The population structure and evolution of basidiomycetes like rust fungi are influenced by complex reproductive cycles and dikaryotic life stages where two independent nuclear haplotypes are present in the cell. The ability to alternate between asexual (clonal) and sexual reproduction increases the evolutionary capacity in these species. Furthermore, exchange of intact nuclei (somatic hybridization) in rust fungi can allow for rapid generation of genetic variability outside of the sexual cycle. Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae (Pca), the causal agent of oat crown rust, is a pathogen of global economic importance that is difficult to control due to rapid breakdown of host genetic resistance. The contribution of sexuality, clonality, and migration to virulence evolution varies across Pca populations. As such, the Pca pathosystem is ideal to address the role of mating type, recombination, mutation, and somatic hybridization in host adaptation. We expanded the existing resources for USA and South African populations by generating whole genome sequencing data of Taiwanese and Australian isolates. An atlas of 30 chromosome-level, fully-phased nuclear haplotypes from six USA isolates and nine Australian isolates was created to capture the genomic composition of key Pca lineages. At the haplotype level, we confirmed previous reports of genetic recombination in the USA population and additionally detected either sexual or cryptic recombination between Australian isolates, contrasting previous evaluations that suggested Pca populations in Australia to be purely clonal. We also identified somatic hybridization events in Pca that are not only associated with significant changes in fitness but also imply intercontinental migration of haplotypes, which provides further impetus for molecular monitoring of rust pathogen populations on a global scale. Copyright: This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication.

To address air pollution hazards effectively, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence residents’ adoption of harm reduction measures. Existing studies often focus on passive defense and ignore active strategies such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, anti-haze window screens, and air-purifying plants. This study adopted the Knowledge–Attitude–Behavior (KAB) model to explore the factors that influence residents to take proactive measures to prevent the impacts of air pollution. This cross-sectional study recruited 371 participants aged 25–64 years living in southern Taiwan. A one-shot online survey was conducted to examine demographic information, air pollution exposure experience, knowledge, risk perceptions, attitudes toward air pollution protective measures, perceived barriers and benefits, payment for protective measures, and actual engagement in protective actions. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among these factors. This study reveals that the adoption of these protective measures can be understood through three primary pathways. The first pathway linked knowledge to attitude toward behavior. Regarding the various protective measures, this study found that knowledge strongly influenced individuals’ attitudes. This, in turn, influenced their likelihood of engaging in protective measures. The second pathway revealed the effect of risk perception on protective measures, with attitudes mediating this relationship. Perceived risk susceptibility and risk severity were linked to attitudes, which further influenced the adoption of protective measures. The third pathway emphasized the direct effects of perceived barriers on the adoption of protective measures. Individuals who perceived fewer barriers were more likely to adopt these measures. This study fills the gap in the understanding of the factors influencing residents’ adoption of proactive air pollution protection measures. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of increasing public awareness and reducing barriers to promote individual actions for mitigating the negative effects of air pollution.

Duck egg white jelly, a protein-rich, alkali-induced gel, mirrors preserved duck egg white in appearance and properties, offering easier storage and utility, especially when excess egg white is available. This research focuses on incorporating duck egg white jelly into emulsified meat snacks to enhance texture while reducing the phosphate content. This study suggests that adding phosphate and duck egg white jelly increases raw meat paste pH, affecting its viscosity. With half the usual phosphate and either 3.0% or 6.0% jelly, the pH significantly increases compared to the control paste, containing 0.2% phosphate (p < 0.05). Viscosity remains unaffected in the group with 6.0% jelly and no phosphate versus the control (p > 0.05). The least favorable viscosity is observed in pastes without phosphate or jelly, suggesting that the jelly plays a similar role to phosphate. After boiling and shaping the pastes into emulsified meat snacks, their texture profiles and water-holding capacities were analyzed. Formulas with phosphate and jelly produced emulsified meat snacks with improved springiness, chewiness, reduced cooking loss, and decreased purge loss during storage. Color analysis showed no significant differences between the control and treatment groups (p > 0.05). Duck egg white jelly, when added, effectively reduces the phosphate content while enhancing texture and consumer acceptance of emulsified meat snacks. It serves as a versatile ingredient for low-phosphate, emulsified meat products, with potential for various meat combinations.

Though nutritional, the remaining separated duck egg white in duck egg processing plants presents challenges for its transportation and use, as it spoils easily and has a strong odor. Uses for the excess egg white are of paramount concern for agricultural resource reuse. The purpose of this study was to increase its value and use efficiency. Duck egg white was mixed with sodium hydroxide to produce translucent alkali-induced egg white jelly similar to that in preserved egg whites. To develop a heatable translucent egg white jelly, their physiochemical properties and thermal stabilities were investigated. A gel prepared with 150 mM sodium hydroxide at 25°C had optimal bloom strength and the densest microstructure. Storing the jelly at 5°C helped maintain its disulfide bonds and delayed liquefaction. Although heating decreased its bloom strength and total disulfide bond content as temperature increased (P < 0.05), scanning electron microscopy of the heated jelly revealed that the protein network structure was denser than that of unheated jelly. Heating caused parts of the structure to shrink and even dehydrate, leading to a wrinkled surface. However, no signs of liquefaction or collapse were observed, and the free alkali released during heating was lower than that from the white of existing preserved eggs. These results confirmed the thermal stability of the jelly and its potential to be served hot or used in food processing. Furthermore, in addition to disguising the odor and special flavor attributable to the alkaline treatment, adding ginger juice or turmeric to the preparation yielded higher bloom strength, resulted in lower free alkalinity, and delayed liquefaction, thus improving the jelly's thermal stability. Like preserved eggs on the market that can be served in hot congee, the proposed egg white jelly is rich in proteins and suitable for hot or instant serving. These findings may help address the problem of excessive remaining duck egg white created during food processing by diversifying duck egg processing and boosting its value.

Pei-Lin Lee serves as Clinical Associate Professor, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University; Consultant, Center of Sleep Disorder, National Taiwan University Hospital. Her current academic positions at international sleep societies include American Academy of Sleep Medicine Fellow and Co-Chair International Assembly; Asian Society of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Medicine Education Task Force committee member. Her current research focuses on the era of new technology and big data in sleep medicine; and intervention on sleep and metabolism in sleep disordered breathing.