bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal distribution patterns and conservation gaps of blue sharks in the Indo‐Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhang Yuewen , Lian Peng , Zhang Xiong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimOceanic sharks play an important role in maintaining the stability and biodiversity of marine ecosystems, and yet they are among the most threatened taxa worldwide. Currently, large spatial‐scale distribution patterns and conservation gaps are poorly known for most species since they are challenging to study. To address the problem, we here use an integrated approach with an illustration with the blue shark (Prionace glauca), a common bycatch oceanic species.LocationIndo‐Western Pacific Ocean (IWPO).MethodsWe first collated decades of species occurrences and marine environmental datasets from open‐access sources. We then applied ensembled species distribution models (SDMs) to predict its seasonal distributions and evaluated the model performance using true skill statistic (TSS) and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). We finally conducted spatial analyses (e.g. bivariate hotspot analyses) to identify conservation gaps/opportunities based on the predicted distribution maps and two additional datasets, namely, marine protected areas (MPAs) and fishing effort.Results(1) Both seasonal SDMs performed well (mean TSS > 0.8, AUC > 0.95), and the results suggested that blue sharks were widely distributed in the IWPO with some seasonal differences in ecological niches and distributions (mainly in the West Indian Ocean and the Northwest Pacific Ocean); (2) large MPAs and shark sanctuaries covered comparable, small portions (4%–9%) of blue shark habitats, but these locations (in MPAs and sanctuaries) varied between seasons; (3) fishery‐shark conflict hotspots also varied between seasons with some located in or close to large MPAs and sanctuaries.Main conclusionsWe provide seasonal (cold vs. warm) distribution maps of blue sharks across the IWPO to advance their conservation and management. We highlight the importance of strengthening management both in and near large MPAs and shark sanctuaries. Our study contributes a feasible integrated approach to reveal seasonal distribution patterns and conservation opportunities for oceanic sharks.
Network‐based analysis predicts interacting genetic modifiers from a meta‐mapping study of spike–wave discharge in mice
Authors: Lara Montana Kay , Brabec Jeffrey L. , Hernan Amanda E. , Scott Rod C. , Tyler Anna L. , Mahoney J. Matthew 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAbsence seizures are characterized by brief lapses in awareness accompanied by a hallmark spike‐and‐wave discharge (SWD) electroencephalographic pattern and are common to genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs). While numerous genes have been associated with increased risk, including some Mendelian forms with a single causal allele, most cases of GGE are idiopathic and there are many unknown genetic modifiers of GGE influencing risk and severity. In a previous meta‐mapping study, crosses between transgenic C57BL/6 and C3HeB/FeJ strains, each carrying one of three SWD‐causing mutations (Gabrg2tm1Spet(R43Q), Scn8a8j or Gria4spkw1), demonstrated an antagonistic epistatic interaction between loci on mouse chromosomes 2 and 7 influencing SWD. These results implicate universal modifiers in the B6 background that mitigate SWD severity through a common pathway, independent of the causal mutation. In this study, we prioritized candidate modifiers in these interacting loci. Our approach integrated human genome‐wide association results with gene interaction networks and mouse brain gene expression to prioritize candidate genes and pathways driving variation in SWD outcomes. We considered candidate genes that are functionally associated with human GGE risk genes and genes with evidence for coding or non‐coding allele effects between the B6 and C3H backgrounds. Our analyses output a summary ranking of gene pairs, one gene from each locus, as candidates for explaining the epistatic interaction. Our top‐ranking gene pairs implicate microtubule function, cytoskeletal stability and cell cycle regulation as novel hypotheses about the source of SWD variation across strain backgrounds, which could clarify underlying mechanisms driving differences in GGE severity in humans.
Modelling assessment of resource competition for renewable basic chemicals and the effect of recycling
Authors: Musonda Frazer , Millinger Markus , Thrän Daniela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work assesses pathways towards a net‐zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions chemical industry sector in Germany until 2050, focusing on the ammonia, methanol, ethylene and adipic acid subsectors and the effect of the recycling of C embedded in chemical end products on the GHG abatement cost and primary resource demand. This was done using a bottom‐up mathematical optimization model, including the energy sectors and the chemicals sector, with electricity and biobased options considered. Results show that net‐zero GHG emissions for the considered chemicals in 2050 are attainable at a marginal cost of 640–900 €/tCO2‐eq, even with 26%–36% of demand being satisfied by fossil production routes. This is possible because renewable organic chemicals can act as carbon sinks if, at their end of life, C is permanently stored via landfilling or passed on to the next value chain via recycling. Nonetheless, considering the cost implications, the practical deployment of renewable chemicals is a challenge. The considered renewable chemicals cost 1.3–8 times more than their fossil counterparts, resulting in a marginal CO2 price of 480 €/tCO2‐eq when all primary resources (energy crops, forest residues and renewable electricity) are considered, or 810 €/tCO2‐eq when the availability of arable land is restricted. In the transition to net‐zero emissions for the chemicals under study, a circular economy is important not only for reducing demand for primary resources as is typically the case but also reduces GHG abatement costs by 13%–24% through carbon capture and utilization effects.
