Production Profile Research Articles

Review of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients: impact on animal product quality traits and nutritional value

This review examined the potential of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients, focusing on their impact on the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Following hemp legalization, there was growing interest in its potential to enhance animal diets and processed animal products due to its rich nutritional profile, including high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, and fibre. Incorporating hemp components into feed for monogastric animals, particularly poultry, improved lipid stability, sensory attributes, and the fatty acid composition of meat and eggs. Hemp supplementation for ruminants, especially in goats, increased PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk, improved meat tenderness, and enhanced oxidative stability. However, research on hemp supplementation for pigs and beef remained limited, indicating the need for further exploration of these species. Hemp cake, rich in protein, fibre, and essential fatty acids, was the most widely used hemp component due to its economic viability, nutritional benefits, and sustainability, contributing to improved meat and milk quality. Regulatory concerns about the transfer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) residues in the produced animal products restricted the use of hemp biomass. In processed animal products, hemp components were studied for their potential to enhance nutritional value, replace animal fats, and serve as natural preservatives. Although they improved the fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of meat products, challenges such as textural changes and increased lipid oxidation needed to be addressed for optimal use. Limited studies on dairy products indicated promising nutritional enhancements, but textural issues could impact consumer acceptance. In conclusion, hemp components show significant potential for improving the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Further research is necessary to address regulatory, sensory, and formulation challenges and to expand their application across different animal species and processed animal products.

Aerial litter mimicry: A novel form of floral deception mediated by a monoterpene synthase

Abstract Floral mimics deceive their pollinators by developing visual and olfactory resemblance to various models. We report a flower that exhibits phenotypes like aerial litter and deceives an aerial litter specialist beetle to achieve pollination. We assessed the floral phenology and the effective pollinators of an Australian understorey treelet, Meiogyne heteropetala (Annonaceae). The similarities of morphology, colour and odour between the flowers and co‐occurring aerial litter were investigated. The terpene synthase involved in floral scent emission was identified by expression patterns and product profile. The behavioural responses of the pollinator to various odours were assessed using bioassays. The erotylid beetle Loberus sharpi is the most likely effective pollinator because it was the only pollen‐laden visitor during the pistillate phase. Loberus sharpi was exclusively found in aerial litter and M. heteropetala flowers. The flowers offer an honest shelter reward. The beetle also oviposits there, but most larvae eventually perished as the petals dropped onto the forest floor. The morphology and spectral reflectance of the flowers overlap with aerial litter. The floral scent was dominated by monoterpenes, especially 1,8‐cineole. The cineole synthase MhCINS was the only highly expressed floral terpene synthase and possessed a highly similar product profile to the floral scent composition. The volatile composition of M. heteropetala flowers is distinct from other congeners and highly similar to aerial litter, indicating advergence to aerial litter. Visual and odour resemblance, coupled with low larval survivorship, provides evidence that the beetles were deceived into pollinating the flowers. Behavioural experiments showed that the pollinator was attracted to both aerial litter and M. heteropetala flowers. The beetles were also attracted to 1,8‐cineole and synthetic mixes of floral odour and MhCINS products. The beetles were unable to distinguish floral scent from MhCINS products nor from 1,8‐cineole, suggesting MhCINS alone sufficed to attract the pollinator olfactorily. The beetles, however, preferred aerial litter over flowers. The beetles likely categorised the flower as a general, but not the most preferred, brood substrate. Synthesis. This study reports the first case of floral mimicry of aerial litter and characterises the biochemical process responsible for olfactory mimicry.

Impact of Thermophysical and Biological Pretreatments on Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Profile of Broccoli Stem Products

Fruit and vegetable industrialisation is a major contributor to food waste; thus, its integral transformation into functional powders has gained attention. Pretreatments can be incorporated into valorisation processes to generate structural or biochemical changes that improve powders’ characteristics. This study deepens into the impact of biological (fermentation, FERM) and thermophysical (autoclaving, AUTO; microwaves, MW; ultrasound, US; and pasteurisation, PAST) pretreatments, combined with dehydration (hot air-drying, HAD; or freeze-drying, FD) on the characteristics of powdered products obtained from broccoli stems. The impact of pretreatments on physicochemical (moisture, water activity, total soluble solids) and antioxidant properties (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH) on residue and powdered products was studied, together with their impact on plant tissue structure (Cryo-SEM) and the powders’ phenolic profile (HPLC). Probiotic viability was also determined on the fermented samples. The pretreatments applied, particularly the ultrasound, improved the antioxidant properties of the broccoli stems compared to the unpretreated samples, in line with microscopic observations. Dehydration did also improve the antioxidant attributes of the broccoli wastes, especially drying at 60 °C. However, pretreatments combined with dehydration did not generally lead to an improvement in the antioxidant properties of the powders. Probiotic properties were preserved in the freeze-dried products (>107 CFU/g). In conclusion, pretreatments may be applied to enhance the antioxidant attributes of broccoli wastes, but not necessarily that of dried powdered products.

