bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trophic positions of soil microarthropods in forests increase with elevation, but energy channels remain unchanged
Authors: Lux Johannes , Xie Zhijing , Sun Xin , Wu Donghui , Pollierer Melanie M. , Scheu Stefan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMountain forests are at risk as the consequences of climate change will likely lead to altered tree species boundaries. Characterizing food webs along elevation gradients in primary forests may help to predict the potential consequences of such changes, for example with regard to the decomposition of dead organic matter. Here, for the first time, we studied trophic variations in two species‐rich microarthropod taxa, Collembola and Oribatida, along an elevation gradient of primary forest at Changbai Mountain, China. Samples were taken at seven elevations of 150‐m elevational difference between 800 and 1700 m. At each elevation, Collembola and Oribatida were extracted from litter samples of eight subplots. We applied three state‐of‐the‐art methods to elucidate trophic positions and basal resource use at community level: Bulk stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (Δ15Nbulk) and carbon (Δ13Cbulk), compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA), and dietary routing of neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFAs). Trophic positions calculated using Δ15Nbulk and CSIA‐AA (TPCSIA) in both taxa increased similarly with elevation by about half and one third of a trophic position, respectively. Stable isotope mixing models and linear discriminant analysis bootstrapping using δ13C of essential amino acids indicated fungi as the most important resource at all elevations for both taxa. Also, proportions of marker NLFAs changed little across elevations in both taxa; overall high proportions of linoleic acid indicated high fungal contributions, but in Collembola the contribution of bacterial markers was generally higher than in Oribatida. Δ13Cbulk did not respond linearly to the elevation gradient; however, changes in elevation differed between Collembola and Oribatida. A strong linear relationship between δ15N of phenylalanine and δ15N of litter indicated litter as the basis of energy channels in both taxa. Overall, food web functioning likely changes with changing forest types along elevation gradients, with microarthropods switching from feeding closer to the base of the food web at lower elevations to feeding at higher trophic levels at higher elevations, potentially compromising their role in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Development and validation of the self‐volume management behaviour questionnaire for patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Luo Zhenlan , Ruan Tiantian , Xu Mengqi , Ding Yuan , Zhu Lingyan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsWe aim to develop and validate a questionnaire on the behaviour of self‐volume management of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods and resultsBased on the specific situation theory of heart failure self‐care, the items of this questionnaire were formed through literature review and expert consultation. Content validity is judged by expert consultation. Item analysis was used for further filter entries. Cronbach's alpha and retest were used for reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the structural validity. The questionnaire finally contained 3 subscales and 22 items. The Cronbach's α was between 0.732 and 0.797. The reliability of the retest was between 0.983 and 0.998. In expert consultation, the I‐CVI of each item was 0.92–1, and the S‐CVI of each subscale was 0.99, 1.00, and 0.99. In exploratory factor analysis, each subscale has two factors. In confirmatory factor analysis, the model fits of the three subscales were good: χ2/df < 3, RMSEA < 0.08, CFI > 0.9, TLI > 0.9, and SRMR < 0.05.ConclusionsThe study has shown that the questionnaire on the behaviour of self‐volume management of patients with chronic heart failure has good reliability and validity. It can be used as an evaluation tool for evaluating the self‐volume management behaviour of patients with chronic heart failure.
Assessment of the efficiency of DNA isolation and profiling applying a temperature‐driven method in human remains
Authors: C. Zapico Sara , Matos Shayla , Conte Jillian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe identification of human remains is of utmost importance in a variety of scenarios. One of the primary identification methods is DNA. DNA extraction from human remains could be difficult, particularly in situations where the remains have been exposed to environmental conditions and other insults. Several studies tried to improve extraction by applying different approaches. ForensicGEM Universal (MicroGem) is a single‐tube approach to DNA extraction and a temperature‐driven method that could have some advantages with respect to previous techniques, among them, reducing the risk of contamination, not requiring specialized equipment, or several steps to perform. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the efficiency of DNA extraction and quality of STR profiles applying the MicroGem protocol and modifications of this protocol from tooth samples in comparison with automatic extraction (AE). Our results indicated that AE and MicroGem performed similar, though with variability depending on the MicroGem modifications, increasing the DNA yield and STR profile quality when DNA is concentrated with Microcon. These findings demonstrated the efficiency of this methodology for DNA extraction from human remains while also providing a simple and quick technique suitable to apply in a variety of forensic scenarios.
