Textural Changes Research Articles

Low Vp/VsValues as an Indicator for Fractures in the Critical Zone

AbstractPoisson's ratio for earth materials is usually assumed to be positive (Vp/Vs > 1.4). However, this assumption may not be valid in the critical zone because near Earth's surface effective pressures are low (<1 MPa), porosity has a wide range (0%–60%), there are significant texture changes (e.g., unconsolidated vs. fractured media), and saturation ranges from 0% to 100%. We present P‐wave (Vp) and S‐wave (Vs) velocities from seismic refraction profiles collected in weathered crystalline environments in South Carolina and Wyoming. Our data show that ∼20% of the subsurface has negative Poisson's ratios (Vp/Vsvalues < 1.4), a conclusion supported by borehole sonic logs. The low Vp/Vsvalues are confined to the fractured bedrock and saprolite. Our data support the hypothesis that weathering‐generated microcracks can produce a negative Poisson's ratio and that Vp/Vsvalues can thus provide insight into important critical zone weathering processes.

Polyethylene glycol regulates the pitch and liquid crystal behavior of cellulose nanocrystal-based photonic crystals

Inspired by iridescent color in natural creations, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) photonic crystals artificially created by nanotechnology have great application prospects due to their potential to control light propagation in the linear and nonlinear regimes. One of the most important development directions of photonic crystals is the diversification of colors, usually by adjusting the pitch. However, few researchers notice the effect of polymer molecular weight and content on pitch regulation and the interaction between polymer and CNC liquid crystals. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used as polymers to regulate the pitch of CNC photonic crystals and investigate the changes in microstructure, crystal structure, thermal properties, and liquid crystal texture of the composites by changing the PEG content and molecular weight. Different photonic crystal construction systems show that when the molecular weight of PEG is 0.4 k, it can be filled between CNCs to regulate the pitch of photonic crystals, while when the molecular weight of PEG is 20 k, it cannot always be filled between CNCs in evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) process due to the depletion interaction, which cannot effectively regulate the pitch. This study reveals the relationship between PEG and CNC liquid crystals, which supports the development of photonic crystals and the pitch regulation.

Texture Analysis of Chinese Dried Noodles during Drying Based on Acoustic-Mechanical Detection Methods.

To better understand the textural transformation of Chinese dried noodles during the drying process, a convenient acoustic-force detection method was established. By comparing the breaking point, it was possible to determine the time-scale correlation between the force-displacement curves and acoustic spectrograms. The acoustic eigenvalues showed a consistent upward trend with the mechanical parameters during the drying process. With a wave crest reaching 152.8 dB and a signal maximum reaching 0.072, the structural stability of the dried noodles hardly induces a higher acoustic response. This suggests that the mechanical strength and rigidity of the dried noodles undergo minimal changes during this period. In comparison to the mechanical parameters, the acoustic eigenvalues accurately describe the changes in texture of dried noodles under various drying conditions, moreover, the sound threshold also provides a more effective response to the dried noodles' structural strength threshold. Therefore, the acoustic detection method can be applied to assist the conventional mechanical measurement in the field of the texture evaluation of dried food.

The Iris CubeSat mission: Science payload description for a pathfinder geological space weathering investigation

The Iris mission is a student-led 3-U CubeSat comprised of a science payload of 20 geological samples placed in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to study the effects of space weathering (i.e., those aspects that can be investigated in LEO). This experiment is the first of its kind to take place in the vacuum of space. The science objective of the mission is to investigate how space weathering processes affect the surfaces of airless planetary bodies by monitoring the spectral reflectance properties of geological samples over time. Two three-color cameras acquire spectral reflectance data within the visible spectrum to measure any spectral and/or textural changes exhibited throughout the ∼1-year orbital mission. This mission will provide valuable data to help understand how the space environment may affect the surfaces of the Moon, Mercury, and main-belt and near-Earth asteroids. The acquired data will help constrain meteorite-asteroid links and provide insight into the spectroscopic analysis of samples returned from the Moon, and near-Earth asteroids Itokawa, Bennu, and Ryugu. The results of this mission will also complement the results of laboratory simulations of space weathering. All samples selected for flight on the CubeSat have undergone several tests to ensure suitability for launch and operations. This paper describes the payload subsystem, sample selection and preparation.

