bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sorghum starch: Composition, structure, functionality, and strategies for its improvement
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Khubaib , Ahmad Daraz , Amin Raheela , Bao Jinsong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is increasingly recognized as a resilient and climate‐adaptable crop that holds significant potential to enhance global food security sustainably. Compared to other common cereal grains, sorghum boasts a more diverse nutritional profile. The starch component accounts for more than 80% of total sorghum grain weight. Sorghum starch functionality and diverse industrial applications are determined by its physiochemical properties, including pasting, gelatinization, retrogradation, texture, and digestion kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the morphology, minor composition, crystalline structure, fine molecular structure, and structure–function relationships of sorghum starch. It further explores how these properties can be optimized through chemical, physical and enzymatic modifications to extend the applications of sorghum starch. Additionally, the review highlights the role of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of sorghum starch and discusses how biological modifications, enabled by advanced genetic and molecular breeding strategies, can modify starch quality. This review also provides a foundation for developing tailored sorghum varieties with enhanced starch properties that can expand applications of sorghum both in food and non‐food industries, potentially contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Rate and yield of imaging for acute pyelonephritis in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Jessica , Koolstra Christine , Smit De Villiers , Mitra Biswadev 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesThe role of imaging in acute pyelonephritis (APN) in the ED is poorly understood, with variability among clinical guidelines for when patients should be imaged, and the modality of imaging. The objective of this study was to identify the proportion of patients with APN being imaged, the proportion abnormal findings, and the association between abnormal imaging and discharge disposition.MethodsA single‐centre retrospective review of patients with a discharge diagnosis of APN at an adult tertiary referral hospital over a 5‐year period (2018–2022) was conducted. The proportion of patients with APN investigated with imaging, and abnormalities on imaging were reported. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess whether imaging was associated with change in disposition from the ED.ResultsThere were 778 patients included for analysis. Among these, 210 (27%) were investigated with ultrasound (US) and/or computed tomography (CT) in the ED. Of the 214 imaging reports available, 112 (52%) were abnormal. Imaging was associated with hospital ward admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.35–8.31) as was abnormal imaging (aOR 4.51; 95% CI 2.62–7.75). Other variables associated with hospital ward admission were higher temperature and heart rate, higher C‐reactive protein levels and poorer renal function.ConclusionsAmong patients with APN, abnormalities on imaging were common and both imaging and abnormalities on imaging were associated with hospital ward admission. This suggests that there is possible utility of early and routine imaging for patients with APN to allow clinicians to efficiently make decisions about patient disposition.
The publication rate and performance of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS) surgical conference abstracts
Authors: Fan Ka Siu , Ko Tsz Ki , Kwok Hiu Tat , Han Seung Min 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveConference abstracts and peer‐reviewed publications form the basis for research dissemination. We evaluated the abstract publication rates following their presentation at the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS) meetings between 2013 and 2019.MethodologyA systematic search and analysis was conducted in 2021 and 2023. Using abstract titles, keywords, and first and senior authors, AUGIS abstracts were queried on PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Google. Abstract, authors, journal, and time of publication were extracted and analysed.ResultsA total of 1220 abstracts were presented over 6 years of conferences, 388 of which were subsequently published. The overall publication rate was 32%, with 47% of oral publications and 29% of posters being published. Oral presentations were significantly more likely than posters to be published (P <.001). Publications spanned 134 journals, with mean and median publication times of 14 and 15 months, respectively.ConclusionsThe publication of AUGIS meeting abstracts was comparable to other surgical scientific meetings. These can serve as judging standards for projects worthy of presentations as conferences remain a crucial forum for learning and collaboration. Regardless, authors and review panels should continue to strive for high‐quality abstracts to increase the impact of their work and scientific conferences.
