bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collaborating with qualitative researchers to co‐design social‐ecological studies
Authors: Keith Ryan J. , Given Lisa M. , Martin John M. , Hochuli Dieter F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn recent years, ecologists have embraced the human dimensions of their discipline and expanded their remit to explore issues traditionally addressed by the social sciences and environmental humanities. This expansion offers opportunities to engage with diverse methodologies, some of which challenge the orthodoxies of conservation research; however, ecologists do not have the expertise to use social science methodologies in their work. In this Toolkit, we outline ways to improve social‐ecological research and outcomes through partnerships with qualitative researchers. Ecologists – who lack the epistemological and methodological preparation needed for productive qualitative or mixed methods study design – have often used quantitative methods to investigate social‐ecological systems. Though this has enhanced our ecological knowledge and led to the development of evidence‐based conservation practices, the biodiversity crisis continues to worsen as a result of human behaviours. Qualitative inquiry offers powerful insights into the drivers of social and behavioural phenomena but remains under‐represented in ecological research despite its broadening demographic. This presents a substantial missed opportunity that warrants rectifying. Here, we outline the qualitative research paradigm and highlight its benefits to ecology and ecologists. We also discuss a range of pitfalls and caveats ecologists encounter by not using appropriate qualitative research designs to support the exploration of their questions. We conclude by providing guidance for ecologists who intend to conduct research embracing qualitative or mixed paradigm designs. In order to address the human dimensions of ecology and conservation, it is essential to engage qualitative experts within and beyond the ecological science community. When fruitful collaborations form, research teams are able to approach some of ecology's most challenging problems from new perspectives, incorporating the views and knowledge of stakeholders on whom we rely for success.
Epidemiology and treatment of patients with Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Germany—A claims data study
Authors: Starry Alexandra , Hardtstock Fraence , Wilke Thomas , Weihing Julia , Ultsch Bernhard , Wernitz Martin , Renninger Marius , Maywald Ulf , Pfaar Oliver 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are different levels of severity among patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). In this study, the epidemiology of CRSwNP and severe CRswNP was estimated.MethodsA retrospective claim data analysis was conducted on adult CRSwNP patients (ICD‐10: J33), and those classified as severe CRSwNP patients with inadequate disease control (based upon combinations of previous and current treatments) between 2015 and 2019. Prevalence and incidence figures were calculated and extrapolated to the German population. In addition, baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes were analysed.ResultsOverall, the 5‐year prevalence of adult CRSwNP cases from 2015 to 2019 in Germany was 374,115 cases (about 5500 per million), with 12,989 (about 200 per million) patients being classified as severe CRSwNP with inadequate disease control, whereas 267,880 (about 3900 per million) patients were identified as having an incident CRSwNP diagnosis between 2016 and 2019. From the incident CRSwNP cohort, 80.55% had received at least one intranasal corticosteroid (INCS), 24.27% received at least 1 systemic corticosteroid (SCS), and 17.33% received at least one functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) within 12 months after their incident diagnosis.ConclusionSevere CRSwNP with inadequate disease control affects about 200 per million people in Germany. INCS is the first‐choice treatment for most CRSwNP patients; however, for patients with severe CRSwNP, SCS are prescribed more frequently and long‐term effects of these should be further investigated, especially if despite treatment, adequate disease control cannot be achieved.
Vaccine based on folded receptor binding domain‐PreS fusion protein with potential to induce sterilizing immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Gattinger Pia , Kratzer Bernhard , Tulaeva Inna , Niespodziana Katarzyna , Ohradanova‐Repic Anna , Gebetsberger Laura , Borochova Kristina , Garner‐Spitzer Erika , Trapin Doris , Hofer Gerhard , Keller Walter , Baumgartner Isabella , Tancevski Ivan , Khaitov Musa , Karaulov Alexander , Stockinger Hannes , Wiedermann Ursula , Pickl Winfried F. , Valenta Rudolf 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is responsible for the ongoing global COVID‐19 pandemic. One possibility to control the pandemic is to induce sterilizing immunity through the induction and maintenance of neutralizing antibodies preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 from entering human cells to replicate in.MethodsWe report the construction and in vitro and in vivo characterization of a SARS‐CoV‐2 subunit vaccine (PreS‐RBD) based on a structurally folded recombinant fusion protein consisting of two SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein receptor‐binding domains (RBD) fused to the N‐ and C‐terminus of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen PreS to enable the two unrelated proteins serving as immunologic carriers for each other.ResultsPreS‐RBD, but not RBD alone, induced a robust and uniform RBD‐specific IgG response in rabbits. Currently available genetic SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines induce mainly transient IgG1 responses in vaccinated subjects whereas the PreS‐RBD vaccine induced RBD‐specific IgG antibodies consisting of an early IgG1 and sustained IgG4 antibody response in a SARS‐CoV‐2 naive subject. PreS‐RBD‐specific IgG antibodies were detected in serum and mucosal secretions, reacted with SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including the omicron variant of concern and the HBV receptor‐binding sites on PreS of currently known HBV genotypes. PreS‐RBD‐specific antibodies of the immunized subject more potently inhibited the interaction of RBD with its human receptor ACE2 and their virus‐neutralizing titers (VNTs) were higher than median VNTs in a random sample of healthy subjects fully immunized with registered SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines or in COVID‐19 convalescent subjects.ConclusionThe PreS‐RBD vaccine has the potential to serve as a combination vaccine for inducing sterilizing immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV by stopping viral replication through the inhibition of cellular virus entry.
