bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating uncertainty: Managing herbivore communities enhances Savanna ecosystem resilience under climate change
Authors: Irob Katja , Blaum Niels , Tietjen Britta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Savannas are characterized by water scarcity and degradation, making them highly vulnerable to increased uncertainties in water availability resulting from climate change. This poses a significant threat to ecosystem services and rural livelihoods that depend on them. In addition, the lack of consensus among climate models on precipitation change makes it difficult for land managers to plan for the future. Therefore, Savanna rangeland management needs to develop strategies that can sustain Savanna resilience and avoid tipping points under an uncertain future climate.

Our study aims to analyse the impacts of climate change and rangeland management on degradation in Savanna ecosystems of southern Africa, providing insights for the management of semi‐arid Savannas under uncertain conditions worldwide. To achieve this, we simulated the effects of projected changes in temperature and precipitation, as predicted by 10 global climate models, on water resources and vegetation (cover, functional diversity, tipping points (transition from grass‐dominated to shrub‐dominated vegetation)). We simulated three different rangeland management options (herbivore communities dominated by grazers, by browser and by mixed feeders), each with low and high animal densities, using the ecohydrological model EcoHyD.

Our results identified intensive grazing as the primary contributor to the increased risk of degradation in response to changing climatic conditions across all climate change scenarios. This degradation encompassed a reduction in available water for plant growth within the context of predicted climate change. It also entails a decline in the overall vegetation cover, the loss of functionally important plant species and the inefficient utilization of available water resources, leading to earlier tipping points.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings underscore that, in the face of climate uncertainty, farmers' most effective strategy for securing their livelihoods and ecosystem stability is to integrate browsers and apply management of mixed herbivore communities. This management approach not only significantly delays or averts tipping points but also maintained greater plant functional diversity, fostering a more robust and resilient ecosystem that acts as a vital buffer against adverse climatic conditions.
Occupational therapy with patients in forensic solitary confinement: A qualitative study
Authors: Mynard Lorrae , Joosten Annette , D'Souza Ayesha , Ashley Danielle , Darzins Susan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionOccupational therapists work with forensic mental health patients in solitary confinement to counter impacts of mental illness and occupational deprivation, to promote well‐being and support transition to less restricted environments. There is little literature describing occupational therapy in this context. This study aimed to explore and describe the work, context and professional reasoning of occupational therapists working in solitary confinement settings within a large forensic mental health service in Victoria, Australia.MethodsA qualitative design used semi‐structured interviews with 11 occupational therapists and reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsThree central organising themes, it's all about risk, the work we do and why we do what we do, provided rich description of the context and work of occupational therapists in solitary confinement settings, including approaches used to engage patients in occupation and how the Model of Human Occupation and recovery principles informed their professional reasoning. Despite the setting restrictions, participants engaged in core elements of the occupational therapy practice process and described creative work that offered patients choice and meaningful occupation. They described occupational enrichment to address occupational deprivation and create opportunities for change within the highly restrictive and risk‐focussed environment of solitary confinement. Assessment was mainly unstructured, and the need for better evaluation of therapy outcomes acknowledged. Goal setting often focussed on immediate needs. Working in a risk‐focussed environment influenced participants' professional reasoning and work with patients, and while they advocated for occupational opportunities for patients, frustration was experienced in response to limits to occupational therapy involvement in risk assessment.ConclusionThe findings address a gap in the literature about the work of occupational therapists in forensic solitary confinement. Though participants' reasoning was informed by occupational and recovery principles, and they described working in occupation‐based ways, they did not always articulate explicit connections between theory and practice.
Pulsed inputs of high molecular weight organic matter shift the mechanisms of substrate utilisation in marine bacterial communities
Authors: Brown Sarah , Lloyd C. Chad , Giljan Greta , Ghobrial Sherif , Amann Rudolf , Arnosti Carol 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeterotrophic bacteria hydrolyze high molecular weight (HMW) organic matter extracellularly prior to uptake, resulting in diffusive loss of hydrolysis products. An alternative ‘selfish’ uptake mechanism that minimises this loss has recently been found to be common in the ocean. We investigated how HMW organic matter addition affects these two processing mechanisms in surface and bottom waters at three stations in the North Atlantic Ocean. A pulse of HMW organic matter increased cell numbers, as well as the rate and spectrum of extracellular enzymatic activities at both depths. The effects on selfish uptake were more differentiated: in Gulf Stream surface waters and productive surface waters south of Newfoundland, selfish uptake of structurally simple polysaccharides increased upon HMW organic matter addition. The number of selfish bacteria taking up structurally complex polysaccharides, however, was largely unchanged. In contrast, in the oligotrophic North Atlantic gyre, despite high external hydrolysis rates, the number of selfish bacteria was unchanged, irrespective of polysaccharide structure. In deep bottom waters (> 4000 m), structurally complex substrates were processed only by selfish bacteria. Mechanisms of substrate processing—and the extent to which hydrolysis products are released to the external environment—depend on substrate structural complexity and the resident bacterial community.
