bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abiotic and biotic factors jointly influence the contact and environmental transmission of a generalist pathogen
Authors: Suh Daniel C. , Lance Stacey L. , Park Andrew W. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe joint influence of abiotic and biotic factors is important for understanding the transmission of generalist pathogens. Abiotic factors such as temperature can directly influence pathogen persistence in the environment and will also affect biotic factors, such as host community composition and abundance. At intermediate spatial scales, the effects of temperature, community composition, and host abundance are expected to contribute to generalist pathogen transmission. We use a simple transmission model to explain and predict how host community composition, host abundance, and environmental pathogen persistence times can independently and jointly influence transmission. Our transmission model clarifies how abiotic and biotic factors can synergistically support the transmission of a pathogen. The empirical data show that high community competence, high abundance, and low temperatures correlate with high levels of transmission of ranavirus in larval amphibian communities. Discrete wetlands inhabited by larval amphibians in the presence of ranavirus provide a compelling case study comprising distinct host communities at a spatial scale anticipated to demonstrate abiotic and biotic influence on transmission. We use these host communities to observe phenomena demonstrated in our theoretical model. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both abiotic and biotic factors, and concomitant direct and indirect mechanisms, in the study of pathogen transmission and should extend to other generalist pathogens with the capacity for environmental transmission.
Camera collars reveal macronutrient balancing in free‐ranging male moose during summer
Authors: Spitzer Robert , Ericson Monica , Felton Annika M. , Heim Morten , Raubenheimer David , Solberg Erling J. , Wam Hilde K. , Rolandsen Christer M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how the nutritional properties of food resources drive foraging choices is important for the management and conservation of wildlife populations. For moose (Alces alces), recent experimental and observational studies during the winter have shown macronutrient balancing between available protein (AP) and highly metabolizable macronutrients (total non‐structural carbohydrates [TNC] and lipids). Here, we combined the use of continuous‐recording camera collars with plant nutrient analyses and forage availability measurements to obtain a detailed insight into the food and nutritional choices of three wild moose in Norway over a 5‐day period in summer. We found that moose derived their macronutrient energy primarily from carbohydrates (74.2%), followed by protein (13.1%), and lipids (12.7%). Diets were dominated by deciduous tree browse (71%). Willows (Salixspp.) were selected for and constituted 51% of the average diet. Moose consumed 25 different food items during the study period of which 9 comprised 95% of the diet. Moose tightly regulated their intake of protein to highly metabolizable macronutrients (AP:TNC + lipids) to a ratio of 1:2.7 (0.37 ± 0.002SD). They did this by feeding on foods that most closely matched the target macronutrient ratio such asSalixspp., or by combining nutritionally imbalanced foods (complementary feeding) in a non‐random manner that minimized deviations from the intake target. The observed patterns of macronutrient balancing aligned well with the findings of winter studies. Differential feeding on nutritionally balanced downy birch (Betula pubescens) leaves versus imbalanced twigs+leaves across moose individuals indicated that macronutrient balancing may occur on as fine a scale as foraging bites on a single plant species. Utilized forages generally met the suggested requirement thresholds for the minerals calcium, phosphorus, copper, molybdenum, and magnesium but tended to be low in sodium. Our findings offer new insights into the foraging behavior of a model species in ungulate nutritional ecology and contribute to informed decision‐making in wildlife and forest management.
