bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence that increased surface temperature affects bioturbation by ants
Authors: García Ibarra Fátima , Jouquet Pascal , Bottinelli Nicolas , Bultelle Angélique , Monnin Thibaud 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Ants are important bioturbators that actively produce biopores and move soil particles. They could be particularly affected by global warming as they are ectotherms. Nevertheless, they can indirectly regulate their temperature, through changes in their circadian cycles and the architecture of their nests (e.g. digging deep nests or using insulating materials). Nest architecture has been considered an expanded functional trait of ant colonies and thus sensitive to environmental changes such as increasing temperatures. This work aimed to study the nest architecture of ants as a functional trait and its effects on soil bioturbation. We hypothesized that, when exposed to increased surface temperatures, ants would increase their excavation activities, build deeper nests and alter the layout of chambers to maintain their preferred temperature and humidity, thus enhancing soil porosity.

We allowed 17 young Lasius niger ant colonies to excavate nests in soil columns exposed to three surface temperatures (mild, n = 5; medium, n = 6; and high, n = 6) for 100 days. We measured the amount of soil excavated weekly and took X‐ray scans of the soil column on Days 7, 14, 28, and 88 to characterize the three‐dimensional structure of the nests (depth, shape, volume of chambers and tunnels). We then collected the colonies and measured their growth during the experiment, and the size and weight of workers.

Ants reacted to surface temperature. Colonies exposed to medium and high temperatures excavated larger and deeper nests than those exposed to mild temperature. Nests excavated under high and medium temperatures had the same maximal depth, but chambers were located deeper in the former, which were further characterized by the refiling of some of the upper chambers. Colonies grew well in all treatments, although less under mild temperature. They produced normal‐sized workers despite differences in surface temperature. Overall, these results suggest that ants exposed to higher temperatures live in deeper chambers.

This study shows that surface temperature affects ant nest architecture, confirming its status as extended phenotype and highlighting its flexibility over time, which has in turn consequences on soil porosity.
Fieldwork in conservation organisations–A review of methodological challenges, opportunities and ethics
Authors: Saif Omar , Staddon Sam , Keane Aidan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Social science methodologies are increasingly used by conservation organisations to improve social‐ecological outcomes. However, ethnographic approaches seeking to understand organisations themselves and how organisational culture impacts biodiversity and social justice are rarely discussed. By exploring previous studies of the methodological considerations of organisational ethnography in conservation, we provide conservationists and ethnographers with an empirically grounded understanding of the opportunities, challenges and underlying ethical considerations of this approach.

We conducted a scoping review of a disparate body of literature where ethnographers were embedded in conservation organisations and discussed their methodology, identifying 26 studies for analysis. We then extracted information on key themes relevant to methodological process and uptake.

Our review found such research spanned the globe, with a broad range of methodological and ethical considerations related to how ethnographers and conservationists interact. For example, organisational ethnography was perceived as valuable by conservationists as it allowed tracking progress toward internal goals such as diversification of staff and providing moral and emotional support and valuable information for transforming organisational practices. However, conservationists also worried about ethnographers' presence in their organisations. A key methodological challenge we identify, corroborating with the literature, is how ethnographers can benefit organisations while supplying critique.

Based on the results, we provide recommendations and areas of reflection for conservation organisations and ethnographers. Mainstreaming organisational ethnography through attention to certain methodological considerations can be beneficial for the future of conservation organisations and the biodiversity and people they impact.
How age affects health‐related‐quality‐of‐life outcomes in maxillomandibular reconstructive surgery
Authors: Patfield Alexander , Wykes James , Venchiarutti Rebecca , Dunn Masako , Clark Jonathan , Froggatt Catriona 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionMaxillomandibular reconstruction has various functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial effects that can decrease patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to compare HRQOL outcomes in older and younger patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction surgery between November 2008 and January 2021 was conducted. Participants completed the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Speech Handicap Index (SHI). Results from these instruments were used to compare HRQOL outcomes in old (≥70 years) and young (<70 years) patients.ResultsNinety‐nine patients who underwent maxillomandibular reconstruction completed the instruments (response rate 50%), of which 33 (33%) were aged ≥70 years. Older age was associated with improved FACE‐Q speaking (+11.3, P = 0.045), FACE‐Q cancer worry (−9.97, P = 0.050), and SHI score (−16.6, P = 0.013). After adjusting for the effect of radiotherapy, age was associated with improved FACE‐Q speaking (+16.8, P = 0.012), FACE‐Q smiling distress (+12.6, P = 0.040), FACE‐Q worry (−11.0, P = 0.032), and SHI scores (−18.4, P = 0.004). Older age was associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative complications (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, P = 0.02) and medical complications (OR = 4.6, P = 0.012).ConclusionIn patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction, older age (≥70 years) was associated with better HRQOL outcomes in domains relating to speech and cancer worry. In all other HRQOL outcomes, the two age groups performed similarly.
