bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant traits determine seed retention times in frugivorous birds: Implications for long‐distance seed dispersal
Authors: Bracho‐Estévanez Claudio A. , Cuadrado Mariano , Sánchez Iñigo , Onrubia Alejandro , González‐Varo Juan P. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Seed dispersal by frugivorous animals is a key process for plant populations and communities. When frugivores consume fruits, seeds are temporarily retained inside their guts until seed deposition. Hence, information on retention times is essential to estimate seed‐dispersal distances. Although it is well known that retention times are affected by the body size of frugivores, there is an important knowledge gap on the effects of plant species traits, such as seed size and pulp content.
Here, we comprehensively address whether and which plant traits affect seed retention times in frugivorous birds. On the one hand, we conducted a first set of experiments to assess variation in retention times among 31 plant species dispersed by a single bird species, and a second set to assess variation among five plant species dispersed by a guild of five frugivorous passerines. On the other hand, we conducted a literature review retrieving retention times for 231 interactions involving 155 plant species and 55 bird species from nine different avian orders.
Seed size had negative effects on retention times at the three levels addressed in this study: the larger the seeds, the shorter the times. The effects of seed size were higher within a single bird species, intermediate for the small assemblage of five passerine species, and lower for all frugivorous birds included in the compilation. Notably, the effects of seed size on retention times were comparable to that of frugivore body size in Passeriformes. We analysed the effects of the pulp content on a single bird species, but these lacked predictive power. Importantly, the effects of seed size were indirect and mediated by the type of seed ejection (digestive processing): birds generally defecate smaller seeds and regurgitate the larger ones.
We provide comprehensive evidence that retention times are intrinsically linked to plant traits and to frugivores' response to such traits, particularly to seed size and the type of seed ejection, respectively. Thus, our study unveils a source of interspecific variability in the capacity of plants to disperse at long distances. Moreover, we provide methodological improvements to trait‐based models that estimate mean retention times and seed‐dispersal distances.

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Nephila spider male aggregation: preference for optimal female size and web clustering
Authors: KUNTNER Matjaž , KUNTNER Maj , KUNTNER Eva , KUNTNER Irena , FAGANELI PUCER Jana , ŠTRUMBELJ Erik , LI Daiqin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSexual size dimorphism theory predicts biased operational sex ratios (OSRs) and an uneven distribution of males among certain females. We studied this phenomenon through a field census of the giant wood spider Nephila pilipes (family Nephilidae) in Singapore, a species where females are, on average, 6.9 times larger than males. Specifically, we tested two hypotheses concerning male distribution, given their tendency to aggregate in certain female webs. The optimal female size hypothesis predicts that males would predominantly occupy webs of intermediate‐sized females. The web clustering hypothesis posits that more males would be found in webs closer together compared to those farther apart. Our snapshot census revealed a female‐biased OSR (females: males = 1.85) with an uneven distribution of males in female webs. Most males were found in webs of intermediate‐sized females aligning with the optimal female size hypothesis. Proximity among female webs was indicative of male presence, lending support to the web clustering hypothesis. While our study's limited sample size warrants caution, we conclude that in N. pilipes, male occupation of female webs is facilitated by the clustering of webs, and males prefer to cohabit with optimally sized, receptive females.
Aggregated health risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids migrated from convenience food contact materials
Authors: Wang Xun , Liu Yao , Jiang Jian‐Ming , Zhang Xi‐Long , Li Minjie , Hong Wen‐Jun , Guo Liang‐Hong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIngestion of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) via contaminated food contact materials (FCMs) is an important human exposure source. This study adopts a toxicity equivalent approach to evaluate the collective health risk of multiple PFAAs in FCMs. A comprehensive extraction and analysis of 21 PFAAs in FCMs was performed. Among the analyzed substances, 15 PFAAs were detected. Migration experiment using three food simulants revealed the migration range of seven PFAAs from FCMs into the simulant to be 0.47–46.7 ng/cm2. The hazard quotient results suggest minimal health risk, except for 9% of packaged samples where perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses a higher risk. Utilizing PFOA toxic equivalent concentrations, comprehensive risk calculations showed ∼77% of samples potentially posing elevated health risks due to PFAA exposure. This emphasizes the substantial contribution of PFAAs beyond PFOA and underscores the importance of considering them in related assessments. The aggregated risk assessment reflects actual exposure circumstances more accurately.
