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Abstract The aim of presented study was to test nutritional properties of potato tubers and silver ions accumulation pattern after foliar application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during potato vegetation. Potato plants were sprayed with different concentration of Ag nanoparticles (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg·dm−3) synthesized with incorporation with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium citrate as stabilizing agent. The lowest amounts of silver ions were transported to the tubers after spraying with AgNPs synthesized with SDS, rather than with citrate. Nevertheless silver ions accumulation in tubers was negligible. SDS method of synthesis was more favourable in terms of nutritional properties of potato tubers. The highest tested concentration of AgNPs_SDS had a favourable effect on a variety of macro- and micronutrients, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars. In turn, lower concentrations of AgNPs_SDS increased the content of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging efficiency of tubers. These correlations were also confirmed by Principal Component Analysis.

Background Patients on dialysis are commonly prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy), many of which are potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). PIMs are associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and hospitalization. Deprescribing is a promising intervention to reduce PIMs.Methods We previously conducted a prospective controlled trial whereby we provided deprescribing decision support to nephrologists in one of two tertiary care outpatient hemodialysis units in Montreal, Canada. We aimed to collect information on barriers and facilitators to implementing deprescribing decision support with an electronic tool (MedSafer) by conducting semi-structured interviews among the four nephrologists who participated in the intervention arm of the study, between February and April 2023, following completion of the study. The four nephrologists had conducted medication reviews for a total of 68 patients on the intervention unit during the study. Interviews with participating nephrologists were conducted and transcribed by the study lead. Afterwards, data was coded and analyzed thematically with a focus on their perspective on participating in a quality improvement project during their clinical practice. Two graduate students used a combination of deductive (Theoretical Domains Framework) and inductive coding to analyze each transcribed interview in duplicate. Each coder then created a mind map to visually interpret results and derive themes. A senior qualitative researcher oversaw the development of the final common themes from the interviews.Results Four themes were developed: 1) the importance of deprescribing for patients on hemodialysis, 2) barriers to the success of the deprescribing intervention (e.g., the lack of a clinical pharmacist on the unit), 3) resources that were needed during the intervention (e.g., multidisciplinary team members to facilitate medication reconciliation), and 4) resources that facilitated the intervention (e.g., the provision of deprescribing brochures to patients).Conclusions This was the first study to explore the perspectives of nephrologists participating in a quality improvement project on deprescribing for patients on hemodialysis. This study interviewed a limited number of prescribers, which could limit the contextualized understanding and transferability of the nephrologists’ experiences. As a next step, some of the facilitators identified by the nephrologists should be implemented and studied in a larger clinical trial.Trial registration: NCT05585268

Rationale & Objective: Patients treated with dialysis are commonly prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy), including some potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). PIMs are associated with an increased risk of medication harm (eg, falls, fractures, hospitalization). Deprescribing is a solution that proposes to stop, reduce, or switch medications to a safer alternative. Although deprescribing pairs well with routine medication reviews, it can be complex and time-consuming. Whether clinical decision support improves the process and increases deprescribing for patients treated with dialysis is unknown. This study aimed to test the efficacy of the clinical decision support software MedSafer at increasing deprescribing for patients treated with dialysis. Study Design: Prospective controlled quality improvement study with a contemporaneous control. Setting & Participants: Patients prescribed ≥5 medications in 2 outpatient dialysis units in Montréal, Canada. Exposures: Patient health data from the electronic medical record were input into the MedSafer web-based portal to generate reports listing candidate PIMs for deprescribing. At the time of a planned biannual medication review (usual care), treating nephrologists in the intervention unit additionally received deprescribing reports, and patients received EMPOWER brochures containing safety information on PIMs they were prescribed. In the control unit, patients received usual care alone. Analytical Approach: The proportion of patients with ≥1 PIMs deprescribed was compared between the intervention and control units following a planned medication review to determine the effect of using MedSafer. The absolute risk difference with 95% CI and number needed to treat were calculated. Outcomes: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more PIMs deprescribed. Secondary outcomes include the reduction in the mean number of prescribed drugs and PIMs from baseline. Results: In total, 195 patients were included (127, control unit; 68, intervention unit); the mean age was 64.8 ± 15.9 (SD), and 36.9% were women. The proportion of patients with ≥1 PIMs deprescribed in the control unit was 3.1% (4/127) vs 39.7% (27/68) in the intervention unit (absolute risk difference, 36.6%; 95% CI, 24.5%-48.6%; P

