bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the heat of the moment: Including realistic thermal fluctuations results in dramatically altered key population parameters
Authors: Boerlijst Sam P. , Boelee Eline , van Bodegom Peter M. , Schrama Maarten
Published: August 2024

Temperature is commonly acknowledged as one of the primary forces driving ectotherm vector populations, most notably by influencing metabolic rates and survival. Although numerous experiments have shown this for a wide variety of organisms, the vast majority has been conducted at constant temperatures and changes therein, while temperature is far from constant in nature, and includes seasonal and diurnal cycles. As fluctuating temperatures have been described to affect metabolic processes at (sub)cellular level, this calls for studies evaluating the relative importance of temperature fluctuations and the changes therein. To gain insight in the effects of temperature fluctuations on ectotherm development, survival, and sex ratio, we developed an inexpensive, easily reproducible, and open‐source, Arduino‐based temperature control system, which emulates natural sinusoidal fluctuations around the average temperature. We used this novel setup to compare the effects of constant (mean) temperatures, most commonly used in experiments, block schemes, and natural sinusoidal fluctuations as well as an extreme variant with twice its amplitude using the cosmopolitan mosquito species Culex pipiens s.l. as a study organism. Our system accurately replicated the preprogrammed temperature treatments under outdoor conditions, even more accurately than traditional methods. While no effects were detected on survival and sex ratio within the ranges of variation evaluated, development was sped up considerably by including temperature fluctuations, especially during pupation, where development under constant temperatures took almost a week (30%) longer than under natural fluctuations. Doubling the amplitude further decreased development time by 1.5 days. These results highlight the importance of including (natural) oscillations in experiments on ectotherm organisms – both aquatic and terrestrial – that use temperature as a variable. Ultimately, these results have major repercussions for downstream effects at larger scales that may be studied with applications such as ecological niche models, disease risk models, and assessing ecosystem services that rely on ectotherm organisms.
Carrion use by a reptile is influenced by season, habitat and competition with an apex mammalian scavenger
Authors: Cairncross Rhys J. , Spencer Emma E. , Meisuria Niraj , Crowther Mathew S. , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: August 2024

Scavenging on carrion is critical and often fiercely competitive for a range of vertebrate species, from native apex predators to invasive species and even reptiles. Within Australia, a notable reptilian scavenger is the lace monitor (Varanus varius). In this study, we quantified lace monitor activity at carcasses and compared their use of the resource to common co‐occurring predators that also scavenge; the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and a native apex predator, the dingo (Canis dingo). To do so, we deployed 80 macropod carcasses equally across seasons (summer and winter) and habitats (open and closed canopy) in a temperate bioregion and monitored vertebrate scavenging with camera traps. Lace monitor activity (visitation at carcass sites inclusive of both non‐scavenging and scavenging events) was 1.67 times higher in summer than in winter, but it did not differ across closed and open habitats. Monitor activity occurred earlier after carcass deployment at sites deployed in summer than winter (1.47‐fold earlier), and at carcasses in open than closed habitats (0.22‐fold earlier). Lace monitors initially discovered carcass sites faster in summer than winter and before both red foxes and dingoes in summer. The species was active diurnally in both summer and winter, differing from the red fox, which was strictly a nocturnal scavenger and the dingo, which was significantly more active at night across both seasons. Finally, we found that lace monitor activity at carcass sites decreased slightly with higher rates of activity for dingoes (0.04‐fold decrease as dingo activity increased), but not with red fox activity. Our results have implications for understanding lace monitor foraging and scavenging and highlight the value of monitoring carcasses to provide important insights into the behaviour of varanid lizards that scavenge.
Correcting for measurement errors in a long‐term aerial survey with auxiliary photographic data
Authors: Brusa Jamie L. , Farr Matthew T. , Evenson Joseph , Silverman Emily , Murphie Bryan , Cyra Thomas A. , Tschaekofske Heather J. , Spragens Kyle A. , Converse Sarah J.
Published: August 2024

Long‐term, large‐scale monitoring of wildlife populations is an integral part of conservation research and management. However, some traditional monitoring protocols lack the information needed to account for sources of measurement error in data analyses. Ignoring measurement error, such as partial availability, imperfect detection, and species misidentification, can lead to mischaracterizations of population states and processes. Accounting for measurement error is key to robust monitoring of populations, which can inform a wide variety of decisions, including harvest, habitat restoration, and determination of the legal status of species. We undertook an effort to retroactively minimize bias in a large‐scale, long‐term monitoring program for marine birds in the Salish Sea, Washington, USA, by conducting an auxiliary study to jointly estimate components of measurement error. We built a novel model in a Bayesian framework that simultaneously harnessed human observer and photographic data types to produce estimates necessary to correct for the effects of partial availability, imperfect detection, and species misidentification. Across all 31 species identified in photographs, both observers had instances of undercounting and overcounting birds but tended to undercount (observers undercounted totals across all species on 69.3%–78.9% of transects). We estimated species‐specific correction factors that can be used to correct both historical and future counts from the Salish Sea survey, which has been running since 1992. Our novel modeling framework can be applied in other multispecies monitoring contexts where minimal photographic data can be collected for the purposes of correcting for measurement error in large‐scale, long‐term datasets.
Western spotted skunk spatial ecology in the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Tosa Marie I. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Levi Taal
Published: August 2024

