bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role and Mechanism of TEAD4 in Preimplantation Embryonic Development in Mice and Cattle
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Shi Yan , Hu Bingjie , Zhao Panpan , Li Shuang , Xiao Lieying , Wang Shaohua , Zhang Kun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTead4, a critical transcription factor expressed during preimplantation development, is essential for the expression of trophectoderm-specific genes in mice. However, the functional mechanism ofTead4in mouse preimplantation development and its conservation across mammals remain unclear. Here, we report that Tead4 is a crucial transcription factor necessary for blastocyst formation in mice. Disruption ofTead4through base editing results in developmental arrest at the morula stage. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis reveals dysregulation of 670 genes inTead4knockout embryos. As anticipated,Tead4knockout leads to a decrease in trophectoderm genesCdx2andGata3. Intriguingly, we observed a reduction in Krt8, suggesting that Tead4 influences the integrity of the trophectoderm epithelium in mice. More importantly, we noted a dramatic decrease in nuclear Yap in outside cells forTead4-deficient morula, indicating that Tead4 directly regulates Hippo signaling. In contrast, bovine embryos withTEAD4depletion could still develop to blastocysts with normal expression ofCDX2,GATA3, andSOX2, albeit with a decrease in total cell number and ICM cell number. In conclusion, we propose that Tead4 regulates mouse blastocyst formation via Krt8 and Yap, both of which are critical regulators of mouse preimplantation development.
Face‐to‐face with the (animal) Other
Authors: Kavesh Muhammad A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe imperial underpinning of the early anthropology of Pakistan constituted “the other” as a subject of comprehension, categorization, and containment. Later, with the post‐9/11 geopolitical backdrop, anthropologists focused on selected themes such as religious and ethnic disparity and political nationalism, eliding some topics or groups. What would it mean for the anthropology of Pakistan to consider alienated themes and groups while emphasizing the infinity of the Other? How would conceiving the Otherbeyonda political or religious other, or even beyond a human subject, create a possibility of decolonizing the anthropology of Pakistan while exploring multiple futures—emergent, imagined, and expected? Such an approach critically moots a reexamination of theoretical, methodological, and epistemological tenets and urges the discipline to engage with diverse lifeworlds. It brings the face of the Other face‐to‐face with anthropology beyond humanity to consider all beings, intersubjective and collaborative experiences, and shared values.
Comparison of morbidity‐related parameters between autologous and allogeneic bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation from patients' perspective—A questionnaire‐based cohort study
Authors: Heimes Diana , Pabst Andreas , Becker Philipp , Hartmann Amely , Kloss Frank , Tunkel Jochen , Smeets Ralf , Kämmerer Peer W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionAlveolar ridge augmentation is often required before dental implant placement. In this context, autologous bone grafts are considered the biological gold standard. Still, bone block harvesting is accompanied by some serious potential disadvantages and possible complications, such as pain, bleeding, and nerve irritation. Several studies aimed to compare autologous to allogeneic bone grafts concerning bone quality and implant survival rates; this is the first prospective study analyzing and comparing morbidity‐related parameters after alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous and allogeneic bone blocks from patients' perspective.MethodsUsing a questionnaire, 36 patients were asked to evaluate the surgery as well as the post‐operative period concerning pain, stress, sensibility deficits, satisfaction with, and consequences from the surgery as well as the preferred procedure for future alveolar ridge augmentations.ResultsNo significant differences were shown regarding stress and pain during and after surgery, whereas the rate of nerve irritations was twice as high in the autologous group. The swelling was significantly higher in patients with autologous bone blocks (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, the overall satisfaction of patients of both groups was very high, with over 8/10 points.ConclusionsThe swelling was the main reason for patients' discomfort in both groups and was significantly higher after autologous bone augmentation. Since this side effect seems to be a highly relevant factor for patients' comfort and satisfaction, it needs to be discussed during preoperative consultation to allow shared decision‐making considering the anticipated morbidity.
