bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coral reef fish visual adaptations to a changing world
Authors: Shaughnessy Abigail , Cortesi Fabio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Coral reef ecosystems show fluctuations in their prevailing light environment in response to both regular (e.g. between seasons) and more prevalent stochastic events (e.g. human‐induced sediment runoff). In these shifting environments, phenotypic plasticity provides an essential mechanism for coral reef fishes to adjust their visual capability to meet changing sensory requirements.

Here, we evaluate the growing area of research that highlights the many genetic and ecological mechanisms that affect the plastic responses of coral reef fish vision to environmental cues.

With an increasing number of disturbances in the marine environment, it is critical to understand the extent and limits of visual plasticity under natural and disturbed conditions. With our current knowledge and drawing upon a large body of work in freshwater fishes, we speculate whether coral reef fishes can adapt to the changes to their visual environment and where the limitations could lie.

Whilst coral reef fishes have shown visual adaptations under different light environments, the degree of plasticity is inconsistent between species. Thus, plasticity may not only be functionally significant in maintaining the performance of visually guided behaviours for single species but, more broadly, is likely key to sustaining ecosystem function.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Photoelectron‐promoted metabolism of sulphate‐reducing microorganisms in substrate‐depleted environments
Authors: Zhong Chao , Lu Anhuai , Dong Hailiang , Huang Shan , Shi Liang , Shen Yanan , Cheng Yangjian , Dong Yiran , Li Xiangzhen , Xu Jie , Ni Jinren , Hochella Michael F. , Liu Juan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSulphate‐reducing microorganisms, or SRMs, are crucial to organic decomposition, the sulphur cycle, and the formation of pyrite. Despite their low energy‐yielding metabolism and intense competition with other microorganisms, their ability to thrive in natural habitats often lacking sufficient substrates remains an enigma. This study delves into how Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20, a representative SRM, utilizes photoelectrons from extracellular sphalerite (ZnS), a semiconducting mineral that often coexists with SRMs, for its metabolism and energy production. Batch experiments with sphalerite reveal that the initial rate and extent of sulphate reduction by G20 increased by 3.6 and 3.2 times respectively under light conditions compared to darkness, when lactate was not added. Analyses of microbial photoelectrochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data suggest that in the absence of lactate, G20 extracts photoelectrons from extracellular sphalerite through cytochromes, nanowires, and electron shuttles. Genes encoding movement and biofilm formation are upregulated, suggesting that G20 might sense redox potential gradients and migrate towards sphalerite to acquire photoelectrons. This process enhances the intracellular electron transfer activity, sulphur metabolism, and ATP production of G20, which becomes dominant under conditions of carbon starvation and extends cell viability in such environments. This mechanism could be a vital strategy for SRMs to survive in energy‐limited environments and contribute to sulphur cycling.
The filamentous γ‐prefoldin chaperone is not essential for growth and thermal adaptation in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
Authors: Cha Hee‐Jeong , Glover Dominic J. , Clark Douglas S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractElucidating the role of molecular chaperones in extremely thermophilic archaea, including the gamma prefoldin (γPFD) in the deep‐sea methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, is integral to understanding microbial adaptation to hot environments. This study focuses on genetically engineered knock‐out and overexpression strains to evaluate the importance of γPFD in the growth and thermal tolerance of M. jannaschii. An in‐depth analysis of cell growth, morphology and transcriptional responses to heat stress revealed that although the gene encoding γPFD is substantially upregulated in response to heat shock, the γPFD is not indispensable for high‐temperature survival. Instead, its absence in the knock‐out strain is compensated for by the upregulation of several proteolytic proteins in the absence of heat shock, nearly matching the corresponding transcription profile of selected transcripts for proteins involved in protein synthesis and folding in the wild‐type strain following heat shock, using quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). These findings bridge environmental adaptation with molecular biology, underscoring the versatility of extremophiles and providing a deeper mechanistic understanding of how they cope with stress.
