bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of tropical secondary forest regeneration on avian phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Hughes Emma C. , Edwards David P. , Sayer Catherine A. , Martin Philip A. , Thomas Gavin H. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The conversion of tropical forests to farmland is a key driver of the current extinction crisis. With the present rate of deforestation unlikely to subside, secondary forests that regenerate on abandoned agricultural land may provide an option for safeguarding biodiversity. While species richness (SR) may recover as secondary forests get older, the extent to which phylogenetic diversity (PD)—the total amount of evolutionary history present in a community—is conserved is less clear. Maximizing PD has been argued to be important to conserve both evolutionary heritage and ecosystem function.

Here, we investigate the effects of secondary forest regeneration on PD in birds. The regeneration of secondary forests could lead to a community of closely related species, despite maintaining comparable SR to primary forests, and thus have diminished biodiversity value with reduced evolutionary heritage.

We use a meta‐dataset of paired primary and secondary forest sites to show that, over time, forest specialist species returned across all sites as secondary forest age increased. Forest specialists colonize secondary tropical forests in both the Old World and the New World, but recovery of PD and community composition with time is only evident in the Old World.

Synthesis and applications. While preserving primary tropical forests remains a core conservation goal, our results emphasize the important role of secondary forest in maintaining tropical forest biodiversity. Biodiversity recovery differs between Old and New World secondary forests and with proximity to primary forest, highlighting the need to consider local or regional differences in landscape composition and species characteristics, especially resilience to forest degradation and dispersal capability. While farmland abandonment is increasing across marginal areas in the tropics, there remains a critical need to provide long‐term management and protection from reconversion to maximize conservation benefits of secondary forests. Our study suggests such investments should be focused on land in close proximity to primary forests.
Long non‐coding RNA DDX11‐AS1 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer development via regulating PI3K/AKT signalling
Authors: Feng Xuegang , Yang Shengsheng , Zhou Shunkai , Deng Shilong , Xie Yongwei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been considered to be the most common category of lung cancer, comprising approximately 80% of lung cancers. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were diffusely documented to modulate carcinogenesis or progression of tumours. However, the role of DDX11‐AS1 was still unclear in NSCLC. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental assays including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, RT‐qPCR, colony formation, CCK‐8, flow cytometry, western blot and xenograft assays were applied to investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of DDX11‐AS1 in NSCLC. The level of lncRNA DDX11‐AS1 was up‐regulated in NSCLC tumour tissues and cells. In function aspect, knockdown of DDX11‐AS1 caused an apparent inhibitive effect on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. DDX11‐AS1 inhibition promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. In mechanism, the protein level of phosphorylated AKT was reduced by DDX11‐AS1 inhibition but increased by DDX11‐AS1 overexpression. These results indicated that DDX11‐AS1 exacerbated NSCLC progression via activating PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. All in all, DDX11‐AS1 promotes NSCLC development via regulating PI3K/AKT signalling.
Effects of balancing selection and microhabitat temperature variations on heat tolerance of the intertidal black mussel Septifer virgatus
Authors: HAN Guodong , WANG Wei , DONG Yunwei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRealistic assessments of the impacts of global warming on population extinction risk are likely to require an integrated analysis of the roles of standing genetic variation, microhabitat thermal complexity, and the inter‐individual variation of heat tolerance due to both genetic differences and seasonal acclimatization effects. Here, we examine whether balancing selection and microhabitat temperature heterogeneity can interact to enhance the population persistence to thermal stress for the black mussel Septifer virgatus. We deployed biomimetic data loggers on the shore to measure the microhabitat‐specific thermal variation from June 2014 to April 2016. Thermal tolerance of specimens was indexed by measuring effects of temperature on heart rate. Genotyping of specimens was performed using double digestion restriction association RADSeq (ddRADseq). Our results show that inter‐individual variations in thermal tolerance correlate significantly with genetic differences at some specific gene loci, and that heterozygotes have higher thermal tolerances than homozygotes. The observed seasonal changes in genotype frequency suggest that these loci are under balancing selection. The ability of thermally resistant heterozygotes to survive in sun‐exposed microhabitats acts to balance the loss of homozygotes during summer and enable the persistence of genetic polymorphisms. Population persistence of the mussel is also facilitated by the micro‐scale variation in temperature, which provides refugia from thermal stress. Our results emphasize that inter‐individual variation in thermal tolerance and in microhabitat heterogeneity in temperature are important for the persistence of populations in rocky shore habitats.
