bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of multidrug‐resistant bacteria and bacterial spores and generation of high‐potency bacterial vaccines using ultrashort pulsed lasers
Authors: Tsen Shaw‐Wei David , Popovich John , Hodges Megan , Haydel Shelley E. , Tsen Kong‐Thon , Sudlow Gail , Mueller Elizabeth A. , Levin Petra Anne , Achilefu Samuel
Published: November 2021

Multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) represent a continuing healthcare crisis with no definitive solution to date. An alternative to antibiotics is the development of therapies and vaccines using biocompatible physical methods such as ultrashort pulsed (USP) lasers, which have previously been shown to inactivate pathogens while minimizing collateral damage to human cells, blood proteins, and vaccine antigens. Here we demonstrate that visible USP laser treatment results in bactericidal effect (≥3‐log load reduction) against clinically significant MDROs, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli. Bacillus cereus endospores, which are highly resistant to conventional chemical and physical treatments, were also shown to be effectively inactivated by USP laser treatment, resulting in sporicidal (≥3‐log load reduction) activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that administration of USP laser‐inactivated E. coli whole‐cell vaccines at dosages as low as 105 cfu equivalents without adjuvant was able to protect 100% of mice against subsequent lethal challenge. Our findings open the possibility for application of USP lasers in disinfection of hospital environments, therapy of drug‐resistant bacterial infections in skin or bloodstream via pheresis modalities, and in the production of potent bacterial vaccines.
Ovarian extracellular matrix‐based hydrogel for human ovarian follicle survival in vivo: A pilot work
Authors: Chiti Maria‐Costanza , Vanacker Julie , Ouni Emna , Tatic Natalija , Viswanath Aiswarya , des Rieux Anne , Dolmans Marie‐Madeleine , White Lisa Jane , Amorim Christiani Andrade
Published: November 2021

To successfully assemble a bio‐engineered ovary, we need to create a three‐dimensional matrix able to accommodate isolated follicles and cells. The goal of this study was to develop an extracellular matrix hydrogel (oECM) derived from decellularized bovine ovaries able to support, in combination with alginate, human ovarian follicle survival and growth in vitro. Two different hydrogels (oECM1, oECM2) were produced and compared in terms of decellularization efficiency (dsDNA), ECM preservation (collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels), ultrastructure, rigidity, and cytotoxicity. oECM2 showed significantly less dsDNA, greater retention of glycosaminoglycans and better rigidity than oECM1. Isolated human ovarian follicles were then encapsulated in four selected hydrogel combinations: (1) 100% oECM2, (2) 90% oECM2 + 10% alginate, (3) 75% oECM2 + 25% alginate, and (4) 100% alginate. After 1 week of in vitro culture, follicle recovery rate, viability, and growth were analyzed. On day 7 of in vitro culture, follicle recovery rates were 0%, 23%, 65%, 82% in groups 1–4, respectively, rising proportionally with increased alginate content. However, there was no difference in follicle viability or growth between groups 2 and 3 and controls (group 4). In conclusion, since pure alginate cannot be used to graft preantral follicles due to its poor revascularization and degradation after grafting, oECM2 hydrogel combined with alginate may provide a new and promising alternative to graft isolated human follicles in a bio‐engineered ovary.
Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles for treatment of N‐Nitrosodiethylamine‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Singh Asha , Dar Mohd Yaqoob , Nagar Durga P. , Tomar Rajesh S. , Shrivastava Sadhana , Shukla Sangeeta
Published: November 2021

The development of bioengineered nanoparticles has attracted considerable universal attention in the field of medical science and disease treatment. Current studies were executed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Their characterization was performed by UV‐Visible analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Zeta analyses. In in vivo studies, albino rats (180 ± 10 g) were persuaded with model hepatic toxicant N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and subsequently cotreated with Morus multicaulis at 100 mg/kg and AgNPs at 100 µg/kg dose. NDEA administration elevates the levels of liver function test biomarkers, which were reinstated to normal by cotreatment of test drugs. The oxidative stress and concentration of drug‐metabolizing enzyme increase after induction of toxicant (NDEA), these markers are restored toward normal after cotreatment of nano‐drug. Treatments of M. multicaulis extract did not show such significant protection. The NDEA‐treated groups showed a significant rise in the level of cytokines (interleukin [IL‐6] and IL‐10) and reached normal with subsequent treatment with AgNPs. Histopathological studies also exhibited the curative effect of AgNPs in the same manner. Thus current results strongly suggest that biomimetic AgNPs could be used as an effective drug against hepatic alteration.
Self‐reassurance moderated by identity dysfunction: Associations with distress and impairment
Authors: Kealy David , Ben‐David Shelly , Spidel Alicia , Wadsley‐Rose Saffron , Kim Dan
Published: November 2021

