bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro activity of encapsulated lactic acid bacteria on aflatoxin production and growth of Aspergillus Spp
Authors: mohammadi Rouhollah , Abbaszadeh Sepideh , Sharifzadeh Aghil , Sepandi Mojtaba , Taghdir Maryam , Youseftabar Miri Najmeh , Parastouei Karim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the potential ability of simultaneously used L. acidophilus(LA‐5), L.rhamnosus(LGG), and L.casei(LC‐01) in encapsulated (E) and nonencapsulated (NE) forms in mycelial growth of Aspergillus spp and aflatoxin production by A. flavus. In order to assess the zone of fungal growth inhibition by E and NE lactic acid bacteria, the agar well diffusion method was applied. Quantification of aflatoxin was performed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography technique. Lactic acid bacteria exhibited high antifungal activity and significantly reduced AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 production in both E and NE forms compared to the control group. The percentage of reduction in total AFs production in treated samples with E and NE lactic acid bacteria was 94.1% and 95.5%, respectively. These results suggested that simultaneously used lactic acid bacteria in E and NE forms can prevent growth and decrease aflatoxin production of toxigenic aspergilla.
Utilization of Plantago major seed mucilage containing Citrus limon essential oil as an edible coating to improve shelf‐life of buffalo meat under refrigeration conditions
Authors: Noshad Mohammad , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Jooyandeh Hossein , Rahmati‐Joneidabad Mostafa , Hemmati Kaykha Mohsen Ebrahimi , Ghodsi Sheikhjan Mitra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study is aimed to develop a novel edible coating based on Plantago major seed mucilage (PMSM) and Citrus limon essential oil (CLEO) to increase the shelf‐life of buffalo meat during cold storage. The CLEO was firstly isolated by the hydrodistillation method, and it contained mainly limonene (40.5%) and carene (15.4%) with remarkable antioxidant activity (55.7%, 63.8%, and 51.85% based on the DPPH‐radical scavenging, ABTS‐radical scavenging, and carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching tests, respectively) and antibacterial effect against some pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. The CLEO (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) was then incorporated into PMSM solution to develop a novel CLEO‐loaded PMSM edible coating for improving the shelf‐life of buffalo meat. The edible coating was able to significantly reduce the progression of lipid oxidation (peroxide value) and microbial growth (total viable count, psychrotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi) in buffalo meat during storage period of 10 days at 4°C in comparison with the control (noncoated sample). The meat hardness and sensory properties (i.e., odor, color, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability) were also maintained better upon edible coating applications. Based on the results, the CLEO‐rich PMSM edible coating could be applied as a new and effective preservative to improve the stability of meat products to lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage.
Informed options trading around holidays
Authors: Ryu Doojin , Yu Jinyoung 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe use a high‐quality microstructure data set of KOSPI 200 index options to examine the patterns of informed options trading around holidays, depending on options market characteristics. The information content of options trading increases around holidays, and this holiday effect is pronounced for out‐of‐the‐money calls and at‐the‐money puts. Informed large trades reinforce the holiday effects for out‐of‐the‐money call options. Foreign investors are generally informed, and their out‐of‐the‐money options trades are even more informed after holidays. Although domestic investors are less informed than their foreign competitors, their options trades seem to convey information both before and after holidays.
Disproportionate costs of uncertainty: Small bank hedging and Dodd‐Frank
Authors: Kim Raymond 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUncertainty in banking regulation may impose widespread economic costs by increasing financial constraints on credit availability. Four years of Dodd‐Frank uncertainty over undecided risk weightings increased regulatory uncertainty for smaller banks, restricting “vanilla” interest rate hedging activities. This paper uses newly reported mortgage banking data as an identification strategy and finds that when costs of uncertainty are removed, small banks hedge 97%–120% more interest rate risk while mortgage securitization income increases by 65.2% compared to large banks. These findings support the need for tailored regulations that consider the higher costs of regulatory uncertainty for smaller banks.
Third Parties
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe lead article in the Hastings Center Report's November‐December 2020 issue reconsiders the rationale for requiring that patients have a prescription from a physician to obtain a drug. Madison Kilbride, Steve Joffe, and Holly Fernandez Lynch conclude that growing respect for patient autonomy should lead to a new default for drug access: drugs should be available over the counter unless there are special concerns about harms to third parties or about patients' ability to make decisions for themselves. This conclusion would be a substantial reorientation of drug policy in the United States. Bioethics at a societal level is a theme in the second article, “The Social Risks of Science,” and throughout the issue.
