bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spontaneously fermented curly kale juice: Microbiological quality, nutritional composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Szutowska Julia , Rybicka Iga , Pawlak‐Lemańska Katarzyna , Gwiazdowska Daniela 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTNondairy fermented products, such as fruit and vegetable juices, are gaining popularity among consumers worldwide for health‐related and economic reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in microbiological quality; antimicrobial and antioxidant activity; and phenolic, vitamin C, minerals, and cadmium content occurring during spontaneous fermentation of curly kale juice. The fermentation process contributed to a significant growth of lactic acid bacteria, enterococci, and yeasts, while no pathogens of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were observed. The antimicrobial properties of the obtained juice improved during fermentation for all indicator microorganisms. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity increased from 48 to 116 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 mL and from 4.5 to 6.8 mM Trolox/100 mL, respectively, while the content of vitamin C decreased. The results indicated that 100 mL of juice provided a significant contribution to the recommended mineral intake. Moreover, the content of heavy metal Cd was within acceptable limit (6 µg/kg). Overall, our findings indicate that fermented curly kale juice may become popular in the functional food sector, especially among vegetarians and consumers with lactose intolerance or allergy to milk proteins.Practical ApplicationAs the market for fermented fruit and vegetable products grows, new plant materials rich in biologically active compounds are being sought. Considering the high demand for sauerkraut, the fermentation of other cruciferous vegetables seems interesting. One example is curly kale, which has been classified as “superfood” due to its numerous beneficial health properties, such as strong antioxidant activity, high vitamins, and minerals content. In addition, a market niche exists due to a lack of fermented green curly kale products on the market, making our study particularly relevant.
Systematic evaluation of nutritional and safety characteristics of Hengshan goat leg meat affected by multiple thermal processing methods
Authors: Jiao Yang , Liu Yongfeng , Quek Siew Young 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHengshan goat meat produced exclusively in Shaanxi province of China is the product of national geographical indication. In current study, nutritional and safety indexes of Hengshan goat leg meat were investigated and the quality changes induced by seven commonly used processing methods were systematically evaluated. Comparing with control, meats treated with thermal processing demonstrated decreased redness, enhanced texture properties, increased protein, fat and mineral contents, as well as sharply raised fatty acids. Amino acid contents in pan‐fried, deep‐fried, and roasted samples were reduced with the most obvious valine scores declined 15%, 13%, and 21%, respectively. Also, thermal treatments conducted in smoke exposure circumstances caused mass formation of nitrite and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), evidenced by the 5.8‐fold, 3.3‐fold, and 3.8‐fold increments of nitrite contents in pan‐fried, deep‐fried, and roasted meats, respectively, and the appearance of six extra PAHs. Steaming, boiling, and braising were proved to be suitable processing methods for preserving better nutritional values while delivering less carcinogenic hazard. Our results established nutritional database for Hengshan goat leg meat and provide reference for choosing its reasonable thermal processing pattern.Practical ApplicationProcessed meats showed decreased redness, enhanced texture properties, increased protein, fat and mineral contents, as well as sharply raised fatty acids compared with those of raw meat. Steaming, boiling, and braising delivered more balanced nutrition and less carcinogens in contrast to meats processed with other methods. Frying and roasting caused low amino acid levels and formed mass nitrite and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats. Our results established nutritional database for Hengshan goat leg meat and provide reference for its reasonable thermal processing.
