bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐124‐3p attenuates the development of nerve injury–induced neuropathic pain by targeting early growth response 1 in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Jiang Mingjun , Zhang Xuan , Wang Xueli , Xu Feng , Zhang Jian , Li Liren , Xie Xiaohang , Wang Li , Yang Yin , Xu Ji‐Tian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEmerging evidence indicates the early growth response 1 (Egr1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. However, the regulation of Egr1 expression in the DRG and spinal cord in neuropathic pain remains unclear. In the current study, the neuropathic pain was conducted by lumber 5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. The role of miR‐124‐3p in Egr1 expression was examined. Our results showed that the SNL led to a significant increase in the expression of Egr1 mRNA and protein in the DRG and dorsal horn. This increased expression of Egr1 correlated with a reduction of miR‐124‐3p in the same region. Prior i.t. injection of Egr1 decoy AYX1 inhibited the expression of Egr1 and attenuated the neuropathic pain‐like hypersensitivity following SNL. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed the luciferase activity of the Egr1 3′‐UTR plasmid was inhibited by the miR‐124‐3p agomir. But this inhibition was completely reversed in the mutant 3′‐UTR Egr1 group. In vivo, the SNL‐induced behavioral signs of neuropathic pain and the increases in Egr1 mRNA and protein in the DRG and dorsal horn were prevented by prior to i.t. injection of miR‐124‐3p agomir. While, i.t. injection of miR‐124‐3p antagomir in naïve rats resulted in mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and an overexpression of Egr1 in the DRG and dorsal horn. Together, our results suggest that the miR‐124‐3p‐regulated Egr1 expression in the DRG and dorsal horn contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. Targeting miR‐124‐3p might be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of chronic pain.
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α‐Conotoxin Bt1.8 from Conus betulinus selectively inhibits α6/α3β2β3 and α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes
Authors: Ning Huying , Huang Biling , Tae Han‐Shen , Liu Zhuguo , Yu Shuo , Li Liang , Zhang Longxiao , Adams David J. , Guo Chenyun , Dai Qiuyun 
Published: May 2021

Abstractα‐Conotoxins are small disulfide‐rich peptides found in the venom of marine cone snails and are potent antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). They are valuable pharmacological tools and have potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of chronic pain or neurological diseases and disorders. In the present study, we synthesized and functionally characterized a novel α‐conotoxin Bt1.8, which was cloned from Conus betulinus. Bt1.8 selectively inhibited ACh‐evoked currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing rat(r) α6/α3β2β3 and rα3β2 nAChRs with an IC50 of 2.1 nM and 9.4 nM, respectively, and similar potency for human (h) α6/α3β2β3 and hα3β2 nAChRs. Additionally, Bt1.8 had higher binding affinity with a slower dissociation rate for the rα6/α3β2β3 subtype compared to rα3β2. The amino acid sequence of Bt1.8 is significantly different from other reported α‐conotoxins targeting the two nAChR subtypes. Further Alanine scanning analyses demonstrated that residues Ile9, Leu10, Asn11, Asn12 and Asn14 are critical for its inhibitory activity at the α6/α3β2β3 and α3β2 subtypes. Moreover, the NMR structure of Bt1.8 indicated the presence of a relatively larger hydrophobic zone than other α4/7‐conotoxins which may explain its potent inhibition at α6/α3β2β3 nAChRs.
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Food system and social reproduction realities for women in agriculture across the Caribbean: Evidence from Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Authors: Barry Tessa , Gahman Levi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article provides evidence of the food system challenges and structural barriers faced by women farmers and food producers in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The aim of the piece is to add to critical literatures on political economy, development and food systems in the Majority World via recognizing the political agency of rural grassroots women in the Caribbean. To do so, we focus on the role that social reproduction has in the lives of working Caribbean women who are engaged in agricultural production. The analysis we offer was generated via a mix‐method project that included 111 farmers and agro‐processors from Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We deliberately centre the perspectives of Afrodescendant rural women. Our study reveals the main barriers faced by women in agriculture are lack of access to land, concessions and capital; non‐gender responsive Agricultural Extension Services; an absence of national and sectorial gender policies; and ongoing dismissals of the time and effort that goes into unwaged socially reproductive labour. In illustrating these realities, we cast light on how the barriers faced by women food producers in the OECS are inextricably linked to persistent colonial‐plantation relations, patriarchal social norms and liberal‐capitalist logics.
