bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sprouting, airfryer‐drying, and airfryer‐baking effects on technical, physical, and chemical properties of quinoa flour and quinoa snack
Authors: Baskaya‐Sezer Duygu 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn this study, quinoa, which is a good alternative for celiacs, was tried to be used instead of flour by sprouting it and drying it in the airfryer. Flour obtained from quinoa seeds prevents spreading and hardens the product. It was predicted that this problem could be overcome by germination and drying in the airfryer. Morphologically, clean‐cut structures were in the cookies using airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. The melted surface appearance was characteristic of all airfryer‐baked cookies. The thermal and pasting properties of quinoa flour were improved, resulting in better textural properties and digestibility of the cookie. Airfryer‐baked cookies spread less. However, the spread increased with the use of airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. Cookies containing airfryer‐dried quinoa flour had low baking loss, high protein digestibility, and hardness values that were relatively closer to the control cookies. Airfryer‐baked cookies were at moderate hardness level. Minimum baking loss and highest protein digestibility were found in airfryer‐baked cookies with airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. The spread problem can be alleviated by drying the grain sprouts in the airfryer. The highest color difference was seen in oven‐baked cookie with airfryer‐dried quinoa flour. Due to the airfryer's superior airflow properties, it is possible to reduce drying and baking time by 50%. However, airfryer drying has been found to further improve functional properties compared to airfryer baking.
Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid in reducing cross‐contamination during washing of baby spinach at different water quality levels
Authors: Gao Zhujun , Jha Aprajeeta , Hudson Claire L. , Hopper Adam L. , Critzer Faith J. , Micallef Shirley A. , Schaffner Donald W. , Tikekar Rohan V. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe evaluated the antimicrobial performance of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and peracetic acid (PAA) during washing of baby spinach in water of varying levels of organic load, as measured by its chemical oxygen demand (COD). Escherichia coli TVS353 was spot inoculated onto one unwashed leaf. Sanitizers were added into water with preadjusted COD (300 or 2500 ppm) to achieve concentrations from 20 to 80 ppm. One inoculated leaf was washed with nine uninoculated leaves in 500 mL water (n = 6). Bacterial load on inoculated leaves was lowered by sanitizers in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05) and the lowest bacterial survivor levels were observed at 80 ppm with 2.7 ± 1.2 and 5.1 ± 0.5 Log MPN/leaf for PAA and NaOCl, respectively, at low CODs. PAA was more effective in reducing bacterial load from the inoculated leaf than NaOCl at high CODs (p < 0.05), with 2.9 ± 2.8 and 5.3 ± 0.8 Log MPN/leaf survivors for PAA and NaOCl, respectively. At 80 ppm sanitizer levels, the bacteria was not detected in wash water at any condition but was detected at 20 and 40 ppm at high CODs. The lowest levels of bacteria transferred to uninoculated leaves were observed at 80 ppm sanitizer, at 0.3 ± 0.2 and 0.2 ± 0.1 Log MPN/leaf for PAA and 1.1 ± 1.0 and 0.3 ± 0.3 Log MPN/leaf for NaOCl at low and high CODs, respectively. The log percentage of bacteria transferred ranged from −1.1 at 0 ppm to over −4.5 at 80 ppm, highlighting a reduction in cross‐contamination by the sanitizers.Practical ApplicationThis study provides effective data on sanitizer usage to fresh produce industry for ensuring food safety during washing of produce. It evaluated the sanitizer effect in a broad range of scenarios including various sanitizer concentrations, and wash water with low and high organic load that is common when recirculating wash water. The results also revealed the differences in two common sanitizers (PAA and NaOCl) in terms of their effectiveness.