Anaesthesia teams´ perception of mental wellbeing, the psychosocial work environment and patient safety culture
Authors: Østergaard D. , Madsen M. D. , Cedergreen P. , Mikkelsen K. L. , Treschow F. P. , Nielsen J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMental health issues among healthcare professionals (HCPs) are rising, impacting individual wellbeing, healthcare systems, and patient safety. This exploratory study aimed to analyse the association between anaesthesia teams' perception of their mental wellbeing, psychosocial work environment, and patient safety culture in a university hospital's anaesthesiology department. Second, to identify types of stressors and strategies to overcome them. Third, to explore differences in perception by profession, gender, and years of experience. Finally, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.MethodsA questionnaire covering mental wellbeing, teamwork, psychosocial work environment, and patient safety culture was sent to all HCPs in the department in May 2021 via e‐mail. The questionnaire consisted of 35 questions, 4 demographic questions, and 2 open text fields.Results293 HCPs responded (73% response rate); 60% agreed their work is emotionally challenging, and 30% experienced weekly emotional strain. Significant differences were seen between professions in terms of stressors. Clinical situations contributed most to doctors' emotional strain, while nurses scored higher on making compromises and being busy. A strong relationship was seen between weekly/daily emotional strain and making compromises in standards, clinical situations, and busyness.ConclusionIn conclusion, all HCPs experienced emotional strain, with different causes and coping strategies across professions. Support was primarily found among colleagues and networks. Interestingly, low emotional strain correlated positively with coping, teamwork, psychological safety, and patient safety culture, suggesting an interrelation between these dimensions and HCPs' mental health. These findings may inform future conceptualisations of mental health, psychological safety, and safety culture.
Efferocytosis: The Janus‐Faced Gatekeeper of Aging and Tumor Fate
Authors: Liu Zaoqu , Li Yan , Ren Yuqing , Chen Jingqi , Weng Siyuan , Zhou Zhaokai , Luo Peng , Chen Quan , Xu Hui , Ba Yuhao , Zuo Anning , Liu Shutong , Zhang Yuyuan , Pan Teng , Han Xinwei 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFrom embryogenesis to aging, billions of cells perish daily in mammals. The multistep process by which phagocytes engulf these deceased cells without eliciting an inflammatory response is called efferocytosis. Despite significant insights into the fundamental mechanisms of efferocytosis, its implications in disorders such as aging and cancer remain elusive. Upon summarizing and analyzing existing studies on efferocytosis, it becomes evident that efferocytosis is our friend in resolving inflammation, yet it transforms into our foe by facilitating tumor development and metastasis. This review illuminates recent discoveries regarding the emerging mechanisms of efferocytosis in clearing apoptotic cells, explores its connections with aging, examines its influence on tumor development and metastasis, and identifies the regulatory factors of efferocytosis within the tumor microenvironment. A comprehensive understanding of these efferocytosis facets offers insights into crucial physiological and pathophysiological processes, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to combat aging and cancer.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP)overexpression in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus alters motivated and affective behavior in female rats
Authors: Carpenter Brody A. , Pirino Breanne E. , Jennings Malcolm C. , Samels Shanna B. , Shah Krisha S. , Maser Joya , Gupta Medha , Barson Jessica R. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been found to be involved in a wide range of motivated and affective behaviors. While the PACAP‐38 isoform is more densely expressed than PACAP‐27 in most of the brain, PACAP‐27 is more highly expressed in the rodent paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), where females also have greater expression than males. Notably, the role of PACAP‐27 expression in cells of the PVT has not been explored.MethodsAdult, female Long‐Evans rats were injected in the PVT with an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) to increase expression of PACAP or a control AAV. They were then investigated for subsequent ethanol drinking and preference; sucrose drinking and preference; or locomotor activity in a novel chamber, behavior in a light–dark box, behavior in a novelty suppression of feeding test, locomotor activity in a familiar activity chamber, and behavior in a forced swim test.ResultsInjection with the PACAP AAV resulted in a specific increase in levels of PACAP‐27. Rats injected with the PACAP AAV demonstrated reduced drinking and preference for ethanol under the intermittent‐access procedure compared to those injected with the control AAV. In contrast, rats injected with the PACAP AAV showed no significant difference in drinking or preference for sucrose, or in any affective behavior tested, except that they spent less time swimming in the forced swim test.ConclusionsIn light of the low overall level of expression of PACAP‐27 in the brain, the ability of PACAP‐27 in the PVT to control ethanol drinking, with minimal effects on other motivated or affective behaviors, supports the idea that compounds related to PACAP‐27 should be investigated as potential therapeutics for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Organic Food Consumption Might Protect Against Sensitisation to Inhalant Allergens at School Age: The PARIS Cohort
