bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSE1 promotes the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by downregulating KLF6 expression
Authors: Meng Ziyu , Yang Yingqian , Li Shupei , Huang Liguo , Yao Zhoujuan , Chen Yixuan , Wang Junkun , Shen Yiru , Liang Pingping , Zhang Hui , Wang Wenbin , Wang Fengsong
Published: June 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent human cancers with a high lethality rate worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated that GSE1 (genetic suppressor element 1) expression is aberrantly upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and that GSE1 depletion inhibits the proliferation and migration of both A549 and H1299 cells. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that GSE1 interacts with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and other BRAF–HDAC complex (BHC) components in cells. The transcriptome of GSE1‐knockdown A549 cells indicated that 207 genes were upregulated and 159 were downregulated based on a p‐value < .05 and fold change ≥ 1.5. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that 140 differentially expressed genes harbor binding sites for HDAC1, including the tumor suppressor gene KLF6 (Kruppel‐like factor 6). Indeed, quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis revealed that GSE1 could inhibit the transcription of KLF6 in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, GSE1 cooperates with HDAC1 to promote the proliferation and metastasis of non‐small cell lung cancer cells through the downregulation of KLF6 expression.
Tunable Catalytic Reduction of Furfural with Formic Acid and Sodium Formate Into Furan and Tetrahydrofuran Derivatives
Authors: Oksanen Valtteri , van Strien Nicolaas , Viertiö Tyko , Vuorio Niko , Gauli Bibesh , Helosuo Kirsti , Meriläinen Veronika , Myllykylä Emmi , Rautiainen Sari , Wirtanen Tom
Published: June 2024

Furfural is an attractive bio‐based platform chemical that has many derivatives of commercial interest. Herein, we show that the selectivity of the direct furfural reduction can be steered from 2‐methylfuran and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran to furfuryl alcohol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol by varying the ratio of formic acid and sodium formate. These reagents take the role of terminal reductants in the disclosed heterogeneous Pd‐catalysed process. We report the development and optimisation of the reaction conditions for three different products directly from furfural: 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and 2‐methylfuran which were obtained in 59 %, 46 %, and 63 % selectivity, respectively. Furthermore, the protocol uses commercially available Pd/Al2O3 as catalyst and the formic acid and sodium formate can be obtained from biogenous sources.
SPOs as Non‐Innocent Ligands in Chiral‐at‐Iridium Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenations
Authors: Pazos Ariadna , Freixa Zoraida
Published: June 2024

A series of bis‐cyclometalated chiral‐at‐metal iridium(III) complexes containing a coordinated secondary phosphine oxide (SPO) have been synthesized and evaluated as catalysts in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of acetophenone. The catalytic results show that SPO ligands have a non‐innocent role in activating the catalytic process. Additionally, it has been observed that for the same chiral descriptor (Δ‐at‐Ir or Λ‐at‐Ir), the major enantiomer formed depends on the nature of the cyclometalating ligand. These enantiodivergent results contravene the general assumption that the chiral‐at‐metal core‘s chirality dictates the sense of the chiral induction. A combined analysis of the main structural features of the catalysts deduced from XRD structures and in situ NMR spectroscopy allowed us to propose a simplified catalytic cycle and a working hypothesis to explain the observed enantioselectivities.
Theoretical Studies on the Catalytic Mechanism and Cyclization Pattern of Fungal Polyketide Synthase Product Template Domain
Authors: Ji Huining , Shi Ting , Zhao Yi‐Lei , Zheng Jianting
Published: June 2024

Aromatic polyketides are pharmaceutically significant natural products. Product template (PT) domains from fungal non‐reducing polyketide synthases (NR‐PKSs) control the regioselective aldol cyclization of highly reactive polyketide intermediates, whose instabilities have hindered experimental studies. The molecular basis of PT‐catalyzed cyclization and aromatization remain ambiguous. Herein, we conducted MD simulations and QM/MM calculations to explore the catalytic mechanHism and the cyclization pattern of PksA PT specific for C4−C9. The cyclization mediated by PksA PT is initiated by the C4 deprotonation followed by the aldol condensation in C4−C9 register. PTs which evolve from ancient PKS dehydratases (DHs) perform dehydration reactions to aromatize the cyclized intermediates. In PksA PT, the catalytic His1345 and Asp1543 are responsible for aldol cyclization and aromatization steps, respectively. A keto‐enol tautomerism at C3 assists in the elimination reaction catalyzed by Asp1543 with a water molecule network, different from most DHs of PKSs. The C2−C7 aldol cyclization in PksA PT can occur, but the subsequent dehydration step is kinetically unfeasible and thermodynamically unfavorable, suggesting that the aromatization steps determine the C4−C9 cyclization mode of PksA PT. Overall, these computational investigations provide detailed mechanistic insights into the regiospecific intramolecular cyclization and aromatization controlled by fungal PksA PT.
Rational Design of Photoanodes to Produce Value‐Added Chemicals Coupled with Hydrogen
Authors: Khan Hasmat , Bera Susanta , Jung Myung‐Jin , Kwon Se‐Hun
Published: June 2024

