bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C1q/TNF‐related protein 4 mediates proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells during vascular remodelling
Authors: Liu Jingying , Long Xingbo , Li Hexin , Yan Qiuxia , Wang Lu , Qin Ziyu , Zhang Hong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundVascular remodelling is an essential pathophysiological state in many circulatory diseases. Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behaviour leads to neointimal formation and may eventually results in major adverse cardiovascular events. The C1q/TNF‐related protein (C1QTNF) family is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. Notably, C1QTNF4 has unique two C1q domains. However, the role of C1QTNF4 in vascular diseases remains unclear.MethodsC1QTNF4 expression was detected in human serum and artery tissues using ELISA and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining. Scratch assay, transwell assay and confocal microscopy were used to investigate C1QTNF4 effects on VSMC migration. EdU incorporation, MTT assay and cell counting experiment revealed C1QTNF4 effects on VSMC proliferation. C1QTNF4‐transgenic, C1QTNF4−/− and AAV9‐mediated VSMC‐specific C1QTNF4 restoration C1QTNF4−/‐ mouse and rat disease models were generated. RNA‐seq, quantitative real‐time PCR, western blot, mIF, proliferation and migration assays were used to investigate the phenotypic characteristics and underlying mechanisms.ResultsSerum C1QTNF4 levels were decreased in patients with arterial stenosis. C1QTNF4 shows colocalisation with VSMC in human renal arteries. In vitro, C1QTNF4 inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration and alters VSMC phenotype. In vivo, an adenovirus‐infected rat balloon injury model, C1QTNF4‐transgenic and C1QTNF4−/− mouse wire‐injury models with or without VSMC‐specific C1QTNF4 restoration were established to mimic the VSMC repair and remodelling. The results show that C1QTNF4 decreases intimal hyperplasia. Especially, we displayed the rescue effect of C1QTNF4 in vascular remodelling using AAV vectors. Next, transcriptome analysis of artery tissue identified the potential mechanism. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that C1QTNF4 ameliorates neointimal formation and maintains vascular morphology by downregulating the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that C1QTNF4 is a novel inhibitor of VSMC proliferation and migration that acts by downregulating the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway, thus protecting blood vessels from abnormal neointima formation. These results provide new insights into promising potent treatments for vascular stenosis diseases.
Application of habitat association models across regions: Useful explanatory power retained in wetland bird case study
Authors: Elliott Lisa H. , Bracey Annie M. , Niemi Gerald J. , Johnson Douglas H. , Gehring Thomas M. , Gnass Giese Erin E. , Fiorino Giuseppe E. , Howe Robert W. , Lawrence Gregory J. , Norment Christopher J. , Tozer Douglas C. , Igl Lawrence D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSpecies often exhibit regionally specific habitat associations, so habitat association models developed in one region might not be accurate or even appropriate for other regions. Three programs to survey wetland‐breeding birds covering (respectively) Great Lakes coastal wetlands, inland Great Lakes wetlands, and the Prairie Pothole Region offer an opportunity to test whether regionally specific models of habitat use by wetland‐obligate breeding birds are transferrable across regions. We first developed independent, regional population density models for four species of wetland‐obligate birds: Pied‐billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola), Sora (Porzana carolina), and American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus). We then used adjusted pseudo‐R2 values to compare the amount of variation explained by each model when applied to data collected in each of the three regions. Although certain habitat characteristics, such as emergent vegetation and wetland area, were consistently important across regions, models for each species differed by region—both in variables selected for inclusion and often in the directionality of relationships for common variables—indicating that habitat associations for these species are regionally specific. When we applied a model developed in one region to data collected in another region, we found that explanatory power was reduced in most (71%) models. Therefore, we suggest that ecological analyses should emphasize regionally specific habitat association models whenever possible. Nonetheless, models created from inland Great Lakes wetland data had higher median explanatory power when applied to other regions, and the amount of explanatory power lost by other transferred models was relatively small. Thus, while regionally specific habitat association models are preferable, in the absence of reliable regional data, habitat association models developed in one region may be applied to another region, but the results need to be cautiously interpreted. Additionally, we found that median explanatory power was higher when local‐scale habitat characteristics were included in the models, indicating that regionally specific models should ideally be based on a combination of local‐ and landscape‐scale habitat characteristics. Conservation practitioners can leverage such regionally specific models and associated monitoring data to help prioritize areas for management activities that contribute to regional conservation efforts.
