bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of ultrasound‐assisted soaking on the hydration kinetics and physicochemical properties of chickpeas
Authors: Bender Denisse , Yamsaengsung Ram , Waziiroh Elok , Schoenlechner Regine , Jaeger Henry 
Published: February 2024

SummaryUnderstanding the behaviour of legumes during soaking results of importance since this might affect subsequent processing steps and thus final product quality. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different ultrasound‐assisted soaking conditions (45.8–108.7 W cm−2 for 10–30 min) on the hydration, physicochemical and nutritional properties of kabuli chickpeas. During sonication, the temperature of the soaking media was either controlled at 20 °C (treatment referred to as US) or allowed to rise (treatment referred to as US + T). Selected temperature treatments without sonication (treatment referred to as T) were also included to identify thermal effects. Results showed that higher sonication intensities enhanced water imbibition up to a moisture content of 74.5% (w/w), being more pronounced in treatments where a temperature rise was allowed. Hydration kinetics were well described by the Peleg model (R2 = 0.961–0.998). Samples treated with temperature (US + T; T) showed high solid (0.8–5.1%), di‐ (13.2–59.7%) and α‐galactosyl‐sucrose oligosaccharide (5.4–58.7%) losses. In contrast, high US treatments enhanced oligosaccharides to up to 26.2% as well as pasting properties, while decreasing leaching losses (0.93–3.33%). Nutritional properties of sonicated chickpeas were only slightly affected after cooking following no clear trend. Overall, sonication was an effective pre‐treatment to reduce hydration time of up to 90% in chickpeas, especially when combined with temperature, and could be applied to drastically reduce the processing time of chickpea and chickpea flour in the food industry.
Effect of frying process on in vitro protein digestibility of traditional Chinese tofu through remodelling protein structure at multiscale
Authors: Yu Ningxiang , Wang Yijue , Zongo Abel Wend‐Soo , Lu Yuanchao , Nie Xiaohua , Ye Qin , Meng Xianghe 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of frying temperature (110, 130, 150, 170, or 190 °C for 3 min) and time (1, 3, or 5 min at 170 °C) on the protein structure and in vitro protein digestibility of traditional Chinese tofu. The results indicated that frying caused the formation of disulfide bonds and loss of ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. The FTIR pattern, surface hydrophobicity, and endogenous fluorescence of tofu changed with frying temperature and time, which verified the protein unfolding and thus provided a prerequisite for subsequent protein reaggregation during the frying process. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the destruction and formation of protein aggregates in fried tofu were regulated by the frying temperature and time. Moderate frying conditions, including frying at 110, 130, or 150 °C for 3 min, or frying at 170 °C for 1 min, improved the protein digestibility of tofu through remodelling protein structure at multiscale. This work provided a valuable insight into the preparation of fried tofu with high quality.
Maybe eating more local food is what we need: qualitative views on plant‐based food among Thai consumers
Authors: Walter Ponjan , Utama‐ang Niramon , Bai‐Ngew Shitapan , Simapaisan Piyawan 
Published: February 2024

SummaryOne way to increase the consumption of nutritious diets as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is by promoting plant‐based (PB) food consumption. Many food companies have been trying to develop innovative PB food products, while some policymakers have been promoting PB diet patterns. This research aims to gain an in‐depth understanding of consumer PB food attitudes and factors affecting consumers' PB food choices. In‐depth interviews with semi‐structured questions and a projective technique were conducted with 28 participants (n = 28) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in March–April 2022. Quota sampling was based on the equal age and gender of the participants (age between 18–75 years old). Thematic analysis was carried out to identify themes that emerged from the interview. The results revealed that PB food attitudes varied based on age. Among more senior consumers, the PB term was new to them. They perceived local dishes are mainly from plants. For the younger generation, PB food was perceived as fake meat with unnecessary food additives. PB food price was a critical factor for consumer food choice. However, consumers might be persuaded to consume more PB food due to its nutritional benefits and situational factors. A new PB food product concept can be developed from local dishes instead of PB products that have been successfully launched abroad. PB food campaigners can raise awareness about certain ethnic foods instead of giving broad advice about the PB diet concept.
