bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Storage Temperature Effect on Phthalate Migration Potential in Vacuum‐Packed Fish Fillets
Authors: Alak Gonca , Yavas Rabia Nur 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInformation on the microplastic (MPs) migration, particularly phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in packaged seafood, is limited to a few studies. The aim of this study is to follow the possible migration potential and speed of phthalates in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets stored in vacuum packaging depending on the storage temperature, as well as to determine the polyethylene polymer detection. For this purpose, the fillets were randomly distributed as three pieces in each bag, vacuum‐packed, and stored at commonly used temperatures (+4°C and −20°C) for 3 months. On the first day of storage in fillet and packaging materials, in certain periods of storage, the phthalate content in the fillet of each temperature group was determined. It has been determined that the chemical composition of the bag used in the vacuum packaging process is affected by the temperature depending on the storage period, and different polymer types are formed in the packaged material. Ten types of PAEs including diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), di‐n‐pentyl phthalate (DPENP), di‐n‐hexyl phthalate (DHEXP), butylbenzylphthalate (BBP), di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐phthalate (DEHP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), di‐n‐octylphthalate (DNOP), di‐iso‐nonylphthalate (DINP), and di‐isodecylphthalate (DIDP) were recorded in the packaging material and stored fillets. It was determined that the dominant PAE in the fillets were DPENP, and DEHP in the package at all temperature applications and storage periods. The findings help monitor the presence and migration of PAEs in foods and provide a motivating model for adopting the right technologies.
Against the odds: Unveiling the racial dynamics of financial resilience in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Essel‐Gaisey Felix , Chiang Tsun‐Feng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRecent economic shocks have intensified financial distress and inequality, prompting research into the factors contributing to financial resilience. Previous studies have primarily employed unidimensional measures of financial resilience, neglecting the role of race. This paper addresses knowledge gaps by exploring how race influences financial resilience. Using data from the South African National Income Dynamic Study, this paper constructs a multidimensional financial resilience index, examines the relationship between race and financial resilience, and identifies potential mediating variables. The results indicate that approximately 52% of South Africans are financially resilient. Empirically, propensity score matching shows that Non‐Whites exhibit approximately 11% lower financial resilience levels than whites. Additionally, the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition proves that discrimination accounts for approximately 3.7% of this disparity. Financial resilience among Non‐Whites would have increased by 1.5% if they had similar characteristics to Whites. Furthermore, mental health disorders and low trust mediate the relationship between race and financial resilience.
The effect of water filter pitchers on the mineral concentration of tap water
Authors: Hazzazi Loai Wadea , Soto‐Rojas Armando E. , Martinez‐Mier E. Angeles , Nassar Hani M. , Eckert George J. , Lippert Frank 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the effect of water filter pitchers on the concentration of different minerals in tap water.MethodsNine water filter pitchers (A–I) were chosen based on consumer preferences and Amazon reviews. Each filter was tested for its ability to modify the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water. Tap water samples were collected before and after filtration, at various intervals (1, 5, 10, 30, 50, 75, and 100 L) during filtration, and analyzed using an ion‐specific electrode (fluoride) and atomic absorption spectrometry (other minerals). Statistical analyses were conducted to compare filtered and unfiltered water mineral concentrations.ResultsWater filter pitcher effect: Filters F (p < 0.001) and G (p = 0.030) decreased fluoride concentrations. All filters except I (p = 0.235) and H (p = 0.717) decreased calcium concentrations (p < 0.01). Filters E (p = 0.018), D (p = 0.014), and G (p = 0.010) decreased magnesium concentrations. Filters I (p = 0.028) and D (p = 0.009) increased potassium concentrations. Filter A (p = 0.002) increased sodium concentrations, while C (p = 0.034) decreased sodium concentrations. Effect of filter aging: All filters affected mineral concentrations over time but to varying extents. Filter G had the most pronounced effect on reducing mineral concentrations compared to all others. No filter was able to completely remove fluoride from tap water, contrary to the claims made by three manufacturers.ConclusionsThe present study highlighted that water filter pitchers vary greatly in their ability to affect mineral concentrations in tap water during their use. Further research is needed to develop more effective water treatment solutions.
