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Sunlight and microclimate inside the clusters’ zone are key factors in berry development and must composition. Plant geometry and training system should be joined with a proper sunlight and temperature cluster microclimate and, also in the rest of the plant. Berry temperature can vary between 2 and 10 ºC or even more in inner clusters, depending on their exposure (Spayd et al., 2002). Sunlight, air ventilation within the canopy, temperature cluster and microclimate are affected by the exposure and radiation percentage received by grapes during its growth and maturation period (Deloire and Hunter 2005). In Mediterranean conditions (warm and dry climate), the use of porous systems may help plants establish a better leaf distribution inside this area (de la Fuente et al., 2015), providing more space and enhancing certain physiological processes, both in leaves (photosynthesis, ventilation, transpiration) and berries (growth and maturation). Grapes exposed to direct radiation are more sensitive to ripening and they can even suffer a dehydration process in the Mediterranean regions, where the temperature during the ripening after midday is frequently between 30-35 ºC or higher than 40 ºC (de la Fuente et al., 2015). A key point for well microclimate management inside the canopy is heat flux control, which is usually generated by three factors: surface area (SA) to PAR (direct or indirect) radiation; intensity or thermal value (related to the temperature) and time of exposure (de la Fuente, 2009; de la Fuente et al., 2013). Sprawl systems are non-positioned systems where vegetation is in multidirectional directions. Therefore, as sun position changes along the day, some leaves are first shaded and then others, so the sun leaf exposure decreases (Gutiérrez et al., 2021). The study was conducted in D.O. Uclés vineyards (lat. 39º50’8” N; long. 3º09’48.6” W; elevation 746 m above sea level) during the 2020 season, in cv. Tempranillo. The trial was designed with two training system: Vertical Shoot Positioned (VSP) and Sprawl (SP). Berry sampling was done every three days within the final 15 days before the estimated harvest date. A single sample comprised 100 berries collected from the clusters of the 10 selected vines in each block. Weight, size, must composition (reducing sugar, pH, acidity, volatile acidity, etc.) and skin composition (total and acylated monomeric pigments, TPI) were analysed. Regarding the berry composition, SP accumulated larger concentration of reducing sugars (+7.4%). No statistical differences were observed in the remaining oenological parameters measured in the berries between treatments. Nevertheless, inside total pigments and color parameters, TPI values reached significantly higher (+40%) in the SP vs VSP treatments. In the total concentration of pigments (including the acylated fraction) and pH, no differences were founded. Berry's weight and size showed some relevant differences between treatments. During the end maturity-harvest period, the berry weight (12-11%) and berry size (6-9%) were higher in SP treatment compared to VSP. These results suggest that the SP systems can induce an increment of reducing sugars, and TPI and also, can modulate the berry weight and size, helping to control overripening and berry dehydration processes. Therefore, sprawl systems (SP) represent an alternative to VSP systems in warm areas for achieving an increment of pigments, as well as for better control of the accumulation of reducing sugars, without compromising the harvest yield (higher berry weight and size).

The physical-chemical composition, sensory characteristics, and nutritional value of the grape juice can provide sports drink (isotonic beverage) with antioxidant compounds that complement the beneficial effect of these drinks to the rehydration and replacement of minerals and carbohydrates, during physical activity. Grape juice contains mainly water, sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. By diluting the sugar content of the must to 40-50 g/L, it will allow us to obtain a drink with beneficial properties for health, avoiding the addition of sweeteners. Phenolic compounds play an important role in the prevention of various diseases through their biological activities related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, antimicrobial and cardioprotective properties. Several studies have shown that grape juice allows to improve the performance of the activity, protect against oxidative damage, and reduce inflammation during, sports activities. The polyphenolic substances present in grape musts provide sensory characteristics of interest, mainly color and aroma, important indicators for consumers when choosing this type of beverage. The anthocyanin content of musts from red varieties, gives the drink a more natural and attractive character for the consumer without the use of synthetic dyes. It is important to recognize the demand of consumers for new innovative, and healthy products, so we focus on the development of a natural, functional drink using red grape musts as a base (concentrated or treated with UHPH) as a source of polyphenols and sugars, showing interesting organoleptic properties without chemical additives, and that allows to replenish electrolytes and energy.

