bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical agroforestry supports insect pollinators and improves bean yield
Authors: Kingazi Nanyika , Temu Ruwa‐Aichi , Sirima Agnes , Jonsson Mattias 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pollination services contribute to crop productivity worldwide, but insect pollinators are declining in most agricultural landscapes, mainly due to agricultural expansion and an increase in intensive agricultural practices. To reduce the negative effects of agricultural expansion and intensification, farmers can adopt ecological interventions, such as diversifying agricultural systems through agroforestry. However, there have been variable results on the effectiveness of agroforestry in enhancing pollinators and pollination services. Furthermore, most of the information has been generated in temperate regions, while the impact of agroforestry in tropical East Africa is largely unknown.

Using common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as the focal crop, this study tested whether a tropical agroforestry system called Chagga home gardens supports pollinator communities and improves pollination and crop yield. We examined 16 agroforestry plots paired with 16 non‐agroforestry plots located along a gradient of woody (trees and shrubs) cover within a 1‐km radius to document the abundance, species richness and visitation rates of pollinating insects on bean flowers and how they contributed to bean yield.

The beans planted in the agroforestry plots had almost twice the abundance of insect pollinators, three times the richness of the species and almost twice the visitation rates than those planted in non‐agroforestry plots. We also found a significant positive effect of woody cover in the surrounding landscape on insect pollinator abundances, but not on species richness and visitation rates. Additionally, the abundance and richness of insect pollinators increased significantly with flower abundance, while the overall plant richness in a plot significantly increased insect pollinator abundance and their visitation rate. The difference in bean yield between unbagged flowers (in which insect pollinators were allowed to access bean flowers) and bagged flowers and the total yield were higher in agroforestry than in non‐agroforestry plots.

Synthesis and applications. This study showed that, compared to monoculture, agroforestry generally promotes pollination services in a tropical context. Furthermore, we found that agroforestry is likely to be particularly helpful for pollinators when it increases flower abundance and plant richness and if it is coordinated so that woody cover also increases at the landscape scale.
Rationalising Mid‐Century Choice of Law: Legal Technique and its Limits in the ‘Dark Science’ of Conflicts
Authors: Bomhoff Jacco 
Published: March 2024

Under the common banner of a search for a ‘more rational’ approach to choice of law, US conflict‐of‐laws scholars of the late 1950s and the 1960s produced an impressive array of new technical instruments for their discipline. This article situates their work in the broader contexts of innovations in the social‐ and behavioural sciences and in legal‐ and political theory of this period. On this contextual reading, the methodological clashes of the so‐called ‘choice‐of‐law revolution’ change in shape and become part of a much larger story – one with relevance also outside the discipline and beyond the United States. That story is about different degrees of faith in the capacities of technical instruments and practices, like legal doctrine, to manage and resolve conflict, by making disparate factors commensurable, and by affording outcomes that optimise all competing interests in play. By revisiting these mid‐century battles over conflicts methods in light of contemporaneous understandings of ‘rationality’ and ‘legitimacy’ in other fields, the article contributes to our understanding of the genealogy of post‐war choice of law, as well as of the history of these ideals – and their technical means – in modern legal thought.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jeyaraman Deepthika , Walters Ben , Bramham Kate , Fish Richard , Lambie Mark , Wu Pensée 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the risk at different stages of CKD (defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) compared with women without CKD has not been quantified in large cohorts.ObjectivesTo quantify the association between CKD and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to CKD definition, CKD stage and presence or absence of diabetes.Search strategyA systematic search of EMBASE and MEDLINE from inception to 5 January 2023.Selection criteriaEnglish‐language randomised controlled trials as well as cohort and case–control studies investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with CKD.Data collection and analysisTwo reviewers conducted independent data extractions. A random‐effects model was used to estimate risk.Main resultsWe included 19 studies with 3 251 902 women. Defining CKD using eGFR or serum creatinine produced results with greater effect size but wider confidence intervals. Compared with CKD stages 1–2, women with CKD stages 3–5 have a greater risk, but also greater imprecision in the risk estimate, of the following outcomes: pre‐eclampsia (OR 55.18, 95% CI 2.63–1157.68, vs OR 24.74, 95% CI 1.75–348.70), preterm birth (OR 20.24, 95% CI 2.85–143.75, vs OR 8.18, 95% CI 1.54–43.46) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 19.32, 95% CI 3.07–121.68, vs OR 9.77, 95% CI 2.49–38.39). Women with diabetic kidney disease, compared with women without diabetic kidney disease, have higher risks of maternal mortality, small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates, pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension.ConclusionsThere is heterogeneity in the definition of CKD in pregnancy. Future studies should consider ways to standardise its definition and measurement in pregnancy.