A first comparison of bone histomorphometry in extant domestic horses (Equus caballus) and a Pleistocene Indian wild horse (Equus namadicus)
Authors: ZEDDA Marco , SATHE Vijay , CHAKRABORTY Prateek , PALOMBO Maria Rita , FARINA Vittorio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe microstructural features of the tissue of long bones subjected to different biomechanical stresses could be a helpful tool for a better understanding of locomotor behavior in extant and extinct mammals, including equids. However, few researches have attempted to describe the bone tissue of extinct horses. In our study, we analyze and compare the histomorphometric features of the bone tissue in extant modern horses, Equus caballus, and Equus namadicus, a Pleistocene Indian extinct wild horse. The number, position, and size of the osteons and Haversian canals of the bone tissue, classifiable as dense Haversian tissue, were considered for the comparison. The results obtained highlight some differences between the analyzed species, E. caballus having fewer and bigger osteons than E. namadicus. The microstructural differences may depend on the different lifestyles and environmental conditions characterizing the two species. The results obtained suggest that comparing the biomechanical properties of extinct and modern horse species may provide indirect information on their paleoenvironment.
Resveratrol affects in vitro rumen fermentation, methane production and prokaryotic community composition in a time‐ and diet‐specific manner
Authors: Ma Tao , Wu W. , Tu Y. , Zhang N. , Diao Q. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on methane production, rumen fermentation and microbial composition under high‐concentrate (HC) and high‐forage (HF) diets using the in vitro fermentation system. A total of 25 mg of resveratrol was supplemented into 300 mg of either HC or HF diet. Methane production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar proportion of VFA, metabolites of resveratrol and prokaryotic community composition were measured after 12 and 24 h of in vitro fermentation. Resveratrol reduced methane production (ml per mg of dry matter degraded) by 41% and 60% under both HC and HF diets (P < 0.001), respectively, and this result could be associated with the lower abundance of Methanobrevibacter (P < 0.001) in response to resveratrol. The molar proportion of propionate was significantly higher in the resveratrol group only under the HC diet (P = 0.045). The relative abundance of 10 bacterial genera was affected by the three‐way interaction of treatment, diet and time (P < 0.05). Resveratrol was partly converted to dihydroresveratrol after 24 h of fermentation, and its degradation could be associated with microbes belonging to the order Coriobacteriales. Our results suggest that multiple factors (e.g. diet and time) should be considered in animal experiments to test the effect of polyphenol or other plant extracts on rumen fermentation, methane emission and microbial composition.
Non‐pesticide alternatives for reducing feeding damage caused by the large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.)
Authors: Lalík Michal , Galko Juraj , Nikolov Christo , Rell Slavomír , Kunca Andrej , Modlinger Roman , Holuša Jaroslav 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is an important pest of young forest stands in Europe. Larvae develop under the bark of freshly cut pine and spruce stumps, but maturing weevils feed on the bark of coniferous seedlings. Such seedlings frequently die because of bark consumption near the root collar. We tested the effect of three treatments (the insecticide alpha cypermethrin, a wax coating and a glue coating) on the feeding damage caused by H. abietis on Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings under semi‐natural conditions. In two experiments (one in 2016 and another in 2017) seedlings in cages were subjected to pine weevil feeding for 16 weeks under shaded outdoor conditions. The experiment in 2016 compared insecticide and wax treatments and an untreated control on Douglas fir and Norway spruce, and the experiment in 2017 compared insecticide, wax and glue treatments and an untreated control on Norway spruce. In both experiments, all treatments significantly reduced H. abietis feeding damage at week 8 at the end of both experiments (week 16); the effect of treatments was significant only on spruce seedlings. The damages on Douglas fir seedlings was less on treated seedlings than on untreated control seedlings but differences were not significant. Coating stems with glue and especially with wax was generally effective at reducing weevil damage and in most cases provided control that was not significantly different from that provided by insecticide treatment. Our results suggest that a wax coating has the potential to replace the protection of seedlings provided by insecticides.