Organisational and individual resources as antecedents of older nursing professionals’ organisational commitment: Investigating the mediating effect of the use of selection, optimisation and compensation strategies
Authors: Salminen Hanna , von Bonsdorff Monika , Vanhala Mika , McPhee Deborah , Miettinen Merja 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAim and objectivesTo investigate how organisational and individual resources are linked to older (50+) nursing professionals’ organisational commitment, and to examine the possible mediating role of the active use of selection, optimisation and compensation (SOC) strategies.BackgroundMany healthcare organisations need to find ways to retain their older nursing professionals due to nursing shortage.DesignTo test a set of hypotheses, cross‐sectional survey data (n = 396) were used. Data were analysed using correlation analysis and partial least‐squares structural equation modelling. STROBE Statement for cross‐sectional studies has been followed in this study.ResultsThe results exhibited that both individual and organisational resources and the active use of SOC strategies were positively associated with older nursing professionals’ organisational commitment. The active use of SOC strategies had a partially mediating role in the relationship between individual resource (career management self‐efficacy) and organisational commitment. Similarly, career management self‐efficacy partially mediated the association between organisational resources (perceived high‐involvement work practices) and organisational commitment.ConclusionsRegarding the retention of older nursing professionals, attention should be paid to both individual and organisational resources and the active use of SOC strategies.Relevance for clinical practiceBy providing opportunities to actively use SOC strategies and by paying attention to career management self‐efficacy among older nursing professionals, nursing managers may influence the retention of the older nursing workforce. Similarly, supportive organisational practices can support older nursing professionals’ career management self‐efficacy and their organisational commitment.
Scale dependence of species–area relationships is widespread but generally weak in Palaearctic grasslands
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Gillet François , Bartha Sándor , Alatalo Juha Mikael , Biurrun Idoia , Dembicz Iwona , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Jaunatre Renaud , Pielech Remigiusz , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Vynokurov Denys , Widmer Stefan , Aleksanyan Alla , Bhatta Kuber Prasad , Campos Juan Antonio , Czortek Patryk , Dolezal Jiri , Essl Franz , García‐Mijangos Itziar , Guarino Riccardo , Güler Behlül , Hájek Michal , Kuzemko Anna , Li Frank Yonghong , Löbel Swantje , Moradi Halime , Naqinezhad Alireza , Silva Vasco , Šmerdová Eva , Sonkoly Judit , Stifter Simon , Talebi Amir , Török Péter , White Hannah , Wu Jianshuang , Dengler Jürgen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractQuestionsSpecies–area relationships (SARs) are fundamental for understanding biodiversity patterns and are generally well described by a power law with a constant exponent z. However, z‐values sometimes vary across spatial scales. We asked whether there is a general scale dependence of z‐values at fine spatial grains and which potential drivers influence it.LocationPalaearctic biogeographic realm.MethodsWe used 6,696 nested‐plot series of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens from the GrassPlot database with two or more grain sizes, ranging from 0.0001 m² to 1,024 m² and covering diverse open habitats. The plots were recorded with two widespread sampling approaches (rooted presence = species “rooting” inside the plot; shoot presence = species with aerial parts inside). Using Generalized Additive Models, we tested for scale dependence of z‐values by evaluating if the z‐values differ with gran size and tested for differences between the sampling approaches. The response shapes of z‐values to grain were classified by fitting Generalized Linear Models with logit link to each series. We tested whether the grain size where the maximum z‐value occurred is driven by taxonomic group, biogeographic or ecological variables.ResultsFor rooted presence, we found a strong monotonous increase of z‐values with grain sizes for all grain sizes below 1 m². For shoot presence, the scale dependence was much weaker, with hump‐shaped curves prevailing. Among the environmental variables studied, latitude, vegetation type, naturalness and land use had strong effects, with z‐values of secondary peaking at smaller grain sizes.ConclusionsThe overall weak scale dependence of z‐values underlines that the power function generally is appropriate to describe SARs within the studied grain sizes in continuous open vegetation, if recorded with the shoot presence method. When clear peaks of z‐values occur, this can be seen as an expression of granularity of species composition, partly driven by abiotic environment.