Managing for ecological resilience of pinyon–juniper ecosystems during an era of woodland contraction
Authors: Redmond Miranda D. , Urza Alexandra K. , Weisberg Peter J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDryland woodland ecosystems worldwide have experienced widespread drought‐ and heat‐related tree mortality events coupled with extreme wildfire behavior. In contrast to other forest types where the emphasis has been on the silvicultural enhancement of ecosystem resilience and restoration of structural heterogeneity, limited frameworks are available for management to improve drought resilience in semiarid woodlands. This challenge is especially acute in pinyon–juniper woodlands, a dominant vegetation type across western North America that has experienced extensive tree die‐off over the past several decades while simultaneously undergoing expansion in portions of its range. In this paper, we describe the critical and urgent need to manage for future drought resilience in these highly vulnerable ecosystems and synthesize the current state of knowledge on how to enhance woodland resilience to drought coupled with high temperatures and associated disturbances. We present a landscape prioritization framework for guiding management goals and practices that requires prioritization of efforts based on the need for action and the probability of a positive outcome. Four guiding factors include historical woodland structure and drivers of long‐term landscape change, current vegetation structure and composition, future climate suitability, and habitat and resource value. In summarizing the strength of evidence supporting our recommendations, we identify critical knowledge gaps and highlight the importance of adaptive management strategies that reflect current uncertainties. This will ultimately allow for improved management of diverse semiarid woodland ecosystems that are undergoing substantial changes due to past and present land use, biological invasions, and climate change.
Writing statistical methods for ecologists
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Kay Shannon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTheMethodssection is a key component of any ecology research publication containing detailed information on how the data were collected and analyzed. However, descriptions of which statistical methods were used and how they were applied can substantially vary and may not provide enough information for the analyses to be reproducible. Computational and statistical programming advances have allowed ecological researchers without a strong statistical or mathematical background to access and use increasingly complex statistical methods. Thus, statistical methods are written by and need to be accessible to researchers across a range of quantitative expertise. Poorly writtenMethodssections can incorrectly inflate the strength of or call into question the results of an analysis. Although there are resources available, we have not found one that is specific to writing statistical methods, includes all the elements we discuss, and is targeted for ecologists. Here we provide guidelines for ecological researchers when writing statistical methods and review frequent errors made inStatistical Methodssections. We highlight some common dos and don'ts when writingStatistical Methodssections and present a simple checklist to help guide authors with their writing to ensure reproducibility. We illustrate the use of this guidance with two examples.
Synthesis, characterization of cross‐linked poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐methyl methacrylate‐N‐(1‐phenylethyl) acrylamide) copolymer and removal of copper(II), cobalt(II) ions from aqueous solutions via this copolymer
Authors: Canpolat Mutlu , Topal Giray 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the synthesis and evaluation of a new polymeric adsorbent for adsorbing Cu2+ and Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, R‐(+)‐methylbenzylamine and acryloyl chloride were used to synthesize N‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐acrylamide (PEA) monomer, and the synthesized PEA was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. Then, using PEA, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers by radical polymerization reaction, cross‐linked poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐methyl methacrylate‐N‐(1‐phenylethyl)acrylamide) (poly(EGDMA‐co‐ MMA‐co‐PEA) copolymer was obtained. FTIR, solid‐NMR, and elemental analysis methods were used to characterize the poly(EGDMA‐co‐MMA‐co‐PEA) obtained. Poly(EGDMA‐co‐MMA)‐co‐PEA) copolymer was used as an adsorbent in the final stage of the study to remove copper (Cu2+) and cobalt (Co2+) ions from aqueous solutions. The study examined the effects of various variables including contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and pH on adsorption efficiency. The initial concentration, contact time, and solution pH that were found to be most effective for Cu2+ ion removal were 1000 mg/L, 20 min, and 6, respectively. The ideal working parameters for Co2+ removal were determined to be an initial concentration of 1000 mg/L, a contact period of 50 min, and a solution with a pH of 6. While the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ was 185.44 mg/g at 25°C, the adsorption capacity of Co2+ was 123.76 mg/g under the same conditions. The kinetic data were best described by the theoretical adsorption capacity, which was close to the experimentally determined value for the adsorption of Cu2+ and Co2+ ions, and the pseudo‐second‐order with the highest regression coefficient.
Thermal and combustion characteristics of honge, jatropha, and honge‐jatropha mixed biodiesels
Authors: Atgur Vinay , Manavendra G. , Rao B. Nageswara , Veza Ibham , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThermal characteristics of biodiesels are useful in system design, modeling, and operation. Such investigations are extensively being carried out in combustors, engine, and process industries. This article examines the thermal characteristics of jatropha (Jatropha curcas), honge (Pongamia pinnata), and their equal mixing from thermogravitometry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) curves for the specific 10°C/min heating rate under atmospheric air. Fuel properties are measured following ASTM standards to compare with diesel properties. Each experiment was repeated three times, and the properties showed insignificant scatter. The average properties of the repeated tests are presented. Two phases of decomposition were observed for diesel, whereas three (viz., devolatilization of aqueous fractions, combustion of methyl esters, and combustion of carbonaceous residues) in biodiesels. Jatropha oil methyl ester (JOME) is thermally stable compared to honge oil methyl ester (HOME). Mixed biodiesel (JOME+HOME) is prone to oxidation due to the high content of oleic and linoleic acids. Recorded onset and offset temperatures of mixed biodiesel are low compared to pure biodiesel. Mixed biodiesel exhibited high volatility resembling diesel characteristics. It exhibited an enthalpy of 240 J/g, whereas the enthalpy of diesel, jatropha, and honge exhibited enthalpies of 130, 321, and 570 J/g, respectively. The combustion index (S) of diesel, jatropha, honge, and mixed biodiesel was 41.6, 82.8, 77.74, and 64.6, respectively. Mixed biodiesel reduces the intensity of combustion (Hf), promising better combustion characteristics. Thus, mixed biodiesel shows the potential of an efficient alternative energy source.