Hydrogen (H2) can become a crucial technology in building an independent and resilient energy infrastructure. The production and utilisation of green hydrogen will play a crucial role in the energy environment of the European Union in the future. Several strategies were defined, and policy actions were taken. H2 has a comparably high lower heating value and no direct harmful emission during use, so it presents a viable alternative for conventional energy carriers. Independently from the final form of usage, H2 will play a key role in integrating green electricity into the grid, as according to the state-of-the-art, large-scale, long-term energy storage is only feasible in molecules containing H2. H2-based mobility solutions could offer a viable technology for sustainable transportation. This article investigates H2 production and demand in the EU, as well as the directives and incentives of the EU to accelerate H2 production and H2 technologies in general. Based on the existing policies and applications, it reviews the up-to-date status of policy uptake within the EU and gives insights into the different preparedness for the transition to a H2-based energy system of the Member States.

The technological advancements of internal combustion engines, batteries, and electric propulsion technology have reached such a level that they bring a new dimension to the potential of hybrid propulsion systems. Partially or fully electric vehicle propulsion drivetrains receive significant attention when considering the future of mobility, as they have the potential to reduce the sector's greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and hopefully mitigate climate change. This paper aims to design a hybrid powertrain for a conventional passenger vehicle that can cover the performance requirements of everyday average urban usage with electric propulsion to reduce consumption and emissions and improve sustainability. It aims to present the performance requirements of the vehicle based on road measurements conducted under various traffic conditions and usage environments. The energy savings achieved through the auxiliary powertrain will also be evaluated based on real-life, everyday usage conditions. Finally, the paper introduces a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which compares the original conventional propulsion system with the new hybrid powertrain.

Wildland fires have a multitude of ecological effects in forests, woodlands, and savannas across the globe. A major focus of past research has been on tree mortality from fire, as trees provide a vast range of biological services. We assembled a database of individual-tree records from prescribed fires and wildfires in the United States. The Fire and Tree Mortality (FTM) database includes records from 164,293 individual trees with records of fire injury (crown scorch, bole char, etc.), tree diameter, and either mortality or top-kill up to ten years post-fire. Data span 142 species and 62 genera, from 409 fires occurring from 1981-2016. Additional variables such as insect attack are included when available. The FTM database can be used to evaluate individual fire-caused mortality models for pre-fire planning and post-fire decision support, to develop improved models, and to explore general patterns of individual fire-induced tree death. The database can also be used to identify knowledge gaps that could be addressed in future research.

The internal combustion engine will be required as a bridge-technology in the upcoming decades to achieve a significant reduction in local emissions in the mobility, and logistics sector. Alternative fuel technologies will present new mechanical engineering challenges, including increasing efficiency and reducing mechanical losses. Textured surfaces with appropriate manufacturing parameters can enhance lubrication, and reduce friction in sliding and rolling contacts, e.g., journal bearings, or the piston ring – cylinder subsystem. This paper gives an overview of 80 scientific works related to laser surface technologies, with an emphasis on surface texturing for friction reduction from the viewpoint of engine development. The most common texture types, further directions, and general challenges are highlighted in the summary.

