bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of non‐thermal plasma generated using air and nitrogen on functional properties of milk protein dispersions
Authors: Modupalli Nikitha , Rahman Md Mahfuzur 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on improving the functionalities of milk protein concentrate (MPC) using a nonthermal plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW) with atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The 5% and 10% MPC dispersions were directly treated with a plasma jet, and PAW was used to make the MPC dispersions. The dispersions were analyzed for changes in protein structure and functional properties. The treatment altered the secondary structure of MPC protein structure by increasing β‐components and changing the order of random coils. The solubility of the PAW‐treated 5% protein dispersions doubled due to plasma‐induced modification of hydrophilic and covalent bonds of the protein, but this increase was not significant for the 10% dispersions due to less hydration. Emulsifying capacity increases by around 7% for plasma jet and PAW with air, owing to hydrophobicity on the particle surface. The gelation capacity and heat coagulation time rise by almost twice; however, foaming capacity decreases, indicating protein structural modifications and aggregations caused by plasma exposure. The viscosity of the 5% dispersions decreased due to high solubility, while that of the 10% dispersions increased due to less hydration. Principle component analysis was used to correlate the change in functionality with different operating parameters. In conclusion, this study illustrates that the functional properties of MPC can be significantly modified through plasma treatment. The observed changes depend on several factors, including the mode of plasma exposure, the source gas used to generate the plasma, and the concentration of the protein solution.Practical applicationsMilk protein concentrate (MPC) is a promising ingredient in food products such as cheese, cultured dairy items, nutritional goods, infant milk formulas, ice cream, dairy‐based drinks, sports beverages, and a variety of health‐focused products. However, the application is profoundly hindered due to its poor solubility and solubility‐related functional properties. MPC powders lose functionalities during manufacturing and gradually lose them again during processing and storage. This study explores the potential of non‐thermal plasma to improve the functional properties of proteins. This study explores the potential of two different discharges: plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW), using atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The findings of this study would also help to understand the types of plasma discharge (jet vs PAW) and types of sources of gases that can be used in industrial applications. Some optimization parameters of this study can be used for scaling up the plasma processing of milk or dairy products. In addition, PAW is being very well studied to improve food safety, and this study would provide information on the physicochemical properties of MPC. Therefore, it would also help to understand how to apply non‐thermal plasma to achieve both microbial and physical effects.
Analysis of drying kinetics and energy consumption of brine pretreated freshwater prawn fillets
Authors: Akpan Godwin Edem , Aregbesola Omotayo A. , Olagunju Titilope M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study examined the effect of various process factors on the drying of fresh water filleted prawns (Macrobrachium felicinum). The aim was to obtain data utilizing experimental and theoretical analysis that can be applied in equipment development and process optimization for drying seafood. Thus, pre‐treated prawns at different brine concentrations were dried at three isothermal conditions using a laboratory oven. The experimental moisture content data was changed to a moisture ratio and was employed to determine the drying attributes of the prawn. Drying condition optimality was explored more for model suitability using seven drying models in existence. Treatment of the prawns at a brine concentration of 2–6% affected the drying kinetics. The effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy for brine treatments ranged from 3.66 × 10−7 to 7.52 × 10−7 m2/s and 39.09 to 40.86 kJ/mol respectively while the specific energy required for the drying procedure varied from 44.52 to 76.34 kWh/kg after 9–14 h continuous drying at 50–70°C. Furthermore, the drying data's optimization demonstrated that the optimum temperature for drying filleted prawns in thin layers was 60.59°C with a brining concentration of 4.35%. The moisture ratio data fitted into semi‐theoretical and empirical model revealed that the Page model was the best model for samples pretreated by 0%, 4%, and 6% brine, whereas the Logarithmic model was the best‐fit for the samples brined with 2% solution. The study's data will be useful in developing and assessing drying techniques and systems for prawns and other related freshwater products.Practical ApplicationsPrawns (Macrobrachium felicinum) are a common dietary item in several countries, and demand for dried marine food delicacies is increasing as they are high in antioxidant poly‐unsaturated fatty acids, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12. However, because prawns are highly perishable and post‐harvest losses are predicted to make up 35% of daily catches, drying is required to minimize these losses. To guarantee that the drying process is both efficient and cost‐effective, optimum drying conditions must be established. As a result, this study was carried out to produce data that would be useful for drying pretreated prawn fillets.
