bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential oils as multifunctional additives in biodegradable linear low density polyethylene/starch blends
Authors: Shafik Emad S. , Ward Azza A. , Younan Adel Farid 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to develop a biodegradable linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/starch blends with improved mechanical and flow characteristics and evaluate the probability of using essential oils such as Moringa oleifira and castor oils as green plasticizers and compatibilizers to avoid using harmful chemicals.

Design/methodology/approach
Corn starch was blended with LLDPE through the melt blending technique. The corn starch content was varied from 5 to 40 phr in LLDPE. To enhance poor mechanical characteristic of the LLDPE/starch, essential oils such as M. oleifira and castor oils were incorporated into the composites with different concentrations starting from 1 to 7 phr. The essential oils’ effect on mechanical, flow character, thermal stability and electrical properties of the LLDPE/starch was also investigated. The morphology of LLDPE/starch containing essential oils was also investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Findings
The results revealed that increasing the corn starch content had an adverse effect on mechanical and flow characteristics of the composites, whereas incorporation of essential oils had increased the flow and mechanical characteristics of the composites. Also, dielectric measurements revealed that permittivity and dielectric loss increased by increasing oil content. Moreover, the values of the blends containing castor oil are higher compared to that containing M. oleifira. The SEM micrographs illustrated that the presence of essential oils in LLDPE/starch enhanced the distribution and the homogeneity of the composites, and the particle size of starch granules became smaller in LLDPE matrix.

Originality/value
This study aims to introduce green plasticizer and compatibilizer to avoid using harmful chemicals in packaging industry.
Forecasting the future establishment of invasive alien freshwater fish species
Authors: Perrin Sam Wenaas , Bærum Kim Magnus , Helland Ingeborg Palm , Finstad Anders Gravbrøt 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Invasive alien species constitute a major threat to the world's freshwater ecosystems. Human translocations as well as rising temperatures have allowed freshwater fish species to expand their distribution into novel ecosystems, often with negative effects on native biodiversity. Early intervention is key to restricting damage and further spread of invasive aliens. This makes identification of areas with high risk for the establishment of invasive alien species necessary in order to target monitoring and mitigation measures.

Here, we model lake‐specific likelihood of establishment of five freshwater fish species which are increasing their distribution in Norway. In order to establish the likelihood of establishment resulting from human translocation, environmental factors or natural dispersal from an established population, a suite of anthropogenic and environmental covariates were included as predictors. We used these models to create a future scenario which modelled establishment risk for these species over a 50‐year time period.

Connectivity of lakes to other extant populations and anthropogenic covariates influenced likelihood of establishment—and subsequently future establishment risk—the most across all species. The effects of temperature were variable, and for the most part had little effect on likelihood of establishment.

Our results indicate that human behaviour, infrastructure development and alternations of watershed connectivity are more important than climate induced range shifts on a short to medium time horizon.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates how risk assessments of invasive establishment can be synthesised based on readily available open data sources. This allows for the construction of tools to forecast invasion hotspots as a basis for designing mitigation actions, including early monitoring programs, horizon scanning initiatives and eradication measures. It also allows managers to determine where species are spreading as a result of direct human translocation, and where they are expanding as a result of increased temperatures.
Soil microbial community coalescence and fertilization interact to drive the functioning of the legume–rhizobium symbiosis
Authors: Ramoneda Josep , Le Roux Johannes , Stadelmann Stefanie , Frossard Emmanuel , Frey Beat , Gamper Hannes Andres 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Soil microbial community coalescence, where entire microbial communities mix and interact under new conditions, is a widespread phenomenon whose applicability for targeted root microbiome assembly has not been studied. Whether soil mixing can lead to predictable outcomes for community assembly and functioning of specific functional groups, for example, N2‐fixing rhizobia, remains unknown.

Using a legume shrub adapted to nutrient‐poor soils, we tested the effects of community coalescence on plant nutrition and growth, and its influence on the rhizobial root nodule symbiosis. We grew seedlings of rooibos [Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) Dahlg.] in individual rhizosphere soils collected from cultivated and wild rooibos plants and their mixtures, and included a fertilization treatment. Portions of the taxonomic gyrB and the symbiotic nodA gene makers were sequenced to characterize rhizobial communities present in rooibos root nodules under the different soil conditions.

Overall, community coalescence by soil mixing had positive effects on plant nutrition and growth, and interacted with fertilizer addition to concurrently change rhizobial taxonomic evenness and promote higher relative N2 fixation. We identified particular rhizobia preferentially associated with rooibos plants that showed higher N fractions from N2 fixation, raised in mixed fertilized soils.

These findings indicate that soil bacterial community coalescence and fertilization can have synergistic effects on plant performance, while promoting the assembly of alternative symbiotic rhizobial communities that provide improved nutritional benefits to host plants.