Climate factors and food availability shape the altitudinal migration of birds in the Xiling Snow Mountains, China
Authors: HAASE Ian , HU Zhengrui , PENG Kexin , YANG Zhixiong , FENG Kaize , JIN Linyu , ZHU Min , WEN Zhixin , WU Yongjie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMany bird species in montane regions display altitudinal migration, but so far, the underlying ecological driving mechanisms are not clear. We studied the altitudinal migration behavior patterns and factors influencing altitudinal migration in the Xiling Snow Mountains, which are part of the Hengduan mountain range in southwest China. We recorded the local bird diversity, the seasonal change of: the average temperature (AT), the average humidity (AH), the average invertebrate biomass (AIB), and the amount of plant food sources (PFS) at two study sites (∼1300 and ∼2100 m a.s.l.) during two migration seasons from September 2022 to May 2023. During our surveys, we recorded 96 bird species in total. Among these, 15 altitudinal migrants were identified. The most common family among altitudinal migrants was Leiothrichidae. AT, AIB, and PFS had a significant positive correlation with the monthly number of individuals (MNI) several bird species, implying that increasing temperatures and an increasing abundance of invertebrates and PFS possibly induced upward migration of altitudinal migrants and vice versa. AH possibly only played a minor role in influencing altitudinal migration, since it exhibited no significant correlation with the MNI. Furthermore, we found that the upward migration temperature range of altitudinal migrants ranged between 9.8°C and 13.9°C during spring and the downward migration temperature range ranged between 12.2°C and 7.9°C during autumn. In conclusion, our study and several other studies revealed that the same environmental factors influenced the altitudinal migration patterns of birds in the Hengduan Mountains.
Determination of the effects of novel paraprobiotic supplement of Lactobacillus plantarum on soy dairy‐free beverage by physicochemical, antioxidant, sensory analyses, and Raman spectroscopy technique
Authors: Zahidah Inas , Bölek Sibel , Terzioğlu Özlem Türksoy , Adıgüzel Seyfure 
Published: October 2024

AbstractParaprobiotics are inactivated microbial cells that improve the health status of consumers when taken in adequate doses. They can be used instead of probiotics to eliminate disadvantages such as instability in production and storage difficulties. They can also be an alternative nutritional supplement for individuals sensitive to fermented products. In this study, a paraprobiotic supplement obtained from Lactobacillus plantarum was added to a soy dairy‐free beverage at two concentrations of 108 and 109 CFU/mL. Then, total soluble solids, pH, color, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of the beverage were measured, and sensory analysis was also performed. The results indicate that paraprobiotic addition significantly increased (p < 0.05) the antioxidant activity (75.44 ± 0.23 µmol TE/g sample), total phenolic content (834.32 ± 6.69 mg GAE/g), protein (3.28 ± 0.18%), fat (2.35 ± 0.06), and ash content (0.57 ± 0.08). These results were also validated using the Raman spectroscopy technique. The paraprobiotic‐supplemented soy dairy‐free beverage had the highest taste and overall impression values. Since the parabiotic addition did not affect the physicochemical properties of the beverage, manufacturers can develop commercial products containing paraprobiotics without altering the production process.Practical ApplicationParaprobiotics provide an alternative for individuals sensitive to fermented products but still desire the health benefits of probiotics. They additionally provide practical and technological advantages, including a longer shelf life without a need for a cold chain to preserve the viability and stability of microorganisms. The results of this study can be a reference for the industry to develop food products containing paraprobiotics with increased antioxidative and nutritional properties.
