Specific Variations Research Articles

Modulatory neurotransmitter genotypes shape dynamic functional connectome reconfigurations.

Dynamic reconfigurations of the functional connectome across different connectivity states are highly heritable, predictive of cognitive abilities, and linked to mental health. Despite their established heritability, the specific polymorphisms that shape connectome dynamics are largely unknown. Given the widespread regulatory impact of modulatory neurotransmitters on functional connectivity, we comprehensively investigated a large set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of their receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters in 674 healthy adult subjects (347 females) from the Human Connectome Project. Pre-registered modulatory neurotransmitter SNPs and dynamic connectome features entered a Stability Selection procedure with resampling. We found that specific subsets of these SNPs explain individual differences in temporal phenotypes of fMRI-derived connectome dynamics for which we previously established heritability. Specifically, noradrenergic polymorphisms explained Fractional Occupancy, i.e., the proportion of time spent in each connectome state, and cholinergic polymorphisms explained Transition Probability, i.e., the probability to transition between state pairs, respectively. This work identifies specific genetic effects on connectome dynamics via the regulatory impact of modulatory neurotransmitter systems. Our observations highlight the potential of dynamic connectome features as endophenotypes for neurotransmitter-focused precision psychiatry.Significance Statement Understanding how genetic variations affect brain activity and connectivity can unlock new insights into cognitive abilities and mental health. This study reveals that specific genetic variations influence how long the brain stays in different connectivity states and how it transitions between these states. These genetic variations were found in two modulatory neurotransmitter systems: acetylcholine and noradrenaline. These findings suggest that brain connectivity patterns influenced by genetics could serve as markers for personalized psychiatric treatment, pushing the boundaries of precision psychiatry.

Phase stability, electronic, mechanical, lattice distortion, and thermal properties of complex refractory-based high entropy alloys TiVCrZrNbMoHfTaW with varying elemental ratios.

This study examines the intricate area of refractory-based high entropy alloys (RHEAs), focusing on a series of complex compositions involving nine diverse refractory elements: Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W. We investigate the phase stability, bonding interactions, electronic structures, lattice distortions, mechanical, and thermal properties of six RHEAs with varying elemental ratios using VASP and OLCAO DFT calculations. Through comprehensive analysis, we investigate the impact of elemental variations on the electronic structure, interacting bond dynamics, lattice distortion, thermodynamic, mechanical, and thermal properties within these RHEAs, providing an insight into how these specific elemental variations in composition give rise to changes in the calculated properties in ways that would guide future experimental and computational efforts. The correlation between the lattice distortion, mechanical, and thermal properties is explored in detail in this work. Our findings reveal significant insights into how these factors contribute to the unique properties of RHEAs, such as enhanced strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and wear. This research not only advances our understanding of the fundamental aspects of RHEAs but also opens new avenues for the design and application of these materials in various industrial sectors.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Sex-Biased Gene Expression in the Aging Human Retina Through a Combination of Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing.

Previous studies have reported divergent sexual responses to aging; however, specific variations in gene expression between aging males and females and their potential association with age-related retinal diseases remain unclear. This study collected data from public databases and developed a comprehensive comparison of retina between aging females and males. Single-cell RNA (scRNA) and bulk RNA sequencing data of the aging retina from females and males in public databases were utilized for integrated analysis to investigate sex-biased expression in retina. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted on individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to validate the sex difference in degenerative retina. Bulk RNA analysis revealed sex-biased expression of specific genes in retina of aging individuals, with immune pathway-related genes exhibiting higher expression in females compared to males. The scRNA analysis demonstrated that sex-biased gene expression was cell-type specific in aging retina. Furthermore, susceptibility genes for age-related macular degeneration and RP exhibited variation across different cell types and sexes. Cell-to-cell communication unveiled an increased interaction associated with TGFB1, CCL7, and VEGFA in Müller glia, microglia, and astrocytes of female retina. Notably, we observed female-biased chemokine expression in microglia contributing to heightened susceptibility to immune inflammation in female retina. Finally, we confirmed a more pronounced inflammatory response during degeneration in female rd10 mouse retina compared to males. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of retina between females and males in healthy aging human retina and highlights the significance of sex as an influential factor in retinal diseases.

Cross-resistance between Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009 metabolites (Howler EVO) and fludioxonil in Botrytis cinerea.

