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Studies on the yellowstripe scad Selaroides leptolepis (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1833) , a commercially important commodity in Southeast Asia, emphasized the strengthening of management programs due to overexploitation of populations as reported from numerous fishing grounds. S. leptolepis from the Tropical Western Pacific (TWP) was previously identified to compose two allopatric mtDNA lineages – Asian and Australian, thus emerging the need to determine morphological distinctness to facilitate the management efforts. This study assessed the morphological variation of the two genetic lineages using integrated morphometrics. One hundred forty-three S. leptolepis individuals collected throughout TWP were subjected to (1) traditional lineal morphometrics with meristics, (2) landmark-based truss, and (3) geometric morphometrics. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed highly overlapped ordination diagrams on all three techniques, which indicated minimal differentiation in the morphometries. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) showed satisfactory accuracy (92.2%–94.9%) in identifying Asian individuals, yet poor accuracy (47.6%–50.0%) towards determining Australian individuals. Cluster Analysis (CA) suggested K = 1 morphological group based on geometry while K = 2 groups according to the distance-based lineal and truss morphometrics. However, further validation indicated that cluster memberships were mixed and poorly reflected the a priori groupings. Herein, combinative results indicated the existence of a single morphological unit in S. leptolepis , which supported that such groups are genetically distinct yet morphologically indistinguishable cryptic lineages. These findings serve as essential groundwork for the formulation of management strategies for the species given their economic relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are limited systematic reviews exploring the use of social media for recruiting participants specifically for nutrition-, physical activity–, and obesity-related studies. Objectives The aim was to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of using social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for recruiting healthy participants in nutrition-, physical activity–, or obesity-related studies. Methods Studies were identified from 5 databases and included if they reported the number of participants recruited by social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) vs. traditional (print, e-mail, etc.). The effectiveness of recruitment was compared between methods by study procedures (in-person vs. online procedures). The cost-effectiveness of methods was also explored. The protocol was published in the Prospero database (ID# CRD42020204414). Results Twenty-six studies were included. Among studies with both types of recruitment methods, 49% of the sample was reached through traditional methods, 40% through social media, and the rest by other methods. For in-person study procedures, the median number of participants recruited using social media was 19 (range: 3–278) and for online study procedures, it was 298 (range: 3–17,069). Median recruitment cost using social media (n  = 14 studies) was $11.90 (range: $0–517) per participant, while this varied considerably for traditional methods depending on how it was calculated ($214, $18.9–$777). The ratio of participants reached vs. recruited was 0.12%; the overall ratio of participants interactions vs. recruited was 21.2%. Conclusions For in-person study procedures, traditional recruitment methods were more effective than social media, but for online study procedures, about half reported that social media was more effective. While more potential participants were reached through social media, only 21.2% of those who interacted with ads were enrolled. With the increased use of social media, their use for recruitment may be more frequent; therefore, future reviews may show different results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Implementation of two control algorithms for a photovoltaic heat pump system. • Implementation of a routine for mitigating solar power fluctuations due to cloud-passing. • Definition of performance indicators adapted to photovoltaic heat pump systems. • Experimental results show a good implementation and performance of the system. The coupling of Photovoltaic (PV) and Heat Pump (HP) systems is an attractive alternative for reducing the energy consumption associated to cooling applications, as well as increasing the renewable share in the electric systems. This work presents the results of the technical validation of a stand-alone PV-HP system operating without batteries, for two different control algorithms implemented for the compressor of the HP unit: the Maximum Power Point Tracking control (MPPT) and the inverter control. Both algorithms include a routine for mitigating the solar power fluctuations due to passing clouds, which was able to resist 75% of the clouds registered during the carrying out of the tests. The values of the main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) traditionally used for the characterization of PV and HP systems –Performance Ratio (PR), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Performance