bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foliar fungi and plant diversity drive ecosystem carbon fluxes in experimental prairies
Authors: Kohli Mayank , Henning Jeremiah A. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Kinkel Linda , Seabloom Eric W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPlant diversity and plant–consumer/pathogen interactions likely interact to influence ecosystem carbon fluxes but experimental evidence is scarce. We examined how experimental removal of foliar fungi, soil fungi and arthropods from experimental prairies planted with 1, 4 or 16 plant species affected instantaneous rates of carbon uptake (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Re) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Increasing plant diversity increased plant biomass, GPP and Re, but NEE remained unchanged. Removing foliar fungi increased GPP and NEE, with the greatest effects at low plant diversity. After accounting for plant biomass, we found that removing foliar fungi increased mass‐specific flux rates in the low‐diversity plant communities by altering plant species composition and community‐wide foliar nitrogen content. However, this effect disappeared when soil fungi and arthropods were also removed, demonstrating that both plant diversity and interactions among consumer groups determine the ecosystem‐scale effects of plant–fungal interactions.
Decision making and framing effects in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zamarian Laura , Berger Thomas , Pertl Marie‐Theres , Bsteh Gabriel , Djamshidian Atbin , Deisenhammer Florian , Delazer Margarete 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies reported reduced decision‐making abilities for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) relative to healthy controls (HC). This study aimed to evaluate whether these problems arise when sampling information or when pondering about the evidence collected.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional, controlled study, 43 relapsing‐remitting MS patients (RRMS; Expanded Disability Status Scale 1.5, range 0–4) and 53 HC performed an information sampling task (‘beads task’), a health‐related framing task, and neuropsychological background tests.ResultsIn the beads task, patients collected as much information as HC prior to a decision. However, there were twice as many patients as HC making irrational decisions, that is, decisions against the evidence collected (RRMS: 26/43, 60%; HC: 16/53, 30%; p = 0.003). Compared to HC, patients also showed a stronger framing effect, that is, they were more strongly biased by the way health‐related information was presented (p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.5). Overall, the framing effect predicted whether a participant would make irrational decisions (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.29–3.49, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPredecisional information sampling is intact in RRMS. However, compared to HC, patients are more likely to make irrational decisions and to be biased by the way health‐related information is framed. This warrants caution in communication, especially in the medical context, with patients.
Genomic characterisation of bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 identified in equine sarcoids in Japan
Authors: Yamashita‐Kawanishi Nanako , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Tobari Yumiko , Yoshimura Hisashi , Yamamoto Masami , Yumoto Norio , Aoki Hiroshi , Sugiura Katsuaki , Higuchi Tohru , Saito Shigeaki , Haga Takeshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV1/2) infection in horses has been associated with the development of equine sarcoids. Previous findings revealed the presence of sarcoid‐associated BPV sequence variants that have been proposed as a key factor of cross‐species infection in horses. To verify this hypothesis, sarcoid‐associated BPV variants should be identified regardless of geographic location.ObjectivesSequence analyses of BPV1/2 derived from both horses and cattle were conducted to clarify the sarcoid‐associated sequence variants. The aim of this study was to clarify the correlation between BPV phylogeny and the geographic origin/host species.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsConventional PCR to detect BPV1/2 was performed with genomic DNA extracted from equine sarcoid (n = 10) and bovine papilloma (n = 10) samples collected in Japan. Direct sequencing results were compared between equine and bovine (equine/bovine)‐derived BPV to identify sarcoid‐associated variants of two early regions (E2, E5), one late region (L1) and the long control region (LCR). Phylogenetic and phylogeny‐trait correlation were analysed using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method and Bayesian tip‐association significance testing (BaTS).ResultsSeven BPV1 and three BPV2 were identified from equine sarcoids using PCR and direct sequencing. Sequence analysis of equine/bovine‐derived samples showed no sarcoid‐associated variants in four regions (E2, E5, L1 and LCR) of either BPV1 or BPV2. The phylogenetic tree of BPV1 E2, L1 and LCR tended to cluster within its geographic origins. BaTS analysis demonstrated that BPV1 sequence variability may be due to the geographic origin rather than host species difference.Main limitationsThere was a limitation in sample numbers.ConclusionsThis study supports the geographic‐specific hypothesis of sequence variability, suggesting that BPV1 is shared between local equids and bovids. However, more extensively collected sequences worldwide and functional evaluations are needed to verify the geographic‐specific sequence variability of BPV1/2 between equine‐ and bovine‐derived sequence.