Although compassionate and reassuring self‐responding has been consistently linked with wellbeing, the involvement of identity dysfunction in this association is unclear. This study examined the interaction of self‐reassurance and identity dysfunction in relation to severity of psychological distress and social impairment among 243 clients attending mental health clinics. Participants completed measures of self‐reassurance, identity dysfunction, psychological distress, and social functioning; correlation and regression analyses were used to examine associations and interaction effects. The interaction between self‐reassurance and identity dysfunction was significant in relation to both distress and impairment, with the negative association between self‐reassurance and distress and impairment stronger as identity dysfunction diminished from high to moderate and to low levels of severity. Thus, higher self‐reassurance was most strongly associated with lower distress and impairment among clients with relatively stable identity, indicating the importance of considering identity dysfunction in counseling to enhance clients’ compassionate and reassuring self‐responses.
Computational and in vitro validation of cardiogenic induction of quercetin on adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells through the inhibition of Wnt and non‐Smad‐dependent TGF‐β pathways
Authors: Azadian Zahra , Hosseini Saadi , Dizjikan Zohre Panahi , Kazemi Javad , Marzouni Eisa Tahmasbpour , Wang Peng‐yuan , Alipour Atefeh , Shahsavarani Hosein
Published: November 2021

Exploiting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease due to their capacity to differentiate into cardiac cells. Though modulation of the intracellular signaling pathways dominantly WNT/β catenin and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) have been reported to promote differentiation of hMSCs into cardiomyocytes in the prevailing literature, a safe and reproducible system for their clinical application has not yet turned into reality. In the present study, the molecular docking‐based strategy was first applied for evaluating the potency of some natural phenolic compounds in the modulation of Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways using a vital class of crystallographic protein structures of WNT signaling regulators such as Frizzled, Disheveled, GSK3‐β, β‐catenin, LRP 5/6 extracellular domain, Tankyrase and their variety of active pockets. Then, the impacts of plant‐derived chemical compounds on the regulation of the relevant signals for the differentiation of hMSCs into the definitive mesoderm lineage and cardiac progenitors were assessed in vitro. Data obtained revealed the synergistic activity of Wnt and TGF‐β superfamily to direct cardiac differentiation in human cardiogenesis by comparing cardiac gene expression in the presence and absence of the TGF‐β inhibitors. We found that the inhibitory effect of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin is sufficient to cause proper cardiomyocyte differentiation, but the TGF‐β pathway plays a vital role in enhancing the expression of the cardiomyocyte‐specific marker (cTnT). It was found that quercetin, a p38MAPK inhibitor with the high energy dock to the active pocket of Wnt receptors, promotes cardiac differentiation via the inhibition of both Wnt and non‐Smad TGF‐β pathways. Altogether, data presented here can contribute to the development of a feasible and efficient cardiac differentiation protocol as an “off‐the‐shelf” therapeutic source using novel natural agents for cardiac repair or regeneration.
Adult mental health and child maltreatment: An ecological study across rural–urban and economic continua with implications for post‐pandemic human services
Authors: Yuma Paula , Orsi Rebecca , Pena Anita A.
Published: November 2021

This ecological, county‐level, cross‐sectional study examines relationships between the mental health of adults (IV) and child maltreatment report rates (DV), as they vary by socioeconomic distress and rurality (n = 3015 counties), using the most recent available data from several linked sources. In a two‐way model, maltreatment reports increased 20.1% for each additional half day of poor mental health in metro counties, 11.7% in nonmetro counties, and 13% in rural counties. Our zero‐inflated negative binomial model, moderated by rurality and economic distress, showed a significant relationship between the number of poor mental health days and increased child maltreatment report rates in counties (χ2 = 145.52, p < 0.0001). Investment in prevention and treatment of adult mental health concerns is imperative, especially in light of the increase in mental health problems caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and increased tension within national political debate. Our results indicate successful support of adult mental health will prevent child maltreatment and reduce the cyclical financial burden of child maltreatment and mental health concerns.
College student motivations for and perceived impacts of volunteering with a nutrition and cooking education program for children
Authors: Soldavini Jessica , Taillie Lindsey S. , Lytle Leslie A. , Berner Maureen , Ward Dianne S. , Ammerman Alice
Published: November 2021