Comparative genomics provides insights into molecular adaptation to hypermetamorphosis and cantharidin metabolism in blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: RICCIERI Alessandra , SPAGONI Lucrezia , LI Ming , FRANCHINI Paolo , ROSSI Marianna N. , FRATINI Emiliano , CERVELLI Manuela , BOLOGNA Marco A. , MANCINI Emiliano 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBlister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) are currently subdivided into three subfamilies: Eleticinae (a basal group), Nemognathinae, and Meloinae. These are all characterized by the endogenous production of the defensive terpene cantharidin (CA), whereas the two most derived subfamilies show a hypermetamorphic larval development. Here, we provide novel draft genome assemblies of five species sampled across the three blister beetle subfamilies (Iselma pallidipennis, Stenodera caucasica, Zonitis immaculata, Lydus trimaculatus, and Mylabris variabilis) and performed a comparative analysis with other available Meloidae genomes and the closely‐related canthariphilous species (Pyrochroa serraticornis) to disclose adaptations at a molecular level. Our results highlighted the expansion and selection of genes potentially responsible for CA production and metabolism, as well as its mobilization and vesicular compartmentalization. Furthermore, we observed adaptive selection patterns and gain of genes devoted to epigenetic regulation, development, and morphogenesis, possibly related to hypermetamorphosis. We hypothesize that most genetic adaptations occurred to support both CA biosynthesis and hypermetamorphosis, two crucial aspects of Meloidae biology that likely contributed to their evolutionary success.
Importance of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks in different disturbed habitats
Authors: WANG Zheng , TAI Wei , ZHANG Xuan , LIU Shouguo , NIU Yixing , CHEN Wenwen , LI Ning 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSpecies functional traits can influence seed dispersal processes and consequently affect species' role in the mutualistic network. Although the effect of animal traits on the structure of the seed dispersal network is well explored, it remains poorly understood how plant and fruit traits contribute to the structure. We here studied the effects of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks across different disturbed habitats in the Meihua Mountain National Nature Reserve, Southeastern China. During the study period, 16, 20, 13, and 15 bird species were recorded foraging on 10, 11, 12, and 8 plant species, resulting in 511, 312, 265, and 201 foraging events in the protected forest, natural forest, village, and bamboo forest, respectively. The composition of these seed dispersal networks is not primarily influenced by a specific group of bulbul species, but rather by the presence of an endangered plant species, Taxus chinensis. As we expected, the structure of the four networks was different among the four disturbed habitats. Furthermore, our results also showed tree height and canopy density were the most important plant traits for structuring the seed dispersal network, while sugar, amylase, dry matter, and alkaloids were identified as significant fruit traits. Overall, our findings highlight the value of integrating trait‐based ecology into the framework of the seed dispersal network and provide new insights for mutualistic network conservation in disturbed habitats.