Landscape functioning in reservoir water quality prediction: Current use and predictive capacity
Authors: Portela Ana Paula , Gonçalves João , Cardoso Ana Sofia , Vaz Ana Sofia , de Lima Lucas Terres , Pinto Ivo , Rodrigues Sara , Antunes Sara C. , Honrado João 
Published: August 2024

AbstractReservoirs fulfil several societal needs, including water storage, energy production, flood control and recreation. However, the interruption of the river continuum may cause water quality declines that compromise water use. The surrounding landscape is a key driver of water quality variation in space and time, both across and within catchments. Therefore, understanding how landscape composition, structure and functioning influence reservoir water quality can help address management challenges. Here, we aim to investigate the current use and predictive capacity of landscape functioning indicators for reservoir water quality prediction. First, we carried out a literature review to investigate which landscape factors are most frequently studied as drivers of water quality in lentic systems. Then, we tested the predictive capacity of landscape functioning indicators in four reservoirs in Portugal using linear mixed models and multi‐model inference. The literature review shows that most studies assess the effects of landscape composition while landscape functioning is rarely included. Our test using four reservoirs suggests that landscape functioning indicators, namely greenness and brightness, can complement landscape composition and structure indicators, improving the capacity to predict total suspended solids, chlorophyll‐a, and total phosphorous. Landscape functioning indicators portrayed temporal variability in ecosystem dynamics that was not encompassed by landscape composition or structure indicators and may be relevant to predict specific water quality parameters. Our results show landscape functioning indicators can improve modelling of landscape contributions to water quality and thus have great potential to contribute to monitoring, modelling and forecast systems for water quality and ecological status.
Reactivity of the p‐Cymene‐Ruthenium Complex with Two Phenylamines for Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene Compared to the Reactivity of Complexes with a Single Benzylamine or Dibenzylamine
Authors: A. Silva Eliada , Santiago Pedro H. O. , Ellena Javier A. , Oliveira‐Filho Antônio G. S. , de Lima Batista Ana Paula , Lima‐Neto Benedito S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe complexes [RuCl(Cy)(NH2Ph)2]Cl (1), [RuCl2(Cy)(NH2Bz)] (2), and [RuCl2(Cy)(NHBz2)] (3) were synthesized under identical conditions from [RuCl2(Cy)]2, where Cy=η6‐p‐cymene, Ph=phenyl, and Bz=benzyl. X‐ray crystallography revealed an additional NH2Ph ligand in 1, distinguishing it from the neutral mono‐amine complexes 2 and 3. The number of amines in these complexes did not correlate clearly with the σ‐donor character or steric hindrance of the amines. Different reactivities were observed for the ROMP of norbornene (NBE), as measured by batch reactions and kinetic studies using Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Semiquantitative conversions reached up to 90 % with complex 1 and around 40 % with complexes 2 and 3. DFT calculations supported the hypothesis that the reaction for complex 1 involves the release of an amine through a dissociative mechanism, whereas complexes 2 and 3 react through an associative mechanism involving amine loss. The presence of an amine in the propagation species of complex 1 suggests the participation of the amine as an ancillary ligand. All carbene species are of the η2‐p‐cymene type, and the catalytic cycle follows a 14–16‐14 electron counting mechanism.
Eco‐friendly biodegradable film based on kombucha mushroom/corn starch/parsley extract: Physicochemical and antioxidant/antibacterial properties
Authors: Shiri Zahra , Pirsa Sajad , Farzi Jafar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to produce biodegradable film based on kombucha mushroom (KM), so kombucha mushroom was grown and used to prepare biodegradable film. Glycerol (Gl), corn starch (St), and parsley extract (PE) were used to improve the characteristics of the kombucha mushroom‐based film. The physicochemical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the films were investigated using different techniques. The obtained results showed that starch significantly increased the tensile strength of the film (3 Mpa) and glycerol improved the flexibility of the film (70%). Starch increased the film's resistance to dissolution in water, and parsley extract and starch improved water vapor permeability. The pure film of kombucha mushroom had good antioxidant (40% ± 2%) and antibacterial properties, and parsley extract significantly increased these properties of the film, so that the prepared film can be considered as an active film. Starch had no significant effect on antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The pure kombucha mushroom film had cracks on the surface, and the addition of starch removed these cracks and made the structure of the film more homogeneous. Electrostatic interactions between kombucha mushroom, glycerol, starch, and parsley extract were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. The pure film of kombucha mushroom was a completely amorphous film, which glycerol, parsley extract, and starch improved the crystallinity of the film. Glycerol and parsley extract decreased the thermal resistance of the film, but starch increased this property significantly (about 40°C), so that the kombucha mushroom/glycerol/starch/parsley extract composite film had the highest thermal resistance. In addition to having acceptable mechanical, thermal, and structural properties, the film based on kombucha mushroom can be used as an active film in the packaging of food products sensitive to microbial and oxidative spoilage due to having suitable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Palliative care outcome measures used in head and neck cancer: A scoping review
Authors: Sriram Shreya , Xie Deborah , Gersten Rebecca A. , Gourin Christine G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe palliative care (PC) needs of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are complex, due to high and unique symptom burdens. Uniform outcome measures are critical to assessing the impact of PC interventions in HNC.MethodsA scoping review of outcome measures used in patients with HNC receiving PC was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 1980 to 2022.ResultsOf 20 eligible studies, 19 unique instruments were identified which assessed 22 physical, 5 mental, 4 social, 7 related quality of life, and 9 advanced care planning outcomes. Instruments were underutilized, with a larger number of outcomes measurable for instruments used than were reported. The average instrument assessed three domains whereas the average study only reported outcomes from two domains.ConclusionsComparison across studies is limited due to heterogeneity in outcome measures. Future work is needed to develop core PC outcome measures for use in HNC care.
Stomatogenesis in the leaves of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae)
Authors: Karatela Y. Y. , Gill L. S. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryEpidermal morphology and stomatal ontogeny of Murraya koenigii is described. Anomocytic, cyclocytic, polycytic and tetracytic stomata are found to be present only on the abaxial surface of the leaf and they follow euperigenous and hemiperigenous pattern of ontogeny.
Cytotaxonomic study of five West African species of Solanum L. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Okoli Bosa E. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe mitotic chromosomes of five West African species of Solanum are described for the first time. S. melongena, S. indicum, S. torvum and S. aethiopicum are all diploids with 2n = 24. S. nigrum is tetraploid with 4 × = 48 and hexaploid with 6 × = 71 Karyotypic studies show that marked interspecific differences exist in chromosome sizes while within the genome of each species continuous variation in size exists. The occurrence of imperfect homology of some chromosome pairs support the view that hybridisation and structural chromosomal changes have played some part in the evolution of S. melongena. The interspecific variation in sizes of chromosomes as well as the presence of conspicuous satellites in the genomes of S. melongena could be exploited for taxonomic purposes.
PGA: A new particle swarm optimization algorithm based on genetic operators for the global optimization of clusters
Authors: Wang Kai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe have developed a global optimization program named PGA based on particle swarm optimization algorithm coupled with genetic operators for the structures of atomic clusters. The effectiveness and efficiency of the PGA program can be demonstrated by efficiently obtaining the tetrahedral Au20 and double‐ring tubular B20, and identifying the ground state clusters through the comparison between the simulated and the experimental photoelectron spectra (PESs). Then, the PGA was applied to search for the global minimum structures of (n = 3–30) clusters, new structures have been found for sizes n = 6, 7, 12, 14, and medium‐sized 21–30 were first determined. The high consistency between the simulated spectra and the experimental ones once again demonstrates the efficiency of the PGA program. Based on the ground‐state structures of these (n = 3–30) clusters, their structural evolution and electronic properties were subsequently explored. The performance on Au20, B20, , and (n = 3–30) clusters indicates the promising potential of the PGA program for exploring the global minima of other clusters. The code is available for free upon request.
