bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diclofenac Resensitizes Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to β‐Lactams and Prevents Implant Infections
Authors: Zhang Shutao , Qu Xinhua , Tang Haozheng , Wang You , Yang Hongtao , Yuan Weien , Yue Bing
Published: May 2021

Implant infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause major complications during the perioperative period. Diclofenac, one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, is often used to relieve pain and inflammation. In this study, it is found that high‐dose diclofenac can inhibit the growth of MRSA, and does not easily induce drug‐resistant mutations after continuous passage. However, low‐doses diclofenac can resensitize bacteria to β‐lactams, which help to circumvent drug resistance and improve the antibacterial efficacy of conventional antibiotics. Further, low‐dose diclofenac in combination with β‐lactams inhibit MRSA associated biofilm formation in implants. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicate that diclofenac can reduce the expression of genes and proteins associated with β‐lactam resistance: mecA, mecR, and blaZ; peptidoglycan biosynthesis: murA, murC, femA, and femB; and biofilm formation: altE and fnbP. Murine implant infection models indicate that diclofenac combined with β‐lactams, can substantially alleviate MRSA infections in vivo. In addition, it is investigated that low dose diclofenac can inhibit MRSA antibiotic resistance via the mecA/blaZ pathway and related biofilms in implants. The synergistic effect of diclofenac and β‐lactams might have promising applications for preventing perioperative infection, considering its multitarget effects against MRSA.
Wireless Localized Electrical Stimulation Generated by an Ultrasound‐Driven Piezoelectric Discharge Regulates Proinflammatory Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Kong Ying , Liu Feng , Ma Baojin , Duan Jiazhi , Yuan Wenhu , Sang Yuanhua , Han Lin , Wang Shuhua , Liu Hong
Published: May 2021

Proinflammatory (M1) macrophages play a vital role in antitumor immunity, and regulation of proinflammatory macrophage polarization is critical for immunotherapy. The polarization of macrophages can be regulated by biological or chemical stimulation, but investigations of the regulatory effect of physical stimulation are limited. Herein, regulating macrophage polarization with localized electrical signals derived from a piezoelectric β‐phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β‐PVDF) film in a wireless mode is proposed. Charges released on the surface of the β‐PVDF film driven by ultrasonic irradiation can significantly enhance the M1 polarization of macrophages. Mechanistic investigation confirms that electrical potentials rather than reactive oxygen species and mechanical forces enable Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated channels and establishment of the Ca2+‐CAMK2A‐NF‐κB axis to promote the proinflammatory macrophage response during ultrasound treatment. Piezoelectric material‐mediated electrical signal‐activated proinflammatory macrophages significantly inhibit tumor cell proliferation. A method for electrogenetic regulation of immune cells as well as a powerful tool for engineering macrophages for immunotherapy is provided here.
Ferroelectric‐Nanocrack Switches for Memory and Complementary Logic with Zero Off‐current and Low Operating Voltage
Authors: Guo Zhe , Guan Yaodong , Luo Qiang , Hong Jeongmin , You Long
Published: May 2021

Ferroelectric devices have attracted intensive research in memory and logic applications due to their non‐volatility, scalability, and energy efficiency. As an emerging technology, the ferroelectric nanocrack device offers a simple and efficient way to manipulate the device resistance states with a high on/off ratio. Meanwhile, its complementary switching enables the construction of logic gates with a similar way as the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Here, it is demonstrated that the memory and logic functions can be realized by the same device structure with superior electrical performance, such as reliable metallic on‐state contacts, zero off‐state leakage current, and wide working temperature range (–110 to 150 °C). Moreover, the scaling performance has been investigated and the operating voltage can be reduced to average 2.5 V with device scaling down to sub‐micrometers. Following the scaling rule, the operating voltage can shrink largely to sub‐1 V at 100 nm nodes. In addition, the logic gates including NOT, 2:1 MUX, AND, and OR functions have been experimentally demonstrated. It is believed that this work can expand the scope of ferroelectronics and be applicable to logic‐in‐memory computing in the future.
MoO2 Nanowire Electrochemically Decorated Graphene Additively Manufactured Supercapacitor Platforms
Authors: García‐Miranda Ferrari Alejandro , Pimlott Jessica L. , Down Michael P. , Rowley‐Neale Samuel J. , Banks Craig E.
Published: May 2021

Additively manufactured (AM) supercapacitor platforms are fabricated from bespoke filaments, which are comprised of electro‐conductive graphene (20 wt%) incorporated polylactic acid (80 wt%), via fused deposition modeling and denoted as G/AMEs. The G/AMEs are shown to be capable of acting as a template for the electrodeposition of metals/metal oxides, in particular MoO2 nanowires (MoO2‐G/AMEs), which are subsequently explored as a capacitor within 1 m H2SO4, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Optimization of the MoO2‐G/AMEs demonstrates capacitance up to 1212 F g–1 when used in a symmetric arrangement. The material science described herein represents a significant enhancement in unlocking AMs potential as a valid manufacturing route for device level capacitance architectures.
All‐Inorganic Cesium‐Based Hybrid Perovskites for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Montecucco Riccardo , Quadrivi Eleonora , Po Riccardo , Grancini Giulia
Published: May 2021

