bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silicon and Epichloë‐endophyte defences in a model temperate grass diminish feeding efficiency and immunity of an insect folivore
Authors: Cibils‐Stewart X. , Putra R. , Islam T. , Fanna D. J. , Wuhrer R. , Mace W. J. , Hartley S. E. , Popay A. J. , Johnson S. N. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Plants deploy diverse anti‐herbivore defences which reduce feeding and performance of herbivores. Temperate grasses use silicon (Si) accumulation and Epichloë‐endophytes for physical and chemical (i.e. endophytic‐alkaloids) defence against insect herbivores. Recent studies suggest that Epichloë‐endophytes increase Si accumulation in their host grass. It is unknown, however, how this affects Si‐deposition on the leaf surface, their impacts on insect herbivore feeding efficiency and their immunity to potential infection/parasitism.

To address this knowledge gap, we grew tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) hydroponically with and without Si, in the absence or presence of the novel AR584 Epichloë‐strain. We exposed plants to Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in both in situ (intact leaves) and ex situ (excised leaves) feeding trials and determined the effects of Si and endophyte defences on herbivore feeding efficiency, growth rates and immunity against potential infection/parasitism.

Endophytic plants supplied with Si showed 110% and 143% increases in leaf silica density and leaf Si concentrations, respectively, when exposed to herbivory, compared to non‐endophytic plants that were herbivore‐free. Despite the endophyte‐mediated increases in Si concentrations, H. armigera was only affected by Si supply; growth rates decreased by 87% and most feeding efficiency indices decreased by at least 30%. Si supply also increased mandibular wear by 16%, which was negatively correlated with H. armigera growth rates. Cellular and humoral immunity of H. armigera were negatively affected by both Si and endophytes. Endophytic‐loline alkaloid concentrations were unaffected by Si supply or herbivory, whereas herbivory increased peramine concentrations by 290%.

To our knowledge, this is the first report of Si defences and Epichloë‐endophyte derived alkaloids compromising insect immunity via reduced melanisation response. Using tall fescue and H. armigera, our study suggests that deploying both physical (i.e. Si accumulation) and chemical (i.e. endophytic‐alkaloids) defences acting against multiple insect herbivore traits, including feeding efficiency, growth and immunity, may be a successful defence strategy in temperate grasses. This multi‐faceted defence may be particularly difficult for insect herbivores to overcome.

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The competitive effect of neighbouring plants on the growth of two eucalypts is stronger in dry conditions
Authors: Britton Travis G. , Richards Shane A. , Gerwin Melissa R. , Brinkhoff Rose E. , Hovenden Mark J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Plant growth is influenced by interactions with neighbouring plants. The strength and direction of the cumulative neighbourhood effect on growth can depend on neighbour properties, such as their abundance, size and proximity, as well as the degree of similarity between interacting plants and their traits, which can be captured by the species identity of neighbours. Such interactions are also influenced by the local environmental conditions that are largely determined by climate. Because neighbour and climatic effects are typically explored in isolation, particularly in long‐lived species such as trees, it is unclear how the impacts of neighbours on plant growth shift in response to temporal variation in climatic conditions.

Here, we explored how neighbouring plants impact the annual growth of two eucalypts, Eucalyptus delegatensis and Eucalyptus regnans, over three growing seasons in an experimental forest in south‐east Tasmania, Australia. We assessed whether eucalypt growth rates could be described by the number, size, proximity, and species identity of neighbours, and how the strength of this effect was influenced by the growing season climatic conditions.

We found that climate and neighbouring plants had an interactive impact on eucalypt growth. Neighbours had a consistent, competitive effect on the growth of both eucalypts in all three growing seasons which was strongly related to the cumulative neighbourhood biomass. The identity of neighbours was important in determining E. regnans growth only, whereby distinguishing neighbours according to functional group best described growth. Over all three growing seasons, we predicted that, on average, neighbours reduced E. delegatensis and E. regnans mean annual growth by 60.5% and 48.4%, respectively. However, the strength of the competitive effect of neighbours on eucalypt growth was related to growing season climate, being strongest when conditions were hot and dry and weakest in cool, wet conditions.

