bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standing and shed litters alter plant growth in disturbed and undisturbed soils differently
Authors: Mudrák Ondřej , Lillipuu Epp Maria , Čápová Kateřina , Cajthaml Tomáš , Frouz Jan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plant species affect key ecosystem processes like nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem productivity through their litter. The outcome of litter effects is largely determined by its decomposability, which directly effects soil properties. If litter remains standing or unshed (i.e. marcescent), its final decomposability can be increased by photodegradation of recalcitrant structures (like lignin). If the litter is immediately shed, its decomposability largely depends on its original nutrient content. Moreover, plant species may affect soil also through other, more direct effects. It is however unknown whether marcescent and immediately shed litters affect soil, and by that plants, differently, whether direct effects of plants on soil interact with those of marcescent and shed litters, and whether these interactions are consistent under different soil conditions.

We set up a pot experiment, where we tested the effects of originally marcescent and shed litters (both added on the soil surface of the pots) on three grassland species (Bromus erectus, Filipendula vulgaris and Plantago media) in contrasting soils from long‐term stable ancient grassland and grassland restored on arable land 20 years before. We also tested how litter types and plant species affect soil chemical properties and microbial community (characterised by PLFA markers).

Marcescent litter contained a lower amount of nutrients, but still increased plant biomass more than shed litter, although only for F. vulgaris (likely due to mobilisation of soil nutrients).

The effect of litter on soil chemical properties and microbial community was low. These were largely affected by the plant species growing in the pot. The effect of these species on the microbial community was stronger in the undisturbed soil of ancient grasslands, while plant species affected mainly chemical properties in disturbed soil of restored grasslands. B. erectus slowed down the decomposition of both litter types in restored grassland soil.

The effect of marcescent litter on living plants was significant but species‐specific and depended on soil conditions. Marcescence seems to have a stronger effect on plants in disturbed soil, which indicates its importance for recovery of the ecosystem after disturbance.

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Submerged fermentation of lentil protein isolate and its impact on protein functionality, nutrition, and volatile profiles
Authors: Shi Dai , Stone Andrea K. , Jafarian Zahra , Liu Enyu , Xu Caishuang , Bhagwat Aarti , Lu Yuping , Gao Peng , Polley Brittany , Bhowmik Pankaj , Rajagopalan Nandhakishore , Tanaka Takuji , Korber Darren R. , Nickerson Michael T. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFermentation of pulses as a clean processing technique has been reported to have a favorable impact on the functional and nutritional quality of the starting materials. Compared to commonly fermented pulses such as peas and chickpeas, limited information is available on the effect of fermentation on lentils, especially when using a high protein isolate (>80% protein) as compared to seeds or flours. Therefore, in the present work, lentil protein isolate was used as a feedstock for submerged fermentation with Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, or Lactobacillus plantarum. After 48 h, the samples showed increased protein content with enhanced solubility and oil‐holding capacity. Controlled fermentation, as opposed to spontaneous fermentation, maintained the high foaming capacity; however, all fermented samples had lower foam and emulsion stabilizing properties and reduced water‐holding capacity compared to the control. The fermented proteins were also less digestible, possibly due to an increase in phenolics and saponins. New volatile compounds were identified in fermented samples that show promise for improved sensory attributes. Significant differences were observed in specific quality attributes depending on the microbial strain used. Further research is required to better understand the fermentative metabolism of microbial communities when provided high‐protein lentil ingredients as growth substrates.Practical ApplicationFermented lentil protein isolate has promising flavor profiles that may improve its sensory properties for food application.
Traditional cooking methods decreased the allergenicity of egg proteins
Authors: Jiang Songsong , Huang Yutong , Tang Xinlei , Wang Tao , Li Qian , Wang Hengpeng , Meng Xiangren 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEgg allergy is one of the most common food allergies globally. This study aimed to assess the impact of four traditional cooking methods on the allergenicity of egg proteins using a comprehensive strategy, including simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, serology experiments, a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)‐2H3 cell degranulation model, and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mice model, and the structure changes were detected by circular dichroism (CD) spectra and ultraviolet (UV) spectra. The results showed that the processed egg proteins were more readily digested compared to raw egg proteins. The serological experiments revealed a significant reduction in immunoglobulin E binding of egg proteins after thermal treatments (p < 0.05), particularly after frying. Subsequently, the RBL‐2H3 cell degranulation experiment demonstrated a marked decrease in the level of egg allergens‐induced β‐hexosaminidase release after cooking (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results from the PCA mice model indicated that the increase in vascular permeability was effectively relieved in the treated groups, especially in frying group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the α‐helix and β‐turn contents of processed egg proteins were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared with native egg proteins. The UV spectra findings showed that all cooking treatments caused significant alterations in the tertiary structure, and fluorescence analysis indicated that cooking decreased the surface hydrophobicity of egg proteins. In conclusion, four traditional cooking methods reduced the allergenicity of egg proteins, particularly frying, and this reduction was associated with structural changes that could contribute to the destruction or masking of epitopes of egg allergens.Practical ApplicationEgg allergy has a serious impact on public health, and there is no ideal treatment method at present. This study demonstrated that four traditional cooking methods (boiling, steaming, baking, and frying) reduced the allergenicity of egg proteins, especially frying, and the results will provide a basis for the development of hypoallergenic egg products.
