bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of undesirable volatile aroma compounds in kefir by freeze drying and vacuum evaporation
Authors: Kesler Megan K. , González‐Orozco Brianda D. , Barringer Sheryl A. , Alvarez Valente B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCommercial kefir was recently found to be effective in curing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection when consumed alongside antibiotic treatment. However, kefir products have limited acceptance among Western consumers due to their characteristic flavor and texture. Plain, unsweetened commercial kefir with 1% milkfat was subjected to vacuum evaporation and freeze‐drying processes to assess the effect on volatile organic compound concentration, sensory quality, and microbial viability. Vacuum evaporation and freeze‐drying both significantly decreased the concentration of 26 out of 27 volatiles in the kefir (p < 0.05), by an average of 61%. Vacuum evaporation exhibited an apparent greater reduction than freeze‐drying in the concentrations of the ketones and aldehydes, while freeze‐drying showed a more noticeable reduction in the concentrations of the acids, alcohols, and esters. While lowering the concentration of volatiles did not significantly improve the average consumer acceptance of commercial kefir, both treatments showed differences in the range of acceptability responses. Both treatments also produced a small but significant reduction in the concentrations of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus species present.
Structural characterization of different starch–fatty acid complexes and their effects on human intestinal microflora
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Xin , Wang Jilite , Wang Mingchun , Zhou Jiaping , Liu Suwen , Zhao Juan , Li Jing , Wang Hao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractResistant starch type 5 (RS5), a starch–lipid complex, exhibited potential health benefits in blood glucose and insulin control due to the low digestibility. The effects of the crystalline structure of starch and chain length of fatty acid on the structure, in vitro digestibility, and fermentation ability in RS5 were investigated by compounding (maize, rice, wheat, potato, cassava, lotus, and ginkgo) of different debranched starches with 12–18C fatty acid (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids), respectively. The complex showed a V‐type structure, formed by lotus and ginkgo debranched starches, and fatty acid exhibited a higher short‐range order and crystallinity, and lower in vitro digestibility than others due to the neat interior structure of more linear glucan chains. Furthermore, a fatty acid with 12C (lauric acid)‐debranched starches complexes had the highest complex index among all complexes, which might be attributed to the activation energy required for complex formation increased with the lengthening of the lipid carbon chain. Therefore, the lotus starch–lauric acid complex (LS12) exhibited remarkable ability in intestinal flora fermentation to produce short‐chain fatty acid (SCFAs), reducing intestinal pH, and creating a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria.
Characterization of bioprocessed white and red sorghum flours: Anti‐nutritional and bioactive compounds, functional properties, molecular, and morphological features
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita , Bhandari Manisha , Bobade Hanuman , Sohu R S , Singh Baljit 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the current investigation, white and red sorghum grains were exposed to bioprocessing techniques, such as soaking, germination, fermentation, and dual processing (both germination and fermentation). Germination and fermentation resulted in improved bioactive profile attributing to better antioxidant activity, whereas a reduction in antinutrient components was observed. On the other hand, soaking had decreased phenolic components and anti‐nutritional factors attributing to their leaching in the soaking water. A significant change in the functional properties and color profile was also observed on bioprocessing. It also caused alterations in the morphological structure of the starch–protein matrix and molecular interactions of certain functional groups that reveal the synthesis of certain new bioactive compounds in the flour. The alterations in the bioprocessed flours occurred due to the structural breakdown attributing to the activity of hydrolytic enzymes that were activated during the processing treatments. Bioprocessing was also responsible for the degradation of the starch granules and unfolding of the protein matrix, thus altering the in vitro nutrient digestibility of the flours. Principal component analysis was used to authenticate the differences between different treatments and observations recorded. These bioprocessed flours could be potential ingredients for several valorized cereal products.
Hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid in sunflower flour increases consumer acceptability of sunflower flour cookies by improving cookie color
Authors: Verde Christine Lo , Pacioles Criselda Toto , Paterson Natalie , Chin Jamie , Owens Cedric P. , Senger Lilian W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSunflower meal, a byproduct of sunflower oil pressing, is not commonly used in alkaline baking applications. This is because chlorogenic acid, the main phenolic antioxidant in sunflower seeds, reacts with protein, giving the baked product a green discoloration. Our group previously demonstrated that a chlorogenic acid esterase from Lactobacillus helveticus hydrolyzes chlorogenic acid in sunflower dough cookie formulations, resulting in cookies that were brown instead of green. This study presents a sensory analysis to determine the acceptability of enzymatically upcycled sunflower meal as an alternative protein source for those allergic to meals from legumes or tree nuts. We hypothesized that the mechanism of esterase‐catalyzed chlorogenic acid breakdown does not influence the cookies’ sensory properties other than color and that consumers would prefer treated, brown cookies over non‐treated cookies. Cookies made from sunflower meal were presented under green lights to mask color and tested by 153 panelists. As expected, the sensory properties (flavor, smell, texture, and overall acceptability) of the treated and non‐treated cookies were not statistically different. These results corroborate proximate analysis, which demonstrated that there was no difference between enzymatically treated and non‐treated cookies other than color and chlorogenic acid content. After the cookie color was revealed, panelists strongly preferred the treated cookies with 58% indicating that they “probably” or “definitely” would purchase the brown cookies, whereas only 5.9% would buy green, non‐treated cookies. These data suggest that esterase‐catalyzed breakdown of chlorogenic acid represents an effective strategy to upcycle sunflower meal for baking applications.Practical ApplicationSunflower meal is currently used as animal fodder or discarded. A major factor preventing sunflower meal use is its high chlorogenic acid content, which causes a green discoloration of baked goods made from sunflower meals under alkaline conditions. This study presents a sensory analysis in which panelists evaluate cookies made with sunflower flour that was treated with an esterase that breaks down chlorogenic acid. The results show that enzymatic treatment prevents greening and that panelists strongly prefer esterase‐treated, non‐green cookies, thus demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing sunflower flour in baking applications.
Making virtual species less virtual by reverse engineering of spatiotemporal ecological models
Authors: Malinowska Katarzyna , Markowska Katarzyna , Kuczyński Lechosław 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The virtual species (VS) and virtual ecologist (VE) approaches are useful tools that allow testing different methodological aspects of species distribution modelling. However, methods used to generate VS so far lack solutions that can ensure a high degree of biological realism, taking into account spatial and temporal variability of population densities.

We have developed a method for generating dynamic VS that can reconstruct their living prototypes in a realistic way. The framework consists of fitting a spatiotemporal model to real abundance data, generating a VS population from that model over the entire study area and spanning the whole study period, calibrating the VS, and obtaining the VE data by sampling from the VS. The effectiveness of the developed approach has been illustrated by data from large‐scale and long‐term bird abundance monitoring, using the whinchat Saxicola rubetra as a study system. We evaluated how well the spatiotemporal model can reconstruct the ‘true’ system by comparing response curves and population trends between those used to generate the VS (i.e. what constitutes the ‘truth’) and those estimated from the replicated instances of VE data. In addition, we performed a sensitivity analysis to test how the varying sampling effort affects the accuracy of trend estimation.

The synthetic VE data thoroughly reconstructed the real monitoring data. Response curves from generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), fitted to these two types of data, showed high concordance, as indicated by the 95% confidence intervals of coverage probability of 87.7%–99.8% (mean 96.9%). The population trend estimated from the VE data accurately reconstructed the ‘true’ trend calculated from VS (coverage probability: 82.3%).

The proposed method for generating VS and VE data by reverse engineering of the spatiotemporal ecological model reproduces well the properties of the original system, substantially increasing the ecological realism of simulation results. The method may have further applications in evaluating various modelling techniques used to study species range dynamics, where real‐world properties are of particular importance, like conservation and invasion biology or climate change impact assessment.
Identifying thresholds for clinically meaningful change among clients of drug and alcohol services using the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile
Authors: Deacon Rachel M. , Mills Llewellyn , Bruno Raimondo , Mammen Kristie , Dunlop Adrian , Childs Steven , Shakeshaft Anthony , Holmes Jennifer , Lintzeris Nicholas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsThe Austraian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief clinical outcomes tool used widely in the Australian alcohol and other drugs treatment sector to monitor clients’ substance use, health, wellbeing and clinical risk factors. It has demonstrated reliability and validity, and has recommended clinical cut‐offs for assessing single‐occasion client‐rated health scores. This study determined clinically meaningful change thresholds for ATOP substance use and health and wellbeing variables for use by clinicians in monitoring client progress, and for quality improvement and service evaluation.Design, Setting and ParticipantsA framework for assessing clinically meaningful changes scores was developed by (1) calculating statistically reliable change thresholds using data‐driven techniques with a reference sample of clinical ATOP data and (2) conducting a multi‐disciplinary subject matter expert group to review the utility and validity of data‐derived clinically meaningful change. The study was conducted within Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug treatment services in New South Wales, Australia. The reference sample comprised 6100 ATOPs from clients at entry to public outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug treatment services; the subject matter expert group comprised 29 key stakeholders from the specialist alcohol and other drug treatment sector.Measurements and FindingsWe used the Reliable Change Index method to calculate clinically meaningful change thresholds for ATOP variables. For substance use variables, a change of 30% in days of use in the last 28 (minimum 4 days) was the threshold for clinically meaningful change for substance use; for health and wellbeing variables, a change of 2 or more points in psychological health, physical health or quality of life scores (measured on 0–10 scales) was the minimum clinically meaningful change.ConclusionsClinically meaningful change thresholds have been proposed for Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile substance use and health and wellbeing items, based on statistical reliability and subject matter expert assessment. These will be used in the development of an outcomes metric for assessing change and assigning meaning in aggregated data for evaluation of services.
