bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lean and keen: Microbial activity in soils from the Maritime Antarctic
Authors: Hopkins David W. , Dennis Paul G. , Rushton Steven P. , Newsham Kevin K. , O'Donnell Tony G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe soils of the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic experience extreme environmental conditions but nonetheless host biological communities that can survive low temperatures, limited water availability and short day lengths or even the complete absence of solar radiation during the winter. We determined the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N), soil microbial biomass (SMB), labile carbon (LC) and respiration rate (RR) in soil samples from the longest latitudinal transect (approximately 2,000 km) ever sampled exclusively in the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic, comprising 69 sites located between South Georgia (54°S) and south‐eastern Alexander Island (72°S). With the exception of the most northerly location (South Georgia), the greatest SMB values occurred at 67–68°S, despite the harsh environmental conditions. This is consistent with the relative nutrient richness of the soils at these latitudes, as indicated by large SOC and total soil N concentrations, which are in turn probably linked to more abundant guano and excreta deposition by sea birds and seals, which have fewer and smaller areas of ice‐free terrain to land or haul out on further south. South of 68°S, SOC values declined with increasing latitude, which is probably due to increasingly extreme environmental conditions. We also found that the SOC and SMB values, the proportion of SOC considered labile (LC/SOC) and the carbon mineralization rates expressed as either RR/SOC or RR/SMB were all small compared with values from less extreme temperate and tropical regions. However, the proportion of the SOC in the microbial biomass (SMB/SOC) was substantially greater than that reported for non‐polar soils. We conclude that although the soils of the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic have small and relatively inactive microbial communities, they are characterized by efficient conversion of organic resources into microbial biomass and large affinities for added substrates.HighlightsSoil carbon parameters are reported from sites along the longest latitudinal transect in Antarctica ever sampled.The soil microbial biomass tended to peak at 67–68°S, coinciding with relative SOC and N abundance in the soil, probably arising from guano and excreta from sea birds and mammals.The soil microbial community was small but highly efficient at converting organic resources into microbial biomass, as indicated by large microbial biomass/soil organic carbon ratios.
New preparation techniques for molecular and in‐situ analysis of ancient organic micro‐ and nanostructures
Authors: Fadel Alexandre , Lepot Kevin , Nuns Nicolas , Regnier Sylvie , Riboulleau Armelle 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOrganic microfossils preserved in three dimensions in transparent mineral matrices such as cherts/quartzites, phosphates, or carbonates are best studied in petrographic thin sections. Moreover, microscale mass spectrometry techniques commonly require flat, polished surfaces to minimize analytical bias. However, contamination by epoxy resin in traditional petrographic sections is problematic for the geochemical study of the kerogen in these microfossils and more generally for the in situ analysis of fossil organic matter. Here, we show that epoxy contamination has a molecular signature that is difficult to distinguish from kerogen with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). This contamination appears pervasive in organic microstructures embedded in micro‐ to nano‐crystalline carbonate. To solve this problem, a new semi‐thin section preparation protocol without resin medium was developed for micro‐ to nanoscale in situ investigation of insoluble organic matter. We show that these sections are suited for microscopic observation of Proterozoic microfossils in cherts. ToF‐SIMS reveals that these sections are free of pollution after final removal of a <10 nm layer of contamination using low‐dose ion sputtering. ToF‐SIMS maps of fragments from aliphatic and aromatic molecules and organic sulfur are correlated with the spatial distribution of organic microlaminae in a Jurassic stromatolite. Hydrocarbon‐derived ions also appeared correlated with kerogenous microstructures in Archean cherts. These developments in analytical procedures should help future investigations of organic matter and in particular, microfossils, by allowing the spatial correlation of microscopy, spectroscopy, precise isotopic microanalyses, and novel molecular microanalyses such as ToF‐SIMS.
Great Recession and club convergence in Europe: A cross‐country, cross‐region panel analysis (2000–2015)
Authors: Mazzola Fabio , Pizzuto Pietro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe paper aims at investigating the impact of the Great Recession on per capita GDP convergence process across European regions and countries. Using the time‐varying factor model developed by Phillips and Sul for the period 2000–2015 and two different merging procedures to identify clubs, we provide evidence of the diverging impact of the Great Recession “between” the higher and the lower convergence clubs at both regional and country levels as well as of the strengthening of the convergence process “within” most clubs. In addition, we add further evidence to the common belief of a “multi‐speed” Europe by contrasting Eastern European countries' and regions' behavior vis‐à‐vis original European members' one, and by identifying the factors that affect club membership and resilience to the recent economic downturn. We find that the membership in the higher clubs and resilience to the Great Recession are positively affected by the presence of several local‐specific factors and macroeconomic characteristics.
