bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐omics reveal the gut microbiota‐mediated severe foraging environment adaption of small wild ruminants in the Three‐River‐Source National Park, China
Authors: LIU Hongjin , ZHAO Xinquan , XU Shixiao , ZHAO Liang , HAN Xueping , XU Xianli , ZHAO Na , HU Linyong , LUO Chongliang , WANG Xungang , ZHANG Qian , GUO Tongqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) are the dominant small ruminants in the Three‐River‐Source National Park (TRSNP). However, knowledge about the association between gut microbiota and host adaptability remains poorly understood. Herein, multi‐omics sequencing approaches were employed to investigate the gut microbiota‐mediated forage adaption in these ruminants. The results revealed that although wild ruminants (WR) of P. hodgsoni and P. nayaur were faced with severe foraging environments with significantly low vegetation coverage and nutrition, the apparent forage digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher than that of O. aries. The 16s rRNA sequencing showed that the gut microbiota in WR underwent convergent evolution, and alpha diversity in these two groups was significantly higher than that in O. aries. Moreover, indicator species, including Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, exhibited positive relationships with apparent forage digestibility, and their relative abundances were enriched in the gut of WR. Enterotype analysis further revealed that enterotype 1 belonged to WR, and the abundance of fatty acid synthesis metabolic pathway‐related enzyme genes was significantly higher than enterotype 2, represented by O. aries. Besides, the metagenomic analysis identified 14 pathogenic bacterial species, among which 10 potentially pathogenic bacteria were significantly enriched in the gut microbiota of O. aries. Furthermore, the cellulolytic strains and genes encoding cellulase and hemicellulase were significantly enriched in WR. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence of gut microbiota to facilitate wildlife adaption in severe foraging environments of the TRSNP, China.
Knockdown of vitamin D receptor affects early stages of pectoral fin development in zebrafish
Authors: Kwon Hye‐Joo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) signalling has been implicated in vertebrate limb or fin formation. However, the involvement of VDR signalling in the early stages of limb/fin development remains to be elucidated. In this study, the role of VDR signalling in pectoral fin development was investigated in zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of vdr induced the severe impairment of pectoral fin development. The zebrafish larvae lacking vdr exhibited reduced pectoral fins with no skeletal elements. In situ hybridization revealed depletion of vdr downregulated fibroblast growth factor 24 (fgf24), a marker of early pectoral fin bud mesenchyme, in the presumptive fin field even before fin buds were visible. Moreover, a perturbed expression pattern of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4), a marker of the pectoral fin fold, was observed in the developing fin buds of zebrafish embryos that lost the vdr function. These findings suggest that VDR signalling is crucial in the early stages of fin development, potentially influencing the process by regulating other signalling molecules such as Fgf24 and Bmp4.
Prescription retinoid and contraception use in women in Australia: A population‐based study
Authors: Gerhardy Laura , Nassar Natasha , Litchfield Melisa , Kennedy Debra , Smith Annika , Gillies Malcolm B. , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Zoega Helga , Shand Antonia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground/ObectivesOral retinoids are teratogenic, and pregnancy avoidance is an important part of retinoid prescribing. Australia does not have a standardised pregnancy prevention programme for women using oral retinoids, and the contraception strategies for women who use oral retinoids are not well understood.The objectives were to determine trends in the use of prescription retinoids among Australian reproductive‐aged women and whether women dispensed oral retinoids used contraception concomitantly.MethodsThis was a population‐based study using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits (PBS) dispensing claims for a random 10% sample of 15‐44‐year‐old Australian women, 2013 ‐ 2021. We described rates and annual trends in dispensing claims for PBS‐listed retinoids and contraceptives. We also estimated concomitant oral retinoid and contraceptive use on the day of each retinoid dispensing and determined if there was a period of contraceptive treatment that overlapped. Estimates were then extrapolated to the national level.ResultsThere were 1,545,800 retinoid dispensings to reproductive‐aged women; 57.1% were oral retinoids. The rate of retinoid dispensing to reproductive‐aged women increased annually, from 28 dispensings per 1000 population in 2013 to 41 per 1000 in 2021. The rate of oral retinoid dispensing doubled over the study period, from 14 dispensings per 1000 population in 2013 to 28 per 1000 in 2021, while topical retinoid dispensing did not change. Only 25% of oral retinoid dispensings had evidence of concomitant contraceptive use in 2021.ConclusionsRates of oral retinoid dispensing have doubled among reproductive‐aged women over the past decade. A large percentage of oral retinoid use does not appear to have concomitant contraception use, posing a risk of teratogenic effects in pregnancies.
