bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional polarization dynamics in US election data in the long term (2012–2020) and in the 2020 election cycle
Authors: Dinkelberg Alejandro , O'Reilly Caoimhe , MacCarron Pádraig , Maher Paul J. , Quayle Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe use a network‐based method to explore bifurcation in the multidimensional opinion‐based political identity structure from 2012 to 2020 in American National Election Studies data. We define polarization as ideological clustering which occurs when attitudes are linked or aligned across group‐relevant dimensions. We identify relevant dimensions with a theory‐driven approach and confirm them with the data‐driven Boruta method, validating the importance of these items for self‐reported political identity in these samples. To account for data sets having different sizes, we bootstrapped to obtain comparable samples. For each, a bipartite projection generates a network where edges represent similarity in responses between dyads. The data provide us with preidentified groups (Republicans and Democrats). We use them as our network communities and to calculate an edge‐based polarization. Results show bifurcation progressively increasing, with a striking increase from 2016 to 2020. We visualize these identity‐related shifts in opinion structure over time and discuss how polarization results from both between‐ and within‐group dynamics. We apply a similar method to a smaller data set (N = 294) to explore short‐term fluctuations before and after the 2020 election. Results suggest that between‐group polarization is more evident after than before the election, because in‐group opinion dynamics result in a more synchronized opinion‐space for Republicans.
Neuroendocrine cells in prostate cancer correlate with poor outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kannan Ashwini , Clouston David , Frydenberg Mark , Ilic Dragan , Karim Md Nazmul , Evans Sue M. , Toivanen Roxanne , Risbridger Gail P. , Taylor Renea A. 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature to understand the variation in the reporting of neuroendocrine staining and determine the influence of reporting neuroendocrine staining at diagnosis on patient outcomes.MethodsMedical databases were searched to identify studies in which adenocarcinoma specimens were stained with any of the following four neuroendocrine markers: chromogranin A (CgA), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin and CD56. The prevalence of neuroendocrine staining and correlation of the prevalence of neuroendocrine staining to patient outcomes were analysed using a random‐effects model. All statistical tests were two‐sided.ResultsSixty‐two studies spanning 7616 patients were analysed. The pooled prevalence for the most common marker, CgA (41%), was similar to that of NSE (39%) and higher than that of synaptophysin (31%). The prevalence of CgA staining was significantly influenced by reporting criteria, where objective thresholds reduced the variation in prevalence to 26%. No correlation was found between CgA prevalence and tumour grade. Patients positive for CgA staining using objective criteria had more rapid biochemical progression (hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49 to 2.65) and poorer prostate cancer‐specific survival (HR 7.03, 95% CI 2.55 to 19.39) compared to negative patients, even among those with low‐risk cancers.ConclusionDiscrepancies in the reported prevalence of neuroendocrine cells in adenocarcinoma are driven by the inconsistent scoring criteria. This study unequivocally demonstrates that when neuroendocrine cell staining is assessed with objective criteria it identifies patients with poor clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to determine the exact quantifiable thresholds for use in reporting neuroendocrine cell staining to identify patients at higher risk of progression.
Repurposing of Trimetazidine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A study in SOD1G93Amice
Authors: Scaricamazza Silvia , Salvatori Illari , Amadio Susanna , Nesci Valentina , Torcinaro Alessio , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Primiano Aniello , Gloriani Michela , Candelise Niccolò , Pieroni Luisa , Loeffler Jean‐Philippe , Renè Frederique , Quessada Cyril , Tefera Tesfaye W. , Wang Hao , Steyn Frederik J. , Ngo Shyuan T. , Dobrowolny Gabriella , Lepore Elisa , Urbani Andrea , Musarò Antonio , Volonté Cinzia , Ferraro Elisabetta , Coccurello Roberto , Valle Cristiana , Ferri Alberto 
Published: November 2021

Background and PurposeAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles and is currently incurable. Although considered to be a pure motor neuron disease, increasing evidence indicates that the sole protection of motor neurons by a single targeted drug is not sufficient to improve the pathological phenotype. We therefore evaluated the therapeutic potential of the multi‐target drug used to treatment of coronary artery disease, trimetazidine, in SOD1G93Amice.Experimental ApproachAs a metabolic modulator, trimetazidine improves glucose metabolism. Furthermore, trimetazidine enhances mitochondrial metabolism and promotes nerve regeneration, exerting an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effect. We orally treated SOD1G93Amice with trimetazidine, solubilized in drinking water at a dose of 20 mg kg−1, from disease onset. We assessed the impact of trimetazidine on disease progression by studying metabolic parameters, grip strength and histological alterations in skeletal muscle, peripheral nerves and the spinal cord.Key ResultsTrimetazidine administration delays motor function decline, improves muscle performance and metabolism, and significantly extends overall survival of SOD1G93Amice (increased median survival of 16 days and 12.5 days for male and female respectively). Moreover, trimetazidine prevents the degeneration of neuromuscular junctions, attenuates motor neuron loss and reduces neuroinflammation in the spinal cord and in peripheral nerves.Conclusion and ImplicationsIn SOD1G93Amice, therapeutic effect of trimetazidine is underpinned by its action on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and spinal cord.