In the last ten years, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have been skyrocketing the field of innovative photovoltaics (PVs) and now represent one of the most promising solution for next‐generation PVs. Within the family of halide perovskites, increasing attention has been focused on the so‐called all‐inorganic group, where the organic cation is replaced by cesium, as in the case of CsPbI3. This subclass of halide perovskites features desirable optoelectronic properties such as easily tunable bandgap, strong defect tolerance, and improved thermal stability compared to the hybrid systems. When integrated in PV cells, they exhibit high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with record values of 19.03%. However, all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PCSs) face several challenges such as i) instability of the CsPbI3 photoactive phase in ambient conditions, ii) inhomogeneous film morphology, and iii) high surface defect density. This work focuses on the mentioned challenges with a special attention on discussing the Cs–Pb–X system (X = I, Br). Then, the most recent and effective approaches for increasing both the PCE and the stability of devices are reviewed, which include material doping, interface engineering, and device optimization. Finally, the first efforts toward the upscaling of Cs‐based PSCs, and predicted methods for enabling large‐scale production, are discussed.
Circularly polarized luminescence of agglomerate emitters
Authors: Zhang Chong , Li Si , Dong Xi‐Yan , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: May 2021

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) originates from the chiral emissive excited states. CPL materials have promising applications in 3D optical displays, encryptions, biological probes, chiral photoelectric devices, and CPL switches, most of which require excellent CPL performances including bright luminescence and high luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) in the agglomerate state. This review systematically summarizes the progress about CPL of aggregate and solid materials, such as organic materials, metal‐organic materials (such as coordination polymers, organic‐inorganic metal halides, metal clusters, and cluster‐assembled materials), the assembled materials by supramolecular interactions, and liquid crystals. We also present the current challenges and a future perspective of chiral emitting agglomerate materials.
Diagnosis of skin and soft tissue infections using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Oi Marina , Maruhashi Takaaki , Kumazawa Kenichi , Iwakawa Saori , Kurihara Yutaro , Wato Jyunpei , Niimi Yuta , Takeda Akira , Asari Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Aim

Skin and soft tissue infections are classified into cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, which are difficult to distinguish. Necrotizing fasciitis has a poor prognosis and requires immediate intensive care. The diagnostic gold standard is to incise the lesion to determine whether necrosis has reached the fascia. We aimed to show that these infections can be differentiated using near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Methods

We describe two cases in an observational study about the utility of near‐infrared spectroscopy. Case 1 involved a 77‐year‐old man with a chief complaint of pain, redness, and swelling in the right lower leg for 1 week. Computed tomography of his legs showed no gas formation. Case 2 involved an 82‐year‐old man. He visited another hospital because of pain, redness, and swelling in the right thigh. Based on the X‐ray examination, necrotizing fasciitis was suspected, and he was transferred to our hospital.

Results

In Case 1, the regional oxygen saturation value was lower on the lesion side (41%) than on the healthy side (55%). We confirmed the depth of invasion by incision, leading to a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. In Case 2, the thigh’s regional oxygen saturation was higher on the affected side (76%) than on the healthy side (61%). An incision was made for diagnosis, but the fascia was not necrotized. Thus, we diagnosed cellulitis and provided conservative treatment using antibiotics.

Conclusion

Near‐infrared spectroscopy can be utilized to measure tissue blood flow, and it could be useful as a non‐invasive diagnostic tool for skin and soft tissue infections.
Topological Insulators: An In‐Depth Review of Their Use in Modelocked Fiber Lasers
Authors: Mondal Shyamal , Ganguly Rounak , Mondal Krishnakanta
Published: May 2021

Topological insulators (TIs) exhibit exciting optical properties, which open up a new pathway to generate ultrashort pulses from fiber lasers. Layered TIs display distinct saturable absorption properties due to excited state absorption, as compared to their bulk structures. Moreover, the electronic structures of the TI films depend on the thickness of the films due to the quantum confinement of the electrons. By virtue of this, TI nanoparticles play a key role in all‐fiber modelocked lasers. By tweaking the crystal structures of TIs, it is possible to generate ultrashort pulses across the visible, near‐infrared, and mid‐infrared wavelengths. Starting from the crystal structures and density of states calculations, how different topological insulators can be fabricated and integrated as an efficient passive saturable absorber in all‐fiber modelocked lasers with the capability of producing fundamental to high‐harmonic pulse generation are described clearly in this review report. Moreover, this report reviews the current state‐of‐art of TI‐based saturable absorbers and their applications in different regimes of modelocked fiber lasers.
A comprehensive review of blockchain applications in industrial Internet of Things and supply chain systems
Authors: Malik Nida , Alkhatib Khalid , Sun Yufei , Knight Elijah , Jararweh Yaser
Published: May 2021

