bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and immunological effects of gut microbiota in leaf beetles at the local and systemic levels
Authors: MA Meiqi , TU Chengjie , LUO Jing , LU Min , ZHANG Shichang , XU Letian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInsects’ intestinal microbes have profound effects on the host's physiological traits, which can impact their physiology at both the local (gut) and systemic (body) levels. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying host‐microbiota interactions, especially in non‐model insects, remain elusive. Recently, tissue‐specific transcriptomic analysis has been highlighted as a robust tool in studying host–microbe interactions. Plagiodera versicolora is a worldwide leaf‐eating pest that primarily feeds on willows and poplar. The interplay between gut microflora and this host beetle has yet to be studied. Herein, we investigate the effects of the gut microbiota on the body mass of P. versicolora larvae, compare the nutrition status of larvae in absence and presence of gut microbiota, and profile gut bacterial loads throughout its developmental larval stages. We then perform comparative transcriptomic analysis of gut and body tissues in axenic and non‐axenic larvae. Finally, we confirm the expression patterns of representative genes in nutritional metabolism and immunity. Results show that weight growth is retarded in conventional larvae, with a concomitant increase of total bacterial load by the 5th development day, and germ‐free larvae have a higher glucose content than conventional‐reared larvae. Both nutritional and immunological analyses indicate that gut bacteria are a burden in the beetle's larval development. These findings elucidate the impacts of gut microbiota on P. versicolora, and provide insight into tissue‐specific responses to gut microflora in this pest at the genetic level, boosting our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions in leaf beetles and beyond.
Voluntary binge‐patterned alcohol drinking and sex‐specific influences on monoamine‐related neurochemical signatures in the mouse gut and brain
Authors: Bauer Ella E. , Shoeman Allyse , Buhr Trevor J. , Daniels Karrie M. , Lyte Mark , Clark Peter J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAltered monoamine (i.e., serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) activity following episodes of alcohol abuse plays key roles not only in the motivation to ingest ethanol, but also physiological dysfunction related to its misuse. Although monoamine activity is essential for physiological processes that require coordinated communication across the gut–brain axis (GBA), relatively little is known about how alcohol misuse may affect monoamine levels across the GBA. Therefore, we evaluated monoamine activity across the mouse gut and brain following episodes of binge‐patterned ethanol drinking.MethodsMonoamine and select metabolite neurochemical concentrations were analyzed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography in gut and brain regions of female and male C57BL/6J mice following “Drinking in the Dark” (DID), a binge‐patterned ethanol ingestion paradigm.ResultsFirst, we found that alcohol access had an overall small effect on gut monoamine‐related neurochemical concentrations, primarily influencing dopamine activity. Second, neurochemical patterns between the small intestine and the striatum were correlated, adding to recent evidence of modulatory activity between these areas. Third, although alcohol access robustly influenced activity in brain areas in the mesolimbic dopamine system, binge exposure also influenced monoaminergic activity in the hypothalamic region. Finally, sex differences were observed in the concentrations of neurochemicals within the gut, which was particularly pronounced in the small intestine.ConclusionTogether, these data provide insights into the influence of alcohol abuse and biological sex on monoamine‐related neurochemical changes across the GBA, which could have important implications for GBA function and dysfunction.
