bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability in plant–pollinator communities across organizational levels: present, gaps, and future
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Montoya Daniel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Abstract. The study of ecological stability continues to fill the pages of scientific journals almost seven decades after the first ecologists initiated this line of research. The many advances in this field have focused on understanding the stability of populations, communities or functions within single guilds or trophic levels, with less research conducted across multiple trophic levels and considering the different interactions that relate species to each other. Here, we review the recent literature on the multiple dimensions of ecological stability specifically within plant–pollinator communities. We then focus on one of stability´s dimensions, temporal invariability, and adapt an existing partitioning framework that bridges invariability and synchrony measures across spatial scales and organizational levels to accommodate interactions between plants and their pollinators. Finally, we use this framework to analyse temporal invariability in plant reproductive success, partitioning it on invariability and synchrony components across plant and pollinator populations and communities, as well as their interactions, using a well-resolved dataset that encompasses data for two years. Our review of the literature points to several significant gaps in our current knowledge, with simulation studies clearly overrepresented in the literature as opposed to experimental or empirical approaches. Our quantitative approach to partitioning invariability shows similar patterns of decreasing temporal invariability across increasing organizational levels driven by asynchronous dynamics amongst populations and communities, which overall stabilize ecosystem functioning (plant reproductive success). This study represents a first step towards a better comprehension of temporal invariability in ecosystem functions defined by interactions between species and provides a blueprint for the type of spatially replicated multi-year data that needs to be collected in the future to further our understanding of ecological stability within multi-trophic communities.
Urolithin A suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species and prevents monosodium urate crystal-induced peritonitis
Authors: Komatsu Wataru , Kishi Hisashi , Uchiyama Koji , Ohhira Shuji , Kobashi Gen 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome triggers the maturation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and is implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Urolithin A, a gut microbial metabolite of ellagic acid, reportedly exerts antiinflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. However, whether urolithin A suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation is unclear. In this study, urolithin A inhibited the cleavage of NLRP3 inflammasome agonist-induced caspase-1, maturation of IL-1β, and activation of pyroptosis in lipopolysaccharide-primed mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Urolithin A reduced generation of intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restricted the interaction between thioredoxin-interacting protein and NLRP3, which attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Urolithin A administration prevented monosodium urate-induced peritonitis in mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that urolithin A suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation, at least partially, by repressing the generation of intracellular and mitochondrial ROS.
Ex ovo omnia—why don’t we know more about egg quality via imaging?
Authors: Boylan Caitlin F , Sambo Keshia M , Neal-Perry Genevieve , Brayboy Lynae M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Determining egg quality is the foremost challenge in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although extensive advances have been made in multiple areas of ART over the last 40 years, oocyte quality assessment tools have not much evolved beyond standard morphological observation. The oocyte not only delivers half of the nuclear genetic material and all of the mitochondrial DNA to an embryo but also provides complete developmental support during embryonic growth. Oocyte mitochondrial numbers far exceed those of any somatic cell, yet little work has been done to evaluate the mitochondrial bioenergetics of an oocyte. Current standard oocyte assessment in in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers include the observation of oocytes and their surrounding cell complex (cumulus cells) via stereomicroscope or inverted microscope, which is largely primitive. Additional oocyte assessments include polar body grading and polarized light meiotic spindle imaging. However, the evidence regarding the aforementioned methods of oocyte quality assessment and IVF outcomes is contradictory and non-reproducible. High-resolution microscopy techniques have also been implemented in animal and human models with promising outcomes. The current era of oocyte imaging continues to evolve with discoveries in artificial intelligence models of oocyte morphology selection albeit at a slow rate. In this review, the past, current, and future oocyte imaging techniques will be examined with the goal of drawing attention to the gap which limits our ability to assess oocytes in real time. The implications of improved oocyte imaging techniques on patients undergoing IVF will be discussed as well as the need to develop point of care oocyte assessment testing in IVF labs.
Mapping the follicle-specific regulation of extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA transport in the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Authors: Gad Ahmed , Menjivar Nico G , Felton Rachel , Durrant Barbara , Tesfaye Dawit , Ruggeri Elena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Efforts to implement effective assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for the conservation of the northern white rhinoceros (NWR; Ceratotherium simum cottoni) to prevent its forthcoming extinction, could be supported by research conducted on the closely related southern white rhinoceros (SWR; Ceratotherium simum simum). Within the follicle, extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a fundamental role in the bidirectional communication facilitating the crucial transport of regulatory molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) that control follicular growth and oocyte development. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of EV-miRNAs in stage-dependent follicular fluid (FF) during SWR ovarian antral follicle development. Three distinct follicular stages were identified based on diameter: Growing (G; 11–17 mm), Dominant (D; 18–29 mm), and Pre-ovulatory (P; 30–34 mm). Isolated EVs from the aspirated FF of segmented follicle stages were used to identify EV-miRNAs previously known via subsequent annotation to all equine (Equus caballus; eca), bovine (Bos taurus; bta), and human (Homo sapiens; hsa) miRNAs. A total of 417 miRNAs were detected, with 231 being mutually expressed across all three stages, including eca-miR-148a and bta-miR-451 as the top highly expressed miRNAs. Distinct expression dynamics in miRNA abundance were observed across the three follicular stages, including 31 differentially expressed miRNAs that target various pathways related to follicular growth and development, with 13 miRNAs commonly appearing amidst two different comparisons. In conclusion, this pioneering study provides a comprehensive understanding of the stage-specific expression dynamics of FF EV-miRNAs in the SWR. These findings provide insights that may lead to novel approaches in enhancing ARTs to catalyze rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Association between gait video information and general cardiovascular diseases: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeng Juntong , Lin Shen , Li Zhigang , Sun Runchen , Yu Xuexin , Lian Xiaocong , Zhao Yan , Ji Xiangyang , Zheng Zhe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) may not be detected in time with conventional clinical approaches. Abnormal gait patterns have been associated with pathological conditions and can be monitored continuously by gait video. We aim to test the association between non-contact, video-based gait information and general CVD status.