Osmolyte accumulation in leaves and Na+ exclusion by roots in two salt–treated forage grasses
Authors: Alvarez‐Pizarro Juan Carlos , de Sousa Kleyton Chagas , Silva Johny de Souza , da Silva Antonia Almeida , Gomes‐Filho Enéas 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe responses of Urochloa brizantha and Megathyrsus maximus young seedlings to salt stress with NaCl at 0 (control), 25, 50 and 100 mmol/L under hydroponic conditions were studied. The relative growth rate of U. brizantha leaves was reduced at 50 and 100 mmol/L NaCl, whereas that of M. maximus leaves was not affected. Moreover, high oxidative damages, low chlorophyll content and severe reduction of osmotic potential were observed in U. brizantha leaves when subjected to 100 mmol/L NaCl. This grass also showed high accumulation of proline and soluble sugars in leaves and roots. M. maximus efficiently regulated leaf K+ concentration and restricted Na+ transport by retention in roots. The leaf K+/Na+ ratio was higher in M. maximus than in U. brizantha at 50 and 100 mmol/L NaCl. Overall, both grasses displayed different mechanisms to reduce the deleterious effects of salinity, but the control of ion homeostasis exhibited by M. maximus contributed notably to improved performance of this grass when grown under saline conditions.
Involvement of the synaptotagmin/stonin2 system in vesicular transport regulated by semaphorins in Caenorhabditis elegans epidermal cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Kanatome Ayana , Takagi Shin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractVesicular transport serves as an important mechanism for cell shape regulation during development. Although the semaphorin signaling molecule, a well‐known regulator of axon guidance, induces endocytosis in the growth cone and the axonal transport of vertebrate neurons, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans SNT‐1/synaptotagmin‐UNC‐41/stonin2 system, whose role in synaptic vesicle recycling in neurons has been studied extensively, is involved in semaphorin‐regulated vesicular transport in larval epidermal cells. Mutations in the snt‐1/unc‐41 genes strongly suppressed the cell shape defects of semaphorin mutants. The null mutation in the semaphorin receptor gene, plx‐1, altered the expression and localization pattern of endocytic and exocytic markers in the epidermal cells while repressing the transport of SNT‐1‐containing vesicles toward late endosome/lysosome pathways. Our findings suggest that the nematode semaphorins regulate the vesicular transport in epidermal cells in a manner distinct from that of vertebrate semaphorins in neurons.
Complement and human T cell metabolism: Location, location, location
Authors: West Erin E. , Kunz Natalia , Kemper Claudia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe complement system represents one of the evolutionary oldest arms of our immune system and is commonly recognized as a liver‐derived and serum‐active system critical for providing protection against invading pathogens. Recent unexpected findings, however, have defined novel and rather “uncommon” locations and activities of complement. Specifically, the discovery of an intracellularly active complement system—the complosome—and its key role in the regulation of cell metabolic pathways that underly normal human T cell responses have taught us that there is still much to be discovered about this system. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the emerging functions of the complosome in T cell metabolism. We further place complosome activities among the non‐canonical roles of other intracellular innate danger sensing systems and argue that a “location‐centric” view of complement evolution could logically justify its close connection with the regulation of basic cell physiology.
The effects of therapeutic activity kits in emergency department patients with dementia: Study protocol for a pragmatic randomized control trial
Authors: Higgs Leonie , Atkinson Diane , Brown Nathan J. , Schnitker Linda , Lock Caitlin , Merlo Gregory , Kramer David , Bennett Leanne , Hughes James A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimTo determine the effectiveness of therapeutic activity kits on health service use and treatment delivered in the emergency department (ED) in patients with pre‐morbid dementia.DesignPragmatic randomized control trial with equal parallel groups.MethodsParticipants with dementia will be randomly assigned to the control group (N = 56) or the intervention group (N = 56). The intervention group will be given access to a therapeutic activity kit containing several different activities and sensory stimuli to engage the person with dementia during their ED stay in addition to usual care, and the control group will be given usual care only. A research nurse will observe participants at 30–60‐min intervals throughout their ED stay for responsive behaviours, one‐on‐one nursing, and the use of chemical and physical restraint. This study has received Research Ethics Committee approval from the institutional review board and funding from the Rosemary Bryant Foundation (May 2019).DiscussionEmergency departments are busy and noisy environments and can be intimidating and disorientating for patients with dementia, which can result in responsive behaviours. Responsive behaviours are often managed with restrictive interventions, such as chemical or physical restraint, or with constant bedside nursing (one‐on‐one nursing) to ensure patient safety. Alternatively, non‐restrictive and non‐pharmacological interventions that divert or occupy the attention of patients such as those contained in the therapeutic activity kit can be considered as a more person‐centred strategy. Therapeutic activity kits have been reported as feasible for the use in ED; however, there is limited quality evidence at present to support the implementation of such interventions in the ED.ImpactIf this study is successful, it will demonstrate that a therapeutic activity kit containing activities (puzzles, colouring, music, and tactile activities) is inexpensive, easily implemented intervention that can prevent this patient group from demonstrating unsafe behaviours and requiring one‐on‐one nursing and restraints.
