bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcending borders: Remarkable genetic homogeneity among Barred mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) populations in the southwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: Rumisha Cyrus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the past 24 years, the Southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) region has lost about 4% of its mangroves due to unsustainable extraction, land clearance for agriculture and climate change impacts. Since this loss risks fragmenting mangrove fauna, this study analysed 179 D‐loop sequences (329 base pairs) of Barred mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) sampled from estuarine mangroves in the SWIO to test two hypotheses: (1) whether Barred mudskipper populations in the region display genetic connectivity along the fragmented mangroves and (2) whether these populations have experienced demographic declines in recent history. The populations showed low and insignificant indices of genetic differentiation (FST = −0.00068, p > 0.05; ΦST = 0.005, p > 0.05), and haplotypes from different localities did not cluster according to their geographical origins. Similarly, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis grouped all SWIO haplotypes into one cluster, suggesting the hypothesis of genetic interconnectedness could not be rejected. Furthermore, the populations showed high haplotype diversity (0.96 ± 0.007) combined with low nucleotide diversity (1.09 ± 0.61%). They also showed significant negative Tajima's D values (−1.71, p < 0.02) and a unimodal mismatch distribution, indicating the hypothesis of demographic expansion post a historical bottleneck could not be rejected. Nevertheless, the Bayesian skyline plot indicated an increase in population size post‐bottleneck, suggesting an ongoing recovery. These findings indicate that, despite varying management approaches in the SWIO, Barred mudskipper populations exhibit genetic exchange that transcends geographical and administrative borders. This implies that their populations should be considered a single stock within the region. These findings underscore the need for coordinated management approaches among the SWIO countries. This is crucial because inconsistencies in conservation measures across borders could disrupt the population's interconnectedness, potentially impacting their genetic integrity and long‐term survival.
The utility of Global Positioning System collars in inventorying the diet of lions and its shifts following an anthrax outbreak
Authors: Tarugara Allan , Clegg Bruce W. , Clegg Sarah B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLions (Panthera leo) are a keystone species of many wildlife areas and, as such, understanding their dietary ecology is important for holistic wildlife management. Knowledge of lion feeding ecology enables researchers and wildlife managers to better understand predator–prey dynamics and ecological limits governing their local contexts. Where kill sites can be physically located in the field, they can provide important baseline information on lion diet. In this study, Global Positioning System (GPS) collar data were used together with field observations to investigate the dietary breadth of lions at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe. Results showed that lions in our study had a moderately specialised diet with zebra (Equus quagga) constituting the largest proportion of prey species consumed. A massive anthrax outbreak occurred during the study, drastically reducing numbers of several prey species, and this provided an opportunity to test possible shifts in lion diet in response to changes in prey abundance. Prey species selection before the anthrax outbreak was significantly different to the period after the outbreak, indicating a shift in diet post‐outbreak. Notable increases were observed in kill rates of species that were not severely affected by anthrax, namely warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), zebra, wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and eland (Taurotragus oryx). Quantifying lion dietary requirements is important for assessing the ecological and economic impacts they have on prey populations. In addition to space‐use ecology, this study shows that GPS collar data can facilitate diet investigation in large carnivores thereby providing useful information for ecological management.
Impact of cannula diameter on pregnancy outcomes after minimally invasive fetal laser surgery in the treatment of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Schot Anouk M. , van Steenis Josee L. , Sikkel Esther , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , van Drongelen Joris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionPreterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) remains a major complication of fetal laser surgery in the treatment of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The aim of the study was to determine the impact of cannula size on pregnancy outcomes, with a particular focus on PPROM.Material and methodsThe protocol was developed and registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42022333630. The PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched electronically on May 18, 2022, and updated on March 2, 2023, utilizing a combination of the relevant MeSH terms, keywords, and word variants for “TTTS” and “laser”. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts, case–control studies, and case reports/series with more than five participants were considered eligible for inclusion. Studies reporting the cannula diameter and PPROM rate after laser surgery in the treatment of monochorionic pregnancies affected by TTTS between 16‐ and 26 weeks' gestation were included. Data was extracted independently, and when appropriate, a random‐effects meta‐analysis was undertaken to calculate pooled estimates and their confidence intervals. Heterogeneity in the effect estimates of the individual studies was calculated using the I2 statistic. The primary outcome was PPROM rate. Secondary outcomes were survival rate, preterm birth, and incomplete surgery. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified quality in prognosis study tool.ResultsWe included a total of 22 studies, consisting of 3426 patients. Only one study was scored as low quality, seven as moderate quality, and the remaining 14 as high quality. The mean PPROM rate after laser surgery treating TTTS was 22.9%, ranging from 11.6% for 9 French (Fr) to 54.0% for 12 Fr. Subsequent meta‐regression for the clinically relevant PPROM rate before 34 weeks of gestation, showed increased PPROM rates for increased cannula size (p‐value 0.01).ConclusionsThis systematic review confirmed PPROM as a frequent complication of fetal laser surgery, with a mean PPROM rate of 22.9%. A larger cannula diameter relates to a significant higher PPROM risk for PPROM before 34 weeks gestation. Hence, the ideal balance between optimal visualization requiring larger port diameters and shorter operation time and more complete procedures that benefit from larger diameters is crucial to reduce iatrogenic PPROM rates.
