bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Old growth Afrotropical forests critical for maintaining forest carbon
Authors: Poulsen John R. , Medjibe Vincent P. , White Lee J. T. , Miao Zewei , Banak‐Ngok Ludovic , Beirne Chris , Clark Connie J. , Cuni‐Sanchez Aida , Disney Mathias , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Lee Michelle E. , Lewis Simon L. , Mitchard Edward , Nuñez Chase L. , Reitsma Jan , Saatchi Sassan , Scott Charles T. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimLarge trees [≥ 70 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)] contribute disproportionately to aboveground carbon stock (AGC) across the tropics but may be vulnerable to changing climate and human activities. Here we determine the distribution, drivers and threats to large trees and high carbon forest.LocationCentral Africa.Time periodCurrent.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsUsing Gabon's new National Resource Inventory of 104 field sites, AGC was calculated from 67,466 trees from 578 species and 97 genera. Power and Michaelis–Menten models assessed the contribution of large trees to AGC. Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of AGC, large trees, and stand variables were modelled using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) weights to calculate average regression coefficients for all possible models.ResultsMean AGC for trees ≥ 10 cm DBH in Gabonese forestlands was 141.7 Mg C/ha, with averages of 166.6, 171.3 and 96.6 Mg C/ha in old growth, concession and secondary forest. High carbon forests occurred where large trees are most abundant: 31% of AGC was stored in large trees (2.3% of all stems). Human activities largely drove variation in AGC and large trees, but climate and edaphic conditions also determined stand variables (basal area, tree height, wood density, stem density). AGC and large trees increased with distance from human settlements; AGC was 40% lower in secondary than primary and concession forests and 33% higher in protected than non‐managed areas.Main conclusionsAGC and large trees were negatively associated with human activities, highlighting the importance of forest management. Redefining large trees as ≥ 50 cm DBH (4.3% more stems) would account for 20% more AGC. This study demonstrates that protecting relatively undisturbed forests can be disproportionately effective in conserving carbon and suggests that including sustainable forestry in programs like reduced emissions for deforestation and forest degradation could maintain carbon dense forests in logging concessions that are a large proportion of remaining Central African forests.
The Dutch Atlantic world, 1585–1815: Recent themes and developments in the field
Authors: Noorlander D. L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractScholarship on the Dutch Atlantic has grown and changed a lot in 30 years, with older themes like colonial weakness and insignificance giving way to a newly discovered Dutch vitality. This essay demonstrates the change by summarizing the recent research and highlighting the military, economic, and cultural impact of the Dutch in West Africa and America, plus the possible impacts of both places on the Dutch in Europe. The essay also cautions writers against taking arguments about dynamism, diversity, tolerance, cosmopolitanism, and modernity too far.
Quantifying immunoregulation by autoantigen‐specific T‐regulatory type 1 cells in mice with simultaneous hepatic and extra‐hepatic autoimmune disorders
Authors: Jamaleddine Hassan , Santamaria Pere , Khadra Anmar 
Published: July 2020

SummaryNanoparticles (NPs) displaying autoimmune disease‐relevant peptide‐major histocompatibility complex class II molecules (pMHCII‐NPs) trigger cognate T‐regulatory type 1 (Tr1)‐cell formation and expansion, capable of reversing organ‐specific autoimmune responses. These pMHCII‐NPs that display epitopes from mitochondrial protein can blunt the progression of both autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice carrying either disease. However, with co‐morbid mice having both diseases, these pMHCII‐NPs selectively treat AIH. In contrast, pMHCII‐NPs displaying central nervous system (CNS)‐specific epitopes can efficiently treat CNS autoimmunity, both in the absence and presence of AIH, without having any effects on the progression of the latter. Here, we develop a compartmentalized population model of T‐cells in co‐morbid mice to identify the mechanisms by which Tr1 cells mediate organ‐specific immunoregulation. We perform time‐series simulations and bifurcation analyses to study how varying physiological parameters, including local cognate antigenic load and rates of Tr1‐cell recruitment and retention, affect T‐cell allocation and Tr1‐mediated immunoregulation. Various regimes of behaviour, including ‘competitive autoimmunity’ where pMHCII‐NP‐treatment fails against both diseases, are identified and compared with experimental observations. Our results reveal that a transient delay in Tr1‐cell recruitment to the CNS, resulting from inflammation‐dependent Tr1‐cell allocation, accounts for the liver‐centric effects of AIH‐specific pMHCII‐NPs in co‐morbid mice as compared with mice exclusively having EAE. They also suggest that cognate autoantigen expression and local Tr1‐cell retention are key determinants of effective regulatory‐cell function. These results thus provide new insights into the rules that govern Tr1‐cell recruitment and their autoregulatory function.
