bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responding to domestic and family violence in resource-constrained contexts: a case study on rural policing innovations in Melanesia
Authors: Watson Danielle Verlene Christal , Amin Sara N. , Robinson Amanda L.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Discussions about progressive gender reform across Melanesia highlight the need for more gender-inclusive policies and improved conditions for women and girls throughout all sectors. However, for many of these countries, attempts to address the problems are marred by insufficient resources and low prioritization of the issue and traditional, cultural and religious perspectives about gender and gendered roles. This article discusses how police responses are coordinated to address domestic and family violence (DFV) and provides a critical reflection on both internal responses and the complexities of multi-partner operations beyond urban spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on the findings from a stakeholder engagement focus group with 20 participants from four Melanesian countries – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – to provide insight into policing innovations in rural contexts.

Findings

There is a need for improved multisector partnerships, increased police presence and greater reliance on indigenous strategies to improve responses to DFV in resource-constrained contexts.

Originality/value

The article provides insight into an under-researched area and makes recommendations for improving responses to DFV in rural areas in small-island developing states.
Assessing the role of geographical indications in affecting the quality of imports
Authors: Vaquero Piñeiro Cristina , Curzi Daniele
Published: March 2024

Geographical indications (GIs) aim to protect the names of specific high‐quality products (food and wine) to preserve and promote the uniqueness linked to their geographical origin and traditional know‐how. EU and extra‐EU countries register domestic products with GIs. This study disentangles the effects of such registrations on the quality of imports using country‐level product import data for the fruit, vegetable, coffee, tea, and spice sectors. Our results show that the registration of domestic products as GIs enhances the quality of imported goods only if the importing country has a lower level of quality of domestic production. The introduction of GIs into high‐quality domestic markets can discourage import quality upgrades. This is because domestic producers may prefer to compete for quality rather than price, and imported goods represent a less expensive alternative to high‐quality national goods for consumers. Conversely, in countries where domestic product quality is lower, the introduction of GIs may enhance import quality upgrading because the diffusion of GIs induces domestic consumers to become more demanding in terms of quality for foreign products.
Impact of treatment with GLP‐1RAs on suicide attempts in adults persons with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective comparative effectiveness study based on a global TriNetX health research database
Authors: Nassar Mahmoud , Misra Anoop , Bloomgarden Zachary
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the association between glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA) treatment and the risk of suicide attempts in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with a focus on subgroups with and without a history of depression or suicide attempts.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized TriNetX, a federated network of real‐world data. Using the Global Collaborative Network data, we collected electronic medical records from 113 health care organizations with 135 million patient records with 8 million with T2D, 83% from the United States. The four cohorts were identified based on age, medication, diagnosis, and presence of depression or suicide attempts. Analytic methods included measures of association and number of Instances, with propensity score matching employed to mitigate potential confounders. The primary outcome was the incidence of suicide attempts among people with T2D with GLP‐1RA treatment in comparison with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) treatment.

Results

People with T2D treated with GLP‐1RA consistently exhibited a lower risk of suicide attempts compared to those treated with DPP‐4i. This was particularly significant in people with a history of depression or suicide attempts. The risk and odds ratios were significantly lower in the GLP‐1RA‐treated cohorts than in DPP‐4i across all analyses.

Conclusion

As compared with DPP‐4i, our analysis shows a protective effect associated with GLP‐1RA treatment on the risk of suicide attempts among people with T2D. However, further research, particularly prospective and randomized studies, is necessary to confirm these observations and understand the underlying mechanisms.

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Primary thoracic aorta angiosarcoma presenting with thromboembolism and progressive claudication despite anticoagulation
Authors: McKenzie Jane , Chander Sarat , Mitchell Catherine , Lewin Jeremy
Published: March 2024

Primary aortic angiosarcomas (PAA) are rare angiosarcomas, frequently diagnosed in advanced stages due to initial misdiagnosis. This case describes a 66‐year‐old woman, initially presenting with a distal thoracic aorta thrombus and symptomatic bilateral popliteal emboli. Despite initial management and therapeutic anticoagulation, she experienced progressive lower limb claudication and 12 months following initial presentation she re‐presented with an obstructing distal thoracic aorta mass and metastatic disease. Histopathology confirmed metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma. Despite urgent palliative radiotherapy, she died 6 weeks after diagnosis from complications of tumour thromboembolism. Suspicion for PAA should be raised in the case of thrombus in atypical segments (e.g. thoracic aorta) or progressive course despite anticoagulation. Multimodal imaging including MRI and FDG‐PET is useful to distinguish from benign aetiologies.
Revealing population demographics with environmental RNA
Authors: Hechler Robert M. , Cristescu Melania E.
Published: March 2024

