bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought, fire and grazing precursors to large‐scale pine forest decline
Authors: Connor Simon E. , Araújo João , Boski Tomasz , Gomes Ana , Gomes Sandra D. , Leira Manel , Freitas Maria da Conceição , Andrade Cesar , Morales‐Molino César , Franco‐Múgica Fátima , Akindola Rufus B. , Vannière Boris 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTemperate forests are currently facing multiple stresses due to climate change, biological invasions, habitat fragmentation and fire regime change. How these stressors interact with each other influences how, when and whether ecosystems recover, or whether they adapt or transition to a different ecological state. Because forest recovery or collapse may take longer than a human lifetime, predicting the outcomes of different stressor combinations remains difficult. A clearer vision of future forest trajectories in a changing world may be gained by examining collapses of forests in the past. Here, we use long‐term ecological data to conduct a post‐mortem examination of the decline of maritime pine forests (Pinus pinaster Ait.) on the SW Iberian Peninsula 7000–6500 years ago.LocationPortugal and Spain.MethodsWe compared four palaeoecological records—two with pine declines and two without—using a multiproxy approach. Bioclimatic differences between the four sites were explored. Proxies for past vegetation and disturbance (fire and grazing) were compared with independent palaeoclimatic records. We performed functional traits analysis and used phase plots to examine the causes of pine decline.ResultsThe pine decline represents a critical transition in SW Iberia, which lies close to maritime pine's bioclimatic limits. Prolonged drought likely killed trees and suppressed the fires that normally stimulate pine germination and pinewood recovery. Increased grazing pressure facilitated the rapid spread of resprouter shrubs. These competed with pine trees and ultimately replaced them. Our data highlight complex interactions between climate, fire, grazing and forest resilience.Main ConclusionsThe pine decline occurred at least a century after post‐fire resprouters overtook obligate seeders in the vegetation, constituting an early‐warning signal of forest loss. Fire suppression, resprouter encroachment and grazing may threaten the persistence of Mediterranean forests as droughts become more frequent and extreme.
Metformin and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta‐analyses
Authors: Li Xue , Celotto Stefano , Pizzol Damiano , Gasevic Danijela , Ji Meng‐Meng , Barnini Tommaso , Solmi Marco , Stubbs Brendon , Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Pesolillo Gabriella , Yu Zengli , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Theodoratou Evropi , Ioannidis John P.A. , Veronese Nicola , Demurtas Jacopo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe objective was to capture the breadth of outcomes that have been associated with metformin use and to systematically assess the quality, strength and credibility of these associations using the umbrella review methodology.MethodsFour major databases were searched until 31 May 2020. Meta‐analyses of observational studies and meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (including active and placebo control arms) were included.ResultsFrom 175 eligible publications, we identified 427 different meta‐analyses, including 167 meta‐analyses of observational studies, 147 meta‐analyses of RCTs for metformin vs placebo/no treatment and 113 meta‐analyses of RCTs for metformin vs active medications. There was no association classified as convincing or highly suggestive from meta‐analyses of observational studies, but some suggestive/weak associations of metformin use with a lower mortality risk of CVD and cancer. In meta‐analyses of RCTs, metformin was associated with a lower incidence of diabetes in people with prediabetes or no diabetes at baseline; lower ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome incidence (in women in controlled ovarian stimulation); higher success for clinical pregnancy rate in poly‐cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); and significant reduction in body mass index in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus, in women who have obesity/overweight with PCOS and in obese/overweight women. Of 175 publications, 166 scored as low or critically low quality per AMSTAR 2 criteria.ConclusionsObservational evidence on metformin seems largely unreliable. Randomized evidence shows benefits for preventing diabetes and in some gynaecological and obstetrical settings. However, almost all meta‐analyses are of low or critically low quality according to AMSTAR 2 criteria.
Trophic ecology of the arboreal and ground ant communities in forests and savannas of central Brazil
Authors: Vieira Jésica , Camarota Flávio , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. 
