High Content Research Articles

Cellular Alignment and Matrix Stiffening Induced Changes in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes.

Biological processes are inherently dynamic, necessitating biomaterial platforms capable of spatiotemporal control over cellular organization and matrix stiffness for accurate study of tissue development, wound healing, and disease. However, most in vitro platforms remain static. In this study, a dynamic biomaterial platform comprising a stiffening hydrogel is introduced and achieved through a stepwise approach of addition followed by light-mediated crosslinking, integrated with an elastomeric substrate featuring strain-responsive lamellar surface patterns. Employing this platform, the response of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hIPSC-CMs) is investigated to dynamic stiffening from healthy to fibrotic tissue stiffness. The results demonstrate that culturing hIPSC-CMs on physiologically relevant healthy stiffness significantly enhances their function, as evidenced by increased sarcomere fraction, wider sarcomere width, significantly higher connexin-43 content, and elevated cell beating frequency compared to cells cultured on fibrotic matrix. Conversely, dynamic matrix stiffening negatively impacts hIPSC-CM function, with earlier stiffening events exerting a more pronounced hindering effect. These findings provide valuable insights into material-based approaches for addressing existing challenges in hIPSC-CM maturation and have broader implications across various tissue models, including muscle, tendon, nerve, and cornea, where both cellular alignment and matrix stiffening play pivotal roles in tissue development and regeneration.

Parental magma and mantle source compositions of chromitites in the Mesoarchean Nuggihalli greenstone belt, India: Evidence for Archaean subduction zone magmatism

We present comprehensive petrological and geochemical analyses of chromitites from the 3.3-3.1 Ga Nuggihalli greenstone belt in Western Dharwar Craton, India. Our findings provide insights into the primary magma and mantle source compositions associated with these Archean oceanic lithosphere chromitites. Major and trace element data from chromites and clinopyroxenes in the chromitites, combined with thermobarometry and hygrometry calculations, and numerical modeling, indicate that the Nuggihalli chromites are characterized by high-Cr chromites (Cr# = 68.1-78.6) with low TiO 2 (0.19-0.29 wt. %), Al 2 O 3 (9.10-13.13 wt. %) and Ga (4.24-10.37 ppm). These chemical signatures are comparable to those of chromites from high-Cr podiform chromitites and boninites. Clinopyroxenes are mainly augites with high Mg# (93-95). Equilibrated melts with the clinopyroxenes from the Nuggihalli chromitites have high Mg# values (79-86), similar to ancient komatiitic or picritic magmas (Mg# = 75-90). Thermobarometry and hygrometry calculations indicate that the clinopyroxenes likely formed at temperatures of 1194-1221℃ and pressures of 0.7-5.8 kbar with high water contents (∼2.4-2.6 wt. %), exceeding water contents of mid-ocean basalts (MORB) and oceanic island basalts (OIB). Numerical modeling of rare earth elements indicates moderate degrees of partial melting (1% to ∼10%) of a hydrated spinel lherzolite mantle source (water content: ∼478-5408 ppm). The parental magmas of the 3.3-3.1 Ga Nuggihalli chromitites are characterized by enrichment of water contents (∼2.4-2.6 wt. %) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Nb and Hf), which are similar to boninites and arc magmas. Furthermore, the rock associations, including ultramafic rocks with chromitites, high-Mg basalts, and sheets of gabbro-anorthosites in the Nuggihalli greenstone belt, are similar to the rock assemblages of ophiolites, which could represent a relic of a Mesoarchaean oceanic lithosphere formed in a forearc setting.

Global coupling of R-loopdynamics with RNA polymerase II modulates gene expression and early development of Drosophila.