Structural Injustices in Our Nonideal World
Authors: Chung Ryoa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMadison Powers and Ruth Faden's book Structural Injustice: Power, Advantage, and Human Rights (Oxford University Press, 2019), is an invaluable contribution to help us grasp the contemporary ills of our nonideal world. The authors' general claim is that the concept of structural injustice allows us to identify the causes and social processes leading to the violation of human rights and the production of unfair systems of disadvantage and privilege. Building on Powers and Faden's well‐known thesis that social justice is concerned with the achievement of a sufficient level of well‐being, the book delves into an in‐depth discussion of their conceptual framework, incorporating concrete examples to illustrate their analysis.
Human Genome Editing and a Global Socio‐bioethics Approach
Authors: Nie Jing‐Bao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA global socio‐bioethics is called upon to address the ethical challenges arising from the revolutionary gene editing technologies such as CRISPR‐Cas9, which offers the capability to rewrite the human genome. The ethical inquiry Françoise Baylis has undertaken in the book Altered Inheritance: CRISPR and the Ethics of Human Genome Editing (Harvard University Press, 2019) operates at individual, societal and global levels. Baylis has not only presented insights on how to practice “slow science” and achieve broad societal consensus through empowering the public, but she also shown what a global socio‐bioethics approach can offer for the further development of bioethics.
Ethnoracial patterns of violence in Guatemala: An empirical examination of the relationship between Mayan‐majority municipalities and homicide rates in Guatemala
Authors: Lesniewski Jacob , Kang Ezer , Qin Lu , Helmuth James 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe current study empirically tests the relationship between homicide rates and the population of indigenous Mayans at the municipal level in Guatemala. Using data from the most recent Guatemalan Census (2018) and independently aggregated national police data on homicides, we also propose models of possible pathways for the relationship between the ethnoracial composition of municipal population and homicide rates. Due to consistent non‐normal distribution of demographic data in Guatemala, we used a maximum likelihood estimation of linear regression models and nonparametric bootstrapping method to test the theoretical relationships. The results showed a strong negative relationship between Mayan majority municipalities and homicide rates, mediated by living in municipality of birth. Findings suggest that attachment to place in Mayan majority municipalities in Guatemala is a strong protective factor for exposure to homicide, even in areas of high out‐migration.
A study of community knowledge, attitudes, practices, and health in Pakistan during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Khaliq Nayab 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ongoing outbreak of novel Coronavirus originated from Wuhan, China, and vigorously spread throughout the globe causing serious concerns. This study aimed to appraise the community demographics, knowledge, attitudes, practices mental health, symptoms, and precautionary measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Pakistan. This study was a cross‐sectional and observational study. An online semi‐structured questionnaire was designed by freely available Google Forms. A Referral Sampling technique was used, a total of 439 responses were recorded and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Regression analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were done to test the hypothesis. This study shows more than 63% of participants maintain social distancing at their workplaces, offices, markets, and so forth and 59% of participants stayed at their homes during the lockdown. Almost 75% of participants did not attend any gathering during COVID‐19. Most participants (75.4%) wear masks and gloves, and 85.6% of participants wash their hands with soap and using hand sanitizer regularly. This study shows that 40.8% and 36.2% of participants felt anxiety and fear due to Coronavirus. This study shows that knowledge among the population in Pakistan about COVID‐19 was low. Continued efforts are needed to address knowledge, attitudes, and practices to interrupt novel Coronavirus transmission.
Program staff perspectives on implementing youth‐initiated mentoring with systems‐involved youth
Authors: Spencer Renée , Drew Alison L. , Horn John P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractYouth‐initiated mentoring (YIM) is an approach to mentor recruitment that represents a significant departure from how formal mentoring typically has been conceptualized and carried out, most notably by having youth identify their own mentors. Despite enthusiasm for YIM, implementation can require significant shifts in program practices. Given the limited resources with which most mentoring programs have to work, it is important to discern staff investment in YIM and what it takes for programs to implement this approach. This study explored YIM implementation at the organizational level through interviews with mentoring program staff (n = 11) and addressed motivations of mentoring program staff to implement YIM, how their programs implemented this approach, and their perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to successful YIM implementation.
