bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the food technology Neophobia scale in a Turkish sample
Authors: Kahriman Meryem , Baş Murat 
Published: February 2024

SummaryFood technology neophobia refers to the unwillingness/avoidance and neophobia to foods produced using new food technologies. Identifying this neophobia in a society is significant as it affects the demand for these products in the food industry. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Food Technology Neophobia Scale in a Turkish sample. We conducted this study in two stages. In the first stage, which we conducted with 182 participants, we determined that the scale had high reliability and was suitable for validity testing. In the second stage, which we conducted with 610 participants, we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results of these analyses did not confirm the thirteen‐item and four‐factor structure, unlike the original scale; however, they pointed to a twelve‐item and three‐factor structure: ‘New Food Technologies Are Unnecessary’, ‘Perception of Risks’, and ‘Healthy Choice and Information/Media’. This structure has an acceptable fit and is a valid and useful scale for use in Türkiye.
Bioinformatics analysis of purified and identified novel bacteriocin‐like inhibitory substances produced by Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Kurnianto Muhammad Alfid , Lioe Hanifah Nuryani , Chasanah Ekowati , Kusumaningrum Harsi Dewantari 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides synthesised ribosomally by bacteria that can be used as natural preservatives. One potential bacteriocin‐producing bacteria that has yet to be widely studied is Streptomyces sp. Bioinformatics analysis has been conducted on the purified and identified bacteriocin‐like inhibitory substances (BLIS) produced by Streptomyces sp. The BLIS fraction, purified by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, showed significantly increased specific activities against E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and S. typhimurium (1.2–189.4 folds). Identification of four purified BLIS fractions using HR‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS revealed molecular mass from 1287.51 to 1812.85 Da with the sequences of TAEAEAAEGAEEAAP (fraction AS531), TQGGINANKTGSQGYG (fraction AS822), SGGYGGMGAGGIGGQRSGPQ (fraction AS857) and PGGAKGGFGGGGRPGGQGMPGG (fraction AS1121). These peptide sequences have a minimum of 2 hydrophobic amino acids, a net charge of −4 to +2, an isoelectric point of 2.68–11.71 and a hydrophobicity of 20.44–27.46 kcal mol−1. The results of molecular docking analysis between purified BLIS and the penicillin‐binding protein 3 (PBP‐3) receptor by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) also showed that four fractions had low binding energy (−7.5 to −8.1 kcal mol−1) with 17–25 hydrogen bonds and distances <4 Å. Furthermore, in vitro characterisation revealed that the four purified‐BLIS have a low to moderate LC50 (68.81–200.35 μgmL−1) against A. salina and the ability to maintain 50% antibacterial activity against E. coli up to 100 °C for 30 min and in the pH range of 2.0–8.0, especially fractions AS531 and AS822. Based on the antibacterial spectrum, physicochemical characteristics and peptide sequence, BLIS produced by Streptomyces sp., is a novel bacteriocin with promising applications as a food preservative.
Modification of the bioactivity, digestibility and rheological behaviour of different millets by lactic acid fermentation
Authors: Chauhan Deepti , Gujral Hardeep Singh , Kaler Raj Sukhwinder Singh 
Published: February 2024

SummarySeven different millets, foxtail, kodo, little, finger, browntop, barnyard and pearl, were subjected to solid‐state fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum and the extent of biomodification in functional, anti‐nutritional, in vitro starch and protein digestibility was studied. Fermentation significantly reduced phytic acid up to 80.84% and increased water absorption index, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of millets. Pasting properties of millets were significantly affected by fermentation with increased peak and lower setback viscosity. In vitro protein digestibility and resistant starch increased while rapidly digestible starch and glycaemic index decreased upon fermentation. Solid‐state fermentation of millets can effectively lead to their biomodification lowering anti‐nutrients and improving digestibility.
Germination in improving the nutrition, health benefits and processing of highland barley
Authors: Ruirong Pan , Hassane Hamadou Alkassoumi , Xu Bin 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBarley has played a critical role in mankind civilisation. Despite being underexploited, highland barley (HB) is an economical crop demonstrating superior nutritional and health benefits compared to most common cereals. In recent years, germination has drawn a great attention because of its ability to increase nutrients in grains. This review aimed to elucidate the implication of germination in improving the qualities of HB. Because of germination, amelioration in nutrients and digestibility was observed in germinated HB (GHB) than ungerminated HB, due to activation of various enzymes. An increase in polyphenols and antioxidant activity was achieved in GHB. GHB‐based products exhibited better water‐holding capacity, water solubility index, oil‐holding capacity, sensory attributes and cooking time. However, excessive germination may have negative impact on starch‐protein network, which might be detrimental during food processing. Overall, controlled‐germination could be a viable approach to improve the digestibility, palatability, acceptability and shelf‐life of HB‐based products.