Factors associated with receipt of the 5As model of brief intervention for smoking cessation among hospitalized patients
Authors: Martínez Cristina , Feliu Ariadna , Castellano Yolanda , Fu Marcela , Fernández Paz , Cabrera‐Jaime Sandra , Puig‐Llobet Montse , Galimany Jordi , Guydish Joseph , Fernández Esteve ,   ETHIF Research Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsGuidelines recommend the 5As model of brief intervention for providing smoking cessation support in clinical settings. This study assessed patient and hospital characteristics associated with self‐reported receipt of the 5As (ask, advise, assess, assist and arrange).DesignMulti‐center cross‐sectional study.Setting and participantsAdult inpatients (n = 1047) were randomly selected from 13 hospitals in the Barcelona province of Spain in 2014–2015.MeasurementsWe explored participants’ receipt of the 5As through a questionnaire. Given the progressiveness of the 5As, we recoded the fulfillment of the intervention as: A0: no intervention; A1: ask; A2: ask and advise; A3: A2 and assess; A4: A3 and assist; and A5: A4 and arrange a follow‐up. We explored patient (e.g. age, sex, comorbidities) and hospital (e.g. type of hospital, unit) characteristics. We adjusted multi‐level robust Poisson regression models to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of the association between the recoded 5As intervention received.FindingsA total of 60.4% (n = 624) of patients had been asked (A1) about their smoking status. Among smokers, 46.5% (n = 90) were advised (A2), 26.6% (n = 48) assessed (A3) and 4.6% (n = 10) received all the components of the 5As (A5). Middle‐aged smokers [aPR = 3.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.69–7.79] with a respiratory disease (aPR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.11–4.34) were most likely to have been asked, advised and assessed (A3). The cessation intervention was most frequently performed by physicians.ConclusionsIn the Barcelona province of Spain, it appears that fewer than half of hospitalized patients who smoke were advised to quit and few received the full ‘five As’ brief intervention for smoking cessation.
Phospholipase C zeta profiles are indicative of optimal sperm parameters and fertilisation success in patients undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Kashir Junaid , Mistry Bhavesh V. , BuSaleh Lujain , Abu‐Dawas Reema , Nomikos Michail , Ajlan Ahmed , Abu‐Dawud Raed , AlYacoub Nadya , AlHassan Saad , Lai F. Anthony , Assiri Abdullah M. , Coskun Serdar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundOocyte activation is driven by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations induced by sperm‐specific PLCζ, abrogation of which causes oocyte activation deficiency in humans. Clinical PLCζ investigations have been limited to severe male infertility conditions, while PLCζ levels and localisation patterns have yet to be associated with general sperm viability.Materials and MethodsPLCζ profiles were examined within a general population of males attending a fertility clinic (65 patients; aged 29‐53), examining PLCζ throughout various fractions of sperm viability. Male recruitment criteria required a minimum sperm count of 5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL, while all female patients included in this study yielded at least five oocytes for treatment. Sperm count, motility and semen volume were recorded according to standard WHO reference guidelines and correlated with PLCζ profiles examined via immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Appropriate fertility treatments were performed following routine clinical standard operating protocols, and fertilisation success determined by successful observation of second polar body extrusion.Results and DiscussionFour distinct PLCζ patterns were observed at the equatorial, acrosomal + equatorial regions of the sperm head, alongside a dispersed pattern, and a population of spermatozoa without any PLCζ. Acrosomal + equatorial PLCζ correlated most to sperm health, while dispersed PLCζ correlated to decreased sperm viability. Total levels of PLCζ exhibited significant correlations with sperm parameters. PLCζ variance corresponded to reduced sperm health, potentially underlying cases of male sub‐fertility and increasing male age. Finally, significantly higher levels of PLCζ were exhibited by cases of fertilisation success, alongside higher proportions of Ac + Eq, and lower levels of dispersed PLCζ.ConclusionsPLCζ potentially represents a biomarker of sperm health, and fertilisation capacity in general cases of patients seeking fertility treatment, and not just cases of repeated fertilisation. Further focused investigations are required with larger cohorts to examine the full clinical potential of PLCζ.
