bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification, characterisation and immobilisation of a protease‐resistant α‐galactosidase from Monascus purpureus and its application in removal of raffinose family oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhu Chong , Katrolia Priti , Kopparapu Narasimha Kumar 
Published: April 2024

SummaryIn this study, an α‐galactosidase (MPG) was produced by submerged fermentation from Monascus purpureus, a food‐grade fungus used for making red yeast rice. MPG was purified from intracellular extract which showed a subunit molecular mass of 95 kDa. MPG was optimally active at pH 4.0 and 50 °C and was stable between pH 3.5–8.0 and at temperatures up to 50 °C. The enzyme retained its activity in the presence of most of the metal ions except Cu2+ and Fe2+. MPG exhibited remarkable resistance to the proteases, pepsin, trypsin and proteinase K as well as to the sugars, galactose and sucrose. Moreover, it retained complete activity under simulated gastric conditions. The enzyme displayed specificity for the substrates, melibiose, raffinose and stachyose and was able to hydrolyze these oligosaccharides. It was effective in the removal of non‐digestible raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) from soybeans, chickpeas and kidney beans. MPG was immobilised onto chitosan and the immobilised enzyme (iMPG) displayed higher optimal temperature (60 °C), better thermostability and substrate specificity as compared to MPG. iMPG was also capable of hydrolyzing RFOs in chickpeas and could be efficiently reused six times. In view of their superior properties, MPG and iMPG may have great prospects in the food and feed industries for the removal of RFOs from soy and other legumes.
Effect of fruit by‐products and orange pectin on folate (vitamin B9) production by selected starter and probiotic strains
Authors: Cucick Ana Clara Candelaria , Bedani Raquel , Ribeiro Lara Santos , Franco Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo , Saad Susana Marta Isay 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThis study selected the best folate‐producing strains in folate‐free medium among five commercial starter and probiotic strains and evaluated the utilisation of fruit by‐products (pitaya, passion fruit and grape), modified pectin from orange albedo (MP) and other carbohydrate sources for growth and folate production by the selected strains. The three selected strains [Lacticaseibacillus (L.) rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium (B.) infantis BB‐02, and Streptococcus (S.) thermophilus TH‐4] grew equally well in m‐MRS broth containing these products or carbohydrates, reaching populations above 7 log CFU mL−1 in 24 h. Production of folate was strain‐dependent. L. rhamnosus GG showed the highest folate production when supplemented with fruit by‐products and MP, achieving the utmost folate concentration after 24 h in the presence of grape by‐product (101.2 ± 11.2 ng mL−1). The MP has also influenced positively the production of folate by this strain. The study evidenced that fruit by‐products can be explored as substrates for bio‐enriched food product development using selected folate‐producing strains.
Phenolic compounds in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and their health‐promoting activities: a review
Authors: Singh Balwinder , Oberoi Somna , Kaur Amritpal 
Published: April 2024

SummarySea buckthorn (SB) is used in cuisines and herbal remedies due to its remarkable nutritional composition and health‐enhancing properties. The phenolic compounds present in SB plant include phenolic acids (gallic, p‐coumaric, protocatechuic and ferulic acids), flavonols (isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol), flavan‐3‐ols and polymeric procyanidins. The highest content of these compounds was reported in branches and leaves than corresponding edible parts of the plant. The antioxidant properties of SB are related to content and composition of phenolic compounds in different plant parts. The studies reported SB flavonoids (isorhamnetin and quercetin) as main phenolic compounds with medicinal potential and health‐promoting effects. The present review summarises information available in recent studies on phenolic composition, phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and health‐promoting activities (anti‐oxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic and obesity management) of SB that can be used in curtailing various acute and chronic maladies. SB can be projected as a promising source of bioactive constituents with the potential to be used in healthy foods for beneficial effects on human health.
Pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction of mushroom ß‐glucan from Pleurotus pulmonarius by‐product and study of prebiotic properties
Authors: Thikham Sudarat , Jeenpitak Tannaporn , Shoji Kento , Phongthai Suphat , Therdtatha Phatthanaphong , Yawootti Artit , Klangpetch Wannaporn 
Published: April 2024

SummaryPleurotus pulmonarius is one of the most widely consumed mushrooms containing low calories and fat. This study aimed to extract polysaccharides mainly ß‐glucan from P. pulmonarius by‐products including cap and stem using pulsed electric field (PEF) and study their prebiotic properties. The by‐products were subjected to PEF at a field strength of 5, 7.5 and 10 kV cm−1, a frequency of 15 Hz and a number of pulses of 12 000; then, the ß‐glucan content was determined with K‐YBGL assay test kit compared with a conventional extraction method using hot water at 100 °C for 6 h. In raw materials, crude carbohydrate contents in the cap and stem were 50.42% and 68.78%, respectively, and the ß‐glucan contents were 34.03% and 50.22%, respectively. After treated with PEF at 7.5 kV cm−1, the highest yield of 4.18% with ß‐glucan content of 14.10% was achieved. And the stem treated at 10 kV cm−1 showed the highest yield of 2.34% with ß‐glucan content of 21.39%. Comparatively lower yield and ß‐glucan contents were found in the samples treated with hot water. Scanning electron micrographs suggested that PEF caused severe damage to both samples. Additionally, the study of the prebiotic properties revealed that both products exhibited the ability to stimulate the growth of target lactic acid bacteria and the production of short‐chain fatty acid. This study suggested that PEF could enhance the extraction efficiency of β‐glucan with prebiotic potential from P. pulmonarius by‐products.
Can consumption of type 4 resistant starch reduce high blood glucose fluctuations? A randomised trial
Authors: Cesur Fatih , Öztürk Kara Gökce 
Published: April 2024

SummaryIndividuals were given ERSR (enzyme‐resistant starch rusks) to consume for breakfast, and its effect on blood glucose was examined. Fifty‐four people participated in this study as two groups ((WWR (whole wheat rusks): 27 and ERSR: 27)). Each rusk contains 30 g of digestible CHO. After the consumption started, measurements were made at 30‐min intervals until 120 min. In total AUC (area under the curve) values between WWR and ERSR, ERSR was significantly higher (P < 0.001). In normal‐weight individuals, the total AUC value of ERSR consumption was significantly higher than WWR (P < 0.001), and in obese individuals, no significant difference was observed. Blood glucose fluctuations were higher in ERSR compared to WWR. It was also observed that this difference was observed in normal‐weight individuals, while no such difference was observed in individuals with obesity. Although ERSR consumption seems advisable for obese individuals, it should be supported by longer studies.
Oral corticosteroid stewardship: key insights from the Australasian Severe Asthma Registry
Authors: Politis John , Chung Li Ping , Igwe Ezinne , Bardin Philip , Gibson Peter G. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPeople with severe asthma remain at risk of toxicity from maintenance oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and/or frequent OCS burst therapy. Cumulative exposures above 500–1000 mg prednisolone are associated with adverse effects, and recently OCS stewardship principles were promulgated to guide OCS prescription.AimsTo examine real‐world registry data to quantify OCS burden, ascertain trends over time in prescription and assess whether opportunities to implement steroid‐sparing strategies were utilised.MethodsParticipants were enrolled in the Australasian Severe Asthma Registry for the period 2013–2021. Assessments were taken at enrolment and then annual follow‐up, which included asthma control and OCS use. Descriptive analyses were performed, and subgroups were compared at baseline and over time.ResultsNine hundred and twenty‐four participants were evaluated and 215/924 (23%) were taking maintenance OCS at baseline, with 44% and 32% of participants having exposure to ≥500 or 1000 mg of OCS respectively in the prior year. Twelve months later, an additional 10% and 9% of participants reached cumulative doses of 500 or 1000 mg. People exceeding thresholds had ongoing poor asthma control. At baseline, 240/924 (26%) people were treated with asthma biological therapy. An additional 83 (12%) participants were identified as potentially benefiting from this steroid‐sparing medication. Of these patients, only 23% commenced a biologic agent in the next 12 months.ConclusionsA large national asthma registry identifies exposure to toxic cumulative doses of OCS in more than a third of participants, with further subsequent cumulative dose escalation over 2 years. Steroid‐sparing strategies were often not employed, highlighting the need for implementation of OCS stewardship initiatives.
Analysis of the associated factors in postoperative wound infection following open reduction and internal fixation for elbow fracture
Authors: Cui Changwei , Ma Lijie , Qi Xiangbei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPostoperative wound infections (PWIs) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for elbow fractures can significantly affect patient outcomes. Identifying associated risk factors is crucial for improving clinical practices and patient care. A retrospective analysis (June 2020–June 2023) at our institution involved 90 patients who underwent elbow ORIF. Thirty patients developed PWIs (case group), compared to 60 who did not (control group). Variables like anaemia, operation duration, hospital stay, blood loss, body mass index (BMI), age, hypoalbuminemia, smoking status, diabetes mellitus and open fractures were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the impact of these variables on PWI incidence, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The main pathogens identified were Escherichia coli among Gram‐negative bacteria (59.46%) and Staphylococcus aureus among Gram‐positive bacteria (40.54%). In the univariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia, anaemia, and lifestyle factors such as smoking showed higher prevalence in patients with PWIs. However, age and length of hospital stay did not significantly influence infection rates. The multivariate analysis further elucidated that anaemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus and open fractures were independent, significant predictors of PWIs. These findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing infection risk post‐ORIF, underscoring the importance of both individual health conditions and surgical complications in patient outcomes. Anaemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus and open fractures significantly increase the risk of PWI after elbow ORIF. Early identification and management of these risk factors are imperative to reduce infection rates and improve postoperative recovery.
