bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal host–symbiont dynamics in community contexts: Impacts of host fitness and vertical transmission efficiency on symbiosis prevalence
Authors: Gundel Pedro E. , Ueno Andrea C. , Casas Cecilia , Miller Tom E. X. , Pérez Luis I. , Cuyeu Romina , Omacini Marina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Symbiotic associations play a role in plant ecology and evolution, but the outcome of the interaction depends on the life‐history traits of the partners and the environmental context. Although symbiosis with vertically transmitted microorganisms should result in mutualism, it is not clear how the transmission process aligns with the outcome of the context‐dependent symbiosis.

For 3 years, we sampled individuals of an annual plant species that forms symbiosis with a vertically transmitted fungal endophyte, in paired stands of two contrasting vegetation communities (humid mesophytic meadows [HMM]: productive/low stress, and humid prairies [HP]: less productive/high stress). We estimated the prevalence of symbiosis at the population level, and the fitness of the plant, the symbiotic status and vertical transmission efficiency at the individual level.

Over 3 years, the prevalence of symbiosis was ≈100% in HMM and ≈75% in HP. Plant fitness was very low and high in years with precipitation below and above the yearly mean, respectively. The higher fitness of endophyte‐symbiotic plants was evident in the HMM and high precipitation years. Vertical transmission of endophytes was higher in HMM (≈96%) compared to HP (≈93%) and was not related to plant fitness. Despite transmission inefficiencies in HP, changes in prevalence within the growing season (from seeds to the final plant stand) suggest a fitness advantage for symbiotic plants.

Vertical transmission is expected to promote mutualism as it aligns partners' fitness. Although symbiotic plants showed higher fitness and the probability of transmission failures was higher among low‐fitness plants, the variation in transmission efficiency between plants and vegetation communities was not related to the fitness of the individual host. Our study provides evidence that context‐dependent vertical transmission efficiency and endophyte‐mediated fitness advantages interact complexly to determine the prevalence of symbiosis in populations that occur in contrasting vegetation communities.

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Hierarchies inferred from different agonistic behaviours are not always comparable
Authors: Smit Nikolaos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Social hierarchies are widely used to predict life‐history patterns and priority of access to resources. Yet, behavioural ecology and social sciences lack a consistent relationship between specific behaviours and social rank across studies.

I used published data sets from 42 groups of 25 species representing several taxa to determine whether hierarchies inferred from different behaviours are similar or (in)consistently different at both individual and group levels.

Ranks inferred from yielding interactions in the absence of aggression ('ritualized') were often comparable to ranks inferred from decided aggression (unambiguous outcome) but not to ranks inferred from undecided aggression. Accordingly, hierarchies inferred from data sets including only decided interactions were steeper than those inferred from data sets including undecided aggression.

These results support the hypothesis that aggression can be context‐dependent and might reflect less stable or mutually recognized relationships than (ritualized) yielding interactions.

I discuss the consequences of choosing different behaviours to infer social hierarchies and the difficulty of making generalizations from one species or taxon to another. Finally, I recommend that the use of ritualized yielding and certainly the use of decided over undecided interactions to infer social hierarchies should be preferred, especially in comparative studies which go beyond taxon‐specific idiosyncrasies.
Predictors of outplanted marine bivalve survival in restoration: A review and synthesis
Authors: Overton Kathy , Dempster Tim , Swearer Stephen E. , Morris Rebecca L. , Barrett Luke T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Global declines in marine shellfish have resulted in widespread efforts to restore populations. Previous research has predominantly focused on substrate‐limited rather than recruitment‐limited systems, yet given increased use of aquaculture‐produced stock to restore marine bivalves, there is a need to understand differences in the survival of hatchery‐produced and translocated wild stock. We conducted a systematic review and synthesis of studies that quantified the survival of outplanted marine bivalves.

The systematic review identified 893 unique stocking events across 111 studies for 29 species across 10 families. Most research has occurred in temperate regions (73%), across four bivalve families (Ostreidae 37%, Pectinidae 20%, Veneridae 16% and Mytilidae 11%). More stockings have outplanted hatchery‐produced (66%) than translocated stock (34%).

We conducted quantitative analyses for five species to determine how stock origin, size at outplant, outplant density, substrate co‐deployment, predator exclusion and time since outplant influences survival. Survival consistently decreased through time across all species. Substrate co‐deployment, stock origin and size at outplant did not influence survival, while predator exclusion and outplant density affected some species.