Background: Patients on dialysis are commonly prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy), many of which are potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Potentially inappropriate medications are associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and hospitalization. MedSafer is an electronic tool that generates individualized, prioritized reports with deprescribing opportunities by cross-referencing patient health data and medications with guidelines for deprescribing. Objectives: Our primary aim was to increase deprescribing, as compared with usual care (medication reconciliation or MedRec), for outpatients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, through the provision of MedSafer deprescribing opportunity reports to the treating team and patient empowerment deprescribing brochures provided directly to the patients themselves. Design: This controlled, prospective, quality improvement study with a contemporary control builds on existing policy at the outpatient hemodialysis centers where biannual MedRecs are performed by the treating nephrologist and nursing team. Setting: The study takes place on 2 of the 3 outpatient hemodialysis units of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The intervention unit is the Lachine Hospital, and the control unit is the Montreal General Hospital. Patients: A closed cohort of outpatient hemodialysis patients visit one of the hemodialysis centers multiple times per week for their hemodialysis treatment. The initial cohort of the intervention unit includes 85 patients, whereas the control unit has 153 patients. Patients who are transplanted, hospitalized during their scheduled MedRec, or die before or during the MedRec will be excluded from the study. Measurements: We will compare rates of deprescribing between the control and intervention units following a single MedRec. On the intervention unit, MedRecs will be paired with MedSafer reports (the intervention), and on the control unit, MedRecs will take place without MedSafer reports (usual care). On the intervention unit, patients will also receive deprescribing patient empowerment brochures for select medication classes (gabapentinoids, proton-pump inhibitors, sedative hypnotics and opioids for chronic non-cancer pain). Physicians on the intervention unit will be interviewed post-MedRec to determine implementation barriers and facilitators. Methods: The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with 1 or more PIMs deprescribed on the intervention unit, as compared with the control unit, following a biannual MedRec. This study will build on existing policies aimed at optimizing medication therapy in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The electronic deprescribing decision support tool, MedSafer, will be tested in a dialysis setting, where nephrologists are regularly in contact with patients. MedRecs are an interdisciplinary clinical activity performed biannually on the hemodialysis units (in the Spring and Fall), and within 1 week following discharge from any hospitalization. This study will take place in the Fall of 2022. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted among physicians on the intervention unit to determine barriers and facilitators to implementation of the MedSafer-supplemented MedRec process and analyzed according to grounded theory in qualitative research. Limitations: Deprescribing can be limited due to nephrologists’ time constraints, cognitive impairment of the hemodialyzed patient stemming from their illness and complex medication regimens, and lack of sufficient patient resources to learn about the medications they are taking and their potential harms. Conclusions: Electronic decision support can facilitate deprescribing for the clinical team by providing a nudge reminder, decreasing the time it takes to review and effectuate guideline recommendations, and by lowering the barrier of when and how to taper. Guidelines for deprescribing in the dialysis population have recently been published and incorporated into the MedSafer software. To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the efficacy of pairing these guidelines with MedRecs by leveraging electronic decision support in the outpatient dialysis population. Trial registration: This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05585268) on October 2, 2022, prior to the enrolment of the first participant on October 3, 2022. The registration number is pending at the time of protocol submission.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa L. (NS) oil addition on the quality of ground pork for pâté stored for one month and two months (−20 ± 1 °C). The study was conducted on a negative control (C), a positive control with the addition of antioxidant (CB) butylated hydroxyanisole (E320), and two groups with the addition of NS oil at the level of 1.9% (O1) and 3.8% (O2). The quality parameters tested in the meat were colour (measured in the CIELab system), lipid oxidation products, the fatty acid profile, thrombogenicity (T1), atherogenicity (A1), and the ratio of hypocholesterolemia to hypercholesterolemia (h/H). After roasting the pâtés, their volatile compound profiles were studied and sensory tests were conducted. A significant effect of NS oil additive on meat colour was found and ΔE for C-O2 increased faster during storage than for C-O1 and C-CB. NS oil additive in pork pâté improved the fatty acid profile. Significant differences in the rate of the fatty acid profile change during storage were observed with the addition of 3.8% NS oil compared to the other groups. Only the O2 group showed no change in PUFA content, while the h/H ratio was approximately 20% higher in the groups with added oil. The addition of NS oil also slowed the growth of TBARSs compared to the C and CB groups. The volatile compound profile of the raw pâté was most influenced by the proportion of terpenes in the NS oil. After two months of meat storage, the O1 pâté received the highest sensory ratings.

An up-to-date overview of the current state of the art of polysaccharide-based spherical particles as carriers of active/bioactive substances, with a particular emphasis on their applications in the food industry, is provided. Owing to the rapid advances in nanotechnology, much effort has been dedicated to the synthesis and potential uses of these particles. This review outlines recent research on the preparation of spherical nanoparticles, including micro-/nanoencapsulates, micelles, and liposomes, that utilise polysaccharides as carriers and stabilisers. It also discusses the potential application of these nanostructures to the field of food technology. The review aims to provide an objective assessment of the current state of research on this topic. Owing to the distinctive characteristics of spherical nanostructures and the requirement to investigate and scrutinise their potential employment in diverse aspects of the food sector, there are significant opportunities for researchers worldwide to devise innovative solutions.