Racial and ethnic differences in the financial returns to home purchases
Authors: Kahn Matthew E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe racial and ethnic composition of home buyers varies across geographic locations. Since home prices grow at different rates across counties and within counties, these place‐based bets yield different average rates of return for different demographic groups. I estimate these differential returns by combining micro data from Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) with zip‐code‐level data from Zillow. Based on this index of housing returns from 2010 to 2022, I find that at the national level that Asian buyers earn higher returns than other groups. For California buyers and for Los Angeles buyers, Black people earn roughly the same average rate of return but face a higher standard deviation in returns than other groups.
Review article: Pre‐hospital trauma guidelines and access to lifesaving interventions in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Andrews Tim , Meadley Ben , Gabbe Belinda , Beck Ben , Dicker Bridget , Cameron Peter 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe centralisation of trauma services in western countries has led to an improvement in patient outcomes. Effective trauma systems include a pre‐hospital trauma system. Delivery of high‐level pre‐hospital trauma care must include identification of potential major trauma patients, access and correct application of lifesaving interventions (LSIs) and timely transport to definitive care. Globally, many nations endorse nationwide pre‐hospital major trauma triage guidelines, to ensure a universal approach to patient care. This paper examined clinical guidelines from all 10 EMS in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. All relevant trauma guidelines were included, and key information was extracted. Authors compared major trauma triage criteria, all LSI included in guidelines, and guidelines for transport to definitive care. The identification of major trauma patients varied between all 10 EMS, with no universal criteria. The most common approach to trauma triage included a three‐step assessment process: physiological criteria, identified injuries and mechanism of injury. Disparity between physiological criteria, injuries and mechanism was found when comparing guidelines. All 10 EMS had fundamental LSI included in their trauma guidelines. Fundamental LSI included haemorrhage control (arterial tourniquets, pelvic binders), non‐invasive airway management (face mask ventilation, supraglottic airway devices) and pleural wall needle decompression. Variation in more advanced LSI was evident between EMS. Optimising trauma triage guidelines is an important aspect of a robust and evidence driven trauma system. The lack of consensus in trauma triage identified in the present study makes benchmarking and comparison of trauma systems difficult.
Bmo‐miR‐3351 modulates glutathione content and inhibits BmNPV proliferation by targeting BmGSTe6 in Bombyx mori
Authors: Cao Hui‐Hua , Kong Wei‐Wei , Ling Bing , Wang Zhi‐Yi , Zhang Ying , Guo Zhe‐Xiao , Liu Shi‐Huo , Xu Jia‐Ping 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that play pivotal roles in the host response to invading pathogens. Among these pathogens, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is one of the main causes of substantial economic losses in sericulture, and there are relatively few studies on the specific functions of miRNAs in the B. mori–BmNPV interaction. Therefore, we conducted transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and miRNAs in the midgut of 2 B. mori strains (BmNPV‐susceptible strain P50 and BmNPV‐resistant strain A35) after BmNPV infection. Through correlation analysis of the miRNA and mRNA data, we identified a comprehensive set of 21 miRNAs and 37 predicted target mRNAs. Notably, miR‐3351, which has high expression in A35, exhibited remarkable efficacy in suppressing BmNPV proliferation. Additionally, we confirmed that miR‐3351 binds to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of B. mori glutathione S‐transferase epsilon 6 (BmGSTe6), resulting in its downregulation. Conversely, BmGSTe6 displayed an opposite expression pattern to miR‐3351, effectively promoting BmNPV proliferation. Notably, BmGSTe6 levels were positively correlated with glutathione S‐transferase activity, consequently influencing intracellular glutathione content in the infected samples. Furthermore, our investigation revealed the protective role of glutathione against BmNPV infection in BmN cells. In summary, miR‐3351 modulates glutathione content by downregulating BmGSTe6 to inhibit BmNPV proliferation in B. mori. Our findings enriched the research on the role of B. mori miRNAs in the defense against BmNPV infection, and suggests that the antiviral molecule, glutathione, offers a novel perspective on preventing viral infection in sericulture.