R-loops are involved in many biological processes in cells, yet the regulatory principles for R-loops in vivo and their impact on development remain to be explored. Here, we modified the CUT&Tag strategy to profile R-loops in Drosophila at multiple developmental stages. While high GC content promotes R-loop formation in mammalian cells, it is not required in Drosophila. In contrast, RNAPII abundance appears to be a universal inducing factor for R-loop formation, including active promoters and enhancers, and H3K27me3 decorated repressive regions and intergenic repeat sequences. Importantly, such a regulatory relationship is dynamically maintained throughout development, and development-related transcription factors may regulate RNAPII activation and R-loop dynamics. By ablating Spt6, we further showed the global R-loop induction coupled with RNAPII pausing. Importantly, depending on the gene length, genes underwent up- or down-regulation, both of which were largely reversed by rnh1 overexpression, suggesting that R-loops play a significant role in the divergent regulation of transcription by Spt6 ablation. DNA damage, defects in survival, and cuticle development were similarly alleviated by rnh1 overexpression. Altogether, our findings indicate that dynamic R-loop regulation is dictated by RNAPII pausing and transcription activity, and plays a feedback role in gene regulation, genome stability maintenance, and Drosophila development.

Synergising tradition and innovation: Fortification of milk kefir with date syrup, a novel functional beverage

AbstractMilk kefir is gaining popularity due to its high probiotic content. This study focuses on fortifying milk kefir with date syrup to enhance its sensory attributes, with the goal of encouraging consumption among the younger generation. Date syrup was added to milk kefir in specific proportions (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% per 100 mL of milk). The selection of the most suitable percentage (10%, 74 °Bx) was determined based on sensory preferences indicated by the panellists. The newly developed fermented beverage underwent physicochemical and biochemical analyses over a 14-day fermentation period. Results revealed that the addition of date syrup led to a significant (P ≤ 0.001) decrease in pH and total soluble solids (TSS) content, accompanied by a noteworthy increase in total phenolic, flavonoids, condensed tannins contents and antioxidant activity (almost 2-fold). Liquid chromatography - heated electrospray ionisation - mass spectrometry (LC-HESI-MS/MS) results identified the presence of a newly formed and important antifungal compound, p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (HPLA), showing a progressive increase in quantity during the fermentation process (13.8-fold on the 14th day of fermentation). Hence, the outcomes of this study offer compelling evidence that a novel category of functional beverage can be developed by employing milk kefir as an appropriate starter with the incorporation of date syrup.

Marine-Derived Fucose-Containing Carbohydrates: Review of Sources, Structure, and Beneficial Effects on Gastrointestinal Health

Fucose, fucose-containing oligosaccharides, and fucose-containing polysaccharides have been widely applied in the fields of food and medicine, including applications in Helicobacter pylori eradication and renal function protection. Fucose-containing carbohydrates (FCCs) derived from marine organisms such as seaweed, invertebrates, microalgae, fungi, and bacteria have garnered growing attention due to their diverse bioactivities and potential therapeutic applications. Marine-derived FCCs characterized by high fucose residue content and extensive sulfate substitution, including fucoidan, fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, and fucose-rich microbial exopolysaccharides, have demonstrated significant potential in promoting gastrointestinal health. This review describes the unique structural features of FCCs and summarizes their health benefits, including regulation of gut microbiota, modulation of microbial metabolism, anti-adhesion activities against H. pylori and gut pathogens, protection against inflammatory injuries, and anti-tumor activities. Additionally, this review discusses the structural characteristics that influence the functional properties and the limitations related to the activity research and preparation processes of FCCs, providing a balanced perspective on the application potential and challenges of FCCs with specific structures for the regulation of gastrointestinal health and diseases.

Dynamic Acoustic Holography: One-Shot High-Precision and High-Information Methodology

Acoustic holography technology is widely used in the field of ultrasound due to its capability to achieve complex acoustic fields. The traditional acoustic holography method based on single-phase holograms is limited due to its inability to complete acoustic field control with high dynamics and accuracy. Here, we propose a method for constructing an acoustic holographic model, introducing an ultrasonic array to provide dynamic amplitude control degrees of freedom, and combining the dynamically controllable ultrasonic array and high-precision acoustic hologram to achieve the highest acoustic field accuracy and dynamic range. This simulation method has been proven to be applicable to both simple linear patterns and complex surface patterns. Moreover, it is possible to reconstruct the degree of freedom of the target plane amplitude effectively and achieve a breakthrough in high information content. This high-efficiency acoustic field control capability has potential applications in ultrasound imaging, acoustic tweezers, and neuromodulation.