Is the primary AZFc duplication a potential risk for male infertility?: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Shengyu , Zhang Yangwei , Yang Yuan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have been performed to investigate the association between the primary AZFc duplication and male infertility risk; however, the sample sizes have been small and the results have been controversial. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess these associations.MethodsA systematic search was conducted to identify all relevant studies from the PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CNKI, and Wanfang databases up to October 22, 2019. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of associations. All of the statistical analyses were conducted by using RevMan 5.3.ResultsEleven studies were identified that involved 3140 infertile men and 2280 fertile men. Overall, there was a statistically significant association between the primary AZFc duplication and male infertility (OR = 1.66, 95% CI  = 1.29‐2.14, P < .0001). In the subgroup analysis by ethnic group, a statistically significant association between the primary AZFc duplication and male infertility was observed in Asian men (OR  =  2.26, 95% CI  = 1.64‐3.12, P < .00001), but not in European men (OR  =  0.90, 95% CI = 0.59‐1.38, P = .64). For subtypes of the primary AZFc duplication, a statistically significant association was observed between the gr/gr duplication‐only (OR  = 2.71, 95% CI  = 1.38‐5.32, P = .004) and infertility in Asian men. Asian men with the primary AZFc duplication resulting in more than four DAZ genes were found to be at an increased risk for infertility (OR  = 2.70, 95% CI  = 1.49‐4.89, P = .001).ConclusionOur meta‐analysis provides an unprecedented illustration of how the association between the primary AZFc duplication and male infertility may be dependent on ethnicity or geographic location. Furthermore, gr/gr duplication or increased DAZ copy number can be detrimental to spermatogenesis in Asian men.
Effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab induction therapy for 103 patients with ulcerative colitis: a GETAID multicentre real‐world cohort study
Authors: Amiot Aurélien , Filippi Jérôme , Abitbol Vered , Cadiot Guillaume , Laharie David , Serrero Melanie , Altwegg Romain , Bouhnik Yoram , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Gilletta Cyrielle , Roblin Xavier , Pineton de Chambrun Guillaume , Vuitton Lucine , Bourrier Anne , Nancey Stephane , Gornet Jean‐Marc , Nahon Stephane , Bouguen Guillaume , Viennot Stephanie , Pariente Benjamin , Fumery Mathurin ,   UC‐USK‐GETAID Study Group
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundPhase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis (UC), but few real‐world data are currently available.AimTo assess short‐term effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in patients with UC.MethodsFrom January to September 2019, all patients with UC treated with ustekinumab in 20 French GETAID centres were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was steroid‐free clinical remission (partial Mayo Clinic score ≤2) at weeks 12‐16 without a rectal bleeding subscore >1.ResultsAmong the 103 patients included, 70% had been previously exposed to ≥2 anti‐TNF agents and 85% to vedolizumab. At weeks 12‐16, steroid‐free clinical remission and clinical remission rates were 35.0% and 39.8% respectively; the absence of rectal bleeding with normal stool frequency was noted in 19.4% of patients. Two patients discontinued ustekinumab before the week 12‐16 visit and underwent surgery. In multivariable analysis, a partial Mayo Clinic score >6 at inclusion (18.6% vs 46.7%, P = 0.003) and a history of both exposure to anti‐TNF and vedolizumab therapies (27.3% vs 80.0%, P = 0.001) were negatively associated with steroid‐free clinical remission at weeks 12‐16. Adverse events occurred in 7.8% of patients and serious adverse events in 3.9% of patients.ConclusionIn a cohort of highly refractory patients with UC with multiple prior drug failures, ustekinumab provided steroid‐free clinical remission in one‐third of cases at weeks 12‐16. Clinical severity and previous use of anti‐TNF and vedolizumab therapies were associated with ustekinumab failure at weeks 12‐16.