Identifying and optimizing critical process parameters for large-scale manufacturing of iPSC derived insulin-producing β-cells

BackgroundType 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder leading to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, requires lifelong insulin therapy. Islet transplantation offers a promising solution but faces challenges such as limited availability and the need for immunosuppression. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a potential alternative source of functional β-cells and have the capability for large-scale production. However, current differentiation protocols, predominantly conducted in hybrid or 2D settings, lack scalability and optimal conditions for suspension culture.MethodsWe examined a range of bioreactor scaleup process parameters and quality target product profiles that might affect the differentiation process. This investigation was conducted using an optimized High Dimensional Design of Experiments (HD-DoE) protocol designed for scalability and implemented in 0.5L (PBS-0.5 Mini) vertical wheel bioreactors.ResultsA three stage suspension manufacturing process is developed, transitioning from adherent to suspension culture, with TB2 media supporting iPSC growth during scaling. Stage-wise optimization approaches and extended differentiation times are used to enhance marker expression and maturation of iPSC-derived islet-like clusters. Continuous bioreactor runs were used to study nutrient and growth limitations and impact on differentiation. The continuous bioreactors were compared to a Control media change bioreactor showing metabolic shifts and a more β-cell-like differentiation profile. Cryopreserved aggregates harvested from the runs were recovered and showed maintenance of viability and insulin secretion capacity post-recovery, indicating their potential for storage and future transplantation therapies.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that stage time increase and limited media replenishing with lactate accumulation can increase the differentiation capacity of insulin producing cells cultured in a large-scale suspension environment.

From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: Clustering European Primary Energy Production from 1990 to 2022

This study examines the structural shifts in primary energy production across European countries from 1990 to 2022, focusing on changes in energy sources and their implications for energy security and sustainability. Set against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical landscapes, economic pressures, and climate policies, including significant recent impacts such as the conflict in Ukraine, this research highlights the critical importance of a stable and diversified energy supply. The analysis utilizes the k-means clustering method, examining countries for which data are available in the Eurostat database and considering primary energy sources as defined by the Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC), including solid fossil fuels, natural gas, crude oil, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources, peat, and non-renewable waste. By categorizing European nations into clusters based on their energy production profiles, the study reveals substantial transitions from fossil fuel-based systems to those increasingly dominated by renewable energy sources. While some countries have made significant progress in integrating renewables, others remain heavily dependent on traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas. The findings underscore the growing role of natural gas as a bridge fuel and the relatively stable contribution of nuclear energy in certain regions. A key outcome is the observed disparity between energy production and consumption across Europe, with many large economies facing a persistent deficit in domestic energy production, resulting in a high reliance on energy imports, particularly of natural gas and oil. This dependency poses significant challenges to energy security, especially given recent geopolitical disruptions and market fluctuations. The paper also discusses the environmental implications of these energy trends, emphasizing the vital role of renewable energy in achieving the European Union’s decarbonization goals.

Apple Pomace Integrated Biorefinery for Biofuels Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Sustainability Analysis

The combination of techno-economic process modelling and life cycle assessment is an integrated methodology that addresses quantitative operational data, and evaluates the emissions associated with any process under development. In particular, the valorisation of waste streams within the context of the circular economy could be considered a valid and promising approach, especially regarding techno-economic and environmental indicators. This manuscript aims to evaluate the integral valorisation of apple pomace from the processing industry into bioethanol, and vinasses (a byproduct of the distillation process) into biogas and digestate as biofertiliser. In addition to biogas production, lagooning and composting were considered as strategies for vinasse management. After the conceptual design of the process options was completed, the environmental profile of bioethanol production was estimated across different scenarios. When biogas production was integrated to reduce the biorefinery’s energy demand, the carbon footprint was 1.13 kg CO2eq∙kg−1. This footprint increased to values around four when lagooning and composting were used as vinasse management strategies. Although the economic dimension posed a significant limitation due to high investment costs, the eco-efficiency analysis showed that the scenario of the co-production of bioethanol and biogas is the best alternative. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to explore the recovery of additional co-products to develop a high-potential strategy for apple pomace.

