bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in prey preference, diet partitioning and niche breadth in a rich large carnivore guild
Authors: Vissia Sander , Virtuoso Francisca A. S. , Bouman Ariet , van Langevelde Frank 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLarge carnivore community structure is affected by direct and indirect interactions between intra‐guild members. Co‐existence between different species within a carnivore guild may occur through diet, habitat or temporal partitioning. Since carnivore species are highly dependent on availability and accessibility of prey, diet partitioning is potentially one of the most important mechanisms in allowing carnivores to co‐exist. Intra‐guild interactions may vary over time as carnivore prey preference and diet overlap can change due to seasonal changes in resource availability. We conducted scat analysis to compare the seasonal changes in prey preference, diet partitioning and niche breadth of four large carnivore species, namely leopard Panthera pardus, spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta, brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea and wild dog Lycaon pictus in central Tuli, Botswana. Large carnivores in central Tuli display a high dietary overlap, with spotted hyena and brown hyena displaying almost complete dietary overlap and the other carnivore species displaying slightly lower but still significant dietary overlap. Dietary niche breadth for both hyena species was high possibly due to their flexible foraging strategies, including scavenging, while leopard and wild dog showed a relatively low niche breadth, suggesting a more specialised diet. High dietary overlap in central Tuli is possibly explained by the high abundance of prey species in the area thereby reducing competition pressure between carnivore species. Our research highlights the need to assess the influence of diet partitioning in structuring large carnivore communities across multiple study sites, by demonstrating that in prey rich environments, the need for diet partitioning by carnivores to avoid competition may be limited.
Identification of active spermatogenesis using a multiphoton microscope
Authors: Takeda Tomoki , Iwatsuki Shoichiro , Nozaki Satoshi , Okada Atsushi , Mizuno Kentaro , Umemoto Yukihiro , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction varies from 25% to 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to establish objective selection criteria for identifying seminiferous tubules with spermatozoa.ObjectivesOur aim was to develop a method for identifying spermatogenesis without sectioning testicular tissues.Materials and methodsTesticular tissues of 10‐week‐old normal rats were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Fluorescent labeling of seminiferous tubule nuclei and F‐actin was performed, and the specimens were observed without sectioning using a multiphoton microscope. Cryptorchid rats were used as a model lacking elongated spermatids. Multiphoton images were compared with images of normal seminiferous tubules. In addition, seminiferous tubules of 10‐week‐old normal rats were labeled by testicular interstitial injection of fluorescent probes and observed by a multiphoton microscope without fixation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐stained images of normal and probe‐injected testes were compared.ResultsIn fixed seminiferous tubules, elongated spermatids were identified. In addition, F‐actin of apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed around elongated spermatids. Furthermore, spermatogenic stages were identified by an array of nuclei or F‐actin. In cryptorchid testes, elongated spermatids and F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization were not observed. In testes injected with fluorescent probes, F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed, and spermatogenic stages were identified without fixation. There was no significant difference in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cells per seminiferous tubule between normal and probe‐injected testes.ConclusionsSeminiferous epithelium could be observed without sectioning of tissues by fluorescent probes and a multiphoton microscope. Active spermatogenesis was observed by labeling F‐actin with and without fixation. Moreover, the toxicity of fluorescent probes was limited. Our method has a potential for live imaging of testicular tissue.
WNT/β‐catenin pathway is a key regulator of cardiac function and energetic metabolism
Authors: Balatskyi Volodymyr V. , Sowka Adrian , Dobrzyn Pawel , Piven Oksana O. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe WNT/β‐catenin pathway is a master regulator of cardiac development and growth, and its activity is low in healthy adult hearts. However, even this low activity is essential for maintaining normal heart function. Acute activation of the WNT/β‐catenin signaling cascade is considered to be cardioprotective after infarction through the upregulation of prosurvival genes and reprogramming of metabolism. Chronically high WNT/β‐catenin pathway activity causes profibrotic and hypertrophic effects in the adult heart. New data suggest more complex functions of β‐catenin in metabolic maturation of the perinatal heart, establishing an adult pattern of glucose and fatty acid utilization. Additionally, low basal activity of the WNT/β‐catenin cascade maintains oxidative metabolism in the adult heart, and this pathway is reactivated by physiological or pathological stimuli to meet the higher energy needs of the heart. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the organization of canonical WNT signaling and its function in cardiogenesis, heart maturation, adult heart function, and remodeling. We also discuss the role of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway in cardiac glucose, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial physiology.
