bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequent prescribed fires favour ground‐nesting bees in southeastern U.S. forests
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. , Wilson Audrey C. , Ohlson Gunnar C. , Pokswinksi Scott M. , Hiers John K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough most efforts to improve habitat for bees and other pollinators focus on floral resources, it is also important to consider the availability and suitability of nesting habitats in relation to various management activities.We used soil emergence traps to compare the number of ground‐nesting bees among treatments in a long‐term fire frequency study in Florida. We regularly moved the traps, a strategy that appears to greatly improve the efficacy of this sampling approach. The experiment consisted of forested plots that have been burned annually, biennially or triennially for the past six decades as well as unburned reference plots.Bee abundance was significantly lower in the unburned plots than in any of the burn treatments and was higher in annual plots than triennial plots. Bee richness was significantly higher in plots burned annually than in unburned plots. Bee Shannon's diversity was significantly higher in plots burned biennially or triennially than in unuburned plots. Evenness was significantly lower in annually burned plots than in any of the other treatments.Indicator species analysis found six bee species to be significantly associated with one or more burn treatments. Four of them were strongly associated with plots burned annually or biennially while two species were significantly associated with plots burned biennially or triennially. None was significantly associated with unburned plots.Our findings suggest that frequent fires generally improve habitat for ground‐nesting bees in southeastern U.S. forests and that tolerances for particular burn frequencies vary by species.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of perforator flaps in plantar defects: Risk analysis of complications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Xinyi , Li Xiaojing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for complications of perforator flaps in plantar reconstruction. A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from their inception date up to October 2020. Only studies on reconstructing plantar defects with perforator flaps were included, and specific data were required for each patient in the included studies. A total of 14 studies involving 111 flaps were identified and included in the meta‐analysis. Our meta‐analysis identified two risk factors for postoperative complications: flap size over 50 cm2 (risk ratio [RR] = 3.12; P = .02), diabetes mellitus foot (RR = 3.26; P = .03). No significant differences were found regarding heel defects (P = .34), single perforator (P = .57), age older than 60 years (P = .19), chronic aetiology (P = .13), trauma (P = .33), tumour resection (P = .60), ulcer (P = .84), and burn (P = .76). Although more high‐quality studies with adequate sample sizes are needed, this meta‐analysis indicated that flap size over 50 cm2 and diabetes mellitus foot were significant risk factors for postoperative complications of perforator flaps in plantar reconstruction.
The role of mobile technology in promoting social inclusion among adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Martin Andrew J. , Strnadová Iva , Loblinzk Julie , Danker Joanne C. , Cumming Therese M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMobile technology has the potential to assist adults with intellectual disabilities to initiate and maintain social connections in important areas of their lives, such as family, friends and work/volunteering.MethodThe present study investigated how specific aspects of mobile device/app use are associated with the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. The study also examined what background attributes were associated with particular patterns of mobile device/app use and social inclusion.ResultsThe findings revealed that the use of mobile technology among adults with intellectual disabilities was positively associated with their social inclusion with family, friends and work/volunteering. There were also some key background attributes associated with participants’ use of mobile technology and the extent to which mobile technology assisted their social inclusion.ConclusionsImplications for practice and policy are discussed.
PTHR1 in osteosarcoma: Specific molecular mechanisms and comprehensive functional perspective
Authors: Sun Chaonan , Li Shenglong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOsteosarcoma occurs largely in children and adolescents and is the most common primary malignant tumour of bone. Although surgical advances and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have made great strides in recent years, rates of local recurrence and lung metastasis remain high, with a plateau in overall survival during the past decade. It is thus urgent to explore the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma and identify potential therapeutic targets. Parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) belongs to the broad family of G protein–coupled receptors, binding both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP, a paracrine factor). Previous studies have shown that in tissues and cells of osteosarcoma, expression of PTHR1 is markedly increased, correlating with aggressive biologic behaviour and a poor prognosis. PTHR1 expression also correlates closely with epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, post‐translational modification and protein interaction. Herein, we have summarized the latest research on the role played by PTHR1 in progression of osteosarcoma, assessing its clinical utility as a novel biomarker and its therapeutic ramifications.
