bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal community composition and genetic potential regulate fine root decay in northern temperate forests
Authors: Argiroff William A. , Zak Donald R. , Upchurch Rima A. , Pellitier Peter T. , Belke Julia P. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUnderstanding how genetic differences among soil microorganisms regulate spatial patterns in litter decay remains a persistent challenge in ecology. Despite fine root litter accounting for ~50% of total litter production in forest ecosystems, far less is known about the microbial decay of fine roots relative to aboveground litter. Here, we evaluated whether fine root decay occurred more rapidly where fungal communities have a greater genetic potential for litter decay. Additionally, we tested if linkages between decay and fungal genes can be adequately captured by delineating saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungal functional groups based on whether they have genes encoding certain ligninolytic class II peroxidase enzymes, which oxidize lignin and polyphenolic compounds. To address these ideas, we used a litterbag study paired with fungal DNA barcoding to characterize fine root decay rates and fungal community composition at the landscape scale in northern temperate forests, and we estimated the genetic potential of fungal communities for litter decay using publicly available genomes. Fine root decay occurred more rapidly where fungal communities had a greater genetic potential for decay, especially of cellulose and hemicellulose. Fine root decay was positively correlated with ligninolytic saprotrophic fungi and negatively correlated with ECM fungi with ligninolytic peroxidases, likely because these saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal functional groups had the highest and lowest genetic potentials for plant cell wall degradation, respectively. These fungal variables overwhelmed direct environmental controls, suggesting fungal community composition and genetic variation are primary controls over fine root decay in temperate forests at regional scales.
Positive psychological well‐being: A novel concept for improving symptoms, quality of life, and health behaviors in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Madva Elizabeth N. , Harnedy Lauren E. , Longley Regina M. , Rojas Amaris Alexandra , Castillo Crystal , Bomm Marie D. , Burton Murray Helen , Staller Kyle , Kuo Braden , Keefer Laurie , Huffman Jeff C. , Celano Christopher M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThough a growing body of research suggests that greater positive psychological well‐being in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be protective, existing brain–gut behavior therapies primarily target negative psychological factors. Little is known about how positive psychological factors in IBS relate to IBS symptoms, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), or adherence to key health behaviors, such as physical activity and diet modification. Accordingly, per the ORBIT model of behavioral treatment development for chronic diseases, we explored potential connections between psychological constructs and IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement (physical activity and dietary modification), and HRQoL in a qualitative study to inform the development of a novel brain–gut behavior therapy.MethodsParticipants with IBS completed self‐report assessments and semi‐structured phone interviews about relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL.Key ResultsParticipants (n = 23; 57% female) ranged in age from 25 to 79 (mean age = 54). IBS subtypes were similarly represented (IBS‐diarrhea [n = 8], IBS‐constipation [n = 7], and IBS‐mixed [n = 8]). Participants described opposing relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL, respectively, such that experiencing positive constructs largely mitigated IBS symptoms, boosted health behavior participation, and improved HRQoL, and negative constructs exacerbated symptoms, reduced health behavior participation, and worsened HRQoL.Conclusions and InferencesParticipants with IBS linked greater positive psychological well‐being to moderated IBS symptoms and better HRQoL and health behavior participation. An intervention to cultivate greater well‐being may be a novel way to mitigate IBS symptoms, boost health behavior participation, and improve HRQoL in IBS.
Leaf decomposition and flammability are largely decoupled across species in a tropical swamp forest despite sharing some predictive leaf functional traits
Authors: Rahman Nur E. B. , Smith Stuart W. , Lam Weng Ngai , Chong Kwek Yan , Chua Matthias S. E. , Teo Pei Yun , Lee Daniel W. J. , Phua Shi Yu , Aw Cheryl Y. , Lee Janice S. H. , Wardle David A. 
Published: January 2023

Summary

Decomposition and fire are major carbon pathways in many ecosystems, yet potential linkages between these processes are poorly understood. We test whether variability in decomposability and flammability across species are related to each other and to key plant functional traits in tropical swamp forests, where habitat degradation is elevating decomposition and fire regimes.