Diagnostic accuracy of TB screening tests in a prospective multinational cohort: Chest-X-ray with computer-aided detection, Xpert TB host response, and C-reactive protein.

Accessible, accurate screening tests are necessary to advance tuberculosis (TB) case finding and early detection in high-burden countries. We prospectively screened adults with ≥2 weeks of cough at primary health centers in the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Uganda, and India. Participants received chest-X-ray, Cepheid Xpert TB Host Response (Xpert HR) testing, and point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing (Boditech). Chest-X-ray images were processed using CAD4TB v7, a computer-aided detection algorithm. We assessed diagnostic accuracy against a microbiologic reference standard (sputum Xpert Ultra, culture). Optimal cut-points were chosen to maximize specificity at 90% sensitivity. Two-test screening algorithms were considered, using 1) sequential negative serial screening (positive defined as positive on either test) and 2) sequential positive serial screening (positive defined as positive on both tests). Between July 2021 and August 2022, 1,392 participants with presumptive TB had valid index tests and reference standard results, and 303 (22%) had confirmed TB. In head-to-head comparisons, CAD4TB v7 showed the highest specificity at 90% sensitivity (70.3% vs. 65.1% for Xpert HR, difference 95% CI 1.6 to 8.9; 49.7% for CRP, difference 95% CI 17.0 to 24.3). Three two-test screening algorithms met WHO target product profile (TPP) minimum accuracy thresholds and had higher accuracy than any test alone. At 90% sensitivity, the specificity was 79.6% for Xpert HR-CAD4TB [sequential negative], 75.9% for CRP-CAD4TB [sequential negative], and 73.7% for Xpert HR-CAD4TB [sequential positive]. CAD4TB achieves TPP targets and outperforms Xpert HR and CRP. Combining screening tests further increased accuracy. NCT04923958.

A Sensitive Frequency Band Study for Distributed Acoustical Sensing Monitoring Based on the Coupled Simulation of Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow and Acoustic Processes

The sensitivity of gas and water phases to DAS acoustic frequency bands can be used to interpret the production profile of horizontal wells. DAS typically collects acoustic signals in the kilohertz range, presenting a key challenge in identifying the sensitive frequency bands of the gas and water phases in the production well for accurate interpretation. In this study, a gas–water two-phase flow–acoustic coupling model for a horizontal well is developed by integrating a gas–water separation flow model with a pipeline acoustic model. The model simulates the sound pressure level (SPL) and amplitude variations of acoustic waves under different flow patterns, spatial locations, and gas–water ratio schemes. The results demonstrate that within the same flow pattern, an increase in the gas–water ratio significantly elevates acoustic amplitude and SPL peaks within the 5–50 Hz frequency band. Analysis of oil field DAS data reveals that the amplitude response range for stages with a lower gas–water ratio falls within 5–10 Hz, whereas stages with a higher gas–water ratio exhibit an amplitude response range of 10–50 Hz.

Selective Modification of the Product Profile of Biocatalytic Hydrolyzed PET via Product-specific Medium Engineering.

Over the past years, enzymatic depolymerization of PET, one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, has become very efficient leading to the end products terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) used for PET re-synthesis. Potent alternatives to these monomers are the intermediates BHET and MHET, the mono- and di-esters of TPA and EG which avoid total hydrolysis and can serve as single starting materials for direct re-polymerization. This study therefore aimed to selectively prepare those intermediates through reaction medium engineering during the biocatalytic hydrolysis of PET. After a comparative pre-screening of 12 PET-hydrolyzing enzymes, two of them (LCCICCG, IsPETasewt) were chosen for detailed investigations. Depending on the reaction conditions, MHET and BHET are predominantly obtainable: (i) MHET was produced in a better ratio and high concentrations at the beginning of the reaction when IsPETasewt and 10% EG was used; (ii) BHET was produced as predominant product when LCCICCG and 25% EG was used. TPA itself was nearly the single product at pH 9.0 after 24h due to the self-hydrolysis of MHET and BHET under basic conditions. Using medium engineering in biocatalytic PET-hydrolysis, the product profile can be adjusted so that TPA, MHET or BHET is predominantly produced.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions Associated with the Use of Crataegus-Containing Herbal Products