Effects of age on blood pressure and heart rate responses to whey protein in younger and older men
Authors: Giezenaar Caroline , Oberoi Avneet , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Chapman Ian , Soenen Stijn 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPostprandial falls in blood pressure (BP) are more common in older compared to younger individuals. The effects of protein compared to carbohydrates and fat on postprandial BP, and the relation to gastric emptying rates, are poorly studied.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of a whey protein compared to a control drink on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in healthy younger and older men, and to relate these effects to gastric emptying.DesignA pooled analyses of two randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over studies.SettingTwo acute clinical intervention studies with identical study design.ParticipantsNineteen older (age: 74 ± 1 years, body mass index: 26 ± 1 kg/m2) and 13 younger (23 ± 1 years, 24 ± 1 kg/m2) healthy men.InterventionA 70 g/280 kcal whey‐protein or control (water with diet cordial, ~2 kcal) drink (450 ml).MeasurementsBP and HR were assessed with an automated device immediately before and at 3‐min intervals after drink ingestion (0–180 min). Gastric emptying of the drinks was measured using 3D ultrasonography (0–180 min).ResultsOlder versus younger men exhibited a greater fall in SBP (−23 ± 2 vs −15 ± 2 mmHg, p = 0.001) after whey‐protein versus control, as BP did not change after the two drinks in younger men (p > 0.05). The nadir in SBP occurred later in the older than younger men (114 ± 11 vs 62 ± 14 min; p < 0.001), with SBP still apparently declining 180 min after whey‐protein ingestion in the older men. The magnitude of the rise in HR was greater (p < 0.05) in the younger than older men.ConclusionFollowing ingestion of 70 g whey protein, healthy older men exhibited a sustained fall in BP, despite an increase in HR, whereas in younger men there was no change in BP. BP may need to be monitored after high protein meals in older people at risk of postprandial hypotension.
Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on emotional regulation and loneliness of divorced women in Iran
Authors: Mahmoudpour Abdolbaset , Rayesh Neda , Ghanbarian Elahe , Rezaee Marziyeh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIneffective emotional regulation and loneliness both play a key role in the development of mental disorders. Divorced individuals are particularly predisposed to loneliness in cultures where post‐divorce relationships are uncommon or stigmatized. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the emotional regulation and loneliness of divorced women in Iran, a culture with strong honor values that condemn post‐divorce relationships for women leading to increased levels of loneliness and social exclusion in divorced Iranian women. The present study was carried out using a pretest‐posttest control group study design. The research sample consisted of 30 divorced women who were randomly assigned to experimental (vs. control) groups. In order to evaluate the variables of interest, the emotional regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and UCLA Loneliness Scale were used. Divorced women in the experimental group were treated using ACT techniques in eight sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Results of analysis of covariance showed a significant increase in the adaptive emotional regulation of divorced women in the experimental group after the intervention. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the loneliness of divorced women who received the ACT intervention. We find that the ACT intervention improves emotional regulation and reduces loneliness in divorced women in Iran.
Systematic Review ‐ Neuroprotection of ketosis in acute injury of the mammalian central nervous system: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Gambardella Ivancarmine , Ascione Raimondo , D’Agostino Dominic P. , Ari Csilla , Worku Berhane , Tranbaugh Robert F. , Ivascu Natalia , Villena‐Vargas Jonathan , Girardi Leonard N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo evaluate the neuroprotection exerted by ketosis against acute damage of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Search engines were interrogated to identify experimental studies comparing the mitigating effect of ketosis (intervention) versus non‐ketosis (control) on acute CNS damage. Primary endpoint was a reduction in mortality. Secondary endpoints were a reduction in neuronal damage and dysfunction, and an ‘aggregated advantage’ (composite of all primary and secondary endpoints). Hedges' g was the effect measure. Subgroup analyses evaluated the modulatory effect of age, insult type, and injury site. Meta‐regression evaluated timing, type, and magnitude of intervention as predictors of neuroprotection. The selected publications were 49 experimental murine studies (period 1979–2020). The intervention reduced mortality (g 2.45, SE 0.48, p < .01), neuronal damage (g 1.96, SE 0.23, p < .01) and dysfunction (g 0.99, SE 0.10, p < .01). Reduction of mortality was particularly pronounced in the adult subgroup (g 2.71, SE 0.57, p < .01). The aggregated advantage of ketosis was stronger in the pediatric (g 3.98, SE 0.71, p < .01), brain (g 1.96, SE 0.18, p < .01), and ischemic insult (g 2.20, SE 0.23, p < .01) subgroups. Only the magnitude of intervention was a predictor of neuroprotection (g 0.07, SE 0.03, p 0.01 per every mmol/L increase in ketone levels). Ketosis exerts a potent neuroprotection against acute damage to the mammalian CNS in terms of reduction of mortality, of neuronal damage and dysfunction. Hematic levels of ketones are directly proportional to the effect size of neuroprotection.