To assess among college students their motivations for and perceived impacts of volunteering with Cooking Matters for Kids as part of No Kid Hungry NC. Seventeen college student volunteers responded to an online survey questionnaire assessing their motivations for volunteering and how they were impacted by their experiences. Motivational functions for volunteering (values, understanding, social, career, protective, enhancement) were assessed using the Volunteer Functions Inventory. The strongest motivational functions for volunteering were values and understanding. Students were also strongly motivated to volunteer related to the areas specifically addressed by the program (i.e., nutrition, public health, working with children). Perceived impacts of volunteering included being more comfortable working with children, improving knowledge/skills, gaining experience related to their future career, and having fun. Volunteering with Cooking Matters for Kids benefited college students. Issues addressed by the program and the desire to gain experience motivated students to volunteer.
Off‐Label Use of Hydroxychloroquine in COVID‐19: Analysis of Reports of Suspected Adverse Reactions From the Italian National Network of Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Fallani Elettra , Cevenini Fabio , Lazzerini Pietro Enea , Verdini Annalisa , Saponara Simona
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to characterize adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to hydroxychloroquine in the setting of COVID‐19, occurring in Italy in the period March to May 2020. The analysis of the combination therapy with azithromycin or/and lopinavir/ritonavir as well as a comparison with ADRs reported throughout 2019 was performed. ADRs collected by the Italian National Network of Pharmacovigilance were analyzed for their incidence, seriousness, outcome, coadministered drugs, and Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities classification. A total of 306 reports were gathered for the quarter of 2020: 54% nonserious and 46% serious, and half of the latter required either the hospitalization or its prolongation. However, most of them were either completely recovered (26%) or in the process of recovery (45%), except for 9 fatal cases. Throughout 2019, 38 reports were collected, 53% nonserious and 47% serious, but no deaths had been reported. Diarrhea, prolonged QT interval, and hypertransaminasemia were the most frequently ADRs reported in 2020, significantly higher than 2019 and specific for COVID‐19 subjects treated with hydroxychloroquine. The logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the likelihood of serious ADRs, QT prolongation, and diarrhea significantly increased with hydroxychloroquine dosage. Coadministration of lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine showed a positive correlation with diarrhea and hypertransaminasemia and a negative relationship with the ADR seriousness. The combination therapy with azithromycin was another independent predictor of a serious ADR. Off‐label use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID‐19, alone or in combination regimens, was associated with increased incidence and/or seriousness of specific ADRs in patients with additional risk factors caused by the infection.
On the quartet distance given partial information
Authors: Snir Sagi , Weissberg Osnat , Yuster Raphael
Published: November 2021

Let be an arbitrary phylogenetic tree with leaves. It is well known that the average quartet distance between two assignments of taxa to the leaves of is . However, a longstanding conjecture of Bandelt and Dress asserts that is also themaximumquartet distance between two assignments. While Alon, Naves, and Sudakov have shown this indeed holds for caterpillar trees, the general case of the conjecture is still unresolved. A natural extension is when partial information is given: the two assignments are known to coincide on a given subset of taxa. The partial information setting is biologically relevant as the location of some taxa (species) in the phylogenetic tree may be known, and for other taxa it might not be known. What can we then say about the average and maximum quartet distance in this more general setting? Surprisingly, even determining theaveragequartet distance becomes a nontrivial task in the partial information setting and determining the maximum quartet distance is even more challenging, as these turn out to be dependent on the structure of . In this paper we prove nontrivial asymptotic bounds that are sometimes tight for the average quartet distance in the partial information setting. We also show that the Bandelt and Dress conjecture does not generally hold under the partial information setting. Specifically, we prove that there are cases where the average and maximum quartet distance substantially differ.
Factors influencing medical radiation science graduates’ early career principal place of practice: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Farrugia Lauren , Smith Tony , Depczynski Julie
Published: November 2021

Introduction

While studies have investigated influences on graduate practice locations of other health professionals, especially medicine, none have investigated practice locations of medical radiation science (MRS) graduates. This study aimed to explore factors influencing the registered principal place of practice (PPP) of diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine graduates from the University of Newcastle (UON), Australia, in their second post‐graduate year.

Methods

Data were extracted from the UON enrolment and clinical placement databases and linked to Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration data for PPP location in 2019 for 187 graduates who completed their studies in 2017. Explanatory variables included age at enrolment, gender, MRS discipline, location of origin, socio‐economic index for location of origin, and locations and duration of undergraduate professional placements. Descriptive statistics, tests of association and logistic regression compared rural and non‐rural origin, and professional placement locations with Ahpra PPP.

Results

Factors related to non‐metropolitan PPP were location of origin (P = 0.002), number (P = 0.002) and duration (P = 0.007) of rural placements, and MRS discipline (P = 0.033). Controlling for other variables, location of origin and MRS discipline remained significant. Graduates of rural origin had up to 3.54 (95%CI = 1.51–8.28) times the odds of a rural PPP. Diagnostic radiography graduates had up to 5.46 (95%CI = 1.55–19.20) times the odds of nuclear medicine of a rural PPP.

Conclusion

To help reduce the gap between rural and metropolitan medical radiation service availability, there is a need for targeted recruitment of rural origin students. Further investigation of the effect of rural undergraduate MRS placements is justified.
Willingness to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and influencing factors among male and female university students in China
Authors: Dai Zhenwei , Si Mingyu , Su Xiaoyou , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Xi , Gu Xiaofen , Ma Li , Li Jing , Zhang Shaokai , Ren Zefang , Qiao Youlin
Published: November 2021