On the Assessment of Strawberries' Shelf-Life and Quality, Based on Image Analysis, Physicochemical Methods, and Chemometrics.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Marisol strawberries' (Fragaria × ananassa) physicochemical quality and shelf-life during storage, using an integrated analytical approach. More specifically, the research aimed to assess the strawberries' color, texture, and nutritional quality, over an 11-day storage period, employing physicochemical analyses, spectrophotometric assays, Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, image analysis, and statistical tools. The results revealed significant changes in the outer surface texture and color characteristics, indicating spoilage progression. Physicochemical parameters such as water activity, moisture content, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content exhibited significant alterations, influencing the taste profile and freshness perception. Antioxidant and antiradical activities showed fluctuations, suggesting a potential decrease in phenolic content during storage. Moreover, the ATR-FTIR spectra findings confirmed the results regarding the moisture content, soluble solids, and total phenolic content. The integration of physicochemical and image analysis-derived features through a principal component analysis (PCA) enabled the accurate classification of samples based on storage days. Regression analysis, using these features, successfully predicted the storage day with high accuracy. Overall, this integrated analytical approach provided valuable information on the estimation of Marisol strawberries' shelf-life and the prediction of their quality deterioration, contributing to better fruit management and the minimization of discards.

How and when do Pt- and Pd-semimetal minerals crystallize from saturated sulfide liquids?

Platinum and Pd-arsenides, antimonides, tellurides, bismuthinides, and sulfides are the major hosts of Pt and Pd in magmatic and hydrothermal Cu-Ni-sulfide ores. Textural relationships among such minerals in nature often provide contradictory messages about the mechanism and timing of their formation. To know how and when Pt and Pd mineral phases crystallize from sulfide-saturated liquids and how their compositions and textures evolve during cooling, we undertook controlled cooling experiments in evacuated silica tubes. A Cu-Ni-Fe sulfide mixture, similar in composition to the average Merensky Reef sulfide magma, was charged (in a 9:1 wt.% proportion) with one of the PtAs2, PtTe2, PtSb2, PtBi2, PdAs2, PdTe2, PdSb, and PdBi2 compounds, heated to 1,100°C, and slowly cooled (15°C/day) to room temperature. The run products were sampled at 950°C, 750°C, and 25°C by quenching the silica tubes in water. The results show that Pt formed stable phases with As, Te, and Sb above 950°C and with Bi and S below 750°C. The Pt phases were found mostly in the decomposed intermediate solid solution (ISS), and all the phases survived to 25°C with no compositional changes. At 950°C, Pd formed arsenide, telluride, and antimonide immiscible melts that coexisted with monosulfide solid solution (MSS) and sulfide melt. The composition of the Pd-semimetal melt droplets changed during cooling by equilibration with the host sulfide. Palladium mineral phases formed at temperatures below 750°C directly from the immiscible semimetal-rich melts where they kept the rounded shapes of the melt droplets. Ni-sulfarsenides preceded the formation of Pd arsenides. No Ni tellurides, antimonides, or bismuthinides formed in any of the systems, implying that their formation requires higher semimetal/Pt + Pd ratios. The decomposition of MSS and ISS to base metal sulfides led to significant textural changes in Pt and Pd mineral grains. The compositions of Pt and Pd phases are inherited from the magmatic stage, and their textures are low-temperature (<450°C) features.

Physicochemical, microbiological and metabolomics changes in yogurt supplemented with lactosucrose

Lactosucrose (LS) is a known prebiotic that has gained recognition for its low caloric content and various health benefits. However, its potential in food applications remains largely unexplored. In this study the effects of adding LS to milk at concentrations (0 %, 2 %, 5 % and 8 % w/v) for yogurt production, and the relevant changes in yogurt texture, microbial composition and metabolomics were investigated. Our findings revealed that LS played a role in promoting the formation of a structured gel during fermentation, resulting in increased elasticity and viscosity while reducing fluidity. Additionally incorporating high doses of LS into yogurt led to reduced post-acidification, enhanced survival of starter bacteria, improved water retention capacity and overall texture throughout a refrigerated storage period of 21 days. Notably higher concentrations of LS (8 % w/v) exhibited effects on enhancing yogurt quality. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis using UPLC Q TOF MS/MS revealed 45 differentially expressed metabolites, including up-regulated L-arginine, L-proline and L-glutamic acid along with the down-regulated glutathione, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanyl and L-proline. These differential metabolites were primarily associated with amino acid metabolism such as thiamine metabolism, nicotinic acid salt and nicotinamide metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. As a result, the inclusion of LS in yogurt had an impact on the production of various beneficial metabolites in yogurt, highlighting the importance of combining prebiotic LS with probiotics to obtain desired physiological benefits of yogurt.