factor (SPF) – were calculated, as well as some new KPIs proposed for PV-HP systems. These new KPIs are proposed to distinguish the loss of performance due to any bad quality of the PV-HP and to external factors such as user behavior or the cooling period. The results show a PR of between 0.17 and 0.5, an EER of between 2.51 and 3.06 and a SPF of between 2.51 and 3.01. The low PR value is explained by the utilization ratios of the system (UR EF ranged from 0.27 to 0.77) due to the characteristics of this application, rather than any bad quality in the PV-HP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) is a mesenchymal neoplasm with highly malignant characteristics. These tumours originate in anatomical sites where there has been previous parenteral administration of medicinal substances or implantation of medical devices. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and pathological features associated with FISS in the southern region of Brazil. The database of the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul was searched for excisional and incisional biopsy samples compatible with FISS submitted between 2007 and 2017. Biopsy reports were reviewed and epidemiological information, including breed, age and sex of affected cats, as well as gross findings including anatomical location and size of the tumour and the presence of tissue invasion, were extracted. Eighty-nine samples were selected based on the established criteria. Most animals were of undefined breed and were female cats with a median age of 10 years. Grossly, 84.8% of the tumours were >2 cm in diameter. Regarding anatomical location, 34.9% of the tumours were located in the subcutaneous tissue of the thoracic wall, 29.2% in the flank, 21.3% in the interscapular region and 14.6% in the limbs. Histologically, the tumours originated in the subcutaneous tissue and were diagnosed as malignant mesenchymal neoplasms. Most were compatible with fibrosarcomas, but variants with features of pleomorphic sarcoma or chondrosarcoma were recognized. All tumours exhibited areas of necrosis and peripheral inflammatory infiltrate, composed predominantly of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. The results of this study suggest the need for dissemination of information on FISS epidemiology and guidelines for management of this tumour to veterinarians in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A 9-year-old female American Staffordshire terrier was presented to a veterinary hospital with diarrhoea, severe prostration, hypothermia, dehydration and anaemia. The dog died 6 days after the first consultation. At necropsy examination the serosa of the large intestine showed a granular appearance and the mucosa was thickened, ulcerated and red, with prominent folding. Histological examination revealed marked inflammatory infiltration of macrophages into the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine. These cells stained positively by the periodic acid–Schiff reaction. Immunohistochemistry showed marked presence of intracytoplasmic Escherichia coli in the macrophages. Bacteriological examination of intestinal sections yielded E. coli growth and the isolate displayed atypical characteristics when compared with strains associated with previously published cases of histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC). The molecular characterization showed that the isolate harboured none of the genes associated with enterotoxigenic E. coli strains and harboured only a limited number of genes associated with extra-intestinal pathotypes. Adherent and invasive E. coli are unlikely to have been involved in the pathogenesis of HUC in the present case. HUC is a rare disease with a predisposition for boxer dogs; however, sporadic occurrence in other breeds may occur. This is the first reported case of HUC in an American Staffordshire terrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an economic assessment of large power (from tens to hundreds kWp) PV irrigation systems in the ECOWAS region, evaluating the economic feasibility of substituting diesel-powered and grid-powered systems with PV ones. Seven countries from the ECOWAS region were considered and two irrigation operating modes were compared (pumping to a water tank or at constant pressure). Net Present Cost (NPC) values are in the 0.33–41.5 × 10 5 $ range, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) values are in the 8–47% range and Payback Period (PBP) values are in the 2.1–10 years range. The economic savings in terms of Levelized Cost of Energy, LCOE, were also evaluated. LCOE for PV irrigation systems are in the 4.5–17.4 $cents/kWh range, which represent percentage savings of 30–84% if compared to diesel-powered and grid-powered systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study how factors such as temperature, alcoholic degree, and amino acids supplementation are able to influence the content of tyramine, histamine, 2-phenylethylamine, tryptamine and their precursor amino acids in winemaking process. Biogenic amines and amino acids were quantified at the beginning, middle and end of alcoholic fermentation, and at the end of malolactic fermentation. In general, samples produced with amino acid supplementation did not show the highest