Background/Objectives: Products from various parts of Crataegus species are traditionally applied as a cardiotonic. In Europe and the USA, mainly Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Lindm.) and Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC (synonym Crataegus oxyacantha L.) are used, but worldwide, other Crataegus species are also used. Phytotherapeutic preparations with a standardised content of flavonoids and/or oligomeric procyanidins are commercially available. The products are generally considered as safe and are at most associated with minor and atypical adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to critically assess the information about the safety of Crataegus-containing products in humans. Methods: A scoping review of the literature about adverse reactions associated with Crataegus-containing products was performed. Next, individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were assessed, which were included in VigiBase (the World Health Organisation’s global database of adverse event reports for medicines and vaccines) and in the database of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. The findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Results: The scoping review yielded 23 clinical studies with single-herb and 14 with multi-herb preparations, from which only a few minor gastrointestinal and cardiac events had been reported. A total of 1527 reports from VigiBase, from 1970 to 2023, were analysed, as well as 13 reports from Lareb. The most frequently reported adverse reactions belonged to the system organ classes ‘gastrointestinal disorders’, ‘skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders’, ‘general disorders and administration site conditions’, ‘cardiac disorders’ or ‘nervous system disorders’. In 277 reports of VigiBase, a single-herb product was the only suspect for causing the adverse reaction(s). Of these, 12.6% were graded as serious. Conclusions: The results of our study provide deeper insight in the adverse reaction profile of Crataegus-containing products and should contribute to their safe application in the treatment of less severe forms of cardiac failure.

Brassica oleracea var italica and Their By-Products as Source of Bioactive Compounds and Food Applications in Bakery Products

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the most consumed cruciferous crops in the world, with China and Spain acting as the main producers from outside and within the EU, respectively. Broccoli florets are edible, while the leaves and stalks, discarded in the field and during processing, are by-products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of the nutrient and phytochemical composition of broccoli and its by-products, as well as its beneficial effects. In addition, the study highlights the revalorization of broccoli by-products through innovative green technologies and explores their potential use in bakery products for the development of functional foods. The studies suggested that broccoli is characterized by a high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including vitamins, fiber, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds, and their content varied with various parts. This high content of value-added compounds gives broccoli and its various parts beneficial properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic disorder regulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, broccoli and its by-products can play a key role in food applications by improving the nutritional profile of products due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. As a result, it is essential to harness the potential of the broccoli and its by-products that are generated during its processing through an appropriate agro-industrial revalorization, using environmentally friendly techniques.

Integrated Characterization of Expanding-Solvent Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (ES-SAGD) Processes by Using a Heat-Penetration Criterion within a Unified, Consistent, and Efficient Framework

Summary The hybrid solvent-steam injection [e.g., expanding-solvent steam-assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD)] is the most promising method to enhance heavy oil recovery; however, it is quite a challenge to reproduce the experimental measurements and in-situ observations because of the complicated multiphase flow behavior resulting from the coupled mass and heat transfer. In this work, an integrated technique has been developed and applied for the first time to dynamically and accurately characterize an ES-SAGD process within a unified, consistent, and efficient framework. By taking the competitive impact between heat energy and solvent dissolution, a generalized heat-penetration (HP) criterion has been derived and integrated with a numerical simulator to characterize the dynamics of solvent/steam chamber propagation conditioned to the production profiles during hybrid solvent-steam processes. This generalized HP criterion allows us to not only dynamically calculate temperature profiles beyond a solvent/steam chamber interface (SCI) but also accurately and pragmatically quantify mass and heat transfer inside the diluted oil drainage zone as well as the solvent/steam chamber. Also, comprehensive effects of the thermally sensitive co/countercurrent flows are examined with a series of multiphase relative permeabilities. Such an integrated technique has been successfully validated by reproducing the measured solvent/steam chambers in 3D physical ES-SAGD experiments. Good agreements between the simulated and measured production profiles (i.e., injection temperature, pressure, and flow rate) have been made throughout the entire production period. Not only have the measured solvent/steam chambers been reproduced but also sensitivity analyses have been performed to investigate the influences of multiphase flow behavior, solvent concentration, and grid dimension. It is found that the diffusion/dispersion coefficients and thermal properties are dependent on temperature and solvent concentrations, competitively affecting the calculated temperature distributions. Moreover, gas-liquid relative permeabilities can impose a significant impact on the SCI moving velocity as well as the oil drainage front. Such an integrated approach considerably reduces the simulation uncertainties and complexities, offering a straightforward and effective means of dynamically reproducing the observed solvent/steam chambers within a unified, consistent, and efficient framework.