The dietary fibre rhamnogalacturonan improves intestinal epithelial barrier function in a microbiota‐independent manner
Authors: Baggio Cristiane H. , Shang Judie , Gordon Marilyn H. , Stephens Matthew , von der Weid Pierre Yves , Nascimento Adamara M. , Román Yony , Cipriani Thales R. , MacNaughton Wallace K. 
Published: November 2021

Background and PurposeDietary fibre comprises a complex group of polysaccharides that are indigestible but are fermented by gut microbiota, promoting beneficial effects to the intestinal mucosa indirectly through the production of short chain fatty acids. We found that a polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan (RGal), from the plant Acmella oleracea, has direct effects on intestinal epithelial barrier function. Our objective was to determine the mechanism whereby RGal enhances epithelial barrier function.Experimental ApproachMonolayers of colonic epithelial cell lines (Caco‐2, T84) and of human primary cells from organoids were mounted in Ussing chambers to assess barrier function. The cellular mechanism of RGal effects on barrier function was determined using inhibitors of TLR‐4 and PKC isoforms.Key ResultsApically applied RGal (1000 μg ml−1) significantly enhanced barrier function as shown by increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and reduced fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran flux in Caco‐2, T84 and human primary cell monolayers, and accelerated tight junction reassembly in Caco‐2 cells in a calcium switch assay. RGal also reversed the barrier‐damaging effects of inflammatory cytokines on FITC‐dextran flux and preserved the tight junction distribution of occludin. RGal activated TLR4 in TLR4‐expressing HEK reporter cells, an effect that was inhibited by the TLR4 inhibitor, C34. The effect of RGal was also dependent on PKC, specifically the isoforms PKCδ and PKCζ.Conclusion and ImplicationsRGal enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function through activation of TLR4 and PKC signalling pathways. Elucidation of RGal mechanisms of action could lead to new, dietary approaches to enhance mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Prescribed fire enhances seed removal by ants in a Neotropical savanna
Authors: Alcolea Mirela , Durigan Giselda , Christianini Alexander V. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSeed dispersal and predation by animals often drive plant regeneration. In tropical savannas, such as the Cerrado of Brazil, fire is also a key process in ecosystem dynamics, consuming the lower vegetation strata and killing wildlife, but how fire affects seed‐animal interactions is virtually unknown. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires on the removal of diaspores from Miconia rubiginosa and sunflower Helianthus annuus in Cerrado from southeast Brazil. Using plots burned one month or one year before sampling and unburned controls, we assessed the effect of prescribed fire on microhabitat structure and diaspore removal by vertebrates and ants. Covered microhabitats experienced higher seed removal by vertebrates than open microhabitats, but microhabitat features did not influence seed removal by ants. Prescribed fire did not change the total amount of seed removal, and ants were responsible for most removals in burned and control plots. However, fire increased the importance of ants as agents of removal compared to vertebrates. These changes were probably mediated by changes in microhabitat cover. It is likely that species, whose seeds are often preyed upon by vertebrates, benefit from fire to escape predation, while the opposite would be true for those removed by granivorous ants. By changing microhabitats composition and frequency of seed removal by different agents, fire may create pulses of opportunities for certain plant species to increase their populations and enlarge their spatial distribution, while constraining others. However, how different fire intensities and frequencies influence seed fate of different species is still to be investigated.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Adolescents' thoughts and feelings about the local and global environment: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Thompson Rhiannon , Fisher Helen L. , Dewa Lindsay H. , Hussain Tania , Kabba Zaina , Toledano Mireille B. 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundDespite a recent increase in engagement with environmental issues among young people, their impact upon adolescent mental health and wellbeing is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore adolescents' thoughts and feelings about current environmental issues.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 15 UK‐based adolescents aged 14–18 years (66.7% female). Transcripts were inductively thematically analysed by the interviewing researcher and two adolescent co‐researchers, with priority given to the co‐researchers' impressions to strengthen interpretations of the personal experiences of the interviewees.ResultsSix themes were identified: the local environment, efficacy, challenging emotions, information, hindrances and perceptions of the future. The local environment was found to affect adolescents positively and negatively. Factors including greenspace and fresh air had a positive impact, and factors including noise and litter had a negative impact. Most participants reported feeling disempowered to personally influence environmental problems but were engaged with them and felt that trying to make a difference was beneficial for their wellbeing. Adolescents largely reported negative expectations about the environment’s future.ConclusionThe UK adolescents interviewed appeared to be very engaged and emotionally affected by a perceived lack of care towards the environment, locally and globally. It is therefore imperative to amplify young people’s voices and involve them in influencing environmental policy, for the benefit of young people and the planet. Further research should quantify the extent to which environmental issues affect young people's mental health and identify factors that could prevent or alleviate distress.
