bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the abundance and flight period of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) over elevational gradients in Sitka spruce forests
Authors: Williams David T. , Cull Tom , Forster Jack 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
A warming climate, as predicted under current climate change projections, is likely to influence the population dynamics of many forest insect species. Numerous bark beetle species in both Europe and North America have already responded to a warming climate by significantly expanding their geographical ranges.
The aim of the current study was to investigate how populations of bark beetles within stands of Sitka spruce, a widely planted non‐native commercial plantation tree species in the U.K., were likely to respond to a warming climate. Experimental plots were established in stands of Sitka spruce over elevational gradients in two commercial forest plantations, and the abundance and emergence times of key bark beetle species were assessed over a 3‐year period using flight interception traps. The air temperature difference between the lowest and highest experimental plot in each forest was consistently >1°C throughout the 3‐year period.
In general, the abundance of the most dominant bark beetle species (e.g. Trypodendron, Dryocoetes, Hylastes spp.) was higher, and emergence times tended to be earlier in the year at the lower elevation plots, where temperatures were higher, although not all bark beetle species responded in the same manner.
The results of the study indicated that, under the projected future climate warming scenarios, monoculture Sitka spruce stands at low elevations may potentially be more vulnerable to significant outbreak events from existing or invasive bark beetle species. Hence, consideration of establishing more resilient forests of Sitka spruce by diversifying the species composition and structure of Sitka spruce stands is discussed.
Genome‐wide association study reveals genes associated with the absence of intermuscular bones in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)
Authors: Nunes J. R. S. , Pértille F. , Andrade S. C. S. , Perazza C. A. , Villela P. M. S. , Almeida‐Val V. M. F. , Gao Z.‐X. , Coutinho L. L. , Hilsdorf A. W. S. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThe presence of intermuscular bones in fisheries products limits the consumption and commercialization potential of many fish species, including tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). These bones have caused medical emergencies and are an undesirable characteristic for fish farming because their removal is labor‐intensive during fish processing. Despite the difficulty in identifying genes related to the lack of intermuscular bone in diverse species of fish, the discovery of individuals lacking intermuscular bones in a Neotropical freshwater characiform fish has provided a unique opportunity to delve into the genetic mechanisms underlying the pathways of intermuscular bone formation. In this study, we carried out a GWAS among boneless and wt tambaqui populations to identify markers associated with a lack of intermuscular bone. After analyzing 11 416 SNPs in 360 individuals (12 boneless and 348 bony), we report 675 significant (Padj < 0.003) associations for this trait. Of those, 13 associations were located near candidate genes related to the reduction of bone mass, promotion of bone formation, inhibition of bone resorption, central control of bone remodeling, bone mineralization and other related functions. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we have successfully identified genes related to a lack of intermuscular bones using GWAS in a non‐model species.
Trophic ecology of an introduced top predator (Felis catus) on a small African oceanic islet (Santa Luzia, Cabo Verde Islands)
Authors: Medina Félix Manuel , Melo Tommy , Oliveira Paulo , Nogales Manuel , Geraldes Pedro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStudies on feral cat diet offer important ecological information and are the first step towards determining their impact upon endangered species. However, in comparing seasonal changes in diet with seasonal prey availability, the scarce amount of research into oceanic islands worldwide must be considered when deciding if a specific population is actually affected by cat predation. Cat diet was analysed on Santa Luzia (Cabo Verde Islands) since this invasive predator is considered one of the main threats to native endangered species that require conservation measures. These previous studies were carried out in different seasons, providing contrasting results, skinks being more preyed upon in the rainy season and mice in the driest periods. To check these different results, we focussed on how cat diet varied seasonally in response to changes in prey abundance. Saurians were the most important prey group, followed by mice, invertebrates and birds. No seasonal differences were, however, observed in the different prey groups consumed, saurians being the main prey in both seasons. All cases reflected their respective abundances. Results corroborate the generalist and opportunistic trophic ecology of feral cats, providing important information to assess their impact on prey populations and design future eradication programmes.