Synthesis and applications. Our analyses broadly demonstrate variability in the survival of outplanted bivalves through time, however predicted survival was poor after 2 years (<3%). Generally low survival highlights difficulties associated with conducting scalable restoration in recruitment‐limited systems. Based on our findings, using hatchery‐produced stock, mitigating predation and outplanting epifaunal bivalves at high densities may increase survival probabilities when outplanting stock for restoration. Further exploration is needed to understand whether use of aquaculture‐produced stock results in similar ecosystem structure, function, and service provisioning to natural and restored shellfish reefs in recruitment‐limited systems.
Differential responses to weather and land‐cover conditions explain spatial variation in winter abundance trends in a migratory bird of conservation concern
Authors: Schindler Alexander R. , Fox Anthony D. , Wikle Christopher K. , Ballard Bart M. , Walsh Alyn J. , Kelly Seán B. A. , Weegman Mitch D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Effective conservation strategies for animal populations require knowledge of relationships between population dynamics and their environmental drivers. However, these processes often vary within animal populations, requiring site‐specific conservation planning. Given limited financial resources, identifying groups of sites with similar population dynamics can help practitioners efficiently implement conservation programs to larger areas. We evaluated spatial patterns and environmental drivers of wintering site trends in a migratory bird of conservation concern, the Greenland white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris).

We used latent class analysis to identify trend patterns in 35 years of abundance data among 59 geographically discrete Greenland white‐fronted goose wintering sites. We developed a state‐space abundance model in a Bayesian framework to quantify the effects of weather and land‐cover conditions experienced throughout spring migration, summer breeding, autumn migration and wintering periods on variation in wintering site abundance.

We identified two main patterns in Greenland white‐fronted goose abundance trends: northeastern wintering sites declined on average by 3% per year, while southwestern wintering sites declined on average by 14% per year. Differential responses to weather and habitat conditions likely explained variation among groups, as geese at southwestern wintering sites were more negatively affected by harsh weather conditions (e.g. low temperatures and high precipitation on breeding areas) and poor habitat conditions (i.e. low‐quality grasslands and croplands) on wintering areas.