Authors: Pernin‐Schneider Maëlys , Amazouz Hélène , Lezmi Guillaume , Bourgoin‐Heck Mélisande , Just Jocelyne , Momas Isabelle , Rancière Fanny 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundInterest has grown recently in childhood diet's role in allergy development. However, the studies focusing on organic food consumption are scarce. We address the relationships between such consumption and respiratory/allergic morbidity at school age in the PARIS (Pollution and asthma risk: An infant study) cohort.MethodsDiet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire completed by the parents at 8 years. Dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis based on the consumption frequency of 30 foods (either organic or conventional) and 19 organic foods. Associations between dietary patterns and respiratory/allergic morbidity (asthma, rhinitis, eczema and sensitisation) were studied using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, including family socioeconomic status and adherence to the Mediterranean diet as a proxy for dietary balance.ResultsAmong 1258 children, three dietary patterns were identified, which differed significantly in terms of organic food consumption frequency: low frequency in G0 (51% of children), moderate in G1 (28%) and high in G2 (21%). No association was found between dietary patterns and asthma, eczema, rhinitis or sensitisation to food allergens. Children in G2 had lower likelihood of sensitisation to any allergen than those in G0 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.91), particularly to inhalant allergens (aOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42–0.99).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that frequent organic food consumption may be protective against allergic sensitisation at school age, based on the assumption that organic food consumption at the age of eight reflects consumption at earlier ages. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms for this association, including nutritional and environmental exposures.
A non‐hormonal reversible contraceptive targeting GSK3α, a protein kinase, essential for epididymal sperm maturation
Authors: Kabi Mustfa , Khamamkar Aditi , Kyei‐Baffour Kwaku , Weïwer Michel , Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan , Dey Souvik 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground and objectivesEpididymal transit renders key competence to mammalian spermatozoa for fertilizing eggs. Generally, the two paralogs of glycogen synthase kinase 3, GSK3α and GSK3β, functionally overlap except in testis and sperm. We showed that GSK3α is essential for epididymal sperm maturation and fertilization. Male infertility is the only phenotype of mice with a global or testis‐specific knockout (KO) of Gsk3α. Their sperm maturation is impaired, and sperm cannot fertilize eggs in vitro and in vivo. This suggests that GSK3α is a “male fertility kinase” in mammals and that GSK3α‐selective inhibitor is a potential male contraceptive.Materials and methodsA set of eight heterozygous Gsk3α(±) male mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of BRD0705, an isoform‐selective GSK3α inhibitor, at 20 mg/kg body weight for 1 week. Five vehicle‐treated and BRD0705‐treated mice were tested for in vivo fertility and the remaining mice were sacrificed; their caudal spermatozoa were examined for motility and biochemical properties.ResultsThe treated mice did not sire any pups while the control group sired 46 pups with a normal gestation period of 19–23 days. Continued fertility testing up to 6 weeks post‐treatment, showed that the treated mice regained fertility siring 56 pups, with 76 in the control group. Sperm motility was impaired, its abnormal morphology increased during epididymal transit, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were low, and tyrosine‐phosphorylation of hexokinase was absent: these phenotypes imitated those observed in Gsk3α KO mice. Tyrosine279‐phosphorylation of GSK3α was reduced in sperm from the treated mice showing that the GSK3α activity was inhibited. The altered sperm phenotypes returned to normal following recovery of fertility.ConclusionsComplete infertility resulted after 1 week of BRD0705‐treatment and fertility recovered after cessation of the treatment. Work is ongoing to determine the minimum dose and treatment time and the testing of new compounds with increased selectivity and inhibitory activity against GSK3α.
