bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Transitions of Parasites between Freshwater and Marine Environments
Authors: Okamura Beth , Gruhl Alexander , De Baets Kenneth 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEvolutionary transitions of organisms between environments have long fascinated biologists, but attention has been focused almost exclusively on free-living organisms and challenges to achieve such transitions. This bias requires addressing because parasites are a major component of biodiversity. We address this imbalance by focusing on transitions of parasitic animals between marine and freshwater environments. We highlight parasite traits and processes that may influence transition likelihood (e.g., transmission mode, life cycle, host use), and consider mechanisms and directions of transitions. Evidence for transitions in deep time and at present are described, and transitions in our changing world are considered. We propose that environmental transitions may be facilitated for endoparasites because hosts reduce exposure to physiologically challenging environments and argue that adoption of an endoparasitic lifestyle entails an equivalent transitioning process as organisms switch from living in one environment (e.g., freshwater, seawater, or air) to living symbiotically within hosts. Environmental transitions of parasites have repeatedly resulted in novel forms and diversification, contributing to the tree of life. Recognizing the potential processes underlying present-day and future environmental transitions is crucial in view of our changing world and the current biodiversity crisis.
Natural mortality in exploited fish stocks: annual variation estimated with data from trawl surveys
Authors: Björnsson Björn , Sólmundsson Jón , Woods Pamela J 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Natural mortality (M) is difficult to measure directly in exploited fish stocks. Therefore, in stock assessments, M has usually been assumed to be constant for age classes of fishable size. However, M is likely to vary annually due to temporal changes in food availability, predation, fish size at age, and other biological and environmental factors. We suggest that M of fish at age and year is the sum of length-related mortality and condition-related mortality (M = ML + MC). We propose that MC is directly proportional to PKH, the percentage of fish in the stock with condition factor (K) and liver condition (H) below critical values. This relationship is used to demonstrate likely patterns in annual variation in MC for ages 2–9+ in Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua) based on fish measurements in groundfish surveys in spring and autumn. There were annual fluctuations and temporal trends observed in MC for different age classes attributable to variation in food availability. The described method is suitable for age-structured stock assessments of cod and other fish stocks. Our results indicate that basic stock assessments may be improved by including estimates of variable MC.
Clinical translation of surgical simulated closure of a ventricular septum defect
Authors: Li Qi , Hussein Nabil , Zhang Yunyi , Fang Yibing , Wang Yue , An Qi , Honjo Osami , Luo Shuhua 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate that improvement in technical performance of congenital heart surgical trainees during ventricular septum defect (VSD) closure simulation translates to better patient outcomes.

METHODS
Seven trainees were divided into 2 groups. Experienced-fellows group included 4 senior trainees who had performed &gt;5 VSD closures. Residents group consisted of 3 residents who had never performed a VSD closure. Experienced-fellows completed 3 VSD closures on real patients as a pretest. Both groups participated in a 4-week simulation requiring each participant to complete 2 VSD closures on three-dimensional printed models per week. One month later, all trainees returned for a post-test operation in real patients. All performances were recorded, blinded and scored independently by 2 cardiac surgeons using the validated Hands-On Surgical Training–Congenital Heart Surgery (HOST-CHS). Predefined surgical outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS
The median HOST-CHS score increased significantly from week 1 to 4 [50 (39, 58) vs 73 (65, 74), P &lt; 0.001] during simulation. The improvement in the simulation of experienced-fellows successfully transferred to skill acquisition [HOST-CHS score 72.5 (71, 74) vs 54 (51, 60), P &lt; 0.001], with better patients outcomes including shorter total cross-clamp time [pretest: 86 (70, 99) vs post-test: 60 (53, 64) min, P = 0.006] and reduced incidence of major patch leak requiring multiple pump runs [pretest: 4/11 vs post-test: 0/9, P = 0.043]. After simulation, the technical performance and surgical outcomes of Residents were comparable to Experienced-fellows in real patients, except for significantly longer cross-clamp time [Residents: 76.5 (71.7, 86.8) vs Experienced-fellows: 60 (53, 64) min, P = 0.002].

