bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scavenging by fishers in relation to season and other scavengers
Authors: Allen Maximilian L. , Elbroch L. Mark , Wittmer Heiko U. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCarrion is an energy‐rich resource that benefits many organisms, but scavenging involves both profits and risks. Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are forest‐specialists that scavenge large carcasses but quantitative assessments of their scavenging are lacking. We quantified three characteristics of scavenging behavior by fishers: (a) whether fishers visited a carcass; (b) the time to first visitation of a carcass by fishers; and (c) how long fishers fed at a carcass. We then evaluated the importance of habitat characteristics, cues from other scavenger species, and season on the scavenging behaviors of fishers. Fishers scavenged 25 of the 89 deer carcasses we monitored, and visited carcasses more frequently in winter (n = 22, 34%) than in summer (n = 3, 12%). Time to the first fisher visit to a carcass averaged 4.7 (±1.1 SE) days. On average fishers made 26 (±9 SE) repeat visits to each carcass they found and fed for 118.1 min (±42.3 SE) over an average of 6 days; season also influenced their feeding times (120.3 ± 46.0 SE min in winter versus 63.7 ± 44.7 SE min in summer). Fishers had a crepuscular activity pattern while scavenging, but initial visits peaked mid‐day in addition to a peak near sunset. Our results suggested that fishers may use cues from other scavengers to detect carrion, but that habitat characteristics did not affect exploitation of carrion more than other variables. These results highlight the potential importance of carrion for the foraging ecology of fishers, particularly during times of resource scarcity. Further research based on identifiable individuals is needed to quantify fitness consequences of scavenging for fishers, including possible negative effects of intraguild predation at carrion.
Chitosan modulates Pochonia chlamydosporia gene expression during nematode egg parasitism
Authors: Suarez‐Fernandez Marta , Sambles Christine , Lopez‐Moya Federico , Nueda María J. , Studholme David J. , Lopez‐Llorca Luis Vicente 
Published: January 2021

SummaryClimate change makes plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPN) an increasing threat to commercial crops. PPN can be managed sustainably by the biocontrol fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (Pc). Chitosan generated from chitin deacetylation enhances PPN parasitism by Pc. In this work, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of Pc for chitosan resistance and root‐knot nematode (RKN) parasitism, using transcriptomics. Chitosan and RKN modify the expression of Pc genes, mainly those involved in oxidation–reduction processes. Both agents significantly modify the expression of genes associated to 113 GO terms and 180 Pc genes. Genes encoding putative glycoproteins (Pc adhesives) to nematode eggshell, as well as genes involved in redox, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism trigger the response to chitosan. We identify genes expressed in both the parasitic and endophytic phases of the Pc lifecycle; these include proteases, chitosanases and transcription factors. Using the Pathogen—Host Interaction database (PHI‐base), our previous RNA‐seq data and RT‐PCR of Pc colonizing banana we have investigated genes expressed both in the parasitic and endophytic phases of Pc lifecycle.
The phylogenetic and global distribution of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastic‐degrading genes
Authors: Viljakainen V. R. , Hug L. A. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of microbially made polyesters commercialized as biodegradable plastics. PHA production rates are predicted to increase as concerns around environmental plastic contamination and limited fossil fuel resources have increased the importance of biodegradable and bio‐based plastic alternatives. Microbially produced PHA depolymerases are the key enzymes mediating PHA biodegradation, but only a few PHA depolymerases have been well‐characterized and screens employing metagenomic sequence data are lacking. Here, we used 3078 metagenomes to analyse the distribution of PHA depolymerases in microbial communities from diverse aquatic, terrestrial and waste management systems. We significantly expand the recognized diversity of this protein family by screening 1914 Gb of sequence data and identifying 13 869 putative PHA depolymerases in 1295 metagenomes. Our results indicate that PHA depolymerases are unevenly distributed across environments. We predicted the highest frequency of PHA depolymerases in wastewater systems and the lowest in marine and thermal springs. In tandem, we screened 5290 metagenome‐assembled genomes to describe the phylogenetic distribution of PHA depolymerases, which is substantially broader compared with current cultured representatives. The Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota are key lineages encoding PHA depolymerases, but PHA depolymerases were predicted from members of the Bdellovibrionota, Methylomirabilota, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Spirochaetota, Desulfobacterota, Myxococcota and Planctomycetota.
