Acid Value Research Articles

Production of Probiotic Yogurt Enriched with Laden (Cistus incanus)

Background: Thanks to its rich polyphenols and antioxidant content, Cistus incanus is a natural healthy ingredient. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0-7.5 (v/v) C. incanus extract supplementation on probiotic yogurt's physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological characteristics. Methods: Color, pH, texture profile analysis, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, fat, protein, syneresis, water holding capacity, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed, as well as rheological, microbiological, and sensory analyses. Results: As the amount of extract increased, dry matter, protein, fat, water holding capacity, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, pH, ash, a*, b*, and firmness values increased, whereas titrable acidity and syneresis values of yogurts significantly decreased (p<0.05). The probiotic bacteria count of the yogurts enriched with C. incanus was <7 log CFU/mL. The samples containing 5 % extract received the highest scores from the panelists. Conclusion: It is possible to produce probiotic yogurt with functional properties using C. incanus extract, which is a rich source of antioxidant compounds.

Chemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Properties of Bio-ayran Prepared using various Cultures

Background: Ayran is drinkable yoghurt that is prepared by mixing water, salt, and yoghurt, or by adding water to milk and inoculation with yoghurt culture and adding salt after fermentation. Objective: This study investigates the effect of using classic, probiotic, EPS-producing and EPS-producing + probiotic (BB12) cultures on the chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of drinkable dairy product ayran. Methods: Four treatments of ayran were made using classic yogurt culture (T1), ABT-5 culture (T2), exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing culture (YO-Flex Mild 1.0) (T3), and EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 (mixture culture) (T4). Results: Sample T2 had the lowest acidity values during the fermentation period. While sample T2 had the highest pH values, the total solids, fat, and total protein contents of the ayran treatments were unaffected by culture type. Mineral contents slightly decreased in samples T3 and T4. In comparison to other treatments, sample 4 had higher counts of S. thermophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium. The recommended level of probiotic bacteria (107 cfu g −1 ) was exceeded for all treatments, particularly T4, and remained above (107 cfu g −1 ) until the end of storage. Moreover, Ayran, made with mixture culture (T4), received the highest sensory evaluation scores. Conclusion: Mixture culture (EPS-producing culture + BB12) is a good starter to make bioayran containing high counts of probiotics.

Effect of Anti-reflux Mucosal Ablation on Esophageal Motility in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Study Based on High-resolution Impedance Manometry.

Anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) is a promising endoscopic intervention for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the effect of ARMA on esophageal motility remains unclear. Twenty patients with PPI-dependent GERD receiving ARMA were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive self-report symptom questionnaires, endoscopy, 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, and high-resolution impedance manometry were performed and analyzed before and 3 months after ARMA. All ARMA procedures were performed successfully. Symptom scores, including GerdQ (11.16 ± 2.67 to 9.11 ± 2.64, P = 0.026) and reflux symptom index (11.63 ± 5.62 to 6.11 ± 3.86, P = 0.001), improved significantly, while 13 patients (65%) reported discontinuation of PPI. Total acid exposure time (5.84 ± 4.63% to 2.83 ± 3.41%, P = 0.024) and number of reflux episodes (73.05 ± 19.34 to 37.55 ± 22.71, P < 0.001) decreased significantly after ARMA. Improved esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function, including increased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (13.89 ± 10.78 mmHg to 21.68 ± 11.5 mmHg, P = 0.034), 4-second integrated relaxation pressure (5.75 ± 6.42 mmHg to 9.99 ± 5.89 mmHg, P = 0.020), and EGJ-contractile integral (16.42 ± 16.93 mmHg·cm to 31.95 ± 21.25 mmHg·cm, P = 0.016), were observed. Esophageal body contractility also increased significantly (distal contractile integral, 966.85 ± 845.84 mmHg·s·cm to 1198.8 ± 811.74 mmHg·s·cm, P = 0.023). Patients with symptom improvement had better pre-AMRA esophageal body contractility. ARMA effectively improves symptoms and reflux burden, EGJ barrier function, and esophageal body contractility in patients with PPIdependent GERD during short-term evaluation. Longer follow-up to clarify the sustainability of ARMA is needed.

