bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote experiential education: A silver lining from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gallegos Patrick J. , Hoffmaster Brian S. , Howard Meredith L. , Lancaster Jason W. , Pluckrose Dawn , Smith Brooke A. , Tallian Kimberly , Van Matre Edward T. , Scott James D.
Published: December 2021

This commentary addresses key differences between remote and on‐site experiential education, including necessary resources and rotation structure. Health care education during the COVID‐19 pandemic was primarily delivered electronically. Student‐based resources such as computers/laptops, stable internet connections, and privacy (physical space and electronic security) became essential for student learning, testing, and provision of patient care. When student resources were limited, educational programs had to adapt to help students in need. Preceptors were required to restructure experiential rotations to provide learning experiences while keeping up with increased clinical‐related workloads. Students had increased projects and papers and decreased face‐to‐face time with patients and professionals. Many community pharmacies were able to educate students on‐site, whereas ambulatory care–based sites generally pivoted to telehealth‐based interactions. Although telehealth appeared useful, rollout was difficult because of differences in technology, accessibility, and capability. Inpatient‐based training proved most difficult and often had to be halted for patient and student safety. Many schools also used unique non–patient care electives to fill experiential gaps and keep students on target for graduation. Delivery of experiential education had a different set of challenges from didactic education. Creative examples to address these challenges included roving tablets with Zoom sessions during rounds, artificial or de‐identified cases, and hybrid clinical/dispensing rotations, though most experiences were canceled or restricted by exclusion of patients with COVID‐19 patients. Overall, pharmacy education continued. However, many of the methods for training with partly or entirely remote approaches were novel and may become integrated into the “new normal.” The face of the world has changed, and pharmacy education must change with it.
How do pharmacists select antimicrobials? A model of pharmacists' therapeutic reasoning processes
Authors: Gruenberg Katherine , Abdoler Emily , O'Brien Bridget C. , Schwartz Brian S. , MacDougall Conan
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION

Clinicians engage in clinical reasoning, comprised of both diagnostic and therapeutic components, when caring for patients. While diagnostic reasoning has been extensively investigated, relatively few studies have examined how clinicians make treatment decisions. Recent work has explored how physicians engage in therapeutic reasoning while selecting antimicrobials. However, understanding pharmacists' antimicrobial reasoning is equally important due to their role in ensuring appropriate antimicrobial use. Therefore, we aimed to further our understanding of antimicrobial reasoning in pharmacists and compare their reasoning processes to physicians.

METHODS

With a postpositivist orientation and using a general qualitative approach, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with hospital‐based pharmacists specializing in infectious diseases or other hospital‐based specialties. Participants narrated their thought processes while selecting antimicrobials for three case vignettes. We analyzed transcripts iteratively using a code book from a prior study of antimicrobial reasoning in physicians as a sensitizing framework.

RESULTS

Participants included 11 pharmacists (5 infectious diseases and 6 noninfectious diseases pharmacists). Overall, participants' responses reflected a three‐step reasoning process: Naming the Syndrome, Delineating Pathogens, and Selecting the Antimicrobial. Patient‐, syndrome‐, and system‐based factors interacted with drug characteristics to influence the selection of specific antimicrobial regimens.

CONCLUSION

We identified a framework for pharmacists' antimicrobial therapeutic reasoning similar to physicians' reasoning, with some nuances that may be attributable to the pharmacists' role in medication review and antimicrobial stewardship. Application of this framework has the potential to aid in teaching, improve multidisciplinary care, and provide a framework for interprofessional communication.
Exploring shifts in resident recruitment during COVID‐19: Initial perceptions from residents, preceptors, and residency program directors
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Sasser Caroline Welles , Morbitzer Kathryn A. , Eckel Stephen F.
Published: December 2021

Background

The coronavirus pandemic significantly impacted pharmacy care and organizational practices. Residency program directors, students, and residents were required to adapt to these challenging environments to minimize the impact on learning, well‐being, and clinical care. There is limited research on organizational changes related to pharmacy resident recruitment, interviewing, and selection processes.

Objective

To explore how resident recruitment practices changed to accommodate the pandemic from learner and educator reflections.

Methods

In May 2021, attendees of the virtual Research in Education and Practice Symposium were invited to a one‐hour networking session that included individual reflections before small group discussions about recruitment process modifications in the past year. Participants submitted reflections in an electronic survey and anonymous responses were coded using thematic analysis in this exploratory, qualitative study. Reflection prompts asked about the changes made during the 2020 to 2021 recruitment cycle, what worked, what could be improved, and what should be retained.

Results

Forty‐seven participants (33 residents, 5 preceptors, and 9 residency program directors) submitted complete reflections during the session. The most common change discussed was the transition to virtual interviews, recruitment events, and online national conferences. Participants highlighted benefits and challenges during the modifications. Benefits included less stressful experiences, more cost‐effective practices, and more access to potential candidates. Challenges included a continuing lack of personal contact and technical issues with virtual environments. Participants reflected that future recruitment cycles should include hybrid experiences using both virtual and in‐person opportunities and to continue virtual connection opportunities through social media, online forums, and virtual tours.