Predictive modeling of rice milling degree for three typical Chinese rice varieties using interpretative machine learning methods
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Zilong , Xiao Xuan , Cui Bo , Luo Yang , Fan Lanlan , Fan Yuchao , Song Shaoyun , Zhang Yonglin , Pei Houchang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBrown rice over‐milling causes high economic and nutrient loss. The rice degree of milling (DOM) detection and prediction remain a challenge for moderate processing. In this study, a self‐established grain image acquisition platform was built. Degree of bran layer remaining (DOR) datasets is established with image capturing and processing (grain color, texture, and shape features extraction). The mapping relationship between DOR and the DOM is in‐depth analyzed. Rice grain DOR typical machine learning and deep learning prediction models are established. The results indicate that the optimized Catboost model can be established with cross‐validation and grid search method, with the best accuracy improving from 84.28% to 91.24%, achieving precision 91.31%, recall 90.89%, and F1‐score 91.07%. Shapley additive explanations analysis indicates that color, texture, and shape feature affect Catboost prediction accuracy, the feature importance: color > texture > shape. The YCbCr‐Cb_ske and GLCM‐Contrast features make the most significant contribution to rice milling quality prediction. The feature importance provides theoretical and practical guidance for grain DOM prediction model.Practical ApplicationRice milling degree prediction and detection are valuable for rice milling process in practical application. In this paper, image processing and machine learning methods provide an automated, nondestructive, and cost‐effective way to predict the quality of rice. The study may serve as a valuable reference for improving rice milling methods, retaining rice nutrition, and reducing broken rice yield.
Determining the impact of pre‐pressing pretreatments applied to sugarcane on the aroma compounds and quality characteristics of sugarcane juice
Authors: Yetisen Mehmet , Baltacioglu Cem , Baltacioglu Hande , Uslu Hasan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe study examined the effects of three pretreatments, blanching (5, 10, and 30 min), ultrasound (15, 20, and 30 min), and steam blanching (10, 20, and 30 min) on sugarcane, assessing their impact on sugarcane juice quality parameters and aroma compounds. The control had the highest soluble solid content, while the ultrasound‐15 min (US‐15 min)‐treated sample had the lowest, affecting pH, total acidity, and color values significantly. Color analysis showed lower L* values and less greenish tones in treated samples. The implemented pretreatments effectively reduce the browning index, with the US‐20 min treatment showing the most significant reduction compared to the control sample. All pretreatments deactivated polyphenol oxidase. Carbon isotope analysis yielded significant results. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering linked 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with 2,2′‐azino‐bis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) with total phenolic content. The study also highlights significant variations in aroma compound profiles among pretreated sugarcane juice samples, with blanching for 10 min showing notable increases in specific compounds like 2‐heptanone and nonanol. Hierarchical clustering showed similarities between blanching‐30 min and US‐30 min, contrasting with the control. Blanching‐10 min had a positive impact on sugarcane juice quality. In conclusion, the study emphasized how pretreatments affect physicochemical properties and aroma compounds in sugarcane juice.Practical ApplicationThe research findings suggest that blanching and ultrasound pretreatments can be used by the food industry to improve sugarcane juice quality by reducing browning, enhancing color, and altering aroma profiles. These pretreatments could extend the shelf life and appeal of sugarcane juice, making it more attractive to consumers while maintaining its nutritional properties.
Efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei fermented milk on a model of constipation induced by loperamide hydrochloride in BALB/c mice
Authors: Xue Cheng , Li Ming , Luo Min , Zhang Baoping , Wang Yifan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCurrently, most studies focus on the functions of probiotic‐fermented milk, whereas there are relatively few studies on the function of postbiotic‐fermented milk in relieving constipation. In this study, we aimed to assess the modulation of constipation symptoms and its mechanism of action by different concentrations of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei‐fermented milk as a postbiotic in a loperamide hydrochloride‐induced constipation model in BALB/c mice. By comparing the relevant indexes, colon histological analysis, gene expression level, and intestinal flora structure in the constipation model of mice, we found that high and ultra‐high doses of fermented milk can effectively relieve constipation. Fermented milk effectively reduced defecation time, increased the rate of small intestinal propulsion in constipated mice, and alleviated colonic inflammation, safeguarding the normal function of the intestinal tract. In addition, it can regulate the intestinal flora, downregulate the abundance of Proteobacteria, upregulate the abundance of species of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota, and improve the overall abundance level of intestinal flora in mice.
Structural and sensory impact of various emulsifiers in cocoa hazelnut spread formulations
Authors: Icyer Necattin Cihat , Ozmen Duygu , Sener Dilek , Kokyar Nagihan , Toker Omer Said 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, the effects of emulsifiers such as lecithin, AMPs, Palsgaard® Oil‐Binder and GMS on cocoa hazelnut spread rheology were compared under the same process conditions and formulation. Emulsifiers were added to the formulation separately at rates of 0.3%–0.4%–0.5%. Hardness values in cocoa hazelnut spread were examined at 15‐day intervals until the 60th day. In addition, viscosity, rheological analyses, color, spreadability, stability tests, and sensory analyses were performed. In the production of cocoa hazelnut spread, lecithin and AMP have less hardness and lower viscosity, greater fluent consistency, better spreadability, and lower “work of shear” values compared with other emulsifiers. The emulsifier type/ratio difference did not affect the color value statistically. It was determined that the use of Oil‐Binder and GMS significantly protected the stability compared with other emulsifiers. During the 60‐day storage period, lecithin preserved its hardness properties better than other emulsifiers. When sensory properties were examined, the use of lecithin and AMP in cocoa hazelnut spread samples scored high in brightness, spreadability, mouthfeel, and taste parameters. As a result, lecithin comes to the fore in the use of different types and ratios of emulsifiers in cocoa hazelnut spread production technology.
Strangers in a foreign land: ‘Yeastizing’ plant enzymes
Authors: Van Gelder Kristen , Lindner Steffen N. , Hanson Andrew D. , Zhou Juannan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractExpressing plant metabolic pathways in microbial platforms is an efficient, cost‐effective solution for producing many desired plant compounds. As eukaryotic organisms, yeasts are often the preferred platform. However, expression of plant enzymes in a yeast frequently leads to failure because the enzymes are poorly adapted to the foreign yeast cellular environment. Here, we first summarize the current engineering approaches for optimizing performance of plant enzymes in yeast. A critical limitation of these approaches is that they are labour‐intensive and must be customized for each individual enzyme, which significantly hinders the establishment of plant pathways in cellular factories. In response to this challenge, we propose the development of a cost‐effective computational pipeline to redesign plant enzymes for better adaptation to the yeast cellular milieu. This proposition is underpinned by compelling evidence that plant and yeast enzymes exhibit distinct sequence features that are generalizable across enzyme families. Consequently, we introduce a data‐driven machine learning framework designed to extract ‘yeastizing’ rules from natural protein sequence variations, which can be broadly applied to all enzymes. Additionally, we discuss the potential to integrate the machine learning model into a full design‐build‐test cycle.
