bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fermentation of locust bean (Parkia biglobosa): modulation in the anti‐nutrient composition, bioactive profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, functional and morphological characteristics
Authors: Yakubu Caleb Maina , Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThe present investigation was undertaken with an objective to assess the impact of fermentation temperatures (22, 30, 38 and 46 °C for 72 h) on physico‐chemical, functional and structural characteristics of locust bean (Parkia biglobosa). Alkaline fermentation treatment caused drastic reduction in anti‐nutritional factors including tannins (~65%), phytates (~60%) and saponins (~70%) owing to hydrothermal treatment and production of microbial enzymes during fermentation. Furthermore, phytochemical profile and associated antioxidant potential were enhanced due to the breakdown of cell‐wall components and polyphenolic complexes, liberating phenolic acids and flavonoids available for extraction. With respect to bioactive properties and in vitro starch and protein digestibility, the most pronounced effect was observed after fermentation at 38 °C for 72 h. The trend was also supported by scanning electron micrographs, which revealed modulation in the macromolecular‐structural arrangement. Significant and negative correlation coefficients between anti‐nutritional factors and protein digestibility (r > −0.95, P < 0.05) confirmed the degradation of protein–polyphenol matrix. Exposure of hydrophobic regions due to fermentation resulted in altered functional properties including better oil absorption capacity, higher water solubility index, reduced water absorption potential, and lower emulsification and gelation properties. Principal component analysis was further employed to statistically validate the differences among variables and observations.
Know your enemy or find your friend?—Induction of IgA at mucosal surfaces
Authors: Bemark Mats , Angeletti Davide 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMost antibodies produced in the body are of the IgA class. The dominant cell population producing them are plasma cells within the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, but many IgA‐producing cells are also found in the airways, within mammary tissues, the urogenital tract and inside the bone marrow. Most IgA antibodies are transported into the lumen by epithelial cells as part of the mucosal secretions, but they are also present in serum and other body fluids. A large part of the commensal microbiota in the gut is covered with IgA antibodies, and it has been demonstrated that this plays a role in maintaining a healthy balance between the host and the bacteria. However, IgA antibodies also play important roles in neutralizing pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract and the upper airways. The distinction between the two roles of IgA ‐ protective and balance‐maintaining ‐ not only has implications on function but also on how the production is regulated. Here, we discuss these issues with a special focus on gut and airways.
Effects of the silver nanodots on the photocatalytic activity of mixed‐phase TiO2
Authors: Tasić Nikola , Ćirković Jovana , Ribić Vesna , Žunić Milan , Dapčević Aleksandra , Branković Goran , Branković Zorica 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe present the synthesis and photocatalytic properties of mixed‐phase TiO2 nanoparticles decorated with silver nanodots obtained by environmental‐friendly wet chemical method using low molecular weight chitosan as the silver reducing agent. Structural analysis of synthesized Ag nanoparticles revealed that they crystallized in a rare hexagonal modification. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy study shows that <3‐nm hexagonal‐Ag nanoparticles are implanted on the surface of <20‐nm anatase grains. Compared to Ag‐free TiO2 powders, implantation with Ag results in important increase in visible light absorption. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was measured by monitoring decolorization of concentrated textile dye solution (50 mg L−1 of Reactive Orange 16) under simulated solar irradiation of 280 W m−2. The optimum photocatalytic properties are achieved with 5 wt% of silver. Based on the collected results, the operating mechanism of the degradation process is suggested, and the effects of the silver addition are explained.
Polaron hopping conduction mechanism and magnetic properties of Pb‐doped LaMnO3
Authors: Khan Faraz A. , Arshad M. , Abushad M. , Naseem Swaleha , Ahmed Hilal , Ansari Azizurrahaman , Chakradhary Vishal Kumar , Husain Shahid , Khan Wasi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the present work, we have synthesized La1‐xPbxMno3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) perovskites through a conventional solid‐state reaction route. The powder x‐ray diffraction data analyzed through the Rietveld refinement program confirm monophase rhombohedral distorted structure (R‐3c space group). Fourier transform infrared spectra exhibit strong and well‐defined absorption bands of a typical perovskite structure. The x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirm the elemental composition and oxidation state of various elements in the samples. Low temperature resistivity measurements do not reveal metal–semiconductor transition (MST) in the pristine sample while Pb‐doped samples show MST. The metallic region of the temperature‐dependent resistivity data is well fitted with ρ(T) = ρο + ρ2.5T2.5, which reveals the significance of electron–magnon interaction. Moreover, the semiconducting behavior of all the samples follows the Mott's variable range hopping conduction process. Additionally, the semiconducting part is also fitted with the small‐polaron hopping (SPH) model that establishes the non‐adiabatic SPH mechanism obeyed for the lower doping, whereas adiabatic mechanism for the higher Pb concentration. Magnetic studies clearly indicate a paramagnetic to weak ferromagnetic transition associated with the Pb doping that may be due to the double‐exchange mechanism between the manganese ions via oxygen orbitals. The outcomes are elucidated on the basis of substitution effect induced by Pb2+ ions.