Synthesis of Plant-Based Ester for Metalworking Fluids and Tribological Performance

Lubricants derived from plant-based raw materials offer great potential for the development of environmentally friendly and renewable esters due to their easier and faster biodegradability, reducing dependence on petrochemical raw materials and creating new synthesis processes. The increasing burden of environmental regulations and the depletion of petroleum-derived raw materials have prompted many industries to opt for products based on natural raw materials. Due to these positive effects, vegetable oil-based esters have recently been considered as potential candidates for industrial use. In this context, ester synthesis from cottonseed oil, a natural biodegradable raw material source, was carried out by transesterification with isopropyl alcohol. The structure of the synthesized ester was elucidated by GC-FID and FTIR and important physical parameters such as acid number, saponification number, viscosity and density of the ester were investigated. The synthesized isopropyl cottonseed oil ester was used to formulate a synthetic metalworking fluid at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6%. The tribological properties of the formulated metalworking fluid were evaluated using the Reichert test and the chip corrosion test. It was found that the addition of 6% isopropyl cottonseed oil ester to the synthetic metalworking fluid exhibited the best tribological properties.

Quantitative analysis of amino acid excretion by Methanothermobacter marburgensis under N2-fixing conditions

Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) possess fascinating metabolic characteristics, such as the ability to fix molecular nitrogen (N2). Methanogens are of biotechnological importance due to the ability to produce methane (CH4) from molecular hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and to excrete proteinogenic amino acids. This study focuses on analyzing the link between biological methanogenesis and amino acid excretion under N2-fixing conditions. Among five hydrogenotrophic, autotrophic methanogens, Methanothermobacter marburgensis was prioritized and further cultivated in closed batch cultivation mode under N2-fixing conditions. M. marburgensis was grown on chemically defined minimal medium with different concentrations of ammonium in a H2/CO2/N2 atmosphere. This enabled the quantification of ammonia uptake, N2-fixation, amino acid excretion and the conversion of H2/CO2 to CH4. To quantify N2-fixation rates in a mass balance setting a novel method has been established. The method utilizes the pressure drop below a certain threshold pressure in closed batch cultivation mode – the threshold pressure for N2-fixation (THpN2fix). Using the THpN2fix method, volumetric N2-fixation rates of M. marburgensis as high as 0.91 mmol L−1 h−1 were determined. Excretion of amino acids was found with highest detected values of glutamic acid, alanine, glycine and asparagine. The highest total amino acid excretion of 7.5 µmol L−1 h−1 was detected with H2/CO2/N2 at an ammonium concentration of 40 mmol L−1. This study sheds light on the link between methanogenesis, biological N2-fixation, and proteinogenic amino acid excretion. The concomitant production of amino acids and CH4 could become of biotechnological relevance in an integrated approach coupling biomethanation and N2-fixation in a biorefinery concept.

Formulation and Evaluation of Antidandruff Hair Oil

Herbal hair oil is the formulation derived from ingredients of natural origin including the base, which promotes hair growth activity. An attempt was made to formulate a herbal product in which the appearance of hair oil i.e. colour and fragrance etc. is provided by the formulation itself and is devoid of any synthetic ingredient. Various ingredients were incorporated on the basis of their traditional use and their availability in commercially marketed herbal formulation. The aqueous extracts were prepared and incorporated into oil base of natural origin. The experimental paradigms used were primary skin irritation test and hair growth activity including number of hairs, length of hair, hair growth initiation as well as hair growth completion time. Significant increase in hair number and length were observed. The time required for complete hair growth was also considerably reduced. The result of treatment with formulated herbal hair oil was comparable with that of minoxidil, which was taken as a standard. Herbal formulations always have lesser or no side effects comparatively with synthetic. The aim of present study involves preparation of herbal hair oil using the herbal ingredients like., Amla, Raw garlic, Curry leaves, Methi. Based on the above observations, mixture of crude drugs was prepared in the form of herbal hair oil by boiling method. We have used five formulas using different herbal drugs and all the formulation are showing anti-hair fall property with some of other beneficial activities like anti-dandruff activity, improves blood circulation to the scalp and roots, reduce hair pigmentation, anti-fungal activity, reducing the whitening of the hair. The formulated herbal oil was evaluated by using various parameters such as Organoleptic properties, specific gravity, stability, viscosity, Acid value, pH etc. and the value obtained from it was found to be similar to that of the standard values like there is no sedimentation, no grittiness and shows satisfying organoleptic properties and the results were determined and are reported in this work. The coconut oil was used as base oil which make an effective anti-dandruff formulation with smooth and shiny hairs, also provide conditioning and promotes hair growth. The formulated shampoo was subjected to evaluation parameters like visual inspection, pH, viscosity, antidandruff test and stability studies, etc. The major goal of the present study is to formulate and evaluate anti-dandruff hair oil for treating various hair issues. The coconut oil was used as base oil which make an effective anti-dandruff formulation with smooth and shiny hairs, also provide conditioning and promotes hair growth. The formulated shampoo was subjected to evaluation parameters like visual inspection, pH, viscosity, antidandruff test and stability studies, etc. The major goal of the present study is to formulate and evaluate anti-dandruff hair oil for treating various hair issues.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of GRAS transcription factors under cold stress in diploid and triploid Eucalyptus