The status of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) as a technologically feasible species for U.S. marine aquaculture
Authors: Blaylock Reginald , Saillant Eric , Apeitos Angelos , Abrego David , Cason Paul , Vega Robert 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCulture models and facilities for large‐scale, commercial production of popular Gulf of Mexico species are unavailable. The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most popular recreational fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. Seatrout culture techniques were adapted from red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) protocols developed in the 1970s. Broodstock husbandry, spawning, and extensive pond rearing techniques using fertilized and bloomed brackish ponds were well‐established by the 1980s. By 2018, approximately 80 million 25–30‐day old seatrout had been produced, mainly for stock enhancement. Cannibalism and poor nutrition hindered intensive tank culture. Between 2005 and 2015, an intensive tank‐rearing protocol that reduced cannibalism and intracohort variability and increased average survival to almost 50% was developed using algal concentrate, rotifers, brine shrimp (Artemia sp.), and microencapsulated feeds. Preliminary results suggested that a 500 g fish could be produced in approximately 10 months. Nevertheless, interest in commercialization has remained low. Zootechnical performance throughout the latter stages of culture, the economics of production, consumer preferences/perceptions, and market capacity must be documented to complete the assessment of the spotted seatrout as a species for commercial aquaculture. The optimization of aquafeeds specific for seatrout and a domestication program is warranted to further facilitate industry growth.
Combination antiretroviral therapy improves recurrent primary biliary cholangitis following liver transplantation
Authors: Lytvyak Ellina , Niazi Mina , Pai Rohit , He Daniel , Zhang Guangzhi , Hübscher Stefan G. , Mason Andrew L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecurrent primary biliary cholangitis (rPBC) is frequent following liver transplantation and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It has been argued that rPBC behaves like an infectious disease because more potent immunosuppression with tacrolimus is associated with earlier and more severe recurrence. Prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid is an established therapeutic option to prevent rPBC, whereas the role of second line therapies, such as obeticholic acid and bezafibrate in rPBC, remains largely unexplored. To address the hypothesis that a human betaretrovirus plays a role in the development of PBC, we have tested antiretroviral therapy in vitro and conducted randomised controlled trials showing improvements in hepatic biochemistry. Herein, we describe the utility of combination antiretroviral therapy to manage rPBC in two patients treated with open label tenofovir/emtricitabine‐based regimens in combination with either lopinavir or raltegravir. Both patients experienced sustained biochemical and histological improvement with treatment, but the antiretroviral therapy was associated with side effects.
Unraveling the predictive role of temperature in the gut microbiota of the sea urchin Echinometra sp. EZ across spatial and temporal gradients
Authors: Ketchum Remi N. , Smith Edward G. , Vaughan Grace O. , McParland Dain , Al‐Mansoori Noura , Burt John A. , Reitzel Adam M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractShifts in microbial communities represent a rapid response mechanism for host organisms to respond to changes in environmental conditions. Therefore, they are likely to be important in assisting the acclimatization of hosts to seasonal temperature changes as well as to variation in temperatures across a species’ range. The Persian/Arabian Gulf is the world's warmest sea, with large seasonal fluctuations in temperature (20℃ ‐ 37℃) and is connected to the Gulf of Oman which experiences more typical oceanic conditions (<32℃ in the summer). This system is an informative model for understanding how symbiotic microbial assemblages respond to thermal variation across temporal and spatial scales. Here, we elucidate the role of temperature on the microbial gut community of the sea urchin Echinometra sp. EZ and identify microbial taxa that are tightly correlated with the thermal environment. We generated two independent datasets with a high degree of geographic and temporal resolution. The results show that microbial communities vary across thermally variable habitats, display temporal shifts that correlate with temperature, and can become more disperse as temperatures rise. The relative abundances of several ASVs significantly correlate with temperature in both independent datasets despite the >300 km distance between the furthest sites and the extreme seasonal variations. Notably, over 50% of the temperature predictive ASVs identified from the two datasets belonged to the family Vibrionaceae. Together, our results identify temperature as a robust predictor of community‐level variation and highlight specific microbial taxa putatively involved in the response to thermal environment.