This study compared the willingness to receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the influencing factors between male and female university students who had never been vaccinated against HPV in China. University students were recruited from seven universities in China. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect information about demographic characteristics, willingness to HPV vaccination, and possible influencing factors including demographics, knowledge, and attitude toward HPV vaccination. The χ2 test was used to test the difference between males and females' knowledge and attitudes to HPV vaccination. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to detect the factors associated with willingness to HPV vaccination. A total of 7335 university students participated in the survey (3570 males and 3765 females). Over 70% of the participants had previously received sex education and knowledge. The average age of sexual debut was 17.5 years old. More male students reported acceptance of premarital sex than female students did (χ2 = 708.458, p < 0.001). Female students had better knowledge and attitudes to HPV in general, while male students perceived a higher chance of being infected by HPV compared with female students (χ2 = 6.047, p =  0.014). The level of knowledge (male: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.935, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.516–2.470; female: AOR = 1.227, 95% CI: 1.055–1.428) and receiving sex education (male: AOR = 1.414, 95% CI: 1.109–1.804; female: AOR = 1.289, 95% CI: 1.064–1.562) were indicators of the HPV vaccination willingness for both genders. For male students, those who had ever inoculated optional self‐paid vaccines were more likely to receive the HPV vaccine than those who had not (AOR = 1.567, 95% CI: 1.242–1.977). Female students were more willing to be vaccinated against HPV, if they had higher living expenses (AOR = 1.395 and 3.717, 95% CI: 1.071–1.426 and 1.776–7.752), relatives or friends had certain cancer (AOR = 1.290, 95% CI: 1.095–1.518), ever had sexual experiences (AOR = 2.628, 95% CI: 1.788–3.863), and had ever consulted on HPV vaccination issues (AOR = 1.612, 95% CI: 1.367–1.901). In China, more active education should be provided to improve university students' knowledge and attitudes on HPV and HPV vaccination. Including HPV vaccine uptake for both males and females at recommended ages in National Immunization Program would be the most cost‐effective way to prevent HPV infection.
Functional and structural alterations in the pain‐related circuit in major depressive disorder induced by electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Zhang Ting , Hou Qiangqiang , Bai Tongjian , Ji Gongjun , Lv Huaming , Xie Wen , Jin Shengchun , Yang Jinying , Qiu Bensheng , Tian Yanghua , Wang Kai
Published: November 2021

Approximately two‐thirds of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients have pain, which exacerbates the severity of depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an efficacious treatment that can alleviate depressive symptoms; however, treatment for pain and the underlying neural substrate is elusive. We enrolled 34 patients with MDD and 33 matched healthy controls to complete clinical assessments and neuroimaging scans. MDD patients underwent second assessments and scans after ECT. We defined a pain‐related network with a published meta‐analysis and calculated topological patterns to reveal topologic alterations induced by ECT. Using the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFFs), we probed local function aberrations of pain‐related circuits in MDD patients. Subsequently, we applied gray matter volume (GMV) to reveal structural alterations of ECT relieving pain. The relationships between functional and structural aberrations and pain were determined. ECT significantly alleviated pain. The neural mechanism based on pain‐related circuits indicated that ECT weakened the circuit function (ALFF: left amygdala and right supplementary motor area), while augmenting the structure (GMV: bilateral amygdala/insula/hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex). The topologic patterns became less efficient after ECT. Correlation analysis between the change in pain and GMV had negative results in bilateral amygdala/insula/hippocampus. Similarity, there was a positive correlation between a change in ALFF in the left amygdala and improved clinical symptoms. ECT improved pain by decreasing brain local function and global network patterns, while increasing structure in pain‐related circuits. Functional and structural alterations were associated with improvement in pain.
Astaxanthin: A super antioxidant from microalgae and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Kumar Satish , Kumar Rakesh ,   Diksha, Kumari Anju , Panwar Anil
Published: November 2021

Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid, super antioxidant molecule. It has higher antioxidant activity than a range of carotenoids, thus has applications in cosmetics, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals. Naturally, it is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis via a one‐stage process or two‐stage process. Natural astaxanthin significantly reduces oxidative and free‐radical stress as compared to synthetic astaxanthin. The present review summarizes all the aspects of astaxanthin, including its structure, chemistry, bioavailability, and current production technology. Also, this paper gives a detailed mechanism for the potential role of astaxanthin as nutraceuticals for cardiovascular disease prevention, skin protection, antidiabetic and anticancer, cosmetic ingredient, natural food colorant, and feed supplement in poultry and aquaculture. Astaxanthin is one of the high‐valued microalgae products of the future. However, due to some risks involved or not having adequate research in terms of long‐term consumption, it is still yet to be explored by food industries. Although the cost of naturally derived astaxanthin is high, it accounts for only a 1% share in total astaxanthin available in the global market. Therefore, scientists are looking for ways to cut down the cost of natural astaxanthin to be made available to consumers.
Benchmarking the performance of homogenization algorithms on synthetic daily temperature data
Authors: Killick Rachel E. , Jolliffe Ian T. , Willett Kate M.
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a new homogenization algorithm validation methodology, and its use to assess the skill of eight different algorithms, when applied to synthetic daily temperature time series. These algorithms were ACMANT, Climatol (in both daily and monthly configurations), DAP, HOM, MAC‐D, MASH and SpliDHOM. Algorithms were tested on benchmark data replicating daily temperature variability in four regions in North America: Wyoming, the South East, the North East and the South West. These benchmarks contained plausible spatial and temporal correlation, differing station densities and both abrupt and gradual inhomogeneities. Algorithm ability was assessed both according to detection of inhomogeneities and correction of their effects, investigating bias, root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), linear trend recovery, station extremes and variability recovery. Inhomogeneities with a magnitude greater than 1°C were those most commonly detected with smaller inhomogeneities, and those that were not constant over time, proving harder to identify. Regional RMSE was always reduced by all algorithms and regional bias was reduced in over half of the region/scenario pairs. Trend recovery was variable, but the correct sign of regional trends was retained by all algorithms. Areas for future algorithm improvement include working with autocorrelated data and correcting moments higher than the mean. The data are available from https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/benchmarks and the validation code from https://github.com/RachelKillick/Daily_benchmarks allowing the extension of this work and its application to new algorithms.
Subject‐specific biomechanical analysis to estimate locations susceptible to osteoarthritis—Finite element modeling and MRI follow‐up of ACL reconstructed patients
Authors: Bolcos Paul O. , Mononen Mika E. , Roach Koren E. , Tanaka Matthew S. , Suomalainen Juha‐Sampo , Mikkonen Santtu , Nissi Mikko J. , Töyräs Juha , Link Thomas M. , Souza Richard B. , Majumdar Sharmila , Ma C. Benjamin , Li Xiaojuan , Korhonen Rami K
Published: November 2021

The aims of this case‐control study were to: (1) Identify cartilage locations and volumes at risk of osteoarthritis (OA) using subject‐specific finite element (FE) models; (2) Quantify the relationships between the simulated biomechanical parameters and T2 and T1ρ relaxation times of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We created subject‐specific FE models for seven patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and six controls based on a previous proof‐of‐concept study. We identified locations and cartilage volumes susceptible to OA, based on maximum principal stresses and absolute maximum shear strains in cartilage exceeding thresholds of 7 MPa and 32%, respectively. The locations and volumes susceptible to OA were compared qualitatively and quantitatively against 2‐year longitudinal changes in T2 and T1ρ relaxation times. The degeneration volumes predicted by the FE models, based on excessive maximum principal stresses, were significantly correlated (r = 0.711, p < 0.001) with the degeneration volumes determined from T2 relaxation times. There was also a significant correlation between the predicted stress values and changes in T2 relaxation time (r = 0.649, p < 0.001). Absolute maximum shear strains and changes in T1ρ relaxation time were not significantly correlated. Five out of seven patients with ACL reconstruction showed excessive maximum principal stresses in either one or both tibial cartilage compartments, in agreement with follow‐up information from MRI. Expectedly, for controls, the FE models and follow‐up information showed no degenerative signs. Our results suggest that the presented modelling methodology could be applied to prospectively identify ACL reconstructed patients at risk of biomechanically driven OA, particularly by the analysis of maximum principal stresses of cartilage.
Bioavailability of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients chemically extracted in acidic soils for wheat
Authors: García-Marco Sonia , Abadín Josefa , Couto-Vázquez Alejandra , Martín Àngela , González-Prieto Serafín J.
Published: November 2021

Background:Chemical methods allowing a single soil extraction followed by multi‐elemental simultaneous measurement by ICP‐OES are increasingly used to predict plant uptake; however, calibration results against crop response are scarce and contradictory.

Aims:Our aims were to evaluate the efficacy of five extractants to predict nutrient uptake by a greenhouse wheat crop, as well as the influence of soil properties on nutrient concentrations in soil extracts and wheat plants.

Methods:Unlike other calibration studies, we monitored the pre‐seeding to post‐harvesting changes in soil available Ca, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al. We extracted 14 acidic soils (C content: 47–114 g kg−1) with two traditional (AA: ammonium acetate; DTPA: diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid) and three multi‐element extractants (AB‐DTPA: ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA; Mehlich‐3; AA‐DTPA: ammonium acetate‐DTPA).

Results:Relationships between bioavailable and chemically extractable elements were strong for K (R2= 0.776 toR2= 0.882;p< 0.001) and Zn (R2= 0.663 toR2= 0.721;p< 0.001), especially for AB‐DTPA and AA‐DTPA. Multiple regressions including also soil properties can predict wheat‐Ca (Feoxihydroxides, clay and CaAB‐DTPA;R2= 0.656;p< 0.001) and wheat‐Cu [Aloxihydroxidesand either CuAB‐DTPA(R2= 0.515;p< 0.01) or CuAA‐DTPA(R2= 0.472;p< 0.01)]. Pre‐seeding to post‐harvesting changes in KAA‐DTPAand KAB‐DTPAwere strongly related with K uptake by wheat (R2= 0.927 andR2= 0.949, respectively;p< 0.001); similarly, for wheat‐Zn the best relationships were with ZnMehlich‐3and ZnAA‐DTPA(R2= 0.654 andR2= 0.757, respectively;p< 0.001).

