bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fuel architecture influences interspecific variation in shoot flammability, but not as much as leaf traits
Authors: Alam Md Azharul , Wyse Sarah V. , Buckley Hannah L. , Perry George L. W. , Cui Xinglei , Sullivan Jon J. , Schwilk Dylan W. , Curran Timothy J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Plant flammability is strongly influenced by functional traits, meaning that the quantitative measurement of trait–flammability relationships is key to understanding why some species burn better than others. While relationships between flammability and leaf traits are well‐studied, the role of architectural traits has rarely been assessed. Shoots preserve some of the architecture of plants; therefore, shoot‐level trait–flammability relationships offer great promise for determining the relative influence of fuel architecture and leaf traits on flammability.

We quantified plant flammability by burning 70‐cm‐long shoot samples from 65 species of indigenous and exotic New Zealand trees and shrubs and measured a range of leaf and fuel architectural traits on the same individuals. The influence of species' evolutionary history on flammability variation was also quantified.

Most of the variation in flammability and functional traits was explained by between‐species differences. No significant phylogenetic signal was detected for the flammability variables measured in this study. Fuel architecture influenced shoot flammability, and along with leaf traits, explained a high proportion (41%–54%) of flammability variation. Branching patterns (number of ramifications and sub‐branches) was the key architectural trait that was strongly positively correlated with flammability. Other architectural traits, such as foliage and twig fraction mass, and fuel bulk density were also significantly associated with some flammability variables. Leaf dry matter content (LDMC; positive relationship) and leaf thickness (negative relationship) were the leaf traits most strongly correlated with shoot flammability.

Synthesis. Our study addresses a key knowledge gap by demonstrating the influence of fuel architecture on shoot flammability and improves our understanding of why species with certain architecture (e.g. highly branched) burn better than others. However, leaf traits such as leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf thickness emerged as having a relatively stronger influence on flammability than architectural traits. Where available, traits such as LDMC, leaf thickness and branching pattern can be effective surrogates of plant flammability and can be used to improve global dynamic vegetation models and fire behaviour models. However, several architectural traits are time‐consuming to measure, so where they are not available, it will be quicker to simply measure shoot flammability.
Effects of different drying processes on the quality changes in Arapgir purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves and drying‐induced changes in bioactive and volatile compounds and essential oils
Authors: Altay Kadriye , Dirim Safiye Nur , Hayaloglu Ali Adnan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe aim of this research is to examine the effects of drying purple basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) under different drying conditions (freeze drying, sun‐drying, and convective drying [CD] at 45, 50, and 55°C and microwave drying at 350, 460, and 600 W) on color properties, total phenolic and anthocyanin content, antioxidant activities, and changes in the composition of volatile compounds and essential oils (EOs). Increasing the drying temperature and microwave power led to an improvement in the preservation of the total phenolic content of the samples by an average of 16.28% and 27.98%, respectively. Increasing the drying temperature resulted in lower anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity (AA); in contrast, increasing the microwave power resulted in higher anthocyanin content and AA when drying purple basil. The drying methods significantly changed the composition of volatiles and EOs, and microwave drying resulted in a different profile of volatiles and EO composition. The key volatile compounds in purple basil leaves were linalol (81.19–1176.09 µg/g dw), 1,8‐cineole (45.15–816.16 µg/g dw), and methyl cinnamate (13.20–637.65 µg/g dw). On the other hand, methyl cinnamate (11.68%–57.66%) and linalool (0.02%–20.39%) were the main volatile compounds of EOs in basil leaves. In conclusion, the following drying methods are suitable for the protection of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds and high performance of AA: freeze drying, sun‐drying, and CD at 45°C and microwave drying at 600 W.
A green replacement route to produce phosphatidylserine in environmentally friendly edible oil–water systems and investigations on the enzymatic mechanism
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Lan Haizhi , Wang Huan , Li Binglin , Gand Martin , Wang Jiao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPhosphatidylserine (PS) has many applications in functional food and pharmaceutical industries because of its critical role in activating important signal transduction pathways and modulating neurotransmitter release and receptor function. Several edible oils have been used to construct oil–water systems for the efficient production of PS under mild conditions by phospholipase D (PLD)‐mediated transphosphatidylation. Toxic organic solvents were completely avoided throughout the process, from manufacturing to encapsulation. Results showed that higher enzyme selectivity and activity were found in the coconut oil–water and olive oil–water systems than in the traditional diethyl ether–water system. The maximum yields of PS in the two oil–water systems were more than 93%, whereas that in the diethyl ether–water system was only 78%. Hence, the coconut oil–water and olive oil–water systems should be the promising medium to produce PS and its microcapsules. Moreover, the enzymatic mechanism of PLD was simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) to understand diffusion channels, competitive bindings, solvent effects, structural changes, system stabilities, and product dissociation from the enzyme. MD results showed that more PLD‐substrate complexes were detected in the oil–water systems than in the diethyl ether–water system. The conformational transition states of the protein between open and closed conformations were directly affected by the solvents used, and structural changes were observed in loop I (Asp309‐Thr336). PLD in oil–water systems can not only maintain the native structure but also broaden the diffusion channels for substrates, which contributes to a higher enzymatic activity.