Zero-tillage in Mung Bean-Wheat Cropping System: Impact on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity

Background: Inclusion of legume crops in efficient cropping system is important to maintain soil bio-physical property for sustainable production systems. Conservation agriculture (CA) practices have been demonstrated to be successful in cereal based systems. But the information on zero-tillage as CA practice in legume based systems is lacking, which may further help in conservation of soil resources on sustainable basis. Hence study on impact of zero-tillage on soil biological and physico-chemical properties was undertaken at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal (Rewari), India during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Methods: The soil of experimental site was loamy sand in texture and low in organic carbon, N and P, while medium in K. The treatments included nine tillage combinations for crop establishment under mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system (MWCS) viz., Zero-tillage mung bean (ZTM) fb zero-tillage wheat (ZTW), ZTM fb reduced tillage wheat (RTW), ZTM fb conventional tillage wheat (CTW), reduced tillage mung bean (RTM) fb ZTW, RTM fb RTW, RTM fb CTW, Conventional tillage mung bean (CTM) fb ZTW, CTM fb RTW, CTM fb CTW. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Result: After two years, there was no change in soil texture and EC of the soil due to different crop establishment methods, while the bulk density of upper soil layer (0-15 cm) decreased marginally under system-based ZT method. The Infiltration rate increased with decrease in the frequency of tillage in both the crops. Organic carbon in upper layer increased while pH decreased marginally under ZTM-ZTW as compared to CTM-CTW. Available N and P showed increasing trend with decrease in number of tillage operations after two years of MWCS. Tillage practices had no significant effect on available K. The grain yield of wheat was not influenced by tillage during 2019-20, but in 2020-21 it was significantly higher under ZT wheat sown after ZTM (5025 kg ha-1) than RTW (4622-4722 kg ha-1) and CTW (4593-4641 kg ha-1), irrespective of tillage practices in mung bean. The seed, stover and biological yields of mung bean were similar under all crop establishment methods in MWCS. This indicated sustainability of zero-tillage methods of establishment in MWCS.

Mountain Vegetation Classification Method Based on Multi-Channel Semantic Segmentation Model

With the development of satellite remote sensing technology, a substantial quantity of remote sensing data can be obtained every day, but the ability to extract information from these data remains poor, especially regarding intelligent extraction models for vegetation information in mountainous areas. Because the features of remote sensing images (such as spectral, textural and geometric features) change with changes in illumination, viewing angle, scale and spectrum, it is difficult for a remote sensing intelligent interpretation model with a single data source as input to meet the requirements of engineering or large-scale vegetation information extraction and updating. The effective use multi-source, multi-resolution and multi-type data for remote sensing classification is still a challenge. The objective of this study is to develop a highly intelligent and generalizable classification model of mountain vegetation utilizing multi-source remote sensing data to achieve accurate vegetation extraction. Therefore, a multi-channel semantic segmentation model based on deep learning, FCN-ResNet, is proposed to integrate the features and textures of multi-source, multi-resolution and multi-temporal remote sensing data, thereby enhancing the differentiation of different mountain vegetation types by capturing their characteristics and dynamic changes. In addition, several sets of ablation experiments are designed to investigate the effectiveness of the model. The method is validated on Mt. Taibai (part of the Qinling-Daba Mountains), and the pixel accuracy (PA) of vegetation classification reaches 85.8%. The results show that the proposed multi-channel semantic segmentation model can effectively discriminate different vegetation types and has good intelligence and generalization ability in different mountainous areas with similar vegetation distributions. The multi-channel semantic segmentation model can be used for the rapid updating of vegetation type maps in mountainous areas.

Radiomics on spatial-temporal manifolds via Fokker-Planck dynamics.

