bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmland bird assemblages exhibit higher functional and phylogenetic diversity than forest assemblages in France
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimUnder a global change scenario, research focused on changes in assembly patterns over spatial and temporal axes is paramount. Despite an increasing need to assess whether associations among diversity and community metrics change in relation to environmental heterogeneity, the way in which community assembly rules vary across habitats has been hardly explored. Here, we tested for differences in patterns of functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) between farmland and forest bird communities in order to improve our understanding about how biological communities respond to anthropogenic disturbances.LocationContinental France.Taxon107 species of common birds.MethodsWe used an extensive dataset (13 years; 7,115 bird communities) from the French Breeding Bird survey in conjunction with a matrix of 142 functional traits (including information on habitat, diet, life‐stories, behaviour and morphology) to compute different metrics of FD and PD and examine how these vary between habitat types and across time.ResultsWe found that farmland assemblages showed higher FD and PD than forest assemblages, which were phylogenetically clustered. Both FD and PD of forest assemblages increased with increasing species richness, whereas in farmland assemblages the relationship was asymptotic in both cases. This pattern may be due to the accumulation of generalists, which can end up displacing specialist species when the environment becomes oversaturated triggering a decline in diversity. Contrary to expectations, FD and PD of farmland assemblages increased over the study period, whereas forest assemblages showed a non‐linear pattern. Farmland and forest assemblages also showed divergent trajectories over time in relation to FD metrics.Main conclusionsAlthough farmland intensification led to a sharp decline in populations of farmland birds, agricultural landscapes in southern Europe still harbour diversity‐rich communities probably due to the legacy effects of past land‐use (traditional practices). Our study highlights the need to take into account the influence of historical landscape configurations when assessing the effect that contemporary land uses have on biotic communities.
Retracted: Disruption of microRNA‐214 during general anaesthesia prevents brain injury and maintains mitochondrial fusion by promoting Mfn2 interaction with Pkm2
Authors: Liu Tiejun , Wang Bin , Li Gai , Dong Xiaoliu , Yu Guannan , Qian Qingzeng , Duan Likun , Li Hongxia , Jia Zhao , Bai Jing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDuration of surgical general anaesthesia is associated with severe brain injury and neurological deficits. The specific mechanisms underlying post‐general anaesthesia brain injury, however, still remain to be elucidated. Herein, we explore the role of microRNA‐214 (miR‐214) in the occurrence of brain injury after general anaesthesia and its underlying mechanism. Hippocampal tissues and neurons were isolated from rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane. TUNEL stains reflect hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Cultured hippocampal neurons stained with JC‐1 and MitoTracker dyes were imaged by fluorescence microscope to visualize changes of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial fusion. Mitochondrial function was evaluated. Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) binding to miR‐214 or pyruvate kinase M2 (Pkm2) was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. After exposure to 2% sevoflurane, up‐regulated miR‐214 expression and impaired interaction between Mfn2 and Pkm2 were found in rat hippocampal tissues. Rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane also experienced neuronal injury, mitochondrial defects and deficits in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) signalling. miR‐214 was shown to target Mfn2 by impairing its binding with Pkm2. Inhibiting miR‐214 expression using its specific inhibitor improved mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced mitochondrial fusion, maintained mitochondrial function, restored interaction between Mfn2 and Pkm2, and activated the Bdnf signalling in cultured hippocampal neurons. Adenovirus infection of miR‐214 inhibitor reduced neuron apoptosis and maintained mitochondrial function in the hippocampus of rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane. Taken together, the study demonstrates inhibition of miR‐214 is cerebral protective against brain injury following general anaesthesia.
Association between homocysteine and obesity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , You Dingyun , Wang Huaping , Yang Yanhong , Zhang Dan , Lv Junyan , Luo Sufeng , Liao Rui , Ma Lanqing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAccording to previous studies of obesity, we found that the association between homocysteine concentrations and obesity was reported controversially. Thus, we carried out this meta‐analysis to investigate this association. We searched PubMed, The Cochrane library, and EMBASE database for studies that evaluate the relationship between homocysteine concentrations and obesity from inception to March, 2019. The quality of all included studies was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ). The RevMan5.3 software and Stata12.0 software were used for conducting all data analyses. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as a measure of effect size to assess the relationship between homocysteine concentrations and obesity through a meta‐analysis. The level of significance was set at P < .05. A total of 14 studies were ultimately included in our meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis of the 14 studies found remarkable lower homocysteine concentrations in controls than in obese patients (SMD = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.25‐1.27, P < .01; I2 = 94% and P < .01 for heterogeneity), regardless of nutritional status, dietary habit, insulin resistance (IR) status, special disease history, history of medicine taken, genetic background, and so on. Homocysteine concentrations in nonobese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were lower than obese patients with PCOS (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.20‐0.77, P < .01; I2 = 39% and P = .18 for heterogeneity). The result of our meta‐analysis showed that homocysteine concentrations were significantly elevated among obese patients.
