bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sea dispersal potential and colonization of the Galápagos littoral flora
Authors: Fuster‐Calvo Alexandre , Nogales Manuel , Heleno Ruben , Vera Carlos , Vargas Pablo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimSeed dispersal by oceanic currents (thalassochory) is considered one of the main long‐distance dispersal (LDD) mechanisms for the colonization of oceanic islands by plants. Diaspores of littoral species are often hypothesized to be physiologically adapted to seawater dispersal, favouring interisland colonization. In this study, we experimentally tested the sea dispersal potential of a large proportion of Galápagos littoral flora and explored its correlation with plant distribution across the archipelago. We propose a simple Sea Dispersal Potential index (SDPi) to quantify the thalassochorous potential of any species.LocationGalápagos archipelago.TaxonLittoral angiosperms.MethodsWe combined information on seed floatability (flotation time) and viability experiments (tetrazolium test) into an SDPi for 19 native littoral plants and tested whether increasing dispersal potential is associated with broader interisland distributions. We then tested if the presence of morphological structures related to thalassochory is associated with the functional SDPi.ResultsA relatively low, albeit highly variable, SDPi across Galápagos littoral plant species was found. No correlation was found between SDPi and species distributions. Morphological traits hypothesized to favour sea dispersal are not related to thalassorous potentials to reach closest islands, but they are positively associated with SDPi to reach the farthest islands.Main conclusionsSDPi is shown to be a useful tool to compare the thalassochorous potentials of entire floras in a given geographical context. The low performance of most of the species questions the general assumption that most littoral plants are highly adapted to long‐distance sea dispersal. Our results support the view that island colonization is a multifactorial process and that the use of dispersal syndromes is insufficient to make biogeographical predictions in macroecology studies. Further research should integrate functional indices (e.g., SDPi) with complementary tools (genetics, remote diaspore tracking) to determine the actual drivers of species dispersal and establishment.
The impact of basic atrial rhythm during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes: Lessons from the German Ablation Registry
Authors: Rottner Laura , Brachmann Johannes , Lewalter Thorsten , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Willems Stephan , Eckardt Lars , Hochadel Matthias , Andresen Dietrich , Senges Jochen , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of basic atrial rhythm (sinus rhythm [SR] vs. atrial fibrillation [AF]) during AF ablation on efficacy and safety is unknown.MethodsAbout 3375 patients from the German Ablation Registry undergoing first‐time AF ablation were divided according to the type of AF and the basic atrial rhythm during the ablation procedure: paroxysmal AF (PAF) and SR [group Ia], PAF and AF [group Ib]), persistent AF and SR (IIa), and persistent AF and AF (IIb).ResultsPatients in SR (n = 2312 [67%]) underwent cryoballoon ablation more often (Ia vs. Ib p = .002 and IIa vs. IIb p = .010, whereas in patients in AF (n = 1063 [33%]) radiofrequency (RF)‐based ablation (Ia vs. Ib p = .006 and IIa vs. IIb p = .014) including left and/or right atrial substrate modification was more frequently performed. Depending on the basic rhythm there was no difference regarding arrhythmia recurrence during long‐term follow‐up. For patients suffering from persistent AF acute procedure‐related complications were more often documented when ablated in AF (9.1% vs. 4.6%, p = .012). which was mainly driven by the higher occurrence of pericardial effusion/tamponade. For patients suffering from persistent AF, favorable results were found regarding 366‐day Kaplan–Meier estimates of the incidence of MACCE (death, myocardial infarction, and stroke; p = .011) and the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and major bleeding (p = .006), when ablated in SR.ConclusionBasic atrial rhythm at the time of AF ablation did not affect long‐term rhythm outcome. For patients suffering from persistent AF a more favorable acute and long‐term safety profile was observed when ablated in SR.
