bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex and Morph Variation in Activity From Early Ontogeny to Maturity in Ruffs (Calidris pugnax)
Authors: Rohr‐Bender Veronika A. , Kupán Krisztina , Lopez‐Nava Guadalupe , Forstmeier Wolfgang , Hertel Anne , Razumov Vitali , Martin Katrin , Kempenaers Bart , Küpper Clemens
Published: December 2024

Intraspecific variation provides the substrate for the evolution of organisms. Ruffs show exceptional phenotypic variation in physiology, appearance and behaviour linked to variation between sexes and male alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). The male ARTs are associated with the evolution of separate morphs, which are encoded by an autosomal supergene. However, the effects of the supergene on females and chicks are much less well understood. In particular, it is still unknown, whether females also show morph‐specific behavioural variation, when behavioural differences emerge during ontogeny and whether behavioural differences can be detected outside of the breeding context. To address these knowledge gaps, we repeatedly measured the activity in an unfamiliar environment, also known as exploration behaviour, of 109 hand‐raised young ruffs throughout their first two years of life. We used automated tracking in an open field arena and quantified the distance moved within 10 min to examine behavioural differences between sexes, morphs and individuals. After their crouching reflex, which is a response to potential threats, subsided during the first month of life, the activity of young ruffs rapidly increased. Repeatability of individual activity was initially low but increased throughout juvenile ontogeny and was high (R = 0.5) from day 21 onwards. Variation in activity was clearly sex‐linked with females moving more than males, indicating potential energetic trade‐offs accompanying the strong sexual size dimorphism. In contrast, morph differences in activity remained inconsistent and elusive, both in females and in males. Our results indicate that in species in which much of the known behavioural variation is linked to mating tactics, a non‐reproductive behaviour can show between‐individual variation and clear‐sex differences, whereas morph differences appear less pronounced.
Enhanced Functional Fatigue Resistance of Cu‐Al‐Mn Superelastic Wire Bamboo‐Like Grain Structure
Authors: Zu Xiangbo , Wen Huanyi , Peng Zhenbo , Li Wei , Ma Fengcang , He Meifeng , Ding ZhiYi , Zhang Ke
Published: December 2024

The enhanced fatigue resistance of superelastic Cu‐Al‐Mn shape memory wires was investigated via a bamboo‐like grain structure obtained by cyclic heat treatment (CHT). Our findings reveal that increasing the number of CHT cycles facilitates grain growth, and the grain boundary will change from a brittle triple junction to a stronger straight grain boundary. This structural feature of grain boundaries alleviates stress concentration effects on dislocation motion. In particular, the 5CHT and 7CHT samples displayed negligible residual strain after unloading, following exposure to cumulative strains ranging from 2% to 10%, thereby showcasing superior superelasticity. From the functional fatigue test, the fatigue life of the shape memory wire subjected to 5CHT cycles exceeds 4650 cycles at 5% strain, which is more than five times that of the traditional polycrystalline quenched sample.
Fatigue Life of Pin‐Loaded Lugs: Friction and Clearance Effects
Authors: Long Siyu , Qin Fengying , Li Bo , Xu Wu
Published: December 2024

Lugs serve as crucial linkages in aircraft structures to connect components and transmit loads and motions. Because of their mechanical functions, their failure would lead to severe consequences. To ensure structural safety, factors that could affect the fatigue performance should be well considered and quantified. In this paper, the effects of the inevitable friction and clearance between the lug and load pin are quantified. The fatigue lives of straight and oblique lugs are predicted by using the classical local stress approach and a modified theory of critical distances. Satisfactory correlations between the predictions and extensive experiments are achieved.
Effects of Elevated Overwinter Temperature on the Growth Strategies of Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Meng Han , Guo Yongqi , Zhang Lingping , Qi Yuan , Liu Jine , He Huan , Wang Guoxiang , Li Shiyin , Zhang Limin
Published: December 2024

Overwintering is a crucial stage in the seasonal cycle of Microcystis, which is often overlooked as a state of “suspended animation”. With global warming and increasing heatwaves, temperature rise during the overwintering phase causes earlier recruitment or blooms. However, the impact of elevated overwinter temperatures on the growth of toxic Microcystis aeruginosa remains poorly understood.

This study aimed to elucidate the physiological, metabolic and molecular mechanisms at different overwintering temperatures (4°C, 6°C, 4°C → 6°C → 8°C, 6°C → 8°C) by cellular growth, photosynthetic effect, metabolic products, enzyme activities and transcriptomic analysis.

Elevated overwinter temperatures (4°C → 6°C → 8°C, 6°C → 8°C) significantly promoted the growth of M. aeruginosa. Photosynthetic activity responded rapidly, reaching its peak at the 9°C–16°C temperature range.

