bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rodent burrow network dynamics under human‐induced landscape transformation from desert to steppe in Kalmykian rangelands
Authors: SURKOVA Elena , POPOV Sergey , TCHABOVSKY Andrey 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRodents play an important role in rangelands through the engineering of extensive burrow systems, which provides key habitats for many animal and plant species. We have analyzed the long‐term variation in the abundance and distribution of rodent burrows in grazing ecosystems of southern Russia (Kalmykia) under the landscape change from desert to steppe caused by the drastic reduction of livestock after the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s. We conducted burrow surveys in the “desert” (1980) and “steppe” (2017) periods on 19 3‐km transects. We found considerable changes in burrow abundance and distribution, as well as evidence of desert habitat fragmentation and isolation caused by the expansion of tall‐grass communities. Burrows of the open‐dwelling diurnal ground squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus), the dominant and the keystone species during the “desert” period, almost completely disappeared from the rodent burrow network by 2017, indicating significant habitat loss. In contrast, the burrows of the folivorous social vole (Microtus socialis) which was rare in the 1980s, became abundant and ubiquitously distributed. The burrow density of the desert‐dwelling psammophilous midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus) decreased, while the distances between occupied patches increased, indicating desert habitat fragmentation and loss of population connectivity. Burrows of the folivorous tamarisk gerbils (M. tamariscinus) were recorded only sporadically in both 1980 and 2017. The observed changes in the rodent burrow network, the key component of grazing ecosystems, correlate with rodent species ecology and can have long‐term and important consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Population dynamics of three lizard species from the genus Sceloporus: short‐term changes in demographic parameters
Authors: VARGAS‐GARCÍA Selene , ARGAEZ Víctor , SOLANO‐ZAVALETA Israel , ZÚÑIGA‐VEGA J. Jaime 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMost demographic studies focus on numerical changes that occur within populations across years. However, typically studies at an interannual scale do not provide information on the particular times of the year (particular months or seasons) when rates of survival, recruitment, or migration increase or decrease due to physiological, behavioral or ecological processes. These monthly or seasonal changes in demographic parameters may lead to substantial variations in population abundance. In this study, we collected capture–mark–recapture data on 3 species of lizards of the genus Sceloporus (Sceloporus torquatus, Sceloporus grammicus and Sceloporus megalepidurus) found in ecologically similar habitats to examine potential changes in demographic rates among 3 different climatic seasons: rainy, cold‐dry and warm‐dry seasons. We tested different hypotheses about the effect of these seasons on survival, recruitment of new adults, and temporary emigration. We found that during the season with severe thermal constraints, the cold‐dry season, survival of S. torquatus decreased markedly. We also detected a considerable increase in the recruitment rate of S. grammicus during the rainy season, when these lizards are establishing territories and finding mates. In contrast, we found no evidence of intra‐annual changes in the rate of temporary emigration. In addition, we calculated abundance and population growth rates for each species and for each season. Our study represents a significant contribution to the understanding of intra‐annual demographic variation in lizards.
Candidatus Syntrophosphaera thermopropionivorans: a novel player in syntrophic propionate oxidation during anaerobic digestion
Authors: Dyksma Stefan , Gallert Claudia 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPropionate is an important intermediate in the anaerobic mineralization of organic matter. In methanogenic environments, its degradation relies on syntrophic associations between syntrophic propionate‐oxidizing bacteria (SPOB) and Archaea. However, only 10 isolated species have been identified as SPOB so far. We report syntrophic propionate oxidation in thermophilic enrichments of Candidatus Syntrophosphaera thermopropionivorans, a novel representative of the candidate phylum Cloacimonetes. In enrichment culture, methane was produced from propionate, while Ca. S. thermopropionivorans contributed 63% to total bacterial cells. The draft genome of Ca. S. thermopropionivorans encodes genes for propionate oxidation via methymalonyl‐CoA. Phylogenetically, Ca. S. thermopropionivorans affiliates with the uncultured Cloacimonadaceae W5 and is more distantly related (86.4% 16S rRNA gene identity) to Ca. Cloacimonas acidaminovorans. Although Ca. S. thermopropionivorans was enriched from a thermophilic biogas reactor, Ca. Syntrophosphaera was in particular associated with mesophilic anaerobic digestion systems. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencng and a novel genus‐specific quantitative PCR assay consistently identified Ca. Syntrophosphaera/Cloacimonadaceae W5 in 9 of 12 tested full‐scale biogas reactors thereby outnumbering other SPOB such as Pelotomaculum, Smithella and Syntrophobacter. Taken together the ubiquity and abundance of Ca. Syntrophosphaera, those SPOB might be key players for syntrophic propionate metabolism that have been overlooked before.
