bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe hurricanes increase recruitment and gene flow in the clonal sponge Aplysina cauliformis
Authors: Segura‐García Iris , Olson Julie B. , Gochfeld Deborah J. , Brandt Marilyn E. , Chaves‐Fonnegra Andia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUpright branching sponges, such as Aplysina cauliformis, provide critical three‐dimensional habitat for other organisms and assist in stabilizing coral reef substrata, but are highly susceptible to breakage during storms. Breakage can increase sponge fragmentation, contributing to population clonality and inbreeding. Conversely, storms could provide opportunities for new genotypes to enter populations via larval recruitment, resulting in greater genetic diversity in locations with frequent storms. The unprecedented occurrence of two Category 5 hurricanes in close succession during 2017 in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) provided a unique opportunity to evaluate whether recolonization of newly available substrata on coral reefs was due to local (e.g. re‐growth of remnants, fragmentation, larval recruitment) or remote (e.g. larval transport and immigration) sponge genotypes. We sampled A. cauliformis adults and juveniles from four reefs around St. Thomas and two in St. Croix (USVI). Using a 2bRAD protocol, all samples were genotyped for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results showed that these major storm events favoured sponge larval recruitment but did not increase the genetic diversity of A. cauliformis populations. Recolonization of substratum post‐storms via clonality was lower (15%) than expected and instead was mainly due to sexual reproduction (85%) via local larval recruitment. Storms did enhance gene flow among and within reef sites located south of St. Thomas and north of St. Croix. Therefore, populations of clonal marine species with low pelagic dispersion, such as A. cauliformis, may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes for the maintenance of genetic diversity and to combat inbreeding, enhancing the resilience of Caribbean sponge communities to extreme storm events.
Topical Use of Low‐dose Tranexamic Acid Has no Effect on Drainage Volume after Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Case Control Study
Authors: Zheng Huifeng , Han Yuqin , Zhao Guangjuan , Wang Rui , Wu Jiang , Chen Xiao , Zhao Qian , Ren Fuji , Huang Jingmin 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveMany studies reported that tranexamic acid (TXA) was effective in reducing surgical blood loss in the perioperative period of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). However, few studies focused on the simple topical use of TXA in MOWHTO, and the modality and dosage of topical use of TXA varied. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of topical use of low‐dose TXA on drainage volume after MOWHTO, and to analyze the related influencing factors.MethodsData of patients who underwent MOWHTO combined with arthroscopic knee surgery in our department from January 2019 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 105 patients (38 males and 67 females, aged 57.7 ± 7.5 years) were included in this study who received topical TXA or no TXA. The patients were divided into three groups: control group (39 cases), 0.5 g TXA group (40 cases), 1 g TXA group (26 cases). Postoperative drainage volume, wound healing, incidence of hematoma and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were observed and analyzed in the three groups. The effects of gender, hypertension and diabetes on postoperative drainage volume were analyzed using a t‐test. The correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), osteotomy gap and postoperative drainage volume were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsThe average postoperative drainage volume of the control group was 259.54 ± 226.33 mL, that of the 0.5 g TXA group was 277.18 ± 177.68 mL, and that of the 1 g TXA group was 229.15 ± 219.93 mL. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative drainage volume among the three groups (F = 0.423, p = 0.656). There was no local hematoma and wound infection in the three groups. The wound fat liquefaction was found in one patient of the control group. The incidence of DVT was 38.9% (7/18) and 57.1% (8/14) in the control group and 0.5 TXA group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DVT between the above two groups (p = 0.476). The average postoperative drainage volume of male patients in the three groups was higher than that of female patients, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between age, BMI, osteotomy gap and postoperative drainage volume in the three groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionTopical use of low‐dose TXA has no significant effect on drainage volume after MOWHTO. The drainage volume after MOWHTO in male patients was more than that in female patients. Topical administration of low‐dose TXA does not increase postoperative complications, such as DVT and hematoma.
Phylogenetics and phylogeography of Euphorbia canariensis reveal an extreme Canarian‐Asian disjunction but limited inter‐island colonization
Authors: Coello A. J. , Vargas P. , Cano E. , Riina R. , Fernández‐Mazuecos M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Euphorbia canariensis is an iconic endemic species representative of the lowland xerophytic communities of the Canary Islands. It is widely distributed in the archipelago despite having diasporas unspecialized for long‐distance dispersal. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of E. canariensis at two levels: a time‐calibrated phylogenetic analysis aimed at clarifying interspecific relationships and large‐scale biogeographic patterns; and a phylogeographic study focused on the history of colonization across the Canary Islands.
