bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant pests influence the movement of plant‐fixed carbon and fungal‐acquired nutrients through arbuscular mycorrhizal networks
Authors: Magkourilou E. , Durant E. K. , Bell C. A. , Daniell T. J. , Urwin P. E. , Field K. J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Plants typically interact with multiple, co‐occurring symbionts, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi which can form networks, connecting neighbouring plants. A characteristic aspect of the mycorrhizal symbiosis is the bidirectional exchange of nutrients between host plants and fungal partners. Concurrent interactions with competing organisms such as aphids or potato cyst nematodes (PCN) can disrupt the carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between plants and AM fungi. However, the role of mycorrhizal networks (MNs) in mediating these interactions remains unclear.

Using isotope tracing in multi‐plant experimental systems, we investigated the movement of plant photosynthates and fungal‐acquired soil phosphorus through MNs and the interactive effects of PCN infection on this.

We found evidence of preferential allocation of fungal‐acquired phosphorus to plants that were not infected by PCN compared with infected neighbours. Contrary to previous findings using single plants, we did not detect a PCN‐induced reduction in the amounts of plant carbon delivered to AM fungi in multi‐plant systems. However, the MN(s) moved plant‐fixed carbon away from PCN‐infected host plants, regardless of the PCN infection status of the neighbouring plant host.

Our work highlights the responsiveness of MNs to interactions with below‐ground organisms. It also strengthens the argument for a more mycocentric view of AM–plant symbioses. Experimental designs of increasing ecological complexity are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the carbon‐for‐nutrient dynamics in AM fungi–plant networks. This will, in turn, elucidate the role of AM fungi in terrestrial carbon cycling and their function in agricultural systems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Role of silicon in legume‐insect interactions: Insights from a plant experiencing different levels of herbivory
Authors: Putra Rocky , Bünker Markus , Müller Caroline 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Silicon (Si) supplementation can enhance symbiotic functions in some legumes (Fabaceae) with their nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia, such as root nodulation and nitrogen fixation. However, it is still poorly understood how Si influences legume–insect interactions. Here, we investigated how a symbiotic legume responds not only to Si supplementation but also to herbivory treatment with varying infestation levels in two events.

We conducted a controlled climate chamber experiment by growing Medicago truncatula plants inoculated with rhizobia. For half of the plants, the soil was kept without Si (−Si), whereas the other half was regularly supplemented with Si (+Si). We then infested the plants with caterpillars of Spodoptera littoralis with 0, 1 or 3 larvae and 0, 1 or 1 larva in single herbivory attack and in double herbivory attack, respectively. To understand plant responses to such treatment combinations, we examined 16 functional traits.

Nodule number, nodule fresh mass and nodule leghaemoglobin concentrations were not affected in single attack plants. However, increasing levels of herbivory led to decreases in such measured traits in double attack plants. Foliar C to N ratio increased in single attack plants but decreased in double attack plants with increasing levels of herbivory, indicating contrasting resource allocation. Herbivory did not affect the content of foliar Si, which was higher in +Si than −Si plants. Si and herbivory led to reduced foliar phenolics in double attack plants, suggesting a potential trade‐off between silicification and phenolic production. Si and herbivory led to increased trichome densities in single attack plants, but patterns were less clear in double attack plants. Herbivory but not Si reduced plant biomass with increasing levels of herbivory in double attack plants. Relative growth rates of the caterpillars, as proxy for plant resistance, decreased mainly due to herbivory treatment, when fed on single attack plants.

Using a trait‐based approach, we provide novel insights to better understand the response of a legume to Si supplementation and different herbivory levels and events. We conclude that herbivory predominantly exerts much stronger effects than Si on various plant traits, pointing to a necessity to respond to herbivory by induced defence strategies.