Particle size characteristics of sliding-zone soil and its role in landslide occurrence: a case study of the Lanniqing landslide in Southwest China

In landslide studies, particle size is a key quantitative indicator, reflecting the formation and development of the sliding zone. It plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms and evolutionary processes that lead to landslide occurrences. Precise measurement of particle size is crucial. This study centered on soil samples from the Lanniqing landslide in Southwest China. To begin, seven distinct methods were used to preprocess the soil samples. Next, the particle size frequency distribution was measured using the Mastersizer 2000 laser particle size analyzer. Key parameters, including median particle size, mean particle size, sorting coefficient, skewness, and kurtosis, were then compared and analyzed to determine the most appropriate preprocessing method for evaluating the characteristics of the soil samples. The mechanism of landslide occurrence was subsequently analyzed by examining the particle size characteristics, mechanical properties, and mineral composition of the soil samples. The results suggested that method C provides the most reliable analysis of particle size characteristics in soil samples. The observed coarsening of coarse particles, along with a significant increase in clay content within the sliding zone, indicates that the sliding surface has undergone multiple shear and compression events. The interplay of the upper traffic load and slope cutting at the front edge set the stage for the Lanniqing landslide, prompting the initial development of potential sliding surfaces. Rainfall acts as a catalyst for slope instability. The high clay content, combined with the formation of a low-permeability layer rich in clay minerals on the sliding surface, leads to excessive pore water pressure and mineral lubrication. These factors inherently trigger and accelerate the occurrence of the landslide.

Machine learning-aided enhancement of white tea extraction efficiency using hybridized GMDH models in microwave-assisted extraction

White tea is valuable for having a high antioxidant content, which is considered to possess numerous beneficial effects on health. This study investigated the application of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for the extraction of total phenolic compounds from white tea. The experimental setup included four independent variables: microwave power (ranging from 100 to 300 W), extraction time (ranging from 10 to 40 min), temperature (ranging from 35 to 50 °C), and the ratio of food to solvent (ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 g/10 mL). The responses that were evaluated were IC50 (ppm) and total phenolic content (mg/g). The experimental design consisted of thirty runs conducted within the MAE system. The group method of data handling (GMDH) models were used to predict important efficiency measures (IC50 and total phenol content) in the extraction process. The models were assessed based on their ability to capture the relationships between input conditions and efficiency outputs. Three GMDH variants were compared: baseline GMDH, GMDH optimized with a genetic algorithm (GMDH-GA), and GMDH optimized with a harmony search algorithm (GMDH-HS). While all models achieved high predictive ability on a test set, GMDH-HS emerged as the superior performer. It achieved near-perfect agreement with observations (d-index > 0.998), minimal errors (NRMSE < 0.02), and effectively captured data variance (NSE > 0.99) for both outputs. Correlation diagrams and Taylor diagrams confirmed the superior performance of GMDH-HS in terms of linearity, correlation, and error minimization. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hybridizing GMDH with a harmony search algorithm for complex modeling tasks, paving the way for improved efficiency and yield optimization in extraction processes.

Effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the activity of proteinases and glycosidases in the intestine of common carp Cyprinus carpio.

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, including heavy metals like mercury, which accumulate in organisms and cause harmful effects. At the same time, human activities such as industrial operations and the use of electric power lines also alter the magnetic background in natural water bodies. However, the interaction between mercury exposure and magnetic fields remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), focusing on the relevance of magnetic fields due to their increasing presence in industrialized environments. Two groups of fish were fed diets with low (0.02mg/kg) or high (0.27mg/kg) mercury content for 6months and exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields or hypomagnetic conditions. Results showed significant differences in mercury accumulation between groups, with higher levels in carps fed with high-mercury content diets. These fish also exhibited increased body length and weight compared to those on a low-mercury diet. The amylolytic activity (total activity of enzymes hydrolyzing starch: α-amylase, glucoamylase, and maltase) and proteolytic activity (total activity of serine proteinases) in the fish intestine were assessed. Magnetic exposure had contrasting effects on enzyme activity, depending on mercury levels in the diet. Fish fed the low-mercury diet exhibited decreased amylolytic activity following magnetic field exposure, while fish on the high-mercury diet showed increased activity. Proteolytic activity followed a similar pattern, with opposite effects observed between the two dietary groups. These findings suggest that mercury accumulation alters the biological response to magnetic fields, possibly through compensatory biochemical mechanisms. Understanding the interactions between toxic substances and magnetic fields is critical for improving environmental risk assessments.