The analyses of environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) released by organisms into their surrounding environment (water, soil and air) have emerged as powerful tools for monitoring biodiversity. While eDNA has been widely adopted for the non‐invasive detection of species and characterization of community composition, the utilization of eRNA is still in its infancy. Due to its functional nature, eRNA holds intriguing potential for biodiversity monitoring offering new avenues of research beyond species detection. For example, conspecifics that are almost genetically identical can exhibit distinct transcriptomic differences depending on their life stage. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Parsley and Goldberg (2024) demonstrate, through a lab‐validated field study, that eRNA can be used to detect distinct life stages of amphibians. This study elegantly demonstrates that eRNA can be used not only to detect invasive or endangered species but also to reveal population demographic information important for guiding effective conservation strategies.
Transitions to polysubstance use: Prospective cohort study of adolescents in Australia
Authors: Black Nicola , Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Yuen Wing See , Aiken Alexandra , Clare Philip J. , Chan Gary , Kypri Kypros , McBride Nyanda , Bruno Raimondo , Slade Tim , Boland Veronica , Mattick Richard , Peacock Amy
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Adolescent polysubstance use has been associated with adverse social and health outcomes. Our aim was to measure rates and transitions to polysubstance use during adolescence and identify factors associated with initiation and discontinuation of polysubstance use.

Design

Prospective cohort study. Multistate Markov modelling was used to estimate rates and identify correlates of transitions between substance use states.

Setting and participants

Adolescent‐parent dyads (n = 1927; adolescents in grade 7, age ≈13 years) were recruited from Australian schools during 2010/11 (Wave 1). Adolescents were surveyed annually until 2016/17 (n = 1503; age ≈19 years; Wave 7) and parents were surveyed annually until 2014/15 (Wave 5).

Measurements

Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use outcomes were collected at Waves 3–7. Potential confounders were collected at Waves 1–6 and consisted of sex, anxiety and depression symptoms and externalizing problems, parental monitoring, family conflict and cohesion, parental substance use and peer substance use. Covariates were age and family socioeconomic status.

Findings

Few adolescents engaged in polysubstance use at earlier waves (Wave 3: 5%; Wave 4: 8%), but proportions increased sharply across adolescence (Waves 5–7: 17%, 24%, 36%). Rates of transitioning to polysubstance use increased with age, with few (<9%) adolescents transitioning out. More externalizing problems (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10; 99.6% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–1.14), parental heavy episodic drinking (OR = 1.22; 99.6% CI = 1.07–1.40), parental illicit substance use (OR = 3.56; 99.6% CI = 1.43–8.86), peer alcohol use (OR = 5.68; 99.6% CI = 1.59–20.50) and peer smoking (OR = 4.18; 99.6% CI = 1.95–8.81) were associated with transitioning to polysubstance use.

Conclusions

Polysubstance use in Australia appears to be rare during early adolescence but more common in later adolescence with low rates of transitioning out. Externalizing problems and greater parental and peer substance use are risk factors for adolescent polysubstance use that may be suitable intervention targets.
Pneumonia, wheezing and asthma were more common in children after thymectomy due to open‐heart surgery
Authors: Rantanen Rea , Honkila Minna , Kämä Hanna‐Riikka , Pokka Tytti , Pihkala Jaana , Rahkonen Otto , Mattila Ilkka , Renko Marjo , Helminen Merja , Heinonen Santtu , Kekäläinen Eliisa , Kallio Merja , Ruuska Terhi S.
Published: March 2024

Aim

This nationwide study evaluated the clinical impact that an early thymectomy, during congenital heart defect (CHD) surgery, had on the health of children and adolescents.

Methods

The subjects were patients aged 1–15 years who had undergone CHD surgery at the University Children's Hospital, Helsinki, where all CHD surgery in Finland is carried out, from 2006 to 2018. The parents or the cases and population‐based controls, matched for sex, age and hospital district, completed electronic questionnaires. We excluded those with low birth weights or a known immunodeficiency. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for prespecified outcomes.

Results

We received responses relating to 260/450 (58%) cases and 1403/4500 (31%) controls and excluded 73 cases with persistent cardiac or respiratory complaints after surgery. The CHD group reported more recurrent hospitalisations due to infections (aOR 6.3, 95% CI 3.0–13) than the controls and more pneumonia episodes (aOR 3.5, 95% CI 2.1–5.6), asthma (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.1) and wheezing (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5–2.9).

Conclusion

Hospitalisation due to infections, pneumonia, wheezing and asthma was more common in children after a thymectomy due to open‐heart surgery than population‐based controls, underlining the importance of immunological follow‐ups.
Screening preterm‐born infants for autistic traits may help to identify social communication difficulties at five years of age
Authors: Torchin Héloise , Tafflet Muriel , Charkaluk Marie‐Laure , Letouzey Mathilde , Twillhaar Sabrina , Kana Gildas , Benhammou Valérie , Marret Stéphane , Basson Eliane , Cambonie Gilles , Datin‐Dorrière Valérie , Guellec Isabelle , Lebeaux Cécile , Muller Jean‐Baptiste , Nuytten Alexandra , Kaminski Monique , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Pierrat Véronique
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study compared neurodevelopmental screening questionnaires completed when preterm‐born children reached 2 years of corrected age with social communication skills at 5.5 years of age.