Retrospective cohort evaluation of postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G‐ROP) criteria in a tertiary centre in Turkey
Authors: Kaya‐Guner Emine , Inci‐Bozbiyik Duygu , Kefeli‐Demirel Melike 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G‐ROP) study has proposed a new model to increase the effectiveness of screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the G‐ROP model in a tertiary centre in Turkey.MethodsThe medical records of infants screened for ROP in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Babies with a documented ROP result and regular body weight measurements up to the 40th day of life were included in the study, and the G‐ROP model was applied. The sensitivity of the G‐ROP prediction model in detecting treated ROP, Type 1 ROP, Type 2 ROP, and low‐grade ROP and the reduction in the number of babies to be screened by applying the model were calculated.ResultsThe G‐ROP model was applied to a total of 242 infants. While 194 babies were determined for screening, 22 of them were treated. The sensitivity to predict treated ROP was 100%, and the specificity was 21.8%. The model successfully predicted all cases of Type 1 ROP in the cohort, while the sensitivity was 90.9% for Type 2 ROP and 90.7% for low‐grade ROP. The G‐ROP model reduced the number of infants requiring screening by 19.8% in our study.ConclusionsThe G‐ROP model was successfully validated in our cohort in detecting treated ROP and Type 1 ROP, reducing the number of infants requiring screening by approximately 1 in 5.
Cerebral and systemic near infrared spectroscopy patterns in preterm infants treated by caffeine
Authors: Strozzi Chiara , Di Battista Caterina , Graziosi Alessandro , D'Adamo Ebe , Librandi Michela , Patacchiola Roberta , Maconi Antonio , Ghiglione Valeria , Pelazzo Claudia , Pasino Marta , Paterlini Giuseppe , Bozzetti Valentina , Salvo Vincenzo , Gazzolo Francesca , Concolino Daniela , Abella Laura , Spinelli Martina , Betti Marta , Bertolotti Marinella , Gazzolo Diego 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of caffeine loading/maintenance administration on near‐infrared spectroscopy cerebral, kidney and splanchnic patterns in preterm infants.MethodsWe conducted a multicentre case–control prospective study in 40 preterm infants (gestational age 29 ± 2 weeks) where each case acted as its own control. A caffeine loading dose of 20 mg/kg and a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg after 24 h were administered intravenously. Near infrared spectroscopy monitoring parameters were monitored 30 min before, 30 min during and 180 min after caffeine therapy administration.ResultsA significant increase (p < 0.05) in splanchnic regional oxygenation and tissue function and a decrease (p < 0.05) in cerebral tissue function after loading dose was shown. A preferential hemodynamic redistribution from cerebral to splanchnic bloodstream was also observed. After caffeine maintenance dose regional oxygenation did not change in the monitored districts, while tissue function increased in kidney and splanchnic bloodstream.ConclusionDifferent caffeine administration modalities affect cerebral/systemic oxygenation status, tissue function and hemodynamic pattern in preterm infants. Future studies correlating near infrared spectroscopy parameters and caffeine therapy are needed to determine the short/long‐term effect of caffeine in preterm infants.
LINC00460 knockdown sensitizes cervical cancer to cisplatin by downregulating TGFBI
Authors: Tian Ping , Feng Yuanyuan , Tao Ling 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe acquired resistance of cancer to cisplatin (DDP) limits the efficacy of chemotherapy. The prognostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00460 has been reported in cervical cancer. However, its effect on DDP sensitivity in cervical cancer remains poorly understood. In present study, LINC00460 was screened out through bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of mRNAs and proteins were measured by reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) or western blot analysis. The sensitivity to DDP was investigated using an CCK8 assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The differentially expressed genes that were associated with the poor prognosis of cervical cancer were screened, and their correlations with LINC00460 expression were explored using Pearson's correlation analysis. Tumor xenograft model was used to assess the effect of LINC00460 knockdown on DDP sensitivity in vivo. The interaction between miR‐338‐3p and LINC00460 or transforming growth factor β‐induced protein (TGFBI) was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. LINC00460 expression was increased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. High expression of LINC00460 was associated with dismal prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Silencing of LINC00460 increased drug sensitivity and induced apoptosis in DDP‐resistant‐cervical cancer cells. LINC00460 knockdown enhanced DDP sensitivity in cervical cancer cells largely by downregulating TGFBI expression. LINC00460 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of cervical cancer to DDP in vivo, and this effect was partly mediated by the downregulation of TGFBI. LINC00460 positively regulated TGFBI expression, possibly by acting as a sponge of miR‐338‐3p. LINC00460 knockdown contributed to DDP sensitivity of cervical cancer by downregulating TGFBI, providing a novel mechanism underlying the acquisition of DDP sensitivity.