Insomnia symptoms predict systemic inflammation in women, but not in men with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ballesio Andrea , Vacca Mariacarolina , Fiori Valeria , Micheli Federica , Baccini Flavia , Di Nardo Giovanni , Lombardo Caterina 
Published: November 2024

SummaryInsomnia has been suggested as a potential modulator of systemic inflammation. However, few studies have examined the longitudinal association between insomnia and inflammation as well as the role of sex differences, despite accumulating evidence of the vulnerability of women to immune consequences of disturbed sleep. In this study, we tested the association between self‐reported insomnia symptoms and serum C‐reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, at 1‐year follow‐up, in 54 outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease (52.81 ± 16.09, 40.7% women). Insomnia symptoms were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index. After controlling for baseline inflammation and health variables, longitudinal moderated regression analysis showed that baseline insomnia symptoms predicted C‐reactive protein levels at follow‐up in women (β = 0.416, p = 0.014), but not in men (β = −0.179, p = 0.212). Results were not influenced by sex differences in insomnia severity or C‐reactive protein levels. This study suggests insomnia symptoms may partially influence systemic inflammation in women with inflammatory bowel disease. Sex‐specific psychological, immune and neuroendocrine pathways linking sleep to inflammation should be further elucidated.
Three decades of understorey vegetation change in Quercus‐dominated forests as a result of increasing canopy mortality and global change symptoms
Authors: Kermavnar Janez , Kutnar Lado 
Published: November 2024

AbstractQuestionsThe long‐term response of understorey vegetation to increasing tree mortality has rarely been addressed in resurvey studies. For two Quercus‐dominated forest types, we asked: (a) How did overstorey alterations, induced by canopy mortality, affect understorey diversity and composition? (b) Is there a signal of global change effects on understorey communities? (c) Are these assemblages experiencing a homogenization process?LocationFive sites in Quercus robur (QR) and four sites in Q. petraea (QP) forests, Slovenia.MethodsWe studied changes in vascular plants in the understorey layer from 1992/1993 to 2023 across 45 permanent 20 m × 20 m plots in QR and QP forests, respectively. Vegetation surveys were carried out following the standard Braun‐Blanquet method. We compared original surveys with recent resurveys using multivariate analysis, ecological indicator values (EIV), plant traits and methods that quantify changes in individual species.ResultsSince the early 1990s, tree layer cover decreased from 95% to an average of 55% in QR, whereas it remained relatively high (77%) in QP plots. This resulted in denser understorey vegetation and a significant increase in plot‐level species richness in QR forests, but a slight decrease in QP forests. The extensive loss of canopy cover and disturbance effects in QR forests caused significant changes in species composition. Species turnover in QR was driven by colonization of new disturbance‐tolerant taxa characterized by ruderal traits, whereas the compositional shift in QP was to a greater extent due to species losses. We detected a process of vegetation thermophilization (increase in EIV‐temperature), suggesting an effect of rapid climatic warming. Understorey communities are now more similar to each other than 30 years ago, indicating a decrease in beta‐diversity (floristic homogenization).ConclusionsDespite some common trends, vegetation responses were forest type‐specific. Our study presents evidence of understorey vegetation changes triggered by increased canopy mortality (a strong local driver particularly in QR plots) and also points to the signal of global change symptoms (thermophilization, homogenization), which acted rather independently from the observed decline in tree layer cover.
In the Tunisian Opposition (Again): Ennahda's ‘Renaissance’ Through Failure?