How big is big enough? Surprising responses of a semiarid grassland to increasing deluge size
Authors: Post Alison K. , Knapp Alan K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractClimate change has intensified the hydrologic cycle globally, increasing the magnitude and frequency of large precipitation events, or deluges. Dryland ecosystems are expected to be particularly responsive to increases in deluge size, as their ecological processes are largely dependent on distinct soil moisture pulses. To better understand how increasing deluge size will affect ecosystem function, we conducted a field experiment in a native semiarid shortgrass steppe (Colorado, USA). We quantified ecological responses to a range of deluge sizes, from moderate to extreme, with the goal of identifying response patterns and thresholds beyond which ecological processes would not increase further (saturate). Using a replicated regression approach, we imposed single deluges that ranged in size from 20 to 120 mm (82.3rd to >99.9th percentile of historical event size) on undisturbed grassland plots. We quantified pre‐ and postdeluge responses in soil moisture, soil respiration, and canopy greenness, as well as leaf water potential, growth, and flowering of the dominant grass species (Bouteloua gracilis). We also measured end of season above‐ and belowground net primary production (ANPP, BNPP). As expected, this water‐limited ecosystem responded strongly to the applied deluges, but surprisingly, most variables increased linearly with deluge size. We found little evidence for response thresholds within the range of deluge sizes imposed, at least during this dry year. Instead, response patterns reflected the linear increase in the duration of elevated soil moisture (2–22 days) with increasing event size. Flowering of B. gracilis and soil respiration responded particularly strongly to deluge size (14‐ and 4‐fold increases, respectively), as did ANPP and BNPP (~60% increase for both). Overall, our results suggest that this semiarid grassland will respond positively and linearly to predicted increases in deluge size, and that event sizes may need to exceed historical magnitudes, or occur during wet years, before responses saturate.
Joint pricing and quality decision model under stochastic reference quality effect
Authors: Cao Yu , Duan Yongrui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper uses stochastic control theory to study a monopolist's time‐varying policies regarding price and product quality in the presence of stochastic reference quality effect. A novel feature of our model is to allow for some randomness in the evolution of consumers' reference quality levels to capture intertemporal heterogeneity of consumers or exogenous shocks. We first derive the optimal explicit contingent (closed‐loop) strategies by Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation based on the assumption that the reference quality information is available. Our results show that the monopolist benefits from higher price and higher quality policies compared with the results in the deterministic model. In the long run, our results suggest that, on average, consumers purchase a product with a lower price per unit of quality and are relatively more sensitive to changes in quality than in price under stochastic reference quality effect. Additionally, we consider alternative committed (open‐loop) policies when reference quality information is not unobtainable. We explicitly characterize the probability distribution of reference quality under both strategies and numerically highlight the value of acquiring reference quality information. Numerical study further shows that expected steady‐state price, quality, and quality‐price ratio increase with the intensity of reference quality effect and with the marginal contribution of quality on demand, but decrease with the customers' memory and with the monopolist's patience.