Zero-Strain Sodium Nickel Ferrocyanide as Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries with Ultra-Long Lifespan.

Prussian blue analogues are recognized as one of the most promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to the open 3D framework structure with large interstitial sites and developed Na-ion diffusion channels. However, high content of anion vacancy and poor structural stability have hampered the prospect of their application. In this work, sodium nickel ferrocyanide (Na1.34Ni[Fe(CN)6]0.92, NNHCF) is proposed as cathode material for SIBs. N-coordinated Ni-ion can boost NNHCF to possess less Fe[(CN)6]4- defect, low Na-ion migration barrier, and more negative formation energy compared with Na0.91Cu[Fe(CN)6]0.77 (NCHCF), thus exhibiting more active sites, fast electrochemical kinetics behavior and great structure stability. It is confirmed that NNHCF undergoes a solid solution mechanism without phase evolution for reversible Na-ion intercalation/deintercalation, employing Fe associated with C atom as redox center for charge compensation. Therefore, NNHCF contributes a high initial energy density of 180.94 Wh·g-1 at 10 mA·g-1, excellent rate capability, superior cycling stability with ultra-long lifespan of 13000 cycles, and low fading rate of 0.0027% per cycle at 500 mA·g-1. This work sheds light on the construction of low-defect PBA cathodes with outstanding dynamics and stability.

Dietary oyster mushroom fermented Vachellia erioloba pods enhance Boschveld chicken meat healthiness without altering its physicochemical quality, growth performance and physiology

The high content of fibre and antinutritional phytochemicals limit the utilization of Vachellia erioloba tree pods as nutraceutical feed additive for indigenous chicken diets. The pods can however be solid-state fermented using oyster mushrooms to enhance the nutritional utility of their spent substrate for the nutrition of the native birds. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary incorporation of V. erioloba pods oyster mushroom spent substrate (OMSS) on growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality including its fatty acid composition in Boschveld chickens. In a completely randomized design, 250 4-week old mixed gender Boschveld chicks were randomly allotted to 25 pens in which they were offered treatment diets (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% OMSS) each with 5 replicates of 10 for 12 weeks and then slaughtered. While there were neither linear nor quadratic effects of diet on overall feed intake (FI) (P > 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) (P > 0.05), dietary incorporation of OMSS decreased overall feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (quadratic: P < 0.05) particularly in weeks 5 (linear: P < 0.05), 6 (quadratic: P < 0.01) and 11 (quadratic: P < 0.05) with no effects in subsequent weeks (P > 0.05). Also, OMSS induced no effects on all carcass characteristics, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry and meat physico-chemical quality (P > 0.05) except for the increase in serum albumin (quadratic: P < 0.05) and bilirubin (quadratic: P < 0.05) as well as 24 h post-slaughter meat lightness (linear: P < 0.01), redness (quadratic: P < 0.05), yellowness (linear: P < 0.05), hue angle (quadratic: P < 0.05), and drip loss (quadratic: P < 0.05). Further, the spent substrate decreased meat myristic (linear: P < 0.01), palmitic (linear: P < 0.05), palmitoleic (linear: P < 0.01), and oleic (linear: P < 0.01) acids, as well as its total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (linear: P < 0.05), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) (quadratic: P < 0.01), and n-6 PUFAs (linear: P < 0.05). Furthermore, it decreased the meat n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (quadratic: P < 0.01), with meat from birds fed diets incorporated with 2.5% OMSS eliciting the lowest ratio of 3.63. In contrast, dietary OMSS increased meat stearic (linear: P < 0.001), docosahexaenoic (quadratic: P < 0.01), and tricosanoic (linear: P < 0.001) acid concentrations as well as its total saturated FAs (SFAs) (linear: P < 0.01) and n-3 PUFAs (quadratic: P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary feeding of V. erioloba pods-derived OMSS enhanced meat nutritional healthiness without majorly altering its physico-chemical quality as well as growth performance, carcass traits, and haemato-biochemistry in Boschveld indigenous chickens. It is recommended for inclusion in indigenous chicken diets at 2.5% level.