Can Lebanon's Economy Be Saved? A Plan for Revival
Authors: Dagher Leila , Nehme Raoul 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe recent financial and economic meltdown in Lebanon is the result of 30 years of social, economic, financial, and fiscal mismanagement, amplified by the Covid‐19 pandemic and further exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion. Lebanese citizens’ trust, as well as the international community's trust in the government, have unfortunately been destroyed. Consequently, Lebanon's sole option is to rebuild confidence in the government and public institutions by implementing economic reforms and to seek an IMF program to pave the way for additional financing from other international sources. The most important confidence‐building step is a clear financial and economic plan that has the support of all key stakeholders. This article presents a road map for a reforms‐driven, export‐led growth strategy for Lebanon. Ultimately, the goal is to jump‐start the economy and put it on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth. Such growth should be grounded in a small, open‐economy model and driven by low tariffs, a flexible exchange rate regime, and a dynamic export sector built on competitive and comparative advantages. This plan partially builds on proposals and recommendations provided by previous economic plans and policy notes.
Home‐field advantage of litter decomposition: from the phyllosphere to the soil
Authors: Fanin Nicolas , Lin Dunmei , Freschet Grégoire T. , Keiser Ashley D. , Augusto Laurent , Wardle David A. , Veen G. F. (Ciska) 
Published: May 2021

SummaryPlants often associate with specialized decomposer communities that increase plant litter breakdown, a phenomenon that is known as the ‘home‐field advantage’ (HFA). Although the concept of HFA has long considered only the role of the soil microbial community, explicit consideration of the role of the microbial community on the foliage before litter fall (i.e. the phyllosphere community) may help us to better understand HFA. We investigated the occurrence of HFA in the presence vs absence of phyllosphere communities and found that HFA effects were smaller when phyllosphere communities were removed. We propose that priority effects and interactions between phyllosphere and soil organisms can help explain the positive effects of the phyllosphere at home, and suggest a path forward for further investigation.
Functional specificity, diversity, and redundancy of Arabidopsis JAZ family repressors in jasmonate and COI1‐regulated growth, development, and defense
Authors: Liu Bei , Seong Kyungyong , Pang Shihai , Song Junqiao , Gao Hua , Wang Cuili , Zhai Jiaqi , Zhang Yue , Gao Shang , Li Xuedong , Qi Tiancong , Song Susheng 
Published: May 2021

Summary

In response to jasmonates (JAs), the JA receptor Coronatine Insensitive 1 (COI1) recruits JA‐zinc‐finger inflorescence meristem (ZIM)‐domain (JAZ) family repressors for destruction to regulate plant growth, development, and defense. As Arabidopsis encodes 13 JAZ repressors, their functional specificity, diversity, and redundancy in JA/COI1‐mediated responses remain unclear.

We generated a broad range of jaz mutants based on their phylogenetic relationship to investigate their roles in JA responses. The group I JAZ6 may play an inhibitory role in resistance to Botrytis cinerea, group II (JAZ10)/III (JAZ11/12) in JA‐regulated root growth inhibition and susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000, and group IV JAZ3/4/9 in flowering time delay and defense against insects. JAZs exhibit high redundancy in apical hook curvature.