Methods and results
Individuals undergoing confirmatory CVD evaluation were included in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Gait videos were recorded with a Kinect camera. Gait features were extracted from gait videos to correlate with the composite and individual components of CVD, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular events. The incremental value of incorporating gait information with traditional CVD clinical variables was also evaluated. Three hundred fifty-two participants were included in the final analysis [mean (standard deviation) age, 59.4 (9.8) years; 25.3% were female]. Compared with the baseline clinical variable model [area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) 0.717, (0.690–0.743)], the gait feature model demonstrated statistically better performance [AUC 0.753, (0.726–0.780)] in predicting the composite CVD, with further incremental value when incorporated with the clinical variables [AUC 0.764, (0.741–0.786)]. Notably, gait features exhibited varied association with different CVD component conditions, especially for peripheral artery disease [AUC 0.752, (0.728–0.775)] and heart failure [0.733, (0.707–0.758)]. Additional analyses also revealed association of gait information with CVD risk factors and the established CVD risk score.

Conclusion
We demonstrated the association and predictive value of non-contact, video-based gait information for general CVD status. Further studies for gait video-based daily living CVD monitoring are promising.
Impact of wall thickness on the tissue cooling effect of cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Masuda Masaharu , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Nishijima Mizuki , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Hata Yosuke , Mano Toshiaki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Understanding of the tissue cooling properties of cryoballoon ablation during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is lacking. The purpose of this study was to delineate the depth of the tissue cooling effect during cryoballoon freezing at the pulmonary venous ostium.

Methods and results
A left atrial-PV model was constructed using a three-dimensional printer with data from a patient to which porcine thigh muscle of various thicknesses could be affixed. The model was placed in a 37°C water tank with a PV water flow at a rate that mimicked biological blood flow. Cryofreezing at the PV ostium was performed five times each for sliced porcine thigh muscle of 2, 4, and 6 mm thickness, and sliced muscle cooling on the side opposite the balloon was monitored. The cooling effect was assessed using the average temperature of 12 evenly distributed thermocouples covering the roof region of the left superior PV. Tissue cooling effects were in the order of the 2, 4, and 6 mm thicknesses, with an average temperature of −41.4 ± 4.2°C for 2 mm, −33.0 ± 4.0°C for 4 mm, and 8.0 ± 8.7°C for 6 mm at 180 s (P for trend &lt;0.0001). In addition, tissue temperature drops were steeper in thin muscle (maximum temperature drop per 5 s: 5.2 ± 0.9°C, 3.9 ± 0.7°C, and 1.3 ± 0.7°C, P for trend &lt;0.0001).