Stability and bioactivities evaluation of analytical grade C‐phycocyanin during the storage of Spirulina platensis powder
Authors: Zhou Yue , Huang Zhenghua , Liu Yuhuan , Li Bin , Wen Zixuan , Cao Leipeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractC‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) is a natural high‐value blue phycobiliprotein from Spirulina platensis, which has wide biological applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. However, the freshness of S. platensis powder (SPP) materials and C‐PC purification play critical roles in evaluating the stability and bioactivities of C‐PC, which severely affect its commercial application. This study investigated the effect of spray‐dried SPP freshness on the biofunctional activities of analytical grade C‐PC (AGC‐PC). The yield of AGC‐PC extracted from spray‐dried SPP could reach 101.88 mg/g (75% recovery ratio) after purification by reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) system. The half‐life period (t1/2) of AGC‐PC stability at 60°C and 8000 lux light could remain 171.70 min and 176.11 h within 6 months storage of spray‐dried SPP. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) and foaming capacity (FC) of AGC‐PC from fresh‐dried SPP showed maximum values of 68.64 m2/g and 252.9%, respectively. The EC50 of AGC‐PC from fresh spray‐dried SPP on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline ‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS+·) scavenging activity could reach 63.76 and 92.93 mg/L, respectively. The EC50 of AGC‐PC from fresh spray‐dried SPP on proteinase inhibition and anti‐lipoxygenase activity were 302.96 and 178.8 mg/L, respectively. The stability and biofunctional activities of AGC‐PC remained stable within 6 months storage of SPP, and then rapidly decreased after 9 months storage due to the disintegration of the trimeric (αβ)3 and hexameric (αβ)6 forms of C‐PC. It is concluded that the optimal storage period of SPP for preparation of AGC‐PC in commercial use should be less than 6 months.Practical ApplicationThe C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) from dried Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) has been widely applied in food nutritional, florescent markers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc, due to its blue color, fluorescence, and antioxidant properties. However, the effect of dried SPP freshness on the stability and functional activity of C‐PC has been rarely reported. This study found that the thermostability, photostability, emulsifying, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of analytical grade C‐PC (AGC‐PC) significantly decreased after 6 months storage of SPP. Based on investigations, we have proposed that the suitable storage time of dried SPP for preparation of AGC‐PC in commercial application should be within 6 months.
Effect of hawthorn polyphenol extracts on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of corn starch
Authors: Yuan Ying , Chai Ziqi , Zheng Yuxue , Ren Yanming , Ye Xingqian , Kong Xiangli , Tian Jinhu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo investigate the effect of hawthorn polyphenols on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of corn starch, different proportions (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% [w/w]) of hawthorn polyphenol extracts (HPEs) were mixed with corn starch, and their physicochemical properties and digestive properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Rapid Visco Analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and in vitro/in vivo analysis. Results indicated that small V‐type crystal starch tended to be formed in the samples, and the addition of HPEs reduced the viscosity, prolonged the gelatinization temperature of corn starch, and increased the proportion of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch of the corn starch, which accounted for 36.32% ± 1.05% and 33.32% ± 4.07%, respectively. Compared with the raw corn starch, the postprandial blood glucose of mice that were administered the hawthorn polyphenols decreased significantly: the blood glucose peak (30 min) decreased from 14.30 ± 1.52 to 11.77 ± 1.21 mmol/L. Our study might provide some basic theoretical support for the application of hawthorn polyphenols in healthy starchy food processing.
Diversity in storage age enables discrepancy in quality attributes and metabolic profile of Citrus grandis “Tomentosa” in China
Authors: Wei Liyang , Hu Qian , He Lei , Li Guoping , Zhang Jiukai , Chen Ying 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe folk proverb “the older, the better” is usually used to describe the quality of Citrus grandis “Tomentosa” (CGT) in China. In this study, CGT aged for 6‐, 12‐, 16‐, and 19‐years were collected for the investigation of infusion color, main bioactive components, antioxidant activity, metabolic composition, and pathway. The results found that infusion color, the total phenolic and flavonoid, and antioxidant activity of CGT were obviously changed by aging process. Through untargeted metabolomics, 55 critical metabolites were identified to in discrimination of CGT with different storage ages, mainly including phenylpropanoids, lipids, and organic oxygen compounds. Twenty compounds that showed good linear relationships with storage ages could be used for year prediction of CGT. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment pathway analysis uncovered important metabolic pathways related to the accumulation of naringin, kaempferol, and choline as well as the degradation of benzenoids, thus supporting that aged CGT might be more beneficial to health. Correlation analysis provided that some key metabolites with bitter taste and biological activity were involved in the darkening and reddening of CGT infusion during aging, and total phenolic and flavonoid were more strongly associated with the antioxidant activity of CGT. This study systematically revealed the quality changes and key metabolic pathways during CGT aging at first time.Practical ApplicationThis study reveals the differences in quality attributes and metabolic profile between CGT with different storage ages, providing guidance for consumers' consumption, and also providing more scientific basis for the quality evaluation and improvement of CGT.