The dynamic development of nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative and novel techniques for the production and use of nanomaterials. One of them is the use of nanocapsules based on biodegradable biopolymer composites. Closing compounds with antimicrobial activity inside the nanocapsule cause the gradual release of biologically active substances into the environment, and the effect on pathogens is regular, prolonged and targeted. Known and used in medicine for years, propolis, thanks to the synergistic effect of active ingredients, has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Biodegradable and flexible biofilms were obtained, the morphology of the composite was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size was measured by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Antimicrobial properties of biofoils were examined on commensal skin bacteria and pathogenic Candida isolates based on the growth inhibition zones. The research confirmed the presence of spherical nanocapsules with sizes in the nano/micrometric scale. The properties of the composites were characterized by infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. It has been proven that hyaluronic acid is a suitable matrix for the preparation of nanocapsules, as no significant interactions between hyaluronan and the tested compounds have been demonstrated. Color analysis and thermal properties, as well as the thickness and mechanical properties of the obtained films, were determined. Antimicrobial properties of the obtained nanocomposites were strong in relation to all analyzed bacterial and yeast strains isolated from various regions of the human body. These results suggest high potential applicability of the tested biofilms as effective materials for dressings to be applied on infected wounds.

Invasive non-native woody shrubs pose a major threat to forested ecosystems in many parts of the world and there is an urgent need for research on the restoration and recovery of these areas. We studied patterns of tree growth and regeneration 13 years after the experimental eradication (by chainsaw or mulching machine followed by herbicide treatments) of Ligustrum sinense Lour. (Chinese privet) from riparian forests in Georgia, United States. We also followed the recovery of bee and butterfly populations using sites with no history of privet invasion as a reference. By the end of the study, the basal area of restored plots was 24% greater, on average, than still-invaded control plots. Because tree growth rates did not differ among treatments, this increase is attributable to the 60% increase in the number of regenerating native stems (dominated by Acer negundo L.) following privet removal. The benefits of privet removal on pollinators were immediate and long-lasting with the richness and abundance of bees and butterflies being consistently higher in restored plots than in control plots. The diversity, abundance, and composition of bees in restored and reference (i.e., never invaded) plots were comparable by the end of the study. This was less true for butterflies, however, possibly due to the legacy effects of privet invasion on plant communities. Our results demonstrate the long-term benefits of removing privet on forest regeneration and pollinator communities. Indeed, without such efforts, it is probable that forest cover will gradually thin and ultimately disappear from privet-invaded areas as overstory trees die without replacement.

Meat is a rich source of different volatile compounds. The final flavor of meat products depends on the raw material and processing parameters. Changes that occur in meat include pyrolysis of peptides and amino acids, degradation of sugar and ribonucleotides, Maillard’s and Strecker’s reactions, lipid oxidation, degradation of thiamine and fats, as well as microbial metabolism. A review of the volatile compounds’ formation was carried out and divided into non-thermal and thermal processes. Modern and advanced solutions such as ultrasounds, pulsed electric field, cold plasma, ozone use, etc., were described. The article also concerns the important issue of determining Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) markers generated during heat treatment.

Meat is a rich source of various nutrients. However, it needs processing before consumption, what in turn generates formation of carcinogenic compounds, i.a., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nitrosamines (NOCs), and the most mutagenic heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). It was widely found that many factors affect the content of carcinogens in processed meat. However, it has recently been discovered that after digestion free HAAs are released, which are not detectable before enzymatic treatment. It was established that the highest percentage of carcinogens is released in the small intestine and that its amount can be increased up to 6.6-fold. The change in free HAAs content in analyzed samples was dependent on many factors such as meat type, doneness, particle size of meat, and the enzyme concentration used for digestion. In turn, introduction of bacteria naturally occurring in the human digestive tract into the model significantly decreases total amount of HAAs. Contrary, the addition of food ingredients rich in polyphenols, fiber, and water (pepper powder, onions, apples) increases free HAAs’ release up to 56.06%. Results suggests that in vitro digestion should be an integral step of sample preparation. Artificial digestion introduced before chromatographic analysis will allow to estimate accurately the content of carcinogens in processed meat.