For the phylogenetic study, we sequenced the ITS region for E. canariensis and related species of Euphorbia sect. Euphorbia. For the phylogeographic study, we sequenced two cpDNA regions for 28 populations representing the distribution range of E. canariensis. The number of inter‐island colonization events was explored using PAICE, a recently developed method that includes a sample size correction. Additionally, we used species distribution modelling (SDM) to evaluate environmental suitability for E. canariensis through time.
Phylogenetic results supported a close relationship between E. canariensis and certain Southeast Asian species (E. epiphylloides, E. lacei, E. sessiliflora). In the Canaries, E. canariensis displayed a west‐to‐east colonization pattern, not conforming to the “progression rule”, i.e. the concordance between phylogeographic patterns and island emergence times. We estimated between 20 and 50 inter‐island colonization events, all of them in the Quaternary, and SDM suggested a late Quaternary increase in environmental suitability for E. canariensis.
The extreme biogeographic disjunction between Macaronesia and Southeast Asia (ca. 11,000 km) parallels that found in a few other genera (Pinus, Dracaena). We hypothesize that these disjunctions are better explained by extinction across north Africa and southwest Asia rather than long‐distance dispersal. The relatively low number of inter‐island colonization events across the Canaries is congruent with the low dispersal capabilities of E. canariensis.
The impact of energy prices on inflation and economic growth in Mozambique: A wavelet approach and OLS estimator
Authors: da Conceição Gilmar Fernando Dias 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe paper is using the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and the OLS estimator to examine the relationship between energy prices (coal and gas), inflation and economic growth in Mozambique. Coal and gas are the primary commodity and source of revenue for the country. The research uses quarterly data from 2001 to 2022. Among other results, we found evidence of high coherence between macroeconomic variables (inflation and real GDP growth rate) and energy prices (thermal coal and natural gas prices) only for the frequency intervals between 1.5 and 4 years (short term). The results hold even after controlling for the real GDP growth and exchange rate; we concluded that only in the short term (1.5–4 years), there is high coherence between energy prices and inflation in the time interval between 2004 and 2012. This finding indicates no relation between energy prices, inflation and economic growth in Mozambique. Furthermore, the OLS estimates substantiate the wavelet result, showing no impact. In this context, we can conclude that there is probably a ‘Dutch disease’ or ‘resource curse’ that negates the positive effects of exploiting these resources on short‐ and long‐term economic growth.
Biochar amendment gradually immobilized soil As and Sb over 2 years
Authors: Hu Ying , Wang Liuwei , Mašek Ondřej , Chen Bei , Xu Yuanyuan , Liang Peng , Hou Deyi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBiochar is a promising candidate for the sustainable remediation of soils, especially those contaminated with cationic heavy metals, because of its liming effect and tunable surface functionality. Despite its potential, prior studies have highlighted biochar's limitations in immobilizing soil oxyanions, such as arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb), particularly in the short term. This shotcoming is primarily attributed to an increase of soil pH following biochar amendment, and factors like competition with phosphate. In this study, biochar amendments were applied to three soils with varying levels of oxyanions including As and Sb, and cations including cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). These treatments generally resulted in short‐term failure of oxyanion immobilization. However, a noteworthy phenomenon unfolded over a 2‐year period, where biochars gradually transitioned from initial mobilization or poor immobilization to eventual successful immobilization of oxyanions (up to 87.0% for As and 100% for Sb). Temporal changes in Cd and Pb differed from As and Sb, exhibiting no improvement in immobilization rates over time. Potential mechanisms driving this process were investigated, suggesting a decline in soil pH, progressive oxidation of soil carbon fractions, and direct adsorption effects as contributing factors. This study sheds light on the temporal shift in biochar's immobilization performance, highlighting a gradual increase in the efficacy in oxyanion immobilization. The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of biochar's remediation capabilities.
