bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical tufa and karst streams support unique and threatened assemblages of aquatic Diptera, Empididae in Thailand
Authors: Plant Adrian R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAquatic Empididae (Diptera) in the subfamilies Hemerodromiinae and Clinocerinae were used as a model to provide the first appraisal of diversity, endemism, environmental preferences and anthropic threats to Diptera communities of calcareous streams and tufa ecosystems of tropical karst habitats of Thailand. Hemerodromia Mg. (Hemerodromiinae) was abundant and speciose with 17 spp., of which six were associated with tufa, two with calcareous streams, three occurred on both tufa and streams and six were eurytopic species also found away from karst. Clinocerinae were only represented by one rare species of Clinocera Mg. Local and regional‐scale endemism was apparent at species level in Hemerodromia. Assemblage similarity in tufa habitats decayed with distance but cluster analysis provided only weak support for community‐level endemism at any geographic scale. Ordination indicated that benthic substrate and canopy cover were the most important environmental variables for many species. The six obligate tufa species of Hemerodromia were absolutely associated with rapid shallow flows of water over tufa surfaces at waterfalls. Species richness and abundance varied through the monsoon cycle but there was little evidence of simple correlations with seasonal changes in water temperature, conductivity and pH. The hypothesis that cold‐adapted aquatic Empididae might have been marooned in cold emergent groundwaters at lower elevations was not supported. It is concluded that tropical tufa ecosystems in Thailand support distinctive, rich and often endemic populations of stenotopic species of considerable biological and conservation interest. Deteriorative changes linked to tourism, water abstraction and agricultural activity could threaten these unique communities.
Whiptail lizards (Aspidoscelis exsanguis) recognize invertebrate prey via cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Goldberg Jay K. , Pintel Genevieve , Pruett Jake A. , Weiss Stacey L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) present on the surface of arthropods are important mediators of both intraspecific and interspecific interactions. They are known to be important chemical cues that help predatory arthropods locate prey, yet less is known about if and how vertebrate insectivores use these nearly ubiquitous chemical cues. We examined behavioral responses of insectivorous lizards (Aspidoscelis exsanguis) to the CHCs of three different species of arthropod prey (crickets, ants, and spiders). We presented cotton swabs with either extracted CHCs or a solvent control to determine if lizards respond to CHCs in the absence of visual cues of prey. We found that CHCs not only increased the frequency of chemosensory behaviors performed by predatory lizards, but that they also elicit feeding‐like behavior from lizards (e.g., biting at the cotton swabs). These results indicate that lizards not only respond to arthropod CHCs, but that they are sufficient for prey‐recognition by our chosen lizard species. This finding lays the ground work for future studies to investigate the precise compounds that are used by foraging lizards, and how the chemical communication systems of arthropods respond to selection exerted by vertebrate predators.
Phenotypic plasticity under rapid global changes: The intrinsic force for future seagrasses survival
Authors: Pazzaglia Jessica , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Terlizzi Antonio , Marín‐Guirao Lázaro , Procaccini Gabriele 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoastal oceans are particularly affected by rapid and extreme environmental changes with dramatic consequences for the entire ecosystem. Seagrasses are key ecosystem engineering or foundation species supporting diverse and productive ecosystems along the coastline that are particularly susceptible to fast environmental changes. In this context, the analysis of phenotypic plasticity could reveal important insights into seagrasses persistence, as it represents an individual property that allows species’ phenotypes to accommodate and react to fast environmental changes and stress. Many studies have provided different definitions of plasticity and related processes (acclimation and adaptation) resulting in a variety of associated terminology. Here, we review different ways to define phenotypic plasticity with particular reference to seagrass responses to single and multiple stressors. We relate plasticity to the shape of reaction norms, resulting from genotype by environment interactions, and examine its role in the presence of environmental shifts. The potential role of genetic and epigenetic changes in underlying seagrasses plasticity in face of environmental changes is also discussed. Different approaches aimed to assess local acclimation and adaptation in seagrasses are explored, explaining strengths and weaknesses based on the main results obtained from the most recent literature. We conclude that the implemented experimental approaches, whether performed with controlled or field experiments, provide new insights to explore the basis of plasticity in seagrasses. However, an improvement of molecular analysis and the application of multi‐factorial experiments are required to better explore genetic and epigenetic adjustments to rapid environmental shifts. These considerations revealed the potential for selecting the best phenotypes to promote assisted evolution with fundamental implications on restoration and preservation efforts.