Elevated overwinter temperatures also enhanced the secretion of microcystins and extracellular polymeric substances. These temperatures favoured the expression of rbcL and mcyB genes associated with photosynthetic and microcystin production, with significant activation of RuBisCO and FBA enzymes during recruitment. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed 321 genes with significant differential expression under elevated overwinter temperatures, including 156 up‐regulated and 165 down‐regulated genes.

The interaction network highlighted proteins with the highest connectivity, comprising ribosomal proteins and RNA polymerase proteins, triggering processes related to oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis.

This study sheds light on the intricate interplay of temperatures with the physiological and molecular dynamics of M. aeruginosa during overwintering, offering valuable insights into the effects of global warming on algae growth in the future.
Recovery Following Recurrent Fires Across Mediterranean Ecosystems
Authors: Ermitão Tiago , Gouveia Célia M. , Bastos Ana , Russo Ana C.
Published: December 2024

In fire‐prone regions such as the Mediterranean biome, fire seasons are becoming longer, and fires are becoming more frequent and severe. Post‐fire recovery dynamics is a key component of ecosystem resilience and stability. Even though Mediterranean ecosystems can tolerate high exposure to extreme temperatures and recover from fire, changes in climate conditions and fire intensity or frequency might contribute to loss of ecosystem resilience and increase the potential for irreversible changes in vegetation communities. In this study, we assess the recovery rates of burned vegetation after recurrent fires across Mediterranean regions globally, based on remotely sensed Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data, a proxy for vegetation status, from 2001 to 2022. Recovery rates are quantified through a statistical model of EVI time‐series. This approach allows resolving recovery dynamics in time and space, overcoming the limitations of space‐for‐time approaches typically used to study recovery dynamics through remote sensing. We focus on pixels burning repeatedly over the study period and evaluate how fire severity, pre‐fire vegetation greenness, and post‐fire climate conditions modulate vegetation recovery rates of different vegetation types. We detect large contrasts between recovery rates, mostly explained by regional differences in vegetation type. Particularly, needle‐leaved forests tend to recover faster following the second event, contrasting with shrublands that tend to recover faster from the first event. Our results also show that fire severity can promote a faster recovery across forested ecosystems. An important modulating role of pre‐fire fuel conditions on fire severity is also detected, with pixels with higher EVI before the fire resulting in stronger relative greenness loss. In addition, post‐fire climate conditions, particularly air temperature and precipitation, were found to modulate recovery speed across all regions, highlighting how direct impacts of fire can compound with impacts from climate anomalies in time and likely destabilise ecosystems under changing climate conditions.
Nitrogen Deposition Weakens Soil Carbon Control of Nitrogen Dynamics Across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Nieland Matthew A. , Lacy Piper , Allison Steven D. , Bhatnagar Jennifer M. , Doroski Danica A. , Frey Serita D. , Greaney Kristen , Hobbie Sarah E. , Kuebbing Sara E. , Lewis David B. , McDaniel Marshall D. , Perakis Steven S. , Raciti Steve M. , Shaw Alanna N. , Sprunger Christine D. , Strickland Michael S. , Templer Pamela H. , Vietorisz Corinne , Ward Elisabeth B. , Keiser Ashley D.
Published: December 2024

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is unequally distributed across space and time, with inputs to terrestrial ecosystems impacted by industry regulations and variations in human activity. Soil carbon (C) content normally controls the fraction of mineralized N that is nitrified (ƒnitrified), affecting N bioavailability for plants and microbes. However, it is unknown whether N deposition has modified the relationships among soil C, net N mineralization, and net nitrification. To test whether N deposition alters the relationship between soil C and net N transformations, we collected soils from coniferous and deciduous forests, grasslands, and residential yards in 14 regions across the contiguous United States that vary in N deposition rates. We quantified rates of net nitrification and N mineralization, soil chemistry (soil C, N, and pH), and microbial biomass and function (as beta‐glucosidase (BG) and N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activity) across these regions. Following expectations, soil C was a driver of ƒnitrified across regions, whereby increasing soil C resulted in a decline in net nitrification and ƒnitrified. The ƒnitrified value increased with lower microbial enzymatic investment in N acquisition (increasing BG:NAG ratio) and lower active microbial biomass, providing some evidence that heterotrophic microbial N demand controls the ammonium pool for nitrifiers. However, higher total N deposition increased ƒnitrified, including for high soil C sites predicted to have low ƒnitrified, which decreased the role of soil C as a predictor of ƒnitrified. Notably, the drop in contemporary atmospheric N deposition rates during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic did not weaken the effect of N deposition on relationships between soil C and ƒnitrified. Our results suggest that N deposition can disrupt the relationship between soil C and net N transformations, with this change potentially explained by weaker microbial competition for N. Therefore, past N inputs and soil C should be used together to predict N dynamics across terrestrial ecosystems.
Genetic Basis of Non‐Photochemical Quenching and Photosystem II Efficiency Responses to Chilling in the Biomass Crop Miscanthus
Authors: Kumari Asha , Njuguna Joyce N. , Zheng Xuying , Kromdijk Johannes , Sacks Erik J. , Glowacka Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