Using senesced and fresh leaves of 22 swamp tree species in Singapore, we conducted an in situ decomposition experiment and a laboratory flammability experiment. We analysed 16 leaf physical and biochemical traits as predictors of decomposability and components of flammability: combustibility, ignitability and sustainability.

Decomposability and flammability were largely decoupled across species, despite some shared predictive traits such as specific leaf area (SLA). Physical traits predicted that thicker leaves with a smaller SLA and volume decomposed faster, while various cation concentrations predicted flammability components, particularly ignitability.

We show that flammability and decomposability of swamp forest leaves are decoupled because flammability is mostly driven by biochemical traits, while decomposition is driven by physical traits. Our approach identifies species that are slow to decompose and burn (e.g. Calophyllum tetrapterum and Xanthophyllum flavescens), which could be planted to mitigate carbon losses in tropical swamp reforestation.
Cenozoic migration of a desert plant lineage across the North Atlantic
Authors: Denk Thomas , Bouchal Johannes M. , Güner H. Tuncay , Coiro Mario , Butzmann Rainer , Pigg Kathleen B. , Tiffney Bruce H. 
Published: January 2023

Summary
Previous paleobotanical work concluded that Paleogene elements of the sclerophyllous subhumid vegetation of western Eurasia and western North America were endemic to these disjunct regions, suggesting that the southern areas of the Holarctic flora were isolated at that time. Consequently, molecular studies invoked either parallel adaptation to dry climates from related ancestors, or long‐distance dispersal in explaining disjunctions between the two regions, dismissing the contemporaneous migration of dry‐adapted lineages via land bridges as unlikely.
We report Vauquelinia (Rosaceae), currently endemic to western North America, in Cenozoic strata of western Eurasia. Revision of North American fossils previously assigned to Vauquelinia confirmed a single fossil‐species of Vauquelinia and one of its close relative Kageneckia.
We established taxonomic relationships of fossil‐taxa using diagnostic character combinations shared with modern species and constructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny.
The fossil record suggests that Vauquelinia, currently endemic to arid and subdesert environments, originated under seasonally arid climates in the Eocene of western North America and subsequently crossed the Paleogene North Atlantic land bridge (NALB) to Europe. This pattern is replicated by other sclerophyllous, dry‐adapted and warmth‐loving plants, suggesting that several of these taxa potentially crossed the North Atlantic via the NALB during Eocene times.
Keep in contact: multiple roles of endoplasmic reticulum–membrane contact sites and the organelle interaction network in plants
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Duckney Patrick , Gao Erlin , Hussey Patrick J. , Kriechbaumer Verena , Li Chengyang , Zang Jingze , Zhang Tong 
Published: January 2023

SummaryFunctional regulation and structural maintenance of the different organelles in plants contribute directly to plant development, reproduction and stress responses. To ensure these activities take place effectively, cells have evolved an interconnected network amongst various subcellular compartments, regulating rapid signal transduction and the exchange of biomaterial. Many proteins that regulate membrane connections have recently been identified in plants, and this is the first step in elucidating both the mechanism and function of these connections. Amongst all organelles, the endoplasmic reticulum is the key structure, which likely links most of the different subcellular compartments through membrane contact sites (MCS) and the ER–PM contact sites (EPCS) have been the most intensely studied in plants. However, the molecular composition and function of plant MCS are being found to be different from other eukaryotic systems. In this article, we will summarise the most recent advances in this field and discuss the mechanism and biological relevance of these essential links in plants.
SUMOylation regulates low‐temperature survival and oxidative DNA damage tolerance in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Shao Wenyong , Sun Kewei , Ma Tianling , Jiang Huixian , Hahn Matthias , Ma Zhonghua , Jiao Chen , Yin Yanni 
Published: January 2023

Summary

SUMOylation as one of the protein post‐translational modifications plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes of eukaryotic organisms. Botrytis cinerea is a devastating fungal pathogen and capable of infecting plant hosts at low temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms of low‐temperature adaptation are largely unknown in fungi.