Persuasive social features that promote knowledge sharing among tertiary students on social networking sites: An empirical study
Authors: Wiafe Isaac , Koranteng Felix N. , Owusu Ebenezer , Ekpezu Akon O. , Gyamfi Samuel A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPersuasive system features have been widely adopted to encourage attitude and behaviour change. Recently, most social networking sites (SNS) adopt some form of persuasive system features that leverage social influence to deliberately induce prescribed behaviours in their users. However, studies on how these features can be used to promote knowledge sharing are inadequate; particularly, regarding how SNS that have been developed solely for academic purposes can adopt these features to promote knowledge sharing. To address this knowledge gap, this study integrates constructs from the social capital theory and persuasive systems design model to investigate the impact of persuasive social features on knowledge sharing among students of tertiary institutions on academic social networking sites. Data are quantitatively gathered from 218 respondents from tertiary institutions and statistically analyzed. The results suggest that perceived dialogue support and perceived social support have strong influences on knowledge sharing behaviour.
The long‐term therapeutic effects of His‐Purkinje system pacing on bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction compared with right ventricular pacing: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yu , Sha Ye‐Qin , Sun Qing‐Yang , Qiu Yue , Shao Bo , Ni Yi‐Hong , Mei Yu‐Kun , Zhang Chang‐Ying , Wang Ru‐Xing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsHis‐Purkinje system pacing has been demonstrated as a synchronized ventricular pacing strategy via pacing His‐Purkinje system directly, which can decrease the incidence of adverse cardiac structure alteration compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP). The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effects of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP in patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the establishment of databases up to 15 December 2019. Studies on long‐term clinical outcomes of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP were included. Chronic paced QRS duration, chronic pacing threshold, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), all‐cause mortality, and heart failure hospitalization were collected for meta‐analysis.ResultsA total of 13 studies comprising 2348 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with RVP group, patients receiving His‐Purkinje system pacing showed improvement of LVEF (mean difference [MD], 5.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.38‐6.92), shorter chronic paced QRS duration (MD, − 39.29; 95% CI, − 41.90 to − 36.68), higher pacing threshold (MD, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.89) and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.96) during the follow‐up. However, no statistical difference existed in LVEDV, LVESV and all‐cause mortality between the two groups.ConclusionOur meta‐analysis suggests that His‐bundle pacing is more suitable for the treatment of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction.
The effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone on alpha‐2‐macroglobulin in osteoblasts derived from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sadeghi Faezeh , Vahednia Elham , Naderi Meshkin Hojjat , Kerachian Mohammad Amin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNowadays, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M) gene has allocated escalating interest among several genes involved in the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). This molecule could interact with several osteogenic‐related proteins. It was reported that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) affects bones through its receptor located on osteoblasts, suggesting it as a potential target in ANFH treatment. In this study, the effect of ACTH on A2M expression was investigated in osteoblasts as well as during the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts. In this study, MSCs derived from bone marrow were isolated and purified using Ficoll gradient and several passaging. MSCs were characterized by induction with osteogenic and adipogenic medium followed by Oil Red O, Alizarin Red and alkaline phosphatase staining. Besides, MSCs were exposed to various concentrations of ACTH to evaluate the cell variability by MTT assay. MSCs and differentiated osteoblasts were treated with 10−8 molar ACTH for 16 and 26 days, respectively. Then, the total RNA was extracted and A2M expression was quantified by real‐time qPCR. The protein expression levels of osteoblast markers including alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) and bone gamma‐carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP) were also measured. The results showed that A2M expression in cells treated with ACTH was up‐regulated significantly compared to the control group. Similarly, the expression of osteoblast gene markers including ALPL and BGLAP was significantly increased. ACTH, as an osteoblastic differentiation enhancer, up‐regulates A2M, which promotes osteoblastic differentiation probably through TGF‐β induction.