Capital market liberalization and auditors' accounting adjustments: Evidence from a quasi‐experiment
Authors: Deng Yingwen , Hope Ole‐Kristian , Wang Cyndia , Zhang Min 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUsing a shock to the Chinese capital market and unique and detailed audit‐adjustment data, this paper investigates the effect of a capital market liberalization program on auditors’ adjustments to their clients’ financial reports. Employing difference‐in‐differences tests with propensity score matching and firm fixed effects (FE), we find that the capital market liberalization induced by the implementation of the Shanghai‐Hong Kong Stock Connect affects auditors’ professional judgment and leads to audit‐adjustment changes stimulated by greater reputational and litigation risks for auditors. Specifically, while the liberalization significantly decreases the frequency and magnitude of upward audit adjustments, the probability of downward adjustments remains the same in most cases. Further evidence shows that the effect is more pronounced for companies with high trading volume from Hong Kong investors, audited by the largest audit firms and with low financial transparency.
Genome‐wide association studies of preweaning growth and in vivo carcass composition traits in Esme sheep
Authors: Yilmaz Onur , Kizilaslan Mehmet , Arzik Yunus , Behrem Sedat , Ata Nezih , Karaca Orhan , Elmaci Cengiz , Cemal Ibrahim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSheep are considered as a major contributor of global food security. Moreover, sheep preweaning growth traits as well as in vivo carcass composition traits such as ultrasonic measurements of Longissimus dorsi muscle depth (UMD) and back‐fat thickness (UFD) are crucially important indicators of meat yield and hot carcass composition. Despite their relative importance for productivity and profitability of a sheep production system, detected QTL for these traits are quite scarce. Therefore, we implemented GWAS for these traits using animal mixed model‐based association approach provided by GenABEL in Esme sheep. Three genome‐wide and 14 individual chromosome‐wide associated SNPs were discovered. As a result, ESRP1, LOC105613082, ZNF641, DUSP5, TEAD1, SMOX, PTPRT, RALYL, POM121C, PHIP, LOC101106051, ZIM3, PEG3, TRPC7, FBXL4, LOC105610397, LOC105616489 and DNAAF2 were suggested as candidates. Some of the discovered genes and involved pathways were already annotated to contribute growth and development in various species including human, mice and cattle. All in all, the results of this study are expected to strongly contribute to shed a light on the underlying molecular mechanisms behind growth and carcass composition traits, with potential implications on studies aiming faster genetic improvement, targeted low‐resolution SNP panel designs and genome‐editing studies.
Quality of life in patients with Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ottevanger R. , van Beugen S. , Evers A.W.M. , Willemze R. , Vermeer M.H. , Quint K.D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCutaneous T‐cell Lymphoma’s (CTCL) are a rare, heterogeneous group of T‐cell lymphomas that primarily manifest in the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are considered the classic types of CTCL. The diverse manifestation of CTCL results in a wide range of symptoms with a possible mild to severe impact on Quality of Life (QoL) depending on the disease stage. Previous studies on QoL in CTCL patients report diverse patient populations and use many different QoL instruments. In the current literature, a clear overview on the influence of the different stages of disease (early MF, late‐stage MF/SS or total group) on the QoL is lacking. Therefore, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they described QoL in patients with MF and SS retrieved by standardized instruments or qualitative interviews. In total, 24 studies were included using 18 different questionnaires to report on dermatology‐specific, cancer‐specific and generic QoL. The effect on QoL was found to be greater in patients with late‐stage disease as compared to early stage disease, with significant impairments on functional, emotional and physical domains. Nonetheless, even in patients with limited disease, QoL was mildly to moderately affected. Overall, pruritus was the most frequent reported and most bothersome symptom. Significant influence of the disease on daily life activities were found, not only in patients but also on caregivers and family. This broad, structured overview on QoL in MF and SS patients underlines the influence of disease stage on QoL, and therefore, recommends future studies to distinguish between disease stages when reporting results. Furthermore, this overview can inform clinicians in clinical practice by creating awareness of QoL deficits according to disease stage.