The GRAS [GRI (Gibberellic Acid Insensitive), RGA (Repressor of GAI-3 mutant), and SCR (Scarecrow)] transcription factors play a pivotal role in the development and stress responses of plants. Eucalyptus is an important fast-growing tree species worldwide, yet its poor cold tolerance limits its cultivation range. This study conducted a bioinformatics analysis of Eucalyptus grandis GRAS family and investigated the expression patterns of GRAS genes in different ploidy Eucalyptus under cold treatment. This study identified 92 EgrGRAS genes, which were divided into eight subfamilies. Interspecies synteny analysis found that E. grandis and Populus trichocarpa have more syntenic GRAS gene pairs. Chromosome localization analysis revealed that 90 EgrGRAS genes were found to be unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. Gene structure analysis found similar intron-exon structures in EgrGRAS genes. Protein motif analysis revealed that proteins within the same subfamily have certain structural similarities. The physical and chemical properties of the proteins encoded by EgrGRAS genes vary, but the ranges of amino acid numbers, molecular weights, and isoelectric points (pI) are similar to those of GRAS proteins from other species. Subcellular localization prediction using software found that 56 members of EgrGRAS family are localized in the nucleus, with a few members localized in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Tobacco subcellular localization experiments verified a nuclear-localized GRAS transcription factor. Cis-acting element analysis predicted that EgrGRAS genes are involved in the growth as well as the response to hormones, light induction, and low-temperature stress. Transcriptome data analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments in diploid and triploid Eucalyptus urophylla found that some EgrGRAS genes exhibited upregulated expression under different cold treatment durations, with certain genes from the LISCL, PAT1, and DELLA subfamilies significantly upregulated in triploid Eucalyptus. These EgrGRAS transcription factors may play an important role in Eucalyptus response to cold stress. The study lays a molecular foundation for the breeding of cold-resistant Eucalyptus varieties.

Evaluation of the quality of pomelo (Citrus maxima) essential oil products during storage

The main disadvantage of the pomelo essential oil storage process is the change in colour and composition over time, which significantly affects the quality of essential oils and limits their usability. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of packaging type and storage conditions (temperature, time) on the quality of pomelo essential oil products. Pomelo essential oil was preserved in 3 types of packaging (brown glass, white glass, and plastic) at two temperatures of 30°C and 15°C for eight weeks. The parameters used to evaluate the quality of essential oil samples include density, colour index, acid value, chemical compositions, and bioactive activities. The optimal storage conditions of pomelo essential oil were determined as follows: storing in brown glass jars at 30°C for eight weeks. The results showed that after eight weeks, the pomelo essential oil samples were stored in brown glass jars at room temperature (30°C), still retaining their characteristic odour, unchanged colour, density index as 0.856 (g/mL), acid index as 0.748 mg KOH/g, IC50 value as 96.271 (mg/mL), limonene content as 75.99%, indicating that the above storage condition would maintain quality and improve the commercialisation of pomelo essential oil products in the Vietnamese market.

Winter pruning timing, development and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon in Southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of winter pruning timing on phenology, productivity, and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wines in 2022/2023 production cycle. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 3 replications, each experimental unit consisted of 5 plants. The treatments involved four pruning timings (end of May, June, July and August). Phenology assessments were beginning and end of bud break, flowering, maturation and percentage of bud break. Production was evaluated by the number of clusters per plant, weight and size of clusters, productivity per plant and per hectare. The analyzes of must were pH, total acidity and soluble solids (°Brix). In wine, pH, total acidity, sugars, alcohol, volatile acidity and color were analyzed. In the end a wine sensory analysis was carried out. The results showed that the bud break of plants pruned early, in May, occurred at the same time as plants pruned in June and July. Early pruning resulted in lower productivity. The grape must from plants pruned late, in August, showed higher total acidity and lower values ​​of soluble solids and sugars. Early pruning did not change the duration of the cultivar's phenological subperiods, nor did it bring forward the harvest in relation to the control. The different pruning times influenced productivity more than the composition of grapes and wines, indicating that it is possible to extend the pruning period.