Exploring animal protein sources against prevent age‐related short‐term memory decline in mice: Dietary fish (Alaska Pollock) protein exhibits superior protective effects
Authors: Murakami Yuki , Hosomi Ryota , Murakami Hirokazu , Nishimoto Ayano , Tanaka Genki , Kimura Takahiro , Imamura Yukio , Yoshida Munehiro , Fukunaga Kenji 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDietary factors, particularly proteins, have been extensively explored to combat cognitive impairment. We have previously reported that dietary fish (Alaska Pollock) protein (APP) is more effective than casein (CAS) or fish oil in maintaining short‐term memory in senescence‐accelerated mice prone 10 (SAMP10). To examine the specificity of the protective effect of APP intakes against short‐term memory decline, we assessed the impact of various dietary animal proteins, including APP, CAS, chicken breast protein (CP), and whey protein (WP), against age‐related cognitive function in SAMP10 mice. After feeding the experimental diets for 5 months, memory was assessed using the Y‐maze. The APP group exhibited a significant increase in spontaneous alternation behavior as an indicator of working memory when group compared with groups fed with other protein source. Additionally, the APP group displayed significantly higher neurofilament heavy chain positivity than the CAS and CP groups, as evidenced immunohistochemical analysis. Gut microbiota analysis indicated that dietary APP significantly enhanced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, which positively correlated with spontaneous alternation behavior. Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary APP is more effective than CAS, CP, or WP in preventing age‐related short‐term memory decline and morphological abnormalities in the hippocampal axons of SAMP10 mice. Moreover, APP‐mediated improvements in cognitive deficits may be associated with changes in microbiota diversity.Practical ApplicationThis research suggests that dietary fish protein from Alaska Pollock may be more efficient in prevention short‐term memory decline in mice, compared to other animal proteins. This finding has practical implications for nutritional optimization, developing the new health food products, and elucidating the relationship between the impact of specific proteins on gut microbiota and prevention of age‐related cognitive decline.
Micronization induced gelatinization of tapioca starch and its effects on starch physicochemical and structural properties
Authors: Xia Wen , Lin Yanyun , Wang Fei , Liu Rui Hai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe vibrating superfine mill (VSM) is a machine that belongs to the micronization technique. In this study, VSM was employed to produce micronized tapioca starch by varying micronization times (15, 30, 45, and 60 min). The structural and physicochemical properties of the micronized starch were then examined. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that micronized starch was partially gelatinized, and the granule size dramatically increased when micronization time increased. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the relative crystallinity was decreased from 24.67% (native) to 4.13% after micronization treatment for 15 min and slightly decreased after that. The solubility of micronized starch significantly increased as the micronization time increased, which was associated with the destruction of the starch crystalline structure. Differential scanning calorimetry investigations confirmed that micronized starch was “partly gelatinized,” and the degree of gelatinization increased to 81.27% when the micronization time was 60 min. The weight‐average molar mass was reduced by 15.0% (15 min), 30.9% (30 min), 55.7% (45 min), and 70.5% (60 min), respectively, indicating that the molecular structure was seriously degraded. The results demonstrated that the physicochemical changes of micronized starch granules were related to the destruction of the starch structure. These observations would provide details on micronized starch and its potential applications.Practical ApplicationThese observations would provide details on micronized starch and its potential applications. Moreover, we believe that when the structures of starches were known, it is probable that the effect of VSM on the structural and physicochemical properties change of other starches might be predicted by adjusting the processing time.
Response to dabrafenib plus trametinib on a rare BRAF mutation (V600_W604 deletion–insertion R) in an advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patient
Authors: Tamura Akiko , Inaba Higashiyama Ryoko , Yoshida Tatsuya , Satozono Yaya , Ohe Yuichiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough dabrafenib plus trametinib has been approved for BRAF V600E mutation positive advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), data on its efficacy against uncommon BRAF mutations are still limited due to their rare frequency. We report a case of 70‐year‐old woman with BRAF V600_W604 deletion–insertion R‐positive stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma, who was successfully treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib. Herein, we discuss the oncogenic role of uncommon BRAF mutations and highlight the importance of performing comprehensive genomic profiling on patients without any targetable gene alterations in companion diagnostics.
