bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of electrochemical behavior of CrN single‐layer coating and Cr/CrN nanolayered coating produced by cathodic arc evaporation physical vapor deposition
Authors: Jasempoor Fatemeh , Elmkhah Hassan , Imantalab Omid , Fattah‐Alhosseini Arash 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe aim of the present work is to study the CrN single‐layer coating and the Cr/CrN nanolayered coating by cathodic arc evaporation physical vapor deposition (CAE‐PVD) on AISI 304 stainless steel and to assess the electrochemical behavior of the coatings. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to study the morphology and microstructure of the coatings. The mechanical behavior of the coatings was studied by the nanoindentation technique. The electrochemical behavior of the formed coatings in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests. Based on the microscopic images, it was realized that both CrN and Cr/CrN coatings were formed having a dense structure on the substrate. The results of EIS measurements showed gradual changes in the polarization resistance of the Cr/CrN nanolayered coating during the immersion time. However, significant changes in the polarization resistance of the CrN single‐layer coating were seen by increasing immersion time comparing with the Cr/CrN coating. The higher polarization resistance of the Cr/CrN coating can be attributed to the effects of the interface between the layers in comparison to the CrN coating.
Prevalence and seasonality of viral respiratory infections in a temperate climate region: A 24‐year study (1997–2020)
Authors: García‐Arroyo Laura , Prim Núria , Del Cuerpo Marga , Marín Pilar , Roig Maria Carme , Esteban Mnontserrat , Labeaga Rosa , Martí Neus , Berengua Carla , Gich Ignasi , Navarro Ferran , Rabella Núria 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundFew long‐term reports have been published on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses despite their frequent involvement in extremely common infections. The aim here was to determine the frequency and distribution of respiratory viruses in a temperate climate area (Barcelona, Spain) throughout a 24‐year period.MethodsWe collected data on all respiratory viruses detected from 1997 to 2020 in our institution. Clinical specimens were analyzed mainly by conventional techniques, and molecular techniques were also used.ResultsOf the 59,579 specimens analyzed, 21,382 (35.9%) were positive for at least one virus. The number of positive samples during cold months was significantly higher than in warm months. Respiratory virus infections were detected in patients of all ages, above all in children under 3 years of age, who were most frequently infected with the respiratory syncytial virus, whereas Influenza A virus predominated in the other groups, especially in adults. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Circulation of other respiratory viruses during the FLUAV H1N1pdm09 and SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemics was observed.ConclusionsThis long‐term study provides new knowledge about the prevalence of respiratory viruses in a Mediterranean region. Throughout the study period, the frequency of some viruses remained constant, whereas others varied with the year. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Patients suffering from severe respiratory infections should be examined for a range of respiratory viruses regardless of gender, age, or season.
Estimates of (co)variance components and phenotypic and genetic parameters of growth traits and wool traits in Alpine Merino sheep
Authors: Li Wen Hui , Li Gui Ying , Zhang Jun , Wang Xi Jun , Zhang Ai Wen , Zhao Jin Tao , Wang Li Juan , Yang Jian Feng , Luo Tian Zhao , Shen Kai Zu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe (co)variance components and corresponding phenotypic and genetic parameters for growth traits and wool traits of economic importance were estimated in the Alpine Merino sheep population maintained at Gansu Provincial Sheep Breeding Technology Extension Station in northwestern China. Data from a maximum of 49,474 animals sired by 526 rams and born from 22,531 ewes over 20 years from 2000 to 2019 were used in this study. Birth type, age of dam, birth year, sex and/or management group, and age at measurement were initially fitted as fixed effects in an animal model with various random effects. Genetic groups were defined for all animals by the sire breed and breed genotype interacted with dam‐strain flocks and were fitted as one of the random effects. Analyses were conducted using a residual maximum likelihood procedure (ASReml). Seven different animal models were fitted for all traits, and the most appropriate model with relevant random effects was selected through log‐likelihood ratio testing. After identifying the appropriate model through single‐trait analysis, bivariate analyses were used to obtain the phenotypic and genetic correlations among the traits. The estimates of additive direct heritability for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), preweaning growth rate (prwADG), postweaning growth rate (powADG), yearling body weight (YWT), average fibre diameter (AFD), greasy fleece weight (GFW), clean fleece weight (CFW), yield (YLD), yearling wool staple length (YSL), coefficient of variation of average fibre diameter (FDcv) and wool visual fineness counts (VFC) were 0.30, 0.18, 0.18, 0.20, 0.29, 0.20, 0.19, 0.20, 0.35, 0.19, 0.16 and 0.13, respectively, with standard errors ranging from 0.02 to 0.05. The corresponding ratios of genetic group variance to additive genetic variance were significant and, respectively, 0.35, 0.80, 0.62, 0.26, 0.13, 1.06, 0.38, 0.64, 0.09, 0.12, 0.06 and 0.58. These results suggest for these traits that there is potential to exploit both the additive genetic variation and between genetic group variation although for most traits the between group variation was smaller than the variation within groups. Favourable genetic correlations were found among the growth traits, and between growth traits and fleece production traits, and among wool traits GFW, CFW, YSL and YLD. This study provides the required estimates of genetic parameters of both growth and wool traits of the new breed for the design of more effective breeding programmes.