Polylactic acid–based materials encapsulating carvacrol obtained by solvent casting and electrospinning
Authors: Tampau Alina , González‐Martínez Chelo , Chiralt Amparo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPolylactic acid (PLA) dissolved (15 wt.%) in ethyl acetate (EtAc): dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) binary systems (0:1; 1:3, and 2:3 v/v) was used as carrier to obtain carvacrol (CA)‐loaded (20 wt.% with respect to PLA) matrices by electrospinning, in comparison with solvent casting. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) observations showed that CA‐loaded electrospun fibers were thinner than the CA‐free ones, and their encapsulating efficiency (EE) increased when EtAc was present in the solvent. The cast films had higher EE (up to 89%) than the electrospun mats (maximum 68%). Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that CA‐free matrices retain more solvent than the samples with CA; this effect is being more noticeable in fibers rather than in cast films. The thermal analysis revealed stronger retention forces of CA in the fibers than in the cast material and the CA plasticizing effect in the PLA matrices, in accordance with its retained amount.Practical ApplicationThe carvacrol‐loaded polylactic acid materials obtained in this study are intended to serve as possible active layer in obtaining active (antimicrobial and/or antioxidant) multilayer materials for the packaging of foodstuffs, when applied onto a supporting polymer layer. Active properties of the material, as well as the potential carvacrol sensory impact, in packaged products should be assessed in further studies.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the HIF1A gene are associated with susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis and contribute to SSc‐PAH disease severity
Authors: Takagi Kae , Kawamoto Manabu , Higuchi Tomoaki , Tochimoto Akiko , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimHypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)1α is induced by endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that HIF1α may be involved in vascular impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HIF1A gene are associated with susceptibility to SSc and its complications, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).MethodThis study involved 182 Japanese SSc patients (discovery cohort) and 178 healthy controls. Four SNPs (rs11549465, rs11549467, rs1957757, and rs12434438) of the HIF1A gene were genotyped using specific TaqMan probes. We also employed another SSc cohort (N = 135) to validate the significant results of SNPs found in the discovery SSc cohort.ResultsThe frequencies of the four SNPs did not show any significant differences between the SSc and healthy control groups. The AA genotype at rs12434438 was significantly higher in SSc patients with PAH than in those without PAH (P = .012). These results were validated using another SSc cohort (N = 135, P = .006). Moreover, the AA genotype was significantly associated with the severity of PAH.ConclusionAlthough HIF1A gene polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to SSc, the AA genotype at rs12434438 was associated with a subset of SSc patients with severe PAH, suggesting that the rs12434438 SNP may contribute to the development of PAH with SSc.
The effects of lipid extraction on δ13C and δ15N values and use of lipid‐correction models across tissues, taxa and trophic groups
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , DaCosta Kayla P. , Hodanbosi Matthew R. , Carmichael Ruth H. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Lipid‐rich animal tissues have low δ13C values, which can lead to inaccurate ecological inferences. Chemical lipid extraction (LE) or correction models account for this depletion, but the need for LE or correction is tissue‐ and species‐specific. Also, LE can alter δ15N values, increasing labour and costs because bulk samples must be analysed for δ15N values separately.

We studied the effects of LE on δ13C and δ15N values in liver, muscle and skin of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus, two ecologically important species that occupy different trophic levels. We fit lipid‐correction models to each species. We also performed a meta‐analysis to more broadly determine the effects of LE across taxa, tissues and trophic groups (carnivores, omnivores and herbivores) and to fit lipid‐correction models to different taxonomic and trophic groups.

Lipid extraction increased the δ13C values in dolphin tissues but had little effect on manatee tissues and no effect on the δ15N values in either species. A mass balance lipid‐correction model best fit the data from all dolphin tissues, and a linear model best fit data for manatee liver while null models best fit data from manatee muscle and skin. Across 128 terrestrial and aquatic species, the effects of LE varied among tissues and were lower for herbivores compared to carnivores. The best‐fitting lipid‐correction models varied among tissue, taxa and trophic groups. Finally, the δ15N values from muscle and liver were affected by LE.

Our results strengthen the growing body of evidence that the need for LE is tissue‐ and species‐specific, without a reliable C:N ratio predictive threshold. The prediction errors of lipid‐correction models generally decreased with taxonomic and trophic specificity. The smaller effects of LE in herbivores may be due to differences in diet composition or the physiology of lipid synthesis in members of this trophic group. These results suggest that researchers should use the most species‐, tissue‐ and trophic group‐specific information on LE available and, if not available, perform LE on a subset of samples prior to analysis to determine effects.
Network structure and the optimization of proximity‐based association criteria
Authors: Gomes Ana Cristina R. , Boogert Neeltje J. , Cardoso Gonçalo C. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Animal social network analysis (SNA) often uses proximity data obtained from automated tracking of individuals. Identifying associations based on proximity requires deciding on quantitative criteria such as the maximum distance or the longest time interval between visits of different individuals to still consider them associated. These quantitative criteria are not easily chosen based on a priori biological arguments alone.

Here we propose a procedure for optimizing proximity‐based association criteria in SNA, whereby different spatial and temporal criteria are screened to determine which combination detects more network structure. If we assume that biologically relevant associations among individuals are non‐random, and that proximity data are mostly influenced by those associations, then it is logical to select criteria that minimise random associations and show the underlying network structure more clearly.