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Efficacy of Bd metabolite prophylaxis dose and duration on host defence against the deadly chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: McMahon Taegan A. , Garcia Alexis M. , Malinias Aiza J. , Monsalve Manuela , Muldro Liam C. , Sisson Edin O. , Johnson Pieter T. J. , Rohr Jason R. , Civitello David J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), an aquatic pathogenic fungus, is responsible for the decline of hundreds of amphibian species worldwide and negatively impacts biodiversity globally. Prophylactic exposure to the metabolites produced by Bd can provide protection for naïve tree frogs and reduce subsequent Bd infection intensity.

Here, we used a response surface design crossing Bd metabolite prophylaxis concentration and exposure duration to determine how these factors modulate prophylactic protection against Bd in Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) tadpoles (5 × 5 surface design) and metamorphs (3 × 3 surface design). We exposed individuals every weekday to one of five Bd metabolite concentrations or a water control for 1–5 weeks, after which all animals were challenged with live Bd to evaluate their susceptibility.

Exposure to the Bd metabolite prophylaxis reduced Bd load and prevalence compared to the control for both the tadpoles and metamorphs. Increasing Bd metabolite prophylaxis concentration did not confer additional protection for either life stage, but increasing duration of exposure did benefit metamorphs by decreasing Bd prevalence but not Bd load.

On average, control tadpoles and metamorphs had 66.2% and 99.4% higher Bd loads, respectively, than tadpoles and metamorphs exposed to any Bd metabolite prophylaxis.

Additionally, Bd metabolite prophylaxis reduced Bd prevalence relative to controls in both tadpoles (20.5% vs. 56.3%, respectively) and metamorphs (21.9% vs. 87.5%, respectively).

Synthesis and applications: The efficacy of short‐term exposures of relatively low concentrations of Bd metabolites at reducing Bd infections suggests that this approach has the potential to be scaled up to field use to aid in disease mitigation and conservation. Our results, combined with additional research on Bd metabolite prophylaxis for other amphibian species, suggest that this strategy may represent a broadly useful tool to protect at‐risk amphibian populations.
Native trees are responsible for the high carbon density in urban natural area forests across eight United States cities
Authors: Jevon Fiona , Crown Crystal A. , Clark Jeffrey A. G. , Doroski Danica A. , Darling Lindsay , Sonti Nancy F. , Yesilonis Ian D. , Dietsch Grace , Bradford Mark , Pregitzer Clara C. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Urban natural area forests provide cities with crucial ecosystem services, including carbon storage and sequestration. Although previous work from a single city has suggested that urban natural area forests may be carbon‐rich and dominated by native species, it is unclear if that pattern is widespread. Indeed, little is known about the species composition and carbon storage in these green spaces, or how urban natural area forests compared with similar rural forests.

Here, we use data collected by the Forests in Cities network to quantify carbon stored in urban natural area forests across 1852 plots in eight of the most populous US cities and examine patterns in woody vegetation carbon storage by tree species composition and size class. We also compare the carbon storage in these urban natural area forests to similar rural forests using USDA FS Forest Inventory and Analysis data.

We found that urban natural area forests store between 214 and 267 Mg C ha−1, with the majority (on average 55%) in the above‐ground portion of live trees and shrubs. This carbon was primarily stored by native trees and increased with the proportion of native species, as native trees tended to be larger. The proportion of non‐native species was higher in smaller size classes. Overall, the woody vegetation carbon density in urban natural area forests was higher than similar forest types in rural settings, a phenomenon driven by the presence of more large trees.