Local community involvement in nature conservation under the auspices of Community‐Based Natural Resource Management: A state of the art review
Authors: Rampheri Mangana B. , Dube Timothy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNumerous initiatives and programmes were introduced to enable biodiversity conservation, and community involvement was among these propositions. In line with such initiatives, several frameworks were thus developed to ensure the sustainable implementation and realisation of such programmes. This saw the establishment of the Community‐Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). As such, numerous calls were made to explore community involvement strategies and associated socio‐economic impacts in nature conservation. Most studies and reports emanating from such calls demonstrate cases of failure of inter alia including poaching. This work, therefore, provides a detailed synthesis of the implications of involving local communities in conservation in protected areas (PAs) and further examines how spatial explicit methodologies can be adopted in enhancing nature conservation. Overall, the study has shown that community attitudes and perceptions towards nature conservation in PAs point towards the failure of the CBNRM approach. Weak, conflicted and sometimes corrupt governance and poor institutional arrangements seem to have contributed towards its failure. Overall, the review further indicates that most studies on community involvement in nature conservation have not fully considered the spatial dimension, and this has hampered holistic and effective monitoring and assessment of biodiversity in PAs to ensure sustainable management and the possible implications of such an approach towards conservation. This work, therefore, recommends a shift towards collaborative modelling, transdisciplinary monitoring and assessment approaches to improve biodiversity conservation as well as to determine the success and limitations of the CBNRM approach in Africa and the world over.
Effects of negative adoptee experiences and mediation of attitudes toward adoption on life satisfaction among international adoptees from South Korea
Authors: Ahn Jaejin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAdoption is not an event that ends with a child's placement, but a lifelong process that affects various dimensions of the adoptee's life. This study examines how adoption‐related problems and social support affect life satisfaction among international adoptees from South Korea, and whether their attitudes toward adoption mediate these effects. Data were obtained from the 2013 Survey on International Korean Adoptees. Of the adoptees surveyed, 68.3% experienced social discrimination and 72.1% acknowledged having an identity crisis growing up. Path analysis revealed that negative experiences and social support directly and indirectly affected adoptees' life satisfaction. International adoptees who experienced identity crises and social discrimination worried more about their adoption status and felt less life satisfaction, whereas adoptees with more social support expressed positive attitudes toward adoption and felt greater life satisfaction. Adoptees' attitudes toward adoption were positively related to their life satisfaction, and this partially mediated the effects of negative experiences and social support of international adoptees. This study's results support the need for post‐adoption services to address identity crises and social discrimination among international adoptees at all developmental stages and additionally emphasize the protective role of social support.
Activation of β2‐adrenergic receptor signals suppresses mesenchymal phenotypes of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Sakakitani Shintaro , Podyma‐Inoue Katarzyna A. , Takayama Rina , Takahashi Kazuki , Ishigami‐Yuasa Mari , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Harada Hiroyuki , Watabe Tetsuro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetastasis is a primary reason related to the mortality of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. A program called epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to play a critical role in promoting metastasis in epithelium‐derived carcinoma. During EMT, epithelial cancer cells acquire motile mesenchymal phenotypes and detach from primary tumors. Recent lines of evidence have suggested that EMT confers cancer cells with tumor‐initiating ability. Therefore, selective targeting of EMT would lead to the development of effective therapeutic agents. In this study, using a chemical biology approach, we identified isoxsuprine, a β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) agonist as a low‐molecular‐weight compound that interferes with the acquisition of mesenchymal phenotypes of oral cancer cells. Treatment of multiple types of oral cancer cells with isoxsuprine led to the downregulation of mesenchymal cell markers that was accompanied by reduced cell motility. Similar inhibitory effects were also observed for isoprenaline, a non‐selective β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) agonist. In addition, inhibition of cell migration upon treatment with isoxsuprine was reverted by a non‐selective β‐AR antagonist, propranolol, and the CRISPR/Cas9 system‐mediated deletion of the β2‐AR gene, suggesting that the effects exerted by isoxsuprine involved signals mediated by β2‐AR. In addition, in a subcutaneous xenograft model of oral cancer cells, the administration of isoxsuprine effectively suppressed primary tumor growth, suggesting β2‐AR signals to be a promising cancer therapeutic target for treatment of OSCC.