Chilled storage study of marinated and vacuum‐packed steaks of Otolithes cuvieri (Trewavas, 1974)
Authors: Parmar Bhaviksinh K. , Mohite Ashis S. , Pathan Dabir Iqbal , Desai Ajay S. , Wasave Suhas M. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis study investigates the potential of marination in extending the shelf life of vacuum‐packed croaker fish (Otolithes cuvieri, Trewavas, 1974) steaks by evaluating their organoleptic, biochemical and microbiological characteristics under chilled storage conditions (4 ± 1 °C) for 21 days. The marination process involves the use of natural preservatives such as salt, vinegar and spices, aiming to enhance flavour and texture. Results demonstrated that marination effectively reduces the rate of increase in total plate count (TPC), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA‐N), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), pH, peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids (FFA) during storage, thereby extending the shelf life of the tested samples. Control (C) and marinated (M) samples of vacuum‐packed fish steaks remained organoleptically acceptable until the 9th and 15th days of chilled storage respectively. Due to the addition of marinating ingredients, significant changes were observed in taste, texture and proximate content. The maximum extension in shelf life for marinated samples is attributed to the combined antimicrobial and antioxidative effects of the different ingredients used in the marination process. These findings suggest that marination holds promise as a method for preserving fish products and satisfying consumer preferences for flavourful, ready‐to‐cook and economically viable seafood options.
Valorisation of sweet potato leaves as a potential agri‐food resource: Assessing nutritional and nutraceutical values altered by food processing—A review
Authors: Yi Junpeng , Li Luyao , Li Xin , Duan Xu , Wang Junling , Han Yuxin , Gao Yan 
Published: March 2024

SummarySweet potato leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive substances. They are commonly utilised as human foodstuff in some Asian, African and North American countries. Leafy vegetables are generally processed through domestic cooking or industrial processing techniques before consumption. This paper reviews the available literature on the nutritional composition and phytochemical profile, along health benefits of processed sweet potato leaves. Discussion on the applications of sweet potato leaves as a valuable fortifying ingredient in a variety of food formulations is included. Domestic cooking resulted in a substantial increase in protein content at optimal conditions but led to a significant loss of bioactive compounds. Vacuum freeze‐drying retained most of nutrients and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Fermentation and supplementation as fortifying ingredients in food formulations could improve the nutritional status and sensory characteristics of the final products. This review can facilitate the development of an integrated plant for the valorisation of sweet potato agro‐industrial residues and aid the food industry in obtaining fortified foods with sweet potato leaf loaded.
The mechanisms of various hydrocolloids regulating the quality and starch digestibility of whole rye bread
Authors: Weng Yexun , Yang Yueyue , Jin Zhengyu , Yu Ruirui , Jiao Aiquan 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe in vitro effects of six hydrophilic colloids on bread flour properties, rheological properties, water distribution, microstructure, baking quality and starch digestibility were examined. The incorporation of xanthan gum (XG), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), apple pectin powder (APCT) and Curdlan gum (CDL) into rye dough was observed to enhance the gluten network and reduce the gelatinisation and ageing. The addition of APCT and CDL improved softness and ductility and resulted in more complete and orderly protein network of the rye dough than when XG, trehalose (THL) and CDL were added. The addition of THL and XG increased the specific volume, softened the texture of the rye bread and decreased the blood glucose index by approximately 5%. In conclusion, the addition of six common hydrophilic colloids may enhance the quality of bread, albeit with a reduction in the in vitro starch digestibility of rye bread.
Effect of replacing olive oil with oil blends on physicochemical and sensory properties of taralli
Authors: Pasini Federica , Marzocchi Silvia , Ravagli Cesare , Cuomo Francesca , Messia Maria Cristina , Marconi Emanuele , Caboni Maria Fiorenza 
Published: March 2024

SummaryEdible fats and oils are usually considered in the production of bakery products for technological and sensory reasons, but the nutritional and economic aspects and the oxidative stability of the final product must also be taken into account. Four different oil blends (high oleic sunflower oil, 87.5% extra virgin olive oil + 12.5% sunflower oil, 75% extra virgin olive oil + 25% rice oil and 87.5% high oleic sunflower oil + 12.5% coconut oil) were used in the production of taralli as an extra virgin olive oil alternative. The lipid fraction, texture and sensory characteristics, and oxidative evaluation of the final products were studied. The use of the oil blend made of 75% extra virgin olive oil and 25% rice oil gave the best compromise for the content of sterols and tocols resulting in a combination that was able to achieve an induction period, in the accelerated oxidation test, that was comparable to that of the reference control made with extra virgin olive oil only.
Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers
Authors: Chen Gengning , Mantilla Sandra Milena Olarte , Netzel Michael E. , Cozzolino Daniel , Sivakumar Dharini , Sultanbawa Yasmina 
Published: March 2024

SummaryBurdekin plums (BP) are the fruits of Pleiogynium timoriense (DC.) Leenh, a tree native to Australia. In this study, BP fruit leathers were developed by blending BP puree with apple puree (0%–80% levels) to make five formulations of BP fruit leathers (100BP, 80BP, 60BP, 40BP, 20BP). Physicochemical parameters and microbial stability of fruit leathers were studied during six‐month storage at ambient conditions (temperature 16–25 °C, humidity 60%–77%). Results showed that BP leathers had a water activity from 0.60 to 0.64 and moisture content from 21% to 25%, and both were stable during storage. 20BP had the highest score for all colour parameters measured and had the lowest value in hardness. Reduction in redness and chroma and an increase in hue were observed in all leathers after storage. The total content of cyanidin 3‐galactoside and cyanidin 3‐glucoside decreased from 400–1600 mg/kg DW to 100–500 mg/kg DW after processing into leathers then to 9–70 mg/kg DW after storage. A decrease in catechins was also observed after puree was processed into leather and after the 6 months of storage, whereas an increase in gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin 3‐glucoside, trigalloylglucose was observed particularly in 20BP. Total phenolic content (ranging from 6 to 24 mg GAE/g DW) and antioxidant capacity (ranging from 80 to 240 μmol Fe2+/g DW) remained relatively stable after processing and storage with a slight reduction in 80BP and 100BP. Fruit leathers were microbiologically safe and shelf‐stable during the 6 months of storage. These results demonstrated the potential of BP to be processed into shelf‐stable fruit leathers rich in bioactive phenolics.
Protein hydrolysates from buffalo cheese whey: production and characterisation for food supplementation
Authors: Grando Lauren Mazutti , Fassina Patricia , Leonhardt Fernanda , Ethur Eduardo Miranda , Neutzling Lehn Daniel , Goettert Márcia Inês , Volken de Souza Claucia Fernanda 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe objective of this study was to obtain protein hydrolysates from buffalo cheese whey proteins and characterise them. Degrees of hydrolysis ranged between 10% and 16% depending on processing time. The hydrolysate obtained after 12 h showed a low water activity value (<0.4), and the lowest moisture content (4.88% w/w), besides demonstrating better solubility, and enhanced emulsion stability. The hydrolysate obtained after an 18‐h process exhibited higher foam production capacity. In vitro, protein digestibility values of the hydrolysates ranged from 25% to 27% (w/w). Prolonging the hydrolysis (18 h) of the buffalo whey proteins with Flavourzyme resulted in a greater release of amino acids. The hydrolysate obtained after a 12‐h process exhibited the best techno‐functional characteristics (moisture, oil holding capacity, and emulsion stability), while the 18‐h showed the highest levels of branched‐chain amino acids. The characteristics of these hydrolysates enable their use in the production of supplements, providing another strategy for bubaline whey utilisation.
Women's career development through everyday life in post‐war Japan: Survey of the Shufuren (the Japanese Association of Consumer Organizations)
Authors: Hama Takako 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the career development process of women in postwar Japan who belonged to the Shufuren (the Association of Consumer Organization), the homemakers' federation, and who became experts in everyday life through studying and researching to improve their lives. It analyzes the organizational chart, hours and fundings for activities, details of activities, formation of the cooperative relationships, and career development of the leaders. The women who gathered at the Shufuren studied and researched the issues that arose in daily lives. By accumulating survey and research data and presenting scientific evidence, they made requests and proposals for improvements to the Diet, governments, and industries. Through these activities, they contributed to establish laws and systems protecting consumer rights. The women also developed partnerships with other civic groups in sharing current social issues. They expanded the circle of the movement and asserted their demands to the Diet, government agencies, industries, and the public. The members grew as experts in everyday life by steadily building their careers with passion for daily activities. Their activities were not limited to the Shufuren; some women went beyond the Shufuren to become leaders of organizations. Conventionally, homemakers are viewed as not having career development aspirations. When discussing women's career development in Japan, attention has focused on career development through work and balancing work and family life. However, the activities and steps taken by the female members of the Shufuren to improve their lives should also be considered a form of career development.
