bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Larrea tridentata against Clavibacter michiganensis
Authors: Méndez‐Andrade Rolando , Vallejo‐Perez Moises Roberto , Loera‐Alvarado Esperanza , de los Santos‐Villarreal Gladys , García‐Cerda Luis Alfonso , Vera‐Reyes Ileana 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGreen synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from plant extracts is simple, fast and environmentally friendly. In this study, an aqueous extract of fresh leaves from Larrea tridentata was evaluated as a possible source of reducing and stabilizing agents to obtain AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, revealing the metallic nature of Ag nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed spherical nanoparticles with sizes below 28 nm. Furthermore, its bactericidal effect against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) infection in tomato plants was determined. Forty‐two days after inoculation with Cmm, the disease incidence in plants with AgNPs did not exceed 20% at 50 mg L−1, and it also reduced disease severity by 36%, which correlates with the inhibition of bacterial growth in the tissue (up to 95%). The physiological analysis also showed the growth‐promoting effect of AgNPs in diseased plants, increasing shoot length (22.1%) and root dry weight (25.73%) compared with the pathogenic control. Congruently, AgNPs increased enzyme activity for CAT, APX, POD, and total phenol and flavonoid concentrations in the leaves. Slower symptom development and reduction in bacterial growth in AgNPs‐treated plants could be due to this bactericidal activity and the induction of an antioxidative protection system.
Abnormal mitochondrial structure and function are retained in gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts from patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Xiaoxuan , Xue Fei , Zheng Ming , Luan Qingxian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe abnormal structure and function of mitochondria in cells is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. However, the physiology of mitochondria within gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the structure profile and function of mitochondria in gingival tissues and in HGFs derived from patients with or without CP. These features of mitochondria in HGFs were further analyzed when HGFs were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g).MethodsGingival tissues and HGFs were collected from CP and healthy patients. Mitochondrial structure was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Tissues or cells lysis was performed for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantification, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) tests were used to determine mtDNA copy numbers. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate autophagy‐related protein (ATG)‐5, microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and mitochondrial matrix protein pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 2 (PDK2) levels in tissues and HGFs from CP and healthy individuals.ResultsTissues and HGFs from CP showed a significant greater mitochondrial structure destruction, lower mtDNA level, increased ATG5, LC3‐II, and lower PDK2 protein levels than those of healthy individuals. In addition, LPS from P.g also triggered the same results in HGFs from healthy donors. Moreover, the challenge of HGFs from CP with LPS worsened these parameters.ConclusionMitochondrial structure and function within gingival tissues and HGFs from CP individuals were abnormal compared to those from healthy donors, and LPS could promote mitochondrial destruction.
Fluidity of Faith: Predictors of Religion in a Longitudinal Sample of Chinese Adults
Authors: Francis‐Tan Andrew , Tian Felicia F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractReligiosity appears to be rising in China. However, this trend hides the extent of fluidity in religious beliefs and behaviors. Within‐person changes in religiosity across time are not random but patterned in systematic ways. In this article, we examine the predictors of religiosity in a longitudinal sample of Chinese adults from 2012 to 2016. Religious outcomes are correlated with sociodemographic, political, and health variables. Notably, all religious outcomes are positively associated with household income and also with the unfair treatment index, a measure of negative personal experiences with the government. Measures of health problems are positively associated with religious importance, though not with religious identification or behavior.
Predicting outcomes in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Rishniw Mark 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. After131I, however, euthyroidism is not always achieved, with 5% to 10% of cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid and 20% to 50% developing iatrogenic hypothyroidism.ObjectivesTo identify pretreatment factors that may help predict persistent hyperthyroidism and iatrogenic hypothyroidism after treatment of cats using a novel131I dosing algorithm.AnimalsOne thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with131I.MethodsProspective, before‐and‐after study. Pretreatment predictors (clinical, laboratory, scintigraphic,131I dose,131I uptake measurements) of treatment failure or iatrogenic hypothyroidism were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsCats that developed iatrogenic hypothyroidism were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.17;P = .001), female (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.54‐2.70;P < .001), have detectable serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 2.0‐8.81;P < .001), have bilateral thyroid nodules (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.08;P < .001), have homogeneous, bilateral distribution of99mTc‐pertechnetate uptake (OR = 2.93; 95% CI, 2.05‐4.19;P < .001), have milder severity score (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.79;P < .001), and have higher131I uptake (OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.75‐3.28;P < .001). In contrast, cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid were more likely to be younger (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.92;P < .001), have higher severity score (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.51‐2.31;P < .001), and have lower131I uptake (OR = 3.50; 95% CI, 1.8‐6.80;P < .001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAge, sex, serum TSH concentration, bilateral and homogeneous99mTc‐pertechnetate uptake on scintigraphy, severity score, and percent131I uptake are all factors that might help predict outcome of131I treatment in hyperthyroid cats. Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism had many predictive factors that directly contrasted those of cats that developed131I‐induced hypothyroidism.