CONCLUSIONS
Deliberate practice using simulation translates to better performance and surgical outcomes in real patients. Residents who had never completed a VSD closure could perform the procedures just as safely and effectively as their senior colleagues following simulation.
Levels of Antibodies to Hepatitis B Core Antigen Are Associated With Liver Inflammation and Response to Peginterferon in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Brakenhoff Sylvia M , de Knegt Robert J , Oliveira Jeffrey , van der Eijk Annemiek A , van Vuuren Anneke J , Hansen Bettina E , Janssen Harry L A , de Man Robert A , Boonstra André , Sonneveld Milan J 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundEmerging evidence suggests a pivotal role for B-cell responses in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B. Serum levels of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) vary across infection stages, but their role in predicting response to antiviral therapy is uncertain.MethodsAnti-HBc levels were assessed before peginterferon (PEG-IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B who either started de novo PEG-IFN (n = 299; 195 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg] positive) or started PEG-IFN as add-on to an existing nucleo(s)tide analogue backbone (n = 91; all HBeAg-positive). Associations were explored between anti-HBc and (1) serum biomarkers, (2) liver histological findings, and (3) treatment response.ResultsWe studied 390 patients. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype were A, B, C, and D in 24%, 9%, 16%, and 49%, respectively; 72% of patients were Caucasian. Among currently untreated HBeAg-positive patients, anti-HBc was correlated with HBV DNA, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and HBV RNA, but not with alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Higher anti-HBc was associated with more severe histological inflammatory activity (P &lt; .001), irrespective of HBeAg status. After de novo PEG-IFN, higher anti-HBc levels were associated with HBeAg loss, sustained response, HBsAg decline, and HBsAg clearance (P &lt; .050). Among patients treated with add-on PEG-IFN, higher anti-HBc was associated with HBeAg loss (P = .01).ConclusionsSerum anti-HBc levels correlate with histological inflammatory activity. Higher anti-HBc levels were associated with favorable treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that anti-HBc could be used to select patients most likely to respond to immunomodulatory therapy.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT00114361, NCT00146705, NCT00877760, and NCT01532843.
Natural variation further increases resilience of sorghum bred for chronically drought-prone environments
Authors: Dong Hongxu , Birhan Techale , Abajebel Nezif , Wakjira Misganu , Mitiku Tesfaye , Lemke Cornelia , Vadez Vincent , Paterson Andrew H , Bantte Kassahun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Drought stress is one of the major constraints for crop production in the Sahel region of Africa. Here, we explore the potential to use natural genetic variation to build on the inherent drought tolerance of an elite sorghum cultivar, Teshale, that has been bred for Ethiopian conditions including chronic drought. We evaluated a backcross nested-association mapping population using 12 diverse founder lines crossed with Teshale under three drought-prone environments in Ethiopia. All 12 populations averaged higher head exsertion and lower leaf senescence than the recurrent parent in the two most stressful environments, reflecting new drought resilience mechanisms from the donors. A total of 154 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for eight drought-responsive traits, and their validity was supported by the fact that 113 (73.4%) overlapped with QTLs previously detected for the same traits, concentrated in regions previously associated with ‘stay-green’ traits. Allele effects showed that some favourable alleles are already present in the Ethiopian cultivar; however, the exotic donors offer rich scope for increasing drought resilience. Using model-selected SNPs associated with the eight traits identified in this study and three in a companion study, phenotypic prediction accuracies for grain yield were equivalent to genome-wide SNPs and were significantly better than random SNPs, indicating that the selected traits are predictive of sorghum grain yield.
RWP-RK domain-containing transcription factors in the Viridiplantae: biology and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Sakuraba Yasuhito , Zhuo Mengna , Yanagisawa Shuichi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The RWP-RK protein family is a group of transcription factors containing the RWP-RK DNA-binding domain. This domain is an ancient motif that emerged before the establishment of the Viridiplantae—the green plants, consisting of green algae and land plants. The domain is mostly absent in other kingdoms but widely distributed in Viridiplantae. In green algae, a liverwort, and several angiosperms, RWP-RK proteins play essential roles in nitrogen responses and sexual reproduction-associated processes, which are seemingly unrelated phenomena but possibly interdependent in autotrophs. Consistent with related but diversified roles of the RWP-RK proteins in these organisms, the RWP-RK protein family appears to have expanded intensively, but independently, in the algal and land plant lineages. Thus, bryophyte RWP-RK proteins occupy a unique position in the evolutionary process of establishing the RWP-RK protein family. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the RWP-RK protein family in the Viridiplantae, and discuss the significance of bryophyte RWP-RK proteins in clarifying the relationship between diversification in the RWP-RK protein family and procurement of sophisticated mechanisms for adaptation to the terrestrial environment.
