bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced genetic ablation of Rest leads to the alteration of stimulus‐induced response of the vagal nerve
Authors: Aoki Hitomi , Abe Chikara , Hara Akira , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Morita Hironobu , Kunisada Takahiro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRest (RE1‐silencing transcription factor, also called Nrsf) is involved in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of neuronal stem/progenitor cells by preventing precocious expression of neuronal genes. In order to further investigate the function of Rest in neurons, we generated and examined mice evoking genetic ablation of Rest specifically in neural tissues by generating Rest conditional knockout mice. As the Rest knockout mice are embryonically lethal, we used a Sox1‐Cre allele to excise the floxed Rest gene from the early stage of nerve cell differentiation including neural crest‐derived nerve cells. Using this conditional Rest knockout Sox1‐Cre; Restflox/flox mice, we have revealed the role of Rest in the parasympathetic nervous system in the stomach and heart
High diversity and strong variation in host specificity of seed parasitic acorn weevils
Authors: Li Qian‐Ya , Hu Xing‐Hua , Liu De‐Chen , Ouyang Ao , Tong Xin , Wang Yong‐Jin , Wang Rong , Chen Xiao‐Yong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Host specificity of phytophagous insects plays a critical role in the maintenance of plant diversity. However, a lack of approaches to identify the larvae of phytophagous insects, which usually have similar morphology, can lead to misinterpretation of their host ranges.
Acorn weevils are seed‐exploiting parasites of Fagaceae species, a dominant plant group in subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests (EBLFs). Therefore, variation in their host specificity may profoundly influence plant diversity in this ecosystem.
Here, we collected larvae of acorn weevils from 36 655 seeds of Fagaceae species in EBLFs in southeastern China and performed multiple operational taxonomic unit (OTU) delimitation analyses using one mitochondrial (COI) and two nuclear (ArgK and EF1‐α) genes to reveal species composition of acorn weevils and assess the variation in host specificity among OTUs.
We analysed the DNA barcoding sequences from 478 larvae and 4 adults of acorn weevils sampled from 17 common Fagaceae species (five genera) and detected 11 OTUs. Moreover, host range varied drastically among different OTUs, with Curculio bimaculatus being the most generalised.
Our results revealed high diversity of acorn weevils and that strong variation in host specificity can even exist among OTUs in the same genus, addressing the need to distinguish different Curculio species before conducting forest management in EBLFs.
Subjective cognitive decline in diabetes: Associations with psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park Chang , Zhu Bingqian , Fritschi Cynthia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsTo determine whether psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors were associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).DesignA secondary analysis with a cross‐sectional, correlational design.MethodsData from two parent studies were combined. A total of 105 adults with diabetes were recruited from a Midwestern city in the United States from September 2013–March 2014 and September 2016–September 2017. Subjective cognitive decline was measured with the psychological‐cognitive symptom subscale of the Diabetes Symptom Checklist–Revised. Psychological factors (diabetes distress, fatigue, and depressive symptoms) and sleep were measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale and Patient–Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Diabetes‐related factors were measured with body mass index and glycaemia control. Quantile regression was used to examine the associations.Results/FindingsThe mean age of the participants was 58.10 (SD 7.92) years and 58.1% were women. The participants’ mean psychological‐cognitive symptom score was 1.41 (SD 1.13). After controlling for age and gender, sleep disturbance, sleep‐related impairment, and body mass index were associated with SCD in lower cognitive symptom quantile groups (5th to 30th percentiles). In contrast, fatigue and depressive symptoms were more strongly associated with SCD in higher quantile groups (70th to 95th percentiles).ConclusionIn adults with T2D, SCD was differentially associated with psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors depending on cognitive symptom percentiles. Adults with T2D require regular screening for SCD. If they complain of cognitive symptoms at clinical visits, different underlying factors should be assessed according to their symptom severity.ImpactFindings from this study provided evidence for early identification of SCD and its influencing factors, which may help to develop nursing interventions to recognize and/or delay the onset of cognitive impairment in adults with T2D.