Howler EVO is a biological fungicide based on metabolites of the bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009. One of the metabolites, pyrrolnitrin (PRN), is a chemical analogue of the phenylpyrrole fludioxonil used to manage gray mold of fruit crops caused by Botrytis cinerea. Resistance to fludioxonil in B. cinerea is well documented and linked to mutations in the transcription factor mrr1, leading to overexpression of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter gene BcatrB. Moderately resistant isolates are designated MDR1 and MRD1h based on the specific variation of mutations in mrr1 and the level of BcatrB expression. This study investigated EC50 values of 54 B. cinerea isolates sensitive and with moderate resistance to fludioxonil for sensitivity to fludioxonil and Howler EVO. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a strong correlation between EC50 values of fludioxonil and Howler EVO. Isolates that were moderately resistant to fludioxonil and classified as MDR strains were also moderately resistant to Howler EVO. The effect of Howler EVO and fludioxonil on BcatrB gene expression was studied by qPCR. Both fungicides induced the BcatrB gene expression significantly up to 100-fold in sensitive B. cinerea isolates. Howler EVO significantly induced the BcatrB gene expression in all MDR1 isolate but not in the MDR1h isolate. In detached fruit assays on cherry, sensitive B. cinerea isolates were completely inhibited by formulated fludioxonil (Scholar) and significantly suppressed in growth by Howler EVO. However, MDR1 and MDR1h isolates produced disease in Scholar and Howler EVO treatments. Our results indicate cross-resistance between the synthetic fungicide fludioxonil and the biofungicide Howler EVO, indicating that, at least for some biofungicides, resistance management is necessary.

Time-dependent effects of ethanol-glycerin embalming on iliotibial band biomechanics.

When conducting biomechanical testing or clinical training using embalmed human soft tissues, it is essential to understand their impact on biomechanical properties and their time dependence. Previous studies have investigated this influence, but specific variations over different embalming durations have not been thoroughly addressed to date. Ninety-seven human iliotibial band specimens were obtained from nine donors. All specimens were embalmed in ethanol-glycerin for varying durations: one day, eight days, and fourteen days. Prior to the mechanical trials, the specimens underwent osmotic water adjustment, tapering and standardized clamping. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to determine elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and ultimate strain. Surface strain measurements were performed using a digital image correlation system. Ethanol-glycerin embalming of soft tissues significantly affects ultimate strain after one day of submersion time, elastic modulus after eight days, and the ultimate tensile strength after fourteen days. For applications requiring consistent and reliable material properties reflecting a (supra-)vital state, caution is advised against using embalmed tissues even following short submersion durations in ethanol-glycerin.

Advances in Whole Genome Sequencing: Methods, Tools, and Applications in Population Genomics.

With the rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a crucial tool for studying genetic variation and population structure. Utilizing population genomics tools to analyze resequencing data allows for the effective integration of selection signals with population history, precise estimation of effective population size, historical population trends, and structural insights, along with the identification of specific genetic loci and variations. This paper reviews current whole genome sequencing technologies, detailing primary research methods, relevant software, and their advantages and limitations within population genomics. The goal is to examine the application and progress of resequencing technologies in this field and to consider future developments, including deep learning models and machine learning algorithms, which promise to enhance analytical methodologies and drive further advancements in population genomics.

Facile construction of polyoxometalate-polymer hybrid nanoparticles with pH/redox dual-responsiveness.

Responsive nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for advanced drug delivery systems (DDSs), offering the potential to precisely target disease sites and enhance treatment efficacy. To fulfil their potential, such materials need to be engineered to respond to specific variations in biological conditions. In this work, we present a series of pH/redox dual-responsive hybrid nanoparticles featuring an amphiphilic shell polymer and a pH-responsive core polymer. These nanoparticles incorporate a polyoxometalate (POM), specifically the cobalt(iii)-substituted borotungstate ([BIIIW11O39CoIII]6-), loaded through coordination chemistry between the encapsulated CoIII ions of the POM and pyridyl functional groups on the core polymer. The resulting hybrid nanoparticles show potential for controlled release with excellent stability at physiological pH, and efficient particle disassembly in response to the combination of pH and redox stimuli. Disassembly is proposed to occur following a two step mechanism. Structural rearrangement of the nanoparticle occurs on acidification followed by destabilization of the coordination bond between the polyanion and the pyridyl functionality in the core polymer following reduction. In this system, the POM acts in a novel role as a redox active structural cross-linker. These hybrid dual-responsive nanoparticles, featuring superior colloidal stability under extracellular conditions and controllable disintegration in response to the dual stimuli of acidic pH and redox conditions, provide a novel platform for the controlled intracellular release of therapeutics.