Diagnosis and subtyping of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: caution required in the use of myositis autoantibodies
Authors: Anderson Hamish T. , O'Donnell John L. , Tustin Paul , Steele Richard 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDetection of myositis autoantibodies (MAs) has utility in both the diagnosis and subtyping of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Multiplex assays such as the Euroimmun line immunoassay (LIA) have significant limitations in rare diseases like IIM. A retrospective cohort study was performed on positive MA detected on LIA in 171 patients using the manufacturer's recommended cut‐off. Only 16.7% were deemed true positive after clinical correlation. Autoantibody‐specific cut‐offs were created and applied to the original cohort, along with generically applied higher cut‐offs. Positive predictive value (PPV) improved, but there was variable increase in false negatives. False positive MA results are common using LIA, but locally derived cut‐offs can improve performance. Clinicians must be aware of the limitations of LIA, which is the commonest method for MA detection in Australasia.
RETRACTED: The effect of traditional Chinese medicine soaking method on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Jintao , Shen Jiani , Ling Boyue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFoot infections, sores or deep tissue damage from diabetes can be a serious psychological and physical injury. This paper aims at making meta‐analyses on the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on diabetic foot ulcers. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database and so on, has conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effect of TCM soaking method for diabetes patients with diabetes. Literature has been determined to be included by computer search and by hand rough checks. The search period was from the creation of the database to October 2023. Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyse the meta data and evaluate it systematically. Altogether, 479 research was conducted in China's data base and 20 of them were eventually collected for the final statistical analysis. In all, 1361 patients were enrolled in the trials. The results indicated that TCM immersion in diabetic foot resulted in significantly improved obvious wound healing (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.5, 4.09, p < 0.0001); results showed that TCM immersion therapy significantly increased the efficiency of effective wound healing (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 3.25, 6.37, p < 0.001). Statistical significance was found. Using Egger's approach to detect publishing bias suggests that there is no risk of publishing bias in terms of marked wound healing and effective healing. Traditional Chinese drug immersion can increase obviously the recovery ratio and the effective recovery ratio of diabetic foot.
Overexpression of malic enzyme is involved in breast cancer growth and is correlated with poor prognosis
Authors: Hu Wan‐Chung , Yang Yi‐Fang , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Tu Ya‐Ting , Chang Hong‐Tai , Tsai Kuo‐Wang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMalic enzyme (ME) genes are key functional metabolic enzymes playing a crucial role in carcinogenesis. However, the detailed effects of ME gene expression on breast cancer progression remain unclear. Here, our results revealed ME1 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer, especially in patients with oestrogen receptor/progesterone receptor‐negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive breast cancer. Furthermore, upregulation of ME1 was significantly associated with more advanced pathological stages (p < 0.001), pT stage (p < 0.001) and tumour grade (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed ME1 upregulation was associated with poor disease‐specific survival (DSS: p = 0.002) and disease‐free survival (DFS: p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed ME1 upregulation was significantly correlated with poor DSS (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.08–2.52; p = 0.021) and DFS (AHR, 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03–2.41; p = 0.038). Stratification analysis indicated ME1 upregulation was significantly associated with poor DSS (p = 0.039) and DFS (p = 0.038) in patients with non‐triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, ME1 expression did not affect the DSS of patients with TNBC. Biological function analysis revealed ME1 knockdown could significantly suppress the growth of breast cancer cells and influence its migration ability. Furthermore, the infiltration of immune cells was significantly reduced when they were co‐cultured with breast cancer cells with ME1 knockdown. In summary, ME1 plays an oncogenic role in the growth of breast cancer; it may serve as a potential biomarker of progression and constitute a therapeutic target in patients with breast cancer.
Supplementing probiotics during intermittent fasting proves more effective in restoring ileum and colon tissues in aged rats
Authors: Teker Hikmet Taner , Ceylani Taha , Keskin Seda , Samgane Gizem , Allahverdi Hüseyin , Acikgoz Eda , Gurbanov Rafig 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the impact of SCD Probiotics supplementation on biomolecule profiles and histopathology of ileum and colon tissues during a 30‐day intermittent fasting (IF) program. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, aged 24 months, underwent 18‐h daily fasting and received 3 mL (1 × 108 CFU) of SCD Probiotics. The differences in biomolecule profiles were determined using FTIR Spectroscopy and two machine learning techniques, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), which showed significant differences with high accuracy rates. Spectrochemical bands indicating alterations in lipid, protein and nucleic acid profiles in both tissues. The most notable changes were observed in the group subjected to both IF and SCD Probiotics, particularly in the colon. Both interventions, individually and in combination, decreased protein carbonylation levels. SCD Probiotics exerted a more substantial impact on membrane dynamics than IF alone. Additionally, both IF and SCD Probiotics were found to have protective effects on intestinal structure and stability by reducing mast cell density and levels of TNF‐α and NF‐κB expression in ileum and colon tissues, thus potentially mitigating age‐related intestinal damage and inflammation. Furthermore, our results illustrated that while IF and SCD Probiotics individually instigate unique changes in ileum and colon tissues, their combined application yielded more substantial benefits. This study provides evidence for the synergistic potential of IF and SCD Probiotics in combating age‐related intestinal alterations.