Trait‐environment associations diverge between native and alien breeding bird assemblages on the world's oceanic islands
Authors: Rault Charlotte , Leprieur Fabien , Barbaro Luc , Kreft Holger , Mouquet Nicolas , Papaïx Julien , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Violle Cyrille , Barnagaud Jean‐Yves 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate spatial variations in the ecological trait structure of breeding bird assemblages on oceanic islands. To test the hypothesis that native and naturalized alien bird species are filtered by different processes, leading to diverging associations between traits and insular environmental gradients.LocationOceanic islands worldwide.Time PeriodCurrent.Major Taxa StudiedTerrestrial breeding birds.MethodsWe assessed the composition of breeding terrestrial bird assemblages from the extent‐of‐occurrence maps of 3170 native and 169 naturalized alien species on 4660 oceanic islands. We quantified their ecological trait structures with respect to diet, mobility and body mass as the standardized distance between a mean pairwise trait distance index and its expectation from a null model. We used spatial generalized additive models to relate trait structures to proxies of environmental conditions and human impact on land, accounting for all species, native species only and alien species only.ResultsDiet and mobility traits tended to be more diverse than expected by a null model, while body mass tended towards clustering. Trait‐environment associations were idiosyncratic, but environmental variables tended to explain trait structures better than human impacts on habitats. Islands invaded by alien species had similar trait structures as noninvaded ones, although they hosted assemblages with more clustered body masses. However, trait‐environment relationships diverged when considering all islands and all species, invaded islands only or alien species only.Main ConclusionsDespite their ecosystem‐level influences, alien species have a limited effect on the global patterns of trait structures in the breeding bird assemblages of the world's islands, either because they account for a low proportion of species or because successful invaders and native species have similar trait suites. Trait‐environment associations suggest that filters related to the conditions of alien species' introductions explain their distributions in island assemblages better than the constraints associated with isolated environments.
Age trajectories in extra-pair siring success suggest an effect of maturation or early-life experience
Authors: Schlicht Emmi , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Across birds, male age is the most consistent predictor of extra-pair siring success, yet little is known about age effects on paternity over the lifetime of individuals. Here, we use data from a 13-year study of a population of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to investigate how extra-pair siring success changes with age within individuals. Our results indicate that extra-pair siring success does not continuously increase with male age. Instead, siring success was related to male age in a threshold fashion, whereby yearling males were less likely to gain paternity than older males. This effect was independent of the age of the social partner, but influenced by the age of the extra-pair female: success of yearlings at siring extra-pair young (EPY) with older females was even lower. Among males that sired at least one EPY, the number of extra-pair mates and the proportion of EPY sired were unrelated to male age. We found no evidence for an influence of selective disappearance on extra-pair reproduction. Senescence, if anything, only occurs at ages blue tits rarely reach. A literature review indicates that an effect of male age on extra-pair siring success may be limited to the switch from yearling to older in many species. Thus, the generally observed age effect on male extra-pair siring success may be linked to age class rather than continuous ageing. This suggests that lack of experience or not fully completed maturation are important drivers of age patterns in extra-pair paternity.
Abstract
In the blue tit, success at gaining paternity in nests of other males (extra-pair paternity) is related to male age in a threshold fashion: yearlings are less successful than older males. Yearling males may be losing out in competition with older males due to incomplete maturation, a lack of experience, or a female preference for older males.
Human β‐defensins are correlated with the immune infiltration and regulated by vitamin D3 in periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Churen , Han Ye , Miao Lili , Yue Zhaoguo , Xu Min , Liu Kaining , Hou Jianxia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveExploring the correlation between human β‐defensins (HBDs) and immune infiltration in periodontitis, and whether it is regulated by vitamin D3.BackgroundThe human body produces essential antimicrobial peptides called HBDs, which are associated with periodontitis. There is a strong link between periodontal tissue destruction and the immune cell infiltration. Moreover, vitamin D3 has been reported to regulate the expression of immune cell chemokines. However, the relationship between vitamin D3, HBDs, and immune infiltration in periodontitis remains to be investigated.MethodsThe Gene Expression Omnibus database was accessed to obtain transcriptomic information of gingival samples taken from periodontitis patients. The expression value of HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 was calculated. Additionally, using the online program ImmuCellAl, 10 immune cells were scored for immune infiltration in the high‐HBDs‐expression group and the low‐HBDs‐expression group, separately. After that, transcriptome sequencing was done based on human gingival fibroblasts that had received vitamin D3 treatment. Furthermore, hGFs were treated by vitamin D3, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS). The expressions of HBD‐2, HBD‐3, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) were detected. To seek the potential mechanism, CYP27A1 siRNA was employed to reduce the expression of CYP27A1, and nuclear factor‐gene binding protein 65 (NF‐κB p65) was examined.ResultsIn GSE10334, the expressions of HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 were down‐regulated in periodontitis group. Meanwhile, monocyte, macrophage, and CD4_T cell were less infiltrated in low‐HBD‐2‐expression group, while less Gamma‐delta T‐cell infiltration was found in low‐HBD‐3‐expression group. Transcriptome sequencing found that 21 genes were significantly expressed, of which the function was enriched in response to bacterial origin and TNF signal pathway. Vitamin D3 could significantly up‐regulate the expression of HBD‐2 and HBD‐3, which could be controlled by knocking down CYP27A1 mRNA expression. With prolonged vitamin D3 stimulation, the expression of HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 increased. TNF‐α/Pg‐LPS could significantly increase the expression of HBD‐2, HBD‐3, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and p65, all of which were reduced by vitamin D3.ConclusionHBDs are correlated with immune infiltration in periodontitis. Vitamin D3 inhibits the expression of HBDs and chemokines induced by TNF‐α/Pg‐LPS, possibly through NF‐κB pathway, in human gingival fibroblasts.