The Florida Geriatric Head Trauma CT Clinical Decision Rule
Authors: Shih Richard D. , Alter Scott M. , Wells Mike , Solano Joshua J. , Engstrom Gabriella , Clayton Lisa M. , Hughes Patrick G. , Goldstein Lara , Lottenberg Lawrence , Ouslander Joseph G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral clinical decision rules have been devised to guide head computed tomography (CT) use in patients with minor head injuries, but none have been validated in patients 65 years or older. We aimed to derive and validate a head injury clinical decision rule for older adults.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of an existing dataset of consecutive emergency department (ED) patients >65 years old with blunt head trauma. The main predictive outcomes were significant intracranial injury and Need for Neurosurgical Intervention on CT. The secondary outcomes also considered in the model development and validation were All Injuries and All Intracranial Injuries. Predictor variables were identified using multiple variable logistic regression, and clinical decision rule models were developed in a split‐sample derivation cohort and then tested in an independent validation cohort.ResultsOf 5776 patients, 233 (4.0%) had significant intracranial injury and an additional 104 (1.8%) met CT criteria for Need for Neurosurgical Intervention. The best performing model, the Florida Geriatric Head Trauma CT Clinical Decision Rule, assigns points based on several clinical variables. If the points totaled 25 or more, a CT scan is indicated. The included predictors were arrival via Emergency Medical Services (+30 points), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <15 (+20 points), GCS <14 (+50 points), antiplatelet medications (+17 points), loss of consciousness (+16 points), signs of basilar skull fracture (+50 points), and headache (+20 points). Utilizing this clinical decision rule in the validation cohort, a point total ≥25 had a sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 96.0–100) and 12.3% (95% CI: 10.9–13.8), respectively, for significant intracranial injury and Need for Neurosurgical Intervention.ConclusionsThe Florida Geriatric Head Trauma CT Clinical Decision Rule has the potential to reduce unnecessary CT scans in older adults, without compromising safe emergency medicine practice.
The social reproduction of agrarian change: Feminist political economy and rural transformations in the global south. An introduction
Authors: Mezzadri Alessandra , Stevano Sara , Ossome Lyn , Bargawi Hannah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe last decade has seen a renaissance of feminist political economy studies centred on the concept of ‘social reproduction’. These aim at studying global capitalism from the vantage‐point of what produces and sustains life, expanding the social boundaries of processes and subjects analysed in political economy. Contributing to this research agenda, the special issue we present in this Introduction explores the Social Reproduction of Agrarian Change. Building on the contributions comprising this collection, we argue that the study of agrarian changethroughsocial reproduction enables us to de‐invisibilise processes of life‐making behind agrarian transformations in three distinct ways. First, the lens of social reproduction enables us to better grasp the regeneration of ‘classes of labour’ in rural areas; gender processes of de‐agrarianisation and their implications for livelihoods; and centre reproductive labour within and beyond the household ‐ across spaces and temporalities ‐ as central to life in the countryside. Secondly, this lens also allows us to complicate the land question beyond productivist readings, explore its significance for life in rural settings, and multiply the agrarian questions of our times, whose histories and trajectories must grapple with debates on economic justice. Finally, the study of the social reproduction of agrarian change also provides us with a novel vantage point to read the formation and reorganisation of complex global geographies of the rural, their relation to crises of social reproduction and the ability to redraw the urban–rural divide. All contributions in this issue insightfully advance debates on methods in social reproduction analysis. The study of the agrarian lifeworlds analysed here also contributes significantly to social reproduction debates. It challenges rigid dichotomies between the ‘productive’ and ‘reproductive’. It problematises the households as a unit of analysis and sets land as central to planetary debates on crises of social reproduction and their resolution.