On‐field Agroecosystem Research Experience: An Undergraduate Perspective
Authors: Ndayishimiye Elysee , Dushimeyesu Japhet , Ukwishaka Yvon , Ray Chittaranjan , Fleisher David , Timlin Dennis , Reddy Vangimalla , Malakar Arindam 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUndergraduate hands‐on research can foster innovation and critical thinking among young scholars to delve into real‐world challenges. Specifically, exploring the critical nexus between water usage and agricultural yield, can foster academic growth and holds the key to addressing global food security in an era of increasing environmental constraints, where students can unlock insights crucial to enhancing crop yield and sustainability. Investigating the intricate relationship between water management and crop productivity through undergraduate research is exemplified in this article. Undergraduate students acquired hands‐on research experience by collecting, processing, and analyzing destructive (crop biomass samples) and non‐destructive (plant height, nodes, and leaf chlorophyll content) cropping system data on soybeans under irrigated and dryland production systems, where they worked closely with the farmer. Identifying the current research problem and study site selection, scientific decision‐making during the field study, developing critical thinking while ensuring research communication skills, and quality assurance and quality control through technology during data collection and analysis were learning outcomes. The research highlights the observed distinct performance between irrigated and non‐irrigated soybeans using non‐destructive plant health and growth indicators with plant biomass, following appropriate quality control and assurance steps. Statistically, irrigated soybeans outperformed non‐irrigated soybeans in terms of average plant height at maturity (irrigated: 97.0±1.7 cm vs. non‐irrigated: 37.4±0.6 cm; p<0.01) and number of nodes on the mainstem (irrigated: 19.5±1.2 vs. non‐irrigated: 12.6±0.8; p<0.01). Findings from this study can help ensure quality control and assurance in future cropping system projects. Through the agroecosystem study, we exhibit the importance and role of undergraduate research opportunities in developing the next generation of problem solvers.
Problem resolution scale: A single‐item instrument for easily assessing clinical improvement
Authors: Vitry Grégoire , Pakrosnis Rytis , Jackson Jeffrey B. , Gallin Emmanuelle , Hoyt Michael F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study describes the development and tests the validity of the Problem Resolution Scale (PRS)—a single‐item measure developed by researchers at Systemic Practice Research Network (SYPRENE) for assessing the degree to which the focal problem of therapy is perceived as resolved. Data were collected at termination from 747 clients seen across 18 therapists. Results suggested good construct validity, supported by a strong correlation between client and therapist perceptions as assessed by the PRS (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Good criterion validity was also supported by strong correlations between client‐reported psychological well‐being and functioning at termination and both client‐reported (r = −0.63; p < 0.001) and therapist‐reported (r = −0.66; p < 0.001) problem resolution scores. Linear mixed model regression and stratified correlation analysis controlling for the therapist and presenting problem effects confirmed criterion validity. Results provide initial evidence for the validity and utility of the PRS.
Natural occurrence of pelargonium flower break virus infectingPelargonium zonaleplants in South America
Authors: Bello Vinicius Henrique , Kitajima Elliot Watanabe , Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn 2023, virus‐like symptoms were observed inPelargonium zonaleplants in Brazil. Transmission electron microscope analysis revealed the presence of isometric particles measuring ca. 30 nm in diameter in leaf extracts and ultrathin sections of symptomatic field plants. Molecular assays using PFBV‐specific primers and sequencing of amplicons identified the pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV, genusAlphacarmovirus). Mechanically inoculated plants ofChenopodium quinoaandP. zonaleexhibited symptoms of chlorotic local lesions and systemic chlorotic spots, respectively. This is the first report of PFBV infectingP. zonaleplants in South America (Brazil).