Role of protein and lipid oxidation in hardening of high‐protein bars during storage
Authors: Dietrich Rachel B. , Lincoln Lily , Momen Shima , Minkoff Benjamin B. , Sussman Michael R. , Girard Audrey L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractProtein bar hardening negatively impacts shelf life, quality, and consumer acceptance. Although oxidation is known to negatively affect the flavor and texture of foods, the specific roles of lipid and protein oxidation in bar hardening have not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, most research has concentrated on dairy proteins, with a notable lack of studies addressing the hardening of plant‐based protein bars. We investigated the role of protein and lipid oxidation, Maillard reactions, moisture loss, protein aggregation, and microstructural changes in the hardening of pea, whey, and rice protein bars over a storage period of 6 weeks (hardness increased 7.2×, 5.4×, and 4.4×, respectively). Changes in tryptophan fluorescence, free sulfhydryl content (e.g., loss of 57% for pea and 44% for whey), and carbonyl content demonstrated that pea and whey bars underwent protein oxidation. Lipid oxidation also occurred, demonstrated by increased peroxide and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance values. Rice bars, however, did not undergo oxidation. Mass spectrometry indicated greater Maillard‐reaction‐related protein glycations formed in pea and whey bars (6.9% and 7.7%, respectively) than in rice bars (2.1%). SDS‐PAGE revealed that pea and whey, but not rice, proteins aggregated during storage. Overall, this study found that moisture loss, protein and lipid oxidation, Maillard reactions, and protein aggregation correlated with bar hardening. Chemical changes may cause protein aggregation, resulting in hardening. Likely because of rice proteins’ innate insolubility and disulfide linkages, rice protein bars were less susceptible to chemical changes and aggregation and hardened more slowly than whey and pea protein bars.Practical ApplicationThis study shows that lipid and protein oxidation are correlated with protein bar hardening in both pea and whey protein bars. Additionally, this work suggests that rice protein bars may harden more slowly than pea and whey bars. These findings suggest that potential strategies to prevent bar hardening and extend shelf life include (1) adding antioxidants to prevent oxidation and (2) using rice proteins to partially or fully substitute other protein isolates.
Oral barriers to food‐derived active peptides and nano‐delivery strategies
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Cao Zhaoxin , Su Jingyi , Ge Xuemei , Zhou Zhiyong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFood‐derived bioactive peptides are a class of peptides from natural protein. It may have biological effects on the human body and play a significant role in protecting human physiological health and regulating physiological metabolism, such as lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, antioxidant, antibacterial, regulating immune activity, and so on. However, most of the natural food‐derived functional peptides need to overcome a variety of barriers in the body to enter the blood circulation system and target to specific tissues to generate physiological activity. During this process, the bioavailability of the functional peptides will be reduced. The nano‐delivery system can offer the feasibility to overcome these obstacles and improve the stability and bioavailability of food‐derived active peptides by nanoencapsulation. This work summarizes the application of food‐derived bioactive peptides and the obstacles during the delivery pathway in vivo. Moreover, the different nano‐delivery systems used for bioactive peptides and their application were summarized, which could provide ideas for oral delivery of food‐derived bioactive peptides.
Bacteria as Precision Tools for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Michán Carmen , Prados José , Ramos Juan‐Luis 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe discovery at the end of the 20th century of genes that induce cell death revolutionised the biocontaintment of genetically manipulated bacteria for environmental or agricultural applications. These bacterial ‘killer’ genes were then assayed for their potential to target and control malignant cells in human cancers. The identification of the bacteriomes in different human organs and tissues, coupled with the observation that bacteria tend to accumulate near tumours, has opened new avenues for anti‐cancer strategies. This progress, along with recent insights into how cancer cells evade immune response, has prompted innovative therapeutic approaches. Tumour microenvironments are typically nutrient‐rich, characterised by low oxygen tensions and very resistant to immune responses. Two recent studies in MBT highlight the promise of using Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli as vectors in novel cancer treatments. Engineered S. typhimurium strains can generate adjuvant flagellin‐antigen complexes that function as in situ vaccines, hence increasing the immunogenic responses within tumour environment. Similarly, gut E. coli can be used as vectors to targert tumour cells in colon cancer, enabling both diagnostic applications and localised treatments. Both approaches hold significant potential to improve patient survival outcomes.
Streamflow and Groundwater Response to Stream Restoration Using Beaver Dam Analogues in a Semi‐Arid Perennial Stream
Authors: Bosworth Lily , Smith Rose M. , Culbertson Adam , Jamison Logan R. , Burnett Paul , Brooks Paul D. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDegradation of stream and riparian environments across the western United States has damaged critical ecosystems, water quality, and increased sedimentation of reservoirs. Low tech, process‐based restoration methods such as beaver dam analogues (BDAs) have been adopted by practitioners because they restore ecosystem function, improve habitat, and reduce downstream sediment delivery at a low cost. However, few studies have examined the potential impacts of beaver dam analogues on the quantity and timing of streamflow, which is of primary concern for water stakeholders. We address this gap with 2 years of streamflow and riparian groundwater observations before and after installing a series of 17 BDAs on Fish Creek, a first‐order stream in semi‐arid northern Utah. Within 8 weeks of BDA installation, and 1 year later, we found no significant change in streamflow compared with control and Regional Reference sites. Shallow groundwater table elevations within 7 m of the stream edge increased significantly, up to 14 cm, relative to the control reach. Our results suggest that the small, local hydrological changes from BDA installation are superimposed on much larger‐scale snowmelt and alluvial groundwater controls on streamflow, suggesting BDA installation can restore ecosystem function without deleterious impacts on streamflow. These findings are especially relevant to restoration and water stakeholders with concerns about impacts of BDAs on downstream flows.