Pediatric risk to orthotopic heart transplant (PRO) score: Insights from United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waitlist mortality findings
Authors: Raymundo Stephanie , Wilhalme Holly , Chaudhary Anila , Karunungan Krystal , Alejos Juan , Srivastava Neeraj 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPediatric heart transplant candidates on the waitlist have the highest mortality rate among all solid organ transplants. A risk score incorporating a candidate's individual risk factors may better predict mortality on the waitlist and optimize organ allocation to the sickest of those awaiting transplant.MethodsUsing the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, we evaluated a total of 5542 patients aged 0–18 years old on the waitlist for a single, first time, heart transplant from January 2010 to June 2019. We performed a univariate analysis on two‐thirds (N = 3705) of these patients to derive the factors most associated with waitlist mortality or delisting secondary to deterioration within 1 year. Those with a p <0.2 underwent a multivariate analysis and the resulting factors were used to build a prediction model using the Fine‐Grey model analysis. This predictive scoring model was then validated on the remaining one‐third of the patients (N = 1852).ResultsThe Pediatric Risk to OHT (PRO) scoring model utilizes the following unique patient variables: blood type, diagnosis of congenital heart disease, weight, presence of ventilator support, presence of inotropic support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ecmo) status, creatinine level, and region. A higher score indicates an increased risk of mortality. The PRO score had a predictive strength of 0.762 as measured by area under the ROC curve at 1 year.ConclusionThe PRO score is an improved predictive model with the potential to better assess mortality for patients awaiting heart transplant.
Wildlife nidoviruses: biology, epidemiology, and disease associations of selected nidoviruses of mammals and reptiles
Authors: Flies Andrew S. , Flies Emily J. , Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Musgrove Ruth E. , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Philips Annie , Perrott Matthew R. F. , Dunowska Magdalena 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Wildlife is the source of many emerging infectious diseases. Several viruses from the order
Nidovirales
have recently emerged in wildlife, sometimes with severe consequences for endangered species. The order
Nidovirales
is currently classified into eight suborders, three of which contain viruses of vertebrates. Vertebrate coronaviruses (suborder
Cornidovirineae
) have been extensively studied, yet the other major suborders have received less attention. The aim of this minireview was to summarize the key findings from the published literature on nidoviruses of vertebrate wildlife from two suborders:
Arnidovirineae
and
Tornidovirineae
. These viruses were identified either during investigations of disease outbreaks or through molecular surveys of wildlife viromes, and include pathogens of reptiles and mammals. The available data on key biological features, disease associations, and pathology are presented, in addition to data on the frequency of infections among various host populations, and putative routes of transmission. While nidoviruses discussed here appear to have a restricted
in vivo
host range, little is known about their natural life cycle. Observational field-based studies outside of the mortality events are needed to facilitate an understanding of the virus-host-environment interactions that lead to the outbreaks. Laboratory-based studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of diseases caused by novel nidoviruses and their evolutionary histories. Barriers preventing research progress include limited funding and the unavailability of virus- and host-specific reagents. To reduce mortalities in wildlife and further population declines, proactive development of expertise, technologies, and networks should be developed. These steps would enable effective management of future outbreaks and support wildlife conservation.
Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the virus spectrum in children with respiratory infection in Xuzhou, China: a long-term active surveillance study from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Cao Rundong , Du Yangguang , Tong Jing , Xia Dong , Song Qinqin , Xia Zhiqiang , Liu Mi , Du Haijun , Han Jun , Gao Chen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
To investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the prevalence of respiratory viruses among pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections in Xuzhou from 2015–2021.

Methods
Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases in hospitalized children were collected from 2015–2021 in Xuzhou, China. Influenza virus(IFV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus type 3(hPIV-3), human rhinovirus (hRV), human adenovirus(hAdV), human coronavirus(hCoV) were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 23.0 software.

Results
A total of 1663 samples with SARI were collected from 2015–2021, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.67:1 and a total virus detection rate of 38.5% (641/1663). The total detection rate of respiratory viruses decreased from 46.2% (2015–2019) to 36% (2020–2021) under the control measures for COVID-19 (P < 0.01). The three viruses with the highest detection rates changed from hRV, RSV, and hPIV-3 to hRV, RSV, and hCoV. The epidemic trend of hPIV-3 and hAdV was upside down before and after control measures(P < 0.01); however, the epidemic trend of RV and RSV had not changed from 2015 to 2021(P > 0.05). After the control measures, the detection rate of hPIV-3 decreased in all age groups, and the detection rate of hCoV increased in all except the 1 ~ 3 years old group.

