferritins
PubMed: 38729696
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114344 -
Chemosphere Jul 2024In this study, high-ash coal slime-based mineral soil amendment (MSA) was prepared via the hydrothermal method using high-ash coal slime as raw material, supplemented...
Preparation and characterization of high-ash coal slime-based soil amendment as well as investigations of its adsorption performance and mechanisms towards heavy metals in soil.
In this study, high-ash coal slime-based mineral soil amendment (MSA) was prepared via the hydrothermal method using high-ash coal slime as raw material, supplemented with activator calcium oxide and additive KOH solution. After hydrothermal treatment at 230 °C for 5 h, the original crystalline phase (quartz and kaolinite) of the high-ash slime was completely transformed into hydrotalcite zeolite, tobermorite, and silicate of potassium aluminosilicate, which has the largest specific surface area. The adsorption of Pb and Cd was adherent to the kinetic equation of secondary adsorption and Freundlich models, and the removal of Pb and Cd reached up to 362.58 mg g and 64.67 mg g. The successive releases of SiO and CaO from MSA conformed to the Elovich equation, whereas the releases of SiO in Cd-containing environments and CaO in Pb- and Cd-containing environments more closely conformed to the power function; the releases of KO all conformed to the first-order kinetic equation. The presence of Pb and Cd in the environment promotes the release of potassium and calcium elements with MSA's ion-exchange ability, and attenuates the release of silicon elements. Combining Pb and Cd with silicon resulted in the intolerant precipitation of 3PbO·2SiO and CdSiO. The mineral precipitation mechanism is the most important mechanism of MSA in immobilizing heavy metals, accounting for 72.7%-80.5% of the total adsorption. Further contaminated soil immobilization experiments also showed that the application of MSA significantly reduced the bioavailability of soil heavy metals. When the MSA addition amount was 1.6%, the residual state increased by 63.58%. In conclusion, preparing MSA may effectively utilize coal-based solid waste with high added value.
Topics: Adsorption; Soil Pollutants; Metals, Heavy; Soil; Kinetics; Coal; Coal Ash; Cadmium; Lead; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Oxides; Calcium Compounds
PubMed: 38729445
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142295