Sparstolonin B exerts beneficial effects on prostate cancer by acting on the reactive oxygen species‐mediated PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Liu Shaozhuang , Hu Jiapeng , Shi Changlong , Sun Li , Yan Wentao , Song Yongsheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProstate cancer is a major health concern in males worldwide, owing to its high incidence. Sparstolonin B (SsnB), a component of the Chinese herbal medicine Sparganium stoloniferum, is used to treat many diseases. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of SsnB in prostate cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SsnB on cellular processes and tumour growth. In particular, we verified that SsnB could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis by activating G2/M phase arrest in vitro based on a series of cytological experiments. In vivo, we found that SsnB could inhibit tumour growth in nude mouse xenograft models. We further confirmed that SsnB could repress the PI3K/AKT pathway by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative stress. Collectively, SsnB inhibits tumour growth and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer via the suppression of the ROS‐mediated PI3K/AKT pathway and may be a new alternative to adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer.
Validity of the Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale for institutionalised cognitively impaired Dutch adults
Authors: Boerlage A. A. , Sneep L. , van Rosmalen J. , van Dijk M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale (REPOS) has not yet been validated for institutionalised cognitively impaired adults. To fill this gap of knowledge, we tested psychometric properties of the REPOS when used for pain assessment in this population.MethodsIn this multicentre observational study, residents were filmed during a possibly painful moment and at rest. Healthcare professionals were asked to rate residents' pain by means of a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)‐proxy. Two researchers assessed pain with the REPOS and the Chronic Pain Scale for Non Verbal Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (CPS‐NAID) from video‐recordings.ResultsIn total, 168 observations from 84 residents were assessed. Inter‐observer reliability between the two researchers was good, with Cohen's kappa 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 0.79]. Correlation between the REPOS and CPS‐NAID for a possibly painful moment was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.79). Sensitivity (85%) and specificity (61%) for the detection of pain were calculated with REPOS ≥ 3 and NRS ≥ 4 as a reference value. Item response theory analysis shows that the item grimace displayed perfect discrimination between residents with and without pain.ConclusionThe REPOS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess pain in cognitively impaired individuals.
Activation of spinal PDGFRβ in microglia promotes neuronal autophagy via p38 MAPK pathway in morphine‐tolerant rats
Authors: Jia Xiaoqian , Zhang Anqi , Li Zheng , Peng Xiaoling , Tian Xuebi , Gao Feng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe adverse side effects of opioids, especially antinociceptive tolerance, limit their clinical application. A recent study reported that platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) blockage selectively inhibited morphine tolerance. Autophagy has been reported to contribute to the cellular and behavioral responses to morphine. However, little is known about the relationship between PDGFRβ and autophagy in the mechanisms of morphine tolerance. In this study, rats were intrathecally administered with morphine twice daily for 7 days to induce antinociceptive tolerance, which was evaluated using a tail‐flick latency test. By administration autophagy inhibitor 3‐Methyladenine, PDGFRβ inhibitor imatinib, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 hydrochloride and minocycline hydrochloride, western blot, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to elucidate the roles of PDGFRβ, autophagy, and related signaling pathways in morphine tolerance. This study demonstrated for the first time that spinal PDGFRβ in microglia promotes autophagy in gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons through activating p38 MAPK pathway during the development of morphine tolerance, which suggest a potential strategy for preventing the development of morphine tolerance clinically, thereby improving the use of opioids in pain management.image
miR‐373‐3p inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition via regulation of TGFβR2 in choriocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Yanjie , Li Xiaoru , Zuo Yanzhen , Xu Qian , Liu Lei , Wu Haiying , Chen Long , Zhang Ying , Liu Ying , Li Yuhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimPrevious studies have indicated that early metastasis is a major cause of mortality in patients with choriocarcinoma. However, what determines whether early metastasis of choriocarcinoma has occurred is unknown. The emerging role of miRNA in regulating cancer development and progression has been recognized. miR‐373 has been shown to play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, whether miR‐373 functions to promote choriocarcinoma metastasis is not clear. The purpose of this study is to determine the function of miR‐373‐3p in the progression of this cancer.MethodsIn this study, we first compared epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related markers, which were inversely correlated with miR‐373‐3p expression in trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cell lines. Using PCR and Western blot, upregulation of miR‐373‐3p was observed to inhibit EMT progression. Similarly, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that ectopic miR‐373‐3p overexpression inhibited the migration by transwell methods of choriocarcinoma cells.ResultsOur results revealed that miR‐373‐3p acted as an EMT inhibitor in JEG‐3 and JAR cells; this was due to its mediation of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signaling pathway, which was responsible for EMT. miRNA microarray analysis demonstrated that miR‐373‐3p interacted with the 3′ untranslated region of TGFβR2 mRNA, and then Western blot and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays verified this interaction.ConclusionOur findings suggest that miR‐373‐3p upregulation partly accounts for TGFβR2 downregulation and leads to a restraint of EMT and migration. miR‐373‐3p may therefore serve as a valuable potential target in the treatment of choriocarcinoma.