Tumor Necrosis Alpha (TNF-α) Antagonists Used in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Risks and their Minimization Measures.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) inhibitors are widely employed for the management of chronic inflammatory rheumatism. However, their usage carries significant risks, including site and infusion reactions, serious infections, malignancy, heart failure autoimmune and demyelinating disorders. These risks are comprehensively outlined in risk management plans (RMPs) associated with these molecules. RMP provides information on the safety profile of a medicinal product as well as the measures that will be taken to minimize risks; these are known as risk minimization measures. These measures are divided into routine measures related to elements, such as the summary of product characteristics, labeling, pack size, package leaflet, or legal supply status of the product, while additional measures may include educational programs, including tools for healthcare providers and patients, controlled access or pregnancy prevention programs, among others. Additional measures can consist of one or more interventions that need to be implemented in a sustainable way in a defined target group, while respecting the timing and frequency of any intervention and procedures to reach the target population. An evaluation of the effectiveness of these measures is required to determine whether or not an intervention has been effective. This comprehensive review offers an in-depth exploration of the current treatment, uses, and associated risks of TNF-α inhibitors. Additionally, it provides a detailed account of risk minimization measures and risk management practices while shedding light on their real-world implementation and effectiveness.

Polymer Flooding Reduces Emissions and Energy Consumption in the North Sea

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 218231, How Polymer Flooding Reduces CO2 Emissions and Energy Consumption at the Captain Field: An Exergy-Return-on-Exergy-Investment Case Study,” by Tormod Skauge, SPE, and Arne Skauge, SPE, Energy Research Norway, and Nancy Lugo, Ithaca Energy UK, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Insights into the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the extraction of heavy oil from the Captain field in the UK sector of the North Sea are gained using life-cycle assessment (LCA), which incorporates the concept of exergy-return-on-exergy-investment (ERoEI). The LCA allows for separation of the process into material and work streams, assessing the effect of each separately. In the complete paper, the authors compare waterflooding (WF) to polymer flooding (PF) as primary extraction strategies. Introduction The Captain field is approximately 145 km northeast of Aberdeen, Scotland. The reservoirs lie at shallow depths of approximately 900 m true vertical depth with correspondingly low temperatures of 31°C and low pressures of 87 bar. A primary challenge is the relatively viscous oil of 40–140 cp. The field was initially developed with long horizontal wells and downhole pumps. Viscous oil implies mobility challenges, however, and water injection could lead to unstable displacement, early water breakthrough, and possible coning issues. After a successful pilot PF at Captain during 2010–2017, a staged enhanced oil recovery (EOR) development approach was adopted in 2016 aiming to extend the pilot polymer-solution-injection scheme to the full field through a phased development. Following the pilot study, the Captain EOR project was split into Stage 1 and Stage 2. The first stage involved drilling of five producers and two EOR injectors by 2022. The second stage included some brownfield modifications across the three Captain installations (two installations and a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel) and a significant expansion in the subsea area. The complete paper concentrates on the expansion in the subsea areas, Areas B and C. The methodology of the study, including the development of simulation cases, LCA, exergy analysis, system boundaries, material and work streams, and CO2 emissions, is detailed in the complete paper. Production Profiles The Stage 2 EOR development evaluates PF for Areas B and C. The baseline is WF with fully produced water reinjection. WF was scheduled to begin in January 2024 and to end in December 2099. The PF case also was slated to begin in January 2024 and to end in 2035 and 2034 for Area B and Area C, respectively. The field is operated on pressure maintenance, and the voidage replacement ratio is kept close to 1.0. This means that the PF injects more liquid than the WF case during the first 5 years of injection when the oil production is higher for PF. After polymer injection ends, the PF case injects less liquid than the WF case. In Area B, water cut is high from the start for the WF case. Because of the high mobility of the water, it fingers through the oil. In contrast, when polymer is injected, the water cut falls to approximately 80% and does not reach the starting value of 94.1% before 7 years, more than 2.5 years after having stopped the polymer injection in this area. The low water cut is the result of production of a large oil bank generated by the improved sweep and mobility reduction of the injected polymer.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification test for yaws: a multi-country diagnostic accuracy evaluation

