bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High soil moisture triggers negative plant–soil feedbacks in a tropical forest
Authors: Milici Valerie R. , Ballesteros Javier , Bagchi Robert 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Plant‐microbial interactions help stabilize coexistence and shape ecological communities. These interactions are sensitive to abiotic conditions, but how they may be affected by environmental change is unknown. Variation in water availability may be particularly important as it impacts both plant and microbial physiology. Local water availability naturally fluctuates in terrestrial ecosystems, and climate change is predicted to accentuate this variation. For example, environments that experience seasonal rainfall, such as Central American tropical forests, are expected to experience drier dry seasons and wetter wet seasons.

To explore the consequences of altered moisture regimes for plant‐microbial interactions, we conducted a plant–soil feedback experiment in central Panama in which we inoculated seedlings from six shade‐tolerant tree species with the soil microbial communities associated with either conspecific or heterospecific adults or with sterilized soil and grew them under two different soil moisture regimes: 50% or 100% of total soil water holding capacity (WHC).

At 50% WHC, seedling survival and growth were unaffected by the source of soil inoculum. At 100% WHC, seedling survival was reduced in the sterile soil treatment and total biomass was highest for seedlings grown in heterospecific soil.

Soil moisture modified the strength of plant–soil feedbacks. Plant–soil feedbacks were negative at high soil moisture (100% WHC) but disappeared at low soil moisture (50% WHC).

Our work extends a growing body of research on moisture effects on plant–soil feedbacks in the North American prairie to the American tropics, and shows that plant–soil feedbacks and their implications for stabilizing coexistence are context dependent and sensitive to soil moisture in tropical seedlings. As a result, phenomena that reduce soil moisture, such as climate change or forest fragmentation, could reduce diversity in seedling assemblages by weakening negative plant–soil feedbacks.

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Local adaptation is highly dependent on common garden conditions where seeds were propagated: Evidence from a 7‐year study on a dominant alpine meadow species
Authors: Chen Dali , Jia Cunzhi , Zhao Xiaohua , Yuan Zhen , Luo Xinping , Bao Jinglong , Zhang Hang , Zhang Zhuo , Hu Xiaowen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Combining common garden experiments with reciprocal transplant or sowing experiments is widely used to assess local adaptation in plants. This approach effectively minimizes the potential influence of maternal environments derived from seed origin. However, the impact of divergent common garden environments on local adaptation assessment has received limited attention in previous studies.

To investigate the effects of diverse common garden conditions on the assessment of local adaptation, we conducted a 2‐year common garden experiment followed by a 5‐year reciprocal sowing experiment, both carried out at two different elevations. Seeds from low‐ and high‐elevation populations of Elymus nutans were directly sown in the common garden experiment to propagate seeds for the subsequent reciprocal sowing experiment. Multiple traits, including seedling emergence, survival, plant height, above‐ground biomass, number of reproductive branches, and the number of seeds per individual, were measured in both experiments. This comprehensive method allowed us to examine variations in local adaptation across different growth age and life cycle stages.

The original low‐elevation population consistently outperformed the foreign population at the low‐elevation site, regardless of whether seeds were propagated in low or high‐elevation common gardens, indicating clear local adaptation. In contrast, the original high‐elevation population showed local adaptation only when seeds were propagated in the low‐elevation common garden. Long‐term experiments revealed a gradual decline in the strength of local adaptation in E. nutans over the years. Local adaptation was most evident in the number of seeds, with smaller advantages observed in seedling survival and a number of reproductive branches. No evidence of local adaptation was detected in other traits.

Synthesis. The local adaptation of Elymus nutans was primarily observed during early growth age since seeding and was highly dependent on the common garden conditions in which the seeds were propagated. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider common garden conditions when evaluating plant local adaptation through common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments.