Miscanthus holds a promise as a biocrop due to its high yield, perenniality and ability to grow on infertile soils. However, the current commercial biomass production of Miscanthus is mostly limited to a single sterile triploid clone of M. × giganteus. Nevertheless, parental species of M. × giganteus, Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Miscanthus sinensis contain vast genetic diversity for crop improvement. With M. sacchariflorus having a natural geographic distribution in cold‐temperate northeast China and eastern Russia, we hypothesised that it has substantial variation in physiological response to chilling. Using a semi‐high‐throughput method, we phenotyped 209 M. sacchariflorus genotypes belonging to six genetic groups for non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) and photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII) kinetics under warm and chilling treatments in three growing seasons. In response to the chilling treatment, all genetic groups exhibited an increase in NPQ induction rate indicating faster activation of NPQ in light. Notably, under chilling, the Korea/NE China/Russia 2x and N China 2x groups stood out for the highest NPQ rate in light and the highest steady‐state NPQ in light. This NPQ phenotype may contribute adaptation to chilling during bright, cold mornings of spring and early autumn in temperate climates, when faster NPQ would better protect from oxidative stress. Such enhanced adaptation could expand the growing season and thus productivity at a given location or expand the range of economically viable growing locations to higher latitudes and altitudes. A genome‐wide association study identified 126 unique SNPs associated with NPQ and ΦPSII traits. Among the identified candidate genes were enzymes involved in the ascorbate recycle and shikimate pathway, gamma‐aminobutyric acid and cation efflux transporters. Identifying natural variation and genes involved in NPQ and ΦPSII kinetics considerably enlarges the toolbox for breeding and/or engineering Miscanthus with optimised photosynthesis under warm and chilling conditions for sustainable feedstock production for bioenergy.

Chilling affects the productivity and geographical distribution of most crops. Using a semi‐high‐throughput approach to investigate photosynthesis‐related traits, we characterised variation existing in the bioenergy crop Miscanthus under chilling and warm conditions and identified potential genes associated with it. Under chilling, two genetic groups from the northern edge of Miscanthus distribution stood out for faster activation of photoprotection. This trait may contribute adaptation to chilling in temperate climates, when faster photoprotection would better defend from oxidative stress. Enhanced chilling adaptation could expand the growing season and thus productivity or enlarge the range of growing locations.
Further confirmation of a highly prognostic grading scheme based upon tumour budding and cell cluster size in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Song Yiling , Shi Haiyan , Lu Bingjian
Published: December 2024

Aims

Our study aimed to further confirm the clinical significance of the tumour budding activity and cell nest size‐based (TBNS) grading scheme in cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).

Methods and results

We applied the TBNS system to assess the prognostic value in an institutional cohort of well‐annotated cervical SCC consisting of 312 consecutive cases with surgical resection, no neoadjuvant chemotherapy and higher than stage pT1a. We found that high budding activity, single cell and TBNS grade 3 were more frequently associated with a decreased overall survival (OS) time and disease‐free survival (DFS) time (P < 0.001) and several other clinicopathological factors, including lymphovascular space invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and deep invasion of the cervical wall (> 2/3) (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, TBNS grade 3 was an adverse indicator for OS and DFS independently of age, invasion of the cervical wall and FIGO stage (P < 0.05). By comparison, the conventional three‐tiered grading system was not associated with OS and DFS in cervical SCC (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study further confirms that the TBNS grading scheme is robust in prognostic assessment in cervical SCC that outperforms the conventional three‐tiered grading system. It is applicable to add TBNS grade into routine diagnostic practice.
Financing provision strategies for third‐party logistics with consideration of supply chain resilience
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Wenhao , Wang Liukai , Sun Yuying
Published: December 2024

Third‐party logistics (3PL) offers credit guarantee financing and direct financing to capital‐constrained small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), leveraging their informational advantages. However, SMEs’ default risk due to demand fluctuations poses a challenge for 3PL in providing the appropriate financing mode. This research investigates the financing strategies offered by 3PL with resilience considerations. We scrutinize the financing preferences of 3PL, the manufacturer, and the capital‐constrained retailer by comparing credit guarantee financing, 3PL direct financing, and trade credit. Furthermore, we analyze conflicts and coordination regarding equilibrium financing modes. Our findings reveal that 3PL's financing provision strategy depends on the manufacturer's cost and the retailer's initial capital. Besides, the financing equilibrium may be detrimental to supply chain members due to their inconsistencies in financing strategies. We propose a coordination mechanism to improve the overall profitability of supply network stakeholders. This study offers managerial insights for 3PL to provide financing modes while considering resilience rationally.
Integrating the structural, electro‐optical, dielectric, and magnetic features of Co–Mg–La ferrites/graphene composites
Authors: Hasan M. S. , Khan M. I. , Mandal G. , Awais M. , Farhat lamia Ben , Liu Jian
Published: December 2024