Onset time, duration of action, and intubating conditions after mivacurium in elderly and younger patients
Authors: Vested Matias , Kempff‐Andersen Sebastian , Creutzburg Andreas , Dalsten Helene , Wadland Sarah Sofie , Rosenkrantz Oscar , Rosager Christine L. , Rasmussen Lars S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe neuromuscular blocking agent mivacurium can be used during anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation. Data on onset time, duration of action, and effect on intubating conditions in patients 80 years and older are however limited. We hypothesized that onset time and duration of action of mivacurium would be longer in elderly patients than in younger adults.MethodsThis prospective observational study included 35 elderly (≥80 years) and 35 younger (18–40 years) patients. Induction of anesthesia comprised fentanyl 1–3 μg kg−1 and propofol 1.5–2.5 mg kg−1 and propofol and remifentanil for maintenance. Acceleromyography was used for monitoring neuromuscular blockade. The primary outcome was onset time defined as time from injection of mivacurium 0.2 mg kg−1 to a train‐of‐four (TOF) count of zero. Other outcomes included duration of action (time to TOF ratio ≥0.9), intubating conditions using the Fuchs‐Buder scale and the intubating difficulty scale (IDS), and occurrence of hoarseness and sore throat postoperatively.ResultsNo difference was found in onset time comparing elderly with younger patients; 219 s (SD 45) versus 203 s (SD 74) (difference: 16 s (95% CI: −45 to 14), p = .30). Duration of action was significantly longer in elderly patients compared with younger patients; 52 min (SD 17) versus 30 min (SD 8) (difference: 22 min [95% CI: 15 to 28], p < .001). No difference was found in the proportion of excellent intubating conditions (Fuchs‐Buder); 31/35 (89%) versus 26/35 (74%) (p = .12) or IDS score (p = .13). A larger proportion of younger patients reported sore throat 24 h postoperatively; 34% versus 0%, p = .0002. No difference was found in hoarseness.ConclusionNo difference in onset time of mivacurium 0.2 mg kg−1 was found comparing elderly and younger patients. However, elderly patients had significantly longer duration of action. No difference was found in intubating conditions.
Characteristics and outcomes for general anesthesia in Denmark
Authors: Mortensen Signe Østergaard , Bolther Pælestik Maria , Lind Peter Carøe , Holmberg Mathias Johan , Granfeldt Asger , Stankovic Nikola , Andersen Lars Wiuff 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundGeneral anesthesia is common, but concerns regarding post‐operative complications and mortality remain. No study has described the Danish patient population undergoing general anesthesia on a national level. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing general anesthesia in Denmark.MethodsThis study was a registry‐based observational cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing general anesthesia in Denmark during 2020 and 2021. Data from nationwide registries covering patient characteristics, anesthesia and procedure information, and patient outcomes were combined. Descriptive statistics were used to present findings, both overall and in subgroups based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification.ResultsWe identified 453,133 cases of general anesthesia in 328,951 unique patients. The median age was 57 years (quartiles: 41, 71), and 242,679 (54%) were females. Data on ASA classification were missing for less than 1% of the population, and ASA II was the most prevalent ASA classification (49%). Among cases of general anesthesia, 0.1% experienced a stroke, 0.2% had in‐hospital cardiac arrest, and 3.9% had a stay in the intensive care unit within 30 days. Mortality at 30 days and 1 year were 1.8% and 6.3%, respectively, increasing with a higher ASA classification.ConclusionThis study offers the first comprehensive overview of adult patients undergoing general anesthesia in Denmark. Post‐anesthesia complications were few and increased with ASA classification.