Conclusion
The cooling effect of cryoballoon freezing is weaker in the deeper layers. Cryoballoon ablation should be performed with consideration to myocardial thickness.
Allometric estimation models for aboveground and belowground biomass of pre-fire and post-fire vegetation in Scots pine forests
Authors: Schüle Maren , Heinken Thilo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Wildfires have recently destroyed large areas of forest in Central Europe. After a fire, the post-fire vegetation succession rebuilds previously lost biomass and carbon. Nevertheless, ground vegetation and tree regeneration, as well as belowground biomass, are largely neglected in allometric biomass models. Moreover, most models are calibrated for undisturbed forests, which differ from burned forests in terms of site conditions and species composition. We adapted a model using plant cover and shoot length of herb, graminoid and bryophyte species (PhytoCalc), and a single tree model using shoot length and root collar diameter of juvenile trees to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) of post-fire species and growth groups, and extended them to estimate belowground biomass. We sampled the most dominant species from the herb and moss layer and the tree regeneration of burned and unburned Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests in NE Germany. We successfully calibrated post-fire vegetation models and showed that models for undisturbed forests from the literature mostly underestimate post-fire AGB. Using models from the literature for clear-cuts often improved the estimation of post-fire AGB, but still failed to estimate AGB accurately for some species. Inaccurate estimation of post-fire biomass with these other models can be explained by high irradiance and increased nutrient availability on burned sites, which affect tissue and wood density. We showed that own species- and growth group-specific allometric models calibrated to post-fire vegetation are required to correctly estimate the total (above- and belowground) biomass of post-fire vegetation needed to calculate carbon storage.
Characterization of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on effective disinfection against microbial safety and retention of phenolic compound in SAEW treated fresh romaine lettuce
Authors: Shi John , Xue Sophia Jun , Tang Joshua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated the effects of processing parameters, specifically the flow rate and the combination of diluted HCl and salt (NaCl) at different concentrations, on the properties of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) that was produced.

Materials and Methods
The properties of the SAEW that were analyzed included pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), available chlorine concentration (ACC), and generated hypochlorous acid (HClO) concentration. Meanwhile, the total aerobic bacteria and total phenolic content retention were determined.

Results
NaCl alone resulted in the lowest pH (&lt;4) and the highest ORP values (&gt;1000 mV). Increasing the HCl concentration significantly raised the pH to greater than 5 and lowered the ORP values of SAEW, with the highest pH (5.7) observed with 1.5% HCl and 5% NaCl. The highest HClO concentration of 19.65±1.03 mg/L was obtained with 1.5% HCl:5% NaCl. Interestingly, the concentration of NaCl had no significant effect on the production of HClO. Furthermore, different concentrations of combined NaCl and HCl significantly influenced the inactivation efficiency on total aerobic bacteria count and changes in phenolic compound content. Increasing HCl concentrations from 0.5% to 2.0% led to an increase in the reduction of aerobic bacteria counts from 2.51 to 4.22 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g with 5% NaCl and from 2.49 to 3.52 log CFU/g with 10% NaCl. Flow rates significantly contributed to the change in HClO formation and altered the properties of the produced SAEW. The results indicated that SAEW treatment significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria counts. A lower flow rate (0.3 L/min) produced the highest log reduction. Additionally, SAEW treatment led to a reduction in phenolic content, even though a considerable amount was retained at lower HClO concentrations.

