Functional Properties Research Articles

QORAQALPOG‘ISTON OYKONIMLARINING GRAMMATIK TUZILISHI

In toponymy, the analysis of toponyms based on their grammatical structure allows us to determine their semantic features and lexical basis. The article highlights simple and complex types of oikonyms of Karakalpakstan based on their grammatical structure. The functional and semantic properties of affixes in territorial geographical names are revealed.

Investigating Changes in the Physicochemical and Structural–Functional Properties of Soybean Milk Under an Industry-Scale Microfluidization System

Investigating Changes in the Physicochemical and Structural–Functional Properties of Soybean Milk Under an Industry-Scale Microfluidization System

Investigating the differences in the optical properties and laser photoluminescence for chitosan films extracted from two different origins

This work carefully examines the variations in chitosan films derived from shrimp and crab shells in terms of their optical characteristics and laser-induced photoluminescence. Chitosan was dissolved in acetic acid and then cast into films to create chitosan films. The functional properties of chitosan generated from crab and prawns were shown to differ in specific spectrum regions due to differences in hydrogen bonding, degree of deacetylation, and structural conformations, as indicated by the FTIR study. Using TD-DFT and TD-DFT/CASTEP simulations, computational studies were carried out to predict the chitosan samples' molecular structures and frequency characteristics. Measurements and analyses were done on the optical characteristics, such as absorbance, refractive index, dielectric constants, and optical conductivity. Chitosan from shrimp shells (chitosan 2) and crab shells (chitosan 1) differed significantly in terms of UV absorbance, refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity, according to the study. Chitosan 2 showed increased dielectric constant, refractive index, and UV absorbance, indicating higher optical conductivity and a larger capacity for electrical energy storage, making it a better fit for optoelectronic applications. Chitosan's optical and photoluminescence characteristics are greatly influenced by its place of origin. These results emphasize how crucial it is to choose the right source material for a given optical application, especially in domains, where precise control over UV absorption and refractive index is necessary.

The Effects of Malting and Extrusion on the Functional and Physical Properties of Extrudates from Malted Brown Rice and Pigeon Pea Flour Blends

The Effects of Malting and Extrusion on the Functional and Physical Properties of Extrudates from Malted Brown Rice and Pigeon Pea Flour Blends

Modeling Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Organoids.

The therapeutic armamentarium for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains notably constrained. A factor contributing to this problem could be the scarcity of in vitro models for HFpEF, which hinders progress in developing new therapeutic strategies. Here, we aimed at developing a novel, comorbidity-inspired, human, in vitro model for HFpEF. Human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes were used to produce cardiac organoids. The generated organoids were then subjected to HFpEF-associated, comorbidity-inspired conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity-related inflammation. To assess the development of HFpEF pathophysiological features, organoids were thoroughly evaluated for their structural, functional, electrophysiological, and metabolic properties. Exposure to the combination of all comorbidity-mimicking conditions resulted in the largest cellular volume of 1692±52 versus 1346±84 µm3 in RPMI (Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium) control group (P=0.003), while lower in obesity, hypertension, and diabetes groups: 1059±40 µm3 (P=0.014), 1276±35 µm3 (P=0.940), and 1575±70 µm3 (P=0.146), respectively. Similarly, ultrastructural fibrosis was most significantly observed after exposure to the combination of all HFpEF-inducing conditions 14.6±1.2% compared with single condition exposure 5.2±1.3% (obesity), 6.7±3.5% (hypertension), and 9.0±1.1% (diabetes; P<0.001). Moreover, HFpEF-related conditions led to an increase in passive force compared with control (7.52±1.08 versus 2.33±0.46 mN/mm, P<0.001), whereas no significant alterations were noted in active contractile forces. Relaxation constant τ was significantly prolonged after exposure to HFpEF conditions showing a prolongation of 95.9 ms (36.4-106.4; P=0.028) compared with a shortening of 35.6 ms (43.3-67.3; P=0.80) in the control. Finally, organoid exposure to HFpEF conditions led to a significant increase in oxidative stress levels and a significant decline in oxygen consumption rate. We established a novel, human, in vitro model for HFpEF, based on comorbidity-inspired conditions. The model faithfully recapitulated the structural, functional, and mechanistic features of HFpEF. This model holds the potential to provide mechanistic insights and facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Factor XIII: Driving (Cross-)Links in Hemostasis, Thrombosis, and Disease.