Authors: Blanc Théo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTunisian President Kais Saied's coup in July 2021 has confronted the Renaissance Party, or Ennahda, with a dilemma: Reassume the comfortable position of defending freedoms and maintain party unity, or implement internal reforms, including an overhaul of its leadership and platform. But the party is trapped in a vicious circle. The political context requires unity and is therefore not conducive to a messy process of internal change. However, reform is needed to restore Ennahda's relevance. The repression of Ennahda and imprisonment of its key leaders—including its president, Rached Ghannouchi—make it unlikely that the party's 11th congress, which had been due to take place in 2020, will ever be scheduled. This article examines Ennahda's ascent after the 2011 uprisings and its role both in the transition to democracy and in the events that led to Saied's takeover. It then analyzes critiques by current and former party officials to understand the internal debate over renewing the platform and installing fresh leadership. It also evaluates alternatives to the party, as it is likely to fade gradually. At stake for Tunisia more broadly is the representation of the conservative segment of the population and the return of a pluralist and competitive political scene.
Exogenous melatonin promotes salt tolerance in smooth bromegrass seedlings: physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic evidence
Authors: Song Wenxue , Wang Jing , Wang Xing , Xi Jianan , Cai Wenqi , Ma Xiaomei , Zhang Jinqing , Fu Bingzhe , Gao Xueqin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSoil salinization, which severely limits crop yield and quality, has become a global environmental and resource issue. Melatonin plays an important role in plant responses to salt stress. Smooth bromegrass is an important forage with excellent feed value and is widely grown in northern and north‐west China for pasture and sand binding. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exogenous melatonin regulation of salt stress in smooth bromegrass are not clear. This study compared the phenotype, physiological, transcriptome, and metabolome profiles of two varieties with contrasting salt tolerance attributes under salt and melatonin treatment. After melatonin treatment, the catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, proline content, actual photochemical efficiency (Y(II)), relative water content, and fresh weight above ground were significantly higher than under salt treatment, while relative conductivity, H2O2 content, and Na+/K+ ratio were significantly lower than salt treatment. The transcriptome and metabolite profiling analysis of smooth bromegrass seedlings treated without melatonin under salt stress identified the presence of 22522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 862 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in SS, 17809 DEGs and 812 DEMs in ST, while treated with melatonin under salt stress identified the presence of 7033 DEGs and 177 DEMs in SS, 2951 DEGs and 545 DEMs in ST. Furthermore, in response to salt stress, melatonin may be involved in regulating the correlation between DEGs and DEMs in flavonoid biosynthesis, proline biosynthesis, and melatonin biosynthesis. Moreover, melatonin participated in mediating melatonin biosynthesis pathways and affected the expression of ASMT in response to salt stress.
The dual role of methylglyoxal in plant stress response and regulation of DJ‐1 protein
Authors: Sun Yutong , Chen Sixue , Grin Inga R. , Zharkov Dmitry O. , Yu Bing , Li Haiying 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMethylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive metabolic intermediate that plays important roles in plant salt stress response. This review explores the sources of MG in plants, how salt stress promotes MG production, and the dual role of MG under salt stress conditions. Both the positive role of low concentrations of MG as a signalling molecule and the toxic effects of high concentrations of MG in plant response to salt stress are discussed. The MG detoxification pathways, especially the glyoxalase system, are described in detail. Special attention is given to the novel role of the DJ‐1 protein in the glyoxalase system as glyoxalase III to remove MG, and as a deglycase to decrease glycation damage caused by MG on DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. This review aims to provide readers with comprehensive perspectives on the functions of MG in plant salt stress response, the roles of the DJ‐1 protein in MG detoxification and repair of glycation‐damaged molecules, as well as the broader functional implications of MG in plant salt stress tolerance. New perspectives on maintaining plant genome stability, breeding for salt‐tolerant crop varieties, and improving crop quality are discussed.