Increased day‐to‐day fluctuations in exhaled breath profiles after a rhinovirus challenge in asthma
Authors: Lammers Ariana , Brinkman Paul , te Nijenhuis Louwrina H. , de Vries Rianne , Dagelet Yennece W. F. , Duijvelaar Erik , Xu Binbin , Abdel‐Aziz Mahmoud I. , Vijverberg Susanne J. , Neerincx Anne H. , Frey Urs , Lutter Rene , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. , Sterk Peter J. , Sinha Anirban 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly detection/prediction of flare‐ups in asthma, commonly triggered by viruses, would enable timely treatment. Previous studies on exhaled breath analysis by electronic nose (eNose) technology could discriminate between stable and unstable episodes of asthma, using single/few time‐points. To investigate its monitoring properties during these episodes, we examined day‐to‐day fluctuations in exhaled breath profiles, before and after a rhinovirus‐16 (RV16) challenge, in healthy and asthmatic adults.MethodsIn this proof‐of‐concept study, 12 atopic asthmatic and 12 non‐atopic healthy adults were prospectively followed thrice weekly, 60 days before, and 30 days after a RV16 challenge. Exhaled breath profiles were detected using an eNose, consisting of 7 different sensors. Per sensor, individual means were calculated using pre‐challenge visits. Absolute deviations (|%|) from this baseline were derived for all visits. Within‐group comparisons were tested with Mann‐Whitney U tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Finally, Spearman's correlations between the total change in eNose deviations and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), cold‐like symptoms, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were examined.ResultsBoth groups had significantly increased eNose fluctuations post‐challenge, which in asthma started 1 day post‐challenge, before the onset of symptoms. Discrimination between pre‐ and post‐challenge reached an area under the ROC curve of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.65–0.99) in healthy and 0.97 (95% CI = 0.91–1.00) in asthmatic adults. The total change in eNose deviations moderately correlated with IL‐8 and TNFα (ρ ≈ .50–0.60) in asthmatics.ConclusionElectronic nose fluctuations rapidly increase after a RV16 challenge, with distinct differences between healthy and asthmatic adults, suggesting that this technology could be useful in monitoring virus‐driven unstable episodes in asthma.
Usefulness of microRNA detection in the diagnostics of endometrial cancer
Authors: Donkers Hannah , Hirschfeld Marc , Weiß Daniela , Erbes Thalia , Jaeger Markus , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A. , Bekkers Ruud , Galaal Khadra ,   ENITEC‐consortium
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer. They have been shown to be stable in tissue samples and may be promising diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer.Material and methodsA retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer between January 2017 and December 2017 was performed at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples were obtained from patients with endometrial cancer and healthy women. MicroRNA was isolated and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect expression levels of miRNAs.ResultsA total of 76 women were included: 36 endometrial cancer patients, 40 healthy controls. A distinct panel of miR‐200a, miR‐200b, miR‐200c, miR‐205, and miR‐182 showed an area under the curve of 0.958, sensitivity 92%, specificity 89%, positive predictive value of 89% (95% CI 82%–94%) and negative predictive value of 91% (95% CI 85%–96%) in diagnosing endometrial cancer. High miR‐182 expression levels were significantly related to high‐grade endometrioid tumors compared with low‐grade tumors.ConclusionsWe demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy of miRNA for detecting endometrial cancer. In addition, miRNA contributed to an improvement in distinguishing between high‐grade and low‐grade endometrioid tumors.
Fibrinogen in the glioblastoma microenvironment contributes to the invasiveness of brain tumor‐initiating cells
Authors: Dzikowski Lauren , Mirzaei Reza , Sarkar Susobhan , Kumar Mehul , Bose Pinaki , Bellail Anita , Hao Chunhai , Yong V. Wee 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive, recurrent, and lethal brain tumors that are maintained via brain tumor‐initiating cells (BTICs). The aggressiveness of BTICs may be dependent on the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that are highly enriched within the GBM microenvironment. Here, we investigated the expression of ECM molecules in GBM patients by mining the transcriptomic databases and also staining human GBM specimens. RNA levels for fibronectin, brevican, versican, heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), and several laminins were high in GBMs compared to normal brain, and this was corroborated by immunohistochemistry. While fibrinogen transcript was at normal level in GBM, its protein immunoreactivity was prominent within GBM tissues. These ECM molecules in tumor specimens were in proximity to, and surrounding BTICs. In culture, fibronectin and pan‐laminin induced the adhesion of BTICs onto the plastic substratum. However, fibrinogen increased the size of the BTIC spheres by facilitating the adhesive property, motility, and invasiveness of BTICs. These features of elevated invasiveness were corroborated in resected GBM specimens by the close proximity of fibrinogen with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and‐9, which are proteases implicated in metastasis. Moreover, the effect of fibrinogen‐induced invasiveness was attenuated in BTICs where MMP‐2 and ‐9 have been inhibited with siRNAs or pharmacological inhibitors. Our results implicate fibrinogen in GBM as a mediator of the invasive properties of BTICs, and as a target for therapy to reduce BTIC tumorigenecity.