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The role of central corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor signalling in plasma glucose maintenance through ghrelin secretion in calorie‐restricted mice
Authors: Kimura Risa , Kondo Daisuke , Takemi Shota , Fujishiro Miyuki , Tsukahara Shinji , Sakai Takafumi , Sakata Ichiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnder severe calorie restriction (CR), the ghrelin‐growth hormone axis in mice is involved in the maintenance of plasma glucose levels. Ghrelin, a stomach‐derived acylated peptide, is up‐regulated by the sympathetic nerve in the negative energy status. Central corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor (CRF‐R) signalling stimulates the sympathetic tone. The present study aimed to examine the effect of central CRF‐R signalling on the maintenance of plasma glucose concentrations in severe calorie‐restricted mice with the involvement of ghrelin. Intracerebroventricular injections of urocorin‐1 and urocorin‐2, which are natural ligands for CRF‐R1 and CRF‐R2, elevated plasma ghrelin concentrations and ghrelin elevation with an i.c.v. injection of urocorin‐1 was cancelled by atenolol (β1 adrenergic receptor antagonist) administration. We then established a mice model of 60% CR and found that the administration of [d‐Lys3]‐GHRP‐6 (a ghrelin receptor antagonist) in mice under 60% CR reduced the plasma glucose concentration more compared to the vehicle mice. Similarly, the atenolol injection in mice under 60% CR significantly reduced the plasma glucose concentration, which was rescued by the co‐administration of ghrelin. An i.c.v. injection of the alpha helical CRH, a non‐selective corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor antagonist, in mice under 60% CR significantly reduced the plasma glucose concentration, although the co‐administration of α‐helical CRH with ghrelin maintained plasma glucose levels. These results suggest that central CRF‐R signalling is involved in the maintenance of plasma glucose levels in mice under severe CR via the sympathetic‐ghrelin pathway.
Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds
Authors: Wellard Leah , Medyk Katryna , Pearson Wendy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundFeed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp‐based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin productionin vitro.ObjectivesTo quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins.Study DesignRandomized placebo‐controlled cross‐over study.MethodsEight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (baseline; BL) and after receiving a diet containing GF (CON: 0 g/day, LO: 160 g/day or HI: 480 g/day) for 28 days. Total manure collection occurred every 2 hours for 72 hours after bead administration. Outcome measures included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, and complete biochemistry and haematology screens.ResultsThere was no effect of GF on GIT transit time. Faecal output was significantly lower in LO and HI horses than CON horses after 28 days on the supplement. HI horses have significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared with BL. GF also produced changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, which may indicate a role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses. Clinical pathology results support the safety of GF up to 480 g/day for 28 days with no adverse effects being observed in haematology or biochemistry results.Main LimitationsFuture studies on GF should focus on evaluating effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility, and its effect on exercise performance and onset of fatigue.ConclusionsGF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.
Echocardiographic reference intervals for volumetric measurements of the left ventricle using the Simpson's method of discs in 1331 dogs
Authors: Wess Gerhard , Bauer Alexander , Kopp Antonia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEchocardiographic measurements play an important role in detecting cardiac enlargement and assessing cardiac function. In human cardiology, M‐mode measurements have been widely replaced by volumetric measurements of the left ventricle (LV) using Simpson's method of disc (SMOD). In veterinary cardiology, more large‐scale studies are necessary to generate reference intervals (RIs) for SMOD LV volume measurements.ObjectiveTo generate body size independent RIs for LV volume measurements in dogs.AnimalsHealthy adult dogs (n = 1331) of variable size and somatotype.MethodsProspective study. The SMOD was measured from the right parasternal long axis and the left apical 4‐chamber view in clinically healthy dogs. The SMOD measurements were normalized to various allometric scales (kg, kg2/3, or kg1/3). RIs for LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) using SMOD were estimated as prediction intervals of both a linear and an additive regression model. Additionally, after normalization to body weight, 95% RIs were determined using nonparametric methods with 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles serving as the lower and upper limits. Separate analyses were performed for 120 sighthound breeds and 1211 other breeds.ResultsEchocardiographic LV volumes correlated best with weight in kilograms. The additive model proved to be more flexible and accurate than the other 2 methods to generate RIs. Separate RIs for sighthound and all other breeds are provided.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBody size and breed‐independent RIs for LV volume measurements using SMOD were generated prospectively from a large and diverse population of dogs and are available for clinical use.
