bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Freezing of edible flowers: Effect on microbial and antioxidant quality during storage
Authors: Fernandes Luana , Casal Susana , Pereira José Alberto , Pereira Ermelinda Lopes , Saraiva Jorge A. , Ramalhosa Elsa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEdible flowers are a new gourmet product; however, they are not always available all years. Thus, it is essential to find out technologies to guarantee this product for a longer time. Flowers of four species (borage [Borago officinalis], heartsease [Viola tricolor], kalanchoe [Kalanchoe blossfeldiana], and dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]) were subjected to freezing (in their natural form and in ice cubes) and analyzed in terms of visual appearance, the content of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, phenolics, antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power), and microbial quality after storage for 1 and 3 months. Flowers in ice cubes showed similar appearance to fresh ones during the 3 months of storage, whereas frozen flowers were only equivalent up to 1 month with the exception of kalanchoe. Even though flowers in ice cubes showed good appearance after 3 months of storage, they had the lowest values of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. On the contrary, when frozen, the content of bioactive compounds maintained or even increased up to 1 month of storage compared to fresh flowers, except for borage. Furthermore, in both freezing treatments, the microorganisms’ counts decreased or maintained when compared to fresh samples, except in dandelion. In general, both treatments may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times.Practical ApplicationThe market of edible flowers is increasing, although they are a very perishable product with short shelf‐life. Edible flowers are stored in the cold (frozen or in ice cubes); however, the effect on the bioactive compounds and microbial quality that this treatment may have on borage (Borago officinalis), heartsease (Viola tricolor), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flowers is unknown. So, the present study was conducted to increase the knowledge about the changes that freezing treatments may have in different edible flowers. The results of the present study underline that each flower has different behavior at frozen and ice cubes storage. However, freezing flowers maintain/increase the contents of bioactive compounds, while ice cubes not. Both treatments are effective in protecting flowers from microorganism growth. So, suggesting that both freezing treatments can be used as a preservative method and may allow keeping the flowers after their flowering times.
Application of monoclonal antibodies in quantifying fungal growth dynamics during aerobic spoilage of silage
Authors: Le Cocq Kate , Brown Bethany , Hodgson Christopher J. , McFadzean Jamie , Horrocks Claire A. , Lee Michael R. F. , Davies David R. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryProliferation of filamentous fungi following ingress of oxygen to silage is an important cause of dry matter losses, resulting in significant waste. In addition, the production of mycotoxins by some filamentous fungi poses a risk to animal health through mycotoxicosis. Quantitative assessment of fungal growth in silage, through measurement of ergosterol content, colony‐forming units or temperature increase is limiting in representing fungal growth dynamics during aerobic spoilage due to being deficient in either representing fungal biomass or being able to identify specific genera. Here, we conducted a controlled environment aerobic exposure experiment to test the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the proliferation of fungal biomass in six silage samples. We compared this to temperature which has been traditionally deployed in such experiments and on‐farm to detect aerobic deterioration. In addition, we quantified ergosterol, a second marker of fungal biomass. After 8 days post‐aerobic exposure, the ergosterol and ELISA methods indicated an increase in fungal biomass in one of the samples with a temperature increase observed after 16 days. A comparison of the methods with Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a positive association between temperature and ergosterol and both markers of fungal biomass. This work indicates that the technology has potential to be used as an indicator of microbial degradation in preserved forage. Consequently, if it developed as an on‐farm technique, this could inform forage management decisions made by farmers, with the goal of decreasing dry matter losses, improving resource and nutrient efficiency and reducing risks to animal health.
The Utility of Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Enhanced Physical Examination in Children With Blunt Torso Trauma
Authors: Kornblith Aaron E. , Graf Jahanara , Addo Newton , Newton Christopher , Callcut Rachael , Grupp‐Phelan Jacqueline , Jaffe David M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesComputed tomography (CT), the reference standard for diagnosis of intraabdominal injury (IAI), carries risk including ionizing radiation. CT‐sparing clinical decision rules for children have relied heavily on physical examination, but they did not include focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), which has emerged into widespread use during the past decade. We sought to determine the independent associations of physical examination, laboratory studies, and FAST with identification of IAI in children and to compare the test characteristics of these diagnostic variables. We hypothesized that FAST may add incremental utility to a physical examination alone to more accurately identify children who could forgo CT scan.MethodsWe reviewed a large trauma database of all children with blunt torso trauma presenting to a freestanding pediatric emergency department during a 20‐month period. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of FAST, physical examination, and selected laboratory data with IAI in children, and we compared the test characteristics of these variables.ResultsAmong 354 children, 50 (14%) had IAI. Positive FAST (odds ratio [OR] = 14.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.5 to 30.8) and positive physical examination (OR = 15.2, 95% CI = 7.7 to 31.7) were identified as independent predictors for IAI. Physical examination and FAST each had sensitivities of 74% (95% CI = 60% to 85%). Combining FAST and physical examination as FAST‐enhanced physical examination (exFAST) improved sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) over either test alone (sensitivity = 88%, 95% CI = 76% to 96%) and NPV of 97.3% (95% CI = 94.5% to 98.7%).ConclusionsIn children, FAST and physical examinations each predicted the identification of IAI. However, the combination of the two (exFAST) had greater sensitivity and NPV than either physical examination or FAST alone. This supports the use of exFAST in refining clinical predication rules in children with blunt torso trauma.