Measuring a Low Horizontal Hydraulic Gradient in a High Transmissivity Aquifer
Authors: McDonald John P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh transmissivity aquifers typically have low hydraulic gradients (i.e., a flat water table). Measuring low gradients using water levels can be problematic because measurement error may be greater than the true difference in water levels (i.e., a low signal‐to‐noise ratio). In this study, the feasibility of measuring a hydraulic gradient in the range of 10−6 to 10−5 m/m was demonstrated. The study was performed at a site where the depth to water from land surface ranged from 40.1 to 94.2 m and the aquifer transmissivity was estimated at 41,300 m2/d (hydraulic conductivity of 18,800 m/d). The goals of the study were to reduce measurement error as much as practicable and assess the importance of factors affecting water level measurement accuracy. Well verticality was the largest source of error (0.000 to 0.168 m; median of 0.014 m), and geodetic survey of casing elevations was the next most important source of error (0.002 to 0.013 m; median of 0.005 m). Variability due to barometric pressure fluctuations was not an important factor at the site. Hydraulic heads were measured to an accuracy of ±0.0065 m, and the average hydraulic gradient was estimated to be 8.0 × 10−6 (±0.9 × 10−6) m/m. The improvement in accuracy allowed for two reversals in the groundwater flow direction to be identified, after which the gradient averaged 2.5 × 10−5 (±0.4 × 10−5) m/m. This study showed it is possible to sufficiently control sources of error to measure hydraulic gradients in the 10−6 to 10−5 m/m range.
Incidence and survival of cutaneous melanoma in Belgium and the Netherlands from 2004 to 2016: striking differences and similarities of two neighbouring countries
Authors: Reyn B. , Van Eycken E. , Louwman M. , Henau K. , Schreuder K. , Brochez L. , Garmyn M. , Kukutsch N.A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous melanoma (CM) is a multifactorial disease, with both environmental and genetic factors involved. The incidence of CM has risen rapidly during the last decades, making it a growing public health problem.ObjectivesThe purpose of this retrospective study was to compare incidence and survival data of CM between two neighbouring countries, Belgium (BE) and the Netherlands (NL).MethodsData were collected by the Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR) and the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) from 1 January 2004 until 31 December 2016. Mucosal melanoma, in situ CM and melanoma in children from 0 to 14 years were excluded. Age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated using the World Standard Population (WSR) per 100 000 persons. Five‐year relative survival ratios were calculated using the Ederer II methodology.ResultsTotal number of CM was higher in NL (63 789) compared with BE (27 679). The WSR was 1.5 times higher in NL compared with BE (27.7 vs. 18.6/100 000/year). The WSR of stage IV tumours was higher in BE than in NL (0.3 vs. 0.2/100 000/year). Five‐year relative survival of stage IV tumours was higher in BE compared with NL (27.2% vs. 13.7%).ConclusionsIncidence of CM was higher in NL, indicating a higher risk of CM diagnosis. Stage IV tumours were relatively more frequent in BE for both sexes, while relative survival of stage IV tumours was higher in BE. As geographical location and latitude of both neighbouring countries are almost identical, other factors like differences in behaviour, follow‐up and/or treatment may explain these differences.