Threatening the endangered: Uncovering endangered elasmobranchs and factors perpetuating the Tanzanian shark‐fin trade
Authors: Rumisha Cyrus , Barongo Deusdedith , Saiperaki Jackson L. , Materu Silvia F. , Mdegela Robinson H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDespite global conservation efforts, elasmobranchs still face increased fishing pressure due to high demand for their products. Although certain species have been afforded international and local protection, the high value of their products in international markets incentivises the trade of protected species covertly within marketed fish products. To address the problem, we amplified fragments of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (approximately 595 base pairs) from 164 elasmobranch fins collected from fish markets in Tanzania to test whether protected species and those of conservation concern are among these specimens. Similarly, we conducted 130 in‐depth key informant interviews with stakeholders involved in the elasmobranch‐fin trade to gather diverse perspectives on the factors perpetuating the trade. Our findings revealed fifteen elasmobranch species, with requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae) and wedgefishes (Rhinidae) accounting for 44.1% and 33.8% of the fins, respectively. Alarmingly, over 70% of the traded fins originated from threatened elasmobranchs, with 36.8% sourced from critically endangered species. Unexpectedly, almost 9% of the traded fins were sourced from two nationally protected species, Carcharhinus longimanus and Alopias pelagicus, highlighting the existence of regulatory gaps that require immediate attention. Similarly, 91.2% of traded fins were sourced from CITES‐listed species, emphasising the severity of the problem. The interviews highlighted technological challenges in tracking the trade, limited awareness of trade impacts on elasmobranch sustainability, scarce surveillance resources, inadequate training to identify routes and offenders and lack of public support as the main factors perpetuating the trade. Addressing these issues necessitates a total ban on elasmobranch‐fin trade, coupled with increased funding for enforcement agencies, providing specialised training for law enforcement personnel, launching public awareness campaigns and promoting community‐based monitoring and collaboration with international organisations. By doing so, Tanzania can effectively safeguard the sustainability of threatened elasmobranchs and advance global conservation efforts for these fishes.
A new bicornuate model of rat uterus transplantation
Authors: Polenz Dietrich , Sauer Igor Maximilian , Martin Friederike , Reutzel‐Selke Anja , Ashraf Muhammad Imtiaz , Schirmeier Anja , Lippert Steffen , Führer Kirsten , Pratschke Johann , Tullius Stefan Günther , Moosburner Simon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionUterus transplantation has revolutionized reproductive medicine for women with absolute uterine factor infertility, resulting in more than 40 reported successful live births worldwide to date. Small animal models are pivotal to refine this surgical and immunological challenging procedure aiming to enhance safety for both the mother and the child.Material and MethodsWe established a syngeneic bicornuate uterus transplantation model in young female Lewis rats. All surgical procedures were conducted by an experienced and skilled microsurgeon who organized the learning process into multiple structured steps. Animals underwent meticulous preoperative preparation and postoperative care. Transplant success was monitored by sequential biopsies, monitoring graft viability and documenting histological changes long‐term.ResultsBicornuate uterus transplantation were successfully established achieving an over 70% graft survival rate with the passage of time. The bicornuate model demonstrated safety and feasibility, yielding outcomes comparable to the unicornuate model in terms of ischemia times and complications. Longitudinal biopsies were well‐tolerated, enabling comprehensive monitoring throughout the study.ConclusionsOur novel bicornuate rat uterus transplantation model provides a distinctive opportunity for sequential biopsies at various intervals after transplantation and, therefore, comprehensive monitoring of graft health, viability, and identification of potential signs of rejection. Furthermore, this model allows for different interventions in each horn for comparative studies without interobserver differences contrary to the established unicornuate model. By closely replicating the clinical setting, this model stands as a valuable tool for ongoing research in the field of uterus transplantation, promoting further innovation and deeper insights into the intricacies of the uterus transplant procedure.