Bubble‐driven solid‐phase microextraction for the rapid determination of potassium sorbate in oyster sauce by HPLC‐DAD
Authors: Li Jin‐Yu , Ma Yun‐Jiao , Xiao Feng , Xu Xian‐Bing 
Published: February 2024

SummaryOn‐site sample preparation has the advantage of combining sampling and sample preparation into a single step, thereby minimising sources of error, and eliminating the risk of analyte instability. Bubble‐driven solid‐phase microextraction (BD‐SPME) was first proposed as an on‐site pretreatment method. Oyster sauce underwent on‐site pretreatment to measure potassium sorbate levels via high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD), obviating the need for stirrers. The high sensitivity of the HPLC determination of potassium sorbate was obtained using BD‐SPME pretreatment with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 mg L−1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.10 mg L−1. The refined technique displayed remarkable linearity from 0.10 to 30.00 mg L−1, boasting a coefficient of determination R2 ≥ 0.998. In addition, the recoveries of potassium sorbate in oyster sauce using the method were in the range of 90.8–101.4%. Evidently, BD‐SPME in combination with HPLC‐DAD is a sensitive and promising analysis for on‐site pretreatment.
Effect of transglutaminase in conjunction with glucono‐δ‐lactone treatment on the antigenicity and conformational structure of β‐conglycinin
Authors: Xing Guangliang , Yang Siran , Liu Jia , Huang Lu , Zheng Maoqiang 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIn this study, β‐conglycinin was treated with transglutaminase (TGase) and glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) to meticulously examine the resulting changes in both antigenicity and structural attributes. The findings elucidated a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the antigenicity of β‐conglycinin to 72.1% and 77.5% after the modified treatment employing TGase alone or in conjunction with GDL, respectively, in contrast to the untreated samples. Electrophoretic analysis showed a decrease in the density of 7S α, 7S α′, and 7S β, indicating the formation of high molecular weight protein aggregates because of the catalytic effect of TGase. Additionally, the simultaneous application of TGase and GDL induced modifications in the structural configuration of β‐conglycinin, as evidenced by a decrease in intrinsic fluorescence intensity, an augmentation in surface hydrophobicity, and a transition from β‐sheet to β‐turn and random coil structures. These observed alterations suggest that the decline in antigenicity is intricately linked to conformational changes, potentially influencing the exposure of antigenic epitopes. Overall, this study holds significant theoretical and practical implications for the development of hypoallergenic soy products and the enhancement of food safety.
Significant reduction in left testicular volume shown by ultrasonography in infertile patients with left‐side grade 2–3 varicocele as compared to less than grade 2: An evidence for indication of varicocelectomy
Authors: Kondoh Nobuyuki , Chikawa Ai , Okumura Mikiko , Hayakawa Hitomi , Ohama Naoko , Shigeta Minoru 
Published: February 2024

PurposeTesticular volume (TV) is known to be one of the main parameters for testicular function (TF). This study was conducted to re‐evaluate the indications of a varicocelectomy based on a survey of preoperative TV results in left‐side varicocele patients considered to reflect the detrimental effects of a varicocele on TF.MethodsTV results of infertile patients determined using ultrasonography by a single expert physician were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsOf 590 examined patients, 424 had no varicocele findings (Group A), while 148 had a left‐side varicocele (Group B). Group B was subdivided based on varicocele grade into Group B0 (subclinical), B1 (grade 1), B2 (grade 2), and B3 (grade 3). Comparisons of left‐side TV showed no significant differences for grade among Group A, B0, and B1, whereas that for Group B2 and B3 was significantly lower as compared with Group A (p < 0.01, 0.02, respectively). The median TV of Group B I (composed of Groups B0 and B1) was 9.8 cm3, while that of Group B II (Groups B2 and B3) was significantly lower at 8.4 cm3 (p < 0.05). In contrast, a comparison of right TV values identified no significant differences among the groups (p = 0.918).ConclusionA varicocelectomy should be performed for patients with a grade 2 and 3 varicocele for ameliorating testicular function.
Enfortumab vedotin prolongs overall survival in metastatic urothelial carcinoma following pembrolizumab therapy in real‐world data
Authors: Uemura Koichi , Ito Hiroki , Jikuya Ryosuke , Kondo Takuya , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Kawahara Takashi , Ito Yusuke , Komeya Mitsuru , Muraoka Kentaro , Hasumi Hisashi , Uemura Hiroji , Makiyama Kazuhide 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveIn December 2021, enfortumab vedotin (EV), an antibody‐drug conjugate directed against nectin‐4, was approved in Japan as a new treatment after platinum‐containing chemotherapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors. This study evaluated, using real‐world data, the efficacy and safety of EV therapy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC).Materials and methodsFifty‐five patients with mUC who discontinued pembrolizumab therapy due to disease progression between June 2018 and April 2023 at Yokohama City University Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Of the 55 patients, 25 received EV therapy (EV group) and 30 did not (non‐EV group). All patients who underwent EV therapy were diagnosed with disease progression after the approval of EV in Japan.ResultsThe median (range) follow‐up period after pembrolizumab discontinuation was 6.3 (0.7–31.1) months. There were eight (32.0%) deaths due to cancer in the EV group and 27 (90.0%) in the non‐EV group. The overall survival (OS) after pembrolizumab discontinuation was not reached in the EV group versus 2.6 months in the non‐EV group (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed that EV therapy (EV vs. non‐EV group; hazard ratio 0.26; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.41; p < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor for OS.ConclusionEV prolonged OS in mUC following pembrolizumab therapy in real‐world data.