Maillard reaction products inhibit lipid oxidation by regulating myoglobin stability in washed muscle model
Authors: Cao Jiarong , Yan Haixia , Shen Yixiao , Zhao Yingbo , Bai Bing , Liu Ling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLipid oxidation significantly contributes to muscle deterioration, with heme protein oxidation playing a crucial role in this process. This study investigated the inhibition of heme protein oxidation by Maillard reaction products (MRPs) using a washed muscle model combining washed carp with myoglobin (Mb). Protein oxidation products, protein texture, and lipid oxidation levels were assessed. Results showed that metmyoglobin (MetMb) is a primary driver of lipid oxidation in meat, likely due to Mb oxidation, exposing hydrophobic groups that bind to lipids. MRPs at concentrations of 0.5% and 1% effectively inhibited Mb oxidation. Specifically, treatment with 1% MRPs reduced MetMb formation by 15.38%, protein carbonyl content by 6.53%, hydroxyl radical content by 20.37%, protein aggregation by 40.81%, and particle size by 36.95% during later storage stages, thereby preserving Mb stability. In the Mb‐mediated oxidation model, 1% MRPs inhibited the formation of primary and secondary oxidative metabolites by 59.47% and 68.19%, respectively, while maintaining muscle tissue texture integrity.Practical ApplicationThe antioxidation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) improves the stability of common carp. By inhibiting the autoxidation of myoglobin and lipid, MRPs help preserve the texture and color of fish muscle while extending its shelf life. This study provides a valuable reference for effectively controlling lipid oxidation in refrigerated fish products and enhancing their overall quality.
Interaction between pea protein isolate and quercetin: Effects on protein conformation and quercetin activity
Authors: Huang Siyun , Zhou Haili , Lin Jiaxin , Yin Xin , Xiong Tao , Peng Fei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractComprehensive comprehension of the interaction between proteins and polyphenols is crucial for advancing their utilization in food processing. This study investigated no‐covalent interaction between pea protein isolate (PPI) and quercetin (Que) through spectroscopic analysis and molecular simulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectrum showed that the interaction between PPI and Que changed the secondary structure of the protein due to a decrease in α‐helix content and an increase in the random coil. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the Quebound PPI via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions (ΔH > 0, ΔS > 0, and ΔG < 0), which was also confirmed by molecular docking. Particle size and ζ‐potential showed that PPI and Que demonstrated effective interaction and binding capabilities, enhancing the stability. In addition, the antioxidant and bioaccessibility of complexes have also been enhanced. This study shed a light on the application of protein–polyphenol complexes for developing functional foods.Practical ApplicationInteraction between pea protein isolate and quercetin can change the protein conformation to maintain the stability of quercetin and is helpful to expand the market value and application value of plant protein. The research has important implications for using leguminous protein as embedded support to improve the stability of polyphenols compounds.
A self‐powered photoelectrochemical aptasensor using 3D‐carbon nitride and carbon‐based metal‐organic frameworks for high‐sensitivity detection of tetracycline in milk and water
Authors: Dai Ying , Peng Wangui , Ji Yi , Wei Jia , Che Junhao , Huang Yongqiang , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming , Xu Wanzhen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAntibiotic residues have become a significant challenge in food safety, threatening both ecosystem integrity and human health. To combat this problem, we developed an innovative photo‐powered, self‐powered aptasensor that employs a novel carbon‐doped three‐dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (3D‐CN) combined with a metal‐organic framework composed of N‐doped copper(I) oxide‐carbon (Cu2O@C) skeletons. The 3D‐CN serves as the photoanode, offering stable photocurrent production due to its three‐dimensional open framework structure. The N‐doped Cu2O@C acts as the photocathode, providing oxidation protection for the metal core and enhancing light absorption due to its metal‐organic framework structure. A key feature of our work is exploiting the Fermi level difference between the n‐type photoanode and p‐type photocathode, which facilitates faster migration of photogenerated electrons toward the photocathode, thereby enhancing the sensor's self‐powered effect. Experimental results reveal that upon aptamer loading, the sensor can linearly detect tetracycline (TC) within a range of 0.5 pmol/L to 300 nmol/L, with a detection limit as low as 0.13 pmol/L. It also demonstrates excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, making it applicable to real samples such as milk and river water. Consequently, our research provides a highly efficient and sensitive method for monitoring TC in food, with significant practical implications and profound impacts on food safety.
