bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulated carotenoids from orange sweet potato: Degradation kinetics and physicochemical properties
Authors: Rodríguez‐Mena Azucena , Ochoa‐Martínez Luz Araceli , González‐Herrera Silvia Marina , Rutiaga‐Quiñones Olga Miriam , González‐Laredo Rubén Francisco , Olmedilla‐Alonso Begoña 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe use of natural pigments in the food industry has increased due to their health benefits. Carotenoids are natural pigments that carry the disadvantage of sensitivity to temperature, light and the presence of enzymes and oxygen. Microencapsulation technology is widely used to protect these compounds against degradation, preserving their physicochemical characteristics. The research objective was to obtain the kinetics of carotenoid degradation of a microencapsulated extract of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and to establish its physicochemical properties. The sweet potato extract was obtained using ultrasound and then microencapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin as the wall material. The microencapsulate obtained was subjected to degradation kinetics at 30, 40 and 50°C. Carotenoid quantification analysis, colour, rehydration properties, antioxidant capacity, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy and microstructural characterisation were performed on the microencapsulated carotenoids. From the kinetic analysis, the activation energy of the sweet potato extract was 16.31 kJ/mol while that of the microencapsulated sweet potato extract was 10.27 kJ/mol. Thus, it can be concluded that the microencapsulation process improved the stability of carotenoids subjected to thermal conditions. FTIR and RAMAN spectra confirmed the microencapsulation of the carotenoids. The microencapsulated powder showed a hygroscopicity of 0.22 g/100 g, wettability of 49 s and high solubility. The results obtained in the kinetics are a useful tool to predict losses during the process of heating the carotenoids from sweet potato, thus allowing improvement and selection of the products to which this powder can be applied, in either thermal or cold processes.
Economic policy uncertainty and institutional portfolio investment
Authors: Hao (Grace) Qing , Li Andi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on institutional investors’ holdings of common stocks. Using a large sample of quarterly institutional ownership data from 28 countries/markets between 2000 and 2021, we find that EPU negatively affects institutional investments in both domestic and overseas stock markets. Policy uncertainty also deters foreign institutions’ inbound investments. The adverse effect of policy uncertainty on crossborder institutional investment is particularly pronounced when the investment destination country does not share the same official language or legal origin as the investing country, consistent with the information asymmetry hypothesis. Additionally, firms with higher cash holdings and lower market‐to‐book ratios are less vulnerable to the withdrawal of investment by foreign institutional investors.
Fatty liver index and somatic composition in subjects receiving medical health checkup
Authors: Ushiro Kosuke , Matsui Masahiro , Fukuda Akira , Onishi Saori , Nishikawa Tomohiro , Asai Akira , Kim Soo Ki , Nishikawa Hiroki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimsTo elucidate the relationship between fatty liver index (FLI) and somatic composition among health checkup recipients (4533 men and 4877 women).MethodsFat (F) index, fat‐free (FF) index, and fat mass to fat‐free mass (F‐FF) ratio was measured by bioimpedance analysis. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss was defined as FF index <18 kg/m2 in men and FF index <15 kg/m2 in women. The impact of FLI on the somatic composition (i.e., F index, FF index, and F‐FF ratio) was retrospectively investigated.ResultsThe median age in men and women was 54 and 52 years (p < 0.0001). The median body mass index in men and women was 23.4 and 21.1 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of fatty liver on ultrasonography was 52.5% in men and 22.1% in women. The median FLI in men and women was 25.1 and 6.9 (p < 0.0001). Fatty liver index correlated significantly with F index (r > 0.5 in all analyses). In all analyses, the decreased SMM group had significantly lower FLI than the nondecreased SMM group. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the SMM decrease, in both genders, area under the ROCs of FLI were all over 0.80 (optimal cut‐off point: 19.7 in men and 8.4 in women). The FLI correlated significantly with F‐FF ratio (r > 0.5 in all analyses).ConclusionThe FLI can be a good indicator of not only fat mass but also FF mass and body composition balance in health checkup subjects. The FLI may not be just a marker of hepatic steatosis.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy‐Based Chilled Fresh Lamb Quality Detection Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Li Xinxing , Wei Changhui , Liang Buwen 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTTraditionally methods for assessing mutton quality rely on physical and chemical examination analyses that necessitate precise experimental environment conditions and specialized knowledge, often resulting in the compromise of the sample's structural integrity. To address these challenges, this study explores the application of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) as a non‐destructive alternative for mutton quality evaluation, leveraging its operational simplicity, rapid analysis capabilities, and minimal requirement for technical expertise. Among various spectral data preprocessing techniques evaluated, multiple scattering correction (MSC) was found to significantly enhance model detection performance. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) combined with the Mahalanobis Distance method was utilized for outlier identification. Finally, a mutton freshness detection model is constructed based on stacking ensemble learning, yielding an impressive accuracy rate of 0.976, outperforming other advanced approaches. In conclusion, our findings establish a robust theoretical framework for the rapid and non‐destructive assessment of meat freshness, contributing to advancements in meat quality detection.