A major threat to small mammalian carnivore populations is human‐induced land use change, but conservation and management are inhibited by limited knowledge about their ecology and natural history. To fill a key knowledge gap of the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis), we investigated their spatial ecology at the landscape and home range scale in the temperate rainforests of the Oregon Cascades during 2017–2019. For the landscape scale analysis, we used detections of western spotted skunks at 112 baited camera traps and fitted a dynamic occupancy model to investigate spatial distribution and drivers of inter‐seasonal and inter‐annual changes in occupancy. Concurrently, we radio‐collared 25 spotted skunks (9 female, 16 male) and collected 1583 relocations. Using continuous‐time movement models, we estimated large home range sizes for both male and female spotted skunks, relative to their body mass, and highly overlapping home ranges that indicated a lack of territoriality. Using these home ranges, we fitted a resource selection function using environmental covariates that we assigned to various hypotheses such as resources, predator avoidance, thermal tolerance, and disturbance. Overall, western spotted skunks were widely distributed across our study area (seasonal occupancy up to 63.7 ± 5.3%) and highly detectable (weekly detection probability = 41.2%). At both spatial scales, spotted skunks selected wetter areas and local valleys, which we attributed to areas with more food resources. At the home range scale, spotted skunks selected locations with lower predation risk and areas surrounded by more previously logged forests. In this montane environment, inter‐seasonal contractions in the spatial distributions of spotted skunks were strongly driven by their response to cold temperature and accumulated snow. This was especially evident when seasonal occupancy declined significantly following a severe heavy snow event in February 2019. Given that there is little information available on the natural history of the western spotted skunk, these results provide essential information about their ecology to focus future monitoring efforts and may help identify potential threats (e.g., forest management, severe snow events, or wildfires) to this species.
The contribution of nearshore oceanography to temporal variation in larval dispersal
Authors: Catalano Katrina A. , Drenkard Elizabeth J. , Curchitser Enrique N. , Dedrick Allison G. , Stuart Michelle R. , Montes Humberto R. , Pinsky Malin L.
Published: August 2024

Patterns of population connectivity shape ecological and evolutionary phenomena from population persistence to local adaptation and can inform conservation strategy. Connectivity patterns emerge from the interaction of individual behavior with a complex and heterogeneous environment. Despite ample observation that dispersal patterns vary through time, the extent to which variation in the physical environment can explain emergent connectivity variation is not clear. Empirical studies of its contribution promise to illuminate a potential source of variability that shapes the dynamics of natural populations. We leveraged simultaneous direct dispersal observations and oceanographic transport simulations of the clownfish Amphiprion clarkii in the Camotes Sea, Philippines, to assess the contribution of oceanographic variability to emergent variation in connectivity. We found that time‐varying oceanographic simulations on both annual and monsoonal timescales partly explained the observed dispersal patterns, suggesting that temporal variation in oceanographic transport shapes connectivity variation on these timescales. However, interannual variation in observed mean dispersal distance was nearly 10 times the expected variation from biophysical simulations, revealing that additional biotic and abiotic factors contribute to interannual connectivity variation. Simulated dispersal kernels also predicted a smaller scale of dispersal than the observations, supporting the hypothesis that undocumented abiotic factors and behaviors such as swimming and navigation enhance the probability of successful dispersal away from, as opposed to retention near, natal sites. Our findings highlight the potential for coincident observations and biophysical simulations to test dispersal hypotheses and the influence of temporal variability on metapopulation persistence, local adaptation, and other population processes.
eDNA Is a Useful Environmental Monitoring Tool for Assessing Stream Ecological Health
Authors: Suren Alastair M. , Burdon Francis J. , Wilkinson Shaun P.
Published: August 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly used in biodiversity assessments, but there remain uncertainties regarding its congruence with data based on traditional approaches involving habitat sampling and morphological‐based taxonomy. Using eDNA for biomonitoring has several advantages, including improved processing efficiencies and precision of taxonomic identification. In contrast, traditional biomonitoring is time‐consuming and expensive, often limiting the number of sites monitored. Establishing that eDNA‐derived metrics are congruent with their traditional equivalents on a national scale would support its wider use in biomonitoring. Our study compared ecosystem health assessments made by traditional biomonitoring techniques to those using eDNA from 53 sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Because eDNA sampling was not done concurrently with benthic sampling at most sites, we used the average community composition at each site based on previous sampling occasions. We also allocated species identified by eDNA to the traditional level of identification to allow comparisons with eDNA data identified to broader taxonomic groups. We assessed similarities between the three datasets and found a high degree of correlation and convergence between biotic indices calculated from the different methods. eDNA did, however, appear to under‐represent some taxa, reflecting challenges in matching barcodes with an often‐incomplete sequence library. eDNA data did not always perform better in terms of showing the effects of land use on invertebrate community composition, but all datasets produced similar patterns. Multivariate analyses (redundancy analysis and variation partitioning) identified congruent relationships between environmental and spatial variables with the invertebrate community structure described by the three methods. eDNA data replicated the environmental responses and showed the same overall patterns in community composition as the traditionally collected data. We suggest that eDNA biomonitoring can complement traditional methods, and will perform at least as well as traditional data at detecting patterns in invertebrate community composition and ecosystem health at a national scale.
Predictive value of NT pro BNP for new‐onset atrial fibrillation in heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Sixu , Pan Hong , Zhang Zenghui , Wang Yue , Jiang Yuan , Wu Maoxiong , Chen Zhiteng , Abudukeremu Ayiguli , Cao Zhengyu , Gao Qingyuan , Zhang Minghai , Zhu Wengen , Chen Yangxin , Zhang Yuling , Wang Jingfeng
Published: August 2024

