bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen niche partitioning between tropical legumes and grasses conditionally weakens under elevated CO2
Authors: Churchill Amber C. , Zhang Haiyang , Kim Gil Won , Catunda Karen L. M. , Anderson Ian C. , Isbell Forest , Moore Ben , Pendall Elise , Plett Jonathan M. , Powell Jeff R. , Power Sally A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plant community biodiversity can be maintained, at least partially, by shifts in species interactions between facilitation and competition for resources as environmental conditions change. These interactions also drive ecosystem functioning, including productivity, and can promote over‐yielding‐ an ecosystem service prioritized in agro‐ecosystems, such as pastures, that occurs when multiple species together are more productive than the component species alone. Importantly, species interactions that can result in over‐yielding may shift in response to rising CO2 concentrations and changes in resource availability, and the consequences these shifts have on production is uncertain especially in the context of tropical mixed‐species grasslands.

We examined the relative performance of two species pairs of tropical pasture grasses and legumes growing in monoculture and mixtures in a glasshouse experiment manipulating CO2. We investigated how over‐yielding can arise from nitrogen (N) niche partitioning and biotic facilitation using stable isotopes to differentiate soil N from biological N fixation (BNF) within N acquisition into above‐ground biomass for these two‐species mixtures.

We found that N niche partitioning in species‐level use of soil N versus BNF drove species interactions in mixtures. Importantly partitioning and overyielding were generally reduced under elevated CO2. However, this finding was mixture‐dependent based on biomass of dominant species in mixtures and the strength of selection effects for the dominant species.

This study demonstrates that rising atmospheric CO2 may alter niche partitioning between co‐occurring species, with negative implications for the over‐yielding benefits predicted for legume‐grass mixtures in working landscapes with tropical species. Furthermore, these changes in inter‐species interactions may have consequences for grassland composition that are not yet considered in larger‐scale projections for impacts of climate change and species distributions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Understanding the influencing factors of energy consumption in China: A dual perspective of geographical space and economic “new normal”
Authors: Nie Jun , Jiang Tangyang , Yu Yang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChina's economy has transtioned into the “new normal”, which demands higher standards for energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of China's energy consumption and economic development exhibits a significant imbalance, complicating efforts to achieve Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency. Addressing this issue, this study explores the heterogeneity of the factors influencing energy consumption in China from the dual perspectives of economic “new normal” and geographic space, using an exponential decomposition model. The results of the study show that: (1) the inhibitory effect of the energy intensity effect on the growth of regional energy consumption is differentiated, with stronger inhibitory effects in Guangdong, Jiangsu and other provinces, and weaker inhibitory effects in Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces. Living standard effect on the regional energy consumption growth of the promotion of the effect also has differences, Jiangsu, Shandong and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is stronger, while Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is weaker. (2) Population size effect on regional energy consumption growth is not consistent in the direction of the role of Guangdong, Zhejiang, and other provinces have a promotional effect and the role of the effect of the stronger, on the contrary, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Gansu has an inhibitory effect. (3) In the late stage of the economic “new normal”, the effects of energy intensity effect, living standard effect and population size effect on the growth of energy consumption in the four regions show a weakening trend, and this weakening trend is more obvious in the northeast region. This study expands theoretical research on factors affecting energy consumption and offers practical guidance for China's government to coordinate regional energy allocation under the economic “new normal” and geographical considerations.
Association between renal α‐klotho and renal pathology among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Guo Yan , Wan Feng , Shi Yan‐peng , Zhang Hong‐mei , Yang Ru‐chun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study was designed to investigate whether renal α‐klotho levels are associated with renal pathology. This is the first report on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study. A total of 65 CKD patients were enrolled. Serum and renal biopsy samples were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was examined by biochemical test. And α‐klotho expressions were assessed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. In addition, detailed microscopic findings were reviewed.ResultsRenal α‐klotho levels are associated positively with eGFR, and negatively with renal pathology, including interstitial fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tubular atrophy.ConclusionsThe renal α‐klotho is related to renal pathology.
Efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic formulations extracted from Padina boryana algae against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae: A comparative study
Authors: Alyahya Hanan S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAedes aegypti is a mosquito species known for transmitting several diseases, with dengue fever being of utmost importance. Controlling the spread of dengue fever remains a significant global health challenge. Other diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti include Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Padina boryana algae were collected from the Red Sea coast south of Jeddah to evaluate the effectiveness of its alcoholic and aqueous extracts against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. The algae sample was washed, dried in the shade, processed, and subjected to aqueous and alcohol extraction using a rotary evaporator. The resulting extracts were tested for their larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae using standard bioassay techniques. The larval mortality rates were recorded, and the lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values were calculated.The results revealed that both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. boryana algae exhibited significant larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. However, the alcoholic formulation demonstrated higher efficacy compared to the aqueous formulation. The LC50 values for the alcoholic and aqueous extracts were 194.8 and 195.7 ppm, respectively. The LC90 values for both extracts were 653.1 and 656.7 ppm, respectively. This indicates the effectiveness of Padina extracts as an effective pesticide against the larvae of the Ae. aegypti mosquito. Overall, the alcohol extract showed promising efficacy, indicating its potential as a significant component in developing effective mosquito control strategies.
Genomic signatures associated with recurrent scale loss in cyprinid fish
Authors: DING Yongli , ZOU Ming , GUO Baocheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractScale morphology represents a fundamental feature of fish and a key evolutionary trait underlying fish diversification. Despite frequent and recurrent scale loss throughout fish diversification, comprehensive genome‐wide analyses of the genomic signatures associated with scale loss in divergent fish lineages remain scarce. In the current study, we investigated genome‐wide signatures, specifically convergent protein‐coding gene loss, amino acid substitutions, andcis‐regulatory sequence changes, associated with recurrent scale loss in two divergent Cypriniformes lineages based on large‐scale genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data. Results demonstrated convergent changes in many genes related to scale formation in divergent scaleless fish lineages, including loss of P/Q‐richscppgenes (e.g.scpp6andscpp7), accelerated evolution of non‐coding elements adjacent to thefgfandfgfrgenes, and convergent amino acid changes in genes (e.g.snap29) under relaxed selection. Collectively, these findings highlight the existence of a shared genetic architecture underlying recurrent scale loss in divergent fish lineages, suggesting that evolutionary outcomes may be genetically repeatable and predictable in the convergence of scale loss in fish.
A novel method for predicting ecological interactions with an unsupervised machine learning algorithm
Authors: Adhurya Sagar , Park Young‐Seuk 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This gap in knowledge regarding ecological interactions has prompted the development of various predictive approaches. Traditionally, ecological interactions have been inferred using traits. However, the lack of trait information for numerous organisms necessitates using phylogenetic data and statistical insights from interaction matrices for prediction. Previous studies have overlooked the validation of model‐predicted interactions.

This study used a novel method in predicting ecological interactions using a self‐organizing map (SOM), an unsupervised machine learning algorithm. The SOM learns from the input interaction matrix by grouping the nodes into output layers based on their interactions. Subsequently, the trained model predicts the interactions as scores. To distinguish between interactions and non‐interactions, we employed F1 score maximization, setting scores above a specific threshold as interactions and the remainder as non‐interactions. We applied this method to three unipartite metawebs and one bipartite metaweb and subsequently validated the predicted interactions using two innovative approaches: taxonomic and interaction recovery validation.

Our method exhibited outstanding predictive performance, particularly for large networks. Various binary classification performance indicators, including F1 score (0.84–0.97) and accuracy (0.97–0.99), indicated high performance. Moreover, the method generated minimal predicted interactions, signifying low noise in the predictions, particularly for large networks. Taxonomic validation excels in metawebs with a connectance >0.1 but performs poorly in metawebs with very low connectance. In contrast, interaction recovery was most effective in larger metawebs.

Our proposed method excels at making highly accurate predictions of ecological interactions with minimal noise, solely utilizing input interaction data without relying on traits or phylogenetic information regarding interacting nodes. These predictions are particularly precise for large networks, underscoring their potential to address knowledge gaps in emerging extensive metawebs. Notably, taxonomic validation and interaction recovery methods are sensitive to connectance and network size, respectively, suggesting prospects for developing robust interaction validation methods.
Fluid distribution during surgery in the flat recumbent, Trendelenburg, and the reverse Trendelenburg body positions
Authors: Hahn Robert G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe distribution and elimination of infused crystalloid fluid is known to be affected by general anesthesia, but it is unclear whether changes differ depending on whether the patient is operated in the flat recumbent position, the Trendelenburg (“legs up”) position, or the reverse Trendelenburg (“head up”) position.MethodsRetrospective data on hemodilution and urine output obtained during and after infusion of 1–2 L of Ringer's solution over 30–60 min were collected from 61 patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia and 106 volunteers matched with respect to the infusion volume and infusion time. Parameters describing fluid distribution in the anesthetized and awake subjects were compared by population volume kinetic analysis.ResultsGeneral anesthesia decreased the rate constant for urine output by 79% (flat recumbent), 91% (legs up) and 91% (head up), suggesting that laparoscopic surgery per se intensified the already strong anesthesia‐induced fluid retention. General anesthesia also decreased the rate constant governing the return of the distributed fluid to the plasma by 32%, 15%, and 70%, respectively. These results agree with laboratory data showing a depressive effect of anesthetic drugs on lymphatic pumping, and further suggest that the “legs up” position facilitates lymphatic flow, whereas the “head up” position slows this flow. Both Trendelenburg positions increased swelling of the “third fluid space”.ConclusionsGeneral anesthesia caused retention of infused fluid with preferential distribution to the extravascular space. Both Trendelenburg positions had a modifying influence on the kinetic adaptations that agreed with the gravitational forces inflicted by tilting to body.