Pluralistic ignorance and occupational choice: The impact of communicating norms on graduate students' career aspirations
Authors: Leong Suyi , Hegarty Mary , Sherman David K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOccupational choices at the early stage of one's career path are influenced by the real and imagined input of mentors. This research focuses on PhD advisors and the graduate students that they mentor. Each participant in that dyadic mentoring relationship holds assumptions about the beliefs of the other regarding the students' career preferences. We propose that, in the absence of discussions surrounding career goals in such relationships, pluralistic ignorance surrounding career norms may develop. PhD students may assume that their advisors prefer that students seek academic research positions; while advisors may assume students prefer academic research positions and may not bring up alternative careers. Three studies adopt a mixed‐method approach to investigate divergent experiences surrounding career discussions. Study 1A (N = 301 faculty members in STEM fields) features qualitative and quantitative data and found that PhD advisors have experience working with students whose career preferences did not align with their expectations, and report changing their mentorship approaches while maintaining rigorous training. Study 1B (N = 195 PhD students in STEM fields) features qualitative data and found that students, although generally comfortable discussing different career options with their advisors, report several concerns that deterred them from discussing nonacademic research positions. Study 2, an experiment designed to compare perceived with actual norms (N = 200 PhD students in STEM fields) revealed that such discomfort could be alleviated by making explicit advisors' support for diverse career options and actual career preferences. The present research provides insights about pluralistic ignorance with implications for having more holistic career discussions in dyadic mentor relationships.
Integrated analyses for identification of a three‐gene signature associated with Chaihu Shugan San formula for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment
Authors: Xing Jia‐heng , Tan Ru‐xue , Huang Fei‐er , Tian Nan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChaihu Shugan San (CSS) is a well‐known traditional herbal formula that has the potential to ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we identified the key targets of CSS against HCC and developed a prognostic model to predict the survival of patients with HCC. The effect of CSS plus sorafenib on HCC cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. LASSO‐Cox regression was used to establish a three‐gene signature model targeting CSS. Correlations between immune cells, immune checkpoints and risk score were determined to evaluate the immune‐related effects of CSS. The interactions between the components and targets were validated using molecular docking and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. CSS and sorafenib synergistically inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Ten core compounds and 224 targets were identified using a drug compound–target network. The prognostic model of the three CSS targets (AKT1, MAPK3 and CASP3) showed predictive ability. Risk scores positively correlated with cancer‐promoting immune cells and high expression of immune checkpoint proteins. Molecular docking and SPR analyses confirmed the strong binding affinities of the active components and the target genes. Western blot analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of CSS and sorafenib in inhibiting the expression of these three targets. In conclusion, CSS may regulate the activity of immune‐related factors in the tumour microenvironment, reverse immune escape, enhance immune responses through AKT1, MAPK3, and CASP3, and synergistically alleviate HCC. The co‐administration of sorafenib with CSS has a strong clinical outlook against HCC.
