bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogeneous batch micro-crystallization of proteins from ammonium sulfate
Authors: Stohrer Claudia , Horrell Sam , Meier Susanne , Sans Marta , von Stetten David , Hough Michael , Goldman Adrian , Monteiro Diana C. F. , Pearson Arwen R. 
Published: January 2021

The emergence of X-ray free-electron lasers has led to the development of serial macromolecular crystallography techniques, making it possible to study smaller and more challenging crystal systems and to perform time-resolved studies on fast time scales. For most of these studies the desired crystal size is limited to a few micrometres, and the generation of large amounts of nanocrystals or microcrystals of defined size has become a bottleneck for the wider implementation of these techniques. Despite this, methods to reliably generate microcrystals and fine-tune their size have been poorly explored. Working with three different enzymes, L-aspartate α-decarboxylase, copper nitrite reductase and copper amine oxidase, the precipitating properties of ammonium sulfate were exploited to quickly transition from known vapour-diffusion conditions to reproducible, large-scale batch crystallization, circumventing the tedious determination of phase diagrams. Furthermore, the specific ammonium sulfate concentration was used to fine-tune the crystal size and size distribution. Ammonium sulfate is a common precipitant in protein crystallography, making these findings applicable to many crystallization systems to facilitate the production of large amounts of microcrystals for serial macromolecular crystallography experiments.
Spatial heterogeneity in nitrification and soil exploration by trees favour source–sink dynamics in a humid savanna: A modelling approach
Authors: Konaré Sarah , Boudsocq Simon , Gignoux Jacques , Lata Jean‐Christophe , Raynaud Xavier , Barot Sébastien 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Savannas are structured ecosystems characterized by a grass layer interspersed with trees. Trees strongly modify their local environment and favour nutrient accumulation under their canopies. Tree roots can also forage horizontally far beyond the canopy projection to increase nutrient uptake. In the Lamto savanna (Côte d’Ivoire), grasses are able to inhibit nitrification while trees stimulate it.

Here, we used a two‐patch model simulating nitrogen (N) dynamics in a humid savanna between an open patch (without tree) associated with a low nitrification rate and a patch of tree clump associated with a high nitrification rate. The model also includes horizontal N fluxes between these two patches corresponding to horizontal soil exploration by tree roots. We analysed the impact of spatial heterogeneity in nitrification and soil horizontal exploration on N budget and plant biomass.

Despite high N losses under trees due to nitrification stimulation by trees, our results show that the ability of trees to explore horizontally the open allows them to uptake more nutrients in total. This leads to an asymmetric N flux from the open to tree clumps, which contributes to nutrient enrichment under tree clumps and thereby to tree growth.

Although trees have the ability to horizontally explore the soil to accumulate nutrients under their canopy, increasing the surface occupied by tree clumps increases N losses per hectare of savanna due to the increased nitrification under trees and the subsequent increase in leaching.

While perennial savanna grasses show a restricted horizontal soil exploration to control nutrient availability, our results predict that the extension of tree roots outside their canopy increases their nutrient acquisition in the Lamto savanna. This study is the first one emphasizing the influence of horizontal exploration of trees and tree cover on savanna N budget and functioning. Overall, the proportion of tree cover and horizontal soil exploration are important factors to consider in savannas characterized by spatial heterogeneity in N cycling created by trees and grasses. These factors appear critical to the functioning of West African humid savannas and should be investigated in other savanna types.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Long‐distance migrants vary migratory behaviour as much as short‐distance migrants: An individual‐level comparison from a seabird species with diverse migration strategies
Authors: Brown J. Morgan , van Loon E. Emiel , Bouten Willem , Camphuysen Kees C. J. , Lens Luc , Müller Wendt , Thaxter Chris B. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

As environmental conditions fluctuate across years, seasonal migrants must determine where and when to move without comprehensive knowledge of conditions beyond their current location. Animals can address this challenge by following cues in their local environment to vary behaviour in response to current conditions, or by moving based on learned or inherited experience of past conditions resulting in fixed behaviour across years.