Societal Discrimination, Vigilance, and Patient‐Provider Relationships Among Perinatal Women: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Tierney Katherine I. , Wagenfeld‐Heintz Ellen , Bane Cynthia , Linares Silvia , Sandberg Megan , Moss Drew , Duerst Abby , Walters Claudia , Bautista Terra , Gumbleton Lynette , Kothari Catherine L. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIn the United States, maternal mortality is high and patterned by race and socioeconomic status (SES). Patient‐provider relationships and societal discrimination have been separately associated with poor maternal outcomes, but it is not clear how such mechanisms may be interrelated. Thus, the present study investigates how societal experiences of discrimination are associated with and manifest in patient‐provider relationship quality among perinatal women.MethodsThe study uses a mixed methods design with an explanatory‐sequential approach. First, a path analysis using structural equation modeling of a cross‐sectional representative survey of 244 perinatal women in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, was conducted. Second, a thematic qualitative analysis was conducted of focus groups composed of survey participants (n = 34).ResultsIn the quantitative analyses, race and SES were associated with experiences of societal discrimination in the expected directions (race: b, 1.87; SE, 0.58; P = .001; SES: b, 2.18; SE, 0.60; P < .001), discrimination positively predicted vigilant behaviors (b, 0.81; SE, 0.15; P < .001), and more vigilant behaviors predicted worse patient‐provider relationship quality (b, 0.18; SE, 0.07; P < .001). In the qualitative findings, we found detailed accounts linking provider discrimination, vigilance, and patient‐provider relationships among focus groups composed of only women of color (n = 9).DiscussionOverall, the quantitative analyses find support for the conceptual model showing race and SES are associated with societal discrimination, which is associated with vigilant behaviors and, in turn, quality of patient‐provider relationships. The qualitative analyses provide preliminary evidence for how these pathways manifest in care settings and demonstrate the importance of establishing trust in patient‐provider relationships, especially among women of color.
Effectiveness of Peer Mentoring for the Prevention of Dependency: A Pilot Study in a Rural Setting
Authors: Mateos‐González Laura , Menéndez‐Espina Sara , Llosa José Antonio , Oliveros Beatriz , Agulló‐Tomás Esteban , Jiménez‐Arberas Estíbaliz 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo analyse the effectiveness of an active ageing intervention modality through peer mentoring.DesignA quasi‐experimental research study is carried out through three groups, one control (educational workshops on active ageing given by professionals) and two experimental (workshops given by peers with digital or face‐to‐face exposure).MethodsAll groups share duration (7 weeks) and content, modifying the route of exposure. The effectiveness of the model is measured through the variables of physical health, mental health and social support. Loneliness and the need for care are also controlled for.ResultsThe total sample consists of n = 209 people aged over 60 living in a rural context, of which n = 12 form the volunteer/mentor group. Active ageing interventions show an improvement in the perception of physical and mental health among people in need of some form of care, with all three modalities being equally effective. The impact on social support is analysed by controlling for the loneliness and social participation variable; in these cases, the face‐to‐face experimental group of peers is more effective than the others.ConclusionsThe peer‐to‐peer methodology is as effective as the traditional methodology with a practitioner in maintaining and improving health perception, and the face‐to‐face methodology with peers is more useful in fostering social support among people experiencing loneliness.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CarePeer mentoring is presented as a good strategy to improve social support for older people and to combat loneliness.ImpactTo address the prevention of dependency through the promotion of active ageing. Peer mentoring is confirmed to have a significant impact on social support and could be a socio‐educational tool applicable to older people experiencing loneliness.Reporting MethodThis study has adhered to JBI guidelines. JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi‐experimental studies has been used.Patient or Public ContributionVolunteer mentors contributed to the design and delivery of the workshops.