Negative energy balance affects perinatal ewe performance, rumen morphology, rumen flora structure, and placental function
Authors: Wang Zhibo , Chen Peiyong , Liang Yaxu , Wang Feng , Zhang Yanli 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of negative energy balance (NEB) on perinatal ewes, with a focus on changes in growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation, ruminal bacteria composition, placental phenotype‐related indicators, and expression levels of genes related to placental function. Twenty ewes at 130 days of gestation were randomly allocated to either the positive energy balance (PEB) or NEB groups. In the experiment, ewes in the PEB group were fed the same amount as their intake during the pre‐feeding baseline period, while ewes in the NEB group were restricted to 70% of their individual baseline feed intake. The experiment was conducted until 42 days postpartum, and five double‐lamb ewes per group were selected for slaughter. The results demonstrated that NEB led to a significant decrease in body weight, carcass weight, and the birth and weaning weights of lambs (P < 0.05). Additionally, NEB caused alterations in serum biochemical parameters, such as increased non‐esterified fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate levels and decreased cholesterol and albumin levels (P < 0.05). Rumen fermentation and epithelial parameters were also affected, with a reduction in the concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, total acid and a decrease in the length of the rumen papilla (P < 0.05). Moreover, NEB induced changes in the structure and composition of ruminal bacteria, with significant differences in α‐diversity indices and rumen microbial community composition (P < 0.05). Gene expression in rumen papilla and ewe placenta was also affected, impacting genes associated with glucose and amino acid transport, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis (P < 0.05). These findings screened the key microbiota in the rumen of ewes following NEB and highlighted the critical genes associated with rumen function. Furthermore, this study revealed the impact of NEB on placental function in ewes, providing a foundation for investigating how nutrition in ewes influences reproductive performance. This research demonstrates how nutrition regulates reproductive performance by considering the combined perspectives of rumen microbiota and placental function.
Effect of dietary supplementation of macadamia oil on the growth, immune function, physio‐biochemical components and thyroid activity of growing rabbits
Authors: Jaber Fatima A. , Nasr Samia , Al‐Sayed Hanan M. A. , Al‐Otaibi Aljohara M. , Mohamed Hanan S. , Hamdy Haggag M. , Abdelnour Sameh A. , Fouad Walid 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe current research aimed to assess the effects of dietary macadamia oil (MO) on carcass traits, growth performance, physio‐biochemical components, immune function, thyroid hormones and inflammation markers of growing rabbits. A total of 96 growing rabbits were randomly distributed into four treatments, with 24 rabbits in each group. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or a diet supplemented with MO at 0.5 (MO0.5), 1 (MO1.0) and 2 (MO2.0) mL/kg of diet for eight weeks. The daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic improvement with increasing levels of MO, and the optimal dose was 1.25 mL/kg of diet. Increasing levels of MO also had a quadratic effect on hepatic and renal functions. Dose‐response curves revealed that the optimal doses of MO were 1.50, 1.75 and 1.25 mL/kg of diet for total bilirubin, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, and creatinine respectively. A quadratic relationship was observed between the increased levels of MO and tumour necrosis factor‐α (p = 0.038), interleukin‐6 (p = 0.014) and immunoglobulins (p = 0.016 and IgM p = 0.026). Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between the increment in MO levels and both nitric oxide (p = 0.040) and interleukin‐4 (p = 0.001). The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed a linear increase with increasing dietary MO content, while xanthine oxidase showed a linear decrease. Total antioxidant capacity showed quadratic improvement (p = 0.035) with the dietary treatment, with the optimal dose observed at 1.25 mL/kg of diet. The inclusion of MO in the diet had a linear effect on the activity of thyroxine (p = 0.001). Therefore, supplementation of MO at a dose of 1 or 1.5 mL/kg of diet in growing rabbits' diets can improve growth and carcass traits, sustain thyroid function by supporting immunity, and reduce oxidative/inflammation pathways.