It is often claimed that long‐distance migrants are more fixed in their migratory behaviour because as distance between breeding and wintering areas increases, reliability of cues to predict distant and future conditions decreases. While supported by some population‐level studies, the influence of migration distance on behavioural variation is seldom examined on an individual level.

Lesser black‐backed gulls Larus fuscus are generalist seabirds that use a diversity of migration strategies. Using high‐resolution multi‐year GPS tracking data from 82 individuals from eight colonies in Western Europe, we quantified inter‐ and intra‐individual variation in non‐breeding distributions, winter site fidelity, migration routes and timing of migration, with the objectives of determining how much variation lesser black‐backed gulls have in their migratory behaviour and examining whether variation changes with migration distance.

We found that intra‐individual variation was significantly lower than variation between individuals for non‐breeding distributions, winter site fidelity, migration routes and timing of migration, resulting in consistent individual strategies for all behaviours examined. Yet, intra‐individual variation ranged widely among individuals (e.g. winter site overlap: 0–0.91 out of 1; migration timing: 0–192 days), and importantly, individual differences in variation were not related to migration distance.

The apparent preference for maintaining a consistent strategy, present in even the shortest distance migrants, suggests that familiarity may be more advantageous than exactly tracking current environmental conditions. Yet, variation in behaviour across years was observed in many individuals and could be substantial. This suggests that individuals, irrespective of migration distance, have the capacity to adjust to current conditions within the broad confines of their individual strategies, and occasionally, even change their strategy.
Current distribution and potential expansion of the harmful benthic dinoflagellateOstreopsiscf.siamensistowards the warming waters of the Bay of Biscay,North‐EastAtlantic
Authors: Drouet Kévin , Jauzein Cécile , Herviot‐Heath Dominique , Hariri Saeed , Laza‐Martinez Aitor , Lecadet Cyrielle , Plus Martin , Seoane Sergio , Sourisseau Marc , Lemée Rodolphe , Siano Raffaele 
Published: January 2021

SummaryIn a future scenario of increasing temperatures in North‐Atlantic waters, the risk associated with the expansion of the harmful, benthic dinoflagellateOstreopsiscf.siamensishas to be evaluated and monitored. Microscopy observations and spatio‐temporal surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) were associated with Lagrangian particle dispersal simulations to: (i) establish the current colonization of the species in the Bay of Biscay, (ii) assess the spatial connectivity among sampling zones that explain this distribution, and (iii) identify the sentinel zones to monitor future expansion. Throughout a sampling campaign carried out in August to September 2018, microscope analysis showed that the species develops in the south‐east of the bay where optimal temperatures foster blooms. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed its presence across almost the whole bay to the western English Channel. An eDNA time‐series collected on plastic samplers showed that the species occurs in the bay from April to September. Due to the water circulation, colonization of the whole bay from the southern blooming zones is explained by inter‐site connectivity. Key areas in the middle of the bay permit continuous dispersal connectivity towards the north. These key areas are proposed as sentinel zones to monitorO. cf.siamensisinvasions towards the presumably warming water of the North‐East Atlantic.
How multiple farming conditions correlate with the composition of the raw cow's milk lactic microbiome
Authors: Nikoloudaki Olga , Lemos Junior Wilson J. F. , Borruso Luigimaria , Campanaro Stefano , De Angelis Maria , Vogel Rudi F. , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco 
Published: January 2021