Association between Labeobarbus spp. (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) and environmental variables in the Luhoho basin (Eastern Congo River basin; DRC)
Authors: Kisekelwa Tchalondawa , Snoeks Jos , Zamba Armel Ibala , Amzati Gaston Sefu , Isumbisho Mwapu , Masilya Pascal Mulungula , Lemmens Pieter , Vreven Emmanuel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe African cyprinid genus Labeobarbus is characterized by a high polymorphism in mouth morphology. The association between four species of this genus (two chiselmouths, one rubberlip with a well‐developed fleshy mental lobe on the lower jaw, i.e., a fleshy appendage on the chin, and one usually with a poorly developed one) and 26 environmental variables was investigated in four affluents of the Luhoho River in the Albertine Highlands of the Upper Congo basin. A combination of univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that differences exist in habitat composition at localities where different Labeobarbus species were reported, and within different mouth phenotypes. The association of L. longidorsalis with the presence of cobbles and pebbles and of L. brauni with the presence of boulders suggests that the occurrence of chiselmouths phenotype is associated with stony habitats, whereas phenotypes with a mental lobe, i.e., Labeobarbus longifilis and L. paucisquamatus, mostly occupy habitats without stones. Differences in the distribution between these two species appear to be linked to physico‐chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity and water temperature rather than substrate type. The findings of this study are relevant for developing guidelines that aim effective local preservation and conservation of these Labeobarbus species.
How impaired is too impaired? Exploring futile neuropsychological test patterns as a function of dementia severity and cognitive screening scores
Authors: Kiselica Andrew M. , Johnson Ellen , Benge Jared F. 
Published: March 2021

Some older adults cannot meaningfully participate in the testing portion of a neuropsychological evaluation due to significant cognitive impairments. There are limited empirical data on this topic. Thus, the current study sought to provide an operational definition for a futile testing profile and examine cognitive severity status and cognitive screening scores as predictors of testing futility at both baseline and first follow‐up evaluations. We analysed data from 9,263 older adults from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Futile testing profiles occurred rarely at baseline (7.40%). There was a strong relationship between cognitive severity status and the prevalence of futile testing profiles, χ2(4) = 3559.77, p < .001. Over 90% of individuals with severe dementia were unable to participate meaningfully in testing. Severity range on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) also demonstrated a strong relationship with testing futility, χ2(3) = 3962.35, p < .001. The rate of futile testing profiles was similar at follow‐up (7.90%). There was a strong association between baseline dementia severity and likelihood of demonstrating a futile testing profile at follow‐up, χ2(4) = 1513.40, p < .001. Over 90% of individuals with severe dementia, who were initially able to participate meaningfully testing, no longer could at follow‐up. Similarly, there was a strong relationship between baseline MoCA score band and likelihood of demonstrating a futile testing profile at follow‐up, χ2(3) = 1627.37, p < .001. Results can help to guide decisions about optimizing use of limited neuropsychological assessment resources.
Endocranial morphology of the piciformes (Aves, Coraciimorphae): Functional and ecological implications
Authors: Demmel Ferreira María Manuela , Degrange Federico Javier , Tirao Germán Alfredo , Tambussi Claudia Patricia 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTWe used three‐dimensional digital models to investigate the brain and endosseous labyrinth morphology of selected Neotropical Piciformes (Picidae, Ramphastidae, Galbulidae and Bucconidae). Remarkably, the brain morphology of Galbulidae clearly separates from species of other families. The eminentiae sagittales of Galbulidae and Bucconidae (insectivorous with high aerial maneuverability abilities) are smaller than those of the toucans (scansorial frugivores). Galbula showed the proportionally largest cerebellum, and Ramphastidae showed the least foliated one. Optic lobes ratio relative to the telencephalic hemispheres showed a strong phylogenetic signal. Three hypotheses were tested: (a) insectivorous taxa that need precise and fast movements to catch their prey, have well developed eminentiae sagittales compared to fruit eaters, (b) species that require high beak control would show larger cerebellum compared to other brain regions and higher number of visible folia and (c) there are marked differences between the brain shape of the four families studied here that bring valuable information of this interesting bird group. Hypotheses H1 and H2 are rejected, meanwhile H3 is accepted.
