bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of modifying pumpkin preparation on oral processing of breads
Authors: Li Wenjiao , Zhao Qi , Mao Qian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for texture sensations of bread during mastication, with reformulation being needed. This study investigated how bread structure influences oral processing behavior and texture perception. Variations in bread structure were created by manipulating ingredient additions, including pumpkin content and pumpkin processing methods. Results indicated that the physical, chemical, and structural properties drove the oral processing behaviors, and texture sensations were highly correlated with bolus properties. At the beginning and middle of the mastication, bolus from breads with low pumpkin‐content required more saliva and exhibited greater hardness, lower adhesiveness, and a higher proportion of small‐piece particles than the bolus from high pumpkin‐content breads. Bolus from pumpkin pulp breads required more saliva, and was softer, stickier, and generated particles with a lower degree of degradation than the bolus from pumpkin puree breads. However, at the end period, the bolus properties tended to change to similar values. Low pumpkin content breads were initially perceived chewy, whereas high pumpkin content, soft. The dominance rate for soft sensation was higher and lasted longer in breads with pumpkin puree than in breads with pumpkin pulp. Finally, six bread samples were all perceived as hydrated, sticky, and crumbly. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of reformulation on oral behavior and sensory properties.
Analytical rheology as a tool for the structural investigation of citrus pectin
Authors: Asimakopoulou Evdoxia , Goudoulas Thomas , Andreadis Ioannis I. , Fatouros Dimitrios G. , Ahmad Mehraj , Vasiliadou Chrisi , Theocharidou Athina , Ritzoulis Christos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRheological analysis of citrus pectin at pH 3 and 7 elucidates its structural dynamics, revealing distinct behaviors influenced by pH. At pH 3, pectin exhibits shear‐thinning, with solvent‐independent unified rheological profiles identifying three concentration regimes: 0.5%–1.5%, 2%–3%, and 3.5%–4%. These regimes, alongside Cox–Merz superpositions, outline the semi‐dilute (c*) and concentrated (c**) transitions at 1.5%–2% and 3%–3.5%, respectively. Moreover, a Morris equation exponent of 0.65 indicates flexible, mobility‐restricted macromolecules. Conversely, at pH 7, increased viscosities and Morris plot linearity for p = .1 suggest rigid chain behavior due to electrostatic repulsion among ionized acidic groups. This rigidity leads to concentration‐dependent self‐assembly structures that diverge from expected unified rheological profiles, a deviation amplified by heating–cooling cycles. This study clarifies the impact of pH on citrus pectin's rheology and emphasizes the intricate relationship between polymeric chain rigidity, self‐assembly, and viscosity. By providing a refined understanding of these mechanisms, our findings contribute to the broader field of polysaccharide research, offering insights critical for developing and optimizing pectin‐based applications in various industries.
The associations between fibrosis changes and liver‐related events in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Kim Kun Hee , Ahn Sang Hoon , Lee Han Chu , Choi Jonggi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with liver fibrosis. We investigated the associations between changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) over 3‐year period and the development of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with MASLD.MethodsThis study involved patients with MASLD who underwent transient elastography at baseline and 3 years after baseline from 2012 to 2020. Low (L), indeterminate (I) and high (H) LSM values were classified as <8 kPa, 8–12 kPa and >12 kPa respectively.ResultsAmong 1738 patients, 150 (8.6%) were diagnosed with cirrhosis or HCC. The proportions of patients with L, I and H risk were 69.7%, 19.9% and 10.5% at baseline, and 78.8%, 12.8% and 8.4% at 3 years after baseline, respectively. The incidence rates of cirrhosis or HCC per 1000 person‐years were 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–5.5) in the L → L + I group, 23.9 (95% CI, 17.1–32.6) in the I → L + I group, 38.3 (95% CI, 22.3–61.3) in the H → L + I group, 62.5 (95% CI, 32.3–109.2) in the I → H group, 67.8 (95% CI, 18.5–173.6) in the L → H group and 93.9 (95% CI 70.1–123.1) in the H → H group. Two risk factors for the development of cirrhosis or HCC were LSM changes and low platelet counts.ConclusionLSM changes could predict clinical outcomes in patients with MASLD. Thus, it is important to monitor changes in the fibrotic burden by regular assessment of LSM values.
Searching for a Carbon Laffer Curve: Estimates from the European Union Emissions Trading System
Authors: Mazzarano Matteo , Borghesi Simone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCarbon prices have grown remarkably in the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System (ETS) in recent years, raising distributional concerns. Revenues are expected to grow with higher carbon prices, thus providing resources to address distributional issues. Beyond a certain point, however, higher prices can discourage the purchase of allowances and ultimately reduce revenues, describing a Carbon Laffer Curve (CLC). We empirically investigate the CLC in the EU ETS between 2012 and 2021 using auction revenues at the country level. Results indicate that ETS revenues follow an inverted‐U relationship in both the volume and the price of auctioned allowances, with an estimated optimal price between 86 and 125 euros.