The growing number of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease development contributed to both changes in diets by consumers and the reformulation of food products by food producers. Cardiovascular diseases are caused by the i.a. consumption of meat that contains animal fat rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA). The use of fat substitutes in meat seems to be a promising tool for the reduction of cardiovascular disease occurrence. In the presented study, beef fat was replaced at 0 (CO), 25 (S-25%), 50 (S-50%), 75 (S-75%), and 100% (S-100%) by a fat substitute in a form of a lyophilized hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated açai oil. The chemical (TBARS, volatile compound profile, fatty acid profile, pH), and physical (TPA, consumer rating, L*a*b* color, cooking loss) analyses were performed on raw and grilled burgers subjected to storage at cold conditions (4 °C) in days 0 and 7. Burgers formulated with hydrogels had a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of about 32% (p < 0.05) and reduced SFAs by 22%. Reformulation of the burger resulted in lower nutritional indices of the atherogenicity index (AI) (0.8 for CO, 0.3 for S-100%, p < 0.05) and thrombogenicity index (TI) (1.8 for CO, 0.6 for S-100%, p < 0.05), as well as led to an increased h/H ratio (1.3 for CO, 3.9 for S-100%, p < 0.05). Furthermore the application of freeze-dried hydrogels reduced cooking loss. Moreover, consumers did not observe significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and S-25% and S-50% burgers. Thus, the use of lyophilized hydrogels formulated with konjac flour and sodium alginate and enriched with encapsulated acai oil can be successfully applied as a fat substitute in beef burgers.

This study evaluates the effects of using a fat substitute in beef burgers composed of a hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated safflower oil and açai extract. The influences of the fat substitute on the chemical (TBARS, fatty acids, and volatile compounds profile) and physical (weight loss, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, color, and texture analyses) characteristics of the burgers were analyzed after 0, 4 and 8 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The obtained results were compared with control groups (20 g of tallow or 8 g of safflower oil). The fat substitute used improved burger parameters such as chewiness, hardness and the a* color parameter remained unchanged over storage time. The addition of açai extract slowed the oxidation rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced the changes in the volatile compounds profile during the storage of burgers. The utilization of a fat substitute enriched the burgers with polyunsaturated fatty acids and lowered the atherogenic index (0.49 raw, 0.58 grilled burger) and the thrombogenicity index (0.8 raw, 1.09 grilled burger), while it increased the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (2.59 raw, 2.09 grilled burger) of consumed meat. Thus, the application of the presented fat substitute in the form of a hydrogel enriched with açai berry extract extended the shelf life of the final product and contributed to the creation of a healthier meat product that met the nutritional recommendations.

Cold plasma is a new technology of promising potential to use as a part of technological extraction lines constructed to implement green chemistry solutions or simply to reduce resources in solvent-based extraction lines. The present study was undertaken to verify the effect of nitrogen cold plasma pre-treatment conducted for 8 min (20 kHz) on the content of antioxidants, antioxidant activity, the profile of volatile compounds, microbial count, pH and color measured in herb extracts (12 herbs: Echinacea purpurea; Salvia officinalis; Urtica dioica; Polygonum aviculare; Vaccinium myrtillus; Taraxacum officinale; Hypericum perforatum; Achillea millefolium; Sanguisorba officinalis; Leonurus cardiaca; Ballota nigra; Andrographis paniculata) obtained with its usage. The surface morphology of extracted herbs was examined as well. Herbs used for extraction were ground and suspended in water before cold plasma treatment, which is a novel approach not studied before. Most plasma-treated extracts were characterized by a higher content of polyphenols (11 out of 12). Content of flavonoids and anthocyanins increased in four extracts and in the case of anthocyanins was significantly higher in comparison to control (up to 77%). The antioxidant activity measured at least by one method (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP) was also higher in nine plasma-treated solutions. Moreover, plasma decreased total aerobic bacteria, affected the color and increased pH of the extracts. The surface structure of the plant material after the extraction process was significantly damaged, which probably led to a higher extraction yield of bioactive compounds and in consequence to the higher antioxidant activity of extracts obtained with the cold plasma treatment.

As the market demand for button mushrooms is constantly growing, it is important to extend their shelf-life. Active packaging with built-in active components offers the possibility of extending the shelf life of products which are sensitive to external factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to check the effect of active packaging with zeolite (clinoptilolite) and aҫai extract on the bioactive compounds content, antioxidant activity, volatile compound profile, and physical quality of mushrooms subjected to storage for 28 days at 4 °C. Packing mushrooms in active packages improved their chemical characteristics by increasing antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.001) in comparison to the conventional packaging methods. Moreover, it slowed down water loss and the browning process both on the surface and inside the mushroom. Furthermore, the results showed a strong correlation (p ≤ 0.001) between antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds content and color parameters. The obtained results suggest that the addition of the aҫai extract and zeolite into packaging material protects mushrooms from deterioration for a longer period of time. The use of active packaging to extend product shelf life can contribute to the reduction of the use of food preservatives, but also protects the environment by reducing the volume of waste.