Blood clots are complex structures composed of blood cells and proteins held together by the structural framework provided by an insoluble fibrin network. Factor (F)XIII is a protransglutaminase essential for stabilizing the fibrin network. Activated FXIII(a) introduces novel covalent crosslinks within and between fibrin and other plasma and cellular proteins, and thereby promotes fibrin biochemical and mechanical integrity. These irreversible modifications are also major determinants of clot composition and functional properties. As such, FXIII has central roles in hemostasis and wound healing, thrombosis, and many proinflammatory diseases associated with coagulation activation. FXIII's biochemical properties are as interesting as its biology is unusual, giving rise to unique and still undefined mechanisms. Here we review features underlying FXIII biology, biochemical function, biophysical impact, and (patho)physiologic implications in hemostasis, thrombosis, and disease.

Innovative Whey-Based Pineapple Beverage Enriched with Banana Pseudostem and Ginger Extract

Aims: This study aimed to develop a pineapple-based whey beverage enriched with banana pseudostem extract and ginger, leveraging their nutritional and functional properties. By optimizing the formulation using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the research sought to create a nutritious and sustainable product that minimizes food waste while enhancing the beverage’s sensory appeal. Study Design: This research was experimental and performed in a laboratory. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at College of Dairy Science and Technology, KVASU, Pookode, Kerala, India, between the period of March 2022 and September 2022. Methodolgy: The whey drink was formulated by incorporating pineapple juice, ginger extract, and banana pseudostem extract, followed by optimization of ingredient levels based on sensory and RSM. Results: The optimum formulation of whey drink given by RSM to achieve the predicted maximum response values were 32.5% pineapple juice, 0.875% ginger extract and 8% sugar. The whey drink was found to have 92.3% moisture, 0.6% ash, 1.77% protein, 0.32% acidity, 4.5% pH, 10% total solids, 12% total soluble solids, 8.5% radical scavenging activity,0.12% fiber and 6.3% ascorbic acid.

Quinoa Polysaccharides: Extraction, Purification, Structure, Functional Properties, and Applications in Food Science and Health.

Quinoa polysaccharides have attracted significant research interest in recent years due to their diverse biological activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory properties. These attributes align with the growing global demand for natural, functional food ingredients, positioning quinoa polysaccharides as a valuable resource in food science and technology. This review presents an overview of the various bioactivities of quinoa polysaccharides, critically evaluates the methods used for their extraction and purification, describes their structural characteristics, and discusses their practical applications across multiple areas within the food industry, including food additives, meat products, health foods, and innovative food packaging. This study examines the relationship between the preparation methods and the structural characteristics of quinoa polysaccharides, as well as their versatile applications in the food industry, such as improving product quality and shelf life, enhancing nutritional value and antioxidant activity, and providing health benefits in functional foods. This review also emphasizes the need for further research on the emulsification and gelation properties of quinoa polysaccharides and highlights their significant market potential, driven by their diverse functional properties. From our perspective, quinoa polysaccharides, with their wide range of functional and health benefits, hold a promising future in the food and health industries, driven by technological advancements and consumer demands.

Advanced Rheological, Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Phase-Separation Behavior of PLA/PCL Blends

This research presents a comprehensive investigation of PLA/PCL polymer blends using advanced rheological characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical, thermal analysis (DMTA) to evaluate phase-separation behavior and functional properties. Polymer composites with various PLA/PCL ratios were fabricated via melt extrusion, a sustainable and scalable approach. The rheological studies revealed significant insights into the blends’ viscoelastic behavior, while SEM analyses provided detailed observations of microstructural phase separation. Thermal transitions and crystallization behaviors were evaluated through DSC, and the dynamic mechanical properties were examined via DMTA. The results confirmed that the tailored PLA/PCL blends exhibit properties suitable for advanced additive manufacturing (AM) and shape memory applications, merging flexibility and environmental sustainability. This study emphasizes the novelty of integrating multidisciplinary characterization methods to unravel the structure–property relationships in PLA/PCL systems. By addressing modern demands for eco-friendly, high-performance materials, this work establishes a foundation for the development of innovative polymer composites with potential applications in smart and responsive technologies.