Determination of the 90% effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation during electroencephalography in children
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Mang , Zhang Jing , Tian Qin , Yu Qing , Liu Yang , Yang Fei , Li Shangyingying , Tu Shengfen 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe intranasal route of dexmedetomidine (DEX) administration is becoming increasingly popular for providing adequate sedation during short examinations in infants and children. However, data on the 90% effective dose (ED90) of intranasal DEX are rare in children under 3 years old.MethodsThis is a double‐blind trial using a biased coin design up‐and‐down sequential method (BCD‐UDM). Fifty‐three children aged under 3 years old requiring DEX for EEG were included in our study. The first patient received 2.5 μg kg−1DEX, and the dose of DEX administered to the subsequent patient was determined by the response of the previous patient. The patient responses were recorded and analysed to calculate the ED90 by isotonic regression. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a bootstrapping method.ResultsFifty‐three patients were included in our study, of which 45 patients were successfully sedated, and the 8 instances of failed sedation were rescued using sevoflurane inhalation, allowing the completion of the procedure. The 90% effective dose of DEX was calculated to be 3.28 µg kg−1, and the 95% CI was 2.74 ~ 3.39 µg kg−1. No significant adverse events occurred in any of the patients.ConclusionThe 90% effective dose of intranasal DEX sedation for EEG was 3.28 μg kg−1in children under 3 years old.
Pharmacokinetics of N‐ethylpentylone and its effect on increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats
Authors: Lin Zebin , Chen Yuancheng , Li Jiaolun , Xu Zhiru , Wang Hao , Lin Junyi , Ye Xing , Zhao Ziqin , Shen Yiwen , Zhang Yurong , Zheng Shuiqing , Rao Yulan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractN‐Ethylpentylone (NEP) is one of the most confiscated synthetic cathinones in the world. However, its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics remain largely unknown. In this study, the pharmacokentics of NEP in rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) was assessed via brain microdialysis after the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of NEP (20 or 50 mg/kg). The concentrations of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) and their metabolites, including 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3‐methoxytyramine (3‐MT), and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), were simultaneously monitored to elucidate the pharmacological effect of NEP. In addition, the plasma levels of NEP were also assessed. The pharmacokinetics of NEP showed a dose‐related pattern, with NEP rapidly passing through the blood‐brain barrier and reaching a maximum concentration (Cmax) at approximately 40‐minutes postdose. Approximately 4% of plasma NEP was distributed to the NAc, and considering a homogeneous brain distribution, over 90% of plasma NEP was potentially distributed to the brain. High values of area under curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) of NEP were observed in both the NAc and plasma, indicating large and long‐lasting effects. NEP elicited dose‐related increases in microdialysate DA and 5‐HT and increased the concentration of 3‐MT in a dose‐related manner. However, the rate of DA converted into 3‐MT was unaffected. NEP had a negative effect on the rates of which DA and 5‐HT were transformed into DOPAC and 5‐HIAA, respectively. In summary, NEP rapidly entered the NAc and showed a long‐lasting effect. In addition, DA increased more significantly than 5‐HT, indicating a large potential for NEP abuse.