Tolerance of homonegativity and transnegativity predicts negative evaluations of LGBT people and LGBT‐supportive policies among US‐based heterosexual, cisgender participants
Authors: Folberg Abigail M. , Hunt Jennifer S. , Riggle Ellen D. B. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMany people in the United States express anti‐LGBT attitudes and oppose LGBT rights. These views are perpetuated when others, including allies, tolerate expressions of anti‐LGBT bias. In this study, we adapted and validated a measure of tolerance of homonegativity and transnegativity (TOHT), and assessed its associations with evaluations of LGBT people, straight people, support for LGBT rights, and system‐justifying ideologies among heterosexual, straight, binary‐gendered/non‐trans (i.e., cisgender) women and men who identified as liberal, moderate, or conservative (N = 295). Participants completed measures of TOHT, evaluations of LGBT people, support for LGBT rights, authoritarianism, religiosity, and contact with LGBT people. Analyses by gender and political ideology indicated that all groups tolerated anti‐LGBT bias to some degree. Among conservatives, women (vs. men) endorsed TOHT more and exhibited less support for LGBT rights; the opposite was true of liberals. As expected, higher TOHT scores were associated with cooler evaluations of LGBT people and less support for LGBT rights. However, after controlling for system justifying motives, that was only significant for conservatives and moderates potentially suggesting that conservatives and liberals may endorse TOHT for different reasons. Overall, findings suggest that groups traditionally regarded as allies (e.g., women, liberals) tolerate attitudes that disadvantage LGBT people.
Taiwan's digital divide during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its implications for e‐public services
Authors: Chang Carol Chiao‐Han , Wong Natalie W. M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWith the outbreak of COVID‐19, many elderly people have experienced unfavorable difficulties accompanying e‐public services during the epidemic. This study takes Village (Li) A in Xinyi District, Taipei City, as a case study, using in‐depth interviews to understand the experiences of e‐public services usage among residents aged 60 years and above, as well as local chief of village (Li Chang) and council members. In conclusion, street‐level bureaucrats proactively take on the role of “information agents” for elderly adults, assisting in listening to their real needs and facilitating the matching of them with the services they need. It points out that even though Taiwanese society is moving toward an aging and digital future, with many public services transitioning to digital forms, the abilities of street‐level bureaucrats in terms of “responsive listening” and “situational adaptation,” especially for elderly people, remain crucial and cannot be replaced by AI and information systems.
Influence of Previous Coppice Management on Stand Structure and Vegetation Diversity of 9210* Habitat Beech Forests in the Central Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Vitali Alessandro , Tesei Giulio , Allegrezza Marina , Garbarino Matteo , Iorio Giorgio , Urbinati Carlo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsForests classified as Natura 2000 priority Habitat 9210* (Apennine beech forests with Taxus baccata and Ilex aquifolium) cover most of the European beech distribution along the Italian peninsula. Most of these forests have been coppiced for centuries until 60–70 years ago, and today, some are lapsed coppices and others in conversion to high forests. In both cases there is a lack of knowledge on the ongoing ecological dynamics, especially with regard of species composition changes, that is a base for their sustainable management.LocationCentral Apennines (Italy).MethodsWe analyzed forest structure and their impact on plant diversity from 50 plots in three sites where forests have been differently managed also in relation to their private, common or public ownership. We assessed the relationships between forest structure and understory plant diversity, applying multivariate statistical analysis and running regression models for estimating the influence of forest structure variables on species richness.ResultsWe appraised the heterogeneity of the 9210* Apennines beech forests featuring five floristic‐vegetation groups with cluster analysis in four structure stand types: lapsed coppices (LPC), coppices in conversion (CCO), two‐layer coppices (TLC) and recolonized stored coppices (RSC). The Non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination shows that CCO, the most common structural type investigated, is not clearly related to any specific variable. The best models suggested that the mean cambial age and tree height can positively predict all dependent richness variables.ConclusionsThe structural and compositional diversities of these forests require an innovative management approach integrating silvicultural options commonly considered divergent (coppice vs. high forests) for providing new ecosystem services and socioeconomic opportunities for local mountain communities, to support biodiversity, and to increase forest resilience to natural disturbances.