Hanseniaspora spp apiculate yeasts can be found on ripe grape skins and during the first six days of the alcoholic fermentation. Generally, these yeasts have poor characteristics for its industrial application in winery as they are related with low fermentative power, low resistance to SO2 and even high volatile acidity production. However, some species have a better fermentative capacity and are producers of certain floral and fruity volatiles. This is the case of the two strains used in this study. Hanseniaspora vineae (HV) has a fermentative power around 8-10% v/v, low volatile acidity production and produces high levels of 2-phenylethyl acetate. Similarly, Hanseniaspora opuntiae (HO) also produces a low volatile acidity providing sweet and floral aromas, but has a fermentative power around 6% v/v, which means that it must be used in sequential fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). In addition, several studies indicate that both species can increase the mouthfeel and wine body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of HV and HO in sequential fermentation with SC to improve the sensory profile of high quality white wines from the neutral grape variety Albillo Mayor. Fermentations were performed in triplicate in 150 L stainless steel barrels with grapes from the 2021 vintage. Pure SC fermentations were used as controls. After the fermentation, the polysaccharide content and the colour was measured, and an intensive study of the aromatic profile was done.

UHPH treatment of Vitis vinifera must for winemaking leads to fragmentation of colloidal particles into smaller structures. The shear and fracture forces experienced by grape juice during valve pressurization are sufficient to reduce the particle size of grape juice to below 500 nm. As a result, the applied force can disrupt bacterial and yeast cell structures, altering or breaking down proteins, polysaccharides and enzymes. This effect is not observed for low molecular weight compounds such as monomeric pigments and phenolic structures, varietal aroma precursors, fermentable sugars, etc. Treated and untreated samples can be compared using optical and atomic force microscopy. Optical microscopy images show reduction or elimination of bacteria and yeast and changes in microstructure. On the other hand, in addition to describing topography in the nanometer range, AFM can also measure particles in comparison to other techniques such as laser diffraction (LD). This work contributes to the characterization and better understanding of the effects of UHPH on grape juice for winemaking.

The use of unconventional yeasts, also called non-Saccharomyces yeasts, is a hot topic in current enology due to the improvement that can be produced in the sensory profile during fermentation. However, the use of these yeasts have problems due to difficulties in the implantation and competition with wild Saccharomyces yeasts. Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) has demonstrated to be a powerful tool to eliminate microorganisms in grape must, specially yeast and bacteria even at low in-valve temperatures. UHPH can be considered a non-thermal technology with protective effect on sensitive molecules as terpenes and anthocyanins. The preprocessing of must by UHPH leaves it free of yeast with an optimal sensory quality, being this a perfect situation to inoculate non-Saccharomyces yeasts. We have fermented UHPH musts and controls with several non-Saccharomyces species (Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Hanseniaspora vineae), reaching in most of the UHPH treatments better implantations of the inoculated yeasts and a complete elimination of wild yeasts. The impact of the UHPH treatment is a better expression of the metabolic and enzymatic activities of the non-Saccharomyces yeasts. That effect enhances the sensory quality and facilitates the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts at industrial scale.