Conclusion

Resident recruitment practices changed during the pandemic and mostly included a transition to online and virtual interactions. Programs often reported positive experiences with these modifications and supported more hybrid‐based experiences in the future to accommodate more candidates.
Taking the Monte‐Carlo gamble: How not to buckle under the pressure!
Authors: Gomez Yessica K. , Natale Andrew M. , Lincoff James , Wolgemuth Charles W. , Rosenberg John M. , Grabe Michael
Published: December 2021

Consistent buckling distortions of a large membrane patch (200 × 200 Å) are observed during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Monte‐Carlo (MC) barostat in combination with a hard Lennard–Jones (LJ) cutoff. The buckling behavior is independent of both the simulation engine and the force field but requires the MC barostat‐hard LJ cutoff combination. Similar simulations of a smaller patch (90 × 90 Å) do not show buckling, but do show a small, systematic reduction in the surface area accompanied by ~1 Å thickening suggestive of compression. We show that a mismatch in the way potentials and forces are handled in the dynamical equations versus the MC barostat results in a compressive load on the membrane. Moreover, a straightforward application of elasticity theory reveals that a minimal compression of the linear dimensions of the membrane, inversely proportional to the edge length, is required for buckling, explaining this differential behavior. We recommend always using LJ force or potential‐switching when the MC barostat is employed to avoid undesirable membrane deformations.
Association Between Baseline Use of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Death Among Patients Tested for COVID‐19
Authors: Thomas Sarah A. , Puskarich Michael , Pulia Michael S. , Meltzer Andrew C. , Camargo Carlos A. , Courtney D. Mark , Nordenholz Kristen E. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Kabrhel Christopher
Published: December 2021

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs may modify risk associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Therefore, we assessed whether baseline therapy with ACEIs or ARBs was associated with lower mortality, respiratory failure (noninvasive ventilation or intubation), and renal failure (new renal replacement therapy) in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients. This retrospective registry‐based observational cohort study used data from a national database of emergency department patients tested for SARS‐CoV‐2. Symptomatic emergency department patients were accrued from January to October 2020, across 197 hospitals in the United States. Multivariable analysis using logistic regression evaluated end points among SARS‐CoV‐2–positive cases, focusing on ACEIs/ARBs and adjusting for covariates. Model performance was evaluated using the c statistic for discrimination and Cox plotting for calibration. A total of 13 859 (99.9%) patients had known mortality status, of whom 2045 (14.8%) died. Respiratory failure occurred in 2485/13 880 (17.9%) and renal failure in 548/13 813 (4.0%) patients with available data. ACEI/ARB status was associated with a 25% decrease in mortality odds (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95%CI, 0.59‐0.94; P = .011; c = .82). ACEIs/ARBs were not significantly associated with respiratory failure (OR, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.78‐1.06; P = .206) or renal failure (OR, 0.75; 95%CI, 0.55‐1.04; P = .083). Adjusting for covariates, baseline ACEI/ARB was associated with 25% lower mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2–positive patients. The potential mechanism for ACEI/ARB mortality modification requires further exploration.
Shear bond strengths of two newly marketed self‐adhesive resin cements to different substrates: A light and scanning electron microscopy evaluation
Authors: Atalay Cansu , Koc Vural Uzay , Miletic Ivana , Gurgan Sevil
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the shear bond strengths (SBSs) of two newly marketed self‐adhesive resin cements (RCs) to enamel, dentin, and lithium disilicate (LiSi) glass ceramic block. Forty‐eight enamel and 48 dentin substrates were obtained from sound human molars. Additionally, 6 × 7 × 5 ‐mm‐ sized 24 specimens were produced from LiSi glass ceramic blocks. The tooth specimens were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 12) according to the surface treatments: (1) G‐CEM ONE (GCO), (2) G‐CEM ONE Adhesive Enhancing Primer (GCO‐AEP) + GCO, (3) RelyX Universal (RXU), and (4) Scotchbond Universal Plus (SUP) + RXU. LiSi specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n = 12): (1) G‐MultiPrimer (GMP) + GCO and (2) SUP + RXU. Following the RC applications, all specimens were kept in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 hr and then submitted for SBS testing in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). Data were analyzed by Welch's, one‐way analysis of variance and two independent samples t tests. The nature of failures was examined under a light microscope, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were also performed for interfaces. GCO and RXU showed similar SBS to enamel (p > .05), and the use of adhesives resulted in improved SBS (p < .05). No difference was detected between GCO‐AEP + GCO and SUP + RXU. The GCO‐AEP + GCO exhibited the highest SBS to dentin (p < .05), followed by GCO ≥ SUP + RXU > RXU (p < .05). There was no significant difference between SBSs of two RCs to LiSi blocks (p > .05). No cohesive failure was determined for the tested groups by light microscope. The use of adhesives prior to the application of self‐adhesive RCs improved their bonding to tooth tissues. GCO demonstrated superior SBS to dentin, whereas both self‐adhesive RCs generated similar SBS to enamel and LiSi glass ceramic surfaces.
Novel fluoroquinolones containing 2‐arylamino‐2‐oxoethyl fragment: Design, synthesis, evaluation of antibacterial and antituberculosis activities and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Kulabaş Necla , Türe Aslı , Bozdeveci Arif , Krishna Vagolu Siva , Alpay Karaoğlu Şengül , Sriram Dharmarajan , Küçükgüzel İlkay
Published: December 2021