Methods

Eligible subjects were born in 2011 at 24–34 weeks of gestation, participated in a French population‐based epidemiological study and were free of motor and sensory impairment at 2 years of corrected age. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) were used at 2 years and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) at 5.5 years of age.

Results

We focused on 2119 children. At 2 years of corrected age, the M‐CHAT showed autistic traits in 20.7%, 18.5% and 18.2% of the children born at 24–26, 27–31 and 32–34 weeks of gestation, respectively (p = 0.7). At 5.5 years of age, 12.6%, 12.7% and 9.6% risked social communication difficulties, with an SCQ score ≥90th percentile (p = 0.2). A positive M‐CHAT score at 2 years was associated with higher risks of social communication difficulties at 5.5 years of age (odds ratio 3.46, 95% confidence interval 2.04–5.86, p < 0.001). Stratifying ASQ scores produced similar results.

Conclusion

Using parental neurodevelopmental screening questionnaires for preterm‐born children helped to identify the risk of later social communication difficulties.
Improving dairy farmers’ welfare in Indonesia: Does cooperative membership matter?
Authors: Toiba Hery , Rahman Moh Shadiqur , Hartono Rachman , Retnoningsih Dwi
Published: March 2024

Dairy farmers in developing countries face numerous challenges, including price instability, limited credit access, outdated technology adoption, market barriers, and poverty. Cooperatives offer promising solutions to farmers’ problems and help them enhance their agricultural sustainability. Although the impact of cooperative membership has been widely investigated, little evidence is found in dairy farming households. This study estimates the impact of cooperative membership on dairy farmers’ household incomes, net returns, and profits from dairy products (processed and fresh milk). The cross‐sectional data were collected from 300 dairy farmers in East Java, Indonesia. Inverse probability weighting with regression adjustment (IPWRA) and two‐stage predictor substitution (2SPS) were used in the analysis to address the selection bias in the estimation. The findings are corroborated by a robustness check using propensity score matching. The results show that dairy farmers’ decisions to join a cooperative are positively and significantly influenced by farming experience, transportation ownership, number of cattle owned, and involvement in social activities and are negatively influenced by age. Cooperative membership significantly improves farmers’ welfare by increasing their household incomes, net returns, and profits from fresh milk products. However, the membership reduces profits from processed milk products. These findings suggest that the government should encourage farmers to participate actively in cooperatives.
Clofarabine monotherapy in aggressive, relapsed and refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Parekh Deevyashali , Lin Howard , Batajoo Akanksha , Peckham‐Gregory Erin , Karri Vivekanudeep , Stanton Whitney , Scull Brooks , Fleishmann Ryan , El‐Mallawany Nader , Eckstein Olive S. , Prudowsky Zachary D. , Gulati Nitya , Agrusa Jennifer E. , Ahmed Asra Z. , Chu Roland , Dietz Matthew S. , Goldman Stanton C. , Hogarty Michael D. , Imran Hamayun , Intzes Stefanos , Kim Jenny M. , Kopp Lisa M. , Levy Carolyn Fein , Neff Philip , Pillai Pallavi M. , Sisk Bryan A. , Schiff Deborah E. , Trobaugh‐Lotrario Angela D. , Walkovich Kelly , McClain Kenneth L. , Allen Carl E.
Published: March 2024

Over 50% of patients with systemic LCH are not cured with front‐line therapies, and data to guide salvage options are limited. We describe 58 patients with LCH who were treated with clofarabine. Clofarabine monotherapy was active against LCH in this cohort, including heavily pretreated patients with a systemic objective response rate of 92.6%, higher in children (93.8%) than adults (83.3%). BRAFV600E+ variant allele frequency in peripheral blood is correlated with clinical responses. Prospective multicentre trials are warranted to determine optimal dosing, long‐term efficacy, late toxicities, relative cost and patient‐reported outcomes of clofarabine compared to alternative LCH salvage therapy strategies.
Impact of an enhanced recovery protocol in frail patients after intracorporeal urinary diversion
Authors: Zennami Kenji , Kusaka Mamoru , Tomozawa Shuhei , Toda Fumi , Ito Kazuki , Kawai Akihiro , Nakamura Wataru , Muto Yoshinari , Saruta Masanobu , Motonaga Tomonari , Takahara Kiyoshi , Sumitomo Makoto , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: March 2024

Objective

To determine whether an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol enhances bowel recovery and reduces postoperative ileus (POI) in both non‐frail and frail patients after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC).

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 186 patients (104 with and 82 without ERAS) who underwent iRARC between 2012 and 2023. ‘Frail’ patients was defined as those with a low Geriatric‐8 questionnaire score (≤13). The primary outcomes were postoperative bowel recovery and the incidence of POI. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30‐ and 90‐day complications, 90‐day readmission rate, and POI predictors.