Synthesis and applications. The combination of soil mixing and fertilizer addition may be an important, but hitherto overlooked measure to improve the functioning of rhizobium symbioses in legume crops. Microbial community coalescence should gain recognition as a potentially effective mechanism to improve the functioning of plant microbiomes.
Historical maps confirm the accuracy of zero‐inflated model predictions of ancient tree abundance in English wood‐pastures
Authors: Nolan Victoria , Reader Tom , Gilbert Francis , Atkinson Nick 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Ancient trees have important ecological, historical and social connections, and are a key source of dead and decaying wood, a globally declining resource. Wood‐pastures, which combine livestock grazing, open spaces and scattered trees, are significant reservoirs of ancient trees, yet information about their true abundance within wood‐pastures is limited. England has extensive databases of both ancient trees and wood‐pasture habitat, providing a unique opportunity for the first large‐scale, national case study to address this knowledge gap.

We investigated the relationship between the abundance of ancient trees in a large sample of English wood‐pastures (5,571) and various unique environmental, historical and anthropogenic predictors, to identify wood‐pastures with high numbers of undiscovered ancient trees. A major challenge in many modelling studies is obtaining independent data for model verification: here we introduce a novel model verification step using series of historic maps with detailed records of trees to validate our model predictions. This desk‐based method enables rapid verification of model predictions using completely independent data across a large geographical area, without the need for, or limitations associated with, extensive field surveys.

Historic map verification estimates correlated well with model predictions of tree abundance. Model predictions suggest there are ~101,400 undiscovered ancient trees in all wood‐pastures in England, around 10 times the total current number of ancient tree records. Important predictors of ancient tree abundance included wood‐pasture area, distance to several features including cities, commons, historic Royal forests and Tudor deer parks, and different types of soil and land classes.

Synthesis and applications. Historical maps and statistical models can be used in combination to produce accurate predictions of ancient tree abundance in wood‐pastures, and inform future targeted surveys of wood‐pasture habitat, with a focus on those deemed to have undiscovered ancient trees. This study provides support for improvements to conservation policy and protection measures for ancient trees and wood‐pastures.
Simultaneous determination of eight catechins and four theaflavins in bottled tea by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for forensic analysis
Authors: Kikkawa Hitomi S. , Kobayashi Manami , Minamimoto Ayaka , Ono Hiromi , Tsuge Kouichiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTea, and particularly bottled tea, is widely consumed worldwide and is often encountered at crime scenes in poisoning cases or used in place of urine in drug abuse monitoring. Tea is a rich source of polyphenols, such as catechins and theaflavins, and these compounds are useful for identification of trace quantities of tea samples. However, information on the contents of catechins and theaflavins in bottled tea is limited. In this study, a method was developed for simultaneous analysis of eight catechins and four theaflavins in tea using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The concentrations of these polyphenols were determined in bottled black, oolong, and green teas after a simple pretreatment process by the standard addition method. The developed LC‐MS/MS method was rapid and all tested polyphenol compounds were separated within ~14 min. All tea types contained all the catechins, at varying concentrations, but not all the theaflavins were present in all the tea types. This indicates that the theaflavin composition reflects the degree of the fermentation and could be used for discrimination among different types of tea. All the green tea samples contained all eight catechins; however, the concentrations of these compounds varied among the tea samples. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were useful for discrimination of samples. It has been unclear whether the variations of chemical components are useful for forensic discrimination. Our results demonstrate that, in addition to identification of tea varieties, catechins and theaflavins can be used for the discrimination of bottled tea samples.
Beyond “living fossils”: Can comparative genomics finally reveal novelty?
Authors: Sanchez Gustavo , Simakov Oleg , S. Rokhsar Daniel 
Published: August 2021