Assessing effects of oxytocin on alcohol consumption in socially housed prairie voles using radio frequency tracking
Authors: Walcott Andre T. , Ryabinin Andrey E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAlcohol use disorder affects millions of people each year. Currently approved pharmacotherapies have limited success in treating this disorder. Evidence suggests that this lack of success is partly due to how these pharmacotherapies are tested in preclinical settings. The vast majority of preclinical studies assessing the effects of pharmacotherapies on alcohol or drug self‐administration are done in individually housed animals. However, it is known that alcohol and drug intake are heavily influenced by social settings. Here, we adapted radio frequency tracking technology to determine the effects of oxytocin, a potential therapy for alcohol use disorder, on alcohol consumption in socially housed male and female prairie voles. Voluntary alcohol consumption in these animals resulted in high daily alcohol intakes, blood ethanol concentrations that are considered intoxicating, and central changes in FosB immunoreactivity, indicative of changes in neural activity. Prairie voles that received oxytocin temporarily reduced alcohol consumption but not alcohol preference, compared with control prairie voles regardless whether their cagemates received a similar treatment or not. Our results demonstrate that oxytocin can decrease consummatory behaviors in the presence of peers that are not receiving this treatment, and therefore, its potential use in clinical trials is warranted. Moreover, effectiveness of other pharmacotherapies in preclinical studies can be tested in mixed‐treatment socially housed animals similarly to clinical studies in humans.
An artificial bird nest experiment in urban environments: Lessons from a school‐based citizen science programme
Authors: Gracanin Ana , Roger Erin , Katsis Andrew C. , O’Loughlin Luke S. , Emery Nathan J. , Ocock Joanne F. , O’Hanlon James C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMaintaining suitable vegetation within urban environments is crucial for wildlife conservation in the face of anthropogenic habitat change. Here, we report on a citizen science project, involving students from seven schools across south‐eastern Australia, that investigated the effectiveness of urban vegetation as habitat for bird nests. The ‘nest concealment hypothesis’ posits that vegetation should obscure the nest from predator detection, thus reducing the likelihood of predation. To test this, participating school‐aged citizen scientists constructed artificial nests, which were placed in garden trees within school grounds and monitored for signs of predation. We found no evidence to support the nest concealment hypothesis, with no relationship between the density of vegetation immediately surrounding a nest and its likelihood of predation (binomial model:

= 1.714, P = 0.190). It was observed that 80% of the nests experienced predation. This aligns with mounting evidence suggesting that other factors, such as olfaction and adult defence, may be more important factors in the protection of bird nests. It is important to note that artificial nests are unreliable, and therefore, the veracity of the overall conclusions is limited. However, in conducting this experiment, we demonstrate the suitability of this method as a school‐based citizen science activity. This study exemplifies that field‐based experiments can used to engage future generations with conservation science.
New evidence of unexpectedly high animal density and diet diversity will benefit the conservation of the Critically Endangered western ringtail possum
Authors: Mathieson Temika J. , Close Paul G. , Van Helden Bronte E. , Speldewinde Peter C. , Comer Sarah J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA comprehensive and contemporary understanding of habitat and resource requirements has been critical to the conservation of multiple taxa and ecosystems globally. Until recently, much of the ecological knowledge that contributes to conservation priorities and strategies for the Critically Endangered western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) was largely derived from decades‐old observations in peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) and marri‐jarrah (Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus marginanta) woodlands in the northern parts of the species range. These observations do not account for more recent evidence of their flexible use of habitat resources in other regions of its range. This may represent a significant conservation opportunity for the species through the identification of additional habitats that warrant protection. In a region where knowledge of their ecology is scarce, we used scat analysis and quantitative spotlighting to determine the diet and density of western ringtail possums in three vegetation types: peppermint, sheoak (Allocasuarina fraseriana) and marri‐eucalypt (C. calophylla, E. marginanta and Eucalyptus staerii) woodlands. Given the species’ reported dependence on peppermint woodlands and dominant canopy species for food sources, we hypothesised that western ringtail possums would be most abundant in this habitat type and that their diet would comprise the foliage of few (≤2 species) canopy species. We found western ringtail possums consumed a higher diversity of plant species than expected (8–14), exhibited dietary preference for non‐dominant canopy species and were present in all sampled vegetation types at substantially higher densities than previously recorded for the region (as high as 17 possums ha−1). Our results confirm (i) the western ringtail possum is flexible in its use of habitat resources and (ii) the significant conservation value of sheoak and marri‐eucalypt woodlands in the southernmost portion of its distribution.
