bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifted dynamics of glucose metabolism in the hippocampus during aging
Authors: Ge Ivan , Kirschen Gregory W. , Wang Xinxing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAging is a process that adversely affects brain functions such as cognitive behaviors. Brain activity is a high-energy consumption process. Glucose serves as the main energy source under normal circumstances. Whether the dynamics of glucose metabolism during aging remains unchanged is not well understood. This study sought to investigate the activity-dependent changes in glucose metabolism of the mouse hippocampus during aging. In brief, after one hour of contextual exploration in an enriched environmental condition or one hour in a familiar home cage condition, metabolites were measured from the hippocampus of both adult and aged mice with metabolomic profiling. Compared to the home cage context, the enriched contextual exploration condition resulted in changes in the concentration of 11 glucose metabolism-related metabolites in the adult hippocampus. In contrast, glucose metabolism-related metabolite changes were more apparent in the aged group during contextual exploration when compared to those in the home cage condition. Importantly, in the aged groups, several key metabolites involved in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and ketone body metabolism accumulated, suggesting the less efficient metabolization of glucose-based energy resources. Altogether, the analyses revealed that in the aged mice during enriched contextual exploration, the glucose resource seems to be unable to provide enough energy for hippocampal function.HighlightsGlycolysis becomes less efficient in the aged hippocampus during contextual exploration.TCA cycle is altered in the aged hippocampus during contextual exploration.Ketone body metabolism is elevated in the aged hippocampus during contextual exploration.
Fat storage influences fasting endurance more than body size in an ungulate
Authors: Trondrud L. Monica , Pigeon Gabriel , Król Elżbieta , Albon Steve , Evans Alina L. , Arnold Walter , Hambly Catherine , Irvine R. Justin , Ropstad Erik , Stien Audun , Veiberg Vebjørn , Speakman John R. , Loe Leif Egil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The fasting endurance hypothesis (FEH) predicts strong selection for large body size in mammals living in environments where food supply is interrupted over prolonged periods of time. The Arctic is a highly seasonal and food‐restricted environment, but contrary to predictions from the FEH, empirical evidence shows that Arctic mammals are often smaller than their temperate conspecifics. Intraspecific studies integrating physiology and behaviour of different‐sized individuals may shed light on this paradox.

We tested the FEH in free‐living Svalbard reindeer Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus. We measured daily energy expenditure (DEE), subcutaneous body temperature (Tsc) and activity levels during the late winter in 14 adult females with body masses ranging from 46.3 to 57.8 kg. Winter energy expenditure (WEE) and fasting endurance (FE) were modelled dynamically by combining these data with body composition measurements of culled individuals at the onset of winter (14 years, n = 140) and variation in activity level throughout winter (10 years, n = 70).

Mean DEE was 6.3 ± 0.7 MJ/day. Lean mass, Tsc and activity had significantly positive effects on DEE. Across all 140 individuals, mean FE was 85 ± 17 days (range 48–137 days). In contrast to the predictions of the FEH, the dominant factor affecting FE was initial fat mass, while body mass and FE were not correlated. Furthermore, lean mass and fat mass were not correlated. FE was on average 80% (45 days) longer in fat than lean individuals of the same size. Reducing activity levels by ~16% or Tsc by ~5% increased FE by 7% and 4% respectively.

Our results fail to support the FEH. Rather, we demonstrate that (a) the size of fat reserves can be independent of lean mass and body size within a species, (b) ecological and environmental variation influence FE via their effects on body composition and (c) physiological and behavioural adjustments can improve FE within individuals. Altogether, our results suggest that there is a selection in Svalbard reindeer to accumulate body fat, rather than to grow structurally large.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Land‐use intensity affects the potential for apparent competition within and between habitats
Authors: Miller Kirsten E. , Aguilera Guillermo , Bommarco Riccardo , Roslin Tomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArthropod communities dwelling in adjacent habitats are able to impact one another via shared natural enemies. In agricultural landscapes, drastic differences in resource availability between crop and non‐crop habitats cause variation in insect herbivore densities over short distances, potentially driving inter‐habitat effects. Moreover, the composition of the landscape in which the habitats are embedded likely affects realised attack rates from natural enemies via impacts on local arthropod community structure.Here, we examine indirect effects between herbivore species within and between habitat types by calculating the potential for apparent competition between multiple populations. Firstly, we aim to determine how disparities in resource availability impact the strength of the potential for apparent competition occurring between habitats, secondly to examine the impact of landscape composition upon these effects, and finally to couch these observations in reality by investigating the link between the potential for apparent competition and realised attack rates.We used DNA metabarcoding to characterise host–parasitoid interactions within two habitat types (with divergent nutrient inputs) at 11 locations with variable landscape composition within an agroecosystem context. We then used these interaction networks to estimate the potential for apparent competition between each host pair and to compare expected versus realised attack rates across the system.Shared natural enemies were found to structure host herbivore communities within and across habitat boundaries. The size of this effect was related to the resource availability of habitats, such that the habitat with high nutrient input exerted a stronger effect. The overall potential for apparent competition declined with increasing land‐use intensity in the surrounding landscape and exhibited a discernible impact on realised attack rates upon herbivore species.Thus, our results suggest that increasing the proportion of perennial habitat in agroecosystems could increase the prevalence of indirect effects such as apparent competition among insect herbivore communities, potentially leading to enhanced population regulation via increased attack rates from natural enemies like parasitoid wasps.