Down syndrome caregivers' support needs: a mixed‐method participatory approach
Authors: Hart K. M. , Neil N. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study was to explore the support needs of caregivers of children with Down syndrome from their perspective using a mixed‐method participatory research approach.MethodsConcept mapping methodology was used to obtain caregiver perspectives. Twenty‐one caregivers answered the question ‘Are parents of individuals with Down syndrome supported, why or why not?’ Caregivers were involved in the analysis of the data through concept mapping procedures.ResultsSorted data were analysed with multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Participants generated eight thematic clusters representing the support needs of caregivers of children with Down syndrome. The themes included online and social support, support system gaps, areas where support is lacking, Down syndrome community support, financial support, advocacy needs, educational support and concerns for community programming.ConclusionsThemes align with previous research on support needs of parents of children with developmental disabilities. The study highlights the need for more local organisations to offer support that is affordable and accessible for families. Results will support future programme planning for services for individuals caring for those with Down syndrome.
Birth signalling hormones and the developmental consequences of caesarean delivery
Authors: Kenkel William 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRates of delivery by caesarean section (CS) are increasing around the globe and, although several epidemiological associations have already been observed between CS and health outcomes in later life, more are sure to be discovered as this practice continues to gain popularity. The components of vaginal delivery that protect offspring from the negative consequences of CS delivery in later life are currently unknown, although much attention to date has focused on differences in microbial colonisation. Here, we present the case that differing hormonal experiences at birth may also contribute to the neurodevelopmental consequences of CS delivery. Levels of each of the ‘birth signalling hormones’ (oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and the glucocorticoids) are lower following CS compared to vaginal delivery, and there is substantial evidence for each that manipulations in early life results in long‐term neurodevelopmental consequences. We draw from the research traditions of neuroendocrinology and developmental psychobiology to suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive period, during which hormones achieve organisational effects. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from research on developmental programming by early‐life stress that may inform research on CS, as a result of shared neuroendocrine mechanisms at work. We compare and contrast the effects of early‐life stress with those of CS delivery and propose new avenues of research based on the links between the two bodies of literature. The research conducted to date suggests that the differences in hormone signalling seen in CS neonates may produce long‐term neurodevelopmental consequences.
Arterial stiffness measured by cardio‐ankle vascular index is greater in non‐obese young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Kilic Derya , Kilic Ismail Dogu , Sevgican Cihan Ilyas , Kilic Oguz , Alatas Erkan , Arslan Muhammet , Avci Esin , Guler Tolga 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimThe association of metabolic abnormalities and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been documented, but few studies have focused on cardiovascular risk in these women. The aim of this study was to compare arterial stiffness by using the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) in PCOS women with controls, and to evaluate whether any clinical or laboratory variables had independent associations with it.MethodsA group of 160 women, matched for age and body mass index were recruited. Diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Arterial stiffness using CAVI was evaluated in non‐obese young woman, with and without PCOS.ResultsIn the PCOS group (n = 80), 60 cases (75%) had findings of hyperandrogenism, 59 (73.8%) had ovulatory dysfunction, and 70 (87.5%) had an ultrasonographic appearance of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS had significantly higher mean CAVI values when compared to subjects without PCOS (5.78 ± 0.64 vs 5.28 ± 0.77, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that androgen excess was associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, body mass index and age.ConclusionThis data suggests that vascular compliance is decreased in young women with PCOS. Androgen excess is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness.
Ghrelin promotes angiogenesis by activating the Jagged1/Notch2/VEGF pathway in preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Yang Lina , Chen Yaping , Zhang Liwen , Fei He 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimGhrelin, an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), has been found to be involved in the regulation of blood pressure; however, its effects in preeclampsia (PE) and the potential underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between ghrelin and PE and reveal the possible mechanism underlying any relationship.MethodsThe levels of ghrelin and VEGF in the plasma of 6 early‐onset PE (EOPE), 6 late‐onset PE (LOPE) and 12 healthy pregnant (HP) women were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The recombinant plasmid, pCDH‐ghrelin, was designed to overexpress ghrelin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We analyzed angiogenesis in vitro and investigated the mechanism using MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration assay, Matrigel‐induced tube formation assay and western blotting.ResultsGhrelin was significantly decreased in EOPE patients (P < 0.05) but elevated in LOPE patients compared to HP groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in plasma level of VEGF in EOPE and LOPE patients compared to the controls (P < 0.05). The proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of HUVECs were enhanced after transfection with pCDH‐ghrelin. Ghrelin increased VEGF by activating the Jagged1/Notch2 pathway.ConclusionOur study uncovered that ghrelin has the potential to improve endothelial function by promoting angiogenesis through Jagged1/Notch2/VEGF pathway.