Thermal scanners versus spotlighting: New opportunities for monitoring threatened small endotherms
Authors: Dawlings Finella M. E. , Humphrey Morgan , Nugent Daniel T. , Clarke Rohan H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThreatened species monitoring is challenging for small, cryptic endotherms that are most effectively detected at night. Low detectability is a challenge for monitoring programmes, resulting in low statistical power and sparse or zero‐inflated datasets. To advance conservation management programmes, efforts to address this are required. In recent years thermal scanners have emerged as an effective tool for detecting small endotherms, but the diversity of available thermal tools, focal habitats and target species mean that their applicability in many key scenarios remain untested. We directly compared vehicle‐mounted thermal surveys with vehicle‐based spotlighting targeting small endotherms in Australian native grasslands. Our targets included both common species that occur at high densities, and species that are notoriously difficult to detect with spotlights, which may occur at very low densities. We completed paired surveys of roosting grassland birds, and nocturnally active small mammals at 22 sites, once using thermal scanners and once using spotlights. Ultimately, distance sampling was conducted across 136 km of transects. Thermal scanners facilitated greater detection distances and higher total detections for small endotherms when compared with spotlighting. Species of greatest conservation concern, the Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus—Pedionomidae) and Fat‐tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata—Dasyuridae) were only detected using thermal scanners. Detection distances generated for thermal scanners were reduced by higher vegetation density; however, thermal scanners continued to outperform spotlights under this scenario. Observers also detected more stationary animals and fewer birds were flushed upon detection using thermal scanners when compared with spotlighting. Thermal scanners have the potential to improve the quality of monitoring datasets by increasing detection probabilities for small endotherms. We recommend the adoption of thermal scanners as a best‐practice tool for monitoring small endotherms in open grassland habitats at night, offering new opportunities to monitor endotherms where monitoring has historically been challenging, inadequate or impossible.
Economic sanctions and agricultural trade
Authors: Larch Mario , Luckstead Jeff , Yotov Yoto V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEconomic sanctions are more popular than ever. But do they affect agricultural trade? Combining two new datasets and capitalizing on the latest developments in the empirical structural gravity literature, we investigate the effects of sanctions on international trade of agricultural products. We find that trade sanctions impede agricultural trade, whereas other sanctions do not show any significant impact. Complete trade sanctions have led to about a 67% decrease in the agricultural trade between the sanctioned and sanctioning countries, or a corresponding tariff equivalent of 25%, and we also obtain significant estimates for partial sanctions. At the industry level, we find substantial heterogeneity depending on the sanctioning and sanctioned countries, the type of sanctions used, and the direction of trade flows. The 2014 sanctions on Russia substantially decreased Russia's agricultural trade, mainly due to reduced trade with the EU but also due to reduced trade with other countries. Although no definitive evidence exists that sanctions alter the actions of governments of receiving countries, this paper provides broad evidence that sanctions hamper agrifood trade and hurt producers, consumers, and real output.
Kava‐induced dermatitis: A detailed histopathological analysis
Authors: du Plessis Nisbet Jacqueline , Xie Danica , Thompson Russell , Wark Kirsty , Lamrock Edwina , Scurry James 
Published: May 2024

AbstractKava induced dermatitis has been reported in previous case series, however the histology has rarely been described. This case report details an erythematous eruption associated with Kava ingestion and the associated folliculocentric sebaceous inflammation found on histological analysis.
Antiarrhythmic preferences and outcomes post DC cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, an Australian rural perspective
Authors: Thomas Martin , Elhindi James , Kamaladasa Kanishka , Sirisena Tilak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionDirect current cardioversion (DCCV) remains one of the recommended management strategies for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) are prescribed post procedure to maintain sinus rhythm (SR). Limited literature exists on the AAD prescribing practices and their efficacy, post‐DCCV in rural Australia.ObjectiveThe primary aim was to determine the preferred AAD post‐DCCV and the factors affecting AAD prescribing practices. The secondary aim was to assess the efficacy of the AAD in maintaining SR.DesignA retrospective observational audit of patients with non‐valvular AF who underwent successful elective DCCV for symptomatic AF, during 2015–2020 at a regional hospital in New South Wales (NSW) (Dubbo Base Hospital). Patients were followed up for a duration of 12 months post‐DCCV.Results233 patients underwent successful DCCV during the study duration. Amiodarone was the preferred AAD of choice post‐DCCV followed by sotalol and flecainide, respectively (36.5% vs. 27.8% vs. 1.3%). 35.2% patients were not prescribed AAD. Amiodarone and sotalol had similar but modest efficacies and neither were superior to no AAD, in maintaining SR 12 months post‐DCCV (AF recurrence rate 61.5% vs. 68.2% vs. 71.6% respectively, p = 0.37). Antecedent cerebrovascular accident (CVA), pulmonary disease, smoking, prior treatment with digoxin, diuretics and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction were factors that influenced AAD prescribing practices.ConclusionThe study demonstrates equal efficacies of amiodarone, sotalol and no AAD in maintaining SR 12 months post‐DCCV. Prescribing practices post‐DCCV at Dubbo Base Hospital differ from observed national trends and guidelines. AAD prescription requires a multifaceted approach with a key consideration to prioritise safety over efficacy, being mindful of challenges in delivering optimal healthcare in a rural setting.