Talk Less, Learn More: Strategic Disclosure in Response to Managerial Learning from the Options Market
Authors: CHEN YANGYANG , NG JEFFREY , YANG XIN 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTWe examine how options trading affects voluntary corporate disclosure, so that we can shed light on whether managers’ potential learning from the options market induces them to withhold disclosure. We find that options trading reduces the likelihood and frequency of management earnings forecasts, suggesting that firms that have active options trading on their stock make fewer voluntary disclosures. This finding is in accordance with the theoretical prediction that managers strategically reduce disclosure to avoid crowding out informed trading, which can give them informative feedback for their decision making. In support of the managerial learning channel, we document a real effect of reduced disclosure: When managers disclose less, options trading has a stronger positive effect on firm investment efficiency. The more pronounced effect of options trading on management earnings forecasts when the need for managerial learning is higher further supports the learning channel.
Introduction to the Special Issue: ‘Governing Climate‐altering Approaches’
Authors: Pasztor Janos , Harrison Nicholas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhile awareness of the global climate emergency is growing, so too are greenhouse gas emissions and a persistent gap remains between international commitments and the 1.5–2°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Additional climate‐altering approaches are being considered to reduce atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide removal) or the amount of absorbed solar energy in the climate system (solar radiation modification) but they face multiple uncertainties and knowledge gaps relating to their feasibility, acceptability, sustainability and governance. This special issue presents new insights relating to the governance of climate‐altering approaches together with possible ways to address knowledge and governance gaps in future.
Steroids to reduce the impact on delirium (STRIDE): a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled feasibility trial of pre‐operative dexamethasone in people with hip fracture
Authors: Kluger M. T. , Skarin M. , Collier J. , Rice D. A. , McNair P. J. , Seow M.Y. , Connolly M. J. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryNeuro‐inflammation may be important in the pathogenesis of postoperative delirium following hip fracture surgery. Studies have suggested a potential role for steroids in reducing postoperative delirium; however, the potential efficacy and safety of pre‐operative high‐dose dexamethasone in this specific population is largely unknown. Conducting such a study could be challenging, considering the multidisciplinary team involvement and the emergency nature of the surgery. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and effectiveness of dexamethasone given as early as possible following hospital admission for hip fracture, to inform whether a full‐scale trial is warranted. This single‐centre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study randomly allocated 79 participants undergoing hip fracture surgery to dexamethasone 20 mg or placebo pre‐operatively. Eligibility and recruitment rates, timing of the intervention and adverse events were recorded. Incidence and severity of postoperative delirium were assessed using the 4AT delirium screening tool and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale. Postoperative pain, length of stay and mortality were also assessed. The eligibility rate for inclusion was 178/527 (34%), and 57/178 (32%) of eligible patients presented to hospital when no researcher was available (e.g. after‐hours, weekends, public holidays). Recruitment was limited mainly by ethical limitations (not including patients with impaired cognition) and lack of weekend staffing. Median (IQR [range]) time from emergency department admission to drug administration was 13.3 (5.9–17.6 [1.8–139.6]) hours. There was a significant difference in delirium severity scores, favouring the dexamethasone group: median (IQR [range]) 5 (3–6 [3–7]) vs. 9 (6–13 [5–14]) in the placebo group, with the probability of superiority effect size being 0.89, p = 0.010. Delirium incidence did not differ between groups: 6/40 (15%) in the dexamethasone group vs. 9/39 (23%) in the placebo group, relative risk (95%CI) 0.65 (0.22–1.65), p = 0.360). A larger randomised controlled trial is feasible and ideally this should include people with existing cognitive impairment, seven days‐a‐week cover and a multicentre design.