Impact of clinical lymph node status on survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing liver resection plus lymphadenectomy
Authors: Wang Hongling , Zhu Xingwu , Qiu Maixuan , Xuan Jianbing , Shi Xiaodong , Huang Liang , Wang Kui , Li Jing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundsLiver resection plus lymphadenectomy is essential to ensure precise staging in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to investigate the influence of the clinical status of lymph nodes on the survival outcomes in ICC patients.MethodsBetween January 2015 and December 2020, consecutive patients diagnosed with ICC who underwent liver resection plus lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Clinical assessment of lymph node status included positron emission tomography/computed tomography examination by radiologists pre‐operatively, alongside intraoperative abdominal examination by the surgical team. Retrospective collection and analysis of clinical information alongside survival data were performed to assess outcomes.ResultsThe study included a total of 359 patients, with 291 (81.0%) and 151 (42.1%) displaying clinically and pathologically positive lymph nodes, respectively. The clinical assessment method had a sensitivity of 81.2% and a specificity of 54.3%. Following a median follow‐up period of 32 months, the overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 69.1%, 50.6%, and 41.2%, respectively, while the disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 60.7%, 42.8%, and 40.1%, respectively, across the cohort. Patients who had clinically positive but pathologically negative lymph nodes recorded the highest median OS (52 months) and median DFS (32 months). Conversely, those who were clinically negative but pathologically positive experienced the lowest median OS (16 months) and median DFS (8 months).ConclusionThe current approach to clinically assessing lymph node status in ICC has a significant rate of false positives. Patients with clinically positive but pathologically negative lymph nodes exhibit the most favourable survival outcomes.
Black paintings in the late Yocavil ceramics (11th–17th centuries): Applying micro X‐ray diffraction to the study of archaeological potteries in Northwest Argentina
Authors: Fuertes María Cecilia , Palamarczuk Valeria , Huck‐Iriart Cristián , Lamas Diego G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe black pigments used in Late Period (11th–17th centuries) painted pottery in the Yocavil Valley were characterized. Changes and continuities in the composition of this material over an extended span were evaluated. A regional sample of 47 potsherds from the Loma Rica, San José, and Santa María styles was collected, and for the first time micro wide‐angle X‐ray scattering was used in these ceramic styles. The results indicate the simultaneous presence of iron oxides (hematite) and solid solutions of manganese and iron oxides (jacobsite–magnetite). Besides, the paints were prepared by mixing the pigments with clay‐based binding materials.
Moderate anthropogenic impacts alter temporal niche without affecting spatial distribution of ocelots in the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Zwicker Samantha , Gardner Beth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Amazon rainforest faces escalating human disturbances such as logging, mining, agriculture, and urbanization, leading to the conversion of primary forest into matrix habitat. This transformation's impact on mesocarnivores, specifically ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), is still largely unknown. In 2021, we deployed camera traps across a 174 km2 study area in Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru, containing mixed land use and protected forests. Utilizing kernel density functions, we compared temporal activity patterns and employed spatially explicit capture‐recapture (SECR) models to assess density, encounter probability, and movement by habitat and trail type, as well as sex. Of the 293 captures, we identified 39 ocelots (21 females, 18 males), estimating an average density of 31.46 (SE 5.15) individuals per 100 km2 with no significant difference between protected and mixed‐use areas. Baseline detection and movement varied by sex, with male and female home ranges estimated at 17.14 and 4.10 km2, respectively. Ocelot temporal activity patterns differed between the protected area and the mixed‐use area, with increased nocturnality in areas of higher human impact. Our SECR results highlight that matrix habitats can support ocelot populations, emphasizing the need for further research on ocelot demographics in human‐modified Amazon rainforest areas facing varying degrees of anthropogenic disturbance.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
HAS2 facilitates glioma cell malignancy and suppresses ferroptosis in an FZD7‐dependent manner
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Yu Kuo , Chen Kaile , Liu Jinlai , Dai Kexiang , Zhao Peng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGlioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and it is crucial to uncover the factors that influence prognosis. In this study, we utilized Mfuzz to identify a gene set that showed a negative correlation with overall survival in patients with glioma. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were then undertaken to gain insights into the functional characteristics and pathways associated with these genes. The expression distribution of Hyaluronan Synthase 2 (HAS2) was explored across multiple datasets, revealing its expression patterns. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out through gene knockdown and overexpression to validate the functionality of HAS2. Potential upstream transcription factors of HAS2 were predicted using transcriptional regulatory databases, and these predictions were experimentally validated using ChIP‐PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays. The results showed that elevated expression of HAS2 in glioma indicates poor prognosis. HAS2 was found to play a role in activating an antiferroptosis pathway in glioma cells. Inhibiting HAS2 significantly increased cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis‐inducing agents. Finally, we determined that the oncogenic effect of HAS2 is mediated by the key receptor of the WNT pathway, FZD7.