Institutionalized behavior, morality and domination: AHabitusin action model of violence
Authors: Velitchkova Ana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on lessons about habitus violence can teach and on implications of habitus‐based action for understanding violence. A habitus model of violence partially explains not only group differences but also individual and within‐individual variation in violence participation. In this model, experience with violence provides persons withembodied institutional competencesto respond with violence should they perceive a situation as calling for it. Because violent institutional practices, principles, and relations are not necessarily incorporated into habitus simultaneously—as they rely on different memory systems—the habitus concept can be dissected. A typology of habitus elements corresponding to different institutional elements is developed distinguishingbehavioral templates,moral templates, andrelational templatesfrom one another. Habitus fragmentation allowscross‐institutional transfer of habitus elementsdependent on nondeclarative memory. The case of gender‐based violence and political violence illustrates how habitus elements developed in one institutional environment can direct action in a different institutional context calling for taking gender seriously in politics on theoretical grounds. As an embodied structure produced by involvement in multiple institutional domains and comprising transferable embodied institutional competences, habitus is a mechanism linking the so‐called ‘private’ spheres of family and gender relations and the ‘public’ sphere of politics.
Contrasting demographic histories revealed in two invasive populations of the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans
Authors: Skrede Inger , Murat Claude , Hess Jaqueline , Maurice Sundy , Sønstebø Jørn Henrik , Kohler Annegret , Barry‐Etienne Dominique , Eastwood Dan , Högberg Nils , Martin Francis , Kauserud Håvard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGlobalization and international trade have impacted organisms around the world leading to a considerable number of species establishing in new geographic areas. Many organisms have taken advantage of human‐made environments, including buildings. One such species is the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans, which is the most aggressive wood‐decay fungus in indoor environments in temperate regions. Using population genomic analyses of 36 full genome sequenced isolates, we demonstrated that European and Japanese isolates are highly divergent and the populations split 3000–19,000 generations ago, probably predating human influence. Approximately 250 generations ago, the European population went through a tight bottleneck, probably corresponding to the fungus colonization of the built environment in Europe. The demographic history of these populations, probably lead to low adaptive potential. Only two loci under selection were identified using a Fst outlier approach, and selective sweep analyses identified three loci with extended haplotype homozygosity. The selective sweep analyses found signals in genes possibly related to decay of various substrates in Japan and in genes involved DNA replication and protein modification in Europe. Our results suggest that the dry rot fungus independently established in indoor environments in Europe and Japan and that invasive species can potentially establish large populations in new habitats based on a few colonizing individuals.