Conclusions
These findings offer valuable information on optimizing SAEW treatment protocols for enhancing microbial safety and extending the shelf life of fresh produce, while considering the impact on the content of phenolic compounds.
My favourite flowering image: the remarkable inside-out flowers of Lacandonia
Authors: Rudall Paula J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Flowers are deceptively simple structures, characterized by a determinate primary axis that bears organs in condensed concentric zones in a strict structural and temporal sequence. Few species have escaped these constraints, but those that have can provide insights into the evolutionary history of flowers if placed in the appropriate phylogenetic and developmental context. For my flowering image, I selected a longitudinal section of a Lacandonia flower, which breaks a fundamental rule of spatial arrangement: the flowers are ‘inside-out’, with the carpels surrounding the stamens—a pattern that is almost unique among angiosperms. When viewed in the context of the family and order to which it belongs, this species has led me into many fascinating areas of comparative and evolutionary plant morphology.
Description of the feeding rhythm of cone snails in French Polynesia
Authors: Teillard Valentin , Gache Camille , Dutertre Sebastien , Bambridge Tamatoa , Salvat Bernard , Planes Serge 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
The Conidae is a family of marine gastropod molluscs that includes carnivorous and venomous species. The venom they produce is remarkably diverse and has recently drawn much interest from a pharmacological perspective. To respond to this growing interest, a better understanding of the ecology and biology of the species is required. Only a few studies have examined the feeding behaviour and the trophic specialization of these species in detail. In this study, we investigated diet through hunger and satiety experiments of eight species of cones that occur in French Polynesia and that present different feeding modes (piscivorous, molluscivorous or vermivorous). Monitoring behaviour of cones during fasting periods demonstrated a correlation between increased hunger and nocturnal cone activity, mainly for piscivorous species, while the molluscivores did not show this correlation. In the study on satiety, we defined an average frequency of feeding for cone species that were fed prey ad libitum. Finally, this study provided indications that will help to define an equilibrium feeding frequency in further studies involving the cultivation of cones.
Is it better to bring digital health tools together? Where Burkina Faso is going with a minimal digital ecosystem (MDE)
Authors: Kiendrébéogo Joël Arthur , Tapsoba Charlemagne , Sory Orokia , Kaboré Issa , Kafando Yamba , Tiendrébéogo Simon , Zombré David , Kaboré Rémi , Konsebo Noellie , Relwendé Nacanabo , Ouattara Jean Serge Dimitri , Foutry Guillaume , Hyde Sara , Green Dylan , Chaitkin Michael , Ouédraogo André Lin , Yaméogo S Pierre 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Digital health technologies are proliferating in low-income countries. However, they are not always optimally integrated and focused on health system priorities. To improve the performance of primary health care and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage, Burkina Faso aims to bring together eight digital health tools in two health districts as a pilot project, an initiative known as the ‘Minimal Digital Ecosystem’. A co-creation approach is used to develop and implement these tools, involving the Ministry of Health, international nongovernmental organizations that promote the tools, donors and researchers. Despite the many challenges in developing and deploying it, the minimal digital ecosystem (MDE) is a promising experiment that deserves special attention to reap its full benefits.
Spain: Boom, Bust, and Breakup
Authors: Hopkin Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses the evolution of anti-system politics in Spain. Spain provides an eloquent illustration of the direct impact of economic distress on anti-system politics. The country suffered one of the deepest financial crises and most severe hits to the wealth and incomes of large numbers of people. This was followed by a surge of political instability, voter volatility, and electoral shifts away from the establishment parties to anti-system forces. The political discourses of the anti-system parties, and the kinds of voters they appealed to, confirm that economic factors were the driving force behind this transformation. However, Spain also reveals the complexity of anti-system politics, with anti-austerity politics contributing to the intensification of the conflict between Catalan nationalism and its opponents, both within Catalonia and across the rest of Spain.
Extra-articular Osteotomy for the Management of Intra-articular Tibial Plateau Valgus Malunion
Authors: Page Brian Joseph , Greenstein Michael D. , Sheridan Gerard A. , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To report a case series of extra-articular osteotomies for the management of intra-articular tibial plateau malunions and to assess the ability to correct deformity and improve knee range of motion (ROM).

METHODS:

Design:
Retrospective case series.

Setting:
Academic, tertiary, referral center.

Patient Selection Criteria:
Adult patients with tibial plateau fracture malunion treated with extra-articular osteotomy of the femur and/or tibia between 2014 and 2023.

Outcome Measures and Comparison:
Mechanical axis deviation (MAD), medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and posterior proximal tibia angle (PPTA) correction; knee ROM; and time to weight bearing.

RESULTS:
There were 7 patients included, 6 (85.7%) were female and 1 (14.3%) were male. The median age was 43.5 years (IQR 38.5–51, range 32–62). Four (57.1%) patients were treated with a high tibial osteotomy (HTO), and 3 (42.9%) patients were treated with an HTO and distal femoral osteotomy. One patient had concomitant supramalleolar osteotomy with HTO to address distal tibia procurvatum and valgus. Four were treated with hexapod frames, and 3 were treated with plates and screws. Median follow-up was 22.5 months (IQR 10.5–107 months, range 7–148 months). Surgical intervention corrected median radiographic measures of valgus malalignment preoperatively relative to postoperative values. This included MAD (42.5 mm–0 mm), valgus angle (12.5 degrees–1.5 degrees), MPTA (95 degrees–88.0°), and LDFA (86.0°–87.3 degrees). Surgical intervention increased maximal knee range of motion preoperatively to postoperatively. Median time to full weight bearing was 81.5 days (IQR 46–57 days, range 41–184 days). Two patients were converted to total knee arthroplasty after 5 and 10 years following HTO with hexapod frame.

CONCLUSIONS:
Extra-articular osteotomy is an effective treatment for addressing intra-articular malunion after tibia plateau fractures. It is effective in correcting the MAD, valgus deformity, MPTA, LDFA, PPTA, and improving knee ROM (measured through knee extension and flexion).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Complete Treatment of Hallux Valgus With Minimally Invasive Surgery: Lapidus Procedure
Authors: Purnell Jennifer , Johnson A. Holly 
Published: May 2024

The use of minimally invasive techniques for managing hallux valgus in foot and ankle surgery is expanding. Hallux valgus management would not be complete without a discussion of the Lapidus procedure. This chapter focuses on indications, contraindications, patient selection, and surgical techniques for the application of the percutaneous Lapidus procedure. In this chapter, the senior author details the pearls and pitfalls of the technique and discusses patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Level V.