bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation techniques, action mechanisms, and evaluation models of probiotics: Recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Yang Shoufeng , Wei Siyu , Wu Yan , Fang Yapeng , Deng Zilong , Xu Jianxiong , Zhang Hongcai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe related studies of probiotics‐based functional foods have recently attracted increasing interests in developing new types of oral administration systems. Probiotics has various biological functions, including increasing adsorption ability of nutrients, competitively rejecting pathogenic organisms, and regulating the immune system. It is well known that probiotics cannot be worked until their colonies reach the intestine alive, as well as the amount reaches 106–107 colony‐forming units/g at the end of product's shelf life. However, the delivery of probiotics to the colon through oral administration is always challenging due to weak viability under exposure to harsh conditions in the presence of ions and small molecules from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the low viability of the probiotics due to the lack of resistance to the acidity of food matrices, high temperature during food processing, and oxygen changes during storage also limit the applications of probiotics in food products. Therefore, encapsulation of probiotics could particularly protect the probiotics from degradation and inactivation, resulting in enhanced viability during the transition from consumption to digestion in the gut. Emulsion cross‐linking, complex coacervation, microcapsules, spray drying, layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly, electrospinning, hydrogel, and other methods are used to encapsulate probiotics. Herein, this review mainly highlights the gut health functions and encapsulation techniques of probiotics, followed by the current challenges and future development prospects.
Predicting aerosol transmission in airplanes: Benefits of a joint approach using experiments and simulation
Authors: Leithäuser Christian , Norrefeldt Victor , Thiel Elisa , Buschhaus Michael , Kuhnert Jörg , Suchde Pratik 
Published: February 2024

SummaryWe investigate the transmission of aerosol particles in an airplane cabin with a joint approach using experiments and simulation. Experiments were conducted in a realistic aircraft cabin with heated dummies acting as passengers. A Sheffield head with an aerosol generator was used to emulate an infected passenger and particle numbers were measured at different locations throughout the cabin to quantify the exposure of other passengers. The same setting was simulated with a computational fluid dynamics model consisting of a Lagrange continuous phase for capturing the air flow, coupled with a Lagrange suspended discrete phase to represent the aerosols. Virtual measurements were derived from the simulation and compared with the experiments. Our main results are: the experimental setup provides good measurements well suited for model validation, the simulation does correctly reproduce the fundamental mechanisms of aerosol dispersion and simulations can help to improve the understanding of aerosol transmission for example by visualizing particle distributions. Furthermore, with findings from the simulation it was possible to crucially improve the experimental setup, proving that feedback between the numerical and the hardware world is indeed beneficial.
Credit risk prediction based on causal machine learning: Bayesian network learning, default inference, and interpretation
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Zhang Xuemei , Xiong Haitao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe predictive and interpretable power of models is crucial for financial risk management. The purpose of this study was to perform credit risk prediction in a structured causal network with four stages—data processing, structural learning, parameter learning, and interpretation of inferences—and use six real credit datasets to conduct empirical research on the proposed model. Compared with traditional machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explain the results of credit default through forward and reverse reasoning. We also compared our model with the post hoc interpretation models local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations (LIME) and shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to verify the interpretability of Bayesian networks. The experimental results show that the prediction performance of Bayesian networks is superior to traditional machine learning models and similar to the performance of ensemble models. Furthermore, Bayesian networks offer valuable insights into the interplay of features by considering their causal relationships and enable an assessment of how individual features influence the prediction outcome. In this study, what‐if analysis was performed to assess credit default probabilities under various conditions. This analysis provides decision‐makers with the necessary tools to make informed judgments about the risk profile of borrowers. Consequently, we consider Bayesian networks as a viable tool for credit risk prediction models in terms of prediction performance and interpretability.
Jewish on campus: Complexity and tikkun
Authors: Selznick Benjamin S. , Greene Sandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn an era of profound antisemitism, it is essential that higher education leaders and campus communities provide additional, direct support to Jewish students. In this space, we introduce recent literature on Jewish identity expressions and campus climates for bolstering Jewish appreciation in hopes of catalyzing necessary conversations with respect to Jewish students. We specifically consider Jewishness—its expressions(s) of religion, race, and ethnicity—as central aspects of students’ college experiences and provide considerations for engaging the complexity of Jewish identity. Drawing on findings from a large‐scale national study, we further suggest that climatic features which support Jewish appreciation (e.g., space for expression; productive interfaith exchange) not only benefit Jews, but all students. We then introduce practical recommendations along three areas: affirming Jewish identity expression, providing structural and organizational supports, and uncompromisingly combating antisemitism. We close on a hopeful tone that this piece can guide and motivate efforts toward repairing college communities for Jews and their allies.Practical Takeaways
Jewishness is a complex identity space encompassing religion, race, ethnicity, and integrated forms of expression. Understanding this complexity is essential to creating welcoming collegiate learning environments for Jewish students.
