bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endangered status and threatened population ecological factors in Salvia daiguii, an endemic species from Hunan, China
Authors: Xiao Han‐Wen , Liu Qing‐Shan , Huang Yan‐Bo , Li Yan , Wei Yu‐Kun , Tian Ru‐Nan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany species of Salvia have excellent ornamental, culinary, and medicinal values. Salvia daiguii, is an ornamental and highly medicinal perennial herb endemic to the prefecture‐level city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, China, with a narrow geographical distribution. However, currently, it has only been assessed as a Critically Endangered species according to the IUCN classification criteria, but its conservation has not yet been studied. This study investigated the distribution and niche characteristics of S. daiguii, and compared the differences in growth, flowering characteristics, and soil nutrients between the wild and ex situ populations. We also analyzed the effects of soil nutrients on plant growth and flowering characteristics. During the survey, we found 274 individuals on a rock approximately 200 m from ZEFR1. Nevertheless, S. daiguii were still restricted in three populations, TNFP, TGM, and ZEFR in Zhangjiajie City, with a total of about 500 plants and less than 250 mature individuals. Our results show that aspects such as adverse environmental conditions, low seedling renewal rate, a lack of soil nutrients, and competition for the characteristic niche of this and other dominant plants in the natural community are the main ecological factors affecting the growth, flowering, and geographic distribution of S. daiguii. Based on the results of field surveys, we recommend that (1) S. daiguii be classified as Critically Endangered C2b and China's List of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations. (2) Comprehensive conservation strategies were developed, such as the establishment of nature reserves, reintroduction, public education, and institutional development to provide management recommendations related to the conservation of S. daiguii and other endangered plants.
A statistical population reconstruction model for wildlife populations: A case study with white‐tailed deer and fisher
Authors: Bellier Edwige , Ferreira Dylan C. , Kalb David M. , Ganoe Laken S. , Mayer Amy E. , Gerber Brian D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHarvested wildlife populations should ideally be monitored to inform harvest policies and decision‐making to help achieve management objectives. When the age of harvested individuals can be obtained, these data (i.e., age‐at‐harvest data) can be used to estimate trends of abundances, demographic rates, and harvest probabilities by the statistical reconstruction of the living population. This approach was developed primarily within the frequentist framework and requires the inclusion of auxiliary data (e.g., radiotelemetry data). We developed a novel Bayesian hierarchical approach allowing the population reconstruction from the definition of the species' life cycle without auxiliary data. The hierarchical model assumes that individuals are harvested from an open population whose fluctuations result from demographic processes, and the definition of a superpopulation composed of pseudo‐individuals from which the harvested population is drawn. We evaluated the ability of our model to estimate abundances, survival, recruitment, and harvest probabilities based on simulations guided by the demographic processes of a long‐lived mammal population. We considered model performance across scenarios, including varying age and temporal structures, superpopulation size, and prior information. We showed how prior information selected based on life history characteristics affects the accuracy of estimated parameters. We found that the model estimates accurate demographic parameters and abundances when the age‐at‐harvest matrix comprises more than two age classes. Furthermore, an increase in demographic information (number of age groups and years) increased the precision of the estimated parameters. We apply our model to a population of harvested (2012–2021) white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and a mammalian carnivore, the fisher (Pekania pennanti), from Rhode Island, USA. Our model estimated biologically realistic population size and demographic rates for both species. Our approach provides robustness to track the population abundance of harvested species through time and estimate fundamental demographic parameters. Such results can be used to monitor whether population objectives are being met and whether harvest policy changes are required. Furthermore, this information can be critical for evaluating the effect of harvest on population growth and projecting trajectories of age‐structured populations under different harvest scenarios. Therefore, our framework can help to guide management decisions and species conservation.
The climate change adaptation readiness of co‐operative housing in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Carriere Zacharie D. , Lesnikowski Alexandra 
Published: June 2024

AbstractClimate adaptation policy in Canada is emerging in the context of another major challenge: the diminishing availability of affordable housing. Housing is a well‐known driver of social vulnerability to environmental risks, so as governments respond to these challenges, it will be essential to understand how housing is being situated within adaptation, particularly with respect to differences in housing tenure and how decisions around equity and social vulnerability are factored into planning and policy processes. This research examines how adaptation plans and policies in Nova Scotia are addressing the needs of the non‐profit co‐operative housing sector and assesses the adaptation readiness of housing co‐operatives in the province. Two methods are employed: a systematic content analysis of municipal and provincial climate policy documents, and interviews with key informants across the co‐operative housing sector and government agencies. Using a modified adaptation readiness framework, we consider the potential for co‐operative adaptation and complimentary public policy to address vulnerability at the intersection of housing and climate change. Findings indicate that non‐market forms of tenure have been largely neglected by adaptation planners and state policymakers. Several barriers which contribute to a low level of adaptation readiness for co‐ops are highlighted, notably a lack of usable science and funding to facilitate adaptation. Characteristics such as affordability and a propensity for collective action position housing co‐ops to be agents of equitable and systemic adaptation, but this potential will only be realized in Canada if key barriers are overcome through targeted governmental rt for non‐profit housing organizations.
