bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence, toxicity, dietary exposure, and management of Alternaria mycotoxins in food and feed: A systematic literature review
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Liu Cheng , van der Fels‐Klerx H. J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAlternaria mycotoxins are emerging contaminants frequently detected in food products and threaten human health. This systematic review aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of scientific data and knowledge and gaps therein of natural occurrence, toxicological effects, dietary exposure, and prevention and control management of Alternaria mycotoxins in food and feed. A systematic review has been performed, using the databases Scopus and PubMed, retrieving relevant scientific papers published in English from 2011 to 2024. Alternaria mycotoxins are widely present in various food and feed products, with tomatoes and cereals being the most contaminated products. From the Alternaria mycotoxins, tenuazonic acid (TeA) and alternariol were reported with the highest detection rate and concentrations. Identified toxicological effects vary between the different Alternaria mycotoxins and include carcinogenicity, immune toxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Dietary exposure assessments for Alternaria mycotoxins have been conducted in several countries but vary in their scope. The calculations and risk values suggest that exposure of children to TeA via their diet is close to their tolerable daily intake. A similar finding has been reported for exposure of adults to alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether via food consumption. Most Alternaria mycotoxins are heat‐stable and cannot easily be removed during food processing; therefore, prevention and control measures for Alternaria mycotoxin contamination in food and feed are crucial. Fungicide and biocontrol applications have been shown effective in reducing Alternaria fungal growth and toxin production, and the development of predictive models may be promising. Collectively, they can contribute to mitigating the impact of Alternaria mycotoxins on human health.
Enhancing drying characteristics and quality of fruits and vegetables using biochemical drying improvers: A comprehensive review
Authors: Suo Kui , Yang Zhenfeng , Wu Lili , Zhang Yang , Feng Yabin , Xu Baoguo , Zhou Cunshan , Shi Liyu , Chen Wei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTraditional drying is a highly energy‐intensive process, accounting for approximately 15% of total manufacturing cost, it often resulting in reduced product quality due to low drying efficiency. Biological and chemical agents, referred to as biochemical drying improvers, are employed as pretreatments to enhance both drying characteristics and quality attributes of fruits and vegetables. This article provides a thorough examination of various biochemical drying improvers (including enzymes, microorganisms, edible film coatings, ethanol, organic acids, hyperosmotic solutions, ethyl oleate alkaline solutions, sulfites, cold plasma, carbon dioxide, ozone, inorganic alkaline agents, and inorganic salts) and their effects on improving the drying processes of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it introduces physical drying improvers (including ultrasonic, pulsed electric field, vacuum, and others) to enhance the effects of biochemical drying improvers. Pretreatment with biochemical agents not only significantly enhances drying characteristics but also preserves or enhances the color, texture, and bioactive compound content of the dried products. Meanwhile, physical drying improvers reduce moisture diffusion resistance through physical modifications of the food materials, thus complementing biochemical drying improvers. This integrated approach mitigates the energy consumption and quality degradation typically associated with traditional drying methods. Overall, this review examines the role of biochemical agents in enhancing the drying characteristics and quality of fruits and vegetables, offering a comprehensive strategy for energy conservation and quality improvement.
A comprehensive review of effects of ultrasound pretreatment on processing technologies for food allergens: Allergenicity, nutritional value, and technofunctional properties and safety assessment
Authors: Pang Lidong , Chen Chen , Liu Ming , Huang Zhen , Zhang Wei , Shi Jia , Yang Xinyan , Jiang Yujun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMany proteins are essential food components but also major allergens. Reducing protein allergenicity while preserving its nutritional value and technofunctional properties has always been the goal of the food industry. Ultrasound (US) is a green processing method for modifying proteins. In addition, US pretreatment combined with other processing techniques (USPCT) has been increasingly used in the food industry. Therefore, this review presents an overview of recent advances in the impact of US and USPCT (US‐combined enzymatic hydrolysis [USCE], US‐combined glycation [USCG], and US‐combined polyphenol conjugation [USCP]) on the allergenicity, nutritional value, and technofunctional properties of food allergens. We discuss the potential mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of these technologies for improving the properties of proteins and analyze their safety, challenges, and corresponding solutions. It was found that USPCT can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of different methods, which in turn can be more effective in reducing protein allergenicity and improving the nutritional value and functional properties of processed products. Future research should start with new processing methods, optimization of process conditions, industrial production, and the use of new research techniques to promote technical progress. This paper is expected to provide reference for the development of high‐quality hypoallergenic protein raw materials.