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) offer excellent support for a diverse array of composite applications. Herein, Co0.5Mg0.5Fe1.8La0.2O4 (CMFL) and its composites were prepared by the sol–gel autocombustion method. X‐ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a single‐phase structure, with both the average crystallite size (34.33–46.30 nm) and the lattice constant (8.292–8.411 Å) increasing with GNP insertion. The presence of graphene in the nanocomposites was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, which revealed a D band at 1376.38 cm−1. The Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the existence of absorption bands corresponding to tetrahedral (534.46–525.94 cm−1) and octahedral (456.62–454.95 cm−1) structures. The optical bandgap energy (Eg) varied when the compositions of the samples were changed, with the lowest value of Eg being 2.58 eV for CMFL/2.5 wt.% GNPs. The DC electrical resistivity increased from 6.73 × 104 to 1.07 × 106 Ω cm, indicating that the composite materials might be appropriate for use in transformers and telecommunications devices. With increasing frequency, the dielectric constant and loss decreased, whereas the AC conductivity improved. The Cole–Cole behavior showed that the conduction mechanism had non‐Debye relaxation characteristics. The saturation magnetization increased from 25.86 to 42.75 emu/g for the synthesized samples, and the coercivity demonstrated a variable trend.
Transition and Aftercare Following a Child's Discharge From ICU to a General Ward: A Qualitative Meta‐Synthesis of Parental Experiences
Authors: Yang Hanlin , Ji Jianlin , Zeng Chengxi , Yang Liling , Tang Ping , Jiang Yan , Lu Qunfeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Transitions from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the general ward cause great impairment of physical and psychosocial functioning in children and their parents. Better understanding of parental experiences during children's ICU‐to‐ward transitions is required to inform the development of ICU transitional care.

Aim

To examine the parental experiences during their children's ICU‐to‐ward transitions through the synthesis of original qualitative studies.

Design

This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) and the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) statements, uses Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis framework rooted in a critical realist philosophy to present qualitative meta‐synthesis.

Data Sources

We conducted a systematic review in June 2024 and searched nine electronic databases including Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Sinomed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP. Eligible studies contained parents quotes about their children's ICU‐to‐ward transitions and published in either English or Chinese since 2005.

Methods

Systematic searches yielded 2825 identified studies. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text and reached consensus through critical discussion with a third reviewer. Eighteen studies were finally agreed for inclusion. Data were extracted into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and synthesised through line‐by‐line coding of relevant quotes with the help of NVivo.

Results

The qualitative synthesis resulted in four descriptive themes followed later by two analytical themes. Specifically, these were (1) the nature of the parental experience during ICU‐to‐ward transition (challenging but responded proactively) and (2) factors involved in the ICU‐to‐ward transition (both facilitators and barriers).

Conclusions

This study indicates the nature of parental experiences and factors involved during the critically ill child's ICU‐to‐ward transition. Healthcare providers serve as the primary support network for parents and should collaborate closely with them to facilitate a smooth transition by providing tailored support.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This is a meta‐synthesis of previously published qualitative studies.

Trial Registration

We have registered in the PROSPERO and the number is CRD42023422055
Estimation of Genetic Parameters and GWAS on Water Efficiency Traits in the Senepol Cattle
Authors: Souza Christhian B. , Menezes Gilberto R. O. , Gondo Andrea , Egito Andrea A. , Ramos Pedro V. B. , Gomes Rodrigo C. , Ribas Marcelo N. , Fernandes Júnior José Antônio , Guimarães Simone E. F.
Published: December 2024

The need for producing in environmentally resilient system drives new research to achieve sustainable beef production. Water footprint of the beef supply chain is a concern that must be addressed, aiming to improve water use within the production chain. One approach is genetic selection of beef cattle for water efficiency. However, it is essential to understand the genetic architecture and mechanisms involved in the expression of this phenotype to choose the best selection criteria. Thus, our study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for water efficiency traits, conduct a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and identify the genetic networks and biological processes involved. A population of 1762 purebred Senepol cattle was phenotyped for the following water efficiency traits: water intake (WI), gross water efficiency (GWE), water conversion ratio (WCR), residual water intake based on average daily gain (RWIADG) and residual water intake based on dry matter intake (RWIDMI). A subset of 1342 animals was genotyped using GGP Bovine 50 K SNP Chip with (734 animals) or 100 K (508 animals), and imputation from 50 K to 100 K was performed with Beagle software. The heritability estimates were 0.36 ± 0.06, 0.26 ± 0.05, 0.22 ± 0.05, 0.24 ± 0.05 and 0.20 ± 0.05 for WI, GWE, WCR, RWIADG and RWIDMI, respectively. Unlike the raw measures of WI, the phenotypic correlations between average daily gain (ADG) and the residuals (RWIDMI and RWIADG) were zero. All water efficiency traits were moderately to highly correlated with each other. GWAS were used to estimate the effect of 79,860 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and significant SNPs were only observed for WCR. Enrichment analysis of genes in the significant regions revealed the involvement of different biological processes, such as saliva production, water transport, renal system and immune system. Genetic selection of Senepol cattle for water efficiency traits is feasible and can reduce water requirements for meat production. Water efficiency measures are polygenic traits, and different biological processes act simultaneously on the expression of related phenotypes.
Different Esthetic Assessment of Anterior Restorations by Patient and Expert: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Lorenz Jonas , Wilhelm Carolin , Urich Julia , Weigl Paul , Sader Robert
Published: December 2024