Novel substituted fluoroquinolone derivatives, compounds 6–20 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antituberculosis and antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activities of the compounds were determined and compound 14 was found to be the most potent antimicrobial agent owing to minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of <1.16 μg/μl for all tested bacteria. Further, compounds were tested in vitro for their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Most of the compounds showed antimycobacterial effects with 1.56–25.00 μg/ml MIC values. Compounds 14 and 18 were found to be the most active derivatives due to their MIC at 1.56 μg/ml. Selected compounds 11, 14, 17, and 18 were tested for M. tuberculosis DNA supercoiling assay and they had IC50 values within a range of 6.35–15 μM. Mechanism of binding to DNA gyrase enzymes was evaluated using in silico molecular modeling studies and it was shown that compounds 6–20 adopt a similar binding mode as already known for fluoroquinolone drugs.
The effect of tracer contact on return to care among adult, “lost to follow‐up” patients living with HIV in Zambia: an instrumental variable analysis
Authors: Beres Laura K. , Mody Aaloke , Sikombe Kombatende , Nicholas Lauren Hersch , Schwartz Sheree , Eshun‐Wilson Ingrid , Somwe Paul , Simbeza Sandra , Pry Jake M. , Kaumba Paul , McGready John , Holmes Charles B. , Bolton‐Moore Carolyn , Sikazwe Izukanji , Denison Julie A. , Geng Elvin H.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Tracing patients lost to follow‐up (LTFU) from HIV care is widely practiced, yet we have little knowledge of its causal effect on care engagement. In a prospective, Zambian cohort, we examined the effect of tracing on return to care within 2 years of LTFU.

Methods

We traced a stratified, random sample of LTFU patients who had received HIV care between August 2013 and July 2015. LTFU was defined as a gap of >90 days from last scheduled appointment in the routine electronic medical record. Extracting 2 years of follow‐up visit data through 2017, we identified patients who returned. Using random selection for tracing as an instrumental variable (IV), we used conditional two‐stage least squares regression to estimate the local average treatment effect of tracer contact on return. We examined the observational association between tracer contact and return among patient sub‐groups self‐confirmed as disengaged from care.

Results

Of the 24,164 LTFU patients enumerated, 4380 were randomly selected for tracing and 1158 were contacted by a tracer within a median of 14.8 months post‐loss. IV analysis found that patients contacted by a tracer because they were randomized to tracing were no more likely to return than those not contacted (adjusted risk difference [aRD]: 3%, 95% CI: –2%, 8%, p = 0.23). Observational data showed that among contacted, disengaged patients, the rate of return was higher in the week following tracer contact (IR 5.74, 95% CI: 3.78–8.71) than in the 2 weeks to 1‐month post‐contact (IR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.40–3.72). There was a greater effect of tracing among patients lost for >6 months compared to those contacted within 3 months of loss.

Conclusions

Overall, tracer contact did not causally increase LTFU patient return to HIV care, demonstrating the limited impact of tracing in this program, where contact occurred months after patients were LTFU. However, observational data suggest that tracing may speed return among some LTFU patients genuinely out‐of‐care. Further studies may improve tracing effectiveness by examining the mechanisms underlying the impact of tracing on return to care, the effect of tracing at different times‐since‐loss and using more accurate identification of patients who are truly disengaged to target tracing.
The Anti‐Depressive Effects of Ultra‐High Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Lv Yue , Fan Yixiang , Tian Xiaofei , Yu Biao , Song Chao , Feng Chuanlin , Zhang Lei , Ji Xinmiao , Zablotskii Vitalii , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2021

Background

Ultra‐high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has obvious advantages in acquiring high‐resolution images. 7 T MRI has been clinically approved and 21.1 T MRI has also been tested on rodents.

Purpose

To examine the effects of ultra‐high field on mice behavior and neuron activity.

Study Type

Prospective, animal model.

Animal Model

Ninety‐eight healthy C57BL/6 mice and 18 depression model mice.

Field Strength

11.1–33.0 T SMF (static magnetic field) for 1 hour and 7 T for 8 hours. Gradients were not on and no imaging sequence was used.

Assessment

Open field test, elevated plus maze, three‐chambered social test, Morris water maze, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, blood routine, biochemistry examinations, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescent assay.

Statistical Tests

The normality of the data was assessed by Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by Student's t test or the Mann–Whitney U test for statistical significance. The statistical cut‐off line is P < 0.05.