Green hydrogen fuel generation via the photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach has attracted considerable attention recently for its sustainability and eco‐friendliness. Photoelectrocatalysts are the key component of the PEC process. To produce green hydrogen by this approach at a reasonable rate from water splitting and waste valorization, proper design and electronic structure modulation of the photoelectrocatalysts are of utmost importance. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the materials selection, design, and engineering of photoanode materials to efficiently harvest and convert solar energy into green hydrogen fuel and value‐added chemicals. In this regard, we introduce the fundamentals and the mechanistic insights of the PEC solar energy conversion and storage technologies, which would provide knowledge to novices to gain insight into this field while designing a new photoanode. Moreover, we mention the importance of various semiconducting materials and their surface/interface engineering aspects to improve the PEC properties for selective water oxidation to value‐added chemicals and waste valorization coupled with green hydrogen generation. Finally, we discuss the conclusions and prospects of this technology by highlighting the major challenges and its potential for commercialization.
Organic Reactions Enabled by Mechanical Force‐Induced Single Electron Transfer
Authors: Liu Ruoxuan , He Xiaochun , Liu Tianfen , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Qingqing , Chen Xinzhou , Lian Zhong
Published: June 2024

Mechanochemical reactions, achieved through milling, grinding, or other mechanical actions, have emerged as a solvent‐free alternative to traditional solution‐based chemistry. Mechanochemistry not only provides the opportunity to eliminate bulk solvent use, reducing waste generation, but also unveils a new reaction strategy which enables the realization of reactions previously inaccessible in solution. While the majority of organic reactions facilitated by mechanical force traditionally follow two‐electron transfer pathways similar to their solution‐based counterparts, the field of mechanochemically induced single‐electron transfer (SET) reactions has witnessed rapid development. This review outlines examples of mechanochemical reactions facilitated by the SET process, focusing on the reagents that initiate SET, thereby positioning mechanochemistry as a burgeoning field within the realm of single‐electron chemistry.
Rational Molecular Design of Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based n‐Type and Ambipolar Polymer Semiconductors
Authors: Shen Tao , Jiang Zhen , Wang Yang , Liu Yunqi
Published: June 2024

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based polymer semiconductors have drawn great attention in the field of organic electronics due to the planar structure, decent solubilizing capability, and high crystallinity. However, the electron‐deficient capacity of DPP derivatives are not strong enough, leading to relatively high‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the corresponding polymers. As a result, n‐type and ambipolar DPP‐based polymers are rare and their electron mobilities also lag far behind the p‐type counterparts, which limits the development of important p‐n‐junction‐based electronic devices. Therefore, new design strategies have been proposed recent years to develop n‐type/ambipolar DPP‐based polymers with improved performances. In this view, these molecular design strategies are summarized, including copolymerization of DPP with different acceptors and weak donors, DPP flanked aromatic ring modification, DPP‐core ring expansion and DPP dimerization. The relationship between the chemical structures and organic thin‐film transistor performances is intensively discussed. Finally, a perspective on future trends in the molecular design of DPP‐based n‐type/ambipolar polymers is also proposed.
Aromaticity in the Spectroscopic Spotlight of Hexaphyrins
Authors: Desmedt Eline , Casademont‐Reig Irene , Monreal‐Corona Roger , De Vleeschouwer Freija , Alonso Mercedes
Published: June 2024

Spectroscopic properties are commonly used in the experimental evaluation of ground‐ and excited‐state aromaticity in expanded porphyrins. Herein, we investigate if the defining photophysical properties still hold for a diverse set of hexaphyrins with varying redox states, topologies, peripheral substitutions, and core‐modifications. By combining TD‐DFT calculations with several aromaticity descriptors and chemical compound space maps, the intricate interplay between structural planarity, aromaticity, and absorption spectra is elucidated. Our results emphasize that the general assumption that antiaromatic porphyrinoids exhibit significantly attenuated absorption bands as compared to aromatic counterparts does not hold even for the unsubstituted hexaphyrin macrocycles. To connect the spectroscopic properties to the hexaphyrins’ aromaticity behaviour, we analyzed chemical compound space maps defined by the various aromaticity indices. The intensity of the Q‐band is not well described by the macrocyclic aromaticity. Instead, the degeneracy of the frontier molecular orbitals, the HOMO–LUMO gap, and the |ΔHOMO–ΔLUMO|2 values appear to be better indicators to identify hexaphyrins with enhanced light‐absorbing abilities in the near‐infrared region. Regions with highly planar hexaphyrin structures, both aromatic and antiaromatic, are characterized by an intense B‐band. Hence, we advise using a combination of global and local aromaticity descriptors rooted in different criteria to assess the aromaticity of expanded porphyrins instead of solely relying on the absorption spectra.
Impact of Immunosuppressive Therapy on Lead Dislodgement After Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Masuda Masaharu , Asai Mitsutoshi , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Hata Yosuke , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Higashino Naoko , Nakao Sho , Kusuda Masaya , Mano Toshiaki
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds

Lead dislodgement is a severe complication in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. Inflammation after CIED implantation results in the development of adhesions between lead and tissues, resulting in the lead becoming fixed in the body. In patients with immunosuppressive therapy, however, adhesion is inhibited by anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the association between lead dislodgement and immunosuppressive therapy has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between lead dislodgement and immunosuppressive therapy.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that lead dislodgement more frequently occur in patients with immunosuppressive therapy than those without.