Impact of Autoclaving on Functional Properties of Pigeon Pea Protein Isolates

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a protein-rich legume crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, serving as a vital dietary protein source, particularly where protein malnutrition is a concern. The protein fractions in pigeon pea seeds are primarily composed of albumin, globulin, glutelin, and prolamin, with globulins accounting for nearly 60% of the total protein. Despite its nutritional value, pigeon pea protein remains underutilized in plant protein market. This study investigated the impact of autoclaving treatment on the functional properties of protein isolates obtained from two pigeon pea genotypes, Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452. Key functional properties, including protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity, water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), emulsifying properties, and foaming properties, were analysed. Autoclaving significantly reduced protein solubility across all pH levels in the range of 35.85-75.28% due to thermal denaturation and aggregation. Surface hydrophobicity increased by 10.68% and 16.18% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452, respectively. WHC decreased to 210.28% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 209.8% for ICP 1452, while OHC increased to 186.44% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 189.25% for ICP 1452. Emulsifying activity index (EAI) and stability index (ESI) decreased after autoclaving, EAI decreasing to 16.39 m2/g for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 16.34 m2/g for ICP 1452 and ESI decreasing to 29 min for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 30.33 min for ICP 1452. Conversely, autoclaving significantly improved foaming capacity by 22.90% and 34.31% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452, respectively, with greater foaming stability, at 60 minutes, it increased to 15.92% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 16.91% for ICP 1452. These findings highlight the potential of autoclaving to modulate the functional properties of pigeon pea protein isolates, enhancing their suitability for diverse food applications like inclusion in development of protein rich functional foods.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРОЦЕССОВ ХРАНЕНИЯ И ТЕРМООБРАБОТКИ ЧЕРНОГО МАКРУРУСА НА ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ КАЧЕСТВА РЫБЫ-СЫРЦА И ГОТОВОГО ПРОДУКТА

The purpose of research is to study the dependence of the quality of raw and finished products from a promising for fishing and processing deep-sea fish species – black grenadier Coryphaenoides acrolepis – on processing and storage conditions. The fish was caught in the South Kuril subzone of the Sea of Okhotsk at a depth of 1000 m. Tasks: determination of the size-mass composition, functional-technological and physical and chemical properties of muscle tissue of two size groups of this species, the study of the rheological parameters of raw fish before and after heat treatment at various cutting and storage methods, as well as repeated freezing / thawing. The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Research Institute of Innovative Biotechnologies of the Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University in Vladivostok. The following indicators were used as the main criteria for evaluating the functional and technological properties of fish muscle tissue: watering coefficient (Ko); protein-water ratio (BVK); structure formation coefficient (Kst); conditional protein coefficient (Kb); lipid-protein coefficient (Kf). The absence of significant differences in all studied parameters in two size groups before and after heat treatment is shown. Storage of carcasses and fillets in a catering establishment for 3 months to a greater extent affected the quality of carcasses in the direction of increasing the strength of muscle tissue. Repeated multiple freezing, used to search for the cause of the appearance of specimens with a rubbery consistency of muscle tissue, showed the absence of causal relationships of these processes and was confirmed by studies of changes in the molecular weight distribution of protein fractions of muscle tissue before and after storage by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Peach Peel Extrusion for the Development of Sustainable Gluten-Free Plant-Based Flours

The food industry generates substantial waste, contributing to environmental challenges, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing by-products, particularly fruit peels that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, presents a sustainable approach to reducing waste, while enhancing the nutritional value of food products. Specifically, peach peel can be used to produce gluten-free flours, with increased fiber content and antioxidant properties. Extrusion technology is a highly effective method for developing these functional flours, as it improves digestibility, reduces anti-nutrients, and enhances nutrient bioavailability. This study investigates the potential of combining corn flour with peach peel flour, derived from Royal Summer peachs (RSF), at different concentrations (0%, 5%, and 15%). A factorial experimental design was utilized to evaluate the impact of RSF incorporation on the proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, and functional properties of the flour. The results indicate that flours containing 15% RSF demonstrated significant improvements in terms of the dietary fiber content (5.90 g per 100 g−1) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+ 745.33 µmol TE per 100 g−1), meeting the “source of fiber” labelling requirements. The glycemic index of the 15% RSF flour was reduced to 78.09 compared to non-enriched flours. The functional properties of the flour, such as swelling and gelation capacities, were also enhanced with RSF incorporation. These findings highlight the potential of RSF-enriched flours in regard to the development of sustainable, health-promoting, plant-based, and gluten-free flours.