Ultrafine grinding improves the nutritional, physicochemical, and antioxidant activities of two varieties of whole‐grain highland barley
Authors: Liu Lu , Xu Jingwen , Zhang Ge , Gao Nisi , Xu Xuebing , Zhao Renyong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEffects of ultrafine grinding on the nutritional profile, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activities of whole‐grain highland barley (HB) including white highland barley (WHB) and black highland barley (BHB) were studied. Whole‐grain HB was regularly ground and sieved through 80 mesh get 80 M powder, and HB was ultrafine grounded and sieved through 80 mesh, 150 mesh, and 200 mesh get 80UMM, 150UMM, and 200UMM samples. Particle size of WHB and BHB reduced significantly after ultrafine grinding. As the particle size decreased, moisture content of WHB and BHB decreased significantly, whereas fat content increased significantly. Redistribution of fiber components in WHB and BHB from insoluble to soluble fractions was also observed. Wherein, content of soluble pentosan of WHB and BHB increased significantly from 0.56% and 0.78% (80 M) to 0.91% and 1.14% (200UMM), respectively. Damaged starch of WHB and BHB increased significantly from 8.16% and 8.21% (80 M) to 10.29% and 10.07% (200UMM), respectively. Content of phenolic acid and flavonoid of WHB and BHB and associated antioxidant capacity were increased after ultrafine grinding. Color of L* value increased significantly, a* and b* values decreased significantly, indicating the whiteness of WHB and BHB was increased after ultrafine grinding. Pasting temperature of WHB and BHB decreased, whereas peak viscosity increased. X‐ray diffraction patterns of HB showed typical A‐ and V‐style polymorphs and the relative crystallinity of HB decreased as the particle size decreased. Taken together, ultrafine grinding has shown great potential in improving the nutritional, physiochemical, and antioxidant properties of whole‐grain HB. Our research findings could help better understand the ultrafine grinded whole grain HB in food industry.
Effect of protein–polysaccharide hybrid gelator system on the material properties and 3D extrusion printability of mashed potatoes
Authors: Li Yan , Cheng Zhi , Zhang Jianyou , Xu Shengke , Cai Yanping , Ding Yuting , Lyu Fei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMashed potatoes (MP) are famous as ready‐to‐eat products due to their excellent taste and texture. Problems such as complex injection occur when MP is used as a 3D printing material. To improve the smoothness of MP loading into a 3D syringe barrel and its 3D extrusion printability, the effects of the protein–polysaccharide hybrid gelator developed with different gelatin‐B (GB, 2%, 4%, 6%) and κ‐carrageenan (KG, 1%) on the rheology and 3D extrusion printability of MP were studied. The rheological results showed that the MP developed a glass transition temperature by adding the hybrid gelator. Adding 1% KG+6% GB (w/w, dry base) to the hybrid gelator has good shear thinning and self‐supporting properties and showed the best geometric accuracy. In the extrusion stage, the yield stress, the consistency index (K), and the flow behavior index (n) of MP were 470.69 Pa, 313.48 Pa·sn, and 0.159, respectively. In the recovery stage, the shear recovery time is 30 s. In the self‐supporting stage, the storage modulus and loss modulus are significantly higher than those of other groups and have the strongest mechanical properties. Moreover, water distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and microstructure of printed MP with different hybrid gelators were observed. The addition of hybrid gelators reduced the content of free water in MP. Hybrid gelators did not produce new functional groups in the printed materials and did not change the structure of starch. These results provide new insights for applying protein and polysaccharide hybrid gelators in 3D printing.
Availability and properties of commercially produced food products offered in European public universities: A North–South comparison
Authors: Martinez‐Perez Naiara , Torheim Liv Elin , Arroyo‐Izaga Marta 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo date, there are no studies that have compared university food environments (FEs) with different sociocultural contexts. Therefore, we analyzed differences in the availability and properties of commercially produced foods, in a northern and a southern European university (located in Norway and Spain, respectively). A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted at OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University and at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU. The nutritional quality of food products was estimated through the following nutrient profiling models (NPMs): those proposed by the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN), the UK nutrient profiling model (UK NPM), the Norwegian Food and Drink Industry Professional Practices Committee (Matbransjens Fagligle Utvalg [MFU]), and a combination of them. In addition, food items were classified using the NOVA system. A total of 251 and 1051 products were identified at OsloMet and the UPV/EHU, respectively. The percentage categorized as low nutritional quality (LNQ) was higher at the UPV/EHU (almost 54.5% of the total products) compared with at OsloMet (almost 40%) (p < 0.001). Most of the products were categorized as ultra‐processed, and there were no differences in the percentage of ultra‐processed foods between the two universities (OsloMet 86.1%, UPV/EHU 83.3%, p > 0.05). A higher proportion of LNQ products was found at the UPV/EHU than at OsloMet, probably due to the government policies and actions for creating healthy FEs. Consequently, there is a need to develop interventions to improve the FE at the UPV/EHU, adapted to its sociocultural context.Practical ApplicationThis study reveals north–south differences in terms of the availability of low nutritional quality food products. In particular, a higher proportion of this type of product was found at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU than at OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University. Our exploratory hypothesis is that this phenomenon is a consequence of the Nordic government policies that have great potential to create healthy FEs.