The membrane associated NAC transcription factors ANAC060 and ANAC040 are functionally redundant in the inhibition of seed dormancy inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Song Shuang , Willems Leo A J , Jiao Ao , Zhao Tao , Eric Schranz M , Bentsink Leónie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe NAC family of transcription factors is involved in plant development and various biotic and abiotic stresses. The Arabidopsis thaliana ANAC genes ANAC060, ANAC040, and ANAC089 are highly homologous based on protein and nucleotide sequence similarity. These three genes are predicted to be membrane bound transcription factors (MTFs) containing a conserved NAC domain, but divergent C-terminal regions. The anac060 mutant shows increased dormancy when compared with the wild type. Mutations in ANAC040 lead to higher seed germination under salt stress, and a premature stop codon in ANAC089 Cvi allele results in seeds exhibiting insensitivity to high concentrations of fructose. Thus, these three homologous MTFs confer distinct functions, although all related to germination. To investigate whether the differences in function are caused by a differential spatial or temporal regulation, or by differences in the coding sequence (CDS), we performed swapping experiments in which the promoter and CDS of the three MTFs were exchanged. Seed dormancy and salt and fructose sensitivity analyses of transgenic swapping lines in mutant backgrounds showed that there is functional redundancy between ANAC060 and ANAC040, but not between ANAC060 and ANAC089.
Dynamical tides in superfluid neutron stars
Authors: Passamonti A , Andersson N , Pnigouras P 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
We study the tidal response of a superfluid neutron star in a binary system, focussing on Newtonian models with superfluid neutrons present throughout the star’s core and the inner crust. Within the two-fluid formalism, we consider the main aspects that arise from the presence of different regions inside the star, with particular focus on the various interfaces. Having established the relevant theory, we determine the tidal excitation of the most relevant oscillation modes during binary inspiral. Our results suggest that superfluid physics has a negligible impact on the static tidal deformation. The overwhelming contribution to the Love number is given by, as for normal matter stars, the ordinary fundamental mode (f mode). Strong entrainment, here described by a phenomenological expression, which mimics the large effective neutron mass expected at the bottom of the crust, is shown to have a significant impact on the superfluid modes, but our results for the dynamical tide are nevertheless similar to the static limit: the fundamental modes are the ones most significantly excited by the tidal interaction, with the ordinary f mode dominating the superfluid one. We also discuss the strain built up in the star’s crust during binary inspiral, showing that the superfluid f mode may (depending on entrainment) reach the limit where the crust breaks, although it does so after the ordinary f mode. Overall, our results suggest that the presence of superfluidity may be difficult to establish from binary neutron star gravitational-wave signals.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Smoking Among Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Wiley Rhiannon C , Oliver Anthony C , Snow Miranda B , Bunn Janice Y , Barrows Anthony J , Tidey Jennifer W , Lee Dustin C , Sigmon Stacey C , Gaalema Diann E , Heil Sarah H , Markesich Catherine , Villanti Andrea C , Higgins Stephen T 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aim
While accumulating evidence suggests that people modified their smoking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it remains unclear whether those most at risk for tobacco-related health disparities did so. The current study examined changes in smoking among several vulnerable smoker populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A web-based survey was distributed in 2020 to 709 adults with socioeconomic disadvantage, affective disorders, or opioid use disorder who participated in a previous study investigating the effects of very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes on smoking. Current smoking status and rate, and adoption of protective health behaviors in response to the pandemic (eg social distancing, mask wearing) were examined.