Association between obesity and traumatic dental injuries in pre‐school children—A case‐control study
Authors: Soares Maria E. C. , Primo‐Miranda Ednele F. , Galo Rodrigo , Mourão Larissa S. , Ramos‐Jorge Joana , Ramos‐Jorge Maria L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground/AimObese children are more prone to accidents due to poorer motor skills which increase the likelihood of falls and the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The aim of this study was to determine the association between overweight/obesity and TDI in pre‐school children.Material and MethodsThe case group was formed by children with TDI identified during a clinical examination (n = 262). Each pre‐school child identified as a case was matched by a peer of the same age, gender and pre‐school but without TDI to form the control group (n = 262). TDI was evaluated using the criteria proposed by Andreasen. The weight and height of the children were measured for the calculation of the body mass index which was plotted on the growth curve established by the World Health Organization. Socio‐demographic variables were collected through questionnaires sent to the parents/guardians. Data analysis involved the determination of frequency distribution, the chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe sample was composed of 253 children in each group. Among the children in the case group, 15.4% (n = 39) were overweight and 15.8% (n = 40) were obese. In the control group, 13.8% (n = 35) were overweight and 8.3% (n = 21) were obese. Children with trauma were more likely to be obese than children without trauma (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.14 to 3.67; p = .016). In contrast, TDI was not associated with being overweight. A greater odds of TDI was also associated with an open bite (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.64 to 7.96; p = .001) and accentuated overjet (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.50; p = .001).ConclusionsPre‐school children with a history of dental trauma were more likely to be obese than those without a history of dental trauma whereas being overweight was not associated with TDI.
Compensatory mechanisms during development contribute to overcome intraspecific competition in a dipteran solitary ectoparasitoid with larval active host seeking behaviour
Authors: Crespo José E. , Castelo Marcela K. 
Published: November 2021

1. Superparasitism has been rendered many times as detrimental for fitness, although there are examples in which the competing winning larvae compensate for its development. Here, we studied if, in the host‐parasitoid system Cyclocephala signaticollis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) – Mallophora ruficauda (Diptera: Asilidae), larvae have compensatory mechanisms during development to overcome competition.2. Through a combination of behavioural and artificial parasitism protocols, we investigated if host instar or time between parasitism events influences the probability of a larva winning the competition. In addition, we studied the effect that superparasitism has in terms of some fitness traits like sex ratio, size, and shape.3. Our results showed that M. ruficauda has compensatory mechanisms like differential larval survival according to host availability. In addition, we found that as the time between parasitism events increased, the second larva lowers its chance to win the competition in favour of the first arriving larva. Larvae under competition develop at a similar rate compared to larvae that had not experienced competition for hosts. Finally, our results show that wing shape is different between groups, and this could influence flight and courtship.4. Our study suggests that superparasitism in M. ruficauda is an advantageous strategy under some circumstances although it might influence adult performance with flight related behaviours.
Socio‐ecological and economic aspects of tropical tuna fisheries in the Mozambique Channel
Authors: Nataniel Anildo , Lopes Priscila F. M. , Lopez Jon , Soto Maria 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIndustrial and small‐scale tuna fisheries in Mozambique may compete over the same resources, which has potential socio‐ecological impacts. The two types of fisheries were investigated by characterising their catch trends, types of interactions, number of people they employ and revenues. Commercial landings, logbook data and all previously established tuna Fishing Partner Agreements in the country were analysed, as well as data collected from interviews with small‐scale fishers. A declining trend in catches was observed in the industrial fisheries sector, which was also perceived by small‐scale fishers, and suggests that there is some competition between these two sectors for the same tuna stocks, even when these stocks are targeted in separate grounds. While the small‐scale tuna fisheries sector provides thousands of local direct and indirect jobs and high economic benefits for fishing communities, the industrial fisheries sector may only be economically advantageous to Mozambique if Fishing Partner Agreements are improved and enforced. Although maintaining non‐overlapping fishing grounds between industrial and small‐scale fisheries may be positive for the fishers, it could result in major pressure on the tuna stocks, as they would be exploited relentlessly.