Pick and Choose the Coordinated Metal Ion to Tune the Porphyrin Supramolecular Chirogenesis
Authors: Stefanelli Manuela , Magna Gabriele , Martini Roberto , Di Filippo Ilaria , Domenici Fabio , Sgarlata Anna , Pomarico Giuseppe , Monti Donato , Paolesse Roberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe solvent‐driven aggregation of metalloporphyrin derivatives, bearing an L‐ or D‐prolinate appendage, results in the stereospecific formation of chiral species that are strictly influenced by the aminoacid chirality and, above all, by the metal axial coordination capability. The Pd porphyrin derivatives self‐assemble in hydroalcoholic mixtures in fractal‐like suprastructures, displaying intense, specular dichroic bands and peculiar UV‐Vis spectral features, accounting for the formation of J‐type aggregates of complex morphology. Spectroscopic and kinetic studies gave important information on the aggregation process, allowing for a comparison with previously reported systems achieved from the free base and Zn derivatives in the same aggregative conditions. Analyzing the self‐aggregation process for the three porphyrin derivatives highlights the remarkable influence of porphyrin inner core features on the chirogenesis of the final systems, revealing an easy tunability of the asymmetry of the assemblies upon metal choosing.
Editing Streptomyces genome using target AID system fused with UGI‐degradation tag
Authors: Apriliana Pamella , Kahar Prihardi , Kashiwagi Norimasa , Kondo Akihiko , Ogino Chiaki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe utilization of Streptomyces as a microbial chassis for developing innovative drugs and medicinal compounds showcases its capability to produce bioactive natural substances. Recent focus on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology highlights its potential in genome editing. However, applying CRISPR technology in certain microbial strains, particularly Streptomyces, encounters specific challenges. These challenges include achieving efficient gene expression and maintaining genetic stability, which are critical for successful genome editing. To overcome these obstacles, an innovative approach has been developed that combines several key elements: activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID), nuclease‐deficient cas9 variants (dCas9), and Petromyzon marinus cytidine deaminase 1 (PmCDA1). In this study, this novel strategy was employed to engineer a Streptomyces coelicolor strain. The target gene was actVA‐ORF4 (SCO5079), which is involved in actinorhodin production. The engineering process involved introducing a specific construct [pGM1190‐dcas9‐pmCDA‐UGI‐AAV‐actVA‐ORF4 (SCO5079)] to create a CrA10 mutant strain. The resulting CrA10 mutant strain did not produce actinorhodin. This outcome highlights the potential of this combined approach in the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces. The failure of the CrA10 mutant to produce actinorhodin conclusively demonstrates the success of gene editing at the targeted site, affirming the effectiveness of this method for precise genetic modifications in Streptomyces.
A study on power supply restoration strategy considering flexible resource regulation ability
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Jin Fuguo , Guo Feng , Yang Jiwei , Qian Xiaoyi , Feng Dejin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe rapid development of new energy technology can make this type of energy the primary power source in the future. However, new energy power generation is considerably affected by the environment, resulting in intermittent and fluctuating characteristics. Given the shortage of power generation in urban distribution networks during extreme weather, a study on power supply restoration strategy considering flexible resource regulation ability is proposed in this study. First, the typical adjustable flexible resources, air conditioners, and electric vehicles in urban distribution networks are modeled, and their adjustment ability is evaluated. Second, on the basis of the evaluation results, the optimal power supply recovery path is solved to ensure the power supply of essential loads in the distribution network. Last, the IEEE 33‐bus system proves that this method can quickly find the optimal path of power supply recovery and effectively reduce the power loss rate of essential loads, thus improving the toughness of urban distribution networks.