Published: March 2021

1. The trophic ecology of organisms is often mediated by habitat characteristics. Ants are key organisms of most food webs, and their diet can be plastic depending on the relative availability of different nutrients.2. Using stable isotope analysis, we investigated whether there were differences in the trophic position (δ15N) and/or in the relative importance of different carbon sources (δ13C) between the arboreal and ground‐dwelling ant communities inhabiting two adjacent and contrasting habitats (savannas and semideciduous forests).3. Arboreal species on average occupied lower trophic positions (lower δ15N) than did the ground‐dwelling species, as probably in the arboreal stratum there is a prevalence of genera whose species rely heavily on plant and insect exudates. However, regardless of the foraging/nesting strata, there was no difference in mean δ15N between the savanna and forest communities, indicating that differences between these two habitats in the relative availability of sources of protein and carbohydrates for ants are either small or non‐significant.4. The savanna ant community presented a greater δ13C than did the forest community, as expected, given the high abundance of C4 grasses in savannas. However, the difference in δ13C between the two communities was relatively small, as few savanna species derived most of their carbon from C4‐based food webs.5. Overall, our study provided important insights into the trophic ecology of ant communities inhabiting contrasting natural habitats, such as different vegetation strata and adjacent forests and savannas.
High‐fat diet during adulthood interacts with prenatal stress, affecting both brain inflammatory and neuroendocrine markers in male rats
Authors: Berry Alessandra , Mazzelli Monica , Musillo Chiara , Riva Marco Andrea , Cattaneo Annamaria , Cirulli Francesca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrenatal stress (PNS) affects foetal programming and, through an interaction with subsequent challenges, can increase vulnerability to mood and metabolic disorders. We have previously shown that, following PNS, adult male rats are characterized by increased vulnerability to a metabolic stressor experienced at adulthood (8‐week‐high‐fat diet—HFD). In this study, we specifically assessed whether PNS might interact with an adult metabolic challenge to induce an inflammatory phenotype. Changes in the expression levels of inflammatory (Il‐1β, Tnf‐α, Il‐6) and of stress response mediators (Nr3c1, Fkbp5) as well as of mood and metabolic regulators (Bdnf, Ghs‐R) were investigated in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, brain regions involved in the pathogenesis of depression and prone to inflammation in response to stress. Overall, PNS reduced the expression of Bdnf and Tnf‐α, while HFD administered at adulthood counteracted this effect suggesting that PNS impinges upon the same pathways regulating responses to a metabolic challenge at adulthood. Furthermore, HFD and PNS affected the expression of both Nr3c1 and Fkbp5, two neuroendocrine mediators involved in the response to stress, metabolic challenges and in the modulation of the emotional profile (as shown by the correlation between Fkbp5 and the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus‐maze). Overall, these results indicate that the same metabolic and neuroendocrine effectors engaged by PNS are affected by metabolic challenges at adulthood, providing some mechanistic insight into the well‐known comorbidity between mood and metabolic disorders.
Not that clean: Aquaculture‐mediated translocation of cleaner fish has led to hybridization on the northern edge of the species' range
Authors: Faust Ellika , Jansson Eeva , André Carl , Halvorsen Kim Tallaksen , Dahle Geir , Knutsen Halvor , Quintela María , Glover Kevin A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTranslocation and introduction of non‐native organisms can have major impacts on local populations and ecosystems. Nevertheless, translocations are common practices in agri‐ and aquaculture. Each year, millions of wild‐caught wrasses are transported large distances to be used as cleaner fish for parasite control in marine salmon farms. Recently, it was documented that translocated cleaner fish are able to escape and reproduce with local wild populations. This is especially a challenge in Norway, which is the world's largest salmon producer. Here, a panel of 84 informative SNPs was developed to identify the presence of nonlocal corkwing wrasse (Symphodus melops) escapees and admixed individuals in wild populations in western Norway. Applying this panel to ~2000 individuals, escapees and hybrids were found to constitute up to 20% of the local population at the northern edge of the species’ distribution. The introduction of southern genetic material at the northern edge of the species distribution range has altered the local genetic composition and could obstruct local adaptation and further range expansion. Surprisingly, in other parts of the species distribution where salmon farming is also common, few escapees and hybrids were found. Why hybridization seems to be common only in the far north is discussed in the context of demographic and transport history. However, the current lack of reporting of escapes makes it difficult to evaluate possible causes for why some aquaculture‐dense areas have more escapees and hybrids than others. The results obtained in this study, and the observed high genomic divergence between the main export and import regions, puts the sustainability of mass translocation of nonlocal wild wrasse into question and suggests that the current management regime needs re‐evaluation.