The self‐management experiences of individuals who perceive health as beyond their control: An interpretive phenomenological study of individuals with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Wang Run , Yang Lingli , Sun Meihua , Zou Yanping , Zhou Chunlan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis qualitative study aimed to gain an understanding of what it means to live with ischemic heart disease for individuals who perceive health as beyond their control and how these individuals navigate their choices regarding adhering or not adhering to self‐management behavior. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Content analysis was employed to identify themes and subthemes in the interview data. The theme, “attribution of ischemic heart disease,” revealed that the participants attributed their condition to lifestyle, critical events, and the natural aging process. The theme, “experiences of self‐management,” highlighted the different behaviors among participants who perceived health to be beyond their control. The theme, “barriers and facilitators,” identified factors such as a strong sense of responsibility toward family members, the work environment, and access to medical resources. Our study showed that despite perceiving their health to be beyond their control, some individuals may still adhere to self‐management practices. Understanding factors such as “attribution” and “barriers and facilitators” can provide nurses with insights into the patients' decisions to adhere or not adhere to self‐management behaviors.
Use of a footstool improves rectal balloon expulsion in some patients with defecatory disorders
Authors: Ulsh Lauren , Halawi Houssam , Triadafilopoulos George , Gurland Brooke , Nguyen Linda , Garcia Patricia , Sonu Irene , Fernandez‐Becker Nielsen , Becker Laren , Sheth Vipul , Neshatian Leila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhether patients with defecatory disorders (DDs) with favorable response to a footstool have distinctive anorectal pressure characteristics is unknown. We aimed to identify the clinical phenotype and anorectal pressure profile of patients with DDs who benefit from a footstool.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of patients with high resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET) from a tertiary referral center. BET was repeated with a 7‐inch‐high footstool in those who failed it after 120 s. Data were compared among groups with respect to BET results.Key ResultsOf the 667 patients with DDs, a total of 251 (38%) had failed BET. A footstool corrected BET in 41 (16%) of those with failed BET. Gender‐specific differences were noted in anorectal pressures, among patients with and without normal BET, revealing gender‐based nuances in pathophysiology of DDs. Comparing patients who passed BET with footstool with those who did not, the presence of optimal stool consistency, with reduced instances of loose stools and decreased reliance on laxatives were significant. Additionally, in women who benefited from a footstool, lower anal pressures at rest and simulated defecation were observed. Independent factors associated with a successful BET with a footstool in women included age <50, Bristol 3 or 4 stool consistency, lower anal resting pressure and higher rectoanal pressure gradient.Conclusion & InferencesIdentification of distinctive clinical and anorectal phenotype of patients who benefited from a footstool could provide insight into the factors influencing the efficacy of footstool utilization and allow for an individualized treatment approach in patients with DDs.
Clinical validation of the VIPUN™ gastric monitoring system versus manometry for the evaluation of gastric motility
Authors: Raymenants Karlien , Huang I‐Hsuan , Goelen Nick , Janssen Pieter , Van Tichelen Nico , Burton Duane , Tack Jan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal dysmotility is frequently suspected in patients with gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and ileus, and in the intensive care unit. Monitoring of gastric motility in clinical practice remains challenging. A novel technology was developed to meet the medical need for a widely available bedside tool to monitor gastric motility continuously. The VIPUN™ Gastric Monitoring System (GMS) comprises a nasogastric feeding tube with intragastric balloon to allow for measuring gastric contractions.AimsTo compare the performance of the VIPUN GMS versus a reference technique (manometry).MethodsIn this validation study in healthy subjects, the investigational catheter and a solid‐state manometry catheter were placed in the stomach concomitantly. Motility was recorded for 2.5 h: 2 h in a fasting state, followed by a 400‐kcal liquid meal, and monitoring of the fed state for the remaining half hour. The performance of both systems was compared by automated recognition and manual identification of the contractile activity. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation).Key ResultsThe analysis set comprised 13 healthy subjects (6 women, age: 27.5 (8.1) years, BMI: 22.2 (2.46) kg/m2). Automatically‐recognized contractility was strongly correlated between the two techniques (endpoint: contraction duration; Spearman ρ = 0.96, p < 0.001). A correlation was also observed between the number of individual contractions identified by expert gastroenterologists on both technologies independently (ρ = 0.71, p = .007) and between the contractions identified by the experts and by the GMS software (ρ = 0.87, p = 0.001). No serious or unanticipated adverse events occurred.Conclusions & InferencesThe observed strong correlations with the gold standard, manometry, validate the performance of the VIPUN GMS as a gastric monitoring system.
Genetic underpinnings of arthropod community distributions in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Simon Sandra J. , Furches Anna , Chhetri Hari , Evans Luke , Abeyratne Chanaka Roshan , Jones Piet , Wimp Gina , Macaya‐Sanz David , Jacobson Daniel , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Tuskan Gerald A. , DiFazio Stephen P. 
Published: March 2024