A sex‐specific, COX‐derived/thromboxane receptor activator causes depolarization and vasoconstriction in male mice mesenteric resistance arteries
Authors: Chen Hua , Simonsen Ulf , Aalkjaer Christian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe investigated whether sex differences exist in cyclooxygenase‐dependent effects on membrane potential and relaxation in mice mesenteric resistance arteries. Mesenteric small arteries of 9‐ to 12‐week‐old, male and female, wild‐type mice, db/+ mice and diabetic db/db mice were mounted in myographs for measurements of isobaric diameter and smooth muscle cell membrane potential. Acetylcholine caused smaller dilation of arteries from male db/+ mice compared to arteries from female db/+ mice. In the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), acetylcholine‐induced dilation of arteries from males increased in the presence of indomethacin and the COX‐1‐specific inhibitor FR122047. The presence of indomethacin was also associated with a more negative membrane potential in arteries from males. In arteries from db/db mice, no sex differences were seen. In arteries from male but not female wild‐type mice, the thromboxane receptor blocker SQ29,548 increased relaxation to acetylcholine. In contrast to arteries from female mice, COX (most likely COX‐1)‐derived prostanoids and activation of thromboxane receptors counteract acetylcholine vasodilatation probably through increased smooth muscle depolarization in arteries from male mice. In mice with diabetes and pronounced endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of COX did not enhance acetylcholine vasodilatation.
An orally available hypoglycaemic peptide taken up by caveolae transcytosis displays improved hypoglycaemic effects and body weight control in db/db mice
Authors: Lu Weisheng , Tian Hong , Qian Peng , Li Ying , Wang Yongkang , Ge Yang , Sai Wenbo , Gao Xiangdong , Yao Wenbing 
Published: April 2020

Background and PurposeType 2 diabetes is one of the most severe chronic diseases and is an increasingly important public health problem worldwide. Several agonists of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor have been developed to treat Type 2 diabetes but most of them are administered by injection. This mode of administration seriously reduces patient compliance and increases the risk of infection. Here, we describe the actions of a novel, orally available, GLP‐1 receptor agonist ‐ oral hypoglycaemic peptide 2 (OHP2) ‐ derived from exendin‐4 by replacing amino acids. We have also investigated its pharmacokinetic profiles, therapeutic effects and absorption mechanism.Experimental ApproachHealthy Wistar rats were used for pharmacokinetic analyses. In diabetic db/db mice. OHP2 was given for 8 weeks to evaluate its effects on hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, basal metabolism and tissue injury. Possible endocytosis and transcytosis mechanisms of OHP2 uptake were explored in Caco‐2 cell monolayers.Key ResultsIn rats, the absolute bioavailability of orally administered OHP2 was 20‐fold greater than that of orally administered exendin‐4. In db/db mice, OHP2 dose‐dependently exhibits good potential in glucose‐lowering and weight loss after oral administration. OHP2 also alleviated hyperlipidaemia, ameliorated energy metabolism and promoted tissue repair in diabetic mice. Furthermore, uptake of OHP2 by Caco‐2 cells was dependent on caveolae‐mediated transcytosis rather than endocytosis mediated by GLP‐1 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsOHP2 is a potential, orally bioavailable, candidate drug for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Its transcytosis mechanism of uptake could help in the development of absorption enhancers of OHP2.