Nonselective versus selective His bundle pacing: An acute intrapatient speckle‐tracking strain echocardiographic study
Authors: Bednarek Agnieszka , Ionita Oana , Moskal Paweł , Linkova Hana , Kiełbasa Grzegorz , Prochazkova Radka , Vesela Jana , Rajzer Marek , Curila Karol , Jastrzębski Marek 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to compare the acute differences in left ventricular (LV) function and mechanical synchrony during nonselective His bundle pacing (ns‐HBP) versus selective His bundle pacing (s‐HBP) using strain echocardiography.Methods and resultsConsecutive patients with permanent His bundle pacing, in whom it was possible to obtain both s‐HBP and ns‐HBP, were studied in two centers. In each patient, echocardiography was performed sequentially during s‐HBP and ns‐HBP. Speckle‐tracking echocardiography parameters were analyzed: Global longitudinal strain (GLS), the time delay between peak systolic strain in the basal septal and basal lateral segments (BS‐BL delay), peak strain dispersion (PSD) and strain delay index. Right ventricle function was assessed using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tissue Doppler velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S′).A total of 69 patients (age: 75.6 ± 10.5 years; males: 75%) were enrolled. There were no differences in LV ejection fraction and GLS between s‐HBP and ns‐HBP modes: 59% versus 60%, and −15.6% versus −15.7%, respectively; as well as no difference in BS‐BL delay and strain delay index. The PSD value was higher in the ns‐HBP group than in the s‐HBP group with the most pronounced difference in the basal LV segments. No differences in right ventricular function parameters (TAPSE and S′) were found.ConclusionThe ns‐HBP and s‐HBP modes seem comparable regarding ventricular function. The dyssynchrony parameters were significantly higher during ns‐HBP, however, the difference seems modest and clarification of its impact on LV function requires a larger long‐term study.
Intestinal epithelial cells related lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Teming , Zhong Shizhen , Yu Min , Huang Wenhua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntestinal epithelial barrier damage caused by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently, some studies have suggested the emerging role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in IBD. The aim of this study was to reveal lncRNAs and mRNA expression profiles in IECs from a mouse model of colitis and to expand our understanding in the intestinal epithelial barrier regulation. IECs from the colons of wild‐type mice and dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced mice were isolated for high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing. A total of 254 up‐regulated and 1013 down‐regulated mRNAs and 542 up‐regulated and 766 down‐regulated lncRNAs were detected in the DSS group compared with the Control group. Four mRNAs and six lncRNAs were validated by real‐time quantitative PCR. Function analysis showed that dysregulated mRNAs participated in TLR7 signalling pathway, IL‐1 receptor activity, BMP receptor binding and IL‐17 signalling pathway. Furthermore, the possibility of indirect interactions between differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs was illustrated by the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. LncRNA ENSMUST00000128026 was predicted to bind to mmu‐miR‐6899‐3p, regulating Dnmbp expression. LncRNA NONMMUT143162.1 was predicted to competitively bind to mmu‐miR‐6899‐3p, regulating Tnip3 expression. Finally, the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was constructed with 311 nodes and 563 edges. And the highest connectivity degrees were Mmp9, Fpr2 and Ccl3. These results provide novel insights into the functions of lncRNAs and mRNAs involved in the regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Development and validation of a CTNNB1‐associated metabolic prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huo Junyu , Wu Liqun , Zang Yunjin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy closely related to metabolic reprogramming. We investigated how CTNNB1 mutation regulates the HCC metabolic phenotype and thus affects the prognosis of HCC. We obtained the mRNA expression profiles and clinicopathological data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genomics Consortium (ICGC) and the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE14520 and GSE116174). We conducted gene set enrichment analysis on HCC patients with and without mutant CTNNB1 through TCGA dataset. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis assisted in screening metabolic genes related to prognosis, and the prognosis model was constructed using the Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic model showed good prediction performance in both the training cohort (TCGA) and the validation cohorts (ICGC, GSE14520, GSE116174), and the high‐risk group presented obviously poorer overall survival compared with low‐risk group. Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score can be used as an independent predictor for the overall survival of HCC. The immune infiltration in different risk groups was also evaluated in this study to explore underlying mechanisms. This study is also the first to describe an metabolic prognostic model associated with CTNNB1 mutations and could be implemented for determining the prognoses of individual patients in clinical practice.