РАЗРАБОТКА КУПАЖЕЙ РАСТИТЕЛЬНЫХ МАСЕЛ СБАЛАНСИРОВАННОГО ЖИРНОКИСЛОТНОГО СОСТАВА

The aim of the study is to develop mixtures of vegetable oils with a ratio of ɷ6:ɷ3 PUFA in the range of 5–10:1. Tasks: to study the quality indicators of vegetable oils; to investigate the fractional composition of PUFA; apply mathematical modeling methods in the development of blends of vegetable oils. The results of the development of blends of vegetable oils with a ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ɷ6:ɷ3 in the range of 5–10:1 are presented. Organoleptic (color, transparency, taste and smell), physico-chemical (peroxide and acid numbers, vitamin E content) indicators and fractional composition of PUFA refined deodorized oils – sunflower of the first grade (manufacturer OOO Tovarnoe hozyajstvo (limited liability company), Saratov Region), rapeseed of the highest grade (OOO Armaz (limited liability company), Novosibirsk), corn brand "P" (AO Efko (joint-stock company), Belgorod Region) and unrefined cold-pressed chia oil (OOO Sibirskaya kletchatka (limited liability company), Tomsk Region). The compliance of the quality indicators of traditional oils with the norms of the current GOSTs and TR CU 024/11, chia oils with the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius, has been established. Codex Stan 210-1999 and TR TS 024/11. Good compatibility of the studied oils in terms of organoleptic characteristics for blending was revealed. A relatively high content of ά-tocopherol was found in sunflower (667.16±14.22 mg/kg) and rapeseed (554.63±10.14 mg/kg) oils, and relatively low content in corn (78.07±2.24 mg/kg), the average level is in chia oil (343.96±9.03 mg/kg). In all oils, an imbalance of PUFAs was determined: with a predominance of the ɷ6 (linoleic-cis acid) fraction – in traditional oils, the ɷ3 (ά-linolenic acid) family – in chia oil. With the help of mathematical modeling methods, where the “maximum content of vitamin E” and “minimum price” were the accompanying criteria, 6 blends were developed with a certain ratio of sunflower refined deodorized oil of the first grade (93.37–96.70 %) and unrefined sunflower oil cold-pressed (6.63–3.30 %), characterized by a balanced composition of ɷ6 and ɷ3 PUFAs in accordance with the regulated norms MP 2.3.1.0253-21.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ РЕЦЕПТУРНОГО СОСТАВА КОНЦЕНТРАТОВ НАПИТКОВ НА ОСНОВЕ БЕЛКА КОНОПЛИ ДЛЯ СПОРТИВНОГО ПИТАНИЯ

The purpose of the study is to experimentally substantiate the formulations of beverage concentrates based on vegetable protein for sports nutrition. The objects of the study were beverage concentrates based on hemp protein; drinks prepared for consumption. The following stages of scientific research were carried out, namely selection of components of beverage concentrate formulations was conducted; the organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators of the quality of concentrates and drinks obtained from them were analyzed; the stability of the quality and safety of beverage concentrates during the recommended shelf life was studied. As a result of research, the compositions of beverage concentrate formulations were substantiated, including vegetable protein, antioxidant, thickener, flavoring agent and flavoring food additives. The high nutritional value of the resulting drinks, the high content of protein and digestible carbohydrates have been experimentally confirmed. Accordingly, the drinks obtained from these concentrates can be classified as protein-carbohydrate products for sports nutrition. It has been established that the quality and safety of the developed beverage concentrates comply with the regulated requirements, as well as the high preservation of their properties throughout the regulated storage period. An increase in the moisture content in the samples of concentrates (up to 8.8 %) and an increase in titratable acidity (up to 3 degrees) were established, the obtained values were within the regulated values. During the storage period of 4 months at elevated temperatures, the processes of oxidative deterioration proceeded to a small extent, the increase in acid and peroxide number was no more than 30 % relative to the initial value. The results of scientific research are recommended for implementation at enterprises specializing in the production of food products from industrial hemp seeds.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity of Stem Bark, Stem Wood, and Leaf Extracts of Bayur Plant (Pterospermum Subpeltatum C.B.Rob)

