bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Periostin is Able to Stratify Type 2-Dominant Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Takedomi Hironobu , Nunomura Satoshi , Nanri Yasuhiro , Honda Yuko , Yokomizo Kanako , Akutagawa Takashi , Tsuruoka Nanae , Sakata Yasuhisa , Conway Simon , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Aishima Shinichi , Esaki Motohiro , Izuhara Kenji 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a heterogeneous disease composed of different endotypes. It is important to develop useful biomarkers for endotyping UC; however, available biomarkers are insufficient. We have already established that periostin is a surrogate biomarker of type 2 inflammation. In this study, we examined the usefulness of periostin as a biomarker of UC and the role of periostin in its pathogenesis.

Methods
We examined periostin expression in the colons of UC patients. We next investigated serum periostin in UC patients and its correlation with eosinophilic infiltration in their colons. We then examined whether serum periostin could predict the efficacy of oral prednisolone. Finally, we investigated the role of periostin in UC pathogenesis by creating its genetic deficiency using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice.

Results
Periostin expression and serum periostin were significantly high in UC patients compared to healthy controls; however, both were diverse, showing heterogeneity of the underlying mechanism of UC. Both serum periostin and tissue periostin expression, but not blood eosinophils, were significantly associated with eosinophil infiltration. Type 2-dominant UC patients as defined by serum periostin showed significantly higher clinical remission rates for the treatment with oral prednisolone. Genetic deficiency in periostin improved colonic inflammation in a DSS-treated mouse model.