Google search trends for itch in Europe: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Ziehfreund S. , Rueth M. , Ewering T. , Legat F.J. , Lambert J. , Elberling J. , Misery L. , Brenaut E. , Papadavid E. , Garcovich S. , Evers A.W.M. , Halvorsen J.A. , Szepietowski J.C. , Reich A. , Gonçalo M. , Lvov A. , Bobko S. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Wallengren J. , Savk E. , Leslie T. , Ständer S. , Zink A. ,   the EADV Task Force Pruritus
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundItch is a common symptom in the general population. Affected individuals often do not seek medical consultation and rely on Internet searches to obtain information regarding their itch.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to attain insights into common concerns of the general population regarding itch can by analysing itch‐related Internet search behaviour.MethodsGoogle AdWords Keyword Planner was used to assess search volumes for itch‐related terms in 15 European countries between September 2014 and August 2018. All identified keywords were qualitatively categorized. Itch‐related terms were descriptively analysed and are shown as number of searches/100 000 inhabitants.ResultsThe search volume for the keyword ‘itch’ per 100 000 inhabitants was highest in Northern Europe, followed by Eastern, Central and Southern Europe. In 4/15 countries, itch was searched for more often in the autumn/winter months compared to in the spring/summer months. Most itch‐related terms were related to dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), allergic or immunologic conditions (e.g. urticaria), and infectious diseases or infestations (e.g. scabies). In terms of body location, genitoanal itch dominated the searches. Symptoms and signs related to itch, possible non‐dermatological aetiologies, and treatment options were also among the most searched terms.ConclusionsThese analyses provided for the first time insights into the search behaviour patterns related to itch across Europe. People from Northern and Eastern Europe are more likely to seek online information regarding itch. Causes for the itch, especially dermatological conditions, and genitoanal itch are the most important concerns for Internet users. This unconventional and inexpensive method identifies medical needs of people beyond the medical setting, including people who do not seek medical consultation. Accordingly, the data could be used to guide public health interventions and manage respective inhabitants’ medical needs.
Sexual selection on performance traits in an Australian lizard with alternative reproductive tactics
Authors: Noble Daniel W. A. , Kar Fonti , Nakagawa Shinichi , Keogh J. Scott , Whiting Martin J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSexual selection shapes the adaptive landscape in complex ways that lead to trait integration. Much of our understanding of selection comes from studies of morphological traits. However, few studies attempt to quantify the form and direction of selection on performance even though it is predicted to be a more direct target of selection in nature. We measured sexual selection on performance traits (bite force, sprint speed and endurance) in an Australian lizard, the Eastern water skink (Eulamprus quoyii). We first staged 123 contests between size‐matched males to investigate whether performance traits were important in determining contest outcome. In a second experiment, we established six breeding populations in large replicate semi‐natural enclosures to estimate whether performance traits predicted reproductive success. Our results show that none of the performance measures were important in predicting contest outcome and were not generally strong predictors of reproductive success. However, our analyses suggest a complex fitness landscape driven by males adopting different alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). We provide a rare test of the role performance plays in sexual selection and highlight the need to test common assumptions regarding the link between maximal performance and fitness. Our results suggest that performance traits may not necessarily be direct targets of sexual selection, but rather indirect targets through their integration with morphological and/or behavioural traits, highlighting a need for more explicit tests of the predicted links between performance and fitness.