Antioxidants play a role in preventing and repairing damage to human cells. Searches for antioxidant sources continue to be carried out including in P. subpeltatum plants. This study aims to compare the antioxidant activity of the bark, wood, and leaves of P. subpeltatum C.B. Rob plants. The materials were dried and then shaved to a fineness level of 80 mesh. Materials were extracted using the maceration method with ethanol solvent. The macerate was filtered and the filtrate obtained was concentrated with an evaporator. The three extracts were tested for antioxidants using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) Free radical scavengers method, ascorbic acid was used as a comparison. Absorbances was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Each material was made in 5 concentrations. The IC50 value was calculated using the Blois regression equation. The results of the antioxidant test were obtained consecutively: stem wood with an IC50 value = 3.39 μg/mL, stem bark = 5.15 μg/mL, and leaf = 258.58 μg/mL, the IC50 value of ascorbic acid was 2.79 μg/mL. Based on these data, it shows that the antioxidant activity of stem wood and stem bark is in the high category, although still lower than ascorbic acid, while the leaf are included in the weak category.

Novel Collector of a Dodecylpyridinium Chloride Ionic Liquid in the Reverse Flotation Separation of Muscovite from Apatite.

Reverse flotation separation of muscovite from apatite using a dodecylpyridinium chloride (DPDC) ionic liquid as the collector was studied in this work. The microflotation results depicted that DPDC had a strong collecting for muscovite but had a slight collecting for apatite when using phosphoric acid as a depressant for apatite in a weakly acidic pH value pulp, artificial mixture mineral flotation showed that reverse flotation separation of muscovite from apatite can be effectively achieved in the reagent scheme of phosphoric acid/DPDC, and DPDC had a better separation performance in the muscovite/apatite system than DDA. The adsorption measurements indicated that the adsorption amount of DPDC on the apatite surface was less than that of DPDC on the muscovite surface, and the zeta potential results confirmed that a strong interaction occurred between DPDC and the muscovite surface, while an extremely weak interaction occurred between DPDC and the apatite surface in the presence of phosphoric acid at pH ∼ 5.5. XPS analysis indicated that a hydrogen bond occurred between DPDC and the muscovite surface. Thus, it was inferred that DPDC could be used as an appreciation collector for the reverse flotation of muscovite from apatite.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ ХИМИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА ФОСФОЛИПИДОВ СОЕВОГО ЛЕЦИТИНА НА ИХ ПОЛЯРНОСТЬ

The purpose of research is to study the effect of the chemical composition of individual groups of phospholipids contained in defatted soy lecithin on their polarity in order to justify the choice of an effective organic solvent in the fractionation of defatted soy lecithin. Objectives: to study the composition and content of fatty acids and polyvalent metals in individual groups of phospholipids of defatted soy lecithin; determine the polarity of the individual groups of phospholipids contained in defatted soy lecithin. The study was conducted on the basis of the Krasnodar Research Institute for the Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products, a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking. The object of study is defatted soy lecithin, characterized by a mass fraction of: moisture and volatile substances – 0.15 %; substances insoluble in acetone – 98.6 %; substances insoluble in toluene – 0.15 %; acid number – 20.5 mg KOH/g and peroxide number – 3.2 mmol active oxygen/kg. It has been established that the individual groups of phospholipids in terms of the content of saturated fatty acids form a series (in ascending order): phosphatidylcholines (23.01 %) → phosphatidiethanolamines (24.90) → phosphatidic acids (31.10) → phosphatidylserines (32.20) → phosphatidylinositols ( 33.40) → diphosphatidylglycerols (34.25 %). Polyvalent metals are contained only in the composition of phosphatidylserines and phosphatidic acids, while their content in phosphatidylserines is higher (2.0 times) than in phosphatidic acids. The individual groups of phospholipids contained in defatted soy lecithin are arranged in ascending order in relative polarity: diphosphatidylglycerols → phosphatidylinositols → phosphatidylserines → phosphatidic acids → phosphatidiethanolamines → phosphatidylcholines. Thus, knowing the polarity of the individual groups of phospholipids contained in defatted soy lecithin, it becomes possible to fractionate lecithin by selecting organic solvents of different polarity.

