bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The functional role of earthworm mucus during aggregation
Authors: Guhra Tom , Wonneberger Arnold , Stolze Katharina , Ritschel Thomas , Totsche Kai Uwe 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundSoil organisms influence pedogenesis on a molecular level through the production of biopolymers which interact with soil minerals depending on their molecular properties. Specifically, biopolymers impact structure formation by inhibiting aggregation as a separation agent or promoting aggregation as a bridging agent. Mucus is a biopolymer excreted by earthworms that consists mainly of proteins, polysaccharides, and, to a lesser extent, lipids. However, despite earthworms’ fundamental contribution to soil quality and structuring via bioturbation, the role of mucus in aggregation still has to be unraveled.AimsOur study explores the role of cutaneous earthworm mucus (CEM) of Lumbricus terrestris L. for the formation of organo–mineral associations and aggregates, a sub‐process of pedogenesis.MethodsWe conducted batch experiments with goethite and CEM at different pH values and varying CEM concentrations to form mucus–goethite associations. Employing the newly formed mucus–goethite associations, we explored the (homo‐/hetero‐)aggregation with quartz particles as a function of the loading of surfaces with mucus‐C and CEM concentrations in solution.ResultsOur results suggest that the molecular structure of CEM constituents (especially proteins) is sensitive to pH. We found that the adsorption of CEM to goethite depends on pH and concentration. Polysaccharides of CEM adsorbed preferentially under acidic conditions (pH 3) and at low CEM concentration (6 mg mucus‐C L–1). In contrast, stronger adsorption of proteins was observed at higher CEM concentrations (30 mg mucus‐C L–1). In subsequent aggregation experiments, the hetero‐aggregation rate of organo–mineral associations and quartz decreased at low C‐loadings. Conversely, the rate increased at high loadings compared to the CEM‐free reference. Furthermore, electrostatic/steric repulsion (separation agent) inhibited the aggregation between goethite particles at high CEM concentrations in the solution (mineral/mucus ratio of 17). However, at a low CEM supply (mineral/mucus ratio of >83), CEM took the role of a bridging agent.ConclusionsThe composition, function, and (im‐)mobilization of CEM and corresponding organo–mineral associations in earthworm‐influenced soil structures are shaped by the structure/reactivity of CEM affected by environmental parameters. Formation and aggregation of mucus–mineral associations contribute to nutrient/carbon storage and are involved in the structure formation in soil.
Reviewing the body size of some extinct Brazilian Quaternary Xenarthrans
Authors: Barbosa FERNANDO H. DE S. , Alves‐Silva Laís , Liparini Alexandre , Porpino Kleberson De Oliveira 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTHere we estimate the body mass of 10 iconic species of extinct xenarthrans (cingulates and sloths) from the Quaternary of Brazil using two sets of predictive equations based on postcranial variables. Our results revealed that one of these methods is more reliable in estimating the body mass of the evaluated taxa, even though both methods provide accurate results. The body mass estimates for cingulates indicate that they would have been heavier than previously proposed. Among extinct sloths, the results appear to be within the range of previous estimates. Compared to previously proposed body mass estimates for the same species, we suggest that the results presented in this study are more robust due to using predictive equations with high predictive power and developed using a broader phylogenetic dataset, including extant relatives.
Herbivore enamel carbon and oxygen isotopes demonstrate both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals exploited similar habitats in the Zagros Mountains
Authors: Ecker Michaela , Hariri Nemat , Heydari‐Guran Saman , Ghasidian Elham , Tuross Noreen , Zeder Melinda , Makarewicz Cheryl A. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTThe extinction of Neanderthal populations has been attributed to the onset of cold and dry climatic conditions during Marine Isotope Stage 3 or their competition with anatomically modern humans for large game resources. However, decoupling climate from competition has long proved difficult. Loess sequences and pollen cores provide regional‐scale environmental information but are less well‐suited to providing local‐scale habitat information contemporaneous with hominin habitation of occupation sites. The relationship between climate and resource availability is particularly unknown in the Zagros mountain range where archaeological evidence for both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens occupation is documented. Here, we analyse carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopes measured from herbivore tooth enamel carbonates recovered from the Neanderthal and modern human occupation sites of Bawa Yawan Rockshelter and Shanidar Cave to trace local‐scale floral biome dynamics and climate conditions that influence the distribution and availability of large prey targeted by both hominin species. Shared isotopic composition of herbivorous fauna, largely represented by wild goats, from both sites spanning Neanderthal and Homo sapiens occupation indicate both hominin species exploited similar habitats during climatically similar phases.
