bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orexin deficiency modulates cognitive flexibility in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Durairaja Archana , Fendt Markus 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCognitive flexibility is an important executive function and refers to the ability to adapt behaviors in response to changes in the environment. Of note, many brain disorders are associated with impairments in cognitive flexibility. Several classical neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, acetylcholine and noradrenaline are shown to be important for cognitive flexibility, however, there is not much known about the role of neuropeptides. The neuropeptide orexin, which is brain‐widely released by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, is a major player in maintaining sleep/wake cycle, feeding behavior, arousal, and motivational behavior. Recent studies showed a role of orexin in attention, cognition and stress‐induced attenuation of cognitive flexibility by disrupting orexin signaling locally or systemically. However, it is not known so far whether brain‐wide reduction or loss of orexin affects cognitive flexibility. We investigated this question by testing male and female orexin‐deficient mice in the attentional set shifting task (ASST), an established paradigm of cognitive flexibility. We found that orexin deficiency impaired the intra‐dimensional shift phase of the ASST selectively in female homozygous orexin‐deficient mice and improved the first reversal learning phase selectively in male homozygous orexin‐deficient mice. We also found that these orexin‐mediated sex‐based modulations of cognitive flexibility were not correlated with trait anxiety, narcoleptic episodes, and reward consumption. Our findings highlight a sexually dimorphic role of orexin in regulating cognitive flexibility and the need for further investigations of sex‐specific functions of the orexin circuitry.
The circadian geneCryptochrome 2influences stress‐induced brain activity and depressive‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Sokolowska Ewa , Viitanen Riikka , Misiewicz Zuzanna , Mennesson Marie , Saarnio Suvi , Kulesskaya Natalia , Kängsep Sanna , Liljenbäck Heidi , Marjamäki Päivi , Autio Anu , Callan Saija‐Anita , Nuutila Pirjo , Roivainen Anne , Partonen Timo , Hovatta Iiris 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCryptochrome 2 (Cry2) is a core clock gene important for circadian regulation. It has also been associated with anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors in mice, but the previous findings have been conflicting in terms of the direction of the effect. To begin to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this association, we carried out behavioral testing, PET imaging, and gene expression analysis ofCry2−/−andCry2+/+mice. Compared toCry2+/+mice, we found thatCry2−/−mice spent less time immobile in the forced swim test, suggesting reduced despair‐like behavior. Moreover,Cry2−/−mice had lower saccharin preference, indicative of increased anhedonia. In contrast, we observed no group differences in anxiety‐like behavior. The behavioral changes were accompanied by lower metabolic activity of the ventro‐medial hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic nuclei, ventral tegmental area, anterior and medial striatum, substantia nigra, and habenula after cold stress as measured by PET imaging with a glucose analog. Although the expression of many depression‐associated and metabolic genes was upregulated or downregulated by cold stress, we observed no differences betweenCry2−/−andCry2+/+mice. These findings are consistent with other studies showing thatCry2is required for normal emotional behavior. Our findings confirm previous roles of Cry2 in behavior and extend them by showing that the effects on behavior may be mediated by changes in brain metabolism.