Measuring and modelling the impact of outdoor pigs on soil carbon and nutrient dynamics under a changing climate and different management scenarios
Authors: Pun I. , Galdos M. V. , Chapman P. J. , Lloyd I. L. , Banwart S. , Dobbie S. , Collins L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA mixed agricultural system that integrates livestock and cropping is essential to organic, agroecological, and regenerative farming. The demand for improved welfare systems has made the practice of outdoor rearing of pigs very popular; it currently makes up 40% of the UK pig industry and has also been integrated into arable rotations. Besides the benefits of outdoor production systems, they also potentially pose environmental risks to farmlands, such as accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, soil erosion and compaction and carbon loss. Despite this, the impact of outdoor pigs and arable crop rotations on soil health has been under‐researched relative to other livestock species. This study was conducted at the University of Leeds Research Farm from 2018 to 2020 using a combined experimental and modelling approach to understand the impact of outdoor pigs on soil carbon and nutrient dynamics. The physio‐chemical properties of arable soil were measured prior to the introduction of the pigs and after introducing the pigs at the end of first and second years, consecutively. There was assessment of control sites (without pigs, mowing once a year) and pig pens (pigs in a rotation with arable crops). The soil was sampled at two different depths, 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm. It was observed that measured soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the soil depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layer were decreased by 7% and 3%, respectively, in the pig pens from 2019 to 2020, and total available nitrogen and phosphorus were significantly higher in pig pens than the control sites. Hence, at a depth between 0 and 20 cm, the average total available nitrogen was 2.51 and 2.68 mg kg−1 in the control sites and 21.76 and 20.45 mg kg−1 in the pig pens in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The average total available phosphorus at 0–20 cm was 26.54 and 37.02 mg kg−1 in control sites and 48.15 and 63.58 mg kg−1 in pig pens during 2019 and 2020, respectively. A process‐based model (DayCent) was used to simulate soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in the arable rotation with outdoor pigs and showed SOC stock losses of – 0.09 ± 0.23 T C ha−1 year−1 using the future climate CMIP5 RCP 8.5 scenario for 2020 to 2048. To reduce this loss, we modelled the impact of changing the management of the pig rotation and found that the loss of SOC stock could be decreased by shortening the period of pig retention in the field, growing grass in the field, and leguminous crops in the crop rotation.
Performance time and leak pressure of hand‐sewn and skin staple intestinal anastomoses and enterotomies in cadaveric cats
Authors: Miller Annellie K. , Regier Penny J. , Collins Maggie C. , Rivas Marc A. , Colee James C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare time to construct completion and leak testing between hand‐sewn and skin staple anastomoses and enterotomies in cats.Study designEx vivo, randomized study.AnimalsFresh feline cadavers (n = 20).MethodsJejunal segments (8 cm) were harvested and tested on the same day as euthanasia. From each cadaver, one segment was randomly assigned to control (C), hand‐sewn enterotomy (HSE), and skin staple enterotomy (SSE) groups, and two segments were randomly assigned to hand‐sewn anastomosis (HSA) and skin staple anastomosis (SSA) groups. Construct completion time, initial leak pressure (ILP), and maximum intraluminal pressure were compared. Leakage location was reported.ResultsMean time (s) ± SD was longer (p < .001) for HSA (317.0 ± 50.9) than SSA (160.8 ± 13.1) and for HSE (172.0 ± 36.5) than SSE (20.3 ± 5.0). ILP (mean ± SD) for C (600.0 mmHg ±0.0) was higher (p < .001) than all constructs. ILP (mean ± SD) for SSA (124.2 mmHg ±83.7) was not different (p = .49) than HSA (86.1 ± 51.9), but HSE (200.3 ± 114.7) was higher (p < .001) than SSE (32.2 ± 39.7). Immediate leakage from the center of enterotomy closure was observed in 7/20 SSE.ConclusionsHSA construct completion took twice as long as SSA with no difference in intraluminal pressures. Although HSE construct completion took 8x as long as SSE, HSE had higher intraluminal pressures.Clinical significanceIn cats, SSA may be an alternative to HSA for intestinal anastomosis, but SSE is not recommended as an alternative to HSE for intestinal enterotomy closure.
Identification and characterization of a fungal cutinase-like enzyme CpCut1 from
Cladosporium
sp. P7 for polyurethane degradation
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Xin Kaiyuan , Zhang Tianyang , Wen Yuan , Li Ding , Wei Ren , Zhou Jie , Cui Zhongli , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Plastic degradation by biological systems emerges as a prospective avenue for addressing the pressing global concern of plastic waste accumulation. The intricate chemical compositions and diverse structural facets inherent to polyurethanes (PU) substantially increase the complexity associated with PU waste management. Despite the extensive research endeavors spanning over decades, most known enzymes exhibit a propensity for hydrolyzing waterborne PU dispersion (i.e., the commercial Impranil DLN-SD), with only a limited capacity for the degradation of bulky PU materials. Here, we report a novel cutinase (CpCut1) derived from
Cladosporium
sp. P7, which demonstrates remarkable efficiency in the degrading of various polyester-PU materials. After 12-h incubation at 55°C, CpCut1 was capable of degrading 40.5% and 20.6% of thermoplastic PU film and post-consumer foam, respectively, while achieving complete depolymerization of Impranil DLN-SD. Further analysis of the degradation intermediates suggested that the activity of CpCut1 primarily targeted the ester bonds within the PU soft segments. The versatile performance of CpCut1 against a spectrum of polyester-PU materials positions it as a promising candidate for the bio-recycling of waste plastics.