Whole genomes reveal multiple candidate genes and pathways involved in the immune response of dolphins to a highly infectious virus
Authors: Batley Kimberley C. , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Kemper Catherine M. , Zanardo Nikki , Tomo Ikuko , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Möller Luciana M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWildlife species are challenged by various infectious diseases that act as important demographic drivers of populations and have become a great conservation concern particularly under growing environmental changes. The new era of whole genome sequencing provides new opportunities and avenues to explore the role of genetic variants in the plasticity of immune responses, particularly in non‐model systems. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has emerged as a major viral threat to cetacean populations worldwide, contributing to the death of thousands of individuals of multiple dolphin and whale species. To understand the genomic basis of immune responses to CeMV, we generated and analysed whole genomes of 53 Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) exposed to Australia's largest known CeMV‐related mortality event that killed at least 50 dolphins from three different species. The genomic data set consisted of 10,168,981 SNPs anchored onto 23 chromosome‐length scaffolds and 77 short scaffolds. Whole genome analysis indicated that levels of inbreeding in the dolphin population did not influence the outcome of an individual. Allele frequency estimates between survivors and nonsurvivors of the outbreak revealed 15,769 candidate SNPs, of which 689 were annotated to 295 protein coding genes. These included 50 genes with functions related to innate and adaptive immune responses, and cytokine signalling pathways and genes thought to be involved in immune responses to other morbilliviruses. Our study characterised genomic regions and pathways that may contribute to CeMV immune responses in dolphins. This represents a stride towards clarifying the complex interactions of the cetacean immune system and emphasises the value of whole genome data sets in understanding genetic elements that are essential for species conservation, including disease susceptibility and adaptation.
FoEG1, a secreted glycoside hydrolase family 12 protein from Fusariumoxysporum, triggers cell death and modulates plant immunity
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yan Jianpei , Fu Zhenchao , Shi Wenjiong , Ninkuu Vincent , Li Guangyue , Yang Xiufen , Zeng Hongmei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFusarium oxysporum is an important soilborne fungal pathogen with many different formae speciales that can colonize the plant vascular system and cause serious crop wilt disease worldwide. We found a glycoside hydrolase family 12 protein FoEG1, secreted by F. oxysporum, that acted as a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) targeting the apoplast of plants to induce cell death. Purified FoEG1 protein triggered cell death in different plants and induced the plant defence response to enhance the disease resistance of plants. The ability of FoEG1 to induce cell death was mediated by leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor‐like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1, and this ability was independent of its hydrolase activity. The mutants of cysteine residues did not affect the ability of FoEG1 to induce cell death, and an 86 amino acid fragment from amino acid positions 144 to 229 of FoEG1 was sufficient to induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. In addition, the expression of FoEG1 was strongly induced in the early stage of F. oxysporum infection of host plants, and FoEG1 deletion or loss of enzyme activity reduced the virulence of F. oxysporum. Therefore, our results suggest that FoEG1 can contribute to the virulence of F. oxysporum depending on its enzyme activity and can also act as a PAMP to induce plant defence responses.
Lykaon, der Wolfsmann, und Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus
Authors: Emmrich Thomas 
Published: March 2021

Viele der rezenten Studien zur Ästhetik des Monströsen nehmen auf Michel Foucaults Vorlesungsreihe Les anormaux Bezug, in der er u. a. der diskursiven Transformation des Monsters von einem somatischen hin zu einem moralischen Abweichungsphänomen nachgeht. Dass Foucaults Ausführungen mitunter nur unzureichend differenziert sind, soll der vorliegende Beitrag nachweisen. Auch wenn die Literatur in Les anormaux eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt, eher als peripheres Beleg‐ oder Anschauungsmaterial dient denn als Gegenstand einer eigenen Untersuchung, ist gerade sie es, die Foucaults genealogische Analyse der notwendigen Komplexitätssteigerung zuführen und ihre Leerstellen ausfüllen kann. Zu diesem Zweck werden exemplarisch Ovids Lykaon‐Mythos aus dem ersten Buch der Metamorphosen sowie Mary Shelleys Roman Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus herangezogen. Neben der gebotenen Korrektur von Les anormaux vermögen beide Texte Foucaults Befund von der diskursiven Produktivität des Monströsen zu bestätigen und anzureichern: Sowohl Ovid als auch Shelley dokumentieren eine Wertschätzung und Wertschöpfung des Monströsen und stehen damit quer zu konventionellen Narrativen, die das Monster als etwas rein Destruktives und Dämonisches oder als das radikal Andere des Menschen in Szene setzen, ohne auf die kulturellen Profite und anthropologischen Einsichten zu reflektieren, die sich aus jenem gewinnen lassen.
The aesthetics of scientific experiments
Authors: Ivanova Milena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article explores the aesthetic dimensions of scientific experimentation, addressing specifically how aesthetic features enter the construction, evaluation and reception of an experiment. I highlight the relationship between experiments and artistic acts in the early years of the Royal Society where experiments do not serve only epistemic aims but also aim to generate feelings of awe and pleasure. I turn to analysing which aspects of experiments are appreciated aesthetically, identifying several contenders, from the ability of an experiment to uncover nature's beauty, to encapsulating original designs and human creativity. Following this analysis, I focus on the notion of beauty: what makes an experiment beautiful? Several common qualities are explored, from the simplicity and economy of the experiment, to the significance of the experimental results.