Tolerability safety and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation versus individual shear rate therapy in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease: A prospective pilot clinical trial
Authors: Soubh Nibras , Hillmeister Philipp , Buschmann Eva , Klaproth Christian , Buschmann Ivo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimsWe aimed to investigate the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy (EECP) versus individual shear rate therapy (ISRT) in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD).MethodsEighteen patients (age: 73.1 ± 6 years) underwent EECP and ISRT, each daily over five consecutive days in a cross‐over design with a 1 week resting period in between the two regimens. A quality‐of‐life questionnaire was used to assess the therapy experience. Oxygen saturation (SO2), relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) and blood flow (Flow) in the capillary‐venous‐system (microcirculation) of the skin were monitored continuously during all therapy sessions using the micro‐lightguide spectrophotometer, also known as oxygen to see (O2C). The effects of EECP and ISRT on the renal function and skeletal muscles were evaluated using serial blood and urine tests.ResultsEECP therapy had to be terminated early before the end of the 5th session in 10 patients (55.6%) because of discomfort. Four patients (22.2%) experienced signs of critical limb ischaemia under EECP. The total score of the quality‐of‐life questionnaire was significantly higher (= better tolerated) post‐ISRT compared with EECP. Microcirculation monitoring revealed that ISRT significantly increased the SO2, blood flow and rHb during the therapy. All three parameters remained significantly increased in the observation period after ISRT. The serum levels of creatin kinase and myoglobin increased significantly under EECP.ConclusionsISRT significantly improves tolerability, safety, and effectiveness over EECP in patients with LEAD.
Subthalamic neurons interact with nigral dopaminergic neurons to regulate movement in mice
Authors: Fan Jiang‐Peng , Zhang Xue , Han Yu , Ji Ying , Gu Wei‐Xin , Wu Hai‐Chuan , Zhou Chunyi , Xiao Cheng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThis study aims to address the role of the interaction between subthalamic (STN) neurons and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in movement control.MethodsFiber photometry and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques were utilized to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, respectively. Locomotion in mice was recorded in an open field arena and on a head‐fixed apparatus. A hemiparkinsonian mouse model was established by unilateral injection of 6‐OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were applied to record electrophysiological signals in STN neurons and SNc DA neurons. c‐Fos‐immunostaining was used to label activated neurons. A rabies virus‐based retrograde tracing system was used to visualize STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons.ResultsThe activity of STN neurons was enhanced upon locomotion in an open field arena and on a head‐fixed apparatus, and the enhancement was significantly attenuated in parkinsonian mice. Optogenetic stimulation of STN neurons enhanced locomotion, increased activity of SNc DA neurons, meanwhile, reduced latency to movement initiation. Combining optogenetics with patch‐clamp recordings, we confirmed that STN neurons innervated SNc DA neurons through glutamatergic monosynaptic connections. Moreover, STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons were evenly distributed in the STN. Either 6‐OHDA‐lesion or chemogenetic inhibition of SNc DA neurons attenuated the enhancement of locomotion by STN stimulation.ConclusionSNc DA neurons not only affect the response of STN neurons to movement, but also contribute to the enhancement of movement by STN stimulation. This study demonstrates the role of STN‐SNc interaction in movement control.
Study of the mechanism underlying the role of PINK1/Parkin in the formic acid‐induced autophagy of PC12 cells
Authors: Chen Nan , Yan Jiao , Hu Yundi , Hao Lele , Liu Herong , Yang Huifang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to explore PINK1/Parkin's role in methanol metabolite formic acid‐induced autophagy in PC12 cells and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating methanol‐induced neurotoxicity. After treatment with different formic acid concentrations, we observed the morphology and mitochondria of PC12 cells. We used an ultra‐micro enzyme kit to detect the mitochondrial Na+‐K+‐ATPase and Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase activities; a JC‐1 kit to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); MDC staining to detect the autophagy levels; and western blotting to measure the expression levels of the mitochondrial marker protein COX IV and the autophagy‐related proteins Beclin1, P62 and LC3II/LC3I, and the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic levels of PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin. Compared with the control group, the mitochondrial diameters, the mitochondrial Na+‐K+‐ATP and Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase activities, the MMP, and the COX IV expression levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The fluorescence signal intensity (indicating autophagy); relative Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels; and relative mitochondrial PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin levels increased significantly, and the relative P62 protein expression levels and relative cytoplasmic PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Thus, formic acid alters mitochondrial morphology, causes mitochondrial dysfunction, affects the PINK/Parkin pathway and, thus, activates the process of mitochondrial autophagy.