Conclusions
Periostin can be a useful biomarker to stratify type 2-dominant UC patients, thereby predicting the efficacy of oral prednisolone. Moreover, periostin plays an important role in the setting of type 2-dominant UC.
Long-term population trend of northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) in the California Current system
Authors: Hinchliffe Charles , Kuriyama Peter T , Punt André E , Field John C , Thompson Andrew R , Santora Jarrod A , Muhling Barbara A , Koenigstein Stefan , Hernvann Pierre-Yves , Tommasi Desiree 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ecosystem function and variability of eastern boundary upwelling systems is linked to the population dynamics of coastal pelagic fish. Developing population dynamics models of coastal pelagic species over many decades has unique challenges, and can benefit from the integration of multiple disparate sources of fisheries and resource survey information. Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) are vital trophic links in the food web of the California Current Ecosystem. Previous studies of this anchovy population had relatively narrow temporal ranges or focused on a single data source (e.g. larval abundance data). Here, we combine data sets that have informed previous studies, into one integrated statistical catch-at-age population dynamics model to estimate extended biomass and recruitment trends, providing a comprehensive account of anchovy dynamics from 1965–2021. Our results are consistent with previous biomass estimates but show an earlier peak in the 1970s that coincided with the peak of the US reduction fishery. Our results can facilitate an in-depth analysis of the environmental drivers influencing successful anchovy recruitment, serve to parameterize and evaluate performance of ecological models that mechanistically link the environment and food web to anchovy population dynamics and distribution, and provide the basis for a management strategy evaluation of this anchovy stock.
Inactivation of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity in mangosteen pericarp via blanching: correlation between anthocyanins and enzyme activities
Authors: Ijod Giroon , Nawawi Nur Izzati Mohamed , Sulaiman Rabiha , Khalid Nurul Izzah , Anwar Farooq , Adzahan Noranizan Mohd , Azman Ezzat Mohamad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mangosteen pericarp (MP), rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, is often discarded as agro-waste. Its anthocyanins (ACNs), potential natural colourants, are compromised by high polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity. This study examined the effects of hot water and steam blanching on PPO and POD inactivation in MP. Blanching for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s at 100 °C. Hot water inactivated 89.57% PPO (t1/2 = ~67 s) and 92.13% POD (t1/2 = ~33.6 s), while steam inactivated 52.81% PPO (t1/2 = ~113.7 s) and 97.07% POD (t1/2 = ~61.8 s). Despite better enzyme inactivation with hot water, it adversely affected ACNs stability. Steam blanching for 90 s, as determined by principal component analysis, preserved the highest ACNs, phenolics, and antioxidant activities. Cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were identified via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, offering insights for preserving ACNs as natural colourants.
Potential utilisation methods for brewer’s spent grain: a review
Authors: Dancker Philipp , Glas Karl , Gastl Martina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Brewing is an energy- and water-intensive operation. Efforts to increase the resource efficiency of a brewery usually only focus on the production itself in the form of internal measures. Wastewater and residual materials are usually neglected, although they have a high potential for reuse in a circular economy and energy recovery. To be prepared for a sustainable future, breweries need to act. This review gives an overview over the possibilities for the brewing industry to effectively utilise their highly abundant and perishable brewer’s spent grain to eliminate a potentially environmentally harmful disposal, redesign their biowaste into a biosorbent, and contribute their part in a circular economy.
Functional characteristics, anti-microbial, and textural effects of mustard flour in Vienna type sausages
Authors: Ramos-Calonico Kimberly , Verástegui-Quevedo Mariana , Chávez-Murillo Carolina Estefanía , de la Rosa-Millan Julián 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sausages are one of the most convenient meat products due to their relative ease of preparation and versatility in consumption. Ingredients like mustard flour may improve functional properties like emulsion capacity and water retention in meat pastes to replace phosphate salts (monosodium phosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate) that may have adverse health connotations. Additionally, mustard flour has chemical compounds that can inhibit yeast or bacteria growth and add to product flavour and aroma. In this work, two mustard flours differing in pungency strength were used to substitute the phosphate salts in a Vienna sausage system. Both flours increased the production yield of Vienna sausage by 4%, while improving the protein content from 17.92% to 19.36%. Sensory analysis of sausages with non-trained panelists showed that mustard flours improved Vienna sausage springiness during the 21 day storage time with values of 10.14 to ≈16 kg/mm. The addition of mustard flour showed a remarkable anti-microbiological property that was superior to the use of phosphate salts in the control sausage, maintaining significantly lower levels of Staphylococcus aureus and mesophilic bacteria compared with the control sausage.
Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles from extracts of Daucus carota subsp. sativus whole vegetable, peel, pomace, and juice and their application as antibacterial agents and Fenton-like catalysts
Authors: Uncu Kirtiş Evrim Burcu , Yiğit Koçak Deniz , Elderviş Ukba , Tuna Süheyla , Bayraç Ceren 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) with catalytic and antimicrobial activities from the extracts of different parts of Daucus carota subsp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef. was demonstrated in this study. The extracts of whole vegetable, peel, pomace, and juice acted as a reducing agent for the bio-reduction of Fe3+ into Fe-NPs. The synthesis of Fe-NPs was indicated by surface plasmon peaks within the range of 200–300 nm, as well as characteristic iron oxide bond formation in the region of 400–850 cm−1 using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and FT-IR spectrophotometer, respectively. The green synthesised Fe-NPs from the whole vegetable and its byproduct extracts had uniform quasi-spherical structures, with average particle sizes of 87.13, 80.95, 103.14, and 86.26 nm from whole vegetable extract, peel extract, pomace extract, and juice, respectively. All synthesised particles exhibited excellent Fenton-like catalytic activities on the discoloration of methylene blue best fitting the pseudo-first order kinetic model for Fe-NPs from whole vegetable extract, pomace extract, and juice and the pseudo-second order kinetic model for Fe-NPs from peel extract. In addition to catalytic activity, Fe-NPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. The antibacterial effects of Fe-NPs alone and their synergistic effects with antibiotics have been observed in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Effect of traditional and novel processing technologies on the thermo-pasting, microstructural, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of finger millet and Bambara groundnut flours