Astragalus polysaccharide supplementation improves production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical index and gut microbiota in Chongren hens
Authors: Lv Hongwei , Tang Yanqiang , Zhang Haihan , Li Siming , Fan Zhiyong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis research aimed to determine whether the astragalus polysaccharide (AP) can improve the production performance and gut microbiota in Chongren hens.120 Chongren hens (240‐d old) were randomly allocated into 4 treatments with 30 hens and fed with a control basal diet (CON) or CON supplemented with the different levels of AP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 56 d. The egg production and feed conversion ratio were decreased (p < .05) with the levels of AP. The yolk weight, yolk color, eggshell thickness, eggshell redness index and egg shell yellowness were increased (p < .05). AP supplementation increased CAT and T‐AOC and SOD, and decreased MDA (p < .05). Supplementation of AP decreased IL‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels (p < .05), but increased the IL‐4 level in the liver (p < .05). The villus heights of duodenum, jejunum ileum, the crypt depth and V/C in the jejunum were increased (p < .05). Dietary supplementation of 200 mg/kg AP increased (P relative abundances of Firmicutes and Lactobacteriaceae in the cecum of Chongren hens. In conclusion, addition of AP improved the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, and intestinal morphology in hens, which might be associated with the gut microbiota.
Carbohydrates effects on nutrition and health functions in pigs
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yu Bing , Chen Hong , Chen Daiwen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe greatest improvement in carbohydrates studies on pig nutrition and health is that carbohydrates are classified more clearly, which is based not only on their chemical structure but also on their physiological characteristics. Besides its primary energy source, different types and structures of carbohydrates are a benefit for nutrition and health functions in pigs, which are involved in promoting growth performance and intestinal functions, regulating the community of gut microbiota, and modulating the lipids and glucose metabolism. The underlying mechanism of carbohydrates regulates the lipids and glucose metabolism through their metabolites (short‐chain fatty acids [SCFAs]) and mainly via the SCFAs‐GPR43/41‐PYY/GLP1, SCFAs‐AMP/ATP‐AMPK, and SCFAs‐AMPK‐G6Pase/PEPCK pathways. Emerging research had evaluated an optimal combination in different types and structures of carbohydrates, which could enhance growth performance and nutrient digestibility, promote intestinal functions, and increase the abundances of butyrate‐producing bacteria in pigs. Overall, compelling evidence supports the notion that carbohydrates play important roles in both nutrition and health functions in pigs. Moreover, identifying the carbohydrates combinations will be of both theoretical and practical values for developing the technology of carbohydrates balance in pigs.
Tacrolimus variability score outperforms coefficient of variation in predicting clinical outcomes of living kidney transplantation
Authors: Yin Saifu , Wang Xianding , Huang Zhongli , Fan Yu , Song Turun , Lin Tao 
Published: April 2021

AimsIntrapatient variability (IPV) was previously defined as coefficient of variation (CV) or standard deviation of tacrolimus (Tac) exposure while none of them was easily being interpreted and translated into clinical practice after kidney transplantation.MethodsWe developed a novel Tac variability score (TVS) to evaluate IPV by calculating the frequency of clinically significant changes of Tac trough levels after kidney transplantation. Multivariate Cox proportional analyses were conducted to compare the impact of TVS and CV on transplant outcomes.ResultsA total of 1343 patients were divided into high TVS (>0.30) and low TVS (<0.30) groups, and low CV (<0.30) and high CV (>0.30) groups. Univariate analyses showed that high TVS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.323, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.455–3.709) and high CV (HR: 1.606, 95%CI: 1.044–2.471) were associated with inferior graft survival. However, only TVS was an independent predictor for graft failure in multivariate analyses (HR: 1.972, 95%CI: 1.2–3.24), and the correlation maintained in high CV (P = .020) and low CV (P = .037) subgroups, while CV failed to predict graft loss in neither low (P = .387) nor high TVS (P = .600) subgroups. In addition, TVS had a higher correlation with graft survival in patients with Tac exposure within the therapeutic range and the correlation was less influenced by mean Tac trough levels.ConclusionTVS is a novel measure of Tac IPV with higher correlation with graft survival and more convenience in clinical use than CV after kidney transplantation.
Improving oral health in nursing home residents: A cluster randomized trial of a shared oral care intervention
Authors: Overgaard Charlotte , Bøggild Henrik , Hede Børge , Bagger Maiken , Hartmann Line Gøtz , Aagaard Karin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo compare a designated shared oral care intervention in a group of public nursing home residents with a standard oral care programme, focusing on levels of oral plaque and oral inflammation.MethodsA cluster randomized field trial was undertaken in 14 Danish public nursing homes. There were 145 participants included in the intervention group and 98 in the control group. We undertook a six‐month intervention based on the principle of situated interprofessional learning. The primary outcomes were plaque and inflammation levels measured with the mucosal plaque index (MPS); this was assessed at baseline, after three and six months (end of intervention), and at follow‐up (six months postintervention). The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with ordinal regression.ResultsSocio‐demographic characteristics and oral health status at baseline were comparable between the two groups, with the exception of age: the intervention group were significantly younger than controls (median 82 vs 87 years). After three and six months, those receiving the shared oral care intervention had significantly lower plaque and inflammation than the control group. The adjusted ORs for a reduction in MPS were 11.8 (CI: 6.5‐21.3) and 11.0 (CI: 5.8‐20.9), respectively. At follow‐up, plaque levels and oral inflammation had approached the pre‐intervention level, with no remaining statistically significant group differences.ConclusionsThe shared oral care intervention based on a situated learning perspective was effective in improving oral health among care home residents. However, after termination of the intervention, the effect quickly decreased. This confirms the challenges of achieving long‐term improvement in oral health in nursing home residents. An implementation strategy focusing on achieving changes at both organizational and individual levels with persistent attention to oral health care seem required for long‐term improvement.