Background

Esthetically pleasing, bright teeth and a symmetrical dental arch are of great importance. There are only a few scientific studies that compare the evaluation of anterior restorations by experts and patients. Additionally, there are hardly any studies that deal with the weighting of esthetic parameters.

Objective

The current study was performed to test the hypothesis that patients and experts evaluate anterior restorations differently and place their emphasis differently. Therefore, aim of this prospective study was to compare the evaluation of the red and white esthetics of anterior restorations by patients and an expert and to find out which parameters play an important role in the evaluation of the esthetic appearance of anterior restorations.

Material and Methods

Anterior restorations of 21 patients were analyzed. All patients evaluated their own restorations using a questionnaire of ten defined parameters (pink esthetic score, PES and the white esthetic score, WES). Additionally, the questionnaire was used to determine how important the individual parameters are for them in relation to the assessment of the esthetic result. An expert also gave her assessment and weighting for all 21 patients.

Results

The statistical analysis of the questionnaires shows that the expert assigned lower values, particularly in the evaluation of the PES. The expert weighted individual parameters of the PES to be more important than the patients. The type of abutment of the restoration (tooth or implant) had no influence on the evaluation of the restorations.

Discussion/Conclusion

The study shows that patients and experts have different assessments of the esthetics and the weighting of the various parameters. Nevertheless, patients are sensitive to esthetic deviations and patient preferences should be taken into account in anterior restorations.
Histological analysis of retinal development and remodeling in the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei)
Authors: Rasys Ashley M. , Pau Shana H. , Irwin Katherine E. , Luo Sherry , Kim Hannah Q. , Wahle M. Austin , Menke Douglas B. , Lauderdale James D.
Published: December 2024

The fovea, a pit in the retina, is crucial for high‐acuity vision in humans and is found in the eyes of other vertebrates, including certain primates, birds, lizards, and fish. Despite its importance for vision, our understanding of the mechanisms involved in fovea development remains limited. Widely used ocular research models lack a foveated retina, and studies on fovea development are mostly limited to histological and molecular studies in primates. As a first step toward elucidating fovea development in nonprimate vertebrates, we present a detailed histological atlas of retina and fovea development in the bifoveated Anolis sagrei lizard, a novel reptile model for fovea research. We test the hypothesis that retinal remodeling, leading to fovea formation and photoreceptor cell packing, is related to asymmetric changes in eye shape. Our findings show that anole retina development follows the typical spatiotemporal patterning observed in most vertebrates: retinal neurogenesis starts in the central retina, progresses through the temporal retina, and finishes in the nasal retina. However, the areas destined to become the central or temporal fovea differentiate earlier than the rest of the retina. We observe dynamic changes in retinal thickness during ocular elongation and retraction—thinning during elongation and thickening during retraction. Additionally, a transient localized thickening of the ganglion cell layer occurs in the temporal fovea region just before pit formation. Our data indicate that anole retina development is similar to that of humans, including the onset and progression of retinal neurogenesis, followed by changes in ocular shape and retinal remodeling leading to pit formation. We propose that anoles are an excellent model system for fovea development research.
Agency Is Ecological: Comparative Religious Ethics and the Greening of Moral Theory
Authors: Barbieri William A.
Published: December 2024

Developments along various epistemic fronts have been gradually modifying our ethical conception of what constitutes agency. For several reasons, we should acknowledge in particular that there is an irremediably ecological character to moral action, in a number of respects. After providing a broad analysis of the ecological turn in moral theory, I reflect on some of its implications for our understanding of the historicity of morals. I then comment on ways in which the field of comparative religious ethics can enrich this emergent account of ecological agency, and vice versa.
Ex‐Foods Diets Affect the Fatty Acid Profile of the Abdominal Adipose Tissue Without Significantly Affecting the Plasma Metabolome of Postweaning Piglets
Authors: Manoni Michele , Tretola Marco , Luciano Alice , Ferrari Luca , Ottoboni Matteo , Pinotti Luciano
Published: December 2024

Food leftovers can be used as alternative feed ingredients for monogastric to replace human‐competing feedstuffs, such as cereals, recycle a waste product, reduce the feed‐food competition and keep nutrients and energy in the feed‐food chain. Among food leftovers, former food products (FFPs) are no more intended for human but still suitable for animal consumption. However, the metabolic impact of FFP has never been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of replacing 30% of conventional cereals with FFP on abdominal fat quality and plasma metabolome modulation in postweaning piglets. Thirty‐six Large White × Landrace postweaning piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups for 42 days: control (CTR), 30% replacement of CTR with salty FFP (SA), 30% replacement of CTR with sugary FFP (SU). Body weight and feed intake were measured to calculate average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The fatty acid profile of the diets and the abdominal adipose tissue was determined and a mass spectrometry‐based untargeted metabolomics investigation was performed on plasma samples. The growth performance was not significantly affected by SA and SU diets. Despite the different fatty acid profile of the diets, the fatty acid profile of the adipose tissue was rebalanced in piglets. The plasma metabolome was more affected by the time factor rather than the treatment factor. Six metabolites were significantly altered in SA and SU groups compared to CTR: caffeine, theobromine, proline‐betaine, dipalmitoyl‐phosphatidylcholine (PC 32:0), spermidine and l‐tryptophan. Caffeine and glycerophospholipid pathways were significantly different between CTR and SA and SU groups, although no impact on other metabolic pathways was observed. Overall, the limited impact of FFP on the abdominal fat, plasma metabolome and related pathways in postweaning piglets demonstrated the value of FFP as innovative and sustainable feed ingredients to replace human‐competing feedstuffs.
Uncovering the Life Experiences Being Fathers of Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mundakir  , Choliq Idham , Lin Shu‐Yuan , Hasanah Uswatun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aims to uncover the life experiences of fathers of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Indonesia.

Design and Methods

This study utilized a descriptive phenomenological approach. Nine fathers of young children and adolescents with CP were purposively recruited and were interviewed in‐depth between June and August 2023. Data were analysed by using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological approach.

Results

Our study identified three main themes: uncovering the meaning of being a father, expectations and hope for children's growing up, and the challenges of being a father. These themes were further divided into 10 sub‐themes. Our research suggests that fathers consider having a disabled child as a gift and a test from God, and they hold specific meanings about being a father that gives them strength. Fathers are responsible for taking care of their children and not neglecting them. They have expectations and hopes for their children to become independent and successful, with the skills needed to make a living. Fathers face many challenges, such as dividing their time between work and family and figuring out how to stimulate their children's motor skills.

Practice Implications

The research indicates that involving fathers in caring for children, particularly those with CP, has significant implications for program planning and service delivery. Therefore, professionals should integrate fathers' role in planning and delivering services for childcare.
Cytokinin Plays a Multifaceted Role in Ralstonia solanacearum‐Triggered Plant Disease Development
Authors: Wang Xiang , Gong Qichang , Cheng Shengyang , Qin Ning , Cao Tao , Chen Yue , Wang Dongdong , Valls Marc , Coll Núria S. , Chen Qin , Zhao Cuizhu , Lu Haibin
Published: December 2024

Cytokinin signalling plays both positive and negative roles in plant resistance to pathogens. It is not clear whether the role of cytokinin changes at the different stages of pathogen infection. Arabidopsis thaliana sequentially exhibits distinct root morphological symptoms during Ralstonia solanacearum infection, which offers a good system to investigate function of cytokinin in the whole pathogen infection process. Using this system, we found increase of cytokinin signalling by Lonely Guy 2 (LOG2) overexpression or depletion of type‐A Arabidopsis Response Regulators (ARRs), negative regulators of cytokinin signalling pathway, promoted cell death, wilting symptom and bacterial growth, but attenuated primary root growth inhibition and lateral root formation. The decrease of cytokinin signalling by mutation on Isopentenyl Transferases (IPTs) inhibited root hair formation, cell death, wilting symptom and bacterial colonisation. Application of different concentration of exogenesis 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) showed first promoted, then decreased root hair formation. Moreover, application of 6‐BA accelerated cell death but suppressed lateral root formation and primary root growth inhibition. The diverse roles of cytokinin in these different root disease phenotypes suggested function of cytokinin during plant responses to R. solanacearum is cell type‐specific, which provides new insights on roles of cytokinin signalling in regulation on plant–pathogen interactions.
Clinical Study on the Effects of Total Hip Arthroplasty Assisted by Virtual Planning Combined With Intraoperative Navigation Templates
Authors: Zhu Haotian , Wu Jiayi , Cheng Kai , Yan Han , Liang Junjun , Long Yunjin , Fan Shaoxing , Zhang Yadi , Ding Huanwen
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) effectively alleviates pain and restores joint function in the end‐stage hip disease, challenges remain in achieving precise osteotomy and minimizing subjective dependency on prosthesis positioning. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative virtual planning and navigation templates compared to conventional techniques, providing new methods to enhance the precision and personalization of THA.