Stronger negative species interactions in the tropics supported by a global analysis of nest predation in songbirds
Authors: Matysioková Beata , Remeš Vladimír 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimSpecies interactions are assumed to be stronger closer to the equator. However, numerous studies provided conflicting results and considerable controversy exists concerning the latitudinal patterns in the intensity of biotic interactions. Thus, the question of whether biotic interactions are stronger near the equator remains open. Here, we provide a global evaluation of latitudinal trends in nest predation in songbirds and their explanations.LocationWorldwide.TaxonSongbirds (Aves: Passeriformes).MethodsWe collected published data on nest predation in 1297 populations of 659 species across the globe (124,958 nests). We quantified latitudinal trends in the intensity of nest depredation (daily predation rate, DPR) and in potential demographic impacts of nest depredation (the proportion of nests destroyed by predators). We also quantified the latitudinal trend in the proportion of failed nests destroyed by predators and assessed how nest depredation and latitudinal trends differed across nest types. We aimed at explaining spatial variation in nest predation by productivity and species richness of potential nest predators.ResultsAll measures of nest predation increased towards the equator and the increase was stronger in the northern hemisphere. Nest predation also increased with time, and it was higher in open nests than in cavities. Nest predation increased with productivity (indexed by NDVI), independently of latitude. It also increased with species richness of potential nest predators, but this effect was confounded with latitude.Main conclusionsTropical songbirds faced both higher intensity of nest predation (higher DPR) and more detrimental demographic outcomes of nest depredation (higher proportion of nests lost to predators). Moreover, the proportion of nest failure caused by predators also increased towards the equator. Our results support the view that birds are subject to strong biotic interactions close to the equator. Nest predation increased with productivity and tended to increase with species richness of potential nest predators.
Long noncoding RNA CCAT2 reduces chemosensitivity to 5‐fluorouracil in breast cancer cells by activating the mTOR axis
Authors: Zhou Daoping , Gu Juan , Wang Yueping , Luo Bing , Feng Mei , Wang Xuedong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women and the second leading cause for cancer‐related death in women. LncRNA CCAT2 is involved in BC cell drug sensitivity. Drug resistance of BC cells after chemotherapy is the main obstacle to therapeutic effects. This study explored whether BC cell drug sensitivity to 5‐Fu was related to lncRNA CCAT2‐regulated mTOR pathway. Normal breast tissues and BC tissues before/after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were collected, and CCAT2 expression was detected by RT‐qPCR. Correlation between CCATA2 expression and neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy was analysed using the Kendall's tau‐b correlation analysis. Normal breast epithelial cells and BC cell lines were cultured. BC cell lines were treated with 5‐Fu, and CCAT2 mRNA level in cells was detected. The 5‐Fu‐resistant MCF‐7/5‐Fu and MDA‐MB‐231/5‐Fu cells were treated with CCAT2 overexpression/knockdown or CCI‐779 (the mTOR pathway inhibitor). The mTOR pathway levels were detected. Expression of apoptosis‐related factors was identified. A subcutaneous xenograft model was carried out. High CCAT2 expression was detected in BC tissues and BC drug‐resistant cells after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and a negative link was revealed between CCAT2 expression and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. p‐mTOR/mTOR in 5‐Fu‐resistant BC cells with inhibited CCAT2 was decreased, while CCAT2 overexpression activated the mTOR pathway. IC50 value, proliferation, cells in S phase increased and apoptosis reduced after CCAT2 overexpression. After si‐CCAT2 or CCI‐779 treatment, the growth rate of transplanted tumours was inhibited, while promoted after CCAT2 overexpression. CCAT2 may reduce BC cell chemosensitivity to 5‐Fu by activating the mTOR pathway.
Hsa_circ_0003945 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by mediating miR‐34c‐5p/LGR4/β‐catenin axis activity
Authors: Lyu Li‐Hua , Zhang Chun‐Yan , Yang Wen‐Jing , Jin An‐Li , Zhu Jie , Wang Hao , Liu Te , Wang Bei‐Li , Cheng Jian‐Wen , Yang Xin‐Rong , Guo Wei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in regulating cancer progression, but many circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Dysregulated circRNAs in HCC were identified through bioinformatics analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus data sets. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), Sanger sequencing, RNase R digestion and actinomycin D treatment were conducted to confirm the characterization of circRNAs. CCK‐8, wound‐healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the functional roles of Hsa_circ_0003945 (Circ_0003945) in HCC cell lines. Subcellular fractionation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to locate Circ_0003945 in HCC cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was executed to verify the binding of Circ_0003945 to microRNAs (miRNAs) or the miRNAs to their target genes. In this study, we found that Circ_0003945 was upregulated in HCC tissue, and higher Circ_0003945 expression was positively correlated with tumour size and tumour stage. Furthermore, high plasma levels of circulating Circ_0003945 were confirmed in HCC patients compared with those in non‐HCC groups. The functional experiments revealed that overexpression or knockdown of Circ_0003945 promoted or attenuated tumour growth and migration, respectively. Mechanistically, Circ_0003945 might exert as a miR‐34c‐5p sponge to upregulate the expression of leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G protein‐coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), activating the β‐catenin pathway, and finally facilitating HCC progression. Additionally, a β‐catenin activator could reverse the effect of Circ_0003945 knockdown. In conclusion, Circ_0003945 exerts a tumour‐promoting role in HCC cells by regulating the miR‐34c‐5p/LGR4/β‐catenin axis, which may be a potential target for HCC therapy.
Diversity, distribution and extinction risk of native freshwater fishes of South Africa
Authors: Chakona Albert , Jordaan Martine S. , Raimondo Domitilla C. , Bills Roger I. , Skelton Paul H. , van der Colff Dewidine 
Published: February 2022

AbstractExtinction risk for 101 valid species and 18 unique genetic lineages of native freshwater fishes of South Africa was assessed in 2016 following the IUCN Red List criteria. An additional five species (three new species that were described and two species that were revalidated subsequent to the 2016 assessments) were assessed in the present study. A synthesis of the outcome of the assessments of the 106 valid species and 18 genetic lineages indicates that 45 (36%) of South Africa's freshwater fish taxa are threatened (7 Critically Endangered, 25 Endangered, 13 Vulnerable). Of the remaining taxa, 17 (14%) are listed as Near Threatened, 57 (46%) are Least Concern and five (4%) are Data Deficient. More than 60% of the endemic taxa are threatened. The Cape Fold Ecoregion has the highest proportion of threatened taxa (67%) due to the existence of a unique assemblage of narrow‐range endemic species. Galaxias and Pseudobarbus have the highest number of highly threatened taxa as most of the species and lineages in these genera are classified as either CR or EN. Major threats to the native freshwater fishes of the country are invasive fish species, deterioration of water quality, impoundments and excessive water abstraction, land use changes and modification of riverine habitats. Immediate conservation efforts should focus on securing remnant populations of highly threatened taxa and preventing deterioration in threat status, because recovery is rare. Accurate delimitation of species boundaries, mapping their distribution ranges, improved knowledge of pressures and long‐term monitoring of population trends need to be prioritised to generate credible data for the 2026 IUCN threat status assessments and designation of important fish areas as part of the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) initiative.
