Application of cellulose nanofibers as cryoprotective in frozen storage of chicken surimi-like material.

The application of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as cryoprotectants in frozen foods has rarely been explored. In this study, the cryoprotective effect of CNF (2, 4 and 6 % w/w) on mechanically separated chicken meat (MSCM) surimi-like material was investigated, during frozen storage (5 and 60 days) under temperature fluctuation. Surimi-like without cryopreservation agents was more susceptible to protein oxidation due to ice recrystallization.

Cardiovascular effects of early maternal separation and escitalopram treatment in rats with depressive-like behaviour.

Depression and cardiovascular diseases are two of the world's major health problems. Escitalopram (ESC) is widely used because of its safety in relation to other drugs in that class; however, it can affect the cardiovascular system. The present study evaluated the cardiovascular parameters of depressive-like male rats and the cardiovascular effects of ESC treatment on that condition.

Enalapril induces muscle epigenetic changes and contributes to prevent a decline in running capacity in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can improve muscle function and exercise capacity, as well as preventing, attenuating or reversing age-related losses in muscle mass, however, the exact mechanisms by which these drugs affect muscle cells, are not yet fully elucidated. Moreover, the potential epigenetic alterations induced in skeletal muscle tissue are also largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate if enalapril or losartan can change the physical performance and epigenetic profile of skeletal muscle in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Solo music performance assessment criteria: a systematic review.

Assessment is a crucial aspect of music performance. In pedagogical contexts, an effective assessment process can measure student achievement and inform instructional decisions that contribute to improving teaching and learning. However, music performance assessment is particularly challenging due to its inherent subjectivity, involving personal expression and interpretation, which can lead to divergent opinions.

Unusual low-temperature behavior in the half-filled band of the one-dimensional extended Hubbard model in atomic limit.

Recently, a kind of finite-temperature pseudotransition was observed in several quasi-one-dimensional models. In this work, we consider a genuine one-dimensional extended Hubbard model in the atomic limit, influenced by an external magnetic field and with the arbitrary number of particles controlled by the chemical potential. The one-dimensional extended Hubbard model in the atomic limit was initially studied in the seventies and has been investigated over the past decades, but it still surprises us today with its fascinating properties.

Ground-state phase diagram and universality of sequential topological valence-bond-solid quantum transitions in a mixed tetramer chain.

The ground-state ordering of a quantum mixed-spin Heisenberg tetramer chain composed of an alternate sequence of = 1 andS=3/2dimers is studied in detail as a function of two considered exchange interactions ascribed to similar and dissimilar spin pairs. At zero magnetic field, the ferrimagnetic mixed spin-(1, 1, 3/2, 3/2) Heisenberg tetramer chain displays, depending on a mutual interplay between two considered exchange interactions, three distinct gapped valence-bond-solid phases separated by gap-closing quantum critical points. Using density-matrix renormalization group calculations we construct the full ground-state phase diagram as a function of the interaction ratio and magnetic field, which exhibits besides three gapped valence-bond-solid phases special Kosterlitz-Thouless and topological quantum critical points.

Polyphenol Composition by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS and Bioactivities of Extracts from Grape Agri-Food Wastes.

Background: Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits.

Methods: This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives.

Results: Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds.

A hybrid double perovskite ferroelastic exhibiting the highest number of orientation states.

Integrating NH as a B'-site ion within a three-dimensional double hybrid perovskite resulted in a novel high-temperature ferroelastic, (MeNOH)(NH)[Co(CN)], which uniquely demonstrates a reversible triclinic-to-cubic phase transition at 369 K and offers a record-setting 24 orientation states, the highest ever reported among all ferroelastics.

Chemical and Bioactive Screening of Green Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Chestnut By-Products: An Approach to Guide the Sustainable Production of High-Added Value Ingredients.

Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut ( Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of different extracts from the various by-products for these applications through the exhaustive study of their composition and bioactivities without losing sight of the sustainable character of the process.

Molecular Design of a Metal-Nitrosyl Ferroelectric with Reversible Photoisomerization.

The development of photo-responsive ferroelectrics whose polarization may be remotely controlled by optical means is of fundamental importance for basic research and technological applications. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a new metal-nitrosyl ferroelectric crystal (DMA)(PIP)[Fe(CN)(NO)] () (DMA = dimethylammonium, PIP = piperidinium) with potential phototunable polarization via a dual-organic-cation molecular design strategy. Compared to the parent non-ferroelectric (MA)[Fe(CN)(NO)] (MA = methylammonium) material with a phase transition at 207 K, the introduction of larger dual organic cations both lowers the crystal symmetry affording robust ferroelectricity and increases the energy barrier of molecular motions, endowing with a large polarization of up to 7.

Microencapsulation of -carotene using barley residue proteins from beer waste as coating material.

This study aimed to produce and characterise microparticles produced from barley residue proteins (BRP) enriched with -carotene. The microparticles were obtained by freeze-drying five emulsion formulations with 0.5% w/w whey protein concentrate and different concentrations of maltodextrin and BRP (0, 1.

Synthesis and characterization of supermacroporous cryogel with immobilized p-aminobenzenesulfonamide as affinity ligand for the purification of lactoperoxidase from whey.

This study proposed the development of a monolithic supermacroporous affinity column for direct capture of lactoperoxidase, a glycoprotein present in milk, whey, and colostrum, with several applications due to its wide antimicrobial activity. A poly(acrylamide)-based cryogel was produced by radical co-polymerization of monomers in frozen aqueous solution and activated with p-aminobenzenesulfonamide as a ligand for specific interaction with the lactoperoxidase. The axial liquid dispersion coefficients at different liquid flow rates were determined by measuring residence time distributions using the tracer pulse-response method.