Results

The ERAS group exhibited a significantly shorter LOS, early bowel recovery, a lower POI rate, fewer 90‐day high‐grade complications, and fewer 90‐day readmissions than the non‐ERAS group in the entire cohort. Non‐frail patients in the ERAS group had a lower rate of POI (7.1% vs. 22.1%; P = 0.008), whereas ERAS did not reduce POI in frail patients (44.1% vs. 36.6%; P = 0.50). In the multivariate analysis, ERAS was associated with a reduced risk of POI in both the entire cohort (odds ratio [OR] 0.39, P = 0.01) and in non‐frail patients (OR 0.24, P = 0.01), whereas ERAS was not likely to reduce POI (OR 1.14, P = 0.70) in frail patients. Prehabilitation was identified as a favourable predictor of POI.

Conclusions

The ERAS protocol did not reduce POI in frail patients after iRARC, although it enhanced bowel recovery and reduced POI in non‐frail patients. Prehabilitation for frail patients might reduce POI.
A ‘te ao Māori’ disaster risk reduction framework
Authors: Rout Matthew , Awatere Shaun , Reid John , Campbell Emily , Huang Annie , Warmenhoven Tui
Published: March 2024

An ongoing change in legislation means decision‐makers in Aotearoa New Zealand need to incorporate ‘mātauranga’ (Māori knowledge/knowledge system) in central and local government legislation and strategy. This paper develops a ‘te ao Māori’ (Māori worldview) disaster risk reduction (DRR) framework for non‐Māori decision‐makers to guide them through this process. This ‘interface framework’ will function as a Rosetta Stone between the ‘two worlds’. It intends to help central and local officials trained in Western knowledge‐based disciplines by translating standard DRR concepts into a te ao Māori DRR framework. It draws on previous work examining Māori DRR thinking to create a novel framework that can help these stakeholders when they are converting higher‐level theoretical insights from mātauranga Māori into more practical ‘on the ground’ applications. This type of interface is essential: while Indigenous knowledge's utility is increasingly recognised nationally and internationally, a gap remains between this acknowledgement and its practical and applied integration into emergency management legislation and strategy.
Genetic diversity of lion populations in Kenya: Evaluating past management practices and recommendations for future conservation actions
Authors: Chege Mumbi , Sewalt Bobbie , Lesilau Francis , de Snoo Geert , Patterson Bruce D. , Kariuki Linus , Otiende Moses , Omondi Patrick , de Iongh Hans , Vrieling K. , Bertola Laura D.
Published: March 2024

The decline of lions (Panthera leo) in Kenya has raised conservation concerns about their overall population health and long‐term survival. This study aimed to assess the genetic structure, differentiation and diversity of lion populations in the country, while considering the influence of past management practices. Using a lion‐specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panel, we genotyped 171 individuals from 12 populations representative of areas with permanent lion presence. Our results revealed a distinct genetic pattern with pronounced population structure, confirmed a north‐south split and found no indication of inbreeding in any of the tested populations. Differentiation seems to be primarily driven by geographical barriers, human presence and climatic factors, but management practices may have also affected the observed patterns. Notably, the Tsavo population displayed evidence of admixture, perhaps attributable to its geographic location as a suture zone, vast size or past translocations, while the fenced populations of Lake Nakuru National Park and Solio Ranch exhibited reduced genetic diversity due to restricted natural dispersal. The Amboseli population had a high number of monomorphic loci likely reflecting a historical population decline. This illustrates that patterns of genetic diversity should be seen in the context of population histories and that future management decisions should take these insights into account. To address the conservation implications of our findings, we recommend prioritizing the maintenance of suitable habitats to facilitate population connectivity. Initiation of genetic restoration efforts and separately managing populations with unique evolutionary histories is crucial for preserving genetic diversity and promoting long‐term population viability.
A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions
Authors: Ricard‐Blum Sylvie , Vivès Romain R. , Schaefer Liliana , Götte Martin , Merline Rosetta , Passi Alberto , Heldin Paraskevi , Magalhães Ana , Reis Celso A. , Skandalis Spyros S. , Karamanos Nikos K. , Perez Serge , Nikitovic Dragana
Published: March 2024

Mammalian glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), except hyaluronan (HA), are sulfated polysaccharides that are covalently attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). This article summarizes key biological findings for the most widespread GAGs, namely HA, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS), keratan sulfate (KS), and heparan sulfate (HS). It focuses on the major processes that remain to be deciphered to get a comprehensive view of the mechanisms mediating GAG biological functions. They include the regulation of GAG biosynthesis and postsynthetic modifications in heparin (HP) and HS, the composition, heterogeneity, and function of the tetrasaccharide linkage region and its role in disease, the functional characterization of the new PGs recently identified by glycoproteomics, the selectivity of interactions mediated by GAG chains, the display of GAG chains and PGs at the cell surface and their impact on the availability and activity of soluble ligands, and on their move through the glycocalyx layer to reach their receptors, the human GAG profile in health and disease, the roles of GAGs and particular PGs (syndecans, decorin, and biglycan) involved in cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis, the possible use of GAGs and PGs as disease biomarkers, and the design of inhibitors targeting GAG biosynthetic enzymes and GAG–protein interactions to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Transparency and citizen support for public agencies: The case of foreign aid
Authors: Heinzel Mirko , Reinsberg Bernhard , Swedlund Haley
Published: March 2024