Trends and motivations for freebirth: A scoping review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Jarašiūnaitė‐Fedosejeva Gabija , Akik Burcu Kömürcü , Holopainen Annaleena , Isbir Gozde Gokce , Chua Jing Shi , Wayt Carly , Downe Soo , Lalor Joan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundEven when maternity care facilities are available, some women will choose to give birth unassisted by a professional (freebirth). This became more apparent during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), as women were increasingly concerned they would contract the virus in health care facilities. Several studies have identified the factors that influence women to seek alternative places of birth to hospitals, but research focusing specifically on freebirth is limited.MethodsEight databases were searched from their respective inception dates to April 2022 for studies related to freebirth. Data from the studies were charted and a thematic analysis was subsequently conducted.ResultsFour themes were identified based on findings from the 25 included studies: (1) Geographical and socio‐demographic determinants influencing freebirth, (2) Reasons for choosing freebirth, (3) Factors hindering freebirth, and (4) Preparation for and varied experiences of freebirth.DiscussionMore women chose to give birth unassisted in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) compared with high‐income countries (HICs). Overall, motivation for freebirth included previous negative birth experiences with health care professionals, a desire to adhere to their birth‐related beliefs, and fear of contracting the COVID‐19 virus. Included studies reported that study participants were often met with negative responses when they revealed that they were planning to freebirth. Most women in the included studies had positive freebirth experiences. Future research should explore the different motivators of freebirth present in LMICs or HICs to help inform effective policies that may improve birth experiences while maintaining safety.
Habitat split as a driver of disease in amphibians
Authors: Becker C. Guilherme , Greenspan Sasha E. , Martins Renato A. , Lyra Mariana L. , Prist Paula , Metzger Jean Paul , São Pedro Vinicius , Haddad Célio F. B. , Le Sage Emily H. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Savage Anna E. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTAnthropogenic habitat disturbance is fundamentally altering patterns of disease transmission and immunity across the vertebrate tree of life. Most studies linking anthropogenic habitat change and disease focus on habitat loss and fragmentation, but these processes often lead to a third process that is equally important: habitat split. Defined as spatial separation between the multiple classes of natural habitat that many vertebrate species require to complete their life cycles, habitat split has been linked to population declines in vertebrates, e.g. amphibians breeding in lowland aquatic habitats and overwintering in fragments of upland terrestrial vegetation. Here, we link habitat split to enhanced disease risk in amphibians (i) by reviewing the biotic and abiotic forces shaping elements of immunity and (ii) through a spatially oriented field study focused on tropical frogs. We propose a framework to investigate mechanisms by which habitat split influences disease risk in amphibians, focusing on three broad host factors linked to immunity: (i) composition of symbiotic microbial communities, (ii) immunogenetic variation, and (iii) stress hormone levels. Our review highlights the potential for habitat split to contribute to host‐associated microbiome dysbiosis, reductions in immunogenetic repertoire, and chronic stress, that often facilitate pathogenic infections and disease in amphibians and other classes of vertebrates. We highlight that targeted habitat‐restoration strategies aiming to connect multiple classes of natural habitats (e.g. terrestrial–freshwater, terrestrial–marine, marine–freshwater) could enhance priming of the vertebrate immune system through repeated low‐load exposure to enzootic pathogens and reduced stress‐induced immunosuppression.
Commentary/Response: Economic evidence should be routinely collected and reported for studies of intervention effectiveness in mental health. A commentary on Vartiainen et al. (2022)
Authors: Caldwell Deborah M. , Thorn Joanna C. 
Published: January 2023

Anxiety and related disorders are increasingly widespread amongst children and adolescents. Preventing mental health disorders from developing has the potential to realise long‐term benefits for children and adolescents. In their paper, ‘Economic evidence of preventive interventions for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents—a systematic review’, Vartiainen et al. conducted a systematic review to examine economic evidence of interventions for the primary prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, under 18 years of age. Five articles were eligible for inclusion in the review, of which two were model‐based economic evaluations and three conducted alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs). All five papers used either a cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) or cost‐utility analysis (CUA) as their main analysis. Vartiainen et al. concluded that, due to the small number of studies and relatively small sample sizes, the evidence for the cost‐effectiveness of anxiety prevention interventions is weak. In this commentary, the challenges of conducting economic evaluations for prevention interventions are briefly outlined and Vartiainen et al.'s findings are discussed in the context of two further reviews of economic studies, published in 2021. The first focuses on the prevention of anxiety and depression in children and young people and the second takes a broader perspective and also includes interventions for mental health promotion. Both additional reviews note the small number of published economic evaluations, and all three reviews are united in their call for economic evaluations to be conducted alongside all future mental health prevention intervention trials.