Serum concentrations of complement C3 and C4 in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Kang Seonggweon , Koo Yoonhoi , Yun Taesik , Chae Yeon , Lee Dohee , Kim Hakhyun , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kang Byeong‐Teck 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh concentrations of complement factors are presented in serum of animal epilepsy models and human patients with epilepsy.ObjectivesTo determine whether complement dysregulation occurs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE).AnimalsThe study included 49 dogs with IE subgrouped into treatment (n = 19), and nontreatment (n = 30), and 29 healthy dogs.MethodsIn this case‐control study, the serum concentrations of the third (C3) and fourth (C4) components of the complement system were measured using a canine‐specific ELISA kit.ResultsSerum C3 and C4 concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with IE (C3, median; 4.901 [IQR; 3.915‐6.673] mg/mL, P < .001; C4, 0.327 [0.134‐0.557] mg/mL, P = .03) than in healthy control dogs (C3, 3.550 [3.075‐4.191] mg/mL; C4, 0.267 [0.131‐0.427] mg/mL). No significant differences were observed in serum C3 and C4 concentrations between dogs in the treatment (C3, median; 4.894 [IQR; 4.192‐5.715] mg/mL; C4, 0.427 [0.143‐0.586] mg/mL) and nontreatment groups (C3, 5.051 [3.702‐7.132] mg/mL; C4, 0.258 [0.130‐0.489] mg/mL). Dogs with a seizure frequency >3 times/month had significantly higher serum C3 (6.461 [4.695‐8.735] mg/mL; P < .01) and C4 (0.451 [0.163‐0.675] mg/mL; P = .01) concentrations than those with a seizure frequency ≤3 times/month (C3, 3.859 [3.464‐5.142] mg/mL; C4, 0.161 [0.100‐0.325] mg/mL).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDysregulation of classical complement pathway was identified in IE dogs. Serum C3 and C4 concentrations could be diagnostic biomarkers for IE in dogs with higher seizure frequency.
Ascorbate‐glutathione cycle alleviates low‐temperature‐induced oxidative stress for augmented growth of Nannochloropsis oceanica Rose Bengal mutants
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Yu , Khozin‐Goldberg Inna , Vonshak Avigad , Lee Tse‐Min 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStudying the adaptive mechanisms of algae to abiotic stresses, such as low temperature and high light intensities, can help facilitate large‐scale outdoor production. Consequently, the role played by the antioxidant defense system in the tolerance of Nannochloropsis oceanica Rose Bengal (RB) mutants, with a truncated PSII complex, to low‐temperature (LT, 18°C) under high‐light (HL, 250 μmol⋅m−2⋅s−1) conditions was explored. The wild type (WT) exhibited O2•‐ and H2O2 accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death upon LT treatment, which was exacerbated by LT‐HL. The RB mutants showed no oxidative stress during LT or LT‐HL. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1), and glutathione reductase (GR; E.C. 1.6.4.2) activity and transcript abundance increased by LT and LT‐HL conditions in the RB mutants but not in the WT. In the RB mutants, the ascorbate (AsA) pool size stayed low, but the AsA/DHA ratio increased under LT and LT‐HT conditions, while the glutathione (GSH) pool size and GSH/GSSG ratio increased. The RB mutants treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, became susceptible to LT‐HL stress. The expression of GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE SYNTHETASE (NoGSH1) and GLUTATHIONE SYNTHASE (NoGSH2A and NoGSH2B), responsible for GSH biosynthesis, was upregulated in two RB mutants by LT and LT‐HL stress, while that of GULONOLACTONE OXIDASE (NoGulo), involved in AsA biosynthesis, remained constant. Beyond reduced light energy absorption, increased the Ascorbate‐Glutathione cycle enzyme expression and AsA and GSH regeneration in Nannochloropsis RB mutants enable adaptations to prevent oxidative damage caused by high‐intensity illumination at low temperatures.