Nanoscale insights on phase transition dynamics of doped VO2 for memristor devices

This study utilized co-sputtering to fabricate Mo-doped VO2 films and identified an optimal concentration exhibiting a lower phase transition temperature (Th = 55.8 °C) and a broader hysteresis window (Δ T = 13.6 °C). At the atomistic scale, it is demonstrated that Mo dopant-induced localized strain accelerates the phase transition, which leads to the relaxation of the tetragonal structure. Furthermore, the effects of Mo doping on the phase transition process and electrical properties are characterized at the nanoscale using conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, and the potential application in selectors can be evaluated. The results indicated that Mo doping destabilizes the M1 phase by introducing a high density of electrons, thereby significantly reducing the electron–electron interactions as per the Mott model. Moreover, the device exhibited stable threshold and memristive properties at room temperature, quickly switching from high to low-resistance states at a threshold voltage of 2.37 V and maintaining stability over more than 1000 cycles with a selectivity &amp;gt;102. The present work not only highlights the role of Mo doping in enhancing the functional properties of VO2 but also demonstrates its feasibility in high-performance selectors devices.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria block cadmium and lead uptake in rice by regulating sulfur metabolism.

This study was dedicated to investigating the role of sulfur metabolic processes in sulfate-reducing bacteria in plant resistance to heavy metal contamination. We constructed sulfate-reducing bacterial communities based on the functional properties of sulfate-reducing strains, and then screened out the most effective sulfate-reducing bacterial community SYN1, that prevented Cd and Pb uptake in rice through hydroponic experiment. This community lowered Cd levels in the roots and upper roots by 36.60% and 39.88%, respectively, and Pb levels by 35.96% and 51.54%. We also compared two treatment groups, inoculated with SYN1 and exogenously added GSH, and found that both enhanced the antioxidant response of the plants, increased the lignin and GSH contents and the expression of genes related to the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathway (OsCAD, Os4CL, OsCOMT, OsPOD, OsC3H, and OsPAL), and decreased the expression of heavy metal transporter genes (OsHMA2, OsIRT1) expression. There were no significant differences between the two treatments. Sulfate-reducing bacteria produce GSH through the sulfur assimilation pathway, and GSH can directly chelate heavy metals or enhance plant antioxidant enzyme activities and regulate processes such as uptake and translocation of heavy metals, thus enhancing plant resistance to heavy metal toxicity.

Nanoindentation Crack Suppression and Hardness Increase in SrTiO3 by Dislocation Engineering

Abstract Dislocations in functional oxides have sparked interest in the potential they hold for harvesting both enhanced mechanical and functional properties for next-generation electronic devices. This has motivated the recent research endeavor to achieve tunable dislocation density and plastic zone size in functional oxides. However, the dislocation density-dependent micro-/nanomechanical properties in functional ceramics have yet to be assessed, which will be critical for the design of reliable electronic devices in the near future. In this work, we use a model material, single-crystal SrTiO3, as one of the most widely used substrates for oxide electronics, to assess the hardness and fracture behavior at micro-/nanoscale by pre-engineering the dislocation densities from ~ 1010 m-2 up to ~ 4.0 × 1014 m-2. We find crack suppression and enhanced hardness during nanoindentation in samples with pre-engineered dislocations. Post-indentation analysis using transmission electron microscopy revealed the critical role of pre-existing dislocations in regulating the crack suppression and increased hardness in SrTiO3. The results can help guide the design of mechanically reliable electronics via dislocation engineering.

Mineral, Vitamin and Phytonutrients Content in Different Andean Potato Varieties Reintroduced in the North West Region, Argentina (NOA).

The mineral content, vitamin C, and chlorogenic acid were determined in 44 genotypes of Andean potatoes reintroduced in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina. This initiative aims to promote biodiversity and support local producers by determining the nutritional and functional properties of these genotypes. The genotypes from a collection in the Germplasm Bank of INTA Balcarce, were planted in sandy clay loam soils and harvested manually. The tubers obtained showed significant variability in size, even within the same genotype. The maximum yield was 0.60kg/plant, with the CL 621 genotype having the highest yield. Genotype CL836 stands up for its high content of Mg, Ca, and Zn (190.3 ± 10.5; 112.2 ± 1.9; 1.29 ± 0.12mg/100g dw, respectively); CL 790 for its Mn content (2.09 ± 0.048mg/100g dw), and CL 516 and CCS 1349 are rich in Zn and Ca (2.23 ± 0.08 and 123.11 ± 6.88mg/100g dw) respectively. The highest contents of Vitamin C and chlorogenic acid corresponded to the CCS1385 and CL 631 genotypes (17.62 ± 0.11; 91.64 ± 1.82mg/100g dw) respectively. According to the correlation analysis, the highest content of antioxidants was in small tubers. This information will allow promoting the cultivation of genotypes that contribute to the nutritional security of the local population.

Theobroma mariae: Bioactive Compound-Rich Flowers

Edible flowers have gained attention as unconventional food sources due to their nutritional and functional properties. This study provides novel information on the chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of Theobroma mariae flowers. The objective of this paper was to identify bioactive compounds in its flowers using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The phenolic fraction of the flowers revealed bioactive compounds such as hyperoside, guaijaverin, astragalin, juglalin, and kaempferol. The results confirmed the potential of T. mariae flowers as a source of phenolic compounds, emphasizing their feasibility for possible applications in the development of functional foods. Moreover, the antiproliferative assay demonstrated that the phenolic fraction inhibits cell proliferation (GI50) while presenting low cytotoxicity in both cancer and normal cells.

Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction and Comprehensive Computational Simulations Unmask an Efficient PET Hydrolase with the Wobbled Catalytic Triad.

Beyond directed evolution, ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) has emerged as a powerful strategy for engineering proteins with superior functional properties. Herein, we harnessed ASR to uncover robust PET hydrolase variants, expanding the repertoire of PET-degrading enzymes and providing deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of PET hydrolysis. As a result, ASR1-PETase, featuring a unique cysteine catalytic site, was discovered. Despite having only 19.3% sequence identity with IsPETase, ASR1-PETase demonstrated improved PET degradation efficiency, with a finely-tuned substrate-binding cleft. Comprehensive experimental validation, including mutagenesis studies and comparisons with six state-of-the-art PET hydrolases, combined with microsecond-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and QM-cluster calculations, revealed that ASR1-PETase's C161 catalytic residue assisted with the wobbled H242 can simultaneously cleave both ester bonds of BHET-a feature not commonly observed in other PET hydrolases. This mechanism may serve as the primary driving force for accelerating PET hydrolysis while minimizing the accumulation of the intermediate MHET, thereby enhancing the efficiency of TPA production.

Efficient and Rapid Generation of Neural Stem Cells by Direct Conversion Fibroblasts with Single microRNAs.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have great potentials in the application of neurodegenerative disease therapy, drug screening, and disease modeling. However, current approaches for induced NSCs (iNSCs) generation from somatic cells are still slow and inefficient. Here we establish a rapid and efficient method of iNSCs generation from human and mouse fibroblasts by single microRNAs (miR-302a). These iNSCs exhibited morphological, molecular and functional properties resembling those of adult human and mouse NSCs, and human iNSCs can be expanded for more than 20 passages in vitro. Furthermore, miR-302a alone was demonstrated to be sufficient to reprogram both human and mouse fibroblasts into iNSCs. Our results showed that direct conversion of autologous fibroblasts with miR-302a into iNSCs, which provides a rapid and efficient strategy to generate iNSCs for both basic research and clinical applications.

Current State of Research on Health-Promoting Functional Properties in Berry-Based Foods.

This review aims to consolidate recent findings on the development and functional validation of berry-based foods while proposing guidelines for future advancements. Current investigations on berry-based functional foods (dairy and bakery products, snacks, etc.) emphasize their potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects, glycemic control, enzyme modulation, among others. Although there is valuable information on the capacity of berry-derived food products to confer health benefits, only 10% of the reviewed publications reached the final validation stage of the formulated product through in vivo assays. The analyzed publications were classified according to the approach used to study the functional potential of the developed berry-based products, considering simple spectrophotometric analysis, in vitro biological studies, and in vivo studies. Guidelines for a successful development of berry-based health enhancing foods were presented. Future research should include functional validation of final food products and confirm their bioactivity through in vivo studies.