Untargeted Metabolomics Comparison and Nutrition Evaluation of Geographical Indication Newhall Navel Oranges in China

The untargeted metabolomics of Newhall navel oranges from three areas in China—Ganzhou, Fengjie, and Zigui—with geographical indication (GI) was measured using LC-MS/MS. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed for sample classification and important metabolite identification. This approach identified the best markers of the geographical origin able to discriminate Fengjie, Ganzhou, and Zigui orange samples. For peeled samples, 2-isopropylmalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic γ-semialdehyde, D-β-phenylalanine, hesperetin, hydrocinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and dehydroascorbate were the markers used to discriminate the geographical origin. All these markers were overexpressed in the peeled samples from the Zigui area, followed by the Ganzhou area. As for unpeeled samples, L-glutamic γ-semialdehyde, isovitexin 2′-O-β-D-glucoside, 2-isopropylmalic acid, isovitexin, diosmetin, trans-2-hydroxycinnamate and trans-cinnamate, L-aspartic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and β-carotene were used to discriminate their origin. The first seven markers in Zigui-planted whole samples showed the highest levels, and the last three markers were richest in Ganzhou-planted samples. According to the variation in the markers for discriminating the origins of the peeled or unpeeled Newhall navel oranges with GI and the highest value of titratable acidity in those from Zigui, the samples planted in Ganzhou have the best balance between taste and nutrition. This work confirms that the approach of untargeted metabolomics combined with OPLS-DA is an effective way for origin tracing and overall quality evaluation.

Uric acid to albumin ratio is a novel predictive marker for all-cause and cardiovascular death in diabetic patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundDiabetes is one of the leading causes of death with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Diabetes-related premature mortality is largely preventable and reversible if identified and managed early. Accordingly, we intend to investigate the predictive value of uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) for all-cause and cardiovascular death in diabetic patients.MethodsUnivariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for all-cause death of diabetic patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and nomogram model were used to evaluate the predictive ability of variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to display the progression risks of diabetic patients.ResultsA total of 804 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. During the 5-year follow-up, all-cause death was found in 80 participants (9.95%) and cardiovascular death was found in 24 participants (2.99%). Age, UAR, and hsCRP were independent risk factors for all-cause death in diabetic patients after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Age and UAR had good predictive value for 1-, 3-, and 5-year all-cause death in diabetic patients, and the combination of UAR and age had the highest predictive value. An easy and intuitive prognostic nomogram model with good predictive accuracy was constructed based on age and UAR. Patients in higher quantiles of age and UAR had more rapid progression to all-cause death and higher mortality risk than patients in the lower quantiles. UAR also had good predictive value for cardiovascular death in diabetic patients.ConclusionsUAR may be a simple, cost-effective, and reliable predictive marker for all-cause and cardiovascular death in U.S. diabetic patients. The clinical utility of UAR and nomogram based on age and UAR can help physicians identify individuals at higher risk and therefore promote prevention strategies.

P1296 Exploring the role of BOC mutations in Crohn’s disease using whole exome sequencing and molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, whose pathogenesis involves genetic component. In this study, BOC was identified as a potential risk gene for CD, whose gene product is a member of the cell adhesion molecule family. It is suggested that BOC binds to the N-terminus of Dhh protein (DhhN) through its Fn2-Fn3 domain, facilitating hh protein signal transduction. This signal has been shown to maintain endothelial cell barrier integrity, which is critical in the development of CD. Hence, we hypothesize that mutations in the BOC protein could alter its structure, impairing its ability to bind or release hh proteins, leading to abnormal hh signal transduction and affecting endothelial cell barrier function. Therefore, we employed molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the characteristics and affinity changes of the domain, and the domain with DhhN complex, both before and after mutation. Methods The target risk gene BOC was identified, and employed molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the characteristics and affinity changes of the BOC Fn2-Fn3 domain, and the domain with DhhN complex, both before and after mutation. Results 1. From the list of gene mutations, 121 candidate risk genes were identified. 2. The target risk gene BOC was identified, which is highly expressed on the colorectal endothelial cell membrane surface, and its expression shows a difference between CD patients and normal colorectal tissues. 3. The Arg697 mutation leads to decreased flexibility and increased stability of the BOC Fn2-Fn3 domain. 4. The Arg697 mutation increases the affinity of the domain with the DhhN complex, adding to the number of key amino acids and hydrogen bonds maintaining the complex’s affinity. Conclusion 1. Whole exome sequencing analysis revealed specific BOC gene mutations in CD patients, with differential expression between patients and healthy individuals suggesting an important role for BOC in CD. 2. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the Arg697 mutation increases the stability of BOC, and also showed increased stability and affinity of its binding with DhhN, which might prevent BOC from properly releasing hh proteins after binding, leading to abnormal hh signal transduction and thus impairing endothelial cell barrier function, which may promote the development and progression of CD. 3. The increased affinity of the complex following the Arg697 mutation is due to an increase in the number of key amino acid residues at the binding interface, resulting in more hydrogen bonds. Modifying these key amino acids to alter the affinity of the complex could normalize hh signal transduction, thereby restoring endothelial cell barrier function.