Food contamination and the emerging application of nanobiosensors in food safety
Authors: Rafi Zeeshan , Khan Hamda , Husain Arbab , Khanam Afreen , Alafnan Ahmed , Alobaida Ahmed , Shahab Uzma , Ahmad Irfan , Ahmad Saheem 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis review article focuses on efficient strategies for detecting food contamination, particularly through the use of nanobiosensors. It begins with an overview of biosensors, highlighting their basic components and underlying mechanisms. The article then explores the advancements driven by nanotechnology, specifically examining key nanomaterials—such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanotubes—that play a crucial role in sensor development. A comprehensive analysis of the diverse applications of nanobiosensors in the food industry follows, including their use in detecting foodborne pathogens, toxins, and other harmful contaminants. The integration of nanobiosensors with Internet of Things technologies is also discussed, emphasizing the potential of smart packaging solutions for real‐time monitoring and data analysis. The article critically assesses the challenges and prospects of nanobiosensor applications, addressing issues such as sensor sensitivity, specificity, cost‐effectiveness, and regulatory concerns. Furthermore, emerging trends and future directions are explored, particularly the shift toward more sustainable and eco‐friendly sensor technologies. The review concludes by emphasizing the transformative impact of nanobiosensors in enhancing food safety, quality control, and innovation across the food industry. By offering a thorough examination of current technologies and potential future developments, this article aims to contribute to the continued evolution of nanobiosensor applications in food safety.
Healthy Aging Metabolomic and Proteomic Signatures Across Multiple Physiological Compartments
Authors: Moaddel R. , Candia J. , Ubaida‐Mohien C. , Tanaka T. , Moore A. Z. , Zhu M. , Fantoni G. , Church S. , D'Agostino J. , Fan J. , Shehadeh N. , De S. , Lehrmann E. , Kaileh M. , Simonsick E. , Sen R. , Egan J. M. , Ferrucci L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe study of biomarkers in biofluids and tissues expanded our understanding of the biological processes that drive physiological and functional manifestations of aging. However, most of these studies were limited to examining one biological compartment, an approach that fails to recognize that aging pervasively affects the whole body. The simultaneous modeling of hundreds of metabolites and proteins across multiple compartments may provide a more detailed picture of healthy aging and point to differences between chronological and biological aging. Herein, we report proteomic analyses of plasma and urine collected in healthy men and women, age 22–92 years. Using these data, we developed a series of metabolomic and proteomic predictors of chronological age for plasma, urine, and skeletal muscle. We then defined a biological aging score, which measures the departure between an individual's predicted age and the expected predicted age for that individual based on the full cohort. We show that these predictors are significantly and independently related to clinical phenotypes important for aging, such as inflammation, iron deficiency anemia, muscle mass, and renal and hepatic functions. Despite a different set of selected biomarkers in each compartment, the different scores reflect a similar degree of deviation from healthy aging in single individuals, thus allowing identification of subjects with significant accelerated or decelerated biological aging.
Feathered Frontiers: How Land‐Use Changes Shape Diversity of Bird Communities in an East African Global Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: John Jasson , Mgimwa Emmanuel , Kamugisha Edwin , Rabdiya Akshita 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of land‐use changes on avian diversity in an agricultural landscape ecosystem in the Usambara Mountains, northeastern Tanzania. The East Usambara Mountains have lost a significant part of their original natural forests. On its southern part, the main forest block is found in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, while the rest of the landscape is fragmented into agricultural mosaics. The study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 using point count observations, documents the avian diversity in different habitats within agricultural landscapes, considering rainy seasons' effects. A total of 4107 individual birds representing 121 species from 39 families were recorded, with notable variations in species diversity across different habitats. Agroforestry systems demonstrated higher avian diversity than forest remnants, agriculture, tea plantations and shrubland. Proximity to forest positively influenced bird diversity, with a significant proportion of true forest species highlighting the importance of intact forest ecosystems. Seasonal variations were evident, with the short rainy season exhibiting higher species richness in certain habitats. The findings of this study underscore the need for conservation strategies that prioritise forest protection and restoration while promoting sustainable agroforestry practices.