The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and supply chain systems have become one of the most important technologies to positively impact our daily life activities. Blockchain technology has recently gained popularity and it is increasingly being employed in a large number of applications and industries. The use cases for blockchain are growing rapidly in different fields and domains. Combining blockchain into IIoT and in our supply chain logistics could provide many solutions to the critical issues that current systems face today. Blockchain features such as immutability, decentralization, and data encryption are useful in solving the shortcomings of IIoT and the current supply chain systems security and integrity. This article presents a comprehensive review of blockchain applications in IIoT and supply chain systems. This article also focuses on the security aspects of blockchain integration within industry applications with the support of the emerging edge computing technology.
A granular perspective on inclusion: Objectively measured interactions of preschoolers with and without autism
Authors: Fasano Regina M. , Perry Lynn K. , Zhang Yi , Vitale Laura , Wang Jue , Song Chaoming , Messinger Daniel S.
Published: May 2021

Children's preschool experiences have consequences for development. However, it is not clear how children's real‐time interactions with peers affect their language development; nor is it clear whether these processes differ between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and two other groups of children, those with general developmental delays (DD) and typically developing (TD) children. We used objective measures of movement and vocalizations to quantify children's real‐time dyadic vocal interactions and quantify classroom social networks. Participants included 56 preschoolers (22 female; M = 50.14 months) in five inclusive classrooms for children with ASD or DD and their TD peers. Each class was observed monthly on two to five occasions. Overall, children vocalized more to peers who had vocalized more to them in the previous observation. These dyadic vocalization patterns were associated with group differences in social network analyses. Modularity, the cohesiveness of group ties, was lower among children with ASD than it was among TD children or children with DD. Individually, children with ASD exhibited lower total levels of vocalizations with peers (lower degree centrality) than TD children and children with DD. In an exploratory analysis with a subset of the participants, children's degree centrality was strongly associated with their end‐of‐year assessed language abilities, even when accounting for mean differences between groups. Findings highlight the impact peers and social networks play in real‐time language use and in the developing language abilities of children with ASD in inclusion classrooms.

Lay Summary

This study objectively measured associations between children's peer vocal interactions and assessed language abilities in inclusion classrooms for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their peers. All children benefited from peers talking to them, but children with ASD were less central to classroom speech networks than were typically developing children. Children's centrality to social speech networks, regardless of ASD status, was associated with assessed language abilities.
Early Battery Performance Prediction for Mixed Use Charging Profiles Using Hierarchal Machine Learning
Authors: Kunz M. Ross , Dufek Eric J. , Yi Zonggen , Gering Kevin L. , Shirk Matthew G. , Smith Kandler , Chen Bor‐Rong , Wang Qiang , Gasper Paul , Bewley Randy L. , Tanim Tanvir R.
Published: May 2021

A key step limiting how fast batteries can be deployed is the time necessary to provide evaluation and validation of performance. Using data analysis approaches, such as machine learning, the validation process can be accelerated. However, questions on the validity of projecting models trained on limited data or simple cycling profiles, such as constant current cycling, to real‐world scenarios with complex loads remains. Here, we present the ability to predict performance with less than 1.2 % mean absolute percent error when trained on cells aged using complex electric vehicle discharge profiles, and either AC Level 2 charge or DC Fast charge profiles, using only the first 45 cycles, namely 5 % of the total testing time. While error is low across the projections, this study also highlights that battery lifetime analysis using only cycling data may not extrapolate safely to certain real‐world conditions due to the impact of calendar degradation.
LINE‐1 vectors mediate recombinant antibody gene transfer by retrotransposition in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Zheng Feiyang , Kawabe Yoshinori , Murakami Mai , Takahashi Mamika , Nishihata Kyoka , Yoshida Souichiro , Ito Akira , Kamihira Masamichi
Published: May 2021

Retrotransposons, such as long interspersed element‐1 (LINE‐1), can copy themselves to other genomic loci via a transposition event (termed retrotransposition). Retrotransposons, therefore, have potential use as an efficient gene delivery tool to integrate multiple copies of a target gene into a host genome. Here, we developed a retrotransposon vector based on LINE‐1 that achieves target gene integration of multiple transgene copies.

The retrotransposon vector contains a neomycin resistance gene split by an intron as a marker gene, and a gene encoding an antibody single‐chain variable fragment (Fv) fused with the constant antibody region (Fc) (scFv‐Fc) as a model target gene. G418‐resistant Chinese hamster ovary cells were generated using this retrotransposon vector, and scFv‐Fc was produced in the culture medium.

To regulate retrotransposition, we developed a retrotransposon vector system that separately expressed the two open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2) of LINE‐1. Genomic PCR analysis detected the transgene sequence in almost all tested clones. Compared with clones established using the intact LINE‐1 vector, clones generated with the split ORF1 and ORF2 system showed similar specific scFv‐Fc productivity and retrotransposition efficiency.