Hybrid virtual reality environments allow analysts to choose how much of the screen real estate they want to use for Virtual Reality (VR) immersion, and how much they want to use for displaying different types of 2D data. We present the use-based design and evaluation of an immersive visual analytics application for cosmological data that uses such a 2D/3D hybrid environment. The applications is a first-in-kind immersive instantiation of the Activity-Centered-Design theoretical paradigm, as well as a first documented immersive instantiation of a details-first paradigm based on scientific workflow theory. Based on a rigorous analysis of the user activities and on a details-first paradigm, the application was designed to allow multiple domain experts to interactively analyze visual representations of spatial (3D) and nonspatial (2D) cosmology data pertaining to dark matter formation. These hybrid data are represented at multiple spatiotemporal scales as time-aligned merger trees, pixel-based heatmaps, GPU-accelerated point clouds and geometric primitives, which can further be animated according to simulation data and played back for analysis. We have demonstrated this multi-scale application to several groups of lay users and domain experts, as well as to two senior domain experts from the Adler Planetarium, who have significant experience in immersive environments. Their collective feedback shows that this hybrid, immersive application can assist researchers in the interactive visual analysis of large-scale cosmological simulation data while overcoming navigation limitations of desktop visualizations.

Healthy lifestyles education (HLE) is defined as nutrition and physical activity education aimed at controlling or preventing serious health issues. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine knowledge and behaviors of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) and 4-H agents concerning HLE. Eighty-five and 86% of FACS and 4-H agents, respectively, were likely to address HLE if high-quality curriculum/materials were available. Barriers related to implementing HLE were: communicating with parents; parents' lack of interest; and lack of curriculum resources. All agents, regardless of programming responsibility, should model healthy lifestyles behaviors to be effective change agents.

Rapid technological progress focuses on lowering costs, labor and time. Thus, in order to minimize the expenses of bioactive compound production, great effort is undertaken to optimize the extraction of these compounds. Green extraction is popular and relatively inexpensive. However, the same extraction method does not always work for all types of matrixes due to the biological diversity of the tissue. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the optimal green extraction method of açai berries (ultrasound or microwaves) able to isolate extracts containing the highest possible number of phenolic compounds with the highest antioxidant activity. The results show that the highest content of total phenolic compounds in the extracts was obtained after the application of a temperature of 45 °C, using ultrasound for 25 min and 45 min, microwaves for 3.16 min and a water bath for 25 min. Ultrasound turned out to be the most effective method of flavonoid extraction. In turn, the highest anthocyanin content was obtained for microwave extraction. Additionally, the application of microwaves for 4.33 min (45 °C) guaranteed the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant activity (FRAP) among the extracts. The results show that the use of microwaves shortens the açai extraction time and ensures both a high content of total phenolic compounds and strong antioxidant activity in the extract.

Cold conditions are obligatory for mushrooms storage. However, in most cases, the cold chain is interrupted at various stages. Thus, is of great importance to propose a packaging system capable of inhibiting the detrimental effect of high temperature on mushrooms’ quality. The study evaluates the effect of high oxygen atmosphere (80% O2) in conjunction with films of different levels of microperforations (polysulfon (PSF) films, low: PSF_1000, PSF_2000; medium: PSF_3500; and high: PSF_7000) on antioxidant capacity, volatile compounds profile, sensory acceptance, and quality of mushrooms stored at 20 °C. Results showed that high O2 atmosphere inhibits the respiration rate of mushrooms. Application of high O2 atmosphere and film of high level of microperforations preserved desired color and profile of volatile compounds, ensured consumers color and overall acceptance. In turn, the single effect of the perforation level of the applied film was observed for antioxidant capacity, weight loss, vitamin C, malonylodialdehyde (MDA), and phenolics content. Packaging in low microperforated films led to the least amount of phenolics, highest MDA content, and poor antioxidant capacity in mushrooms. In turn, packaging with films of a medium level of perforation contributed to the highest vitamin C and phenolic content. There was no effect of treatment on texture, maturity index, protein content, and percentage of open capped mushrooms.