A new “sudden fright paradigm” to explore the role of (epi)genetic modulations of the DAT gene in fear‐induced avoidance behavior
Authors: Zelli Silvia , Brancato Anna , Mattioli Francesca , Pepe Martina , Alleva Enrico , Carbone Cristiana , Cannizzaro Carla , Adriani Walter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlterations in dopamine (DA) reuptake are involved in several psychiatric disorders whose symptoms can be investigated in knock out rats for the DA transporter (DAT‐KO). Recent studies evidenced the role of epigenetic DAT modulation in depressive‐like behavior. Accordingly, we used heterozygous (HET) rats born from both HET parents (termed MIX‐HET), compared to HET rats born from WT‐mother and KO‐father (MAT‐HET), implementing the role of maternal care on DAT modulation. We developed a “sudden fright” paradigm (based on dark‐light test) to study reaction to fearful inputs in the DAT‐KO, MAT‐HET, MIX‐HET, and WT groups. Rats could freely explore the whole 3‐chambers apparatus; then, they were gently confined in one room where they experienced the fright; finally, they could freely move again. As expected, after the fearful stimulus only MAT‐HET rats showed a different behavior consisting of avoidance towards the fear‐associated chamber, compared to WT rats. Furthermore, ex‐vivo immuno‐fluorescence reveals higher prefrontal DAT levels in MAT‐HET compared to MIX‐HET and WT rats. Immuno‐fluorescence shows also a different histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes concentration. Since HDAC concentration could modulate gene expression, within MAT‐HET fore brain, the enhanced expression of DAT could well impair the corticostriatal‐thalamic circuit, thus causing aberrant avoidance behavior (observed only in MAT‐HET rats). DAT expression seems to be linked to a simply different breeding condition, which points to a reduced care by HET dams for epigenetic regulation. This could imply significant prefronto‐cortical influences onto the emotional processes: hence an excessively frightful response, even to mild stressful agents, may draw developmental trajectories toward anxious and depressed‐like behavior.
Tropical peatlands and their contribution to the global carbon cycle and climate change
Authors: Ribeiro Kelly , Pacheco Felipe S. , Ferreira José W. , de Sousa‐Neto Eráclito R. , Hastie Adam , Krieger Filho Guenther C. , Alvalá Plínio C. , Forti Maria C. , Ometto Jean P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPeatlands are carbon‐rich ecosystems that cover 185–423 million hectares (Mha) of the earth's surface. The majority of the world's peatlands are in temperate and boreal zones, whereas tropical ones cover only a total area of 90–170 Mha. However, there are still considerable uncertainties in C stock estimates as well as a lack of information about depth, bulk density and carbon accumulation rates. The incomplete data are notable especially in tropical peatlands located in South America, which are estimated to have the largest area of peatlands in the tropical zone. This paper displays the current state of knowledge surrounding tropical peatlands and their biophysical characteristics, distribution and carbon stock, role in the global climate, the impacts of direct human disturbances on carbon accumulation rates and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Based on the new peat extension and depth data, we estimate that tropical peatlands store 152–288 Gt C, or about half of the global peatland emitted carbon. We discuss the knowledge gaps in research on distribution, depth, C stock and fluxes in these ecosystems which play an important role in the global carbon cycle and risk releasing large quantities of GHGs into the atmosphere (CO2 and CH4) when subjected to anthropogenic interferences (e.g., drainage and deforestation). Recent studies show that although climate change has an impact on the carbon fluxes of these ecosystems, the direct anthropogenic disturbance may play a greater role. The future of these systems as carbon sinks will depend on advancing current scientific knowledge and incorporating local understanding to support policies geared toward managing and conserving peatlands in vulnerable regions, such as the Amazon where recent records show increased forest fires and deforestation.
Current distributions and future climate‐driven changes in diatoms, insects and fish in U.S. streams
Authors: Pound Katrina L. , Larson Chad A. , Passy Sophia I. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimBiodiversity on Earth is threatened by climate change. Despite the vulnerability of freshwater habitats to human impacts, most climate change projections have focused on terrestrial systems. Here, we examined how the current distributions and biodiversity of stream taxa might change under mitigated, stabilizing and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.LocationConterminous USA.Time periodPresent day to 2070.Major taxa studiedStream diatoms, insects and fish.MethodsWe developed species distribution models for 336 freshwater taxa from 1,227 distinct stream localities using water chemistry, watershed and climatic variables. Models based only on climate were used to project changes in the distributions and biodiversity of cold‐ versus warm‐water taxa under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) ranging from 2.6 to 8.5 W/m2.ResultsIn all three organismal groups, climate emerged as the strongest predictor of species distributions, providing comparable explanatory power to water chemistry and watershed variables combined. The RCP‐based projections suggested a widespread expansion of warm‐water taxa, outpacing the decline of cold‐water taxa. Consequently, overall species richness would increase, but beta diversity would decrease drastically with the severity of climate change. A closer look at individual taxa and functional guilds revealed that vulnerable cold‐water taxa included: (a) diatom guilds forming the base and bulk of the biofilm; (b) environmentally sensitive insects, characteristic of unimpacted streams; and (c) ecologically and recreationally important salmonids, which were forecast to diminish dramatically in source habitats. Warm‐water fish projected to increase their distributions include bait bucket release minnows and dominant predators.Main conclusionsOur results suggest potentially devastating impacts of climate change on stream ecosystems, with the restructuring of diatom, insect and fish communities, diminished distributions of functionally important taxa and widespread expansion of warm‐water taxa, giving rise to biotic homogenization. Given that the magnitude of these biotic shifts depends on the severity of climate change, appropriate current policy decisions are necessary to preserve freshwater ecosystems.
High prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Gómez‐Fernández Cristina , López‐Sundh Ana E. , González‐Vela Carmen , Ocejo‐Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Mayor‐Ibarguren Ander , Salas‐Venero Carlos A. , Gutiérrez‐Larrañaga María , Tejerina‐Puente Ana , Fariñas María Carmen , Cabero‐Pérez María Jesús , López‐Hoyos Marcos , González‐López Marcos A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany cutaneous manifestations have been described in possible association with the COVID‐19 pandemic, including acral lesions resembling chilblains. The underlying pathomechanisms of COVID‐19 chilblains are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and laboratory findings of a series of patients who developed chilblains during the COVID‐19 outbreak and to investigate the possible factors that could be involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study that included 54 patients who presented with chilblains during the highest peak in the incidence of COVID‐19 in Cantabria (northern Spain). Skin biopsies were performed on 10 of these patients who presented with recent lesions. Laboratory investigations, including immunological analysis, serological studies, and the assessment of cryoproteins, were also performed.ResultsMost patients presented erythematous plaques located on the toes and/or purpuric macules located on the feet. Histopathological findings were compatible with those of idiopathic chilblains. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed C3d and C4d deposits in the vessel walls in seven cases. The autoimmunity panel was negative in most of our series. Cryoprotein testing showed positive cryofibrinogen in two‐thirds (66.7%) of the patients assessed. On follow‐up, most patients presented almost complete resolution, although six patients required prednisone and antiaggregant drug treatment.ConclusionsThis study shows, for the first time to our knowledge, a high prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Cryofibrinogenemia could be implicated in the pathogenesis of chilblains related to COVID‐19.
Effects of yeast fermentation on transforming the volatile compounds of unsalted pork hydrolysate
Authors: Li Xinzhi , Lee Pin‐Rou , Taniasuri Fransisca , Liu Shao‐Quan 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis study investigated the possibility of transforming unsalted pork hydrolysate into a liquid seasoning by studying volatile compound production through yeast fermentation. The yeasts used included a typical soya sauce yeast and three wine yeasts. The yeasts inoculated in the glucose supplementary pork hydrolysate increased by approximately 2.0 log of CFU mL−1 within 24 hours at 30°C without adding salt. Yeast fermentation largely depleted the abundant aldehydes (hexenal) present in unfermented pork hydrolysate to trace levels with the formation of ethanol, corresponding alcohols and carboxylic acids. The wine yeasts showed higher production of fruity esters such as ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate, whereas the soya sauce yeast produced more ketones such as acetone and 2‐heptanone. This study revealed a potential method of producing a value‐added meat hydrolysate from pork by‐product.