Evaluation of the chemical qualities and microstructural changes of Lentinula edodes caused by airborne ultrasonic treatment combined with microwave vacuum drying
Authors: Lei Yanping , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Chong , Wang Danni , Zhuang Weijing , Zheng Baodong , Lo Y. Martin , Tian Yuting 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study analyzed a new drying method using airborne ultrasound combined with microwave vacuum to study its effect on the quality characteristics and microstructure of dehydrated L. edodes. Ultrasonic treatment resulted in many micropores in the product, forming the sponge effect caused by ultrasonic waves, which can promote the rapid evaporation of water in the product. Samples of Lentinula edodes individuals were dried using four methods: hot air drying (HAD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), microwave vacuum drying after ultrasonic pretreatment (US+MVD) and airborne ultrasonic treatment combined with microwave vacuum drying (USMVD). The results showed that USMVD can reduced the loss of total sugar, total phenol, and total antioxidants in L. edodes, and increased the relative content of ergosterol, sulfur compounds, and free amino acids (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that USMVD resulted in a uniform reticular porous structure, which could better maintain desirable levels of nutrients. Therefore, USMVD can produce high quality products.Practical ApplicationAirborne ultrasonic waves combined with MVD provides an innovative drying method for mushrooms, which has not been studied at present. The mixed drying method has great potential in maintaining product quality. It provides a theoretical basis for studying drying technology in the future.
Targeting age‐specific changes in CD4+ T cell metabolism ameliorates alloimmune responses and prolongs graft survival
Authors: Nian Yeqi , Iske Jasper , Maenosono Ryoichi , Minami Koichiro , Heinbokel Timm , Quante Markus , Liu Yang , Azuma Haruhito , Yang Jinrui , Abdi Reza , Zhou Hao , Elkhal Abdallah , Tullius Stefan G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAge impacts alloimmunity. Effects of aging on T‐cell metabolism and the potential to interfere with immunosuppressants have not been explored yet. Here, we dissected metabolic pathways of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in aging and offer novel immunosuppressive targets. Upon activation, CD4+ T cells from old mice failed to exhibit adequate metabolic reprogramming resulting into compromised metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. Comparable results were also observed in elderly human patients. Although glutaminolysis remained the dominant and age‐independent source of mitochondria for activated CD4+ T cells, old but not young CD4+ T cells relied heavily on glutaminolysis. Treating young and old murine and human CD4+ T cells with 6‐diazo‐5‐oxo‐l‐norleucine (DON), a glutaminolysis inhibitor resulted in significantly reduced IFN‐γ production and compromised proliferative capacities specifically of old CD4+ T cells. Of translational relevance, old and young mice that had been transplanted with fully mismatched skin grafts and treated with DON demonstrated dampened Th1‐ and Th17‐driven alloimmune responses. Moreover, DON diminished cytokine production and proliferation of old CD4+ T cells in vivo leading to a significantly prolonged allograft survival specifically in old recipients. Graft prolongation in young animals, in contrast, was only achieved when DON was applied in combination with an inhibition of glycolysis (2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose, 2‐DG) and OXPHOS (metformin), two alternative metabolic pathways. Notably, metabolic treatment had not been linked to toxicities. Remarkably, immunosuppressive capacities of DON were specific to CD4+ T cells as adoptively transferred young CD4+ T cells prevented immunosuppressive capacities of DON on allograft survival in old recipients. Depletion of CD8+ T cells did not alter transplant outcomes in either young or old recipients. Taken together, our data introduce an age‐specific metabolic reprogramming of CD4+ T cells. Targeting those pathways offers novel and age‐specific approaches for immunosuppression.
