bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determination of a Cryptic Species in the Littoraria Genus With Whole‐Genome Molecular Resolution
Authors: Xu Jia‐Wei , Wang Jie , Dong Yun‐Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRecognizing cryptic species is crucial for understanding global biodiversity. The intertidal snail Littoraria flammea is potentially a cryptic species of L. melanostoma widely distributed in the Northwest Pacific. However, the evidence from traditional morphology and single genetic markers is inconsistent. Our study combined quantitative morphological and whole‐genome molecular data to clarify the phylogenetic relationship of three species (L. flammea, L. aff. melanostoma, and L. melanostoma). Three‐dimensional models of shells revealed significant differences in morphology between L. flammea and L. melanostoma. Neutral SNPs indicated that individuals of L. flammea and L. melanostoma were in different clusters. The ratio of interspecific FST to intraspecific FST between L. flammea and L. melanostoma (16) was much larger than the lowest ratio (2.31) in six published genera with cryptic species in gastropods. Non‐neutral SNPs disclosed divergence in functional genes related to reproduction and protein binding. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses corroborated the transitional status of L. aff. melanostoma. These results confirmed that the L. flammea snails north of the Yangtze River Estuary is a cryptic species of L. melanostoma, and allopatric speciation occurs in the L. melanostoma complex.
Ebolavirus evolution and emergence are associated with land use change
Authors: Lange Christian E. , Barnum Thomas R. , McIver David J. , LeBreton Matthew , Saylors Karen , Kumakamba Charles , Lowes Sara , Montero Eduardo , Cohen Robert L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic land use change facilitates disease emergence by altering the interface between humans and pathogen reservoirs and is hypothesized to drive pathogen evolution. Here, we show a positive association between land use change and the evolution and dispersal of Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) and Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). We update the phylogeographies of EBOV and SUDV, which reveal that the most recent common ancestor of EBOV was circulating around 1960 in the forests of what is now the northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the most recent common ancestor of SUDV was circulating around 1958 in the southern Sudanese savanna. Both landscapes underwent significant anthropogenic fragmentation between 1940 and 1960, associated with specific colonial “schemes,” which substantially altered local human settlement patterns and the surrounding vegetation to support intensive cash crop agriculture. Since these disturbances, landscape fragmentation was spatiotemporally associated with the divergence and dispersal of new variants of both viruses into new ecoregions of Africa. These variants segregated geographically along ecoregion boundaries, resembling a pattern observable for other bat‐borne viruses. The amino acid changes which characterized each variant disproportionately involved glycosylation‐sensitive amino acids in the surface glycoprotein domain responsible for immune evasion and attachment to host cells, suggesting adaptation to new hosts amidst changing landscapes. Our results show that land use change not only increases the risk of spillover, but also impacts the evolution of viruses themselves.
Anthropogenic and Climate‐Driven Changes on Harmful Algal Blooms in Two Chinese Reservoirs
Authors: Zahir Muhammad , Su Yuping , Chen Yinxin , Shahzad Muhammad Imran , Ayub Gohar , Rahman Sami Ur , Ahmed Toqeer , Ijaz Jehangir 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study assessed the impacts of anthropogenic and climate change on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Dongzhang and Shanzai Reservoirs from 1990 to 2023, focusing on land use and land cover change (LULCC) analysis. Through supervised classification of Landsat imagery, the study examined changes in cropland, forest, shrub, grassland water, barren and built‐up areas in the watersheds of both reservoirs and monitor HABs events. The Dongzhang catchment saw forest cover increase from 72.0% in 1990 to 75.3% in 2010 before decreasing to 71.7% in 2022, while cropland and built‐up areas fluctuated. Similarly, Shanzai's forest cover declined from 94.4% in 1996 to 91.4% in 2022, with cropland increasing. Significant HAB events in Dongzhang Reservoir peaked in 1990, 2010 and 2022, affecting up to 40% of the reservoir's area in 2022. In Shanzai Reservoir, HAB events showed an increasing trend from 1996 to 2018, with a peak in 2018 when 40% of the reservoir's area was affected. Land use changes exacerbate HABs, as seen in declining forest cover and increasing cropland and built‐up areas. Analysis using Landsat imagery showed HAB occurrences increasing from 1990 to 2023, with rising water temperatures indicating potential future increases. Addressing anthropogenic activities and climate change are vital to prevent and manage HABs, requiring improved monitoring and early warning systems. With remote sensing, water quality issues can be identified and managed. The findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring, improved LULCC analysis, sediment pollution research and effective management strategies to protect water quality and ecosystem health under climate change. Recommendations include long‐term monitoring, nutrient input investigations, modelling studies, early warning systems and adaptation strategies.