Epidemiology of injured e‐scooter riders at a major trauma service – the who, what, where and when?
Authors: Read David J. , Gumm Kellie , Santos Roselyn 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundE‐scooter associated injury patterns are well described, but less is known about the riders. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of injured riders with the aim of providing information for preventative strategies.MethodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected data on admissions (2021) and all hospital presentations (2022–2023) to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, due to injury in a rider of an e‐scooter. Data collected were demographics (age, gender, postcode), drug and alcohol usage, helmet usage, circumstances of injury (how, where and when), reported speed, and insurance status. Data was analysed with multiple cross tabulations using two‐sided Fischer's exact test.ResultsOver the 3 years 562 cases were identified, with a median age 29 years (IQR 23–40), 383 (68.5%) were male. Alcohol (29.5%) and drug (10.9%) usage were prevalent. The majority (70.4%) “fell off” without collision, 274 were admitted, and 9.6% were major trauma. Alcohol usage was more likely seen in men (P = 0.006), in major trauma (P = 0.02) but showed no association with age. Speed over 20 km/h was seen in 38.5% when recorded and associated with drug usage and major trauma status but not alcohol. Medicare ineligibility patients (12.1%) were younger, more likely to be female (P = 0.012) and less likely to use drugs (P = 0.001) and alcohol (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis hospital level data of injured e‐scooter riders has shown high prevalence of alcohol and drug usage and speeding, all of which were associated with more severe injury, and are hence prime targets for injury prevention.
Clinical Trial to Assess the Safety and Tolerability of Anti‐IL 23 Monoclonal Antibody Guselkumab in Patients With Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Diaz Luis Antonio , Morris Sheldon , Dave Shravan , Kim Susy M. , Sarik Wathnita , Richards Lisa , Madamba Egbert , Bettencourt Ricki , Fulinara Christian , Pham Thuy , Miller Grant , Carvalho‐Gontijo Weber Raquel , Momper Jeremiah D. , He Feng , Jain Sonia , Jamieson Catriona , Kisseleva Tatiana , Brenner David , Loomba Rohit 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are no FDA‐approved therapies for alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). Preclinical studies indicate that blocking IL‐23/IL‐17 signalling may reverse liver injury. Guselkumab, an IL‐23‐specific antibody approved for psoriasis, may be beneficial for ALD.AimsWe aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of guselkumab in patients with ALD.MethodsThis phase‐1 dose‐escalation study included patients with ≥ 2 DSM‐5 criteria for alcohol use disorder, significant steatosis (MRI‐PDFF ≥ 8%) and MRE < 3.63 kPa (to exclude advanced disease). Guselkumab was given subcutaneously on Days 1 and 29 in 30, 70 or 100 mg dose cohorts. Primary endpoints were adverse events (AEs) and dose‐limiting toxicity.ResultsWe enrolled 13 patients (three 30 mg, three 70 mg, and seven 100 mg). Eleven completed the study and two early discontinued in the 100 mg group. Of them, 77% were men, and the median age was 53 [IQR 49–61] years. The median MRI‐PDFF and MRE were 18.4% [IQR 8.4%–34.0%] and 2.5 [2.2–2.6] kPa, respectively. The most frequent AEs were hyperuricemia (13%, mild only) and elevated lipase (11%, mild and moderate). There were no serious adverse events or significant variations in liver enzymes. There was a suppression of peripheral interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐23, IL‐1b and TNF‐α in the 70 and 100 mg groups, and a significant decrease in alcohol consumption over time (AUDIT‐C: 6 [3–7] vs. 5 [1–6], p = 0.023).ConclusionsGuselkumab is safe in doses up to 100 mg and may reduce inflammation markers in ALD. These findings support further phase 2 studies to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab in ALD, particularly in patients with severe phenotypes.