Exposure to obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals and obesity among youth of Latino or Hispanic origin in the United States and Latin America: A lifecourse perspective
Authors: Perng Wei , Cantoral Alejandra , Soria‐Contreras Diana C. , Betanzos‐Robledo Larissa , Kordas Katarzyna , Liu Yun , Mora Ana M. , Corvalan Camila , Pereira Anita , Cardoso Marly Augusto , Chavarro Jorge E. , Breton Carrie V. , Meeker John D. , Harley Kim G. , Eskenazi Brenda , Peterson Karen E. , Tellez‐Rojo Martha Maria 
Published: May 2021

SummaryFollowing a 2019 workshop led by the Center for Global Health Studies at the Fogarty International Center on the topic of childhood obesity prevention and research synergies transpiring from cross‐border collaborations, we convened a group of experts in the United States and Latin America to conduct a narrative review of the epidemiological literature on the role of obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the etiology of childhood obesity among Latino youth in the United States and Latin America. In addition to summarizing and synthesizing results from research on this topic published within the last decade, we place the findings within a lifecourse biobehavioral framework to aid in identification of unique exposure‐outcome relationships driven by both biological and behavioral research, identify inconsistencies and deficiencies in current literature, and discuss the role of policy regulations, all with the goal of identifying viable avenues for prevention of early life obesity in Latino/Hispanic populations.
Combinatorial advantage of Ses i 1‐specific IgE and basophil activation for diagnosis of sesame food allergy
Authors: Goldberg Michael R. , Appel Michael Y. , Nachshon Liat , Holmqvist Marie , Epstein‐Rigbi Naama , Levy Michael B. , Lidholm Jonas , Elizur Arnon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of sesame food allergy (SFA) is increasing worldwide with the potential of anaphylactic reactions upon exposure. Utility of specific component IgE testing as an alternative to the oral food challenge (OFC), the diagnostic standard, is being investigated.MethodsPatients (n = 42) with suspected SFA completed an open OFC to sesame. Diagnostic testing included serum levels of Ses i 1‐specific IgE, skin prick test with high‐protein extract, and basophil reactivity (% induced CD63 expression) for each patient. The diagnostic utility of these tests was evaluated at a 95% sensitivity, with the outcome measure being the number of OFCs required.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (64%) were diagnosed with SFA. Ses i 1 IgE differed significantly between allergic and tolerant patients (p = .0001). ROC curve analysis for Ses i 1 IgE yielded an AUC of 0.88 ± 0.05. Levels of Ses i 1 IgE correlated to induced CD63+ expression on basophils (p = .0001). Ses i 1 IgE was not sufficiently robust as a single step for diagnosis. Used concurrently, BAT and Ses i 1 IgE yielded correct positive classifications for 25 of 27 sesame‐allergic patients with two false positives (93% PPV). Both tests were negative in 5 non‐allergic patients. Patients with divergent Ses i 1 IgE and BAT results required OFC (n = 10, 24% of patients). Alternatively, sequential use of BAT, ruling in SFA followed by Ses i 1 IgE diagnosing non‐allergic patients, yielded a 89% PPV, with 19% requiring OFC.ConclusionSes i 1 IgE and BAT used together can decrease the need for OFC in most SFA patients. A prospective cohort trial is necessary to validate these results.
Mental health status of Italian elderly subjects during and after quarantine for the COVID‐19 pandemic: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Maggi Gianpaolo , Baldassarre Ivana , Barbaro Andrea , Cavallo Nicola Davide , Cropano Maria , Nappo Raffaele , Santangelo Gabriella 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe elderly are more vulnerable to COVID‐19 and therefore need to adopt long‐term social distancing measures. The duration of quarantine impacts the psychological status of the general population. However, until now no study has explored the psychological impact of the pandemic and quarantine together with longitudinal changes in the mental health status of Italian elderly.MethodsAn online questionnaire including an assessment of depression, anxiety, anger, post‐traumatic stress, subjective cognitive failures, resilience, coping style, and other dimensions related to the pandemic was completed by participants during (T0) and two months after the end (T1) of the quarantine.ResultsThe sample recruited at T0 included 334 elderly participants. About 45% of the participants experienced depression, anxiety, or anger. Moreover, more fear of getting infected was related to more severe depression, anxiety, and anger, but resilience was found to mediate these relationships. More severe depressive and anger symptoms were related to more severe cognitive failures. No significant difference was observed in mental health scores between T0 and T1.Finally, more severe depression at T0 was associated with the development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms at T1.ConclusionsThe fear of getting infected, probably due to perceived vulnerability to disease, seems to play a crucial role in the development of psychological symptoms in the elderly, but resilience seems to mediate the impact of fear. The presence of long‐term psychological consequences and the possible risk of developing PTS symptoms in the elderly suggest the need for targeted interventions to reduce possible long‐term psychological and cognitive consequences.