Conclusion:Consequently, chemical extractants alone can adequately predict K and Zn bio‐availability, and combined with some soil properties can predict wheat uptake of Ca and Cu, but not that of other nutrients.
Stocks of organic carbon in German agricultural soils—Key results of the first comprehensive inventory
Authors: Poeplau Christopher , Jacobs Anna , Don Axel , Vos Cora , Schneider Florian , Wittnebel Mareille , Tiemeyer Bärbel , Heidkamp Arne , Prietz Roland , Flessa Heinz
Published: November 2021

Background: There is considerable uncertainty about the actual size of the global soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and its spatial distribution due to insufficient and heterogeneous data coverage.

Aims: We aimed to assess the size of the German agricultural SOC stock and develop a stratification approach that could be used in national greenhouse gas reporting.

Methods: Soils from a total of 3104 sites, comprising 2234 croplands, 820 permanent grasslands and 50 sites with permanent crops (vineyards, orchards) were sampled in a grid of 8 × 8 km to a depth of 100 cm in fixed depth increments. In addition, a decade of management data was recorded in a questionnaire completed by farmers. Two different approaches were used to stratify cropland and grassland mineral soils and derive homogeneous groups: stratification via soil type (pedogenesis) and via SOC‐relevant soil properties.

Results: A total of 146 soils were identified as organic soils, which stored by far the highest average SOC stock of 528 ± 201 Mg ha−1 in 0–100 cm depth. Of the mineral soils, croplands and permanent crops stored on average 61 ± 25 and 62 ± 25 Mg ha−1 in 0–30 cm (topsoil) and 35 ± 30 and 44 ± 28 Mg ha−1 in 30–100 cm (subsoil), while permanent grasslands stored significantly more SOC (88 ± 32 and 47 ± 50 Mg ha−1 in topsoil and subsoil). Overall, topsoils stored 67 ± 14% and subsoils 33 ± 14% of total SOC stocks. Soil C:N ratio, clay content and groundwater level were major factors that explained the spatial variability of SOC stocks in mineral soils. Accordingly, Podzols, Gleysols and Vertisols were found to have the highest SOC stocks.

Conclusions: Stratification via soil properties yielded the most comparable cropland and grassland strata and is thus preferable for estimating land‐use change effects, e.g., for greenhouse gas inventories.

In total, 2.5 Pg C are stored in the upper 100 cm of German agricultural soils, making them the largest organic carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems of Germany. This bares a large responsibility for the agricultural sector and society as a whole to maintain and, if possible, enhance this pool.
Above‐ to belowground carbon allocation in peatlands shifts with plant functional type and temperature#
Authors: Zeh Lilli , Schmidt‐Cotta Claudia , Limpens Juul , Bragazza Luca , Kalbitz Karsten
Published: November 2021

Background

Northern peatlands have accumulated vast amounts of carbon (C) as peat. Warming temperatures may affect peatland C stores by increasing microbial decomposition of ancient peat through enhanced input of labile root exudates by expansion of vascular plants, thereby accelerating atmospheric warming.

Aims

We set out to explore how much freshly assimilated C is allocated belowground by vascular plants, and if the above‐ to belowground allocation is affected by temperature and plant functional types.

Methods

We traced the C allocation pathways of two dominant plant functional types (i.e., sedges and shrubs) in two peatlands under different temperature regimes by combining selective plant removal in mixed sedge‐shrub vegetation and in situ 13C pulse‐labelling. Aboveground to belowground C allocation as well as the C turnover were assessed by quantifying 13C in plant leaves and soil respiration and by measuring δ13C in dissolved organic C. A depth‐resolved quantification of 13C in the peat soil gave additional insight into belowground C allocation patterns.

Results

Temperature did not affect the rate at which 13C was assimilated into shoots, but higher temperature decreased the fraction of assimilated C that was allocated belowground by vascular plants. Sedges assimilated CO2 faster into their shoot biomass (faster depletion in 13C in shoots) and allocated more of the assimilated 13C belowground than shrubs. Conversely, sedges retained this belowground allocated C better than shrubs, leading to lower 13C in soil respiration measured under sedges.

Conclusions

Climate induced vascular plant expansion will increase input of fresh assimilates into the peat substantially, even though part of this effect will be offset by reduced above‐ to belowground allocation rates. If shrub density increases relative to sedges, fresh assimilates are more likely to be respired than translocated to roots where they could reach and, potentially mobilize, ancient C stored in deeper peat layers.
The role of feed enzymes in maintaining poultry intestinal health
Authors: Bedford Michael R , Apajalahti Juha H
Published: November 2021