Mefloquine Suppresses Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Through Targeting SPC25
Authors: Wang Yongbo , Wang He , Xu Yipeng , Ling Jiawei , Zong Chuhong , Zhang Yan , Guo Xiaoxuan , Zhao Guanan , Zhou Yuan , Zhao Jiahui , Lou Pengrong , Liu Xigao , Xu Tengfei , Ma Qi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third most common malignant tumor in the urinary system, often presenting with distant metastases at diagnosis. Approximately one‐quarter of patients undergoing nephrectomy experience distant recurrence. Despite the recent advancements in combination‐targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, the development of new therapeutic strategies and the identification of biomarkers for metastatic risk remain crucial. The study found that high SPC25 expression is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes, and knocking down SPC25 significantly inhibits tumor cell proliferation and migration. Non‐targeted metabolomics analysis also revealed that SPC25 knockdown reduces tumor cell activity, resulting in a low‐invasive state. Additionally, this study utilized high‐throughput molecular docking to screen small molecule drugs targeting SPC25, aiming to find drugs that inhibit RCC metastasis. The research discovered that mefloquine, at concentrations that do not significantly kill tumor cells, can markedly inhibit RCC metastasis. It was the first to report that mefloquine achieves its anti‐metastatic effects by binding to SPC25 and inhibiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. These results suggest that SPC25 has the potential to serve as an early biomarker for metastatic risk in RCC and highlight a novel strategy where mefloquine inhibits RCC metastasis through SPC25 binding, offering new avenues to improve the prognosis of RCC patients.
Granulomatous Eccrine Hidradenitis. A New Histopathological Entity?
Authors: Yavuz Göksu , Toprak Mehtap , Zemheri Ebru , Can Kuru Burçe 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe term “hidradenitis” designates diseases with inflammatory infiltrate around a sweat gland. Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) is a reactive disorder usually induced by malignancy or chemotherapeutics, characterized by typically erythematous, edematous papules and plaques on the extremities, trunk, face, and palmar and plantar regions. In histopathology, dense neutrophilic infiltration around the eccrine gland can be seen. In this case, we report a rare case of granulomatous eccrine hidradenitis in a 3‐year‐old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with intense granulomatous inflammation around the eccrine ducts in histopathology.
Multi‐Taxon Predictions of Deep‐Sea Corals and Sponges From Stacked Species Distribution Models in the United States West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone and Relation to Trawl Closure Zones
Authors: Shantharam Arvind , Poti Matthew , Winship Arliss , Lau Yee , Coleman Heather , Weissman Danielle , Eaton Renee , McGuinn Robert , Cebrian Just , Hourigan Thomas 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimAbundant species distribution models (SDMs) of deep‐sea corals and sponges (DSCS) allow one to make community‐level predictions about DSCS. Pairing that with the conservation information of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) due to their sensitivity to seafloor trawling, one can assess the efficacy of established seafloor protections, known as Essential Fish Habitat and Conservation Areas (trawl closure areas), in the United States West Coast on a multi‐taxon basis. From this, we seek to answer the following questions: (1) can accurate multi‐taxon, trawl‐sensitive DSCS distribution predictions be made for the US West Coast and (2) to what extent do current trawl protections overlap with multi‐taxon distribution predictions and what are the conservation and management implications?LocationUnited States West Coast marine waters.MethodsA cluster analysis was run on 40 SDMs of DSCS, identifiable as VME indicators and assigned a VME indicator score based on criteria used by regional fisheries management organisations. SDMs of taxa in clusters were stacked and averaged to produce stacked SDM (S‐SDM) prediction maps. All prediction maps were classified into five habitat suitability classes to facilitate interpretation. The total area within benthic ecoregion‐bathymetric boundaries and the percentage overlap with the bottom trawl closure zone were computed for spatial contextualization and to determine protection coverage for S‐SDMs, respectively.ResultsCluster analysis identified 10 groups that represent unique S‐SDMs for the region. Taxa clustered together have previously been documented together in surveys but some novel associations are reported. Geographically, the predicted occurrences can range along the entire western continental margin, be highly restricted, or constrained by recognised biogeographic boundaries. VME indicator metrics ranged from low to moderate. When trawl coverage was computed relative to the suitability's prevalence in the modelling domain, trawl protection was shown to be large for the highest suitability classes for most of the S‐SDMs.Main ConclusionsResults indicate the clustering approach has some strengths in identifying known and documented associations between DSCS taxa but some are problematic and produce low to moderate VME indicator scores for S‐SDMs, undercutting the conservation information the metric should convey. Coupled with the small predicted areas of the highest suitability classes, the wholesale recommendation for this approach for management purposes is difficult. We discuss avenues for methodological improvements.