This approach of using a retrotransposon‐based vector system has the potential to provide a new gene delivery tool for mammalian cells.
Engineering the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for β‐farnesene overproduction
Authors: Shi Tianqiong , Li Yawen , Zhu Li , Tong Yangyang , Yang Junjie , Fang Yunming , Wang Meng , Zhang Jieze , Jiang Yu , Yang Sheng
Published: May 2021

β‐farnesene is a sesquiterpenoid with various industrial applications which is now commercially produced by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain obtained by random mutagenesis and genetic engineering. We rationally designed a genetically defined Yarrowia lipolytica through recovery of L‐leucine biosynthetic route, gene dosage optimization of β‐farnesene synthase and disruption of the competition pathway. The resulting β‐farnesene titer was improved from 8 to 345 mg L‐1. Finally, the strategy for decreasing the lipid accumulation by individually and iteratively knocking out four acyltransferases encoding genes was adopted. The result displayed that β‐farnesene titer in the engineered strain CIBT6304 in which acyltransferases (DGA1 and DGA2) were deleted increased by 45% and reached 539 mg L‐1 (88 mg g‐1 DCW). Using fed‐batch fermentation, CIBT6304 could produce the highest β‐farnesene titer (22.8 g L‐1) among the genetically defined strains. This study will provide the foundation of engineering Y. lipolytica to produce other terpenoids more cost‐efficiently.
Recent improvement in survival outcomes and reappraisal of prognostic factors in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Koh Kyung‐Nam , Namgoong Jung‐Man , Yoon Hee Mang , Cho Young Ah , Choi Se Hoon , Shin Juhee , Kang Sung Han , Suh Jin Kyung , Kim Hyery , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Kim Dae Yeon , Im Ho Joon
Published: May 2021

Background

Prognostic factors in hepatoblastoma need to be reevaluated considering the advances in treatment modalities. The study aimed to evaluate current outcomes of hepatoblastoma and reappraise the association of prognostic factors, including pre‐treatment extent of tumor (PRETEXT) stage with annotation factors and Children's Hepatic tumors International Collaboration‐Hepatoblastoma Stratification (CHIC‐HS) system, with survival outcomes.

Methods

We evaluated 103 consecutive patients with hepatoblastoma retrospectively according to the treatment period based on the introduction of a liver transplantation program.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival (OS), event‐free survival (EFS), and transplant‐free survival rates were 80.2%, 74.2%, and 61.8%, respectively. EFS and OS were improved significantly from 58.6% to 81.6% (P = 0.024) and from 58.6% to 90.8% (P < 0.001), respectively, in the late period (N = 74) compared with the early period (N = 29). The PRETEXT stage was significant or marginally significant for EFS and OS in the early period but not in the late period. The P, F, R, and C factors were significant for OS and EFS in the early period. However, in the late period, only the P factor was significant for OS, and the F and M factors were significant for EFS. The CHIC‐HS system was significant or marginally significant for EFS in both the early and late periods; however, it was significant for OS only in the early period.

Conclusion

Survival rates were significantly improved in children with hepatoblastoma, especially in those with advanced PRETEXT stages with positive annotation factors and in a high‐risk CHIC‐HS group. Prognostic factors had different clinical implications with evolved treatment modalities.
Influence of Spray Drying Parameters on the Formation of β‐Phase Poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Wiegmann Jens , Beuermann Sabine , Weber Alfred P.
Published: May 2021

A simple one‐step spraying method to produce poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in the desired conformation is presented. The content of the piezoelectric β‐phase is measured at different spray drying conditions and during electrospray. The influence of a strong electrical field and charges on the droplet are investigated separately from the electrospray setup with a pneumatic atomizer. For this purpose, the electric field is integrated into a pneumatic atomization process by a plate capacitor and the charge of the droplets by corona discharge. To investigate the drying properties, the drying temperature and the flow rate of dry air are examined. The presented process offers the possibility to deposit PVDF films or to produce PVDF powders, in their piezoelectric β‐ and γ‐phases or in the nonpolar α‐phase.
Dealuminated Y Zeolite for Water‐Driven Adsorption Heat Pumps: Hydrothermal Stability
Authors: Buhl Josef‐Christian , Lutz Wolfgang , Herzog Thomas
Published: May 2021

Silica gel or zeolites AlPO‐5 and SAPO‐34 are recommended as adsorbents in water‐driven heat pumps because of their selective water uptake. Secondary energy, like solar energy, can be used for regeneration of loaded adsorbers. In case of the availability of only low energy levels, the use of dealuminated Y zeolite (DAY) is the better choice because of the infinitely variation of its hydrophilic properties by tailoring of the framework Si/Al ratio. Actual data on the hydrothermal stability of DAY are lacking. Thus, we report on the long‐term behavior of DAY zeolites with different Si/Al ratios.
Prevalance and clinical characteristics of gingival recession in Greek young adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fragkioudakis Ioannis , Tassou Dimitra , Sideri Maria , Vouros Ioannis
Published: May 2021

Objective

The current cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of gingival recession (REC) in a sample of young individuals. In addition, the association with several risk factors was examined.