Prevalence and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from different processing points in beef processing plants in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Tianning , Liu Yunge , Yang Xiaoyin , Gong Benzhi , Liang Rongrong , Mao Yanwei , Zhang Yimin , Dong Pengcheng , Zhu Lixian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common zoonotic foodborne pathogen that poses a serious threat to the microbial control of meat processing, especially the multidrug resistant (MDR) strain. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes, biofilm formation ability (BFA), and molecular types of S. aureus isolated from two beef‐processing plants in China. The results revealed that the prevalence of S. aureus was 17.1% (60/350), including one methicillin‐resistant strain. The chilled carcass showed the highest detection rate among the seven sampling points. The isolates exhibited high resistance to penicillin (88.3%) and lincomycin (80.0%), and 75.0% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). All isolates carried hla and clfa and critical toxin genes (seb, pvl, and tst) were also detected. Additionally, 96.7% of isolates exhibited strong and moderate BFA. The isolates were typed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Staphylococcus Protein A (spa) typing methods, resulting in nine different types for each method. The predominant type was ST7‐t091, accounting for 68.3% of the isolates. Our research suggests that there may be a critical control point in the chilling room, and the high MDR rate and strong BFA increase the difficulty of control and the risk of transmission.
Changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic across metropolitan regions in Brazil and Germany: A survey‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Paris Juliana M. G. , Lima Emília M. F. , Finger Jéssica de A. F. F. , Isidorio William R. , Heinzel Christine , Falkenberg Timo , Borgemeister Christian , Pinto Uelinton M. , Nöthlings Ute 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCOVID‐19 caused profound societal changes to cope rapidly with the new circumstances. The food market changed its quantity, quality, form, and frequency dynamics. Consequently, food‐eating habits and lifestyles like physical exercise likely experienced changes. An online‐based survey was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021 in the metropolitan regions of Rhine Ruhr Metropolis (RRM), Greater São Paulo (GSP), other metropolitan regions in São Paulo state (oMRSP), other Brazilian metropolitan regions (oBRMR), and the remaining urban areas in both countries (oUA), representing different contexts of Brazil and Germany. We assessed self‐reported changes in physical activity level, diet quality, self‐reported eating habits, and buying groceries during the first year of the pandemic. In Germany, indoor and outdoor activities increased for 34% of the respondents, while in Brazil, there was a decrease in physical activity for 50% of the participants. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scored higher among Brazilians (16.8) than Germans (15.2) on a 0–29 HEI scale. Increased awareness of healthy and sustainable eating habits was observed in GSP (0.7), oMRSP (0.63), oBRMR (0.7), and oUA (0.68) on a scale from no change (0) to change (1). In RRM, an increase in convenience foods was noticed (0.86). Participants reported discomfort with food purchasing due to hygiene measures and avoided going to the supermarket (0.7 on average in Brazil and 0.58 for females using the same 0–1 scale). Also, food supply at the grocery shops was reported to be often unavailable and in lower quantities. A real‐time assessment of self‐reported changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the lockdown in 2020 in different contexts is insightful for rethinking strategies to improve conditions in the post‐COVID‐19 era and prepare for future pandemics.
Efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo® Structura intended to restore lateral cheek fat compartment: An observational pilot study
Authors: Sparavigna Adele , Grimolizzi Franco , Cigni Clara , Lualdi Roberto , Bellia Gilberto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsHyaluronic acid (HA)‐based injections are used worldwide to improve skin defects associated with aging and ultraviolet light/environmental exposure. HA formulations developed according to molecular weight or with additional components, for example, cross‐linking reagents, are limited by their low biological activity and concentration limit. NAHYCO™ technology has enabled the production of hybrid cooperative complexes (HCCs) of low and high molecular weight HA. Developed for injection into the fat compartments of the face and previously demonstrating potential benefits for adipose tissue restoration, Profhilo Structura® is a new 2 mL HCC formulation comprising low molecular weight HA (45 mg/mL) and high molecular weight HA (45 mg/mL). To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo Structura® to restore adipose tissue compartments in the lateral cheek fat compartment.MethodsFifty healthy enrolled subjects received two injections, 1 month apart, and were evaluated 3 months posttreatment. Investigators performed clinical evaluations (Facial Volume Loss Scale [FVLS] and Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale [WSRS]) at different time points. Subjects also completed self‐evaluation assessments following treatment.ResultsA significant improvement in FVLS and WSRS clinical scores after the first treatment was observed; treatment benefit was maintained 3 months after treatment completion and confirmed by subject self‐assessment. Most participants reported an improvement, particularly a marked reduction of wrinkles and increased skin firmness. No serious adverse events were reported, confirming the excellent safety profile of HCC injectable devices.ConclusionsOverall, the study highlighted the efficacy and tolerability of the studied medical device proving its effect on adipose tissue.