A 78‐year‐old woman with diffuse white matter infiltration and predominant involvement of bilateral temporo‐parieto‐occipital regions
Authors: Paoli Charlotte , Mc Leer Anne , Boyer Julien , Mondot Lydiane , Dadone‐Montaudié Bérengère , Godfraind Catherine , Burel‐Vandenbos Fanny 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDiffuse paediatric‐type high‐grade glioma, H3‐wildtype and IDH‐wildtype (H3/IDH‐wt‐pHGG) is a newly defined entity amongst brain tumours, primarily reported in children. It is a rare, ill‐defined type of tumour and the only method to diagnose it is DNA methylation profiling. The case we report here carries new knowledge about this tumour which may, in fact, occur in elderly patients, be devoid of evocative genomic abnormalities reported in children and harbour a misleading mutation.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates PM2.5‐induced pulmonary fibrosis through targeting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Chao Chia‐Chia , Hsiao Sheng‐Yen , Kao Wan‐Chen , Chiou Pei‐Chen , Huang Chieh‐Chen , Wang Mei‐Ting , Chen Po‐Chun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is a lung disorder affecting the lungs that involves the overexpressed extracellular matrix, scarring and stiffening of tissue. The repair of lung tissue after injury relies heavily on Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEII), and repeated damage to these cells is a crucial factor in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Studies have demonstrated that chronic exposure to PM2.5, a form of air pollution, leads to an increase in the incidence and severity of pulmonary fibrosis by stimulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung epithelial cells. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a bioactive compound found naturally that exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties. The mechanism by which PQQ prevents pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure to PM2.5 through EMT has not been thoroughly discussed until now. In the current study, we discovered that PQQ successfully prevented PM2.5‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting EMT. The results indicated that PQQ was able to inhibit the expression of type I collagen, a well‐known fibrosis marker, in AEII cells subjected to long‐term PM2.5 exposure. We also found the alterations of cellular structure and EMT marker expression in AEII cells with PM2.5 incubation, which were reduced by PQQ treatment. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to PM2.5 considerably reduced cell migratory ability, but PQQ treatment helped in reducing it. In vivo animal experiments indicated that PQQ could reduce EMT markers and enhance pulmonary function. Overall, these results imply that PQQ might be useful in clinical settings to prevent pulmonary fibrosis.
The Hippo signalling pathway and its impact on eye diseases
Authors: Du Yuxiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Hippo signalling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, has been shown to be crucial for cell fate determination, homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that the Hippo signalling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. This article provides the first systematic review of studies on the regulatory and functional roles of mammalian Hippo signalling systems in eye diseases. More comprehensive studies on this pathway are required for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of eye diseases and the development of effective therapies.
Effect of Curcuma longa extract on reproduction function in mice and testosterone production in Leydig cells
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Yang Liu , Xue Shan , Zhang Yichang , Li Zihan , Zhang Min , Kai Guoyin , Li Juan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurcuma longa, best known for its culinary application as the main constituent of curry powder, has shown potential impact on the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Curcuma longa extract (CLE) on Kidney‐Yang deficiency mice induced by hydrocortisone and the possible roles in testosterone secretion in Leydig cells. We evaluated male sexual behaviour, reproductive organ weight, testosterone levels, and histological tissue changes in hydrocortisone‐induced mice. CLE effectively reversed hydrocortisone‐induced Kidney‐Yang deficiency syndrome by improving sexual behaviour, testis and epididymis weight, testosterone levels and reducing pathological damage. Our in vitro study further indicated that CLE stimulated testosterone production via upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes in Leydig cells. It significantly improved H89‐inhibited protein expression of StAR and cAMP‐response element‐binding (CREB), as well as melatonin‐suppressed StAR protein expression. The data obtained from this study suggest that CLE could alleviate Kidney‐Yang deficiency symptoms and stimulate testosterone production by upregulating the steroidogenic pathway. This research identifies CLE as a potential nutraceutical option for addressing testosterone deficiency diseases.
Identification and biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema siamkayai occurring in western Thailand against the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory and screenhouse conditions
Authors: Noosidum Atirach , Onwong Rattanawadee , Sumaya Nanette Hope , Khwanket Niyaporn , Arkhan Chatchaloem 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is a serious insect pest of many vegetables and crops worldwide. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have been utilized as biological control agents for controlling various insect pests, including the larvae of S. litura. Many indigenous EPN have been recognized to be more effective in specific field applications. Among the 160 soil samples collected in undisturbed areas of western Thailand, three samples tested positive for EPN. Three indigenous EPN were identified as Steinernema siamkayai namely, EPNKU63, EPNKU70 and EPNKU85, based on ITS and D2/D3 expansion region analysis of the 28s rRNA genes. Additionally, genetic analysis of the symbiotic bacteria using recA rRNA sequences confirmed their identity as Xenorhabdus stockiae namely, PEPNKU63, PEPNKU70 and PEPNKU85. To evaluate their initial biocontrol potential against the 6th instar larvae of Galleria mellonella, virulence assays were conducted. The application of 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/insects resulted in the mortality of 80–100% of G. mellonella larvae after 72 h. When symbiotic bacteria were applied at 1 × 106 cells/insect, they exhibited 63–93% mortality against G. mellonella larvae after 120 h. In further laboratory tests, three S. siamkayai isolates achieved 100% mortality of 3rd instar Spodoptera litura larvae within 72 h, with LC50 values ranging from 29 to 30 IJs/insect. In screenhouse experiments, it was revealed that all S. siamkayai isolates displayed substantial virulence, ranging from 62% to 74%, against 3rd instar S. litura larvae within 72 h. This study demonstrates the biocontrol potential of S. siamkayai in controlling S. litura larvae.