Synthesis and applications: Together these results demonstrate the importance of urban natural area forests as carbon‐dense ecosystems and havens for native tree species. However, because of the greater number of non‐native species in smaller size classes, these forests may also be at risk of transitioning away from native‐dominated systems. Therefore, greater monitoring efforts and increased management activities such as non‐native species removal will be crucial to maintaining the high carbon storage and health of these ecosystems.
Risks of foodborne pathogens associated with animal contamination of raw‐agricultural commodities: A review
Authors: Loewald Anna , McKeag Lisa , Hadad Robert , Schaffner Donald W. , Newbold Elizabeth 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPathogens that cause foodborne illness can contaminate raw‐agricultural produce via animal intrusion and defecation in production fields. The Food and Drug Administration's Produce Safety Rule and related guidance cite published research on animal intrusion risk and risk‐reduction practices. However, additional relevant research has been published since their release. Research on animal contamination often focuses on a single risk factor. This review summarizes current research on multiple risk factors and provides a basis for understanding how these factors may interact to influence risk to produce from animal contamination, providing regulators and educators with science‐based information to inform education and outreach to growers. This review may also aid researchers by identifying future research needs. We conclude that when managing risks from animal contamination, a multi‐pronged approach is necessary. This approach considers a range of factors, including animal type, nature of feces, rain and irrigation events, meteorology, and worker training. We also created an online tool that conveys the findings of this review in a succinct and digestible format for growers and regulatory and educational partners.
Dairy and nondairy proteins as nano‐architecture structures for delivering phenolic compounds: Unraveling their molecular interactions to maximize health benefits
Authors: de Almeida Cristine Couto , Baião Diego dos Santos , da Silva Davi Vieira Teixeira , da Trindade Lucileno Rodrigues , Pereira Patricia Ribeiro , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam , Paschoalin Vania Margaret Flosi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPhenolic compounds are recognized for their benefits against degenerative diseases. Clinical and nutritional applications are limited by their low solubility, stability, and bioavailability, compromising their efficacy. Natural macromolecules, such as lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins, employed as delivery systems can efficiently overcome these limitations. In this sense, proteins are attractive due to their biocompatibility and dynamic structure properties, functional adaptability and self‐assembly capabilities, offering stability, efficient encapsulation, and controlled release. This review explores the potential use of dairy proteins, caseins, and whey proteins, and, alternatively, nondairy proteins, gelatin, human serum albumin, maize zein, and soybean proteins, in building wall materials for the delivery of phenolic compounds. To optimize performance, aspects, such as protein–phenolic affinity and complex stability/activity, should be considered when designing particle nano‐architecture. Molecular interactions between protein–phenolic compound complexes are, thus, further discussed, as well as the effects of temperature and pH and strategies to stabilize and preserve nano‐architecture and retain phenolic compound activity. All proteins harbor one or more putative binding sites, shared or not, depending on the phenolic compound. Preservation techniques are still a case‐to‐case study, as no behavior patterns among different complexes are noted. Safety aspects necessary for the marketing of nanoproducts, such as characterization, toxicity assessments, and post‐market monitoring as defined by the European Food Safety Authority and the Food and Drug Administration, are discussed, evidencing the need for a unified regulation. This review broadens our understanding and opens new opportunities for the development of novel protein‐based nanocarriers to obtain more effective and stable products, enhancing phenolic compound delivery and health benefits.
Effects of a Virtual Trauma Clinic on admissions and length of stay for minor to moderate trauma
Authors: Shuja Amber , Balian Fay , Dinh Michael M , Seimon Radhika , Truman Jameela , Oliver Matthew 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of a Virtual Trauma Clinic (VTC) for patients with minor to moderate trauma, and evaluate patient satisfaction and outcomes.MethodsOne hundred VTC patients were matched 1:1 with historical patients from the hospital trauma registry who received conventional care. Matching was based on age ± 5 years, sex, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score ± 2, trauma team activation and day of week of presentation. VTC patients were sent surveys on experience and outcome measures.ResultsVTC was associated with reduced average hospital length of stay for admitted patients by 1.81 days (95% CI = −2.82, −0.79; P = 0.001) and reduced hospital admissions (odds ratio 0.26; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.48; P < 0.001). There was an avoidance of 199 inpatient bed days in total, with no trauma‐related readmissions within 30 days post‐hospital discharge. 92% of respondents (n = 22) rated the care they received from VTC as excellent or good. Patient‐reported outcome surveys showed overall improvement in functional domains but evidence of ongoing disability, with persistent issues of pain and psychological distress at 1 month post‐injury.ConclusionPatients with minor to moderate trauma have ongoing care needs with high rates of pain, psychological distress and disability remaining prevalent long after discharge. VTC provided an innovative strategy for hospital avoidance with high levels of patient satisfaction and no adverse effects on safety. The overall quality of care for these patients was enhanced through the provision of standardised, patient‐centred and multidisciplinary follow‐up.
Comparative analysis of gut microbiota in incident and prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients with peritoneal fibrosis, correlations with peritoneal equilibration test data in the peritoneal fibrosis cohort