Chemogenetic modulation of astrocytes and microglia: State‐of‐the‐art and implications in neuroscience
Authors: Bossuyt Jo , Van Den Herrewegen Yana , Nestor Liam , Buckinx An , De Bundel Dimitri , Smolders Ilse 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInsights into the role astrocytes and microglia play in normal and diseased brain functioning has expanded drastically over the last decade. Recently, chemogenetic tools have emerged as cutting‐edge techniques, allowing targeted and spatiotemporal precise manipulation of a specific glial cell type. As a result, significant advances in astrocyte and microglial cell function have been made, showing how glial cells can intervene in central nervous system (CNS) functions such as cognition, reward and feeding behavior in addition to their established contribution in brain diseases, pain, and CNS inflammation. Here, we discuss the latest insights in glial functions in health and disease that have been made through the application of chemogenetics. We will focus on the manipulation of intracellular signaling pathways induced by activation of the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) in astrocytes and microglia. We will also elaborate on some of the potential pitfalls and the translational potential of the DREADD technology.
Adequate enrichment of extracellular vesicles in laboratory medicine
Authors: Zhang Limin , Ma Wencui , Gan Xinyi , Chen Wanyu , Guo Jiahui , Cui Yizhi , Wang Tong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) and their clinical applications have been recognized as one of the most fast‐growing and promising fields. Numerous groups including us have expressed their concerns on the idea of isolating “pure” EVs for different purposes, as there are no specific markers to date that can examine the exact EV purity. Typically, major instrument need and EV yielding loss are primary compensations of getting EVs with higher purity. As such, especially in biomarker‐based clinical tests, ceaseless efforts for obtaining more pure EV are worth of discussion. We here propose alternative philosophy to tone down the importance of purity, but to emphasize the significance in clinical laboratory medicine to measure EVs obtained by well‐controlled isolation methods. As a result, EVs are enriched to the adequate degree to meet certain clinical applications such as disease diagnosis and/or prognosis. In this review, we will justify the adequate enrichment rationale with advances of EV definitions, markers and contaminants, EV isolation methods, as well as the conclusions acquired from clinical research using less pure but ease‐to‐operate EV isolation methods.
Effects of collagen, chitosan and mixture on fibroblast responses and angiogenic activities in 2D and 3D in vitro models
Authors: Binlateh Thunwa , Hutamekalin Pilaiwanwadee , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat , Yamabhai Montarop , Jitprasertwong Paiboon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDespite accumulating evidences have demonstrated the potential of collagen and chitosan on tissue repair, it remains unclear on their combination effects. Here, we examined the regenerative effects of single collagen, chitosan and their mixture on fibroblasts and endothelial cells at cellular levels. The results showed that fibroblast responses, as indicated by high proliferative rate, increased spheroid diameter and migrated area existing from spheroid edge, and decreased wound area, were significantly promoted by either collagen or chitosan stimulation. Similarly, both collagen and chitosan resulted in increased endothelial cell proliferation and migration with accelerated tube‐like network formation and upregulated VE‐cadherin expression, although collagen strongly provided this effect. While the 1:1 mixture (100:100 μg/mL of chitosan to collagen) treatment caused a reduction in fibroblast viability, the lower ratio of chitosan (1:10 mixture; 10:100 μg/mL) did not produce any impact on both fibroblast and endothelial cell viabilities. The 1:10 mixture also significantly enhanced the additional effects on fibroblast responses and angiogenic activities as shown by higher endothelial growth, proliferation and migration with accelerated capillary‐like network formation than those treated with the single substance. Further investigation of signaling proteins found that collagen significantly increased expressions of p‐Fak, p‐Akt and Cdk5 whereas chitosan upregulated p‐Fak and Cdk5 expressions. Comparing to the single treatments, p‐Fak, p‐Akt and Cdk5 were higher expressed in the 1:10 mixture. These observations indicate that proper collagen‐chitosan mixture provides the combination effects on fibroblast responses and angiogenic activities when a high concentration of collagen is used, possibly through Fak/Akt and Cdk5 signaling pathways. Therefore, this study helps to define the clinical use of collagen and chitosan as promising biomaterials for tissue repair.
