bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of soils in habitat creation, maintenance and restoration
Authors: De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Kooistra Lammert 
Published: August 2021

Soils are the fundament of terrestrial ecosystems. Across the globe we find different soil types with different properties resulting from the interacting soil forming factors: parent material, climate, topography, organisms and time. Here we present the role of soils in habitat formation and maintenance in natural systems, and reflect on how humans have modified soils from local to global scale. Soils host a tremendous diversity of life forms, most of them microscopic in size. We do not yet know all the functionalities of this diversity at the level of individual taxa or through their interactions. However, we do know that the interactions and feedbacks between soil life, plants and soil chemistry and physics are essential for soil and habitat formation, maintenance and restoration. Moreover, the couplings between soils and major cycles of carbon, nutrients and water are essential for supporting the production of food, feed and fibre, drinking water and greenhouse gas balances. Soils take thousands of years to form, yet are lost very quickly through a multitude of stressors. The current status of our soils globally is worrisome, yet with concerted action we can bend the curve and create win–wins of soil and habitat conservation, regeneration and sustainable development.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
The role of soils in the regulation of air quality
Authors: Giltrap Donna , Cavanagh Jo , Stevenson Bryan , Ausseil Anne-Gäelle 
Published: August 2021

Soils play a key role in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, we review the contribution of soils to the regulation of air quality, which is one of ‘Nature's Contributions to People’ identified by the Intergovernmental-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This is particularly relevant for SDG3 (health and well-being) and 11 (sustainable cities and well-being) but also impacts other SDGs. Soils can act as both a source and a sink of air pollutants (and their precursors). In addition, soils support plant growth which plays a major role in regulating air quality. The scale of the soil impacts on air quality range from global (e.g. greenhouse gas fluxes, stratospheric ozone depletion) to local (e.g. odours, particulates, pathogen transport). Harmful emissions from soil can be increased or decreased by anthropogenic activity, while climate change is likely to modify future emissions patterns, both directly and in response to human mitigation and adaption actions. Although soils are not the only source of these pollutants, it is worthwhile managing them to reduce erosion and nutrient losses to maintain soil health so we may continue to benefit from the contributions to good quality of life they provide.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
The role of soils in regulation and provision of blue and green water
Authors: Keesstra Saskia , Sannigrahi Srikanta , López-Vicente Manuel , Pulido Manuel , Novara Agata , Visser Saskia , Kalantari Zahra 
Published: August 2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030, through eight subgoals dealing with four themes: (i) water quantity and availability, (ii) water quality, (iii) finding sustainable solutions and (iv) policy and governance. In this opinion paper, we assess how soils and associated land and water management can help achieve this goal, considering soils at two scales: local soil health and healthy landscapes. The merging of these two viewpoints shows the interlinked importance of the two scales. Soil health reflects the capacity of a soil to provide ecosystem services at a specific location, taking into account local climate and soil conditions. Soil is also an important component of a healthy and sustainable landscape, and they are connected by the water that flows through the soil and the transported sediments. Soils are linked to water in two ways: through plant-available water in the soil (green water) and through water in surface bodies or available as groundwater (blue water). In addition, water connects the soil scale and the landscape scale by flowing through both. Nature-based solutions at both soil health and landscape-scale can help achieve sustainable future development but need to be embedded in good governance, social acceptance and economic viability.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
The role of soils in the disposition, sequestration and decontamination of environmental contaminants
Authors: Sarkar Binoy , Mukhopadhyay Raj , Ramanayaka Sammani , Bolan Nanthi , Ok Yong Sik 
Published: August 2021

Soil serves as both a ‘source’ and ‘sink’ for contaminants. As a source, contaminants are derived from both ‘geogenic’ and ‘anthropogenic’ origins. Typically, while some of the inorganic contaminants including potentially toxic elements are derived from geogenic origin (e.g. arsenic and selenium) through weathering of parent materials, the majority of organic (e.g. pesticides and microplastics) as well as inorganic (e.g. lead, cadmium) contaminants are derived from anthropogenic origin. As a sink, soil plays a critical role in the transformation of these contaminants and their subsequent transfer to environmental compartments, including groundwater (e.g. pesticides), surface water (phosphate and nitrate), ocean (e.g. microplastics) and atmosphere (e.g. nitrous oxide emission). A complex transformation process of contaminants in soil involving adsorption, precipitation, redox reactions and biodegradation control the mobility, bioavailability and environmental toxicity of these contaminants. Soil also plays a major role in the decontamination of contaminants, and the ‘cleaning’ action of soil is controlled primarily by the physico-chemical interactions of contaminants with various soil components, and the biochemical transformations facilitated by soil microorganisms. In this article, we examine the geogenic and anthropogenic sources of contaminants reaching the soil, and discuss the role of soil in the sequestration and decontamination of contaminants in relation to various physico-chemical and microbial transformation reactions of contaminants with various soil components. Finally, we propose future actions that would help to maintain the role of soils in protecting the environment from contaminants and delivering sustainable development goals.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
Role of soil in the regulation of human and plant pathogens: soils' contributions to people
Authors: Samaddar Sandipan , Karp Daniel S. , Schmidt Radomir , Devarajan Naresh , McGarvey Jeffery A. , Pires Alda F. A. , Scow Kate 
Published: August 2021