We first used simulations to evaluate which of four simple descriptors of network structure remain unbiased (i.e. do not change directionally) when reducing the number of observations, since unbiased descriptors are necessary for comparing the structure of networks using different association criteria. Then, using two of those descriptors (coefficient of variation of the strength of associations and network entropy) and empirical proximity data from automated tracking of common waxbills Estrilda astrild in a mesocosm environment, we found that the structure‐based optimization procedure selected the most biologically relevant combination of spatial and temporal proximity criteria, in the sense that those criteria were also the best at distinguishing between previously known social subgroups of individuals.

These results indicate that, provided that the assumptions for structure‐based optimization are met, this procedure can find the most biologically relevant association criteria. Thus, under the condition that proximity data are shaped by non‐random social associations, and if using adequate descriptors of network structure, structure‐based optimization may be a useful tool for SNA, particularly when a priori biological arguments are insufficient to inform the choice of proximity‐based association criteria.
Identifying the cognitive underpinnings of voice‐hearing by comparing never, past and current voice‐hearers
Authors: Toh W. L. , Tan E. J. , Neill E. , Van Rheenen T. E. , Gurvich C. , Sumner P. J. , Carruthers S. P. , Thomas E. H. X. , Rossell S. L. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to compare specific cognitive profiles corresponding to auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) status and elucidate which pattern of cognitive deficits may predict voice‐hearing status.MethodClinical participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were partitioned into: (i) current voice‐hearers (n = 46), (ii) past voice‐hearers (n = 37) and (iii) never voice‐hearers (n = 40), and compared with 319 non‐clinical controls. Cognitive assessment employed the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), supplemented by the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D‐KEFS) Colour–Word Interference Test (Stroop) as a robust measure of executive function.ResultsOn the Visual Learning domain, current and past voice‐hearers had significantly poorer performance relative to never voice‐hearers, who in turn had significantly poorer performance than non‐clinical controls. Current and never voice‐hearers had significantly poorer performance on the Social Cognition domain relative to non‐clinical controls. Current voice‐hearers also had significantly poorer performance on the Inhibition domain relative to non‐clinical controls. Binary logistic regression revealed that Visual Learning was the only significant cognitive predictor of AVH presence.ConclusionVisual learning, and potentially inhibition, may be viable therapeutic targets when addressing cognitive mechanisms associated with AVHs. Future research should focus on investigating additional cognitive mechanisms, employing diverse voice‐hearing populations and embarking on related longitudinal studies.
Platelet‐rich plasma and regenerative dentistry
Authors: Xu J , Gou L , Zhang P , Li H , Qiu S 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRegenerative dentistry is an emerging field of medicine involving stem cell technology, tissue engineering and dental science. It exploits biological mechanisms to regenerate damaged oral tissues and restore their functions. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is a biological product that is defined as the portion of plasma fraction of autologous blood with a platelet concentration above that of the original whole blood. A super‐mixture of key cytokines and growth factors is present in platelet granules. Thus, the application of PRP has gained unprecedented attention in regenerative medicine. The rationale underlies the utilization of PRP is that it acts as a biomaterial to deliver critical growth factors and cytokines from platelet granules to the targeted area, thus promoting regeneration in a variety of tissues. Based on enhanced understanding of cell signalling and growth factor biology, researchers have begun to use PRP treatment as a novel method to regenerate damaged tissues, including liver, bone, cartilage, tendon and dental pulp. To enable better understanding of the regenerative effects of PRP in dentistry, this review describes different methods of preparation and application of this biological product, and provides detailed explanations of the controversies and future prospects related to the use of PRP in dental regenerative medicine.