Spectroscopy‐based analysis of the effect of Maillard reaction products on oxidative stability of carp myoglobin
Authors: Cao Jiarong , Yan Haixia , Ye Bo , Shen Yixiao , Liu Ling 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAs a pro‐oxidant, myoglobin (Mb) can induce lipid oxidation in meat. In this study, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis spectrophotometry, and fluorescence microscopy were used to evaluate the impact of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) formed from glucose and lysine on the oxidative stability of carp Mb. MRPs were found to inhibit the auto‐oxidation of Mb, reducing MetMb production by 8.45%. The static quenching of fluorescence indicated that MRPs interacted with Mb through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, thereby enhancing the α‐helical content by 11.57% and reducing the random coil content by 2.72%. The enhanced stability of this advanced structure helps to minimize the exposure of amino acid in the side chain and prevent the formation of MetMb. Fluorescence microscopy showed that MRPs reduce porphyrin ring degradation, consequently decreasing heme iron release. It is evident that MRPs play a crucial role in maintaining Mb structure stability and inhibiting its oxidation.
When is competition price‐increasing? The impact of expected competition on prices
Authors: Mangin Sephorah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe examine the effect of expected competition on markups in a random utility model where the number of competing firms may differ across consumers. Firms observe consumers' utility shocks and set prices using personalized pricing. We derive a precise condition under which the expected markup across consumers can be represented by a simple expression involving consumers' expected utility and the expected demand. This delivers a general condition under which greater expected competition is price‐increasing. Whether this condition holds depends on the distribution of utility shocks, consumers' outside option, the expected number of competing firms, and the distribution of the number of firms competing for each consumer.
Comparative genome‐wide association study of single‐ and multi‐locus models with ontology analysis for enhancing Hanwoo cow reproductive traits
Authors: Kim Ji Yeong , Kim Eun Ho , Kang Ho Chan , Myung Cheol Hyun , Lim Hyun Tae 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe reproductive characteristics of Hanwoo play a significant role in farm profitability by decreasing the generation interval. This study analyzed 1015 primiparous and 916 multiparous cows using a genome‐wide association study with both single‐locus (GEMMA, GCTA) and multi‐locus models (FarmCPU, BLINK). A significant marker for age at first service was identified across all methods. For age at first conception, GEMMA identified two markers, while FarmCPU and BLINK identified 14 and two markers, respectively. Regarding age at first calving, GEMMA identified two markers, and FarmCPU and BLINK found 15 and two markers, respectively. In multiparous cows, except for days open, one marker for gestation length and two markers for calving interval were identified in the multi‐locus models (FarmCPU and BLINK). Additionally, one marker for the number of services per conception was identified using GEMMA. Key candidate genes included PLCB1 (maintaining pregnancy), MUC1 (fetal development), and ADCY5 (associated with fetal birth), while TXNL1 regulates embryo implantation timing. Gene ontology functions associated with embryo implantation and placental regulation were also confirmed (GO:0046875). Although the multi‐locus models identified a greater number of markers and candidate genes, there was no overlap with the results from the single‐locus models. The multi‐locus models showed enhanced detection power, but slight inflation in test statistics (λ values) necessitates cautious interpretation to avoid false positives. Thus, a combination of both models is recommended to improve reproductive efficiency in cows, providing valuable insights into the genetic aspects of reproductive traits.