Methods

In total, 651 consecutive patients who underwent CIED implantation or lead addition (age, 76 ± 11 years; and males, 374 [58%], high voltage device, 121 [19%], lead addition 23 [4%]) were retrospectively enrolled. Immunosuppressive therapy was with regular steroids or immunosuppressants. Lead placement was guided by fluoroscopy, and active fixation leads were used. Restraint of the upper limb by chest tape was performed for 1 week after the procedure. Lead dislodgement was defined as a change in lead position and/or lead failure requiring reoperation.

Results

Twenty (3.1%) patients received immunosuppressive therapy. Among these, 15 (2.3%) patients regularly took steroids and 8 (1.2%) took immunosuppressants. Lead dislodgement occurred in 10 (1.5%) patients. Lead dislodgement was more frequent in patients with immunosuppressive therapy than in those without (3 [15%] vs. 7 [1%], p = 0.003).

Conclusion

In patients with CIED implantation or lead addition, lead dislodgement is more frequent in patients with immunosuppressive therapy than in those without.
Direct to Cancer: A new initiative to enhance the author experience
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S. , Gilman Carissa A.
Published: June 2024

The journal is pleased to announce Direct to Cancer, a new manuscript‐submission pathway that will offer an accelerated review process for potentially practice‐changing manuscripts that have been rejected after peer review by high‐impact general medicine or oncology journals for reasons of scope or priority.
An intelligent aortic valve model for complete cardiac cycle
Authors: Iscan Mehmet , Yesildirek Aydin
Published: June 2024

The aortic valve (AV) is crucial for cardiovascular (CV) hemodynamic, impacting cardiac output (CO) and left ventricular volumetric flow rate (LVQ). Its nonlinear behavior challenges standard LVQ prediction methods as well as CO one. This study presents a novel approach for modeling the AV in the CV system, offering an improved method for estimating crucial parameters like LVQ across various AV conditions, including aortic stenosis (AS). The model, based on AV channel length during the entire cardiac phase, introduces a time‐varying AV resistance (TV‐AVR) parameterized by the pressure ratio across the AV and LVQ, enabling the simulation of both healthy and AS‐related conditions. To validate this model, in vitro measurements are compared using a hybrid mock circulatory loop device. An unconventional use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) corrects the model's estimates, eliminating the need for labeled datasets. This approach, incorporating real‐time learning and transforming 1‐D CV signals into 2‐D tensors, significantly improves the accuracy of LVQ measurements, achieving an error rate of less than 3.41 ± 4.84% for CO in healthy conditions and 2.83 ± 1.35% in AS cases—a 33.13% enhancement over linear diode models. These results underscore the potential of this approach for enhancing the diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of AV diseases. The key contributions of the proposed method encompass nonlinear TV‐AVR estimation, investigation of transient CV responses, prediction of instantaneous CO, development of a flexible framework for noninvasive measurements integration, and the introduction of an adjustable resistance model using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) and CNN combination, all without requiring labeled data.
In silico identification and in vitro evaluation of MRPS30‐DT lncRNA and MRPS30 gene expression in breast cancer
Authors: Shirani Nooshafarin , Mahdi‐Esferizi Roohallah , Eshraghi Samani Reza , Tahmasebian Shahram , Yaghoobi Hajar
Published: June 2024

Background

It has been reported that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play important roles in a variety of biological processes and cancer regulatory networks, including breast cancer.

Aims

This study aimed to identify a novel upregulated lncRNA in breast cancer and its associated gene using bioinformatics analysis, and then evaluate their potential roles in breast cancer.