Enhanced anti‐tumor effects of the PD‐1 blockade combined with a highly absorptive form of curcumin targeting STAT3
Authors: Hayakawa Taeko , Yaguchi Tomonori , Kawakami Yutaka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPD‐1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising cancer immunotherapies however responses are still limited and the development of more effective combination immunotherapy is needed. We previously reported that STAT3 activation in cancer cells and immune cells was involved in immune‐resistant mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the effect of highly absorptive forms of curcumin extracts and synthetic curcumin on anti‐tumor T cell responses. The curcumin po administration resulted in the significant augmentation of in vivo induction of tumor antigen‐specific T cells through restoration of dendritic cells (DCs) by inhibiting directly STAT3 in DCs and indirectly via reduced IL‐6 production from STAT3 activated cancer cells in 2 syngeneic MC38 and CT26 murine tumor models. Curcumin also showed direct DC enhancing activity and enhanced T cell induction for the immunized antigens in non‐tumor‐bearing mice and human hosts. Curcumin restored DC functions in xenogeneic nude mouse model implanted with high IL‐6‐producing human clear cell ovarian cancer cells. The combination of curcumin and PD‐1/PD‐L1 Abs demonstrated a synergistic anti‐tumor activity in MC38 murine tumor models. These results indicated that curcumin augments the induction of tumor antigen‐specific T cells by restoring the T cell stimulatory activity of DCs targeting activated STAT3 in both cancer cells and immune cells. Combination immunotherapy with curcumin and PD‐1/PD‐L1 Ab is an attractive strategy in the development of effective immunotherapy against various cancers.
Inactivation of TMEM106A promotes lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in macrophages
Authors: Zhang X , Feng T , Zhou X , Sullivan P M , Hu F , Lou Y , Yu J , Feng J , Liu H , Chen Y 
Published: October 2020

Summary
Pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), play an important role in the host defense against invading microbial pathogens. Their activation must be precisely regulated, as inappropriate activation or overactivation of TLR signaling pathways may result in inflammatory disorders, such as septic shock or autoimmune diseases. TMEM106A is a type II transmembrane protein constitutively expressed in macrophages. Our current study demonstrated that TMEM106A levels were increased in macrophages upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, as well as in the peripheral monocytes of patients with sepsis. Tmem106a knockout mice were more sensitive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock than wild-type mice. Further experiments indicated that Tmem106a ablation enhanced the expression of CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II in mouse macrophages upon LPS stimulation, accompanied with up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN)-β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating the activation of macrophages and polarization towards the M1 inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, elevated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling were found to be involved in the LPS-induced inflammatory response in Tmem106a−/− macrophages. However, this effect was largely abrogated by macrophage deletion in Tmem106a−/− mice. Therefore, deficiency of Tmem106a in macrophages may enhance the M1 polarization in mice, resulting in inflammation. This suggests that TMEM106A plays an important regulatory role in maintaining macrophage homeostasis.
Circulating inflammatory cytokine levels correlates with cognitive impairment
Authors: Rasi Marzabadi Leila , Sadigh‐Eteghad Saeed , Talebi Mahnaz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveInflammatory factors contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study assesses the correlation of peripheral inflammatory cytokines with cognitive impairment severity in AD.MethodThis study included 80 patients with AD, divided into three groups of mild, mild‐moderate, and moderate‐severe. Demographic data and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were recorded, and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 levels were evaluated.ResultsThe 30, 31, and 19 patients were categorized in three groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in moderate‐severe and both mild and mild‐moderate groups. The IL‐1β level did not show significant change among groups. MMSE had significant correlation with TNF‐α (P = .03, r = −0.23) and IL‐6 (P = .04, r = −0.22), but not IL‐1β (P = .46, r = −0.08) levels.ConclusionThe TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels are significantly higher in patients with moderate‐severe stage of AD. Inflammatory cytokine levels might predict the cognitive impairment severity in AD patients.
Investigating the need for alcohol harm reduction and managed alcohol programs for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorders in Scotland
Authors: Carver Hannah , Parkes Tessa , Browne Tania , Matheson Catriona , Pauly Bernie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsManaged alcohol programs (MAP) are a harm reduction approach for those experiencing alcohol use disorders (AUD) and homelessness. These programs were developed in Canada and have had positive results; very few exist in the UK and Ireland. The aim of this study was to scope the feasibility and acceptability of implementing MAPs in Scotland.Design and MethodsUsing mixed‐methods, we conducted two linked phases of work. Quantitative data were collected from the case records of 33 people accessing eight third sector services in Scotland and analysed in SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were collected in Scotland via semi‐structured interviews with 29 individuals in a range of roles, including strategic informants (n = 12), service staff (n = 8) and potential beneficiaries (n = 9). Data were analysed using Framework Analysis in NVivo.ResultsThe case record review revealed high levels of alcohol use, related health and social harms, illicit drug use, withdrawal symptoms, and mental and physical health problems. Most participants highlighted a lack of alcohol harm reduction services and the potential of MAPs to address this gap for this group.Discussion and ConclusionsOur findings highlight the potential for MAPs in Scotland to prevent harms for those experiencing homelessness and AUDs, due to high levels of need. Future research should examine the implementation of MAPs in Scotland in a range of service contexts to understand their effectiveness in addressing harms and promoting wellbeing for those experiencing AUDs and homelessness.
Clinical implications of exercise‐induced regional wall motion abnormalities in significant aortic regurgitation
Authors: Hwang Ji‐won , Park Sung‐Ji , Kim Eun Kyoung , Chang Sung‐A , Choi Jin‐Oh , Lee Sang‐Chol , Ahn Joong Hyun , Carriere Keumhee , Park Seung Woo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundSignificant aortic regurgitation (AR) is sometimes accompanied by regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) during exercise stress echocardiography. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between RWMA after exercise and in the presence of significant AR in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or volume overload and to predict the eventual need for aortic valve replacement (AVR).Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively reviewed 182 patients with significant AR who underwent exercise echocardiography. In addition, we investigated patients with AR who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and were diagnosed with CAD. The presence of RWMA after exercise was defined as newly developed RWMA after exercise and included all changes in wall motion. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of RWMA after exercise: the RWMA group (n = 42) and non‐RWMA group (n = 140). In the RWMA group, 31 patients (73.8%) underwent coronary artery evaluation by CAG or CCTA. Only two patients in the RWMA group were diagnosed with current CAD and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with RWMA were older (61.6 ± 10.8 vs 52.0 ± 13.7 years, P < .001), had more severe AR (54.8% vs 32.9%), and underwent AVR more frequently (40.5% vs 14.3%, P = .001) than patients without RWMA. METs (odds ratio [OR], 0.796; P = .019), difference between rest and postexercise left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (OR, 0.967; P = .001), and the difference between pre‐ and postexercise left ventricular end‐systolic volume (OR, 1.113; P < .001) were identified as independent factors associated with RWMA after exercise according to multivariable logistic regression analysis. The majority of wall motion changes were seen in the lateral and inferior segments, and the locations of wall motion changes were relatively consistent with the direction of the AR jet. The relationship between RWMA after exercise and time to AVR was investigated by simple linear regression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.402; P < .001). After adjusting for baseline parameters of diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular end‐systolic dimension (LVESD), aorta size, deceleration time, and METs, the presence of RWMA after exercise was not predictive of time to AVR (HR, 1.106; P = .81). On the other hand, without forcible entry of RWMA after exercise, LVESD (HR, 1.119; P < .001) and METs (HR, 0.828; P = .006) independently predicted the eventual need for AVR as an outcome.ConclusionThe degree of change in wall motion from rest to exercise in those with significant AR was not correlated with CAD, but was correlated with the severity of volume overload and exercise‐induced preload changes, as well as the direction of the AR jet. In addition, RWMA after exercise had no role in predicting the need for AVR.
Social parasite distancing: RADseq reveals high inbreeding in the social parasite Microdon myrmicae but low philopatry for host ant nest
Authors: Scarparo Giulia , Rugman‐Jones Paul , Gebiola Marco , Di Giulio Andrea , Purcell Jessica 
Published: October 2020

The hoverfly Microdon myrmicae is a rare and extremely localised social parasite of Myrmica ants, only occurring around wet grassland. Dispersal, location of the host, and oviposition are crucial steps in the life of ant parasites but are poorly known due to the challenge of studying such rare species.
Using genome‐wide loci obtained by RADseq, we investigated the genetic structure and relatedness of Mi. myrmicae larvae and its ant host, collected from three localities in South West England, and inferred biological and behavioural traits.
We found that: (a) Mi. myrmicae larvae show high inbreeding levels and severe heterozygosity deficiency, as an expression of the small population size that favours the mating between siblings or half‐siblings; (b) Mi. myrmicae adults can disperse for many kilometres, spreading much more than it is reported for its sibling species, Microdon mutabilis; (c) a single female lays small egg bunches in different ant colonies, sometimes spanning substantial distances (bet‐hedging strategy); in parallel, a single ant nest can harbour eggs from different Microdon females; (d) preliminary evidence suggest that contrary to Mi. mutabilis, host colony choice seems not to depend on the number of queens residing in a single colony.
These results overall strongly deviate from what previously found for Mi. mutabilis, whose females oviposit in the natal nest generation after generation. We argue that such different ecological traits and parasitic strategies between closely related species are mainly ascribable to the different selective pressure on the two ant hosts.