Advancements and Challenges in Immune Protection Strategies for Islet Transplantation
Authors: Wang Xue , Zeng Ziyuan , Li Dayan , Wang Kai , Zhang Wei , Yu Yang , Wang Xi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPancreatic islet transplantation is a crucial treatment for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in clinical settings. However, the limited availability of human cadaveric islet donors and the need for ongoing administration of immunosuppressive agents post‐transplantation hinder the widespread use of this treatment. Stem cell‐derived islet organoids have emerged as an effective alternative to primary human islets. Nevertheless, implementing this cell replacement therapy still requires chronic immune suppression, which may result in life‐long side effects. To address these challenges, innovations such as encapsulation devices, universal stem cells, and immunomodulatory strategies are being developed to mitigate immune rejection and prolong the function of the transplant. This review outlines the contemporary challenges in pancreatic β cell therapy, particularly immune rejection, and recent progress in immune‐isolation devices, hypoimmunogenic stem cells, and immune regulation of transplants. A comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and limitations of these approaches will contribute to improved future clinical investigations. With these promising advancements, the application of pancreatic β cell therapy holds the potential to effectively treat T1D and benefit a larger population of T1D patients.
From Clinical to Benchside: Lacticaseibacillus and Faecalibacterium Are Positively Associated With Muscle Health and Alleviate Age‐Related Muscle Disorder
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Wong Pui Yan , Barua Nilakshi , Li Baoqi , Wong Hei Yuet , Zhang Ning , Chow Simon Kwoon Ho , Wong Sunny Hei , Yu Jun , Ip Margaret , Cheung Wing Hoi , Duque Gustavo , Brochhausen Christoph , Sung Joseph Jao Yiu , Wong Ronald Man Yeung 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSarcopenia is an age‐related muscle disorder that increases risks of adverse clinical outcomes, but its treatments are still limited. Gut microbiota is potentially associated with sarcopenia, and its role is still unclear. To investigate the role of gut microbiota in sarcopenia, we first compared gut microbiota and metabolites composition in old participants with or without sarcopenia. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from human donors to antibiotic‐treated recipient mice was then performed. Specific probiotics and their mechanisms to treat aged mice were identified. Old people with sarcopenia had different microbial composition and metabolites, including Paraprevotella, Lachnospira, short‐chain fatty acids, and purine. After FMT, mice receiving microbes from people with sarcopenia displayed lower muscle mass and strength compared with those receiving microbes from non‐sarcopenic donors. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LR) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP) were positively related to muscle health of old people, and enhanced muscle mass and function of aged mice. Transcriptomics showed that genes related to tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) were enriched after treatments. Metabolic analysis showed increased substrates of TCA cycle in both LR and FP supernatants. Muscle mitochondria density, ATP content, NAD+/NADH, mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis proteins, as well as colon tight junction proteins of aged mice were improved by both probiotics. LR and the combination of two probiotics also benefit intestinal immune health by reducing CD8+ IFNγ+ T cells. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a pathogenesis of sarcopenia, and muscle‐related probiotics could alleviate age‐related muscle disorders mainly through mitochondria improvement. Further clinical translation is warranted.
Does bank digitalisation reduce corporate agency costs? Evidence from China
Authors: He Shuxian , Sheng Xin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of bank digitalisation on corporate agency costs. The findings show that: (i) bank digitalisation significantly reduces agency costs by improving banks' monitoring capabilities; (ii) financial regulation further lowers agency costs for firms engaging with more digitised banks; and (iii) the effect between bank digitalisation and corporate agency costs is weaker in state‐owned enterprises and those with short‐sighted management, but stronger in firms with greater financing constraints and shorter listing durations. These results provide new evidence of bank digitalisation's positive impact on the real economy and highlight the benefits of financial regulation in China.