Gut health or intestinal health is frequently discussed without any clear definition as to its meaning. It is suggested that this should be defined as intestinal integrity and functionality as both are a pre‐requisite for the health of the intestine itself and the host. The health of the intestine is dependent upon a successful evolution of the absorptive capacity of the intestine, which in turn is influenced by the co‐evolution of the intestinal immune systems and the microbiota. Nutrient supply plays a significant role in this process and from the perspective of the microbiota this changes with age as the intestines and upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota become more effective in nutrient removal. Feed enzymes play a significant role in this process. Phytases can improve digestion of minerals, amino acids and energy and as a result reduce the availability of nutrients in the lower intestines for the microbiota. Protease can have a similar effect with amino acid supply. Non‐starch polysaccharidases (NSPases) have a unique role in that they not only improve diet digestibility from the hosts perspective, thus limiting nutrient supply to the microbiota, but they also release soluble fragments of fibre from the insoluble matrix and/or depolymerize high molecular weight viscous fibre fractions in to smaller, more fermentable carbohydrate fractions. This results in a more favourable balance between fermentable carbohydrate to protein supply, a ratio which is deemed critical to maintaining good intestinal health. The dynamic nature of this complex evolution needs greater consideration if antibiotic free production is to succeed. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gastrointestinal digestion and absorption characterization in vitro of zinc‐chelating hydrolysate from scallop adductor (Patinopecten yessoensis)
Authors: Sun Jiatong , Liu Xiaoyang , Wang Zixu , Yin Fawen , Liu Huilin , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Yu Chenxu , Zhou Dayong
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUD

Zinc (Zn) is an essential catalytic element in the human health system but its absorption in the intestinal system can be strongly affected by gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. In this study, the food‐derived potential Zn carrier, scallop adductor hydrolysates (SAHs), was produced and characterized.

RESULTS

During temporary storage at 4 °C, SAH decreased in Zn‐chelating capacity in the aqueous phase, whereas the SAH–Zn complex exhibited high stability. Moreover, the secondary structure of SAH had no significant alteration. Zn morphologically altered the surface structures of SAH, which was involving in carboxyl group of SAH. Results of in vitro GI digestion suggested that the SAH–Zn maintained good stability in GI system and only proportion of high molecular weight cleaved. In addition, SAH could successfully carry and transport Zn while the fluorescence staining revealed free Zn accumulation inside the tissue. Finally, three representative absorbed peptides (around 600 Da) were identified and synthesized. Three synthetic peptides exhibit higher Zn‐chelating capacity than SAH and could also successfully transported through the intestine.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a theoretical basis for the investigation of digestion and absorption of marine animal‐derived peptides as Zn carriers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of fermentation with Lactobacillus fermentum 21828 on the nutritional characteristics and antioxidant activity of Lentinus edodes liquid
Authors: Zhang Meina , Wang Xingnan , Wang Xiaowei , Han Mengzhen , Li Hongcai , Yue Tianli , Wang Zhouli , Gao Zhenpeng
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Few studies to date have evaluated the use of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in edible fungus fermentation. To obtain a fermented Lentinus edodes liquid product with good taste and effects, a strain with good fermentation performance from nine strains tested was selected, and the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of the resulting product were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus fermentum 21828 exhibited adhesion, tolerance to low pH and bile salts, and good fermentation performance. The number of viable bacteria was 1.05 × 108 CFU mL−1, and the extraction rate of crude polysaccharide from L. edodes was 2.79% after fermentation. The effects of fermentation on the contents and composition of nutrients in L. edodes liquid were marked, with changes in total soluble protein, total soluble sugar, total acid, and total phenol levels. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging rate in the fermentation liquid was 93.01%, which was significantly higher than that in non‐fermented liquid (80.33%). Furthermore, analysis of volatile and 5′‐nucleotide contents showed that fermentation altered the flavor of the product, whereas sensory evaluation showed that the fermented product was preferred.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that the fermented L. edodes liquid exhibited better nutritional and functional properties, as well as sensory characteristics, compared with unfermented liquid. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Speckle Tracking Analysis to Evaluate the Size, Shape, and Function of the Atrial Chambers in Normal Fetuses at 20–40 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Klas Berthold , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to use speckle tracking analysis to evaluate the size, shape, and function of the atrial chambers in normal fetuses and develop a z‐score calculator that can be used in future studies in fetuses at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Methods

The control group consisted of 200 normal fetuses examined between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation in which speckle tracking analysis of right (RA) and left (LA) atrial chambers was performed. The atrial end‐diastolic and end‐systolic endocardial borders for each chamber were identified from which measurements of atrial length, width, area, and volume were computed. Equations were derived using fractional polynomial regression analysis to compute z‐score equations.

Results

The LA end‐diastolic volume, RA and LA end‐diastolic area, length, base width, and mid‐chamber widths increased with gestational age and fetal size. Left atrial emptying and ejection volumes increased with gestational age and fetal size. The fractional area change was significantly less for the RA than the LA. The LA base and mid‐chamber fractional shortening were significantly greater than the RA. There was a significant difference between the RA and LA global contractile strain.