Adsorption and immobilization of β-glucosidase from on macroporous cryogel by hydrophobic interaction.

Enzyme immobilization has been reported as a promising approach to improving parameters such as thermal stability, pH and reusability. In this study, a polyacrylamide cryogel functionalized with L-phenylalanine was prepared to be used in the adsorption of β-glucosidase from , aiming at its separation and also its immobilization on the cryogel matrix. The enzyme was produced by solid state fermentation.

Socioemotional Skills Program with a Group of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Young Adolescents: Impacts on Self-Concept and Emotional and Behavioral Problems.

There is significant evidence that emphasizes the importance of social and emotional learning in schools for students' positive development and adjustment. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a socioemotional skills promotion program, implemented with a group of socioculturally vulnerable young adolescents. Data were collected in the 2020-2021 school year from all students from 6th grade ( = 50, from four classes) in a high-risk school in Portugal (56% females).

African climate and geomorphology drive evolution and ghost introgression in sable antelope.

The evolutionary history of African ungulates has been explained largely in the light of Pleistocene climatic oscillations and the way these influenced the distribution of vegetation types, leading to range expansions and/or isolation in refugia. In contrast, comparatively fewer studies have addressed the continent's environmental heterogeneity and the role played by its geomorphological barriers. In this study, we performed a range-wide analysis of complete mitogenomes of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) to explore how these different factors may have contributed as drivers of evolution in southcentral Africa.

Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory: Contribution for the Portuguese Validation.

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to contribute to the validation of the Portuguese version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) and to study its psychometric properties. (2) Methods: A sample of 164 undergraduate music students in Portugal (62.2% female; mean age = 22.

Academic achievement and emotional and behavioural problems: The moderating role of gender.

The present study aimed to explore the association between academic achievement and emotional and behavioural problems and the moderation role of gender in this association. 1350 Portuguese school-aged children and adolescents from first to ninth grade (6-15-year-old), part of a national representative sample, were assessed by teachers and parents with questionnaires from the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA). Results show that academic achievement significantly predicts child and adolescent's internalizing, externalizing, and total problems.

Extraction, purification by cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel and physico-chemical characterization of γ-conglutin from lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.).

This study focused on the extraction, purification, and physicochemical characterization of γ-conglutin, a protein present in lupin seeds with properties of reducing blood glucose levels. Total protein was extracted with an alkaline-saline solvent, followed by isoelectric precipitation. Chromatographic purification of the precipitated fraction was performed using a cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel column.

Trends and Application of Chemometric Pattern Recognition Techniques in Medicinal Plants Analysis.

Medicinal plants have been used and studied for ages, from very old registers to modern ethnopharmacology, which encompasses analytical chemistry, foods, and pharmacy. Based on international norms and governmental organizations of health, phytomedicine-for example, herbal drugs-needs to guarantee the quality control of products and identify contaminants, biomarkers, and chemical profiles, among other issues. In this sense, is necessary to develop advanced analytical methods that show interesting possibilities and obtain a great amount of data.

Low-temperature pseudo-phase-transition in an extended Hubbard diamond chain.

We consider the extended Hubbard diamond chain with an arbitrary number of particles driven by chemical potential. The interaction between dimer diamond chain and nodal couplings is considered in the atomic limit (no hopping), whereas the dimer interaction includes the hopping term. We demonstrate that this model exhibits a pseudo-transition effect in the low-temperature regime.

Protective Factors in the Use of Electronic Media According to Youth and Their Parents: An Exploratory Study.

The use of electronic media (EM) by youths has been widely described in the literature, indicating the relevance of understanding the factors that can protect against its risks. We aimed to explore the protective role of participating in extracurricular activities (ECAs) and of parental mediation in the use of EM by young people. A total of 1413 people (729 students, aged between 11 and 17 years old, and one of their parents) participated in this study.

Poly(β-cyclodextrin)-Activated Carbon Gel Composites for Removal of Pesticides from Water.

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to increase and protect crop production. A substantial percentage of the active substances applied is retained in the soil or flows into water courses, constituting a very relevant environmental problem. There are several methods for the removal of pesticides from soils and water; however, their efficiency is still a challenge.

Effect of Hofmeister Ions on Transport Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Sodium Hyaluronate.

Tracer diffusion coefficients obtained from the Taylor dispersion technique at 25.0 °C were measured to study the influence of sodium, ammonium and magnesium salts at 0.01 and 0.

pH-responsive release system of topiramate transported on silica nanoparticles by melting method.

Incorporating drugs into silica matrices by the melting method can be applied to obtain drug delivery systems because they are governed by electrostatic type interactions, hydrogen bonding and hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions between the drug and the silica surface. the melting method is an environmentally correct tool since it is free of organic solvent, low cost and with easy execution for the incorporation of drugs in silicas. Drugs delivery systems are very important for improving the treatment of chronic diseases.

Effects of photobiomodulation and swimming on gene expression in rats with the tibialis anterior muscle injury.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy (LLLT)) and aquatic exercise on the expression of genes related to muscle regeneration in rats. Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group (n = 15), non-treated injury group (n = 15), injury+LLLT group (n = 15), injury+aquatic exercise group (n = 15), and injury+LLLT+aquatic exercise group (n = 15). Cryoinjury was performed on the belly of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle.