bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional traits and propagule pressure explain changes in the distribution and demography of non‐native trees in Spain
Authors: Lara‐Romero Carlos , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Castro‐Díez Pilar 
Published: April 2022

AbstractQuestionsNon‐native tree species (NNT) may bring about economic benefits, but also threats to ecosystems, mostly if they show expansive trends.LocationA set of 12,000 permanent plots of the second (1986–1996), third (1997–2007) and fourth (2008–2017) Spanish Forest Inventory.MethodsWe quantified changes over time (1986–2017) of the NNT present in forests of peninsular Spain and we assessed how NNT’s traits, propagule pressure and human perception of NNT explain changes in distribution and demography of NNT. We quantified changes in four demographic parameters of every NNT: changes in the occupancy of species (number of plots where the species are present), annual changes in tree density and basal area, and tree growth. To explain the observed species trends, we selected functional traits related to the resource acquisition strategy, and key human drivers.ResultsMost of the NNT expanded their occupancy in the study area and increased their density, basal area, and tree growth through time. Increases in tree density and growth were greater in NNT with greater tolerance for low water potentials, with low specific leaf area, and with high propagule pressure. Increases in basal area were greater with high height of the NNT.ConclusionsThe overall increase in occupancy suggests that there is room for expansion of NNT in Spain. This knowledge will help to predict the dynamics of NNT already present in Spain and identify risks for forest biodiversity.
The DEAD‐box helicase DDX3x ameliorates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease via mTORC1 signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Peihao , Zhang Yuwei , Tang Chenxi , Cen Li , Chen Yishu , Li Sha , Chen Xueyang , Yu Mengli , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaofen , Zeng Hang , Xu Chengfu , Yu Chaohui 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground & AimsThe DEAD (Asp‐Glu‐Ala‐Asp)‐box helicase family member DDX3x has been proven to involve in hepatic lipid disruption during HCV infection. However, the role of DDX3x in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in which lipid homeostasis is severely disrupted, remains unclear. Here, we aimed to illustrate the potential role of DDX3x in NAFLD.MethodsDDX3x protein levels were evaluated in NAFLD patients and NAFLD models via immunohistochemistry or western blotting. In vivo ubiquitin assay was performed to identify the ubiquitination levels of DDX3x in the progression of steatosis. DDX3x protein levels in mice livers were manipulated by adeno‐associated virus‐containing DDX3x short hairpin RNA or DDX3x overexpression plasmid. Hepatic or serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were evaluated and hepatic steatosis was confirmed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and oil red o staining. Western blotting was performed to identify the underlying mechanisms of DDX3x involving in the progression of NAFLD.ResultsDDX3x protein levels were significantly decreased in NAFLD patients and NAFLD models. DDX3x protein might be degraded via ubiquitin–proteasome system in the progression of steatosis. Knockdown of hepatic DDX3x exacerbated HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis in mice, while overexpression of hepatic DDX3x alleviated HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis in mice. Further explorative experiments revealed that knockdown of DDX3x could lead to the overactivation of mTORC1 signalling pathway which exacerbates NAFLD.ConclusionsDDX3x involved in the progression of NAFLD via affecting the mTORC1 signalling pathway. DDX3x might be a potential target for NAFLD treatment.
Hepatic exosomes with declined MiR‐27b‐3p trigger RIG‐I/TBK1 signal pathway in macrophages
Authors: You Jie , Wu Wenyu , Lu Mengxin , Xie Yanghao , Miao Rui , Gu Misi , Xi Dong , Yan Weiming , Wu Di , Wang Xiaojing , Chen Tao , Ning Qin , Han Meifang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsEvidence suggests that interferon alpha (IFNα) plays an essential role in decreasing the HBsAg quantification and elevating the rate of clinical cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of the exosomes on the expression of host genes in IFNα treatment remain unclear.MethodsCHB patients with IFNα treatment were divided into responders and non‐responders according to the degree of HBsAg decline. Through microRNA sequencing and a series of molecular biology methods, the key microRNAs in serum exosomes associated with clinical antiviral response of Peg‐IFNα treatment in nucleotide analogue‐treated CHB patients were investigated. The roles of exosomal miRNAs on the IFNα signal pathway were explored in macrophages.ResultsMicroRNA sequencing and RT‐qPCR assays confirmed six distinctly declined miRNAs in serum exosomes of responders at week 12 compared with levels at baseline. Exosomes with declined miR27b‐3p in the serum of Peg‐IFNα‐treated responders activated phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3/7 (IRF3/7) in IFNα synthesis pathway in macrophages. However, miR27b‐3p overexpression in HepAD38 cells suppressed IFNα synthesis in macrophages, resulting in insufficient ability to eliminate HBV, whereas the inhibitory effect could be blocked by inhibitors of exosomes release. Luciferase assay showed miR‐27b‐3p directly suppressed retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I) and TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) expressions, and these effects could be abrogated in mutation experiments.ConclusionsIn IFNα treatment, exosomes with declined miR‐27b‐3p triggered activation of RIG‐I/TBK1 signalling in macrophages against HBV. Serum exosomal miR‐27‐3p might represent a potential biomarker for patients with CHB.
Whole‐genome analysis of multiple wood ant population pairs supports similar speciation histories, but different degrees of gene flow, across their European ranges
Authors: Portinha Beatriz , Avril Amaury , Bernasconi Christian , Helanterä Heikki , Monaghan Josie , Seifert Bernhard , Sousa Vitor C. , Kulmuni Jonna , Nouhaud Pierre 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe application of demographic history modelling and inference to the study of divergence between species has become a cornerstone of speciation genomics. Speciation histories are usually reconstructed by analysing single populations from each species, assuming that the inferred population history represents the actual speciation history. However, this assumption may not be met when species diverge with gene flow, for example, when secondary contact may be confined to specific geographic regions. Here, we tested whether divergence histories inferred from heterospecific populations may vary depending on their geographic locations, using the two wood ant species Formica polyctena and F. aquilonia. We performed whole‐genome resequencing of 20 individuals sampled in multiple locations across the European ranges of both species. Then, we reconstructed the histories of distinct heterospecific population pairs using a coalescent‐based approach. Our analyses always supported a scenario of divergence with gene flow, suggesting that divergence started in the Pleistocene (c. 500 kya) and occurred with continuous asymmetrical gene flow from F. aquilonia to F. polyctena until a recent time, when migration became negligible (2–19 kya). However, we found support for contemporary gene flow in a sympatric pair from Finland, where the species hybridise, but no signature of recent bidirectional gene flow elsewhere. Overall, our results suggest that divergence histories reconstructed from a few individuals may be applicable at the species level. Nonetheless, the geographical context of populations chosen to represent their species should be taken into account, as it may affect estimates of migration rates between species when gene flow is spatially heterogeneous.
Home care providers' perceptions of shared decision‐making with older clients (and their caregivers): A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lai Claudia , Holyoke Paul , Plourde Karine V. , Yeung Lily , Légaré France 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInterprofessional care teams can play a key role in supporting older adults (and caregivers) in making informed health decisions, yet shared decision making is not widely practiced in home care. Based on an earlier needs assessment with older adults (and caregivers) with home care experience, we aimed to explore the perceptions of home care teams on the decisions facing their clients and their perceived involvement in shared decision making. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 614 home care providers (nurses, personal support workers, rehabilitation professionals) in three Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta). Home care providers considered the decision “to stay at home or move” as the most difficult for older adults. Those most frequently involved in decision making with older adults were family members and least involved were physicians. Although all home care providers reported high levels of shared decision‐making, we detected an effect of respondent's discipline on self‐perceived shared decision‐making; nurses and rehabilitation professionals reported significantly higher levels of shared decision making than personal support workers. A more tailored approach is required to support shared decision making in interprofessional care teams.
Photobiomodulation for chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in leukemic children: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Reyad Farida A. , Elsayed Naguiba M , El Chazli Yasmine 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesEvaluation of the effectiveness of Photobiomodulation(PBM) for chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis (OM) in leukemic children.Materials and methodsA randomized controlled clinical study including forty‐four leukemic children diagnosed with chemotherapy‐induced OM at the Hematology/Oncology inpatient unit at Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control or test groups with a 1:1 ratio. The control group received conventional symptomatic treatment, while the test group was treated with PBM in addition to the symptomatic treatment. The response to both treatment modalities was evaluated according to the reduction of pain and lesions severity from baseline to 5, 10, and 14 days after treatment.ResultsA significant reduction of pain was recorded on day 10 in the test group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was also a significant decline in the OM grades between the two groups on day14 (p = 0.003). No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsThe use of PBM along with the conventional treatment was effective in reducing pain and in the recovery of OM lesions in children receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of ALL. It was also safe and applicable to children.
Comprehensive analysis of microRNAs and their target genes in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Jishnu Padacherri Vethil , Shenoy Sangeetha U. , Sharma Mohit , Chopra Aditi , Radhakrishnan Raghu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe objective of the study is to understand the role of experimentally validated microRNAs (miRNAs) contributing to the acquisition of oncogenic phenotype in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) by computational analysis. A comprehensive review was carried out to corroborate and summarize altered miRNA expression in OSF by retrieving relevant publications querying MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. The association between the miRNA‐mRNA was performed using miRTarBase 8.0. The visualization of the miRNA‐mRNA interaction was plotted using Cytoscape. MIENTURNET was used for the pathway analysis. Enrichment analysis was carried out for elucidating the hierarchical functions of miRNAs related to the acquisition of biological processes involved in the development of cancer. Thirteen miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐499a, hsa‐miR‐200b, hsa‐miR‐200c, hsa‐miR‐1246, hsa‐miR‐31, hsa‐miR‐10b, hsa‐miR‐21, hsa‐miR‐203, hsa‐miR‐455, hsa‐miR‐760, hsa‐miR‐623, hsa‐miR‐610, and hsa‐miR‐509‐3‐5p) were found to be deregulated in OSF. A total of 371 experimentally validated genes were shown to be interacting with the OSF‐associated miRNAs. The targets of antifibrotic and profibrotic miRNAs were enriched in the cancer‐related pathways. Dysregulated miRNA and its target genes illustrate the physiological role of miRNAs in fibrosis. Understanding the miRNA‐mediated fibrotic signaling and targetting the specific miRNA‐target gene interaction might provide relevant cues to ameliorate the fibrotic disease.
Trust, but verify? Understanding citizen attitudes toward evidence‐informed policy making
Authors: Bundi Pirmin , Pattyn Valérie 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this article, we inquire to what extent different manifestations of trust are associated with public support for evidence informed policy making (EIPM). We present the results of a cross‐sectional survey conducted in the peak of the second COVID‐19 wave in six Western democracies: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United States (N = 8749). Our findings show that public trust in scientific experts is generally related to positive attitudes toward evidence‐informed policy making, while the opposite is the case for trust in governments and fellow citizens. Interestingly, citizens' assessment of government responses to COVID‐19 moderates the relationship between trust and attitudes toward EIPM. Respondents who do rather not trust their governments or their fellow citizens are more in favor of EIPM if they evaluate government responses negatively. These findings suggest that attitudes toward EIPM are not only related to trust, but also strongly depend on perceived government performance.
Quadratus lumborum blocks for abdominal transplant surgeries at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh—A five year experience
Authors: Hernandez Maria A. , Licata Scott , Damian Daniela , Ganoza Armando , Visoiu Mihaela 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAdequate perioperative analgesia for pediatric abdominal transplant surgery is essential for patient recovery. However, the risks of commonly used medications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, bleeding concerns, and poor graft results with opioids limit pain management in this population. Thoracic epidural, continuous erector spinae plane, and type‐1 quadratus lumborum blocks (QLBs) have been described and utilized in the adult population in this setting. The safety and benefits of regional anesthetic techniques in pediatrics have been widely documented for different types of procedures except pediatric abdominal transplantation, where data remains scarce. Our primary goal was to determine if QLBs provided adequate perioperative analgesia when part of a multimodal approach. Secondary objectives were to examine complications and effects on the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, observational study of pediatric patients who underwent abdominal transplant surgeries at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from January 2015 to July 2021 and received a single injection QLB for pain control. Data collected included: demographics, nerve block characteristics, perioperative opioid consumption, use of non‐opioid analgesia, daily pain scores, and hospital and ICU stay.ResultsForty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria for our study. Our results suggest that QLBs decrease opioid consumption, facilitate early extubation, prevent reintubation in the ICU, and reduce ICU and hospital stay.ConclusionsQLB is feasible and can be used as a multimodal approach for postoperative pain control in pediatric solid organ transplantation.
Predictors of portal vein complications after pediatric liver transplantation: A German center experience
Authors: Badawy Amr , Brunner Stefan M. , Knoppke Birgit , Völkl Melanie , Junger Henrik , Loss Martin , Sinner Barbara , Huf Veronika , Grothues Dirk , Melter Michael , Schlitt Hans J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPortal vein complications (PVCs) after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are sometimes asymptomatic, especially in the early phase, and can threaten both the graft and patient's survival. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal vein stenosis (PVS) after pediatric LT.MethodsAll pediatric patients (n = 115) who underwent primary LT at Regensburg University Hospital between January 2010 and April 2017 were included in this study. The pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative parameters of all patients were retrospectively reviewed and risk factors for both PVT and PVS were analyzed.ResultsOf the 115 patients, living donor LT was performed on 57 (49.5%) patients, and biliary atresia was the primary diagnosis in 65 patients (56%). After pediatric LT, 9% of patients developed PVT, and 16.5% developed PVS. Patient weight ≤7 kg [odds ratio (OR) 9.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–84.9, p = .04] and GRWR >3% (OR 15.4, 95% CI 1.98–129.5, p = .01) were the independent risk factors for the development of PVT and PVS, respectively upon multivariate analysis. The overall patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91%, 90%, and 89%, respectively, and there was no difference in patient survival among those with and without PVCs.ConclusionsPediatric patients with body weight <7 kg and/or receiving a graft with GRWR >3% may develop PVCs and so require certain surgical modifications, close follow‐up, and prophylactic anticoagulant therapy following transplant.
The intra‐session reliability of functional connectivity during naturalistic viewing conditions
Authors: Hlinka Jaroslav , Děchtěrenko Filip , Rydlo Jan , Androvičová Renáta , Vejmelka Martin , Jajcay Lucia , Tintěra Jaroslav , Lukavský Jiří , Horáček Jiří 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFunctional connectivity analysis is a common approach to the characterization of brain function. While studies of functional connectivity have predominantly focused on resting‐state fMRI, naturalistic paradigms, such as movie watching, are increasingly being used. This ecologically valid, yet relatively unconstrained acquisition state has been shown to improve subject compliance and, potentially, enhance individual differences. However, unlike the reliability of resting‐state functional connectivity, the reliability of functional connectivity during naturalistic viewing has not yet been fully established. The current study investigates the intra‐session reliability of functional connectivity during naturalistic viewing sessions to extend its understanding. Using fMRI data of 24 subjects measured at rest as well as during six naturalistic viewing conditions, we quantified the split‐half reliability of each condition, as well as cross‐condition reliabilities. We find that intra‐session reliability is relatively high for all conditions. While cross‐condition reliabilities are higher for pairings of two naturalistic viewing conditions, split‐half reliability is highest for the resting state. Potential sources of variability across the conditions, as well as the strengths and limitations of using intra‐session reliability as a measure in naturalistic viewing, are discussed.
Endometrial area of the blood flow as a marker of endometritis in equine
Authors: Da Silva‐Álvarez Eva , Gómez‐Arrones Vanessa , Martín‐Cano Francisco Eduardo , Gaitskell‐Phillips Gemma , Ortiz‐Rodríguez Jose Manuel , Carrasco Juan Jesús , Gil Maria Cruz , Peña Vega Fernando J. , Ortega Ferrusola Cristina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this study, uterine blood flow area (BFA) has been evaluated for the first time using power Doppler ultrasound (PD) as a marker of endometritis in mares and jennies. The uterine BFA in healthy mares was greater in oestrus than in diestrus (p < .001). However, differences in endometrial blood flow between oestrus and diestrus were not observed in mares with endometritis. The uterine blood flow in healthy jennies is not affected by the oestrus cycle. Both species showed an increase in endometrial BFA in pathological uterine conditions compared to controls. BFA was a good marker of endometritis with an area under curve (AUC) (estrus:0.94 (p < .001) diestrus:0.98 (p < .001) in mares and AUC (0.91 (p < .0001) in jennies. The results of this preliminary study suggest that PD ultrasound in combination with computerized image analysis has the potential to be a very useful tool in the diagnosis of endometritis.
Cardiovascular phenotype of long‐term anabolic‐androgenic steroid abusers compared with strength‐trained athletes
Authors: Fyksen Tea Sætereng , Vanberg Paul , Gjesdal Knut , von Lueder Thomas G. , Bjørnerheim Reidar , Steine Kjetil , Atar Dan , Halvorsen Sigrun 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionAbuse of anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) has been linked to a variety of different cardiovascular (CV) side effects, but still the clinical effects of AAS abuse on CV risk are not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the CV phenotype of a large cohort of men with long‐term AAS use compared with strength‐trained athletes without AAS use.MethodsFifty one strength‐trained men with ≥3 years of AAS use was compared with twenty one strength‐trained competing athletes. We verified substance abuse and non‐abuse by blood and urine analyses. The participants underwent comprehensive CV evaluation including laboratory analyses, 12‐lead ECG with measurement of QT dispersion, exercise ECG, 24 h ECG with analyses of heart rate variability, signal averaged ECG, basic transthoracic echocardiography, and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).ResultsHemoglobin levels and hematocrit were higher among the AAS users compared with non‐users (16.8 vs. 15.0 g/dl, and 0.50% vs. 0.44%, respectively, both p < 0.01) and HDL cholesterol significantly lower (0.69 vs. 1.25 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Maximal exercise capacity was 270 and 280 W in the AAS and the non‐user group, respectively (p = 0.04). Echocardiography showed thicker intraventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall among AAS users (p < 0.01 for both), while LV ejection fraction was lower (50 vs. 54%, p = 0.02). Seven AAS users (17%) had evidence of coronary artery disease on CCTA. There were no differences in ECG measures between the groups.ConclusionsA divergent CV phenotype dominated by increased CV risk, accelerated coronary artery disease, and concentric myocardial hypertrophy was revealed among the AAS users.