Protein S protects against allergic bronchial asthma by modulating Th1/Th2 balance
Authors: Asayama Kentaro , Kobayashi Tetsu , D'Alessandro‐Gabazza Corina N. , Toda Masaaki , Yasuma Taro , Fujimoto Hajime , Okano Tomohito , Saiki Haruko , Takeshita Atsuro , Fujiwara Kentaro , Fridman D’Alessandro Valeria , Nishihama Kota , Totoki Toshiaki , Inoue Ryo , Takei Yoshiyuki , Gabazza Esteban C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundBronchial asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation, obstruction, and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. There is currently no curative therapy for asthma. Type 2 helper T cell response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Protein S is a glycoprotein endowed with anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic properties. Whether protein S can suppress bronchial asthma and be useful for its therapy is unknown.MethodsTo address this question here we compared the development of allergen‐associated bronchial asthma between wild type and protein S‐overexpressing transgenic mice. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. We also evaluated the circulating levels of total and active protein S in patients with bronchial asthma and healthy controls.ResultsThe circulating level of total protein S and of its active form was significantly decreased in patients with bronchial asthma compared to controls. Allergic protein S transgenic mice showed a significant reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness, lung tissue inflammatory cell infiltration, lung levels of Th2 cytokines and IgE compared to their wild‐type counterparts. Administration of exogenous human protein S also decreased airway hyperresponsiveness and Th2‐mediated lung inflammation in allergic wild‐type mice compared with their untreated mouse counterparts. Human protein S significantly shifted the Th1/Th2 balance to Th1 and promoted the secretion of Th1 cytokines (IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐α) from dendritic cells.ConclusionsThese observations suggest the strong protective activity of protein S against the development of allergic bronchial asthma implicating its potential usefulness for the disease treatment.
Basophil sensitivity reflects long‐term clinical outcome of subcutaneous immunotherapy in grass pollen‐allergic patients
Authors: Schmid Johannes M. , Würtzen Peter A. , Siddhuraj Premkumar , Jogdand Prajakta , Petersen Claus G. , Dahl Ronald , Erjefält Jonas S. , Hoffmann Hans Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAllergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a public health problem. Allergen Immunotherapy is an effective and safe treatment, that modifies the natural course of allergic disease and induces long‐term tolerance.ObjectiveTo correlate basophil and antibody biomarkers of subcutaneous immunotherapy to clinical outcomes and cellular changes in target tissue.MethodsAdults suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen allergy were randomized to receive subcutaneous immunotherapy (n = 18) or to an open control group (n = 6). Patients reported daily symptom and medication scores and weekly rhinitis related quality of life scores during four pollen seasons. Biomarkers were measured every 3 months for three years treatment and every 6 months in the follow‐up year. Nasal and cutaneous allergen challenge tests were performed annually. Leukocyte subsets were assessed in nasal mucosa biopsies at baseline and after treatment.ResultsSubcutaneous immunotherapy led to a 447‐fold decrease in basophil sensitivity during the first treatment year. This remained 100‐fold lower than baseline during the 3 year‐treatment period and 10‐fold lower during the follow‐up year (n = 18, P = .03). Decrease in basophil sensitivity after three weeks of treatment predicted long‐term improvement in seasonal combined symptom and medication scores (ῥ=−0.69, P = .0027) during three years of treatment. AUC of IgE‐blocking factor correlated to nasal allergen challenge (ῥ = 0.63, P = .0012) and SPT (ῥ = 0.45, P = .03). Plasma cell numbers in the nasal mucosa increased during treatment (P = .02).ConclusionDecrease in basophil sensitivity after three weeks of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy predicted the clinical outcome of this treatment.
Anticipated difficult airway during obstetric general anaesthesia: narrative literature review and management recommendations.
Authors: Mushambi M. C. , Athanassoglou V. , Kinsella S. M. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryWe reviewed the literature on management of general and regional anaesthesia in pregnant women with anticipated airway difficulty. We identified 138 publications comprising 158 cases; these either described equipment or techniques for the provision of general anaesthesia, or the management of women with regional analgesia or anaesthesia, with the aim of avoiding general anaesthesia. Most of the former group described women requiring caesarean section alone, or in combination with other surgery, which was sometimes airway‐related. Management techniques were largely similar to those in non‐obstetric patients requiring surgery who have airway difficulties, although suggested differences related to physiological changes of pregnancy and avoidance of nasal intubation. In the reports discussing regional anaesthesia, consideration was often given to the possible requirement for urgent out‐of‐hours anaesthetic intervention, and the predicted difficulty of management of general anaesthesia should it be required. In a number of reported cases, multidisciplinary planning led to the conclusion that elective caesarean section should be performed in order to avoid emergency airway management. Based on this literature review, we advise antenatal planning that includes: assessment of the patient's clinical characteristics; consideration of the equipment and personnel available to provide safe airway management out‐of‐hours; and elective caesarean section should these be lacking. If general anaesthesia is required, a risk assessment must be made as to the probability of safe airway management after the induction of anaesthesia, and awake tracheal intubation should be used if this cannot be assured. Decision aids are provided to illustrate these points. Online appendices include a comprehensive compendium of case reports on the management of a number of rare syndromes and airway conditions.