The Challenge of Modeling Co‐Developmental Processes over Time
Authors: Curran Patrick J. , Hancock Gregory R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the most vexing challenges facing developmental researchers today is the statistical modeling of two or more behaviors as they unfold jointly over time. Although quantitative methodologists have studied these issues for more than half a century, no widely agreed‐upon principled strategy exists to empirically analyze codevelopmental processes. Indeed, the plethora of available options makes selecting a specific analytic approach both confusing and overwhelming. In this article, we argue that a key step in adjudicating among alternative modeling strategies is to embrace the concept of within‐ and between‐person components of change over time. First, we define the disaggregation of effects in grouped data, and then we extend these concepts to repeated measures. Then we review several available modeling strategies that capture these effects to varying degrees and raise three issues that can help to guide practice.
Maternal asthma and early fetal growth, the MAESTRO study
Authors: Rejnö Gustaf , Lundholm Cecilia , Saltvedt Sissel , Larsson Kjell , Almqvist Catarina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral maternal conditions can affect fetal growth, and asthma during pregnancy is known to be associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age.ObjectiveIn a new Swedish cohort study on maternal asthma exposure and stress during pregnancy (MAESTRO), we have assessed if there is evidence of early fetal growth restriction in asthmatic women or if a growth restriction might come later during pregnancy.MethodsWe recruited women from eight antenatal clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Questionnaires on background factors, asthma status and stress were assessed during pregnancy. The participants were asked to consent to collection of medical records including ultrasound measures during pregnancy, and linkage to national health registers. In women with and without asthma, we studied reduced or increased growth by comparing the second‐trimester ultrasound with first‐trimester estimation. We defined reduced growth as estimated days below the 10th percentile and increased growth as days above the 90th percentile. At birth, the weight and length of the newborn and the gestational age was compared between women with and without asthma.ResultsWe enrolled 1693 participants in early pregnancy and collected data on deliveries and ultrasound scans in 1580 pregnancies, of which 18% of the mothers had asthma. No statistically significant reduced or increased growth between different measurement points were found when women with and without asthma were compared; adjusted odds ratios for reduced growth between first and second trimester 1.11 95% CI (0.63–1.95) and increased growth 1.09 95% CI (0.68–1.77).Conclusion and clinical relevanceIn conclusion, we could not find evidence supporting an influence of maternal asthma on early fetal growth in the present cohort: Although the relatively small sample size, which may enhance the risk of a type II error, it is concluded that a potential difference is likely to be very small.
Association of depression with improper use of inhaler devices by patients with obstructive disease
Authors: Bulut Sertan , Karamanli Harun , Akın Kabalak Pınar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionObstructive pulmonary disease may cause some psychiatric disorders such as depression, similar to other chronic diseases. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma are especially susceptible to inhaler technique errors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression that can affect improper use of inhaler devices and to show the contribution of age, sex, and education to correct usage.Materials and MethodsIn this study, trained health care workers in the presence of Chest specialist requested patients to demonstrate their inhaler technique and assessed it according to the checklist. If any of the steps were missing or done incorrectly, it was marked as an incorrect technique.ResultsWe included 188 participants, mean age of 58.3 ± 12.7 years. Significant variables of individual risk were having comorbidities, age, sex, smoking status, and educational level. There was an inverse relationship between education level and incorrect inhaler technique. Even after controlling for age, gender, and education, depressive symptoms were a significant and independent predictor of improper use of inhaler devices. High levels of depressive symptoms were associated with a 22‐fold increase (95% confidence interval, 8.9 to 53.5) in the odds of improper use of inhaler devices after adjustment for potential confounders.ConclusionsAs a result, the presence of depression symptoms may increase the improper use of inhaler devices. Further research is needed to determine if screening for and treating depression improves improper use of inhaler devices and obstructive disease outcomes in this population.