Combining with biochemical methods and biological analyses, we report that SUMOylation regulates pathogen survival at low temperature and oxidative DNA damage response during infection in B. cinerea. The heat shock protein (Hsp70) BcSsb and E3 ubiquitin ligase BcRad18 were identified as substrates of SUMOylation; moreover, their SUMOylation both requires a single unique SUMO‐interacting motif (SIM).

SUMOylated BcSsb regulates β‐tubulin accumulation, thereby affecting the stability of microtubules and consequently mycelial growth at low temperature. On the contrary, SUMOylated BcRad18 modulates mono‐ubiquitination of the sliding clamp protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which is involved in response to oxidative DNA damage during infection.

Our study uncovers the molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation‐mediated low‐temperature survival and oxidative DNA damage tolerance during infection in a devastating fungal pathogen, which provides novel insights into low‐temperature adaptation and pathogenesis for postharvest pathogens as well as new targets for inhibitor invention in disease control.
Mid‐ toLong‐TermClinical Outcomes of Cartilage Restoration of Knee Joint with AllogenicNext‐Generation Matrix‐InducedAutologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Ma Ning , Zhao Zhe , Guo Quanyi 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveCartilage defect is a common pathology still lacking a unified treating option. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical and radiological outcome of cartilage restoration of knee joint with allogenic next‐generation Matrix‐Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) for the first time, as well as the correlation between postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes and preoperative patient history and demographics.MethodsFrom July 2014 to August 2020, 15 patients who went through cartilage restoration with allogenic next‐generation MACI were included in this study. Patient demographics and PROM including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were obtained preoperatively, at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and the last follow‐up using an online questionnaire platform. MOCART 2.0 score was calculated at the last follow‐up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare PROM pre‐ and post‐operation, with two‐tailedp < 0.05 defined as statistical significant. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between the PROM and MOCART 2.0 score at the last follow‐up with patients demorgraphics.ResultsAll patients were followed for an average of 66.47 ± 24.15 months (range, 21–93). All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and no complication was reported at the end of the study. No significant improvement was observed until 1 year after the implantation, except for IKDC score at 6 months. All PROM showed significant improvement 1 year post‐op except for Lysholm score and TAS, which also increased significantly at the time of the last follow‐up. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the size of the defect, before or after debridement, was significantly negatively correlated with final KOOS‐Pain (before debridement:r = −0.57,p < 0.05; after debridement:r = −0.54,p < 0.05) and KOOS‐Symptoms score (before debridement:r = −0.66,p < 0.05; after debridement:r = −0.67,p < 0.05). The MOCART 2.0 score was found significantly and negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.60,p < 0.05), and significantly and positively correlated with Lysholm score (r = 0.70,p < 0.05).ConclusionThe next generation MACI with autologous chondrocyte and allogenic chondrocyte ECM scaffold could be used to treat focal articular cartilage defect in the knee joint safely and efficiently with lasting promising outcomes for more than 5 years. The size of the defects should be considered the most negatively correlated parameters influencing the postoperative clinical outcomes.