Systemic risk factors of retinopathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Meng Lihui , Yu Qianyi , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Lulu , Yang Jingyuan , Wang Yuelin , Chen Huan , Chen Youxin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of lupus retinopathy (LR) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThis is a retrospective, cross‐sectional study. LR patients admitted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2013 to April 2023 were reviewed. Age‐ and gender‐matched SLE patients without retinopathy were selected as controls. Medical records including clinical manifestations, laboratory data and ophthalmic examination were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsOne hundred and twelve LR patients (198 eyes) were included, with 12 cases (14 eyes) presenting with retinal macrovascular obstruction, and 100 cases (184 eyes) only exhibiting microvasculopathy. Multivariate analysis indicated the presence of haemolytic anaemia, decreased haemoglobin (HGB) and higher relative percentage of neutrophils were independent risk factors for LR (p < 0.05). The first two were also risk factors for retinal microvasculopathy, whereas secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was for macrovascular obstruction. In male group, LR had significant associations with decreased HGB, no matter which types of retinopathy (p < 0.05). In female group, LR was significantly associated with haemolytic anaemia, presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, decreased white blood cells and relative high percentage of neutrophils. Specifically, haemolytic anaemia (p = 0.002) was significantly associated with retinal microvasculopathy, and APS (p = 0.003) was significantly associated with macrovasculature obstruction.ConclusionLR was related to haemolytic anaemia, decreased HGB levels and higher percentage of neutrophils. Retinal microvasculopathy accounted for most cases and macrovasculature obstructions were rare. Male and female patients have distinct risk factors. Early ophthalmic screening is recommended especially for those with risk factors of LR.
Validation of red flags in the workup of children with long‐term abdominal pain – A retrospective study
Authors: Delin Malin , Berglund Staffan K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate red flags as an instrument to distinguish other medical conditions from Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID) in children with long‐term abdominal pain.MethodsIn a retrospective follow‐up, data were collected from 317 children who were referred for medical assessment due to long‐term abdominal pain between the years 2011 and 2012 at three Swedish paediatric open clinic units in Sweden. Throughout the review of medical records, any documented red flags at the primary consultation and finally set diagnosis after 1 year were noted for all cases.ResultsA non‐FGID disease was diagnosed in 32 cases (10.1%). The sensitivity of red flags to predict inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was 100% and the specificity 64.1%. The sensitivity of red flags to predict celiac disease was 45.5% and the specificity 63.7%. The sensitivity of red flags to predict any non‐FGID disease was 59.4%, and the specificity was 65.6%.ConclusionThe use of red flags is a sensitive instrument to identify patients with IBD but less applicable when identifying celiac disease and other organic diseases. Specificity is generally low and future biomarkers for assessing children with long‐term abdominal pain is needed.