UV‐spectrophotometric and spectroscopic observed Vachellia nilotica and Nigella sativa formulations regularized the histopathological and biochemical parameters during wound contraction
Authors: Shahzad Hafsa , Ali Shaukat , Farooq Muhammad Adeel , Summer Muhammad , Hassan Ali , Sulayman Rida , Kanwal Lubna , Awan Uzma Azeem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus causes impaired diabetic wounds which is linked to a number of pathological alterations that impede the healing of wounds. In the current research, Swiss albino mice were given alloxan monohydrate to induce diabetes and excision wounds of approximately 6 mm using biopsy punch. The diabetic wounds were treated with various biomaterials including Vachellia nilotica extract (VN), Nigella sativa extract (NS), V. nilotica nanoparticles (VNNPs) and N. sativa nanoparticles (NSNPs). Their effects were determined by evaluating the percent wound contraction, healing time, and histopathological analysis. The serum level of various biochemical parameters that is, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were also determined. VNNPs group provided the best outcomes, with wound contraction 100% on 12th day. According to histopathological examination, VNNPs group reduced inflammation and encouraged the formation of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. VNNPs group significantly alleviated the serum level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that are, TNF‐α (19.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL), IL‐6 (13.8 ± 0.6 pg/mL), and IL‐8 (24.8 ± 1.2 pg/mL) as compared with the diabetic mice. The serum level of MMP2 (248.2 ± 7.9 pg/mL), MMP7 (316 ± 5.2 pg/mL), and MMP9 (167.8 ± 12.1 pg/mL) in the same group VNNPs were also observed much less than the diabetic mice. The serum level of TIMPs (176.8 ± 2.9 pg/mL) in the VNNPs group was increased maximally with respect to diabetic mice. It is concluded that nanoparticles and biomaterials possess healing properties and have the ability to repair the chronic/diabetic wound.Research Highlights
UV‐spectrophotometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy observation for functional group analysis and possible linkage between conjugates
Optimization of the histopathological and biochemical markers after application of the formulations
Microscopic analysis of epithelial tissues for evaluation of healing mechanisms
Speedy contraction of wounds as the alleviation of the inflammatory and necrotic factors
DIY adapting SEM for low‐voltage TEM imaging
Authors: Piero Antonio Zecca , Marina Protasoni , Marcella Reguzzoni , Mario Raspanti 
Published: August 2024

AbstractElectron microscopy is essential for examining materials and biological samples at microscopic levels, providing detailed insights. Achieving high‐quality imaging is often challenged by the potential damage high‐energy beams can cause to sensitive samples. This study compares scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate image quality, noise levels, and the ability to preserve delicate specimens. We used a modified SEM system with a transmitted electrons conversion accessory, allowing it to operate like a TEM but at lower voltages, thereby reducing sample damage. Our analysis included quantitative assessments of noise levels and texture characteristics such as entropy, contrast, dissimilarity, homogeneity, energy, and correlation. This comprehensive evaluation directly compared traditional TEM and the adapted SEM system across various images. The results showed that TEM provided images with higher clarity and significantly lower noise levels, reinforcing its status as the preferred method for detailed studies. However, the modified SEM system also produced high‐quality images at very low acceleration voltages, which is crucial for imaging samples sensitive to high‐energy exposure. The texture metrics analysis highlighted the strengths and limitations of each method, with TEM images exhibiting lower entropy and higher homogeneity, indicating smoother and more uniform textures. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate electron microscopy method based on research needs, such as sample sensitivity and required detail level. With its conversion accessory, the modified SEM system is a versatile and valuable tool, offering a practical alternative to TEM for various applications. This research enhances our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of SEM and TEM. It paves the way for further innovations in electron microscopy techniques, improving their applicability for studying sensitive materials.Research Highlights
Our study introduces a modified SEM adapter enabling TEM‐like imaging at reduced voltages, effectively minimizing sample damage without compromising image resolution.
Through comparative analysis, we found that images from the modified SEM closely match the quality of traditional TEM, showcasing significantly lower noise levels.
This advancement underscores the SEM's enhanced capability for detailed structural analysis of sensitive materials, broadening its utility across materials science and biology.