Methods and Results

Extensive in silico studies were performed using various bioinformatics databases and tools to identify a potential upregulated breast cancer‐associated lncRNA and its co‐expressed gene, and to predict their potential roles, functions, and interactions. The expression level of MRPS30‐DT lncRNA and MRPS30 was assessed in both BC tissues and cell lines using qRT‐PCR technology. MRPS30‐DT lncRNA and MRPS30 were selected as target genes using bioinformatics analysis. We found that MRPS30‐DT and MRPS30 were significantly overexpressed in BC tissues compared with normal tissues. Also, MRPS30 showed upregulation in all three BC cell lines compared with HDF. On the other hand, MRPS30‐DT significantly increased in MDA‐MB‐231 compared with HDF. While the expression of MRPS30‐DT was significantly dropped in the resistance cell line MCF/MX compared to HDF and MCF7. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis suggested that MRPS30‐DT and MRPS30 may play a potential role in BC through their involvement in some cancer signaling pathways and processes, as well as through their interaction with TFs, genes, miRNAs, and proteins related to carcinogenesis.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings showed the dysregulation of MRPS30‐DT lncRNA and MRPS30 may provide clues for exploring new therapeutic targets or molecular biomarkers in BC.
Sea Urchin‐Like NiCo‐LDH Hollow Spheres Anchored on 3D Graphene Aerogel for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Tong Hao , Li Lei , Wu Cunqi , Tao Zheng , Fang Jiahao , Guan Chunyan , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: June 2024

To enhance the inherent poor conductivity and low cycling stability of dimetallic layered double hydroxides (LDHs) materials, designing a synergistic effect between EDLC capacitors and pseudocapacitors is an efficient strategy. In this paper, we utilized a solvothermal technique employing Co‐glycerate as a precursor to prepare sea urchin‐like NiCo‐LDH hollow spheres anchored on a 3D graphene aerogel. The unique morphology of these hollow microspheres significantly expand the specific surface area and exposes more active sites, while reducing the volume changes of materials during long‐term charging and discharging processes. The 3D graphene aerogel serves as a conductive skeleton, improving the material‘s electrical conductivity and buffering high current. The sea urchin‐like NiCo‐LDH hollow spheres anchored on 3D graphene aerogel (H‐NiCo‐LDH@GA) has a specific surface area of 51 m2 g−1 and the ID/IG value is 1.02. The H‐NiCo‐LDH@GA demonstrate a significant specific capacitance of 236.8 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, with a remarkable capacity retention rate of 63.1 % even at 20 A g−1. Even after 8000 cycles at 10 A g−1, the capacity retention still remains at 96.3 %, presenting excellent cycling stability.
Error Awareness in the Volcano Plots of Oxygen Electroreduction to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Urrego‐Ortiz Ricardo , Almeida Michell O. , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: June 2024

Electrocatalysis holds the key to the decentralized production of hydrogen peroxide via the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR, O2(g)+2H++2e−‐>H2O2(aq)). However, cost‐effective, active, and selective catalysts are still sought after. While density functional theory (DFT) has already led to the discovery of various enhanced catalysts, it has a severe yet often unnoticed drawback: the ill description of O2 and H2O2. Here, we analyze the impact of the errors in those two species on the most widespread activity plots in the literature, namely free‐energy diagrams and Sabatier‐type volcano plots. Uncorrected or partially corrected gas‐phase energies lead to appreciably different activity plots that may provide inaccurate predictions. Indeed, we show for a variety of electrocatalysts that only when the errors in O2 and H2O2 are corrected can DFT mimic the experiments. In sum, this work provides concrete guidelines to avoid a common pitfall of computational models for electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production.
Deletion of endothelial IGFBP5 protects against ischaemic hindlimb injury by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Song Fei , Hu Yu , Hong Yi‐Xiang , Sun Hu , Han Yue , Mao Yi‐Jie , Wu Wei‐Yin , Li Gang , Wang Yan
Published: June 2024

Background

Angiogenesis is critical for forming new blood vessels from antedating vascular vessels. The endothelium is essential for angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and minimisation of functional deficits following ischaemia. The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) family is crucial for angiogenesis. Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), a binding protein of the IGF family, may have places in angiogenesis, but the mechanisms are not yet completely understood. We sought to probe whether IGFBP5 is involved in pathological angiogenesis and uncover the molecular mechanisms behind it.

Methods and results

IGFBP5 expression was elevated in the vascular endothelium of gastrocnemius muscle from critical limb ischaemia patients and hindlimb ischaemic (HLI) mice and hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo, loss of endothelial IGFBP5 (IGFBP5EKO) facilitated the recovery of blood vessel function and limb necrosis in HLI mice. Moreover, skin damage healing and aortic ring sprouting were faster in IGFBP5EKO mice than in control mice. In vitro, the genetic inhibition of IGFBP5 in HUVECs significantly promoted tube formation, cell proliferation and migration by mediating the phosphorylation of IGF1R, Erk1/2 and Akt. Intriguingly, pharmacological treatment of HUVECs with recombinant human IGFBP5 ensued a contrasting effect on angiogenesis by inhibiting the IGF1 or IGF2 function. Genetic inhibition of IGFBP5 promoted cellular oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates via IGF1R‐mediated glycolytic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism. Mechanistically, IGFBP5 exerted its role via E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL)‐regulated HIF1α stability. Furthermore, the knockdown of the endothelial IGF1R partially abolished the reformative effect of IGFBP5EKO mice post‐HLI.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that IGFBP5 ablation enhances angiogenesis by promoting ATP metabolism and stabilising HIF1α, implying IGFBP5 is a novel therapeutic target for treating abnormal angiogenesis‐related conditions.
Changes in mesophotic carbonate‐platform export across the end of the last glacial cycle (Saya de Malha Bank, western Indian Ocean)
Authors: Bialik Or M. , Betzler Christian , Braga Juan Carlos , Reijmer John J. G. , Reolid Jesus , Lindhorst Sebastian
Published: June 2024