Ultra High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) consists of continuous pumping of must at pressures above 200 MPa, usually 300 MPa, and its subsequent instantaneous depressurization to atmospheric pressure after passing through a special valve. In the valve, the intense impact forces and shear stresses, together with the temperature, lead to the death of microbial cells and also to the inactivation of oxidative enzymes. Intense mechanical stresses also result in nanofragmentation of colloidal particles increasing the release of nutritional factors such as YAN and others, thus improving colloidal stability. Molecules with sensory impact such as terpenes are not affected by the UHPH process, thus preserving the varietal character, nor can thermal markers such as furfural be detected. UHPH-processed musts show and maintain higher antioxidant activity than control musts and show less browning effects during processing and even later throughout and after fermentation. This technique also affects the extraction and stability of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds by increasing their release from cell structures and protecting them from oxidation. The antimicrobial effect and the inactivation of oxidative enzymes allow the production of wines without or with a very low level of sulfur dioxide. The ability to inactivate enzymes by affecting their tridimensional structure may also have some effect on colloidal proteins by preventing protein haze or facilitating the use of protease enzymes.

Pulsed light is an emerging technology used to limit the proliferation of microorganisms in food matrices. The treatment consists on the emission of ultra-short high intensity white light pulses. The light is composed by ultraviolet, visible and near infrared spectra. Its use in enology allows the winemaker to carry on ternary (simultaneous) and sequential fermentations. The PL working conditions were determined through this investigation at the same time that the implantation feasibility of yeast and bacteria for the acidification of red wine was assed. The experimental set up evaluated different doses (number of pulses and energy density) on destemmed grapes. The grapes were placed inside a laboratory-scale cabinet inside a tray and the grapes were mixed randomly three times within the treatment. The microorganisms (both native and inoculated) were followed up with selective and differential growing media. The yeast population decreased 1.2 log10 UFC/mL, although the reduction is less sensitive when the initial population is already low (e.g. 1 × 102 UFC/mL). The use of PL favored the accumulation of lactic acid, produced by either yeast or bacteria, in treated musts. The concentration of lactic acid was higher when using L. thermotolerans against the use of O. oenni in coinoculation or sequential MLF.

Abstract Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Magnetic Resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is gaining recognition as a minimally invasive surgical option. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of unilateral MRgFUS subthalamotomy, aiming to create the smallest effective lesion. Between June 2021 and October 2023, twelve PD patients underwent the procedure, with primary outcomes focused on safety and motor improvements after six months. Results indicated significant motor improvements, with over 50% reduction in tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, while balance and gait remained stable. Quality of life also improved. Side effects were generally mild and transient, though some patients experienced involuntary movements, managed through medication adjustments. Despite limitations, this technique appears to offer a promising, less-invasive alternative for managing PD symptoms with a favorable risk-benefit profile. Further research is necessary to refine the procedure and assess long-term outcomes.

Abstract Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) self-assembles into ring-like oligomers, and genetic and biochemical evidence suggest that oligomerization is needed to clamp synaptic vesicles and stabilize them for Ca2+-evoked release. However, oligomerization has not yet been demonstrated on lipid bilayers or studied in quantitative biophysical terms. Here we utilize single-molecule imaging methods to monitor the assembly and disassembly of oligomeric clusters of Syt-1 on lipid bilayers in real-time. Syt-1 assembled into two distinct classes of oligomers, small (5 ± 2 subunits) and large (15 ± 2 subunits). Each class assembled at a constant k on that was always proportional to its ultimate size, but both classes disassembled at the same unit rate (k off ) independent of its size. Both large and small oligomers explosively disassembled when Ca2+ was added. The F349A mutation in the Syt-1 nearly eliminates the large class of oligomers but does not reduce the small class. Altogether, the physical-chemical properties of Syt-1 oligomers meet or exceed the physiologic requirements to function as such a clamp.

Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization Sterilization (UHPHS) allows the sterilization of fluid foods at low temperatures or even in refrigeration. UHPHS is a continuous technique that allows to process 10,000 L/h with a single pump working at 300 MPa with an imbalance of 1 MPa (Ypsicon EP2409583). During the process, fluid temperature increases less than 5 ∘C. The technique is sensory gentle not affecting molecules formed by covalent bonds so aroma and pigments are unaltered. During the process of white musts, the complete elimination of yeasts, bacteria and spores can be achieved and the must may remain unfermented for several months-years if stored in amicrobic conditions. The technique is also effective in the destruction of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes. Final size particle is 100–300 nm allowing to increase the availability of yeast assimilable nitrogen and opens the opportunity to nano-encapsulate flavours. Destruction of PPOs and elimination of microorganisms help to reduce sulphites in wines. UHPHS facilitates the use of new biotechnologies such as the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and yeast-bacteria co-inoculations by enabling a better implantation of the starters in absence of competition with wild grape microorganisms.

One of the problems related to the increase in average temperatures in the wine-growing regions is the lower accumulation of organic acids in the berries. Wine freshness depends to a great extent on its acidity. Herein, the effectiveness of fumaric acid to inhibit malolactic fermentation or to stop it once initiated is evaluated in order to preserve the malic acid content. Different doses of fumaric acid and SO2 were tested. The ability of these compounds to inhibit bacterial development and stop the malic acid degradation was tested on a red wine of the variety Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo whose malic acid content was set at 1.5 g/L. The control wine inoculated with 6 log CFU/mL of Oenococcus oeni finished the malolactic fermentation in 12 days. However, the use of doses equal to or greater than 300 mg/L of fumaric acid delayed the onset of malolactic fermentation for more than 50 days with little degradation of malic acid. In addition, fumaric acid proved to be effective in stopping malolactic fermentation already started where the bacterial count was 7 log CFU/mL. Fumaric acid can be considered as a potent inhibitor of malolactic fermentation.

Abstract The NEXT-White detector, a high-pressure gaseous xenon time projection chamber, demonstrated the excellence of this technology for future neutrinoless double beta decay searches using photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to measure energy and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to extract topology information. This analysis uses 83m Kr data from the NEXT-White detector to measure and understand the energy resolution that can be obtained with the SiPMs, rather than with PMTs. The energy resolution obtained of (10.9 ± 0.6)%, full-width half-maximum, is slightly larger than predicted based on the photon statistics resulting from very low light detection coverage of the SiPM plane in the NEXT-White detector. The difference in the predicted and measured resolution is attributed to poor corrections, which are expected to be improved with larger statistics. Furthermore, the noise of the SiPMs is shown to not be a dominant factor in the energy resolution and may be negligible when noise subtraction is applied appropriately, for high-energy events or larger SiPM coverage detectors. These results, which are extrapolated to estimate the response of large coverage SiPM planes, are promising for the development of future, SiPM-only, readout planes that can offer imaging and achieve similar energy resolution to that previously demonstrated with PMTs.

Game learning analytics (GLA) comprise the collection, analysis, and visualization of player interactions with serious games. The information gathered from these analytics can help us improve serious games and better understand player actions and strategies, as well as improve player assessment. However, the application of analytics is a complex and costly process that is not yet generalized in serious games. Using a standard data format to collect player interactions is essential: the standardization allows us to simplify and systematize every step in developing tools and processes compatible with multiple games. In this paper, we explore a combination of 1) an exploratory visualization tool that analyzes player interactions in the game and provides an overview of their actions, and 2) an assessment approach, based on the collection of interaction data for player assessment. We describe some of the different opportunities offered by analytics in game-based learning, the relevance of systematizing the process by using standards and game-independent analyses and visualizations, and the different techniques (visualizations, data mining models) that can be applied to yield meaningful information to better understand learners' actions and results in serious games.