Conclusion

Mean and standard deviation equations for each of the measurements described in this study were computed to create a z‐score calculator that can be utilized in the clinical environment when evaluating fetuses with suspected atrial pathology that could alter the size, shape, and function of the atrial chambers.
How sampling high‐ and low‐quality products affects enjoyment
Authors: Stuppy Anika , Van Den Bergh Bram
Published: November 2021

Consumers can build expertise by sampling products that are differentiated vertically, in terms of quality, or horizontally, in terms of taste. While the effects of horizontal sampling are well understood, the effects of vertical sampling are understudied. Four experiments (total N = 1080; one preregistered; with US American, British, and Dutch participants) elucidate how vertical sampling (i.e., experiencing products of varying quality) affects enjoyment. We find that vertical sampling strengthens the association between product quality and enjoyment. Gaining experience can thus involve hedonic benefits (i.e., greater enjoyment of high‐quality products) but, perhaps more importantly, also hedonic costs (i.e., lower enjoyment of low‐quality products). Our studies provide evidence for a similarity‐testing account. Effects on enjoyment occur if consumers sampled products of similar (vs. dissimilar) quality as the target. Customer expertise may therefore need to be conceptualized in terms of whether consumers' sampling history covers many (vs. few) different product quality levels. Customer expertise depends less on the overall number of sampled products.
COVID‐19 vaccines and anti‐consumption: Understanding anti‐vaxxers hesitancy
Authors: Chaney Damien , Lee Michael SW
Published: November 2021

Anti‐vaccination sentiment and vaccine hesitancy are on the rise. This is unfortunate given the world's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic response plan relies on a global vaccination program the likes of which has never been attempted. Using an anti‐consumption lens, this study utilizes a qualitative approach and 53 interviews revolving around people's attitudes towards the COVID‐19 vaccination plan. The findings reveal that COVID‐19 vaccination hesitancy comes from two major factors: stable factors and contextual factors. Stable factors refer to factors that are consistently found in anti‐vaccination movements and include political and philosophical opposition. Contextual factors refer to factors that are highly dependent on the COVID‐19 situation and relates to a negative benefit to risk ratio informed by information overload and the influence of marketing phenomena such as branding and country of origin effects. Finally, theoretical and managerial contributions are offered for public policymakers and social marketers.
Deep multi‐instance transfer learning for pneumothorax classification in chest X‐ray images
Authors: Tian Yuchi , Wang Jiawei , Yang Wenjie , Wang Jun , Qian Dahong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Pneumothorax is a life‐threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment. Frontal‐view chest X‐ray images are typically used for pneumothorax detection in clinical practice. However, manual review of radiographs is time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and highly dependent on the experience of radiologists, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Here, we aim to develop a reliable automatic classification method to assist radiologists in rapidly and accurately diagnosing pneumothorax in frontal chest radiographs.

Methods

A novel residual neural network (ResNet)‐based two‐stage deep‐learning strategy is proposed for pneumothorax identification: local feature learning (LFL) followed by global multi‐instance learning (GMIL). Most of the nonlesion regions in the images are removed for learning discriminative features. Two datasets are used for large‐scale validation: a private dataset (27 955 frontal‐view chest X‐ray images) and a public dataset (the National Institutes of Health [NIH] ChestX‐ray14; 112 120 frontal‐view X‐ray images). The model performance of the identification was evaluated using the accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1‐score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and area under ROC curve (AUC). Fivefold cross‐validation is conducted on the datasets, and then the mean and standard deviation of the above‐mentioned metrics are calculated to assess the overall performance of the model.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed learning strategy can achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance on the NIH dataset with an accuracy, AUC, precision, recall, specificity, and F1‐score of 94.4% ± 0.7%, 97.3% ± 0.5%, 94.2% ± 0.3%, 94.6% ± 1.5%, 94.2% ± 0.4%, and 94.4% ± 0.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed CAD system is an efficient assistive tool in the identification of pneumothorax.
Kinetic Modeling of Ring Opening Polymerization of Lactones under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: López‐Domínguez Porfirio , Carranco‐Hernández Nathalie Michelle , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo
Published: November 2021

A kinetic study on the mathematical modeling of polymerization rate and molar mass development in the ring opening bulk polymerization (ROP) of lactones under microwave irradiation (MI), for the production of biodegradable green polymers used in the biomedical sector, is presented. Two modeling approaches, one based on calculation of average properties using a self‐developed code based on the method of moments, and the other one providing calculation of full molar mass distributions with the aid of the Predici software are contrasted. The observed enhancement on polymerization rate under MI is captured well by using a non‐thermal microwave effect modeling approach, namely, a microwave‐enhanced propagation model. The proposed approach is validated with available experimental data for ROP of ε‐caprolactone, a monomer which can be obtained from biomasses, using benzyl alcohol (BzOH) and stannous octoate (SnOc)2 as initiator and catalyst, respectively, at 150 °C. Seven case studies are analyzed, including ROPs carried out under both conventional heating (CH) and MI. The effect of initiator and alcohol initial concentrations on polymerization rate and molar mass distributions is analyzed. The advantages of using MI in ROP are assessed.