Delta radiomics is a high-throughput computational technique used to describe quantitative changes in serial, time-series imaging by considering the relative change in radiomic features of images extracted at two distinct time points. Recent work has demonstrated a lack of prognostic signal of radiomic features extracted using this technique. We hypothesize that this lack of signal is due to the fundamental assumptions made when extracting features via delta radiomics, and that other methods should be investigated. The purpose of this work was to show a proof-of-concept of a new radiomics paradigm for sparse, time-series imaging data, where features are extracted from a spatial-temporal manifold modeling the time evolution between images, and to assess the prognostic value on patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). To accomplish this, we developed an algorithm to mathematically describe the relationship between two images acquired at time and . These images serve as boundary conditions of a partial differential equation describing the transition from one image to the other. To solve this equation, we propagate the position and momentum of each voxel according to Fokker-Planck dynamics (i.e., a technique common in statistical mechanics). This transformation is driven by an underlying potential force uniquely determined by the equilibrium image. The solution generates a spatial-temporal manifold (3 spatial dimensions + time) from which we define dynamic radiomic features. First, our approach was numerically verified by stochastically sampling dynamic Gaussian processes of monotonically decreasing noise. The transformation from high to low noise was compared between our Fokker-Planck estimation and simulated ground-truth. To demonstrate feasibility and clinical impact, we applied our approach to 18F-FDG-PET images to estimate early metabolic response of patients (n=57) undergoing definitive (chemo)radiation for OPC. Images were acquired pre-treatment and 2-weeks intra-treatment (after 20Gy). Dynamic radiomic features capturing changes in texture and morphology were then extracted. Patients were partitioned into two groups based on similar dynamic radiomic feature expression via k-means clustering and compared by Kaplan-Meier analyses with log-rank tests (p<0.05). These results were compared to conventional delta radiomics to test the added value of our approach. Numerical results confirmed our technique can recover image noise characteristics given sparse input data as boundary conditions. Our technique was able to model tumor shrinkage and metabolic response. While no delta radiomics features proved prognostic, Kaplan-Meier analyses identified nine significant dynamic radiomic features. The most significant feature was Gray-Level-Size-Zone-Matrix gray-level variance (p=0.011), which demonstrated prognostic improvement over its corresponding delta radiomic feature (p=0.722). We developed, verified, and demonstrated the prognostic value of a novel, physics-based radiomics approach over conventional delta radiomics via data assimilation of quantitative imaging and differential equations.

Development of “clean label” gluten-free breads fortified with flaxseed slurry and sesame cake: Implications on batter rheology, bread quality and shelf life

Following the recently emerged trends for products without additives and valorization of food processing by-products, “clean label” gluten-free (GF) breads were developed using a flaxseed slurry (FS) at 3% or 4.5% level (flaxseed basis), instead of the commonly used structurant in GF doughs, methylcellulose, and 3 or 6% (flour mixture basis) sesame cake (SC) for further product nutritional improvement. These alternative ingredients increased batter hardness and cohesiveness (back extrusion test) as well as elastic modulus, complex and steady shear viscosity (rheometry), compared to formulation containing only methylcellulose (control). The fortified breads had lower loaf specific volumes, than the control, but significantly higher than a GF bread made without any added hydrocolloid. FS and SC enhanced the formation of β-sheet structures (FTIR spectroscopy) in the batter and bread protein matrix. FS breads exhibited similar crumb hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness (TPA test) with the control, whereas inclusion of SC compromised these textural attributes. Nevertheless, the latter samples showed less pronounced textural changes upon storage (25°C-48 h), with similar extent of staling to control. For the fortified stored breads, there were no significant changes in protein conformation, compared to fresh products, whereas crumb starch retrogradation (calorimetry-DSC) was lower than the control. Additionally, the FS and SC increased the protein and dietary fiber contents and introduced nutty and sesame-like flavor notes to the breads, leading to improved overall acceptability scores. Overall, FS and SC seemed to be promising functional ingredients for the development of “clean label” GF breads with enhanced quality and shelf life.