Robust findings support the claim that colleges can be instrumental in developing undergraduates' appreciative attitudes toward Jews. Colleges should strive to achieve this outcome by creating climates that support religious expression and encouraging productive exchanges across worldview differences.
Affirming Jewish identity expression, leveraging structural and organizational changes to directly include and support Jewish students, and vigorously confronting pronounced antisemitism and violence against Jews must be high priorities for campus leaders and college communities.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin, protects chondrocytes, and reduces cartilage inflammation via the NRF2/HO‐1/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Jin Gang , Xu Wei , Tang Huilin , Cui Yaying , Zhang Han 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes.MethodIn our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels.ResultsOur study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1β, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC.ConclusionThis study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO‐1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.
Potency, immunogenicity, and efficacy of rabies vaccine: In vitro and in vivo approach
Authors: Akter Fahima , Shamimuzzaman Md. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundRabies, a potentially lethal virus, affects more than 150 countries. Although the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin have been available since 1908, Bangladesh is new to vaccine manufacturing. We checked the quality of the local manufacturing rabies vaccine for substandard.MethodsThe potency and immunogenicity of 20 vaccines were analyzed by three in vivo and in vitro methods from March 2020 to May 2023. Single radial immunodiffusion, fluorescent antibody virus neutralization, and national institutes of health tests were carried out to evaluate the vaccine's efficacy to provide sufficient protection against the rabies virus.ResultsThe potency of the rabies vaccine was determined by the in vitro SRID method by measuring glycoprotein content. An average of 16 articles from each batch was calculated. The minimum and maximum average mean values of the 20 batches were 5.058 and 5.346, respectively. The variance was calculated at 0.00566. We found a coefficient of variation (CV) between 9.36% and 14.80%. The 100% sample was satisfactory, as these samples had a potency of over 2.5 IU/mL. To observe immunogenicity, we applied the FAVN method for determining antibody titers. An average of 16 articles from every batch were counted to quantify antibody titers. The mean quantity of antibody titers ranged from 2.389 to 3.3875. The CV was slightly lower because of the dispersion of the data. At last, we performed an in vivo method, the NIH test method, to determine potency based on mortality rate. We found a mean value of 4.777 IU/SHD with a standard deviation of 1.13 IU/SHD. All 20 batches were found 100% satisfactory in the NIH test.ConclusionThe study implies that the rabies human vaccines manufactured in Bangladesh are potent enough to provide sufficient immunogenicity. Our research is warranted testimony for healthcare providers who work to extirpate rabies.
RNA‐Guided RNA Pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐Methylation
Authors: Adachi Hironori , Chen Jonathan L. , Leeder W.‐Matthias , Morais Pedro , Yu Yi‐Tao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRNA‐guided RNA modifications, including pseudouridylation and 2′‐O‐methylation, are naturally occurring processes that introduce pseudouridines (Ψ) and 2’‐O‐methylated residues (2’‐O−Me) into various types of RNA. This modification is orchestrated by two distinct families of ribonucleoprotein complexes: Box H/ACA RNP and Box C/D RNP. Each complex comprises a unique guide (g)RNA (Box H/ACA gRNA or Box C/D gRNA) and a set of core proteins responsible for pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐methylation, respectively. The specificity of these modifications is conferred by base‐pairing of Box H/ACA gRNA and Box C/D gRNA with their RNA substrates. Here, we discuss the mechanism and function of RNA‐guided pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐methylation.
Investigating racial and ethnic disparities in interhospital transfer within an academic integrated healthcare system: A matched cohort study
Authors: Shannon Evan Michael , Fiskio Julie , Yoon Catherine , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Mueller Stephanie K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe presence of racial and ethnic disparities in interhospital transfer (IHT) within integrated healthcare systems has not been fully explored. We matched Black and Latinx patients admitted to community hospitals in our integrated healthcare system between June 2015 and December 2019 to White patients by origin hospital, age, time of year, and disease severity. We performed conditional logistic regression models to determine if race or ethnicity was associated with IHT in one of the tertiary academic medical centers in the system, adjusting for covariates. The sample contained 107,895 admissions (82.6% White, 7.8% Black, and 9.6% Latinx). Transfer rates were 2.2% versus 2.2% after the Black/White match and 1.8% versus 1.8% after the Latinx/White match. After adjusting for covariates, there was no association between race or ethnicity and IHT (Black vs. White odds ratio [OR]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–1.07; Latinx vs. White OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.79–1.40). This may be due to reduced barriers to transfer with an integrated healthcare system.