Stability Analysis of Gravity‐Modulated Thermohaline Convection in Viscoelastic Fluid Saturating Porous Medium

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the modified stability analysis of thermohaline convection in a horizontal Oldroyd‐B fluid using the Darcy model, with applications in geophysics, environmental engineering, material science, and biological systems. The basic equations of motion and heat conduction in the present model are based on the Darcy model and the modified Boussinesq approximation. The perturbation equations are derived using the power series perturbation method to study two‐dimensional convective roll instability with finite amplitude disturbances. Linear stability analysis, as a first‐order stability problem, provides expressions for the Rayleigh numbers for stationary and oscillatory convection. The influence of various parameters, including the Darcy–Prandtl number, solutal Rayleigh number, stress and strain retardation parameters, and variations in the coefficient of specific heat, on the stability of the considered system, is studied numerically. It is observed that an approximate 67% increase in the coefficient of specific heat variations and a 23% increase in the solutal Rayleigh number result on average increases of 80% and 8%, respectively, in the value of the oscillatory Darcy–Rayleigh number. Conversely, an average 42% increase in the Darcy–Prandtl number leads to an average decrease of 8% in the oscillatory Darcy–Rayleigh number. In the weakly nonlinear oscillatory analysis, second‐ and third‐order stability problems are discussed, and the Landau equation is derived, which describes the amplitudes of the convection cells. The effects of the parameters on heat and mass transfer rates, as described by the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, are studied numerically. Furthermore, the weakly nonlinear stability analysis evaluates the effects of the Darcy–Prandtl number, specific heat coefficient, stress relaxation time, salinity Rayleigh number, strain retardation time, diffusivity ratio, and gravity modulation characteristics on heat and mass transfer rates. The effects of amplitude and frequency of gravity modulation on heat and mass transport are analyzed and depicted graphically. The study establishes that heat and mass transport can be effectively controlled by a mechanism external to the system. The results are validated by comparison with previous work, which considered a special case without the velocity gradient term in the momentum equation.

Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of six Malvaceae species based on chloroplast genomes.

The Malvaceae family, comprising 9 subfamilies and 4,225 species, includes economically significant taxa, such as Ceiba pentandra, Gossypium ekmanianum, Gossypium stephensii, Kokia drynarioides, Talipariti hamabo, and Durio zibethinus. Chloroplast (cp) genome research is crucial for elucidating the evolutionary divergence and species identification within this family. In this study, we assembled and annotated cp genomes of six Malvaceae species, conducting comprehensive comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses. The assembled genomes range from 160,495 to 163,970bp in size, with 125-129 genes annotated. Notable differences were observed in the IR (inverted repeat) regions, and SSR analysis revealed that Durio zibethinus has the highest number of specific variation sites. Among the six species, Talipariti hamabo uniquely exhibits more palindromic repeats than forward repeats. Seven highly mutated regions were identified, offering potential markers for species identification. Phylogenetic reconstruction using the maximum likelihood method revealed two primary clades within Malvaceae: Byttneriina and Malvadendrina. Within Malvadendrina, the subfamily Helicteroideae represents the earliest divergence, followed by Sterculioideae. This study provides a robust phylogenetic framework and valuable insights into the classification and evolutionary history of Malvaceae species.

Investigating the Role of IL-17A gene rs2275913 Variant in Rosacea: In Silico Analysis Suggests Further Studies

Interleukine-17 (IL-17), a crucial component of the body's immune response against pathogens, is also implicated in various inflammatory processes. Notably, the skin of rosacea patients exhibits chronic inflammation, and IL-17 is known to induce the production of additional pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. This inflammatory cascade can contribute to the hallmark features of rosacea, including dilated blood vessels, immune cell infiltration, and the development of papules and pustules. The study aimed to examine whether a specific genetic variation in the IL-17A gene (-197 G>A; rs2275913) is associated with rosacea susceptibility. We compared the IL-17A variant and rosacea risk in 31 healthy individuals and 25 with rosacea. Genotyping of the IL-17A variant was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. Genotype and allele frequency distributions were compared across groups using the chi-square test (χ2). Additionally, gene ontology (GO) analysis of the IL-17A gene using web-based tools is also demonstrated. No significant association between the rs2275913 polymorphism and rosacea susceptibility was observed in this study (p=0.124) but in silico analysis suggested that the IL-17A gene interaction network might play a role in the disease. Given its critical function in regulating IL-17A and related genes, particularly in immune defense and inflammatory processes, further investigation into its potential influence on rosacea development is required.

