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Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024Infant formulas (IFs), the sole adequate substitute to human milk, undergo several thermal treatments during production that can damage milk proteins and promote the...
Infant formulas (IFs), the sole adequate substitute to human milk, undergo several thermal treatments during production that can damage milk proteins and promote the formation of Maillard reaction products, modifying nutritional and sensory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a minimally processing route based on membrane filtration associated with different levels of heat treatment, on the odor, taste, texture and color attributes of IFs, then to compare with those of commercial milks. Three experimental IFs (produced with membrane filtration associated with low - T, medium - T, or high thermal treatments - T) were evaluated. Triangular tests conducted with a panel of 50 adults highlighted clear disparities between all the IFs. The same panel applied the Check-All-That-Apply method to evaluate the IFs: the range of variability between T and T was similar to that between the 2 commercial IFs, and the sensory characteristics of the experimental IFs were not far from the commercial brands for flavor and texture attributes. Analysis performed on the citation frequencies for each descriptor differentiated T/T from T, but all the experimental IFs were described with positive sensory characteristics, unlike one commercial IF. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content of IFs with low and high thermal treatments were analyzed. Forty VOCs were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. T contained a higher quantity of VOCs than T, except for benzaldehyde (Maillard reaction product), and aldehydes (oxidation-related products) were the most represented compounds. In conclusion, the processing was associated with sensory differences among IFs, but no marked difference in flavors was found according to CATA and physicochemical analysis. Additionally, no unpleasant sensory descriptors were noted. This shows that the minimally processed route leads to IFs that could fit well within the market from a sensory point of view.
PubMed: 38908693
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24937 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2024Overall physical activity (PA) has been linked to decreased olfactory dysfunction and could improve olfactory function. Additionally, decreased olfactory function can...
INTRODUCTION
Overall physical activity (PA) has been linked to decreased olfactory dysfunction and could improve olfactory function. Additionally, decreased olfactory function can contribute to reduced overall PA levels, given its association with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between specific PA parameters (duration, frequency, intensity) and olfactory function in adults.
METHODS
A total of 3,527 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 underwent assessments for weekly PA duration, frequency, and intensity, alongside a smell test (including odors such as chocolate, strawberry, grape, onion, smoke, natural gas, leather, and soap). Correlation analyses and binary logistic regressions using SPSS were used to evaluate associations.
RESULTS
The total smell score exhibited small yet significant positive correlations with the duration, frequency, and volume of moderate PA (correlation coefficients ranging between 0.05 and 0.08; all ≤ 0.05) and frequency of vigorous PA (correlation coefficient of 0.05; < 0.05). For moderate PA, the duration, frequency, and volume were significantly and positively associated with the ability to correctly detect the smell of grapes while the frequency was significantly and positively associated with the ability to identify smoke and leather odors (odds ratios ranging from 1.01 to 1.07; < 0.05). For vigorous PA, the frequency of PA was positively associated with the detection of grape smell (odds ratio of 1.05; < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Some parameters of an active lifestyle are associated with improved odds of accurately identifying odors by up to 7.4%. Moderate PA duration, frequency, and volume were linked to better olfactory scores, while high-intensity PA had limited associations.
PubMed: 38903386
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1394858 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024The plant-specific YABBY transcription factor family plays important roles in plant growth and development, particularly leaf growth, floral organ formation, and...
BACKGROUND
The plant-specific YABBY transcription factor family plays important roles in plant growth and development, particularly leaf growth, floral organ formation, and secondary metabolite synthesis.
RESULTS
Here, we identified a total of 13 OfYABBY genes from the Osmanthus fragrans genome. These 13 OfYABBY genes were divided into five subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis, and genes in the same subfamily showed similar gene structures and conserved protein motifs. Gene duplication promoted the expansion of the OfYABBY family in O. fragrans. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the OfYABBY family was mainly expressed in O. fragrans leaves and floral organs. To better understand the role of OfYABBY genes in plant growth and development, OfYABBY12 was selected for heterologous stable overexpression in tobacco, and OfYABBY12-overexpressing tobacco leaves released significantly fewer volatile organic compounds than wild-type tobacco leaves. Overexpression of OfYABBY12 led to the downregulation of NtCCD1/4 and decreased β-ionone biosynthesis. Correspondingly, a dual-luciferase assay showed that OfYABBY12 negatively regulated the expression of OfCCD4, which promotes β-ionone synthesis. Furthermore, tobacco leaves overexpressing OfYABBY12 were curled and wrinkled and had significantly reduced leaf thickness and leaf inclusions and significantly extended flower pistils (styles).