Imaging in retinal vascular disease: A review
Authors: Häner Nathanael U. , Dysli Chantal , Munk Marion R. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRetinal vascular diseases represent a broad field of ocular pathologies. Retinal imaging is an important tool for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up of retinal vascular diseases. It includes a wide variety of imaging techniques ranging from colour fundus photography and optical coherence tomography to dynamic diagnostic options such as fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. The newest developments in respective imaging techniques include widefield imaging to assess the retinal periphery, which is of especial interest in retinal vascular diseases. Automatic image analysis and artificial intelligence may support the image analysis and may prove valuable for prognostic purposes. This review provides a broad overview of the imaging techniques that have been used in the past, today and maybe in the future to stage and monitor retinal vascular disease with focus on the main disease entities including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal artery occlusion.
Buccal and palatal alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla: A micro‐CT study
Authors: Todorovic Vladimir S. , Postma Thomas C. , Hoffman Jakobus , van Zyl Andre W. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveAnterior maxillary immediate implant placement has become a popular procedure. It has aesthetic and functional risks. A prerequisite for success is sufficient alveolar bone for primary stability. Many cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies have assessed alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla, with varying results. More accurate information on the alveolar bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla is required. The objective of the present study was to evaluate bone dimensions in the anterior maxilla using micro‐CT, a high‐resolution imaging tool.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐two human skulls were scanned using micro‐CT at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. Specialized software was used for 3‐D rendering, segmentation, and visualization of the reconstructed volume data. Axial planes were created over each alveolus/tooth from canine to canine. Buccal and palatal bone dimensions were measured at crestal, 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm levels.ResultsBuccal bone rarely exceeded 0.5 mm, consisting of bundle bone only for all investigated teeth at all levels. Up to a third of teeth showed buccal fenestrations. Alveolar bone on the palatal side was thicker than buccal and increased from <1 mm at crestal level up to 3.77 mm, 4.56 mm, and 5.43 mm for centrals, laterals, and canines at the 9 mm level, respectively.ConclusionsImmediate implants in the anterior maxillae has anatomical risks. Alveolar bone on the buccal aspect is very thin, with fenestrations in certain positions. Therefore, a thorough planning and individual approach are needed to avoid possible complications and achieve stable aesthetic and functional results in the long‐term.
Management thresholds shift under the influence of multiple stressors: Eelgrass meadows as a case study
Authors: Dunic Jillian C. , Côté Isabelle M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAs human activities increase in intensity and extent, ecosystems face growing threats from multiple stressors. Successful management requires identifying measurable targets, which is challenging because of data limitations, nonlinear ecosystem responses, and potentially shifting targets under multiple stressors. To identify critical management values and determine whether these values shift in the presence of multiple stressors, we use eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows as a model system. We reviewed 20 studies that measured the effects of light and temperature on eelgrass performance, providing 109 unique study–site–treatment combinations. We modeled the interactive effect of temperature and light on eelgrass population growth rate (i.e., lateral shoot production rates) using a hierarchical generalized additive model and predicted population growth rates across a range of light levels and temperatures. We found that two critical performance metrics of population growth, zero‐growth and maximum growth rates, shifted across a gradient of light and temperature, suggesting that fixed management targets linked to population growth rates might be unsuitable for managing meadows under multiple stressors. Our approach bridges the gap between data from laboratory and field studies and could be developed into an interactive management tool.
Velvet antler water extract protects porcine oocytes from lipopolysaccharide‐induced meiotic defects
Authors: Chen Jingyue , Wang Rui , Liu Chunxiao , Xiong Bo , Miao Yilong , Rao Cong , Sun Huimin , Gao Qian , Xu Baozeng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a central toxic factor of gram‐negative bacteria, can induce oxidative stress and cellular inflammation to result in the impairment of female fertility in different organisms. Particularly, it has harmful effects on the oocyte quality and subsequent embryonic development. However, the approach concerning how to prevent oocytes from LPS‐induced deterioration still remains largely unexplored. We assessed the effective influences of velvet antler water extract (VAWE) by immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification on the meiotic maturation, mitochondrial function and sperm binding ability of oocytes under oxidative stress. Here, we report that VAWE treatment restores the quality of porcine oocytes exposed to LPS. Specifically, LPS exposure contributed to the failed oocyte maturation, reduced sperm binding ability and fertilization capability by disturbing the dynamics and arrangement of meiotic apparatuses and organelles, including spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, actin polymerization, mitochondrial dynamics and cortical granule distribution, the indicators of oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Notably, VAWE treatment recovered these meiotic defects by removing the LPS‐induced excessive ROS and thus inhibiting the apoptosis. Collectively, our study illustrates that VAWE treatment is a feasible strategy to improve the oocyte quality deteriorated by the LPS‐induced oxidative stress.