Background: The relationship between plasmatic fatty acid (FA) composition and liver fibrosis remains scarce in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We aimed to evaluate the association of plasmatic FAs and liver fibrosis in HIV mono-infected individuals. Methods: This case-control study included PLWHA with liver fibrosis (cases) and randomly selected subjects without fibrosis (controls) from the PROSPEC-HIV study (NCT02542020). Participants with viral hepatitis, abusive alcohol consumption and lipid supplements use were excluded. Liver fibrosis was defined using transient elastography (TE) by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 7.1 kPa or ≥ 6.2 kPa with M or XL probe, respectively. All HIV mono-infected participants with liver fibrosis identified at the baseline PROSPEC-HIV visit were included. Controls (1:1) were randomly selected among those HIV mono-infected participants without liver fibrosis. Plasmatic FA profile, dietary lipid intake, anthropometric measures, and blood samples were assessed. Plasmatic fatty acid was analyzed using gas chromatography and intake of fats lipids were assessed by two 24-h dietary recall (24-HDR). Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted by age, sex at birth and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were performed. Results: A total of 142 participants (71 cases and 71 controls) [62 % female, median age = 46 (IQR, 37–53) years, 14.8 % with diabetes, median CD4 count = 655 cells/mm3, 96.5 % under ART] were included. Higher percentages of plasmatic palmitc acid (16:0) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were observed in participants with liver fibrosis (cases) compared to those without (controls). Presence of higher percentage of plasmatic palmitc acid (16:0) was associated with an increased odds for liver fibrosis [adjusted OR = 1.23 (95%CI 1.04–1.46); p = 0.02] in multivariate models. Conclusion: This study showed the potential role of the plasmatic FA composition in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in PLWHA.

Background: Uranium is a potentially cardiotoxic, nonessential element commonly found in drinking water throughout the United States. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if urinary uranium concentrations were associated with measures of cardiac geometry and function among American Indian young adults from the Strong Heart Family Study. Methods: Urinary uranium was measured among 1,332 participants free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and

Background Despite the high burden of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in American Indian communities in the United States, prospective studies of heart failure (HF) in this population group are scarce, and the generalizability of previous HF risk scales may be limited. We developed a parsimonious HF risk prediction equation that accounts for relevant risk factors affecting American Indian communities, focusing on diabetes and kidney damage. Methods and Results A total of 3059 participants from the SHS (Strong Heart Study) (56±8 years of age, 58% women) were included. Five hundred seven developed HF. Progressively adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors for HF and HF subtypes. Predictors of risk at 5 and 10 years included older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.79 [95% CI, 1.43–2.25]; HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.44–1.95]), smoking (HR, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.23–4.13]; HR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.41–3.06]), macroalbuminuria (HR, 8.38 [95% CI, 4.44–15.83]; HR, 5.20 [95% CI, 3.42–7.9]), microalbuminuria (HR, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.51–4.90]; HR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.33, 2.78]), and previous myocardial infarction (HR, 6.58 [95% CI, 2.54–17.03]; HR, 3.87 [95% CI, 2.29–6.54]), respectively. These predictors, together with diabetes diagnosis and glycated hemoglobin were significant at 10 and 28 years. High discrimination performance was achieved (C index, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.76–0.84]; C index, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75–0.81]; and C index, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.74–0.78] at 5, 10, and up to 28 years of follow up, respectively). Some associations varied across HF subtypes, although diabetes, albuminuria, and previous myocardial infarction were associated with all subtypes. Conclusions This prospective study of HF risk factors in American Indian communities identifies that smoking, body mass index, and indicators of diabetes control and kidney damage (glycated hemoglobin and albuminuria) are major determinants of HF. Our findings can improve HF risk assessment in populations with a high burden of diabetes.

Game Learning Analytics can be used to conduct evidence-based evaluations of the effect that serious games produce on their players by combining in-game user interactions and traditional evaluation methods. We illustrate this approach with a case-study where we conduct an evidence-based evaluation of a serious game's effectiveness to increase awareness of bullying. In this paper, we describe: (1) the full process of tracking in-game interactions, analyzing the traces collected using the standard xAPI-SG format, and deriving game learning analytics variables (to be used as "evidences"); and (2) the use of those variables to predict the increase in bullying awareness. We consider that this process can be generalized and replicated to systematize, and therefore simplify, evidence-based evaluations for other serious games based on the interaction data of their players.