Stability of Posttreatment Reductions in World Health Organization (WHO) Drinking Risk Levels and Posttreatment Functioning in Older Adults with DSM‐5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Secondary Data Analysis of the Elderly Study
Authors: Mejldal Anna , Andersen Kjeld , Behrendt Silke , Bilberg Randi , Bogenschutz Michael , Braun‐Michl Barbara , Bühringer Gerhard , Søgaard Nielsen Anette 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundStudies have found that reductions in World Health Organization (WHO) drinking risk levels may be a stable outcome of treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and associated with functional improvements. The aim of this study was to investigate whether posttreatment reductions in WHO drinking risk levels are stable over time among older adults and associated with a decrease in consequences of drinking and AUD symptoms and improved quality of life.MethodsParticipants. Individuals 60+ years old, suffering from DSM‐5 AUD (n = 693), and seeking outpatient treatment.Measurements. WHO drinking risk levels, prior to treatment and at all follow‐up points up to 1 year after treatment start, were assessed with Form 90. Outcomes at follow‐up included consequences of drinking (Drinker Inventory of Consequences), quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF), and DSM‐5 AUD symptoms (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Logistic regression and linear mixed models were used to examine the probability of maintaining risk‐level reductions at follow‐up and the association between risk‐level reductions and outcomes, respectively.ResultsReductions in risk levels were maintained over time (at least 1 level: OR 5.39, 95% CI 3.43, 8.47; at least 2 levels: OR 9.30, 95% CI 6.14, 14.07). Reductions were associated with reduced consequences of drinking and number of AUD symptoms, and minor, but statistically significant, improvements in quality of life.ConclusionsMaintaining reductions in WHO risk levels appears achievable for older adults seeking treatment for AUD. The small reduction of AUD symptoms and improvement of quality of life indicates that these reductions may not be adequate as the only treatment goal.
Three Weeks of Binge Alcohol Drinking Generates Increased Alcohol Front‐Loading and Robust Compulsive‐Like Alcohol Drinking in Male and Female C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Bauer Meredith R. , McVey Megan M. , Boehm Stephen L. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCurrent models of compulsive‐like quinine‐adulterated alcohol (QuA) drinking in mice, if improved, could be more useful for uncovering the neural mechanisms of compulsive‐like alcohol drinking. The purpose of these experiments was to further characterize and improve the validity of a model of compulsive‐like QuA drinking in C57BL/6J mice. We sought to determine whether compulsive‐like alcohol drinking could be achieved following 2 or 3 weeks of Drinking‐in‐the‐Dark (DID), whether it provides evidence for a robust model of compulsive‐like alcohol drinking by inclusion of a water control group and use of a highly concentrated QuA solution, whether repeated QuA exposures alter compulsive‐like drinking, and whether there are sex differences in compulsive‐like alcohol drinking.MethodsMale and Female C57BL/6J mice were allowed free access to either 20% alcohol or tap water for 2 hours each day for approximately 3 weeks. After 2 or 3 weeks, the mice were given QuA (500 μM) and the effect of repeated QuA drinking sessions on compulsive‐like alcohol drinking was assessed. 3‐minute front‐loading, 2 hour binge‐drinking, and blood alcohol concentrations were determined.ResultsCompulsive‐like QuA drinking was achieved after 3 weeks, but not 2 weeks, of daily alcohol access as determined by alcohol history mice consuming significantly more QuA than water history mice and drinking statistically nondifferent amounts of QuA than nonadulterated alcohol at baseline. Thirty‐minute front‐loading of QuA revealed that alcohol history mice front‐loaded significantly more QuA than water history mice, but still found the QuA solution aversive. Repeated QuA exposures did not alter these patterns, compulsive‐like drinking did not differ by sex, and BACs for QuA drinking were at the level of a binge.ConclusionsThese data suggest that compulsive‐like QuA drinking can be robustly achieved following 3 weeks of DID and male and female C57BL/6J mice do not differ in compulsive‐like alcohol drinking.