SummaryQuestionnaires on farming conditions were retrieved from 2129 dairy farms and clustered, resulting in 106 representative raw cow's milk samples analysed in winter and summer. Substantiating the efficiency of our survey, some farming conditions affected the milk physicochemical composition. Culturing identified several species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) per milk, whose number increased through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and shotgun metagenome analyses. Season, indoor versus outdoor housing, cow numbers, milk substitutes, ratio cattle/rest area, house care system during lactation, and urea and medium‐chain fatty acids correlated with the overall microbiome composition and the LAB diversity within it. Shotgun metagenome detected variations in gene numbers and uniqueness per milk. LAB functional pathways differed among milk samples. Focusing on amino acid metabolisms and matching the retrieved annotated genes versus non‐starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) references from KEGG and corresponding to those identified, all samples had the same gene spectrum for each pathway. Conversely, gene redundancy varied among samples and agreed with NSLAB diversity. Milk samples with higher numbers of NSLAB species harboured higher number of copies per pathway, which would enable steady‐state towards perturbations. Some farming conditions, which affected the microbiome richness, also correlated with the NSLAB composition and functionality.
Absorptive capacity and quality upgrading effect of OFDI: Evidence from China
Authors: Peng Hongfeng , Yu Jingwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDoes outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) from developing countries affect firms' competitiveness in international markets through quality upgrading of export? Using highly disaggregated Chinese product level data and the firm level information on overseas investment from 2000 to 2006, we attempt to provide an answer to this question. We employ the propensity score matching approach and difference‐in‐differences specification to deal with the sample selection bias and the potentially endogenous problem in inferring the causal effect of OFDI on quality upgrading. The results reveal that investment abroad could significantly push China export up on quality ladders. The firms with OFDI have higher quality products when compared with the firms remaining invest in their home country at product‐export destination level. This quality upgrading effect is more pronounced where firms export to high‐income countries. Furthermore, we show that the learning mechanism works and the absorptive ability of firms could reinforce the quality upgrading effect of OFDI. The learning mechanism also works for the firms with difference OFDI strategies.
Improved cognitive function after kidney transplantation compared to hemodialysis
Authors: Posselt Jana , Harbeck Birgit , Rahvar Amir‐Hossein , Kropp Peter , Haas Christian Stefan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease is associated with chronic stress that in turn may result in endocrine changes, affect cognitive, and physical capacities and increase the risk for cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize possible stress parameters and compare cognitive function in those patients. Physiological and biochemical stress parameters as well as cognitive function were assessed in 17 hemodialysis and 18 renal transplant patients and both groups were compared. Serum cortisol and interleukin‐6 levels were elevated in both groups but showed no significant difference. Cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients following renal transplantation. While heart rate variability was comparable in both groups, most cognitive tests showed better results in renal transplant patients. We showed that: (1) cognitive function may improve following renal transplantation; (2) standard biochemical stress parameters are not useful to discriminate stress in patients with chronic kidney disease; and (3) heart rate variability is unaltered in this setting.
Dynamic assessment of interleukin‐6 during hemodialysis and mortality in coronavirus disease‐19
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Muñoz Ramos Patricia , Giorgi Martin , de Santos Antonio , Núñez Almudena , Ortiz Alberto , Redondo Polo Concepción , Almería Gómez Olga , Marcos‐Jiménez Ana , Esparcia Pinedo Laura , Barril Guillermina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe impact of the newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) in hemodialysis patients remains poorly characterized. Some hemodialysis techniques reduce systemic inflammation but their impact on COVID‐19 has not been addressed. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate factors associated with mortality in COVID‐19 hemodialysis patients, including the impact of reducing interleukin‐6 using a cytokine adsorbent filter. This is a prospective single‐center study including 16 hemodialysis patients with COVID‐19. All were dialyzed using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) filter. Interleukin‐6 levels were obtained before and after the first admission hemodialysis session and at 1 week. Baseline comorbidities, laboratory values, chest X‐ray, and treatments were recorded and compared between survivors and non‐survivors. Out of 16 patients (13 males, mean age 72 ± 15 years), 4 (25%) died. Factors associated with mortality were dialysis vintage (P = 0.01), chest X‐ray infiltrates (P = 0.032), serum C‐reactive protein (P = 0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.02) at 1 week, oxygen therapy requirement (P = 0.02) and anticoagulation (P < 0.01). At admission, non‐survivors had higher predialysis and postdialysis interleukin‐6 levels (P = 0.02 for both) and did not present the reduction of interleukin‐6 levels during the dialysis session with PMMA filter that was observed in survivors (survivors vs. non‐survivors: 25.0 [17.5–53.2]% vs. −2.8 [−109.4–12.8]% reduction, P = 0.04). A positive balance of interleukin‐6 during the admission dialysis was associated with mortality (P = 0.008). In conclusion, in hemodialysis COVID‐19 patients, a positive interleukin‐6 balance during the admission hemodialysis session was associated with higher mortality.