Multiomics analysis of O‐GlcNAcylation in podocytes of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zou Yun , Zhuo Mengyao , Chen Wen , Song Wenze , Jiang Yanxia , Xu Jixiong , Wang Jiao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT)‐mediated protein O‐GlcNAcylation in podocyte injury during the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Materials and MethodsProteomic and O‐glycoproteomic analyses were conducted on high glucose (HG)‐stimulated podocytes with OGT knockdown. Differentially expressed proteins and O‐GlcNAcylated peptides/proteins were identified, and functional enrichment (GO, KEGG, COG/KOG) and motif analysis (motif‐x) were performed using bioinformatics analysis. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) was used to validate O‐GlcNAcylation of candidate proteins.ResultsOGT knockdown in HG‐treated podocytes resulted in 128 upregulated and 45 downregulated proteins. Glycoproteomics revealed 32 glycopeptides/21 glycoproteins upregulated and 37 glycopeptides/22 glycoproteins downregulated. The focus was on down‐regulated glycosylated proteins without changes in their protein levels. These proteins are predominantly enriched in translation factor activity, RNA binding, and ECM‐receptor interactions pathways. Among these proteins, Caprin1, Lrp1, and Sil1 were modified by O‐GlcNAcylation.ConclusionOGT‐driven O‐GlcNAcylation exacerbates podocyte injury in DKD by post‐translationally modifying key regulators of translational machinery and ECM signalling. Precision targeting of O‐GlcNAc dynamics represents a promising therapeutic strategy to attenuate DKD.
Triggering the Duty to Act: Teachers' Approach to the Norwegian Law on Students' Psychosocial Environment
Authors: Denfeld Annette‐Pascale , Canrinus Esther Tamara , Dalehefte Inger Marie 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTChapter 9A of the Norwegian Education Act obligates teachers to act upon any suspicion of deficits in the school environment. This cross‐sectional study explores teachers' (n = 140) perceptions and motivations in terms of initiating cases according to 9A, considering both accountability and responsibility. Teachers' job satisfaction and self‐efficacy are associated with their approach to 9A. The strongest predictor of case initiation is how difficult teachers perceive taking action to be. Other significant predictors are their content knowledge and the law's perceived effect. These findings have significance for policymakers, teacher education, and professional communities in schools.
From Pandemic Legacy to Serious Games: A Systematic Review of Cooperative Board Games Under the Educational Perspective
Authors: Katsantonis Menelaos N. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCooperative board games promote engagement, teamwork, and strategic problem‐solving, making them useful in educational contexts. This Systematic Literature Review employs the PRISMA methodology to identify cooperative board game mechanisms and design considerations along with their adaptation potential in serious contexts and the alignment with learning theories such as social constructivism and experiential learning. Key mechanisms, such as variable player powers and role‐playing, are examined for their impact on player engagement and collaboration. The study also addresses the design challenges of complexity and duration of gameplay, proposing solutions such as the gradual rule introduction, tutorial scenarios, and the provision of scalable game modes. The review includes 65 screened articles and a detailed analysis of 24, along with insights from non‐academic sources, such as BoardGameGeek database and professional reviewers. The findings highlight the potential of such games to enhance serious game design and educational outcomes, offering strategies for adapting these games to educational environments.