Authors: Fan Jiangqing , Wang Lingyun , Yang Ting , Liu Jing , Ge Weihong , Shen Jizhong , Wang Lulu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe connection between peritoneal function and gut microbiota in peritoneal fibrosis (PF) patients remains uncertain.MethodsPeritoneal equilibration test (PET) was employed to evaluate peritoneal function in patients with peritoneal fibrosis (PF). 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut flora in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) and PF groups, identifying differential microbial communities. Spearman's correlation analysis, conducted using SPSS 26.0, was employed to explore the microbial associations with PF.ResultsIn the PF group, the PET showed a 4‐h dialysate‐to‐plasma creatinine ratio (D/PCr) ratio of 0.62 ± 1.01 and a 4‐h ultrafiltration (UF) volume of 41.73 ± 76.71 mL with a 2.5% glucose dwell. The alpha diversity between the PD and PF groups did not exhibit a significant difference. The PD and PF groups were predominantly composed of Firmicutes, Tenericutes, and Ignavibacteriae. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfse) analysis indicates that the Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, and Bacilli were significantly enriched in the PD group, whereas Lachnospiraceae, Phenylobacterium, and Caulobacteraceae were enriched among the PF group. The functional prediction of gut microbiota genes revealed variations in metabolic pathways related to lipid transport, energy metabolism, and post‐translational protein modifications between the two cohorts. In the PF group, Ignavibacteriae and Bdellovibrio correlated positively with the 4‐h D/PCr ratio (p <0.05), while Prevotella negatively correlated with the 4‐h UF from 2.5% glucose dwell (p <0.05).ConclusionThe intestinal microbiota of patients newly initiated on peritoneal dialysis significantly differs from that of those with long‐term peritoneal dialysis complicated by peritoneal fibrosis, with the latter's peritoneal function potentially linked to Prevotella, Ignavibacteriae, and Bdellovibrio.
Improving the bioactivity of water‐soluble alfalfa saponins using biotransformation
Authors: Zhang Ran , Du Zhumei , Li Zhiwei , Feng Yuxi , Yan Xuebing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMedicago sativa L. is gaining attention as a sustainable plant‐based food protein. Alfalfa saponins (ASs) typically exist in a glycosylated form in nature, which has poor cell membrane permeability, while the deglycosylated saponins may show better bioactivity. The AS was deglycosylated by β‐glucosidase from Aspergillus niger, and the chemical structures and biological activities, including in vivo assays, of AS and deglycosylated AS (DAS) were determined. The results showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl inhibition of DAS was 29.5 µg/mL, demonstrating a significantly higher reducing capacity compared to AS (p < 0.05). The DAS induced 33.8% antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and enhanced the proliferation of human airway epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B) at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. In vivo experiments on C57BL/6 mice fed a high‐fat diet demonstrated that high‐level DAS treatment produced significantly greater hypolipidemic effects compared to AS (p < 0.05). Thus, the AS can be deglycosylated, which leads to an improvement in biological activity, particularly since the DAS exhibits significantly enhanced hypolipidemic activity.Practical ApplicationAlfalfa saponins were deglycosylated by β‐glucosidase from Aspergillus niger, which contributed to increased bioactivity, particularly its hypolipidemic activity.
Predicting lake chlorophyll from stream phosphorus concentrations
Authors: Yuan Lester L. , Paul Michael J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractExcess nutrient loads from streams drive primary production in downstream lakes, and managing these loads is key to achieving desired conditions in lakes. However, quantifying nutrient loads requires intensive sampling of both nutrient concentrations and streamflow. Total phosphorus measurements collected during routine stream monitoring are broadly available, but these data are thought to provide little information on annual nutrient loads because they are typically collected during low, baseflow conditions. Here, we demonstrate that these routine phosphorus measurements are correlated with annual nutrient loads. We also show that the average of these routine measurements of stream phosphorus within a watershed predict the average lake chlorophyll concentration in that same watershed. These relationships can then be used to set targets for stream phosphorus concentrations to achieve desired conditions in lakes.
Competency of Jeffrey Modell Foundation warning signs and routine laboratory tests in suspecting primary immunodeficiencies: A cross‐sectional multi‐centric prospective study from eastern India
Authors: Ghosh Asmita , Samanta Moumita , Ghosh Parasar , Chatterjee Mitali , Mondal Rakesh , Sabui Tapas Kumar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimTo test the efficaciousness of the 10 warning signs of Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF) and routine laboratory tests in predicting Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs).MethodsHospitalized children <12 years age satisfying at least two of 10 warning signs were subjected to routine and confirmatory tests.ResultsOf 35 204 admitted patients, 66 satisfied the JMF criteria and 34 had PID. Also, 59% were infants, with a female preponderance. The most common immunodeficiency disorder group were antibody deficiencies and phagocyte defects (35.3%). Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) was the commonest overall (29.4%). The need for intravenous antibiotics was the most sensitive (91%) criterion for predicting PID. When combined with positive family history of PID, sensitivity (94%) increased further. The two most specific indicators were recurrent ear infections (88%), and family history of PID (88%). The best positive predictor was family history of PID (69%), and the best negative predictor was recurrent sinus infections (58%). Significant association was found between persistent oral thrush and PID (p .043), and insufficient weight gain and antibody deficiencies (p .037). Absolute neutrophil count, CRP, and elevated ESR were also significantly associated with PIDs (p‐values being .036, .011, and .014 respectively).ConclusionOut of all 10 JMF criteria, the three most important ones to predict PID were need for IV antibiotics, family history of PID, and recurrent ear infections.
Towards an automated protocol for wildlife density estimation using camera‐traps
Authors: Zampetti Andrea , Mirante Davide , Palencia Pablo , Santini Luca 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Camera‐traps are valuable tools for estimating wildlife population density, and recently developed models enable density estimation without the need for individual recognition. Still, processing and analysis of camera‐trap data are extremely time‐consuming. While algorithms for automated species classification are becoming more common, they have only served as supporting tools, limiting their true potential in being implemented in ecological analyses without human supervision. Here, we assessed the capability of two camera‐trap based models to provide robust density estimates when image classification is carried out by machine learning algorithms.