Long‐term intermittent oral administration of selective COX‐2 inhibitor improved the clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Ming , Yang Zhu , Gong Hui , Wu Hao , Liu Ling , Jiang Jing Sun , Gao Jin Hang , Tang Cheng Wei , Huang Zhi Yin 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesPatients with cirrhosis are more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) due to immune dysfunction. In this retrospective study we aimed to investigate whether suppression of mild systemic inflammation with selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor (COX‐2‐I) during chronic care of cirrhotic patients would reduce the occurrence of acute decompensated events and improve patient prognosis of COVID‐19.MethodsMedical records of cirrhotic patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection were sequentially reviewed. The patients were divided into the COX‐2‐I and control groups depending on whether they took oral selective COX‐2‐I for over 3 months or not. The primary outcomes included the occurrence of severe/critical COVID‐19, acute decompensated events, and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).ResultsAfter propensity score matching analysis, there were 314 cases in the control group and 118 cases in the COX‐2‐I group. Compared with the control group, the risk of severe/critical COVID‐19 in the COX‐2‐I group was significantly decreased by 83.1% (p = 0.004). Acute decompensated events and ACLF occurred in 23 (7.32%) and nine (2.87%) cases in the control group, but none in the COX‐2‐I group (p = 0.003 and 0.122). The rate of hospitalization in the COX‐2‐I group was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.39% vs 13.06%, p = 0.003). No patient in the COX‐2‐I group required intensive care unit admission.ConclusionsLong‐term intermittent oral administration of selective COX‐2‐I in cirrhotic patients significantly reduces the occurrence of severe/critical COVID‐19, acute decompensated events, and ACLF. It may also be used for systemic inflammation caused by other pathogens.
Events preceding death after high‐risk surgery analyzed by Global Trigger Tool and reflective‐thematic approach
Authors: Paulander Johan , Ahlstrand Rebecca , Bartha Erzsébet , Nilsson Lena , Rakosi Klara , Sandblom Gabriel , Semenas Egidijus , Kalman Sigridur 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative mortality might be influenced by postoperative care, vigilance, and competence to rescue. This study aims to describe the course of events preceding death in a high‐risk surgical cohort.MethodsWe analyzed hospital records of patients who died within 30 days after surgery in 4 high volume hospitals using (1) reflective narrative thematic approach to identify recurring themes reflecting issues with conduct of care and (2) Global Trigger Tool to describe incidence, timing, and types of adverse events (AEs) leading to harm.ResultsPreoperative predicted median risk of death in the studied group was 9%/13% according to SORT/P‐POSSUM, respectively. Nine recurring themes were identified. Prominent themes were “consensus concerning aim and/or risk with planned surgery,” “level of (intraoperative) competence and monitoring,” and in the postoperative period “level of care and vigilance” on signs of deterioration. We found a total of 303 AEs, with only three patients (5%) having no adverse events. Most common severity category was “I,” that is “contributed to patient's death” (n = 110, 36% of all AEs). Of these, 60% were classified as preventable or probably preventable. The peak incidence of AEs was seen on the day of index surgery. Most common types of AEs were “failure of vital functions” (n = 79, 26%), followed by infections (n = 45, 15%).ConclusionsA high predicted risk of death and a peak of adverse events on the day of index surgery were detected. Identified themes reflect lack of documented multi‐professional consensus on how to handle prevalent perioperative risk, vigilance, and postoperative level of care.
The first detection of the poplar bark aphid, Pterocomma populeum (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Australia
Authors: Brumley Cameron , Kehoe Monica , Bertazzoni Stefania , Maw Eric , Foottit Robert 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPterocomma (Hemiptera: Aphidinae) are large aphids found across the northern hemisphere on various willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus) trees. We provide the first records of the Poplar Bark Aphid, Pterocomma populeum in Australia from Tasmania and New South Wales, a potential pest of poplar trees. Morphological character measurements and DNA (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1) sequences are provided along with discussions around difficulties in species separation.