Soil and soil biodiversity play critical roles in Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) # 10, defined as Nature's ability to regulate direct detrimental effects on humans, and on human-important plants and animals, through the control or regulation of particular organisms considered to be harmful. We provide an overview of pathogens in soil, focusing on human and crop pathogens, and discuss general strategies, and examples, of how soils' extraordinarily diverse microbial communities regulate soil-borne pathogens. We review the ecological principles underpinning the regulation of soil pathogens, as well as relationships between pathogen suppression and soil health. Mechanisms and specific examples are presented of how soil and soil biota are involved in regulating pathogens of humans and plants. We evaluate how specific agricultural management practices can either promote or interfere with soil's ability to regulate pathogens. Finally, we conclude with how integrating soil, plant, animal and human health through a ‘One Health’ framework could lead to more integrated, efficient and multifunctional strategies for regulating detrimental organisms and processes.This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
The role of soils in provision of energy
Authors: Smith Jo , Farmer Jenny , Smith Pete , Nayak Dali 
Published: August 2021

Soils have both direct and indirect impacts on available energy, but energy provision, in itself, has direct and indirect impacts on soils. Burning peats provides only approximately 0.02% of global energy supply yet emits approximately 0.7–0.8% of carbon losses from land-use change and forestry (LUCF). Bioenergy crops provide approximately 0.3% of energy supply and occupy approximately 0.2–0.6% of harvested area. Increased bioenergy demand is likely to encourage switching from forests and pastures to rotational energy cropping, resulting in soil carbon loss. However, with protective policies, incorporation of residues from energy provision could sequester approximately 0.4% of LUCF carbon losses. All organic wastes available in 2018 could provide approximately 10% of global energy supply, but at a cost to soils of approximately 5% of LUCF carbon losses; not using manures avoids soil degradation but reduces energy provision to approximately 9%. Wind farms, hydroelectric solar and geothermal schemes provide approximately 3.66% of energy supply and occupy less than approximately 0.3% of harvested area, but if sited on peatlands could result in carbon losses that exceed reductions in fossil fuel emissions. To ensure renewable energy provision does not damage our soils, comprehensive policies and management guidelines are needed that (i) avoid peats, (ii) avoid converting permanent land uses (such as perennial grassland or forestry) to energy cropping, and (iii) return residues remaining from energy conversion processes to the soil.This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
The role of soils in provision of genetic, medicinal and biochemical resources
Authors: Thiele-Bruhn Sören 
Published: August 2021

Intact, ‘healthy’ soils provide indispensable ecosystem services that largely depend on the biotic activity. Soil health is connected with human health, yet, knowledge of the underlying soil functioning remains incomplete. This review highlights selected services, i.e. (i) soil as a genetic resource and hotspot of biodiversity, forming the basis for providing (ii) biochemical resources and (iii) medicinal services and goods. Soils harbour an unrivalled biodiversity of organisms, especially microorganisms. Some of the abilities of autochthonous microorganisms and their relevant enzymes serve (i) to improve natural soil functions and in particular plant growth, e.g. through beneficial plant growth-promoting, symbiotic and mycorrhizal microorganisms, (ii) to act as biopesticides, (iii) to facilitate biodegradation of pollutants for soil bioremediation and (iv) to yield enzymes or chemicals for industrial use. Soils also exert direct effects on human health. Contact with soil enriches the human microbiome, affords protection against allergies and promotes emotional well-being. Medicinally relevant are soil substrates such as loams, clays and various minerals with curative effects as well as pharmaceutically active organic chemicals like antibiotics that are formed by soil microorganisms. By contrast, irritating minerals, soil dust inhalation and misguided soil ingestion may adversely affect humans.This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature’s Contributions to People.
The role of soil in regulation of climate
Authors: Lal Rattan , Monger Curtis , Nave Luke , Smith Pete 
Published: August 2021

