Microclimate of Grape Bunch and Sunburn of White Grape Berries: Effect on Wine Quality.

This research aimed to evaluate the composition of wines made with white grapes which are particularly susceptible to sunburn symptoms due to the absence of anthocyanin. Sunburn is a complex physiological dysfunction leading to browning or necrosis of berry tissues. In vintage 2021, the canopy of ‘Verdeca’ grapevines grown in Salento, South Italy, was differently managed by sun exposing or shading the bunches. Micrometeorological conditions were studied at different levels. Grapes were vinified, comparing the winemaking with and without skin maceration. The vegetative-productive balance of plants was not substantially modified. On the contrary, a significant effect was observed on the quality and quantity of grapes produced: smaller berries with sunburn symptoms were found on unshaded bunches. This influenced the percentage distribution among skin, pulp and seeds, causing a decrease in must yield of up to 30%. The pH was significantly higher in macerated wines made using shaded grapes, due to a lower titratable acidity and to significant impacts on the acid profile. Obviously, maceration produced a higher extraction of phenolics in wines, which reached their maximum in wines made with sunburned grapes. The absorbance at 420 nm, index of yellow color, was also significantly higher in sunburned grapes, indicating greater oxidation. Even though excessive grape sun-exposure could negatively affect the perception of white wines made without maceration (resulting in more oxidative character), the sensory quality of orange/amber wines was not significantly impacted by the presence of sunburned grapes. Thus, this winemaking technique could be particularly interesting to set up a production strategy adapted to viticultural regions strongly affected by climate change

A dynamic clamping approach using in silico IK1 current for discrimination of chamber-specific hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CM) constitute a mixed population of ventricular-, atrial-, nodal-like cells, limiting the reliability for studying chamber-specific disease mechanisms. Previous studies characterised CM phenotype based on action potential (AP) morphology, but the classification criteria were still undefined. Our aim was to use in silico models to develop an automated approach for discriminating the electrophysiological differences between hiPSC-CM. We propose the dynamic clamp (DC) technique with the injection of a specific IK1 current as a tool for deriving nine electrical biomarkers and blindly classifying differentiated CM. An unsupervised learning algorithm was applied to discriminate CM phenotypes and principal component analysis was used to visualise cell clustering. Pharmacological validation was performed by specific ion channel blocker and receptor agonist. The proposed approach improves the translational relevance of the hiPSC-CM model for studying mechanisms underlying inherited or acquired atrial arrhythmias in human CM, and for screening anti-arrhythmic agents

Diabetes and Ramadan: need for a cultural action

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Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

From Fruit to Beverage: Investigating <i>Actinidia</i> Species for Characteristics and Potential in Alcoholic Drink Production

There is a growing interest in various types of kiwifruits, such as the “yellow” kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis) and the “baby” kiwifruit of Actinidia arguta. These fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, which contribute to their nutraceutical properties, but they nevertheless have a shorter shelf life, resulting in economic losses. This study aims to chemically characterize kiwifruit juices from SunGold and baby kiwifruit varieties (Hortgem Rua and Hortgem Tahi) to improve knowledge and explore the suitability of these products for producing low-alcohol beverages using non-Saccharomyces strains, with the purpose of reducing waste and generating value-added processing. Total soluble solids, acidity, hardness, dry matter, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity were used as indicators of fruit quality. Chemical characterization of fresh kiwifruit juices revealed distinct profiles among varieties, with SunGold juice exhibiting higher sugar content and acidity. Citric acid was the predominant organic acid, while, as expected, tartaric was not detected. Kiwifruit juice fermentations by T. delbrueckii UMY196 were always completed regardless of the type of juice used, producing beverages with ethanol content ranging from 6.46 to 8.85% (v/v). The analysis of volatile organic compounds highlighted the presence of several molecules, contributing to aroma profiles with relevant differences among the three kiwifruit-based drinks. In particular, the total concentration of esters in the beverages reached 8.2 mg/L, 9.2 mg/L, and 8.6 mg/L in the Tahi, Rua, and SunGold beverages, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative profiles of the kiwifruit drinks revealed a pronounced perception of acidity and fruity traits, with significant differences observed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in aroma descriptors among the proposed beverages. The possibility of using unsold, overripe, or waste fruits to prepare new products with an increase in the sustainability of this supply chain is set

The Riboflavin Metabolism in Four <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> Wine Strains: Assessment in Oenological Condition and Potential Implications with the Light-Struck Taste

Riboflavin (RF), or vitamin B2, is an essential compound for yeast growth and a precursor of the flavin coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), involved in redox and non-redox processes. RF is a photosensitive compound involved in the light-struck taste (LST), a fault causing the formation of off-flavors that can develop when the wine is exposed to light in the presence of methionine (Met), as well. As both RF and Met can be associated with detrimental changes in wines, a better comprehension of its yeast-mediated production is relevant to predict the maintenance of the desired character of the wine. This study aims at assessing the production of flavin derivatives (FDs) and Met by S. cerevisiae oenological starters under laboratory conditions. The results showed the presence of extra- and intracellular FDs, and Met is a strain-dependent characteristic being also affected by the initial content of RF in the medium. This finding was confirmed when the winemaking was carried out in a relevant environment. Our results evidenced the important impact of the yeast strain on the content of RF and its derivatives

Bisorbicillinoids produced by the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride affect feeding preference of the aphid Schizaphis graminum

We report the effects of some bisorbicillinoids isolated from biomass of the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride on settling and feeding preference of the aphid Schizaphis graminum. Purification of the fungal metabolites was carried out by a combination of column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography using direct and reverse phases. Chemical identification was performed by spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The identified bisorbicillinoids appeared to be bislongiquinolide, its 16,17-dihydro derivative, trichodimerol, and dihydrotrichodimerol. A feeding preference test with alate morphs of S. graminum was used to identify the active fractions. Among the four bisorbicillinoids, dihydrotrichodimerol and bislongiquinolide influenced aphid feeding preference, restraining specimens from settling on leaves treated with metabolites. Taste neurons sensitive to these compounds, particularly to bislongiquinolide, were located on tarsi of the S. graminum alate morphs