Phenological stage of tundra vegetation controls bidirectional exchange of BVOCs in a climate change experiment on a subarctic heath
Authors: Baggesen Nanna , Li Tao , Seco Roger , Holst Thomas , Michelsen Anders , Rinnan Riikka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTraditionally, biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions are often considered a unidirectional flux, from the ecosystem to the atmosphere, but recent studies clearly show the potential for bidirectional exchange. Here we aimed to investigate how warming and leaf litter addition affect the bidirectional exchange (flux) of BVOCs in a long‐term field experiment in the Subarctic. We also assessed changes in net BVOC fluxes in relation to the time of day and the influence of different plant phenological stages. The study was conducted in a full factorial experiment with open top chamber warming and annual litter addition treatments in a tundra heath in Abisko, Northern Sweden. After 18 years of treatments, ecosystem‐level net BVOC fluxes were measured in the experimental plots using proton‐transfer‐reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR–ToF–MS). The warming treatment increased monoterpene and isoprene emissions by ≈50%. Increasing temperature, due to diurnal variations, can both increase BVOC emission and simultaneously, increase ecosystem uptake. For any given treatment, monoterpene, isoprene, and acetone emissions also increased with increasing ambient air temperatures caused by diurnal variability. Acetaldehyde, methanol, and sesquiterpenes decreased likely due to a deposition flux. For litter addition, only a significant indirect effect on isoprene and monoterpene fluxes (decrease by ~50%–75%) was observed. Litter addition may change soil moisture conditions, leading to changes in plant species composition and biomass, which could subsequently result in changes to BVOC emission compositions. Phenological stages significantly affected fluxes of methanol, isoprene and monoterpenes. We suggest that plant phenological stages differ in impacts on BVOC net emissions, but ambient air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) also interact and influence BVOC net emissions differently. Our results may also suggest that BVOC fluxes are not only a response to changes in temperature and light intensity, as the circadian clock also affects emission rates.
Investigating the vascularization capacity of a decellularized dental pulp matrix seeded with human dental pulp stem cells: in vitro and preliminary in vivo evaluations
Authors: Alghutaimel H. , Yang X. , Drummond B. , Nazzal H. , Duggal M. , Raïf E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the vascularization capacity of a decellularized dental pulp matrix (DDP) of bovine origin seeded with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in vitro and to present preliminary in vivo findings.MethodologyBovine dental pulps were decellularized and then analysed using histological staining and DNA quantification. The resultant DDPs were characterized using immunohistochemical staining for the retention of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2). Furthermore, DDPs were recellularized with hDPSCs and analysed histologically. The expression of markers involved in angiogenesis by hDPSCs colonizing the DDPs was assessed in vitro. A preliminary in vivo study was then conducted in which hDPSCs‐seeded and unseeded DDPs were inserted in debrided human premolars root slices and implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice. Samples were retrieved after 30 days and analysed using histological and immunohistochemical staining. The independent samples t‐test, analysis of variance and a Kruskal–Wallis test were used to analyse the quantitative data statistically depending on the group numbers and normality of data distribution. The difference between the groups was considered significant when the P‐value was less than 0.05.ResultsAcellular dental pulp matrices were generated following bovine dental pulp decellularization. Evaluation of the developed DDPs revealed a significant DNA reduction (P < 0.0001) with preservation of the native histoarchitecture and vasculature and retention of VEGF‐A and FGF‐2. Upon recellularization of the DDPs with hDPSCs, the in vitro analyses revealed cell engraftment with progressive repopulation of DDPs’ matrices and vasculature and with enhanced expression of markers involved in angiogenesis. In vivo implantation of root slices with hDPSCs‐seeded DDPs revealed apparent vascularization enhancement as compared to the unseeded DDP group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe developed decellularized dental pulp matrix had pro‐angiogenic properties characterized by the retention of native vasculature and angiogenic growth factors. Seeding of hDPSCs into the DDP led to progressive repopulation of the vasculature, enhanced expression of markers involved in angiogenesis in hDPSCs and improved in vivo vascularization capacity. The se suggest that a combination of DDP and hDPSCs have the potential to provide a promising vascularization promoting strategy for dental pulp regeneration.