Reduced prefrontal activation during cognitive control under emotional interference in chronic insomnia disorder
Authors: Kim Sun‐Young , Lee Kyung Hwa , Jeon Jeong Eun , Lee Ha Young , You Jin Hyeok , Shin Jiyoon , Seo Min Cheol , Seo Won Woo , Lee Yu Jin 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThis study investigated the altered neural activation underlying cognitive control under emotional and sleep‐related interference conditions and its role in subjective sleep disturbance in patients with chronic insomnia disorder. In total, 48 patients with chronic insomnia disorder, and 48 age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched controls were included in this study. They completed self‐reported questionnaires to assess subjective sleep and emotional distress. A sleep diary was used to evaluate subjective sleep parameters. All participants performed the emotional Stroop task (three blocks each of negative emotional, sleep‐related, and neutral words) during functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments. We compared brain activation during the emotional Stroop task between the two groups. We also analysed the correlations between altered neural activation and sleep variables. Less neural activation was detected in the right anterior prefrontal cortex of patients with chronic insomnia disorder than in controls when performing the emotional Stroop task with negative emotional words. The decrease in neural activation was negatively correlated with scores on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. In contrast, they were positively correlated with subjective total sleep time and sleep efficiency as reported in sleep diaries. A decrease in right anterior prefrontal cortex activity under the negative emotional words condition of the emotional Stroop task in patients with chronic insomnia disorder suggests a failure of top‐down inhibition of negative emotional stimuli. This failure induces disinhibition of cognitive hyperarousal, manifested as rumination or intrusive worries, and potentially causing subjective sleep disturbances.
Meaning, purpose, and narrative
Authors: Zhao Michael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccording to many philosophers, “the meaning of life” refers to our cosmic purpose, the activity that we were created by God or a purposive universe to perform. If there is no God or teleology, there is no such thing as the meaning of life. But this need not be the last word on the matter. In this paper, I ask what the benefits provided by a cosmic purpose are, and go on to argue that thinking of our lives in a particular way—in terms of a unified life narrative—can supply us with many of those benefits. We might lose little if there is no such thing as the meaning of life, since there is still something that can provide much of what is valuable about it.
Genetic Variation and QTL Analysis of Crude Fibre and Quality Traits in the Doubled Haploid Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Population R19 x Lord
Authors: Holzenkamp Karin , Möllers Christian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe oil‐extracted meal of oilseed rape is used for feeding livestock and is a potential source of vegetable protein for human consumption. Its protein quality is limited by glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, phytates and crude fibres. The reduction of cellulose, hemicellulose and indigestible lignin in black‐seeded oilseed rape may enhance the protein content, colour, sensory quality and digestibility. The objective of this study was to analyse the inheritance of seed fibre components in relation to oil, protein and other quality traits in a DH population derived from the cross of low lignin lines R19 and cv. Lord. The population of 143 lines was tested in field experiments in six environments and was genotyped with Illumina 15K Brassica SNP chip. QTL and candidate genes were identified using the high‐quality long‐read reference genome of Express 617. Major QTL for fibre components were identified on chromosomes C01 and C03 with opposite additive and epistatic effects. Fibre QTL colocated with each other and QTL for seed colour, oil and protein. Epistatic effects were identified, which resulted in a further decrease of fibre content.
In search of the nexus between housing and pensions within the welfare package: A “regime” approach
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Edyta , Chybalski Filip 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the association of housing configurations reflected by different regimes with more specifically determined elements of the welfare state regime, which are pension regimes. The study aims to answer the question of whether the linkage between housing and pensions can be recognized also at the “regime” level. For this purpose, in our analysis, we review and employ the existing typologies of housing and pension regimes identified in the previous literature. The paper presents the results of empirical research comprising comparisons between housing and pension regimes, with reference to decommodification and stratification, as well as homeownership in 24 welfare states. We found little empirical evidence for the existence of a straightforward correspondence between housing regimes and pension regimes. Nonetheless, our analysis reveals some findings that refer to common characteristics in terms of decommodification and stratification in both domains. This could be also a premise for further research to investigate the nexus between pensions and housing by identifying similarities within joint housing‐pension regimes.
Predictive Processing, Rational Constructivism, and Bayesian Models of Development: Commentary
Authors: Perfors Andrew 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis is a commentary for a special issue on predictive processing and rational constructivist models of development. Mainly I use the opportunity to ask a bunch of questions about what these theoretical frameworks show us (and what they do not) and mostly where the open questions still are. To get meta for a moment, I thought these questions were the best way to maximize the value of my commentary: They have the highest probability of leading to the most uncertainty reduction for our field in the long term. Please read in that spirit.