Machine perfusion organ preservation: Highlights from the American Transplant Congress 2023
Authors: Faria Isabella , Canizares Stalin , Devos Lene , Strom Charles , Battula Narendra , Eckhoff Devin E. , Martins Paulo N. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe American Transplant Congress (ATC) 2023, held in San Diego, California, emerged as a pivotal platform showcasing the latest advancements in organ machine perfusion, a key area in solid organ and tissue transplantation. This year's congress, attended by over 4500 participants, including leading experts, emphasized innovations in machine perfusion technologies across various organ types, including liver, kidney, heart, and lung. A total of 85 abstracts on organ machine perfusion were identified. Noteworthy advancements included the use of normothermic machine perfusion in mitigating ex‐situ reperfusion injury in liver transplantation, the potential of biomarkers in assessing organ quality, and the impact of machine perfusion on graft survival and ischemic cholangiopathy incidence. Kidney transplantation saw promising developments in novel preservation methods, such as subzero storage and pulsatile perfusion. Heart and lung sessions revealed significant progress in preservation techniques, including metabolic alterations to extend organ preservation time. The conference also highlighted the growing interest in machine perfusion applications in pediatric transplantation, multi‐visceral organ recovery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, and discussions on novel technologies for monitoring and optimizing perfusion protocols. Additionally, ATC 2023 included critical discussions on ethical concerns, legal implications, and the evolving definition of death in the era of machine preservation, illustrating the complex landscape of transplantation science. Overall, ATC 2023 showcased significant strides in machine perfusion and continued its tradition of fostering global knowledge exchange, further cementing machine perfusion's role as a transformative force in improving transplant outcomes and expanding the donor pool.
From evidence to practice: A systematic review‐based diagnostic algorithm for paediatric eosinophilia across socioeconomic context
Authors: Pellegrino Roberta , Tosca Mariangela , Timitilli Edoardo , Naso Matteo , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Galli Luisa , del Giudice Michele Miraglia , Chiappini Elena 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimPaediatric eosinophilia is a common clinical dilemma, often leading to resource‐ and time‐consuming assessments. We aim to evaluate the main aetiologies of eosinophilia in children from different socioeconomic settings and propose a diagnostic algorithm.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2012 to June 2023 reporting the incidence and aetiology of peripheral eosinophilia in children were included. Evidence from studies on children originating from low‐ or high‐income countries was compared.ResultsA total of 15 observational studies, encompassing 3409 children, were included. The causes of eosinophilia varied based on the children's origin and the eosinophilia severity. In children from high‐income countries, allergic diseases were the leading cause, with a prevalence of 7.7%–78.2%, while parasitosis ranged from 1.0% to 9.1%. In children from low‐income countries, parasitosis was predominant, ranging from 17.7% to 88.3%, although allergic diseases were found in 2.5%–4.8% of cases. Concerning severity, allergic diseases were the leading cause of mild‐to‐moderate eosinophilia; parasitosis was associated with moderate‐to‐severe eosinophilia, while immunological disorders were mostly found in severe cases.ConclusionWe developed a step‐up diagnostic algorithm that considers the child's origin and eosinophilia severity and could optimise resource allocation.
The use of opioids nine months after surgery for Crohn's disease – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nørgård Bente Mertz , Thorarinsson Caroline Thingholm , Zegers Floor Dijkstra , Kjeldsen Jens , Dalal Rahul S. , Lund Ken , Knudsen Torben 
Published: May 2024

SummaryBackgroundThe risk of chronic opioid use after surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) is not known.AimThe aim of this study is to examine the chronic opioid use after surgery according to age at time of surgery and to opioid use prior to surgery.MethodsThis nationwide cohort study included patients with a first surgery for CD (January 1, 1996 through 2021). We examined prescribed opioids 9 months after surgery and estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for chronic opioid use in elderly (≥60 years), adults (≥40 and <60 years), and young adults (≥18 and <40 years) according to opioid use prior to surgery. Chronic opioid use was defined as prescriptions in at least two of three consecutive quarters.ResultsA total of 797 patients had surgery as elderly, 1603 as adults, and 2786 as young adults. Across all age groups, 18%–38% received opioid prescriptions throughout 9 months after surgery, if opioids were prescribed prior to surgery. If opioids were not prescribed prior to surgery, the corresponding proportions were 2%–5%. If patients were prescribed opioids (≥1) prior to surgery, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for their chronic use after surgery in elderly, adults, and young adults were 10.37 (6.77–15.88), 10.48 (7.74–14.19), and 6.55 (4.93–8.72), respectively.ConclusionClinicians should be aware that in patients with a need for opioids before surgery, the surgery may not change the need for opioids. Future research should examine effective analgesic strategies that help minimise opioid use in this population.
Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross‐discipline mitigation options for a global problem
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Pain Deborah J. , McTee Michael , Brown Leland , Cuadros Sandra , Pokras Mark , Slabe Vincent A. , Watson Richard T. , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Bedrosian Bryan , Hampton Jordan O. , Parish Chris N. , Pay James M. , Saito Keisuke , Schulz John H. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTLead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non‐lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
Social interactions and information use by foraging seabirds
Authors: Monier Samantha Anne 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTWhat do seabirds perceive about the world? How do they do so? And how do they use the information available to them to make foraging decisions? Social cues provide seabirds with information about the location of prey. This can, of course, be passive and not involve higher‐order cognitive processes (e.g. simple conspecific or heterospecific attraction). However, seabirds display many behaviours that promote learning and the transmission of information between individuals: the vast majority of seabirds are colonial living, have an extended juvenile phase that affords them time to learn, routinely form intra‐ and interspecific associations, and can flexibly deploy a combination of foraging tactics. It is worth evaluating their foraging interactions in light of this. This review describes how seabirds use social information both at the colony and at sea to forage, and discusses the variation that exists both across species and amongst individuals. It is clear that social interactions are a critical and beneficial component of seabird foraging, with most of the variation concerning the way and extent to which social information is used, rather than whether it is used. While it may seem counterintuitive that large groups of potential competitors congregating at a patch can result in foraging gains, such aggregations can alter species dynamics in ways that promote coexistence. This review explores how competitive interference at a patch can be mitigated by behavioural modifications and niche segregation. Utilising others for foraging success (e.g. via social cues and facilitation at a patch) is likely to make population declines particularly damaging to seabirds if the quantity or quality of their social foraging interactions is reduced. Environmental changes have the potential to disrupt their social networks and thus, how these species obtain food and transfer information.
“Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are:” The contribution of peers to adolescents' values
Authors: Benish‐Weisman Maya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractValues serve as guiding principles, motivating specific behaviors, and actions. Peers spend a considerable amount of time together, thus offering a unique platform for the acquisition and development of values. During adolescence, a stage of life when youth are actively defining their identities, peers emerge as vital social agents, contributing significantly to the process of value formation. In this article, I examine the ways peers contribute to the development of youth's values, with a focus on basic personal values theory. This theory sheds light on how and why peers play a role in shaping the values of adolescents. It examines the phenomenon of similarity in peer values (values similarity) and explores how factors such as gender, age, and culture act as potential moderators in the relation between peers' and youth's values similarity. I conclude by summarizing key insights and proposing directions for research.
Diagnostic challenges in patients with reninomas and extrarenal renin‐producing tumours
Authors: Fabian Botond , Ragnarsson Oskar , Prazic Aleksandar , Rydén Mikael , Volpe Cristina , Lindgren Ola 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRenin‐secreting tumours are rare causes of secondary hypertension and hypokalaemia. They are usually surgically curable, hence proper diagnostic work‐up and tumour localisation is essential. In this paper, we present three Swedish patients recently diagnosed with renin secreting tumours, two with reninomas and one with an extrarenal renin‐producing tumour, to illustrate diagnostic challenges. We also discuss the biochemical work‐up, the pros and cons of different imaging techniques (computer tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography‐CT), as well as how renal vein sampling (RVC) may contribute to localisation of the tumour.
Family Management and Historical Origins: The Italian Experience
Authors: Cardullo Gabriele , Conti Maurizio , Damiani Mirella , Ricci Andrea , Scicchitano Sergio , Sulis Giovanni 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the long‐run determinants of the corporate structure of Italian firms to explain the persistent role of a long‐run tradition of civic capital that has favored interpersonal trust, fostered cooperation outside of the narrow ties of family members and limited the diffusion of family businesses managed predominantly by family members.Research Findings/InsightsWe examined a large sample of Italian listed and not listed firms and identified those that operate in current municipalities that in the past used to be independent communes. Such firms featuring experiences of civic engagement are today less likely to be owned by a family and run by family management.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur findings highlight the role of institutions as drivers of corporate governance and signal that long forgotten institutions, by modifying local social capital, may interact with family social capital and have important persistent effects on current corporate governance arrangements. Therefore, significant elements of path dependency may explain current patterns of unbundling of ownership and management.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsPersistent corporate governance structures are difficult even for policymakers to modify. Our findings suggest that political measures should favor the accumulation of social capital at the local level when aiming to change ownership and management arrangements and limit the misallocation of resources due to family management.