Patient reported long‐term side effects from treatment on urinary and sexual function in anal cancer survivors – 3‐ and 6‐year results from the Swedish national ANCA study
Authors: Axelsson Anna , Johansson Mia , Haglind Eva , Li Ying , Nilsson Per J. , Angenete Eva 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimThe standard treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy. Most patients survive anal cancer but remain living with long‐term side effects related to the treatment received. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of long‐term impairment of urinary and sexual function at 3 and 6 years after diagnosis and to investigate the additive effect from chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy on urinary incontinence, compared to radiotherapy alone.MethodThe ANal CAncer study (ANCA) is based on a national Swedish cohort of patients diagnosed with anal cancer between 2011 and 2013. All identified patients within the study were invited to respond to a study‐specific questionnaire at 3 and 6 years. Descriptive analyses for the primary endpoint were performed. To investigate a possible additional effect from chemotherapy logistic regression was used.ResultsA total of 388 patients were included in the study. At 3 years 264 patients were alive and invited to respond to an anal cancer specific questionnaire. The 3‐ and 6 year response rates were 195 (74%) and 155 patients (67%), respectively. The patient reported urinary function impairment at 3 years were urgency (63%), incomplete bladder emptying (47%), and incontinence (46%) and there was an absolute increase of the prevalence of urinary dysfunction in about 10% at 6 years. Three years after diagnosis, 77% reported that intercourse was not part of their sex life; this percentage increased at 6 years to 83%. We found no negative effect of chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone on patient reported urinary incontinence.ConclusionFor anal cancer survivors, urinary function was impaired after 3 years and continued to deteriorate as measured at 6 years after diagnosis. Anal cancer and its treatment negatively affected sexual function for both men and women. This may explain why patients reported that sexual activity and frequency of intercourse was not of importance in their life.
AAV‐mediated gene therapy restores natural fertility and improves physical function in the Lhcgr‐deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure
Authors: Zhang Suyuan , Yang Bin , Shen Xiaoting , Chen Hong , Wang Fulin , Tan Zhipeng , Ou Wangsheng , Yang Cuifeng , Liu Congyuan , Peng Hao , Luo Peng , Peng Limei , Lei Zhenmin , Yan Sunxing , Wang Tao , Ke Qiong , Deng Chunhua , Xiang Andy Peng , Xia Kai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLeydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutations leads to testosterone deficiency, infertility and reduced physical function. Adeno‐associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)‐mediated gene therapy shows potential in treating LCF in the Lhcgr‐deficient (Lhcgr−/−) mouse model. However, the gene‐treated mice still cannot naturally sire offspring, indicating the modestly restored testosterone and spermatogenesis in AAV8‐treated mice remain insufficient to support natural fertility. Recognizing this, we propose that enhancing gene delivery could yield superior results. Here, we screened a panel of AAV serotypes through in vivo transduction of mouse testes and identified AAVDJ as an impressively potent vector for testicular cells. Intratesticular injection of AAVDJ achieved markedly efficient transduction of Leydig cell progenitors, marking a considerable advance over conventional AAV8 vectors. AAVDJ‐Lhcgr gene therapy was well tolerated and resulted in significant recovery of testosterone production, substantial improvement in sexual development, and remarkable restoration of spermatogenesis in Lhcgr−/− mice. Notably, this therapy restored fertility in Lhcgr−/− mice through natural mating, enabling the birth of second‐generation. Additionally, this treatment led to remarkable improvements in adipose, muscle, and bone function in Lhcgr−/− mice. Collectively, our findings underscore AAVDJ‐mediated gene therapy as a promising strategy for LCF and suggest its broader potential in addressing various reproductive disorders.