Sources and paths of extreme cold surges over China and their associated atmospheric circulations
Authors: Ma Li , Wei Zhigang , Li Xianru , Wu Shuting 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe extreme cold surges (ECSs) are among the extreme weather events that affect China. Here, a total of 31 ECSs that occurred from 1962 to 2018 in China were identified using observed temperature data. In addition, we used the hybrid single‐particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model to trace their sources. And the atmospheric circulation of ECSs with different paths were investigated. The ECSs were classified to K‐type, B‐type and S‐type ECSs (which was subdivided into the S1‐type, S2‐type and S3‐type) according to their origins and entry locations into China. The S‐type ECSs occurred the most, accounting for 58.06%. The duration and temperature drop of the K‐type ECSs were higher than those of others. And K‐type and S1‐type ECSs mainly affected Northeast China, S2‐type ECSs mainly affected the regions east of 105° E. For decadal variation, Since the 1980s, ECSs frequency has decreased (especially only one ECS occurred in the 1980s), and K‐type and S2‐type ECSs disappeared. Different types of cold surges have different atmospheric circulation characteristics. The “positive–negative–positive” wave train structures of geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa were very conducive to the formations of K‐type, B‐type and S3‐type ECSs. For K‐type and S1‐type ECSs, the cold high gradually moved south to Siberia, and combined with the cyclone anomalies, causing the cold air to enter China. Before the B‐type ECSs occurred, cold high appeared in the west of Xinjiang, which made the southeast cold air invade China. Regarding S1‐type and S2‐type ECSs, the negative anomalies over Eurasia from day −6 to day −4 and the subsequent cyclone anomalies at 850 hPa accompanied by the southeastward extension of cold high led to ECSs.
Resolution of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis with estradiol in a transgender female: A case report
Authors: Steiger Athreya , VanderVeen Nathan T. , Kang Esther H. , Weimer Amy K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 16‐year‐old trans female patient presented to our Gender Health Program for gender‐affirming care. Her intake evaluation revealed signs of hepatocellular injury and fibrosis concerning for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and she was referred to a Pediatric Hepatologist. Subsequent delays in initiating hormone therapy caused a decline in her mental health, and she began experiencing suicidal ideations. Gender‐affirming hormone therapy has been shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations in transgender and gender diverse youth, and studies in animal models suggest improvement in hepatic steatosis in response to estrogen. A multidisciplinary meeting with Gender Health, Psychiatry, and Hepatology appropriately weighed the benefits of life‐saving hormone therapy and the possibility of an improvement in her comorbid liver condition with the risk of further liver damage from estrogen therapy. The teams and the patient agreed to start estradiol with subsequent resolution of laboratory and radiographic evidence of MASH.
Food insecurity screening practices in a pediatric gastroenterology population
Authors: Morrow Ryan , Stahl Marisa G. , Liu Ed , Shull Mary , Germone Monique , Nagle Sadie , Griffith Isabel , Mehta Pooja 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFood insecurity is a rising concern for US households and leads to adverse child health outcomes. Pediatric gastroenterology providers are uniquely equipped to help guide families experiencing this challenge given their specialized training in nutritional support and dietary therapy for disease management. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate food insecurity screening practices from the perspectives of patient caregivers and healthcare providers in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology practice. A survey was administered to 1279 caregivers and 121 providers. Of the 248 completed caregiver responses, 10%−15% reported being asked about food insecurity. Among the 36 healthcare provider responses, 53% expressed comfort in conducting food insecurity screening but only 14% routinely screened. The most cited barrier to screening was the lack of readily available patient resources. Further research is imperative to address these screening barriers and assess the impact of food insecurity screening and interventions on pediatric gastrointestinal health outcomes.