FGF6 promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction by inhibiting the Hippo pathway
Authors: Hu Zhicheng , Chen Peng , Wang Linlin , Zhu Yu , Chen Gen , Chen Yunjie , Hu Zhenyu , Mei Lin , You Weijing , Cong Weitao , Jin Litai , Wang Xu , Wang Yang , Guan Xueqiang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesMyocardial infarction (MI) commonly occurs in patients with coronary artery disease and have high mortality. Current clinical strategies for MI still limited to reducing the death of myocardial cells but failed to replace these cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) in enhancing the proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes (CMs) after ischemic injury via the Hippo pathway.Materials and MethodsExpression of FGF6 protein was analysed in mice with MI induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Activation of the Hippo pathway and the proliferation potential were examined in ischemic CMs, treated with FGF6 protein or transfected with an adeno‐virus carrying FGF6 sh‐RNA. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to assess the relationship between FGF6 and the Hippo pathway.ResultsWe found that FGF6 expression was significantly increased in the MI mouse model. Knockdown of FGF6 synthesis resulted in poorer heart function after MI. By contrast, treatment with recombinant human FGF6 protein improved heart function, reduced infarct size, and promoted cardiac repair. Additionally, FGF6 restrains the activation of the Hippo pathway and subsequently promotes nuclear accumulation of YAP. This was largely counteracted by treatment with extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126.ConclusionFGF6 inhibits the Hippo pathway via ERK1/2, and facilitates nuclear translocation of YAP, and thereby promotes cardiac repair after MI.
Broad‐ and fine‐scale structure across the distribution of the relict dace (Relictus solitarius) in the Great Basin desert, USA
Authors: Finger Amanda J. , Benjamin Alyssa , Crookshanks Chris , Campbell Matthew A. , Sağlam İsmail K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Relict Dace is a small cyprinid and the only species in its genus, Relictus. It is naturally distributed in four drainage basins of central Nevada ‐ Butte Valley, Ruby Valley, Steptoe Valley, and Goshute Valley. The species has experienced periods of isolation and connection within these four basins since the late Pliocene, with the last 100 years characterized by anthropogenic disturbance. To better inform conservation actions, we investigated range‐wide and intra‐basin genetic structure and diversity and conducted Fst outlier tests using RAD‐sequencing. We found high levels of genetic structure and four main lineages on a broad scale corresponding primarily to geography, and on a very fine scale (<1 km) within drainage basins. Signatures of selection in the form of outlier loci were documented in multiple locations across the range. Our results provide baseline data for conservation efforts and highlight the degree of fine‐scale genetic structuring that may be present in fishes of the Great Basin that are now restricted to small, isolated habitats—particularly wetland complexes. We caution against assuming that geographic distance is a proxy for genetic similarity in Great Basin fishes, encourage thorough genetic sampling, and note that broad‐scale genetic surveys can overlook fine‐scale genetic structure.
Cutaneous vascular calcification. Perieccrine calcification as a diagnostic key for calciphylaxis
Authors: Reolid Alejandra , Martínez‐Palazuelo María , Rodríguez‐Jiménez Pedro , Muñoz‐Aceituno Ester , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Fraga Javier , Daudén Esteban 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAttempts have been made to establish discriminative criteria between classic calciphylaxis (CPX) and those cases in which cutaneous vascular calcification (CVC) represents an incidental finding (epiphenomenon).MethodsRetrospective, observational cohort study of patients with CVC to distinguish clinicopathological features between CVC as classic CPX (CVC in cutaneous lesions with erythematous–violaceous plaques with or without ulceration) or as an epiphenomenon (CVC in cutaneous lesions with known diagnosis). Different clinicopathological parameters and the presence of perieccrine calcification and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)‐like changes were evaluated.ResultsSixty‐six patients were studied. The CPX group showed a significantly higher percentage of renal failure, hypertension, altered laboratory parameters, painful lesions, and mortality rate. Histopathologically, the CPX group was associated with more than one vessel per field involved with subintimal concentric calcification and perieccrine calcification (observed exclusively in the CPX group), while PXE‐like changes, although more frequent in the CPX group, were also observed in the epiphenomenon group.ConclusionPerieccrine calcification and the presence of more than one vessel per field involved by concentric pattern calcification could be used as a diagnostic marker of CPX. Although PXE‐like changes are not an exclusive marker, they could suggest CPX diagnosis.