The export of neritic material from the top of carbonate platforms is a key process in the construction of their slopes. However, our knowledge of the supply pattern of materials from platforms is dominantly based on platforms lying in the euphotic zone during the present sea‐level highstand. This is a somewhat biased perspective as through geological time not all platforms were euphotic. The Saya de Malha Bank in the Mascarene Plateau is an example of a modern mesophotic carbonate platform, and as such, its flooding and export patterns differ from those of euphotic ones. Using cores collected on the western slope of the Saya de Malha Bank, the export patterns of the platform since the last glacial maximum were explored. Material on the platform edge is winnowed and transported to the slope by multiple possible processes. The material on the platform is a combination of high and low magnesium calcite as well as high and low strontium aragonite, integrating pelagic and neritic sources. The ratio of these constituents varies over time with changes in the platform production capability as it was flooded and drowned during the Holocene transgression. The material from the platform is transported in both confined flows, mainly during lowstands, and unconfined flows, mainly during late transgression and early highstand. In the present state of the highstand, supply may have diminished, leading to erosion of the canyon shoulders.
Biogeographical diet variation within and between the rabbitfishes Siganus corallinus, Siganus doliatus, Siganus trispilos and Siganus virgatus
Authors: Zarco‐Perello Salvador , Martin Storm B. , Hoey Andrew
Published: June 2024

Feeding habits of herbivorous fishes play an important role in shaping the form and function of coastal marine ecosystems. Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) are important consumers of macroalgae on Indo‐West Pacific coral reefs. However, it is unclear how their diet varies among and within species at biogeographical scales, casting doubt on their precise functional roles across different regions. The present study assessed the inter‐ and intra‐specific diet variation of four rabbitfishes (Siganus trispilos, Siganus corallinus, Siganus virgatus and Siganus doliatus) factored by morphological relatedness among populations from Ningaloo Reef (western Australia), the Great Barrier Reef (GBR, eastern Australia) and the Yaeyama Islands (Okinawa Prefecture, Japan). Results showed that the region had a strong effect on diet, effectively reducing the expected effect of morphologic similitude. While intra‐specific differences were only significant when populations inhabited different regions; interspecific differences were not as predicted, with different morphotypes having similar diets when populations inhabited the same regions. Rabbitfishes consumed more corticated and filamentous macroalgae on the GBR, more foliose and membranous macroalgae at the Yaeyama Islands, and more leathery macroalgae at Ningaloo Reef. The findings indicate that rabbitfishes have high diet plasticity, and hence their functional role as mediators of competition between macroalgae and corals can change across biogeographic regions. Local context is therefore important when assessing the diet and functional role of herbivorous fishes. As climate change unfolds, shifts in the distribution, trophic behaviour and function of species are expected, making the study of trophic plasticity more important.
Estimating pathogen‐spillover risk using host–ectoparasite interactions
Authors: Brennan Reilly N. , Paulson Sally L. , Escobar Luis E.
Published: June 2024