The soil carbon (C) stock, comprising soil organic C (SOC) and soil inorganic C (SIC) and being the largest reservoir of the terrestrial biosphere, is a critical part of the global C cycle. Soil has been a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) since the dawn of settled agriculture about 10 millenia ago. Soils of agricultural ecosystems are depleted of their SOC stocks and the magnitude of depletion is greater in those prone to accelerated erosion by water and wind and other degradation processes. Adoption of judicious land use and science-based management practices can lead to re-carbonization of depleted soils and make them a sink for atmospheric C. Soils in humid climates have potential to increase storage of SOC and those in arid and semiarid climates have potential to store both SOC and SIC. Payments to land managers for sequestration of C in soil, based on credible measurement of changes in soil C stocks at farm or landscape levels, are also important for promoting adoption of recommended land use and management practices. In conjunction with a rapid and aggressive reduction in GHG emissions across all sectors of the economy, sequestration of C in soil (and vegetation) can be an important negative emissions method for limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2°CThis article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People’.
Neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants in vaccinated Ontario long-term care home residents and workers
Authors: Abe Kento T. , Hu Queenie , Mozafarihashjin Mohammad , Samson Reuben , Manguiat Kathy , Robinson Alyssia , Rathod Bhavisha , Hardy W. Rod , Wang Jenny H. , Iskilova Mariam , Pasculescu Adrian , Fazel-Zarandi Mahya , Li Angel , Paterson Aimee , Chao Gary , Green Karen , Gilbert Lois , Barati Shiva , Haq Nazrana , Takaoka Alyson , Takaoka Julia Garnham , De Launay Keelia Quinn , Fahim Christine , Sheikh-Mohamed Salma , Arita Yuko , Durocher Yves , Marcusson Eric G. , Gommerman Jennifer L. , Ostrowski Mario , Colwill Karen , Straus Sharon E. , Wood Heidi , McGeer Allison J. , Gingras Anne-Claude 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPrioritizing Ontario’s long-term care home (LTCH) residents for vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has drastically reduced their disease burden; however, recent LTCH outbreaks of variants of concern (VOCs) have raised questions regarding their immune responses. In 198 residents, mRNA vaccine dose 1 elicited partial spike and receptor binding domain antibody responses, while the second elicited a response at least equivalent to convalescent individuals in most residents. Residents administered mRNA-1273 (Moderna) mounted stronger total and neutralizing antibody responses than those administered BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech). Two to four weeks after dose 2, residents (n= 119, median age 88) produced 4.8–6.3-fold fewer neutralizing antibodies than staff (n= 78; median age 47) against wild-type (with D614G) pseudotyped lentivirus, and residents administered BNT162b2 produced 3.89-fold fewer neutralizing antibodies than those who received mRNA-1273. These effects were exacerbated upon serum challenge with pseudotyped VOC spike, with up to 7.94-fold reductions in B.1.351 (Beta) neutralization. Cumulatively, weaker vaccine stimulation, age/comorbidities, and the VOC produced an ∼130-fold reduction in apparent neutralization titers in LTCH residents and 37.9% of BNT162b2-vaccinated residents had undetectable neutralizing antibodies to B.1.351. Continued immune response surveillance and additional vaccine doses may be required in this population with known vulnerabilities.
Modelling the effectiveness and social costs of daily lateral flow antigen tests versus quarantine in preventing onward transmission of COVID-19 from traced contacts
Authors: Ferretti Luca , Wymant Chris , Nurtay Anel , Zhao Lele , Hinch Robert , Bonsall David , Kendall Michelle , Masel Joanna , Bell John , Hopkins Susan , Kilpatrick A. Marm , Peto Tim , Abeler-Dörner Lucie , Fraser Christophe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractQuarantining close contacts of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 for 10 to 14 days is a key strategy in reducing transmission. However, quarantine requirements are often unpopular, with low adherence, especially when a large fraction of the population has been vaccinated. Daily contact testing (DCT), in which contacts are required to isolate only if they test positive, is an alternative to quarantine for mitigating the risk of transmission from traced contacts. In this study, we developed an integrated model of COVID-19 transmission dynamics and compared the strategies of quarantine and DCT with regard to reduction in transmission and social/economic costs (days of quarantine/self-isolation). Specifically, we compared 10-day quarantine to 7 days of self-testing using rapid lateral flow antigen tests, starting 3 days after exposure to a case. We modelled both incomplete adherence to quarantine and incomplete adherence to DCT. We found that DCT reduces transmission from contacts with similar effectiveness, at much lower social/economic costs, especially for highly vaccinated populations. The findings were robust across a spectrum of scenarios with varying assumptions on the speed of contact tracing, sensitivity of lateral flow antigen tests, adherence to quarantine and uptake of testing. Daily tests would also allow rapid initiation of a new round of tracing from infected contacts.
Surveillance genome sequencing reveal multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the central Texas, USA with a predominance of Delta variant and review of vaccine breakthrough cases