Research Progress of Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Chen DeMao , Dong Dao‐Qing , Qiu Zhao‐Xin , Wang Yi‐Meng , Yan Shi‐Qiang , Xu Xin‐Ming , Wang Zu‐Li 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOver the past decade, rhodium‐catalyzed C−H bond activation reactions have made significant progress and found broad applications in organic synthesis, biomedicine, and materials science. This is primarily attributed to their broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and high reactivity. Currently, although considerable progress has been made, rhodium‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H functionalization still heavily relies on directing groups to achieve selectivity, which significantly diminishes the reaction's efficiency. Additionally, the challenge of selectively functionalizing remote (meta/para) C−H bonds further complicates research in this field. In this review, we primarily focus on the research progress in rhodium‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H functionalization from 2018 to 2024, categorizing reactions by type and providing a systematic overview of the mechanistic insights for each.
Photochemical‐, Electrochemical‐, and Photoelectrochemical‐ Catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer from Aldehydes to Acyl Radicals and Their Transformations
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Bin , Wang Qidi , Wang Lei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcyl radical has assumed an eminent position in the synthetic chemistry due to its unique and often highly reactivity. Using aldehyde as acyl radical source does not require the prefunctionalization of substrate. Furthermore, the formation of acyl radical can be achieved through a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process. In recent years, photochemical‐, electrochemical‐, and photoelectrochemical‐catalyzed intermolecular HAT from aldehydes have been regarded as mild and sustainable routes to acyl radicals. Herein, we discuss the important advancements in the past 6 years in photo‐, electro‐, and photoelectro‐catalyzed generation of acyl radicals from aldehydes and their applications in organic synthesis. We also highlight the mechanistic insights that have emerged from these transformations.
Dehydrogenative Photoredox Catalyzed Synthesis of Indolyl Δ2‐Isoxazolines via a Formal C(sp3)−H Functionalization
Authors: Da Luz Jonathan , Dobah Farhaan , Rossi‐Ashton James A. , Payne Richard J. , Unsworth William P. , Petersen Wade F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe discovery of a dehydrogenative photoredox catalyzed formal C(sp3)−H intramolecular cyclization of indolyl‐oximes to generate indolyl Δ2‐isoxazolines is reported. In contrast to the current state‐of‐the‐art, the reaction avoids the use of super stoichiometric chemical oxidants and high reaction temperatures and is proposed to operate via two sequential single electron oxidation events.
Strain‐Level Screening of Human Gut Microbes Identifies Three Lactobacillus Strains as Next‐Generation Antidiabetic Probiotics
Authors: Yang Yanan , Li Mingxi , Zhang Fang , Yu Jiaqi , Cheng Jiale , Xu Wenyi , Wu Chongming 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. Probiotic supplementation improves glucolipid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota. However, current research lacks a systematic understanding of the overall hypoglycemic ability of human gut microbes. First, a high‐throughput screening platform based on HepG2 cells was developed to screen candidate strains with hypoglycemic potential. Subsequently, we utilized a T2DM mouse model to investigate the antidiabetic effects and mechanisms of three selected Lactobacillus strains through biochemical analyses, histopathological analyses, RNA‐seq analyses, and metagenomics analyses. We categorized and ranked the hypoglycemic ability of 4811 strains belonging to 8 phyla, 17 orders, 68 genera, and 241 species. The hypoglycemic ability of all tested strains showed a significant normal distribution, and several species with significant efficacy were screened, primarily from Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Subsequently, we found that three Lactobacillus strains significantly improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in T2DM mice, and the mechanisms include inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis via the AKT–FOXO1–PEPCK/G6pase pathway and activating GPR41 and GPR43 to bind short‐chain fatty acids, promoting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion. These strains also significantly regulate the gut microbiota structure and composition, contributing to their hypoglycemic effects. This study comprehensively examined the hypoglycemic efficacy of 4811 strains for the first time, resulting in a functional map of human gut microbiota for hypoglycemia. Additionally, we investigated the hypoglycemic efficacy and the mechanisms of three Lactobacillus strains. This study provides a rich bacterial pool for the targeted development of probiotics as potential treatments for diabetes and related metabolic diseases.
Edaravone Protects Trophoblast Cells From Hypoxic Injury in Preeclampsia: Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT Pathway as a Promising Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Liu Xin , Wan Jun , Wei Ming , Tong Yanan , Yao Zhaomin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivePreeclampsia (PE) is a multifaceted medical condition that manifests during pregnancy, characterized by hypertension and damage to multiple organs. In PE, the placenta's impaired functionality leads to continuous hypoxia in placental tissues, which is considered the primary cause of the condition. Inhibition of hypoxia‐induced injury in trophoblast cells presents a potential therapeutic strategy for PE. Edaravone (EDA) is a potent antioxidant with proven efficacy against various diseases and injuries, yet its impact on PE requires further exploration.MethodsPlacenta tissues from pregnant women, with or without PE, were collected, and levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF‐1α), P‐AKT, AKT, and PI3K proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. An in vitro anoxia model was established by treating the human trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo with cobalt chloride (CoCl2). Standard techniques were employed to measure proliferation, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rates in the anoxic cells, with and without EDA treatment.ResultsHIF‐1α, P‐AKT, AKT, and PI3K protein levels were significantly elevated in the placenta of the PE group compared with the control group. EDA mitigated the CoCl2‐induced decrease in HTR‐8/SVneo cell viability and reduced apoptosis and ROS production. Furthermore, EDA counteracted the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in CoCl2‐treated trophoblasts.ConclusionEDA protected trophoblasts against hypoxic injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that it may serve as a promising therapeutic option for PE.
Biosphere reserves in the megadiverse Cape Floristic Region are effective in conserving arthropod diversity
Authors: Samways Michael J. , Pryke James S. , Gaigher René , Deacon Charl 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBiosphere reserves (BRs) aim to protect global biodiversity alongside social and economic development. Each BR is composed of a core area where biodiversity conservation is maximal. Surrounding this zone is a buffer and then a transition zone where agroecological farming and other low‐intensity land‐uses are undertaken to an increasing degree. The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is a biodiversity hotspot at the southern tip of Africa, extremely rich in endemic plants and arthropods. We review the instigation of four CFR BRs for effective conservation to protect this unique biodiversity, and where new species are regularly being discovered. Core areas protect many endemic and rare arthropod species with impacts from human activities in these critical areas being softened by the outer zones. Within the buffer and transition zones, agroecological approaches are advancing arthropod conservation, largely through maintenance of natural patches in the agricultural matrix. While larger patches are better, small patches also have high value for arthropods, especially when functionally connected. Other biodiversity‐friendly farming methods such as high vegetation cover between vine rows are also proving to be effective for indigenous arthropod conservation, as is an ecologically sensitive pest management strategy. Furthermore, a national programme aimed at removal of invasive alien trees is enabling arthropod recovery, especially endemic stream insects. Although fire is a natural CFR phenomenon, increased fire frequency is of concern. Nevertheless, natural fire refuges remain vitally important and are playing a critical role, especially for vulnerable species‐rich groups like pollinators. Overall, there is optimism that most arthropod species will remain at effective population levels in this megadiversity hotspot by putting in place effective precautionary measures. Here we show that the BR model contributes towards the protection of the CFR's endemic arthropod fauna, with potential to expand the BRs beyond the four official reserves.
A cross‐taxon study in Thailand demonstrates significance of vertical stratification and seasonality in monitoring tropical forest insects
Authors: Punthuwat Laksamee , Taveesri Ronnarot , Stewart Alyssa B. , Yongsiri Ponrujee , Janmaneeporn Achariyaporn , Waitayachart Pattharawadee , Kongnoo Pitoon , Reshchikov Alexey , Alcantara Mark Jun M. , Cao Min , Lin Luxiang , Blanchard Benjamin David , Jeratthitikul Ekgachai , Nakamura Akihiro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn tropical rainforests, trees and associated plants create vertically heterogeneous habitats mediated by seasonal changes in climate and plant phenology. Despite extensive studies on the spatiotemporal dynamics of tropical forest ecosystems, insect monitoring programs often neglect the vertical and seasonal dimensions because the relative importance of muti‐dimensional dynamics of insect diversity has not been well understood. In this study, we employed a spatially explicit sampling design to understand the distribution patterns of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and two families (Noctuidae and Nolidae) of Lepidoptera in the canopy and understory during the dry and wet seasons in two tropical rainforests located at lower and higher latitudes in Thailand. We compared the vertical stratification of gamma diversity, alpha diversity, total abundance, and beta turnover and nestedness. We also identified the insect species characteristic of certain vertical strata and/or seasons. Our samples resulted in a total of 4,452 insects (1,622 coleopterans, 1,763 hymenopterans, and 1,067 lepidopterans) representing 437 Coleoptera species, 694 Hymenoptera species, and 98 Lepidoptera species. All insect groups generally displayed moderately higher diversity in the canopy than in the understory, but the significance of this pattern varied among seasons, forests, and insect groups. Over 50% of significant habitat indicator species were restricted to certain vertical strata but were only found in certain seasons. Our findings demonstrate that spatiotemporal dynamics of insect diversity are highly context‐dependent and are not as clearly discernible as we hypothesized in three major insect groups, suggesting the importance of monitoring insects across vertical strata and seasons, even in low‐latitude tropical rainforests.