Pathogen spillover corresponds to the transmission of a pathogen or parasite from an original host species to a novel host species, preluding disease emergence. Understanding the interacting factors that lead to pathogen transmission in a zoonotic cycle could help identify novel hosts of pathogens and the patterns that lead to disease emergence. We hypothesize that ecological and biogeographic factors drive host encounters, infection susceptibility, and cross‐species spillover transmission. Using a rodent–ectoparasite system in the Neotropics, with shared ectoparasite associations as a proxy for ecological interaction between rodent species, we assessed relationships between rodents using geographic range, phylogenetic relatedness, and ectoparasite associations to determine the roles of generalist and specialist hosts in the transmission cycle of hantavirus. A total of 50 rodent species were ranked on their centrality in a network model based on ectoparasites sharing. Geographic proximity and phylogenetic relatedness were predictors for rodents to share ectoparasite species and were associated with shorter network path distance between rodents through shared ectoparasites. The rodent–ectoparasite network model successfully predicted independent data of seven known hantavirus hosts. The model predicted five novel rodent species as potential, unrecognized hantavirus hosts in South America. Findings suggest that ectoparasite data, geographic range, and phylogenetic relatedness of wildlife species could help predict novel hosts susceptible to infection and possible transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Hantavirus is a high‐consequence zoonotic pathogen with documented animal‐to‐animal, animal‐to‐human, and human‐to‐human transmission. Predictions of new rodent hosts can guide active epidemiological surveillance in specific areas and wildlife species to mitigate hantavirus spillover transmission risk from rodents to humans. This study supports the idea that ectoparasite relationships among rodents are a proxy of host species interactions and can inform transmission cycles of diverse pathogens circulating in wildlife disease systems, including wildlife viruses with epidemic potential, such as hantavirus.
Environmental correlates of the forest carbon distribution in the Central Himalayas
Authors: Khanal Shiva , Nolan Rachael H. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Boer Matthias M.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the biophysical limitations on forest carbon across diverse ecological regions is crucial for accurately assessing and managing forest carbon stocks. This study investigates the role of climate and disturbance on the spatial variation of two key forest carbon pools: aboveground carbon (AGC) and soil organic carbon (SOC). Using plot‐level carbon pool estimates from Nepal's national forest inventory and structural equation modelling, we explore the relationship of forest carbon stocks to broad‐scale climatic water and energy availability and fine‐scale terrain and disturbance. The forest AGC and SOC models explained 25% and 59% of the observed spatial variation in forest AGC and SOC, respectively. Among the evaluated variables, disturbance exhibited the strongest negative correlation with AGC, while the availability of climatic energy demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with SOC. Disturbances such as selective logging and firewood collection result in immediate forest carbon loss, while soil carbon changes take longer to respond. The lower decomposition rates in the high‐elevation region, due to lower temperatures, preserve organic matter and contribute to the high SOC stocks observed there. These results highlight the critical role of climate and disturbance regimes in shaping landscape patterns of forest carbon stocks. Understanding the underlying drivers of these patterns is crucial for forest carbon management and conservation across diverse ecological zones including the Central Himalayas.
Heterospecific interaction in two beetle species: Males with weapons decrease the reproductive success of species with weaponless males
Authors: Onishi Rui , Matsumura Kentarou
Published: June 2024

Many species often show male–male combat for mating opportunities and resources within the species. Sexual selection through this radical combat leads to the evolution of males with exaggerated traits used as weapons, such as horns or mandibles, that often result in victory during combat. However, heterospecific interaction due to errors in species identification has often been observed, which results in decreased mating opportunities within the same species and fewer fertilized eggs. Males with exaggerated weapons may show dominance in resource acquisition over males without weapons and may decrease the reproductive success of the latter due to competition between the two. However, few studies have examined heterospecific interaction focusing on males with or without weapons. In this study, we investigated the effects of the male weapon on reproductive traits in heterospecific interaction in two species: the broad‐horned flour beetle (Gnatocerus cornutus), in which males have exaggerated weapon traits; and the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), in which males have no weapon traits. Both species are closely related and use the same food resources. G. cornutus males interfered with the resource acquisition and reproductive opportunities of T. castaneum by attacking T. castaneum. The reproductive success of T. castaneum decreased when they cohabited with G. cornutus males. These findings show that male weapon traits, which are important for sexual selection within the same species, can also greatly influence reproduction in other species.
Pollinator competition and the contingency of nectar depletion during an early spring resource pulse
Authors: Sponsler Douglas B. , Hamilton Murray , Wiesneth Michael , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: June 2024

Concerns about competition between pollinators are predicated on the assumption of floral resource limitation. Floral resource limitation, however, is a complex phenomenon involving the interplay of resource production by plants, resource demand by pollinators, and exogenous factors—like weather conditions—that constrain both plants and pollinators. In this study, we examined nectar limitation during the mass flowering of rosaceous fruit trees in early spring. Our study was set in the same region as a previous study that found severe nectar limitation in summer grasslands. We used this seasonal contrast to evaluate two alternative hypotheses concerning the seasonal dynamics of floral resource limitation: either (H1) rates of resource production and consumption are matched through seasonal time to maintain a consistent degree of resource limitation, or (H2) a mismatch of high floral resource production and low pollinator activity in early spring creates a period of relaxed resource limitation that intensifies later in the year. We found generally much lower depletion in our spring study compared to the near 100% depletion found in the summer study, but depletion rates varied markedly through diel time and across sampling days, with afternoon depletion rates sometimes exceeding 80%. In some cases, there were also pronounced differences in depletion rates across simultaneously sampled floral species, indicating different degrees of nectar exploitation. These findings generally support the seasonal mismatch hypothesis (H2) but underscore the complex contingency of nectar depletion. The challenge of future work is to discern how the fluctuation of resource limitation across diel, inter‐diel, and seasonal time scales translates into population‐level outcomes for pollinators.
Stable isotopes (15N) facilitate non‐invasive labelling of large quantities of macroinvertebrates across different species and feeding types
Authors: Enss Julian , Nachev Milen , Jochmann Maik A. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Feld Christian K.
Published: June 2024