Cumulative evidence for reducing recurrence of colonic diverticular bleeding using endoscopic clipping versus band ligation: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nagata Naoyoshi , Niikura Ryota , Ishii Naoki , Kaise Mitsuru , Omata Fumio , Tominaga Naoyuki , Kitagawa Tomoyuki , Ikeya Takashi , Kobayashi Katsumasa , Furumoto Yohei , Narasaka Toshiaki , Iwata Eri , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Itoi Takao , Uemura Naomi , Kawai Takashi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimEither clipping or band ligation will become the most common endoscopic treatment for colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). Rebleeding is a significant clinical outcome of CDB, but there is no cumulative evidence comparing reduction of short‐term and long‐term rebleeding between them. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine which endoscopic treatment is more effective to reduce recurrence of CDB.MethodsA comprehensive search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase was performed through December 2019. Main outcomes were early and late rebleeding rates, defined as bleeding within 30 days and 1 year of endoscopic therapy for CDB. Initial hemostasis, need for transcatheter arterial embolization, or surgery were also assessed. Overall pooled estimates were calculated.ResultsSixteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, and a total of 790 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of early rebleeding was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.08 vs 0.19; heterogeneity test, P = 0.012). The pooled prevalence of late rebleeding was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.09 vs 0.29; heterogeneity test, P = 0.024). No significant difference of initial hemostasis rate was noted between the two groups. Pooled prevalence of need for transcatheter arterial embolization or surgery was significantly lower for band ligation than clipping (0.01 vs 0.02; heterogeneity test, P = 0.031). There were two cases with colonic diverticulitis due to band ligation but none in clipping.ConclusionBand ligation therapy was more effective compared with clipping to reduce recurrence of colonic diverticular hemorrhage over short‐term and long‐term durations.
A case of nasal septal perforation caused by bevacizumab for advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Taira Yusuke , Shimoji Yuko , Nakasone Tadaharu , Arakaki Yoshihisa , Nakamoto Tomoko , Kudaka Wataru , Aoki Yoichi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNasal septal perforation caused by bevacizumab is rarely reported in other cancers such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer, but it has not been reported in cervical cancer. A 48‐year‐old woman with a medical history of chronic allergic rhinitis was diagnosed stage 4B (T2bN1M0) cervical cancer and paclitaxel and carboplatin along with bevacizumab (triweekly) were administered. After eight courses of chemotherapy, nasal septal perforation was noted. The possibility of nasal septal perforation by bevacizumab was considered by excluding other causes. We report the first case of nasal septal perforation caused by bevacizumab for advanced cervical cancer.
A New Species of Freshwater Algae Nephrochlamys yushanlensis sp. nov. (Selenastraceae, Sphaeropleales) and Its Lipid Accumulation during Nitrogen and Phosphorus Starvation
Authors: Maltsev Yevhen , Maltseva Irina , Maltseva Svetlana , Kociolek John Patrick , Kulikovskiy Maxim 
Published: December 2020

The new species Nephrochlamys yushanlensis sp. nov. is described from a freshwater plankton sample. A comparison of morphology, 18S rDNA gene and ITS2 sequences, and fatty acid profiles showed that the novel strain represents a new lineage within the genus Nephrochlamys. For the first time with a member of the Selenastraceae, experiments with phosphate and nitrate deprivation were conducted to evaluate changes in biomass, lipid and triacylglycerol (TAGs) accumulation, and composition of fatty acids. Biomass dry weight under simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus depletion was 1.73 g · L−1, which is significantly lower than the 2.41 g · L−1 observed in the control. All conditions of nutrient restriction significantly increased the lipid content in comparison with the control. The largest increase in the total lipid content, reaching 58.64% DW per cell at the end of cultivation, occurred with nitrogen deficiency. Significant increases in TAGs content (to 23.69% and 21.74%, respectively) occurred in phosphorus‐ and nitrogen‐depleted conditions in comparison to the control (16.90%). Oleic (49.8–64.1%), palmitic (21.1–22.7%), and linoleic (8.6–10.3%) acids were the dominant fatty acids when cultured on standard BBM medium, as well as with the shortage of nutrients. Phosphorus deprivation as well as absence of both nitrogen and phosphorus led to the appearance of FAMEs α‐linolenic (1.5–4.1%) and stearidonic (1.0–1.8%) acids. In general, FAME profiles revealed that the relative percentage of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids increased (88.9% of total fatty acids) in nitrogen‐depletion conditions, suggesting this strain may be suitable for biodiesel production.