Vascular protein disulfide isomerase A1 mediates endothelial dysfunction induced by angiotensin II in mice
Authors: Kij Agnieszka , Bar Anna , Czyzynska‐Cichon Izabela , Przyborowski Kamil , Proniewski Bartosz , Mateuszuk Lukasz , Kurylowicz Zuzanna , Jasztal Agnieszka , Buczek Elzbieta , Kurpinska Anna , Suraj‐Prazmowska Joanna , Marczyk Brygida , Matyjaszczyk‐Gwarda Karolina , Daiber Andreas , Oelze Matthias , Walczak Maria , Chlopicki Stefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimProtein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are involved in platelet aggregation and intravascular thrombosis, but their role in regulating endothelial function is unclear. Here, we characterized the involvement of vascular PDIA1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced endothelial dysfunction in mice.MethodsEndothelial dysfunction was induced in C57BL/6JCmd male mice via Ang II subcutaneous infusion, and PDIA1 was inhibited with bepristat. Endothelial function was assessed in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging and ex vivo with a myography, while arterial stiffness was measured as pulse wave velocity. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was measured in the aorta (spin‐trapping electron paramagnetic resonance) and plasma (NO2− and NO3− levels). Oxidative stress, eNOS uncoupling (DHE‐based aorta staining), and thrombin activity (thrombin–antithrombin complex; calibrated automated thrombography) were evaluated.ResultsThe inhibition of PDIA1 by bepristat in Ang II‐treated mice prevented the impairment of NO‐dependent vasodilation in the aorta as evidenced by the response to acetylcholine in vivo, increased systemic NO bioavailability and the aortic NO production, and decreased vascular stiffness. Bepristat's effect on NO‐dependent function was recapitulated ex vivo in Ang II‐induced endothelial dysfunction in isolated aorta. Furthermore, bepristat diminished the Ang II‐induced eNOS uncoupling and overproduction of ROS without affecting thrombin activity.ConclusionIn Ang II‐treated mice, the inhibition of PDIA1 normalized the NO‐ROS balance, prevented endothelial eNOS uncoupling, and, thereby, improved vascular function. These results indicate the importance of vascular PDIA1 in regulating endothelial function, but further studies are needed to elucidate the details of the mechanisms involved.
MFN2 overexpression in skeletal muscles of young and old mice causes a mild hypertrophy without altering mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 emission
Authors: Cefis Marina , Dargegen Manon , Marcangeli Vincent , Taherkhani Shima , Dulac Maude , Leduc‐Gaudet Jean‐Philippe , Mayaki Dominique , Hussain Sabah N. A. , Gouspillou Gilles 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimSarcopenia, the aging‐related loss of muscle mass and function, is a debilitating process negatively impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. Although the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia are incompletely understood, impairments in mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial fusion, have been proposed as a contributing factor. However, the potential of upregulating mitochondrial fusion proteins to alleviate the effects of aging on skeletal muscles remains unexplored. We therefore hypothesized that overexpressing Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) in skeletal muscle in vivo would mitigate the effects of aging on muscle mass and improve mitochondrial function.MethodsMFN2 was overexpressed in young (7 mo) and old (24 mo) male mice for 4 months through intramuscular injections of an adeno‐associated viruses. The impacts of MFN2 overexpression on muscle mass and fiber size (histology), mitochondrial respiration, and H2O2 emission (Oroboros fluororespirometry), and various signaling pathways (qPCR and western blotting) were investigated.ResultsMFN2 overexpression increased muscle mass and fiber size in both young and old mice. No sign of fibrosis, necrosis, or inflammation was found upon MFN2 overexpression, indicating that the hypertrophy triggered by MFN2 overexpression was not pathological. MFN2 overexpression even reduced the proportion of fibers with central nuclei in old muscles. Importantly, MFN2 overexpression had no impact on muscle mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 emission in both young and old mice. MFN2 overexpression attenuated the increase in markers of impaired autophagy in old muscles.ConclusionMFN2 overexpression may be a viable approach to mitigate aging‐related muscle atrophy and may have applications for other muscle disorders.
Editorial: Updated epidemiology of steatotic liver disease in people with HIV in the United States
Authors: Manikat Richie , Kim Seung Up , Ahmed Aijaz , Kim Donghee 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Gawrieh et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17849 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17886
Editorial: Towards optimal thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease—authors' reply
Authors: Vasudevan Abhinav , Con Danny , van Langenberg Daniel R. 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Vasudevan et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17831andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17876
Letter: Severe underweight and sarcopenia in decompensated cirrhosis are associated with highFGF21levels—authors' reply
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , Tseng Leo , Balic Kemal , Mansbach Hank , Margalit Maya 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Alkhouri et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17709andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17881
Perceived discrimination and self‐esteem of left‐behind children: The mediating effect of grit
Authors: Sun Wenxiang , Fu Wangqian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough perceived discrimination has been found to diminish self‐esteem, the mechanism of such effect and potential protective factors demands further study. Grit has been suggested to moderate the effect of risk factors affecting Chinese left‐behind children, but few studies have considered that being left behind might diminish the family and social conditions needed for nurturing grit, and therefore grit might mediate the effect of being left behind and perceived discrimination upon self‐esteem. With the questionnaire data collected from 974 Chinese rural children among whom 517 were left‐behind children, the present study shows that perseverance of effort mediates the effect of being left behind upon self‐esteem. Moreover, within the subsample of left‐behind children, perceived discrimination was found to mediate the effect of time length of being left behind on self‐esteem, while a chain mediation effect was found where perceived discrimination and consistency of interest mediated the effect of the time length of being left behind on self‐esteem. Findings suggest that for left‐behind children, while the adverse social conditions reflected by perceived discrimination affects self‐esteem by diminishing consistency of interest, the absence of adequate parental regulation more directly affects perseverance of effort and therefore affects self‐esteem. Further research directions about practices and interventions targeting at protecting self‐esteem through fostering grit are discussed.