Can public agencies boost support for their mandate by being more transparent? We examine this important question in the context of foreign aid. Skepticism about foreign aid spending is common among citizens. This article argues that bilateral aid agencies can increase support for foreign aid by enhancing transparency. The article presents findings from three survey experiments involving a representative sample of 2058 British citizens, as well as observational data at the cross‐national level. The results suggest that transparency reforms are among the most effective institutional interventions for increasing public support. They also suggest that transparency is most effective at increasing public support amongst those who are initially more skeptical of aid and the civil service. Finally, they suggest that citizens do not have strong preferences about the type of information disclosed. They reward all types of transparency.
Estimating the economic effects of US state and local fiscal policy: A synthetic control method matching‐regression approach
Authors: Rickman Dan S. , Wang Hongbo
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we advance the empirical literature on US state and local fiscal policymaking by using the synthetic control method (SCM) to create pairwise matches for states in subsequent regression analysis of the relationships between state and local fiscal policies and several state economic outcomes. Additional contributions include the use of principal component analysis to construct broader narratives of state economic performance and to reduce the dimensionality of the characteristics used in SCM matching, while the regressions also include variables to control for post‐matching economic shocks. Compared to conventional regression analysis, the SCM matching‐regression approach better addresses potential endogeneity, reduces interpolation bias, and creates fiscal policy measures that better reflect policy differences. The SCM‐matched regressions produce more statistically significant relationships between state and local fiscal variables and economic outcomes than do the conventional unmatched regressions, suggesting improved identification of state and local fiscal policy effects on economic outcomes. Robust relationships found include negative economic effects of the own‐source revenue burden and property taxes. Consistent with the existing literature, the estimated fiscal policy effects are quantitatively small and unlikely to drive differences in state economic performance.
Analysis of microbial community succession and characteristic flavour during dry ageing of Yanbian beef
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Peng Anqi , Zhao ChangCheng , Sun Depeng , Li Tingyu , Wang Juan , Li Hongmei , Mu Baide , Li Guanhao , Piao Chunxiang
Published: March 2024

Dry‐aged beef is highly regarded for its unique flavour and nutritional value, yet gaps persist in our understanding of its microbial community structure, flavour pathways, and microbe–flavour relationship. In this study, Yanbian cattle buttocks were dry‐aged under varying temperature and humidity conditions and a wind speed of 1.2 m s−1. High‐throughput sequencing was used to assess microbial community diversity. In dry‐aged beef, the predominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with the dominant genera including Candidatus Bacilloplasma, Streptococcus, ZOR0006, and Lactobacillus. Fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, featuring prominent genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Cladosporium. During dry ageing, Yanbian beef flavour metabolites exhibited a significant increase in certain flavour amino acids, total amino acids, and volatile flavour compounds. Most of the metabolites are concentrated near the Penicillium. This study contributes to understanding the characteristic flavours in dry‐aged beef and the microbial fermenters involved in this process.
Effects of fat unsaturation degree on whipping performance and foam stability of fat‐reduced aerated emulsions
Authors: Gao Ziwei , Xu Hua , Fan Qinyuan , Xie Pengkai , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo , Jin Jun
Published: March 2024

Aerated emulsions formulated with vegetable oils have been widely consumed with health demands of tea‐based drinks and coffee. In comparison with its traditional counterparts consisting of 30%–40% of fats, that is, whipping creams, the aerated emulsions containing less than 20% vegetable oils are classified as low fat‐cream‐like products and popular with consumers preferring fat‐reduced foods. However, unstable whipping capabilities are the typical quality defects of these low fat‐emulsions, which is highly related with partial coalescence of fat globules. In the present study, effects of unsaturation degree and fatty acid species of fat matrix on whipping capabilities of the aerated emulsions were evaluated by analysing crystal networks, partial coalescence behaviours, whipping performance, and foam structure and stabilities. Increase of fat unsaturation from 10% to 30% improved fat crystal structure and partial coalescence significantly. In particular, 10%–15% of medium chain‐fatty acids present in the emulsions with 30% unsaturated fats tended to crystallise into well‐packed thicker crystals, and to exhibit the highest partial coalescence rate with nearly 60% of solid fat content at whipping temperature. Both the fat species and unsaturation contributed to forming smooth appearance and desirable foam networks after whipping. In contrast, further increase in unsaturation resulted in significant reduction of adsorbed proteins, contributing to excessive aggregation of fat globules. Therefore, it presented negative effects on partial coalescence as well as foam firmness and stabilities. The results figured out characteristics of fat matrix for the manufacture of low fat‐aerated creams with improved whipping capabilities.
Almond flour a by‐product of oil extraction: nutritional characterisation and impact on rheological properties of premixes for bakery products
Authors: Burbano Juan José , Correa María Jimena
Published: March 2024