Detection of renal tubular transporter proteins in canine urinary extracellular vesicles using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: McGravey L. J. , Antrobus P. R. , Williams T. L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUrinary extracellular vesicles (UEVs) are membranous particles that carry renal tubular transporter proteins. Here, we evaluate whether selected renal tubular transporter proteins can be detected in UEVs isolated from small volume (1–5 mL) canine urine samples of healthy dogs and canine patients with elevated circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH‐related peptide (PTHrp) concentrations, hypercortisolism, and primary hypoadrenocorticism using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The total creatinine content of each urine sample was calculated from urine volume and creatinine concentration. UEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography prior to quantification by nanoparticle tracking analysis and proteomic analysis by LC–MS/MS. Group comparisons were made using non‐parametric statistics. Aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) and the renal sodium/phosphate co‐transporter (NPT2A) were detected in UEVs isolated from small volume samples of almost all healthy dogs but were not detected in most dogs with elevated circulating PTH/PTH related peptide (PTHrp) concentrations, hypercortisolism and primary hypoadrenocorticism. Total creatinine content of the urine sample was strongly positively correlated with the number of UEVs (rs = .84, P < .001); thus, total creatinine was used as a surrogate marker of UEV number. In healthy dogs, AQP2 and NPT2A were both detected in samples containing at least 1.7 × 109 UEVs or 24 μmol creatinine, however in non‐healthy dogs, AQP2 and NPT2A were not detected in most samples containing up to 6.3 × 109 UEVs or 32 μmol creatinine.
Delayed‐onset cord1 progressive retinal atrophy in English Springer Spaniels genetically affected with the RPGRIP1 variant
Authors: Kwok Jennifer C. , Sato Yu , Niggel Jessica K. , Ozdogan Emma , Murgiano Leonardo , Miyadera Keiko 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveCone‐rod dystrophy (cord1) is a form of progressive retinal atrophy. It is linked to an RPGRIP1 genetic variant which is the third most common canine disease variant thus far. While the variant affects various breeds, it is highly prevalent in English Springer Spaniels (ESSs). Yet its clinical and pathological implications remain equivocal. Herein, we study the retinal phenotype in ESSs genetically affected with the RPGRIP1 variant.Animal StudiedOver 4 years, 494 ESSs (123 affected) were enrolled.Procedure(s)Owner‐perceived vision was collected via a questionnaire. Ophthalmic examination included fundus photography. In selected ESSs, retinal function and structure were assessed using electroretinography (ERG, 148 dogs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT, 4 dogs).ResultsOphthalmoscopic changes included peripheral hypo‐reflective lesions often with distinct borders progressing centripetally culminating in generalized retinal atrophy. Cross‐sectional study revealed declining photopic ERG amplitudes with age in the affected group but not in controls. OCT indicated progressive photoreceptor loss. Despite ophthalmoscopic, ERG, or OCT abnormalities, most affected dogs were not visually impaired per their owners. In a fraction of afflicted ESSs, vision/globe‐threatening complications were documented including cataracts, lens luxation, and glaucoma.ConclusionsIn ESSs, the RPGRIP1 variant is associated with insidious pathology with delayed‐onset visual defects. The subtle phenotype without apparent visual deficit until the final years of life, if at all, may have caused underdiagnosis of cord1. Still, DNA testing remains informative, and ERG and OCT indicate progressive pathology. Peripheral fundus examination and photopic ERG are particularly useful for early detection and monitoring of cord1.
Assessment of amino acids and metabolites in the supernatant of stored concentrates blood from sickle cell trait (SCT) and reference (non‐SCT) donors
Authors: Izidoro Mario A. , de Paula Daiane D. A. , de Oliveira Ingrid , Latini Flávia R. M. , Girão Manoel J. B. C. , Cortez Afonso J. P. , Juliano Luiz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSickle cell trait (SCT) persons are significant donors, and discarding these blood units reduces their supplies, mainly in the third‐world countries. This work focused on 12 metabolites associated with the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion and 23 amino acids in the supernatants of packed RBC units from SCT and reference (non‐SCT) donors stored in the same conditions.Materials and MethodsAll samples of RBC concentrates were collected and separated from the storage of Colsan (Beneficient Association of Blood Collection), where they were routinely processed and separated as packed RBC units and stored in the refrigerator (2°–6°C). The supernatant samples of each packed RBC bag were separated by centrifugation at days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of storage and kept at −80°C till the metabolite analysis together.ResultsThe quantitation of metabolites and amino acids examined in the supernatant of SCT and reference donors showed no statistical differences along the cold storage. Lactic acid and malic acid releases occur in three phases during RBC storage. Basic and acid amino acids and corresponding amides have low and stable values during the first 14 days of storage, followed by a steep increase.ConclusionOur metabolomic results give elements that seem not to contraindicate the transfusion of RBC with SCT, besides its more structural fragility.