To meet the WHO target of eradicating yaws by 2030, highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools are needed. A multiplex Treponema pallidum-Haemophilus ducreyi loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TPHD-LAMP) test holds promise as a near-patient diagnostic tool for yaws and H ducreyi. We conducted a prospective evaluation in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and the Republic of the Congo to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the TPHD-LAMP test, as well as to assess its acceptability, feasibility, and cost. Active case searching within schools and communities was used to locate participants with clinically suspicious laws-like lesions. Individuals with serologically confirmed active yaws provided paired lesion swabs between March, 2021, and April, 2023. For each participant, one swab was tested with the TPHD-LAMP at a local district laboratory and the other with reference quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests conducted at national reference laboratories. The primary outcome was TPHD-LAMP test sensitivity and specificity compared with qPCR. Laboratory technicians were interviewed using a multiple-choice survey to gauge acceptability and feasibility of the TPHD-LAMP test. Costs of each test were calculated. Of 3085 individuals with at least one suspected yaws lesion, 531 (17%) were serologically confirmed. We enrolled 493 participants with seropositive yaws and a further 32 with negative serology. The sensitivity of the TPHD-LAMP test for detecting T pallidum was 63% (95% CI 56-70) and the specificity was 66% (95% CI 61-71). Sensitivity and specificity for T pallidum improved to 73% (63-82; p=0·0065) and 75% (68-80; p=0·0003), respectively, in H ducreyi-negative samples. Interviews highlighted challenges in user-friendliness and practicality of the TPHD-LAMP test. The cost of the test per sample was one third of that of qPCR, although the TPHD-LAMP test entailed higher costs to establish the assay. This was the first multi-country diagnostic evaluation of a molecular test for yaws. The TPHD-LAMP testing, in its current form, falls short of the WHO target product profile criteria for yaws diagnostics. These findings highlight the importance of assessing new diagnostics in real-world conditions to ensure their suitability for programmatic use. The EDCTP2 programme supported by the EU.

Using models and maps to inform Target Product Profiles and Preferred Product Characteristics: the example of Wolbachia replacement

Background The global prevalence of diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, such as dengue, Zika and Yellow Fever, is increasing, but development of promising new mosquito control technologies could reverse this trend. Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and Preferred Product Characteristics (PPCs) documents issued by the World Health Organization can guide the research and development pathways of new products and product combinations transitioning from proof of concept to operational use. Methods We used high resolution global maps of the case and economic burden of dengue to derive programmatic cost targets to support a TPP for Wolbachia replacement. A compartmental entomological model was used to explore how release size, spacing and timing affect replacement speed and acceptability. To support a PPC for a hybrid suppress-then-replace approach we tested whether Wolbachia replacement could be achieved faster, more acceptably or at a lower cost if preceded by a mosquito suppression programme. Results We show how models can reveal trade-offs, identify quantitative thresholds and prioritise areas and intervention strategies for further development. We estimate that for Wolbachia replacement to be deployable in enough areas to make major contributions to reducing global dengue burden by 25% (in line with 2030 WHO targets), it must have the potential for cost to be reduced to between $7.63 and $0.24 (USD) per person protected or less. Suppression can reduce the number of Wolbachia mosquitoes necessary to achieve replacement fixation by up to 80%. A hybrid approach can also achieve fixation faster and potentially improve acceptability, but may not justify their cost if they require major new investments in suppression technologies. Conclusions Here we demonstrate the value dedicated modelling can provide for interdisciplinary groups of experts when developing TPPs and PPCs. These models could be used by product developers to prioritise and shape development decisions for new Wolbachia replacement products.

Impact of Natural Phytosanitary Product Residuals on Yeast Fermentation Performance and Wine Composition

Although phytosanitary treatments are necessary to protect grapes from parasitic diseases, consumers are increasingly concerned about the use of synthetic phytosanitary products and their possible residues in wine. Pre-harvest phytosanitary treatments are often inevitable, and consequently downtime is required to avoid possible residues on the grapes. Instead, natural phytosanitary products, such as essential oil (EO)-based products, can be applied close to the harvest without specific restrictions, with results that are not only technically convenient but also more attractive for the consumers. Because of the high antimicrobial activity of EO products, in the present study we evaluated the effect of different residual amounts of two new EO-based phytosanitary products on the alcoholic fermentation and the chemical composition of the final fermented products. In particular, two EO-based new formulations, exploitable in organic viticulture management, were evaluated. Increasing concentrations of each formulation were tested during laboratory scale fermentations and in comparison with synthetic and natural commercial phytosanitary products. Growth and fermentation kinetics of a commercial yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the chemical and sensory profiles of the final products were evaluated. Both new formulations showed no significant impact on the growth and fermentation kinetic of S. cerevisiae at any of the concentrations tested. In all trials, alcoholic fermentation was completed in 15 days. Instead, a different chemical composition of the final products was observed. Therefore, these new products might represent an interesting alternative tool to the conventional phytosanitary treatments, being applicable close to the harvest without negative impacts on the kinetics of alcoholic fermentation and also being more acceptable to wine consumers.