The functional ecology of mangrove fishes across the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Stuthmann Lara E. , Castellanos‐Galindo Gustavo A. , Robertson D. Ross 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimBiogeographic history and variation in modern environmental conditions can greatly influence local and regional community structure and, more generally, ecosystem functioning. This is clearly exemplified at the Isthmus of Panama where marine communities and environments from the Caribbean Sea and the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean differ despite ancient connections during the Miocene and Pleistocene. Here, we compare the functional (implied from traits) and isotopic structure of mangrove fish communities from those two biogeographic regions, which have been separated by the Isthmus of Panama for ~3 my.LocationCaribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama (Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea).MethodsWe gathered data on five functional traits (salinity preference, body mass, diet, position in the water column and lifespan) of mangrove fishes from the sampled regions. We also analysed δ13C and δ15C isotopic values and calculated functional isotopic metrics of the most abundant fish species inhabiting mangroves of these two regions.ResultsThe taxonomic composition and functional and trophic diversity differed between the mangrove fish communities of the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. Although the species richness of both assemblages was similar, there was very little taxonomic overlap between them: Snooks (Centropomidae) numerically dominated in the Eastern Pacific, whereas grunts (Haemulidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae) dominated in the Caribbean Sea. Functional divergence (FDiv) and isotopic richness (IRic) were higher in the Caribbean than in the Eastern Pacific, indicating differences in the way fishes use mangroves in these areas.Main conclusionsTaxonomic and functional characteristics of mangrove fish assemblages across biogeographic realms can be strongly influenced by local environmental factors (e.g. tidal regimes, the presence of adjacent coastal ecosystems and productivity), and these can override similarities that recent historical connections of faunas might be expected to produce. All such aspects need to be considered when seeking generalizations about ecosystem functioning.
Temperature and host plant species affect the performance and immunocompetence of an outbreak defoliator in northwestern Patagonia
Authors: Serra María Noel , Quintero Carolina , Rodríguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Martínez Andrés S. , Paritsis Juan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Rising temperature has been associated with increased occurrence of herbivorous insect outbreaks, explained by several direct and indirect mechanisms. Whereas natural enemies are known key drivers of forest‐defoliating insect cycles, indirect effects of temperature on insect's ability to defend against pathogens and parasitoids (e.g., immunocompetence), as well as the interaction with other mechanisms (e.g., diet), remain less explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of temperature and diet on the performance and immune response of the model lepidopteran system Ormiscodes amphimone (Saturniidae) and its host plants Nothofagus spp. (Nothofagaceae).
Larvae of O. amphimone were reared under two temperature conditions (ambient 18:6°C and warmed, 21:6°C; light: dark, 14:10 h) and on leaves of two of their preferred Nothofagus host plants, which vary in quality (lower N. antarctica–higher N. pumilio). We measured developmental time, female pupal weight as a proxy of fitness, relative growth rate, nutritional indices and melanisation of a monofilament as a proxy of immune response.
Results showed that an average rise of 2°C favours larval immunocompetence, potentially decreasing mortality exerted by parasitoids. Moreover, depending on diet, an increase in temperature can either maintain (on more nutritious N. pumilio leaves) or enhance (on less nutritious N. antarctica leaves) larval nutritional efficiency, performance and female pupal weight.
Hence, an increase in temperature could enhance O. amphimone population growth, through attenuating differences caused by diet and enhancing immunocompetence, favouring outbreak frequency, severity and area.
High‐risk sexual behaviours in young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Brown Ellie , Castagnini Emily , Langstone Alison , Mifsud Nathan , Gao Caroline , McGorry Patrick , Killackey Eoin , O'Donoghue Brian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimThe sexual health of adults with schizophrenia is poorer than the general population; however, less is known about young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). The aim of this study was to explore the high‐risk sexual behaviours and sexual well‐being indicators of a cohort of young people with FEP.MethodsData collected from young people (15‐24 years) with FEP attending the EPPIC service in Melbourne and participating in a physical health intervention were analysed. Baseline trial data collected on sexual health and high‐risk behaviours, psychiatric symptomology, functioning, and substance use are presented by gender. Associations between symptomology and functioning with sexual behaviour are explored.ResultsA total of 69 young people were included in this study; mean age was 19.6 years (SD±2.8), 53.6% were male, 59.6% identified as heterosexual, and 21.7% were currently in a relationship. Within the cohort, 78.3% had ever been sexually active. Of these, 44.2% consistently used a condom at last sex act and 35.7% used barrier contraception consistently, 22.5% had previously been pregnant, and 18.6% had tested positive for an STI. Finally, young people were more likely to have been sexually active if they were currently using substances.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that high rates of high‐risk sexual behaviour remain an issue for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Promoting sexual well‐being and communication skills between sexual partners should be targeted to ensure that high‐risk sexual health outcomes are mitigated as early as possible.