Structure–activity relationship on selective antibacterial activity of nonionic surfactants
Authors: Tanaka Mayu , Kurose Mina , Yano Shigekazu , Tanaka Seiya , Gotoh Naohiro , Nonomura Yoshimune 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe antibacterial activity of surfactants is an important factor to consider for improving skin conditions in cosmetic and skin care products. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of 16 nonionic surfactants containing ethylene oxide, ester, and ether functional groups against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). 12:0 MG ester and 6–12 diol, which showed antibacterial activity against both Staphylococci, had compact hydrophilic groups with low polarity. In contrast, 12:0 PEG‐10 ester and 12:0 Sor ester, which showed antibacterial activity only against S. aureus, had large hydrophilic groups and high polarity. These results suggest that the hydrophilicity and polarity of the surfactant may be involved in its antibacterial behavior against Staphylococci. These findings will be useful in the design of surfactant molecules and in the development of cosmetics and body cleansers that exhibit antibacterial activity only against S. aureus.
Exploring membrane vesicles in citrus fruits: a comparative analysis of conventional and organic farming approaches
Authors: Olmos‐Ruiz Rafael , Garcia‐Gomez Pablo , Carvajal Micaela , Yepes‐Molina Lucia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecently, vesicles derived from plant cell membranes have received attention for their potential use as active biomolecules and nanocarriers, and obtaining them from organic crops may be an interesting option because different farming systems can affect production, plant secondary metabolism and biochemistry of cell membranes. The present study aimed to determine how organic and conventional farming affects the mineral nutrition, gas exchange, CO2 fixation and biochemical composition of lemon fruits, which could have an impact on the different fractions of cell membranes in pulp and juice.RESULTSOrganic trees had higher intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) but conventional trees had higher stomatal conductance (gs) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUtE). Also, organic lemons had significantly higher levels of some micronutrients (Ca, Cu, Fe and Zn). Second, the main differences in the membrane vesicles showed that organic pulp vesicles had a higher antioxidant activity and more oleic acid, whereas both types of vesicles from conventional lemons had more linoleic acid.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, organic farming did not alter carbon fixation parameters but impacted nitrogen fixation and water uptake, and resulted in higher micronutrient levels in lemons. These mineral nutritional changes could be related to the higher production of membranes that showed suitable morphological traits and a high antioxidant activity, positively correlated with a high amount of oleic acid, which could have stronger cell protection characteristics. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancing silkworm protein yield, extraction efficiency, structure, functionality, and antioxidant activity using ultrasound‐, microwave‐, and freeze–thaw‐assisted methods
Authors: Phuangjit Uraiwun , Klinkesorn Utai , Tan Chin Ping , Katekhong Wattinee 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDSilkworm protein applications are limited in the food industry because of their low emulsifying and foaming properties. This study investigated the effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) for 15 and 30 min, microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) for 1 and 2 min, and freeze–thaw‐assisted extraction (FTAE) for one and three cycles on the yield, extraction efficiency, functional properties, and antioxidant activities of proteins from silkworm pupae. Relationships of protein structure and functionality were also examined.RESULTSUAE for 15 and 30 min and MAE for 1 and 2 min significantly increased protein yield and extraction efficiency compared to the control. Both UAE and MAE processes, especially MAE for 2 min, greatly improved the emulsifying and foaming properties of extracted proteins. FTAE one and three cycles did not increase the protein yield and extraction efficiency but showed enhanced functional properties, especially foaming. All samples showed changes in protein structure, such as increased exposed sulfhydryl (SH) contents, denaturation temperatures, and enthalpy. Only MAE samples had low‐molecular‐weight proteins based on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. UAE and FTAE samples had significantly higher antioxidant activities, while the MAE process showed the opposite.CONCLUSIONUAE and MAE processes improved the yield and functionality of extracted silkworm proteins, while MAE negatively impacted protein antioxidant activities. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Magnetic functionalized graphene oxide combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography for trace detection of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides in food
Authors: Yang Jiajie , Li Minmin , Liu Xiaowei , Liao Yonghong , Zhao Haoran , Chen Jieyin , Dai Xiaofeng , Simal‐Gandara Jesus , Kong Zhiqiang , Zhang Minwei 
Published: August 2023

In this study, an efficient, sensitive, and convenient magnetic solid‐phase extraction method combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (MSPE‐UHPLC‐MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 19 succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide residues in six different food matrices The synthesized tetraethylenepentamine magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite showed the advantages of good dispersibility, large specific surface area (113.93 m2/g) and large pore volume (0.25 cm3/g), making it an ideal succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor pretreatment adsorbent. The MSPE‐UHPLC‐MS/MS method showed linearity in the range of 5.0–800.0 μg/kg, with a correlation coefficient (R2) > 0.99, and a limit of quantification of 5 μg/kg. The recovery of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides was in the range of 71.2%–119.4%. The MSPE method is simple, rapid, and efficient, making it an ideal alternative to sample pretreatment in the determination of trace succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides in complex matrices.