Patient education interventions for health behaviour change in adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease: A protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Wendan , Ghisi Gabriela L. M. , Hyun Karice , Zhang Ling , Gallagher Robyn 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the efficacy of structured patient education on disease‐related knowledge and health behaviour change outcomes in adults with coronary heart disease.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analyses including meta‐regression on education duration.MethodsSeven databases (including Medline, Pubmed (non‐Medline), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Emcare and Cochrane central register of controlled trials) will be searched from inception through 2020 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials testing interventions to improve health behaviours and disease‐related knowledge in adults with coronary heart disease. Risk for bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk for Bias tool. Data will be synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses in Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 3. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane's Q statistic and the I‐squared statistic will be reported. Meta‐regression will be used to determine the effect of intervention duration. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test and which will be adjusted by conducting the trim‐and‐fill test when necessary. Funding for this project began in March 2020.DiscussionWe will examine knowledge and behaviour outcomes including physical activity, dietary habits, smoking and medication adherence for patients with coronary heart diseases. This review will be the most comprehensive meta‐analysis of structured patient education interventions to date and the first to analyse the effect of education duration.ImpactThe efficacy of patient education on knowledge and behaviour outcomes for patients with coronary heart diseases has not yet been established. This systematic review will determine the efficacy of structured patient education on knowledge and behaviour outcomes and determine whether the duration of patient education influences patient outcomes and thus guide intervention design. PROSPERO registration Number: CRD42020173467.
Nurses´ stressors and psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating role of coping and resilience
Authors: Lorente Laura , Vera María , Peiró Teresa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsThis study analyses the cross‐sectional effect of sources of stress during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses´ psychological distress, focusing on the mediating role of coping strategies, both problem focused and emotion focused and resilience.DesignCross‐sectional and quantitative analyses.MethodsStructural equation modelling was performed using survey data obtained during the period between 1 April‐25 May 2020 in a sample of 421 nurses from 39 Spanish provinces.ResultsResults confirmed that: (a) All the stressors have a significant, direct, and negative relationship with nurses´ psychological distress; (b) Emotion‐focused strategies is negatively related to nurses´ psychological distress directly and indirectly through resilience; and (c) Problem‐focused strategies is positively related to nurses´ psychological distress and negatively and indirectly through emotion‐focused strategies.ConclusionThis study identifies an important mediation sequence of stressors on psychological distress through the simultaneous concurrent effect of Problem‐focused and Emotion‐focused strategies and resilience. It shows that enacting the two coping mechanisms and resilience resources is important to achieve an adaptive effect on nurses´ mental health.ImpactNurses with insufficient preparation and those with high levels of fear of contagion do not enact proper coping strategies. Thus, these nurses need special consideration due to their risk of higher vulnerability.
Electrophysiological identification of superior vena cava: Novel insight into slow conduction or conduction block
Authors: Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Egami Yasuyuki , Ukita Kohei , Kawamura Akito , Nakamura Hitoshi , Matsuhiro Yutaka , Yasumoto Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Tanaka Akihiro , Okamoto Naotaka , Yano Masamichi , Shutta Ryu , Sakata Yasushi , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionIt has not been clarified how to identify the electrophysiological junction between right atrium (RA) and superior vena cava (SVC). The aim of this study was to identify the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction according to slow conduction or conduction bock and to examine the electrophysiological SVC isolation procedure.MethodsSeventy‐three consecutive atrial fibrillation patients who underwent SVC mapping using a CARTO 3 system were enrolled in this study. Slow conduction or conduction block between the RA and SVC was identified by adjusting the lower threshold criteria of the early meets late function and was described as a white line. The SVC isolation was performed along the white line and with pacing maneuvers to confirm direct SVC capture.ResultsActivation mapping (1296 ± 631 points) was obtained in 66 patients (90%) in 4.6 ± 1.8 min. Slow conduction or conduction block was observed in all patients. The threshold for detecting slow conduction or conduction block was 24 ± 8 ms. The location of the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction was higher in the anterior portion (anterior‐septal, anterior, and anterior‐lateral) than in the posterior portion (posterior‐septal, posterior, and posterior‐lateral) (−2.3 ± 6.2 mm vs. 7.1 ± 6.3 mm, p < .001). The SVC isolation at the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction was successful in all patients without any injury to the sinus node function. Asymptomatic phrenic nerve injury was observed in three patients (4.5%).ConclusionIn all patients, the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction determined by slow conduction or conduction block was identified and the electrophysiological SVC isolation was performed successfully and safely.