Intrauterine colonization with Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris induces maternal inflammation but not preterm birth in a mouse model
Authors: Joseph Andrea , Lewis Emma L. , Ferguson Briana , Guan Yuxia , Anton Lauren , Elovitz Michal A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractProblemPreterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of childhood mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that the risk of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) is increased in individuals with Lactobacillus‐deficient vaginal microbial communities. One proposed mechanism is that vaginal microbes ascend through the cervix, colonize the uterus, and activate inflammatory pathways leading to sPTB. This study assessed whether intrauterine colonization with either Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris alone is sufficient to induce maternal‐fetal inflammation and induce sPTB.Method of studyC56/B6J mice, on embryonic day 15, received intrauterine inoculation of saline or 108 colony‐forming units of G. vaginalis (n = 30), M. mulieris (n = 17), or Lactobacillus crispatus (n = 16). Dams were either monitored for maternal morbidity and sPTB or sacrificed 6 h post‐infusion for analysis of bacterial growth and cytokine/chemokine expression in maternal and fetal tissues.ResultsSix hours following intrauterine inoculation with G. vaginalis, M. mulieris, or L. crispatus, live bacteria were observed in both blood and amniotic fluid, and a potent immune response was identified in the uterus and maternal serum. In contrast, only a limited immune response was identified in the amniotic fluid and the fetus after intrauterine inoculation. High bacterial load (108 CFU/animal) of G. vaginalis was associated with maternal morbidity and mortality but not sPTB. Intrauterine infusion with L. crispatus or M. mulieris at 108 CFU/animal did not induce sPTB, alter pup viability, litter size, or maternal mortality.ConclusionsDespite inducing an immune response, intrauterine infusion of live G. vaginalis or M. mulieris is not sufficient to induce sPTB in our mouse model. These results suggest that ascension of common vaginal microbes into the uterine cavity alone is not causative for sPTB.
The impact of acute SARS‐CoV‐2 on testicular function including insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) in men with mild COVID‐19: A longitudinal study
Authors: Lauritsen Mette Petri , Kristensen Thomas Leineweber , Hansen Christine Bo , Schneider Uffe Vest , Talbot Anna Lando , Skytte Anne‐Bine , Petersen Jørgen Holm , Johannsen Trine Holm , Zedeler Anne , Albrethsen Jakob , Juul Anders , Priskorn Lærke , Jørgensen Niels , Westh Henrik , Freiesleben Nina la Cour , Nielsen Henriette Svarre 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may affect the male reproductive system as it uses angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)2, which is expressed in testicular tissue, as an entry point into the cell. Few studies have evaluated the long‐term effects of mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on testicular function, and insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) levels have not previously been assessed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the impact of acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on testicular function including INSL3 and the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in semen in non‐hospitalised men with mild COVID‐19.Materials and methodsThis longitudinal study included 36 non‐hospitalised SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive men (median age 29 years). Inclusion was within seven days following a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Reproductive hormone levels, semen parameters, and the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in oropharyngeal and semen samples were assessed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (baseline) and at three‐ and six‐month follow‐up. Wilcoxon matched‐pair signed‐rank (two samples) test was used to assess time‐related alterations in reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters.ResultsLower plasma testosterone (T) (total and calculated free (c‐fT)) and higher luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations were observed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (baseline) compared to three‐ and six‐month follow‐up. Consequently, ratios of c‐fT/LH were lower at baseline compared to three‐ and six‐month follow‐up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Concomitantly, lower INSL3 concentrations were observed at baseline compared to three‐month follow‐up (p = 0.01). The total number of motile spermatozoa was also lower at baseline compared to six‐month follow‐up (p = 0.02). The alterations were detected irrespective of whether the men had experienced SARS‐CoV‐2‐related fever episodes or not. No SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in semen at any time point.Discussion and conclusionThis study showed a reduction in testicular function, which was for the first time confirmed by INSL3, in men mildly affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA via semen seems to be low. Febrile episodes may impact testicular function, but a direct effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 cannot be excluded.