Methods

During the period from 2022 to 2023, we conducted a retrospective case–control study on 74 patients who underwent THA surgery at our hospital, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study included 42 patients in the traditional method group, who underwent preoperative planning and surgical procedures according to traditional methods; and 32 patients in the digital assistance group, who used computer‐assisted virtual preoperative planning and three‐dimensional printed personalized navigation templates to assist in the surgery. The main parameters of the two groups were compared, including surgical time, blood loss, postoperative femoral anteversion, neck‐shaft angle, anatomical‐mechanical femoral axis angle (aMFA), leg length discrepancy (LLD), and the angle of hip prosthesis placement. The Harris hip score was recorded both preoperatively and at the final follow‐up to assess the accuracy of the prosthesis placement and the prognosis of the patients.

Results

There were no significant differences in femoral anteversion, neck‐shaft angle, aMFA, or LLD between the two groups. However, the digital group showed smaller deviations between the planned and actual acetabular prosthesis angles compared to the conventional group, with shorter operative times and reduced blood loss. Follow‐up Harris hip scores were significantly higher in the digital group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Digital technology enhances the accuracy and reproducibility of prosthesis placement in THA, reduces operative time and blood loss, and shows a promising potential for broader application.
The Creeping Creatinine in a Growing Child With a Kidney Transplant: Distinguishing Progressive Graft Dysfunction From Normal Growth in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Dandamudi Raja S. , Vyas Neil , Hmiel Stanley P. , Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: December 2024

Background

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients experience creeping creatinine, which is a slow increase in serum creatinine over time. Distinguishing between normal growth‐related changes and possible allograft dysfunction becomes challenging when interpreting the increase in serum creatinine. We hypothesized that changes in BSA‐indexed measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) or creatinine‐estimated GFR (eGFR) might not be a true reflection of the renal function post‐transplant and that for longitudinal follow‐up a stable absolute mGFR is better.

Methods

In total, 115 pediatric kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2021, with 319 measured GFR values (each subject had at least 2 values) were enrolled in this retrospective study. We analyzed after stratifying based on the height and BSA changes (< 5% change, 5%–14.9% change, and > 15% change in height and BSA) between measured GFR tests. The agreement between absolute mGFR and both BSA‐indexed mGFR or eGFR was analyzed by Bland and Altman analysis and nonparametric Spearman's rank order correlation analysis.

Results

The bias between absolute mGFR and either BSA‐indexed mGFR or eGFR increased as the % change in height and the BSA increased. Spearman's rank order correlation showed a strong correlation when the BSA and height changes were < 5% and the correlation weakened as the % changes increased.

Conclusions

In children who grew more, the BSA‐indexed mGFR dropped more than the absolute mGFR. We propose that a stable absolute mGFR can be used to infer stable allograft function in the presence of height growth.
Structure–function relation of cytokinins determines their differential efficiency in mediating tobacco resistance against Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Großkinsky Dominik K. , Molin Eva M. , Bosetto Federico , Edelsbrunner Kerstin , Oravec Michal , Večeřová Kristýna , Tříska Jan , Roitsch Thomas
Published: December 2024

The classic plant growth‐promoting phytohormone cytokinin has been identified and established as a mediator of pathogen resistance in different plant species. However, the resistance effect of structurally different cytokinins appears to vary and may regulate diverse mechanisms to establish resistance. Hence, we comparatively analysed the impact of six different adenine‐ and phenylurea‐type cytokinins on the well‐established pathosystem Nicotiana tabacum‐Pseudomonas syringae. The efficiency of resistance effects was evaluated based on impacts on the host plant defence response by scoring infection symptoms and the direct impact on the pathogen by assessment of proliferation in planta. To identify common and cytokinin‐specific components involved in resistance effects, transcriptome profiling and targeted metabolomics were conducted in leaves treated with the different cytokinins. We observed clearly different potentials of the tested cytokinins in either suppressing infection symptoms or pathogen proliferation. Gene regulation and metabolite analyses revealed cytokinin‐type specific impacts on defence components, such as salicylic acid and related signalling, expression of PR proteins, and regulation of specialised metabolism. Cytokinins also strongly affected plant cell physiological parameters, such as a remarkable decrease in amino acid pools. Hence, this study provides comparative information on the efficiency of diverse cytokinins in mediating resistance in one well‐studied pathosystem and insights into the specific regulation of resistance effects mediated by different cytokinin molecules. This is particularly relevant for studies on the function of cytokinins or other phytohormones and compounds interacting with cytokinin activities in the context of pathogen infections and other stress scenarios, considering the diverse cytokinins present in plants.
The Malectin‐like kinase gene MdMDS1 negatively regulates the resistance of Pyrus betulifolia to Valsa canker by promoting the expression of PbePME1
Authors: Zheng Yan , Zhao Dan , Lu Yuan , Chen Zhongjian , Liu Zhihong , Sun E , Yu Hongqiang , Mao Xia , Cai Minrui , Zuo Cunwu
Published: December 2024