Appraising the role of biotics and fermented foods in gut microbiota modulation and sleep regulation
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Negi Pradeep Singh 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSleep disturbances are increasingly prevalent, significantly impacting physical and mental health. Recent research reveals a bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and sleep, mediated through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. This review examines the role of gut microbiota in sleep physiology and explores how biotics, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fermented foods, can enhance sleep quality. Drawing from animal and human studies, we discuss neurobiological mechanisms by which biotics may influence sleep, including modulation of neurotransmitters, immune responses, and hormonal regulation. Key microbial metabolites, such as short‐chain fatty acids, are highlighted for their role in supporting sleep‐related neurochemical processes. Additionally, this review presents dietary strategies and food processing technologies, like fermentation, as innovative approaches for sleep enhancement. Although promising, the available research has limitations, including small sample sizes, variability in biotic strains and dosages, and reliance on subjective sleep assessments. This review underscores the need for standardized protocols, objective assessments such as polysomnography, and personalized biotic interventions. Emerging findings highlight the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota modulation for sleep improvement, though further large‐scale human trials are essential to refine strain selection, dosage, and formulation. This interdisciplinary exploration seeks to advance food‐based interventions and holistic strategies for managing sleep disorders and improving quality of life.
Partisan temporal selective news avoidance: Evidence from online trace data
Authors: Heseltine Michael , Barnehl Hennes , Wojcieszak Magdalena 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe assess the phenomenon of partisan temporal selective avoidance, or individuals dynamically altering their news consumption when news is negative toward their in‐ and out‐party. Using nine months of online behavioral data (27,648,770 visits) from 2,462 Americans paired with machine learning classifications, we examine whether changing daily news sentiment toward in‐ and out‐party (macro‐level) and exposure to articles negative toward in‐ or out‐party during one's browsing session (micro‐level) influence news use. We test if partisans change their consumption of (a) news overall, (b) partisan outlets, (c) hard versus soft news, and (d) individual articles. We find support for partisan temporal selective news avoidance; partisans alter the volume, type, and source of news because of changing news sentiment. On the macro‐level, partisan asymmetries emerge, and on the micro‐level negative news about either party reduce news browsing length while increasing hard news and negative news visits for both Democrats and Republicans.
Inequitable Ethnic and Rural Variations in Mammographic Surveillance of Breast Cancer Survivors in Regional Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Joret Maximilian O. , Davenport Emily 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveNew Zealand and international guidelines recommend surveillance mammography in breast cancer survivors. Ethnic breast cancer‐specific diagnosis, treatment and survival inequities exist in Aotearoa New Zealand. Surveillance mammography uptake remains poorly studied internationally and has never been studied in AoNZ. We aim to study surveillance mammography uptake in our region and to probe for unrecognised ethnic and rural inequities.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTaranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand.ParticipantsSurveillance mammogram candidates who received potentially curative surgery for breast cancer between January 2008 and December 2010.Main Outcome MeasurePatients' surveillance mammogram opportunity fulfilment rates in the first 10 post‐operative years were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsOnly two thirds of all surveillance mammogram opportunities in our patient's first ten post‐operative years were fulfilled. Fulfilment rates decrease significantly with time. Māori and those living rurally are significantly less likely to reach fulfilment rates of ≥ 70% even when accounting for covariates such as age, deprivation, healthcare system and oncology follow up.ConclusionHealthcare providers have a responsibility to distribute the benefits of health care equitably. This study reports previously unrecognised inequities affecting Māori and rural patients and calls for further research and policy to improve engagement of breast cancer survivors with surveillance mammography and healthcare equity in AoNZ.
EGLN1 mutations in Cis can induce congenital erythrocytosis with thromboses by increasing protein instability
Authors: Carillo Serge , Delamare Marine , Henry Laurent , Maaziz Nada , Safraou Hana , Gardie Betty , Lavabre‐Bertrand Thierry 
Published: January 2025

SummaryHereditary congenital erythrocytosis results from constitutive activation of the hypoxia pathway. This pathway is controlled by regulation of the α isoforms of the hypoxia‐inducible factor α/β heterodimer, notably via hydroxylation by prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2). Mutations affecting PHD2 are involved in Type 3 erythrocytosis. We report an atypical family bearing two PHD2 mutations located in Cis (L195H and E225D) transmitted in a dominant feature, together with a phenotypic analysis, structural modelling and functional study. Mutations have a cumulative effect, with E255D playing the major role, and severely compromised PHD2 stability, probably explaining why the hypoxia pathway at the origin of the disease is activated.