Summary

Community genetics seeks to understand the mechanisms by which natural genetic variation in heritable host phenotypes can encompass assemblages of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and many animals including arthropods. Prior studies that focused on plant genotypes have been unable to identify genes controlling community composition, a necessary step to predict ecosystem structure and function as underlying genes shift within plant populations.

We surveyed arthropods within an association population of Populus trichocarpa in three common gardens to discover plant genes that contributed to arthropod community composition. We analyzed our surveys with traditional single‐trait genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS), multitrait GWAS, and functional networks built from a diverse set of plant phenotypes.

Plant genotype was influential in structuring arthropod community composition among several garden sites. Candidate genes important for higher level organization of arthropod communities had broadly applicable functions, such as terpenoid biosynthesis and production of dsRNA binding proteins and protein kinases, which may be capable of targeting multiple arthropod species.

We have demonstrated the ability to detect, in an uncontrolled environment, individual genes that are associated with the community assemblage of arthropods on a host plant, further enhancing our understanding of genetic mechanisms that impact ecosystem structure.
Contrasting coordination of non‐structural carbohydrates with leaf and root economic strategies of alpine coniferous forests
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Ding Junxiang , Wang Qitong , McDowell Nate G. , Kong Deliang , Tong Yindong , Yin Huajun 
Published: March 2024

Summary

Non‐structural carbohydrates (NSCs), as the labile fraction and dominant carbon currency, are essential mediators of plant adaptation to environments. However, whether and how NSC coordinates with plant economic strategy frameworks, particularly the well‐recognized leaf economics spectrums (LES) and root economics space (RES), remains unclear.

We examined the relationships between NSC and key plant economics traits in leaves and fine roots across 90 alpine coniferous populations on the Tibetan Plateau, China.