The undecuple jaz1/2/3/4/5/6/7/9/10/11/12 (jaz1‐7,9‐12) mutations enhance JA responses and suppress the phenotypes of coi1‐1 in flowering time, rosette growth, and defense. The JA hypersensitivity of jaz1‐7,9‐12 in root growth, hook curvature, and leaf yellowing is blocked by coi1‐1. jaz1‐7,9‐12 does not influence the stamen phenotypes of wild‐type and coi1‐1. jaz1‐7,9‐12 affects JA‐regulated transcriptional profile and recovers a fraction of that in coi1‐1.

This study contributes to elucidating the specificity, diversity, and redundancy of JAZ members in JA/COI1‐regulated growth, development, and defense responses.
Malignant transformation of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramos‐García Pablo , González‐Moles Miguel Ángel , Mello Fernanda Weber , Bagan Jose V. , Warnakulasuriya Saman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the available evidence on the malignant transformation (MT) of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL).Material and MethodsWe searched six main electronic and three grey literature databases in a two‐phase process. Cohort studies investigating MT of PVL were eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using a specific tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Proportion meta‐analyses were performed using a random‐effects model.ResultsStudy selection resulted in the inclusion of 17 studies. The pooled proportion of MT was 43.87% (95% CI = 31.93–56.13). Females (64.02%, 95% CI = 54.87–72.75) were more affected by PVL than males (35.98%, 95% CI = 27.25–45.13). Gingiva (39.6%) and buccal mucosa (21.6%) were the most frequent PVL sites. No conclusive results were found between MT and sex or age distribution, tobacco, or alcohol consumption. Gingiva was the most common site for MT (39.9%), and the most frequent histopathological subtype was conventional squamous cell carcinoma (62.1%). Four studies were classified as low, nine as moderate, and four as high RoB.ConclusionThe MT pooled proportion was 43.87%. Among OPMDs, PVL has the highest risk to transform to malignancy. Development and agreement on diagnostic criteria for PVL would reduce the heterogeneity among future studies.
Production of complementary defense metabolites reflects a co‐evolutionary arms race between a host plant and a mutualistic bark beetle‐fungal complex
Authors: Ullah Aziz , Klutsch Jennifer G. , Erbilgin Nadir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntra‐specific variation in conifers has been extensively studied with respect to defense against herbivores and pathogens. While studies have shown the ability of individual or specific mixtures of compounds to influence insects and microbes, research testing biologically relevant mixtures of defense compounds reflecting intra‐specific variation amongst tree populations to enemy complexes is needed. We characterized the variations in lodgepole pine monoterpenes from a progeny trial in western Canada and grouped trees in four clusters using their monoterpene profiles. We then selected 11 representative families across four clusters and amended their entire monoterpene profiles (with the exception of β‐phellandrene) in media to determine how representative families affect the performance of the mountain pine beetle or its fungal symbiont. We placed adult beetles or inoculated fungus on the amended media and measured beetle performance and fungal growth as a proxy to host suitability. We found that different clusters or families differentially influenced beetle or fungal responses. However, monoterpene profiles of trees suitable to the beetle or the fungus were dissimilar. These outcomes reflect a co‐evolutionary arms‐race between the host and the bark beetle‐fungus complex, which has resulted in the production of complementary defense metabolites among different pine populations to enhance tree survival.
Measuring Institutional Design in U.S. States
Authors: LaCombe Scott J. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe role of institutions in state politics has been recognized for decades. However, most of this research has evaluated the role of a single institution at a time, such as the role of the ballot initiative or legislative professionalism. Little is known about how institutions may have counterbalancing or reinforcing effects.MethodI propose evaluating institutions collectively much in the way that comparative politics scholars have evaluated the collective set of institutions that create levels of democracy.ResultsThrough an exploratory factor analysis, I find that state institutions can primarily be understood along two dimensions, accountability pressure and checks and balances. I use a Bayesian factor analysis of mixed data to generate institutional scores for all 50 states along both dimensions from 1975 to 2016.ConclusionTheses scores will be a resource to understand how a state`s collective institutional environment affects a wide variety of phenomena, from policy responsiveness to voter turnout or policy innovation.