Results

Compared to the sham group, healthy C57/6 mice spent more time in the center area (35.12 ± 4.034, increased by 47.19%) in open field test and improved novel index (0.6201 ± 0.02522, increased by 16.76%) in three‐chambered social test a few weeks after 1 hour 11.1–33.0 T SMF exposure. 7 T SMF exposure for 8 hours alleviated the depression state of depression mice, including less immobile time in tail suspension test (58.32% reduction) and higher sucrose preference (increased by 8.80%). Brain tissue analysis shows that 11.1–33.0 T and 7 T SMFs can increase oxytocin by 164.65% and 36.03%, respectively. Moreover, the c‐Fos level in hippocampus region was increased by 14.79%.

Data Conclusion

11.1–33.0 T SMFs exposure for 1 hour or 7 T SMF exposure for 8 hours did not have detrimental effects on healthy or depressed mice. Instead, these ultra‐high field SMFs have anti‐depressive potentials.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Antibody responses to COVID‐19 vaccines in older adults
Authors: Bag Soytas Rabia , Cengiz Mahir , Islamoglu Mehmet S. , Borku Uysal Betul , Yavuzer Serap , Yavuzer Hakan
Published: December 2021

Because of the senescence of the immune system, antibody response to the COVID‐19 vaccines may differ from older to younger adults. The study aim compares the titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody of patients ≥60 years who received three doses of CoronaVac vaccine and those who received two doses of CoronaVac+1 dose of Pfizer‐BioNTech after 1 month of the last vaccination. Patients ≥60 years who received the CoronaVac vaccine between March 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021, who did not have COVID‐19 disease before the first dose of vaccination and were negative for COVID‐19 antibodies, whose antibodies were tested before the third dose of vaccination, and who did not have any COVID‐19 disease during the follow‐up were included. The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients were recorded. An immunofluorescence assay (IFA) fast test and a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Abbott) were used to measure SARS‐CoV‐2 quantitative antibody levels at the first month after the third‐dose vaccine. Totally 81 patients, 41 patients in third dose of the CoronaVac group (female:male 18:23, mean age 69.4 ± 8.5), and 40 patients in third dose of the Pfizer‐BioNTech group (female:male 15:25, mean age 69.9 ± 9.1) were included. The patients' comorbidities in the groups were similar. The titers of IgG antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 measured according to both IFA and Abbott Kit at first month the third dose vaccination was significantly higher in the Pfizer‐BioNTech group (p ≥ 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). The results report that the formed immunity in the first month after the two doses of CoronaVac+1 dose Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine was higher than three doses of CoronaVac vaccine in older adults.
Estimated vs measured energy expenditure in ventilated surgical‐trauma critically ill patients
Authors: Kamel Amir Y. , Robayo Laura , Liang Debbie , Rosenthal Martin D. , Croft Chasen A. , Ghita Gabriela , Brumback Babette , Efron Philip A. , Mohr Alicia , Moore Frederick A. , Brakenridge Scott C.
Published: December 2021

Background

The American and European guidelines recommend measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) using indirect calorimetry (IC). Predictive equations (PEs) are used to estimate REE, but there is limited evidence for their use in critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of agreement and accuracy between IC‐measured REE (REE‐IC) and 10 different PEs in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with surgical trauma who met their estimated energy requirement.

Methods

REE‐IC was retrospectively compared with REE‐PE by 10 PEs. The degree of agreement between REE‐PE and REE‐IC was analyzed by the Bland‐Altman test (BAt) and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The accuracy was calculated by the percentage of patients whose REE‐PE values differ by up to ±10% in relation to REE‐IC. All analyses were stratified by gender and body mass index (BMI; <25 vs ≥25).

Results

We analyzed 104 patients and the closest estimate to REE‐IC was the modified Harris‐Benedict equation (mHB) by the BAt with a mean difference of 49.2 overall (61.6 for males, 28.5 for females, 67.5 for BMI <25, and 42.5 for BMI ≥25). The overall CCC between the REE‐IC and mHB was 0.652 (0.560 for males, 0.496 for females, 0.570 for BMI <25, and 0.598 for BMI ≥25). The mHB equation was the most accurate with an overall accuracy of 44.2%.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of PEs for estimating the REE of mechanically ventilated surgical‐trauma critically ill patients is limited. [Correction added on 17 February 2022, after first online publication: The word “with” was deleted before “is limited” in the preceding sentence.] Nonetheless, of the 10 equations examined, the closest to REE‐IC was the mHB equation.
Comparing the effect of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid hydroxyl derivatives on polyphenol oxidase: activity, action mechanism, and molecular docking
Authors: Sun Yuefang , Zhou Lei , Liao Tao , Liu Junping , Yu Kaibo , Zou Liqiang , Zhou Wei , Liu Wei
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is considered to have a key role in the food industry because it initiates enzymatic browning in the processing and storage of fruit and vegetables. Increasing numbers of benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives have been found to be efficient inhibitors of polyphenol oxidase, but a comparison study on activity and action mechanism is lacking. In this study, 18 benzoic acid and cinnamic acid hydroxy derivatives were selected and investigated.