Application of a microdosed cocktail of 3 oral factor Xa inhibitors to study drug–drug interactions with different perpetrator drugs
Authors: Mikus Gerd , Foerster Kathrin I. , Schaumaeker Marlene , Lehmann Marie‐Louise , Burhenne Jürgen , Haefeli Walter E. 
Published: March 2020

AimsUsing 3 different perpetrators the impact of voriconazole, cobicistat and rifampicin (single dose), we evaluated the suitability of a microdose cocktail of factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI; rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban; 100 μg in total) to study drug–drug interactions.MethodsThree cohorts of 6 healthy volunteers received 2 treatments with microdoses of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban alone and with coadministration of 1 of the perpetrators. Plasma and urine concentrations of microdosed apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban were quantified using a validated ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with a lower limit of quantification of 2.5 pg/mL.ResultsVoriconazole caused only a minor interaction with apixaban and rivaroxaban, none with edoxaban. Cobicistat significantly increased exposure of all 3 FXaI with area under the plasma concentration–time curve ratios of 1.67 (apixaban), 1.74 (edoxaban) and 2.0 (rivaroxaban). A single dose of rifampicin decreased the volume of distribution and elimination half‐life of all 3 FXaI.ConclusionsThe microdosed FXaI cocktail approach is able to generate drug interaction data and can help elucidating the mechanism involved in the clearance of the different victim drugs. This is a safe approach to concurrently study drug–drug interactions with a drug class. (EudraCT 2016–003024‐23).
Multiple directorships in emerging countries: Fiduciary duties at stake?
Authors: Latif Bilal , Voordeckers Wim , Lambrechts Frank , Hendriks Walter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of multiple directorships on firm performance, using a database of non‐financial firms listed on the Pakistan stock exchange. Prior literature provides inconsistent evidence on the relationship between multiple directorships and firm performance in an emerging country context, which may be the result of overlooking both the large differences in institutional environments among emerging countries and the dynamic endogenous relationships between board variables and firm performance. We aim to contribute to this academic debate by focusing on directorship appointments to multiple boards in a weak institutional context. Corporate governance practices, such as boards with outside directors exercising their fiduciary duties, are crucial for effective governance in weak institutional environments. However, serving in multiple directorships is expected to compromise the execution of director duties. Using a dynamic system Generalized Method of Moments model, our findings show, indeed, a negative effect of multiple directorships on firm performance in a weak institutional environment. Building on the premise that corporate governance is conditional in nature, we also tested the moderating influence of firm size on this relationship, but we did not find supporting evidence in a dynamic model setting. Our results have important practical implications for policy makers as well as firms.
Pooled analysis of Day 100 survival for defibrotide‐treated patients with hepatic veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and ventilator or dialysis dependence following haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Smith Angela R. , Kernan Nancy A. , Lehmann Leslie , Soiffer Robert J. , Ryan Robert J. , Tappe William , Grupp Stephan 
Published: March 2020

SummaryFor patients with untreated hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (VOD)/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) with multi‐organ dysfunction (MOD), mortality is >80%. We conducted a pooled analysis of three studies that assessed Day 100 survival in relationship to MOD severity, with dialysis and/or ventilator dependence representing the most severe organ dysfunction. All patients in the analysis were diagnosed using Baltimore criteria/biopsy. This analysis of patients with VOD/SOS and MOD after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT; n = 651) demonstrated higher Day 100 survival rates amongst defibrotide‐treated patients with VOD/SOS with less versus more severe forms of MOD. Even patients with severe forms of MOD post‐HCT benefitted from defibrotide.