IMPORTANCE

Polyurethane (PU) has a complex chemical composition that frequently incorporates a variety of additives, which poses significant obstacles to biodegradability and recyclability. Recent advances have unveiled microbial degradation and enzymatic depolymerization as promising waste PU disposal strategies. In this study, we identified a gene encoding a cutinase from the PU-degrading fungus
Cladosporium
sp. P7, which allowed the expression, purification, and characterization of the recombinant enzyme CpCut1. Furthermore, this study identified the products derived from the CpCut1 catalyzed PU degradation and proposed its underlying mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of this newly discovered fungal cutinase as a remarkably efficient tool in the degradation of PU materials.
Composting reduces the risks of resistome in beef cattle manure at the transcriptional level
Authors: Sun Yuepeng , Staley Zachery R. , Woodbury Bryan , Riethoven Jean-Jack , Li Xu 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Transcriptomic evidence is needed to determine whether composting is more effective than conventional stockpiling in mitigating the risk of resistome in livestock manure. The objective of this study is to compare composting and stockpiling for their effectiveness in reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance in beef cattle manure. Samples collected from the center and the surface of full-size manure stockpiling and composting piles were subject to metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses. While the distinctions in resistome between stockpiled and composted manure were not evident at the DNA level, the advantages of composting over stockpiling were evident at the transcriptomic level in terms of the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), the number of ARG subtypes, and the prevalence of high-risk ARGs (i.e., mobile ARGs associated with zoonotic pathogens). DNA and transcript contigs show that the pathogen hosts of high-risk ARGs included
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 and O25b:H4,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and Salmonella enterica. Although the average daily temperatures for the entire composting pile exceeded 55°C throughout the field study, more ARG and ARG transcripts were removed at the center of the composting pile than at the surface. This work demonstrates the advantage of composting over stockpiling in reducing ARG risk in active populations in beef cattle manure.

IMPORTANCE
Proper treatment of manure before land application is essential to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Stockpiling and composting are two commonly used methods for manure treatment. However, the effectiveness of composting in reducing antibiotic resistance in manure has been debated. This work compared the ability of these two methods to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in beef cattle manure. Our results demonstrate that composting reduced more high-risk resistance genes at the transcriptomic level in cattle manure than conventional stockpiling. This finding not only underscores the effectiveness of composting in reducing antibiotic resistance in manure but also highlights the importance of employing RNA analyses alongside DNA analyses.
Directed evolution of the fluorescent protein CGP with
in situ
biosynthesized noncanonical amino acids
Authors: Yang Yanhong , Zhang Jing , Yang Jian , Luo Huiwen , Sun Yingjie , Ke Famin , Wang Qin , Gao Xiaowei 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins can enhance their function beyond the abilities of canonical amino acids and even generate new functions. However, the ncAAs used for such research are usually chemically synthesized, which is expensive and hinders their application on large industrial scales. We believe that the biosynthesis of ncAAs using metabolic engineering and their employment
in situ
in target protein engineering with genetic code expansion could overcome these limitations. As a proof of principle, we biosynthesized four ncAAs, O-L-methyltyrosine, 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and 5-chloro-L-tryptophan using metabolic engineering and directly evolved the fluorescent consensus green protein (CGP) by combination with nine other exogenous ncAAs in
Escherichia coli
. After screening a TAG scanning library expressing 13 ncAAs, several variants with enhanced fluorescence and stability were identified. The variants CGP
V3pMeoF/K190pMeoF
and CGP
G20pMeoF/K190pMeoF
expressed with biosynthetic O-L-methyltyrosine showed an approximately 1.4-fold improvement in fluorescence compared to the original level, and a 2.5-fold improvement in residual fluorescence after heat treatment. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of integrating metabolic engineering, genetic code expansion, and directed evolution in engineered cells to employ biosynthetic ncAAs in protein engineering. These results could further promote the application of ncAAs in protein engineering and enzyme evolution.

IMPORTANCE

Noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) have shown great potential in protein engineering and enzyme evolution through genetic code expansion. However, in most cases, ncAAs must be provided exogenously during protein expression, which hinders their application, especially when they are expensive or have poor cell membrane penetration. Engineering cells with artificial metabolic pathways to biosynthesize ncAAs and employing them
in situ
for protein engineering and enzyme evolution could facilitate their application and reduce costs. Here, we attempted to evolve the fluorescent consensus green protein (CGP) with biosynthesized ncAAs. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using biosynthesized ncAAs in protein engineering, which could further stimulate the application of ncAAs in bioengineering and biomedicine.