Automated Flow Synthesis of Artificial Heme Enzymes for Enantiodivergent Biocatalysis.

The remarkable efficiency with which enzymes catalyze small-molecule reactions has driven their widespread application in organic chemistry. Here, we employ automated fast-flow solid-phase synthesis to access catalytically active full-length enzymes without restrictions on the number and structure of noncanonical amino acids incorporated. We demonstrate the total syntheses of iron-dependent Bacillus subtilis myoglobin (BsMb) and sperm whale myoglobin (SwMb). The synthetic enzymes displayed excellent enantioselectivity and yield in carbene transfer reactions. Absolute control over enantioselectivity in styrene cyclopropanation was achieved using synthetic L- and D-BsMb mutants, which delivered each enantiomer of cyclopropane product in identical and opposite enantiomeric enrichment. BsMb mutants outfitted with noncanonical amino acids were used to facilitate detailed structure-activity relationship studies, revealing a previously unrecognized hydrogen-bonding interaction as the primary driver of enantioselectivity in styrene cyclopropanation. We anticipate that our approach will advance biocatalysis by providing reliable and rapid access to fully synthetic enzymes possessing noncanonical amino acids.

The Influence of pH on Long-Range Electron Transfer and Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Ruthenium-Modified Azurin

Long-range electron transfer (ET) is an essential component of all biological systems. Reactions of metalloproteins are important in this context. Recent work on protein “charge ladders” has revealed how the redox state of embedded metal ions can influence the ionization of amino acid residues at protein surface sites. Inspired by these observations, we carried out a variable pH investigation of intramolecular ET reactions in a ruthenium-modified protein system built on azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also generate a Pourbaix diagram that describes the variable pH redox behavior of a Ru model complex, Ru(2,2′-bipyridyl)2(imidazole)2(PF6)2. The intramolecular ET rate constants for the oxidation of azurin-Cu+ by flash-quench-generated Ru3+ oxidants do not follow the predictions of the semi-classical ET rate expression with fixed values of reorganization energy (λ) and electronic coupling (HDA). Based on the pH dependence of the Ru3+/2+ redox couple, we propose a model where pure ET is operative at acidic pH values (≤ 7) and the mechanism changes to proton-coupled electron transfer at pH ≥ 7.5. The implications of this mechanistic proposal are discussed in the context of biological redox reactions and with respect to other examples of intramolecular ET reactions in the literature.

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;The effect of applying Six Sigma methodology in improving quality and reducing internal failure costs: a case study&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;

The use of the hexagonal diffraction methodology helps in improving processes by using effective analytical and statistical tools and methods. This research sought to apply the hexagonal diffraction methodology to improve the quality characteristics of the yoghurt production process and reduce the costs of internal failure in the Rafidain Factory / Dairy Department. For the purpose of applying the hexagonal diffraction methodology, the following stages were carried out: Definition: The critical quality characteristics of the yoghurt production process were described and the acidity characteristic was selected. Measurement: Five potential factors affecting the acidity of yoghurt have been identified. Analysis: The experimental design method was used to discover the important factors that affect the acidity values ​​of yoghurt. Optimization: The optimal process parameter settings were determined by using the preference function method. Control: The settings of the optimal process factors are attached to the checklist for verification operations within the audits. The results of the research showed that skim milk powder and incubation time were significant factors on the acidity values ​​of yoghurt, and the optimal settings for these factors were 11,1287 g/100 g for skim milk powder and 2,5538 hours for incubation time.