Synthesis: Given the consistent results observed in two co‐occurring eucalypts, our findings suggest that drier and hotter climatic conditions increase the strength of competitive effects on tree growth. This has implications for future forest productivity given projected increased temperatures and variation in rainfall patterns globally.
Business crisis management in wartime: Insights from Ukraine
Authors: Opatska Sophia , Johansen Winni , Gordon Adam 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOur research documents the experiences of business crisis management in wartime Ukraine. The goal of the paper is to contribute to our understanding of business crisis management in a conflict zone in wartime conditions, a significantly under‐researched area. Based on interviews with the owners and managers of 20 Ukrainian companies spanning sectors and geography of the country, the paper provides insights into the various elements that characterize and distinguish war as a crisis type, including having an unknown end point, and, furthermore, what we can learn from how Ukrainian managers have approached this crisis. Among the key findings are how war situations appear to be “cosmology episodes” for which it is not possible to adequately prepare and for which the end point is unknown, both of which call for emergent, adaptive crisis management capabilities and leadership skills characterized by improvisation and other forms of resilience. Notwithstanding this, company wartime crisis management experiences have stimulated intention to more structured anticipatory and preparedness practices, as well as narratives of future renewal in communications with staff and stakeholders, which serve both as a guidepost and coping mechanism during the current crisis.
The first chromosome‐level genome assembly and transcriptome sequencing provide insights into cantharidin production of the blister beetles
Authors: ZHOU Chuang , ZHENG Xiaofeng , WANG Lei , YUE Bisong , DU Chao , LIU Xu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBlister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) produce a natural defensive toxin cantharidin (CTD), which has been used for various cancer treatments and other diseases. Currently, the lack of chromosome‐level reference genomes in Meloidae limits further understanding of the mechanism of CTD biosynthesis and environmental adaptation. In this study, the chromosome‐level genome assembly of Mylabris phalerata was generated based on PacBio and Hi‐C sequencing. This reference genome was about 136.68 Mb in size with contig N50 of 9.17 Mb and composed of 12 chromosomes. In comparison to six other Coleoptera insects, M. phalerata exhibited multiple expanded gene families enriched in juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic process pathway, farnesol dehydrogenase activity, and cytochrome P450, which may be related to CTD biosynthesis. Consistently, the transcriptomic analysis suggested the “terpenoid backbone biosynthesis” pathway and “the juvenile hormone” as putative core pathways of CTD biosynthesis and presented eight up‐regulated differential expression genes in male adults as candidate genes. It is possible that the restricted feeding niche and lifestyle of M. phalerata were the cause of the gene family's contraction of odorant binding proteins. The ABC transporters (ABCs) related to exporting bound toxins out of the cell and the resistance to the self‐secreted toxins (e.g. CTD) were also contracted, possibly due to other self‐protection strategies in M. phalerata. A foundation of understanding CTD biosynthesis and environmental adaptation of blister beetles will be established by our reference genome and discoveries.
Associations of concurrent early‐life famine exposure and adulthood obesity with type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle‐aged Chinese
Authors: Yi Qian , Wu Jing , Shen Yaojia , Zhu Yunying , Zhou Yiyang , Bai He , Hao Jiajun , Song Peige 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundEvidence has shown that early‐life famine exposure and obesity in adulthood are independently associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, few studies had revealed the combined effect of these risk factors.MethodsTwo sets of groups from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were selected. The fetal‐exposure group born in 1959–1961 from 2011 wave (N = 958) and nonexposure group born in 1963–1965 from 2015 wave (N = 1540) were selected as Comparison 1. The early childhood‐exposure group born in 1955–1957 from 2011 wave (N = 1510) and fetal‐exposure group born in 1959–1961 from 2015 wave (N = 943) were Comparison 2. Logistic regressions were applied to examine the associations of different famine exposure periods and obesity patterns with T2DM risk.ResultsCompared with nonexposed participants without central overweight/obesity in adulthood, central overweight/obesity in adulthood together with nonexposure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–3.00) or fetal‐exposure (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.23–3.23) was associated with higher risks of T2DM. Compared with the early childhood‐exposure group, the fetal‐exposed participants showed higher risks of T2DM (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.66). The coexistence of fetal famine exposure and central overweight/obesity in adulthood was associated with higher risks of T2DM (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.19–2.79). Consistent associations were observed among males and participants from less severely affected areas.ConclusionsIn conclusion, central overweight/obesity in adulthood is associated with the increased risk of T2DM, but the effect of early‐life famine exposure is not very clear.
FINDeM: A CRISPR‐based, molecular method for rapid, inexpensive and field‐deployable organism detection
Authors: Hoenig Brandon D. , Zegar Jakub , Ohmer Michel E. B. , Chess Macie M. , Porter Brady A. , Madril Myah , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The field of ecology has undergone a molecular revolution, with researchers increasingly relying on DNA‐based methods for organism detection. Unfortunately, these techniques often require expensive equipment, dedicated laboratory spaces and specialized training in molecular and computational techniques; limitations that may exclude field researchers, underfunded programmes and citizen scientists from contributing to cutting‐edge science.