CONCLUSION
Overall, the results suggest that the OfYABBY gene family may influence the biosynthesis of the floral scent (especially β-ionone) in O. fragrans and may regulate leaf morphogenesis and lateral organs.
Topics: Plant Leaves; Oleaceae; Flowers; Transcription Factors; Plant Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Phylogeny; Nicotiana; Odorants; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 38902627
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05047-y -
Nature Communications Jun 2024The ability to establish associations between environmental stimuli is fundamental for higher-order brain functions like state inference and generalization. Both the...
The ability to establish associations between environmental stimuli is fundamental for higher-order brain functions like state inference and generalization. Both the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) play pivotal roles in this, demonstrating complex neural activity changes after associative learning. However, how precisely they contribute to representing learned associations remains unclear. Here, we train head-restrained mice to learn four 'odor-outcome' sequence pairs composed of several task variables-the past and current odor cues, sequence structure of 'cue-outcome' arrangement, and the expected outcome; and perform calcium imaging from these mice throughout learning. Sequence-splitting signals that distinguish between paired sequences are detected in both brain regions, reflecting associative memory formation. Critically, we uncover differential contents in represented associations by examining, in each area, how these task variables affect splitting signal generalization between sequence pairs. Specifically, the hippocampal splitting signals are influenced by the combination of past and current cues that define a particular sensory experience. In contrast, the OFC splitting signals are similar between sequence pairs that share the same sequence structure and expected outcome. These findings suggest that the hippocampus and OFC uniquely and complementarily organize the acquired associative structure.
Topics: Animals; Hippocampus; Prefrontal Cortex; Neurons; Mice; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Association Learning; Cues; Odorants; Memory
PubMed: 38902232
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49652-9 -
Neurobiology of Disease Jun 2024Within the adult mouse subventricular zone (SVZ), neural stem cells (NSCs) produce neuroblasts and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). T, the active thyroid hormone,...
Within the adult mouse subventricular zone (SVZ), neural stem cells (NSCs) produce neuroblasts and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). T, the active thyroid hormone, influences renewal and commitment of SVZ progenitors. However, how regulators of T availability affect these processes is less understood. Using Mct8/Dio2 knockout mice, we investigated the role of MCT8, a TH transporter, and DIO2, the T-generating enzyme, in regulating adult SVZ-neurogliogenesis. Single-cell RNA-Seq revealed Mct8 expression in various SVZ cell types in WT mice, while Dio2 was enriched in neurons, astrocytes, and quiescent NSCs. The absence of both regulators in the knockout model dysregulated gene expression, increased the neuroblast/OPC ratio and hindered OPC differentiation. Immunostainings demonstrated compromised neuroblast migration reducing their supply to the olfactory bulbs, impairing interneuron differentiation and odor discrimination. These findings underscore the pivotal roles of MCT8 and DIO2 in neuro- and oligodendrogenesis, offering targets for therapeutic avenues in neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases.
PubMed: 38901782
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106572 -
Food Chemistry May 2024Aroma is one of the most noticeable characteristics when consuming Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and is crucial for consumer satisfaction and the development...
Aroma is one of the most noticeable characteristics when consuming Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and is crucial for consumer satisfaction and the development of industry. In this study, we utilized fingerprints and the sensomics approach to analyze volatiles in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis from Chongming and Taixing. GC-IMS indicated that the odor profile was dominated by pungent (-), buttery (+), and fruity (+) from Chongming and was more prone to alcoholic (-), solvent (-), and aldehydic (+) in Taixing. Moreover, PLS-DA modeling identified 2-acetylthiazole and toluene as the primary differential compounds. Subsequently, fifteen active-aroma compounds with FD values of >4 was recombined in an odorless matrix to simulate the odor profile of the hepatopancreas. Notably, removing methional may significantly decrease the intensity of the fatty and toasted odors. The findings reveal the odor profile of hepatopancreas and establish a theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on flavor.
PubMed: 38901221
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139904 -
Advances in Skin & Wound Care Jul 2024Radiation therapy is often accompanied by skin toxicity in the irradiated area and radiation-induced DNA damage to skin tissue cells in the surrounding pigmented area....