Future conservation efforts to improve the suitability and nutritional quality of agricultural areas, especially cereal croplands in autumn and early winter and grasslands in late winter and early spring, could potentially improve local habitat conditions, especially in the southwestern wintering sites where abundance declines were steepest.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate the potential to delineate animal populations based on spatial patterns in population dynamics using long‐term abundance monitoring data, which are commonly the only available data for conservation practitioners. By grouping sites based on spatial patterns in local abundance trends, we can further test hypotheses about how these groups are differentially affected by changing environmental conditions. This information is important for informing efficient conservation planning over large areas when financial resources are limited.
The synergistic effect of α‐tocopherol and phloretin‐loaded nanoemulsions on improvement of the stability, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory potentiality
Authors: Wang Junguo , Wang Hongyue , Guo Keshuang , Zhang Xindi , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the formulation of nanoemulsions (NEs) to encapsulate phloretin (PT) to improve its stability, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory competence. The aim of this study was to improve the stability, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects of PT via NEs. The formulations were prepared using low energy emulsification method for PT‐VE‐NEs, α‐tocopherol (Vitamin E) and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) were used as the oil phase, and Tween 60 was used as the emulsifier and PEG‐400 as the co‐emulsifier. The droplet size and zeta potential of oil‐in‐water NEs were evaluated using dynamic light scattering. The PT‐VE‐NEs were also characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean droplet diameter was 14.85 ± 0.14 nm, with a zeta potential of −2.47 ± 0.51 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of molecular interactions in the NEs formulations. PT‐VE‐NEs size was maintained the same during the in vitro digestion study. The particle size of PT‐VE‐NE remained stable during in vitro digestion. The addition of VE significantly improved the antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory effects, as well as thelion and physical stability of PT‐VE‐NE. The results revealed that NEs is a promising strategy to improve the functionality and stability of PT and VE. PT‐VE‐NEs will be applied for the preservation of fruits.
Analytical insight into caffeine extraction from typica coffee leaves based on crystallinity enhancement, optical phonon vibration upshift, and morphological evolution
Authors: Latunra Andi Ilham , Heryanto Heryanto , Tahir Dahlang , Ardiansa Ardiansa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCaffeine extracted from callus cultures by in vitro technique induced from typica coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. typica) leaves was successfully carried out by a simple Soxhlet method. Analysis of X‐ray diffraction patterns showed an increase in crystallinity fraction from leaves (13.56%) to callus (14.46%) and then to caffeine (39.18%). Crystallite size also varied, with average sizes of 18 ± 6, 69 ± 51, and 32.5 ± 17 nm for leaves, callus, and caffeine, respectively. Fourier transmission infrared absorption data confirmed the presence of hydroxyl (OH) groups bound to carbon (C─COH), indicating caffeine content. The high stability of the C─COH is indicated by the broad optical phonon vibrations of the leaves: 247 cm−1 to caffeine: 963 cm−1. Quantitative analysis of dielectric function and electron loss function intensity peaks of each sample showed that leaves efficiently capture and store light energy while caffeine has less potency. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed irregular shapes of leaves, oval round shapes for callus, and rectangular crystals for caffeine due to crystal orientation during transformation and had a strong correlation with crystallinity fraction. Finally, the structure‐based identification, chemistry, optical‐dielectric function, and micro‐surface properties have been fully studied, thus unmasking the phenomenon of slow transformation from leaves to caffeine form.Practical ApplicationThe result of this study can be applied to uncover new methodologies related to the classification, and biotechnological utilization of callus culture based on structural properties, optical‐dielectric function, and micro‐surface analysis. Methodologically, the resulting callus culture provides a sustainable and controllable supply of plant material for caffeine extraction, thereby reducing traditional methods involving field‐grown plants and avoiding the use of pesticides.
Quantifying the sweetness intensity and impact of aroma in honey from four floral sources
Authors: Mulheron Hannah , DuBois Aubrey , Mayhew Emily J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUnlike many commercial sweeteners for which sweetness dose‐response curves have been constructed, honey's sweetness has yet to be quantified. Honey differs from most commercial sweeteners in that it has a robust aroma; this aroma may impact its perceived sweetness. This study quantified the sweetness intensity and the impact of aroma on the perceived sweetness of four different honey varieties (clover, wildflower, alfalfa, and orange) compared to sucrose. Each sweetener evaluated was diluted to six concentrations in water ranging from 12.5 g/L to 125 g/L. Panelists (n = 55) rated the sweetness intensities with and without aroma, in replicate, on the Global Sensory Intensity Scale. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in the honey samples were profiled using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Honey and sugar were equivalently sweet at a given concentration (g/L), with aroma present (p = 0.251). Additionally, honey and sugar were not equivalently sweet without aroma; aroma significantly increased sweetness intensities for all sweeteners (p = 0.042) and especially honeys. In a 100 g/L solution, the aromas in honey increased its sweetness by 23%–43%, depending on the floral source. Compounds with sweet aroma characteristics were identified at high concentrations in all honey samples using GC/MS analysis, including furfural, benzaldehyde, benzene acetaldehyde, and dimethyl sulfide. Additionally, (S)‐limonene and toluene were present in high quantities in the orange and alfalfa samples. This study can inform appropriate honey usage levels and identify major volatiles that may enhance sweetness.Practical ApplicationHoney sweetness has not been determined quantitatively, despite the widespread use of honey among consumers and product formulators. Sweetness enhancement by honey aroma volatiles may support a reduction in added sugars while maintaining sweetness intensity.
Preparation and characterization of W/O/W purple potato anthocyanin nanoparticles: Antioxidant effects and gut microbiota improvement in rats