Electrophysiological indicators of sleep‐associated memory consolidation in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children
Authors: Joechner Ann‐Kathrin , Wehmeier Sarah , Werkle‐Bergner Markus 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn adults, the synchronized interplay of sleep spindles (SP) and slow oscillations (SO) supports memory consolidation. Given tremendous developmental changes in SP and SO morphology, it remains elusive whether across childhood the same mechanisms as identified in adults are functional. Based on topography and frequency, we characterize slow and fast SPs and their temporal coupling to SOs in 24 pre‐school children. Further, we ask whether slow and fast SPs and their modulation during SOs are associated with behavioral indicators of declarative memory consolidation as suggested by the literature on adults. Employing an individually tailored approach, we reliably identify an inherent, development‐specific fast centro‐parietal SP type, nested in the adult‐like slow SP frequency range, along with a dominant slow frontal SP type. Further, we provide evidence that the modulation of fast centro‐parietal SPs during SOs is already present in pre‐school children. However, the temporal coordination between fast centro‐parietal SPs and SOs is weaker and less precise than expected from research on adults. While we do not find evidence for a critical contribution of SP–SO coupling for memory consolidation, crucially, slow frontal and fast centro‐parietal SPs are each differentially related to sleep‐associated consolidation of items of varying quality. Whereas a higher number of slow frontal SPs is associated with stronger maintenance of medium‐quality memories, a higher number of fast centro‐parietal SPs is linked to a greater gain of low‐quality items. Our results demonstrate two functionally relevant inherent SP types in pre‐school children although SP–SO coupling is not yet fully mature.
Robust Decision Analysis under Severe Uncertainty and Ambiguous Tradeoffs: An Invasive Species Case Study
Authors: Sahlin Ullrika , Troffaes Matthias C. M. , Edsman Lennart 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBayesian decision analysis is a useful method for risk management decisions, but is limited in its ability to consider severe uncertainty in knowledge, and value ambiguity in management objectives. We study the use of robust Bayesian decision analysis to handle problems where one or both of these issues arise. The robust Bayesian approach models severe uncertainty through bounds on probability distributions, and value ambiguity through bounds on utility functions. To incorporate data, standard Bayesian updating is applied on the entire set of distributions. To elicit our expert's utility representing the value of different management objectives, we use a modified version of the swing weighting procedure that can cope with severe value ambiguity. We demonstrate these methods on an environmental management problem to eradicate an alien invasive marmorkrebs recently discovered in Sweden, which needed a rapid response despite substantial knowledge gaps if the species was still present (i.e., severe uncertainty) and the need for difficult tradeoffs and competing interests (i.e., value ambiguity). We identify that the decision alternatives to drain the system and remove individuals in combination with dredging and sieving with or without a degradable biocide, or increasing pH, are consistently bad under the entire range of probability and utility bounds. This case study shows how robust Bayesian decision analysis provides a transparent methodology for integrating information in risk management problems where little data are available and/or where the tradeoffs are ambiguous.
Propagation of economic shocks through global supply chains—Evidence from Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Kashiwagi Yuzuka , Todo Yasuyuki , Matous Petr 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study examines whether and how economic shocks from natural disasters propagate through supply chains to regions not directly hit by disasters. Although such propagation has been studied, less attention has been paid to heterogeneity across network characteristics of firms. Focusing on the impacts of a hurricane and using firm‐level data for major firms in the world that include supply‐chain ties among them, we find evidence of the intra‐national propagation of the shock in the United States. Our results further suggest that both input specificity and network density are important determinants of the level of propagation.