Trabajo esencial pero excluido: crisis de la COVID‐19 y precariedad del trabajo doméstico en el Brasil
Authors: ACCIARI Louisa , DOS SANTOS BRITO Chirlene , PEREIRA PINTO Cleide 
Published: February 2024

ResumenEn este artículo se estudia el impacto de la crisis de la COVID‐19 en las trabajadoras domésticas del Brasil, a partir de los datos de una encuesta realizada con la Federação Nacional das Trabalhadoras Domésticas (FENATRAD). Los resultados del análisis, centrados en el empleo y los ingresos, la seguridad y salud en el trabajo y la vulneración de derechos, muestran la extrema polarización entre quienes perdieron su fuente de sustento y quienes tuvieron que seguir trabajando a costa de la salud y de los derechos humanos básicos. Más allá de las circunstancias excepcionales, las autoras sostienen que esta situación fue posible por las condiciones preexistentes de exclusión jurídica y precariedad.
Políticas preferenciales de empleo y rendimiento empresarial. Evidencia del sector público de la India
Authors: JAIN Ritika , ABRAHAM Vinoj 
Published: February 2024

ResumenEn este artículo se examina el impacto de la reserva de puestos de trabajo en el rendimiento empresarial del sector público en la India. Tras analizar datos de todas las empresas públicas manufactureras de 2014 a 2017 con técnicas de variables instrumentales, se corrobora la hipótesis de que las reservas benefician el rendimiento empresarial si se implementan en puestos de todos los niveles jerárquicos. También se constata que las categorías reservadas están desproporcionadamente representadas en el extremo inferior de la jerarquía organizativa. Este desequilibrio se debe principalmente a limitaciones sistemáticas en las notificaciones de vacantes y a prácticas discriminatorias de las organizaciones.
Construction of an instrument to enable the assessment of the risk of falls in older outpatients: A quantitative methodological study
Authors: Wu Wenbin , Zhou Qi , Gao Qiang , Li Hong , Zhang Jie , Wu Juan , Shen Ji , Li Jing , Shi Hong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo develop an instrument to facilitate the risk assessment of falls in older outpatients.DesignA quantitative methodological study using the cross‐sectional data.MethodsThis study enrolled 1988 older participants who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in an outpatient clinic from May 2020 to November 2022. The history of any falls (≥1 falls in a year) and recurrent falls (≥2 falls in a year) were investigated. Potential risk factors of falls were selected by stepwise logistic regression, and a screening tool was constructed based on nomogram. The tool performance was compared with two reference tools (Fried Frailty Phenotype; CGA with 10 items, CGA‐10) by using receiver operating curves, sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), and area under the curve (AUC).ResultsAge, unintentional weight loss, depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2, muscle strength measured by the five times sit‐to‐stand test, and stand balance measured by semi‐ and full‐tandem standing were the most important risk factors for falls. A fall risk screening tool was constructed with the six measurements (FRST‐6). FRST‐6 showed the best AUC (Sen, Spe) of 0.75 (Sen = 0.72, Spe = 0.69) for recurrent falls and 0.65 (Sen = 0.74, Spe = 0.48) for any falls. FRST‐6 was comparable to CGA‐10 and outperformed FFP in performance.ConclusionsAge, depression, weight loss, gait, and balance were important risk factors of falls. The FRST‐6 tool based on these factors showed acceptable performance in risk stratification.ImpactPerforming a multifactorial assessment in primary care clinics is urgent for falls prevention. The FRST‐6 provides a simple and practical way for falls risk screening. With this tool, healthcare professionals can efficiently identify patients at risk of falling and make appropriate recommendations in resource‐limited settings.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution was received, due to our study design.
