bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive transcriptome analyses of twoOocystisalgae provide insights into the adaptation to Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Hua , Chang Xin , Su Dan‐Yan , Yao Ru , Liu Xu‐Dong , Zhu Huan , Liu Guo‐Xiang , Zhong Bo‐Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe harsh environments and high biodiversity of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) provide an ideal natural laboratory for studies on adaptive evolution. Low temperature and intense UV‐B radiation are the main abiotic stresses to plants at high altitudes. The rapid development of RNA sequencing has enabled us to investigate the molecular adaptations of plants that thrive in the QTP at the genomic level. Despite the ecological importance ofOocystisalgae on the plateau, the genetic mechanisms of the adaptations of these algae to this high‐altitude environment remain poorly understood. Here, we sequenced and assembled the transcriptomes ofOocystis marinaandOocystissp. LXD‐20, and undertook comparative transcriptomic and evolutionary analyses to reveal their adaptive strategies. Our results identified 348 positively selected genes inOocystisalgae, and functional analyses indicated that many of these positively selected genes were associated with adaptation to abiotic stresses, such as antioxidative response, DNA repair mechanisms, translation, and post‐translational modifications. We also identified the cold‐responsive and UV‐B‐responsive genes inO. marinaandOocystissp. LXD‐20, and revealed the transcriptional regulation strategies under stress conditions. Our analyses provided a wealth of sequence data to serve as reference transcriptomes for future studies, and shed light on the adaptive strategies of green algae that live in the QTP.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction: A systematic review from a clinical perspective
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Heng , Zhao Wei , Shu Lin‐Ping , Wang Nan , Cai Yao-Hua , Yang Jin‐Kui , Zhou Jian‐Bo , Qi Lu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is now increasing evidence demonstrating that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to microvascular disorder. However, whether OSA is associated with impaired coronary flow reserve is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize current evidence. In a systematic review, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched; five observational studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in this study. Data were extracted from selected studies and meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects modelling. In all, 829 OSA patients and 507 non‐OSA subjects were included and assessed for coronary flow reserve (CFR), the clinical indicator of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). For all studies, OSA was significantly associated with reduced CFR. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of CFR was −0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.25 to −0.32, p ＜ 0.001, I2 = 84.4%). The difference in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) between studies can explain 89% of heterogeneity (coef = −0.05, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.02, p = .078) in a meta‐regression, indicating the CFR tended to negatively correlate with severity of OSA. The Egger regression test did not show statistical significance (p = .49). In conclusion, there are plausible biological mechanisms linking OSA and CMD, and the preponderance of evidence from this systematic review suggests that OSA, especially severe OSA, is associated with reduced CFR. Future studies are warranted to further delineate the exact role of OSA in CMD occurrence and development in a prospective setting.
Evaluation of a collar‐mounted accelerometer for detecting seizure activity in dogs
Authors: Muñana Karen R. , Nettifee Julie A. , Griffith Emily H. , Early Peter J. , Yoder Nathanael C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment.ObjectivesTo assess the use of a commercially available, collar‐mounted accelerometer to detect generalized seizures in dogs.AnimalsTwenty two client‐owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.MethodsSix‐month prospective clinical study during which dogs wore a collar‐mounted accelerometer. Seizure documentation was based on owner observations and video recordings. The accelerometer used a predefined algorithm to detect seizures in the first study phase, and an individualized algorithm in the second study phase. Caregivers completed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at the initial and final study visit.ResultsUsing the predefined algorithm, the accelerometer detected seizures with a sensitivity of 18.6% (95% CI [13.4%, 23.8%]) and mean false detection rate of 0.096/day. Values did not change significantly with use of an individualized algorithm (sensitivity 22.1%, 95% CI [15.1%, 29.0%]; false detection rate 0.054/day). Mean composite QoL score was significantly improved at study completion (50.42) compared to study initiation (39.53;P= .005), and this change was moderately correlated with a change in weekly exercise (r= 0.46,P= .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGeneralized seizures in dogs can be detected with a collar‐mounted accelerometer, but the overall sensitivity is low.