Cephalopods have recently moved into the research focus due to the growing number of sequenced genomes, molecular tools, and laboratory culture (Albertin & Simakov, 2020)⁠. Genome data now allows us to ask how the many known novelties of cephalopod morphology are reflected in their genomes and gene regulation. A crucial gap in this understanding has been the limited information for the Nautilus, the last survivor of a cephalopod lineage that diverged from the highly derived coleoid clade (octopus, squid, cuttlefish) around 400 million years ago. The publication of Nautilus genomes (in this issue of Molecular Ecology [Huang et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021])⁠ will help us understand which genetic changes happened when, and ultimately how they contributed to cephalopod evolution.
Substance use, depression, and loneliness among American veterans during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fitzke Reagan E. , Wang Jennifer , Davis Jordan P. , Pedersen Eric R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBehavioral health issues, such as substance use, depression, and social isolation, are of grave concern during COVID‐19, especially for vulnerable populations. One such population is US veterans, who have high rates of pre‐existing behavioral health conditions and may thus be at‐risk for poorer outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate substance use among US veterans during COVID‐19 as a function of pre‐existing depression, loneliness, and social support.MethodsWe investigated the relationship between pre‐pandemic depression and substance use during COVID‐19 using linear (alcohol) and logistic (cannabis) regression among a large sample of US veterans (N = 1230). We then tested if loneliness and social support moderated these effects.ResultsThough there was a decrease in alcohol and cannabis use among the overall sample, veterans who screened for depression prior to the pandemic exhibited higher levels of substance use after the pandemic's onset. Loneliness compounded the effects of depression on rates of alcohol use. Social support was not protective for the effects of depression on either alcohol or cannabis use.Discussion and ConclusionsVeterans with pre‐existing depression may be in need of attention for substance use behaviors. Interventions aimed at alleviating loneliness among veterans may be useful in mitigating alcohol use, but not cannabis use, amid COVID‐19.Scientific SignificanceOur findings are among the first to report tangible behavioral health outcomes experienced by US veterans as a result of COVID‐19. Results can help inform treatment efforts for veterans who are struggling with substance use during and post‐pandemic.
Tracking the outcomes of surgical treatment of Stage 2 and 3 empyema: introduction and consolidation of minimally invasive approach
Authors: Patella Miriam , Minerva Eleonora Maddalena , Porcellini Iride , Cianfarani Agnese , Tessitore Adele , Cafarotti Stefano 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe described the results of surgical treatment of empyema, tracing outcomes throughout the passage from the open thoracotomy (OT) approach to video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in a single institute.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 88 consecutive patients treated for Stage 2 and 3 empyema (2010–2019). We divided the study period into three groups: OT period (2010–2013), early VATS (2014–2017, from the introduction of VATS program, until acme of learning curve), and late VATS (2018–2019). Groups were compared to investigate the outcomes evolution.ResultsMost relevant findings of the study were significant variation in postoperative length of stay (median [interquartile range]: 9 days [7.5–10], 10 [7.5–17.5], and 7 [5–10] for OT period, early VATS, and late VATS, respectively, p = 0.005), hospital admission referral to thoracic surgery interval (7.5 days [4.5–11], 6.5 [3–9], and 2.5 [1.5–5.5], p = 0.003), chest tube duration (5.5 days [5–7.5], 6 [4–6], 4 [3–5], p = 0.003), and proportion of operation performed by residents (3 [15%], 6 [16.7%], 14 [43.6%], p = 0.01).ConclusionsOur findings pictured the trajectory evolution of outcomes during introduction and consolidation of VATS treatment of empyema. During the early phase, we observed a decline in some indicators that improved significantly in the late VATS period. After a learning curve, all outcomes showed better results and we entered into a teaching phase.
Prolonged fasting‐induced hyperketosis, hypoglycaemia and impaired fat oxidation in child and adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II
Authors: Ørngreen Mette Cathrine , Andersen Annarita G. , Eisum Anne‐Sofie , Hald Emma J. , Raaschou‐Pedersen Daniel E. , Løkken Nicoline , Høi‐Hansen Christina E. , Vissing John , Born Alfred P. , van Hall Gerrit 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThis study explored hypoglycaemia and metabolic crises, including hyperketosis, in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).MethodsThe study comprised four adolescents aged 15–17 and six adults aged 19–37 with SMA type II and eight adult controls aged 21–41, who were recruited by the Rigshospitalet, Denmark, from May 1st to October 30th 2017. We used stable isotope technique and indirect calorimetry to investigate fat and glucose metabolism during a 24‐h fast or until hypoglycaemia occurred.ResultsAll patients with SMA II developed moderate to severe hyperketosis and 60% had symptoms of hypoglycaemia or blood glucose levels below 3 mmol/L. None of the controls developed hyperketosis or hypoglycaemia. Plasma bicarbonate decreased, in line with increased ketone bodies, indicating the start of metabolic acidosis in patients with SMA II. Increased fat production and utilisation were seen in healthy controls during the fasting period, but were absent in patients with SMA II, indicating blunted fat oxidation.ConclusionLow skeletal muscle mass was the best explanation for why patients with SMA II had an increased risk of hypoglycaemia, hyperketosis, metabolic acidosis and disturbed fat and glucose metabolism during fasting. These risks have implications for children facing surgery and those with severe illnesses.
Integration analysis of GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci to identify candidate genes and pathways for clozapine‐related neutropaenia
Authors: Li Jiqing , Tang Fang , Si Shucheng , Wang Bojie , Xue Fuzhong 
Published: August 2021