Validity of Four Consumer‐Grade Optical Heart Rate Sensors for Assessing Volume and Intensity Distribution of Physical Activity
Authors: Neudorfer Michael , Kumar Devender , Smeddinck Jan David , Kulnik Stefan Tino , Niebauer Josef , Treff Gunnar , Sareban Mahdi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTConsumer‐grade optical heart rate (HR) sensors emerged as promising tools to monitor volume and intensity of physical activity (PA). However, no validation study of optical HR sensors included recent comprehensive validation recommendations, required for facilitating usage for medical purposes. Validity of HR data measured with four consumer‐grade optical sensors, the wrist‐worn Garmin Venu 2S and Polar Vantage M2, and the upper arm‐worn Polar Verity Sense and Scosche Rhythm24 were assessed in 32 participants over 24 h including various laboratory‐based and free‐living activities. Furthermore, validity of time at moderate or vigorous PA intensity zones was analyzed. A medical‐grade ECG served as a reference. Reliability was assessed by analyzing data of laboratory‐based activities during two visits. Across activities, the mean absolute percentage error ranged from 2.2% to 4.7% and intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.91 to 0.98, indicating high validity for all optical sensors. All sensors validly detected time spent at moderate or vigorous intensities (mean error < 10%), except Polar M2 for moderate PA (mean error 12.8%) and Garmin V2 for vigorous PA (mean error −15.9%). Sensor day‐to‐day reliability was high, indicated by a mean absolute error of < 5 beats/min. Upper arm‐worn sensors consistently outperformed wrist‐worn sensors, particularly in activities involving increased arm movement and at higher intensities. Our findings identified an overall high validity of these four consumer‐grade optical HR sensors, also for assessing time spent at higher PA intensities. However, differences were observed between sensors regarding activity subtypes and intensity levels. These data support informed decisions when selecting optical sensors for PA monitoring and intervention.Trial Registration: The study was performed in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and its current amendments and was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT05525000).
Entrustable professional activities and feedback for learning: Insights from a mixed methods study
Authors: McDonald Jenny , Tobin Stephen , Parsons Carl , Joyce Caroline 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeEntrustable professional activities (EPAs) are used to support clinical skills training by providing a scaffold for practice and feedback. The aim of this study was to evaluate how written feedback provided for EPAs supports medical students' learning.Materials and methodsThe written feedback for two EPAs (admit or consult patient and discharge summary) was analysed using a mixed methods approach. Content analysis determined the types of feedback received. Qualitative analysis identified themes related to the feedback quality. Hattie and Timperley's feedback model that provides a framework for effective feedback was used as an interpretive lens for our analysis and integrated findings.ResultsWritten feedback was provided for 89.5% of 997 EPAs. The proportions of feedback types to support learning were as follows: feedback related to what was done well (75.6%), areas for improvement (27.7%) and next steps (17.4%). Only 10% of EPAs received all three types of feedback. EPAs completed independently were more likely to receive any feedback. Feedback for supervised EPAs was more likely to include areas for improvement or next steps. Qualitative analysis identified two themes: effective feedback for present and future performance with detailed description of performance or targeted advice, and lack of specific guidance for improvement with affirmative statements or non‐specific directions.ConclusionsEPAs most often elicited feedback about what is done well without areas or strategies for improvement. Descriptive feedback and tailored advice are ideal, but uncommon. Students and supervisors need guidance on how to optimise feedback through instruction and EPA form design.
Photosystem rearrangements, photosynthetic efficiency, and plant growth in far red‐enriched light
Authors: Leschevin Maïté , Ksas Brigitte , Baltenweck Raymonde , Hugueney Philippe , Caffarri Stefano , Havaux Michel 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYArabidopsis plants were grown in white light (400–700 nm) or in white light supplemented with far‐red (FR) light peaking at 730 nm. FR‐enriched light induced the typical shade avoidance syndrome characterized by enhanced length of seedling hypocotyl and leaf petiole. FR supplementation also caused a noticeable decrease in the carotenoid and chlorophyll content that was attributable to a block of pigment accumulation during plant development. The carotenoid decrease resulted from a downregulation of their biosynthesis pathway rather than carotenoid degradation. The losses of photosynthetic pigments are part of structural and functional rearrangements of the photosynthetic apparatus. The plastoquinone pool was chronically more oxidized in plants acclimated to white + FR light compared to white light‐grown plants. Growth in FR‐enriched light was associated with a higher photochemical efficiency of PSII compared to growth in white light and with a substantial increase in root and shoot biomass production. Light distribution between the photosystems was modified in favor of PSII by an increase in the PSII/PSI ratio and an inhibition of state transitions. Neither LHCII abundance nor nonphotochemical energy dissipation in the PSII chlorophyll antennae were modified significantly by the addition of FR light. A PSI supercomplex, not previously observed in Arabidopsis, was specifically found in plants grown in FR‐enriched light. This large PSI complex contains a supplementary Lhca1‐4 dimer, leading to a total of 6 LHCI antennae instead of 4 in the canonical PSI. Through those photosystem rearrangements and the synergistic interaction with white light, FR light is photosynthetically active and can boost photosynthesis and plant growth.