The sound of silence: Predictive error responses to unexpected sound omission in adults
Authors: Prete David A. , Heikoop David , McGillivray Joshua E. , Reilly James P. , Trainor Laurel J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe human auditory system excels at detecting patterns needed for processing speech and music. According to predictive coding, the brain predicts incoming sounds, compares predictions to sensory input and generates a prediction error whenever a mismatch between the prediction and sensory input occurs. Predictive coding can be indexed in electroencephalography (EEG) with the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a, two components of event‐related potentials (ERP) that are elicited by infrequent deviant sounds (e.g., differing in pitch, duration and loudness) in a stream of frequent sounds. If these components reflect prediction error, they should also be elicited by omitting an expected sound, but few studies have examined this. We compared ERPs elicited by infrequent randomly occurring omissions (unexpected silences) in tone sequences presented at two tones per second to ERPs elicited by frequent, regularly occurring omissions (expected silences) within a sequence of tones presented at one tone per second. We found that unexpected silences elicited significant MMN and P3a, although the magnitude of these components was quite small and variable. These results provide evidence for hierarchical predictive coding, indicating that the brain predicts silences and sounds.
Predictive values of baseline matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in peripheral blood on 3‐month outcomes of high‐risk patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack
Authors: Zhang Min , Meng Xia , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Li Jiejie , Yan Hongyi , Liu Xiangrong , Zhang Hui , Pang Lijuan , Wang Yongjun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeTo explore the relationship between baseline levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in peripheral blood and the outcomes in patients with acute minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).MethodsWe assessed data from patients with acute minor ischemic stroke or TIA who were included in the CHANCE (Clopidogrel in High‐Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events) trial. Baseline level of MMP9 in peripheral blood is classified into five quintiles. We assessed the relationship between the baseline MMP9 and outcomes of stroke recurrence, composite vascular events, and poor functional outcomes within 90 days after stroke onset.ResultsOf the 3014 patients included, 295 (9.79%) had recurrent stroke, 289 (9.59%) had recurrent ischemic stroke, 297 (9.85%) had combined vascular events, and 199 (6.64%) had poor functional outcomes within 90 days. We used MMP9 concentrations near hazard ratio (HR) = 1 (Q3) in restricted cubic splines as the reference. The result showed that, compared to patients in the Q3 group, patients in the highest quintile (Q5 group) had an increased risk of poor functional outcomes at 90 days after adjusting the risk factors and confounders (p = 0.030), which may be associated with an increased risk of combined vascular events (p = 0.052). Using Cox regression models or logistic regression models with restricted cubic spline, we also observed that higher MMP9 ratios were associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence, combined events, and poor functional outcomes at a range of concentrations.ConclusionsFor patients with acute minor stroke or TIA, higher baseline MMP9 level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes, which might be related to stroke recurrence and combined vascular events.
Climate impact or policy choice? The spatiotemporality of thermoregulation and border crosser mortality in southern Arizona
Authors: Chambers Samuel N. , Boyce Geoff , Martínez Daniel E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUS public officials frequently argue that high temperatures are responsible for increasing mortality of undocumented border crossers (UBCs) in southern Arizona. In this article, we suggest that these kinds of assertions are not only empirically misleading, they also serve to naturalise UBC deaths in the region by helping to obscure their structural causes. Indeed, although heat exposure is a primary cause of death in the region, prior studies have also shown that migration patterns have shifted toward more remote and rugged terrain, characterised by higher elevations and greater shade cover. Using physiological modelling and a spatiotemporal forensic analysis, we assess whether the distribution of recovered human remains has shifted toward locations characterised by environments where the human body is more or less capable of regulating core temperature, and thus succumbing to heat stress. We find that the distribution of recovered UBC remains has consistently trended toward locations where the potential for heat stress is lower, rather than higher. This demonstrates that UBC mortality is not principally a function of ambient or regional temperature, but rather is a result of specific policy decisions that lead to cumulative stress and prolonged exposure due to factors like difficulty and distance of travel. To contextualise these findings, we discuss the evolution of the US Border Patrol's policy of Prevention Through Deterrence, and apply the concepts of structural and cultural violence to theorize its consistently deadly outcomes.