Putative local adaptations modulate the interactions of the carnivorous plant Drosera uniflora Willd (1809) (Droseraceae) with cushion and shrub nurse plants
Authors: Orellana José I. , Valdivia Carlos E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCushion and shrub plants are typical high mountain nurse plants. In Magellanic tundras of the Cordillera del Sarao on the coast of Chile, the carnivorous plant Drosera uniflora grows in association with cushions of Donatia fascicularis and the shrubs Chusquea montana var. nigricans and Lepidothamnus fonkii. The different microhabitats for recruitment, in addition to the limited gene flow of D. uniflora, enable us to hypothesise that this plant manifests putative local adaptations, expressed in seed germination and population abundance. Our aim was to evaluate the local adaptation of D. uniflora to cushion and shrub microhabitats by estimating germination and abundance. Local adaptation of seed germination was determined by means of reciprocal transplant experiments. Abundance was determined in small plots located inside, on the edge and outside the nurse plants. Seed origin and growth substrate play a decisive role in D. uniflora germination. Seeds that originate from cushions plant habitat and germinate in the same substrate do so in greater numbers than when those which originate from shrubby habitats. Conversely, seeds that originate from shrubby habitat and germinate in the same substrate do not exhibit significant differences. Abundance was always greater inside than outside of the nurse plants. We concluded that availability and quality of different microhabitats for seed germination and recruitment, together with a limited gene flow, would trigger putative local adaptations in D. uniflora, modulating a long history of interactions with the plants that act as nurse plants.
Genome‐wide association studies for milk production traits in Valle del Belice sheep using repeated measures
Authors: Sutera A. M. , Riggio V. , Mastrangelo S. , Di Gerlando R. , Sardina M. T. , Pong‐Wong R. , Tolone M. , Portolano B. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryGenome‐wide association studies (GWASes) have become a powerful tool for identifying genomic regions associated with important traits in livestock. Milk production traits in dairy sheep are measured at different time points during their life span. Using phenotypic data generated from longitudinal traits could improve the power of association studies but until now have received less attention in GWASes as a methodology and has not been implemented. The aim of this study was to carry out a GWAS for milk production traits in Valle del Belice sheep using repeated measures. After quality control, 469 ewes and 37 228 SNPs were retained for the analysis, and phenotypic data included 5586 test‐day records for five milk production traits (milk yield, MY; fat yield and percentage, FY and F%; protein yield and percentage, PY and P%). Nine SNPs located within or close to known genes were found to be associated with milk production traits. In particular, rs398340969, associated with both milk yield and protein yield, is located within the DCPS gene. In addition, rs425417915 and rs417079368, both associated with both fat percentage and protein percentage, are located within the TTC7B gene and at 0.37 Mb within the SUCNR1 gene respectively. In summary, the use of repeated records was beneficial for mapping genomic regions affecting milk production traits in the Valle del Belice sheep.
Does Confucianism Reduce Corporate Over‐Investment? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Shihua , Ye Yan , Jebran Khalil 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this study, we argue that Confucianism, as an informal institution, mitigates agency problems and thus curbs managerial over‐investment behavior. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms over the period 2000 to 2015, we find strong evidence that Confucianism is negatively associated with over‐investment. Furthermore, we document that the negative association between Confucianism and over‐investment is weaker for state‐owned enterprises than for non‐state‐owned enterprises. Overall, the findings enrich our understanding that informal institutions can play a significant role in influencing corporate behavior.
Catastrophic drug errors involving tranexamic acid administered during spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Patel S. , Robertson B. , McConachie I. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryWe have reviewed accidental spinal administration of tranexamic acid. We performed a MEDLINE search of cases of administration of tranexamic acid during epidural or spinal anaesthesia between 1960 and 2018. No reports of epidural administration were identified. We identified 21 cases of spinal tranexamic acid administration. Life‐threatening neurological and/or cardiac complications, requiring resuscitation and/or intensive care, occurred in 20 patients; 10 patients died. We used a Human Factors Analysis Classification System model to analyse any contributing factors, and the reports were also assessed using four published recommendations for the reduction in neuraxial drug error. In 20 cases, ampoule error was the cause; in the last case a spinal catheter was mistaken for an intravenous catheter. All were classified as skill‐based errors. Several human factors related to organisational policy; dispensing and storage of drugs and preparation for spinal anaesthesia tasks were present. All errors could have been prevented by implementing the four published recommendations.