Microbial community shifts indicate recovery of soil physical properties in a post‐tin‐mining area on Belitung Island, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Hirmas Fuady , Bui Long Thanh , Mori Yasushi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMineral mining often results in changes to the soil environment, reducing the sustainability of the surrounding environment. Restoring the physical and chemical properties of soil in post‐tin‐mining areas on the tropical island of Belitung, Indonesia, has been a laborious process after more than 10 decades of land reclamation. We aimed to determine which parameter of the soil properties was responsible for the slow recovery process and if there were other properties that indicated more rapid changes. We measured the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils of different periods in the post‐tin‐mining areas. We sampled soil from three areas: 0, 1, and 6 years after mining and an adjacent natural forest as a reference site. The soil water content, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, particle distribution, mineral content, and soil microbial composition were measured in the field and analyzed in the laboratory. The soil showed a fine particle loss and despite the absence of clay, water‐holding capacity was significantly increased in the 6‐year‐old soil. Organic carbon increased by 0.2% after 6 years of reclamation. Copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in the soils fluctuated less. Minimal amounts of Pb and Cd were found. Soil bacterial communities shift with land age. Actinobacteria were dominant a few years after mining, while Proteobacteria colonized the mined area after 6 years. This study examined the more profound changes in the soil properties of tropical post‐tin‐mined land. Soil and bacterial characteristics can be used as markers to monitor the progress of land rehabilitation.
Natural resources, food, energy and water: Structural shocks, food production and clean energy for USA in the view of COP27
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Xinling , Si Dingwen , Zhang Hong , Ageli Mohammed Moosa , Mentel Grzegorz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere is a notable scarcity of literature addressing the complex affiliation amidst natural resources, water productivity (WPROD), and the food production index (FPI). Existing research focuses on emerging and developing countries, primarily centering on the initial objectives of sustainable development. To bridge this literature gap, our research delves into the nexus of WPROD, FPI, and total land resources (TLRS). Additionally, the study explores the persuasive roles of income (GDP) and renewable energy consumption (REC). Employing time series methodologies, we utilize the DF‐GLS unit root assessment to assess the variable static method and the Bayer‐Hanck test to scrutinize long‐term equilibrium. The primary analysis employs the least squares approach with breakpoints, supplemented by the Robust least squares method for validation. For causal relationships between variables, we deployed the Granger causality approach. Our outcomes disclose that variables are static at the first difference, indicating long‐run equilibrium among all variables. Empirical outcomes suggest a resource curse associated with TLRS, as it negatively influences both WPROD and FPI, regardless of breaks. The increase in coefficients of land resources by 1% causes decrease in water productivity and food production by −0.35% and −0.185%. In contrast, GDP and renewable energy positively impact water productivity and food production index, even in the presence of structural breaks. Robustness checks yield‐mixed outcomes, though the overall results remain significant and consistent with the main methods. Causality analysis indicates a bi‐directional linkage between natural resources, renewable energy, and water productivity, and food production, while GDP demonstrates a uni‐directional linkage in the study. We provide relevant policies under the targets of COP 27 to manage land resources in the USA.
Switches between nitrogen limitation and nitrogen–phosphorus co‐limitation in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Yuan Zhongwei , Achterberg Eric P. , Engel Anja , Dai Minhan , Browning Thomas J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConcentrations of bioavailable inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are simultaneously depleted in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic Ocean, but it remains unclear if phytoplankton growth rates are N limited or N–P co‐limited. Here we present findings from three bottle‐scale experiments using a four‐by‐four matrix of low‐level N and P additions, conducted at one site in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. Phytoplankton responses were assessed both in terms of bulk chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations and intracellular Chl a of dominant Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus groups. Two matrix experiments suggested that N was independently limiting in situ growth, with no co‐limiting role for P, while the third showed co‐limitation by both N and P in this region. This switch from N limitation to N–P co‐limitation was attributed to an episodic wet deposition event that supplied N, thereby stimulating phytoplankton growth and consuming available P. Such rapid transitions in nutrient limitation in response to environmental forcing might be common in oceanic systems with multiple depleted nutrients.
A Novel Food Bore Protein Hydrogel with Silver Ions for Promoting Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Fu Xiaowen , Hu Gan , Abker Adil M. , Oh Deog‐Hwan , Ma Meihu , Fu Xing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHydrogels have emerged as a promising option for treating local scald wounds due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ovalbumin/gelatin composite hydrogels in repairing deep II‐degree scald wounds using a mouse dorsal skin model. Trauma tissues collected at various time points are analyzed for total protein content, hydroxyproline content, histological features, and expression of relevant markers. The results reveal that the hydrogel accelerates the healing process of scalded wounds, which is 17.27% higher than the control group. The hydrogel treatment also effectively prevents wound enlargement and redness of the edges caused by infection during the initial stage of scalding. The total protein and hydroxyproline content of the treated wounds are significantly elevated. Additionally, the hydrogel up‐regulates the expression of VEGF (a crucial angiogenic factor) and down‐regulates CD68 (a macrophage marker). In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of multifunctional protein‐based hydrogels in wound healing.