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Summary: The advancement of the modern food industry has prompted a shift away from traditional protein extraction methods due to their inherent limitations. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative methods for protein extraction and modification such as ultrasonic (US) treatment. This shift towards more sustainable and efficient protein extraction methods is a key research focus in obtaining safe proteins in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, enhancing the functional properties of proteins through modification can expand their application. This paper reviews recent research progress and applications of US treatment on protein extraction and modification as well as the impact on protein structure and functional properties. In addition, the latest applications of ultrasound‐modified‐proteins, including nano‐proteins, 3D printing and interactions between proteins and other food components, are reviewed. This review may provide some inspiration for the potential application of US technologies in food fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three concrete‐filled L‐shaped steel tube (CFLST) stub columns subjected to axial compression were tested, with one normal CFLST stub column and two stirrup‐confined specimens. The investigation focused on the effect of the equivalent stirrup ratio on ultimate bearing capacity, axial compression stiffness, ductility factor, and strain ratio of the columns. 3D finite element (FE) models of the specimens were constructed and verified against the tests results and data from literature Parametric analysis was carried out to analyze the influence of different section length–width ratios, steel ratios, material strength grades, and equivalent stirrup ratios on the ultimate bearing capacity. Additionally, the confinement effect of stirrups on the core concrete was analyzed. By generalizing the stress nephogram of the core concrete at the ultimate state and considering the equilibrium of forces, a formula was proposed for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of the stirrup‐confined CFLST stub column under axial compression using the superposition method. The accuracy of the proposed formula was demonstrated by comparing its results with experimental results, FE model results, and those proposed by other scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan (CHI) combined electrolytic water (EW) cold sterilisation on muscle quality and myofibril proteins (MP) of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during 12 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). After the storage period, the sample of the EW + CHI group had the highest rate of hardness (36.68%), springiness (16.11%) among the control group without any treatment (CON), CHI group and EW group and similar tendencies were found in chewiness and cohesiveness. The MP content in the CON group decreased sharply from 80.35 mg g−1 to 57.90 mg g−1, in contrast to the EW + CHI group, which decreased from 81.65 mg g−1 initially to 80.83 mg g−1. The conformation of MP α‐helix and β‐sheet was retained to protect the secondary structure, and the exposure of aromatic amino acid residues was constrained to defend the tertiary structure in EW + CHI treatment which effectively delayed the degradation of MP. Based on these outcomes, EW + CHI treatment could significantly maintain the MP of large yellow croakers and prevent corruption during refrigerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large yellow croaker is highly perishable during storage because of high protein and moisture content. The degradation of the fish is mainly attributed to microbial growth and enzyme activity, so it is important to find an efficient storage method to extend its shelf life. Methodology: This study investigated the effect of a low‐voltage electrostatic field combined with partial freezing treatment on the physicochemical properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) and metabolomic analysis of large yellow croaker during preservation. The samples in chilled storage (C), partial freezing storage (PF) and 6 kV/m low‐voltage electrostatic field partial freezing storage (LVEF‐PF) were analyzed during an 18 day storage period. Results: In comparison with the C and PF groups, LVEF‐PF delayed the oxidation of MP by inhibiting the formation of carbonyl groups (2.25 nmol/mg pro), and maintaining higher sulfhydryl content (29.73 nmol/mg pro). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis also demonstrated that the LVEF‐PF treatment maintained the stability of the protein structure by increasing the a‐helix ratio (19.88%) and reducing the random coil ratio (17.83%). Scanning electron microscopy showed that, compared with the LVEF‐PF group, there was more degeneration and aggregation of MP in the C and PF groups after 18 days' storage. The results of untargeted metabolomic analysis showed that 415 kinds of differential metabolites were identified after storage, and the difference levels of differential metabolites were least between the samples treated with LVEF‐PF stored on the ninth day and the fresh samples. The main differential metabolic pathways during storage were amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Conclusion: The LVEF‐PF treatment could maintain the stability of myofibrillar protein in large yellow croaker during storage. These results showed a potential application of the LVEF‐PF method for aquatic product preservation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Disuse osteoporosis is known to be primarily caused by a lack of exercise. However, the causal relationships between zinc and immunity and disuse osteoporosis remain unknown. This study investigated these relationships and their potential mechanisms. Methods: This study was an integrative study combining genome‐wide association studies and transcriptomics. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) was used to analyze the causal relationships between exposures (zinc, immunity, physical activity) and the outcome (osteoporosis) with the aid of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs). Four models, MR‐Egger, inverse variance weighted, weighted median and MR‐Pleiotrophy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MRPRESSO), were used to calculate odds ratio values. Sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses were also performed using MRPRESSO and MR‐Egger methods. The mRNA transcriptomic analysis was subsequently conducted. Zinc metabolism scores were acquired through single‐sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis algorithms. Stromal scores were obtained using the R Package "estimate" algorithms. Important Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology pathways were also derived through gene set variation analysis. Cytoscape software helped construct the transcription factor (TF)–mRNA–microRNA (miRNA) network. Virtual screening and molecular docking were performed. Polymerase chain reaction validation was also carried out in vivo. Results: Causal relationships were demonstrated between zinc and exercise (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–2.95, p = 0.001), exercise and immunity (95% CI = 0.36–0.80, p = 0.002), exercise and osteoporosis (95% CI = 0.97–0.99, p = 0.0007), and immunity disorder and osteoporosis (95% CI = 1.30–2.03, p = 0.00002). One hundred and seventy‐nine mRNAs in important modules were screened. Combining the differential expressional genes (DEGs) and the Boruta selection, six DEGs were screened (AHNAK, CSF2, ADAMTS12, SRA1, RUNX2, and SLC39A14). TF HOXC10 and miRNA hsa‐miR‐204 were predicted. Then, the TF–mRNA–miRNA network was successfully constructed. RUNX2 and SLC39A14 were identified as hub mRNAs in the TF–mRNA–miRNA network. Eventually, the novel small drug C6O4NH5 was designed according to the pharmacophore structure of SLC39A14. The docking energy for the novel drug was −5.83 kcal/mol. SLC39A14 and RUNX2 were downregulated (of statistical significance p‐value < 0.05) in our animal experiment. Conclusion: This study revealed that zinc had a protective causal relationship with disuse osteoporosis by promoting exercise and immunity. SLC39A14 and RUNX2 mRNA participated in this zinc‐related mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of age and application type on the color design of user interfaces for children's applications. We collected 223 popular children's applications from the Apple App Store, focusing on children of three age groups (3‐5, 6‐8, and 9‐11 years old). There were two types of applications: educational applications and game applications. To explore further and compare the differences between children and adults, we also collected color data on 58 adult applications (29 educational applications and 29 game applications). Due to the characteristics of the specific model, this article selects the HSB (Hue, Saturate, Bright) color model—which is composed of hue, saturation, and brightness, with a high degree of matching with the color vision of the human eye—to analyze the color of the application interfaces. According to the statistics, in terms of hue, different types of application interfaces use different frequencies of colors. Multicolor educational application interfaces use cool colors, such as blue; multicolor game application interfaces use warm colors, such as red and orange; and so on. In terms of saturation, the frequency of high saturation in children's user interfaces is higher than that in adult user interfaces. In terms of brightness, children's application interfaces often use brighter colors. We also compared the statistical results with traditional color cognitive conclusions and discussed the possible reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Clean label foods have gained a lot of attention because it satisfies consumers' interest in minimally processed foods with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. The growing concern about food quality has stimulated the integration of ice slurry technology in food processing. An ice slurry is a two‐phase system colding medium composed of ice crystals, liquid water and some additives. Ice slurry with ice fraction of 5%–30% was 5–6 times than that of conventional chilled water under the same conditions. The appearance of the food is less likely to be damaged by the ice slurry while also being able to cool down quickly compared to traditional ice preservation methods. It further extends the shelf life of food products. The purpose of this review is to provide an understanding and practical suggestions for the application of ice slurry in the food industry. The methods of producing ice slurry and their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed, and the current applications and heat and mass transfer characteristics of ice slurry in the food industry are also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for ice slurry production and application were pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Myosin (Ms) is abundant in fish meat, but it has limited application in the food industry because of its low solubility and thermal stability. Our previous reports found that these functional properties of Ms can be significantly improved after glycation with konjac oligo‐glucomannan (KOG). However, the effects of phosphorylated KOG (PKOG) on physicochemical, structural and functional properties of silver carp Ms are still unknown. RESULTS: This study characterized the silver carp Ms protein glycated with PKOG at 50 °C and 75% relative humidity for 48 h. As degree of phosphorylation increased, free amino content increased, whereas degree of grafting decreased. Meanwhile, isoelectric point (pI) reduced, however, PKOGs showed no differences in pI. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis suggested the formation of glycoconjugates, and scanning electron microscopy revealed thinner flakes and uneven appearance of glycoconjugates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the amide I, II and III bands of Ms were changed by the glycation. Ms became highly soluble in 0.5 mol L−1 NaCl with increased phosphate addition in PKOGs. Thermal stability of Ms was effectively improved when heated at 80 °C for 60 min. CONCLUSION: Glycation with appropriate PKOG might be a promising method for Ms modification because of the resulting improvement in solubility and thermal stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To gain a better understanding of the traumatic mechanism and to develop appropriate treatment for dislocation of the shoulder joint with an ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture. Methods: This was an observational and descriptive study. Nine patients with traumatic shoulder dislocations associated with ipsilateral humeral shaft fractures who visited the emergency room and received treatment from January 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. CT with three‐dimensional reconstruction was performed to provide precise anatomical information of the fractures. The traumatic event and the type of fracture of the humeral shaft were analyzed to help determine the trauma mechanism. Closed reduction of the dislocation was attempted at once under intravenous anesthesia. One patient died the following day due to unrelated causes. All humeral shaft fractures of the eight patients received internal fixation, and then reduction of the dislocation was performed again if previous attempts failed. The affected limb was immobilized in a sling for 3 weeks postoperatively, and then active and passive movement was encouraged. Patients were evaluated based on clinical and radiographic examinations, shoulder joint range of motion, Constant–Murley score, and subjective shoulder value. Results: Four cases in the present study could not give a clear description of the traumatic procedure. The other five patients suffered a second strike on their upper arms when they were hurt, with low mobility and high pain in the shoulder region. Seven cases were simple fractures and two were wedge fractures. According to the AO/OTA classification system, four cases were type 12‐A2, three were type 12‐A3, and two were type 12‐B2. Six patients successfully obtained closed manipulative reduction of the shoulder dislocation in the acute stage. The follow‐up time ranged from 18 to 31 months. No deep wound infections were encountered. All fractures healed uneventfully. The union time ranged from 4 to 6 months. At the final follow‐up, shoulder range‐of‐motion values were found to range from 140° to 170° forward flexion, 30° to 40° extension, 40° to 45° adduction, 150° to 170° abduction, 50° to 60° internal rotation, and 50° to 60° external rotation; no recurrent instability of the shoulder joint occurred; the Constant–Murley score was 89.5 ± 3.7 points (range: 84–94 points); the subjective shoulder value was 89.4% ± 6.3% (range: 75%–95%). Conclusion: Shoulder dislocation most likely occurs first with an axial force or a direct posteroanterior force and a subsequent force results in the shaft fracture. For patients with mid‐distal humerus fractures, closed manipulative reduction of the joint is usually effective. After success of closed reduction, surgery for the humeral shaft fracture is advocated to ensure stability and to make patient nursing convenient. In cases with fractures in the proximal third of the humeral shaft, fixation is suggested beforehand to help reduce the shoulder dislocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetabular fractures are a real challenge for junior doctors as well as experienced orthopedic surgeons. Correct fracture classification is crucial for appreciating the fracture type, surgical planning, and predicting prognosis. Although three‐dimensional (3D) tutorial is believed to improve the understanding of the complex anatomy structure, there have been few applications and randomized controlled trials to confirm it in orthopedics. This study aims to develop a 3D interactive software system for teaching acetabular fracture classification and evaluate its efficacy. Participants were randomly but evenly allocated into either the experimental group (who learned the acetabular fracture classification using a 3D software) or the control group (who used a traditional two‐dimensional [2D] tutorial). Both groups were then tasked to classify 10 acetabular fractures and complete a five‐point Likert scale on their satisfaction of each learning modality. To calculate significance (P < 0.05), independent t‐test was used for normally distributed data whereas Mann‐Whitney U test for non‐normally distributed data. The experimental group significantly outperformed the control group (t (28) = 2.526, P = 0.017) with identifying correct acetabular fracture classification. Moreover, Likert scale score in the experimental group was also significantly higher than in the control group (Z = 2.477, P = 0.013). This 3D classification software has objectively and subjectively showed an advantage over the traditional 2D tutorial, resulting in an improved classification accuracy and higher Likert scale score. The 3D software has the potential to improve both clinical knowledge as well as identifying correct patient management in orthopedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to study the effects of two drying methods, infrared radiation (IR) drying and heat pump (HP) drying, combined with tempering in the glassy state on the quality of long‐grain paddies (O. sativa L. subsp. indica) and the effects of intermittent ratios (δ = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) on the milling properties and texture profiles of the paddies. The tempering temperature was set at 60 °C, according to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the paddy rice, which was determined to be 58 ± 2 °C using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) technology. The results showed that, compared with HP drying, IR drying resulted in a higher drying rate and was more effective, but the rate of moisture reduction was more uniform under HP drying. The tempering process had positive effects on the milling and texture profile analysis (TPA) properties of the paddy rice. Overall, intermittent ratios of δ = 3 and δ = 2 are recommended for HP drying and IR drying, respectively. However, no significant differences in the effects of different drying methods and intermittent ratios on water diffusion in the paddy rice were found through MRI analysis. Infrared radiation (IR) drying and heat pump (HP) drying, combined with tempering on the quality of long‐grain paddy rice were studied. The glass transition temperature of the paddy was analysed via LF‐NMR, and water diffusion of paddy rice during the drying process was analysed via MRI imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Smoked salmon slices inoculated with Shewanella putrefaciens were untreated (CK) or treated with 2 kGy gamma radiation (G), 1% (v/v) cinnamon oil (C), or the combination of them (G+C), and then packaged and stored at 4°C for 10 days. Microbiological and physiochemical analyses were then carried out. All treatments showed a better effect on inhibiting the increase in total viable counts, total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances than CK, especially the treatment of G+C. In addition, the combination treatment also showed a best effect on retarding the reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids of salmon samples in all treatments. These results indicated that treatments of gamma radiation and cinnamon oil on salmon samples, especially the combination treatment, can be used to maintain the quality of smoked salmon slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of endplate-conformed cervical cages by finite element method ( FEM) analysis and cadaver study. Methods Twelve specimens (C2-C7) and a finite element model (C3-C7) were subjected to biomechanical evaluations. In the cadaver study, specimens were randomly assigned to intact (I), endplate-conformed (C) and non-conformed (N) groups with C4-5 discs as the treated segments. The morphologies of the endplate-conformed cages were individualized according to CT images of group C and the cages fabricated with a 3-D printer. The non-conformed cages were wedge-shaped and similar to commercially available grafts. Axial pre-compression loads of 73.6 N and moment of 1.8 Nm were used to simulate flexion ( FLE), extension ( EXT), lateral bending ( LB) and axial rotation ( AR). Range of motion ( ROM) at C4-5 of each specimen was recorded and film sensors fixed between the cages and C5 superior endplates were used to detect interface stress. A finite element model was built based on the CT data of a healthy male volunteer. The morphologies of the endplate-conformed and wedge-shaped, non-conformed cervical cages were both simulated by a reverse engineering technique and implanted at the segment of C4-5 in the finite element model for biomechanical evaluation. Force loading and grouping were similar to those applied in the cadaver study. ROM of C4-5 in group I were recorded to validate the finite element model. Additionally, maximum cage-endplate interface stresses, stress distribution contours on adjoining endplates, intra-disc stresses and facet loadings at adjacent segments were measured and compared between groups. Results In the cadaver study, Group C showed a much lower interface stress in all directions of motion (all P < 0.05) and the ROM of C4-5 was smaller in FLE- EXT ( P = 0.001) but larger in AR ( P = 0.017). FEM analysis produced similar results: the model implanted with an endplate-conformed cage presented a lower interface stress with a more uniform stress distribution than that implanted with a non-conformed cage. Additionally, intra-disc stress and facet loading at the adjacent segments were obviously increased in both groups C and N, especially those at the supra-jacent segments. However, stress increase was milder in group C than in group N for all directions of motion. Conclusions Endplate-conformed cages can decrease cage-endplate interface stress in all directions of motion and increase cervical stability in FLE- EXT. Additionally, adjacent segments are possibly protected because intra-disc stress and facet loading are smaller after endplate-conformed cage implantation. However, axial stability was reduced in group C, indicating that endplate-conformed cage should not be used alone and an anterior plate system is still important in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]