Effectiveness of acute malnutrition treatment with a simplified, combined protocol in Central African Republic: An observational cohort study
Authors: Heymsfield Grace , Tausanovitch Zachary , Christian Loubah Gondjé , Bebelou M'bary Siolo Mada , Mbeng Benedict Tabiojong , Dembele Anne Marie , Fossi Annie , Bansimba Théophile , Coulibaly Issa Niamanto , Nikièma Victor , Kangas Suvi T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA simplified, combined protocol admitting children with a mid‐upper‐arm circumference (MUAC) of <125 mm or oedema to malnutrition treatment with ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) uses two sachets of RUTF per day of those with MUAC < 115 mm and/or oedema and one sachet of RUTF per day for those with MUAC 115–<125 mm. This treatment previously demonstrated noninferior programmatic outcomes compared with standard treatment and high recovery in a routine setting. We aimed to observe the protocol's effectiveness in a routine setting at scale, in two health districts of the Central African Republic through an observational cohort study. The pilot enrolled children for 1 year in consortium by the Ministry of Health and nongovernmental partners. A total of 7909 children were admitted to the simplified, combined treatment. Treatment resulted in an 81.2% overall recovery, with a mean length of stay (LOS) of 38.7 days and a mean RUTF consumption of 43.4 sachets per child treated. Among children admitted with MUAC < 115 mm or oedema, 67.9% recovered with a mean LOS of 48.1 days and consumed an average of 70.9 RUTF sachets. Programme performance differed between the two districts, with an overall defaulting rate of 31.1% in the Kouango‐Grimari health district, compared to 8.2% in Kemo. Response to treatment by children admitted with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) by MUAC and SAM by oedema was similar. The simplified, combined protocol resulted in a satisfactory overall recovery and low RUTF consumption per child treated, with further need to understand defaulting in the context.
Celecoxib‐tramadol co‐crystal in patients with moderate‐to‐severe pain following bunionectomy with osteotomy: Secondary analyses by baseline pain intensity and use of rescue medication of a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, factorial, active‐ and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Viscusi Eugene R. , de Leon‐Casasola Oscar , Cebrecos Jesús , Jacobs Adam , Morte Adelaida , Ortiz Esther , Sust Mariano , Vaqué Anna , Gottlieb Ira , Daniels Stephen , Muse Derek , Kuss Michael E. , Videla Sebastián , Gascón Neus , Plata‐Salamán Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the randomized, phase 3, SUSA‐301 trial, celecoxib‐tramadol co‐crystal (CTC) provided significantly greater analgesia compared with celecoxib, tramadol, or placebo in adults with acute, moderate‐to‐severe, postoperative pain. This post hoc, secondary analysis further evaluated the use of rescue medication and the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).MethodsPatients (N = 637) were randomized 2:2:2:1 to receive oral CTC 200 mg twice daily (BID; n = 184), tramadol 50 mg four times daily (QID; n = 183), celecoxib 100 mg BID (n = 181), or placebo QID (n = 89). Post hoc analyses were conducted on the use of rescue medications up to 4 and 48 h post‐study drug dose, stratified by baseline pain intensity (moderate/severe), and on the incidence of TEAEs, stratified by rescue medication use.ResultsA significantly lower proportion of patients received any rescue medication within 4 h post‐study dose with CTC (49.5%) versus tramadol (61.7%, p = 0.0178), celecoxib (65.2%, p = 0.0024), and placebo (75.3%, p = 0.0001); this was also seen for oxycodone use. Fewer patients in the CTC group received ≥3 doses of rescue medication compared with the other groups, irrespective of baseline pain intensity. In patients who did not receive opioid rescue medication, CTC was associated with a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting TEAEs versus tramadol alone. In patients who received rescue oxycodone, the incidence of nausea was similar in the CTC and tramadol groups, and higher versus celecoxib and placebo.ConclusionCelecoxib‐tramadol co‐crystal was associated with reduced rescue medication use and an acceptable tolerability profile compared with tramadol or celecoxib alone in adults with acute, moderate‐to‐severe, postoperative pain.