Efficient enzymatic synthesis of theaflavin and its production mechanism
Authors: Jian Jinjin , Gao Zhijiang , Ding Yangping 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel preparation method of theaflavin (TF) has been established. Our findings indicated that the formation of TF was significantly enhanced by using an ice bath (2–3°C). Additionally, increasing the ratio of (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) under the ice bath could further improve its yield. This approach prevented the appearance of a dark solution within 3 h, effectively protecting TF from oxidation. Our study on the generation mechanism of TF suggested that EGC‐quinone I (EGC‐Q‐I) with two carbanions could potentially serve as one of synthons based on the retrosynthetic analysis of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐type intermediate. Subsequently, quantum mechanical calculations further supported this hypothesis.Practical Application: In this study, we have developed a novel method for the synthesis of theaflavin (TF), demonstrating that the use of ice bath significantly enhanced its yield. Increasing the ratio of (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) under the ice bath further improved TF yields and prevented darkening of the solution for at least 3 h, thereby protecting TF from oxidation. Our study suggested that EGC‐quinone I is a potential synthon based on the retrosynthetic analysis of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐type intermediate (BOI). This hypothesis is supported by QM calculations.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer during meat ball cooking and microbial food safety enhancement
Authors: Sheen Shiowshuh , Huang Lihan , Hwang Cheng‐An 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study was conducted to apply the finite volume method (FVM) to solve the partial differential equation (PDE) governing the heat transfer process during meat cooking with convective surface conditions. For a one‐dimensional, round‐shaped food, such as meat balls, the domain may be divided into shells of equal thickness, with energy balance established for each adjacent shell using in the finite difference scheme (FDS) to construct a set of finite difference equations, which were then solved simultaneously using the FORTRAN language and the IVPAG subroutine of the International Mathematics and Statistics Library. The FDS is flexible for temperature‐dependent physical properties of foods, such as thermal conductivity (k), specific heat (Cp), thermal diffusivity (α), and boundary conditions, for example, surface heat transfer coefficient (h), to predict the dynamic temperature profiles in beef and chicken meat balls cooked in an oven. Once the FVM model was established and validated, it was used to simulate the dynamic temperature profiles during cooking, which were then used in combination with the general method to evaluate the thermal lethality of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. using D and z values in ground meats during cooking. The method can be applied to design cooking processes that effectively inactivate foodborne pathogens while maintaining the quality of cooked meats and evaluate the adequacy of a cooking process.Practical ApplicationThe temperature dependences of thermal conductivity (k) and thermal diffusivity (α) of raw ground beef and ground chicken meats were measured. These thermal properties were then used in numerical simulation to predict the dynamic heating temperature profile and thermal lethality of ground beef and chicken meat balls. The numerical simulation method may be used to optimize and evaluate thermal processes and ensure the inactivation of pathogens in meat products during cooking.
Outcomes of patients with pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas: a study of factors associated with survival and surgical intervention
Authors: Wong Ngar Lok Joshua , Paredes Steven Ronald , Seyfi Doruk , Ng Kheng‐Seong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundsThis study investigated the incidence of, and mortality and management outcomes following, pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography.MethodsA retrospective study of patients identified with pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography at a quaternary centre (2013–2021) was performed. Data relating to clinical presentation (including quick sequential organ failure assessment score), co‐morbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index), biochemical data (including peak lactate level), and radiological findings, were obtained. Factors associated with these were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsFrom 16 428 scans, 107 (0.65%) demonstrated pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas (mean 65.2 years [SD 15.2]; 60 [56%] male). Overall, 37 patients (35%) had both findings present. Thirty‐three deaths (31%) were recorded. Fifty‐four patients (51%) underwent surgery. Death was associated with quick sequential organ failure assessment score (score 1: OR 5.71, 95% CI 1.31–24.87; score 2: OR 10.00, 95% CI 1.94–51.54), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.19–6.84), peak lactate ≥2.6 mmol/L (OR 14.53, 95% CI 4.39–48.14), and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas (OR 8.25, 95% CI 3.04–22.38). The presence of free peritoneal fluid (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.44–7.28) or perforated viscus (OR 5.10, 95% CI 1.05–24.85) were the only predictors for surgery.ConclusionPneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas are rare findings. Despite traditionally portending a poor prognosis, mortality occurred in only one‐third of patients. There were clear indicators of mortality viz. sepsis severity, comorbidities, and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas. Factors predicting surgery warrant further investigation.