Identification of a de novo missense variant in the BRI3BP gene in a Holstein calf with congenital cardiac malformation and carpus valgus
Authors: He Chang , Grau‐Roma Llorenç , Schmid Robin , Häfliger Irene M. , Meylan Mireille , Drögemüller Cord , Jacinto Joana G. P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCongenital malformations in cattle pose a diagnostic challenge with limited treatment options and are often associated with a guarded prognosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinicopathological phenotype of a viable calf with complex congenital heart defects and carpus valgus, and to identify a possible genetic cause using a whole genome sequencing trio approach. A 3‐month‐old female Holstein calf was referred for respiratory distress and congenital carpal deviation. Clinicopathologic findings included ventricular septal defect, ventricular dilatation, atrioventricular valve dysplasia, an overriding aorta, and unilateral carpus valgus. Genetic analysis revealed a private heterozygous missense variant in BRI3BP affecting an evolutionarily conserved residue (c.478G>A; p.Val160Ile). The variant was predicted to be deleterious and was present only in the affected calf and was absent in more than 5100 sequenced bovine genomes, including both parents, indicating a de novo origin. This study implicates an important role for the uncharacterized BRI3 binding protein in cardiac and possibly also bone development. By presenting the first BRI3BP‐related disease model, this study demonstrates the potential to gain new insights into the function of individual genes by using phenotypically well‐studied spontaneous mutants in large animals, and it provides a novel candidate gene for similar conditions in humans.
Influence of the type of anaesthesia on acute kidney injury after nephrectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoon Soo‐Hyuk , Kim Yoon Jung , Seo Jeong‐Hwa , Lim Hanbyeol , Lee Ho‐Jin , Kwak Cheol , Kim Won Ho , Yoon Hyun‐Kyu 
Published: November 2024

SummaryIntroductionAcute kidney injury develops frequently after nephrectomy, causing increased hospital duration of stay and mortality. Both propofol and volatile anaesthetic agents are thought to have renoprotective effects. We investigated whether the type of maintenance anaesthetic (propofol or desflurane) affected the incidence of acute kidney injury after nephrectomy.MethodsThis single‐centre, randomised controlled trial enrolled adult patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing nephrectomy. In patients allocated to the propofol group, anaesthesia was induced and maintained using a target‐controlled infusion of propofol. In patients allocated to the desflurane group, anaesthesia was induced with a bolus of thiopental and maintained with desflurane. Both groups received a target‐controlled infusion of remifentanil during surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury within 7 postoperative days based on the serum creatinine component of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.ResultsWe analysed 317 patients (median (IQR [range]) age 62 (52–70 [26–85] y); 221 (70%) men). Postoperative AKI developed in 79 (25%) patients: 43 (27%) in the propofol group and 36 (23%) in the desflurane group (absolute risk difference (95%CI) 4.6 (‐4.9–14.0%), p = 0.347). The severity of kidney injury was stage 1 in 76 patients, stage 2 in two patients and stage 3 in one patient.DiscussionThe type of anaesthetic maintenance drug (propofol vs. desflurane) did not affect the incidence of acute kidney injury after nephrectomy. Future research might be better directed towards investigating other potentially modifiable risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury in this patient population.
Is routine axillary staging still required in clinically node negative early breast cancer in women over 74 years?
Authors: Grant Katherine , Po Xiang Yuen , Tiong Leong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundInvestigate incidence and identify predictors of axillary lymph node metastases in early breast cancer in women >74 years Australia and New Zealand to inform decision making about sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in this population.MethodsRetrospective review of invasive breast cancer in women in Australia and New Zealand between 2010 and 2022 using BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit Database. Data included patient demographics, tumour characteristics, surgery type, axillary nodal status and adjuvant therapy. Descriptive analysis of incidence of axillary nodal metastases and use of adjuvant therapy in various patient and tumour groups was performed, followed by statistical analysis using multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of axillary nodal positivity and correlation between nodal status and prescription of adjuvant therapy.ResultsReview of 127 436 cases of invasive breast cancer, 17 599 cases >74 years. Two thirds of the overall population and in those >74 years were node negative. In patients >74 years with grade 1–2, T1a‐b cancers, ER+/HER2− 94% were node negative. Patient age, tumour size, grade and biomarker profile correlated with axillary nodal status and analysis of adjuvant therapy revealed significant correlation between nodal stage and adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy.ConclusionA total of 94% of patients >74 years with T1a/b, ER positive HER2 negative breast cancer were node negative. Nodal status significantly influences adjuvant treatment in this patient group and therefore, we recommend clinicians consider tumour factors and patient fitness in their decision making about SLN biopsy in the elderly population with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer.