Organic matter influence on ooid formation: New insights into classic examples (Great Salt Lake, USA; Triassic Germanic Basin, Germany)
Authors: Pei Yu , Suarez‐Gonzalez Pablo , Duda Jan‐Peter , Reitner Joachim 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTOoids are coated grains composed of a tangential or radial cortex growing around a nucleus. They are common in carbonate deposits of almost any geological age and provide insights into environmental conditions. However, abiotic or biotic factors influencing their formation remain unclear. This study aims to advance current understanding of ooid formation with a multi‐analytical approach (for example, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and micro X‐ray fluorescence) to classic examples from Great Salt Lake, USA, and the Lower Triassic Germanic Buntsandstein Basin, Germany. Both of these deposits represent hypersaline shallow‐water environments where ooids are closely associated with microbial mats. Great Salt Lake ooids are dominantly 0.2 to 1.0 mm in size, ellipsoidal to subspherical in shape, composed of aragonite and contain organic matter. Germanic Buntsandstein Basin ooids are mainly ≤4 mm in size, spherical to subspherical in shape, composed of calcite and currently contain little organic matter. Despite the differences, both ooids have the same cortex structures, likely reflecting similar formation processes. Some Great Salt Lake ooids formed around detrital grains while others exhibit micritic particles in their nuclei. In Germanic Basin ooids, detrital nuclei are rare, despite the abundance of siliciclastic particles of various sizes in the host rocks. Germanic Basin deposits also include ‘compound ooids’, i.e. adjacent ooids that coalesced with one another during growth, suggesting static in situ development, which is supported by the lack of detrital grains as nuclei. Germanic Basin ooids also grew into laminated microbial crusts with identical microstructures, further indicating a static formation. Such microbial crusts typically form through mineral precipitation associated with organic matter (for example, extracellular polymeric substances), suggesting a similar formation pathway for ooids. The inferred key‐role of organic matter is further supported by features in radial ooids from the Great Salt Lake, which commonly exhibit, from their nuclei towards their surface, increasing organic matter contents and decreasing calcification.
Intersectionality, childhood disability and rurality: What does rural life mean for disabled children and their families?
Authors: Flynn Susan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe specific intention of this article is to question how rural life may affect everyday issues of concern for disabled children and their families, including access to services, social connectedness and quality of life. A theoretical frame of critical disability studies and intersectionality is taken up for this work. As critical disability studies scholarship forges productive theoretical alliances with other social agendas linked to identity, such as feminism and critical race theory, it is accordingly insistent upon going beyond a siloed fixation on disability. A defining contention is that disability ought not to be the sole focus of theoretical and socio‐political agendas that seek to solve the problems that disabled communities face. It is therefore only fitting that any treatment of the convergence of childhood disability and rurality might draw intersectionality theory into its conceptual remit. As such, this article presents a reading of disability, intersectionality and rurality through a critical disability studies lens, recognising critical disability studies as a theoretical methodology. To substantiate the theoretical component of the article, a scoping review method is employed to source literature through a replicable, transparent approach. The article encourages a better understanding about how rurality may affect the lives of disabled children and their families whilst recognising that disability is not the only important identity position to consider.
Charting a path forward: Promising outcomes of convalescent plasma therapy in the care of severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19
Authors: Inbar Tsofia , Dann Eldad J. , Kerner Omer , Stern Anat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with severe B‐cell depletion related to hematological malignancies or B‐cell targeted therapy suffer from impaired antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 and are at risk for prolonged COVID‐19. In this population, COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may provide passive immunity, enhance immune response, and promote virus neutralization. This study evaluated outcomes of B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19 treated with CCP.Study Design and MethodsThis analysis included all consecutive severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19, receiving CCP at Rambam between 01.2022–02.2023. Persistent COVID‐19 was defined as the presence of symptoms for ≥14 days in patients with negative SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid antibody test results.ResultsTwenty patients met inclusion criteria, 17 of whom had hematological malignancies, two suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and one had both. Twelve patients received anti‐CD‐20 treatment, one ‐ CAR‐T cells and three underwent stem cell transplantation. The median duration of COVID‐19 symptoms was 27.5 days (range 14–97); 12 patients had mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 and 8 had severe infection. Sixteen patients required hospitalization. The majority of patients received other COVID‐19 therapies before CCP. Within a median of two days (range 1–16) post‐infusion, 19/20 patients clinically improved. No CCP‐associated adverse events were documented. COVID‐19 symptoms recurred in 3 of the improved patients. Two patients died from COVID‐19 on days 1 and 90 following the first CCP infusion.DiscussionIn severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19, CCP is safe and associated with rapid clinical improvement. This subset of immunocompromised patients could particularly benefit from CCP administration.