Experiences of patients with advanced COPD affiliated to a cross‐sectorial outgoing lung team: A qualitative study
Authors: Refsgaard Birgit , Løkke Anders , Bregnballe Vibeke , Rodkjær Lotte 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo explore experiences of patients affiliated to a cross‐sectorial outgoing lung team.BackgroundThe outgoing lung team consisted of respiratory nurses from the hospital and community nurses. The lung team offered 24/7 help to patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through visits and/or treatment in the patients' home. Affiliation to the lung team reduced both hospitalizations and length of hospital stay due to acute exacerbation of COPD. However, based on questionnaires on health‐related quality of life, no significant differences were found between patients affiliated to the lung team and patients receiving usual care.DesignA qualitative interview study.MethodsIn total, 16 patients, aged 61–88 years were interviewed between February 2019 and July 2021. They had been affiliated to the outgoing lung team for 1–3 years. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the patients' home and audio‐recorded after informed consent was obtained. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed, inspired by systematic text condensation by Malterud.FindingsFour themes emerged from the analysis: (1) feeling safe, (2) improvements in living with COPD, (3) avoiding hospitalization and (4) satisfied with staying at home.ConclusionAffiliation to the cross‐sectorial outgoing lung team gave the patients peace of mind and improved their ability to live with advanced COPD. The patients preferred contacting the lung team because they could stay at home and receive treatment, and thus avoid hospitalization.ImpactThe findings from this study support that municipalities should consider implementing an outgoing lung team, as it has the potential to bring several benefits, including improving patient self‐management.Reporting MethodThe manuscript adhered to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guideline.Patient or Public ContributionPatients were interviewed. Additionally, no patient or public contributed to the design or conduction of the study, analysis, or interpretation of the data.
Continuous reproduction of planktonic foraminifera in laboratory culture
Authors: Meilland Julie , Siccha Michael , Morard Raphaël , Kucera Michal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlanktonic foraminifera were long considered obligate sexual outbreeders but recent observations have shown that nonspinose species can reproduce by multiple fission. The frequency of multiple fission appears low but the survival rate of the offspring is high and specimens approaching fission can be distinguished. We made use of this observation and established a culturing protocol aimed at enhancing the detection and frequency of fission. Using this protocol, we selectively cultured specimens of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma and raised the frequency of reproduction by fission in culture from 3% in randomly selected specimens to almost 60%. By feeding the resulting offspring different strains of live diatoms, we obtained a thriving offspring population and during the subsequent 6 months of culturing, we observed two more successive generations produced by fission. This provides evidence that in nonspinose species of planktonic foraminifera, reproduction by multiple fission is likely clonal and corresponds to the schizont phase known from benthic foraminifera. We subsequently tested if a similar culturing strategy could be applied to Globigerinita glutinata, representing a different clade of planktonic foraminifera, and we were indeed able to obtain offspring via multiple fission in this species. This work opens new avenues for laboratory‐based experimental work with planktonic foraminifera.
Novel cytoskeletal traits in the intestinal parasites (Squirmida, Platyproteum vivax) of Pacific peanut worms (Sipuncula, Phascolosoma agassizii)
Authors: Currie‐Olsen Danja , Leander Brian S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe cytoskeletal organization of a squirmid, namely Platyproteum vivax, was investigated with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to refine inferences about convergent evolution among intestinal parasites of marine invertebrates. Platyproteum inhabits Pacific peanut worms (Phascolosoma agassizii) and has traits that are similar to other lineages of myzozoan parasites, namely gregarine apicomplexans within Selenidium, such as conspicuous feeding stages, called “trophozoites,” capable of dynamic undulations. SEM and CLSM of P. vivax revealed an inconspicuous flagellar apparatus and a uniform array of longitudinal microtubules organized in bundles (LMBs). Extreme flattening of the trophozoites and a consistently oblique morphology of the anterior end provided a reliable way to distinguish dorsal and ventral surfaces. CLSM revealed a novel system of microtubules oriented in the flattened dorsoventral plane. Most of these dorsoventral microtubule bundles (DVMBs) had a punctate distribution and were evenly spaced along a curved line spanning the longitudinal axis of the trophozoites. This configuration of microtubules is inferred to function in maintaining the flattened shape of the trophozoites and facilitate dynamic undulations. The novel traits in Platyproteum are consistent with phylogenomic data showing that this lineage is only distantly related to Selenidium and other marine gregarine apicomplexans with dynamic intestinal trophozoites.
First observation of a skate egg case nursery in the Ross Sea
Authors: Finucci Brittany , Chin Caroline , O'Neill Helen L. , White William T. , Pinkerton Matthew H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAreas of importance to Southern Ocean skates are poorly defined. Here, we identify a deepwater skate egg case nursery in a discrete location at ~460 m depth off Cape Adare in the Southern Ocean. This is the first confirmed observation of a skate nursery area in the Ross Sea and only the second observation for the Southern Ocean. The morphology and size of the egg cases were consistent with the genus Bathyraja and most likely belong to the Bathyraja sp. (cf. eatonii). The nursery occurs within the “no take” General Protection Zone of the Ross Sea region marine protected area, where commercial fishing is prohibited.