Identification of biomarkers reflecting opa1‐related dominant optic atrophy severity to infer patient cohorts eligible to clinical trials
Authors: Bouzidi Aymane , Eckmann‐Hansen Christina , Larsen Mickael , Zanlonghi Xavier , Bocquet Béatrice , Meunier Isabelle , Lenaers Guy 
Published: January 2025

Dominant Optic Atrophy is a blinding disease related to optic nerve degeneration, which is caused in more than 50% of cases, by a heterozygous mutation in the OPA1 gene. Since its molecular identification in 2000, one striking observation of DOA patients is the high variability of the visual defect, ranging from almost unaffected individuals to legally blind patients, even among relatives with the same mutation. This variability is further connected to a disease progression which is also highly variable, some patients evolving quickly to blindness, whereas others display a very slow progression. Together, this situation hampers the recruitment of OPA1‐related patients for clinical trials.To tackle this problem, we have recruited 100 OPA1 patients and 40 controls to identify biomarkers segregating with DOA severity. All patients and controls had a full ophthalmological examination and a mean follow‐up of 5 years, and all answered a visual quality of life and a nutritional questionnaire. Blood and stools were collected to perform transcriptomic, metabolomic and microbiota analyses.My talk will present the results of this multi‐OMIC analyses, the correlation between clinical and biological data and the identification of the most relevant biomarkers segregating with the evolution of DOA disease.
Can tear analysis drive a clinical decision? – A real‐world experience
Authors: Versura Piera , Ciavarella Carmen 
Published: January 2025

Ophthalmologists take advantage from imaging in their daily practice. Limiting the field to Dry Eye Disease (DED), they take their decision on clinical assessment parameters obtained primarily from observation at the slit lamp, and this makes them de facto microscopists and laboratorysts on their own. However, since it is well recognized that the biological failure precedes morphological changes observable with the current instruments, at any level, the search for markers in fluids and cells is an urgent need so far.The role of tear analysis in the research setting is well established, and data emerging from the literature highlight the role of analysis performed on tears in the search for biomarkers for ocular and systemic/neurodegenerative diseases.Tear analysis is an emerging technique in the clinical scenario, but with great potential expansion as an easily accessible body fluid acquired in a totally non‐invasive procedure, which contains several molecular constituents changing in levels in pathological conditions. Tears are a reliable clinical sample to be probed by highly sensitive techniques now available, even in the sensor‐based Point of Care equipments, to diagnose different conditions, with special emphasis on eye diseases.A subjective symptom‐based algorithm for variable an heterogeneous symptoms of DED has been attempted to guide clinical decision tailored to individual patients. However, subjective evaluation might be related to a great variety of confounding factors, including personal feelings, mood, and pain threshold. An objective tool to stratify patients in DED aetiology and severity represents an unmet medical need, and tears certainly represent a biological matrix to be explored. This presentation is about the experience conducted at the Laboratory for Cornea and Ocular Surface Analysis, active at the University of Bologna and IRCCS AOU di Bologna since 1990. Records of patients stored in the lab archive are now around 12K, with DED patient proportion around 80% out of the total. Analyses on tear quantity, evaporation rate, ocular protection index, meibomian gland impairment, protein content (lysozyme C, lactoferrin, serum albumin, lipocalin 1, Zinc alpha 2‐glycoprotein, transferrin, and total protein level), scraping and imprint cytology, and inflammatory indexes (including tear cytokines) are delivered in a report. Clinicians from other disciplines beyond Ophthalmologists (Rheumatologists, Haematologists, Dermatologists, Allergologists, among others) are guided to diagnosis and therapeutic programme, including personalized management.
Transfer of mitochondria in rpe cells – proof of concept of mitotherapy
Authors: Hytti Maria 
Published: January 2025

It is a long‐held belief that mitochondria are constrained within cells. However, in recent years research has shown that cells can not only transfer mitochondria between each other using tunneling nanotubes but can even take up mitochondria directly. The transfer of isolated, functional mitochondria to dysfunctional or stressed cells has been termed ‘mitophagy’ and has been found to be beneficial in multiple models of disease. In fact, injection of isolated mitochondria into affected tissue was found to prevent the progression of experimental Parkinson's disease, to maintain tissue bioenergetics after spinal cord injury and to increase electrophysiological activity, ganglion cell survival and axon outgrowth in a mouse model of optical nerve injury.Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) has been extensively linked to mitochondrial damage: the number and size of mitochondria, as well as mitochondrial matrix density are reduced in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of AMD patients [3‐5]. Furthermore, mitochondrial DNA damage is increased [6,7] while protein expression levels of ATP synthase and cytochrome c oxidase are reduced. This might make AMD a promising target for mitotherapy.In vivo, RPE cells were found to take up isolated, functional mitochondria supplemented to the medium, but the benefit of this transfer has not been studied in depth. This proof of concept explores the benefits of mitotherapy on RPE cells suffering from induced mitochondrial dysfunction, looking at mitochondrial uptake and fate, cell survival, bioenergetics, and inflammation.