Pointing to success: a discussion of the role of professional achievements in the selection of specialist surgical trainees
Authors: Jesudason Daniel , Muecke Thomas , Walker Hugo , Bacchi Stephen , Casson Robert , Chan Weng Onn 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Australia and New Zealand, competitive selection processes for surgical specialty training programs often use a standardized curriculum vitae (CV) to assess criteria such as professional achievements. This review aims to assess the predictive validity, standardization, and implicit biases of these selection methods, as well as their implications for trainees and the diversity of surgical cohorts.MethodsThe 2023 CV scoring criteria were collected for all available specialty surgical programs in Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, each of the 11 surgical craft programs published publicly available standardized CV scoring criteria. In this study, scored items that constitute ‘professional achievements’ were recorded and tabulated. Observational analysis of the collected data was then conducted.ResultsIn 2023, each of the 11 specialty surgical craft programs published publicly available structured CVs, of which 10/11 allocated points for professional achievements. Designated points for professional achievements were classified as awards, scholarships, committee positions, and prior training courses: 4/11 programs offered points for scholarships/grants, 6/11 programs offered points for academic and/or non‐academic prizes, and 8/11 programs offered points for professional development courses. Observational analysis of these findings suggests that professional achievements are desired in training program applicants.ConclusionVariability in medical school opportunities and inherent heterogeneity reduce the CV's efficacy, unfairly disadvantaging some applicants. Observational analysis of hence highlights the need for future research to assess potential updates in CV parameters to enhance predictive validity, reduce bias, and promote diversity.
Beyond environmental determinism? Analysing studies on environmental migration in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ganges‐Brahmaputra Delta Region
Authors: Bayrak Mucahid Mustafa , Hsu Yi‐Ya , Hung Li‐San 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCurrent studies often present environmental and climate migration in three ways: in an environmentally deterministic way, as an adaptation strategy or as a ‘wicked’ phenomenon. This bibliometric and thematic analysis analysed 147 studies from January 2015 until August 2020 on environmental migration in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ganges‐Brahmaputra Delta Region (India and Bangladesh) to determine to what extent dominant discourses on environmental migration and mobilities have moved away from environmental determinism. Results of this study suggest that most analysed studies, which clearly framed environmental migration, tend to remain rather environmentally deterministic. Further, the spatial level of analysis in the studies, whether it was local or non‐local, did not correspond to different theoretical and conceptual approaches to environmental migration. While 17.0% of the studies presented environmental migration as a form of adaptation, relevant discussions on the concepts of resilience, vulnerability and adaptation were largely lacking. This is problematic as recent global studies on environmental migration are increasingly adopting the adaptation paradigm. Additionally, relatively few studies have adopted more critical or pluralistic approaches to human mobility, climate change and adaptation. Lastly, studies on Bangladesh were more often presenting climate change as a primary driver of migration than studies in other localities within the study region.
Second Case of Gonadal Mosaicism and a Novel Nonsense NR2F1 Gene Variant as the Cause of Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome
Authors: Hrvatin Nenad , Pereza Nina , Čaljkušić‐Mance Tea , Vučerić Tamara Mišljenović , Ostojić Saša , Hodžić Alenka , Maver Aleš , Peterlin Borut 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBosch–Boonstra–Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, and optic atrophy with a variable expression of other clinical features (dysmorphic features, autistic behaviour, corpus callosum hypoplasia and seizures). To date, approximately a hundred cases of the syndrome have been described, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 100 000–250 000. BBSOAS is caused by the loss of function of the NR2F1 gene (nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1), which encodes the COUP‐TFI (Chicken ovalbumin upstream promotor‐transcription factor 1). COUP‐TFI functions as a homodimer and is one of the major transcriptional regulators directing cortical arealization, cell differentiation and maturation. Most cases of BBSOAS occur de novo, and one case was previously described in which the disease resulted from gonadal mosaicism. In the present case, we report two sisters with BBSOAS, a novel nonsense mutation in the NR2F1 gene and potential gonadal mosaicism as the cause of this rare disease, making it the second such case described in the literature.