Valsa canker, caused by fungal pathogens in Valsa species, is a fungal disease of apple and pear growing in China and even in Asia. Malectin‐like kinases play crucial roles in plant recognition of the pathogen‐induced signals and subsequent activation of partially host immune responses. However, the role of MEDOS1 (MDS1), a Malectin‐like kinase, in plant immunity has not yet been extensively explored. Here, we found that the expression of the Malus domestica MDS (MdMDS1) gene, a homologous gene of the Catharanthus roseus Receptor‐Like Kinase 1‐like (CrRLK1L) family member MDS1 in Arabidopsis, could be inhibited by Valsa canker signals. Over‐expression of MdMDS1 decreased Valsa canker resistance of apple and pear fruits, as well as ‘Duli‐G03’ (Pyrus betulifolia) suspension cells. In response to Valsa pyri (Vp) signals in suspension cells, the up‐regulation of MdMDS1 caused the inhibition of defense‐related genes but activated the expression of cell wall‐related genes. Among these, the pectin methylesterase gene PbePME1 was robustly induced. Further analysis confirmed that PbePME1, a negative regulator of Valsa canker resistance, was indispensable for MdMDS1's function. Our results enriched the recognization of the functions of CrRLK1L genes in host resistance against necrotrophics. We also provided a theoretical reference for the resistance breeding and comprehensive control of Valsa canker in both apples and pears.
The Paris Agreement and the importance of the Warsaw Framework for REDD+ (WFR)
Authors: Voigt Christina , Nemitz Dirk , Ferreira Felipe , Brana‐Varela Josefina , Sanchez Maria Sanz
Published: December 2024

The Warsaw Framework for REDD+ (WFR) is an international framework for the cooperation between developed and developing countries to reduce forest‐based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adopted by COP 19 in 2013 and anchored in article 5.2 of the Paris Agreement. In this article, the authors identify six reasons for why REDD+, as defined in the WFR, enjoys unfaltering importance to Parties' climate action. Within international law and governance, the WFR provides a unique structure for forest protection through international cooperation within a multilaterally agreed framework with clear rules, robust methodologies, independent oversight and safeguards for recognising the environmental and social values of forests beyond carbon sinks. Its uniqueness becomes obvious when contrasted against the international community's long‐standing struggle to include forests in any other international legal outcome. The WFR has also built critical capacity of countries for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, in particular the reporting obligations under its Enhanced Transparency Framework. The experience gained under the WFR could be valuable for other sectors within the climate regime. However, the authors also argue that while REDD+ might be more relevant than ever on the course to global net‐zero CO2 emissions, the full potential of REDD+ at scale, as defined in the WFR, has yet to be explored. As it is to be expected that forests will play a role in the context of carbon markets and other cooperative approaches under article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the paper also explores latest developments in this matter.
Phylogenomic approach to integrative taxonomy resolves a century‐old taxonomic puzzle and the evolutionary history of the Acromyrmex octospinosus species complex
Authors: Mera‐Rodríguez Daniela , Fernández‐Marín Hermógenes , Rabeling Christian
Published: December 2024

Accurately delimiting species boundaries is essential for understanding biodiversity. Here, we assessed the taxonomy of the leaf‐cutting ants in the Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) species complex using an integrative approach incorporating morphological, population genetic, phylogenetic and biogeographical data. We sampled populations across the biogeographic distribution of the species complex and reconstructed their evolutionary relationships using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) as molecular markers. We evaluated traditional morphological characters used to distinguish putative taxa and performed species delimitation analyses to investigate divergence between evolutionary lineages. Our results support the hypothesis that the A. octospinosus species complex consists of two species: the widely distributed and polymorphic species A. octospinosus and its inquiline social parasite A. insinuator Schultz et al. We consider A. echinatior (Forel) syn. nov. and A. volcanus Wheeler syn. nov. as well as the subspecies A. octospinosus cubanus Wheeler syn. nov., A. octospinosus ekchuah Wheeler syn. nov. and A. octospinosus inti Wheeler syn. nov. as junior synonyms of A. octospinosus. We also investigated the biogeographic history of the species complex and the evolutionary origin of the social parasite A. insinuator. We inferred that A. octospinosus originated during the late Miocene approximately 6.9 Ma ago in the Neotropical rainforest. Acromyrmex insinuator shared a common ancestor with A. octospinosus approximately 3.4 Ma ago, with a crown‐group age of approximately 0.9 Ma. Our phylogeny supports the hypothesis that the inquiline social parasite speciated via the intra‐specific route of social parasite evolution in direct sympatry from its host. Our findings reshape our understanding of the A. octospinosus species complex and provide a foundation for future studies of Acromyrmex leaf‐cutting ants.