While macroinvertebrate dispersal operates at the individual level, predictions of their dispersal capabilities often rely on indirect proxies rather than direct measurements. To gain insight into the dispersal of individual specimens, it is crucial to mark (label) and capture individuals. Isotopic enrichment with 15N is a non‐invasive method with the potential of labelling large quantities of macroinvertebrates. While the analysis of 15N is widely utilised in food web studies, knowledge on the specific utility of isotopic enrichment with 15N for mass labelling of macroinvertebrate individuals across different taxa and feeding types is limited. Previous studies have focused on single species and feeding types, leaving gaps in our understanding of the broader applicability of this method. Therefore, this study aimed to test and compare isotopic mass enrichment across several macroinvertebrate taxa and feeding types. We released 15NH4Cl at five stream reaches in North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany, and successfully enriched 12 distinct macroinvertebrate taxa (Crustacea and Insecta). Significant enrichment was achieved in active and passive filter feeders, grazers, shredders and predators, and predominantly showed positive correlations with the enrichment of the taxa's main food sources phytobenthos and particulate organic matter. Enrichment levels rose rapidly and peaked at distances between 50 m and 300 m downstream of the isotopic inlet; significant enrichment occurred up to 2000 m downstream of the isotopic inlet in all feeding types. Macroinvertebrate density estimates on the stream bottom averaged to a total of approximately 3.4 million labelled individuals of the 12 investigated taxa, thus showing the high potential of isotopic (15N) enrichment as a non‐invasive method applicable for mass labelling across different macroinvertebrate feeding types. Hence, isotopic enrichment can greatly assist the analysis of macroinvertebrate dispersal through mark‐and‐recapture experiments, as it allows to measure the movement at the level of individual specimens.
Regional and local factors interact to shape colonization and extinction dynamics of invasive Hydrilla verticillata in a patchy landscape
Authors: Armstrong Joshua T. , Bulluck Lesley P. , Davidson Andrew T. , Stunkle Charles Ryland , Vonesh James R.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the response of species to global change requires disentangling the drivers of their distributions across landscapes. Colonization and extinction processes, shaped by the interplay of landscape‐level and local patch‐level factors, are key determinants of these distributions. However, disentangling the influence of these factors, when larger‐scale processes manifest at local scales, remains a challenge. We addressed this challenge by investigating the colonization and extinction dynamics of the aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata, in a complex riverine rock pool system. This system, with hundreds of rock pools experiencing varying flooding frequencies, provided a natural laboratory to examine how a single landscape‐level disturbance can differentially impact colonization and extinction depending on local patch characteristics to shape species distributions. Using 5 years of data across over 500 sites and more than 5000 surveys, we employed dynamic occupancy models to model colonization, extinction, and changes in Hydrilla patch occupancy while accounting for imperfect detection. Our results revealed that larger, infrequently flooded pools closer to the river were more likely to be colonized. In contrast, local extinction of Hydrilla was more likely in smaller pools closer to the river that flooded frequently. These findings underscore the importance of considering context‐dependence in species distribution models. The same landscape‐level disturbance (flooding) had opposing effects on colonization and extinction, with the direction and magnitude of these effects varying with local patch characteristics. Our study highlights the need for integrating local and landscape‐level factors, and considering how larger‐scale processes play out at the patch level, to understand the complex dynamics that shape species distributions.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of Atlantic reef fishes off the southeastern U.S. coast
Authors: Cao Jie , Craig J. Kevin , Damiano Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of fish species is a central concern in fish ecology and crucial for guiding management and conservation efforts. We constructed a joint species distribution model (JSDM) to simultaneously estimate the spatiotemporal distributions and densities for 21 reef fish species in the southeastern United States (SEUS). The model separately estimates encounter probability and positive density, and accounts for unobserved spatial and spatiotemporal variation using latent factors, where the correlations among species are induced. We applied the model to video data collected from a large‐scale, fishery independent survey. A clustering method was applied to the results of the JSDM to group species based on spatial and spatiotemporal synchrony in encounter probability and positive density. We found strong spatial associations among most of the reef fish species. However, species did exhibit differences in occupied habitat that varied with latitude and/or depth. Within their area of occupied habitat, almost all the species share similar spatial pattern of average density. However, for some species, annual distributions were less correlated with their expected average distributions perhaps due to differing responses to underlying spatiotemporal drivers. Some species show significant declines in abundance, for example, black sea bass, red porgy, and blueline tilefish, while a small number of species showed evidence of shifts in distribution, for example, black sea bass. The findings suggest that spatiotemporal management strategies may be of limited utility for reducing bycatch in these highly mixed reef fisheries due to high spatial correlations in occupied habitat and spatial patterns in density. Species‐specific responses to environmental change may also influence the spatiotemporal structure of reef assemblages. This work suggests management attention is needed for some of the lesser known species as they are showing declining trends in abundance.
Sex and size matter: Intricate dominance relationships in an East African large carnivore guild
Authors: Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe , Parsons Arielle W. , Havmøller Linnea Worsøe , Kays Roland
Published: June 2024