Results
Among 332 survey respondents (46.8% response rate), 84.6% were current smokers. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that current cigarettes/day (CPD) was higher during COVID than pre-COVID (12.9 ± 1.0 versus 11.6 ± 1.0; p &lt; .001). Most respondents had adopted protective health behaviors to prevent infection (&gt;79% for all behaviors). More than half indicated that they were still leaving their homes specifically to buy cigarettes (64.6%) and were buying more packs per visit to the store (54.5%) than pre-COVID. Individuals unemployed at the time of the survey experienced greater increases in CPD (from 11.4 ± 1.4 to 13.3 ± 1.4, p = .024) as did those with higher levels of anxiety (from 11.5 ± 1.1 to 13.6 ± 1.1, p &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Smoking increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in this sample of adults from vulnerable populations, even while most adopted protective health measures to prevent infection. Unemployment and anxiety might identify those at greatest risk for increases in tobacco use.

Implications
Individuals from populations especially vulnerable to smoking might be at risk for greater harm from cigarette smoking during times of pandemic-related stress. Public health interventions are warranted to ameliorate increases in smoking among these populations. Special attention should be paid to those experiencing unemployment and high anxiety.
Consecutive action of two BAHD acyltransferases promotes tetracoumaroyl spermine accumulation in chicory
Authors: Bernard Guillaume , Buges Julie , Delporte Marianne , Molinié Roland , Besseau Sébastien , Bouchereau Alain , Watrin Amandine , Fontaine Jean-Xavier , Mathiron David , Berardocco Solenne , Bassard Solène , Quéro Anthony , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Rambaud Caroline , Gagneul David 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Fully substituted phenolamide accumulation in the pollen coat of Eudicotyledons is a conserved evolutionary chemical trait. Interestingly, spermidine derivatives are replaced by spermine derivatives as the main phenolamide accumulated in the Asteraceae family. Here, we show that the full substitution of spermine in chicory (Cichorium intybus) requires the successive action of two enzymes, that is spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase-like proteins 1 and 2 (CiSHT1 and CiSHT2), two members of the BAHD enzyme family. Deletion of these genes in chicory using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology evidenced that CiSHT2 catalyzes the first N-acylation steps, whereas CiSHT1 fulfills the substitution to give rise to tetracoumaroyl spermine. Additional experiments using Nicotiana benthamiana confirmed these findings. Expression of CiSHT2 alone promoted partially substituted spermine accumulation, and coexpression of CiSHT2 and CiSHT1 promoted synthesis and accumulation of the fully substituted spermine. Structural characterization of the main product of CiSHT2 using nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that CiSHT2 preferentially catalyzed N-acylation of secondary amines to form N5,N10-dicoumaroyl spermine, whereas CiSHT1 used this substrate to synthesize tetracoumaroyl spermine. We showed that spermine availability may be a key determinant toward preferential accumulation of spermine derivatives over spermidine derivatives in chicory. Our results reveal a subfunctionalization among the spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase that was accompanied by a modification of free polyamine metabolism that has resulted in the accumulation of this new phenolamide in chicory and most probably in all Asteraceae. Finally, genetically engineered yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was shown to be a promising host platform to produce these compounds.
Using community-based participatory research to improve care for American Indians/Alaska Natives with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Carron Rebecca 
Published: May 2022