Aims

The prognostic significance of N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been well established. HFpEF and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly coexist, and each contributes to poor outcomes independently. Nevertheless, the ability of NT‐proBNP to predict AF in HFpEF patients remains uncertain.

Methods and results

A total of 367 HFpEF patients without baseline AF from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial were included. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association of NT‐proBNP with the risk of AF. The C‐statistic, categorical net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the ability of NT‐proBNP in new‐onset AF prediction. During a median follow‐up of 2.91 years, 17 (4.63%) new‐onset AF cases occurred. Every 1000 pg/mL increase in NT‐proBNP was associated with a 16% increase in the risk of AF occurrence after adjustments (hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02–1.32]). NT‐proBNP showed a moderate performance for new‐onset AF at 3 years (C‐statistic, 0.67). Adding NT‐proBNP to CHADS2/R2CHADS2/CHA2DS2‐VASc/C2HSET scores improved their predictive performance for AF risk (CHADS2: C‐statistic, 0.63, CHADS2+NT: C‐statistic, 0.69, NRI, 47.46%, IDI, 1.18%; R2CHADS2: C‐statistic, 0.65, R2CHADS2+NT: C‐statistic, 0.70, NRI, 48.03%, IDI, 0.51%; CHA2DS2‐VASc: C‐statistic, 0.67, CHA2DS2‐VASc+NT: C‐statistic, 0.72, NRI, 49.41%, IDI, 0.86%; C2HSET: C‐statistic, 0.77, C2HSET+NT: C‐statistic, 0.80, NRI, 50.32%, IDI, 1.58%).

Conclusions

Among patients with HFpEF, the NT‐proBNP level was positively associated with the incidence of new‐onset AF and may be a promising predictor.
Catalytic Enantioselective Macrocyclization for the Synthesis of Planar‐Chiral Cyclophanes: Recent Updates
Authors: Dong Ziyang , Li Jia , Zhao Changgui
Published: August 2024

The planar chirality of macrocycles is a fascinating research topic. Locking the configurational flip between the benzene ring and macrocycle leads to planar chirality, which can significantly enhance the biological activity of cyclophanes. Planar‐chiral cyclophanes are widely used in pharmaceuticals, chiral catalysts, and functional materials. However, accessing planar‐chiral cyclophanes via asymmetric catalysis has remained challenging. Among the various strategies, asymmetric macrocyclization provides a powerful tool for accessing planar‐chiral cyclophanes. This method allows for control of the planar chirality when constructing the macrocycle and greatly improves the efficiency. There are three types of macrocyclization reactions: transition metal‐catalyzed, organocatalyzed, and biocatalyzed. In addition, the chiral confinement strategy breaks through conservative synthetic approaches. This review summarizes these achievements, aiming to highlight the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of cyclophanes and inspire interested researchers.
A broken link: Knowledge of carbohydrate requirements do not predict carbohydrate intake around competition in endurance athletes
Authors: Sampson Gemma , Morton James. P. , Areta José. L.
Published: August 2024