It is for these reasons that we have designed a simplified, inexpensive method for field‐based molecular organism detection—FINDeM (Field‐deployable Isothermal Nucleotide‐based Detection Method). In this approach, DNA is extracted using chemical cell lysis and a cellulose filter disc, followed by two body‐heat inducible reactions—recombinase polymerase amplification and a CRISPR‐Cas12a fluorescent reporter assay—to amplify and detect target DNA, respectively.

Here, we introduce and validate FINDeM in detecting Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the causative agent of amphibian chytridiomycosis, and show that this approach can identify single‐digit DNA copies from epidermal swabs in under 1 h using low‐cost supplies and field‐friendly equipment.

This research signifies a breakthrough in ecology, as we demonstrate a field‐deployable platform that requires only basic supplies (i.e. micropipettes, plastic consumables and a UV flashlight), inexpensive reagents (~$1.29 USD/sample) and emanated body heat for highly sensitive, DNA‐based organism detection. By presenting FINDeM in an ecological system with pressing, global biodiversity implications, we aim to not only highlight how CRISPR‐based applications promise to revolutionize organism detection but also how the continued development of such techniques will allow for additional, more diversely trained researchers to answer the most pressing questions in ecology.
Dexamethasone doses in patients with COVID‐19 and hypoxia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Munch Marie Warrer , Granholm Anders , Maláska Jan , Stašek Jan , Rodriguez Pablo O. , Pitre Tyler , Wilson Rebecca , Savović Jelena , Rochwerg Bram , Svobodnik Adam , Kratochvíl Milan , Taboada Manuel , Jha Vivekanand , Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar Tirupakuzhi , Myatra Sheila Nainan , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Perner Anders , Møller Morten Hylander 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal dose of dexamethasone for severe/critical COVID‐19 is uncertain. We compared higher versus standard doses of dexamethasone in adults with COVID‐19 and hypoxia.MethodsWe searched PubMed and trial registers until 23 June 2023 for randomised clinical trials comparing higher (>6 mg) versus standard doses (6 mg) of dexamethasone in adults with COVID‐19 and hypoxia. The primary outcome was mortality at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were mortality closest to 90 days; days alive without life support; and the occurrence of serious adverse events/reactions (SAEs/SARs) closest to 1 month. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB2 tool, risk of random errors using trial sequential analysis, and certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsWe included eight trials (2478 participants), of which four (1293 participants) had low risk of bias. Higher doses of dexamethasone probably resulted in little to no difference in mortality at 1 month (relative risk [RR] 0.97, 95% CI: 0.79–1.19), mortality closest to Day 90 (RR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86–1.20), and SAEs/SARs (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97–1.02). Higher doses of dexamethasone probably increased the number of days alive without invasive mechanical ventilation and circulatory support but had no effect on days alive without renal replacement therapy.ConclusionsBased on low to moderate certainty evidence, higher versus standard doses of dexamethasone probably result in little to no difference in mortality, SAEs/SARs, and days alive without renal replacement therapy, but probably increase the number of days alive without invasive mechanical ventilation and circulatory support.
Evaluating patterns and drivers of mammal space use and richness in the Angolan savannah woodlands of the Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area
Authors: Nieman Willem A. , Botha Alexander E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLarge transboundary protected areas such as the Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA‐TFCA), improve mammal conservation by addressing biodiversity threats on regional and international levels, but an adequate understanding of mammal space use and richness within protected areas is critical for effective management planning. This information has however been missing from the Angolan component of the KAZA‐TFCA, such as areas of Luengue‐Luiana National Park (LLNP), especially compared with neighbouring countries. We used camera trap data from 2021 to 2023 to investigate species richness of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals in two hotspot areas of LLNP, as well as assess the space use patterns of 9 carnivore and 16 herbivore species. A total of 48 species were recorded over 10,781 camera trapping nights, with African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and small antelope (e.g. common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and steenbok Raphicerus campestris) being the most common. Species composition differed significantly between sites, with 21 species more relatively abundant at Ndunjuru, including cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and eight species more relatively abundant at Bico, including lion (Panthera leo) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). The detection probability of 22 species were affected by one or more ecological (e.g. proximity to rivers) or anthropogenic (e.g. human settlement) covariate. These results are intended to act as a baseline to monitor conservation effort and aid habitat management in LLNP, as well as similar protected areas within the KAZA‐TFCA and elsewhere.
Recurrent pregnancy loss: a male crucial factor—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Inversetti Annalisa , Bossi Arianna , Cristodoro Martina , Larcher Alessandro , Busnelli Andrea , Grande Giuseppe , Salonia Andrea , Simone Nicoletta Di 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as two or more failed clinical pregnancies, affects 1%–3% of couples trying to conceive. Nowadays up to 50% of cases remain idiopathic. In this context, paternal factors evaluation is still very limited. The aim is to address the topic of the male factor in RPL with a broad approach, analyzing collectively data on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and semen parameters. We systematically searched in Pubmed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception to February 2023. A protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (ID number CRD42022278616). PRISMA guidelines were followed.MethodsPooled results from 20 studies revealed a higher DNA fragmentation rate in the RPL group compared to controls (mean difference [MD] 9.21, 95% CI 5.58–12.85, p < 0.00001, I2 98%). Age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol intake were not associated with DNA fragmentation. Subgroup analysis by different SDF assays (TUNEL and COMET at a neutral pH vs. indirect assessment with other assays) and ethnicity did not highlight different results (p = 0.25 and 0.44).ResultsResults pooled from 25 studies showed a significant difference comparing RPL and control groups regarding ejaculation volume (MD −0.24, 95% CI −0.43; −0.06, p 0.01, I2 66%), total sperm number (MD −10.03, 95% CI −14.65; −5.41, p < 0.0001, I2 76%), total sperm motility (MD −11.20, 95% CI −16.15; −6.25, p < 0.0001, I2 96%), progressive sperm motility (MD −7.34, 95% CI −10.87; −3.80, p < 0.0001, I2 97%), and normal sperm morphology (MD −5.99, 95% CI −9.08; −2.90, p 0.0001, I2 98%). A sub‐analysis revealed that Asian and Africans, but not white‐European RPL men had lower progressive sperm motility compared to controls.ConclusionIn conclusion, current review and meta‐analysis findings suggested that SDF and some specific semen parameters were associated with RPL in a multi‐ethnic evaluation. This effort opens future direction on a growing awareness of, first, how the male factor plays a key role and, second, how appropriate would be to establish a direct dialogue between the gynecologist and the urologist.Patient summaryWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the male component of RPL. We found that sperm DNA fragmentation and some specific sperm parameters are significantly associated with RPL.
Male obesity: Associated effects on fertility and the outcomes of offspring