Ozone therapy promotes the differentiation of basal keratinocytes via increasing Tp63‐mediated transcription of KRT10 to improve psoriasis
Authors: Gao Lihua , Dou Jianhua , Zhang Bo , Zeng Jinrong , Cheng Qingmei , Lei Li , Tan Lina , Zeng Qinghai , Ding Shu , Guo Aiyuan , Cheng Haipeng , Yang Caifeng , Luo Ziqiang , Lu Jianyun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory dermatosis. Recently, ozone therapy has been applicated to psoriasis treatment; however, the mechanism by which ozone therapy improves psoriasis remains unclear. The excessive proliferation and the differentiation of basal keratinocytes have been considered critical issues during pathological psoriasis process, in which keratin 6 (KRT6) and KRT10 might be involved. In the present study, KRT6, IL‐17 and IL‐22 protein within psoriasis lesions was decreased, while KRT10 and Tp63 protein in psoriasis lesions was increased by ozone treatment in both patient and IMQ mice psoriatic tissues. In the meantime, ozone treatment down‐regulated KRT6 mRNA and protein expression while up‐regulated KRT10 mRNA and protein expression within IL‐22 treated primary KCs; the cell viability of KCs was suppressed by ozone treatment. Moreover, Tp63 bound to KRT10 promoter region to activate its transcription in basal keratinocytes; the promotive effects of ozone on Tp63 and KRT10 were significantly reversed by Tp63 silence. Both TP63 and KRT10 mRNA expression were significantly increased by ozone treatment in psoriasis lesions; there was a positive correlation between Tp63 and KRT10 expression within tissue samples, suggesting that ozone induces the expression of Tp63 to enhance the expression of KRT10 and the differentiation of keratinocytes, therefore improving the psoriasis. In conclusion, the application of ozonated oil could be an efficient and safe treatment for psoriasis; ozone promotes the differentiation of keratinocytes via increasing Tp63‐mediated transcription of KRT10, therefore improving psoriasis.
Body size and sperm quality in queen‐ And worker‐produced ant males
Authors: Giehr Julia , Wallner Jennifer , Krüger Theresa , Heinze Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWorkers of many species of social Hymenoptera have functional ovaries and are capable of laying haploid, unfertilized eggs, at least in the absence of a queen. Except for honeybees, it remains largely unknown whether worker‐produced males have the same quality as queen‐produced males and whether workers benefit in direct fitness by producing their sons. Previous studies in the monogynous ant Temnothorax crassispinus revealed that a high proportion of males in natural and laboratory colonies are worker offspring. Here, we compare longevity, body size, sperm length and sperm viability between queen‐ and worker‐produced males. We either split queenright colonies into queenright and queenless halves or removed the queen from a fraction of the queenright colonies and then examined the newly produced males. Male quality traits varied considerably among colonies but differed only slightly between queen‐ and worker‐produced males. Worker‐produced males outnumbered queen‐produced males and also had a longer lifespan, but under certain rearing conditions sperm from queen‐produced males had a higher viability.
‘We need to share our stories’: the lives of Pakistanis with intellectual disability and their guardians
Authors: Patka M. , Wallin‐Ruschman J. , Al Rahma B. A. , Zar A. , bin Nauman H. , Sharif J. M. , Ikram S. , Ul Hasan T. , Naeem A. , Sharif G. M. , Mehboob N. , Azim T. , Khanam Z. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe experiences of Pakistanis with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and their family members have been underexplored empirically.MethodThe present study sought to address this gap by understanding the lives of five Special Olympics Pakistan athletes and their guardians through PhotoVoice.FindingsThrough thematic analysis, we present the primary theme concerning Pakistan's cultural context that provides an empirical exploration of cultural beliefs about intellectual disability, cultural expectations and support received by people with intellectual disabilities and their guardians.DiscussionWe discuss implications for research and practice.
New actors in optic neuritis pathogenesis
Authors: Rosenstein Ruth E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present report was to analyze the involvement of glutamate neurotoxicity in retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage induced by experimental optic neuritis. For this purpose, the authors used an optic neuritis model induced by immunisation with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (AON). The authors describe a correlation in the timing of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss with alterations in the optic nerve actin cytoskeleton dynamic, and visual dysfunction. In addition, they show that an intravitreal injection of glutamate mimics, and an NMDA receptor antagonist avoids the effect of pre‐clinical AON on visual functions and RGC number, as well as on optic nerve actin cytoskeleton. Taken together, their results support that avoiding glutamate neurotoxicity could become a new therapeutic approach for optic neuritis treatment.
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