Prediction of response to truncated selection based on BLUP of breeding values and its prediction accuracy
Authors: Satoh Masahiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThree methods of predicting the response to truncated selection based on BLUP of breeding values (BVs) were compared under conditions in which the phenotypic values for the progenies of selected animals were not available. The following methods were used to predict the response to selection: (1) based on the mean of estimated breeding values (EBV) in the candidate population for selection (), (2) based on the variance of EBV in the candidate population for selection (), and (3) based on diagonal elements of the inverse matrix on the left‐hand side of the mixed model equation (). The deviation of the average BV of the selected animals from the average BV of the candidate population for selection was taken as the true response to selection. The pedigree information and phenotypic values used for comparison were generated by Monte Carlo computer simulation. The results showed that had the smallest absolute mean error and had the smallest root‐mean‐square error. We concluded that it is desirable to use or to predict the response to truncated selection based on BLUP of BVs. However, in the population where selection is ongoing, the prediction accuracy of selection response is likely to be affected by the distortion of the distribution and the Bulmer effect for .
Estimation of genetic parameters for visceral diseases of fattening Japanese Black cattle in Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Nakamura Ryoichi , Sasaki Makiko , Shoji Nobutaka , Takahashi Masaru , Watanabe Akihiro , Iijima Kumi , Hasegawa Kiyotoshi , Oyama Kenji , Mannen Hideyuki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the genetic parameters of major visceral diseases were estimated using the postmortem inspection records of 9057 fattening Japanese Black cattle in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, and the genetic correlation between visceral diseases and carcass traits was analyzed. There were six visceral diseases with a prevalence of 5% or higher, namely, pleurisy, pneumonia, bovine abdominal fat necrosis (BFN), rumenitis, hemorrhagic hepatitis, and perihepatitis. Variance components were estimated using the Gibbs sampling method, and the heritability of the visceral disease ranged from 0.07 to 0.49 for perihepatitis and BFN, respectively. Significant negative genetic correlations were identified between pleurisy and rib thickness (−0.32), BFN and carcass weight (−0.29), and BFN and rib eye area (−0.22). No significant genetic correlation was observed among the visceral diseases. The least squares analysis of variance suggested that some visceral diseases decrease the value of carcass traits. In particular, carcass weight and rib eye area in individuals with BFN were 11.7 kg and 1.87 cm2 lower than those of healthy cattle, respectively. Thus, it was inferred that genetic factors were involved in the visceral diseases of fattening Japanese Black cattle in Shimane Prefecture.
Personal reformulation during the clinical associate psychologist apprenticeship: Exploratory mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Brown Katie , Au‐Yeung Sheena K. , Tew Victoria , Parry Glenys 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesClinical associate psychologists (CAPs) train under the auspices of the apprenticeship programme and are a new addition to the psychological workforce. This project sought to evaluate whether a “personal reformulation” (PR) was helpful in terms of personal and professional development during the apprenticeship.MethodsA mixed methods evaluation containing a longitudinal quantitative element and a “Big Q” qualitative element with a single cohort of N = 18 CAPs. A PR consists of a 2‐hr one‐to‐one session and a follow‐up session with a cognitive analytic psychotherapist. During a PR, a sequential diagrammatic reformulation is produced to aid recognition and revision of potentially problematic relationship patterns at work. Two outcome measures concerning reflective capacity and professional quality of life were completed at the start of the apprenticeship, pre‐PR and at 3‐month PR follow‐up. The semi‐structured interviews (n = 11) conducted at the follow‐up were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsQuantitative changes were limited to significant increases to general confidence and 8/12 apprentices had a reliable increase in confidence in communication. Qualitatively, five overarching themes were found: (1) gaining insight, (2) wellbeing, (3) nature of the space, (4) being an apprentice, and (5) moving forward.ConclusionsPRs were generally found to be emotionally challenging, but relatively large amounts of insight are possible from a very brief intervention that can contribute to personal and professional development during clinical training. More controlled research needs to be conducted and wider applications and evaluations of PRs in different professions would be welcome.