A three‐step method for preparing cryopreserved samples of apheresis products for post‐thaw analysis yields a high recovery of viable cells
Authors: Sterner Rosalie M. , Strasburg Dustin J. , Va Sildane , DiGuardo Margaret A. , Jacob Eapen K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundFlow cytometry protocols for counting fresh CD34+ cell samples are not ideal for cryopreserved products due to cryoprotectant cytotoxicity. For cryopreserved samples, often large volumes of hypotonic solutions, which can cause cell death, are used to remove the cryoprotectant with a post‐thaw wash. We recently developed a novel multistep dilution method with subsequent flow cytometry analysis to allow for accurate and reproducible results. The previous method involved washing steps which invalidate the ability to enumerate cell recovery, and success had to be gauged solely on viability. The new method allows for assessment of total cell recovery and viable cell recovery.Study Design and MethodsApheresis products were cryopreserved in 10% DMSO at a target WBC concentration of 300 × 106/mL. Cryovials from these products were thawed at 37°C, and samples were diluted 1:2 by three additions of 1/3 sample volume using 1%‐Human Albumin in Dextran 40 (10% Low Molecular Weight Dextran in 0.9% NaCl) separated by 5 min between each addition. A 1:10 dilution was performed to obtain the correct cell concentration for flow cytometric analysis resulting in a 1:20 dilution. End WBC concentrations were ~15 × 106/mL with DMSO diluted to 0.5%.ResultsFifty‐two samples were tested with this new method. Total and viable cell recoveries were calculated based on pre‐cryopreservation data. Median total cell recoveries for CD34 and CD3 were >85%, while median viable cell recoveries were >75%.DiscussionCryopreserved samples can be reliably prepared for flow cytometric testing using a step‐wise dilution to preserve cell integrity and robust recoveries.
Questions on travel and sexual behaviours negatively impact ethnic minority donor recruitment: Effect of negative word‐of‐mouth and avoidance
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Mills Richard , Dawe‐Lane Erin , Khan Zaynah , Reynolds Claire , Davison Katy , Edge Dawn , Smith Robert , O'Hagan Niall , Desai Roshan , Croucher Mark , Eaton Nadine , Brailsford Susan R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDonor selection questions differentially impacting ethnic minorities can discourage donation directly or via negative word‐of‐mouth. We explore the differential impact of two blood safety questions relating to (i) sexual contacts linked to areas where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates are high and (ii) travelling to areas where malaria is endemic. Epidemiological data are used to assess infection risk and the need for these questions.Materials and MethodsWe report two studies. Study 1 is a behavioural study on negative word‐of‐mouth and avoiding donation among ethnic minorities (n = 981 people from National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the general population: 761 were current donors). Study 2 is an epidemiology study (utilizing NHSBT/UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance data on HIV‐positive donations across the UK blood services between1996 and 2019) to assess whether the sexual risk question contributes to reducing HIV risk and whether travel deferral was more prevalent among ethnic minorities (2015–2019). Studies 1 and 2 provide complementary evidence on the behavioural impact to support policy implications.ResultsA high proportion of people from ethnic minorities were discouraged from donating and expressed negative word‐of‐mouth. This was mediated by perceived racial discrimination within the UK National Health Service. The number of donors with HIV who the sexual contact question could have deferred was low, with between 8% and 9.3% of people from ethnic minorities deferred on travel compared with 1.7% of White people.ConclusionBlood services need to consider ways to minimize negative word‐of‐mouth, remove questions that are no longer justified on evidence and provide justification for those that remain.