Understanding the complexities of prevalence of trans fat and its control in food supply in Pakistan
Authors: Tarar Omer M. , Ahmed Khawaja Masuood , Nishtar Noureen A. , Achakzai Abdul B. K. , Gulzar Yahya , Delles Christian , Al‐Jawaldeh Ayoub 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPakistan is among the nations with a high intake of trans‐fatty acids (TFAs), a major dietary risk factor of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Efforts are underway in the country to eliminate industrially produced TFAs from the food supply in keeping with the priority targets of the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2019‐2023. We reviewed the TFA content reported in industrially produced foods and discuss the regulatory landscape for TFAs, to facilitate the required policy changes in Pakistan and ultimately eliminate the TFA burden from industrial food products. The study components include review of published research and product labels as well as review of prevailing food regulations for TFA‐related information. A set of recommendations was also prepared to eliminate TFAs from Pakistan after national consultation workshops conducted in year 2019. Vanaspati ghee (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil), bakery shortening, hard margarines, and fat spreads are identified as the major sources of TFAs. Federal and provincial food authorities have recently established the limits for TFAs in few products; however, the TFA regulations are insufficient and not in line with global best practices. This study informs a comprehensive national strategy for TFA elimination based on knowledge of TFA prevalence associated regulatory control. We recommend to (1) promote actions toward replacement of traditional vanaspati ghee/bakery fats with healthier alternatives; (2) develop and implement best regulatory practices in line with WHO recommendations; and (3) amend food labeling laws so that clear information will be provided to inform consumers healthy food choices.
Systematic analysis on multiple Gene Expression Omnibus data sets reveals fierce immune response in hepatitis B virus‐related acute liver failure
Authors: Chen Huadi , Zhao Wenting , Zhang Yixi , Guo Yiwen , Luo Weixin , Wang Xiaobo , Nie Yu , Ye Maodong , Huang Changjun , Wang Dongping , Chen Maogen , He Xiaoshun , Zhao Qiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcute liver failure (ALF) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common type of liver failure in the world, with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the prevalence, genetic background and factors determining the development of HBV‐related ALF are rarely studied. In this study, we examined three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets by bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), key biological processes and pathways. Immune infiltration analysis showed high immune cells infiltration in HBV‐related ALF tissue. We then confirmed natural killer cells and macrophages infiltration in clinical samples by immunohistochemistry assay, implying these cells play a significant role in HBV‐ALF. We found 1277 genes were co‐up‐regulated and that 1082 genes were co‐down‐regulated in the 3 data sets. Inflammation‐related pathways were enriched in the co‐up‐regulated genes and synthetic metabolic pathways were enriched in the co‐down‐regulated genes. WGCNA also revealed a key module enriching in immune inflammation response and identified 10 hub genes, differentially expressed in an independent data set. In conclusion, we identified fierce immune inflammatory response to elucidate the immune‐driven mechanism of HBV‐ALF and 10 hub genes based on gene expression profiles.
Melatonin supplement induced the hair follicle development in offspring rex rabbits
Authors: Feng Yang , Gun Shuangbao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that the administration of melatonin (MT) to early post‐natal fur‐bearing animals increases the numbers of hair follicles (HFs). In this study, the effect of maternal MT supplementation on the HF development in offspring was investigated. To explore the potential underlying mechanisms, the expression of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene was determined in the offspring. The Rex rabbit was the animal model, and 79 same‐day‐pregnancy females were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 39) or MT treatment (n = 40) group, and 10 mg MT microcapsules was implanted at the base of the neck of rabbits in the treatment group. Skin, lung, liver, muscle, kidney, heart and duodenum samples were collected from the newborn rabbits. The results showed that MT improved fur quality in the offspring rabbits by reducing the diameter of primary and secondary HFs, and increasing the HF population. MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits, and it did affect the blood levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone, prolactin and MT. In the offspring rabbits, MT significantly stimulated MTNR1A gene expression in the skin and heart (p < .01), whereas MTNR1A gene expression was significantly suppressed in the liver and kidney (p < .05). These results revealed that maternal MT supplementation increased HF density, reduced hairiness and improved the fur quality in Rex rabbit offspring. Maternal MT supply may modulate the responses of HFs in the offspring by upregulating the expression of MTNR1A in the skin. In this study, implantation of low‐dose MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits or on the growth of their offspring.