“Our Journey, Our Choice, Our Future”: Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ Self‐Government enacted through the Maa‐nulth Treaty with British Columbia and Canada
Authors: Sloan Morgan Vanessa , Castleden Heather ,   Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn 2011, Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations became one of five Nuu‐chah‐nulth Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Canada to implement the Maa‐nulth Treaty with the Province of British Columbia and Canada. Modern treaties are dense and lengthy legal documents that exhaustively set out the obligations of each signatory party. They are heavily criticised for being unjust extensions of colonialism that limit Indigenous self‐determination and transform homelands under settler colonial property regimes. Yet, some First Nations accept these agreements as their chosen path for self‐government in state structures. We document Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ decision‐making that resulted when the Maa‐nulth Treaty was implemented and replaced the Indian Act by analysing the Maa‐nulth Treaty and interviews conducted with Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations leadership. We demonstrate how ʔiisaak (respect) and ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of) guided Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ self‐government, while nesting this discussion in the complexities and critiques of modern treaties.
Health‐related quality of life during pregnancy: A repeated measures study of changes from the first trimester to birth
Authors: Morin Mathieu , Claris Olivier , Dussart Claude , Frelat Alais , de Place Alice , Molinier Laurent , Matillon Yves , Elhinger Virginie , Vayssiere Christophe 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe objective was to evaluate the quality of life of pregnant women with a full‐term birth from the first trimester to the 9th month using the EQ5D‐3L questionnaire, comparing physiological, simple pathological, or complex pathological pregnancies.Material and methodsA prospective cohort of 500 pregnant women over the age of 18 was monitored between 2015 and 2017 at the Toulouse University Hospital (France). The data were collected monthly with an online report. Given that the decrease in quality of life was not linear during pregnancy, unadjusted and adjusted piecewise linear regression models were performed, considering 3 periods of time during pregnancy: 3‐4, 4‐8, and 8‐9 months. The 5 dimensions of the EQ5D‐Index and perceived health status were also analyzed.ResultsIn total, 1847 questionnaires were collected. Between the 4th and 8th months, the quality of life was lower for pathological pregnancies (P < 0.001) than for physiological ones and decreased over time for each type of pregnancy (physiological: −0.08 points per month, P < 0.001; simple pathological: −0.12 points per month, P < 0.001; complex pathological: −0.11 points per month, P < 0.001). Interestingly, the perceived health status was lower at the 9th month than at the 3rd month of pregnancy, for physiological pregnancies (mean difference = −10.5 points, P < 0.001), pathological pregnancies (mean difference = −10.0 points, P < 0.002), and for complex pathological pregnancies (mean difference = −7.8 points, P = 0.058).ConclusionsIn our population, the quality of life decreased between the 4th and 8th months, and decreased to a greater degree in a pathological pregnancy.
Optos wide‐field imaging versus conventional camera imaging in Danish patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Byberg Stine , Vistisen Dorte , Diaz Lars , Charles Morten H. , Hajari Javad Nouri , Valerius Marianne , Juul Ellen , Jørgensen Marit E. , Lund‐Andersen Henrik 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeDiabetic retinopathy (DR) screening methods are costly, requiring specialized personnel and patient mydriasis. The Optos apparatus can be operated by nonspecialists and provides ultra‐wide‐field imaging, with 200° views of the retina in a single image. We compared DR grading obtained from Optos imaging with DR grading from conventional Topcon imaging.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 101 persons with diabetes who participated in the Addition‐DK 10‐year follow‐up study. Retina fundus photos using both Optos and Topcon imaging were taken for both eyes. All photos were graded by specialist ophthalmologic nurses, using a modified version of the ‘Proposed International Clinical DR severity scale’. We constructed frequency tables and assessed levels of agreement between Optos and Topcon gradings using weighted Kappa statistics, separately for peripheral and macular grading. We tested if the agreements between the two cameras were significantly different using a stratified Wilcoxon test.ResultsSignificantly, more lesions in the periphery were identified by Optos compared with Topcon (p < 0.01), resulting in a fair Kappa agreement of 0.21. We saw no significant differences in the grading of the macula region (p = 0.97) between the two cameras. Although only 7% of the macula image gradings differed between the cameras, the Kappa agreement of macula grading was only moderate (Kappa = 0.52).ConclusionThe inter‐camera agreement was acceptable for macula image grading, but only fair for peripheral grading, with Optos identifying more microvascular changes in the periphery. The clinical significance and impact on screening modality and frequency remain to be explored.