Authors: Mudau Masala , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examined the impact of traditional (fermentation and malting) and novel (ultrasonication) processing technologies on the thermo-pasting, microstructural, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of finger millet (FM) and Bambara groundnut (BGN) flours. Fermentation, malting, and ultrasonication enhanced the water/oil absorption capacity (WAC/OAC) of FM, while in the BGN samples, only malting decreased the WAC and OAC. An increase in protein and fibre content was observed in all processed samples. The ash content increased in fermented/malted FM flour (FFM/MFM) and fermented BGN flour (FBGN), while a decrease was observed in ultrasonicated FM/BGN flour (UFM/UBGN) and malted BGN flour (MBGN). In terms of antioxidant activity, an increase in the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was observed in FFM (22.69 mol TE/g), FBGN (37.40 mol TE/g), and UBGN (49.90 mol TE/g) compared to their respective control samples. Considering these findings, future studies should focus more on developing functional foods such as weaning foods, jelly foods, and confectionaries from FFM and FBGN.
Protein extraction technologies for foxtail, pearl, and proso millets along with their structural and techno-functional properties: a review
Authors: Karki Sanjaya , Bhattarai Susma , Singh Ranjit , Anal Anil Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for protein, and the growing population is actively seeking alternative protein sources that are affordable and available locally. Millet, a resilient crop with a remarkable ability to adapt to unfavourable conditions, has emerged as a potential alternative in recent years. Millet contains protein levels ranging from 7% to 21%, depending on the variety, growing condition, maturity of seeds, and species. This review looks closely into the current protein extraction technologies used on three popular millets: pearl, foxtail, and proso millet. Aside from the extraction technologies, this review provides a thorough critical analysis of structural and techno-functional properties of millet proteins, namely, solubility, emulsifying activity, water and oil holding capacity, and foaming ability, which are important attributes impacting the potential use of millet proteins in food and beverages. Thus, the insights gained from this review provide a strong foundation for future research and development on pearl, foxtail, and proso millet as an ingredient in a wide range of gluten-free food products, meat analogue formulations, and nutraceuticals.
From fear to fork—exploring food neophobia and the inclination towards entomophagy in Italy
Authors: Tolve Roberta , Zanoni Matteo , Sportiello Lucia , Musollini Simone , Tchuenbou-Magaia Fideline Laure , Favati Fabio 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study explored how sociodemographic factors, food preferences, and individual characteristics influence food neophobia and the acceptance of insect-based foods among Italian consumers. Findings revealed that age, monthly income, and education level significantly influenced food neophobia, while gender, age, and education level were associated with the propensity for entomophagy. Additionally, there was a correlation between food neophobia and the inclination towards entomophagy, indicating that more neophobic individuals were less willing to consume insects or insect-based foods. The research underscored the importance of prior experience with insect-based products, familiarity with entomophagy, species, and presentation form of insects in shaping consumer acceptance. Crickets emerged as the most popular insect species for consumption, with cricket flour being the preferred form for incorporation, particularly in pasta and bakery products. Overall, the study underscores the importance of understanding consumer profiles and utilizing attractive insect species or developing appealing attributes for insect-based products to overcome psychological barriers and increase acceptance of entomophagy.
Perspectives on production factors, health benefits, safety, and prospects of African fermented cereals and vegetables: a review
Authors: Fang Kewei , Liu Chunhong , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Suttihkana Itthanan , Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Africa is home to some of the world’s fermented foods including cereal- and vegetable-based fermented products. The fermentation of cereals (e.g., maize, millet, teff, wheat, sorghum, etc.) and vegetables (e.g., pumpkin leaves, cowpea leaves, amaranth, roselle, melon, etc.) of African origin is affected by several factors, which consequently affect their nutritional status and health benefits. Ethnic and modern knowledge indicate that these fermented products offer numerous health benefits ranging from antioxidant to gut health enhancement. This review provides perspectives on African fermented cereals and vegetables. The factors affecting their production including variety, quality, microbial composition, water quality, pH, temperature, processing techniques, cultural practices, post-fermentation conditions, and good hygiene practices were discussed. Subsequently, the fermented products’ health benefits (e.g., improved nutrient bioavailability, enhanced digestibility, and probiotic effect) and safety concerns (risk of contamination, mycotoxin, biogenic amines formation, etc.) are provided before unravelling the prospects of African fermented foods.
Influence of the Maillard reaction on the structure of β-casein using a simulated cooking system
Authors: Xu Dan , Yang Tangyu , Tan Zhihao , Wu Guixian , Xu Jiancong , Li Lin , Li Bing , Yang Yipeng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Glycation during food processing can change the structural characteristics of dietary protein and endow a variety of functionalities. Milk β-casein (MC) with five different types of carbohydrates (i.e., glucose, sucrose, amylose, amylopectin, and soluble starch) in a simulated cooking system at 98 and 115 °C was investigated. The changes in ultraviolet absorption, endogenous fluorescence intensity, surface hydrophobicity, particle size, free amino group, free sulphydryl group, and circular dichroism were measured. For the glucose-added group, the lowest free amino content and most significant spectral changes among all groups were observed after heating at 115 °C for 6 hr (OH-MC-Glu). Results showed that glycation activities of five sugars were glucose &gt; sucrose &gt; soluble starch&gt; amylopectin ≈ amylose. Under the simulated cooking system, the secondary structure and conformation of glycated MC changed to different degrees, which were affected by the glycation degree. Moderate glycation (0–2 hr of heating) may promote the conversion reaction of sulfhydryl-disulfide bond (SH-SS) in MC, causing cross-linking and self-aggregation of MC, and induce the particle size increase of MC. Excessive glycation (2–6 hr of heating) can further reduce the surface hydrophobicity of MC, inhibit self-aggregation of MC, and reduce the particle size of MC.
Safety and Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain and N-Terminal Domain mRNA Vaccine
Authors: Chalkias Spyros , Pragalos Antionette , Akinsola Adebayo , Berman Gary , Ampajwala Madhavi , Meyer Jay , Schoch Lorraine , Zhou Wen , Paila Yamuna D , Deng Weiping , Feng Jing , de Windt Elizabeth , Edwards Darin , Miller Jacqueline , Das Rituparna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
mRNA-1283 is an investigational coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine encoding the receptor-binding and N-terminal domains of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein in contrast to the original mRNA-1273 vaccine, which encodes the full-length spike protein.