Screening of phenolic components and antimicrobial properties of Iris persica L. subsp. persica extracts by in vitro and in silico methods
Authors: Unver Tuba , Uslu Harun , Gurhan Ismet , Goktas Bunyamin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe tendency toward natural herbal products has increased due to the antibiotic resistance developed by microorganisms and the severe side effects of antibiotics commonly used in infectious diseases worldwide. Although antimicrobial studies have been conducted with several species of the Iris genus, this study is the first in the literature to be performed with Iris persica L. subsp. persica aqueous and methanol extracts. In this study, the phenolic content of I. persica was determined by LC–MS/MS analysis, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of I. persica aqueous and methanol extracts was examined, and this study was supported by in silico analysis. Consequently, methanol and aqueous extracts were observed to have inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms except Candida krusei. Although the MIC values of aqueous extract and methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the same (22.5 and 11.25 mg/mL, respectively), the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract is generally more potent (MIC value is 11.25 mg/mL for Candida parapsilosis and other bacterial species, and 90 mg/mL for Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis) than that of methanol extract. In silico results showed that hydroxybenzaldeyde, vanillin, resveratrol, isoquercitrin, kaempferol‐3‐glucoside, fisetin, and luteolin were more prone to antifungal activity. Hence, shikimic, gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, o‐coumaric, trans‐ferulic, sinapic acids, and hesperidin were more prone to antibacterial activity. In vitro and in silico results show that the antibacterial activity of our extracts may be higher than the antifungal activity. This preliminary study indicates the anti‐infective potential of I. persica extracts and their usability in medicine and pharmacology.
The evaluation of black carrot, green cabbage, grape, and apple juices as substrates for the production of functional water kefir‐like beverages
Authors: Agirman Bilal , Yildiz Ilker , Polat Suleyman , Erten Huseyin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWater kefir (WK) is a nondairy probiotic beverage produced using water kefir grains that are highly adaptable to diverse food substrates. Fruit and vegetables have been used more in beverage production in recent years due to their plentiful nutritional qualities. In this context, the aim of this study is to develop fruit–vegetable juice‐based beverages fermented with WK grains in order to produce novel, non‐dairy, probiotic water kefir‐like beverages (W‐KLBs) with improved sensory and nutritional properties. In this context, black carrot (BC), apple (A), grape (G), and green cabbage (GC) juices are fermented with commercial WK grains. Results showed that BC‐KLB possessed the highest antioxidant activity (75.50%), total phenolic (1248.60 mg GA/L), and total monomeric anthocyanin (391.31 mg/L as cyaniding‐3‐glucoside equivalent) content. Also, the sensory evaluation demonstrated that BC‐KLB was the most favorable sample, while GC‐KLB received negative feedback. These findings strongly support the suitability of BC juice to develop W‐KLB with high added value and functional properties.
Prevention policies for the marine ecological environment in the South China Sea as a consequence of excessive plastic compound use in Vietnam
Authors: Islam Md. Ziaul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Vietnam suffers from a distressing predicament: It ranks among the most heavily contaminated nations on earth. Its coastal and marine domains are plagued by an excess of plastic waste. Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Numerous areas have emerged as focal points of plastic pollution throughout its extensive seashore and marine areas. The escalating presence of marine litter poses an increasingly grave threat to the intricate equilibrium of Vietnam's marine ecosystems. This comprehensive policy study reveals that the mounting problem of ocean plastic pollution, characterized by the abundance of floating plastic debris, imperils both plant and animal life, placing various marine species such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and cetaceans at risk. The consumption of minuscule plastic particles and the harmful impact of chemical pollutants from plastic waste in the ocean not only endangers the vitality of marine life but also poses a substantial hazard to human well-being because plastic waste infiltrates the food chain. This research reveals that, despite the existence of numerous laws and policies—including the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Marine Plastic Waste Management Initiative for the Fisheries Sector 2020–2030, and the National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter—a significant amount of plastic waste is infiltrating the river network and eventually infiltrating oceans as a result of improper monitoring and ineffective enforcement of these legislations. Relying primarily on existing data released by the government and other sources and a wide range of gray literature retrieved from reputable databases, this study aims to evaluate the role of Vietnam's legal framework for combating the critical issue of marine plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2088–2106. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Vietnam is responsible for 60% of the plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Marine litter threatens the intricate equilibrium of marine ecosystems.
Impaired acute‐phase humoral immunity is the major factor predicting unfavorable outcomes in multiple myeloma patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants outbreak infection
Authors: Li Ziping , He Huiwen , Li Haolong , Zhang Fujing , Jin Xianghong , Liu Shuangjiao , Chen Miao , Li Yongzhe , Zhuang Junling 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAt the end of 2022, a huge tide of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mainly Omicron BA.4/5 developed in China. Multiple myeloma (MM) patients suffered cancer deterioration and mortality from COVID‐19, yet profound analyses of Omicron variants‐induced immunity function are scarce. We presented a longitudinal study in 218 MM patients and 73 healthy controls (HCs), reporting the prognostic factors and dynamic humoral and cellular immune responses. Neutralizing antibody and interferon γ ELISpot assay of SARS‐CoV‐2 was tested at three time points: 2–4, 8–10, and 14–16 weeks after infections. Our data showed older age, active MM, relapsed/refractory MM (R/RMM), immunotherapy, comorbidity, and non‐vaccination were risk factors associated with hospitalization. Severe humoral immunity impairment within 2–4 weeks was especially seen in patients with unvaccinated, older age, immunotherapy, R/RMM and comorbidities, while T‐cell response was relatively intact. Although antibodies of Omicron variants reached positive levels in MM patients at 8–10 weeks, half lost effective antibody protection at 14–16 weeks. However, most seronegative patients (76.2% at 2–4 weeks, 83.3% at 8–10 weeks) could develop effective T‐cell response. Notably, the inactivated wild‐type vaccinated patients exhibited weaker humoral and cellular immunity only at 2–4 weeks, escalating to similar levels as those in HCs later. Our findings indicate impairment of humoral immunity at acute‐phase after infection is the major factor correlated with hospitalization. One‐month suspension of immune therapy is suggested to prevent serious infection. These results confirm the value of inactivated vaccine, but indicate the need for additional booster at 14–16 weeks after infection for high‐risk MM population.