Nephroprotective Potential of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Derivative Against Methotrexate‐Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats by Upregulating Nrf2 and Downregulating NF‐κB and TNF‐α Signaling Pathways
Authors: Rafique Zubaria , Aabid Muhammad , Nadeem Humaira , Rehman Ayema , Khan Jehan zeb , Waqas Muhammad , Irshad Nadeem 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNephrotoxicity is a prominent complication of methotrexate (MTX) therapy that limits clinicians in its extensive use. MTX triggers oxidative burden and inflammation, so the nephroprotective potential of the synthetic derivative of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole (5b) was explored in this research. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups i.e., control group, MTX group, 5b (5 mg/kg) + MTX group and 5b (10 mg/kg) + MTX group, respectively. All treatments were given, intraperitoneally (i.p.) during 12 days of the animal model. The MTX‐induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated by renal function markers i.e., serum creatinine (Cret), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin (Alb). Furthermore, antioxidant markers, catalase (CAT), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidative stress, markers lipid peroxidase (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), were analyzed. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), were also calculated. DNA damage was assessed by the comet assay. Histopathological staining (Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome) was done and immunohistochemistry was performed against Caspase‐3, Nrf2, HO‐1, TLR‐4, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB. A significant improvement in the serum Cret, BUN, and Alb was observed in (5b) treated groups. Antioxidant markers were elevated, oxidative stress markers and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were reduced, moreover, histopathological analysis revealed less tissue damage in (5b) administered groups. Immunohistochemistry showed increased immune expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 and decreased expression of TLR‐4, TNF‐α, Caspase‐3, and NF‐κB in 5b (5 mg/kg) + MTX group and 5b (10 mg/kg) + MTX group as compared to the MTX group. Hence, the results of this study favor the use of (5b) against MTX‐induced nephrotoxicity.
pKa prediction in non‐aqueous solvents
Authors: Zheng Jonathan W. , Al Ibrahim Emad , Kaljurand Ivari , Leito Ivo , Green William H. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcid dissociation constants () are widely measured and studied, most typically in water. Comparatively few datasets and models for non‐aqueous values exist. In this work, we demonstrate how the in one solvent can be accurately determined using reference data in another solvent, corrected by solvation energy calculations from the COSMO‐RS method. We benchmark this approach in 10 different solvents, and find that values calculated in six solvents deviate from experimental data on average by less than 1 unit. We observe comparable performance on a more diverse test set including amino acids and drug molecules, with higher error for large molecules. The model performance in four other solvents is worse, with one MAE exceeding 3 units; we discuss how such errors arise due to both model error and inconsistency in obtaining experimental data. Finally, we demonstrate how this technique can be used to estimate the proton transfer energy between different solvents, and use this to report a value of the proton's solvation energy in formamide, a quantity that does not have a consensus value in literature.
Free‐Breathing Ungated Radial Simultaneous Multi‐Slice Cardiac T1 Mapping
Authors: Le Johnathan V. , Mendes Jason K. , Sideris Konstantinos , Bieging Erik , Carter Spencer , Stehlik Josef , DiBella Edward V. R. , Adluru Ganesh 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundModified Look‐Locker imaging (MOLLI) T1 mapping sequences are acquired during breath‐holding and require ECG gating with consistent R‐R intervals, which is problematic for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Consequently, there is a need for a free‐breathing and ungated framework for cardiac T1 mapping.PurposeTo develop and evaluate a free‐breathing ungated radial simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) cardiac T1 mapping (FURST) framework.Study TypeRetrospective, nonconsecutive cohort study.PopulationTwenty‐four datasets from 17 canine and 7 human subjects (4 males, years; 3 females, years). Canines were from studies involving AF induction and ablation treatment. The human population included separate subjects with suspected microvascular disease, acute coronary syndrome with persistent AF, and transthyretin amyloidosis with persistent AF. The remaining human subjects were healthy volunteers.Field Strength/SequencePre‐ and post‐contrast T1 mapping with the free‐breathing and ungated SMS inversion recovery sequence with gradient echo readout and with conventional MOLLI sequences at 1.5 T and 3.0 T.AssessmentMOLLI and FURST were acquired in all subjects, and American Heart Association (AHA) segmentation was used for segment‐wise analysis. Pre‐contrast T1, post‐contrast T1, and ECV were analyzed using correlation and Bland–Altman plots in 13 canines and 7 human subjects. T1 difference box plots for repeated acquisitions in four canine subjects were used to assess reproducibility. The PIQUE image quality metric was used to evaluate the perceptual quality of T1 maps.Statistical TestsPaired t‐tests were used for all comparisons between FURST and MOLLI, with indicating statistical significance.ResultsThere were no significant differences between FURST and MOLLI pre‐contrast T1 reproducibility ( and , ), FURST and MOLLI ECV ( and , ), or FURST and MOLLI PIQUE scores ( and , ). The ECV mean difference was with .ConclusionsFURST had similar quality pre‐contrast T1, post‐contrast T1, and ECV maps and similar reproducibility compared to MOLLI.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy1