bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental variation structures reproduction and recruitment in long‐lived mega‐herbivores: Galapagos giant tortoises
Authors: Blake Stephen , Cabrera Freddy , Cruz Sebastian , Ellis‐Soto Diego , Yackulic Charles B. , Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Wikelski Martin , Kuemmeth Franz , Gibbs James P. , Deem Sharon L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMigratory, long‐lived animals are an important focus for life‐history theory because they manifest extreme trade‐offs in life‐history traits: delayed maturity, low fecundity, variable recruitment rates, long generation times, and vital rates that respond to variation across environments. Galapagos tortoises are an iconic example: they are long‐lived, migrate seasonally, face multiple anthropogenic threats, and have cryptic early life‐history stages for which vital rates are unknown. From 2012 to 2021, we studied the reproductive ecology of two species of Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis porteri and C. donfaustoi) along elevation gradients that coincided with substantial changes in climate and vegetation productivity. Specifically, we (1) measured the body and reproductive condition of 166 adult females, (2) tracked the movements of 33 adult females using global positioning system telemetry, and monitored their body condition seasonally, (3) recorded nest temperatures, clutch characteristics, and egg survival from 107 nests, and (4) used radiotelemetry to monitor growth, survival, and movements of 104 hatchlings. We also monitored temperature and rainfall from field sites, and remotely sensed primary productivity along the elevation gradient. Our study showed that environmental variability, mediated by elevation, influenced vital rates of giant tortoises, specifically egg production by adult females and juvenile recruitment. Adult females were either elevational migrants or year‐round lowland residents. Migrants had higher body condition than residents, and body condition was positively correlated with the probability of being gravid. Nests occurred in the hottest, driest parts of the tortoise's range, between 6 and 165 m elevation. Clutch size increased with elevation, whereas egg survival decreased. Hatchling survival and growth were highest at intermediate elevations. Hatchlings dispersed rapidly to 100–750 m from their nests before becoming sedentary (ranging over <0.2 ha). Predicted future climates may impact the relationships between elevation and vital rates of Galapagos tortoises and other species living across elevation gradients. Resilience will be maximized by ensuring the connectivity of foraging and reproductive areas within the current and possible future elevational ranges of these species.
Using biotracer techniques to uncover consumer diets: A comparison of stable isotopes, fatty acids, and amino acids
Authors: Pickett Patrick J. , Dwyer Georgia K. , Macqueen Ashley , Holt Galen , Halliday Bryce T. , Barton Jan L. , Lester Rebecca E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiotracers are commonly used in food‐web studies to estimate consumer diets. Increasingly, multiple biotracer types are combined to provide more nuanced pictures of consumer resource use, unravel more complex diet mixtures, and improve the discriminatory power of mixing models. However, few studies compare different biotracer types, including the impact of tracer selection choices, and few methods exist for combining multiple types into a single analysis. We processed three biotracer types (stable isotopes, fatty acids, and amino acids) from the same samples to determine how common galaxias (Galaxias maculatus) and flathead gudgeon (Philypnodon grandiceps) utilize different basal resources (algae, macrophytes, and detritus) using Bayesian mixing models. We then combined subsets of different biotracer types by either combining them directly into one model using generalist priors (all possible two and three biotracer type combinations) or informative priors based on other biotracer types. We compared our mixing model results with independent food webs constructed from gut contents to assess accuracy. We found fatty acids gave the most accurate diet estimates, amino acid models were the least accurate, and stable isotope models did not converge. Model precision tended to increase with the number of individual tracers included (with exceptions). Adding biotracer types that produced similar diet estimates in their respective models tightened the posterior probability distributions of combined models, while adding ones that disagreed expanded those distributions, as expected. However, tracer selection and the combination of tracer sets must be carefully considered, as they can dramatically affect model accuracy. We also demonstrate the utility of a complementary method that combines information from multiple biotracers using informative priors based on other biotracer types. Overall, our work shows that choices made when constructing mixing models can greatly influence resultant diet estimates, and we provide heuristics for making those choices, so they are most appropriate for an individual study's objectives and available data.
Intraspecific leaf trait variation mediates edge effects on litter decomposition rate in fragmented forests
Authors: Zheng Shilu , Yu Mingjian , Webber Bruce L. , Didham Raphael K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere is strong trait dependence in species‐level responses to environmental change and their cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. However, there is little understanding of whether intraspecific trait variation (ITV) can also be an important mechanism mediating environmental effects on ecosystem functioning. This is surprising, given that global change processes such as habitat fragmentation and the creation of forest edges drive strong trait shifts within species. On 20 islands in the Thousand Island Lake, China, we quantified intraspecific leaf trait shifts of a widely distributed shrub species, Vaccinium carlesii, in response to habitat fragmentation. Using a reciprocal transplant decomposition experiment between forest edge and interior on 11 islands with varying areas, we disentangled the relative effects of intraspecific leaf trait variation versus altered environmental conditions on leaf decomposition rates in forest fragments. We found strong intraspecific variation in leaf traits in response to edge effects, with a shift toward recalcitrant leaves with low specific leaf area and high leaf dry matter content from forest interior to the edge. Using structural equation modeling, we showed that such intraspecific leaf trait response to habitat fragmentation had translated into significant plant afterlife effects on leaf decomposition, leading to decreased leaf decomposition rates from the forest interior to the edge. Importantly, the effects of intraspecific leaf trait variation were additive to and stronger than the effects from local environmental changes due to edge effects and habitat loss. Our experiment provides the first quantitative study showing that intraspecific leaf trait response to edge effects is an important driver of the decrease in leaf decomposition rate in fragmented forests. By extending the trait‐based response–effect framework toward the individual level, intraspecific variation in leaf economics traits can provide the missing functional link between environmental change and ecological processes. These findings suggest an important area for future research on incorporating ITV to understand and predict changes in ecosystem functioning in the context of global change.
Guideline‐directed medical therapy assessment in heart failure patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Kresoja Karl‐Patrik , Adamo Marianna , Rommel Karl‐Phillipp , Stolz Lukas , Karam Nicole , Giannini Cristina , Melica Bruno , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan , Butter Christian , Horn Patrick , Praz Fabien , Kalbacher Daniel , Iliadis Christos , Thiele Holger , Hausleiter Jörg , Metra Marco , Lurz Philipp 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsAchieving optimized guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) is recommended prior to transcatheter mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). We aimed to propose and validate an easy‐to‐use score for assessing the quality of GDMT in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) undergoing M‐TEER.Methods and resultsAmong the 1641 EuroSMR patients enrolled in the EuroSMR Registry who underwent M‐TEER, a total of 1072 patients [median age 74, interquartile range (IQR) 67–79 years, 29% female] had complete data on GDMT and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% and were included in the current study. We proposed a GDMT score that considers the dosage levels of three medication classes (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors, beta‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists), with a maximum score of 12 points indicating optimal GDMT. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The median GDMT score was 4 points (IQR 3–6). All three domains of the scoring system were associated with all‐cause mortality (P < 0.05 for all). The overall GDMT score was associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.86–0.95 for each 1‐point increase in the GDMT score). This association remained significant after adjusting for renal function and co‐morbidities.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the utility of a simple GDMT scoring system for assessing the adequacy of GDMT in HFrEF patients with relevant SMR undergoing M‐TEER. The GDMT score has potential applications in guiding the design of future clinical trials and aiding clinical decision‐making processes.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed α,β‐Dehydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Li Qiang‐Qiang , Dai Peng‐Fei , Qu Jian‐Ping , Kang Yan‐Biao 
Published: February 2024

Abstractα,β‐Unsaturated compounds are one of the most important functional compounds. Due to their unique property and versatile utility, they usually occur as the key intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and biological materials. Thus, their synthesis has attracted more attentions than before. The early approaches to α,β‐unsaturated compounds are mainly about transition‐metal‐free methods, such as halogenation‐dehydrohalogenation methods and strong oxidants methods (organosulfur, organoselenium, benzoquinone). Subsequently, palladium and the other transition‐metals catalyzed dehydrogenation of carbonyl compounds appeared respectively. In this review, transition‐metal‐catalyzed α,β‐dehydrogenation is discussed, which is categorized by functional groups.
Continuous Preparative Application of Amine Transaminase‐Catalyzed Reactions with Integrated Crystallization
Authors: Tiedemann Sven , Neuburger Jan Eric , Gazizova Alina , von Langermann Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTransaminases are valuable catalysts in the synthesis of chiral amines. However, secondary techniques are typically required to shift the reaction equilibrium to the product side. This study focuses on the in situ product crystallization, specifically at preparative synthetic scale as a non‐synthetic tool for a selection of aromatic and aliphatic substrates using the transaminase from Silicibacter pomeroyi. Herein the technique is implemented in a simplified manner to facilitate in situ product removal and downstream‐processing in a combined crystallization step. After a series of optimizations, product concentrations of >0.9 mol/L and >99 % e.e. (S) were obtained implementing a repetitive batch reaction approach using a universal carboxylate as anion.
Bio‐based Nanomaterial in Carefully Designed Carbon Paste Electrode for the Detection of Methyl Orange
Authors: Romain Njimou Jacques , Tamwa Sieugaing Mary , Péguy Nanseu‐Njiki Charles , Ngameni Emmanuel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAl2O3 is an electrical insulator material with high thermal conductivity and low toxicity. In this study, we combined the properties of Al2O3 and orange peel (OP) to form a hydrothermally synthesized nanomaterial, resulting in an excellent nanocomposite (AlOP) with favorable electrochemical properties compared to those of their separate materials. AlOP exhibited a compact morphology with relatively high porosity and varying shapes, attributed to the blending of aluminum oxide nanoparticles in the OP matrix. The structural properties of this nanocomposite have facilitated the modification of the carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the detection of methyl orange, an anionic dye of environmental significance. This electrochemical sensor has demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, rapid response, and remarkable reproducibility for the detection of methyl orange (MO) with detection limits of 3.23×10−8 and 1.26×10−7 mol. L−1 in deionized and spring waters with molarities of 2 to 1.2 μM. Therefore, the developed CPE/AlOP sensor has the capacity for detecting anionic dye from multiple systems without affecting its efficiency.
A Systematic Review on Microplastic Contamination in Fishes of Asia: Polymeric Risk Assessment and Future Prospectives
Authors: Oza Jahnvi , Rabari Vasantkumar , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Patel Ashish , Trivedi Jigneshkumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global concern because of their harmful effects on marine biota; their toxic properties can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Fish is an essential source of protein for humans, playing a crucial role in daily food intake. Until recently, MPs were addressed primarily as environmental pollutants, but they are now increasingly recognized as contaminants in the food supply. The present review has comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in freshwater and marine fishes of Asia, including 112 peer-reviewed sources from 2016 to 2023. The review recorded 422 Asian fishes (345 marine and 77 freshwater) to be contaminated with MPs. Clarias gariepinus and Selaroides leptolepi have shown maximum MP contamination in the freshwater and marine environments of Asia, respectively. Omnivorous and carnivorous fishes exhibited higher susceptibility to ingesting MPs. Benthopelagic, demersal, and reef-associated habitats were identified as more prone to MP accumulation. In both freshwater and marine environments, China has the highest number of contaminated species among all the countries. Pollution indices indicated high MP contamination in both freshwater and marine environments. A prevalence of fibers was recorded in all fishes. Black- and blue-colored MPs of &lt;500 µm–1 mm size were found dominantly. Polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene were recorded as the prevalent plastic polymers in freshwater and marine fish, respectively. Overall, the review served as a comprehensive understanding of MP concentrations and variations between species, between feeding habits, and between geographic locations, which can be pivotal for addressing pressing environmental challenges, protecting human health, and fostering global sustainability efforts in the face of escalating plastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:671–685. © 2024 SETAC.
A review on microplastic contamination in fishes of Asia.
Microencapsulation of Vitis vinifera grape pulp phenolic extract using maltodextrin and its application in gummy candy enrichment
Authors: Heidari Maryam , Pezeshki Akram , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Hamishehkar Hamed , Ahmadzadeh Nobari Azar Farnaz , Mohammadi Maryam , Ghorbani Marjan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhenolic extract of Vitis vinifera grape pulp was prepared using ultrasonication at frequencies of 28, 40, and 28–40 kHz with a 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 ratio of solid (grape pulp) to water. The 1:10 ratio and 40 kHz frequency were considered optimal conditions for the preparation of red grape pulp extract (RGPE). Then, RGPE was encapsulated within maltodextrin using a spray drying technique, and the produced powder was used in the gummy candy production. The results revealed that the phenolic content of the powder was almost constant during the storage time. The solubility of the powder decreased, whereas its moisture content increased during the 45‐day storage period. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the produced microparticles had spherical shapes with a micron size. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction showed that RGPE was encapsulated in the structure of maltodextrin through the formation of hydrogen bonds, considering the amorphous structure of the powder. The antioxidant properties of the microencapsulated RGPE containing gummy candy were preserved. Sensory evaluation and colorimetric values of the enriched gummy candy had acceptable results compared to the control sample. In general, microencapsulation of RGPE within maltodextrin as a carrier using the spray drying technique and its application in gummy candy enrichment could be useful.
A review of the production, quality, and safety of traditionally fermented cereal‐based alcoholic beverages in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Tolcha Techane , Kuyu Chala G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn Ethiopia, a diverse array of cereal‐based alcoholic beverages is being prepared and consumed. These traditional fermented drinks are distinct to specific regions and are prepared by locals using locally available raw materials according to cultural traditions. Notable among these are Tella, Areki, Keribo, Borde, and Shamita, renowned for their nutritional benefits and their role in ensuring food security. This paper explores existing literature regarding the production, quality, and safety of traditional cereal‐based alcoholic beverages in Ethiopia. Despite the widespread consumption of these beverages, they have yet to be commercialized, mainly due to their perceived low quality. The uncommercialized processes and products demand more attention, particularly in light of the country's inflationary pressures. Additionally, these traditional fermented beverages significantly enhance health due to the presence of bioactive compounds and their nutritional value. Standardizing and modernizing production methods by integrating scientific knowledge, such as optimizing fermentation practices, is essential to fully capitalize on these traditional beverages. Equipping local producers with this knowledge can facilitate the transition to larger scale production. Furthermore, continued research is essential to maintaining overall quality and safety standards. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on enhancing the nutritional value and quality of traditional cereal‐based beverages in the future. By illuminating these aspects, this review aims to enhance understanding of the traditional Ethiopian alcoholic beverage industry and its potential for elevating quality and safety standards. Moreover, the review explores these beverages' cultural significance, consumption patterns, and associated health risks.
Hypoglycemic, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective potentials of crude methanolic extract from Acacia nilotica L. – results of an in vitro study
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Ibrahim Muhammad , Alomar Taghrid S. , AlMasoud Najla , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Khan Muneeb , Khalid Ahood , Jan Muhammad Saeed , Formanowicz Dorota , Quradha Mohammed Mansour 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcacia nilotica L., also known as babul, belonging to the Fabaceae family and the Acacia genus, is typically used for ornamental purposes and also as a medicinal plant found in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The current study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of A. nilotica's crude methanolic extract. The results of the in vitro antidiabetic assay revealed that methanolic extract of A. nilotica inhibited the enzyme α‐glucosidase (IC50: 33 μg mL−1) and α‐amylase (IC50: 17 μg mL−1) in a dose‐dependent manner. While in the anticholinesterase enzyme inhibitory assay, maximum inhibition was shown by the extract against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (637.01 μg mL−1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (491.98 μg mL−1), with the highest percent inhibition of 67.54% and 71.50% at 1000 μg mL−1, respectively. This inhibitory potential was lower as compared to the standard drug Galantamine that exhibited 82.43 and 89.50% inhibition at the same concentration, respectively. Moreover, the methanolic extract of A. nilotica also significantly inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) in a concentration‐dependent manner. The percent inhibitory activity of 5‐LOX and COX‐2 ranged from 42.47% to 71.53% and 43.48% to 75.22%, respectively. Furthermore, in silico, in vivo, and clinical investigations must be planned to validate the above‐stated bioactivities of A. nilotica.
Effects of interprofessional practice on nursing workload in hospitals: A systematic review
Authors: Cucolo Danielle Fabiana , de Campos Oliveira João Lucas , Rossit Rosana Aparecida Salvador , Mininel Vivian Aline , Perroca Marcia Galan , Silva Jaqueline Alcântara Marcelino da 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo synthesise scientific evidence on interprofessional practice in hospital care and the effects on nursing workload.MethodsSystematic mixed method review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021225627) and conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus, with no restrictions on the publication period of the studies. Primary studies were recruited on nurses' interprofessional practice (actions and interactions with other professional categories) in hospitals and the effects on one or more dimensions of nursing workload (quantitative, qualitative, physical, cognitive, emotional, time and variation). Scientific articles available in open access, in English, Spanish or Portuguese, were included. The searches were carried out in January 2021. The studies were evaluated by pairs of independent researchers to verify methodological quality, through the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool, and data extraction. To summarise the studies, thematic analysis was adopted.ResultsA total of 1774 publications were assessed for eligibility and 17 studies were included. Of these, two were mixed methods, four were qualitative, and 11 were quantitative, published between 2011 and 2020. The main scenarios investigated were Intensive Care Units and/or Inpatient Units. During data analysis, three thematic categories emerged: Interprofessional practice in coping with emotional overload; Time dedicated by nurses to professional communication; and Working conditions and patient care. The third category consisted of three subthemes: Conflict and flexibility in the context of practice; Working conditions and interprofessional practice; and Effects on patient care.ConclusionsThe evidence points to the emotional overload of nurses in the face of uncooperative practices. Interprofessional actions, especially communicative ones, demand nurses' time and impact the care provided. The results contribute to political decisions and health work management.