Full‐spectrum cannabidiol reduces UVB damage through the inhibition of TGF‐β1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Urrutia‐Ortega I. M. , Valencia I. , Ispanixtlahuatl‐Meraz O. , Benítez‐Flores J. C. , Espinosa‐González A. M. , Estrella‐Parra E. A. , Flores‐Ortiz C. M. , Chirino Y. I. , Avila‐Acevedo J. G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe thermodynamic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and photoprotective benefits of full‐spectrum cannabidiol (FS‐CBD) against UVB‐induced cellular death were examined in this study. In silico analysis of CBD showed antioxidant capacity via proton donation and UV absorption at 209.09, 254.73, and 276.95 nm, according to the HAT and SPLET methodologies. FS‐CBD protected against UVB‐induced bacterial death for 30 min. FS‐CBD protected against UVB‐induced cell death by 42% (1.5 μg/mL) and 35% (3.5 μg/mL) in an in vitro keratinocyte cell model. An in vivo acute irradiated CD‐1et/et mouse model (UVB‐irradiated for 5 min) presented very low photoprotection when FS‐CBD was applied cutaneously, as determined by histological analyses. In vivo skin samples showed that FS‐CBD regulated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the inflammatory markers TGF‐β1 and NLRP3. The docking analysis showed that the CBD molecule had a high affinity for TGF‐β1 and NLRP3, indicating that protection against inflammation might be mediated by blocking these proinflammatory molecules. This result was corroborated by the docking interactions between CBD and TGF‐β1 and NLRP3, which resulted in a high affinity and inhibition of both proteins The present work suggested a FS‐CBD moderate photoprotective agent against UVB light‐induced skin damage and that this effect is partially mediated by its anti‐inflammatory activity.
Pricing of medication abortion in the United States, 2021–2023
Authors: Upadhyay Ushma D. , Schroeder Rosalyn , Kaller Shelly , Stewart Clara , Berglas Nancy F. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionFinancial costs remain one of the greatest barriers to abortion, leading to delays in care and preventing some from getting a desired abortion. Medication abortion is available through in‐person facilities and telehealth services. However, whether telehealth offers a more affordable option has not been well‐documented.MethodsWe used Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH)'s Abortion Facility Database, which includes data on all publicly advertising abortion facilities and is updated annually. We describe facility out‐of‐pocket prices for medication abortion in 2021, 2022, and 2023, comparing in‐person and telehealth provided by brick‐and‐mortar and virtual clinics, and by whether states allowed Medicaid coverage for abortion.ResultsThe national median price for medication abortion remained consistent at $568 in 2021 and $563 in 2023. However, medications provided by virtual clinics were notably lower in price than in‐person care and this difference widened over time. The median cost of a medication abortion offered in‐person increased from $580 in 2021 to $600 by 2023, while the median price of a medication abortion offered by virtual clinics decreased from $239 in 2021 to $150 in 2023. Among virtual clinics, few (7%) accepted Medicaid. Median prices in states that accept Medicaid were generally higher than in states that did not.DiscussionMedication abortion is offered at substantially lower prices by virtual clinics. However, not being able to use Medicaid or other insurance may make telehealth cost‐prohibitive for some people, even if prices are lower. Additionally, many states do not allow telehealth for abortion, deepening inequities in healthcare.
The synergy between stress and self‐compassion in building resilience: A 4‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Bluth Karen , Lathren Christine , Leary Mark , Hoyle Rick 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis 4‐year prospective study investigated the dynamic relationship between stress, self‐compassion, and resilience among university students, a population with increasing rates of mental health challenges. Drawing on stress theories, the research explored whether the combination of stress and self‐compassion strengthens resilience over time. A sample of 1137 university students (47.6% White, 38% female) completed measures of stress, resilience, and self‐compassion annually during the Spring semester across their four undergraduate years. A random intercept cross‐lagged panel model with latent interactions was used to test the hypothesized causal relationships. Contrary to the common belief that stress is debilitating, the results revealed a positive association between an increase in stress and a subsequent increase in self‐compassion. Moreover, when stress levels increased alongside self‐compassion, students demonstrated higher resilience. Notably, an increase in either stress or self‐compassion alone did not enhance resilience. These findings highlight the synergetic effect between self‐compassion and stress in enhancing resilience; under the right conditions, stress can lead to positive outcomes and increased capacity for coping with future stressors.