Trends in childhood obesity in Japan: A nationwide observational study from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Fujiwara Shintaro , Harada Ko , Hagiya Hideharu , Koyama Toshihiro , Hasegawa Kosei , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Otsuka Fumio 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe persistent ascension of childhood obesity on a global scale constitutes a significant quandary. The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan peaked in the early 2000s and has been reported to have declined since then, but recent data and its trend including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic era are not available. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies examining the correlation between the trend in childhood obesity and exercise habits over the past decade. This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of obesity, physical fitness, and exercise habits over the past 10 years in Japanese children. We investigated the prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan, using the School Health Statistics Survey data from 2012 to 2021. The dataset has a sample size representative of children nationwide and includes variables for obesity, such as height, weight, and age. Data were classified into groups by sex and age (6–8, 9–11, and 12–14 years age). Children weighing 20% or more of the standard body weight are classified as obese. The annual percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were estimated using the joinpoint regression model. We also examined the trends in the physical fitness test score and exercise time. Average annual percentage changes of boys increased, especially in the 6‐ to 8‐year age group (3.4%–4.6%). For girls, average annual percentage changes had increased in 6‐ to 8‐year (2.5%–4.0%) and 9‐ to 11‐year (0.9%–2.2%) age groups. Since the late 2010s, significantly increasing annual percentage changes were observed in 12‐ to 14‐year age boys (6.7%–8.9%) and girls of many age groups (2.6%–8.6%). The physical fitness test score and exercise time showed decreasing trends since the late 2010s. Childhood obesity may have generally risen in Japan, in the last decade. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through school policies and curricula is necessary.
An in vivo drug screen in zebrafish reveals that cyclooxygenase 2‐derived prostaglandin D2 promotes spinal cord neurogenesis
Authors: González‐Llera Laura , Sobrido‐Cameán Daniel , Quelle‐Regaldie Ana , Sánchez Laura , Barreiro‐Iglesias Antón 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe study of neurogenesis is essential to understanding fundamental developmental processes and for the development of cell replacement therapies for central nervous system disorders. Here, we designed an in vivo drug screening protocol in developing zebrafish to find new molecules and signalling pathways regulating neurogenesis in the ventral spinal cord. This unbiased drug screen revealed that 4 cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors reduced the generation of serotonergic interneurons in the developing spinal cord. These results fitted very nicely with available single‐cell RNAseq data revealing that floor plate cells show differential expression of 1 of the 2 COX2 zebrafish genes (ptgs2a). Indeed, several selective COX2 inhibitors and two different morpholinos against ptgs2a reduced the number of serotonergic neurons in the ventral spinal cord and led to locomotor deficits. Single‐cell RNAseq data and different pharmacological manipulations further revealed that COX2‐floor plate‐derived prostaglandin D2 promotes neurogenesis in the developing spinal cord by promoting mitotic activity in progenitor cells. Rescue experiments using a phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor suggest that intracellular changes in cAMP levels underlie the effects of COX inhibitors on neurogenesis and locomotion. Our study provides compelling in vivo evidence showing that prostaglandin signalling promotes neurogenesis in the ventral spinal cord.
Enhancing thalassemia gene carrier identification in non‐anemic populations using artificial intelligence erythrocyte morphology analysis and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhan Jieyu , Wang Yang , Cheng Jing , Wang Meinan , Chen Peisong , Ouyang Juan , Li Junxun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundNon‐anemic thalassemia trait (TT) accounted for a high proportion of TT cases in South China.ObjectiveTo use artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of erythrocyte morphology and machine learning (ML) to identify TT gene carriers in a non‐anemic population.MethodsDigital morphological data from 76 TT gene carriers and 97 controls were collected. The AI technology‐based Mindray MC‐100i was used to quantitatively analyze the percentage of abnormal erythrocytes. Further, ML was used to construct a prediction model.ResultsNon‐anemic TT carriers accounted for over 60% of the TT cases. Random Forest was selected as the prediction model and named TT@Normal. The TT@Normal algorithm showed outstanding performance in the training, validation, and external validation sets and could efficiently identify TT carriers in the non‐anemic population. The top three weights in the TT@Normal model were the target cells, microcytes, and teardrop cells. Elevated percentages of abnormal erythrocytes should raise a strong suspicion of being a TT gene carrier. TT@Normal could be promoted and used as a visualization and sharing tool. It is accessible through a URL link and can be used by medical staff online to predict the possibility of TT gene carriage in a non‐anemic population.ConclusionsThe ML‐based model TT@Normal could efficiently identify TT carriers in non‐anemic people. Elevated percentages of target cells, microcytes, and teardrop cells should raise a strong suspicion of being a TT gene carrier.