The press cake of almond oil extraction contains macro‐ and micronutrients of high nutritional quality. From the milling of this press cake, almond flour (AF) is obtained. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the nutritional and techno‐functional properties of AF and the impact of AF (10%, 20% and 30%) addition on rheological and techno‐functional properties of wheat flour, and maize and potato starches. AF presented a high level of lipids (43.56%), oleic acid being the major one. However, AF presented a long estimated shelf life (18 months). Also, AF was a good source of Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Moreover, AF added to wheat flour reduced water absorption and dough farinograph stability. Besides, AF caused a reduction of starch swelling and retrogradation, evidenced by lower peak viscosity and setback values in the viscoamylograph curves of wheat flour; maize and potato starches. This study showed the potential impact of AF use for the development of new bakery products.
Advances of metabolomic in exploring phenolic compounds diversity in cereal and their health implications
Authors: Kathuria Deepika , Thakur Sheetal , Singh Narpinder
Published: March 2024

The field of metabolomics has undergone substantial growth, particularly in its application to cereals and their derived products. This comprehensive analytical technique offers insights into the complex and dynamic metabolic profiles of cereals and their derivatives, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the composition, quality, and nutritional aspects of these. Various techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), chromatography coupled with MS, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were employed to explore the diverse range of metabolites present in cereals. Studies have focused on different aspects that alter the metabolic profile of cereals and their derived products. The present article elucidates the impact of factors such as genotype, growing conditions, and processing methods on the metabolite composition of cereals. Additionally, it has facilitated the identification of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, contributing to the development of functional foods. Metabolomics approaches enabled the detection of different phenolics, and other essential metabolites in cereals and their derived products, and their modulatory effects on human health. The advances in metabolomics are considered as a powerful tool for developing innovative and healthier cereal‐based products.
Implications of the storage conditions and production system on the physical properties of eggs: a multivariate data analysis study
Authors: Cozzolino Daniel , Sanal Pooja , Soumeh Elham Assadi , Dekkers Milou Helene , Anderson Molly , Boisen Sheree , Hoffman Louwrens Christiaan
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to apply multivariate data analytical methods to evaluate the effect of both storage conditions (cold and room temperature) and production systems (cage and free range) on the physical properties of chicken eggs produced under tropical conditions. The results of this study indicated that most of the physical quality parameters (Haugh units, egg weight, albumin height, yolk colour, shell breaking and shell thickness) measured in the egg samples stored at room temperature (RT) were lower compared with egg samples stored in cold room (CT) conditions. The weight loss rate (WLR) was higher in the egg samples from RT compared with CT conditions. Both egg samples from either CT storage conditions or FR production system had the best quality parameters (high Haugh units, heavy egg weights and low WLR). The highest classification rate using linear discriminant analysis was obtained for the prediction of systems of production where egg samples from cage (C) and FR were 83% and 80% correctly classified. However, the classification of weeks of storage provides with intermediate classification results based on the physical parameters measured where 75% and 72% of the samples were correctly classified as stored in CT or RT storage conditions, respectively. The utilisation of multivariate data analysis allowed for the analysis of all the variables at the time without the need to isolate effects such as birds age, housing systems or by the solely interpretation of a single parameter.
Effect of the electrostatic field on fish deterioration: the case of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)
Authors: Fiorile Giovanni , Puleo Sharon , Ferraioli Annachiara , Cantone Alessandra , Valentino Vincenzo , De Filippis Francesca , Torrieri Elena , Di Monaco Rossella
Published: March 2024

The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) being a species very rich in long‐chain fatty acids, it is subject to rapid spoilage with consequent sensory losses. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the effect of a low‐voltage electrostatic field (DENBA+) on the quality of fresh anchovies in a refrigerated environment. During 9 days of storage, anchovy samples were analysed from a chemical (TVB‐N and TBARS), physical (texture analysis), microbiological (microbial count) and sensory (QIM) point of view and compared to control samples (without the electrostatic field). DENBA+ technology was able to reduce of 20% the QI score increment rate with respect to the control sample justified by a better quality of the samples after 7 days of storage. In addition, loads of spoiling microbes were significantly lower in DENBA+ after 9 days of storage. This non‐thermal technology has shown positive effects for long periods of storage.
High color‐purity broad orange‐red emission of Mn2+‐doped transparent phosphate glass–ceramics embedded NaYP2O7 crystals
Authors: Liang Haozhang , Lin Xiangtao , Ma Nanshan , He Longqing , Tong Juxia , Luo Zhiwei , Ye Lingying , Lu Anxian
Published: March 2024