Evaluating the experiences and impact of the Health Access for Refugees (HARP) project on peer volunteers in Northern England
Authors: Balaam Marie‐Clare , Haith‐Cooper Melanie , Mathew Dinah , McCarthy Rose 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCommunity‐based peer volunteer interventions are increasingly used with people who are asylum seekers and refugees accessing health services. There is a dearth of evidence evaluating the benefits of volunteering for asylum seeking or refugee volunteers. Volunteers may have poor mental health and feel socially isolated due to their experiences as refugees and asylum seekers and may struggle or be unable to obtain paid employment. Volunteering in other contexts has been found to be beneficial to the health and well‐being of the volunteer. This paper reports on an aspect of a wider study evaluating the community‐based Health Access for Refugees Project, with the aim of exploring the impact of volunteering on the health and well‐being of the peer (asylum seeker or refugee) volunteer. In 2020, we conducted qualitative semistructured interviews by phone with 15 volunteers who were asylum seekers or refugees. The interviews were audio recorded, data were transcribed verbatim and the data set was thematically analysed. We found that the positive relationships which developed and the training received through volunteering boosted volunteers' mental well‐being. They felt motivated and confident in helping others, felt a sense of belonging and this reduced their social isolation. They also believed they benefited personally, helping their access to health services, and preparing them for future education, training or a career. In light of the beneficial nature of volunteering identified in this study, establishing more volunteering opportunities for this population and other marginalised groups with poor mental health is recommended. However, more research is needed to assess both the long‐term impact of the role in terms of the peer volunteer's health and well‐being, and the societal benefit of people moving on, integrating and contributing to society.
Physical exercise attenuates age‐related muscle atrophy and exhibits anti‐ageing effects via the adiponectin receptor 1 signalling
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Li , Ma Yi‐Cheng , Tang Jie , Zhang Dan , Zhao Qiu , Liu Jian‐Jun , Tang Hong‐Shu , Zhang Jin‐Yu , He Guang‐Hui , Zhong Chi‐Hui , Wu Yu‐Tong , Wen Heng‐Ruo , Ma Lan‐Qing , Zou Cheng‐Gang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the adiponectin signalling exerts exercise‐mimicking effects, whether this pathway contributes to the anti‐ageing benefits of physical exercise has not been established yet.MethodsSwim exercise training and wheel running were used to measure lifespan in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and skeletal muscle quality in mice, respectively. Muscle weight, muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) and myonuclei number were used to evaluate muscle mass. RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) analysis of skeletal muscle in exercised mice was used to study the underlying mechanisms. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to explore autophagy‐ and senescence‐related markers.ResultsThe C. elegans adiponectin receptor PAQR‐1/AdipoR1, but not PAQR‐2/AdipoR2, was activated (3.55‐fold and 3.48‐fold increases in p‐AMPK on Days 1 and 6, respectively, P < 0.001), which was involved in lifespan extension in exercised worms. Exercise training increased skeletal muscle mass index (1.29‐fold, P < 0.01), muscle weight (1.75‐fold, P < 0.001), myonuclei number (1.33‐fold, P < 0.05), muscle fibre CSA (1.39‐fold, P < 0.05) and capillary abundance (2.19‐fold, P < 0.001 for capillary density; 1.58‐fold, P < 0.01 for capillary number) in aged mice. Physical exercise reduced protein (2.94‐fold, P < 0.001) and mRNA levels (1.70‐fold, P < 0.001) of p16INK4a, a marker for cellular senescence, in skeletal muscle of aged mice. These beneficial effects of exercise on skeletal muscle of mice were dependent on AdipoR1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis for differentially expressed genes in skeletal muscle between exercised mice with and without AdipoR1 knockdown by RNA‐Seq analysis revealed that several KEGG pathways, such as ‘AMPK signalling pathway’ (P < 0.001), ‘FOXO signalling pathway’ (P < 0.001) and ‘autophagy’ (P < 0.001) were overrepresented. Knockdown of FoxO3a inhibited exercise‐mediated beneficial effects on skeletal muscle quality of mice by inhibiting autophagy/mitophagy (3.81‐fold reduction in LC3‐II protein, P < 0.001; 1.53‐fold reduction in BNIP3 protein, P < 0.05). Knockdown of daf‐16, the FoxO homologue in C. elegans, reduced autophagy (2.77‐fold and 2.06‐fold reduction in GFP::LGG‐1 puncta in seam cells and the intestine, respectively, P < 0.05) and blocked lifespan extension by exercise in worms.ConclusionsOur findings provide insights into how the AdipoR1 pathway has an impact on the anti‐ageing benefits of exercise and implicate that activation of the AdipoR1 signalling may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing age‐related loss of skeletal muscle.