Physicochemical and physiological changes during the ripening of Banana (Musaceae) fruit grown in Colombia
Authors: Moreno Jhon Larry , Tran Thierry , Cantero‐Tubilla Borja , López‐López Karina , Becerra Lopez Lavalle Luis Augusto , Dufour Dominique 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe physicochemical and physiological attributes of three contrasting commercial varieties of Musaceae, Dominico Harton (plantain), Guineo (cooking banana) and Gros Michel (dessert banana), were evaluated and statistically analysed during post‐harvest ripening. Quality attributes differed markedly among varieties, both in fresh fruits and during ripening. Variety (V) had a significant effect (P < 0.001) on all attributes except total soluble solids (TSS), carotenes and total chlorophyll. Storage time (ST) had a significant effect on all attributes except colour parameter b* and total carotenes. Starch levels decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during ripening, with nearly complete hydrolysis in Gros Michel, followed by Guineo and Dominico Harton. Discriminant analysis showed that central diameter, TSS of the pulp, colour parameter a* and total starch had the highest weight in the differentiation among varieties. These results point out which parameters may help improve current methods for monitoring ripening of bananas, in particular the commercially important varieties in this study.
An optimised low‐salinity seawater decolourising method produces decolourised seaweed (Kappaphycuz alvarezii) as semi‐refined carrageenan raw material:
Authors: Abdillah Annur Ahadi , Alamsjah Mochammad Amin , Charles Albert Linton 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSemi‐refined carrageenan (SRC) production from decolourised Kappaphycuz alvarezii treated by chemicals (CaCO3) drives the search for ‘greener’ decolourisation methods to sustainably supply cheaper and energy efficient products. Therefore, a decolourisation method of low‐salinity seawater (LSS) (3, 9 and 15 g/L) was investigated to replace CaCO3. In addition, decolourised seaweed colour powder (DSP) and SRC colour, yield, viscosity and gel strength were used to screen the salinity treatments. SRC prepared from LSS (3 g/L) treatment demonstrated similar colour and physical properties to CaCO3 treatments, which indicated low‐salinity seawater (3 g/L) could replace CaCO3 as a decolourising agent. Moreover, purity of SRC (3 g/L salinity) were confirmed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive x‐ray (SEM‐EDX), and its functional group by fourier transform infrared (FTIR). In this study, waste seawater from LSS (3 g/L) exhibited radical scavenging properties. This decolourising method could be easily adopted by smallholder seaweed farmers in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Impact of different temperature abuse scenarios on sensory quality and off‐odour formation in ready‐to‐eat salad leaves
Authors: Raffo Antonio , Senatore Massimo , Moneta Elisabetta , Paoletti Flavio , Peparaio Marina , Saggia Civitelli Eleonora 
Published: October 2020

SummaryPackages of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) wild rocket and lettuce baby leaves were subjected during 8 days of cold storage to a chronic temperature abuse (CTA) at sub‐optimal storage temperature (10 °C) or to a short‐term (6 h) abuse at ambient temperature (STA) to evaluate the impact of two temperature abuse scenarios on gas composition within the packages, leaf sensory quality and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In both species, the CTA scenario had a markedly higher impact on gas composition, sensory quality and off‐odour formation than the STA, and the limit of sensory acceptability was reached in the CTA scenario 4 days or more earlier than in the STA. Sulphur compounds were the main responsible for off‐odour perception in both leafy salads. Results from the present study may be useful in the assessment of critical points in the cold chain of RTE fresh produce and in prioritising actions towards improved cold‐chain management.