Detecting somatic variants in purified brain DNA obtained from surgically implanted depth electrodes in epilepsy
Authors: Mascarenhas Rumika , Merrikh Daria , Khanbabaei Maryam , Kaur Navprabhjot , Ghaderi Navid , Maroilley Tatiana , Liu Yiping , Soule Tyler , Appendino Juan Pablo , Jacobs Julia , Wiebe Samuel ,   the Calgary Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Collaborators, Hader Walter , Pfeffer Gerald , Tarailo‐Graovac Maja , Klein Karl Martin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveSomatic variants causing epilepsy are challenging to detect, as they are only present in a subset of brain cells (e.g., mosaic), resulting in low variant allele frequencies. Traditional methods relying on surgically resected brain tissue are limited to patients undergoing brain surgery. We developed an improved protocol to detect somatic variants using DNA from stereoelectroencephalographic (SEEG) depth electrodes, enabling access to a larger patient cohort and diverse brain regions. This protocol mitigates issues of contamination and low yields by purifying neuronal nuclei using fluorescence‐activated nuclei sorting (FANS).MethodsSEEG depth electrodes were collected upon extraction from 41 brain regions across 17 patients undergoing SEEG. Nuclei were isolated separately from depth electrodes in the affected brain regions (seizure onset zone) and the unaffected brain regions. Neuronal nuclei were isolated using FANS, and DNA was amplified using primary template amplification. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and postsequencing allelic imbalance assessment were used to evaluate sample integrity. High‐quality amplified DNA samples from affected brain regions, patient‐matched unaffected brain regions, and genomic DNA were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). A bioinformatic workflow was developed to reduce false positives and to accurately detect somatic variants in the affected brain region.ResultsBased on DNA yield and STR analysis, 14 SEEG‐derived neuronal DNA samples (seven affected and seven unaffected) across seven patients underwent WES. From the variants prioritized using our bioinformatic workflow, we chose four candidate variants in MTOR, CSDE1, KLLN, and NLE1 across four patients based on pathogenicity scores and association with phenotype. All four variants were validated using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction.SignificanceOur approach enhances the reliability and applicability of SEEG‐derived DNA for epilepsy, offering insights into its molecular basis, facilitating epileptogenic zone identification, and advancing precision medicine.
Comparative analysis of clinical, haematological and serum biochemical profiles in polo horses and their sedentary counterparts
Authors: Akinniyi O. O. , Okuneye D. T. , Alaba B. A. , Banwo O. G. , Koleosho S. A. , Jeremiah O. T. , Omobowale T. O. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryBackgroundRegular exercise benefits horses' overall health; yet data on long‐term physiological adaptations in polo horses remains limited.ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare the clinical, haematology and serum biochemical profiles of polo and sedentary horses.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsForty adult mares (20 sedentary and 20 polo), aged 10–15 years, were evaluated. The polo horses had competed in three major high‐goal and nine medium/low‐goal tournaments in the previous 12 months and received daily exercise, while the sedentary horses were for leisure and kept in their stalls most of the time with no physical activity. The study evaluated the following clinical parameters at rest: respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein via 10 mL syringes and analysed for haematological and biochemical parameters. Independent t test was used for statistical analysis, with a p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.ResultsPolo horses showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) resting respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure compared to sedentary horses. Haematologically, polo horses exhibited higher (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (37.2 ± 5.9% vs. 33.1 ± 3.0%), haemoglobin (12.1 ± 2.1 vs. 10.8 ± 1.0 g/dL), red blood cells (5.9 ± 1.1 vs. 5.2 ± 0.8 × 106/μL) and platelets (127.4 ± 17.7 vs. 108.1 ± 20.5 × 109/μL). Biochemically, polo horses demonstrated higher (p < 0.05) total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, total bilirubin, creatine kinase, and high‐density lipoprotein, while showing lower (p < 0.05) aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in rectal temperature, diastolic blood pressure, most white blood cell parameters, glucose, electrolytes and several other biochemical markers.ConclusionRegular polo training induces favourable physiological adaptations. Future research should track these changes longitudinally and inform improved training and care strategies for equine athletes.
Paraneoplastic pruritus in a 7‐year‐old Slovak Warmblood with malignant round cell tumour
Authors: Rovňanová N. , Kostolániová V. , Lešková K. , Csizmár S. H. , Žert Z. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryA 7‐year‐old Slovak Warmblood gelding, used as a police horse, initially presented to the referral clinic as a 5‐year‐old, with a prominent nonhealing, itchy hypertrophic scar on the distal limb, which required surgical removal. After removal of the scar and successful closure of the skin, it was necessary to bandage the healing wound to prevent self‐mutilation as the site remained pruritic post‐operatively. Two years later, the horse was presented to the clinic again, but this time with pruritic and alopecic regions of the head, neck, limbs and base of the tail. Attempts to find the cause of dermal irritation included dermatological, parasitological, microbiological and ultrasonographic examination. Treatment with corticosteroids, antiparasitics and antibiotics were not successful. Further investigation, due to the horse's worsening general status, subsequently identified marked pleural effusion. Cytology of the pleural fluid confirmed there was, as suspected, neoplastic changes in the thoracic cavity. Upon post‐mortem, there were gross pathological changes of the lymphatic tissue of the cranial mediastinum, surroundings of the thoracic aorta and the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity. Histology of the lymphatic nodes confirmed poorly differentiated round cell tumours. Histopathological findings suggested that there was a very aggressive form of lymphoma present. The pruritus, generalised moth‐eaten alopecia and self‐mutilation were the first symptoms of terminal disease in this case.