Methods
A phase 2a, dose-ranging, observer-blind, randomized study conducted in adults (aged ≥18 years) previously vaccinated with mRNA-1273 evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a single dose of mRNA-1283 (2.5, 5, and 10 µg) and its bivalent formulation, mRNA-1283.211 (5 and 10 µg; encoding original SARS-CoV-2 and Beta) against the comparator mRNA-1273 vaccine, 50 µg (part A). A subsequent, open-label study (part B) evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a monovalent Omicron BA.1 vaccine, mRNA-1283.529 (5 and 10 µg).

Results
A total of 340 participants were randomized in part A, and 200 participants were enrolled in part B. All dose levels of mRNA-1283 vaccines were well tolerated and increased the neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses at day 29 compared to baseline against SARS-CoV-2 D614G and Beta. The nAb responses elicited by mRNA-1283 were higher than those elicited by mRNA-1273. mRNA-1283.529 (part B) increased nAb at day 29 against Omicron BA.1. Antibody responses remained detectable for a year postvaccination.

Conclusions
mRNA-1283 was well tolerated and exhibited improved immunogenicity compared to mRNA-1273.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT05137236.
Prevalence of drug resistance mutations in low-level viremia patients under antiretroviral therapy in Southwestern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shu Yuanlu , Liu Jiafa , Yang Cuixian , Li Jianjian , Zhang Mi , Li Yuan , Deng Xuemei , Dong Xingqi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in patients with low-level viremia (LLV) in Southwestern China, as it has become a growing challenge in AIDS clinical practice.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was performed in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. LLV was defined as 50–999 copies/mL of plasma viral load with antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months. HIV-1 DRM detection used validated in-house protocol.