Use of organs from increased infectious risk deceased donors in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Papadakis Georgios , Kallath Sruthi , Marks Stephen D. , Callaghan Chris 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLiving donors are the main source of transplanted kidneys for children and young people in many countries, but there still remains a significant need for deceased donor kidney transplantation. Given the waiting times associated with deceased donor kidney transplantation and the morbidity or mortality that can occur in those on the waiting list, it is essential that the utilization of kidneys from deceased donors is optimized. The use of organs from deceased donors at increased risk of transmitting human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus is relatively common in adults, but far less so in children. The risks and benefits of the use of kidneys from increased infectious risk donors (IIRD) are discussed. The variation of definitions of IIRD between countries is explored as is the need for pediatric nephrologists and transplant surgeons to have an understanding of the prevalence of viral diseases within the country in which they work. The role of screening tests such as nucleic acid tests is examined, along with the concept of residual risk. Finally, considerations in acquiring informed consent in the use of kidneys from IIRDs in children and young people are discussed.
Pediatric renal transplantation—A UNOS database analysis of donor–recipient size mismatch
Authors: Kostakis Ioannis D. , Chandak Pankaj , Assia‐Zamora Sergio , Gogalniceanu Petrut , Loukopoulos Ioannis , Calder Francis , Stojanovic Jelena , Kessaris Nicos 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe used the BSAi (Donor BSA/Recipient BSA) to assess whether transplanting a small or large kidney into a pediatric recipient relative to his/her size influences renal transplant outcomes.MethodsWe included 14 322 single‐kidney transplants in pediatric recipients (0–17 years old) (01/2000–02/2020) from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. We divided cases into four BSAi groups (BSAi ≤ 1, 1 < BSAi ≤ 2, 2 < BSAi ≤ 3, BSAi > 3).ResultsThere were no differences concerning delayed graft function (DGF) or primary non‐function (PNF) rates, whether the grafts were from living or brain‐dead donors. In both transplants coming from living donors and brain‐dead donors, cases with BSAi > 3 and cases with 2 < BSAi ≤ 3 had similar graft survival (p = .13 for transplants from living donors, p = .413 for transplants from brain‐dead donors), and both groups had longer graft survival than cases with 1 < BSAi ≤ 2 and cases with BSAi ≤ 1 (p < .001). The difference in 10‐year graft survival rates between cases with BSAi > 3 and cases with BSAi ≤ 1 reached around 25% in both donor types. The better graft survival in transplants with BSAi > 2 was confirmed in multivariable analysis.ConclusionsThere is no significant impact of donor‐recipient size mismatch on DGF and PNF rates in pediatric renal transplants. However, graft survival is significantly improved when the donor's size is more than twice the pediatric recipient's size.
Interactions between epiphytes during canopy soil formation: an experiment in a lower montane cloud forest of southeast Mexico
Authors: Victoriano‐Romero E. , Valencia‐Díaz S. , García‐Franco J. G. , Mehltreter K. , Toledo‐Hernández V. H. , Flores‐Palacios A. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