Amelioration of diabetes‐induced inflammation mediated pyroptosis, sarcopenia, and adverse muscle remodelling by bone morphogenetic protein‐7
Authors: Aluganti Narasimhulu Chandrakala , Singla Dinender K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic myopathy involves hyperglycaemia and inflammation that causes skeletal muscle dysfunction; however, the potential cellular mechanisms that occur between hyperglycaemia and inflammation, which induces sarcopenia, and muscle dysfunction remain unknown. In this study, we investigated hyperglycaemia‐induced inflammation mediating high‐mobility group box 1 activation, which is involved in a novel form of cell death, pyroptosis, diabetic sarcopenia, atrophy, and adverse muscle remodelling. Furthermore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7), an osteoporosis drug, to treat pyroptosis, and diabetic muscle myopathy.MethodsC57BL6 mice were treated with saline (control), streptozotocin (STZ), or STZ + BMP‐7 to generate diabetic muscle myopathy. Diabetes was established by determining the increased levels of glucose. Then, muscle function was examined, and animals were sacrificed. Gastrocnemius muscle or blood samples were analysed for inflammation, pyroptosis, weight loss, muscle atrophy, and adverse structural remodelling of gastrocnemius muscle using histology, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsA significant (P < 0.05) increase in hyperglycaemia leads to an increase in inflammasome (high‐mobility group box 1, toll‐like receptor‐4, and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein 3) formation in diabetic muscle cells. Further analysis showed an up‐regulation of the downstream pyroptotic pathway with significant (P < 0.05) number of positive muscle cells expressing pyroptosis‐specific markers [caspase‐1, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐18, and gasdermin‐D]. Pyroptotic cell death is involved in further increasing inflammation by releasing pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6. Structural analysis showed the loss of muscle weight, decreased myofibrillar area, and increased fibrosis leading to muscle dysfunction. Consistent with this finding, BMP‐7 attenuated hyperglycaemia (~50%), pyroptosis, inflammation, and diabetic adverse structural modifications as well as improved muscle function.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we report for the first time that increased hyperglycaemia and inflammation involve cellular pyroptosis that induces significant muscle cell loss and adverse remodelling in diabetic myopathy. We also report that targeting pyroptosis with BMP‐7 improves diabetic muscle pathophysiology and muscle function. These findings suggest that BMP‐7 could be a potential therapeutic option to treat diabetic myopathy.
Exposure to glucocorticoids alters life history strategies in a facultatively paedomorphic salamander
Authors: Bohenek Jason R. , Leary Christopher J. , Resetarits William J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolyphenisms, where two or more alternative, environmentally‐cued phenotypes are produced from the same genotype, arise through variability in the developmental rate and timing of phenotypic traits. Many of these developmental processes are controlled or influenced by endogenous hormones, such as glucocorticoids, which are known to regulate a wide array of vertebrate ontogenetic transitions. Using the mole salamander, Ambystoma talpoideum, as a model, we investigated the role of glucocorticoids in regulating facultative paedomorphosis, an ontogenetic polyphenism where individuals may delay metamorphosis into terrestrial adults. Instead, individuals reproduce as aquatic paedomorphic adults. Paedomorphosis often occurs when aquatic conditions remain favorable, while metamorphosis typically occurs in response to deteriorating or “stressful” aquatic conditions. Since glucocorticoids are central to the vertebrate stress response and are known to play a central role in regulating obligate metamorphosis in amphibians, we hypothesized that they are key regulators of paedomorphic life history strategies. To test this hypothesis, we compared development of larvae in outdoor mesocosms exposed to Low, Medium, and High exogenous doses of corticosterone (CORT). Results revealed that body size and the proportion of paedomorphs were both inversely proportional to exogenous CORT doses and whole‐body CORT content. Consistent with known effects of CORT on obligate metamorphosis in amphibians, our results link glucocorticoids to ontogenetic transitions in facultatively paedomorphic salamanders. We discuss our results in the context of theoretical models and the suite of environmental cues known to influence facultative paedomorphosis.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of peripheral blood reveals an epigenetic signature associated with severe COVID-19
Authors: Corley Michael J , Pang Alina P S , Dody Kush , Mudd Philip A , Patterson Bruce K , Seethamraju Harish , Bram Yaron , Peluso Michael J , Torres Leonel , Iyer Nikita S , Premeaux Thomas A , Yeung Stephen T , Chandar Vasuretha , Borczuk Alain , Schwartz Robert E , Henrich Timothy J , Deeks Steven G , Sacha Jonah B , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly pathogenic RNA virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans. Although most patients with COVID-19 have mild illness and may be asymptomatic, some will develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are capable of hijacking the epigenetic landscape of host immune cells to evade antiviral defense. Yet, there remain considerable gaps in our understanding of immune cell epigenetic changes associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection pathology. Here, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 9 terminally-ill, critical COVID-19 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 plasma viremia compared with uninfected, hospitalized influenza, untreated primary HIV infection, and mild/moderate COVID-19 HIV coinfected individuals. Cell-type deconvolution analyses confirmed lymphopenia in severe COVID-19 and revealed a high percentage of estimated neutrophils suggesting perturbations to DNAm associated with granulopoiesis. We observed a distinct DNAm signature of severe COVID-19 characterized by hypermethylation of IFN-related genes and hypomethylation of inflammatory genes, reinforcing observations in infection models and single-cell transcriptional studies of severe COVID-19. Epigenetic clock analyses revealed severe COVID-19 was associated with an increased DNAm age and elevated mortality risk according to GrimAge, further validating the epigenetic clock as a predictor of disease and mortality risk. Our epigenetic results reveal a discovery DNAm signature of severe COVID-19 in blood potentially useful for corroborating clinical assessments, informing pathogenic mechanisms, and revealing new therapeutic targets against SARS-CoV-2.