Low‐dose polypharmacology targeting dopamine D1 and D3 receptors reduces cue‐induced relapse to heroin seeking in rats
Authors: Ewing Scott T. , Dorcely Chris , Maidi Rivka , Paker Gulsah , Schelbaum Eva , Ranaldi Robert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChemical compounds that target dopamine (DA) D1 or D3 receptors have shown promise as potential interventions in animal models of cue‐induced relapse. However, undesirable side effects or pharmacodynamic profiles have limited the advancement of new compounds in preclinical studies when administered as independent treatments. In this series of experiments, we explored the effects of coadministration of a D1‐receptor partial agonist (SKF 77434) and a D3‐receptor antagonist (NGB 2904) in heroin‐seeking rats within a “conflict” model of abstinence and cue‐induced relapse. Rats were first trained to press a lever to self‐administer heroin, and drug delivery was paired contingently with cues (e.g., light and pump noise). Self‐initiated abstinence was facilitated by applying electrical current to the flooring in front of the levers. Lastly, a relapse response was provoked by noncontingent presentation of conditioned cues. Prior to provocation, rats received a systemic injection of SKF 77434, NGB 2904, or a combination of both compounds to assess treatment effects on lever pressing. Results indicated that the coadministration of low (i.e., independently ineffective) doses of both compounds was more effective in reducing cue‐induced relapse to heroin seeking than either compound alone, with some evidence of drug synergism. Follow‐up studies indicated that this reduction was not due to motoric impairment nor enhanced sensitivity to the electrified flooring and that this treatment did not significantly affect motivation for food. Implications for the treatment of opiate use disorder and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Effect of simulation‐based team training in airway management: a systematic review
Authors: Nielsen R. P. , Nikolajsen L. , Paltved C. , Aagaard R. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryMajor complications associated with airway management are rare but often have serious consequences. Complications frequently result from failures in communication and teamwork. We performed a systematic review on the effect of simulation‐based team training on patient outcomes, healthcare professionals' clinical performance and preparedness for airway management. We included studies with simulation‐based team training in airway management as the educational intervention, using any comparator, outcome and design. Two authors independently selected articles and assessed risk of bias using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale‐Education. We screened 1248 titles and evaluated 116 full‐text articles. Twenty‐two studies were included. The Kirkpatrick model for evaluation of training was used to organise outcomes. Four studies reported patient‐centred outcomes (Kirkpatrick level 4), and three studies' outcomes related to healthcare professionals' clinical performance (Kirkpatrick level 3). The results were ambiguous and the studies had significant methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw conclusions on the effect of simulation‐based team training. To describe preparedness for airway management, we used outcomes related to participants' attitudes or perceptions and outcomes related to knowledge or skills demonstrated in a test setting (Kirkpatrick level 2). Most studies reporting these outcomes were in favour of simulation‐based team training, but were prone to bias. We consider the current evidence to be weak and recommend that future research should be based on randomised study designs and patient‐centred outcomes.
Agreement between careHPV and hybrid capture 2 in detecting high‐risk HPV in women in Tanzania
Authors: Katanga Johnson , Kjaer Susanne K. , Manongi Rachel , Pembe Andrea B. , Iftner Thomas , Waldstrom Marianne , Mwaiselage Julius , Rasch Vibeke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionVisual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid is used to control the burden of cervical cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This method has some limitations and HPV DNA testing may be an alternative, but it is expensive and requires a laboratory setup. Cheaper and faster HPV tests have been developed. This study describe the agreement between a fast HPV test (careHPV) and hybrid capture 2 (HC2) in detection of high‐risk HPV among Tanzanian women.Material and methodsThe study involved women attending routine cervical cancer screening at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania. The women were offered HIV testing. Two cervical samples were subsequently obtained; the first sample was processed at the clinics using careHPV and the second sample was transported to Denmark and Germany for cytology and HC2 analysis. Kappa statistic was calculated to assess the agreement between careHPV and HC2. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of careHPV were calculated using HC2 as reference. The analyses were done for the overall study population and stratified by testing site and HIV status.ResultsA total of 4080 women were enrolled, with 437 being excluded due to invalid information, lack of careHPV or HC2 results. Overall agreement between the tests was substantial with a kappa value of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66‐0.72). The sensitivity and specificity of careHPV was 90.7% (95% CI 89.6‐91.8) and 84.2% (95% CI 81.2–86.8), respectively. The agreement was similar in the stratified analyses where the kappa values were 0.75 (95% CI 0.70‐0.79) in women aged 25‐34, 0.66 (95% CI 0.62‐0.70) in women aged 35–60, 0.73 (95% CI 0.70‐0.77) at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, 0.64 (95% CI 0.60‐0.69) at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, 0.73 (95% CI 0.68‐0.79) in HIV‐positive and 0.66 (95% CI 0.63‐0.70) in HIV‐negative women. The kappa value of 0.64 (95% CI 0.39‐0.88) for cervical high‐grade lesions indicates a substantial agreement between careHPV and HC2 in detecting HPV among women with cervical high‐grade lesions.ConclusionsA substantial agreement was found between careHPV and HC2 in detecting HPV overall as well as detecting HPV among women with cervical high‐grade lesions. However, given the limited resources available in low and middle‐income countries, the HPV testing assay should be weighed against the cost‐effectiveness of the test.