Integrated framework for stakeholder participation: Methods and tools for identifying and addressing human–wildlife conflicts
Authors: König Hannes J. , Ceaușu Silvia , Reed Mark , Kendall Helen , Hemminger Karoline , Reinke Henrik , Ostermann‐Miyashita Emu‐Felicitas , Wenz Elena , Eufemia Luca , Hermanns Till , Klose Moritz , Spyra Marcin , Kuemmerle Tobias , Ford Adam T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs wild areas disappear and agricultural lands expand, understanding how people and wildlife can coexist becomes increasingly important. Human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are obstacles to coexistence and negatively affect both wildlife populations and the livelihood of people. To facilitate coexistence, a number of frameworks have been developed to both understand the drivers of conflict and then to find solutions that mitigate conflict. However, each framework has different foci and strengths in particular stages of analysis. Here, we propose an integrated framework that leverages the individual strengths of previously fairly isolated methodologies, allowing for holistic HWC analysis. The framework for participatory impact assessment (FoPIA) provides a toolset for developing wildlife scenarios, selecting assessment indicators and assessing the impact of different scenarios. The social‐ecological framework of ecosystem services and disservices (SEEDS) analyzes the ecosystem services trade‐offs related to scenarios, and the 3i stakeholder analysis approach, supports the identification of stakeholders and provides a mechanism to explore, in detail stakeholders' interests, relative influence, and how outcomes of research are likely to impact different stakeholders. We apply these approaches to eastern Germany, where the increase in several wildlife populations (i.e., wild boar, common crane, gray wolf, and European bison) has contributed to conflict with people. We demonstrate the complementarity of FoPIA, SEEDS, and 3i in identifying stakeholder needs and showing how wildlife dynamics may affect coexistence and create imbalanced ecosystem service and disservice distributions. The integrated framework introduced here provides guidelines for analyzing the multistage process of stakeholder participation and enables a comprehensive approach to the complex challenge of HWCs.
Factors leading to successful island rodent eradications following initial failure
Authors: Samaniego Araceli , Kappes Peter , Broome Keith , Cranwell Steve , Griffiths Richard , Harper Grant , McClelland Pete , Palmer Russell , Rocamora Gérard , Springer Keith , Will David , Siers Shane 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIsland rodent eradications are increasingly conducted to eliminate the negative impacts of invasive rodents. The success rate in the tropics has been lower than in temperate regions, triggering research and reviews. Environmental factors unique to the tropics (e.g., land crabs and year‐round rodent breeding) have been associated with eradication failure. Operational factors have also been important, but these have not been comprehensively assessed. The environmental and operational factors using global cases where rodent eradication initially failed and subsequent attempts occurred were compared. It was determined whether operational factors explained the initial failures, whether operational improvements explained subsequent successes, and whether re‐attempting eradication after failure was worthwhile. About 35 eradication attempts on 17 islands, each with 1–2 species from a total of 5 species (Mus musculus and 4 Rattus spp.) were identified. On 14 islands (82%), eradication was achieved on the second (86%) or third attempt (14%). On the remaining 3 islands, eradication was not achieved. Evidence of operational faults for all failed attempts was found (e.g., poor planning, low quality bait, and gaps during bait application). In some cases, operational faults were unequivocally the cause of failure, but in others, it was impossible to discriminate from confounding, environmental factors. Nonetheless, failures appeared to be mainly the result of not exposing all rodents to a lethal dose of toxin, violating a crucial eradication principle. This can cause operational failure on any temperate or tropical island. However, there may be less tolerance for errors such as gaps in bait coverage on tropical islands, mainly due to bait consumption by land crabs. The findings on factors leading to eradication success (e.g., expert reviewed plans, realistic funding and permits, high standard baiting operations) reflect current best practice recommendations. Strict adherence to best practice is expected to increase overall rates of eradication success.
