Coat colour in marsupials: genetic variants at the ASIP locus determine grey and black fur of the brushtail possum.

The possession of fur or hair is a defining characteristic of mammals and can occur in a variety of colours and patterns. While genetic determinants of coat colour are well described in eutherian 'placental' mammals, the other major mammalian infraclass, marsupials, is grossly understudied. The fur of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an iconic native mammal found throughout Australia and introduced into Aotearoa New Zealand, possesses two main colour morphs: grey and black. To identify genetic variants associated with coat colour, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with genotype by sequencing (GBS) data. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on chromosome 3, close to the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) gene that controls the temporal and spatial distribution of pigments in eutherian mammals, were identified. Fine-mapping identified a C>T variant at chr3:100483705 that results in a ASIP:p.Arg115Cys missense substitution, and animals homozygous for this variant have black fur. In addition to uncovering the first genetic determinant of coat colour in a natural marsupial population, comparative analysis of ASIP in divergent marsupial species identified the dasyurids as having accelerated evolution, reflecting their well described diversity of coat colour and pattern.

Hypertension phenotypes and adverse pregnancy outcome-related office and ambulatory blood pressure thresholds during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study.

Blood pressure (BP) phenotypes, as determined by the consistency between office BP (OBP) and ambulatory BP (ABP) measurements, enhance risk assessment during pregnancy. However, diagnostic criteria for hypertension in pregnancy are based on data from non-pregnant populations regarding long-term cardiovascular risks. This study aimed to identify adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs; including maternal/fetal outcomes)-related BP thresholds to refine risk assessment in pregnant women. We analyzed 967 high-risk pregnant women who underwent simultaneous OBP and ABP measurements at an average gestational age of 29.6 ± 8.0 weeks. All hypertension phenotypes were associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal outcomes, except white coat hypertension, which showed no association with fetal outcomes. Using an XGBoost algorithm, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-derived daytime diastolic BP (DBP) thresholds of 81.5 mmHg for maternal and 82.5 mmHg for fetal outcomes were identified as the BP parameters most strongly linked to APOs. Incorporating these thresholds into the BP phenotype-based model improved the area under the curve for APOs and the net reclassification index for maternal and fetal outcomes. Decision curve analysis demonstrated a consistent positive net benefit after incorporating BP thresholds into the phenotype-based model for maternal and composite outcomes. In conclusion, in a Chinese pregnancy cohort, we identified daytime DBP as the most influential parameter for APOs, significantly enhancing the predictive performance of BP phenotype-based models. This study underscores the importance of ABP monitoring in high-risk pregnancies and the need for further research to establish optimal BP monitoring criteria for pregnancy.

Perceptions of the White Coat: Generational, Regional, and Gender Differences Among Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have evaluated patient perception of physician attire; however, few studies have considered physician perceptions of workplace attire. This study aimed to assess current trends regarding attire preferences among surgeons. METHODS: A national, population-based survey was distributed via email and "X" (Twitter). Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding their perception of the white coat, preferred attire in clinical settings, and reasons for choice of attire. RESULTS: Of 481 participants, 172 (36%) were attendings, 164 (34%) were residents, 125 (26%) were medical students, and 20 (4%) were fellows. Those who practiced in the Midwest region were more likely to wear a white coat daily (35.1% versus 28.5% South, 23.5% Northeast, 20.0% West, P < 0.05). Late career surgeons (practicing >20 y) were more likely to wear a white coat in the hospital and wear it daily (56% versus 36% of middle-career surgeons, 34% early-career surgeons, and 26% in training, P < 0.05). Women surgeons more frequently wore a white coat in clinic (64% versus 54% men, P < 0.05), reported that wearing a white coat was influenced by their program's culture (61% versus 46% of men surgeons, P < 0.05), that they would stop wearing a white coat if other members of their department stopped (50% versus 35% of men, P < 0.05), and that they believe the white coat helps distinguish female doctors from nurses (61% versus 50% of men surgeons, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates generational, regional, and gender differences among surgeons in their perception of the white coat at a national level.

Mechanistic divergences of endocytic clathrin-coated vesicle formation in mammals, yeasts and plants.

Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), generated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), are essential eukaryotic trafficking organelles that transport extracellular and plasma membrane-bound materials into the cell. In this Review, we explore mechanisms of CME in mammals, yeasts and plants, and highlight recent advances in the characterization of endocytosis in plants. Plants separated from mammals and yeast over 1.5 billion years ago, and plant cells have distinct biophysical parameters that can influence CME, such as extreme turgor pressure. Plants can therefore provide a wider perspective on fundamental processes in eukaryotic cells. We compare key mechanisms that drive CCV formation and explore what these mechanisms might reveal about the core principles of endocytosis across the tree of life. Fascinatingly, CME in plants appears to more closely resemble that in mammalian cells than that in yeasts, despite plants being evolutionarily further from mammals than yeast. Endocytic initiation appears to be highly conserved across these three systems, requiring similar protein domains and regulatory processes. Clathrin coat proteins and their honeycomb lattice structures are also highly conserved. However, major differences are found in membrane-bending mechanisms. Unlike in mammals or yeast, plant endocytosis occurs independently of actin, highlighting that mechanistic assumptions about CME across different systems should be made with caution.

Genetic diversity and signatures of selection in Icelandic horses and Exmoor ponies.

BACKGROUND: The Icelandic horse and Exmoor pony are ancient, native breeds, adapted to harsh environmental conditions and they have both undergone severe historic bottlenecks. However, in modern days, the selection pressures on these breeds differ substantially. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity in both breeds through expected (HE) and observed heterozygosity (HO) and effective population size (Ne). Furthermore, we aimed to identify runs of homozygosity (ROH) to estimate and compare genomic inbreeding and signatures of selection in the breeds. RESULTS: HO was estimated at 0.34 and 0.33 in the Icelandic horse and Exmoor pony, respectively, aligning closely with HE of 0.34 for both breeds. Based on genomic data, the Ne for the last generation was calculated to be 125 individuals for Icelandic horses and 42 for Exmoor ponies. Genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) ranged from 0.08 to 0.20 for the Icelandic horse and 0.12 to 0.27 for the Exmoor pony, with the majority of inbreeding attributed to short ROHs in both breeds. Several ROH islands associated with performance were identified in the Icelandic horse, featuring target genes such as DMRT3, DOCK8, EDNRB, SLAIN1, and NEURL1. Shared ROH islands between both breeds were linked to metabolic processes (FOXO1), body size, and the immune system (CYRIB), while private ROH islands in Exmoor ponies were associated with coat colours (ASIP, TBX3, OCA2), immune system (LYG1, LYG2), and fertility (TEX14, SPO11, ADAM20). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluations of genetic diversity and inbreeding reveal insights into the evolutionary trajectories of both breeds, highlighting the consequences of population bottlenecks. While the genetic diversity in the Icelandic horse is acceptable, a critically low genetic diversity was estimated for the Exmoor pony, which requires further validation. Identified signatures of selection highlight the differences in the use of the two breeds as well as their adaptive trait similarities. The results provide insight into genomic regions under selection pressure in a gaited performance horse breed and various adaptive traits in small-sized native horse breeds. This understanding contributes to preserving genetic diversity and population health in these equine populations.

Effect of post-harvest storage on the chemical and microstructural characteristics of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Hard to cook is a textural defect that affects the nutritional quality of beans stored under adverse temperature and humidity conditions. This defect is related to intrinsic characteristics such as seed coat thickness, composition and microstructure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical and microstructural characteristics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during 270 days of post-harvest storage at 30 °C and 70% relative humidity. Microstructural analysis revealed alteration of the cotyledon cell wall and seed coat affecting seed viability and restricting seedling emergence. The seed coat thickness contraction from 105.79 µm to 97.35 µm (270 days). Changes are related with the protein bodies migration from cotyledons to seed coat. An increase in neutral detergent fiber and the presence of CaOx crystals were observed, which confer rigidity to the seed coat and affect water diffusion after 150 days causing permeability changes that contributed to seed hardening.

Association Mapping of Seed Coat Color Characteristics for Near-Isogenic Lines of Colored Waxy Maize Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers.