Human disturbance has the potential to alter competitive interactions, favoring species better able to adapt to areas used by humans. One such species is the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), which has been successful in human‐dominated areas throughout Africa. In addition, hyenas are frequently successful in kleptoparasiting prey brought down by other carnivore species (e.g., leopards [Panthera pardus]). In the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, leopard density declines sharply close to human settlements, and hyenas are their only competitors. Using camera trap data and a spatio‐temporal occupancy model, we assessed the relative dominance of each species through spatial co‐occurrence, altered activity patterns and temporary site avoidance. We tested the hypothesis that hyenas gain a competitive advantage over leopards in human‐dominated areas due to their relatively higher tolerance for anthropogenic activities. We found that while hyena occupancy was best predicted by prey occupancy and not strongly affected by landscape factors associated with humans, leopards, especially male leopards, were less likely to be detected close to human settlements. Female leopards, which are smaller than males, exhibited activity shifts and temporary site avoidance in response to hyenas. In response to male leopards, hyenas shifted their activity patterns to become more active around dusk and dawn. These results suggest that while hyenas may be behaviorally dominant over female leopards, they are subordinate to male leopards. We found that male leopards and hyenas were less likely to co‐occur closer to people, especially where prey was scarce, suggesting subordinance of hyenas to male leopards may be mitigated by human disturbance. Furthermore, young male leopards shifted their activity patterns to be more diurnal in response to hyena presence, suggesting that dominance relationship between hyenas and leopards develops with age and is probably related to body size. These results indicate that human disturbance has the potential to affect the competitive relationship between leopards and hyenas in the Udzungwa Mountains, but that relationships will vary with sex and body size.
A New Family of Fe(II) 1‐Propyl‐1H‐Imidazole Complexes with Mono‐, Bi‐, and Tetra‐Nuclear Members
Authors: Zeni Willi , Müller Danny , Seifried Marco , Welch Jan M. , Stöger Berthold , Giester Gerald , Reissner Michael , Miletich Ronald , Weinberger Peter
Published: June 2024

The synthesis of [Fe(PrIm)6](BF4)2 with the intention of investigating its magnetic and structural properties led to the discovery of a new family of Fe(II) 1‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole complexes, which were obtained by simply changing the reaction conditions. The structural, magnetic and electronic properties were investigated.
Functional properties of dietary quercetin in cardiovascular health and disease
Authors: Xu Kuo , Qu Liqun , Li Hui , Ren Xia , Yan Ning , Fu Xianjun
Published: June 2024

The increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases has resulted in an escalating need for natural dietary supplements with cardioprotective properties. This review provides a thorough analysis of laboratory and clinical studies conducted on dietary quercetin, a widely available flavonoid, and its influence on the management of cardiovascular health and disease. The references cited in this review were obtained from reputable databases, including SciFinder, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, with a specific focus on the period spanning from 1999 to 2023 pertaining to this subject matter. Notably, a bibliometric approach was used to analyze the bibliometric attribute trends of the research on quercetin associated with vascular health for the first time. Numerous investigations conducted on animal and human subjects at different phases of cardiac illness have consistently shown that the administration of quercetin substances improves cardiac function, suggesting the potential efficacy of quercetin in the management of heart disease. Evidently, the consumption of quercetin through dietary sources holds promise in conferring significant cardiovascular benefits through physiological mechanisms and biochemical signaling pathways, thus positioning it as a promising dietary contender for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Renewable food resources, including lovage leaves, elderberry, and radish leaves, which are abundant in quercetin, exhibit significant potential for the development and production of novel healthcare products with the objective of preventing cardiovascular disorders. This review is anticipated to provide valuable insights for the advancement of cardioprotective functional foods in the foreseeable future.
Diosmin: A promising phytochemical for functional foods, nutraceuticals and cancer therapy
Authors: Rahman Lubna , Talha Khalil Ali , Ahsan Shahid Syed , Shinwari Zabta Khan , Almarhoon Zainab M. , Alalmaie Amnah , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Calina Daniela
Published: June 2024

Diosmin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruits, has gained significant attention for its anticancer potential, reflecting a critical need in the ongoing battle against cancer. Amidst increasing cancer incidence, the quest for safer and more effective treatments has brought diosmin to the forefront, given its unique pharmacological profile distinct from other flavonoids. Diosmin's anticancer mechanisms are multifaceted, involving apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and metastasis prevention. Extensive research encompassing cellular studies, animal models, and limited clinical trials underscores its efficacy not only against cancer but also in managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids, attributing to its anti‐inflammatory properties. Furthermore, diosmin exhibits low toxicity and complements conventional chemotherapy, proposing its utility as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment protocols. The review delves into the specific anticancer advantages of diosmin, distinguishing it from the broader flavonoid category. It provides a detailed analysis of its implications in preclinical and clinical settings, advocating for its consideration in the oncological therapeutic arsenal. By juxtaposing diosmin with other herbal medicines, the review offers a nuanced perspective on its role within the wider context of natural anticancer agents, emphasizing the need for further clinical research to substantiate its efficacy and safety in oncology.