We observed contrasting coordination of NSC with economics traits in leaves and roots. Leaf total NSC and soluble sugar aligned with the leaf economic spectrum, conveying a trade‐off between growth and storage in leaves. However, NSC in roots was independent of the root economic spectrum, but highly coordinated with root foraging, with more starch and less sugar in forage‐efficient, thinner roots. Further, NSC‐trait coordination in leaves and roots was, respectively, driven by local temperature and precipitation.

These findings highlight distinct roles of NSC in shaping the above‐ and belowground multidimensional economics trait space, and NSC‐based carbon economics provides a mechanistic understanding of how plants adapt to heterogeneous habitats and respond to environmental changes.
Impact of bariatric surgery on anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Benham Jamie L. , Corbett Kathryn S. , Yamamoto Jennifer M. , McClurg Caitlin , Piltonen Terhi , Yildiz Bulent O. , Li Rong , Mousa Aya , Tay Chau Thien , Spritzer Poli Mara , Teede Helena , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Brown Wendy A. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in females. Modest weight loss improves reproductive and metabolic PCOS features. While lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapies remain first‐line weight loss strategies, bariatric surgery is emerging as a potentially effective treatment. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published literature to examine the impact of bariatric surgery in PCOS to inform the 2023 International PCOS Evidence‐based Guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for observational studies and trials comparing pharmacologic or lifestyle treatments to bariatric surgery in women with PCOS or bariatric surgery in women with or without PCOS. Anthropometric, reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes were included and, where possible, meta‐analyzed using random‐effects models. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed. Ten studies were included involving 432 women with and 590 women without PCOS. Comparisons between bariatric surgery and pharmacologic or lifestyle treatments were only reported in one study each, and most reproductive outcomes were limited to a single study; therefore, meta‐analyses could not be performed. Meta‐analysis found that women with PCOS experience similar improvements in anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery compared to those without PCOS. Existing research is limited and of low quality with high risk of bias, especially in comparison to existing PCOS treatments and with respect to reproductive outcomes including pregnancy, highlighting the need for additional studies to inform clinical recommendations.
Reliability and Accuracy of the Outerbridge Classification in Staging of Cartilage Defects
Authors: Mederake Moritz , Scheibe Vivien , Dalheimer Philipp , Schüll Daniel , Marina Danalache , Hofmann Ulf Krister 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe decision on whether or not and how to treat a local cartilage defect is still made intraoperatively based on the visual presentation of the cartilage and findings from indentations with an arthroscopic probe. The treatment decision is then usually based on grading according to established classifications systems, which, therefore, need to have high reliability and accuracy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the Outerbridge classification in staging cartilage defects.MethodsWe performed an observer arthroscopic study using the Outerbridge classification on seven fresh‐frozen human cadaveric knees, which collectively exhibited nine cartilage defects. To evaluate accuracy, defect severity was verified through histological examination. Interrater and intrarater reliabilites were calculated using Cohen's kappa and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC 3.1).ResultsThe interrater and intrarater reliability for the Outerbridge classification ranged from poor to substantial, with 0.24 ≤ κ ≤ 0.70 and κ = 0.55 to κ = 0.66, respectively. The accuracy evaluated by comparison with the histological examination was 63% overall. The erroneous evaluations were, however, still often at the discrimination of grade 2 and 3. We did not find any relationship between higher experience and accuracy or intraobserver reliability. Taken together, these results encourage surgeons to further use diagnostic arthroscopy for evaluating cartilage lesions. Nevertheless, especially in grade 2 and 3, deviations from the histology were observed. This is, however, the point where a decision is made on whether to surgically address the defect or not.ConclusionDiagnostic arthroscopy is the standard for cartilage lesion assessment, yet interobserver reliability is fair to substantial. Caution is warranted in interpreting varied observer results. The accuracy of the “simpler” Outerbridge classification is insufficient compared to histological examinations, highlighting the need for improved techniques in guideline‐based intraoperative decision‐making.