Waxy maize is mainly cultivated in South Korea for the production of food and snacks, and colored maize with increased anthocyanin content is used in the production of functional foods and medicinal products. Association mapping analysis (AMA) is supported as the preferred method for identifying genetic markers associated with complex traits. Our study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of colored waxy maize assessed through AMA. We performed AMA for 285 SSR loci and two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize. In the analysis of population structure and cluster formation, the two parental lines (HW3, HW9) of "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize and the 10 NILs were clearly divided into two groups, with each group containing one of the two parental inbred lines. In the AMA, 62 SSR markers were associated with two seed anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in the 10 NILs. All the anthocyanin content and seed coat color traits were associated with SSR markers, ranging from 2 to 12 SSR markers per characteristic. The 12 SSR markers were together associated with both of the two anthocyanin content (kuromanin and peonidin) traits. Our current results demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR analysis for the examination of genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure and AMA in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize and the two parental lines of the "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize.

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density in Loka Abaya and Derara districts in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia.

Animal trypanosomosis is a significant livestock disease with economic and social repercussions, reducing the supply of animal products and restricting the utilization of animals for traction and transportation. In Ethiopia, it is prevalent and poses a major hindrance to the advancement of animal production. This repeated cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing seasonal variation in bovine trypanosomosis prevalence and tsetse fly density and identifying the potential risk factors in the Loka Abaya and Derara districts of the Sidama National Regional State. Blood samples were collected from 964 cattle, 484 samples during the dry season, and 480 during the wet season. The buffy coat method was employed to analyze these samples. Furthermore, 78 standard NGU traps were set up at various locations in the two districts during both seasons for entomological investigation. The overall apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis was 9% (95% CI 7.3-11.0), without a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dry season (7.4%) and wet season (10.6%). The apparent prevalence was significantly higher in Loka Abaya (11.8%) than in Derara (6.3%) district (OR = 2.04; p = 0.003) and in cattle with black coat color (29%) than in mixed color (6.8%) (OR = 5.3; p < 0.001). The majority of infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (70%), followed by T. vivax (29%), and mixed infections (1%) with the two species. The average packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in infected animals (20.7 ± 4%) compared to uninfected ones (25.5 ± 5.4%), in cattle examined during the dry season (24.1 ± 6%) versus the wet season (26.1 ± 4.7%), in cattle sampled from the Loka Abaya district (24.2 ± 5.5%) versus Derara district (26 ± 5.3%), and in cattle with poor body condition (23.6 ± 5.7%) compared to those with good body condition (26.5 ± 5.3%). A total of 5282 flies were captured during the study, with 4437 (84%) being tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes), 439 (8.3%) Tabanids, 190 (3.6%) Stomoxys spp., and 216 (4.1%) Musca spp. The apparent density (AD) of G. pallidipes was 28.4 flies/trap/day, showing no statistically significant difference between wet (32.1) and dry (24.6) seasons (p > 0.05). The AD of G. pallidipes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the Loka Abaya district (57.3) than in the Derara district (0.9). The study highlights a moderate trypanosomosis apparent prevalence and high AD of G. pallidipes, showing significant variation between the study districts but no seasonal difference. The observed apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density notably affects animal health and productivity. As a result, strategies for vector control like insecticide-treated targets, trypanocidal medications for infected animals, and community-based initiatives such as education and participation in control programs are recommended.

An Overview of Protein Secretion in Plant Cells.

Newly synthesized proteins are delivered to the apoplast via conventional or unconventional protein secretion in eukaryotes. In plants, proteins are secreted to perform various biological functions. Conserved from yeast to mammals, both conventional and unconventional protein secretion pathways have been revealed in plants. In the conventional protein secretion pathway, secretory proteins with a signal peptide are translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the extracellular region via the endomembrane system. On the contrary, unconventional protein secretion pathways have been demonstrated to mediate the secretion of the leaderless secretory proteins. In this chapter, we summarize the updated findings and provide a comprehensive overview of protein secretion pathways in plants.

A study on the impact of diet supplementation of fermented dried seaweed powder (Kappaphycus alvarezii) on healthy cat gut performance, skin and hair coat conditions, and behaviour.