The Role of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Plus Color Parametric Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis of Subpleural Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Bai Jing , Du Yu‐qing , Yang Wei , Bai Xiu‐mei , Wang Song , Wu Wei , Yan Kun , Chen Min‐hua 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo distinguish benign and malignant subpleural pulmonary lesions (SPLs) with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and color parametric imaging (CPI), and evaluate the role of CEUS plus CPI in the differential diagnosis of pathological types of SPLs.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐six patients underwent CEUS with a Logiq E9 XD Clear ultrasonic machine equipped with a 3.5‐ to 5.0‐MHz C5‐1 transducer in our center were enrolled in our study, including 27 cases of benign lesions and 109 cases of malignant lesions. The ultrasound contrast agent used in this study was SonoVue. CEUS images and CPI of all cases were reviewed and analyzed by the resident and staff radiologist groups separately.ResultsWith CEUS alone, by both the two groups, the main enhancement pattern of benign SPLs was arborization (P < .001), while centripetal enhancement pattern occurred more frequently in malignant SPLs (P < .001). With CEUS plus CPI, by both the two groups, the main enhancement pattern of benign SPLs was arborization (P < .001), while those of malignant SPLs were centripetal (P < .001) and eccentric (P < .05). The diagnosis performance of CEUS plus CPI was significantly higher than that of CEUS alone in both the resident (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.857 vs 0.677, P < .001) and staff (AUC = 0.866 vs 0.681, P < .001) groups. Moreover, CPI offered remarkable inter‐consistency improvements in the enhancement pattern determination between the two groups.ConclusionThe CEUS enhancement patterns would provide information of blood perfusion patterns in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant SPLs. The diagnosis performance could be significantly improved by CEUS plus CPI compared with CEUS alone.
The use of swimming pools by bats on a game reserve in South Africa
Authors: McGee James E. , Bennett Victoria J. , Maartens Stephen J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhile the use of anthropogenic resources by wildlife in degraded habitats has been frequently documented, the use of such alternative resources in natural and semi‐natural habitats is not yet well understood. We explored the use of artificial water sources by bats in a semi‐natural habitat by conducting acoustic monitoring surveys at swimming pools on Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa from 2018 to 2020. We identified 7 of 23 local species in 24,909 recorded activities associated with resource use at the swimming pools, including 1,374 feeding buzzes and 9,286 drinking buzzes. This study confirmed that bats were using swimming pools in the game reserve as a foraging and drinking resource and indicates that such anthropogenic features could be of value to bats and potentially other wildlife in natural and semi‐natural habitats.
Historical Therapies for Suspected Autonomic Dysregulation in Meniere's Disease
Authors: Jung Diane , Perdomo Dianela , Ward Bryan K. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis narrative review examines how speculative belief that the autonomic nervous system causes Meniere's Disease (MD) led otolaryngologists to adopt invasive surgical procedures and medical treatments still offered today.Data SourcesGoogle Scholar, PubMed.Review MethodsA comprehensive literature review (1860–2022) was performed using the terms “Meniere AND (sympathetic OR sympathectomy OR vasomotor OR cervical ganglion),” returning 5360 items. All abstracts were briefly reviewed, relevant publications selected for further study, and key articles discussed by all authors. As it became clear that betahistine was related to the historical narrative, an additional search was performed using “Betahistine AND Meniere AND (vasomotor OR sympathetic OR sympathectomy OR cervical ganglion OR autonomic),” which yielded 336 results.ResultsIn the 19th and 20th centuries, growing knowledge of human anatomy led the scientific community to speculate that autonomic dysregulation caused many medical conditions. Excessive sympathetic mediated vasomotor changes were thought to cause hypertension, ischemia, and tissue damage. Clinicians applied the hypothesis to MD, assigning the sympathetic nervous system responsible for vertigo secondary to paroxysmal vasospasm and for hearing loss to poor cochlear nutrition. Despite limited animal experiments and isolated clinical observations, otolaryngologists performed sympathectomies, and, in the 1970s, replaced the procedure with betahistine as an alternative medical treatment.ConclusionPremature excitement about a plausible hypothesis led to unnecessary and unwarranted operations. Despite absent evidence of sympathetic overactivation in MD, surgeons eagerly adopted sympathectomies, and later betahistine. Rigorous evaluation of the validity of these treatment practices is needed.Level of Evidence5 Laryngoscope, 134:535–542, 2024
In Vivo Visualization and Quantification of Rat Laryngeal Blood Supply After Hydration Challenge