Impact of fig maceration under various conditions on physicochemical and sensory attributes of wine vinegar: A comprehensive characterization study.

In this work, wine vinegars macerated with figs under different conditions have been characterized for the first time. Samples were analyzed by solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, sensory and physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that fig maceration of wine vinegars influenced the physicochemical, sensory, and volatile profiles of the final product, which were mainly affected by the fig amount (10, 20 or 30%), the fig type (fresh or dry) and the base wine vinegar (young or aged) used, and to a lesser extent the way the fig was added (crushed or chopped). The maceration, regardless the conditions used, increased the fruity notes, overall taste and visual impression, the tonality, total polyphenols and sugar content, and the presence of some volatile compounds, mainly terpenes and ketones, such as (Z)-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol, or β-damascenone. Therefore, maceration increased the organoleptic complexity, which could enhance the acceptability of consumers towards these products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research studied how wine vinegars macerated with figs affect in different ways their taste, smell, and chemical properties. Thus, the results showed that these wine vinegars made with fig maceration by using different amounts and types of figs, as well as the type of vinegar used, changed their characteristics, making them smell and taste fruitier and more pleasant. This could be useful for making better-tasting and more appealing vinegars for consumers who enjoy unique and enhanced flavors in their food.

Supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris Extracts During Brewing: The Effects on Fermentation Properties, Phytochemical Activity and the Abundance of Volatile Organic Compounds

Chlorella vulgaris, a microalga rich in secondary metabolites and nutrients, offers a promising alternative for promoting microbial growth in food fermentation processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of C. vulgaris extracts on fermentation kinetics, sensory characteristics, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in treated versus control beers. The bioactive compounds from C. vulgaris were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted method with water as the solvent. A German Pilsner-style lager beer (GPB) was brewed and supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 5 g/L of C. vulgaris extracts prior to primary fermentation. Yeast viability, °Brix, and pH levels were monitored to assess fermentation progress. Phytochemical composition was analyzed by quantifying total polyphenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the beer was evaluated using both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) and hydrogen peroxide assays. The addition of C. vulgaris extracts resulted in increased yeast viability and slight variations in gravity during the 7-day fermentation period. Moreover, the beers supplemented with C. vulgaris extracts demonstrated higher levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity compared to the GPB. Specific volatile organic compounds, including 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-hexanol, isopentyl hexanoate, 2-methylpropyl octanoate, β-myrcene, and geranyl acetate, were significantly more abundant (p < 0.05) in the treated beers than in the control. Sensory evaluations revealed a favorable impact of the treatment on aroma scores compared to the GPB. Overall, the findings indicate that C. vulgaris extracts could be a valuable ingredient for developing functional beers with enhanced health benefits, particularly regarding antioxidant activity. Additionally, the results underscore the importance of exploring innovative approaches that utilize natural sources like Chlorella to enrich the nutritional profile and sensory qualities of fermented products.

Uncovering the taste features: Applying machine learning and molecular docking approaches to predict umami taste intensity of peptides

The umami taste, often described as the fifth basic taste, plays a pivotal role in the culinary world, significantly contributing to the overall flavor profile and consumer satisfaction of food products. Precise prediction and enhancement of umami taste intensity using the identification of umami peptides can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the food industry. This study presents a novel approach to combine machine learning and molecular docking techniques. The machine learning algorithm is based on a cascade algorithm combining CatBoost and BERT models to predict the umami taste intensity of peptides accurately. Our research reveals that combinations of specific amino acids, such as aspartic acid with alanine or glycine and lysine with glycine or histidine, have been identified to enhance the umami taste in foods. The model is available as a user-friendly web server at https://taste.infochemistry.ru. This study contributes to the scientific understanding of taste perception and provides a valuable tool for the food industry to innovate and improve product quality by optimizing umami taste profiles.