One of the key goals the feed industry emphasizes when exploring the incorporation of novel substances into animal diets is to enhance feed utilization efficiency, to bolster animal health and well-being. Fermented seaweed powder holds promise as a valuable and sustainable component of animal feed, owing to its rich nutrient profile and purported benefits for livestock and aquaculture species. This study provides some interesting and original preliminary data regarding the benefits of supplementing cats' diets with fermented dried seaweed. Using a broad investigative approach to measure and analyse multiple health benefits of feeding fermented dried macroalgae to cats as a nutritional supplement, the results of this 8-week study identified several positive health attributes related to body coat quality, nutrient digestibility, behavioural changes, a healthy gut microbiota ratio, and enhanced immunity. There were no adverse effects observed in the cats after supplementation with the fermented seaweed powder. The sample size in this study with cats should be increased, but this preliminary work showed that the seaweed-supplemented cats exhibited improvements in the measured health parameters over the control cats. As a result of this 8-week trial, key information has been provided regarding future research direction focusing on skin health application which is essential to the overall animal wellbeing.

Unveiling the "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle: a precious source of bioactive lipids.

Tree nut consumption has been widely associated with various health benefits, with walnuts, in particular, being linked with improved cardiovascular and neurological health. These benefits have been attributed to walnuts' vast array of phenolic antioxidants and abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, recent studies have revealed unexpected clinical outcomes related to walnut consumption, which cannot be explained simply with the aforementioned molecular hallmarks. With the goal of discovering potential molecular sources of these unexplained clinical outcomes, an exploratory untargeted metabolomics analysis of the isolated walnut pellicle was conducted. This analysis revealed a myriad of unusual lipids, including oxylipins and endocannabinoids. These lipid classes, which are likely present in the pellicle to enhance the seeds' defenses due to their antimicrobial properties, also have known potent bioactivities as mammalian signaling molecules and homeostatic regulators. Given the potential value of this tissue for human health, with respect to its "bioactive" lipid fraction, we sought to quantify the amounts of these compounds in pellicle-enriched waste by-products of mechanized walnut processing in California. An impressive repertoire of these compounds was revealed in these matrices, and in notably significant concentrations. This discovery establishes these low-value agriculture wastes promising candidates for valorization and translation into high-value, health-promoting products; as these molecules represent a potential explanation for the unexpected clinical outcomes of walnut consumption. This "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle may encourage further consumption of walnuts, and walnut industries may benefit from a revaluation of abundant pellicle-enriched waste streams, leading to increased sustainability and profitability through waste upcycling.

The HD-ZIP IV transcription factor GLABRA2 acts as an activator for proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in Medicago truncatula seed coat.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), a group of flavonoids, are found in leaves, flowers, fruits, and seed coats of many plant species. PAs are primarily composed of epicatechin units in the seed coats of the model legume species, Medicago truncatula. It can be synthesized from two separate pathways, the leucoanthocyanidin reductase (MtLAR) pathway and the anthocyanidin synthase (MtANS) pathway, which produce epicatechin through anthocyanidin reductase (MtANR). These pathways are mainly controlled by the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) ternary complex. Here, we characterize a class IV homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP IV) transcription factor, GLABRA2 (MtGL2), which contributes to PA biosynthesis in the seed coat of M. truncatula. Null mutation of MtGL2 results in dark brown seed coat, which is accompanied by reduced PAs accumulation and increased anthocyanins content. The MtGL2 gene is predominantly expressed in the seed coat during the early stages of seed development. Genetic and molecular analyses indicate that MtGL2 positively regulates PA biosynthesis by directly activating the expression of MtANR. Additionally, our results show that MtGL2 is strongly induced by the MBW activator complexes that are involved in PA biosynthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that MtGL2 acts as a novel positive regulator in PA biosynthesis, expanding the regulatory network and providing insights for genetic engineering of PA production.

An adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention on nurses' knowledge, general stigmatizing attitudes, and work avoidance behaviors towards HIV: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of an adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention (AWWI) among nurses. BACKGROUND: HIV discrimination among the medical staff hinders the progress in HIV prevention. METHODS: Seven hundred seventy-nine nurses were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was provided AWWI training. The control group did not receive AWWI training. HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of participants were assessed. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group had better HIV-related knowledge and less stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behavior levels than participants in the control group after the 1-, 3-, and 6-month interventions (P<0.05). The main effects of group and time factors were highly significant in the intervention group. There were significant interaction effects in group and time factors. CONCLUSIONS: AWWI effectively improved the level of HIV-related knowledge and reduced general stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behaviors among nurses based on self-reported data in a tertiary hospital of China during a 6-month period.