CCL21‐Ser expression in melanoma cells recruits CCR7+ naïve T cells to tumor tissues and promotes tumor growth
Authors: Miyamoto Megumi , Kawato Yuki , Fujie Ryonosuke , Kurowarabe Kaoru , Fujiwara Kakeru , Nobusawa Reika , Hayashi Ryota , Iida Kei , Ohigashi Izumi , Hayasaka Haruko 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCCL21‐Ser, a chemokine encoded by the Ccl21a gene, is constitutively expressed in the thymic epithelial cells and stromal cells of secondary lymphoid organs. It regulates immune cell migration and survival through its receptor CCR7. Herein, using CCL21‐Ser‐expressing melanoma cells and the Ccl21a‐deficient mice, we demonstrated the functional role of cancer cell‐derived CCL21‐Ser in melanoma growth in vivo. The B16‐F10 tumor growth was significantly decreased in Ccl21a‐deficient mice compared with that in wild‐type mice, indicating that host‐derived CCL21‐Ser contributes to melanoma proliferation in vivo. In Ccl21a‐deficient mice, tumor growth of melanoma cells expressing CCL21‐Ser was significantly enhanced, suggesting that CCL21‐Ser from melanoma cells promotes tumor growth in the absence of host‐derived CCL21‐Ser. The increase in tumor growth was associated with an increase in the CCR7+ CD62L+ T cell frequency in the tumor tissue but was inversely correlated with Treg frequency, suggesting that naïve T cells primarily promote tumor growth. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that naïve T cells are preferentially recruited from the blood into tumors with melanoma cell‐derived CCL21‐Ser expression. These results suggest that CCL21‐Ser from melanoma cells promotes the infiltration of CCR7+ naïve T cells into the tumor tissues and creates a tumor microenvironment favorable for melanoma growth.
Alizarin old and new: Extraction techniques for coloration, advances in detection methods for historical textiles and novel applications as a functional dye
Authors: Do Khai Ly , Mushtaq Asim , Zhao Feng , Su Miao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe current study provides the first review of alizarin, a natural dye, in terms of its historical aspects and its potential for functional applications in textiles. The review begins with a brief overview of natural alizarin and its occurrence in Rubiaceae family plants, followed by a discussion of alizarin acquisition from its botanical sources through conventional and advanced extraction methods. A special emphasis of this study is on the identification of natural alizarin colourants in archaeological and cultural textiles by using analytical methods based on reflectance, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatographic profiles. In addition, the functional properties of natural alizarin, including its antimicrobial activity, anti‐oxidant activity, insect repellence and ultraviolet protection, are analysed. This paper summarises the methods for obtaining alizarin for coloration, as well as advanced techniques for detecting alizarin in historical textiles, and potential applications of natural alizarin as a functional textile dye.
Cardiac morbidity and the cause of death in elderly patients with prostate cancer and incidental cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy
Authors: Juntunen Eero , Suomalainen Olli , Mätzke Sorjo , Heliö Tiina , Loimaala Antti , Uusitalo Valtteri 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a possible incidental finding on bone scintigraphy imaged due to prostate cancer. We investigated its significance in 1426 elderly prostate cancer patients (>70 years) who underwent bone scintigraphy in three nuclear medicine departments in Finland. Patients with Perugini grade two or three uptakes were considered positive for cardiac uptake. Heart failure diagnoses and pacemaker implantations were collected from the hospital's records. Mortality data were gathered from the Finnish national statistical service (Statistics Finland). The Median follow‐up time was 4 years (interquartile range: 2−5 years). Cardiac uptake was detected in 37 individuals (2.6%), and it was associated with an elevated risk of both overall and cardiovascular death in univariable analysis. However, cardiac uptake did not predict overall mortality in the multivariable analysis when adjusted to age, bone metastases or the diagnosis of heart failure (p > 0.05). The risk of heart failure was higher in patients with cardiac uptake (47% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), while the risk of pacemaker implantations was not elevated (5% vs. 5%, p = 0.89). In conclusion, cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy imaged due to prostate cancer is associated with an elevated risk of heart failure and both overall and cardiovascular death. However, cardiac uptake was not independently associated with overall mortality when adjusted to age, bone metastasis or heart failure. Therefore, they are essential to consider when incidental cardiac uptake is detected on bone scintigraphy. The need for pacemaker implantation was not elevated in patients with cardiac uptake.