Factors affecting the mean electrical axis of the heart in trained Thoroughbreds
Authors: Felici M. , Pratelli P. , Gazzano A. , Cecchi F. , Incastrone G. , Bernabò N. , Baragli P. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryBackgroundAssuming that the ventricular myocardium of horses is subjected to exercise‐induced hypertrophy, we hypothesised that the mean electrical axis (MEA) of the heart would change.ObjectivesTo define a longitudinal study to detect any changes in the direction of the MEA in Thoroughbred horses using ECG.Study designECGs were recorded on each horse in each training group at day 0 (T0), 1 month (T1) and 2 months (T2) of training.MethodsA total of 43 Thoroughbred horses in training in Italy were recruited. The horses were divided into three groups according to age. The ECGs were recorded by positioning the electrodes according to Dubois's method for measuring MEA in the frontal plane. Intervals with artefact‐free QRS complexes in both bipolar DI and augmented unipolar aVF leads were selected, and the vector obtained was identified as the MEA. The statistical analysis was performed via generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) and principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsA statistically significant effect of time passing between T0 and T2 (p < 0.001) and an interaction between time and sex on the MEA was found (p = 0.04). PCA revealed that the population studied had different patterns, with three horses showing higher variability in the MEA direction.Main limitationsThere was no good sex balance in the age groups of the population studied, and there was no control group. The 1‐month sampling intervals of ECGs may have been too short. Confirmatory studies are needed.ConclusionsWe believe that our results are the first to suggest that training may lead to changes in MEA orientation in horses. Sex and individuality were found to influence MEA orientation and may have contributed to the difficulty in detecting training‐dependent changes in MEA to date.
Human Footprint and Forest Disturbance Reduce Space Use of Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) Across Europe
Authors: Hertel Anne G. , Parres Aida , Frank Shane C. , Renaud Julien , Selva Nuria , Zedrosser Andreas , Balkenhol Niko , Maiorano Luigi , Fedorca Ancuta , Dutta Trishna , Bogdanović Neda , Bragalanti Natalia , Chiriac Silviu , Ćirović Duško , Ciucci Paolo , Domokos Csaba , Fedorca Mihai , Filacorda Stefano , Finďo Slavomir , Groff Claudio , de Gabriel Hernando Miguel , Huber Djuro , Ionescu Georgeta , Jerina Klemen , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Kindberg Jonas , Kojola Ilpo , Mertzanis Yorgos , Palazon Santiago , Pop Mihai I. , Psaralexi Maria , Quenette Pierre Yves , Sergiel Agnieszka , Skuban Michaela , Zlatanova Diana , Zwijacz‐Kozica Tomasz , De Barba Marta 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThree‐quarters of the planet's land surface has been altered by humans, with consequences for animal ecology, movements and related ecosystem functioning. Species often occupy wide geographical ranges with contrasting human disturbance and environmental conditions, yet, limited data availability across species' ranges has constrained our understanding of how human pressure and resource availability jointly shape intraspecific variation of animal space use. Leveraging a unique dataset of 758 annual GPS movement trajectories from 375 brown bears (Ursus arctos) across the species' range in Europe, we investigated the effects of human pressure (i.e., human footprint index), resource availability and predictability, forest cover and disturbance, and area‐based conservation measures on brown bear space use. We quantified space use at different spatiotemporal scales during the growing season (May–September): home range size; representing general space requirements, 10‐day long‐distance displacement distances, and routine 1‐day displacement distances. We found large intraspecific variation in brown bear space use across all scales, which was profoundly affected by human footprint index, vegetation productivity, and recent forest disturbances creating opportunity for resource pulses. Bears occupied smaller home ranges and moved less in more anthropized landscapes and in areas with higher resource availability and predictability. Forest disturbances reduced space use while contiguous forest cover promoted longer daily movements. The amount of strictly protected and roadless areas within bear home ranges was too small to affect space use. Anthropized landscapes may hinder the expansion of small and isolated populations, such as the Apennine and Pyrenean, and obstruct population connectivity, for example between the Dinaric Pindos population and the Alpine or Carpathian population. Our findings call for actions to maintain bear movements across landscapes with high human footprint, for example by maintaining forest integrity, to support viable bear populations and their ecosystem functions.