Exploring the Maintaining Period and the Differentially Expressed Genes between the Yellow and Black Stripes of the Juvenile Stripe in the Offspring of Wild Boar and Duroc.

Coloration is a crucial trait that allows species to adapt and survive in different environments. Wild boars exhibit alternating black (dark) and yellow (light) longitudinal stripes on their back during their infancy (juvenile stripes), and as adults, they transform into uniform wild-type coat color. Aiming to record the procedure of juvenile stripes disappearing, piglets (WD) with juvenile stripes were produced by crossing a wild boar with Duroc sows, and photos of their coat color were taken from 20 d to 220 d. The pigments in the hairs from the black and yellow stripes were determined. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes between the black and yellow stripes were investigated in 5 WD with the age of 30 d using whole-transcriptome sequencing to explore the genetic mechanism of the juvenile stripes. The juvenile stripes started to disappear at about 70 d, and stripes were not distinguished with the naked eye at about 160 d; that is, the juvenile stripe completely disappeared. A hotspot of a differentially expressing (DE) region was found on chromosome 13, containing/covering 2 of 13 DE genes and 8 of 10 DE lncRNAs in this region. A network among ZIC4, ssc-miR-532-3p, and ENSSSCG00000056225 might regulate the formation of juvenile stripes. Altogether, this study provides new insights into spatiotemporal coat color pattern.

Role of cell wall polysaccharides in water distribution during seed imbibition of Hymenaea courbaril L.

Seed water imbibition is critical to seedling establishment in tropical forests. The seeds of the neotropical tree Hymenaea courbaril have no oil reserves and have been used as a model to study storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan - XyG) mobilization. We studied pathways of water imbibition in Hymenaea seeds. To understand seed features, we performed carbohydrate analysis and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the seed coat comprises a palisade of lignified cells, below which are several cell layers with cell walls rich in pectin. The cotyledons are composed mainly of storage XyG. From a single point of scarification on the seed surface, we followed water imbibition pathways in the entire seed using fluorescent dye and NMRi spectroscopy. We constructed composites of cellulose with Hymenaea pectin or XyG. In vitro experiments demonstrated cell wall polymer capacity to imbibe water, with XyG imbibition much slower than the pectin-rich layer of the seed coat. We found that water rapidly crosses the lignified layer and reaches the pectin-rich palisade layer so that water rapidly surrounds the whole seed. Water travels very slowly in cotyledons (most of the seed mass) because it is imbibed in the XyG-rich storage walls. However, there are channels among the cotyledon cells through which water travels rapidly, so the primary cell walls containing pectins will retain water around each storage cell. The different seed tissue dynamic interactions between water and wall polysaccharides (pectins and XyG) are essential to determining water distribution and preparing the seed for germination.

Different Founding Effects Underlie Dominant Blue Eyes (DBE) in the Domestic Cat.

During the last twenty years, minimal white spotting associated with blue eyes was selected by feline breeders to create the Altai, Topaz, and Celestial breeds. Additionally, certain breeders introduced this trait in their lineages of purebred cats. The trait has been called "dominant blue eyes (DBE)" and was confirmed to be autosomal dominant in all lineages. DBE was initially described in outbred cats from Kazakhstan and Russia and in two purebred lineages of British cats from Russia, as well as in Dutch Maine Coon cats, suggesting different founding effects. We have previously identified two variants in the Paired Box 3 (PAX3) gene associated with DBE in Maine Coon and Celestial cats; however, the presence of an underlying variant remains undetermined in other DBE breeding lines. Using a genome-wide association study, we identified a single region on chromosome C1 that was associated with DBE in British cats. Within that region, we identified PAX3 as the strongest candidate gene. Whole-genome sequencing of a DBE cat revealed an RD-114 retrovirus LTR (long terminal repeat) insertion within PAX3 intron 4 (namely NC_018730.3:g.206975776_206975777insN[433]) known to contain regulatory sequences. Using a panel of 117 DBE cats, we showed that this variant was fully associated with DBE in two British lineages, in Altai cats, and in some other DBE lineages. We propose that this NC_018730.3:g.206975776_206975777insN[433] variant represents the DBEALT (Altai Dominant Blue Eye) allele in the domestic cat. Finally, we genotyped DBE cats from 14 lineages for the three PAX3 variants and showed that they were not present in four lineages, confirming genetic heterogeneity of the DBE trait in the domestic cat.