Using Legume-Enriched Cover Crops to Improve Grape Yield and Quality in Hillside Vineyards

Natural covering (NATC) has spread on hillside vineyards of central Italy as a replacement for tillage to reduce soil erosion, although it increased nitrogen and water needs. Therefore, in the current context of global warming, using cover crops (CCs) that require less water and provide nitrogen becomes crucial. The effects of two low-competition legume-enriched CCs in a rainfed hillside vineyard—a perennial legume–grass mixture (PLGM) and an annual legume cover crop of Trifolium alexandrinum (ALTA)—were compared with NATC over three years. PLGM and ALTA provided good levels of soil coverage, slightly lower than NATC, which had a negligible presence of legumes. PLGM and ALTA, due to low competition, enhanced vine vigor, resulting in thicker and wider canopies (as indicated by total leaf area and leaf layer number), higher pruning weight, and increased yield. PLGM and ALTA led to good qualitative levels, with higher grapes acidities, lower pH and total soluble solids content and, additionally, significantly higher yeast assimilable nitrogen content. In conclusion, implementing low-competition legume species in CCs is an effective tool to avoid soil erosion in a climate change scenario, leading to increased productivity, higher acidity, and improved nitrogen content in the grapes.

Implementing the Design of Experiments (DoE) Concept into the Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Orange Peel Extract as a Potential Concept for the Treatment of Oral Infections

This study explores for the first time the impact of chitosan (CS) with varying molecular weights (MW), orange peel extract concentration, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) content on the formulation of buccal tablets for treating oral infections. Utilizing a statistical design of experiments (DoE), nine different formulations were evaluated for mechanical properties, dissolution behavior, mucoadhesion, and biological activity. A formulation with high CS MW, 60% orange peel extract, and 8% HPMC, emerged as the optimal formulation, demonstrating superior tabletability, compressibility, and compactibility. Dissolution studies indicated that hesperidin release followed the Higuchi model, with higher extract content enhancing this phenomenon. Mucoadhesion improved with increased HPMC and CS concentrations, although higher extract content reduced bioadhesion. Biological assays showed that higher extract levels boosted antioxidant activity, while CS primarily contributed to anti-inflammatory effects. The optimized formulation exhibited broad antimicrobial activity against key oral pathogens, surpassing the effectiveness of the individual components. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed the significant influence of extract content on tablet properties. These findings suggest that the optimized tablet formulation holds promise for effective buccal delivery in the treatment of oral infections, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Continuous Phase Separation Induced Tough Hydrogel Fibers with Ultrahigh Conductivity for Multidimensional Soft Electronics

AbstractConductive hydrogel fibers exhibit great potential in soft robots, bioelectronics, and human–machine interfaces due to the unique combination of electrical conductivity, high water content, tissue‐like mechanical properties, and 1D structure. Despite significant advances in hydrogel technologies, the typical conductive hydrogel fibers show low conductivity (&lt;10 S cm−1), weak mechanical properties, and water stability, which makes it challenging to satisfy the requirements of practical applications. Here, a facile strategy is proposed to construct hydrogel fibers with ultrahigh conductivity and toughness by exploiting the synergistic effects of freezing‐thawing, salting‐out, and drying‐annealing. The continuous phase separation induced by the combined processes results in hierarchical structures, promoting the formation of interconnected conductive networks and increasing the fiber's crystallinity and crystal domain size. The prepared conductive hydrogel fibers exhibited ultrahigh conductivity (≈958 S cm−1), excellent mechanical properties (strength (≈6.2 MPa), stretchability (&gt;300%), and toughness (≈10 MJ m−2)), high water content (≈75%), outstanding water stability, and fatigue resistance properties. In addition, the processibility of conductive hydrogel yarns and fabrics are demonstrated and their potential application in bioelectronics. Overall, this work presents a preparation strategy for conductive hydrogel fibers, which will facilitate the advancement of soft electronics and may inspire structural construction in other polymers.