Materials & methods

A 104 subjects, aged 18–30 years old, were randomly enrolled in the study. Participants were requested to fill in a simple structured questionnaire in order to provide information on dental hygiene habits, educational level, smoking and history of orthodontic treatment. Afterwards, all the included individuals were subjected to a thorough clinical periodontal examination including gingival recession (REC), gingival biotype, plaque levels and gingival bleeding index (GBI) assessment.

Results

The mean prevalence of REC in the studied population surpassed 50% with an equal distribution among females and males. The most common teeth associated with REC were the lower left canine and left 1st premolar. Among the examined variables, only the bleeding index was found to be associated with the presence of REC.

Conclusions

Gingival recession was a prevalent condition among young individuals. Gingival inflammation was found to be the most significant factor affecting the incidence of REC.
A survey of traditional and advanced automatic modulation classification techniques, challenges, and some novel trends
Authors: Abdel‐Moneim Mohamed A. , El‐Shafai Walid , Abdel‐Salam Nariman , El‐Rabaie El‐Sayed M. , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E.
Published: May 2021

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is an important stage in intelligent wireless communication receivers. It is a necessary process after signal detection, and before demodulation. It plays a vital role in various applications. Blind modulation classification is a very difficult task without information about the transmitted signal and the receiver parameters like carrier frequency, signal power, timing information, phase offset, existence of frequency‐selective multipath fading, and time‐varying channels in real‐world applications. The AMC methods are divided into traditional and advanced methods. Traditional methods include likelihood‐based (LB) and feature‐based (FB) methods. The advanced methods include deep learning (DL) methods. In addition, the AMC methods are used to classify different modulation schemes such as ASK, PSK, FSK, PAM, and QAM with different orders and different signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). This paper focuses on summarizing the AMC methoods, comparing between them, presenting the commercial software packages for AMC, and finally considering the new challenges in the implementation of AMC.
Enhanced moth flame optimization based Supervision Kernel Entropy Component Analysis for high‐speed encrypted transmission model
Authors: M Babu , Sathish Kumar G A
Published: May 2021

Recently, encryption technology plays a vital role in providing secure information. In the multimedia sector, several images and posts are broadcasted via the internet on a daily basis; in which the images are transmitted on social media and are subjected to several security attacks. As a result, it is essential to secure the images from illegal or forbidden accessing. This paper aims to develop a novel Supervision Kernel Entropy Component Analysis‐enhanced moth flame optimization (SKECA‐EMFO)‐based encrypted transmission system. Here, an effective encryption transmission system is designed using a Bayes minimum risk classifier to secure sensitive information during the transmission processes. Furthermore, the SM4 encryption algorithm performs high‐speed encrypted transmission speed and achieves intelligent recognition performance. The novel SKECA‐EMFO approach is employed in demonstrating facial expression recognition thereby obtaining an optimal feature set. Finally, seven benchmark functions are utilized to examine and calculate the efficiency of the newly established proposed approach. The comparative analysis is carried out with a few approaches, and the results reveal that the proposed approach provides superior performances than other existing techniques.
Landscape composition mediates the relationship between predator body size and pest control
Authors: Perez‐Alvarez Ricardo , Grab Heather , Polyakov Anthony , Poveda Katja
Published: May 2021

Understanding the mechanisms contributing to positive relationships between predator diversity and natural pest control is fundamental to inform more effective management practices to support sustainable crop production. Predator body size can provide important insights to better understand and predict such predator‐pest interactions. Yet, most studies exploring the link between predator body size and pest control have been conducted in species‐poor communities under controlled environmental conditions, limiting our ability to generalize this relationship across heterogeneous landscapes. Using the community of naturally occurring ground beetles in cabbage fields, we examined how landscape composition (percent cropland) influences the size structure (mean, variance, and skewness of body size distribution) of predator communities and the subsequent effects on pest control. We found that predator communities shifted their size distribution toward larger body sizes in agriculturally dominated landscapes. This pattern arose from increasing numerical dominance of a few large‐bodied species rather than an aggregated response across the community. Such landscape‐driven changes in community size structure led to concomitant impacts on pest control, as the mean body size of predators was positively related to predation rates. Notably, the magnitude of pest control depended not only on the size of the dominant predators but was also strongly determined by the relative proportion of small vs. large‐bodied species (i.e., skewness). Predation rates were higher in predator assemblages with even representation of small and large‐bodied species relative to communities dominated by either large or small‐bodied predators. Landscape composition may therefore modulate the relationship between predator body size and pest control by influencing the body size distribution of co‐occurring species. Our study highlights the need to consider agricultural practices that not only boost effective predators, but also sustain a predator assemblage with a diverse set of traits to maximize overall pest control.
Nitrogen cycling in pastoral livestock systems in Sub‐Saharan Africa: knowns and unknowns
Authors: Carbonell Victoria , Merbold Lutz , Díaz‐Pinés Eugenio , Dowling Thomas P. F. , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: May 2021