Evaluation of STA‐NeoPTimal, an extraction thromboplastin reagent with ISI close to 1
Authors: Carta Mariarosa , Bonente Francesca , Teresa Comberlato Maria , Pellizzari Tania , Marotto Elena , Marzari Emanuela , Giavarina Davide 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe prothrombin time (PT) is the most requested test to investigate patients with congenital or acquired coagulopathies or to monitor oral anticoagulant therapy. However, thromboplastins can show markedly different responsiveness to the defects induced by vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy and are thus characterized by their ISI (International Sensitivity Index). INR results are optimal for patients under VKA but for patients screened for other reasons expressing PT results as ratio can be more appropriate. As it is very difficult to define the PT results reporting unit from the PT testing request, it would be ideal to use a thromboplastin with ISI = 1. The study aims to compare our reference PT reagent with two candidate thromboplastins with ISI close to 1.MethodsWe compared 3 different thromplastins: two rabbit brain extracted based reagents (STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus, with ISI = 1.26, routinely used in our laboratory and STA‐NeoPTimal with ISI = 1.01) and a recombinant thromboplastin (STA‐Neoplastine R with ISI = 0.97). The comparison was done on 175 samples: 75 from individuals without coagulation defects and 100 from patients under VKA.ResultsSTA‐NeoPTimal and STA‐Neoplastine R well correlate to our reference, STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus: regression equations are y = 1.186x‐0.1351, r2 = .9454 and y = 1.1432x‐0.1554, r2 = .9951, respectively. The lowest bias on INR results was obtained with STA‐NeoPTimal reagent (interval: −0.7/+0.4).ConclusionWe conclude that STA‐NeoPTimal can be used in the laboratory as it gives results comparable to those obtained with STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus. Besides, thanks to its ISI = 1, it guarantees reporting a PT ratio equal to INR which avoids errors.
End‐of‐life intravenous chemotherapy administration patterns in the treatment of Queensland lung and pancreas cancer patients: a 10‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Allen Michael J. , Dunn Nathan , Guan Tracey , Harrington John , Walpole Euan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEnd‐of‐life (EOL) chemotherapy administration rates for solid tumours are 12–20% and are associated with a reduced quality of life, increased hospitalisation and incidence of death within an acute care facility.AimWe sought to determine the rate of EOL chemotherapy in government and private hospitals and determine the impact on hospitalisations and location of death in lung and pancreatic cancer patients.MethodsData were obtained from the Queensland Oncology Repository between 2005 and 2014. Lung (n = 16 501) and pancreatic cancer (n = 4144) deaths were analysed. EOL chemotherapy was determined to be within 30 days of death. Demographics, location of treatment and death are reported.ResultsChemotherapy was administered to 6518 (40%) lung cancer and 1694 (41%) pancreatic cancer patients. A total of 1474 (9%) and 477 (12%) patients, respectively, received EOL chemotherapy. EOL chemotherapy was more common in males and those with distant metastatic disease, while less likely in the elderly and those with a lower socioeconomic status. EOL chemotherapy was more prevalent in large hospitals and was more common in private compared with government hospitals for pancreatic cancer (30 vs 26%; P < 0.001), while it was similar for lung cancer (24 vs 22%; P = 0.115). Death after EOL chemotherapy compared with all cancer deaths was more common in an acute care facility (lung cancer: 60 vs 37%; P < 0.001; pancreatic cancer: 53 vs 36%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsEOL chemotherapy rates were similar to Australian yet marginally lower than international rates, with variation dependent on the size and type of facility and increased the rate of deaths within an acute care facility.
The prices and quality of new and remanufactured products in a new market segment
Authors: Qiao Haike , Su Qin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper studies the optimal prices and quality of new and remanufactured products, and especially discusses the quality adjustment of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in a new market segment that consists of the indifferent segment and the new product only segment. Consumers in the first segment have the same willingness to pay for new and remanufactured products, while consumers in the second segment are only willing to purchase new products. We use the proportion of consumers in the indifferent segment accounting for all consumers to segment the market. We present game models and employ backward induction to derive the optimal prices and quality in three scenarios: the monopolist OEM no‐remanufacturing, the monopolist OEM remanufacturing, and an OEM no‐remanufacturing but an independent remanufacturer (IR) remanufacturing. When the OEM or the IR remanufactures, we find that the OEM cannot lower the product quality. In addition, we compare the optimal quality between the unsegmented and segmented market for each scenario. The results show the OEM should increase its product quality under certain conditions after the OEM realizes that there is a segmented market. Furthermore, we conduct numerical analyses to discuss the impact of related parameters on practitioners’ profits, which provides more guidelines for practitioners.