Analysing the impacts of unscheduled news events on stock market contagion during the epidemic
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Long , Wu Baoxiu , Liu Fang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of unscheduled news announcements on market contagion during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using coexceedance of stock returns as a metric for market contagion effect, we assess the contribution of news releases from the United States and China on the financial contagion of a representative group of global equity markets through a quantile analysis framework. The empirical results are mixed: news events originating in the United States have a greater impact on market contagion compared with those originating in China, especially at lower quantiles. Stock markets respond asymmetrically to good news versus bad news, and the latter lead to a sharper common fall among the markets than the boost to the market caused by good news. We also find evidence that conditional variance and investor sentiment play some role in the spread of financial market crises, despite differences in extent and direction.
Does supplemental irrigation enhance smallholder monsoon season rice yield? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mahbubur , Connor Jeffery D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIrrigation is one pillar of the Green Revolution that drove dramatic agricultural productivity gains across Asia. In Bangladesh, irrigation uptake has been so significant that 97% of dry‐season rice is now irrigated. While most Bangladesh monsoon rice is completely rainfed, supplementary irrigation is sometimes employed where late monsoon onset is potentially yield‐limiting. Station‐controlled experiments provide a narrative of positive yield benefits from supplementary irrigation. In contrast, statistical evaluations of actual farm experience mostly show no yield benefit and lower profitability for supplementary irrigation adopters. To add evidence on this controversial practice, we evaluated data from 2012 and 2015 Bangladesh farm household surveys with causality econometric approaches that control for differences between supplementary irrigation adopter and non‐adopter groups. After controlling for self‐selection and endogeneity, we found no statistically significant yield benefit for supplementary irrigation. Our results support scepticism about the profitability of supplementary irrigation. As such, we recommend careful consideration of the mixed evidence on effectiveness in future supplementary irrigation project benefit cost analyses. Further evidence over a longer time and accounting for a broader range of crops is also important moving forward.
A peek into the room where it happens: Quantifying ABA's influence on public policy discussions
Authors: Critchfield Thomas S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo maximize its influence, applied behavior analysis must both create solutions and shape public policy to implement those solutions at scale. From the perspective of data‐driven decision making, it is illogical to talk about seeking public policy influence without consulting evidence showing when influence has been achieved. One relevant form of evidence is the attention that behavioral solutions receive in published discussions about policy issues, and here I show how much of this attention has been earned by articles published in Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. I also propose using the same kind of data to support finer grained analyses focusing on specific behavior problems, specific types of interventions, and the research programs of individual investigators. Although this is far from a complete account of the influence of applied behavior analysis on policy, it is better to have data than none if the goal is to transform the quest for influence on policy from a matter of speculation and casual discussion into an evidence‐based practice.
Tanshinone IIA regulates CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice via the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Li Qingqing , Huang Dongrui , Liao Wenjing , Su Xinyue , Li Jin , Zhang Jinwei , Fang Meng , Liu Yuwei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChronic liver diseases caused by various factors may develop into liver fibrosis (LF). Early stage of LF could be reversible. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to be hepatoprotective. However, the potential targets and mechanism of Tan IIA in the treatment of LF are still unclear. Our study aims at the anti‐LF mechanism of Tan IIA through network pharmacological analysis combined with LF‐related experiments. Serum biochemical indicators and histopathological examination showed that Tan IIA could ameliorate the process of LF in the CCl4‐induced mouse model. Western blot and immunohistochemical assays showed that Tan IIA decreased the expression of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor/heme oxygenase‐1 (Nrf2/HO‐1). Compared with the model group, the Tan IIA groups increased the decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, while decreasing the increased malondialdehyde content. These results indicate that Tan IIA may play an antioxidant role by inhibiting the expression of KRAS, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO‐1 to ameliorate the progression of LF, which to some extent explains the pharmacological mechanism of Tan IIA in LF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Tan IIA could regulate LF via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways. It may be an effective therapeutic compound for the treatment of LF.