Endurance athletes fail to meet carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines for competition, which may be due to limited knowledge. However, the relationship between knowledge and practice in this population is unknown. To investigate this, we assessed the dietary intake in 50 athletes (37 females) who completed endurance events ≥2.5 h in duration and compared CHO intake against the carbohydrates for endurance athletes in competition questionnaire validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire, with specific questions related to CHO loading, pre‐competition meal and during‐competition intake. CHO‐loading guidelines (10–12 g · kg−1 · day−1) were met in practice by n = 5 (10%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0–12 g · kg−1 · day−1) and actual intake (rs = 0.133, p = 0.358), with the n = 18 (36%) who correctly identified requirements, ingesting 6.1 ± 1.9 g · kg−1 · day−1. CHO intake for pre‐competition meal guidelines (1–4 g · kg−1) was met in practice by n = 40 (80%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0 to >4 g · kg−1) and actual intake (rs = 0.101, p = 0.487), with n = 19 (38%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 1.4 ± 0.6 g · kg−1. CHO intake during‐competition guidelines (60–90 g · h−1) was met in practice by n = 18 (36%), but there was no relationship between the amounts of CHO required (range 30 to >90 g/h) and actual intake (rs = 0.028, p = 0.849), with n = 32 (64%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 56 ± 20 g · h−1. Results show no relationship between the knowledge of CHO recommendations and practice, suggesting that theoretical knowledge does not guarantee the achievement of best practice and other important factors may ultimately determine practice.
Hurdle technology using enzymes and essential oil to remove biofilm and increase the effectiveness of this process with the microencapsulation method
Authors: Ghahari Ayda , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush
Published: August 2024

The formation of biofilm in different places and the failure to effectively remove it by the usual disinfection methods is due to its structure and the rich genetic resource available in it to deal with disinfectants. These impenetrable structures and diverse microbial genetics have caused biofilm pollution in different industries like the food industry, the medicine industry, the hospitals and the water distribution system, resulting in pathogenicity and reduction of industrial quality. An efficient way to deal with the resistant population of biofilm‐forming microbes is the use of hurdle technology including enzymes and essential oils. Enzymes reduce the resistance of the biofilm structure due to degradation of its extracellular polymer matrix (EPS) by their abilities to break down the organic molecules, and then the essential oils weaken the cells by penetrating the lipid membrane of the cell and destroying its integrity; as a result, the biofilm will be destroyed. The advantage of this hurdle technology is the environmental friendly of both methods, which reduces concerns about the use of chemical disinfection methods, but on the other hand, due to the sensitivity of enzymes as biological agents also the expensiveness of this technique and the considerations of working with essential oils as volatile and unstable liquids should abandon the routine methods of applying this disinfectant to biofilm and go for the microencapsulation method, which as a protective system increases the effectiveness of enzymes and essential oils as antibiofilm agents.
How to spark team flow over time
Authors: van den Hout Jef J. J. , Davis Orin C. , Buseyne Siem
Published: August 2024

An important question in teamwork research is how to maximize performance and the aspects of the team's dynamics and collaboration process that underpin it. Prior research has shown that when team members who are collaborating towards a common purpose experience flow together (team flow; optimal experiences that occur simultaneously at the individual and team levels, entailing deep focus and intrinsic motivation to perform an activity), the team significantly improves its performance and team members experience many positive results at both the individual and team levels. Further advances have built a model of team flow and a means for measuring the construct, as well as qualitative results in business teams to confirm how the elements of team flow interact to generate the positive experiences and higher performance. This study adds practical value to the research by providing proof‐of‐concept for an intervention that promotes team flow in business teams. This cross‐case‐study of 15 teams across five different organizations uses the Team Flow Monitor as a barometer of team health and dynamics, which in turn serves as the centerpiece of an iterative intervention protocol for leading/guiding teams in targeted self‐reflection that can generate virtuous cycles of improving dynamics and performance. In addition to a significant amount of qualitative data confirming the efficacy of the intervention in enabling teams to overcome obstacles and experience more team flow, quantitative analysis of Team Flow Monitor scores showed an increase on average team flow scores across the teams over the course of the intervention (Cohen's d = 0.6). Implications for translating team flow research to field situations are discussed, along with further potential uses of the Team Flow Monitor.
Leveraging critical literacy on social media interaction in acculturation
Authors: Cai Shiyu , Lai Chun
Published: August 2024

Acculturation is the process of psychological and behavioral change that individuals go through during and after intercultural contacts. Social media have become a major space for cross‐cultural encounters, and are important venues of socialization for marginalized populations. Intercultural encounters on social media may benefit or detriment the acculturation process, and how marginalized populations make sense of their social media experience is pivotal in this respect. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of research that examines non‐dominant ethnic groups' meaning‐making of and digital literacy practices on social media and how these practices relate to acculturation. To fill this research gap, this study collected data through semi‐structured interviews with 44 non‐dominant ethnic adolescents in Hong Kong. Through the theoretical lens of critical literacy, this study revealed various facets of literacy practices in which these underrepresented adolescents engaged and found that these practices, and the lack thereof, moderated their acculturation process on and beyond social media platforms. The findings suggest that critical digital literacy on social media interaction is critical to non‐dominant ethnic groups' acculturation process.
Using positioning theory to investigate the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse adolescent students in classroom discussion
Authors: Sywulka Karissa J.
Published: August 2024