Pastoral systems are the dominant livestock production system in arid and semiarid regions of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). They are often the only form of agriculture that can be practiced due to unfavorable climate and soil fertility levels that prevent crop cultivation. Pastoralism can have negative impacts on the environment, including land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and other gases to the atmosphere, soil erosion, water pollution and biodiversity loss. Here, we review the current knowledge on nitrogen (N) cycling, storage, and loss pathways, with an emphasis on identification of N emission hotspots. Our review reports a large uncertainty in the amount of N lost as ammonia from excreta and manure storage, as well as N losses via nitrate and DON leaching. We also found that another major N loss pathway (18%), soil N2 emissions, has not yet been measured. In order to summarize the available information, we use a virtual pastoral farm, with characteristics and management practices obtained from a real farm, Kapiti Research Station in Kenya. For outlining N flows at this virtual farm, we used published data, data from global studies, satellite imagery and geographic information system (GIS) tools. Our results show that N inputs in pastoral systems are dominated by atmospheric N deposition (˜80%), while inputs due to biological nitrogen fixation seems to play a smaller role. A major N loss pathway is nitrogen leaching (nitrate > DON) from pastures (33%). Cattle enclosures (bomas), where animals are kept during night, represent N emissions hotspots, representing 16% of the total N losses from the system. N losses via ammonia volatilization and N2O were four and three orders of magnitude higher from bomas than from the pasture, respectively. Based on our results, we further identify future research requirements and highlight the urgent need for experimental data collection to quantify nitrogen losses from manure in animal congregation areas. Such information is needed to improve our understanding on N cycling in pastoral systems in semiarid regions and to provide practical recommendations for managers that can help with decision‐making on management strategies in pastoral systems in semiarid savannas.
Epigenetic effects of parasites and pesticides on captive and wild nestling birds
Authors: McNew Sabrina M. , Boquete M. Teresa , Espinoza‐Ulloa Sebastian , Andres Jose A. , Wagemaker Niels C. A. M. , Knutie Sarah A. , Richards Christina L. , Clayton Dale H.
Published: May 2021

Anthropogenic changes to the environment challenge animal populations to adapt to new conditions and unique threats. While the study of adaptation has focused on genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms may also be important. DNA methylation is sensitive to environmental stressors, such as parasites and pesticides, which may affect gene expression and phenotype. We studied the effects of an invasive ectoparasite, Philornis downsi, on DNA methylation of Galápagos mockingbirds (Mimus parvulus). We used the insecticide permethrin to manipulate P. downsi presence in nests of free‐living mockingbirds and tested for effects of parasitism on nestling mockingbirds using epiGBS, a reduced‐representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) approach. To distinguish the confounding effects of insecticide exposure, we conducted a matching experiment exposing captive nestling zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to permethrin. We used zebra finches because they were the closest model organism to mockingbirds that we could breed in controlled conditions. We identified a limited number of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in parasitized versus nonparasitized mockingbirds, but the number was not more than expected by chance. In contrast, we saw clear effects of permethrin on methylation in captive zebra finches. DMCs in zebra finches paralleled documented effects of permethrin exposure on vertebrate cellular signaling and endocrine function. Our results from captive birds indicate a role for epigenetic processes in mediating sublethal nontarget effects of pyrethroid exposure in vertebrates. Environmental conditions in the field were more variable than the laboratory, which may have made effects of both parasitism and permethrin harder to detect in mockingbirds. RRBS approaches such as epiGBS may be a cost‐effective way to characterize genome‐wide methylation profiles. However, our results indicate that ecological epigenetic studies in natural populations should consider the number of cytosines interrogated and the depth of sequencing in order to have adequate power to detect small and variable effects.
Combined associations of obesity and metabolic health with subclinical left ventricular dysfunctions: Danyang study
Authors: Wang Ye , Liang Junya , Zheng Shasha , He Anxia , Chen Chao , Zhao Xixuan , Hua Mulian , Xu Junyao , Zheng Ziwen , Liu Ming
Published: May 2021

Aims

The association of strictly defined metabolic healthy obese (MHO) with subclinical cardiac function was unclear. Our study aims to examine the role of MHO in subclinical cardiac dysfunction in a Chinese population.

Methods and results

The study subjects were recruited from Danyang from 2017 to 2019. Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI) categories (normal weight, overweight and obesity). Metabolic health was strictly defined as having neither any of the guidelines recommended metabolic syndrome components nor insulin resistance. Thus, subjects were grouped by BMI categories and metabolic health status as six groups. Preclinical systolic (global longitudinal strain [GLS]) and diastolic function were assessed by 2D speckle tracking, and transmitral and tissue Doppler imaging, respectively. The 2757 participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 52.7 ± 11.7 years) included 1613 (58.5%) women, 999 (36.2%) obese, 2080 (75.4%) metabolically unhealthy and 93 (3.4%) MHO participants. After adjustment for covariates, the trend was similar for left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (Ptrend ≥ 0.07) but significantly worse for GLS, e′ and E/e′ (Ptrend ≤ 0.02) across the six groups or passing from normal weight to obese individuals irrespective of metabolic status. MHO participants had lower GLS (20.4 vs. 21.4%) and e′ (9.6 vs. 10.6 cm/s) compared with controls (P < 0.0001) but had similar GLS (P = 0.47) compared with metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Regardless of obesity status, metabolically unhealthy participants had worse diastolic function compared with their metabolically healthy counterparts (P ≤ 0.0004). Compared with controls, MHO individuals were at higher risk of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction (OR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.25–9.49, P = 0.02). These results were robust to sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