The response of coarse root biomass to long‐term CO2 enrichment and nitrogen application in a maturing Pinus taeda stand with a large broadleaved component
Authors: Maier Chris A. , Johnsen Kurt H. , Anderson Pete H. , Palmroth Sari , Kim Dohyoung , McCarthy Heather R. , Oren Ram 
Published: November 2021

AbstractElevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) typically increases aboveground growth in both growth chamber and free‐air carbon enrichment (FACE) studies. Here we report on the impacts of eCO2 and nitrogen amendment on coarse root biomass and net primary productivity (NPP) at the Duke FACE study, where half of the eight plots in a 30‐year‐old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda, L.) plantation, including competing naturally regenerated broadleaved species, were subjected to eCO2 (ambient, aCO2 plus 200 ppm) for 15–17 years, combined with annual nitrogen amendments (11.2 g N m−2) for 6 years. Allometric equations were developed following harvest to estimate coarse root (>2 mm diameter) biomass. Pine root biomass under eCO2 increased 32%, 1.80 kg m−2 above the 5.66 kg m−2 observed in aCO2, largely accumulating in the top 30 cm of soil. In contrast, eCO2 increased broadleaved root biomass more than twofold (aCO2: 0.81, eCO2: 2.07 kg m−2), primarily accumulating in the 30–60 cm soil depth. Combined, pine and broadleaved root biomass increased 3.08 kg m−2 over aCO2 of 6.46 kg m−2, a 48% increase. Elevated CO2 did not increase pine root:shoot ratio (average 0.24) but increased the ratio from 0.57 to 1.12 in broadleaved species. Averaged over the study (1997–2010), eCO2 increased pine, broadleaved and total coarse root NPP by 49%, 373% and 86% respectively. Nitrogen amendment had smaller effects on any component, singly or interacting with eCO2. A sustained increase in root NPP under eCO2 over the study period indicates that soil nutrients were sufficient to maintain root growth response to eCO2. These responses must be considered in computing coarse root carbon sequestration of the extensive southern pine and similar forests, and in modelling the responses of coarse root biomass of pine–broadleaved forests to CO2 concentration over a range of soil N availability.
Transient effects of carotid baroreflex stimulation via the neck chamber device on central venous pressure
Authors: Quarti‐Trevano Fosca , Seravalle Gino , Spaziani Domenico , Vanoli Jennifer , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe examined in 11 young subjects (age 29.7±3.6 years, mean±SEM) whether carotid baroreceptor stimulation via the neck chamber device may affect central venous pressure (CVP), thus potentially involving other reflexogenic areas in the examined responses. Application of progressively greater neck chamber subatmospheric pressures caused a progressive lengthening in RR interval, which reached a peak at the maximal value of negative neck chamber pressure applied. This was accompanied by significant and progressively greater reduction in CVP values when the data were calculated considering the early changes occurring within the first 2 seconds of the stimulus. There was a weak correlation between the early changes in CVP and the RR interval responses when all stimuli were pooled together (r = 0.32, P < .05). The results of the present study suggest that the neck chamber technique employed to assess carotid baroreceptor‐heart rate sensitivity can transiently affect via the CVP reduction cardiopulmonary receptors activity, which may participate at the integrated reflex responses.
Gentiopicroside promotes the osteogenesis of bone mesenchymal stem cells by modulation of β‐catenin‐BMP2 signalling pathway
Authors: Jiang Huaji , Zhong Jialiang , Li Wenjun , Dong Jianghui , Xian Cory J , Shen Yung‐Kang , Yao Lufeng , Wu Qiang , Wang Liping 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOsteoporosis is characterized by increased bone fragility, and the drugs used at present to treat osteoporosis can cause adverse reactions. Gentiopicroside (GEN), a class of natural compounds with numerous biological activities such as anti‐resorptive properties and protective effects against bone loss. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the effect of GEN on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenesis for a potential osteoporosis therapy. In vitro, BMSCs were exposed to GEN at different doses for 2 weeks, whereas in vivo, ovariectomized osteoporosis was established in mice and the therapeutic effect of GEN was evaluated for 3 months. Our results in vitro showed that GEN promoted the activity of alkaline phosphatase, increased the calcified nodules in BMSCs and up‐regulated the osteogenic factors (Runx2, OSX, OCN, OPN and BMP2). In vivo, GEN promoted the expression of Runx2, OCN and BMP2, increased the level of osteogenic parameters, and accelerated the osteogenesis of BMSCs by activating the BMP pathway and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, effect that was inhibited using the BMP inhibitor Noggin and Wnt/β‐catenin inhibitor DKK1. Silencing the β‐catenin gene and BMP2 gene blocked the osteogenic differentiation induced by GEN in BMSCs. This block was also observed when only β‐catenin was silenced, although the knockout of BMP2 did not affect β‐catenin expression induced by GEN. Therefore, GEN promotes BMSC osteogenesis by regulating β‐catenin‐BMP signalling, providing a novel strategy in the treatment of osteoporosis.