Subconjunctival liposomal sirolimus vs. cyclosporine or tacrolimus as treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs: A double‐blind, randomized study
Authors: García‐Santisteban Rodrigo , Linares‐Alba Mónica Anayatzin , Botello‐Bárcenas Andrés , Margay Paola , Soto Carlos , Fonzar‐Furtado Joice , Brooks Dennis , García Diego , Sánchez Gustavo Adolfo García 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare the safety and efficacy of a 100 microgram subconjunctival injection of liposome‐encapsulated sirolimus (SCJS) to cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (CsA/T) for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs.MethodsDogs with signs and symptoms of KCS were block‐randomized to one of two treatment groups: Biweekly SCJS or conventional treatment (CsA/T). Schirmer tear test 1 (STT‐1) scores, conjunctival hyperemia (CH) scores, corneal opacity (CO) scores, and clinical evaluation of potential side effects were recorded every 2 weeks for 14 weeks for both groups. Differences between groups were analyzed using the mixed results ANOVA and U‐Mann Whitney tests (p < .05 was considered significant).ResultsA total of 30 eyes were included in the study, of which 20 eyes completed follow‐up. There was no statistically significant interaction between the treatment group and time on STT‐1 score (p = .165), and median CH and CO scores showed no statistically significant differences between groups (p = .353 and p = .393, respectively). There were no clinically significant side effects present in any subject at any time.ConclusionIn this trial, a 1 mg/mL (100 micrograms) SCJS every 2 weeks showed similar safety and efficacy profiles as daily CsA/T in dogs with KS after 14 weeks of treatment. Larger studies should be performed to further assess SCJS as an alternative treatment for KCS.
Evidence that CD36 is expressed on red blood cells and constitutes a novel blood group system of clinical importance
Authors: Alattar Abdul Ghani , Storry Jill R. , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPolymorphic molecules expressed on the surface of certain blood cells are traditionally categorized as blood groups and human platelet or neutrophil antigens. CD36 is widely considered a platelet antigen (Naka) and anti‐CD36 can cause foetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in CD36‐negative pregnant women. CD36 is used as a marker of differentiation in early erythroid culture. During the experimental culture of CD34+ cells from random blood donors, we observed that one individual lacked CD36. We sought to investigate this observation further and determine if CD36 fulfils the International Society of Blood Transfusion criteria for becoming a blood group.Materials and MethodsSurface markers were monitored by flow cytometry on developing cells during the erythroid culture of CD34+ cells. Genetic and flow cytometric analyses on peripheral blood cells were performed. Proteomic datasets were analysed, and clinical case reports involving anti‐CD36 and foetal anaemia were scrutinized.ResultsSequencing of CD36‐cDNA identified homozygosity for c.1133G>T/p.Gly378Val in the CD36‐negative donor. The minor allele frequency of rs146027667:T is 0.1% globally and results in abolished CD36 expression. CD36 has been considered absent from mature red blood cells (RBCs); however, we detected CD36 expression on RBCs and reticulocytes from 20 blood donors. By mining reticulocyte and RBC datasets, we found evidence for CD36‐derived peptides enriched in the membrane fractions. Finally, our literature review revealed severe cases of foetal anaemia attributed to anti‐CD36.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we conclude that CD36 fulfils the criteria for becoming a new blood group system and that anti‐CD36 is implicated not only in FNAIT but also foetal anaemia.