concentrations of biogenic amines, except for histamine, which content increased with the addition of the four amino acids. The synthesis of tyramine was mainly affected by the temperature and alcoholic degree, the formation of phenylethylamine was largely influenced by alcoholic degree, and tryptamine synthesis principally depended on temperature. Interestingly, there was interaction between these three factors for the biogenic amines studied. In conclusion, winemaking conditions should be established depending on the biogenic amine which synthesis is required to be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of carboxylic acids, composed by both organic and phenolic acids, released in a barley malt substrate fermented by lactic acid bacteria was tested against Fusarium culmorum macroconidia and compared under different fermentation conditions. Phenolic acids released by Lactobacillus plantarum FST1.7 and Lactobacillus brevis R2Δ were quantified using a QuEChERS method coupled with a HPLC-UV/PDA system. Their concentration improved with increasing extract content of the barley malt-based substrate and reached maximal concentrations after 48 h of fermentation performed at optimum growth temperature. Generally, phenolic acids were produced at levels far below their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and limited synergistic effects were observed when mixed with organic acids. The fungal growth suppression by the wort fermented by Lb. brevis R2Δ (95 ± 9 h total inhibition) could be fully explained by the presence of antifungal carboxylic acids, whereas only partially accounted for Lb. plantarum FST1.7 (198 ± 19 h). Organic acids were mainly responsible for the ability of LAB fermented wort to cause fungal inhibition, whereas phenolic acids took only a secondary role at the low concentrations released. Longer fermentation times favoured primarily organic acid release, whereas fermentation of higher malt extract substrates encouraged both organic and phenolic acids production. The understanding on how synergy works between antifungal compounds could help to identify strategies to further increase their concentration in wort, with potential to replace synthetic broths and for direct application in food application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Today's consumer demands functional, healthy and diversified food products that satisfy nutrition-related conditions such as food intolerances, allergies and malabsorption, and lifestyle choices, e.g. vegetarianism, veganism, low-fat or low-salt. Cereal-based beverages have been tested as functional and probiotic foods because of their nutritious and health-promoting properties, e.g. soluble fibres and phytoestrogens. A way to add functionality and improve the low organoleptic attributes of raw cereals is through fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The use of starter cultures with known flavour- and texture-enhancing properties offers a promising tool for in situ product enhancement, innovation and diversification of cereal-based beverages. Scope and approach This review highlights studies that have principally addressed flavour and textural changes in model liquid cereal-based substrates using defined LAB starter cultures. The main biochemical mechanisms involved in the formation of compounds that play a central role in the acceptance of cereal beverages are reviewed, and possibilities for enhancing organoleptic and rheological properties are discussed. Key findings and conclusions Starter cultures able to release desired flavours or to positively change the food structure have been successfully used to increase the palatability of cereal beverages and replace the need for additives, i.e. flavourings, enzymes or thickeners. However, predicting the presence of organoleptically-active compounds is often a difficult task, as such compounds are affected by biological and non-biological factors. The outcomes from fermentations done with defined cereal and culture combinations could increase our understanding of which compounds are important for the final acceptance of cereal beverages, and how these components can be enhanced using different technological conditions and starter cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The validation of a HPLC–PDA–MS/MS chromatographic method for the quali/quantitative characterization of histaminol, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and tryptophol in wine has been described and discussed. Four standards showed a good linearity with high correlation coefficient values (over 0.9989) and LOD and LOQ were 0.001–0.015 mg/L and 0.004–0.045 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, this study reported how factors such as temperature, alcoholic degree, and amino acids concentration are able to influence the formation of these four alcohols in Monastrell wines. The quantification values of these alcohols has been detected both at the half and end of alcoholic fermentation, and at the end of malolactic fermentation. In relation to interactions between factors, several significant variations emerged ( p ⩽ 0.001). The impact of amino acids supplementation in Monastrell must it has been demonstrated, mainly in regards to histaminol and tryptophol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]