AimsLittle is known about the genetic basis of clozapine‐related neutropaenia. This study aims to explore candidate genes and pathways involved in clozapine‐related neutropaenia.MethodsThis study conducted a two‐stage integrative analysis of the summary statistics from the genome‐wide association study (GWAS, n = 552) of the lowest absolute neutrophil count (ANC) during clozapine treatment and the summary data of the expressed quantitative trait locus (eQTL). First, we use the probabilistic Mendelian randomization (PMR‐Egger) to identify genes whose expression is causally related to ANC, and then use Bayesian co‐localization analysis to investigate whether there are shared causal variants between them [posterior probability for hypotheses 4 (PP.H4) > 0.80]. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the pathways that may be associated with ANC during clozapine treatment.ResultsPMR‐Egger analysis identified 146 genes that may be causally associated with ANC after Bonferroni correction (P‐value < 3.25e‐6). Bayesian co‐localization analysis identified six further genes whose gene expression shared common variants with ANC, including NT5E (PP.H4 = 0.96), GLDC (PP.H4 = 0.82), NUDT17 (PP.H4 = 0.88), MSH4 (PP.H4 = 0.88), PTER (PP.H4 = 0.89) and SERPINB6 (PP.H4 = 0.83). Enrichment analysis identified 52 GO terms and seven pathways associated with ANC, such as NAD metabolic process, drug catabolic process and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism.ConclusionThis study identified multiple candidate genes and pathways that may be involved in clozapine‐related neutropaenia, providing novel clues for the mechanism of clozapine‐related neutropaenia.
Association of type 1 diabetes and educational achievement in 16–20‐year‐olds: A Danish nationwide register study
Authors: Lindkvist Emilie Bundgaard , Thorsen Steffen Ullitz , Paulsrud Cecilie , Thingholm Peter Rønø , Eriksen Tine Louise Mundbjerg , Gaulke Amanda , Skipper Niels , Svensson Jannet 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimsThe objective of the study was to compare grade point averages (GPAs) on compulsory school exit exams (exam GPA) and educational attainment at age 16 and 20 for individuals with and without type 1 diabetes.MethodsThis study was a population‐based retrospective cohort study, which included the 1991 to 1998 birth cohorts in Denmark. Follow‐up was conducted at age 16 and 20 (follow‐up period; 1 January, 2007 to 31 December, 2018). There were 2083 individuals with and 555,929 individuals without type 1 diabetes. Linear regression and generalized linear models compared outcomes with and without adjustments for socio‐economic characteristics.ResultsA total of 558,012 individuals (51% males) were followed to the age of 20. Having type 1 diabetes was associated with a lower exam GPA when adjusting for socio‐economic status (difference: −0.05 (95% CI, −0.09 to −0.01), a higher relative risk of not completing compulsory school by age 16 (1.37, 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.53)), and a higher relative risk of not completing or being enrolled in upper secondary education by age 20 (1.05, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.10). Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <58 mmol/mol (7.5%), >7 BGM/day and insulin pump use were associated with better educational achievement.ConclusionType 1 diabetes was associated with a marginally lower exam GPA and a higher risk of not completing compulsory school by age 16 and lower educational attainment by age 20. The findings were modified by HbA1c, BGM and insulin pump use.
Intravascular ultrasound insights into the unstable features of the coronary atherosclerotic plaques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Homorodean Calin , Leucuta Daniel‐Corneliu , Ober Mihai , Homorodean Romana , Spinu Mihail , Olinic Maria , Tataru Dan , Olinic Dan‐Mircea 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of a comprehensive picture of plaque geometry and composition of unstable atherosclerotic lesions as observed with intravascular ultrasound techniques.We analysed through a systematic review with meta‐analysis 39 characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in three scenarios involving culprit and non‐culprit lesions from acute coronary syndromes vs stable angina pectoris patients, and culprit vs non‐culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes patients.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to April 2020 was performed. The combined odds ratios or mean differences of all IVUS characteristics were calculated with random‐effects models.ResultsTwenty‐eight studies involving 5434 subjects, and 5618 lesions were included. Culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes have larger plaque areas and remodeling indexes (MD = 0.13 [0.08; 0.17], p < 0.001) and contained larger necrotic cores (MD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.19;1.15), p = 0.006) that stable angina culprit lesions. In acute patients, culprit plaques were also more remodeled, had larger necrotic cores and had more frequently a Thin‐Cap Fibroatheroma morphology (OR = 1.79 (95% CI 1.21; 2.65), p = 0.004) than non‐culprit lesions. Non‐culprit lesions in acute syndromes were more often ruptured (OR = 2.25 (95% CI:1.05; 4.82), p = 0.037) or Thin‐Cap Fibroatheromas than in stable angina.ConclusionCulprit lesions from acute coronary patients are larger, more positively remodeled and contained more lipids as compared to stable angina lesions or non‐culprit in acute patients. Non culprit lesions are also more often complicated or vulnerable in acute than stable patients.