The role of HLA genetic variants in COVID‐19 susceptibility, severity, and mortality: A global review
Authors: Hoseinnezhad Taraneh , Soltani Nasrin , Ziarati Sarina , Behboudi Emad , Mousavi Mohammad Javad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, with variations in susceptibility, severity, and mortality rates across different regions. While many factors can contribute to the spread and impact of the disease, specifically human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic variants have emerged as potential contributors to COVID‐19 outcomes.MethodsIn this comprehensive narrative review, we conducted a thorough literature search to identify relevant studies investigating the association between HLA genetic variants and COVID‐19 outcomes. Additionally, we analyzed allelic frequency data from diverse populations to assess differences in COVID‐19 incidence and severity.ResultsOur review provides insights into the immunological mechanisms involving HLA‐mediated responses to COVID‐19 and highlights potential research directions and therapeutic interventions. We found evidence suggesting that certain HLA alleles, such as HLA‐A02, may confer a lower risk of COVID‐19, while others, like HLA‐C04, may increase the risk of severe symptoms and mortality. Furthermore, our analysis of allele frequency distributions revealed significant variations among different populations.ConclusionConsidering host genetic variations, particularly HLA genetic variants, is crucial for understanding COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity. These findings have implications for personalized treatment and interventions based on an individual's genetic profile. However, further research is needed to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying the observed associations and explore the potential for targeted therapies or preventive measures based on HLA genetic variants.
Low content of Ni‐Pt nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofibers as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Sakthivel P , Ramachandran K , Balraj C , Senthil TS , Manivel P 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAmong various technologies, electrochemical water splitting is one of the most effective and promising techniques for obtaining hydrogen fuel. The low content of nickel–platinum (Ni‐Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been developed by the electrospinning technique and subsequent carbonization process for use in an effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acidic and alkaline mediums.ResultsThe Ni‐Pt ions are reduced to Ni‐Pt NPs during the carbonization process, while polyacrylonitrile nanofibers are simultaneously changed into carbon nanofibers. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the prepared Ni‐Pt/CNFs shows that the low content of Ni and Pt NPs is evenly dispersed on the carbon nanofibers. This implies that for close contacts, there is an effective charge transfer between the NPs and the CNFs system. The obtained Ni‐Pt/CNFs exhibit enhanced HER performance along with onset potential (η1/23 mV in ~0 pH and η1/33 mV in ~14 pH) and overpotential (η10/128 mV in pH ~0 and η10/152 mV in pH ~14) versus RHE. Furthermore, stability for a long time was attained without considerable decay by 24 h. The turnover frequency (TOF) value was 3.431 s−1 in acidic and 1.174 s−1 in alkaline electrolytes.ConclusionThe enhanced HER performance could be ascribed to the synergetic effects between the carbon fibers and the Ni‐Pt NPs. This work demonstrates an easy technique for producing highly effective electrocatalysts for water splitting and has significant implications for renewable energy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Snow cover‐related camouflage mismatch increases detection by predators
Authors: Otte Pieter J. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Smit Christian , Hofmeester Tim R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCamouflage expressed by animals is an adaptation to local environments that certain animals express to maximize survival and fitness. Animals at higher latitudes change their coat color according to a seasonally changing environment, expressing a white coat in winter and a darker coat in summer. The timing of molting is tightly linked to the appearance and disappearance of snow and is mainly regulated by photoperiod. However, due to climate change, an increasing mismatch is observed between the coat color of these species and their environment. Here, we conducted an experiment in northern Sweden, with white and brown decoys to study how camouflage (mis)‐match influenced (1) predator attraction to decoys, and (2) predation events. Using camera trap data, we showed that mismatching decoys attracted more predators and experienced a higher likelihood of predation events in comparison to matching decoys, suggesting that camouflage mismatched animals experience increased detection by predators. These results provide insight into the function of a seasonal color coat and the need for this adaptation to maximize fitness in an environment that is exposed to high seasonality. Thus, our results suggest that, with increasing climate change and reduced snow cover, animals expressing a seasonal color coat will experience a decrease in survival.
Seroma formation after mastectomy: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of different flap fixation techniques
Authors: Spiekerman van Weezelenburg Merel A. , Daemen Jean H. T. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , van Haaren Elisabeth R. M. , Janssen Alfred , Vissers Yvonne L. J. , Beets Geerard L. , van Bastelaar James 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFlap fixation is the most promising solution to prevent seroma formation after mastectomy. In this systematic review with network meta‐analysis (NMA), three different techniques were compared. The NMA included 25 articles, comprising 3423 patients, and revealed that sutures are superior to tissue glue in preventing clinically significant seroma. In addition, running sutures seemed to be superior to interrupted sutures. An RCT comparing these suture techniques seems necessary, given the quality and nature of existing literature.