Changes in liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C after successful direct‐acting antiviral therapy
Authors: Sadeghi Anahita , Amiri Roya , Akbarpour Elham , Mirminachi Babak , Sharifi Amir‐Houshang , Merat Shahin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesAfter successful treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs), the stage of liver fibrosis decreases over time. Here, we aimed to assess the changes in the liver fibrosis stage using transient elastography (TE) after successful DAA therapy in HCV‐infected cirrhotic patients who were referred to Shariati hospital from 2016 to 2017.Material and MethodsIn this observational cohort, all HCV‐infected cirrhotic patients who were treated with a combination of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, had sustained virologic response (SVR), and had undergone pre‐ and post‐treatment TE, were enrolled. The primary outcome was the changes in TE parameters six months after the end of treatment compared with baseline.ResultsA total of 442 eligible subjects received DAA therapy. Overall, the SVR rate was 96.6%. Of these, 149 patients had completed the protocol and were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 56.1 ± 10.3 years and the predominant sex was male (77.9%). The median (Q1‐Q3) liver stiffness (LS) value at baseline was 26.3 kPa (18.1‐38 kPa), which significantly decreased to 20.9 kPa (12‐29.7 kPa) [z = −8.45, P‐value < .001]. Also, the liver steatosis of patients with baseline CAP ≥ 220 dB/m had a significant response to treatment [z = −2.3, P‐value = .023]. Based on multivariate analysis, a higher baseline liver fibrosis stage was the only determinant of LS values improvement in our study.ConclusionSuccessful HCV eradication in patients with liver fibrosis results in significant improvement in LS, even in cirrhotic patients.
Biogeography of Neotropical mastiff bats: A case of multiple dispersals between the Caribbean and mainland
Authors: Loureiro Livia O. , Engstrom Mark D. , Lim Burton K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimBats are the only group of mammals with extant native species present throughout the islands of the Antilles, Central America, and South America. Here, we test competing hypotheses of species diversification in mastiff bats and deepen our understanding of the dominant biogeographical processes involved in evolution and distribution in the Neotropics. We estimated the number of dispersals between the major geographic areas and whether vicariant events, such as the Andean uplift in the Miocene/Pliocene and Pleistocene glaciations, disrupted gene flow.LocationSouth America, Central America, and Caribbean.TaxonMolossus, Neotropical mastiff bats.MethodsWe used the phylogeny derived from a Genotype by Sequencing approach to test different biogeographical models in the Neotropics. Bayesian inference with molecular and geological calibration points was also used to estimate the age of major lineage divergences withinMolossusand to infer speciation events.ResultsMost diversification withinMolossusoccurred relatively recently and over a short period of time during the Pleistocene. The best‐fit model, dispersal‐extinction cladogenesis, showed that anagenetic dispersal, sympatric speciation, and vicariance all appear to have been involved in the evolutionary history of the Neotropics. Divergence times suggest that geological and paleo‐climatic events were important factors inMolossusdiversification.Main conclusionsPleistocene refugia in South America and the formation of the Panama Isthmus are likely to have played an important role in speciation withinMolossus, while the Caribbean species are the result of at least two independent dispersal events to the archipelago from South America and Central America, coinciding with low sea levels during the Pleistocene.