Authors: Duan Chenwei , Anderson Jennifer L. , Schepers Luke E. , Damen Frederick W. , Cox Abigail , Goergen Craig J. , Sivasankar M. Preeti 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesSystemic dehydration decreases total body blood volume; however, hemodynamic alterations at the level of local organs, such as the larynx, remain unclear. Here we sought to quantify superior thyroid artery (STA) blood flow after dehydration and rehydration using in vivo magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and ultrasound imaging in a rat model.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats (N = 17) were included in this prospective, repeated measures design. Rats first underwent MRA to determine baseline STA cross‐sectional area, followed by high‐frequency in vivo ultrasound imaging to measure STA blood velocity at baseline. Next, rats were systemically dehydrated (water withholding), followed by rehydration (water ad‐lib). Ultrasound imaging was repeated immediately after dehydration and following rehydration. The STA blood velocity and STA cross‐sectional area were used to compute STA blood flow. Three rats served as temporal controls for ultrasound imaging. To determine if the challenges to hydration status affected the STA cross‐sectional area, four rats underwent only MRA at baseline, dehydration, and rehydration.ResultsSystemic dehydration resulted in 10.5% average body weight loss. Rehydration resulted in average body weight gain of 10.9%. Statistically significant reductions were observed in STA mean blood flow rate after dehydration. Rehydration reversed these changes to pre‐dehydration levels. No significant differences were observed in STA cross‐sectional area with dehydration or rehydration.ConclusionSystemic dehydration decreased blood flow in the superior thyroid artery. Rehydration restored blood flow in the STA. Change in hydration status did not alter the STA cross‐sectional area. These preliminary findings demonstrate the feasibility of using ultrasound and MRA to quantify hemodynamic changes and visualize laryngeal blood vessels.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:779–785, 2024
Effects of afforestation on soil fungi in rocky mountain areas of North China
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Li Xiao , Ji Xiaodong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAfforestation has a substantial influence on soil fungal communities by introducing ecological variations within forest ecosystems via the inclusion of distinct tree species (coniferous and broadleaf) and afforestation patterns (pure forests and mixed forests). However, the specific effects of these variations on soil fungal communities require further investigation. Soil samples from birch (B: Betula platyphylla Suk.), larch (L: Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen.), and mixed birch and larch (B–L) forests were used in this study, and a shrub–grassland field (S–G) was used as a reference. The abundance, diversity, and community composition of fungi in the soil of the monoculture forest (B and L), mixed forest (B–L), and S–G were studied by high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that Basidiomycota was the dominant fungus in B and B–L, and the dominant genera were Inocybe and Amanita, respectively. Ascomycota was the dominant fungus in L and S–G, and the dominant genus was Mortierella. Afforestation reduced the richness and diversity of soil fungi. Larch forests were richer in soil fungi than B and B–L forests. Soil organic carbon was the main soil factor affecting the soil fungal community structure. Soil fungal community network changed less after planting L than after planting B and B–L, and the soil fungal community structure was more complex and stable in L than in B and B–L. For soil fungal community composition and function, mixed forests did not show outstanding advantages. Planting monoculture forests may be a more effective afforestation strategy in the rocky mountain areas of North China.
Effect of deficit saline irrigation, tillage and rice straw mulch in wheat‐sorghum cropping system on yield and nutritive value of rainfed forage sorghum in salt‐affected soils
Authors: Soni Pooja Gupta , Rai Arvind Kumar , Basak Nirmalendu , Sundha Parul , Narjary Bhaskar , Kumar Parveen , Kumar Rakesh , Yadav Gajender , Kumar Satyendra , Yadav Rajender Kumar , Sharma Parbodh Chander 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSoil and groundwater salinity associated with limited rainfall are the challenges for checking salinity build‐up in semi‐arid regions. This field experiment was conducted to test the impact of deficit saline irrigation (DSI) (in winter) with mulching and tillage on salinity build‐up, yield and nutritive value of rainfed‐forage sorghum. Tillage (reduced, conventional and zero), saline water (8.0 dS m−1) irrigation (100%, 80% and 60% of water requirement [WR] in wheat) and mulch were allocated following split factorial layout. DSI with mulching produced at par wheat and sorghum yield compared with 100WR irrigation with harvested rainwater. Mulching improved wheat grain yield and the soil water content by ~13% throughout the cropping season. Forage sorghum yield was increased by DSI and mulching in the previous season compared with irrigation with 100WR saline water. Reduced tillage declined the neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) with an increase in cell soluble constituents. DSI and mulching also increased the digestible nutrient, crude protein (CP), ash and reduced ADF of sorghum. Soil salinity showed a negative correlation with CP, positive correlation with ADF, ADL and cellulose. Therefore, it is recommended that DSI and reduced tillage with mulching can be a reliable option for productive use of saline soils and water by cropping system intensification. These results also showed the potential for achieving 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals as well as targets of land degradation neutrality in salt‐affected soils by savings irrigation, doubling cropping intensity and preventing salinity build‐up.