Outcomes for children with acquired brain injury (ABI) admitted to acute neurorehabilitation
Authors: Keetley Rachel , Bennett Emily , Williams Jane , Stewart Iain , Whitehouse William P , Pilling Pauline , Manning Joseph C 
Published: March 2021

AimTo evaluate an innovative paediatric neurorehabilitation model in relation to improving quality of neurorehabilitation and reducing length of stay (LOS) for children with acquired brain injury.MethodA process evaluation approach was conducted in line with Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions guidance. Analysis was conducted on routinely collected patient data from 2017 to 2018, including LOS and family feedback. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsOutcomes for 70 children (0–16y, median age 5y, IQR 1–11y, 46 males, 24 females) referred to the service indicated improved function and reduced complexity of need. The mean LOS was 10.6 days compared to baseline mean LOS of 41 days (2011–2012). High satisfaction from the families was recorded; however, ongoing needs and service gaps regarding long‐term support were identified.InterpretationThis service model is effective in delivering quality paediatric neurorehabilitation, demonstrating a sustained impact on LOS, and positive patient outcome data and family feedback for this group of patients.
What this paper adds

Investment in early intensive neurorehabilitation and supported discharge impacts length of stay (LOS) for children with acquired brain injury.

Early intensive neurorehabilitation and supported discharge is effective.

This is demonstrated by a sustained reduction in LOS, positive patient outcomes, and family feedback.
The concentration and size distribution of iron‐rich colloids in pore waters are related to soil organic matter content and pore water calcium concentration
Authors: Moens Claudia , Montalvo Daniela , Smolders Erik 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIron (Fe)‐rich colloids in the environment have a high surface reactivity and facilitate transport of oxyanions and trace metal cations in soil. This study was set up to help identify the soil properties that might affect the concentrations of colloidal Fe and its size distribution in pore waters of soils. The pore water was isolated by centrifugation from a collection of 97 topsoils with contrasting properties and land use. The total Fe concentration in the pore waters ranged between 0.2 and 26 μM (10th–90th percentile) and was largest at low soil solution calcium (Ca) and high dissolved organic carbon (DOC), indicating that enhanced colloidal stability determines total Fe in solution. The colloidal size distribution (<100 nm) of Fe in the pore waters of 11 soils was determined with flow field flow fractionation (FlFFF‐UV‐ICP‐MS), which yielded three different fractions that varied strikingly among soils. The smallest fraction (<5 nm) of Fe co‐eluted with high DOC and copper (Cu), suggesting mononuclear Fe‐organic carbon (OC) complexes. This fraction increased with an increasing DOC/Fe ratio in pore waters. The 5–50‐nm fraction of Fe prevailed in soils with >3.5% organic carbon (%OC), whereas the 50–100‐nm fraction was dominant in soils with low %OC content. This suggests that natural organic matter inhibits crystallization and growth of mineral Fe particles. The elemental ratios of mineral colloids (>5 nm) indicated the presence of clay minerals and Fe oxyhydroxides, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. This study thus identified soil %OC and Ca in soil solution as the dominant factors predicting both the concentration and size of pore water Fe colloids, with the smallest and, potentially, most mobile Fe colloids occurring in OC‐rich soils.Highlights
Pore water iron concentrations in topsoils are governed by colloid stability
Flow field flow fractionation analysis allows characterization of iron colloids in the low nanometre range
Iron colloid size and composition vary strikingly among soils
Small iron colloids prevail in organic carbon‐rich soils due to colloid growth inhibition