MiR155 modulates vascular calcification by regulating Akt‐FOXO3a signalling and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Li Yong , Sun Wei , Saaoud Fatma , Wang Yuzhen , Wang Quanyi , Hodge Johnie , Hui Yvonne , Yin Sophia , Lessner Susan M. , Kong Xiangqing , Fan Daping 
Published: November 2020

AbstractmicroRNA‐155 (miR155) is pro‐atherogenic; however, its role in vascular calcification is unknown. In this study, we aim to examine whether miR155 regulates vascular calcification and to understand the underlying mechanism. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that miR155 is highly expressed in human calcific carotid tissue and positively correlated with the expression of osteogenic genes. Wound‐healing assay and TUNEL staining showed deletion of miR155 inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and apoptosis. miR155 deficiency attenuated calcification of cultured mouse VSMCs and aortic rings induced by calcification medium, whereas miR155 overexpression promoted VSMC calcification. Compared with wild‐type mice, miR155−/− mice showed significant resistance to vitamin D3 induced vascular calcification. Protein analysis showed that miR155 deficiency alleviated the reduction of Rictor, increased phosphorylation of Akt at S473 and accelerated phosphorylation and degradation of FOXO3a in cultured VSMCs and in the aortas of vitamin D3‐treated mice. A PI3K inhibitor that suppresses Akt phosphorylation increased, whereas a pan‐caspase inhibitor that suppresses apoptosis reduced VSMC calcification; and both inhibitors diminished the protective effects of miR155 deficiency on VSMC calcification. In conclusion, miR155 deficiency attenuates vascular calcification by increasing Akt phosphorylation and FOXO3a degradation, and thus reducing VSMC apoptosis induced by calcification medium.
Oil droplet breakup during pressure swirl atomization of food emulsions: Influence of atomization pressure and initial oil droplet size
Authors: Taboada Martha L. , Schäfer Ann‐Christin , Karbstein Heike P. , Gaukel Volker 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAtomization of emulsions with pressure swirl atomizers is a common task in food process engineering. Especially in spray drying processes for food materials like dairy products, it is the technology of choice. During atomization, emulsions are subjected to high stresses, which can lead to deformation and breakup of the dispersed droplets. In this study, the influence of atomization pressure (5–20 MPa) and initial oil droplet size (0.26, 3.1, and 20.8 μm) on the oil droplet breakup during atomization of food based oil‐in‐water emulsions with pressure swirl atomizers was investigated. It was shown that a significant oil droplet breakup takes place upon atomization. The size of oil droplets with an initial value of 3.1 and 20 μm was reduced up to 0.36 μm. No breakup of oil droplets with an initial value of 0.26 μm was observed. The breakup was highly dependent on the atomization pressure. The results were analyzed based on existing knowledge on droplet breakup in laminar flow. A concept to estimate capillary numbers during atomization was developed based on common models from different applications. The results of this study can be used to control the resulting oil droplet size after atomization with pressure swirl atomizers.Practical applicationSpray drying of emulsions is a widely used process in the food industry to produce products with encapsulated oily components. Product examples include infant formula, milk powder, and the encapsulation of aroma and coloring compounds. Breakup of the oil droplets during the atomization step of spray drying can change a previously adjusted and desired oil droplet size. As the oil droplet size in the final product can be responsible for several properties like sensorial aspects and stability, a control of oil droplet breakup is essential. Pressure swirl atomizers are widely used in industrial applications as atomization devices. In this study, oil droplet breakup during atomization with these atomizers was investigated. The findings in this study allow a better control of the oil droplet size during atomization in practical applications.