Mutuality in engaged North–South transnational higher education partnerships: The case of Kenya
Authors: Mule Lucy , Kamaara Eunice 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe quality of transnational higher education partnerships (THEPs) has increasingly come under scrutiny with the growing role of higher education in development. Mutuality has emerged as a key focus of this examination. We seek to understand how mutuality is expressed within North–South THEPs that have a major focus on community engagement. We refer to THEPs with this focus as engaged transnational higher education partnerships (ETHEPs). This study is based on a secondary analysis of extant literature on one ETHEP based in Kenya. A thematic content analysis revealed that celebrated outcomes of mutuality included capacity building, institutionalization, collaborative relationships and solidarity around community engagement. Challenges to mutuality were related to structural and cultural differences, self‐sustainability and equity. A discussion of findings is followed by possible questions to guide inquiry toward strengthening mutuality in North–South ETHEPs.
Preparation and characterization of bovine serum albumin/chitosan composite nanoparticles for delivery of Antarctic krill peptide
Authors: Gao Yingying , Luo Dandan , Li Xiaohui , Xue Bin , Xie Jing , Sun Tao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAntarctic krill peptide (AKP) has gained considerable interest because of its multiple biological functions. However, its application may be limited by its poor stability and susceptibility to degradation. Encapsulation of AKP using a nanoparticle delivery system is an effective way to overcome these problems. In the present study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chitosan (CS) were used as delivery vehicles to encapsulate AKP.RESULTSThe results revealed that the particle size (83.3 ± 4.4–222.4 ± 32.7 nm) and zeta‐potential (35.1 ± 0.7–45.0 ± 2.7 mV) of nanoparticles (NPs) increased with the increasing content of BSA, but the polydispersity index decreased (1.000 ± 0.002 to 0.306 ± 0.011). Hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were the main forces to form BSA/CS‐AKP NPs. X‐ray diffraction revealed that AKP was encapsulated by BSA/CS. Scanning electron microscopy images exhibited that the NPs were spherical in shape, uniform in size and tightly bound. BSA/CS‐AKP NPs exhibited excellent stability in the pH range (2–5) and after 15 days of storage, and could hinder the release of AKP in simulated gastric environment and promote the release of AKP in simulated intestinal environment. After simulated digestion, the hypoglycemic activity of encapsulated AKP was better than that of unencapsulated AKP.CONCLUSIONOur results revealed that the BSA/CS showed great potential for protecting and delivering AKP. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ten‐Year Outcome After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy in cT3M0 Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A STROBE Analysis
Authors: Laccourreye Ollivier , Garcia Dominique , Holsinger F. Christopher , Weinstein Gregory Steven 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to document 10‐year outcomes after supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) in selected cT3M0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients.MethodsThis real‐life retrospective observational study analyzed an inception cohort of 168 patients with isolated, untreated, selected cT3M0 laryngeal SCC, that were consecutively managed by SCPL during the period 1973–2013, and followed up until death or for a minimum of 10 years in 92% of cases at a single French academic and tertiary referral care center. Prior induction chemotherapy, arytenoid cartilage removal, level II–IV neck dissection, and postoperative radiation therapy were performed on 148, 77, 136, and 27 patients, respectively. The main objective was to determine 10‐year actuarial local control and laryngeal preservation estimates. Secondary objectives included 10‐year actuarial survival and cause‐of‐death analysis, and assessment of correlations between endpoints and clinical variables. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.005.ResultsTen‐year actuarial local control, laryngeal preservation, and survival estimates were 90%, 85%, and 52%, respectively. Salvage treatment resulted in an overall 99% local control rate. Metachronous second primary cancer, intercurrent disease without evidence of SCC, SCPL‐related death, and uncontrolled local recurrence accounted for 31%, 26%, 7%, and 2% of causes of death. On univariate analysis, overall local recurrence and laryngeal preservation rates varied significantly, from 5% to 54% and 90% to 46% when resection margins were R0 and R1, respectively.ConclusionThe present study highlighted successful 10‐year outcomes after SCPL, providing further evidence in favor of its integration into the conservative armamentarium for endolaryngeal cT3 SCC.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:4557–4563, 2024