The Effect of Climatic Conditions on the Seasonality of Pest Insect Populations in Eucalyptus Plantations in the Neotropics.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp., Mirtaceae) stands out for its remarkable regeneration capacity, making it a valuable tool for recovering degraded areas and for reforestation. Despite its Australian origins, eucalyptus has shown remarkable adaptation to the Brazilian tropical climate, contributing to the wood productivity of the country. However, the extensive monoculture of eucalyptus can increase pest incidence, thus being a significant challenge for the forestry sector, which suffers production losses of up to 30%. We analyzed the occurrence of 11 pest insect species in 450 eucalyptus stands over 9years in the southeastern region of Brazil in our study. We related pest occurrences to specific year periods and climatic variations using circular uniformity analysis and zero-inflated models. We found that the species generally had isolated peaks of occurrence during the year and that the increase in the occurrence of at least five species was related to temperature or precipitation. The results highlight the sensitivity of pests to climatic conditions, showing the importance of management strategies to ensure the sustainability and productivity of eucalyptus plantations. We can develop more effective management strategies by understanding how these variables interact with insect populations, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of eucalyptus plantations with less aggressive environmental practices.

Exploring the Effects of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Brain Metabolites: A Concurrent tDCS-MRS Study.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to modulates cortical brain activity. However, its effects on brain metabolites within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a crucial area targeted for brain stimulation in mental disorders, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether prefrontal tDCS over the left and right DLPFC modulates levels of key metabolites, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine/glutamate (Glx), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), near to the target region and to explore potential sex-specific effects on these metabolite concentrations. A total of 41 healthy individuals (19 female, M_age = 25 years, SD = 3.15) underwent either bifrontal active (2 mA for 20 min) or sham tDCS targeting the left (anode: F3) and right (cathode: F4) DLPFC within a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to monitor neurometabolic changes before, during, and after 40 min of tDCS, with measurements of two 10-min intervals during stimulation. A single voxel beneath F3 was used for metabolic quantification. Results showed a statistically significant increase in Glx levels under active tDCS compared to the sham condition, particularly during the second 10-min window and persisting into the post-stimulation phase. No significant changes were observed in other metabolites, but consistent sex differences were detected. Specifically, females showed lower levels of NAA and GABA under active tDCS compared to the sham condition, while no significant changes were observed in males. E-field modeling showed no significant differences in field magnitudes between sexes, and the magnitude of the e-fields did not correlate with changes in Glx levels between active and sham stimulation during the second interval or post-stimulation. This study demonstrates that a single session of prefrontal tDCS significantly elevates Glx levels in the left DLPFC, with effects persisting post-stimulation. However, the observed sex differences in the neurochemical response to tDCS were not linked to specific stimulation intervals or variations in e-field magnitudes, highlighting the complexity of tDCS effects and the need for personalized neuromodulation strategies.

Genetic predisposition meets cytokine imbalance: the influence of TNF-α (-308) polymorphism and TGF-β levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egypt

Evading apoptosis fuels the aggressive nature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study explored the potential roles of TNF-α, a pro-apoptotic cytokine, and TGF-β, a pro-proliferative factor, in the risk of developing ALL in Egyptian children. We investigated the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and serum TGF-β levels in 100 ALL patients and 100 healthy controls. Notably, specific variations in TNF-α (GA, AA genotypes, and dominant model) were associated with an increased risk of ALL, suggesting impaired apoptosis. Conversely, ALL patients exhibited significantly lower TGF-β levels, potentially promoting uncontrolled proliferation. Our findings suggest that lower TGF-β and the TNF-α (-308) dominant model are associated with an increased risk of ALL. Additionally, TGF-β demonstrated exceptional accuracy (AUC 0.995) as a potential marker, with 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity. These findings suggest that TNF-α and TGF-β may be associated with ALL susceptibility, though further research with larger and more diverse populations is necessary to confirm these results.