Analyzing Roles, Barriers, and Supports of Co‐researchers in Inclusive Research
Authors: Vega‐Córdova Vanessa , Álvarez‐Aguado Izaskun , Jenaro Cristina , Spencer‐González Herbert , Díaz Araya Mauricio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCurrent research demands that we rethink the roles of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) in the research that affects them. The paradigm of inclusive research responds to this need. Although the specialized literature is progressively adopting a more inclusive research approach, the study of roles and relationships within inclusive research and reflections on the process of doing participatory research has received little attention. From a qualitative approach and a participatory action research framework this study aims to: (1) report the experience of involving adults with IDs in inclusive research, and their improvements in terms of developed competencies; (2) identify their perceived roles as researchers, and (3) describe their perceived barriers and facilitators during the research process. This study describes the experiences of 11 adults with IDs who participated in a project aimed at evaluating the cognitive accessibility of public spaces and services in a Chilean city for 14 months. Different roles emerged, ranging from apprentices to experts by experience, and were adopted to different extent by co‐researchers as the process evolved. Co‐researchers developed conceptual, procedural, and attitudinal skills. They also identified contextual and personal barriers as well as facilitators consisting of natural, professional, and community supports, as well as assisted technology while performing their role as co‐researchers. Inclusive research is a challenging, evolving process and it requires ongoing support and feedback to monitor the process and the outcomes to guarantee that all the participants perform different roles involved while meeting the goals of the research.
Rural/Urban Differences in the Predictors of Opioid Prescribing Rates Among Medicare Part D Beneficiaries 65 Years of Age and Older
Authors: Shoff Carla , Yang Tse‐Chuan , Kim Seulki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeWhile research has been done comparing rural/urban differences in opioid prescribing to the disabled Medicare Part D population, research on opioid prescribing among the aged Medicare Part D population is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the predictors of opioid prescribing to aged Medicare Part D beneficiaries and investigating whether these predictors vary across rural and urban areas.MethodsThis is an analysis of ZIP Codes in the continental United States (18,126 ZIP Codes) utilizing 2017 data from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The analytic approach includes aspatial descriptive analysis, exploratory spatial analysis with geographically weighted regression, and explanatory analysis with spatial error regime modeling.FindingsBoth beneficiary and prescriber characteristics play an important role in determining opioid prescribing rates in urban ZIP Codes, but most of them fail to explain the opioid prescribing rates in rural ZIP Codes.ConclusionWe identify potential spatial nonstationarity in opioid prescribing rates, indicating the complex nature of opioid‐related issues. This means that the same stimulus may not lead to the same change in opioid prescribing rates, because the change may be place specific. By understanding the rural/urban differences in the predictors of opioid prescribing, place‐specific policies can be developed that can guide more informed opioid prescribing practices and necessary interventions.
Evaluation of cross‐linked gelatin as a bulking agent for the management of urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs
Authors: Chen Hilla , Shipov Anna , Segev Gilad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBulking agent implantation is a minimally invasive intervention for the management of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI).Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel bulking agent VetFoam for the management of urinary incontinence in female dogs diagnosed with USMI.AnimalsFifteen client‐owned female dogs.MethodsProspective study. Female dogs diagnosed with USMI, refractory, or unamenable to medical treatment were included. VetFoam was injected under endoscopic guidance into the urethral submucosa. Continence score was evaluated before and after the procedure and monthly thereafter.ResultsTwenty‐two injection procedures were performed in 15 dogs (5 dogs underwent >1 procedure). Median age of all dogs at the time of the procedure was 111 months (range, 18‐180). Median continence score significantly increased after, compared with before bulking agent injection (1.5; range, 1.0‐3.5 versus 4.0; range, 1.5‐5 respectively; P < .001; effect size, 2.6). Continence was achieved in 13/15 (87%) dogs after the first procedure and in 7/7 (100%) repeated procedures. Overall, 20/22 (91%) procedures resulted in high (≥4) continence scores at time of first follow‐up. Mean duration of continence was 11.1 months (SD, 10.7) after the first injection. One dog (7%) developed self‐limiting stranguria, pollakiuria, and tenesmus while no other apparent adverse effects were recognized in the other dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVetFoam is an apparently safe, effective novel bulking agent, which can be used as an alternative for the management of USMI.