MHO was substantially associated with worse subclinical systolic function although early diastolic dysfunction seemed to be more accentuated in MUO.
Antioxidant Activity of Piceatannol in Canola Oil
Authors: He Wen‐Sen , Rui Jiaxin , Wang Qingzhi , Chen Zhen‐Yu
Published: May 2021

Piceatannol has shown to be a strong antioxidant in vivo, however, its ability to suppress lipid oxidation in foods has not been examined. The present study is to examine the antioxidant effect of piceatannol on heated canola oil compared with that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The oxidation of canola oil is conducted at 60, 90, 120, and 150 °C by monitoring the depletion of oxygen, the decrease in unsaturated fatty acids, and the changes of primary and secondary oxidation products. Results demonstrated that piceatannol can suppress lipid oxidation of canola oil in a dose‐dependent manner with its effect being more effective than BHT.

Practical Applications: Lipid oxidation is a major factor in the deterioration of food quality. Synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT and butylated hydroxyanisole, are used to inhibit oxidation in foods, but their safety has been always concerned. Piceatannol has exhibited a strong antioxidant activity to attenuate lipid oxidation and it should be further explored for use as a natural antioxidant in foods.
Bisexual erasure: Perceived attraction patterns of bisexual women and men
Authors: Morgenroth Thekla , Kirby Teri A. , Cuthbert Maisie J. , Evje Jacob , Anderson Arielle E.
Published: May 2021

Bisexual individuals face identity denial and erasure and qualitative analyses suggest that it may be gendered, such that people stereotype bisexual women as truly heterosexual and bisexual men as truly gay. Across three studies (total N = 787), we examined perceptions of bisexual targets’ attraction patterns. Participants rated the attraction of either a female or male bisexual target to both the same gender/sex and opposite gender/sex. An internal meta‐analysis revealed that heterosexual, lesbian, and gay participants all perceived bisexual men as more attracted to men than to women. No such pattern emerged for bisexual women. These differences between the perception of bisexual women and bisexual men were also reflected in the endorsement of an explicit measure of bisexual erasure. Our findings add to the understanding of the unique bias bisexual people face by showing that perceived attraction patterns may underlie the labelling of bisexual men as “actually gay”.
Ghrelin as a possible biomarker and maintaining factor in patients with eating disorders reporting childhood traumatic experiences
Authors: Rossi Eleonora , Cassioli Emanuele , Gironi Veronica , Idrizaj Eglantina , Garella Rachele , Squecco Roberta , Baccari Maria Caterina , Maggi Mario , Vignozzi Linda , Comeglio Paolo , Ricca Valdo , Castellini Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Objective

The recent conceptualization of ghrelin as a stress hormone suggested that its chronic alterations may have a role in maintaining overeating behaviors in subjects with eating disorders (EDs) reporting childhood traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations of ghrelin levels in patients with EDs, their associations with early trauma, binge and emotional eating, and possible moderation/mediation models.

Method

Sixty‐four patients with EDs and 42 healthy controls (HCs) had their plasma ghrelin levels measured and completed questionnaires evaluating general and ED‐specific psychopathology, emotional eating, and childhood traumatic experiences.

Results

Participants with anorexia nervosa had higher ghrelin levels than HCs in body mass index (BMI)‐adjusted comparisons. Moreover, patients reporting a history of childhood trauma had higher ghrelin levels. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA), BMI, and self‐induced vomiting were independent predictors of ghrelin levels. Moderation analyses showed that ghrelin levels were associated with binge and emotional eating only for higher levels of childhood trauma. Elevated ghrelin was a significant mediator for the association of CSA with binge eating.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that chronic alterations in ghrelin levels following childhood traumatic experiences could represent a neurobiological maintaining factor of pathological overeating behaviors in EDs.
Effects of Agricultural Stressors on Growth and an Immune Status Indicator in Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) Tadpoles and Metamorphs
Authors: Ruso Gabrielle E. , Hogan Natacha S. , Sheedy Claudia , Gallant Melanie J. , Jardine Timothy D.
Published: May 2021