An innovative application of follicular unit extraction technique in the treatment of bromhidrosis
Authors: Li H. , Zhang X. , Wei W. , Zhang L. , Chen Z. , Cao M. , Cheng J. , Du L. , Zhao J. , Fang Z. , Li X. , Chen P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurgery is the most effective way to treat bromhidrosis, but postoperative complications are still the biggest obstacles for patients to choose surgical treatment.ObjectivesTo introduce an innovative application of follicular unit extraction (FUE) in the treatment of bromhidrosis.MethodsWe conducted a case series study on 20 patients who received FUE technique for the treatment of bromhidrosis. The axillary hair follicles were extracted with a one‐millimetre punch. The released hair follicles were collected for histological examination. After the operation, the wounds were wrapped with moderate pressure. The dressing was removed 24 h after the FUE operation. The postoperative complications were collected, and the improvement of malodour was evaluated by the 10‐point visual analogue scale.ResultsImmediately postoperation, many needle‐shaped holes appeared in the armpits. The holes healed 7 days after the operation, with no scar or pinpoint‐like scars. Except for a female who complained of mild pain in the left armpit, no other patients had any discomfort. The malodour level varied between 0 and 4 during the follow‐up period. The tissue examination showed that more than 90% of the completely plucked hair follicles were accompanied by apocrine glands, and many blocked and dilated apocrine glands were observed. The lumens of the blocked glands were filled with decapitation products, which were positive for K5, Brst‐2 and CEA.ConclusionsPatients with bromhidrosis have a positive response to FUE technique. The FUE technique is well‐tolerated, with only a few postoperative complications, which deserves to be widely promoted.
High prevalence of syphilis in women, minors and precarious patients: a cross‐sectional study in a Reunion Island sexually transmitted infection clinic, 2017–2020
Authors: Delfosse A. , Bouscaren N. , Dupin N. , Jaubert J. , Tran P.L. , Saint Pastou C. , Manaquin R. , Poubeau P. , Gerardin P. , Bertolotti A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundSyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with a global prevalence estimated at 0.5% in 2012. Syphilis has been on the rise among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high‐income countries and remains at endemic levels in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This trend, however, has not been observed in Reunion Island.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of syphilis in at‐risk patients visiting the South Reunion STI clinic in Reunion Island.MethodsThis monocentric cross‐sectional study included all patients who visited our STI clinic between 2017 and 2020. Syphilis serology was performed on all included patients, and data were collected using a standardized self‐administered questionnaire.ResultsOver the 3‐year study period, 2593 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of syphilis was 7.52% (n = 195, 95% CI, 6.50–8.65%) in the overall study population, 11.76% (n = 18, 95% CI, 6.97–18.59%) in minors (aged under 18 years) and 36.36% (n = 16, 95% CI, 21–59%) in pregnant women. The risk factors identified in multivariate analysis were being female [adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.85, 95% CI, 1.10–3.11], being MSM (aPR 2.87, 95% CI, 1.71–4.80), being aged under 18 years (aPR 3.54, 95% CI, 1.90–6.57), living in precarious conditions [aPR 3.12, 95% CI, 2.11–4.62] and being born in Reunion Island (aPR 2.43, 95% CI, 1.42–4.13). The clinical presentation was heterogeneous (plaques and papules, chancre, atypical ulcerations, multiple ulcerations, condyloma lata, etc.).ConclusionsThese findings suggest a high prevalence of syphilis in at‐risk patients visiting our STI clinic. Unlike the situation in other high‐income countries, the people most at risk of syphilis in Reunion Island are local‐born residents, minors, women and precarious patients. This is a source of concern, especially given the risk of resurgence of congenital syphilis on the island.
Raman spectroscopy reveals collagen and phospholipids as major components of hyalinosis in the arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell
Authors: Deinsberger J. , Felhofer M. , Kläger J.P. , Petzelbauer P. , Gierlinger N. , Weber B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundArteriolosclerotic ulcers of Martorell are histologically characterized by hyaline arteriolosclerosis resulting in concentric occlusion of the arteriolar lumina. Although several authors have previously reported on hyaline changes in hypertensive arteriolopathies, so far, little information is available on the molecular composition of hyaline wall depositions.ObjectivesThis study aimed at the molecular characterization of hyaline arteriolar deposits in patients with hypertensive arteriolopathy using confocal Raman spectroscopy.MethodsSamples of patients diagnosed with arteriolosclerotic ulcers of Martorell were analysed using confocal Raman spectroscopy. The findings were correlated with histological analyses. Skin samples from healthy, non‐hypertensive patients served as controls.ResultsConfocal Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that subendothelial hyaline deposits in arteriolosclerotic ulcers are mainly composed of collagen and phospholipids, in particular phosphatidylcholine. The presence of collagen within hyaline deposits was confirmed by Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red staining. Additionally, the presence of collagen could also be shown for hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Actin was markedly decreased in hyalinized compared to control vessels, corresponding to the loss of smooth muscle cells in the process of hyalinization. This was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining for α‐smooth muscle actin and desmin.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that arteriolar hyaline deposits in hypertensive arteriolopathy are mainly composed of collagen and phospholipids, in particular phosphatidylcholine. Together with the concurrent absence of actin, these findings suggest that potentially critical disease mechanisms involve pressure‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis with subsequent deposition of collagen.