Abstract:
American Indians/Alaska Natives are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. NPs have the opportunity to intervene with culturally appropriate interventions grounded in community-based participatory research. This article provides an overview of such care that can help improve outcomes.
Management of primary hypertension in rural populations
Authors: Bykowski Kathleen A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract:
Hypertension affects almost 20% of Canada's population and is even more prevalent in rural locations due to decreased availability of healthcare; lower income levels and levels of formal education; and higher rates of obesity, smoking, and alcohol use, among others. This article uses current evidence to describe the management of primary hypertension in rural populations.
NPs caring for people who are incarcerated and negatively impacted by social determinants of health
Authors: Zucker Donna M. , Reagan Louise , Clifton Jennifer , Abdulhamed Ahmed , Roscoe Lori E. , Wright Ranee' M. , Penix Darren , Shelton Deborah , Loeb Susan J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract:
This article explores roles filled and care provided by NPs in diverse carceral settings along with the impact of health disparities experienced as a result of social determinants of health on the chronic disease burden of people who are incarcerated. Opportunities abound for NPs to positively influence this patient population's health, but specialized education is needed.
Relative Sagittal Alignment of the Medial and Lateral Articular Surfaces of the Tibial Plateau Using Radiographic Parameters: A Radiographic Cadaveric Study
Authors: Bornes Troy D. , Kubik Jeremy F. , Klinger Craig E. , Altintas Burak , Dziadosz Daniel , Ricci William M. 
Published: May 2022

Objectives:
To characterize anatomic slope (sagittal alignment) of medial and lateral articular surfaces of the tibial plateau using x-ray and computed tomography (CT).

Methods:
Fluoroscopy was used to acquire “perfect” anteroposterior (AP) images of 8 cadaveric knees by tilting a C-arm through a 30-degree cranial/caudal arc in 0.5-degree increments. Five surgeons independently selected perfect AP images that most accurately profiled medial and lateral articular surfaces. Corresponding angles were used to define tangent subchondral structures on sagittal CT that were considered as dominant bony landmarks in a protocol to determine tibial slope on sagittal CT in 46 additional cadaveric knees.

Results:
Mean perfect C-arm AP angles were 4.2 degrees ± 2.6 degrees posterior for the medial plateau and 5.0 degrees ± 3.8 degrees posterior for the lateral plateau. It was noted that images acquired within a range of angles (medial range, 1.8 degrees ± 0.7 degrees; lateral range, 3.9 degrees ± 3.8 degrees) rather than a single angle adequately profiled each compartment. Using the CT protocol, mean medial slope (5.2 degrees ± 2.3 degrees posterior; range, 0.9–11.5 degrees) was less than lateral slope (7.5 degrees ± 3.0 degrees posterior; range 0.6–12.5 degrees; P < 0.001) in 54 knees. The difference between medial and lateral slopes in any individual specimen ranged from 3.1 degree more medially to 6.8 degrees more laterally. No differences were noted between right and left knees in paired specimens.

Conclusions:
On average, tibial slope in the lateral plateau is slightly greater than that in the medial plateau, and variation exists between compartments across patients. Because tibial slope is similar between contralateral limbs, evaluating slope on the uninjured side can provide a template for sagittal plane reduction of tibial plateau fractures.
Prophylactic Desexualizing Mastectomy for an Intellectually Disabled Woman: Protective Measure or Disregard for Autonomy?
Authors: Allam Omar , Gudbranson Emily , Long Aaron S. , Alperovich Michael , Avraham Tomer 
Published: May 2022

Summary:
Historically, sterilization of the so-called feeble-minded has been advocated in the name of eugenics. Surrogate decision-making that impacts sexuality of the intellectually disabled presents significant ethical dilemmas. We describe a 19-year-old intellectually disabled woman who presented with her legal decision-maker for surgical correction of her asymmetric chest and hypoplastic breast. The decision-maker requested a mastectomy to make the patient’s breasts as inconspicuous as possible, and to reduce the risk of sexual assault and pregnancy. This case covers the ethical considerations on whether or not to prophylactically desexualize an intellectually disabled woman.