Teachers have a critical opportunity to decide how to position transnational funds of knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students. Positioning theory investigates how views of self and others are applied in social interactions. This scoping literature review identified nine studies that used positioning theory to trace the participation of adolescent CLD students in classroom discussions. The review was limited to peer‐reviewed studies set in school and afterschool classes in the United States. The findings provide a variety of real‐world examples of students and teachers negotiating their identities and navigating participatory opportunities. In response to how the findings revealed the far‐reaching influence of the teacher, this article introduces a model illustrating the intersection of two key components of teaching style: teacher beliefs and positioning of transnational funds of knowledge. Four teacher profiles represent four stances: The Culturally Responsive Teacher, The Wide Net, The Silencer, and The Idealist.
Effect of pH on hydroxyapatite coatings obtained by spray pyrolysis and their use as matrices for antibiotic adsorption by spin coating and release properties
Authors: Rojas‐Montoya Iván D. , Escamilla‐Atriano Luis Sergio , Reina Antonio , Ramírez‐Rave Sandra , García‐Guzmán Perla , Bernad‐Bernad Ma Josefa , Gracia‐Mora Jesús
Published: August 2024

Calcium phosphate materials, particularly hydroxyapatite (HA), are extensively used in biomedical applications because of their prominence as primary inorganic constituents of human hard tissues. This study investigates the synthesis of HA coatings via spray pyrolysis using various precursors, including HA derived from bovine bone. The effects of pH on the formation and properties of HA coatings were systematically examined. Samples exposed to acidic conditions or left without pH adjustment led to the formation of HA, contrasting with the outcomes observed through dissolution methods. Different characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), were employed to evaluate the quality and crystallinity of the coatings. Among the samples, those exhibiting superior crystallinity and nanostructured features, including bovine HA, were selected for further surface functionalization with the antibiotic enrofloxacin using spin coating. As expected, the antibiotic loading on each material's surface depended on the amount of HA deposited on the substrate. However, the desorption results indicated that, in all cases, desorption persisted beyond 38 h, implying that HA‐loaded matrices could be effective systems for controlled and prolonged drug release, which could be useful in dental or orthopedic implants for inhibiting the growth of bacterial biofilms.
Ginsenoside RD prevents acute liver injury in mice by inhibiting STAT3‐mediated NLRP3/GSDMD activation
Authors: Li Wenyan , Kong Yun , Zhang Caiqun
Published: August 2024

We investigated the role and mechanism of ginsenoside RD (GRD) in acute liver injury. Network pharmacology was used to analyze the correlations among GRD‐liver injury‐pyroptosis targets. A mouse model of acute liver injury was established by lipopolysaccharide + d‐galactose（LPS + d/Gal). After pretreatment with GRD, the changes in mouse liver function were detected. The histopathological changes were assayed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, the tissue expressions of inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expressions were assayed by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Meanwhile, mechanism research was conducted using STAT3‐knockout transgenic mice and STAT3‐IN13, a STAT3 inhibitor. GRD inhibited liver injury, mitigated tissue inflammation, and suppressed STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis in mice. After applying STAT3‐knockout mouse model or STAT3‐IN13, GRD did not further inhibit the liver injury. GRD can resist liver injury by inhibiting the STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis, which is one of the hepatoprotective mechanisms of GRD.
TRIM16 facilitates SIRT‐1‐dependent regulation of antioxidant response to alleviate age‐related sarcopenia
Authors: Guo Ai , Huang Ke , Lu Quanyi , Tao Bailong , Li Kai , Jiang Dianming
Published: August 2024

Background

Age‐related sarcopenia, characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass and function, significantly affects the health of the elderly individuals. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of sarcopenia. Tripartite motif containing 16 (TRIM16) is implicated in orchestrating antioxidant responses to mitigate oxidative stress, yet its regulatory role in skeletal muscle remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the impact of TRIM16 on enhancing antioxidant response through SIRT‐1, consequently mitigating age‐related oxidative stress, and ameliorating muscle atrophy.

Methods

Aged mouse models were established utilizing male mice at 18 months with D‐galactose (D‐gal, 200 mg/kg) intervention and at 24 months with natural aging, while 3‐month‐old young mice served as controls. Muscle cell senescence was induced in C2C12 myoblasts using 30 g/L D‐gal. TRIM16 was overexpressed in the skeletal muscle of aged mice and silenced/overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts. The effects of TRIM16 on skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, morphological changes, myotube formation, myogenic differentiation, and muscle atrophy indicators were evaluated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and oxidative stress‐related parameters were measured. The SIRT‐1 inhibitor EX‐527 was employed to elucidate the protective role of TRIM16 mediated through SIRT‐1.