RESULTS

Three substrates, four activators and 11 inhibitors were identified from benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives. 2,4‐Dihydroxycinnamic acid and benzoic acid showed the strongest inhibitory effect on PPO, with IC50 of 0.092 and1.425 mmol L−1, respectively. Benzoic acid reversibly inhibited PPO in a competitive manner, while 2,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid showed a mixed‐type inhibition. Both of them showed that static‐type fluorescence quenching and electrostatic interaction were the main driving force in the bonding process. Compared with benzoic acid, 2,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid more easily formed hydrogen bonds in the active site of PPO, making the interaction more stable.

CONCLUSION

Comparative analysis showed that the inhibition effect of cinnamic acid hydroxyl derivatives on PPO was stronger than that of benzoic acid derivatives. Benzoic acid and 2,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid were the strongest inhibitors. PPO inhibitors identified from benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives are expected to be promising inhibitors for controlling fruit and vegetable browning. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Land use indirectly affects the cycling of multiple nutrients by altering the diazotrophic community in black soil
Authors: Yan Jun , Han Xiaozeng , Lu Xinchun , Chen Xu , Zou Wenxiu
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Diazotrophic bacteria, as one of most important group of soil microorganisms, play critical roles in multiple ecosystem functions (i.e., multifunctionality). However, little information is available about the diazotrophic community in driving soil nutrient cycling and multifunctionality at different depths with distinct vegetation in the black soil region of northeastern China. To learn the interactions among land use, cycling of multiple nutrients and the diazotrophic community, we performed this study in grassland (GL), forested land and a cropland (CL) in soils at depths of 0–15 cm and 15–35 cm.

RESULTS

The highest nifH gene abundances were found in the CL treatment, while the highest diazotrophic species richness and diversity were detected in the GL in both soil layers. The nifH gene abundance was directly/positively correlated with soil bulk density and negatively correlated with land use and soil depth. The index of multiple nutrient cycling was directly/negatively affected by soil depth and indirectly/positively affected by land use. Land use directly/negatively affected soil pH and thus indirectly affected the diazotrophic community composition and the nutrient cycling index. The diversity and community composition of the diazotrophs together accounted for 95% of the differences in the multiple nutrient cycling index.

CONCLUSION

Soil diazotrophic communities undertake important roles in maintaining nutrient cycling and soil multifunctionality at depths of 0–15 cm and 15–35 cm layers with different land uses of the black soil region of China. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Balanced branched‐chain amino acids modulate meat quality by adjusting muscle fiber type conversion and intramuscular fat deposition in finishing pigs
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Li Fengna , Guo Qiuping , Duan Yehui , Wang Wenlong , Yang Yuhuan , Yin Yunju , Gong Saiming , Han Mengmeng , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Pork is an important food for humans and improving the quality of pork is closely related to human health. This study was designed to investigate the effects of balanced branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA)‐supplemented protein‐restricted diets on meat quality, muscle fiber types, and intramuscular fat (IMF) in finishing pigs.

RESULTS

The results showed that, compared with the normal protein diet (160 g kg−1 crude protein), the reduced‐protein diet (120 g kg−1 crude protein) supplemented with BCAAs to the ratio of 2:1:2 not only had higher average daily gain (P < 0.05) and carcass weight (P < 0.05) but also improved meat tenderness and juiciness by decreasing shear force (P < 0.05) and increasing water‐holding capacity (P < 0.05). In particular, this treatment showed higher (P < 0.05) levels of phospho‐acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (P‐ACC) and peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), and lower (P < 0.05) levels of P‐adenosine 5‘‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (P‐AMPK), increasing the composition of IMF and MyHC I (P < 0.05) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM). In terms of health, this group increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (P < 0.01) and desirable hypocholesterolemic fatty acids (DHFA) (P < 0.05), and decreased atherogenicity (AI) (P < 0.01) and hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids (HSFA) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a novel role for a balanced BCAA‐supplemented restricted protein (RP) diet in the epigenetic regulation of more tender and healthier pork by increasing IMF deposition and fiber type conversion, providing a cross‐regulatory molecular basis for revealing the nutritional regulation network of meat quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Monitoring of the Rioja red wine production process by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: López‐Rituerto Eva , Sørensen Klavs M , Savorani Francesco , Engelsen Søren B , Avenoza Alberto , Peregrina Jesús M , Busto Jesús H
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

As an inherently quantitative and unbiased analytical technique, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) provides an excellent method to monitor the quality of food and beverages, and a sensitive and informative tool to study the winemaking process.