Ceylon leadwort (Plumbago zeylanica) is ornamental plant known for its pharmacological properties arising from the abundant production of various secondary metabolites. It often grows in lead polluted areas. The aim of presented study was to evaluate the survival strategy of P. zeylanica to lead toxicity via photosynthetic apparatus acclimatization. Shoots of P. zeylanica were cultivated on media with different Pb concentrations (0.0, 0.05, and 0.1 g Pb∙l−1). After a four-week culture, the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus of plants was evaluated by Chl a fluorescence measurement, photosynthetic pigment, and Lhcb1, PsbA, PsbO, and RuBisCo protein accumulation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and chloroplast ultrastructure observation. Plants from lower Pb concentration revealed no changes in photosynthetic pigments content and light-harvesting complex (LHCII) size, as well as no limitation on the donor side of Photosystem II Reaction Centre (PSII RC). However, the activity and content of antioxidant enzymes indicated a high risk of limitation on the acceptor side of Photosystem I. In turn, plants from 0.1 g Pb∙l−1 showed a significant decrease in pigments content, LHCII size, the amount of active PSII RC, oxygen-evolving complex activity, and significant remodeling of chloroplast ultrastructure indicated limitation of PSII RC donor side. Obtained results indicate that P. zeylanica plants acclimate to lead toxicity by Pb accumulation in roots and, depending on Pb concentration, by adjusting their photosynthetic apparatus via the activation of alternative (cyclic and pseudocyclic) electron transport pathways.

Biological markers considered as nonspecific indicators of “stress” were used to evaluate the health and nutritional status of two Andean settlements of the Late Horizon (1430-1532 AD.) from the coast and highland of Lima, Pueblo ViejoPucara and Huamanmarca respectively. A total of nine dental and health indicators were measured: enamel hypoplasia (LEH), carious lesions, tooth wear, dental calculus, criba orbitalia, porotic and trauma. The results indicate that in both the likelihood of a disease linked to one of the biological markers like periostitis, anaemia or infectious diseases, was low, enjoying many of the inhabitants a good health status. However, the difference in the percentage of cases affected in both varied markedly between one sector and another, showing a direct between the frequency of an indicator of nonspecific stress and (a) the social status, (b) the sector of origin, and (c) the of an occupational activity of its inhabitants.

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems have been reduced dramatically throughout their range. Prescribed burning is considered the best way to restore and maintain plant communities associated with longleaf pine, but little is known about its effects on coarse woody debris and associated organisms. We conducted a 5-year study on the Osceola National Forest in northeastern Florida to determine how dormant-season prescribed burns at different frequencies (annual, biennial, quadrennial or unburned) applied over a 40-year period affected coarse woody debris volume, decomposition and nitrogen content, and subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp.) activity. Burn frequency had no effect on standing dead tree or log volumes. However, freshly cut longleaf pine logs placed in the plots for four years lost significantly less mass in annually burned plots than in unburned plots. The annual exponential decay coefficient estimate from all logs was 0.14 yr−1 (SE = 0.01), with the estimated times for 50 and 95% loss being 5 and 21.4 years, respectively. Termite presence was unaffected by frequent burning, suggesting they were able to survive the fires underground or within wood, and that winter burning did not deplete their food resources.