Results

Aged mice displayed significant reductions in lean mass (−11.58%; −14.47% vs. young, P < 0.05), hindlimb lean mass (−17.38%; −15.95% vs. young, P < 0.05), and grip strength (−22.29%; −31.45% vs. young, P < 0.01). Skeletal muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) decreased (−29.30%; −24.12% vs. young, P < 0.05). TRIM16 expression significantly decreased in aging skeletal muscle (−56.82%; −66.27% vs. young, P < 0.001) and senescent muscle cells (−46.53% vs. control, P < 0.001). ROS levels increased (+69.83% vs. control, P < 0.001), and myotube formation decreased in senescent muscle cells (−56.68% vs. control, P < 0.001). Expression of myogenic differentiation and antioxidant indicators decreased, while muscle atrophy markers increased in vivo and in vitro (all P < 0.05). Silencing TRIM16 in myoblasts induced oxidative stress and myotube atrophy, while TRIM16 overexpression partially mitigated aging effects on skeletal muscle. TRIM16 activation enhanced SIRT‐1 expression (+75.38% vs. control, P < 0.001). SIRT‐1 inhibitor EX‐527 (100 μM) suppressed TRIM16's antioxidant response and mitigating muscle atrophy, offsetting the protective effect of TRIM16 on senescent muscle cells.

Conclusions

This study elucidates TRIM16's role in mitigating oxidative stress and ameliorating muscle atrophy through the activation of SIRT‐1‐dependent antioxidant effects. TRIM16 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for age‐related sarcopenia.
Rapid precipitation of vanadium from solution using melamine as precipitant with high efficiency
Authors: Wang Bo , Yang Qiaowen , Li Ting , Cui Sifan , Feng Pengqiang , Hou Xuan
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) can effectively remove NOx from flue gas in a coal‐fired power plant. As the core of SCR technology, the catalyst has a limited lifespan. The process of reducing acid leaching and roasting water leaching can efficiently extract vanadium and tungsten from spent SCR catalyst. For vanadium recovery in solution, the traditional vanadium precipitation process by NH4Cl has the disadvantages of consuming high precipitant dosage and producing large amounts of waste water.

RESULTS

This study focused on the vanadium precipitation process using a solution containing vanadium obtained from adopting some steps to handle the spent SCR catalyst. First, melamine was screened out as the vanadium precipitant. Then, the vanadium precipitation conditions were optimized as follows: solution pH value of 1.0, n(C3H6N6)/n(V) = 0.8, 110 °C and 30 min. Under the best precipitation conditions, the vanadium precipitation efficiency of melamine can reach 99.32%. Finally, the mechanisms of vanadium precipitation by NH4Cl and melamine were discussed, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the vanadium precipitation process by NH4Cl followed the chemical reactions between NH4+ and vanadium ions, while the vanadium precipitation process by melamine followed the redox and complexation reactions which essentially belonged to the types of chemical adsorption. The vanadium precipitation product was roasted at 550 °C for 2 h to obtain the vanadium product. The main component of the vanadium product was V2O5, with a purity of 93.27 wt%. The total recovery efficiency of vanadium from spent SCR catalyst was 78.24%. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The impact of dexmedetomidine on ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment in young mice
Authors: Chai Dongdong , Jiang Hong , Lv Xiang
Published: August 2024

Background

The potential neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine against ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity remain inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine on ketamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis and neurodevelopmental toxicity.

Methods

In vitro experiments employed concentrations of 0.1 uM for dexmedetomidine and 50 uM for ketamine individually as well as their combination. Changes in apoptotic proteins and dendritic development in neurons were assessed after a 6‐h exposure to the drugs with evaluations conducted 24 hs' post‐treatment. In vivo experiments entailed intraperitoneal administration starting from postnatal Day 7 (P7) continuously for 3 days (P7–P9) using dosages of 100 mg/kg for ketamine and 1 mg/kg for dexmedetomidine alone or combined. Learning, memory and motor coordination abilities were evaluated via rotary rod tests and shuttle box experiments at P30 and P60, respectively.

Results

Dexmedetomidine effectively mitigated ketamine‐induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons but did not alleviate associated dendritic developmental abnormalities. Although causing reduced motor coordination in mice, no improvement was observed with regard to this effect or reaction speed when treated with dexmedetomidine alongside ketamine.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that while dexmedetomidine can mitigate ketamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis, it has limited impact on its associated neurodevelopmental toxicities.
Comparison of accuracy and speed between plaster casting, high‐cost and low‐cost 3D scanners to capture foot, ankle and lower leg morphology of children requiring ankle‐foot orthoses
Authors: Farhan Muhannad , Wang Joyce Zhanzi , Warncke Rachael , Cheng Tegan Laura , Burns Joshua
Published: August 2024

Background

Traditional plaster‐cast fabrication of an ankle‐foot orthosis (AFO), although robust, is time‐consuming and cumbersome. 3D scanning is quickly gaining attention as an alternative to plaster casting the foot and ankle region for AFO fabrication. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and speed of two high‐performing 3D scanners compared with plaster casting in pediatric patients requiring an AFO.