Association of iodine‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours with urinary iodine excretion in pregnant women with mild iodine deficiency
Authors: Wang Z. , Wu Y. , Shi Z. , Song J. , Wang G. , Xu C. , Song Q. , Jin W. , Cui X. , Wu C. , Zang J. , Guo C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSubsequent to the implementation of the universal salt iodisation policy, China has all but eliminated the iodine deficiency disorders. However, pregnant women are still experiencing mild iodine deficiency. The present study explored factors that could relate to mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women.MethodsIn total, 2400 pregnant women were enrolled using a multistage, stratified, random sampling method in Shanghai. Data were collected via a standardised questionnaire. The urine samples and household cooking salt samples were collected for the detection of urinary iodine and salt iodine concentrations.ResultsThe median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 148.0 μg L−1 for all participants, and 155.0 μg L−1, 151.0 μg L−1 and 139.6 μg L−1 in the first, second and third trimesters. The MUIC in the third trimester was significantly lower than that of the first trimester (P < 0.05). The usage rates of iodised salt and qualified‐iodised salt were 71.5% and 59.4%, respectively. Iodine‐related knowledge score composition ratio was significantly different between the high and low UIC groups (P < 0.05). Participants’ MUIC increased significantly with the increases in iodine‐related knowledge score (P < 0.001). The third trimester was a significant risk factor for high UIC, whereas high iodine‐related knowledge score, actively learning dietary knowledge and having a habit of consuming iodine‐rich food were significant protective factors for high UIC (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIodine level is adequate among pregnant women in Shanghai during the first and the second trimesters, although it is is insufficient in the third trimester. Good iodine‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours are important for pregnant women with respect to maintaining adequate urinary iodine.
Comparing Xe+pFIB and Ga+FIB for TEM sample preparation of Al alloys: Minimising FIB‐induced artefacts
Authors: Zhong Xiangli , Wade C. Austin , Withers Philip J. , Zhou Xiaorong , Cai Changrun , Haigh Sarah J. , Burke M. Grace 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecently, the dual beam Xe+ plasma focused ion beam (Xe+pFIB) instrument has attracted increasing interest for site‐specific transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation for a local region of interest as it shows several potential benefits compared to conventional Ga+FIB milling. Nevertheless, challenges and questions remain especially in terms of FIB‐induced artefacts, which hinder reliable S/TEM microstructural and compositional analysis. Here we examine the efficacy of using Xe+ pFIB as compared with conventional Ga+ FIB for TEM sample preparation of Al alloys. Three potential source of specimen preparation artefacts were examined, namely: (1) implantation‐induced defects such as amophisation, dislocations, or ‘bubble’ formation in the near‐surface region resulting from ion bombardment of the sample by the incident beam; (2) compositional artefacts due to implantation of the source ions and (3) material redeposition due to the milling process. It is shown that Xe+pFIB milling is able to produce improved STEM/TEM samples compared to those produced by Ga+ milling, and is therefore the preferred specimen preparation route. Strategies for minimising the artefacts induced by Xe+pFIB and Ga+FIB are also proposed.Lay DescriptionFIB (focused ion beam) instruments have become one of the most important systems in the preparation of site‐specific TEM specimens, which are typically 50‐100 nm in thickness. TEM specimen preparation of Al alloys is particularly challenging, as convention Ga‐ion FIB produces artefacts in these materials that make microstructural analysis difficult or impossible. Recently, the use of noble gas ion sources, such as Xe, has markedly improved milling speeds and is being used for the preparation of various materials. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the structural defects formed during FIB milling and assess the ion‐induced chemical contamination in these TEM samples. Here we explore the feasibility and efficiency of using Xe+PFIB as a TEM sample preparation route for Al alloys in comparison with the conventional Ga+FIB.