Long‐term outcomes with abandoning versus extracting sterile leads: A 10‐year population‐based study
Authors: Lee Justin Z , Talaei Fahimeh , Tan Min‐Choon , Srivathsan Komandoor , Sorajja Dan , Valverde Arturo , Scott Luis , Asirvatham Samuel J , Kusumoto Fred , Mulpuru Siva K , Cha Yong‐Mei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term outcomes of sterile lead management strategies of lead abandonment (LA) or transvenous lead extraction (TLE) remain unclear.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of a population residing in southeastern Minnesota with follow‐up at the Mayo Clinic and its health systems. Patients who underwent LA or TLE of sterile leads from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2011, and had follow‐up for at least 10 years or until their death were included.ResultsA total of 172 patients were included in the study with 153 patients who underwent LA and 19 who underwent TLE for sterile leads. Indications for subsequent lead extraction arose in 9.1% (n = 14) of patients with initial LA and 5.3% (n = 1) in patients with initial TLE, after an average of 7 years. Moreover, 28.6% of patients in the LA cohort who required subsequent extraction did not proceed with the extraction, and among those who proceeded, 60% had clinical success and 40% had a clinical failure. Subsequent device upgrades or revisions were performed in 18.3% of patients in the LA group and 31.6% in the TLE group, with no significant differences in procedural challenges (5.2% vs. 5.3%). There was no difference in 10‐year survival probability among the LA group and the TLE group (p = .64).ConclusionAn initial lead abandonment strategy was associated with more complicated subsequent extraction procedures compared to patients with an initial transvenous lead extraction strategy. However, there was no difference in 10‐year survival probability between both lead management approaches.
Epistemic Conflicts and the Form of Epistemic Rules
Authors: Knoks Aleks 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile such epistemic rules as ‘If you perceive that
, you ought to believe that
’ and ‘If you have outstanding testimony that
, you ought to believe that
’ seem to be getting at important truths, it is easy to think of cases in which they come into conflict. To avoid classifying such cases as dilemmas, one can hold either that epistemic rules have built‐in unless‐clauses listing the circumstances under which they don't apply or, alternatively, that epistemic rules are contributory. This paper explores both responses from a formal perspective, drawing on a simple defeasible logic framework.
An efficient genetic transformation system mediated by Rhizobium rhizogenes in fruit trees based on the transgenic hairy root to shoot conversion
Authors: Liu Lin , Qu Jinghua , Wang Chunyan , Liu Miao , Zhang Chunmeng , Zhang Xinyue , Guo Cheng , Wu Changai , Yang Guodong , Huang Jinguang , Yan Kang , Shu Huairui , Zheng Chengchao , Zhang Shizhong 
Published: March 2024

SummaryGenetic transformation is a critical tool for gene editing and genetic improvement of plants. Although many model plants and crops can be genetically manipulated, genetic transformation systems for fruit trees are either lacking or perform poorly. We used Rhizobium rhizogenes to transfer the target gene into the hairy roots of Malus domestica and Actinidia chinensis. Transgenic roots were generated within 3 weeks, with a transgenic efficiency of 78.8%. Root to shoot conversion of transgenic hairy roots was achieved within 11 weeks, with a regeneration efficiency of 3.3%. Finally, the regulatory genes involved in stem cell activity were used to improve shoot regeneration efficiency. MdWOX5 exhibited the most significant effects, as it led to an improved regeneration efficiency of 20.6% and a reduced regeneration time of 9 weeks. Phenotypes of the overexpression of RUBY system mediated red roots and overexpression of MdRGF5 mediated longer root hairs were observed within 3 weeks, suggesting that the method can be used to quickly screen genes that influence root phenotype scores through root performance, such as root colour, root hair, and lateral root. Obtaining whole plants of the RUBY system and MdRGF5 overexpression lines highlights the convenience of this technology for studying gene functions in whole plants. Overall, we developed an optimized method to improve the transformation efficiency and stability of transformants in fruit trees.