Phase‐Contrast MRI Detection of Ventricular Shunt CSF Flow: Proof of Principle
Authors: König Rebecca E. , Stucht Daniel , Baecke Sebastian , Rashidi Ali , Speck Oliver , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Luchtmann Michael 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe evaluation of a suspected malfunction of a ventricular shunt is a common procedure in neurosurgery. The evaluation relies on either the interpretation of the ventricular width using cranial imaging or invasive techniques. Several attempts have been made to measure the flow velocity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) utilizing different phase‐contrast magnet resonance imaging (PC MRI) techniques. In the present study, we evaluated 3 T (Tesla) MRI scanners for their effectiveness in determining of flow in the parenchymal portion of ventricular shunt systems with adjustable valves containing magnets.METHODSAt first, an MRI phantom was used to measure the phase‐contrasts at different constant low flow rates. The next step was to measure the CSF flow in patients treated with ventricular shunts without suspected malfunction of the shunt under observation.RESULTSThe measurements of the phantom showed a linear correlation between the CSF flow and corresponding phase values. Despite many artifacts resulting from the magnetic valves, the ventricular catheter within the parenchymal portion of shunt was not superimposed by artifacts at each PC MRI plane and clearly distinguishable in 9 of 12 patients. Three patients suffering from obstructive hydrocephalus showed a clear flow signal.CONCLUSIONCSF flow detected within the parenchymal portion of the shunt by PC MRI may reliably provide information about the functional status of a ventricular shunt. Even in patients whose hydrocephalus was treated with magnetic adjustable valves, the CSF flow was detectable using PC MRI sequences at 3 T field strength.
Limited Utility of Gadolinium Contrast Administration in Routine Multiple Sclerosis Surveillance
Authors: Johnston Gregory , Johnson Thomas , Solomon Andrew J. , Bazylewicz Michael , Allison James B. , Azalone Emily , Ulano Adam 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAssess the incidence of enhancing lesions on follow‐up MRIs in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the utility of intravenous, gadolinium‐based contrast agent (IV‐GBCA) use in routine follow‐up imaging.METHODSWe retrospectively identified head MRIs associated with an MS diagnosis acquired between January 1, 2015and January 10, 2018. Final reports were reviewed to determine the presence of (1) a new or larger lesion, (2) at least one enhancing lesion, and (3) if at least one enhancing lesion was new or larger on Fluid‐Attenuation Inversion Recovery (FLAIR). For MRIs with at least one enhancing lesion, but no new or larger enhancing lesions, reports and images of the preceding MRI were reviewed.RESULTSA total of 1,805 MRIs performed on 920 patients were included. 354/1,805 (20%) MRIs reported new or enlarging lesions. 138/1,805 (8%) MRIs reported at least one enhancing lesion. Of these, 117/138 (85%) reported at least one enhancing lesion that was new or larger. In the remaining 21 MRIs which contained an enhancing lesion but none of the enhancing lesions were reported as new or enlarging, at least one enhancing lesion was present on preceding MRI.CONCLUSIONSEnhancing lesions are uncommon on follow‐up MRIs in MS patients. Our data suggest that new enhancing lesions are not present on a follow‐up MRI when two conditions are met: (1) preceding MRI does not demonstrate any enhancing lesions and (2) there is no interval change of the lesions on the current 3D‐T2‐FLAIR sequence compared to the preceding 3D‐T2‐FLAIR sequence. IV‐GBCA should be reserved for instances when temporal knowledge of lesion formation is needed.