In this work, novel Mn2+‐doped transparent NaYP2O7 glass–ceramics were prepared through melt‐quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. The surface crystallization method was confirmed based on the differential scanning calorimeter, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope characterization. As the increase and prolong of the heat‐treatment temperature and time, the crystallinity of the NaYP2O7 glass–ceramics increases, while the transmittance gradually decreases. The optimal heat‐treatment regime is identified to be crystallized over 4 h at 580°C based on the crystallinity and transmittance. Under the excitation of 408 nm, both the Mn2+‐doped precursor glass and glass–ceramic crystallized at 580°C for 4 h generate a broad emission at 620 nm (4T2(g)→6A1(s)) with a full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of ∼107 nm. The glass–ceramics exhibit higher emission intensity and longer decay lifetime than that of precursor glass with the aid of the low phonon energy NaYP2O7 crystals. The Mn2+‐doped glass–ceramic exhibits stable orange‐red luminescence with the chromaticity coordinates of (0.568, 0.428), low correlation color temperature of 1 800 K, high color purity of 98.88%, and low thermal quenching (70% at 373 K of the initial intensity at 298 K). The above results indicate that Mn2+‐doped transparent NaYP2O7 glass–ceramics have promising potential for orange‐red color display devices.
The effect of early childhood caries on chewing function and tolerated food texture levels in preschool children
Authors: Mustuloğlu Şeyma , Özsin Özler Cansu , Uzamış Tekçiçek Meryem , Serel Arslan Selen
Published: March 2024

Background

The early form of caries can affect solid food consumption.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of oral health status on chewing performance, and tolerated food texture among preschool children suffering from early childhood caries (ECC).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample of 109 children aged between 3 and 6 years, who were allocated to three groups (severe‐ECC (s‐ECC), ECC and control) on the basis of their caries. Chewing function was evaluated by using the ‘Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS)’ and the Turkish version of the ‘Mastication Observation and Evaluation instrument (T‐MOE)’, and the tolerated food texture was determined by the ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)’. Carious lesions, oral hygiene and gingival health status were evaluated by using the ‘decayed, missing, filled tooth/surface indices (dmft/s)’, ‘plaque and gingival indices’; respectively.

Results

A total of 56 children (51.4%) had s‐ECC, 39 (35.8%) had ECC and 14 (12.8%) had no caries (control group). KCPS showed that 26 (86.7%) children suffering from s‐ECC were at level 1, and 11 (100%) children were at level 2. Seven (100%) children with s‐ECC had IDDSI level‐5. All children with healthy oral status had IDSSI level‐7. Compared to the ECC and control groups, the s‐ECC group had significantly lower scores from the T‐MOE total and subscale scores (p < .001).

Conclusion

The evaluation of chewing performance during routine dental examinations of children with ECC (especially s‐ECC) may considerably contribute to the early diagnosis of chewing problems and the provision of necessary oral rehabilitation.
Too sensitive or not sensitive enough? Sensitivity to context and justice‐involved youths' response to violence exposure
Authors: Sbeglia Colleen , Smith Curtis Donovyn , Frick Paul J. , Steinberg Laurence , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

With high rates of violence exposure among justice‐involved youth, it is critical to identify factors that might impact the likelihood of youth engaging in violence themselves. One such factor is sensitivity to context, which describes how sensitive youth are to experiences in their environment. Using an ethnically diverse sample of justice‐involved male adolescents (47% Latino, 38% Black/African American, 15% White) aged 13‐17 at the time of their first arrest, the results of this study indicate that exposure to violence was related to increased violent behavior six months later, and this effect was strongest among youth who were low in sensitivity to context. These findings may help practitioners identify which youth are at greatest risk for violence in a policy‐relevant population.
Genetic analysis of impaired healing responses after periodontal therapy in type 2 diabetes: Clinical and in vivo studies
Authors: Nakagawa Keita , Watanabe Kazuki , Mizutani Koji , Takeda Kohei , Takemura Shu , Sakaniwa Eri , Mikami Risako , Kido Daisuke , Saito Natsumi , Kominato Hiromi , Hattori Atsuhiko , Iwata Takanori
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the impaired healing response by diabetes after periodontal therapy.

Background

Outcomes of periodontal therapy in patients with diabetes are impaired compared with those in patients without diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying impaired healing response to periodontal therapy have not been sufficiently investigated.

Materials and Methods

Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and lean (ZL) rats underwent experimental periodontitis by ligating the mandibular molars for one week. The gingiva at the ligated sites was harvested one day after ligature removal, and gene expression was comprehensively analyzed using RNA‐Seq. In patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), the corresponding gene expression was quantified in the gingiva of the shallow sulcus and residual periodontal pocket after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Results

Ligation‐induced bone resorption and its recovery after ligature removal were significantly impaired in the ZDF group than in the ZL group. The RNA‐Seq analysis revealed 252 differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis demonstrated the enrichment of downregulated genes involved in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. PPARα and PPARγ were decreased in mRNA level and immunohistochemistry in the ZDF group than in the ZL group. In clinical, probing depth reduction was significantly less in the T2D group than control. Significantly downregulated expression of PPARα and PPARγ were detected in the residual periodontal pocket of the T2D group compared with those of the control group, but not in the shallow sulcus between the groups.