Radiation therapy is often accompanied by skin toxicity in the irradiated area and radiation-induced DNA damage to skin tissue cells in the surrounding pigmented area. This case report describes a patient with radiation-induced skin injury who received wound treatment and psychological intervention with satisfactory results. A 60-year-old woman was admitted to the authors' hospital on January 18, 2021, with radiation-induced skin injury caused by carbon ion radiotherapy for tonsillar carcinoma. The patient underwent wound repair combined with psychological intervention (30 minutes per dressing change). Over a period of 1 month, the wound area was reduced from 11 × 12 cm2 to 1 × 1 cm2, and wound symptoms (exudate, blood odor, wound infection, wound edge dehydration and curling, periwound skin peeling, dryness, and hyperkeratosis) improved. The patient's anxiety factor scores decreased from 18 to 1, and her depression factor scores decreased from 16 to 3. When the patient was discharged from the hospital after 1 month of treatment, she had a satisfactory self-image and normal social activities.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Tonsillar Neoplasms; Neck; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 38899827
DOI: 10.1097/ASW.0000000000000173 -
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Jun 2024A new method for the synthesis of anti-Markovnikov - or -vinyl thioethers from thiosilane and terminal alkynes under visible-light-induced photoredox/nickel dual...
A new method for the synthesis of anti-Markovnikov - or -vinyl thioethers from thiosilane and terminal alkynes under visible-light-induced photoredox/nickel dual catalysis conditions is described. With a judicious choice of a simple nickel catalyst and a ligand, this strategy enables efficient and divergent access to both - or -vinyl thioethers from the same set of simple starting materials. Notably, the approach is free of odorous thiol and has excellent compatibility with functional groups and substrate scope.
PubMed: 38899407
DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00652f -
Journal of Cheminformatics Jun 2024Among the various molecular properties and their combinations, it is a costly process to obtain the desired molecular properties through theory or experiment. Using...
Among the various molecular properties and their combinations, it is a costly process to obtain the desired molecular properties through theory or experiment. Using machine learning to analyze molecular structure features and to predict molecular properties is a potentially efficient alternative for accelerating the prediction of molecular properties. In this study, we analyze molecular properties through the molecular structure from the perspective of machine learning. We use SMILES sequences as inputs to an artificial neural network in extracting molecular structural features and predicting molecular properties. A SMILES sequence comprises symbols representing molecular structures. To address the problem that a SMILES sequence is different from actual molecular structural data, we propose a pretraining model for a SMILES sequence based on the BERT model, which is widely used in natural language processing, such that the model learns to extract the molecular structural information contained in the SMILES sequence. In an experiment, we first pretrain the proposed model with 100,000 SMILES sequences and then use the pretrained model to predict molecular properties on 22 data sets and the odor characteristics of molecules (98 types of odor descriptor). The experimental results show that our proposed pretraining model effectively improves the performance of molecular property prediction SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: The 2-encoder pretraining is proposed by focusing on the lower dependency of symbols to the contextual environment in a SMILES than one in a natural language sentence and the corresponding of one compound to multiple SMILES sequences. The model pretrained with 2-encoder shows higher robustness in tasks of molecular properties prediction compared to BERT which is adept at natural language.
PubMed: 38898528
DOI: 10.1186/s13321-024-00848-7 -
Cell Jun 2024The representation of odors in the locust antennal lobe with its >2,000 glomeruli has long remained a perplexing puzzle. We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate...
The representation of odors in the locust antennal lobe with its >2,000 glomeruli has long remained a perplexing puzzle. We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate transgenic locusts expressing the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP in olfactory sensory neurons. Using two-photon functional imaging, we mapped the spatial activation patterns representing a wide range of ecologically relevant odors across all six developmental stages. Our findings reveal a functionally ring-shaped organization of the antennal lobe composed of specific glomerular clusters. This configuration establishes an odor-specific chemotopic representation by encoding different chemical classes and ecologically distinct odors in the form of glomerular rings. The ring-shaped glomerular arrangement, which we confirm by selective targeting of OR70a-expressing sensory neurons, occurs throughout development, and the odor-coding pattern within the glomerular population is consistent across developmental stages. Mechanistically, this unconventional spatial olfactory code reflects the locust-specific and multiplexed glomerular innervation pattern of the antennal lobe.
PubMed: 38897195
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.036