Authors: Zang Jianwei , Xiao Pinjian , Liu Zebo , Liu Yuanzhi , Zhang Qingfeng , Chen Jiguang , Yin Zhongping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurple potato anthocyanins (PPAs) are recognized for their broad physiological activities, including significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gut microbiota‐regulating effects. However, their limited bioavailability in biological systems restricts the full realization of these potentials. In order to improve the bioavailability of PPA, this paper established and optimized the preparation process of W/O/W purple potato anthocyanin nanoparticles (PPA‐NPs). Based on the determination of the metabolites of PPA‐NPs, in vivo experiments were conducted in rats to investigate the absorption and metabolism, antioxidant activity, and the impact on the intestinal microbiota of PPA‐NPs. UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MSMS analysis showed that the absorption of anthocyanins was increased by 220.36% in rats gavaged with PPA‐NPs compared to rats gavaged with PPA directly. Subsequent in vivo experiments revealed that PPA‐NPs significantly bolster primary antioxidant markers, evidenced by elevated glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels and reduced malondialdehyde content. Moreover, PPA‐NPs were found to positively alter the gut microbiome structure in aged rats, notably increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Rothia, and improving microbial diversity. These findings suggest that W/O/W PPA‐NPs markedly improve the bioavailability of PPAs, showcasing promising antioxidant properties and potential health benefits for gut health in vivo. Overall, this research presents a novel approach for developing nanodelivery systems aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of water‐soluble substances.
Comparative study of volatile compounds of cold‐pressed oils extracted from three different oilseeds after gamma irradiation
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Shan , Zhang Ya‐Zhe , Liu Xing‐Xin , Le Wu , Xiang Peng‐Fei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on the volatile compounds of edible oils. Three types of oilseeds, including peanut, sesame, and flaxseed, were subjected to 8 kGy gamma irradiation, followed by cold pressing to extract their oils. The volatile compounds of the oils were isolated by simultaneous distillation extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A total of 91 volatile compounds were identified, which can be grouped into eight categories: hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, acids, esters, furans, and benzene derivatives. Irradiation treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and ketones in all oil samples (p < 0.05), with the greatest increase observed in hydrocarbons (4–14 times). In contrast, changes in alcohols, acids, esters, furans, and benzene derivatives were related to oilseed type. The increased hydrocarbons mainly originated from the degradation of palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The irradiation resistance of the three oilseeds varied considerably, in the order: flaxseed > sesame > peanut. Based on the odor activity value, 11 key aroma compounds were selected, and (E)‐2‐decenal (tallow, oily, and orange), 1‐octanol (soapy and oily), and 1‐nonanol (floral and soapy) were only detected in the irradiated samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the oil samples of the three oilseeds could be well classified based on their key aroma compounds, and that the irradiation treatment had no remarkable effect on their intrinsic aroma.
Overview of oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes
Authors: Weinberg Sibony Roni , Segev Omri , Dor Saar , Raz Itamar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe global prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly, leading to various complications and a negative impact on quality of life. Hyperglycemia hyperglycemic‐induced oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are closely associated with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and its complications. This review explores the effect of T2D on target organ damage and potential treatments to minimize this damage. The paper examines the pathophysiology of T2D, focusing on low‐grade chronic inflammation and OS and on their impact on insulin resistance. The review discusses the role of inflammation and OS in the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications. The findings highlight the mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines, stress kinases, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) interfere with insulin signaling pathways, leading to impaired glucose metabolism and organ dysfunction. Lifestyle interventions, including a balanced diet and exercise, can help reduce chronic inflammation and OS, thereby preventing and controlling T2D and its associated complications. Additionally, various antioxidants and anti‐inflammatory agents show potential in reducing OS and inflammation. Some anti‐diabetic drugs, like pioglitazone, metformin, and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists, may also have anti‐inflammatory effects. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions.image
Genotyping Error Detection and Customised Filtration for SNP Datasets
Authors: Kan‐Lingwood Noa Yaffa , Sagi Liran , Mazie Shahar , Shahar Naama , Zecherle Bitton Lilith , Templeton Alan , Rubenstein Daniel , Bouskila Amos , Bar‐David Shirli 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTA major challenge in analysing single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype datasets is detecting and filtering errors that bias analyses and misinterpret ecological and evolutionary processes. Here, we present a comprehensive method to estimate and minimise genotyping error rates (deviations from the ‘true’ genotype) in any SNP datasets using triplicates (three repeats of the same sample) in a four‐step filtration pipeline. The approach involves: (1) SNP filtering by missing data; (2) SNP filtering by error rates; (3) sample filtering by missing data and (4) detection of recaptured individuals by using estimated SNP error rates. The modular pipeline is provided in an R script that allows customised adjustments. We demonstrate the applicability of the method using non‐invasive sampling from the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) population in Israel. We genotyped 756 samples using 625 SNPs, of which 255 were triplicates of 85 samples. The average SNP error rate, calculated based on the number of mismatching genotypes across triplicates before filtration, was 0.0034 and was reduced to 0.00174 following filtration. Evaluating genetic distance (GD) and relatedness (r) between triplicates before and after filtration (expected to be at the minimum and maximum respectively) showed a significant reduction in the average GD, from 58.1 to 25.3 (p = 0.0002) and a significant increase in relatedness, from r = 0.98 to r = 0.991 (p = 0.00587). We demonstrate how error rate estimation enhances recapture detection and improves genotype quality.