Lnc‐RNA LINC01279 induces endometriosis via targeting of HOXA10
Authors: Liu Liling , Cheng Junping , Wei Fu , Pang Lihong , Zhi Zhifu , Yang Wenmei , Tan Weihong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA‐LINC01279 in endometriosis (EMs).MethodsBetween September 2018 and July 2019, 20 EMs patients and 20 healthy subjects were recruited to detect the expression of lncRNA‐LINC01279 in EMs and in normal endometrium via qRT‐PCR. Autograft was used to establish EMs models on Spraque–Dawley (SD) rats, which was followed by taking volume measurements of EMs endometrium and observing pathological changes in the morphology of EMs via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The qRT‐PCR technique was further carried out to determine mRNA expression of lncRNA‐LINC01279 and HOXA10 in the serum of EMs rats and LINC01279 shRNA‐transfected rats, while the protein expression of HOXA10 was determined using a Western blot.ResultsEMs patients presented with upregulation of lncRNA‐LINC01279 and downregulation of HOXA10 (p < 0.01 or 0.001). Online predictions further revealed that lncRNA‐LINC01279 regulated the expression of HOXA10 via miRNA‐135b. In EMs models, it was observed that there were a significantly enlarged endometrium and poor pathological morphology, significant upregulation of lncRNA‐LINC01279, and downregulation of miR‐135b and HOXA10 in serum (p < 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001). In the lncRNA‐LINC01279 shRNA group, EMs rats, following treatment, had a sharp decrease in the volume of EMs endometrium, and an improvement in pathological morphology, while lncRNA‐LINC01279 was downregulated, with upregulation of miR‐135b and HOXA10 (p < 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001).ConclusionLncRNA‐LINC01279, by the mechanism of targeting miR‐135b, has the potential to downregulate the expression of HOXA10, and therefore, can promote the development and progression of EMs.
Sex difference feeding behaviour of NOD SCID mice in a pharmacological model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tur Daria A. , Khotskin Nikita V. , Akulov Andrey E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the sex differences in the feeding behaviour of non‐obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD SCID) mice in a pharmacological model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1Dm). In our study, we chose NOD SCID mice of both sexes and assessed their feeding behaviour, body weight, body fat and water content under identical experimental conditions and diets. After 1 month of diabetes mellitus in mice in the experimental group, males and females did not show any increase in body weight, and they weighed significantly less than the control group. However, compared with the control group, in females with a background of T1Dm, there was a significant decrease in body fat. The amount of water consumed in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control groups. The amount of food consumed by males increased when they increased their water consumption, whereas food consumption in females decreased significantly with an increase in water consumption. Thus, we discovered sex differences in the feeding behaviour, body weight and body fat and water content in the pharmacological model of T1Dm after 1 month in NOD SCID mice.
The role of ion‐transporting proteins in the evolution of salt tolerance in charophyte algae
Authors: Phipps Shaunna , Goodman Charles A. , Delwiche Charles F. , Bisson Mary A. 
Published: March 2021

Species within the genus Chara have variable salinity tolerance. Their close evolutionary relationship with embryophytes makes their study crucial to understanding the evolution of salt tolerance and key evolutionary processes shared among the phyla. We examined salt‐tolerant Chara longifolia and salt‐sensitive Chara australis for mechanisms of salt tolerance and their potential role in adaptation to salt. We hypothesize that there are shared mechanisms similar to those in embryophytes, which assist in conferring salt tolerance in Chara, including a cation transporter (HKT), a Na+/H+ antiport (NHX), a H+‐ATPase (AHA), and a Na+‐ATPase (ENA). Illumina transcriptomes were created using cultures grown in freshwater and exposed to salt stress. The presence of these candidate genes, identified by comparing with genes known from embryophytes, has been confirmed in both species of Chara, with the exception of ENA, present only in salt‐tolerant C. longifolia. These transcriptomes provide evidence for the contribution of these mechanisms to differences in salt tolerance in the two species and for the independent evolution of the Na+‐ATPase. We also examined genes that may have played a role in important evolutionary processes, suggested by previous work on the Chara braunii genome. Among the genes examined, cellulose synthase protein (GT43) and response regulator (RRB) were confirmed in both species. Genes absent from all three Chara species were members of the GRAS family, microtubule‐binding protein (TANGLED1), and auxin synthesizers (YUCCA, TAA). Results from this study shed light on the evolutionary relationship between Chara and embryophytes through confirmation of shared salt tolerance mechanisms, as well as unique mechanisms that do not occur in angiosperms.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6‐induced hepcidin, a key mediator of periodontitis‐related anemia of inflammation