Investigation of the peptides with calcium chelating capacity in hydrolysate derived from spent hen meat
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Chen , Wei Xinyan , Skibsted Leif H. , Tomasevic Igor , Yao Xianqi , Wang Wei , Sun Weizheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCalcium peptide chelates are developed as efficient supplements for preventing calcium deficiency. Spent hen meat (SHM) contains a high percentage of proteins but is generally wasted due to the disadvantages such as hard texture. We chose the underutilized SHM to produce peptides to bind calcium by proteolysis and aimed to investigate chelation between calcium and peptides in hydrolysate for a sustainable purpose. The optimized proteolysis conditions calculated from the result of response surface methodology for two‐step hydrolysis were 0.30% (wenzyme/wmeat) for papain with a hydrolysis time of 3.5 h and 0.18% (wenzyme/wmeat) for flavourzyme with a hydrolysis time of 2.8 h. The enzymatic hydrolysate (EH) showed a binding capacity of 63.8 ± 1.8 mg calcium/g protein. Ethanol separation for EH improved the capacity up to a higher value of 68.6 ± 0.6 mg calcium/g protein with a high association constant of 420 M−1 (25°C) indicating high stability. The separated fraction with a higher amount of Glu, Asp, Lys, and Arg had higher calcium‐binding capacity, which was related to the number of ─COOH and ─NH2 groups in peptide side chains according to the result from amino acid analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Two‐step enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol separation were an efficient combination to produce peptide mixtures derived from SHM with high calcium‐binding capacity. The high percentage of hydrophilic amino acids in the separated fraction was concluded to increase calcium‐binding capacity. This work provides foundations for increasing spent hen utilization and developing calcium peptide chelates based on underutilized meat.
The impact of glucocorticoid use on the outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis in a multicenter ultrasound cohort study
Authors: Nonaka Fumiaki , Fukui Shoichi , Michitsuji Tohru , Endo Yushiro , Nishino Ayako , Shimizu Toshimasa , Umeda Masataka , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Origuchi Tomoki , Ueki Yukitaka , Eiraku Nobutaka , Suzuki Takahisa , Okada Akitomo , Matsuoka Naoki , Takaoka Hirokazu , Hamada Hiroaki , Tsuru Tomomi , Arinobu Yojiro , Hidaka Toshihiko , Fujikawa Keita , Yoshitama Tamami , Tada Yoshifumi , Ohtsubo Hideo , Ishizaki Jun , Asano Tomoyuki , Maeda Takahiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Kawashiri Shin‐ya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveGlucocorticoids are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when used appropriately considering the balance of the risks and benefits, especially at low doses. We aimed to evaluate the response of biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in patients having already been treated with glucocorticoids.MethodsWe reviewed RA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs in a prospective multicenter ultrasound cohort study. We compared the differences in the clinical characteristics at baseline and outcomes at 12 months between the two groups having been treated with and without glucocorticoids at baseline. The differences in the clinical characteristics and the treatments were balanced by the inverse probability weighting (IPW) with the propensity score.ResultsOf 307 patients with RA, 160 patients were treated with glucocorticoids at baseline. The median dose of glucocorticoids was equivalent to 5.0 mg/day of prednisolone. Significant differences were in age and concomitant methotrexate use, composite measures for the disease activity, and the ultrasound grayscale score at baseline. Patients treated with glucocorticoids had less frequent remissions defined by composite measures and ultrasound findings than those treated without glucocorticoids. These significant differences in the achievement of remissions remained robust even after adjusting differences in the clinical characteristics and the treatments between the two groups by IPW.ConclusionRA patients treated with glucocorticoids had a higher disease activity at baseline and a poorer response to treatments with b/tsDMARDs than those without glucocorticoids. The states of patients requiring glucocorticoids might be associated with the poor response to the b/tsDMARDs.
Phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation benefits from light/dark cycles
Authors: Nikeleit Verena , Roth Linda , Maisch Markus , Kappler Andreas , Bryce Casey 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhototrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizers use Fe(II) as electron donor for CO2 fixation thus linking Fe(II) oxidation, ATP formation, and growth directly to the availability of sunlight. We compared the effect of short (10 h light/14 h dark) and long (2–3 days light/2–3 days dark) light/dark cycles to constant light conditions for the phototrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizer Chlorobium ferrooxidans KoFox. Fe(II) oxidation was completed first in the setup with constant light (9 mM Fe(II) oxidised within 8.9 days) compared to the light/dark cycles but both short and long light/dark cycles showed faster maximum Fe(II) oxidation rates. In the short and long cycle, Fe(II) oxidation rates reached 3.5 ± 1.0 and 2.6 ± 0.3 mM/d, respectively, compared to 2.1 ± 0.3 mM/d in the constant light setup. Maximum Fe(II) oxidation was significantly faster in the short cycle compared to the constant light setup. Cell growth reached roughly equivalent cell numbers across all three light conditions (from 0.2–2.0 × 106 cells/mL to 1.1–1.4 × 108 cells/mL) and took place in both the light and dark phases of incubation. SEM images showed different mineral structures independent of the light setup and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the formation of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (such as ferrihydrite) in all three setups. Our results suggest that periods of darkness have a significant impact on phototrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizers and significantly influence rates of Fe(II) oxidation.
Constraints and solutions for development and uptake of integrated pest management in the UK
Authors: Walters Keith F. A. , Parry Geraint , Burnstone Joshua , Grenz Kristina , Collier Rosemary , Bruce Toby 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAgricultural improvements that reduce conventional pesticide use and support environmental aims are a priority. Current approaches develop promising alternative products but meet significant challenges in bringing them to market. This article reports findings of an Association of Applied Biologists event at which delegates from relevant industry sectors discussed the establishment of an effective integrated pest management innovation system linking multiple stakeholders. Interrelated recommendations were agreed upon, focused on structured gap analysis, co‐design processes reflecting the complete innovation system, the approval process, application equipment, enhancing grower confidence, integrating knowledge exchange activities, promulgation of public good information and the need for an overarching national action plan and supporting legislation.
Prevalence and correlates of ICD‐11 prolonged grief disorder among adults living in Ukraine during the war with Russia
Authors: Redican Enya , Hyland Philip , Shevlin Mark , Martsenkovskyi Dmytro , Karatzias Thanos , Ben‐Ezra Menachem 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough high rates of bereavement are evident in war‐affected populations, no study has investigated the prevalence and correlates of probable ICD‐11 prolonged grief disorder (PGD) under these circumstances.MethodsParticipants were 2050 adults who participated in a nationwide survey exploring the effects of the Ukraine‐Russia war on the daily lives and mental health of Ukrainian people.ResultsOf the total sample, 87.7% (n = 1797) of people indicated a lifetime bereavement. In the full sample, 11.4% met the diagnostic requirements for probable ICD‐11 PGD, and amongst those with a lifetime bereavement, the conditional rate of probable ICD‐11 PGD was 13.0%. Significant risk factors of ICD‐11 PGD included the recent loss of a loved one (6 months to a year ago), being most affected by a partner or spouse's death, loved one dying in the war, no recent contact with the deceased prior to their death, and meeting depression and anxiety diagnostic requirements.ConclusionThe study reveals that a significant percentage of Ukrainian bereaved individuals have probable ICD‐11 PGD, and identifying risk factors, particularly war‐related losses, will aid in the development of intervention and prevention programs for bereaved adults.