Conclusions
Implementing control measures for COVID-19 outbreak curbed the spread of respiratory viruses among children as a whole. However, the epidemic of RV and RSV was not affected by the COVID-19 control policy.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Elderly-Constipation Impact Scale: a translation and validation study
Authors: Zheng Chen , Yang Zhen , Kong Linghui , Gao Ziyun , Lu Tingting , Zhang Huijun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to translate the Elderly-Constipation Impact Scale into Chinese and to examine its reliability and validity in a population of older people suffering from chronic constipation.MethodsIn this study, the scale was paraphrased, back-translated, cross-culturally adapted and pre-experimented using the Brislin double translation-back-translation method to create the initial Chinese version of the Elderly-Constipation Impact Scale. A convenience sampling method was used to select 564 study participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in Liaoning and Shanxi, China, to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale. General information about the study population was using descriptive statistics; item analysis was used to screen the items of the scale. Content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and validation factor analysis were chosen to validate the scales; internal consistency, spilt-half reliability and retest reliability were used determine the reliability of the measurement scales.ResultsThe Chinese version of the Elderly-Constipation Impact Scale contains 7 dimensions and 21 items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.901 and the range of Cronbach's alpha values for each dimension was 0.707 to 0.918. The split-half reliability of the scale was 0.736 and the retest reliability was 0.763. The exploratory factor analysis showed a KMO value of 0.873 and a Bartlett's spherical testX2value of 3499.978 (p < 0.001). A total of seven common factors were extracted, namely daily activities, treatment satisfaction, lack of control of bodily function, diet restriction, symptom intensity, anxiety and preventive actions, with a cumulative variance contribution of 77.813%. Each item had a loading value > 0.4 on its common factor. In the validation factor analysis, the model fit results wereX2/ df = 1.886, GFI = 0.910, AGFI = 0.874, PGFI = 0.654, IFI = 0.955, TLI = 0.942, CFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.056 and PNFI = 0.718. The model fit indicators were all within acceptable limits.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the E-CIS has good reliability and validity in the chronic constipation population of elderly individuals. The results of the questionnaire can effectively and comprehensively reflect the impact of chronic constipation on the quality of life of elderly individuals. It provides a meaningful reference for identifying targets for intervention.
The influence of COVID-19 risk perception and vaccination status on the number of social contacts across Europe: insights from the CoMix study
Authors: Wambua James , Loedy Neilshan , Jarvis Christopher I. , Wong Kerry L. M. , Faes Christel , Grah Rok , Prasse Bastian , Sandmann Frank , Niehus Rene , Johnson Helen , Edmunds W.John , Beutels Philippe , Hens Niel , Coletti Pietro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics have been greatly modulated by human contact behaviour. To curb the spread of the virus, global efforts focused on implementing both Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) and pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccination. This study was conducted to explore the influence of COVID-19 vaccination status and risk perceptions related to SARS-CoV-2 on the number of social contacts of individuals in 16 European countries.MethodsWe used data from longitudinal surveys conducted in the 16 European countries to measure social contact behaviour in the course of the pandemic. The data consisted of representative panels of participants in terms of gender, age and region of residence in each country. The surveys were conducted in several rounds between December 2020 and September 2021 and comprised of 29,292 participants providing a total of 111,103 completed surveys. We employed a multilevel generalized linear mixed effects model to explore the influence of risk perceptions and COVID-19 vaccination status on the number of social contacts of individuals.ResultsThe results indicated that perceived severity played a significant role in social contact behaviour during the pandemic after controlling for other variables (p-value < 0.001). More specifically, participants who had low or neutral levels of perceived severity reported 1.25 (95% Confidence intervals (CI) 1.13 - 1.37) and 1.10 (95% CI 1.00 - 1.21) times more contacts compared to those who perceived COVID-19 to be a serious illness, respectively. Additionally, vaccination status was also a significant predictor of contacts (p-value < 0.001), with vaccinated individuals reporting 1.31 (95% CI 1.23 - 1.39) times higher number of contacts than the non-vaccinated. Furthermore, individual-level factors played a more substantial role in influencing contact behaviour than country-level factors.ConclusionOur multi-country study yields significant insights on the importance of risk perceptions and vaccination in behavioral changes during a pandemic emergency. The apparent increase in social contact behaviour following vaccination would require urgent intervention in the event of emergence of an immune escaping variant.