Methods

Ten participants (mean age 10.0 ± 3.9 years) prescribed AFOs for a movement disorder were 3D scanned with the high‐cost Artec Eva (Eva) and low‐cost Structure Sensor II (SSII) using one‐person (1p) and two‐person (2p) protocols. Accuracy and speed for both 3D scanners were compared with corresponding plaster cast measures (≤5% acceptable difference). Bland and Altman plots were generated to show mean bias and limits of agreement.

Results

Overall, Eva and SSII were accurate for foot, ankle, and lower leg key clinical landmarks (Eva‐1p: 4.4 ± 7.3%; Eva‐2p: 3.2 ± 7.5%; SSII‐1p: 0.6 ± 7.4%; SSII‐2p: 0.7 ± 8.2%). Bland and Altman plots for the SSII demonstrated lower biases for 1p (bias 0.5 mm, LoA: −12.4–13.5 mm) and 2p (0.4 mm, LoA: −11.4–12.2 mm) protocols compared with Eva for 1p (bias 2.3 mm, LoA: −8.0–12.7 mm) and 2p (1.8 mm, LoA: −10.7–14.3 mm) protocols. The SSII 2p protocol was the fastest 3D scanning method (26.4 ± 11.1 s).

Conclusions

The high‐cost Eva and low‐cost SSII 3D scanners using the 1p and 2p protocols produced comparable accuracy and faster capture of key clinical landmarks compared with plaster cast measures for the fabrication of AFOs in pediatric patients.
Male genitalia, hierarchical homology, and the anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Boudinot Brendon E. , van de Kamp Thomas , Peters Patricia , Knöllinger Katja
Published: August 2024

The male genitalia of insects are among the most variable, complex, and informative character systems for evolutionary analysis and taxonomic purposes. Because of these general properties, many generations of systematists have struggled to develop a theory of homology and alignment of parts. This struggle continues to the present day, where fundamentally different models and nomenclatures for the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, for example, are applied. Here, we take a multimodal approach to digitalize and comprehensively document the genital skeletomuscular anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including hand dissection, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography, microphotography, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and 3D‐printing. Through this work, we generate several new concepts for the structure and form of the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, such as for the endophallic sclerite (=fibula ducti), which we were able to evaluate in detail for the first time for any species. Based on this phenomic anatomical study and comparison with other Holometabola and Hexapoda, we reconsider the homologies of insect genitalia more broadly, and propose a series of clarifications in support of the penis‐gonopod theory of male genital identity. Specifically, we use the male genitalia of Paraponera and insects more broadly as an empirical case for hierarchical homology by applying and refining the 5‐category classification of serial homologs from DiFrisco et al. (2023) (DLW23) to all of our formalized concepts. Through this, we find that: (1) geometry is a critical attribute to account for in ontology, especially as all individually identifiable attributes are positionally indexed hence can be recognized as homomorphic; (2) the definition of “structure” proposed by DLW23 is difficult to apply, and likely heterogeneous; and (3) formative elements, or spatially defined foldings or in‐ or evaginations of the epidermis and cuticle, are an important yet overlooked class of homomorphs. We propose a morphogenetic model for male and female insect genitalia, and a model analogous to gene‐tree species‐tree mappings for the hierarchical homology of male genitalia specifically. For all of the structures evaluated in the present study, we provide 3D‐printable models – with and without musculature, and in various states of digital dissection – to facilitate the development of a tactile understanding. Our treatment of the male genitalia of P. clavata serves as a basic template for future phenomic studies of male insect genitalia, which will be substantially improved with the development of automation and collections‐based data processing pipelines, that is, collectomics. The Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology will be a critical resource to include in this effort, and in best practice concepts should be linked.
Proximate, functional and sensory characteristics of blended yellow maize and hard‐to‐cook cowpea extruded snacks
Authors: Jombo Talknice Z , Mwayera Tendesai A , Ndari Getrude , Gwaza Rodney N
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Cowpea is a rich source of low‐cost protein, but it remains underutilised due to the development of the hard‐to‐cook phenomenon. However, milling hard‐to‐cook (HTC) seeds has shown potential for their utilisation in developing food products. Also, yellow maize is a relatively underutilised grain that is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A. Extrusion cooking of blends including yellow maize and HTC cowpea in snack formulations has the potential to improve their utilisation. Therefore, the objective of the study was to formulate a nutritious acceptable extruded snack using a combination of HTC cowpea and yellow maize flours.

RESULTS

The results showed that addition of HTC cowpea flour increased ash (0.56–1.47%), fibre (3.56–5.31%) and protein content (10.20–12.38%) for flour blends. While carbohydrate (2.39–1.57%) and moisture content (10.33–9.74%) decreased. Blended formulations had lower fat content (4.17–4.41%) than yellow maize (4.80%). Furthermore, addition of HTC cowpea increased water (21.18–30.07%) and oil absorption capacities (14.12–22.03%) for flour blends. While expansion ratio (2.39–1.57%) of snacks decreased. The formulation with 15% HTC cowpea and 85% yellow maize flour had higher sensory ratings for overall acceptability (6.98).

CONCLUSION

HTC cowpea addition in yellow maize flour improved the proximate and functional properties. Also, blending of yellow maize‐based snacks with HTC cowpea improves consumer acceptability. Yellow maize and HTC cowpea flour blends have potential for industrial utilisation and can be useful in food formulations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the crystallinity of hard candies prepared and stored at different temperatures with low field‐NMR relaxometry
Authors: Kuzu Sena , Ozel Baris , Uguz Sirvan Sultan , Dogdu Sarper , Marangoz Mehmet Ali , Grunin Leonid , Oztop Mecit Halil
Published: August 2024

Background

In this study, hard candies were produced by using sucrose, glucose syrup and water. They were cooked at different temperatures, changing from 135 to 145 °C with an interval of 2.5 °C. They were stored at different storage temperatures, which were 25, 4, −18 and −80 °C. Hard candies placed at room temperature were stored for 2 months. In order to understand the crystallization characteristics of the hard candies, time domain (TD) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) parameters of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and second moment (M2) measurements were conducted. Moisture contents of the hard candies were determined by Karl–Fischer titration. X‐ray diffraction experiments were also conducted as the complementary analysis.

Results

Increasing cooking temperature increased the crystallinity and decreased the moisture content of the hard candies significantly (P ≤0.05). Furthermore, storage temperature and storage time had significant effects on the crystallinity of the hard candies (P ≤0.05). The results of T1 and M2 correlated with each other (r > 0.8, P ≤ 0.5) and both produced the highest value at the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C (P ≤ 0.05). The values of T1 and M2 were obtained as 245.9 ms and 13.0 × 10−8 Hz2, respectively, for the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the crystallinity of hard candies can be observed and examined by TD‐NMR relaxometry, as an alternative to commonly used methods. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrospun Fiber‐Based Tubular Structures as 3D Scaffolds to Generate In Vitro Models for Small Intestine
Authors: Zavagna Lorenzo , Canelli Eligio F. , Azimi Bahareh , Troisi Fabiola , Scarpelli Lorenzo , Macchi Teresa , Gallone Giuseppe , Labardi Massimiliano , Giovannoni Roberto , Milazzo Mario , Danti Serena
Published: August 2024

Recently, in vitro models emerge as valuable tools in biomedical research by enabling the investigation of complex physiological processes in a controlled environment, replicating some traits of interest of the biological tissues. This study focuses on the development of tubular polymeric scaffolds, made of electrospun fibers, aimed to generate three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro intestinal models resembling the lumen of the gut. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) are used to produce tightly arranged ultrafine fiber meshes via electrospinning in the form of continuous tubular structures, mimicking the basement membrane on which the epithelial barrier is formed. Morphological, physical, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of the PCL and PAN tubular scaffolds are investigated. They are cultured with Caco‐2 cells using different biological coatings (i.e., collagen, gelatin, and fibrin) and their capability of promoting a compact epithelial layer is assessed. PCL and PAN scaffolds show 42% and 50% porosity, respectively, with pore diameters and size suitable to impede cell penetration, thus promoting an intestinal epithelial barrier formation. Even if both polymeric structures allow Caco‐2 cell adhesion, PAN fiber meshes best suit many requirements needed by this model, including highest mechanical strength upon expansion, porosity and piezoelectric properties, along with the lowest pore size.
Dramatic Clinical Improvement With Biotin Mega‐Dose Therapy in a Neonate With Holocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency
Authors: Kim Seon Woo , Lee Hyeon Joo , Choi Naye , Kim Ee‐Kyung , Ko Jung Min
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency (HLCS deficiency, OMIM #253270) is an exceedingly rare metabolic disorder resulting in multiple carboxylase deficiencies owing to impaired biotin cycle. Clinical manifestations include severe metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, tachypnea, skin rash, alopecia, feeding problems, hypotonia, developmental delay, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.

Methods and Results

An 8‐day‐old female neonate presented with severe lactic acidosis, necessitating sedation and mechanical ventilation. Despite receiving supportive care, no evident clinical improvement was observed, accompanied by the onset of generalized ichthyosis. Genetic analysis of actionable metabolic disorders revealed compound heterozygous variants of HLCS (NM_000411.8), specifically c.[710T>C (p.Leu237Pro)]; [1544G>A (p.Ser515Asn)], prompting the initiation of biotin mega‐dose therapy (10 mg/day). Remarkably, dramatic clinical improvement in lactic acidosis was observed the day after initiating biotin administration, leading to the discontinuation of mechanical ventilation within 6 days. The patient remained in stable condition during follow‐up, exhibiting normal growth and development along with consistently stable laboratory findings up to 18 months of age.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the significance of early genetic testing in neonates with unexplained metabolic disorders to enable timely diagnosis and therapy initiation. Biotin therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving the clinical condition of patients with HLCS deficiency, leading to favorable outcomes.