Conclusions

Downregulated PPAR subtypes expression may involve the impaired healing of periodontal tissues by diabetes.
The long‐term effect of periodontitis treatment on changes in blood inflammatory markers in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Zeng Xiancheng , Wang Xiane , Guan Xiaoyuan , Feng Xianghui , Lu Ruifang , Meng Huanxin
Published: March 2024

Background

Periodontitis is characterized by local inflammatory conditions in the periodontium, its severe form has been associated with elevated systemic inflammatory markers. However, the long‐term effects of periodontal inflammation control on systemic inflammatory markers are unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the long‐term effects of periodontal therapy on the levels of peripheral venous blood inflammatory markers in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), all of whom were now diagnosed as Stage III or IV Grade C periodontitis.

Methods

Patients with GAgP were consecutively recruited from April 2013 to August 2014 (T0). Active periodontal treatment (APT) was provided, and follow‐ups were conducted over a 3‐ to 5‐year period (T1). Clinical parameters were assessed and fasting venous blood was collected at T0 and T1. Complete blood cell counts were obtained, and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the levels of serum components. The correlations between probing depth (PD) and hematological parameters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 49 patients with GAgP completed APT and follow‐ups. Probing depth (PD) reduced from 5.10 ± 1.07 mm at T0 to 3.15 ± 0.65 mm at T1. For every 1‐mm reduction in PD after treatment, the neutrophil count, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio, and total protein concentration were reduced by 0.33 × 109/L, 0.26, and 1.18 g/L, respectively. In contrast, the albumin/globulin ratio increased by 0.10.

Conclusion

This study indicated that periodontal therapy may have beneficial effects on peripheral venous blood inflammatory markers in patients with GAgP during long‐term observation.
An expedited model for identifying potential patients with periodic leg movements
Authors: Chen Po‐Yueh , Lin Shang‐Yang , Wu Chung‐Sheng , Hung Shih‐Han , Chen David Hsin‐Kuang , Liu Wen‐Te , Lin Yi‐Chih
Published: March 2024

Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) may have crucial consequences in adults. This study aimed to identify baseline characteristics, symptoms, or questionnaires that could help to identify sleep‐disordered breathing patients with significant PLMS. Patients aged 20–80 years who underwent polysomnography for assessing sleep disturbance were included. Various factors such as sex, age, body measurements, symptoms, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), and sleep quality scales were analysed to determine the presence of PLMS. The study included 1480 patients with a mean age of 46.4 ± 13.4 years, among whom 110 (7.4%) had significant PLMS with a PLM index of 15 or higher. There were no significant differences observed in terms of sex or BMI between patients with and without significant PLMS. However, the odds ratios (OR) for PLMS were 4.33, 4.41, and 4.23 in patients who were aged over 50 years, had insomnia, or had an ESS score of less than 10, respectively. Notably, the OR increased up to 67.89 times in patients who presented with all three risk factors. Our analysis identified significant risk factors for PLMS: age over 50, self‐reported insomnia, and lower daytime sleepiness levels. These findings aid in identifying potential PLMS patients, facilitating confirmatory examinations and managing associated comorbidities.
Spatial and temporal recruitment variability of sandy subtidal megabenthic populations on an open coastline influenced by a tsunami caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake
Authors: Sugiura Daisuke , Fukui‐Hashizume Shotaro , Noro Hideki , Fujikawa Yoshikazu
Published: March 2024

The spatial distribution and size structure of two infaunal filter‐feeding bivalves, that is, Sakhalin surf clam Spisula sachalinensis (Schrenck, 1862) and dwarf sunray surf clam Mactra crossei (Dunker, 1877), and an epibenthic deposit feeder, namely the sand dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis (A. Agassiz, 1864), were investigated on an open sandy beach in northern Japan after the tsunami caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Settlement of S. sachalinensis was relatively abundant in the 2011‐ and 2012‐year classes, but then substantially decreased until the early months of 2013. The 0+‐year‐old distribution was associated mainly with a depth gradient and weakly with the median grain size of the sediment. Mactra crossei had (1) an inverse trend in long‐shore variation in abundance at 2+ years of age and (2) later‐post‐settlement processes that regulated its population dynamics, compared to those of S. sachalinensis. The 2010‐year classes for both Mactridae species survived until 2+ years of age, although their abundance showed a high level of spatial variation. Scaphechinus mirabilis showed fine‐scale spatial variation in their recruitment dynamics. The cross‐shore distribution of S. mirabilis showed a clear ontogenetic shift from shallow to deep water. The cross‐shore distribution of small S. mirabilis (<40 mm in test diameter) overlapped that of the juvenile S. sachalinensis, but their interaction was unclear. Overall, the level of spatial and temporal recruitment variation was relatively high in each species. However, the tsunami has scarcely influenced the cross‐shore distribution and population structure of each species.