Profiling of systemic and brain steroids in male songbirds: Seasonal changes in neurosteroids
Authors: Jalabert Cecilia , Ma Chunqi , Soma Kiran K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSteroids are secreted by the gonads and adrenal glands into the blood to modulate neurophysiology and behaviour. In addition, the brain can metabolise circulating steroids and synthesise steroids de novo. Songbirds show high levels of neurosteroid synthesis. In the present study, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay for the measurement of 10 steroids in whole blood, plasma and microdissected brain tissue (1‐2 mg) of song sparrows. Our assay is highly accurate, precise, specific and sensitive. Moreover, the liquid‐liquid extraction is fast, simple and effective. We quantified steroids in the blood and brain of wild male song sparrows in both breeding and non‐breeding seasons. As expected, systemic androgen levels were higher in the breeding season than in the non‐breeding season. Brain androgens were detectable only in the breeding season; androstenedione and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone levels were up to 20‐fold higher in specific brain regions than in blood. Oestrogens were not detectable in blood in both seasons. Oestrone and 17β‐oestradiol were detectable in brain in the breeding season only (up to 1.4 ng g‐1 combined). Progesterone levels in several regions were higher in the non‐breeding season than the breeding season, despite the lack of seasonal changes in systemic progesterone. Corticosterone levels in the blood were higher in the breeding season than in the non‐breeding season but showed few seasonal differences in the brain. In general, the steroid levels presented here are lower than those in previous reports using immunoassays, because of the higher specificity of mass spectrometry. We conclude that (i) brain steroid levels can differ greatly from circulating steroid levels and (ii) brain steroid levels show region‐specific seasonal patterns that are not a simple reflection of circulating steroid levels. This approach using ultrasensitive LC‐MS/MS is broadly applicable to other species and allows steroid profiling in microdissected brain regions.
Effect of mass and habitat on the shape of limb long bones: A morpho‐functional investigation on Bovidae (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla)
Authors: Etienne Cyril , Filippo Andréa , Cornette Raphaël , Houssaye Alexandra 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLimb long bones are essential to an animal's locomotion, and are thus expected to be heavily influenced by factors such as mass or habitat. Because they are often the only organs preserved in the fossil record, understanding their adaptive trends is key to reconstructing the paleobiology of fossil taxa. In this regard, the Bovidae has always been a prized group of study. This family is extremely diverse in terms of both mass and habitat, and it is expected that their bones will possess adaptations to both factors. Here, we present the first 3D geometric morphometric study focusing on bovid limb long bones. We used anatomical landmarks as well as curve and surface sliding semi‐landmarks to accurately describe the stylopod and zeugopod bones. We included 50 species from ten of the twelve currently recognized tribes of bovids, ranging from 4.6 to 725 kg, and living in open plains, forests, mountains, or anywhere in‐between. Shape data were correlated with the mean mass of the species and its habitat, even when taking into account the phylogenetic history of our sample. Bones pertaining to heavy species are more robust, adapted for a better repartition of stronger forces. Articulations are especially affected, being proportionally much larger in heavier species. Muscle insertion areas are unevenly affected. Insertion areas of muscles implied in body support and propulsion show a strong increase in their robustness when compared to insertion areas of muscles acting on the limb mostly when it is off the ground. Habitat influences the shape of the humerus, the radius‐ulna, and the femur, but not of the tibia, whether the phylogeny is taken into account or not. Specific habitats tend to be associated with particular features on the bones. Articulations are proportionally wider in open‐habitat species, and the insertion areas of muscles involved in limb extension and propulsion are wider, reflecting the fact that open habitat species are more cursorial and rely on fast running to avoid predators. Forest and mountain species generally present similar adaptations for increased manoeuvrability, such as a round femoral head, and generally have more gracile bones.