RESULTS

By using NMR, it is possible to monitor quantitative changes in wine metabolites (amino acids, organic acids and some phenolic compounds) during the winemaking process, including wine ageing. This study shows an increase in the concentration of the phenols at the beginning of alcoholic fermentation, as well as a stabilization and slight increase in gallic acid and a slight decrease in resveratrol during the oak barrel ageing step.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the potential of NMR as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool in the wine industry, by monitoring amino acids, organic acids and three polyphenols – gallic acid, catechin and resveratrol – during the winemaking process. This study of the time course evolution of wine has been conducted in a commercial winery rather than an experimental laboratory, demonstrating the capacity of this technique in commercial winemaking production. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The determination of low oxygen threshold in garlic scapes during controlled atmosphere storage
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Na , Peng Yong , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Garlic scapes are susceptible to browning and rot during storage. In order to extend the storage time, controlled or modified atmosphere storage is usually used to maintain postharvest quality. However, low O2 or high CO2 damage easily occurs during atmosphere storage due to its respiration and unsuitable packaging. Therefore, the identification of low O2 threshold signal has been an urgent issue during atmosphere storage. This work investigated the quality changes and threshold signal during the controlled atmosphere storage of garlic scapes by the detection of ethanol and chlorophyll fluorescence.

RESULTS

The results showed that 7% CO2/3% O2 treatment could effectively slow down the decrease of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid, inhibit the accumulation of ethanol and maintain good sensory quality. Under dynamic atmosphere, garlic scapes had a tolerable minimum O2 threshold of 1.5% by the detection of ethanol, respiratory quotient and chlorophyll fluorescence F0. However, no obvious fluorescence Fv/Fm breakpoint was detected during dynamic atmosphere storage.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol and chlorophyll fluorescence F0 could be used as an indicator of low O2 damage during atmosphere storage of garlic scapes. The tolerable low O2 threshold was 1.5% O2 for garlic scapes storage. This work provided a new insight into the preservation of garlic scapes during atmosphere storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simulated grazing and nitrogen addition facilitate spatial expansion of Leymus chinensis clones into saline‐alkali soil patches: Implications for Songnen grassland restoration in northeast China
Authors: Wang Jianyong , Xu Tongtong , Feng Xinyue , Zhu Wanyue , Zhang Li , Pan Duofeng , Akram Nudrat Aisha , Ma Quanhui , Zhong Zhiwei , Mahroof Sehrish , Wang Ling
Published: December 2021

The spatial expansion characteristic of most clonal plant species makes them produce large networks by elongating rhizomes/stolons, and occupy more physical space; thus it could contribute to restoring patchy degraded grasslands. Grazing and fertilization may affect the expansion of clonal plants, and thus can affect the vegetation recovery of degraded grassland. However, these have never been tested under field conditions. A field study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 to evaluate the effects of simulated moderate grazing (SG) and nitrogen (N) addition on spatial expansion of Leymus chinensis, a widespread clonal plant species in the eastern part of the Eurasian steppe. Results showed that SG and N addition increased the number of L. chinensis ramets (small but intact modules units of this plants and with its own roots) growing in saline‐alkali soil patches; moreover, SG increased the total rhizome length and bud density of these ramets across the years by 59% and 52%, and N addition increased them by 88% and 98%, respectively. SG and N addition also increased the community biomass of the saline‐alkali soil patches by 27% and 74%, respectively. Under SG conditions, more biomass of L. chinensis was allocated to belowground organs, and to ramets growing in saline‐alkali soil patches. The findings demonstrated that both SG and N addition improved the spatial expansion of L. chinensis from favourable patches into saline‐alkali soil patches, thereby potential ramet recruitment and vegetation reconstruction. Moderate grazing management or fertilization could improve the restoration of patchy degraded grasslands by affecting the spatial expansion of clonal plants.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons accumulation in soil horizons of different temperate forest stands
Authors: Łyszczarz Stanisław , Lasota Jarosław , Błońska Ewa
Published: December 2021

Pollution due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a serious environmental issue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stand species composition on PAH content. The research covered the stand soils of the Rybnik Forest District, which experiences some of the highest deposition of industrial emissions in Europe. Pine, pine–oak and oak stands growing in the same soil conditions were selected for the study. Samples for further analyses were collected from the organic, humus mineral and mineral soil horizons. The organic C and N concentrations, pH, alkaline cation content, microbiological biomass of C and N, soil enzyme activity, soil organic matter (SOM) fractions and PAH content were determined. The oak stand soils were characterised by the lowest accumulation of PAHs (2936.0 μg kg−1) with high biochemical activity expressed by enzyme activity (dehydrogenases, N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase, phosphatase) and high microbiological biomass. In contrast, pine stand soils are acidified; hence, SOM decomposition is slowed, resulting in a high accumulation of PAHs (3805.0 μg kg−1). A strong correlation (r = 0.825) between PAH accumulation and SOM free light fraction (fLF) C concentration was noted. The stand species composition plays an important role in shaping the quality and quantity of SOM and soil acidification, which is reflected in the microbial activity and PAH accumulation in forest soils. Such accumulation in forest soils is related to the fractional composition of SOM, which is due to the influence of species composition through the supplied biomass.
Deterministic and Universal Quantum Squeezing Gate with a Teleportation‐Like Protocol
Authors: Sun Xiaocong , Wang Yajun , Tian Yuhang , Wang Qingwei , Tian Long , Zheng Yaohui , Peng Kunchi
Published: December 2021