The elusive winter engineers: structure and materials of hazel dormouse hibernation nests
Authors: Gubert L. , McDonald R. A. , Wilson R. J. , Chanin P. , Bennie J. J. , Mathews F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTrade‐offs between specialist use of particular resources and opportunistic use of widespread materials may present different strategies for survival. Hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius are arboreal mammals that in Great Britain hibernate from late autumn to mid spring in nests that are specially built at ground level. Hibernation nests are rarely encountered, and little is known about the types of construction or materials used. Specifically, it is not known whether nest materials are selected opportunistically, based on their availability, or are specialised to suit local environmental conditions. We therefore conducted a study to characterise the main materials used to construct these nests, explore the distances travelled to collect materials and investigate whether regional climate and/or local microclimate have an impact on the types of nests built. Thirty‐three hibernation nests were located through radio‐tracking, systematic searches and incidental finds. Structurally, hibernation nests were built similarly to summer nests and were most commonly constructed with an outer layer of leaves and distinct core section made of woven material. We found no correlation between nest type and the temperature recorded at nest sites. Nests were built using a mean of two materials per nest, which were both in every case available within 3m of the nest. The most frequently used materials were bracken, hazel and beech leaves, and grasses. Dormice were flexible in their use of nest materials, using various materials harvested very locally. However, dormice travelled further to collect grasses, ferns, bracken and honeysuckle, and these materials made up most of the nests in which they were found. There were also positive correlations between material abundance and usage, and suitable materials for hibernation nest construction were therefore readily available within their home range.
Hepatitis Delta virus in migrants: The challenge of elimination (ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort)
Authors: Lotto Marta , Fontaine Hélène , Marcellin Fabienne , Périères Lauren , Bureau‐Stoltmann Morgane , Carrat Fabrice , Pol Stanislas , Zoulim Fabien , Carrieri Patrizia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNovel treatments for hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection provide promising opportunities to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV co‐infection. However, current clinical trials on HDV treatment rarely explore patients’ barriers to treatments. In Europe, HDV infection mostly affects young migrants from HDV‐endemic areas who experience early liver‐related mortality. Migrants are more likely to face multiple situations of statutory and socioeconomic insecurity and structural barriers than non‐migrants. These obstacles may impact their quality of life and can (i) lead them to give secondary importance to certain HDV care options, (ii) delay treatment initiation and (iii) affect their adherence and commitment to care. Preliminary results from the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort show that the majority (61.6%) of HBV‐HDV co‐infected migrants live in poverty. Moreover, half were diagnosed and a quarter of those who initiated HBV treatment had been in France for no more than two years, a period when language skills are often still poor and when knowledge of the health and administrative system may be lacking. We advocate for increased social science research, in particular qualitative studies, to investigate the effects that multiple forms of precarity (weak access to social rights, language barriers, housing insecurity, unexpected expenditures and other difficulties) may have on HDV screening opportunities, follow‐up, and treatment pathways in migrants. This will help adapt communication and care around viral hepatitis, as well as inform and orient medical services and public health actors about the difficulties that migrants encounter.
Genetic architecture and heritability of early‐life telomere length in a wild passerine
Authors: Pepke Michael Le , Kvalnes Thomas , Lundregan Sarah , Boner Winnie , Monaghan Pat , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Jensen Henrik , Ringsby Thor Harald 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEarly‐life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early‐life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent‐offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome‐wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free‐living bird.
Instability, political regimes and economic growth. A theoretical framework
Authors: Tohmé Fernando , Caraballo M. Ángeles , Dabús Carlos 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper models the influence of political instability on long‐term economic growth. We consider three political systems associated to real‐world political systems of increasing participation in policy‐making. For each system, society chooses an agent that remains in power unless instability, represented as a shortening of the period in office, sets in, which in turn leads to a shortening of the temporal horizon. The agent in charge reevaluates the optimal consumption program, by increasing the rate of time preference and the consumption. With a positively skewed income distribution, the relationship between participation and growth presents different shapes, depending on the probability of the agent in office being ousted. Our results lend theoretical support to the various findings in the empirical literature on the effects of political systems on economic growth.
Dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from human studies
Authors: Kurz Carolin , Walker Lauren , Rauchmann Boris‐Stephan , Perneczky Robert 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe pathological processes leading to synapse loss, neuronal loss, brain atrophy and gliosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their relation to vascular disease and immunological changes are yet to be fully explored. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation, vascular damage and altered immune response interact at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), affecting the brain endothelium and fuelling neurodegeneration. The aim of the present systematic literature review was to critically appraise and to summarise the published evidence on the clinical correlations and pathophysiological concepts of BBB damage in AD, focusing on human data. The PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and Embase databases were searched for original research articles, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, published in English language from 01/2000 to 07/2021, using the keywords Alzheimer*, amyloid‐β or β‐amyloid or abeta and BBB. This review shows that specific changes of intercellular structures, reduced expression of transendothelial carriers, induction of vasoactive mediators and activation of both astroglia and monocytes/macrophages characterise BBB damage in human AD and AD models. BBB dysfunction on magnetic resonance imaging takes place early in the disease course in AD‐specific brain regions. The toxic effects of Aβ and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) are likely to induce a non‐cerebral‐amyloid‐angiopathy‐related degeneration of endothelial cells, independently of cerebrovascular disease; however, some of the observed structural changes may just arise with age. Small vessel disease, ApoE, loss of pericytes, proinflammatory signalling and cerebral amyloid angiopathy enhance BBB damage. Novel therapeutic approaches for AD, including magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound, aim to open the BBB, potentially leading to an improved drainage of Aβ along perivascular channels and increased elimination from the brain. In vitro treatments with ApoE‐modifying agents yielded promising effects on modulating BBB function. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors represents one of the most promising interventions for dementia prevention at present. However, further research is needed to elucidate the connection of BBB damage and tau pathology, the role of proinflammatory mediators in draining macromolecules and cells from the cerebral parenchyma, including their contribution to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Improved insight into these pathomechanisms may allow to shed light on the role of Aβ deposition as a primary versus a secondary event in the complex pathogenesis of AD.
The herbal preparation STW 5 affects serotonergic pathways in the brain and colon as well as stress parameters in experimental irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: gamal Nehal G. , Abd El‐Salam Rania M. , Gadelrub Laila N. , Ahmed‐Farid Omar A. , Khayyal Mohamed T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundExposure to stress has been related to disturbance in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) signaling in the brain‐gut axis and is considered as a major predisposing factor for the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of 5‐HT and some other stress‐related parameters in the effectiveness of STW 5 against stress‐induced IBS.MethodsRats were subjected to restraint stress (RS) for 1 h/day for 14 consecutive days to induce IBS‐like symptoms and were given STW 5 orally at the same time. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn, then animals were euthanized and the brain hippocampi, cerebral cortices, as well as colons were isolated for biochemical and histopathological assessments.ResultsRS increased the plasma corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) with concomitant increase in hippocampal and cortical 5‐HT levels, as well as mast cell inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological inflammatory changes observed in rat colon. It also decreased the colonic content of 5‐HT with consequent decrease in fecal pellet output (FPO). Treatment with STW 5 protected against these changes.ConclusionThe protective effect of STW 5 against RS‐induced IBS is related to its ability to normalize the induced changes in 5‐HT in the brain‐gut axis and counteract the stress‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Evidence for host–microbiome co‐evolution in apple
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmed , Tack Ayco J. M. , Wasserman Birgit , Liu Jia , Berg Gabriele , Norelli John , Droby Samir , Wisniewski Michael 
Published: November 2021

Summary

Plants evolved in association with a diverse community of microorganisms. The effect of plant phylogeny and domestication on host–microbiome co‐evolutionary dynamics are poorly understood.

Here we examined the effect of domestication and plant lineage on the composition of the endophytic microbiome of 11 Malus species, representing three major groups: domesticated apple (M. domestica), wild apple progenitors, and wild Malus species.

The endophytic community of M. domestica and its wild progenitors showed higher microbial diversity and abundance than wild Malus species. Heirloom and modern cultivars harbored a distinct community composition, though the difference was not significant. A community‐wide Bayesian model revealed that the endophytic microbiome of domesticated apple is an admixture of its wild progenitors, with clear evidence for microbiome introgression, especially for the bacterial community. We observed a significant correlation between the evolutionary distance of Malus species and their microbiome.

This study supports co‐evolution between Malus species and their microbiome during domestication. This finding has major implications for future breeding programs and our understanding of the evolution of plants and their microbiomes.
Late gadolinium enhancement‐MRI determines definite lesion formation most accurately at 3 months post ablation compared to later time points
Authors: Althoff Till F. , Garre Paz , Caixal Gala , Perea Rosario , Prat Susanna , Tolosana Jose Maria , Guasch Eduard , Roca‐Luque Ivo , Arbelo Elena , Sitges Marta , Brugada Josep , Mont Lluís 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsNeither the long‐term development of ablation lesions nor the capability of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI to detect ablation‐induced fibrosis at late stages of scar formation have been defined. We sought to assess the development of atrial ablation lesions over time using LGE‐MRI and invasive electroanatomical mapping (EAM).Methods and ResultsAblation lesions and total atrial fibrosis were assessed in serial LGE‐MRI scans 3 months and >12 months post pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. High‐density EAM performed in subsequent repeat ablation procedures served as a reference. Serial LGE‐MRI of 22 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The PV encircling ablation lines displayed an average LGE, indicative of ablation‐induced fibrosis, of 91.7% ± 7.0% of the circumference at 3 months, but only 62.8% ± 25.0% at a median of 28 months post ablation (p < 0.0001). EAM performed in 18 patients undergoing a subsequent repeat procedure revealed that the consistent decrease in LGE over time was owed to a reduced detectability of ablation‐induced fibrosis by LGE‐MRI at time‐points > 12 months post ablation. Accordingly, the agreement with EAM regarding detection of ablation‐induced fibrosis and functional gaps was good for the LGE‐MRI at 3 months (κ .74; p < .0001), but only weak for the LGE‐MRI at 28 months post‐ablation (κ .29; p < .0001).ConclusionWhile non‐invasive lesion assessment with LGE‐MRI 3 months post ablation provides accurate guidance for future redo‐procedures, detectability of atrial ablation lesions appears to decrease over time. Thus, it should be considered to perform LGE‐MRI 3 months post‐ablation rather than at later time‐points > 12 months post ablation, like for example, prior to a planned redo‐ablation procedure.
Features of transcriptional dynamics of the duplicated Vernalization‐B1 gene in wheat (Triticum spp.)
Authors: Muterko Alexandr , Salina Elena 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Vernalization‐1 genes are the key determinants of the vernalization requirement of wheat. In the present study, for the first time, the characteristics of VRN‐B1 expression were investigated in accessions of winter hexaploid wheat of Triticum spelta, carrying one and two copies of this gene per haploid genome. Expression of duplicated VRN‐B1 was analysed relative to the single copy allele during vernalization and following vegetative growth. Furthermore, the effect of vernalization duration on transcriptional activity of the duplicated VRN‐B1 was evaluated. The results obtained assume prolonged activation of the recessive vrn‐B1 alleles with an increase in their copies in the genome. One of the noted features of VRN‐B1 expression was unpredictable and unexpected sharp decrease in expression of duplicated VRN‐B1, compared with the single haploid copy of this gene, after incomplete vernalization. This is an important new finding in transcriptional dynamics of the recessive vrn1 alleles with increased copy number, which expands our knowledge about the vernalization response of wheat and provides a new tool in the manipulation of agronomically valuable traits during wheat breeding.