Prospective Motion Correction for Brain MRI Using an External Tracking System
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Pawha Puneet S. , Fleysher Lazar , George Kezia , Stueben Julianne , Roas‐Loeffler Michael , Delman Bradley N. , Fayad Zahi A. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEA wide range of strategies have been developed to mitigate motion, as a major source of image quality degradation in clinical MRI. We aimed to assess the efficiency of a commercially available prospective motion correction (PMC) system in reducing motion in acquiring high‐resolution 3D magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo (MPRAGE).METHODSA total of 100 patients who referred for brain MRI studies were prospectively imaged using a 3.0T scanner. 3D MPRAGE acquisition was obtained with and without application of PMC. The motion tracking system (KinetiCor Inc.) consisted of a quad camera apparatus, which tracks a specific marker on patient's head by evaluating the marker's optical pattern. The patient's head motion in 6 degrees of freedom throughout the acquisition was then incorporated into the MRI sequence, updating the image acquisition in real time based on the most recent head pose data. MPRAGE images with and without motion correction were assessed independently by two board‐certified neuroradiologists using a 5‐point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included kappa and Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum tests.RESULTSObservers 1 and 2 identified nondiagnostic studies in 17.2% and 20.7% of patients (K = .78, 95% CI .70‐.86) without motion correction and in 5.7% and 8% of the studies with motion correction (K = .84, 95% CI .76‐.92). The number of nondiagnostic studies was significantly (P = .001) reduced from 19.5% to 5.7% after motion correction in consensus read analysis.CONCLUSIONThe described motion tracking system can be used effectively in clinical practice reducing motion artifact and improving image quality of 3D MPRAGE sequence.
Associations of breastfeeding or formula feeding with infant anthropometry and body composition at 6 months
Authors: Tahir Muna J. , Ejima Keisuke , Li Peng , Demerath Ellen W. , Allison David B. , Fields David A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the associations of mode of feeding with infant anthropometric and body composition variables at 6 months of age. We studied 259 infants whose exclusive mode of feeding (breast or formula) to 1 month was confirmed. Standard anthropometric characteristics of the infants (weight, length and weight‐for‐length z scores) were obtained, and body composition (total fat mass, fat‐free mass, trunk fat mass and body fat percent) was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 6 months (±12 days). General linear models were used to test the associations of mode of feeding with infant anthropometric and body composition variables at 6 months after adjustment for maternal and infant covariates. In this cohort of predominantly breastfed, White infants of highly educated mothers, fat‐free mass was lower (P = .002), and trunk fat mass (P = .032) and body fat percent (P < .001) were greater in breastfed infants than in formula‐fed infants at 6 months of age. After adjustment for covariates, total fat‐free mass was significantly lower (β = −372 g, [SE = 125, P = .003]), and body fat percent was significantly greater (β = 3.30, [SE = 0.91, P < .001]) in breastfed infants than in formula‐fed infants. No other significant associations were observed. These findings support those of previous studies reporting greater fat‐free mass in formula‐fed infants during the first 6 months of life. Additional research is warranted to explore whether differences in infant body composition by mode of feeding persist throughout the life course and to assess causality.
A single gene in Fusarium oxysporum limits host range
Authors: Li Jiming , Fokkens Like , Rep Martijn 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFusarium oxysoporum f. sp. radicis‐cucumerinum (Forc) is able to cause disease in cucumber, melon, and watermelon, while F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) can only infect melon plants. Earlier research showed that mobile chromosomes in Forc and Fom determine the difference in host range between Forc and Fom. By closely comparing these pathogenicity chromosomes combined with RNA‐sequencing data, we selected 11 candidate genes that we tested for involvement in the difference in host range between Forc and Fom. One of these candidates is a putative effector gene on the Fom pathogenicity chromosome that has nonidentical homologs on the Forc pathogenicity chromosome. Four independent Forc transformants with this gene from Fom showed strongly reduced or no pathogenicity towards cucumber, while retaining pathogenicity towards melon and watermelon. This suggests that the protein encoded by this gene is recognized by an immune receptor in cucumber plants. This is the first time that a single gene has been demonstrated to determine a difference in host specificity between formae speciales of F. oxysporum.
The nature of beauty: behavior, cognition, and neurobiology
Authors: Skov Martin , Nadal Marcos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBeauty is commonly used to refer to positive evaluative appraisals that are uniquely human. Little is known, however, about what distinguishes beauty in terms of psychological function or neurobiological mechanisms. Our review describes recent empirical studies and synthesizes what behavioral, cognitive, and neuroscientific experiments have revealed about the nature of beauty. These findings suggest that beauty shares computational mechanisms with other forms of hedonic appraisal of sensory objects but is distinguished by specific conceptual expectations. Specifically, experiencing an object as pleasurable is a prerequisite for judging it to be beautiful; but to qualify as beautiful, an object must elicit especially high levels of pleasure and be matched to internal learned models of what counts as beautiful. We discuss how these empirical findings contradict several assumptions about beauty, including the notion that beauty is disinterested, and that it is specific toHomo sapiens.