Effect of Origin, Seed Coat Color, and Maturity Group on Seed Isoflavones in Diverse Soybean Germplasm.

Soybeans are grown worldwide owing to their protein, oil, and beneficial bioactive compounds. Genetic and environmental factors influence soybean seed isoflavones. In the present study, we profiled the seed isoflavones in world diverse soybean germplasm grown in two locations over two years in China. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the accessions, accession origins, seed coat colors, and maturity groups for individual and total isoflavone (TIF) content. TIF content of the soybean accessions ranged from 677.25 µg g-1 to 5823.29 µg g-1, representing an 8-fold difference. USA soybean accessions showed the highest mean TIF content (3263.07 µg g-1), followed by Japan (2521.26 µg g-1). Soybean with black seed coat showed the highest (3236.08 µg g-1) TIF concentration. Furthermore, isoflavone levels were significantly higher in late-maturity groups. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between individual and TIF content. Malonyldaidzin and malonylgenistin showed higher correlations with TIF content (r = 0.92 and r = 0.94, respectively). The soybean accessions identified as having high and stable TIF content can be utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries and breeding programs to develop soybean varieties with enhanced isoflavone content.

Investigating Key Volatile Compound Diffusion in Cocoa Beans during Yeast Fermentation-like Incubation.

An experimental setup was devised to investigate the permeability of cocoa bean seed coat and pulp to key volatile compounds during fermentation. Four labeled compounds (ethyl acetate-d3, ethyl octanoate-d15, 2-phenylethanol-d5, linalool-d5) and 2 unlabeled (beta-damascenone, delta-decalactone) were chosen for the investigation. The beans (cotyledons), depulped beans, or pulped beans were immersed separately in a concentrated solution of these volatile compounds at 36 or 46 °C for durations ranging from 3 to 120 h. The imbibed beans were dissected, and the cotyledons were analyzed by SPME-GC/MS. The diffusion of volatile compounds from the external solution to the seed was categorized into three groups: (1) not diffusible (ethyl octanoate-d15); (2) semidiffusible (ethyl acetate); and (3) totally diffusible (2-phenylethanol-d5, linalool-d5, beta-damascenone, delta-decalactone). The impact of the yeast on volatile compound diffusion was also investigated by immerging the pulped beans into the same concentrated solution with a yeast starter. Results highlighted the positive role of yeast in the diffusion of volatile compounds. The starter positively contributed to volatile compound diffusion after a transition phase occurring at approximately 48 h of fermentation, enriching the cocoa beans with key aromatic volatile compounds.

Valorization of sesame seed coat waste: phenolic composition, antibacterial efficacy, and nanoemulsion encapsulation for food preservation.

The study highlighted the potential of sesame seed coat (SSC), typically discarded during sesame paste processing, as a valuable resource for valorization through extracting bioactive compounds. It examined the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of SSC, and evaluated its antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Additionally, SSC underwent nanoemulsion coating, analyzed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy, to enhance its application as a natural preservative. The research specifically focused on incorporating SSC nanoemulsion into milk to determine its effectiveness as a preservative. SSC demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity and phenolic content, with catechin identified as the predominant polyphenol. GC-MS analysis revealed seven major compounds, led by oleic acid. Notably, SSC effectively inhibited L. monocytogenes in broth at 100 mg/ml. The application of SSC and its nanoemulsion resulted in changes to bacterial morphology and a significant reduction in bacterial counts in milk, highlighting its potential as an effective natural antibacterial agent. The findings of this study highlight the potential use of SSC as a valuable by-product in the food industry, with significant implications for food preservation.