We simulated density estimation with Camera‐Trap Distance Sampling (CT‐DS) and Random Encounter Model (REM) under different scenarios of automated image classification. We then applied the two models to obtain density estimates of three focal species (roe deer Capreolus capreolus, red fox Vulpes vulpes and Eurasian badger Meles meles) in a reserve in central Italy. Species detection and classification was carried out both by the user and machine learning algorithms (respectively, MegaDetector and Wildlife Insights), and all outputs were used to estimate density and ultimately compared.

Simulation results suggested that the CT‐DS model could provide robust density estimates even at poor algorithm performances (down to 50% of correctly classified images), while the REM model is more unpredictable and depends on multiple factors. Density estimates obtained from the MegaDetector output were highly consistent for both models with the manually labelled images. While Wildlife Insights' performance differed greatly between species (recall: badger = 0.15; roe deer = 0.56; fox = 0.75), CT‐DS estimates did not vary significantly; on the contrary, REM systematically overestimated density, with little overlap in standard errors.

We conclude that CT‐DS and REM models can be robust to the loss of images when machine learning algorithms are used to identify animals, with the CT‐DS being an ideal candidate for applications in a fully unsupervised framework. We propose guidelines to evaluate when and how to integrate machine learning in the analysis of camera‐trap data for density estimation, further strengthening the applicability of camera‐traps as a cost‐effective method for density estimation in (spatially and temporally) extensive multi‐species monitoring programmes.