Perceived acceptability of online volunteer‐led exercise classes: Perspectives of rural volunteer exercise leaders and older people
Authors: McDermott Natalie , Rahman Md Saifur , Winterton Rachel , Ahasan Nazmul , Barnes Carly , Kennedy Adelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study assessed perceived acceptability of online rural volunteer‐led exercise classes among volunteer leaders and older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic and interrogate differences in acceptability between older people who were currently participating in regular exercise and those who were not.MethodA case study was conducted of an existing volunteer‐led exercise program using a cross‐sectional preintervention survey (38 volunteer exercise leaders and 172 program participants).ResultsThirty per cent (n = 11) of the volunteer leaders reported an interest in running the online classes. Motivations included providing opportunities for participants and keeping themselves and participants fit. Thirty‐four per cent (n = 42) of the older participants reported an intent to join the online classes, which was primarily attributed to the desire to keep active and to socialise. However, over 60% of the respondents across both categories did not want to engage in online exercise classes. This was primarily attributed to a preference for face‐to‐face classes and lack of confidence in conducting or using online activities or services. Older participants who did not regularly exercise were statistically more likely to report perceived challenges attending an online class, and to identify the use of internet‐based technologies as a barrier to attendance.ConclusionDigital literacy was a challenge for the older respondents, particularly for those who were not currently engaged in regular exercise. Organisations implementing online exercise programs should recognise that this form of delivery will pose challenges to cohorts of rural older people who are not undertaking regular physical activity and address the individual and environmental barriers to digital uptake.
Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Indices Could Be Additional Predictive Markers for Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Gao Jing , Jiang Nanyan , Chen Qi , Zhao Min , Tang Yunhui 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTProblemCesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is characterized by a gestational sac fully or partially implanted in the scar from a previous cesarean section. Systemic immune‐inflammation indices (SIIs) have recently been discussed as additional diagnostic markers in placenta accreta and preeclampsia. CSP shares a similar pathogenesis with these diseases, suggesting that assessing the SIIs and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could enhance additional predictability in diagnosing CSP.Method of StudyIn this study, we analyzed the complete blood counts between 264 women who were confirmed with CSP by ultrasound and 295 women who underwent elective termination.ResultsThe mean counts of total white cells and neutrophils were significantly higher, whereas the counts of monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets were significantly lower in the CSP group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the SII, systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), or NLR was significantly higher in the CSP group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Given the limited effect of SII and SIRI on the increased risk of developing CSP, the optimal cut‐off value for NLR in predicting CSP was 2.87 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.656, 68% sensitivity). The optimal cut‐off value for NLR in predicting type 2 CSP was 2.91 (AUC 0.690, 71% sensitivity).ConclusionsAlthough ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging images are a gold standard for visualizing the gestational sac's location in the diagnosis of CSP, assessing peripheral blood tests is cost‐effective, and NLR may provide additional diagnosis value for CSP.
Vaginal dinoprostone insert compared with two different oral misoprostol regimens for labor induction in nulliparous and multiparous women
Authors: Erhardt Damaris , Radan Anda‐Petronela , Mathis Jérôme , Surbek Daniel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionLabor induction exhibits considerable variations in protocols and medication regimens. Limited studies compare vaginal dinoprostone inserts with different oral misoprostol dosages, considering parity influence. This study explores the distinctions among 10 mg vaginal dinoprostone inserts and oral misoprostol 25 μg every 2 and every 4 h for labor induction, stratified by parity.Material and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 607 participants across two hospitals. The primary outcome, time from induction to delivery, and secondary outcomes, including mode of delivery and maternal and fetal safety, were assessed.ResultsPatient characteristics revealed differences in indication for labor induction, with the dinoprostone cohort having fewer post‐term and premature rupture of membranes cases but more intrauterine growth restriction/small‐for‐gestational age. Both oral misoprostol regimens showed a shorter time to delivery interval compared to the dinoprostone cohort (median: 1380 min [IQR 1381.0] and 1127.0 min [IQR 1214.0] vs 1631.5 [IQR 1736.2], p < 0.001 and p = 0.014). Only the difference between oral misoprostol q2h and vaginal dinoprostone remained significant for nulliparous but not multiparous women, losing significance over all the population after adjusting for confounding factors. The proportion of women giving birth within 24 h did not significantly differ between misoprostol q2h and dinoprostone after adjusting for confounders. When comparing misoprostol q4h with dinoprostone after confounder adjustment, an increased time to delivery interval for misoprostol q4h was found (p = 0.001). Both oral misoprostol regimens exhibited fewer meconium‐stained liquor (miso q4h: OR 0.44, miso q2h: OR 0.34) and cesarean sections (miso q4h: OR 0.48, miso q2h: OR 0.53) compared to dinoprostone, even after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionsOur study suggests that oral misoprostol 25 μg q4h is less effective than 10 mg vaginal dinoprostone for labor induction if parity and indication for induction are adjusted for, particularly in multiparous women. In terms of side effects, oral misoprostol regimens seem superior to vaginal dinoprostone. Our data support the individualized use of different agents for labor induction according to parity, indication for induction, bishop score, and women's preference.
Vakumuni vuku ni vanua (gathering the wisdom of the land): An Indigenous fieldwork research methodology in Fiji
Authors: Jekope Ramala Maiono , Ruwhiu Diane 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOne of the persistent challenges for researchers engaging with Indigenous communities is ensuring they communicate with the right individuals to obtain the right information. In this article, I advocate for the use of Vakumuni vuku ni vanua (gathering wisdom of the land), incorporating the 3D veivosaki (meaningful conversation) and Butu vanua (transcendence walk). These methods present culturally appropriate techniques for fieldwork research in Fiji. This strategic integration aims to streamline the collection of relevant data, recognising the essential role Indigenous knowledge holders serve as guardians of the knowledge being explored. By adopting this thoughtful approach, the knowledge‐gathering process honours the independence and esteem of Indigenous communities. These innovative methods are deeply rooted in Indigenous values like veiwekani (relationship), veinanumi (reciprocity) and veimaroroi (stewardship), which hold significant importance for Indigenous people.
Concept article: Antidepressant‐induced destabilization in bipolar illness mediated by serotonin 3 receptor (5HT3)
Authors: Aydin Irem Hacisalihoglu , El‐Mallakh Rif S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesAntidepressants used by patients with bipolar disorder have been associated with destabilization with an increase in mania, depression, and cycling. The most commonly proposed mechanism, that antidepressants ‘overshoot’ their antidepressant effect to create a manic or mixed state, is unlikely since antidepressants have actually been found to be ineffective in treating bipolar depression. Beginning with known bipolar‐specific pathophysiologic abnormalities provides the greatest likelihood of insight.MethodsPubMed was queried with ‘bipolar’, ‘sodium’, ‘intracellular sodium’, ‘serotonin 3’, ‘5HT3’, ‘5‐hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors’, and ‘antidepressant’ either individually or in combination.ResultsPathologic mood states (both mania and depression) are associated with increased intracellular sodium (Na) concentrations that depolarize the resting membrane potential to increase cellular excitability (mania) or cause depolarization block (depression). Stimulation of the serotonin (5HT) receptors depolarizes the post‐synaptic neuron. Stimulation of 5HT3 may be of particular importance since it is coupled to a cation channel that directly depolarizes the membrane. These effects directly impact the physiology of patients with bipolar disorder to alter neuronal excitability in a fashion that worsens both mania and depression.Proposed ConceptThe most consistently observed biological abnormality in individuals going through mania or bipolar depression involves a decline in Na pump activity, with consequent elevation of intracellular Na levels. Antidepressant treatment potentiates this, particularly by activation of 5HT3. This hypothesis can be tested by coadministering a 5HT3 antagonist (e.g., vortioxetine or ondansetron) to achieve blockade of that receptor while treating bipolar depression with a serotoninergic antidepressant.