Authors: Venigalla Greeshma , Ila Vishal , Dornbush James , Bernstein Ari , Loloi Justin , Pozzi Edoardo , Miller David , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObesity rates are increasing globally, making it imperative to comprehend the effects of parental obesity on human reproduction. This review aims to highlight the impact of male obesity on reproductive and offspring outcomes. Male obesity has been shown to affect fertility through various mechanisms, including changes in semen quality, difficulty with natural conception, and worsened assisted reproductive technology outcomes. The evidence regarding the impact of male obesity on success of sperm retrieval is conflicting, but all aforementioned adverse effects may be modifiable with weight loss. Moreover, paternal obesity may influence atypical offspring outcomes, such as placental abnormalities and disruptions in fetal development, which may be moderated by epigenetic pathways. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships and underlying mechanisms involved. Gaining more insight into the impact of male obesity on fertility and offspring outcomes can aid in the development of targeted interventions to improve family planning and the health of future generations.
On the qualitative nature of conscious states: Insights from a structuralist theory of mind and meaning
Authors: Salazar Carles 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe point of departure of this paper is Penrose's definition of conscious action as that in which stimulus and response are linked by a non‐algorithmic relationship, which Penrose defines as ‘understanding’. My purpose is to explore the nature of this understanding by means of a two‐step process. The first step is provided by Tononi's Integrated Information Theory of consciousness. This theory provides us with a quantitative measure of conscious states that we need to transform into qualitative meaning. In the second step, we obtain this qualitative meaning with the help of the structuralist theory of mind. From this perspective, meaning originates in the set of qualitative contrasts that define the alternative courses of action that might have been implemented. Work on the analogy between quantitative bits and qualitative binary oppositions does not solve the hard problem of consciousness, but it might help to reformulate it in a new, productive way.
Evaluation of clinical parameters and biomarkers in older, untreated mantle cell lymphoma patients receiving bendamustine–rituximab
Authors: Ramsower Colleen A. , Rosenthal Allison , Robetorye Ryan S. , Mwangi Raphael , Maurer Matthew , Villa Diego , McDonnell Tim , Feldman Andrew , Cohen Jonathon B. , Habermann Thomas , Campo Elias , Clot Guillem , Bühler Marco M. , Kulis Marta , Martin‐Subero Jose Ignacio , Giné Eva , Cook James R. , Hill Brian , Raess Philipp W. , Beiske Klaus H. , Reichart Alexander , Hartmann Sylvia , Holte Harald , Scott David , Rimsza Lisa 
Published: October 2023

SummaryMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is clinically and biologically heterogeneous. While various prognostic features have been proposed, none currently impact therapy selection, particularly in older patients, for whom treatment is primarily dictated by age and comorbidities. Herein, we undertook a comprehensive comparison of clinicopathological features in a cohort of patients 60 years and older, uniformly treated with bendamustine and rituximab, with a median survival of >8 years. The strongest prognostic indicators in this cohort were a high‐risk call by a simplified MCL international prognostic index (s‐MIPI) (HR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.65–6.68 compared to low risk), a high‐risk call by MCL35 (HR: 10.34, 95% CI: 2.37–45.20 compared to low risk) and blastoid cytology (HR: 4.21, 95% CR: 1.92–9.22 compared to classic). Patients called high risk by both the s‐MIPI and MCL35 had the most dismal prognosis (HR: 11.58, 95% CI: 4.10–32.72), while those with high risk by either had a moderate but clinically relevant prognosis (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.49–5.82). A robust assay to assess proliferation, such as MCL35, along with stringent guidelines for cytological evaluation of MCL, in combination with MIPI, may be a strong path to risk‐stratify older MCL patients in future clinical trials.