A Pilot Study Examining the Use of Ultrasound to Measure Intravascular Volume Status in Agricultural Workers in a Field-Based Research Setting.

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to explore if internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasound studies on agricultural workers in a field-based research setting could assess volume status during a hydration intervention.

Methods: We performed pre- and post-work shift IJV ultrasound images on 30 agricultural workers. The IJV collapsibility index values were <39% (euvolemic) or ≥39% (hypovolemic).

Immobilization of pectinesterase in genipin-crosslinked chitosan membrane for low methoxyl pectin production.

In this study, an environmentally friendly method for preparation of chitosan crosslinked membranes with different genipin concentrations (0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/L) was developed. Genipin-crosslinked chitosan membranes were used for the immobilization of fungal pectinesterase (PE). PE was efficiently immobilized in chitosan membranes and used for modification of high-methoxylated pectins into low-methoxylated pectins.