The effects of commercially available sweeteners (sucrose and sucrose replacers) on wheat starch gelatinization and pasting, and cookie baking
Authors: Woodbury Travest J. , Lust Andres L. , Mauer Lisa J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA variety of sucrose replacers (SRs) are increasing in popularity for reducing sucrose usage in low moisture baked goods (cookies, biscuits, etc.). The goal of this study was to link SR physicochemical properties to their observed effects on starch thermal properties, including results from differential scanning calorimetry, rapid viscoanalysis, particle size analysis, and model wire‐cut cookie baking performance. The 12 SRs examined in this study were: Truvia, Splenda, Swerve, coconut palm sugar, Monk Fruit, erythritol, Benefiber, Miralax, blue agave syrup, yacon syrup, Sukrín Fiber Gold Syrup, and date syrup. The onset gelatinization temperature (Tgel) of wheat starch increased significantly (P < 0.05) as sucrose and SR concentration increased (0 to 60% w/w), with significant variations in Tgel found between different sweetener types at the same concentration. Generally, as solution concentration increased, the larger SRs (degree of polymerization [DP]> 10) decreased paste viscosity (peak and final), decreased granule swelling, and increased Tgel compared to the control (water). The smaller SRs (DP < 10) increased both paste viscosity (peak and final) and granule swelling, unlike the larger SRs, and did not increase Tgel as much as larger SRs. The SRs which performed similar to sucrose in model cookie baking (fracturability, spread, color, etc.) and effects on starch properties (Tgel, paste viscosity, and granule swelling) were yacon, Sukrín, date syrups, and coconut palm sugar. The results linking sweetener physicochemical properties to their effects on starch gelatinization, pasting, and swelling can be used to guide reformulation strategies for potentially reducing sugar and/or increasing fiber content in foods.Practical ApplicationSeveral commercially available natural sweeteners and polymers (coconut palm sugar, date syrup, yacon syrup, Sukrín Fiber Gold syrup, and Benefiber) show promise for reducing or replacing sucrose in cookies, and other low‐moisture baked goods, based on their similar effects on wheat starch gelatinization, pasting, and swelling, as well as performance in cookie baking trials. Compared to sucrose, some of these ingredients have a lower glycemic response and higher dietary fiber content, and act as prebiotics, thereby providing potential health benefit.
Symptom trajectories during chemotherapy in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the function of prolonging low dose dexamethasone in promoting enhanced recovery after chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Jinghao , Liu Xingyu , Dong Ming , Zhao Honglin , Li Mei , Zhang Hongbing , Ji Huihui , Shi Yi , Cui Yajie , Wu Di , Chen Gang , Chen Jun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLung cancer, mainly non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is still the most significant treatment strategy for NSCLC. However, scant attention has been paid in previous studies to those patients who often experience various symptoms and discomfort during chemotherapy treatment cycles.MethodsThis study included 127 NSCLC patients who completed an EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire and specifically designed symptom diary. Chi‐square test, factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to perform multivariate analysis.ResultsWe identified the top five most‐frequent symptoms within the chemotherapy cycle which included fatigue, insomnia, cough and sputum, appetite loss and hypodipsia. These symptoms were at a moderate level on chemotherapy treatment days 3–7, and were then reduced to a stable and lower level in the following two weeks. A statistically significant difference in adverse events (AEs) was found between 54 patients who received dexamethasone (treatment group) and the control group: fatigue (risk ratio [RR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.120–1.961; p = 0.006), insomnia (RR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.016–1.778; p = 0.038), cough and sputum (RR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.484–2.695; p < 0.001), appetite loss (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.959–1.696; p = 0.095). In total, 62 patients completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 scale. The functioning scales of the treatment group were higher than the control population within positive effect sizes (ES: 0.1–0.8). Apart from diarrhea scales, most symptom scales were lower than the control group within negative effect sizes (ES: 0.1–0.9).ConclusionsIn this study we identified the top five most frequent post‐chemotherapy AEs in a chemotherapy treatment cycle and found that dexamethasone was well tolerated by NSCLC patients who received platinum‐based chemotherapy and substantially alleviated the symptom burden and improved the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients.
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in combination with resistance training reduced blood pressure in the elderly hypertensive men: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hooshmand‐Moghadam Babak , Eskandari Mozhgan , Shabkhiz Fatemeh , Mojtahedi Shima , Mahmoudi Nahid 
Published: January 2021