Squeezing transformation as an essential component of quantum information processing, gives rise to the possibility to perform various tasks such as distributed quantum computation and the quantum‐logic gate. However, the reported squeezing gate with best performance so far is realized with low success probability, while the performance of the deterministic ones is currently circumscribed by the limited squeezing degree of the nonclassical ancilla. To address this issue, a new scheme of deterministic and universal quantum squeezing gate with the property of nonlocal operation owing to the teleportation‐like protocol is developed and demonstrated. A high‐fidelity squeezing operation, even when the level of target squeezing being up to 10 dB, is demonstrated where a squeezed state with nonclassical noise reduction of 6.5 dB is directly observed. Moreover, a high‐fidelity complex operation including a Fourier transformation and a phase squeezing gate are performed, exploring the potential of implementing the complex task of quantum information processing with the presented functional unit. The method can be applied to distributed quantum processor, the creation of exotic nonclassical states, and quantum error correction.
Tailoring Optical Vortical Dichroism with Stereometamaterials
Authors: Liu Shunli , Ni Jincheng , Zhang Cong , Wang Xinghao , Cao Yang , Wang Dawei , Ji Shengyun , Pan Deng , Li Rui , Wu Hao , Xin Chen , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Li Guixin , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: December 2021

Chiroptical response, investigating the interaction between photonic angular momenta and chiral media, is widely applied in optics and material science. In photonic spin angular momentum (SAM) dimension, tailoring circular dichroism (CD) is realized by varying chiral metamaterials for compact circular polarizers and enantiomer sensing. However, in photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM) dimension, tailorable chiroptical property by artificial metamaterials at a fixed operating wavelength remains elusive. Here, it is proposed and demonstrated that twisted stereometamaterials can yield OAM‐dependent tailorable vortical dichroism (VD) ranging from −97% to +98%. Engineering the geometrical parameters and symmetry of the twisted stereometamaterials can flexibly control the spectral characteristics of VD measurements such as sign, magnitude, and position. The twisted stereometamaterials, managing the transmission behaviors of light with various OAM, holds great promise for developing miniaturized components in integrated photonics and chiroptical spectroscopy.
Structure–Function Relationships of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on the Intestinal Epithelial Transcriptome in Caco‐2 Cells and a Murine Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Wu Richard Y. , Li Bo , Horne Rachael G. , Ahmed Abdalla , Lee Dorothy , Robinson Shaiya C. , Zhu Haitao , Cadete Marissa , Alganabi Mashriq , Filler Rachel , Johnson‐Henry Kathene C. , Delgado‐Olguin Paul , Pierro Agostino , Sherman Philip M.
Published: December 2021

Scope

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency affecting preterm infants. Breastmilk protects against NEC, partly due to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMO compositions are highly diverse, and it is unclear if anti‐NEC properties are specific to carbohydrate motifs. Here, this study compares intestinal epithelial transcriptomes of five synthetic HMOs (sHMOs) and examines structure–function relationships of HMOs on intestinal signaling.

Methods and Results

This study interrogates the transcriptome of Caco‐2Bbe1 cells in response to five synthetic HMOs (sHMOs) using RNA sequencing: 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL), 3‐fucosyllactose (3FL), 6′‐siallyllactose (6′‐SL), lacto‐N‐tetraose (LNT), lacto‐N‐neotetraose (LNnT). Protection against intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation occurred in an HMO‐dependent manner. Each sHMO exerts a unique set of host transcriptome changes and modulated unique signaling pathways. There is clustering between HMOs bearing similar side chains, with little overlap in gene regulation which is shared by all sHMOs. Interestingly, most sHMOs protect pups against NEC, exerting divergent mechanisms on intestinal cell morphology and inflammation.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that while structurally distinct HMOs impact intestinal physiology, their mechanisms of action differ. This finding establishes the first structure–function relationship of HMOs in the context of intestinal cell signaling responses and offers a functional framework by which to screen and design HMO‐like compounds.
Evidence‐based guideline: Neuromuscular ultrasound for the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Shook Steven J. , Ginsberg Matthew , Narayanaswami Pushpa , Beekman Roy , Dubin Andrew H. , Katirji Bashar , Swaminathan Bharathi , Werner Robert A. , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

The purpose of this literature review is to develop an evidence‐based guideline for the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). The proposed research question was: “In patients with suspected UNE, does ulnar nerve enlargement as measured with ultrasound accurately identify those patients with UNE?”

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed, and studies were classified according to American Academy of Neurology criteria for rating articles for diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Based on Class I evidence in four studies, it is probable that neuromuscular ultrasound measurement of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, either of diameter or cross‐sectional area (CSA), is accurate for the diagnosis of UNE.