Associations between T cell infiltration, T cell receptor clonality, histology and recurrence in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gadot Moran , Gal Mordechay , Dobosz Paula , Dotan Zohar , Ramon Jacob , Berger Raanan , Avni Dror , Fridman Eduard , Leibowitz Raya 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is comprised of clear-cell (ccRCC) and non-clear-cell (nccRCC) tumors. Despite definitive surgical resection in localized disease, recurrence often occurs. A commercial method based on a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay exclusively targets rearranged T cell receptor (TCR) genes to generate high-throughput sequencing-based data, allowing characterization of the immune repertoire within tumors. In this study we performed a retrospective analysis on archived tumor samples from patients with recurring versus non-recurring T3 ccRCC and on samples from early nccRCC versus ccRCC. Following genomic DNA extraction and multiplex PCR, the fraction of T cells within tumors, the number of unique receptors (‘richness’) and their relative abundances (‘clonality’) were calculated. Statistical significance and correlations were calculated using Student's t-test and Spearman's rho, respectively. Average fraction and clonality of T cells in tumors from non-recurring patients was 2.5- and 4.3-fold higher than in recurring patients (P = 0.025 and P = 0.043, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between T cell fraction and clonality (Spearman's rho = 0.78, P = 0.008). The average fraction of T cells in ccRCC tumors was 2.8-fold higher than in nccRCC tumors (P = 0.015). Clonality and estimated richness were similar between ccRCC and nccRCC tumors. In summary, recurrence of ccRCC is associated with a lower fraction and clonality of T cells within tumors; nccRCC tumors are more ‘deserted’ than ccRCC, but similar in their ability to generate a clonal T cell repertoire. Our work suggests associations between the characteristics of T cell infiltrate, histology and tumor recurrence.
COVID‐19 and labor issues: An assessment
Authors: Larue Bruno 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCanada's unemployment rate increased rapidly in the spring of 2020 in response to strict public health measures. Low‐wage workers were hit particularly hard, including restaurant workers. The production and distribution of food being essential and agri‐food supply chains being resilient, other workers in the agri‐food sector were less impacted by public health measures and the pandemic. Employment in grocery stores remained steady and employment of agricultural workers, including temporary foreign workers, proved more robust than expected. Dealing with contaminated workers proved challenging in meat processing plants. Temporary plant shutdowns and slowdowns created livestock queuing problems and temporary increases in meat prices. The federal and provincial governments implemented several programs to mitigate the pandemic's adverse effects on labor markets. The pandemic will have permanent effect on labor markets, but with unemployment rates falling rapidly across Canada, recruiting and retention remain the main labor issues in agriculture.
Oncological outcome of wide anatomic resection with partial mesorectal excision in patients with upper and middle rectal cancer
Authors: Jiménez‐Toscano Marta , Montcusí Blanca , Ansuátegui Marina , Alonso Sandra , Salvans Silvia , Pascual Marta , Pera Miguel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimThe aim was to investigate the influence of distal resection margin and extent of mesorectal excision on long‐term oncological outcomes.MethodConsecutive patients with upper and middle third rectal cancer from June 2006 to February 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups depending on the distal margin considered as a surrogate marker of the extension of mesorectal excision (Q1 ≤10 mm, Q2 11–20 mm, Q3 21–30 mm, Q4 ≥31 mm). Local‐recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated. Cox regression models were used to investigate the influence of surgical and clinicopathological variables on prognosis by adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsTwo hundred and eleven patients with mid (125) and upper (86) rectal cancer underwent wide mesorectal excision. The median follow‐up was 48.64 months (interquartile range 28–63). 17.5% patients developed recurrence. The 5‐year LRFS, DFS and OS for all patients were 93.20%, 83.89% and 80.1%, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between groups (LRFS, P = 0.601; DFS, P = 0.487; OS, P = 0.468). In the multivariable analysis the recurrences and survival were associated with the quality of the mesorectum (LRFS, hazard ratio 10.629, 95% CI 2.324–48.610, P = 0.002; DFS, hazard ratio 2.789, 95% CI 1.314–5.922, P = 0.008).ConclusionA wide anatomical resection with partial mesorectal excision and shorter distal resection margin does not jeopardize the oncological outcomes.