Privatization of SOEs and its innovation performance: A reexamination
Authors: Wu Peizhen , Sun Zhen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe empirical literature comparing the innovation performance of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and private firms in China often yields conflicting results. To shed new light on this debate, we construct an extensive dataset by linking the Annual Survey of Industrial Enterprises (ASIE) dataset with patent quality data. Our analysis focuses on the impact of privatization on the innovation performance of former SOEs. Our findings suggest that the privatization of SOEs generally results in a decrease in innovation performance. This adverse effect is particularly pronounced for firms situated in regions characterized by low levels of market development or those grappling with high financial constraints. This supports the hypothesis that SOEs can serve as a mechanism to address institutional deficiencies in China's context. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relative innovation performance of SOEs and private enterprises and has significant policy implications for ongoing SOE reforms in China and other developing countries.
Porous collagen scaffolds enable endothelial lumen formation in vitro under both static and dynamic growth conditions
Authors: Rössler Lena , Nasehi Ramin , Hansen Nadja , Aveic Sanja , Fischer Horst 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite recent advances in the field of tissue engineering, the development of complex tissue‐like structures in vitro is compromised by the lack of integration of a functioning vasculature. In this study, we propose a mesoscale three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro vascularized connective tissue model and demonstrate its feasibility to prompt the self‐assembly of endothelial cells into vessel‐like structures. Moreover, we investigate the effect of perfusion on the organization of the cells. For this purpose, primary endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a cell line of human foreskin fibroblasts are cultivated in ECM‐like matrices made up of freeze‐dried collagen scaffolds permeated with collagen type I hydrogel. A tailored bioreactor is designed to investigate the effect of perfusion on self‐organization of HUVECs. Immunofluorescent staining, two‐photon microscopy, second‐harmonic generation imaging, and scanning electron microscopy are applied to visualize the spatial arrangement of the cells. The analyses reveal the formation of hollow, vessel‐like structures of HUVECs in hydrogel‐permeated collagen scaffolds under both static and dynamic conditions. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of a 3D porous collagen scaffolding system that enables and maintains the self‐organization of HUVECs into vessel‐like structures independent of a dynamic flow.
Naringin exerts antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects on mice with Staphylococcus aureus–induced osteomyelitis
Authors: Wang Rong , Wu NongXin , Zhan Dong'ang , Chen Fengwen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOsteomyelitis is an invasive bone infection that can lead to severe pain and even disability, posing a challenge for orthopedic surgery. Naringin can reduce bone‐related inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to elucidate the function and mechanism of naringin in a Staphylococcus aureus–induced mouse model of osteomyelitis. Femurs of S. aureus–infected mice were collected after naringin administration and subjected to microcomputed tomography to analyze cortical bone destruction and bone loss. Bacterial growth in femurs was also assessed. Proinflammatory cytokine levels in mouse femurs were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Pathological changes and bone resorption were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to quantify the messenger RNA and protein expression of osteogenic differentiation–associated genes in the femurs. The viability of human bone marrow–derived stem cells (hBMSCs) was determined using cell counting kit‐8. Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were performed to assess the formation of mineralization nodules and bone formation in vitro. Notch signaling–related protein levels in femur tissues and hBMSCs were assessed using western blot analysis. Experimental results revealed that naringin alleviated S. aureus–induced cortical bone destruction and bone loss in mice by increasing the bone volume/total volume ratio. Naringin suppressed S. aureus–induced bacterial growth and inflammation in femurs. Moreover, it alleviated histopathological changes, inhibited bone resorption, and increased the expression of osteogenic markers in osteomyelitic mice. It increased the viability of hBMSCs and promoted their differentiation and bone mineralization in vitro. Furthermore, naringin activated Notch signaling by upregulating the protein levels of Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 in the femurs of model mice and S. aureus–stimulated hBMSCs. In conclusion, naringin reduces bacterial growth, inflammation, and bone resorption while upregulating the expression of osteogenic markers in S. aureus–infected mice and hBMSCs by activating Notch signaling.