Evaluating Black Soldier Fly and Bloodworm Larvae Meals as Sustainable Protein Sources for Growth and Survival of Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in the Nursery Phase

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effects of using insect larvae meals, such as BSF and BW larvae, as alternative feeds to commercial pellets on the growth performance and survival of Oreochromis spp. at the nursery stage. Study Design: This study followed the randomized control treatment with three different diet. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Fisheries Research Institute Glami Lemi (FRIGL) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, within 35 days from July to August 2023. Methodology: A total of 360 red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) fingerlings weighing 0.62 ± 0.06 g were randomly distributed into 12 rectangular aquarium tanks (250mm) at a stocking density of 30 fish per tank. They were fed with commercial pellets (CP), Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, and Bloodworm (BW). The feed amount was calculated at 10% of the total body weight per tank, with feeding conducted three times daily. The experimental setup was performed in triplicate. For the analysis of growth performances and fish survival, sampling was conducted weekly. Results: BSF larvae meal had high lipid and protein content, measuring 35.35 ± 0.21% and 29.67 ± 0.98%, respectively. BW larvae meal also showed high lipid and protein content, with 28.23 ± 1.33% and 27.94 ± 0.52%, respectively. Fish fed with BSF and BW larvae exhibited significantly higher survival rates, 93.3 ± 3.3% and 86.7 ± 14.5%, respectively, compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the group fed with the commercial pellet showed the lowest survival rate, just 74.4 ± 12.6%. Fish fed with the BW larvae recorded the highest weight gain, 1.07 ± 0.16 g, followed by fish fed with BSF larvae, 0.66 ± 0.11 g, and then fish fed with commercial pellets, 0.41 ± 0.09 g. Conclusion: Both BSF and BW larvae exhibited significant growth response properties to tilapia fingerings compared to commercial pellets. The findings from this study are promising and should be further verified at the farm scale.

Review on Spirulina and Health Benefit

Undernutrition is a challenge for public health, especially in developing nations. Many years ago, it was proposed to employ algae, namely spirulina, as a functional food. This was because spirulina is a high-protein food source with an amino acid profile that is thought to have a high biologic-value protein content. Free-floating filamentous microalgae that thrive in alkaline water sources are known as spirulina. In Central Africa, spirulina has been eaten for millennia due to its high nutritional content. Today, it is a commonly utilized food supplement in the area of nutraceuticals. Its therapeutic advantages on a variety of sick situations, such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycerolemia, cardiovascular illnesses, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and viral infections, have recently attracted a lot of attention and significant research. The main causes of spirulina's cardiovascular health advantages are its hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Information from preclinical research using different animal models Continually show that spirulina has hypolipidemic properties.

A Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of Lake Vrana on the Island of Cres (Croatia) Based on the Geochemistry and Mineralogy of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene Sediments

A 7.4 m long sediment core has been retrieved from the central part of Lake Vrana on the island of Cres to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions. Lake Vrana is the deepest freshwater lake in Croatia, located in the karst region of the eastern Adriatic coast. A dated sediment sequence in Lake Vrana of 4.4 m has spanned the past 16.4 kyr, and it featured a dynamic sediment deposition until the beginning of the Holocene, including strong sediment input and supply to the lake by runoff sediments of dolomitic origin from the catchment in the period 16.4–14.4 cal kyr BP. High organic carbon content, which originates from mixed terrestrial and aquatic origins in the periods 14.4–13.3 cal kyr BP and 12.7–11.7 cal kyr BP, indicates fluctuating lake levels in shallow water environments during the Late Glacial to Holocene transition. The Holocene sequence indicates the development of more stable conditions and continuous sediment deposition, characterized by an increasing trend of siliciclastic sediments delivered into the lake during the early Holocene (11.7–10 cal kyr BP) and dominantly from 8 to 4.4 cal kyr BP, indicating enhanced input and erosion, which coincides with the humid and pluvial period recorded in the central Mediterranean region. It is followed by sediments with high organic carbon content between 4.4 and 1.6 cal kyr BP, which points to higher lake productivity. Calcite sedimentation prevailed between 1.6 to 0.4 cal kyr BP, indicating stable deeper-lake conditions. Predominantly, siliciclastic sediments from 0.4 to 0.1 cal kyr BP pointed to erosion during the Little Ice Age (LIA), with enhanced precipitation and sediment discharge from the catchment. The re-establishment of calcite sedimentation has been observed over the last 100 years.