Blood–brain barrier disruption in dementia: Nano‐solutions as new treatment options
Authors: Cooper Ceinwyn G. , Kafetzis Konstantinos N. , Patabendige Adjanie , Tagalakis Aristides D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCandidate drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate extremely low clinical success rates, with more than 98% of potential treatments being discontinued due to poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Neurological conditions were shown to be the second leading cause of death globally in 2016, with the number of people currently affected by neurological disorders increasing rapidly. This increasing trend, along with an inability to develop BBB permeating drugs, is presenting a major hurdle in the treatment of CNS‐related disorders, like dementia. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of the BBB, including the transport of molecules across its interface in both healthy and pathological conditions. The use of CNS drug carriers is rapidly gaining popularity in CNS research due to their ability to target BBB transport systems. Further research and development of drug delivery vehicles could provide essential information that can be used to develop novel treatments for neurological conditions. This review discusses the BBB and its transport systems and evaluates the potential of using nanoparticle‐based delivery systems as drug carriers for CNS disease with a focus on dementia.
The genetic legacy of the first successful reintroduction of a mammal to Britain: Founder events and attempted genetic rescue in Scotland's beaver population
Authors: Taylor Helen R. , Costanzi Jean‐Marc , Dicks Kara L. , Senn Helen V. , Robinson Sarah , Dowse Gill , Ball Alex D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConservation translocations often inherently involve a risk of genetic diversity loss, and thus loss of adaptive potential, but this risk is rarely quantified or monitored through time. The reintroduction of beavers to Scotland, via the Scottish Beaver Trial in Knapdale, is an example of a translocation that took place in the absence of genetic data for the founder individuals and resulted in a small and suspected to be genetically depauperate population. In this study we use a high‐density SNP panel to assess the genetic impact of that initial translocation and the effect of subsequent reinforcement translocations using animals from a different genetic source to the original founders. We demonstrate that the initial translocation did, indeed, lead to low genetic diversity (Ho = 0.052) and high mean kinship (KING‐robust = 0.159) in the Knapdale population compared to other beaver populations. We also show that the reinforcement translocations have succeeded in increasing genetic diversity (Ho = 0.196) and reducing kinship (KING robust = 0.028) in Knapdale. As yet, there is no evidence of admixture between the two genetic lineages that are now present in Knapdale and such admixture is necessary to realise the full genetic benefits of the reinforcement and for genetic reinforcement and then rescue to occur; future genetic monitoring will be required to assess whether this has happened. We note that, should admixture occur, the Knapdale population will harbour combinations of genetic diversity not currently seen elsewhere in Eurasian beavers, posing important considerations for the future management of this population. We consider our results in the wider context of beaver conservation throughout Scotland and the rest of Britain, and advocate for more proactive genetic sampling of all founders to allow the full integration of genetic data into translocation planning in general.
Go west: Population genomics reveals unexpected population fluctuations and little gene flow in Western hemisphere populations of the predatory lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens
Authors: Sethuraman Arun , Nunziata Schyler O. , Jones Angela , Obrycki John , Weisrock David W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHippodamia convergens—the convergent lady beetle, has been used extensively in augmentative biological control of aphids, thrips, and whiteflies across its native range in North America, and was introduced into South America in the 1950s. Overwintering H. convergens populations from its native western range in the United States are commercially collected and released across its current range in the eastern USA, with little knowledge of the effectiveness of its augmentative biological control. Here we use a novel ddRADseq‐based SNP/haplotype discovery approach to estimate its range‐wide population diversity, differentiation, and recent evolutionary history. Our results indicate (1) significant population differentiation among eastern USA, western USA, and South American populations of H. convergens, with (2) little to no detectable recent admixture between them, despite repeated population augmentation, and (3) continued recent population size expansion across its range. These results contradict previous findings using microsatellite markers. In light of these new findings, the implications for the effectiveness of augmentative biological control using H. convergens are discussed. Additionally, because quantifying the non‐target effects of augmentative biological control is a difficult problem in migratory beetles, our results could serve as a cornerstone in improving and predicting the efficacy of future releases of H. convergens across its range.
Protection for pets and people: The critical need for increased federal funding for pet‐friendly domestic violence services
Authors: November Rachel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe research linking pet abuse with domestic violence is overwhelming. Pet abuse is a significant indicator that a human family member is suffering too. Further, victims are likely to become abusers themselves, perpetuating the intertwined cycles of pet abuse and domestic violence. Most women in domestic violence shelters report that their pet was also victimized. However, since few domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accommodate pets, victims must decide between leaving their pet to endure further abuse, or delaying their own escape. Current federal grants do not meet the demand for funding. This Note proposes an Amendment to the PAWS Act, requiring the federal government to match state contributions to projects that expand access to pet‐friendly shelters.