We describe a visual computing approach to radiation therapy (RT) planning, based on spatial similarity within a patient cohort. In radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment, dosage to organs at risk surrounding a tumor is a large cause of treatment toxicity. Along with the availability of patient repositories, this situation has lead to clinician interest in understanding and predicting RT outcomes based on previously treated similar patients. To enable this type of analysis, we introduce a novel topology-based spatial similarity measure, T-SSIM, and a predictive algorithm based on this similarity measure. We couple the algorithm with a visual steering interface that intertwines visual encodings for the spatial data and statistical results, including a novel parallel-marker encoding that is spatially aware. We report quantitative results on a cohort of 165 patients, as well as a qualitative evaluation with domain experts in radiation oncology, data management, biostatistics, and medical imaging, who are collaborating remotely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees and butterflies generally favor open forest habitats regardless of forest type, geographic region, or methods used to create these habitats. Dense shrub layers of native or nonnative species beneath forest canopies negatively impact herbaceous plant cover and diversity, and pollinators. The presence of nonnative flowers as a source of nectar, pollen, or larval food can have positive or negative effects on pollinators depending on the situation, but in cases where the nonnatives exclude native plants, the results are almost always negative. Roads and roadside corridors offer an opportunity to increase open, pollinator-friendly habitat even in dense forests by thinning the adjacent forest, mowing at appropriate times, and converting to native herbaceous plant communities where nonnative species have been planted or have invaded. Efforts to improve forest conditions for pollinators should consider the needs of specialist species and vulnerable species with small scattered populations. Conservation of bees and butterflies, as well as other pollinating species, in forested areas is important for most forest plant species, and forests may serve as reservoirs of pollinators for recolonization of surrounding habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two conservation goals of the early 20th century, extensive reforestation and reduced wildfire through fire exclusion, may have contributed to declining pollinator abundance as forests became denser and shrub covered. To examine how forest structure affects bees we selected 5 stands in each of 7 forest types including: cleared forest; dense young pines; thinned young pines; mature open pine with extensive shrub/sapling cover; mature open pine with extensive herbaceous plant cover and little shrub cover; mature upland hardwood forest; and mature riparian hardwood forest. We sampled bees during the 2008 growing season using pan traps and measured overstory tree density, understory herbaceous plant and shrub diversity and cover, light penetration, and leaf area index. Numbers of bees and numbers of species per plot were highest in cleared forest and in mature pine stands with an herbaceous plant understory. Estimates of asymptotic species richness were highest in mature riparian hardwood forests, cleared forests and open pine forests with an herbaceous plant understory. Bee communities in the cleared forests and in the mature pine with an herbaceous plant understory were grouped together in ordination space which was consistent with perMANOVA results. The best predictor variable for bee species density was total tree basal area which was negatively correlated ( r 2 = 0.58), while the best model for predicting bee abundance ( r 2 = 0.62) included canopy openness, plant species density (both positively correlated) and shrub cover (negatively correlated). Our results combined with many others show that thinning forests combined with shrub control provides good bee habitat, is compatible with habitat restoration and management for other species, and the resulting forests will be healthier and less susceptible to old (e.g., southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis ) and new (European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio ) threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated management approach is needed to maintain eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) in eastern North America and to minimize tree damage and mortality caused by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae Annand). This study examined the hypothesis that chemical control with low rates of insecticide and biological control can be combined in the same stand to impact adelgid populations, prolong crown health, and allow predator proliferation. Sixty T . canadensis trees in northern Georgia were individually treated via soil injection with 0%, 10%, or 25% of the label rate of imidacloprid insecticide, and the biological control predator Laricobius nigrinus Fender was released in the stand, two and four years later. By year seven, hemlocks treated with the 25% imidacloprid rate lost their insecticide protection, had significantly better crown health and higher adelgid densities than untreated trees, and supported as many Laricobius predator larvae as untreated trees. In year seven, no residues of imidacloprid were detected in Laricobius larvae feeding on previously-treated hemlocks. Most (77%) of the predators collected on study trees were identified as L . nigrinus , 12% were the native congener Laricobius rubidus LeConte, and 11% were hybrids between the introduced and native species. The hybridization rate remained stable over time. The density of undisturbed A . tsugae ovisacs was twice as high on branches protected from predators as compared with branches exposed to predators. Results suggest that chemical and biological control of A . tsugae can be successfully integrated to help prolong hemlock health, although additional predators may be necessary to protect hemlock trees in the southern Appalachians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Chinese privet was removed from heavily infested riparian forests in 2005. [•] Plant communities, privet reinvasion, and tree growth were measured in 2012. [•] Approximately 3–7% of removal plots were re-infested by Chinese privet. [•] Plant communities were more abundant and diverse in removal than control plots. [•] There was no difference in growth of canopy trees in removal and control plots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Large-scale manipulations of dead wood in mature Pinus taeda L. stands in the southeastern United States included a major one-time input of logs (fivefold increase in log volume) created by felling trees onsite, annual removals of all dead wood above ⩾10cm in diameter and ⩾60cm in length, and a reference in which no manipulations took place. We returned over a decade later to determine how these treatments affected tree growth using increment cores. There were no significant differences in tree density, basal area or tree diameters among treatments at the time of sampling. Although tree growth was consistently higher in the log-input plots and lower in the removal plots, this was true even during the 5year period before the experiment began. When growth data from this initial period were included in the model as a covariate, no differences in post-treatment tree growth were detected. It is possible that treatment effects will become apparent after more time has passed, however. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]