Authors: Mutnal Manohar B. , Johnson Shelby , Mohamed Nada , Abddelgader Rasha , Morales Linden , Volz Marcus , Walker Kimberly , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Rao Arundhati 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAs surges in the COVID-19 pandemic have continued worldwide, SARS-CoV-2 has mutated, spawning several new variants, and impacting, to various degrees, transmission, disease severity, diagnostics, therapeutics, and natural and vaccine-induced immunity. Baylor Scott & White Health has implemented, along with laboratory diagnosis, SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to identify variants in its geographical service area. We analyzed virus sequencing results of specimens collected across Central Texas and found dramatic changes in variant distribution in the first half of 2021. The alpha variant (B 1.1.7) became predominant at week 13 and continued dominance until week 25. A growth rate of 1.20 (R2 = 0.92) for the first 15 weeks was noted and this growth gradually declined to -0.55 (R2 = 0.99) for the final 13 weeks. Currently, B.1.1.7 is being displaced with B.1.617.2 at 0.58 growth rate (R2 = 0.97). We also investigated vaccine breakthrough cases within our healthcare system and present clinical data on 28 symptomatic patients.
Treatment with a polyherbal extract improves fat metabolism, attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrogenesis
Authors: Pavan KB , Baig Mirza Rizwan , Murthy Mallappa Onkar , Azeemuddin Mohammed , Hariprasad V.R , Rafiq Mohamed , Rao Raghavendra P 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves dysregulations indenovolipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and fibrogenesis. Targeting these pathways holds promise for the treatment of liver disorders. Here we test the extract of a polyherbal formulation (namely Liv.52), which is approved by the Government of India’s Drug Regulatory Authority - AYUSH. The current study evaluates the effect of Liv.52 ondenovolipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and fibrogenesis. Bothin vivoandin vitromodel systems were employed to evaluate the efficacy of this polyherbal formulation. Male Wistar rats were dosed with Liv.52 for 2 weeks (250mg/k.g) and expression levels of the genes involved inde novolipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways were analysed by quantitative real time PCR. Liv.52 treatment resulted in increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation and decreasedde novolipogenesis in these rats. It also reduced hepatic stellate cell activation in CCL4treated Wistar rats as evidenced by histological evaluation. Forin vitroexperiments, HepG2 cells were cultured under lipotoxic conditions (using 200μM palmitic acid) and the conditioned media from these cells were used for inducing activation and fibrogenesis in human hepatic stellate cells (HHSteC). Treatment with lipotoxic conditioned media resulted in activation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrogenesis, as evidenced by increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and desmin (markers of stellate cell activation) and increased levels of collagen and lumican (markers of fibrogenesis). Treatment with Liv.52 reversed the up-regulation of α-SMA, collagen and lumican levels in HHSteC cells. These results indicate that Liv.52 exerts its hepatoprotective effect by improving fatty acid metabolism and fibrogenesis.
Cross-Individual Affective Detection Using EEG Signals with Audio-Visual Embedding
Authors: Liang Zhen , Zhang Xihao , Zhou Rushuang , Zhang Li , Li Linling , Huang Gan , Zhang Zhiguo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEEG signals have been successfully used in affective detection applications, which could directly capture brain dynamics and reflect emotional changes at a high temporal resolution. However, the generalized ability of the model across individuals has not been thoroughly developed yet. An involvement of other data modality, such as audio-visual information which are usually used for emotion eliciting, could be beneficial to estimate intrinsic emotions in video content and solve the individual differences problem. In this paper, we propose a novel deep affective detection model, named as EEG with audio-visual embedding (EEG-AVE), for cross-individual affective detection. Here, EEG signals are exploited to identify the individualized emotional patterns and contribute the individual preferences in affective detection; while audio-visual information is leveraged to estimate the intrinsic emotions involved in the video content and enhance the reliability of the affective detection performance. Specifically, EEG-AVE is composed of two parts. For EEG-based individual preferences prediction, a multi-scale domain adversarial neural network is developed to explore the shared dynamic, informative, and domain-invariant EEG features across individuals. For video-based intrinsic emotions estimation, a deep audio-visual feature based hypergraph clustering method is proposed to examine the latent relationship between semantic audio-visual features and emotions. Through an embedding model, both estimated individual preferences and intrinsic emotions are incorporated with shared weights and further are used together to contribute to affective detection across individuals. We conduct cross-individual affective detection experiments on two well-known emotional databases for model evaluation and comparison. The results show our proposed EEG-AVE model achieves a better performance under a leave-one-individual-out cross-validation individual-independent evaluation protocol. EEG-AVE is demonstrated as an effective model with good generalizability, which makes it a power tool for cross-individual emotion detection in real-life applications.