Evaluating neuronal damage biomarkers at birth for predicting neurodevelopmental risks in foetal growth restriction
Authors: Benítez‐Marín Mª. José , Blasco‐Alonso Marta , de Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Jiménez Jesús S. , Rivera Patricia , González‐Mesa Ernesto 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimThis study was based on the need to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with foetal growth restriction. The aim was to systematically review the correlation between biomarkers of neural injury in children with foetal growth restriction and their neurodevelopment.MethodFollowing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, the review included studies on growth‐restricted foetuses that measured biomarkers of postpartum brain injury and assessed neurodevelopment in childhood. Studies published between 1 January 2014 and 31 March 2024 were identified through PubMed and Embase, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024520254).ResultsOnly five met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that urinary S100B levels were significantly elevated in foetal growth restriction, negatively correlating with neurological development at 7 days of life. Neuron‐specific enolase negatively correlated with cognitive, motor and socio‐emotional development. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were significantly lower in neonates with foetal growth restriction, correlating with poor neurodevelopment. No alterations in BDNF levels were observed. Tau protein levels were lower in children with foetal growth restriction and adverse outcomes.ConclusionThe study emphasised the need for further research on biomarkers and predictive models of neurodevelopment in children with foetal growth restriction.
Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection After Chemotherapy for Nonseminomatous Testicular Germ‐Cell Tumor at a Single Center
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Tsukahara Shigehiro , Mutaguchi Jun , Goto Shunsuke , Kobayashi Satoshi , Matsumoto Takashi , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study investigated the perioperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) procedures for post‐chemotherapy patients with nonseminomatous testicular germ‐cell tumor at a single center.MethodsThis study included patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancer who underwent RPLND after chemotherapy at the Kyushu University Hospital between 2016 and 2024. The preoperative clinicopathological characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and oncological outcomes were investigated.ResultsA total of 13 patients underwent laparoscopic RPLND. Median maximum retroperitoneal tumor size at post‐chemotherapy before RPLND was 11 mm (range, 2–30 mm). RPLND template was one side and both sides in nine and four patients. Median operative time was 272 min (range, 129–490 min), and median estimated blood loss was 27 mL (range, 0–100 mL). Median time from operation to discharge was 8 days (range, 5–15 days). There was no severe perioperative and postoperative complication. Residual cancer and teratoma were detected in one and seven patients. During median follow‐up of 18.6 months (range, 1.0–95.7 months), no case presented recurrence.ConclusionLaparoscopic RPLND presented safety in perioperative outcomes and favorable oncological outcomes. Thus, it was confirmed that laparoscopic RPLND is a feasible minimally invasive procedure for selected cases.
Perioperative Outcomes and Feasibility of Single‐Stage Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE) and Cholecystectomy With Internal Endo‐Biliary Drainage for Management of Concomitant Cholelithiasis With Choledocholithiasis: A Report From a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Bajpai Ankita , Anand Akshay , Kumar Awanish , Agrawal Manish , Pal Ajay Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Karnik Amit , Rungta Sumit , Pahwa Harvinder Singh , Sonkar Abhinav Arun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionManaging choledocholithiasis alongside cholelithiasis has seen significant evolution, presenting options such as single‐stage cholecystectomy with common bile duct (CBD) exploration, or a two‐stage procedure involving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed before or after cholecystectomy. Evidence from Western settings may not fully capture the unique disease burden and demographic characteristics prevalent in developing countries. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is more commonly performed in the Indian subcontinent compared to Western centers due to limited access to advanced procedures and specialized instrumentation for complex ERCP cases. The high cost and the need for extensive armamentarium in managing failed ERCPs make LCBDE a more feasible option in many Indian centers.MethodsThis prospective study, conducted from August 2019 to July 2020 at King George's Medical University, UP, India, included n = 24 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis. The operative procedures performed included laparoscopic CBD exploration and cholecystectomy, along with internal endo‐biliary drainage. Perioperative outcomes were assessed, and follow‐up data were included to monitor any recurrence until 36 months post‐surgery.ResultsThe study population had a mean age of 42.2 years, with 83% (n = of the patients being female). Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom, reported by 91.66% of the patients, followed by nausea/vomiting in 79.20% of cases. The mean CBD diameter observed was consistent with existing literature. The mean operating time was 2.02 h, with primary duct closure taking an average of 13.66 min. Mean blood loss during surgery was 136.25 mL. The average hospital stay was 5.54 days, with the majority of drain removals occurring by the third postoperative day. Complications included fever in 25.0% of the patients and bile leakage in n = 3 out of 24 cases (~12.50%). During the follow‐up period, one patient (4.17%) experienced a retained stone.ConclusionLaparoscopic CBD exploration with primary duct closure and internal biliary drainage appears to be a feasible approach, yielding satisfactory perioperative outcomes. However, further studies are required to firmly establish its superiority over alternative approaches within the Indian context.