AimsWe aimed to determine the independent and combined effects of saffron and resistance training on blood pressure (BP) and some chemical biomarkers in the elderly with hypertension.MethodsThe present study was a randomized clinical trial on hypertensive men aged 60–70 years who were assigned to a control group (CO) and 3 experimental groups; resistance training (RT); saffron (S); and resistance training + saffron (RTS) for 12 weeks. Dynamic resistance training was applied with moderate intensity. Patients in S and RTS received 1 tablet containing 200 mg of saffron daily. BP variables, chemical biomarkers and anthropometric indicators were measured at weeks 0, 6, 12 and 18. Data were analysed by repeated measurements ANOVA with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsIn comparison to the CO (153.3 ± 1.18, CI = 10.9–20.2, P < .001) and S (143.3 ± 1.18, CI = 0.97–10.2, P = .01), RTS (137.7 ± 1.18) reduced systolic BP with the effect size partial η2 of 0.68. Nitric oxide increased in the RTS compared to the CO group (CI = 0.13–0.62, P = .001). There was a significant increase and decrease in adiponectin and endothelin‐1 in the S (CI = 0.03–1.20, P = .012; CI = 4.30–17.3, P < .001) and RT (CI = 0.36–1.60, P < .001; CI = 2.26–15.3, P = .003) compared to the CO, respectively. The partial η2 for nitric oxide, adiponectin and ET‐1 were 0.35, 0.35 and 0.38, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for atrial natriuretic peptide.ConclusionsResistance training and consumption of saffron can improve BP in the elderly with hypertension by affecting the factors involved in altering vascular endothelial resistance.The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Iran's sports science research institution (IR.SSRC.REC.1398.020) and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20190731044398N1).
Intranasal insulin improves mitochondrial function and attenuates motor deficits in a rat 6‐OHDA model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Iravanpour Farideh , Dargahi Leila , Rezaei Mohsen , Haghani Masoud , Heidari Reza , Valian Neda , Ahmadiani Abolhassan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsExperimental and clinical evidences demonstrate that common dysregulated pathways are involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes. Recently, insulin treatment through intranasal (IN) approach has gained attention in PD, although the underlying mechanism of its potential therapeutic effects is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of insulin treatment in a rat model of PD with emphasis on mitochondrial function indices in striatum.MethodsRats were treated with a daily low dose (4IU/day) of IN insulin, starting 72 h after 6‐OHDA‐induced lesion and continued for 14 days. Motor performance, dopaminergic cell survival, mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondria permeability transition pore (mPTP), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and glutathione (GSH) content in mitochondria, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the gene expression of PGC‐1α, TFAM, Drp‐1, GFAP, and Iba‐1 were assessed.ResultsIntranasal insulin significantly reduces 6‐OHDA‐induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic cell death. In parallel, it improves mitochondrial function indices and modulates mitochondria biogenesis and fission as well as activation of astrocytes and microglia.ConclusionConsidering the prominent role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD pathology, IN insulin as a disease‐modifying therapy for PD should be considered for extensive research.