Human amniotic stem cells improve hepatic microvascular dysfunction and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Pietrosi Giada , Fernández‐Iglesias Anabel , Pampalone Mariangela , Ortega‐Ribera Martí , Lozano Juan J. , García‐Calderó Héctor , Abad‐Jordà Laia , Conaldi Pier G. , Parolini Ornella , Vizzini Giovanni , Luca Angelo , Bosch Jaime , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsPortal hypertension is the main consequence of cirrhosis, responsible for the complications defining clinical decompensation. The only cure for decompensated cirrhosis is liver transplantation, but it is a limited resource and opens the possibility of regenerative therapy. We investigated the potential of primary human amniotic membrane‐derived mesenchymal stromal (hAMSCs) and epithelial (hAECs) stem cells for the treatment of portal hypertension and decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsIn vitro: Primary liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from cirrhotic rats (chronic CCl4inhalation) were co‐cultured with hAMSCs, hAECs or vehicle for 24 hours, and their RNA profile was analysed. In vivo: CCl4‐cirrhotic rats received 4x106hAMSCs, 4x106hAECs, or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) (intraperitoneal). At 2‐weeks we analysed: a) portal pressure (PP) and hepatic microvascular function; b) LSECs and HSCs phenotype; c) hepatic fibrosis and inflammation.ResultsIn vitro experiments revealed sinusoidal cell phenotype amelioration when co‐cultured with stem cells. Cirrhotic rats receiving stem cells, particularly hAMSCs, had significantly lower PP than vehicle‐treated animals, together with improved liver microcirculatory function. This hemodynamic amelioration was associated with improvement in LSECs capillarization and HSCs de‐activation, though hepatic collagen was not reduced. Rats that received amnion derived stem cells had markedly reduced hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. Finally, liver function tests significantly improved in rats receiving hAMSCs.ConclusionsThis preclinical study shows that infusion of human amniotic stem cells effectively decreases PP by ameliorating liver microcirculation, suggesting that it may represent a new treatment option for advanced cirrhosis with portal hypertension.
Structural genomic variation leads to genetic differentiation in Lake Tanganyika's sardines
Authors: Junker Julian , Rick Jessica A. , McIntyre Peter B. , Kimirei Ismael , Sweke Emmanuel A. , Mosille Julieth B. , Wehrli Bernhard , Dinkel Christian , Mwaiko Salome , Seehausen Ole , Wagner Catherine E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIdentifying patterns in genetic structure and the genetic basis of ecological adaptation is a core goal of evolutionary biology and can inform the management and conservation of species that are vulnerable to population declines exacerbated by climate change. We used reduced‐representation genomic sequencing methods to gain a better understanding of genetic structure among and within populations of Lake Tanganyika's two sardine species,Limnothrissa miodonandStolothrissa tanganicae. Samples of these ecologically and economically important species were collected across the length of Lake Tanganyika, as well as from nearby Lake Kivu, whereL. miodonwas introduced in 1959. Our results reveal differentiation within bothS. tanganicaeandL. miodonthat is not explained by geography. Instead, this genetic differentiation is due to the presence of large sex‐specific regions in the genomes of both species, but involving different polymorphic sites in each species. Our results therefore indicate rapidly evolving XY sex determination in the two species. Additionally, we found evidence of a large chromosomal rearrangement inL. miodon, creating two homokaryotypes and one heterokaryotype. We found all karyotypes throughout Lake Tanganyika, but the frequencies vary along a north–south gradient and differ substantially in the introduced Lake Kivu population. We do not find evidence for significant isolation by distance, even over the hundreds of kilometres covered by our sampling, but we do find shallow population structure.
Staff nurses' evaluation of care process quality and patient outcomes in long‐term care hospitals: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko , Saito Yumiko , Futami Asako , Takaoka Manami , Igarashi Ayumi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimDespite the large and growing body of research on quality care evaluation and improvements in long‐term care facilities, issues regarding the quality of care provided prevail worldwide. Further and more diverse research related to this topic is urgently required. To that end, this study examines the association between the subjective care process evaluations of nurses and selected patient outcomes in Japanese long‐term care hospitals.MethodTo conduct a cross‐sectional survey, we approached 2,000 long‐term care hospitals in Japan, of which 263 (13.2%) completed and returned the questionnaires. We recruited ward managers and all full/part‐time nurses in one ward from each hospital. We questioned managers about six patient outcome indicators: prevalence of physical restraint, urinary tract infections, indwelling catheter use, monthly incidence of new pressure ulcers, falls and recreational activities. We examined the nurses' care process evaluations using nine questions pertaining to daily caregiving activities developed from previous qualitative research. We examined the association between the ward averages of the nurses' evaluations and selected patient outcomes using the generalised linear model with a negative binomial distribution, with the exception of recreational activities for which we used a Poisson distribution, controlling for ward size and patient case mix.ResultsWe analysed the responses with complete data for outcome indicators from 199 (10.0%) managers and 2,508 nurses. Some patient outcome indicators were significantly associated with the nurses' care process evaluations, namely, urinary tract infections (B = −1.28, p < .001), indwelling catheter use (B = −0.57, p < .049), pressure ulcers (B = −1.20, p < .001) and recreational activities (B = 1.48, p < .001). These results suggest that better patient outcomes were associated with higher care process evaluations.ConclusionThe nurses' evaluations and certain patient outcome indicators were associated. When considering potential quality improvement programmes, focusing on these evaluations will be beneficial.