Nemolizumab is associated with a rapid improvement in atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms: subpopulation (EASI ≥ 16) analysis of randomized phase 2B study
Authors: Silverberg J.I. , Pinter A. , Alavi A. , Lynde C. , Bouaziz J.‐D. , Wollenberg A. , Murrell D.F. , Alpizar S. , Laquer V. , Chaouche K. , Ahmad F. , Armstrong J.M. , Piketty C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundNemolizumab is a humanized anti‐IL‐31 receptor blocker in phase 3 for atopic dermatitis (AD).ObjectiveAnalyse onset of action of nemolizumab 30 mg and compare efficacy and safety vs placebo (SC q4wk plus loading dose) in moderate‐to‐severe AD.MethodsPost hoc analysis of patients with Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores ≥ 16 from a phase 2b trial of moderate‐to‐severe AD. Endpoints were change in EASI score at week 16, peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP‐NRS), Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), changes in sleep and responders with ≥ 4‐point improvement on PP‐NRS.ResultsThere was a significantly greater itch relief apparent by Day 2 (−22.8% vs –12.3% PP‐NRS; P = 0.005) which continued to improve through week 16 (−68.5% vs −30.9% PP‐NRS; P < 0.001). At week 16, PP‐NRS ≥ 4‐point response of itch was observed in 68.0% nemolizumab vs 15.9% placebo patients (P ≤ 0.001). There was also a rapid improvement of sleep disturbance with nemolizumab 30 mg, with a significant separation from placebo by Day 3 (−26.6% vs –9.0%; P < 0.001) which further improved till week 16 (−76.0% vs −36.5%; P < 0.001). Also for the EASI score a separation between groups in favour of nemolizumab was observed by week 1 (P ≤ 0.001), which increased through week 16 (−68.6% vs. −42.6%; P = 0.002). Finally, the degree of response was greater in nemolizumab‐treated patients; clinically relevant reductions of 75% EASI were observed in 50.0% of nemolizumab patients versus 15.9% of placebo patients, while 90% reductions were reported for 36.0% and 6.8% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). IGA success (score of 0/1) was 32.0% for nemolizumab vs 6.8% for placebo (P = 0.002).Nemolizumab was safe and well‐tolerated in this population; nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection were the most common adverse events.ConclusionsNemolizumab resulted in very rapid, sustained improvements of inflammation, pruritus and sleep in patients with EASI ≥ 16 at baseline.
Connecting Provider to home: A home‐based social intervention program for older adults
Authors: Moreno Gerardo , Mangione Carol M. , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Weir Melanie , Loza Rosaneli , Desai Lisa , Grotts Jonathan , Gelb Eve 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivePatients with multiple medical conditions and complex social issues are at risk for high utilization and poor outcomes. The Connecting Provider to Home program deployed teams of a social worker and a community health worker (CHW) to support patients with social issues and access to primary care. Our objectives were to examine the impact of the program on utilization and satisfaction with care among older adults with complex social and medical issues.DesignRetrospective quasi‐experimental observational study with matched comparator group.SettingCommunity‐based program in Southern California.ParticipantsFour hundred twenty community dwelling adults.InterventionCommunity‐based healthcare program delivered by a social worker and CHW team for older adults with complex medical and social needs.MeasurementsAcute hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits in the 12 months preceding and following enrollment in the pilot program. A “difference‐in‐difference” analysis using a matched comparator group was conducted. Comparator group data of patients receiving usual care were obtained. Surveys were conducted to assess patient satisfaction and experiences with the program.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 74 years, and the program demonstrated statistically significant reductions in acute hospitalizations and ED use compared with 700 comparator patients. Pre/post‐acute hospitalizations and ED visits were reduced in the intervention group. The average per patient per year reduction in acute hospitalizations was −0.66, whereas the average per patient reduction in ED use was −0.57. Patients enrolled in the program reported high levels of satisfaction and rated the program favorably.ConclusionsA care model with a social worker and CHW can be linked to primary care to address patient social needs and potentially reduce utilization of healthcare services and enhance patient experiences with care.