A Localized Collocation Method Based on Nonsingular Fundamental Solutions for Steady-State Heat Conduction Analysis in Heterogeneous Materials

This paper further develops a localized nonsingular method of fundamental solutions (LNMFS) for effectively solving heat conduction problems in functionally graded materials (FGMs). In this numerical framework, the LNMFS approach is proposed as a solution for the inhomogeneous boundary value problems, where a pseudo-spectral Chebyshev collocation scheme (CCS) is employed for the approximation of the corresponding particular solutions. In the proposed LNMFS, the artificial boundary that is present in the existing method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is eliminated. Accordingly, the singularities are replaced by the normalized area integrals of the fundamental solution over small circular disks, which encompass the source nodes that intersect with the collocation nodes. The proposed method inherits the high accuracy of the nonsingular method of fundamental solutions (NMFS). Additionally, in contrast to the NMFS, the LNMFS not only possesses the capability to achieve solutions with a notable level of accuracy in nonharmonic boundary condition but also overcomes the constraint of exclusively simulating heat conduction issues in FGMs that exhibit specific spatial variations. The feasibility and accuracy of the recently developed method are demonstrated by means of comparing it with analytical solutions for several numerical examples.

Genomic Insights into Host Susceptibility to Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a multifactorial disease, and the risk of contracting infection is determined by the complex interplays between environmental and host-related factors. While research has shown that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition for PJI, the existing literature is scarce, and the heterogeneity in the assessed genes limits its clinical applicability. Our review on genetic susceptibility for PJI has the following two objectives: (1) Explore the potential risk of developing PJI based on specific genetic polymorphisms or allelic variations; and (2) Characterize the regulatory cascades involved in the risk of developing PJI. This review focused on clinical studies investigating the association between genetic mutations or variations with the development of PJI. The genes investigated in these studies included toll-like receptors and humoral pattern recognition molecules, cytokines, chemokines, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), bone metabolism molecules, and human leukocyte antigen. Among these genes, polymorphisms in IL-1, MBL, vitamin D receptors, HLA-C, and HLA-DQ might have a relevant impact on the development of PJI. The literature surrounding this topic is limited, but emerging transcriptomic and genome-wide association studies hold promise for identifying at-risk genes. This advancement could pave the way for incorporating genetic testing into preoperative risk stratification, enhancing personalized patient care.

The fracture resistance of restored mandibular molars using different cavity designs: An in vitro comparative evaluation

Background: The stress distribution of a restored tooth is different from that of an intact sound tooth. The fracture resistance of a restored tooth depends on cavity design, remaining tooth structure, and material used. Aim: This in vitro study evaluated and compared the fracture resistance of mandibular molars restored using composite resin. Materials and Methods: Forty freshly extracted, intact mandibular molars were used, with their roots embedded in acrylic resin for stability. Cavities were prepared using a No. 2 round bur and straight fissure diamond, then divided into four groups with specific variations in cavity dimensions. Samples were tested using a universal testing machine, applying vertical load along the long axis at the central fossa to record fracture load. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Fracture resistance of the groups, listed in descending order, was: Lingual wall 1.5 mm (2417 ± 160 N) > Buccal wall 1.5 mm (2122 ± 75.9 N) > Lingual wall 1 mm (1966 ± 75.7 N) > Buccal wall 1 mm (1335 ± 216 N). Conclusion: The lingual wall 1.5 mm exhibited the highest fracture resistance, while the buccal wall with 1 mm thickness showed the least resistance.

Fluorescence spectrometric analysis for diagnosing compositional variations in effluent organic matter by chlorination and ozonation

Analyzing the reactivity of organic matter to oxidants such as chlorination and ozonation is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of water treatment systems and their potential impacts on environmental safety and human health. This study explored the changes in organic substances, specifically bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid sodium salt (HA), and effluent organic matter (EfOM) from a wastewater treatment facility during chlorination and ozonation. Four spectrometric techniques were employed: ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UVA254), fluorescent excitation-emission matrix (EEM), synchronous fluorescence two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (SF-2DCOS), and EEM-parallel factor integrated 2DCOS (EEM-PARAFAC-2DCOS). The findings revealed that ozone possesses superior oxidizing properties compared to chlorine, as evidenced by UVA254 and EEM analyses, resulting in more diverse structural modifications in EfOM. SF-2DCOS and EEM-PARAFAC-2DCOS provided comprehensive details on the direction and sequence of these changes, with EEM-PARAFAC-2DCOS delivering clear and intuitive insights. Protein-like and fulvic-like substances were susceptible to chlorination and ozonation, exhibiting different reaction sequences with each oxidant. Furthermore, variations in protein-like and humic-like components in actual EfOM samples may not align precisely with those in model substances, emphasizing the importance of considering specific organic matter variations in real EfOM samples compared to model substances. This research offered a deeper understanding of the reactivity and transformation of organic matter in wastewater treatment processes through simple and rapid spectroscopic methods, potentially improving the management and mitigation of undesired byproducts.