The relevance of chromosome fissions for major ribosomal DNA dispersion in hymenopteran insects
Authors: Menezes Rodolpho S. T. , Cabral‐de‐Mello Diogo C. , Milani Diogo , Bardella Vanessa B. , Almeida Eduardo A. B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRibosomal DNA (rDNA) loci are essential for cellular metabolism due to their participation in ribosome biogenesis. Although these genes have been widely cytogenetically mapped, the evolutionary mechanisms behind their variability in number and chromosomal location remain elusive, even in well‐known biological groups, such as ants, bees and wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera). To address this question in Hymenoptera and therefore advance the understanding of rDNA evolution in insects in general, we integrated molecular cytogenetic data, a phylogenomic framework, model‐based predictions and genome sequencing. Hence, we assessed the main evolutionary trends shaping the chromosomal distribution of rDNA loci in Hymenoptera. We noticed the conservation of one site of rDNA per haploid genome, suggesting that a single 45S rDNA locus is the putative ancestral pattern for aculeate Hymenoptera. Moreover, our results highlighted a nonrandom distribution of rDNA in Hymenoptera karyotypes, as well as a lineage‐specific preferential location. The proximal location of rDNA is favoured in species with multiple loci and in the two families of Hymenoptera that show the highest range of chromosome numbers: Formicidae and Vespidae. We propose that chromosome fissions have played a crucial role in the distribution pattern of rDNA loci through the evolutionary diversification of Hymenoptera. Moreover, our genomic analysis of two species, one with a single locus of rDNA and one with multiple loci, supported that loci multiplication is followed by sequence divergence. Our results provide detailed information about the number and chromosomal position of rDNA in Hymenoptera and, therefore, broaden our knowledge regarding rDNA evolutionary dynamics in insects.
Greater reproductive assurance of asexual plant compared with sexual relative in a low‐density sympatric population: Experimental evidence for pollen limitation
Authors: Mráz Patrik , Mrázová Viera 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHigh reproductive assurance is regarded as a key advantage of uniparentally reproducing organisms for establishing a new population. This demographic benefit should especially be relevant for plants with autonomous apomixis, that is those which produce seeds completely independently from mates and pollinators. Indeed, many autonomous apomicts occupy larger distributional ranges when compared to their sexual relatives, showing geographical parthenogenesis patterns. However, uniparental reproduction advantage has only rarely been quantified in natural populations and results provided a mixed support, partly because allopatric sexual and asexual populations were exposed to different environmental and pollination conditions causing considerable between‐population variation in the level of reproductive assurance. Here, we compared the level and stability of reproductive assurance between sexual self‐incompatible and asexual autonomously apomictic plants of Hieracium alpinum (Asteraceae) cultivated in a sympatric low‐density population with two levels of spatial clumping of sexual plants. Overall, we found that the realized seed set (i.e. proportion of well‐developed seeds per capitulum) of asexuals was ca. 3 times greater than that of sexuals (83% vs. 27%), whereas the variance of this trait expressed as coefficient of variation was ca. 4 times smaller in asexuals compared with sexuals (19% vs. 83%). Solitary sexual plants had more than 2 times lower realized seed set when compared to clumps composed of two spatially close (20–30 cm) sexual plants (13% vs. 34%). Our study provides experimental evidence for benefit of uniparental reproduction of asexuals in a sympatric situation when the availability of mates is limited. This, together with unpredictability of pollinator environment could provide autonomous apomicts with an ultimate demographic superiority during colonization reflected in geographical parthenogenesis observed in this species.
Does the female seahorse still prefer her mating partner after a period of separation?
Authors: Lin Tingting , Liu Xin , Zhang Dong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor species showing sexual monogamy, once one male and one female form a mating pair bond, they will be faithful to each other in subsequent breeding events. However, if their pair bond is broken for some reason, do they continue to prefer their partner when they come together again for mating? In other words, can the broken pair bond of sexually monogamous species be repaired? This is an interesting question but not yet well answered. To address this question, in the present study we used the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), a typical sexually monogamous species, to study the partner preference of a female individual who experienced a complete separation followed by a reunion with her partner. Our main findings are as follows: (i) The female seahorse no longer prefers her partner after a separation, whether it is a former partner or a recent partner. No preference for partner‐males may indicate that the broken pair bond cannot be repaired. (ii) The female seahorse maintains sexual fidelity to her partner in the absence of separation. However, once the health of her partner decreases, the female will switch mate, and her courtship with the new partner can take place during the pregnancy of her original partner. The first finding may provide insight into whether monogamous species still have an opportunity to reselect a new partner in the future to correct their poor choice once they have mated with a low‐quality partner. The answer is that they can still gain an opportunity as long as the pair bonds with their current partners are broken. The second finding may reveal the conditions and timing at which a female seahorse switches her mate. These findings help us better understand the mating system of the seahorse H. erectus.