Brain texture as a marker of transdiagnostic clinical profiles in patients with recent-onset psychosis and depression

The inter-relationships of voxels can be captured by the radiomics texture features across multiple spatial scales. Prediction models of brain texture changes captured by the contrast texture feature in recent-onset psychosis (ROP) and recent-onset depression (ROD) have recently been proposed, although the validation of these models transdiagnostically at the individual level and the investigation of the variability in clinical profiles are lacking. Established prevention and treatment approaches focus on specific diagnoses and do not address the heterogeneity and manifold potential outcomes of patients. Here we aimed to investigate the cross-sectional utility of brain texture changes for (1) identification of the psychopathological state (ROP and ROD) and (2) the association of individualized brain texture maps with clinical symptom severity and outcome profiles. We developed transdiagnostic models based on structural magnetic resonance imaging data for 116 patients with ROD, 122 patients with ROP and 197 healthy control participants from the PRONIA (Personalized pROgNostic tools for early psychosIs mAnagement) study by applying a set of tools and frameworks to explain the classification decisions of the deep-learning algorithm (named explainable artificial intelligence) and clustering analysis. We investigated the contrast texture feature as the key feature for the identification of a general psychopathological state. The discrimination power of the trained prediction model was >72% and was validated in a second independent age- and sex-matched sample of 137 ROP, 94 ROD and 159 healthy control participants. Clustering analysis was implemented to map the changes in texture brain produced from an explainable artificial intelligence algorithm, in a group fashion. The explained individualized brain contrast map grouped into eight homogeneous clusters. In the clinical group, we investigated the association between the explained brain contrast texture map and clinical symptom severity as well as outcome profiles. Different patterns in the explained brain contrast texture map showed unique associations of brain alterations with clinical symptom severity and clinical outcomes, that is, age, positive, negative and depressive symptoms, and functionality. In some clusters, the mean explained brain contrast texture map values and/or brain contrast texture voxels that contributed significantly to the classification decision predicted accurately the PANSS (positive and negative symptom scale) scores, functionality and change in functionality over time. In conclusion, we created homogeneous clusters which predict the clinical severity and outcome profile in ROP and ROD patients.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Changes in Hard-Boiled Eggs Stored at Different Temperatures.

Eggs that have been hard-boiled are frequently used as ready-to-eat food. Refrigerated and frozen storage of hard-boiled eggs causes issues, such as customer rejection owing to textural changes. The objective of this research is to ascertain how storage temperature affects hard-boiled eggs' alteration in texture over time. Medium-sized brown shell eggs were acquired from a local market, boiled at 100°C for 15 min, and then stored at room temperature (25°C), refrigeration (4°C), and freezing (-18°C) conditions for 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), texture profile, visual observation using a gemological microscope, free amino acid content, and color were measured. Freezing had a substantial impact on the eggs' hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and cohesiveness (p<0.05). The FTIR spectrums confirmed the textural changes in bonds of amide A (3,271 cm-1), amide I (1,626.2 cm-1), amide II (1,539.0 cm-1), C=O stretch of COO- (1,397 cm-1), asymmetric PO2- stretch (1,240 cm-1). Microscopic images confirmed structural changes in eggs stored at -18°C. The free amino acid content was lower in fresh and frozen eggs than in the rest (p<0.05). However, there was no discernible variation in the egg white's color when eggs were kept at 4°C (p>0.05). Salmonella spp. was found exclusively in eggs kept at room temperature. In conclusion, hard-boiled eggs did not exhibit structural or chemical changes when stored at 4°C for up to 48 h compared to freezing and room temperature conditions.

Validade de espargos verdes usando revestimento de mistura de mandioca e quitosana

Abstract Polysaccharide coating is a biodegradable alternative to conventional packings used for delaying senescence in vegetables. This work investigated the properties of cassava and chitosan biopolymeric film and its use as edible coatings to preserve the shelf-life (7 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH)) of green asparagus, with previous cold storage (1 °C and 90% RH) for 7 days. Based on a previous assessment of the films obtained from a) cassava (2.5%), b) chitosan (0.5%), and c) a blend of cassava-chitosan (Cassava+) (2.5 + 0.5%), it could be verified that cassava-chitosan blend films showed improved barrier property (water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 38.06 g/(m2.h)) and mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 0.021 MPa, elongation at break of 1.93% and Young’s module of 0.011 MPa. Cassava+ based coating resulted in a lower weight loss and colour L* parameter and minimized textural changes in basal-section of commercial green asparagus spears during a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage. All coated spears maintained overall higher carbohydrate levels than the control, except to sucrose which gradually decreased in basal sections and increased in the apical sections of asparagus spears, irrespective of treatment. Edible coating did not affect asparagine concentrations which steadily increased throughout the shelf-life of the spears. The blend (Cassava+) kept for a longer the green asparagus quality. However, spears under a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage under 1 °C and 90% RH conditions, developed tip-rot physiological disorder.