Standing vegetation as a coarse biotic filter for seed bank dynamics: Effects of gap creation on seed inputs and outputs in a native grassland
Authors: Brown Charlotte , Cahill James F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuestionsSmall‐scale disturbances have been linked to the maintenance of plant diversity by promoting the coexistence of competitive and subdominant species. Many proposed mechanisms for this coexistence involve changes to the competitive dynamics or abiotic environment. However, another possible mechanism could be a change to seed bank dynamics, ultimately impacting the species available for re‐establishment. Here, we test: (a) how gap creation alters seed bank composition, seed inputs (i.e. seed rain) and outputs (i.e. seedling establishment and predation); and (b) whether these changes are due to total vegetation removal or an indirect consequence of the removal of particularly influential species or traits.LocationRough fescue grassland in Alberta, Canada.MethodsTo test the impact of gap creation on seed bank dynamics, we experimentally removed or kept the standing vegetation intact in a paired‐plot design. Within each pair, we combined field sampling with greenhouse emergence studies to measure seed bank composition throughout the growing season. To examine inputs, we added seed trays that collected seed rain, and to examine outputs, we measured germination in seed trays with or without seed predation.ResultsSeed bank composition within gaps was significantly different from the original standing vegetation before removal and the seed bank where standing vegetation was kept intact. Gap creation increased net seed rain and seedling establishment but had no impact on seed predation. These effects of gap creation on seed outputs seem to be reliant on the total removal of vegetation, while seed inputs are also dependent on the community and trait composition of the standing vegetation.ConclusionsThe creation of gaps through small‐scale disturbances leading to a distinct seed bank community is another possible explanation for why we see increased β‐diversity with disturbance. Further, these gaps seem to be more important than standing vegetation compositional changes for preserving the local seed bank and promoting coexistence.
Weather fluctuations drive short‐term dynamics and long‐term stability in plant communities: A 25‐year study in a Central European dry grassland
Authors: Fischer Felícia M. , Chytrý Kryštof , Těšitel Jakub , Danihelka Jiří , Chytrý Milan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuestionInfrequent events of extreme drought or extreme temperatures may considerably affect the structure and functioning of vegetation. Here we investigate how fluctuations in precipitation and temperature shape year‐to‐year dynamics and plant species composition in a dry grassland community, and how this variation affects plants with different life histories.LocationDry grassland (Festucion valesiacae) in the Pavlov Hills, SE Czech Republic.MethodsLong‐term trends in vegetation change in the grassland studied were assessed by the ordination of plot records from vegetation surveys performed between 1930 and 2019. In addition, year‐to‐year changes in vegetation were studied in seven permanent plots of 16 m2 surveyed annually from 1993 to 2018. Variation in species composition and abundances was related to temperature and precipitation in the preceeding two springs, summers, autumns and winters using ordinations and mixed‐effect linear models.ResultsThere were no remarkable directional changes in the grassland community over the period 1930–2019. However, during the last 25 years, the community exhibited pronounced year‐to‐year fluctuations, which depended on weather conditions in the previous two years. Species with different life histories (e.g. perennials vs. annuals) and different ecology (e.g. ruderal vs. dry‐grassland species) responded differently to specific weather patterns. Perennials were sustained by wet summers, annuals benefitted from wet springs and autumns and moderately warm and wet winters, and covers of ruderals of mixed life histories increased after dry summers.ConclusionsPlant species composition in a Central European dry grassland shows remarkable year‐to‐year dynamics in response to weather patterns over the previous two years. These community changes are non‐directional and contribute to the stability of this grassland, which has not changed considerably over the past 90 years. However, increasing frequency of drought events because of ongoing climate change can result in a directional change with an expansion of ruderal species.
Water availability mediates functional shifts across ontogenetic stages in a regenerating seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Trindade Diego Pires Ferraz , Sfair Julia Caram , de Paula Alexandre Souza , Barros Maria Fabíola , Tabarelli Marcelo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuestionsCommunity assembly in regenerating forests is a key topic in ecology. Most studies examine the assembly process, assessing adult individuals along the forest succession. Although the adult stage is the final outcome of the assembly process, both abiotic and biotic filters can affect community assembly during early ontogenetic stages. Here, we investigate whether the functional composition and trait assembly patterns (trait convergence or divergence) change across ontogenetic stages along regenerating forest stands exposed to precipitation and chronic anthropogenic disturbance (CAD) gradients.LocationCaatinga dry forest, Catimbau National Park, Pernambuco, Brazil.MethodsSeeds (rain and bank), seedlings and adults of woody plant species were recorded across 15 forest regenerating stands (4–70 years since land abandonment) exposed to precipitation and CAD gradients. Seven functional traits related to species dispersal, establishment and resource use were measured for adult individuals and used to calculate the trait values for seeds and seedlings. Twenty old‐growth forest stands were used as a regional flora.ResultsFunctional composition (community weighted mean, CWM) varied across ontogenetic stages as wood density increased from seeds to seedlings, while seed mass increased from seeds to both seedlings and adults. The CWM also varied along precipitation/disturbance gradients but not along forest regeneration regardless the ontogenetic stage. Among seeds, dispersal distance increased towards wetter forest stands and decreased towards disturbed sites, while adult wood density increased from drier to wetter regenerating forest stands. Traits converged along the precipitation gradient but not in response to time since land abandonment.ConclusionsCaatinga dry forest regeneration is functionally structured across ontogenetic stages mediated mostly by water availability, but not over time since land abandonment. The effect of water availability on forest regeneration across ontogenetic stages highlights the complexity of species assembly in human modified landscapes, imposing important consequences considering the expected increasing aridity in the Caatinga.
Spatial and temporal overlaps between leopards (Panthera pardus) and their competitors in the African large predator guild
Authors: Rafiq K. , Hayward M. W. , Wilson A. M. , Meloro C. , Jordan N. R. , Wich S. A. , McNutt J. W. , Golabek K. A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms facilitating coexistence within species assemblages is a key consideration for conservation as intact assemblages are necessary for maintaining full ecosystem function. The African large predator guild represents one of the few remaining functionally intact large predator assemblages on Earth, and as such, represents a unique study system to understand competitive interactions. Yet, relatively little is known of the coexistence mechanisms between some of its intermediately sized members, particularly leopards (Panthera pardus). Here, we use overlapping spatio‐temporal activity and GPS data on lions (Panthera leo), leopards, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to examine spatial interactions and temporal partitioning between leopards and other guild members in northern Botswana. We found that at the population level, male leopard space use and activity patterns were largely unaffected by intraguild competitors. Leopards showed minimal movement coherence with competitors (avoidance or attraction) when moving through areas of home ranges shared with intraguild species. Moreover, we found evidence to support the hypothesis that guild species’ activity patterns are primarily driven by light availability rather than predator avoidance. Our results suggest predator avoidance has a limited impact on broad‐scale leopard spatio‐temporal niches, with aspects of the leopards’ ecology and life history likely facilitating its ability to thrive in close proximity to competitors. Considered alongside other studies, our results suggest that landscape‐level approaches to conservation may be suitable for aiding leopard conservation.
Frequent loss to follow‐up after diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection: A barrier towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Aleman Soo , Söderholm Jonas , Büsch Katharina , Kövamees Jan , Duberg Ann‐Sofi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies on hepatitis C cascade of care have been mainly focused on diagnosis and treatment rate, while less attention has been given to patients lost to follow‐up (LTFU) after diagnosis. Analyses of this latter issue on population level are missing.AimsIn this nationwide study of people with HCV, we aimed to estimate the proportion LTFU after HCV diagnosis, characterize them, and analyze their other healthcare contacts.MethodsPatients diagnosed with chronic HCV in the Swedish National Patient Register during 2001‐2011 and still alive December 31, 2013, were included. The number of cured patients without need of follow‐up was estimated. Visits to HCV specialist care during 2012‐2013 were analysed. For those LTFU, other specialist care contacts were studied.ResultsIn total 29 217 patients were included, with 24 733 with need of HCV care. 61% (n = 15 007) of them were LTFU from HCV care in 2012‐2013 and 58% did not attend HCV care during the second year after HCV diagnosis. The departments of surgery/orthopaedic or psychiatry/dependency were the most common other non‐primary healthcare contacts. Predictors for LTFU were young age, male sex, low education, presence of psychiatric/dependency diagnosis, unmarried and longer duration since diagnosis of HCV.ConclusionsThis study showed that almost two‐thirds of patients were LTFU after HCV diagnosis, with frequent occurrence early after diagnosis. Efforts to link patients back to HCV care, in combination with early and easy access to HCV treatment and harm reduction, are necessary to reach the HCV elimination goal.
Retrospective analysis of the association of the expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TLR4, PTX3 and Dectin‐1 (CLEC/A) genes with development of invasive aspergillosis among haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with oncohaematological disorders
Authors: Kalkanci Ayse , Tug Esra , Fidan Isil , Guzel Tunccan Ozlem , Ozkurt Zubeyde Nur , Yegin Zeynep Arzu , Sahin Elif Ayça , Kuralay Zeynep 
Published: April 2020

SummaryObjectivesSeveral studies described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on pattern recognition receptor (PRR) such as toll‐like receptors (TLRs), dendritic cell‐associated C‐type lectin‐1 (Dectin‐1/CLEC7A) genes of patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by Candida and Aspergillus. We screened TLR4, Dectin‐1 and PTX3 polymorphisms in a Turkish population with invasive aspergillosis (IA) underlying haematological malignancies.MethodsIn this case‐control study, a cohort of 59 patients with haematological malignancies were included. There were 26 IA patients assigned by the EORTC‐MSG criteria and 33 patients with no evidence of fungal disease. DNA and RNA were isolated from frozen bone marrow and serum samples. RNA levels and polymorphisms of TLR4 (rs4986790, rs4986791), Dectin‐1 (rs16910526, rs7309123) and PTX3 (rs2305619, rs3816527) were determined. The odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression analysis.Results and ConclusionsTLR4, PTX3 and Dectin‐1 genes were downregulated in aspergillosis cohort under similar haematological conditions. TLR4 expression was 0.0626 ± 0.032 in controls when compared to IA patients as 0.0077 ± 0.014, and the difference was significant (P = .026). There was a difference in also the PTX3 gene among IA (0.0043 ± 0.004) and control (0.5265 ± 0.0043) groups (P = .035). The Dectin‐1 (CLEC/A) expression was downregulated in IA group (0.1887 ± 0.072 & 0.0655 ± 0.010) but not statistically significant (P > .05). Conditional logistic regression analyses indicated that the GT genotype of rs16910526 polymorphism in Dectin‐1 gene was associated with lower risk of IA (odds ratio = 3.635, 95% confidence interval = 0.690‐3.138, P = .04).
Autophagy inhibits TLR4‐mediated invasiveness of oral cancer cells via the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Kong Qianying , Liang Yancan , He Qifen , You Yingying , Wu Lifen , Liang Lizhong , Liang Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesToll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is abnormally expressed in oral cancer tissues and promotes cancer cell invasion. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism by which autophagy regulates oral cancer invasion through the TLR4‐NF‐κB pathway.Subjects and MethodsWe examined TLR4 expression in oral cancer tissues and analysed the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological features. The invasion and migration of LPS‐stimulated oral cancer cells with up‐ or downregulation of TLR4 expression was detected in addition to NF‐κB signalling and autophagy levels. Furthermore, the role of autophagy in regulating TLR4‐mediated cell invasiveness was explored by silencing the expression of key autophagy genes ATG7 and p62.ResultsWe found that TLR4 overexpression was closely related to cervical lymphatic metastasis and poor survival. TLR4 activated the NF‐κB pathway to promote the invasiveness of OSCC cells, and autophagy partly inhibited invasiveness by suppressing the NF‐κB pathway. We observed that p62 translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus when autophagy was activated by LPS. Finally, silencing p62 further promoted LPS‐mediated cell invasiveness.ConclusionToll‐like receptor 4 significantly enhanced the invasiveness of OSCC cells. Autophagy may regulate cell invasiveness through the NF‐κB pathway by modulating both the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of p62.
Safety Precautions for the Corona Mortis using Minimally Invasive Ilioinguinal Approach in Treatment of Anterior Pelvic Ring Fracture
Authors: Du Meng‐meng , Wang Ai‐guo , Shi Xiao‐hua , Zhao Bo , Liu Ming 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo explore the safety of the corona mortis of the minimally invasive plate insertion in treatment of the anterior pelvic ring fracture by studying the relationship between the vessel and the position of plate.MethodThe corona mortis was dissected out of eight adult cadavers and were simulated for the insertion of the anterior ring minimally invasive plate, and the presence of the anastomotic branch (the corona mortis) in the suprapubic branch area was observed. After the Corona mortis stripped off, the data was measured, such as the length, vessel diameter, distance from the pubic tubercle, and the maximum vertical distance between the corona mortis and the pubis. The measured data and the previous literatures were analyzed to study the morphology of the corona mortis and the position relation between the corona mortis and the placement of subperiosteal tunnel through the minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach.ResultsOut of the 16 unilateral pelvises, the corona mortis were observed on 12 unilateral pelvises with an incidence rate of 75%. Amongst them, there were seven cases of vein anastomosis (incidence of 43.75%), three cases of arterial anastomosis (incidence of 18.75%), and two cases of both arterial anastomosis and vein anastomosis (incidence of 12.5%). The corona mortis length ranged between 24.5 and 37.5 mm (average of 30.7 ± 3.6 mm); the diameter ranged between 1.6 and 3.5 mm (average of 2.5 ± 0.5 mm) and the distance between the vessels and the pubic tubercle was between 53.9 and 65.2 mm (average of 59.0 ± 3.6 mm). Above the pubis, the corona mortis originated from the iliac or the inferior epigastric vessel. It crossed the pubic branch to the dorsal side of the pubis and proceeded downward to anastomize with the obturator vessels near the obturator. Toothless tweezers were used to peel and lift up the corona mortis from the pubic bone. The maximum vertical distance between the corona mortis and the pubis ranged between 8.8 and 18.3 mm (average of 12.6 ± 3.0 mm).ConclusionThe corona mortis have a high rate of incidence, with a large number of differences in the type and shape of blood vessels among patients. Following peeling, the movement between the corona mortis and pubic bone is limited. Nevertheless, the plate and bone exfoliator still passed safely. Therefore, when surgeons use the minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach to establish channels, the process of subperiosteal stripping must be performed to avoid any accidental injury.
Forced Displacement, Migration, and Fertility in Burundi
Authors: Verwimp Philip , Osti Davide , Østby Gudrun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe civil war in Burundi (1993–2005) led to the forced displacement of a large part of the population. This study aims to explore how that displacement affected fertility behavior. Using a nationally representative, retrospective survey on birth and residential histories of 4,523 Burundian women, we examine the impact of conflict‐induced displacement on fertility. These unique data enable us to distinguish between remaining‐in‐place, voluntary migration, and forced displacement, as well as to distinguish between periods spent “on the move” versus periods spent in residence in the new site. Adopting a semiparametric regression model, we analyze both the probability of the first pregnancy and the subsequent spacing of higher order pregnancies. We find that the risk of a first pregnancy was higher in the year in which a woman was forcibly displaced and lower in the year a woman migrated voluntarily. Residency in a new site increased the risk of pregnancy for both.