Baseline incision characteristics and early scar maturation indices following cardiac device implantation
Authors: Mehta Nishaki Kiran , Morgaenko Katerina , Haines David , Rojas‐Pena Edward , Heard Brittney , Malhotra Rohit , Darby Andrew , Mangrum James Michael , Mason Pamela , Campbell Christopher , Bilchick Kenneth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsDermatologic evaluation for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has not been established. We sought to ascertain baseline wound scar features using quantifiable surgical tools and scar scales on post‐CIED patients.MethodsA single‐center, prospective observational case‐control study was performed where 92 study subjects (40 healthy volunteers and 52 post‐CIED patients) completed the study. Durometer was used to quantify skin pliability before CIED placement, postprocedure, and 2 weeks postprocedure. Higher durometer readings signified reduced skin pliability. Durometer readings were compared to the patients’ contralateral pectoral skin and to a healthy volunteer's cohort skin within the prepectoral region. Patient wounds were observed and graded using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Manchester Scar Scale (MSS).ResultsBaseline pectoral skin pliability readings were similar in healthy volunteers and CIED patient population. In comparison to preprocedural measurements, surgical site skin pliability decreased in postprocedural and 2 weeks follow‐up time points (P‐value .004 and <.001, respectively). The increases in durometer readings were higher in the older population (age >75 over time, P = .008). POSAS evaluations showed on average a thin painless hypopigmented scar with moderate stiffness. MSS scar evaluation showed a palpable scar with slight contour differences and color mismatch and appeared to be slightly better in the African American population. There was no difference in scar characteristics with preprocedural use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation or staple closure or gender.ConclusionsSerial measurements could be of value for development of new strategies for cosmesis and improved wound healing.
Enhancing the performance of micro‐enterprises through market orientation: Evidence from Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikerema Lyn , Makanyeza Charles 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn most developing economies, micro‐enterprises provide an important source of jobs and make a major contribution to economic growth. However, many of these businesses struggle and often fail within a short space of time. This study was conducted to understand the extent to which micro‐enterprises have implemented market orientation, the effect of market orientation and its associated dimensions on performance, and the influence of a manager's individual characteristics on the relationship between market orientation and performance. Data were collected from a cross‐section of 342 managers of micro‐enterprises, which were randomly selected from local industries in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The results show that competitor orientation, inter‐functional coordination, and market orientation each had a significant positive effect on performance. However, it was also found that managers' characteristics—gender, age, and education—did not moderate the effect of market orientation on performance. The results indicate that micro‐enterprises should embrace market orientation to improve their performance.
Huawei's linkages with local firms in Tanzania: Idiosyncratic benefits and risks
Authors: Rwehumbiza Deusdedit. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMultinational enterprises are often characterized as forming a link between domestic firms and the overall welfare effect in host economies. However, there have been few studies of the idiosyncratic benefits and risks of firms in low‐income developing countries. Moreover, existing studies have been mainly based on archival, large‐scale datasets. Hence, based on spillover and linkage theories, this paper employs a triangulation technique to study Huawei in Tanzania to fill this gap. The findings show that concerted efforts need to be made between the host government and local firms to encourage appropriate linkages to avoid risks and to serve as channels for beneficial spillovers. The implications for practice and future research are discussed and a conceptual model is developed which this study suggests could be used to spur welfare effects in low‐income developing countries.
Effects of different solid‐state fermentation ratios of S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum on physico‐chemical properties of wheat bran and the quality of whole wheat bread
Authors: Zhang Duqin , Tan Bin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe addition of wheat bran (WB) could improve the nutritional quality of whole wheat bread (WWB); however, it also caused many negative effects on the quality of bread. To improve the physico‐chemical properties of WB and the quality of WWB, WB was solid‐state fermented with different ratios of commercially available S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum, and utilized to prepare WWB.RESULTSThe physico‐chemical properties of WB including dietary fiber content and its components, amino acid composition, and antioxidant activities were determined. After solid‐state fermentation, the physico‐chemical properties of WB were improved. WBSac:Lac = 2:1 showed higher antioxidant activity (only the total antioxidant activity was slightly lower than WBSac:Lac = 1:1), and greater concentration of soluble dietary fiber (9.22%) and essential amino acids / total amino acids (42.04) than the other WB samples. Whole wheat bread quality was investigated by measuring specific volume, porosity, texture, aroma, and volatile compounds. The WWB made with WBSac:Lac = 2:1 showed a higher specific volume, more uniform porosity structure, better texture, and more volatile compounds than the other samples.CONCLUSIONUsing a ratio of yeast and lactobacilli of 2:1, the solid‐state fermentation maximally improves the processing properties of WB, and prepares WWB with the best quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry