bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐ray tomography analysis of soil biopores structure under wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Cheik Sougueh , Jouquet Pascal , Maeght Jean‐Luc , Capowiez Yvan , Tran T.M. , Bottinelli Nicolas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSoil macroporosity is a highly dynamic feature driven by numerous physical and biological processes, of which bioturbation, the movement of water in soil and swelling and shrinking cycles are the main processes. To date, the interaction between these factors, especially how galleries produced by soil fauna respond to rainwater percolation and wetting–drying (WD) cycles, remains poorly known. A laboratory experiment was carried out to expose soil macrofauna galleries to three different consecutive water flow (simulated rain events of 50, 80 and 110 mm h−1 in 1 h) and drying cycles in a clayey soil. X‐ray computed tomography and image analyses were used prior to and after each exposure to assess the water stabilities of galleries and created cracks. The 3D properties (volume, diameter, specific surface area and density) of the galleries produced by termites or ants were not statistically influenced by rainwater percolation and WD cycles, suggesting a high water stability and life expectancy under natural conditions. Conversely, the crack water stability was variable and was probably influenced by the presence of galleries in the same area. This study emphasizes that the macropores created by soil fauna may persist in clayey soil and that there is a need to better understand how cracks and galleries interact.Highlights
Evolution of soil porosity was studied by X‐ray computed tomography.
Galleries made by soil fauna were stable and resist to wetting and drying cycles.
Cracks were highly variable and were highly influenced by wetting and drying cycles.
No relationship could be evidenced between galleries and cracks.
Novel noninvasive biomarkers of prodromal Alzheimer disease: The role of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography–angiography
Authors: Biscetti Leonardo , Lupidi Marco , Luchetti Elisa , Eusebi Paolo , Gujar Ramkailash , Vergaro Andrea , Cagini Carlo , Parnetti Lucilla 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeA reduction of retinal thickness and an alteration of retinal perfusion have been found in Alzheimer disease (AD). Nowadays, retinal layers and retinal perfusion can be evaluated by means of noninvasive imaging techniques, namely, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A). Here, we have compared the retinal thickness and the perfusion index, measured by means of OCT and OCT‐A, in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI‐AD) and in age‐ and sex‐matched cognitively healthy controls.MethodsTwenty‐four MCI‐AD patients and 13 control subjects were enrolled. MCI‐AD patients underwent lumbar puncture; all of them showed a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile compatible with AD. OCT was used for evaluating retinal volumes and thicknesses, whereas with OCT‐A we measured fractal dimension (FD), vascular perfusion density (VPD), and vessel length density (VLD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris. The comparisons between groups were made after adjustment for age, diabetes, and hypertension.ResultsA significant reduction of SCP‐VLD (p = 0.012), ICP‐VPD (p = 0.015), ICP‐VLD (p = 0.004), DCP‐VPD (p = 0.012), and DCP‐VLD (p = 0.009) was found in MCI‐AD patients compared to controls. Conversely, FD was higher in MCI‐AD than in controls (p = 0.044). CSF Aβ42/total tau negatively correlated with FD (r = −0.51, p = 0.010).ConclusionsOCT‐A might have a potential role in detecting new noninvasive biomarkers for early AD detection. Retinal VPD might identify amyloid angiopathy‐related chronic injury, and FD could show early vessel recruitment as a compensative mechanism at disease onset. Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
Characteristics and consequences of a disease outbreak in aquatic insects
Authors: Holt Galen , Dwyer Georgia K. , Bourke Courtney , Matthews Ty G. , Macqueen Ashley , Lester Rebecca E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Disease can be a powerful driver of population and community dynamics, as well as evolutionary processes. Disease is also emerging at increasing rates, resulting in massive impacts on populations, communities, and ecosystems. However, assessing these impacts requires foundational knowledge of disease agents and hosts, which is often lacking, particularly in aquatic insects.

We describe a recent disease outbreak in caddisflies, suggesting potential consequences for population and community dynamics of the host. We use a series of complementary studies to develop a cohesive foundation of information about this disease, including identification using genomic methods, observational prevalence studies, laboratory experiments to establish transmissibility and fitness consequences, and laboratory and field investigations to infer transmission mechanisms.

We identified the infection as being caused by the oomycete Saprolegnia—the first time this parasite has been noted in insect eggs. Prevalence surveys found high prevalence (up to 36%) with variation across space, time, and host species. We demonstrated increasing egg mortality with increasing infection within an egg mass (every 10% increase in infection rate doubles odds of mortality), thereby confirming disease. We established transmissibility and show that transmission occurs through both direct contact with infected egg masses and from background sources, which probably interact to create complex patterns of disease.

Taken together, our findings show that conditions necessary for population and community consequences are present. Specifically, increased mortality rates almost certainly occurred during the outbreak, yielding lower larval numbers and potentially altering community interactions. Transmission by contact between egg masses combined with observed species‐specific prevalence suggest shifts in the relative performance of different species because of interactions between host and parasite life histories.

Outside extreme examples such as chytrid fungus, disease has traditionally received less interest than resource competition or predation in community ecology, although disease ecology is advancing rapidly. One major hurdle is a lack of foundational knowledge characterising disease processes in natural communities, particularly in aquatic insects. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating diseases in insect eggs and provide the foundation for further investigations of how these processes play out at the population and community scale.
Development and psychometric properties of the attitude scale towards female workers in the healthcare settings
Authors: Celebi Cakiroglu Oya , Baykal Ulku 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to develop a new instrument to evaluate healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards female workers in the healthcare settings—the Attitude Scale Towards Female Workers (ASTFW)—and test its psychometric properties.DesignThis is a scale development study.MethodA three‐phase structure was used: (1) creating the item pool, (2) preliminarily evaluating items and (3) refining the scale and evaluating psychometric properties. The scale's content validity, construct validity, internal consistency and temporal stability were evaluated according to the scale development guidelines. The scale's psychometric properties were tested with 1,635 healthcare professionals working in six different hospitals. The data were collected between November 2018 and July 2019.ResultsThe scale items were obtained from face‐to‐face, semi‐structured, in‐depth individual interviews with the healthcare professionals. The scale's content validity index was 0.96. According to exploratory factor analysis, the scale consisted of 30 items and five subdimensions; the subdimensions were found to explain 54.48% of the total variance. Fit indices obtained with confirmatory factor analysis were at acceptable and good levels. The scale was found to have high internal consistency and temporal stability.ConclusionThe ASTFW is a psychometrically valid and reliable measurement instrument. The 30‐item scale consists of five subdimensions: performance, gender roles, recruitment and retention, career, and emotionality.ImpactThis scale, which has good psychometric properties, can be used to perform a multidimensional evaluation of the attitudes of healthcare professionals in healthcare workplaces towards female workers. This scale can be useful in shedding light on negative attitudes towards female healthcare professionals in the health sector.
To lump, to split or to maintain? Molecular taxonomy of the spotted barb Barbodes binotatus (Cyprinidae) and closely related species in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Sobri Noor Zahidah , Lavoué Sébastien , Aziz Fazimah , Mohd Nor Siti Azizah , Mohammed Akib Noor Adelyna , Khaironizam Md. Zain 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe taxonomic status of the Southeast Asian spotted barb, Barbodes binotatus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), has puzzled researchers because of large but inconsistent geographic variation of its body melanin marking pattern. In this study, the authors appraise the differentiation of B. binotatus and two closely related species, Barbodes rhombeus and saddle barb, Barbodes banksi, in Peninsular Malaysia using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The results of this study reveal that the Peninsular Malaysia populations of each of the three species form largely reciprocal monophyletic lineages that differ from each other by a minimum of 2.3% p‐genetic distance using COI gene. Nonetheless, specimens of B. binotatus in Peninsular Malaysia are only distantly related to specimens of B. binotatus in Java (type locality). The monophyly of B. banksi is not refuted although specimens of Peninsular Malaysia are genetically distinct from those of Sarawak (type locality). The authors discuss alternative hypotheses whether each of these three valid species is a single species or each of the main five genetic lineages revealed in this study represents a distinct species. Preliminary investigations reveal a mito‐nuclear discordance at one locality in Peninsular Malaysia where B. binotatus and B. banksi co‐occur. Further studies should inform on the extent of reproductive porousness between these two lineages and others.
Requirement for oxytocin augmentation in spontaneous parturition is associated with the maternal serum steroid hormones assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kadivnik Mirta , Debeljak Željko , Mandić Dario , Wagner Jasenka , Kralik Kristina , Šijanović Siniša , Muller Andrijana , Šerić Vatroslav 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of research was to evaluate the maternal serum concentration of selected endogenous steroid hormones during spontaneous parturition at term and to determinate their association with the need for oxytocin augmentation.MethodsBlood of 108 healthy pregnant women whose parturition started with the regular spontaneous uterine contractions was drawn at the beginning of the labor. Liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry device was utilized for measurement of sex hormone binding globulin, aldosterone, androstenedione, cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosteron sulphate, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and testosterone. Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for the data analysis.ResultsReference ranges of the selected hormones assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry in maternal serum were established. Statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione between mothers requiring oxytocin augmentation and the rest of women having spontaneous parturition were found (p = 0.002, p = 0.008, and p = 0.04, respectively). Concentrations were lower in the group of mothers who required oxytocin infusion for progression of labor. ROC analysis showed that all the mothers with dehydroepiandrosterone serum concentration above 21.6 nmol/L have lower chance to use oxytocin infusion for the labor progression ( area under the curve (AUC) = 0.649, sensitivity = 71.7%, specificity = 59.6%, p = 0.006).ConclusionThis research provided reference ranges for the selected maternal serum steroid hormones at the beginning of parturition. Association of corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione with the need for the oxytocin infusion usage has been established. Dehydroepiandrosterone could be potential predictor of oxytocin infusion augmentation for progression of the parturition.
Extrahepatic biliary obstruction can interfere with hepatic fibrosis prediction using two‐dimensional shear wave elastography in dogs
Authors: Tamura Masahiro , Ohta Hiroshi , Osuga Tatsuyuki , Sasaki Noboru , Morishita Keitaro , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTwo‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the elastic modulus of the liver as shear wave velocity (SWV), which can noninvasively predict clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis in both dogs and humans. However, extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO), regardless of the presence of clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis, can influence SWVs in humans and thus may interfere with hepatic fibrosis prediction using 2D‐SWE in dogs. The aim of this prospective, observational, and one‐group pretest–posttest study is to investigate whether SWV measured by 2D‐SWE displays a difference between dogs with and without EHBO. A total of 20 dogs were included (7 with EHBO and 13 with gallbladder pathology but no EHBO) that underwent preoperative SWV measurement using 2D‐SWE. In all dogs, stages of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated histopathologically using a scoring scheme. In addition, postoperative SWVs in dogs with EHBO relieved via laparotomy were also evaluated. The median (range) SWVs in the dogs with and without EHBO were 1.91 (1.81–2.54) m/s and 1.57 (1.37–1.64) m/s, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the histopathological hepatic fibrosis stages between the dogs with and without EHBO, the preoperative SWVs in the dogs with EHBO were significantly higher than in dogs without EHBO (P = .0004), and SWVs were found to decrease significantly after surgery (P = .0097). This study demonstrates that EHBO can increase the SWV of dogs without clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis and can interfere with the prediction of noninvasive hepatic fibrosis using 2D‐SWE.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression symptoms of young people in the global south: evidence from a four-country cohort study
Authors: Porter Catherine , Favara Marta , Hittmeyer Annina , Scott Douglas , Sánchez Jiménez Alan , Ellanki Revathi , Woldehanna Tassew , Duc Le Thuc , Craske Michelle G , Stein Alan 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo provide evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people who grew up in poverty in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).DesignA phone survey administered between August and October 2020 to participants of a population-based longitudinal cohort study established in 2002 comprising two cohorts born in 1994–1995 and 2001–2002 in Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Peru and Vietnam. We use logistic regressions to examine associations between mental health and pandemic-related stressors, structural factors (gender, age), and lifelong protective/risk factors (parent and peer relationship, wealth, long-term health problems, past emotional problems, subjective well-being) measured at younger ages.SettingA geographically diverse, poverty-focused sample, also reaching those without mobile phones or internet access.Participants10 496 individuals were approached; 9730 participated. Overall, 8988 individuals were included in this study; 4610 (51%) men and 4378 (49%) women. Non-inclusion was due to non-location or missing data.Main outcome measuresSymptoms consistent with at least mild anxiety or depression were measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (≥5) or Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (≥5).ResultsRates of symptoms of at least mild anxiety (depression) were highest in Peru at 41% (32%) (95% CI 38.63% to 43.12%; (29.49–33.74)), and lowest in Vietnam at 9% (9%) (95% CI 8.16% to 10.58%; (8.33–10.77)), mirroring COVID-19 mortality rates. Women were most affected in all countries except Ethiopia. Pandemic-related stressors such as health risks/expenses, economic adversity, food insecurity, and educational or employment disruption were risk factors for anxiety and depression, though showed varying levels of importance across countries. Prior parent/peer relationships were protective factors, while long-term health or emotional problems were risk factors.ConclusionPandemic-related health, economic and social stress present significant risks to the mental health of young people in LMICs where mental health support is limited, but urgently needed to prevent long-term consequences.
Orphan nuclear receptor TLX promotes immunosuppression via its transcriptional activation of PD-L1 in glioma
Authors: Zhou Jiayi , Pei Xiaojuan , Yang Yingui , Wang Zhu , Gao Weijie , Ye Ran , Zhang Xiantong , Liu Jiangang , Liu Zhuohao , Yang Xinzhi , Tao Jingli , Gu Chunshan , Hu Wei , Chan Franky Lueng , Li Xin , Mao Jie , Wu Dinglan 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundHigh-grade gliomas are rapidly progressing tumors of the central nervous system, and are associated with poor prognosis and highly immunosuppressive microenvironments. Meanwhile, a better understanding of PD-L1, a major prognostic biomarker for checkpoint immune therapy, regulation may provide insights for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies for treating gliomas. In the present study, we elucidate the functional significance of the orphan nuclear receptor TLX in human glioma, and its functional role in immune suppression through regulation of PD-L1/PD-1 axis.MethodsTLX and PD-L1 expression patterns, and their association with clinicopathological parameters and immune phenotypes of glioma were analysed using CIBERSORT algorithm and single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n=695) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (n=1018) databases. Protein expression and cellular localization of TLX, PD-L1, and PD-1, as well as the prevalence of cytotoxic tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), in the glioma immune microenvironment were analyzed via tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence. Glioma allografts and xenografts with TLX manipulation (knockdown/knockout or reverse agonist) were inoculated subcutaneously, or orthotopically into the brains of immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice to assess tumor growth by imaging, and the immune microenvironment by flow cytometry. PD-L1 transcriptional regulation by TLX was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays.ResultsTLX and PD-L1 expression was positively associated with macrophage-mediated immunosuppressive phenotypes in gliomas. TLX showed significant upregulation and positive correlation with PD-L1. Meanwhile, suppression of TLX significantly inhibited in vivo growth of glioma allografts and xenografts (p<0.05), rescued the antitumoral immune response, significantly decreased the PD-L1+, and glioma-associated macrophage population, and increased cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration (p<0.05). Mechanistically, TLX binds directly to CD274 (PD-L1) gene promoter and activates CD274 transcription.ConclusionsTLX contributes to glioma malignancy and immunosuppression through transcriptional activation of PD-L1 ligands that bind to PD-1 expressed on both TILs and TAMs. Thus, targeting the druggable TLX may have potential therapeutic significance in glioma immune therapy.
Nomenclature: how do we designate NPP taxa?
Authors: O'Keefe Jennifer M. K. , Nuñez Otaño Noelia B. , Bianchinotti M. Virginia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Identification and naming of fossil and subfossil organisms are not easy tasks. We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in how NPP taxa are named, driven in large part by (1) molecular clock taxonomic efforts in the past 25 years and (2) greater connectivity among scientific communities. Concurrent with this is the understanding that sometimes a name is not necessary, and identifying acronyms, pending further taxonomic work, or where fragmentary or synapomorphic remains cannot be assigned to their original taxon, are sufficient. The overarching goal of the paradigm shift is to maintain stability of the code and avoid increasing the number of names that refer to single taxa. The history and current state of nomenclature for non-pollen palynomorphs groups, highlighting recent developments with dinoflagellates and fungi, is given, and recommendations for a unified approach to NPP nomenclature through geological time are made.
An Evolutionary Approach to Clonally Complex Hematologic Disorders
Authors: Schwenger Emily , Steidl Ulrich 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Emerging clonal complexity has brought into question the way in which we perceive and, in turn, treat disorders of the hematopoietic system. Former models of cell-intrinsic clonal dominance driven by acquisition of driver genes in a stereotypic sequence are often insufficient in explaining observations such as clonal hematopoiesis, and new paradigms are in order. Here, we review the evidence within the hematologic malignancy field and also borrow from perspectives rooted in evolutionary biology to reframe pathogenesis of hematologic disorders as dynamic processes involving complex interplays of genetic and nongenetic subclones and the tissue microenvironment in which they reside.

Significance:
Hematopoietic malignant and premalignant syndromes exhibit vast clonal diversity that is subject to selection imposed by the tissue microenvironment, as well as artificial selection by therapy. Tackling these disorders requires an appreciation of heterogeneity at both genetic and nongenetic levels, which can be borrowed from evolutionary biology principles. Models and drug development strategies that veer away from targeting solely dominant clones and, instead, embrace this complexity to outsmart it are required for long-term remission.
O “Terceiro Setor na Saúde”: temas de investigação, atores, avanços e lacunas na gestão do Sistema Único de Saúde no prisma das Ciências Sociais e Humanas em Saúde
Authors: Barboza Renato , Ianni Áurea Maria Zöllner , Alves Olga Sofia Fabergé , Silva Alessandro Soares da 
Published: April 2021

Analisou-se a produção científica sobre o “Terceiro Setor na Saúde”, a partir dos congressos promovidos pela Associação Brasileira de Pós Graduação em Saúde Coletiva (ABRASCO), entre 1995 e 2011, quanto à contribuição para o desenvolvimento do subcampo das Ciências Sociais e Humanas em Saúde, vinculado ao campo interdisciplinar da Saúde Coletiva. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório, descritivo, retrospectivo de abordagem quantitativa, baseado nos Anais dos cinco congressos da ABRASCO. Identificaram-se 126 resumos, classificados em 12 temas de investigação. Quase um terço dos trabalhos evidenciaram a atuação dos movimentos sociais e das ações conduzidas por Organizações Não Governamentais no setor Saúde, ao passo que os temas que abordaram o exercício do controle social nos conselhos de saúde, o mix público-privado na saúde, a gestão/gerência das Organizações Sociais da Saúde, o voluntariado e o direito constitucional à saúde foram exíguos. Recomenda-se assim, a incorporação e manutenção desses temas com baixa visibilidade na produção científica, nas agendas de pesquisa em curso nos subcampos das Ciências Sociais e Humanas em Saúde e das Políticas, Planejamento e Gestão em Saúde, considerando a sua relevância para a gestão do Sistema Único de Saúde.