In several montane forests around the world, epiphytes coexist in mats, sharing the rhizosphere and forming histosol‐type soils rich in nutrients. The role of these epiphytes in the formation of canopy soil and the fitness costs that epiphytes face when cohabiting in these mats are unknown.

In a lower montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, a 2‐year factorial experiment was carried out with the presence/absence of ramets of Phlebodium areolatum (Polypodiaceae), Tillandsia kirchhoffiana, T. multicaulis and T. punctulata (Bromeliaceae). We examined (i) which epiphyte species contribute to the formation of canopy soil, (ii) the role of epiphyte composition in the soil nutrient composition, and (iii) the fitness costs faced by epiphytes when cohabiting.

Canopy soil formation highest when P. areolatum is present. Soil nutrient content does not change with epiphyte composition, is influenced by the microbiota, and P content decreases with the presence of epiphytes. The fitness costs show that the species compete, decreasing their survival and growth, but the competitive capacity differs between the species.

We conclude that P. areolatum is an ecosystem engineer that promotes the creation of canopy soil but is a poor competitor. The results coincide with the model of succession by facilitation. Canopy soil is a slow‐created component whose nutrient content does not depend on the epiphytic flora. In epiphyte mats, the dominant interactions are competitive, but there is also facilitation.
Effects of land‐use changes on soil organic nitrogen fractions in the black soil region of Northeast China
Authors: He Youyou , Zhang Chen , Xue Tingting , Chen Xiangwei , Fu Yu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSoil organic nitrogen (SON) accounts for more than 90% of the total nitrogen (TN) in black soil and is one of the most important indicators of soil fertility. However, the effect of land‐use changes on SON fractions is still unclear in black soil. Hence, natural grassland (uncultivated), farmland (converted from natural grassland), and artificial forestland (grain plots converted into forests) in the black soil region of Northeast China were selected for research. TN, available nitrogen (AN) and SON fractions (ammonia nitrogen (AMN), amino acid nitrogen (AAN), hydrolysable unknown nitrogen (HUN), acid insoluble nitrogen (AIN)) in the topsoil (0–20 cm), and subsoil (20–40 cm) were analysed and compared with elucidate the effects of land‐use changes on SON fractions. The results showed that compared with natural grasslands, the contents of TN and AN in farmlands were 49.1%–67.4% and 48.0%–67.7% less, respectively, and the content of AAN decreased the most in SON fractions, by 52.2%–76.7%, followed by the content of AMN, which decreased by 46.9%–70.7%. The contents of TN and AN in the artificial forestland increased by 18.8% and 30.6%, respectively, compared with those in the farmland. Other than AAN, the content of the SON fractions in the artificial forestland soils was greater than that of the farmland, and the content of HUN increased the most in the SON fractions, by 29.6%, followed by the content of AIN, which increased by 25.8%. The proportions of AMN and AAN in the TN of the natural grassland were 1.2 and 1.7 times those of the artificial forestland, respectively. In conclusion, after natural grassland is converted to farmland, it will destroy the original soil structure, change the physical and chemical properties of the soil, significantly reduce the soil nitrogen supply potential, and significantly decrease nitrogen accumulation. The conversion of grain plots into forestland significantly improved the soil nitrogen storage capacity, but the potential nitrogen supply did not reach the levels of the uncultivated lands. Changes in land use types lead to changes in soil structure and vegetation cover, which in turn alter soil nitrogen cycling. These results provide a scientific basis for evaluating the nitrogen supply capacity of different land‐use types. The study suggests that the land use structure in the area should be properly matched to restore soil nitrogen reservoirs and maintain and improve soil fertility, taking into account local environmental conditions.
Sparse bounds for the bilinear spherical maximal function
Authors: Borges Tainara , Foster Benjamin , Ou Yumeng , Pipher Jill , Zhou Zirui 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe derive sparse bounds for the bilinear spherical maximal function in any dimension . When , this immediately recovers the sharp bound of the operator and implies quantitative weighted norm inequalities with respect to bilinear Muckenhoupt weights, which seems to be the first of their kind for the operator. The key innovation is a group of newly developed continuity improving estimates for the single‐scale bilinear spherical averaging operator.
Activation mechanisms and structural dynamics of STIM proteins
Authors: Sallinger Matthias , Grabmayr Herwig , Humer Christina , Bonhenry Daniel , Romanin Christoph , Schindl Rainer , Derler Isabella 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe family of stromal interaction molecules (STIM) includes two widely expressed single‐pass endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane proteins and additional splice variants that act as precise ER‐luminal Ca2+ sensors. STIM proteins mainly function as one of the two essential components of the so‐called Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. The second CRAC channel component is constituted by pore‐forming Orai proteins in the plasma membrane. STIM and Orai physically interact with each other to enable CRAC channel opening, which is a critical prerequisite for various downstream signalling pathways such as gene transcription or proliferation. Their activation commonly requires the emptying of the intracellular ER Ca2+ store. Using their Ca2+ sensing capabilities, STIM proteins confer this Ca2+ content‐dependent signal to Orai, thereby linking Ca2+ store depletion to CRAC channel opening. Here we review the conformational dynamics occurring along the entire STIM protein upon store depletion, involving the transition from the quiescent, compactly folded structure into an active, extended state, modulation by a variety of accessory components in the cell as well as the impairment of individual steps of the STIM activation cascade associated with disease.
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