Evaluation of optimal biopsy location for assessment of histological activity, transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses in patients with active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Novak Gregor , Stevens Toer , Van Viegen Tanja , Bossuyt Peter , Štabuc Borut , Jeyarajah Jenny , Zou Guangyong , Gaemers Ingrid C. , McKee Trevor D. , Fu Fred , Shackelton Lisa M. , Khanna Reena , van den Brink Gijs R. , Sandborn William J. , Feagan Brian G. , Pai Rish K. , Jairath Vipul , Vande Casteele Niels , D’Haens Geert 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundThe appropriate location for biopsy procurement relative to an ulcer in active Crohn's disease is unknown.AimTo explore the relationship between biopsy location, histological disease activity, proinflammatory gene expression and the presence of inflammatory cells.MethodsFifty‐one patients with Crohn's disease and ulcers >0.5 cm diameter in the colon and/or ileum were prospectively enrolled at three centres. Biopsies were obtained from 0 mm, 7 to 8 mm and 21 to 24 mm from the edge of the largest ulcer. Histological activity was blindly assessed with the Global Histological Disease Activity Score, the Robarts Histopathology and Nancy Histological indices. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels for interleukins‐6, ‐8 and ‐23 (p19 and p40 subunits), CD31 and S100A9 were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The number of CD3+, CD68+ and myeloperoxidase‐positive cells was quantified by immunohistochemistry. Data were analysed using mixed models with location and segment as fixed effects and patients as random effect to account for correlation among segments within a patient.ResultsHistological disease activity scores (P < 0.0001), proinflammatory gene expression levels (P < 0.005) and numbers of myeloperoxidase‐positive cells (P < 0.0001) were highest in biopsies from the ulcer edge in the colon and ileum, with decreasing gradients observed with distance from the edge (P < 0.05). No differences between colonic and ileal samples were detected for the parameters measured at any location.ConclusionsBiopsies from the ulcer edge in patients with Crohn's disease yielded the greatest histological disease activity and mRNA levels and had similar readouts in the colon and ileum. Research is needed to confirm this conclusion for other measures.
MiR‐222 inhibits apoptosis in porcine follicular granulosa cells by targeting the THBS1 gene
Authors: Zhu Weihua , Yang Min , Shang Jinnan , Xu Yiliang , Wang Yuanlang , Tao Qiangqiang , Zhang Liang , Ding Yueyun , Chen Yige , Zhao Dongdong , Wang Chonglong , Chu Mingxing , Yin Zongjun , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractApoptosis of granulosa cells affects follicular atresia and reproduction and is regulated by miRNAs and the expression of certain genes. For the present study, we investigated the regulatory relationship between microRNA‐222 (miR‐222) and THBS1 in porcine follicular granulosa cells (pGCs) and its effects on apoptosis to provide empirical data for developing methods to improve pig fecundity. Results revealed that miR‐222 promotes the proliferation of pGCs. MiRNA mimics and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR‐222 functions as an anti‐apoptotic factor in pGCs. MiR‐222 mimics in pGCs result in the upregulation of the anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 gene, down‐regulation of the proapoptotic caspase‐3 gene, and inhibition of apoptosis. MiR‐222 inhibitors reduced BCL‐2 and had no significant effect on caspase‐3. MiR‐222 mimics promoted estrogen levels. Inhibition of THBS1 inhibited pGC apoptosis. Transfection of THBS1‐siRNA reduced the proapoptotic BAX gene. MiR‐222 can directly target the 3′‐untranslated region of the THBS1 gene. MiR‐222 mimics suppressed THBS1 mRNA and proteins, but these were upregulated by the miR‐222 inhibitor. Transfection of THBS1‐siRNA resulted in the inhibition of the miR‐222 inhibitor, which suggests that miR‐222 inhibits pGC apoptosis by targeting THBS1. These findings suggest that miR‐222 and THBS1 play important roles in follicular atresia, ovarian development, and female reproduction.