Post‐translational palmitoylation of ionotropic glutamate receptors in excitatory synaptic functions
Authors: Hayashi Takashi 
Published: March 2020

In the mammalian CNS, glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter. Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are responsible for the glutamate‐mediated postsynaptic excitation of neurons. Regulation of glutamatergic synapses is critical for higher brain functions including neural communication, memory formation, learning, emotion, and behaviour. Many previous studies have shown that post‐translational protein S‐palmitoylation, the only reversible covalent attachment of lipid to protein, regulates synaptic expression, intracellular localization, and membrane trafficking of iGluRs and their scaffolding proteins in neurons. This modification mechanism is extremely conserved in the vertebrate lineages. The failure of appropriate palmitoylation‐dependent regulation of iGluRs leads to hyperexcitability that reduces the maintenance of network stability, resulting in brain disorders, such as epileptic seizures. This review summarizes advances in the study of palmitoylation of iGluRs, especially AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors, and describes the current understanding of palmitoylation‐dependent regulation of excitatory glutamatergic synapses.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
Respiratory health in professional cleaners: Symptoms, lung function, and risk factors
Authors: Brooks Collin , Slater Tania , Corbin Marine , McLean Dave , Firestone Ridvan Tua , Zock Jan‐Paul , Pearce Neil , Douwes Jeroen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundCleaning is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms, but few studies have measured functional characteristics of airway disease in cleaners.AimsTo assess and characterize respiratory symptoms and lung function in professional cleaners, and determine potential risk factors for adverse respiratory outcomes.MethodsSymptoms, pre‐/post‐bronchodilator lung function, atopy, and cleaning exposures were assessed in 425 cleaners and 281 reference workers in Wellington, New Zealand between 2008 and 2010.ResultsCleaners had an increased risk of current asthma (past 12 months), defined as: woken by shortness of breath, asthma attack, or asthma medication (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.18‐2.85). Despite this, they had similar rates of current wheezing (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.65‐1.32) and were less likely to have a doctor diagnosis of asthma ever (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42‐0.92). Cleaners overall had lower lung function (FEV1, FVC; P < .05). Asthma in cleaners was associated with less atopy (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.13‐0.90), fewer wheezing attacks (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.17‐0.97; >3 vs ≤3 times/year), and reduced bronchodilator response (6% vs 9% mean FEV1‐%‐predicted change, P < .05) compared to asthma in reference workers. Cleaning of cafes/restaurants/kitchens and using upholstery sprays or liquid multi‐use cleaner was associated with symptoms, whilst several exposures were also associated with lung function deficits (P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCleaners are at risk of some asthma‐associated symptoms and reduced lung function. However, as it was not strongly associated with wheeze and atopy, and airway obstruction was less reversible, asthma in some cleaners may represent a distinct phenotype.
Integrated kitchen design and optimization based on the improved particle swarm intelligent algorithm
Authors: Sun Xin , Ji Xiaomin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe layout and design of the integrated kitchen can affect the efficiency of people's cooking work greatly. An excellent integrated kitchen design requires each kitchen cabinet module to meet certain constraints and reach the highest work efficiency in a certain space. In this article, we proposed an improved particle swarm intelligence algorithm (IPSO, for short) method by initializing the population chaos, dynamically improving the inertia weight and adjusting the acceleration factor, and applied in the kitchen design and optimization. This method combines the mathematical intelligent algorithm with the integrated kitchen design for the first time, and further selects the optimal design scheme from the preliminary schemes according to the fitness curve of the kitchen mathematical model, which provides the theoretical basis for the refined design of kitchen products. The method can also be used in home design, interior design, and other related areas.
Delineating greater ecosystems around protected areas to guide conservation
Authors: Belote R. Travis , Wilson Melissa B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProtected areas represent a key strategy to conserve biodiversity. However, human land use and other impacts outside protected areas boundaries significantly influence species and ecosystems within protected areas. Therefore, identifying and delineating important lands surrounding protected areas may be critical to developing conservation strategies to sustain biodiversity. Here, we identify greater ecosystems of protected areas in the contiguous United States by delineating permeable wildlands located adjacent to protected area borders using the global human footprint map as the basis for estimating permeability. We evaluated how elevating the conservation status of greater ecosystems could help achieve aspirational targets for protecting additional terrestrial land area while better representing ecological diversity. We then assessed the feasibility of elevating conservation in greater ecosystems by quantifying the composition of land ownership and existing conservation status. Greater ecosystems of different protected areas often occur as large complexes that could be used to manage protected areas and monitor their status under regional conservation strategies. Elevating the conservation status of greater ecosystems could aid in achieving international targets while increasing the representation of vegetative types within conservation reserves. The most connected and permeable lands surrounding protected areas are dominated by public land (managed by the U.S. federal and state governments), though the amount of public land within greater ecosystems decreased with distance from protected areas. Public lands may provide opportunities to elevate the conservation status of greater ecosystems surrounding protected areas through policy and management changes. We focused on the contiguous United States, but our methods could be applied globally (which we demonstrate). To achieve bold international conservation goals, identifying the greater ecosystems around protected areas and developing conservation strategies of their landscape context will ultimately benefit species and ecosystems in protected areas.