Prediction of food texture changes using force data in simulations of repetitive chewing

Prediction of food texture changes using force data in simulations of repetitive chewing

Radiographic texture of the trabecular bone of the proximal phalanx in horses with metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition in horses, leading to changes in trabecular bone structure and radiographic texture. Although fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity have been applied to quantify these changes in humans, their application in horses remains nascent. This study evaluated the use of FD, bone area fraction (BA/TA), and lacunarity in quantifying trabecular bone differences in the proximal phalanx (P1) in 50 radiographic examinations of equine metacarpophalangeal joints with varying OA degrees. In the dorsopalmar view, regions of interest were defined in the trabecular bone of the proximal epiphysis, medial and lateral to the sagittal groove of P1. Lower BA/TA values were observed medially in horses with severe OA (P=0.003). No significant differences in FD and lacunarity were found across OA degrees (P>0.1). FD, BA/TA, and lacunarity were not effective in identifying radiographic texture changes in the P1 trabecular bone in horses with different metacarpophalangeal OA degrees.

Prediction of High-Risk Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Recurrence Based on Delta-CT Radiomics Modeling: A 3-Year Follow-up Study After Surgery.

Medium- to high-risk classification-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (MH-GIST) have a high recurrence rate and are difficult to treat. This study aims to predict the recurrence of MH-GIST within 3 years after surgery based on clinical data and preoperative Delta-CT Radiomics modeling. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical imaging data of 242 cases confirmed to have MH-GIST after surgery, including 92 cases of recurrence and 150 cases of normal. The training set and test set were established using a 7:3 ratio and time cutoff point. In the training set, multiple prediction models were established based on clinical data of MH-GIST and the changes in radiomics texture of enhanced computed tomography (CT) at different time periods (Delta-CT radiomics). The area under curve (AUC) values of each model were compared using the Delong test, and the clinical net benefit of the model was tested using decision curve analysis (DCA). Then, the model was externally validated in the test set, and a novel nomogram predicting the recurrence of MH-GIST was finally created. Univariate analysis confirmed that tumor volume, tumor location, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), diabetes, spicy hot pot, CT enhancement mode, and Radscore 1/2 were predictive factors for MH-GIST recurrence (P < .05). The combined model based on these above factors had significantly higher predictive performance (AUC = 0.895, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.839-0.937]) than the clinical data model (AUC = 0.735, 95% CI = [0.6 62-0.800]) and radiomics model (AUC = 0.842, 95% CI = [0.779-0.894]). Decision curve analysis also confirmed the higher clinical net benefit of the combined model, and the same results were validated in the test set. The novel nomogram developed based on the combined model helps predict the recurrence of MH-GIST. The nomogram of clinical and Delta-CT radiomics has important clinical value in predicting the recurrence of MH-GIST, providing reliable data reference for its diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decision-making.

Evaluation of microbiome and physico-chemical profiles of fresh fruits of Musa paradisiaca, Citrus sinensis and Carica papaya at different ripening stages: Implication to quality and safety management.