Recommendation

For patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of ulnar neuropathy, clinicians should offer ultrasonographic measurement of ulnar nerve cross‐sectional area or diameter to confirm the diagnosis and localize the site of compression (Level B).
Dietary Incorporation of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis Mixture (DiPro Aqua) Ameliorates Growth Performance, Immune Response, and Intestinal Morphology in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Naraghi Morvarid , Shamsaie Mehrgan Mehdi , Manouchehri Hamed
Published: December 2021

The current study was designed to investigate the role of a commercial probiotic containing equal proportions (1:1) of Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis spores (1.6 × 1012 CFU/kg; DiPro Aqua) on the growth, immune response, and intestinal morphology of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. A total of 168 Rainbow Trout fry were randomly divided into four groups and were fed diets with different doses of DiPro Aqua (control: 0 CFU/kg; treatment 1 [T1]: 8 × 108 CFU/kg; T2: 16 × 108 CFU/kg; T3: 24 × 108 CFU/kg) for 56 d. The highest body weight gain and specific growth rate were obtained in the T2 and T3 groups. In addition, the highest feed conversion ratio was measured in the control group. The results showed that the serum total immunoglobulins and total protein content were increased in fish that were fed the T2 and T3 diets compared to those that received the T1 and control diets (P < 0.05). The highest alternative complement pathway hemolytic activity was measured in T2 fish compared to the other groups. According to the antibacterial activity of the skin mucus samples against Yersinia ruckeri, dietary levels of DiPro Aqua improved the mucus bactericidal activity and the maximum effect was recorded in the T2 group. The dietary levels of the probiotic mixture, especially in T2, increased the villus length, villus width, and crypt depth within the distal intestine compared to those in the control group. In conclusion, the optimal dietary dose of DiPro Aqua to boost growth performance, immunity, and intestinal morphology in Rainbow Trout was 2.0 × 108 CFU/kg based on polynomial regression analysis.
Resource use of geriatric nurses due to documentation practices: A cross‐sectional study of applied recording techniques in nursing homes
Authors: Larjow Eugenia , Lingner Tobias
Published: December 2021

Aim

To compare recent compliance cost estimates by nurses of German nursing homes who employ the new documentation approach structural model with those who use traditional documentation frameworks.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

For each documentation approach, five sub‐processes were surveyed employing standard activities. The postal and online surveys were based on the same self‐administered questionnaire. The measures addressed time investments and further costs to carry out the components of nursing documentation. Data were collected from a convenience sample of nurses (n = 264) from German nursing homes between October 2018 and June 2019.

Results

The analysed sub‐processes consume between 26 min and 8 hr per fulfilment. For users of the structural model, collecting information on a new admission is the costliest part of the documentation, at €90 per case. For users of other documentation approaches, care planning requires the most expensive effort, at €130 per case.
Self‐assembly of polymers from multicomponent reactions
Authors: Liu Hongxu , Kanjilal Pintu , Thayumanavan S
Published: December 2021

Supramolecular assemblies from synthetic polymers have been widely used in materials science and biological applications. Developing convenient and efficient methods to tune polymer structures and architectures is important for achieving desired self‐assembly behaviors. Among various synthetic strategies, multicomponent reactions have drawn significant interest due to the high reaction efficiency, chemical selectivity, atom economy and one‐pot manner. These features make it convenient to manipulate polymer properties by varying chemical building blocks. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the self‐assembly of polymers from multicomponent reactions. We discuss how multicomponent reactions are applied for polymerization and post‐polymerization modifications, generating polymers with specific self‐assembly behaviors for various research and application purposes. Challenges and perspectives about the development of this field are also discussed. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Polydopamine: a bioinspired adhesive and surface modification platform
Authors: Feinberg Hannah , Hanks Timothy W
Published: December 2021

Polydopamine is a biopolymer that is gaining widespread interest as a surface modifying agent due to its simplicity of preparation, versatility and biocompatibility. The material was first described during electrochemical studies of dopamine, but recognition of its structural similarity to key components of mussel adhesive proteins, which are able to adhere to a diverse range of surfaces in water, has led to its incorporation into a host of composite materials. This review will examine some of the emerging investigations into the complex mechanism of polydopamine formation, proposed structures and potential applications, with an emphasis on its use in biomedicine. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Thioesterase enzyme families: Functions, structures, and mechanisms
Authors: Caswell Benjamin T. , de Carvalho Caio C. , Nguyen Hung , Roy Monikrishna , Nguyen Tin , Cantu David C.
Published: December 2021

Thioesterases are enzymes that hydrolyze thioester bonds in numerous biochemical pathways, for example in fatty acid synthesis. This work reports known functions, structures, and mechanisms of updated thioesterase enzyme families, which are classified into 35 families based on sequence similarity. Each thioesterase family is based on at least one experimentally characterized enzyme, and most families have enzymes that have been crystallized and their tertiary structure resolved. Classifying thioesterases into families allows to predict tertiary structures and infer catalytic residues and mechanisms of all sequences in a family, which is particularly useful because the majority of known protein sequence have no experimental characterization. Phylogenetic analysis of experimentally characterized thioesterases that have structures with the two main structural folds reveal convergent and divergent evolution. Based on tertiary structure superimposition, catalytic residues are predicted.