Environmental Actions and Leadership Integrity: Unpacking Symbolic and Substantive Pro‐Environmental Behavior Impact on Organizational Perception
Authors: Nawaz Asif , Soomro Shuaib Ahmed , Talpur Qurat‐ul‐ain 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study applies signaling theory to investigate how an organization's environmental actions, in the form of symbolic (Sym) and substantive (Sub) pro‐environmental behavior (PEB), impact the perceptions of organizational hypocrisy and perceived integrity of its leaders. The authors collected data from a sample of 211 employees working in various industries at three different points with a 1‐month interval and used AMOS‐SEM for data analysis. We found a positive relationship between Sym‐PEB and organizational hypocrisy, while Sub‐PEB was negatively associated with organizational hypocrisy. Findings for mediation analyses revealed that organizational hypocrisy mediated between (a) Sym‐PEB and leaders' integrity, and (b) Sub‐PEB and leaders’ integrity. We contribute to the leadership and workplace ethics literature by highlighting important paths through which organizational environmental action impacts perceptions of organizational hypocrisy and leaders' integrity. The study reveals the multifaceted nature of organizational pro‐environmental behavior and its impact on the integrity of leaders. Our study has important implications for theory and practice.
Food Allergy Prevalence in Two Population‐Based UK Cohorts Born 12 Years Apart
Authors: Fong William , Pickett‐Nairne Kaci , Venter Manzi , Patil Veeresh , Arshad Syed Hasan , Roberts Graham C. , Dean Tara , Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh J. , Venter Carina 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdverse food reactions include food allergy (FA; immune‐mediated) and food intolerances (non‐immune‐mediated). FA are classified into IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated FA. There is limited information available about changes in FA prevalence over time.MethodsTwo cohorts of children were evaluated, born on the Isle of Wight (IOW) 12 years apart, the IOW birth cohort (IOWBC; 1989–1990) and the FA and Intolerance Research birth cohort (FAIRBC; 2001–2002). We compared the prevalence of parental reported reactions to foods (adverse food reactions), allergic sensitisation to foods and FA between the IOWBC and FAIRBC, at ages 1, 2, 3–4 and 10 years. FA included both IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated FA.ResultsReported adverse reactions to food and sensitisation rates remained stable between the two cohorts. For example, FA at age 3–4 years was reported in 9.1% (95% CI: 7.5, 10.7) in IOWBC and 8.3% (95% CI: 6.5, 10.1) in FAIRBC (p = 0.57) and food sensitisation by skin prick test at age 3–4 years was found in 3.2% (95% CI: 2.1, 4.3) in IOWBC and 4.5% (95% CI: 2.9, 6.1) in FAIRBC (p = 0.20). Confirmed FA prevalence was lower in FAIRBC than IOWBC at ages 1, 2 and 3–4, but these differences were not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. For example, FA at age 3–4 years was confirmed in 5.0% (95% CI: 3.8, 6.2) in IOWBC and 3.0% (95% CI: 1.9, 4.2) in FAIRBC (p = 0.03, significance threshold after Bonferroni correction p < 0.004). Confirmed cow's milk allergy rate was higher in IOWBC than FAIRBC at 3 years (< 0.001) but not at other time points.ConclusionOur data show no evidence of changes in rates of adverse reactions to foods, food sensitisation or food allergy during the first 10 years of life between two cohorts born in England in 1989–1990 and 2001–2002.