The ripening of fleshy fruits is a developmental process that involves changes in color, texture, aroma, nutrients, and diversity of microbiomes. Some microorganisms, specially, bacteria and molds are responsible for postharvest spoilage of fruits. Thus, this study is aimed at evaluating the alterations in microbiome and physico-chemical properties of selected fruits at different ripening stages. Totally, 108 fresh fruit samples of Musa paradisiaca, Citrus sinensis and Carica papaya at three ripening stages were collected and processed in this study. The biochemical methods and MALD-TOF MS were used in identification. The physico-chemical properties of all samples were analyzed using standard methods. The minimum counts (6.74± 0.48-6.76± 0.42 log CFU/mL) and the maximum count (7.51± 0.43-7.96± 0.34 log CFU/mL) of AMB in all fruit samples was observed at mature green and overripe stages of the fruits, respectively. The ripening stage has significantly affected the microbial counts (P < 0.05) in all fruits, except counts of Enterobacteriaceae in banana and orange, and fungal counts in orange. The bacterial community of all fruits was predominated by B. cereus (33.7%), A. faecalis (17.3%), P. putida (15.2%), M. morganii (11.1%), S. sciuri (6.6%) and S. epidermidis (4.9%); while the fungal microbiome was constituted by Candida spp. (33.9%) followed by Saccharomyces spp. (18.1%) and Aspergillus spp. (16.3%). The ripening stages have also significantly affected the physico-chemical property in all samples. Accordingly, the lowest pH (3.53) and highest content of ascorbic acid (69.87 mg/100g) were observed in mature green oranges and overripe papaya, respectively, while the maximum concentration of total sugar (17.87%) and reducing sugar (14.20%) were recorded in overripe bananas. The presence of some potential human pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in fruit samples could contribute to post-harvest product losses besides the potential health risk associated with consumption of the tainted fruits. Hence, proper safety management practices and preservation mechanisms should be developed and put in place to ensure consumers safety against pathogens besides minimizing product losses through microbial spoilage.

Serpentinization and potential Ni‐Cr mineralization of the Andong ultramafic block in South Korea

AbstractSmall‐ to medium‐sized serpentinized ultramafic blocks have been found in several locations in South Korea. Ultramafic‐hosted serpentinization, described as a major hydrothermal process that affects the lithospheric mantle, is known to play a key role in mass fluxes enhanced by multiple fluid–rock interactions that ultimately lead to the formation of hydrothermal mineralization and natural hydrogen production. In this study, we attempted to interpret the hydrothermal alteration and associated Ni‐Cr mineralization of the Andong serpentinized ultramafic block (ASUB). Based on the mineralogical and geochemical studies, the serpentinites and serpentinized ultramafic rocks of the ASUB are interpreted to be derived from mantle peridotite. It shows the dunite, lherzolite, and wehrlite compositions which are mainly composed of olivine and pyroxene. Hydrothermal alteration transformed the ultramafic rock into serpentinitic rock, resulting in changes in rock textures from the parent rock (plutonic texture) to moderately altered rock (pseudomorphic porphyritic texture) and strongly altered rock (pseudomorphic fine grained texture) with mineralogical changes. Serpentinization and Ni‐Cr mineralization do not show any relationship. Considering the reported crystallization age of the parental rock (222 Ma) and measured age (214–187 Ma) of the granites intruded into the ASUB, the source magma responsible for the final hydrothermal event including serpentinization is inferred to be the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic granitic pluton. The ASUB might have formed due to the ascent of a mantle plume along the extensional regime (i.e., rift) in the supra‐subduction zone (SSZ), rather than in ophiolite‐related mid‐oceanic ridges or abyssal environments, which are identified in many places. Ni‐Cr mineralization, with the close association of pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and Cr‐spinel, likely resulted from co‐precipitation and dissemination during the crystallization of the parent peridotitic magma derived from the mantle.

Clinical effectiveness and parental acceptance of silver diamine fluoride in preschool children: a non-randomized trial.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) presents a promising approach in pediatric dentistry, simplifying procedures by eliminating the need for sharp instruments or anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% SDF application in arresting active caries lesions in preschool children and to assess parental acceptance of the treatment. This non-randomized, prospective, single-arm clinical study included 48 children, presenting with a total of 158 active caries lesions. The lesions were treated with 38% SDF, and their characteristics, including changes in dentin color and lesion texture, were evaluated at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up visit. The rate of lesion non-progression post-SDF application was calculated. Additionally, parents completed an oral health behavior form and the Parental Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Dental Color Changes Questionnaire to assess acceptance. The study observed a high rate of caries arrest in multi-surface teeth following SDF application. There was a statistically significant improvement in parental acceptance of SDF treatment. However, no significant interaction was observed between the treatment and either child- or parent-related variables regarding parental acceptability. The application of 38% SDF effectively arrested caries lesions in preschool children, with an observed increase in parental acceptance pre- and post-treatment.