Effects of legal age change on adolescents’ perception of access to alcohol in Portugal

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults are a group particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol consumption. In Portugal, legislative changes in 2013 and 2015 prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages to under-18s. This study aimed, first, to evaluate the impact of these policy shifts on the perceived access to alcohol among Portuguese adolescents, and second, to assess the different impacts across gender and socioeconomic strata. Methods Data from the ESPAD survey, spanning 1995-2019, was used. A quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study design was employed, using Finland, Norway, and Sweden as controls. The perceived access to beer, wine, and spirits among 16-year-old adolescents was used as outcomes, adjusted for gender and parental education. Results were also stratified by gender and by parental education status. Results After the increase in the minimum age for alcohol sales, there was a higher perceived easiness of access to beer (coef=0.018, p = 0.001) and a decline in spirits (coef=-0.088, p = 0.022), with no changes in wine. Male adolescents exhibited a decrease in the perception of access to spirits (coef=-0.100, p = 0.007) and wine (coef=-0.049, p = 0.049), while changes in the perception of access to beer were non-significant. Similar patterns were observed in female adolescents, yet non-significant for wine or spirits. These positive impacts on beer and negative impacts on spirits were observed in the different socioeconomic groups; wine was the exception, with only the highest-education group showing a decrease in the perception of access (coef=-0.056, p = 0.011). Conclusions In this study, the effect of raising the minimum age for alcohol sales in Portugal varied according to the alcoholic beverage, gender, and, for wine, according to the socioeconomic group. These findings suggest limitations in the policy’s effectiveness and equity. Future research should delve into the underlying causes to optimize health-promoting policies. Key messages • Portugal’s alcohol policy changes led to differential impacts on the perception of access to alcohol, with an impact in higher alcohol content beverages. • The impact of alcohol policy changes also differed across gender and socioeconomic status, with a stronger effect on male adolescents and higher socioeconomic strata.

Comparative Analysis of Milling Technologies in Dark and Milk Cocoa Topping Production for Ice Cream

Chocolate and cocoa toppings are widely used for confectionery products. Toppings used for ice creams contain higher fat content (about 40-60%) to ensure a greater flow to cover the whole product. The dark cocoa topping consists of cocoa and sugar powder distributed in vegetable fat, while cocoa topping with the added 7% non-fat milk fraction is regarded as a milk cocoa topping. This research aimed to determine and compare the impact of the ball mill, and five-roll mill and conching used for the production of dark and milk cocoa toppings regarding the particle size distribution, rheology properties and content of moisture, sucrose, fat and lactose. The obtained results showed that the volume-weighted mean parameter D (4,3) was lower in the samples produced in a ball mill. Additionally, the viscosity, linear and Casson, slightly increased in samples produced in a ball mill except for the milk cocoa topping which had 0.55 fold higher value of linear viscosity compared to the sample produced using a five-roll mill and conching. Regarding the results of NIR spectroscopy, it was found that the samples produced in a ball mill showed higher values of moisture, but lower values of sucrose, lactose and fat.

Physico-chemical and Mineral Composition of White Seeded Raisin Varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) Grown under Semi-arid Condition

Raisins (dried grapes) are preferred for their distinctive, delightful flavor, high nutritional content, and their potential to lower the risk of several serious and chronic conditions. The quality of raisins is crucial, as it has a direct impact on the health and well-being of those who consume them. The present study assessed the physiochemical composition, mineral content, and sensory parameters of white seeded raisins. The physiochemical parameters such as raisin weight, raisin recovery, pH, moisture, ash, carbohydrate, protein, and mineral content (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, and zinc) were assessed. Result revealed that the grape variety Pandhari Sahebi showed higher raisin weight and protein content. Hussain Kadu recorded maximum moisture and carbohydrate content. Significantly, higher potassium and iron content was noted in Hussain Kadu. Based on the results, Hussain Kadu was preferred for raisin colour, texture and overall acceptability.