Authors: Han Ye , Huang Wenxue , Meng Huanxin , Zhan Yalin , Hou Jianxia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether anemia of inflammation (AI) occurs in periodontitis patients and to further explore underlying pathogenesis of periodontitis‐related AI by an experimental periodontitis model.BackgroundPrevious studies have reported periodontitis patients could show a tendency toward AI. However, the relationship between periodontitis and AI remains unclear, and the related pathological mechanisms have not been identified.Materials and MethodsPeriodontal clinical parameters, inflammatory markers, and anemia‐related indicators were compared between 98 aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients and 103 healthy subjects. An experimental periodontitis model was induced by ligature placement in mice. The changes in mice inflammatory markers, anemia indicators, hepcidin mRNA expression, and serum hepcidin concentrations were measured. Human and mouse liver cells were treated with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) for analyzing the changes in hepcidin expression based on mRNA and protein levels.ResultsAgP patients exhibited higher white blood cell counts, IL‐6, and C‐reactive protein. Adjusted linear regression analyses showed correlations between AgP and decreased hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT). The ligature‐induced periodontitis caused systemic inflammation and elevated IL‐6 levels. Lower red blood cell counts, HGB, and HCT were detected, whereas the levels of hepcidin mRNA expression and serum hepcidin concentrations increased. The treatment of hepatocytes with IL‐6 induced both hepcidin mRNA expression and hepcidin secretion.ConclusionsSystemic inflammation induced by periodontitis leads to an increased risk for AI. IL‐6‐induced hepcidin could play a central mediator role and act as a key pathologic mechanism. Our results demonstrate periodontitis may be considered as an additional inflammatory disease contributing to the development of AI.
Viral hepatitis C cascade of care: A population‐level comparison of immigrant and long‐term residents
Authors: Yasseen Abdool S. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Feld Jordan J. , Janjua Naveed Z. , Greenaway Christina , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Sherman Morris , Mazzulli Tony , Kustra Rafal , MacDonald Liane , Sander Beate , Crowcroft Natasha S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground & aimsViral hepatitis C represents a major global burden, particularly among immigrant‐receiving countries such as Canada, where knowledge of disparities in hepatitis C virus among immigrant groups for micro‐elimination efforts is lacking. We quantify the hepatitis C cascades of care among immigrants and long‐term residents prior to the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral medications.MethodsUsing laboratory and health administrative records, we described the hepatitis C virus cascades of care in terms of diagnosis, engagement with care, treatment initiation, and clearance in Ontario, Canada (1997‐2014). We stratified the cascade by immigrant and long‐term resident groups and identify drivers at each stage using multivariable Poisson regression.ResultsWe included 940 245 individuals in the study with an estimated hepatitis C prevalence of 167 923 (1.4%) overall, 23 759 (0.7%) among all immigrants, and 6019 (1.1%) among immigrants from hepatitis C endemic countries. Overall there were 104 616 individuals with reactive antibody results, 73 861 tested for viral RNA, 52 388 with viral RNA detected, 50 805 genotyped, 13 159 on treatment and 3919 with evidence of viral clearance. Compared to long‐term residents, immigrants showed increased nucleic‐acid testing (aRR: 1.09 [95%CI: 1.08, 1.10]), treatment initiation (aRR: 1.46 [95%CI: 1.38, 1.54]), and higher clearance rates (aRR: 1.07 [95%CI: 1.03, 1.11]).ConclusionsHepatitis C virus is more prevalent among long‐term residents compared to immigrants overall, however, immigrants from endemic countries are an important subgroup to consider for future screening and linkage to care initiatives. These findings are prior to the introduction of newer medications and provide a population‐based benchmark for follow‐up studies and evaluation of treatment programs and surveillance activities.
Turning Aboutness About
Authors: Sandgren Alexander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere are two families of influential and stubborn puzzles that many theories of aboutness (intentionality) face: underdetermination puzzles and puzzles concerning representations that appear to be about things that do not exist. I propose an approach that elegantly avoids both kinds of puzzle. The central idea is to explain aboutness (the relation supposed to stand between thoughts and terms and their objects) in terms of relations of co‐aboutness (the relation of being about the same thing that stands between the thoughts and terms themselves).