Like many amphibians, wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) populations have likely declined or experienced local extirpations as a result of habitat alterations. Despite this, wood frogs are still present and breeding in altered landscapes, like the agricultural Prairie Pothole Region of central Canada, and are exposed to a variety of anthropogenic impacts. As tadpoles, water contamination can have negative effects on growth, development, and immune systems. To investigate the potential effects of agricultural land use on tadpole growth and immune system stress, we used boosted regression trees to model body mass, body condition, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, a measure of immune stress, against 32 variables including water quality, wetland habitat, and landscape-level measures. Developmental stage strongly influenced all 3 endpoints, and body mass was negatively influenced by higher levels of total dissolved solids (>600–700 mg/L) and at the first sign of pesticide detection (>0.01 proportion pesticides detected of those screened). While correlative, these data suggest that tadpoles developing in agricultural environments may experience survival and reproductive disadvantages if they metamorphose at smaller body sizes. Given the potential impacts this can have on adult frogs and frog populations, these results provide an impetus for further field-based investigation into the effects that pesticides, and especially total dissolved solids, may have on tadpoles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2269–2281. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

A graphical summary illustrating the effects of certain water quality variables on tadpole mass (including metamorph mass, but metamorphs are not illustrated). Concentrations of total dissolved solids greater than approximately 600 to 700 mg/L and proportion of pesticides detected >0.01 were associated with lower mass. Ammonia concentrations of approximately 0.5 to 0.75 mg/L and wetland surface area between 4000 and 6000 m2 had small positive effects on mass. TDS = total dissolved solids; Prop. = proportion; DN-Amm = dissolved nitrogen-ammonia; SA = surface area.
Mountain futures: pursuing innovative adaptations in coupled social–ecological systems
Authors: Grumbine R Edward , Xu Jianchu
Published: May 2021

Covering about 12.5% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface, mountains have great value for people and nature. They provide habitat for one‐third of terrestrial species diversity, have irreplaceable cultural and spiritual worth to humans, and are a source of fresh water for nearly 2 billion people. To date, progress on meeting policy goals to protect mountain systems has been slow; however, in 2019, several major reports on the contributions alpine environments make to life on Earth were produced by international agencies. These reports call for transformative change in decision making to address problems of sustainability in mountain ecosystems. We consider prospects for such change by reviewing several international partnerships focused on mountains. We then spotlight the Mountain Futures Initiative, which provides multiple examples of innovative local/regional research that give special focus to linking science with local livelihood support. Communities in alpine regions will continue to require assistance if they are to adapt to the environmental and social shifts characteristic of life in the Anthropocene.
Impact of different cooking methods on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rabbit meat
Authors: Siddique Rabia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Ahmad Hamad , Zahid Faisal Maqbool , Karrar Emad
Published: May 2021

The influence of a variety of cooking methods (poaching, boiling, grilling (charcoal or gas)), frying (pan, deep frying, and stir frying) with a variety of oils (vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, extra light olive oil, and sunflower oil), microwaving, and oven roasting on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formation in rabbit meat samples was investigated. Meat samples (including three replicates) were prepared without additives or spices. PAHs extraction was carried out by saponification method with potassium hydroxide in methanol which was followed by a silica gel column technique and the samples were quantified by using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). PAHs standards, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, acenaphthalene, fluoranthene, and benzopyrene, were used for this study. The other PAHs except fluorene were not observed (detection limit‐0.009 µg/g) in all the samples. Among traditional processing techniques, higher PAH contents were observed as a result of frying. Frying with vegetable oil produced higher fluorene content (0.06–0.13 µg/g) in the deep‐fried sample, although sesame oil is the best oil which produces lowest PAH contents in fried samples. Among all the processing techniques, lower fluorene (0.01–0.02 µg/g) content was noticed in poaching. Benzo(a)pyrene was not observed in all the investigated samples which is viewed as a reliable strategy of the cooking process for human consumption. After processing, the cooking loss was determined and oven roasting and grilling exhibited greater moisture loss.
Longitudinal changes in regional cerebral blood flow in late middle‐aged and older adults with treated and untreated obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: L'Heureux Francis , Baril Andrée‐Ann , Gagnon Katia , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Lafond Chantal , Montplaisir Jacques , Gosselin Nadia
Published: May 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with abnormal cerebral perfusion at wakefulness, but whether these anomalies evolve over time is unknown. Here, we examined longitudinal changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) distribution in late middle‐aged and older adults with treated or untreated OSA. Twelve controls (64.8 ± 8.0 years) and 23 participants with newly diagnosed OSA (67.8 ± 6.2 years) were evaluated with polysomnography and cerebral 99mTc‐HMPAO single‐photon emission computed tomography during wakeful rest. OSA participants were referred to a sleep apnea clinic and 13 of them decided to start continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Participants were tested again after 18 months. Voxel‐based analysis and extracted relative rCBF values were used to assess longitudinal changes. Untreated OSA participants showed decreased relative rCBF in the left hippocampus and the right parahippocampal gyrus over time, while treated participants showed trends for increased relative rCBF in the left hippocampus and the right parahippocampal gyrus. No changes were found over time in controls. Untreated OSA is associated with worsening relative rCBF in specific brain areas over time, while treated OSA shows the opposite. Considering that OSA possibly accelerates cognitive decline in older adults, CPAP treatment could help reduce risk for cognitive impairment.