Results
A total of 470 sequences were obtained, and 13 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, among which CRF08_BC (47.5%), CRF07_BC (22.3%) and CRF01_AE (10.0%) subtypes were the most prevalent. The overall prevalence of DRMs was 45.7% (215/470), and the prevalence of DRMs to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 39.4% (185/470), 20.6% (97/470) and 5.3% (25/470), respectively. The most common NNRTI-associated mutations were K103N (16.0%), E138A (6.6%), V179D (6.6%) and P225H (4.9%), and those in NRTIs were M184V (17.0%), D67N (3.4%) and K65R (3.0%). PI-associated mutations were infrequent, occurring in less than 1.8% of cases. The prevalence of NNRTI-associated mutations (K101E and Y188C) was found to be statistically significant among various LLV groups. Additionally, significant variations were observed in the prevalence of NNRTI-associated mutations (V106I, V106M, E138A and P225H), NRTI-associated mutation (K65R) and PI-associated mutations (L33F and Q58E) across different subtypes.

Conclusions
The prevalence of DRMs in ART-experienced patients with LLV was high, and HIV-1 genotypes exhibited diversity in Yunnan Province. These findings indicate that regular DRM monitoring during LLV episodes was essential for effective clinical treatment and management in this region.
Smart Imitator: Learning from Imperfect Clinical Decisions
Authors: Perera Dilruk , Liu Siqi , See Kay Choong , Feng Mengling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
This study introduces Smart Imitator (SI), a 2-phase reinforcement learning (RL) solution enhancing personalized treatment policies in healthcare, addressing challenges from imperfect clinician data and complex environments.

Materials and Methods
Smart Imitator’s first phase uses adversarial cooperative imitation learning with a novel sample selection schema to categorize clinician policies from optimal to nonoptimal. The second phase creates a parameterized reward function to guide the learning of superior treatment policies through RL. Smart Imitator’s effectiveness was validated on 2 datasets: a sepsis dataset with 19 711 patient trajectories and a diabetes dataset with 7234 trajectories.

Results
Extensive quantitative and qualitative experiments showed that SI significantly outperformed state-of-the-art baselines in both datasets. For sepsis, SI reduced estimated mortality rates by 19.6% compared to the best baseline. For diabetes, SI reduced HbA1c-High rates by 12.2%. The learned policies aligned closely with successful clinical decisions and deviated strategically when necessary. These deviations aligned with recent clinical findings, suggesting improved outcomes.

Discussion
Smart Imitator advances RL applications by addressing challenges such as imperfect data and environmental complexities, demonstrating effectiveness within the tested conditions of sepsis and diabetes. Further validation across diverse conditions and exploration of additional RL algorithms are needed to enhance precision and generalizability.

Conclusion
This study shows potential in advancing personalized healthcare learning from clinician behaviors to improve treatment outcomes. Its methodology offers a robust approach for adaptive, personalized strategies in various complex and uncertain environments.
Comparing the effects of verbenone, methyl salicylate, and permethrin on attacks of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae Scolytinae) in ornamental nurseries
Authors: Govindaraju Ramkumar , Joseph Shimat V 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), and the black stem borer, Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) are important pests in ornamental nurseries in the eastern USA. These beetles are managed mainly using preventative trunk applications of pyrethroids, such as permethrin or bifenthrin when females typically fly out of woodlots and attack young trees in the spring. Verbenone and methyl salicylate are potential phytochemicals reported as repellants but not completely validated in ornamental nurseries for ambrosia beetle management as an alternative option. Thus, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of verbenone alone or with methyl salicylate and permethrin on ambrosia beetle attacks. In 2023 and 2024, a study was conducted where verbenone (with methyl salicylate) and permethrin were combined with 10% and 50% ethanol-infused maple bolts. Verbenone alone or combined with methyl salicylate did not reduce ambrosia beetle attacks on bolts compared to permethrin. Permethrin was effective in reducing ambrosia beetle attacks on bolts. This suggests that permethrin is still the best option to prevent ambrosia beetle attacks on young trees in ornamental nurseries.