Who prescribes drugs to patients: A Danish register‐based study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Olesen Morten , Christensen Bo , Christensen Morten Bondo , Hallas Jesper , Rasmussen Lotte 
Published: January 2021

We describe the distribution of prescriber types responsible for issuing prescriptions in Denmark. Using a 20% random sample of all Danes alive during 2000–2018 (n = 1 515 025) and all their prescriptions filled at community pharmacies (n = 182 143 707), we found that general practitioners issued 88% of all prescriptions, followed by hospital physicians (7.4%) and private practicing specialists (4.2%). These values were stable over the study period. With increasing patient age, general practitioners were responsible for a larger proportion of prescriptions (e.g. 68% for patients aged 0–17 y and 89% for patients ≥51 y). General practitioners were responsible for 84% of all treatment initiation (first prescription) and 90% of all maintenance treatment. Corresponding values for hospital physicians were 9.5 and 6.3%, and for private practicing specialists 5.3 and 3.6%. In conclusion, general practitioners are responsible for the vast majority of prescribing in Denmark, including both treatment initiation and continuation, in particular among the elderly.
Therapeutic efficacy of α7 ligands after acute ischaemic stroke is linked to conductive states of α7 nicotinic ACh receptors
Authors: Gaidhani Nikhil , Tucci Fabio C. , Kem William R. , Beaton Graham , Uteshev Victor V. 
Published: January 2021

Background and PurposeTargeting α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) in neuroinflammatory disorders including acute ischaemic stroke holds significant therapeutic promise. However, therapeutically relevant signalling mechanisms remain unidentified. Activation of neuronal α7 nAChRs triggers ionotropic signalling, but there is limited evidence for it in immunoglial tissues. The α7 ligands which are effective in reducing acute ischaemic stroke damage promote α7 ionotropic activity, suggesting a link between their therapeutic effects for treating acute ischaemic stroke and activation of α7 conductive states.Experimental ApproachThis hypothesis was tested using a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of acute ischaemic stroke, NS6740, a known selective non‐ionotropic agonist of α7 nAChRs and 4OH‐GTS‐21, a partial α7 agonist. NS6740‐like ligands exhibiting low efficacy/potency for ionotropic activity will be referred to as non‐ionotropic agonists or “metagonists”.Key Results4OH‐GTS‐21, used as a positive control, significantly reduced neurological deficits and brain injury after MCAO as compared to vehicle and NS6740. By contrast, NS6740 was ineffective in identical assays and reversed the effects of 4OH‐GTS‐21 when these compounds were co‐applied. Electrophysiological recordings from acute hippocampal slices obtained from NS6740‐injected animals demonstrated its remarkable brain availability and protracted effects on α7 nAChRs as evidenced by sustained (>8 h) alterations in α7 ionotropic responsiveness.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results suggest that α7 ionotropic activity may be obligatory for therapeutic efficacy of α7 ligands after acute ischaemic stroke yet, highlight the potential for selective application of α7 ligands to disease states based on their mode of receptor activation.