Analysis of Google News coverage: A comparative study of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain

This study aims to examine the news coverage provided by Google News across five Ibero-American countries, including three from Latin America and two from Europe: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain. The main focus is to highlight the differences and similarities in news presentation within diverse contexts, evaluating the presence and distribution of news using quantitative indicators, and analyzing the predominant content in each country’s news, based on a dataset collected between January 2 and January 31, 2024. This includes examining news sources, geographic coverage, prominent figures, and the prevalence of sensational elements through the identification of clickbaits. Our research employs statistical analyses and algorithmic solutions in natural language processing and artificial intelligence to generate results. The analyses revealed consistency in the daily delivery of content by Google News, with specific variations in the update rate across the studied countries. A diversity of news sources was observed, with a greater tendency toward local news and frequent mentions of politicians, celebrities, and businesspeople. In addition, the analyses uncovered a significant presence of clickbait, with variations across the countries and topics.

Zein/EGCG/Ca2+ oleogels for margarine substitution in biscuits: Impact on dough properties and biscuits quality attributes

Biscuits are a popular bakery item among consumers, with solid fats (such as margarines or shortenings) rich in saturated fats being key ingredients. Consuming excessive amounts of these fats could have negative effects on human health. This study investigated the potential of hydrocolloids-based oleogels (Zein/(−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate/Ca2+) as a margarine alternative in bakery items. Oleogels were used at substitution levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The study evaluated the specific gravity, microstructure, color variation, and flavor of oleogels/margarine doughs and biscuits. Results suggested that when the substitution degree was less than 50%, oleogels exhibited good application potential in biscuits products in terms of mixtures, doughs and biscuits characteristics. The oleogels/margarine mixtures with 25% substitution degree presented more similarity to margarine in appearance, being feather and milky white. The oleogel/margarine doughs at 25% substitution exhibited a specific gravity of 1.238 ± 0.022, closely resembling the margarine control (1.252 ± 0.020). Biscuits with 25% oleogel substitution showed color parameters (L∗, a∗, and b∗ values) that were statistically comparable to the margarine biscuits (p > 0.05). When margarine was partially or fully substituted with oleogels in biscuits preparation, it showed potential in slowing the rise of blood sugar and blood lipid levels. Therefore, using oleogels as a substitute for conventional solid fat could be a highly promising strategy. This study might provide references for further exploration into the potential of oleogels in food formulations, promoting a healthier food industry.

Influence of Vitamin D Status and the VDR Gene Polymorphism on COVID-19 Susceptibility and Outcome

Insufficient vitamin D levels in the bloodstream, together with the presence of specific genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the VDR gene, have consistently been linked to a higher likelihood of contracting and experiencing more severe forms of various diseases such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to explore the potential relationship between vitamin D levels, Bsml and FOKI polymorphisms, and COVID-19 infection outcomes. A case-control study was conducted with COVID-19 patients and a control group of non-COVID-19 patients (n = 107 each). The associations between vitamin D status, polymorphisms, and COVID susceptibility were investigated. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19 exhibited an average age of 48.84 ± 12.18, while non-COVID-19 patients had an average age of 46.82 ± 9.903. Disease severity, assessed by the CT severity score, showed a negative correlation with the Vitamin D levels. Among participants with COVID-19, the mean level of vitamin D was 35.25 ± 9.40 ng/mL while non-COVID-19 patients showed 38.85 ± 9.40 ng/mL with a significant difference (p = 0.004**) although among COVID-19 cases, 87 (81.3%) individuals had sufficient vitamin D levels and non-severity of disease was more common i.e. 54 (50.5%) among the COVID patients who had sufficient level of Vitamin D. The study found no significant association between Vitamin D levels and rs1544410 Bsml polymorphism (p = 0.429). However, it is important to highlight a weak significant association observed between with Fok1 polymorphism (p = 0.049). These findings underscore the weak influence of genetic factors, particularly VDR Fok1 gene variants, in shaping an individual’s susceptibility to COVID-19. A significant difference in vitamin D status was observed between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups and lower level was observed in the COVID-19 infected patients. Furthermore, a weak significant association was observed between Fok1 rs2228570 genotype and COVID-19 susceptibility. Larger sample sizes are required to comprehensively understand the association between different genotypes and COVID-19 outcomes.