Rheological behavior of ice‐cream mixes: Impact of temperature and protein concentration
Authors: Ranaweera Hiran , Krishnan Padmanaban , Martínez‐Monteagudo Sergio I. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis work documented the influence of the protein source (milk protein concentrate 80 [MPC80] and whey protein concentrate 80 [WPC80]), protein content (4–12%), and temperature (5–35°C) on the rheological behavior (flow curve, frequency sweep, and creep–recovery) of ice‐cream mixes (ICMs). The viscosity of the ICMs increased with increasing the protein content and decreased with increasing the temperature. For each protein source, the viscosity was satisfactorily modeled ( > .98, > .98, and E < 10%) using a modified Herschel–Buckley model, where the consistency index was parameterized to account for the protein and temperature effect. The analysis of the frequency sweeps suggested a dominant viscous gel behavior with increasing the protein content, being more pronounced for MPC80. Creep curves were satisfactorily described by the Burger model, while the recovery phase was represented by an empirical model ( > .99). The percentage of recovery (%R) of the ICMs significantly decreased with the protein content.Practical applicationsThe viscosity of ice‐cream mix is a key parameter during the manufacture of ice‐cream. An increment in the protein content imparts viscosity of the mixes and presents many processing challenges. This work presents a mathematical model to predict the viscosity in terms of shear rate, protein content, and temperature.
The benefits of coastal adaptation through conservation of foreshore vegetation
Authors: Tiggeloven Timothy , de Moel Hans , van Zelst Vincent T. M. , van Wesenbeeck Bregje K. , Winsemius Hessel C. , Eilander Dirk , Ward Philip J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDue to rising sea levels and projected socio‐economic change, global coastal flood risk is expected to increase in the future. To reduce this increase in risk, one option is to reduce the probability or magnitude of the hazard through the implementation of structural, Nature‐based or hybrid adaptation measures. Nature‐based Solutions in coastal areas have the potential to reduce impacts of climate change and can provide a more sustainable and cost‐effective alternative to structural measures. In this paper, we present the first global scale assessment of the benefits of conserving foreshore vegetation as a means of adaptation to future projections of change in coastal flood risk. In doing so, we extend the current knowledge on the economic feasibility of implementing global scale Nature‐based Solutions. We show that globally foreshore vegetation can contribute to a large decrease in both absolute and relative flood risk (13% of present‐day and 8.5% of future conditions in 2080 of global flood risk). Although this study gives a first proxy of the flood risk reduction benefits of conserving foreshore vegetation at the global scale, it shows promising results for including Nature‐based and hybrid adaptation measures in coastal adaptation schemes.
Impact of elobixibat on serum and fecal bile acid levels and constipation symptoms in patients with chronic constipation
Authors: Nakajima Atsushi , Ishizaki Sonoko , Matsuda Kazuki , Kurosu Shinsuke , Taniguchi Shinya , Gillberg Per‐Göran , Mattsson Jan P , Hasunuma Tomoko , Camilleri Michael 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimElobixibat is a locally acting inhibitor of the ileal bile acid transporter. We compared bile acid metabolism between healthy subjects and patients with chronic constipation and assessed changes in the bile acid profile after elobixibat administration in the latter group.MethodsHealthy subjects (n = 10) and patients with chronic constipation (n = 19) were assessed as inpatients for 7 days, during which they received meals containing ~60 g/day of fat. Patients with chronic constipation remained as inpatients for a further 7 days for once‐daily elobixibat administration. Assessments included concentrations of fecal and serum bile acids, serum 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) and fibroblast growth factor 19, and bowel movements and constipation symptoms.ResultsFecal total and primary bile acids were significantly lower in patients with chronic constipation versus healthy subjects. Serum C4 and fibroblast growth factor 19 levels were comparable between groups. Elobixibat treatment increased fecal total and primary bile acids and decreased levels of fecal lithocholic acid and serum total as well as secondary bile acids in patients with chronic constipation. Bowel movements and other constipation‐related symptoms were also improved by elobixibat to levels almost comparable with those of healthy subjects.ConclusionsDespite comparable C4 levels, patients with chronic constipation demonstrated decreased levels of fecal bile acids versus healthy subjects. Elobixibat treatment increased fecal bile acid excretion and reduced serum bile acid concentrations. The improvement of constipation after elobixibat treatment was associated with increased total bile acids, particularly primary bile acids.
Exploiting flow cytometry for the unbiased quantification of protein inclusions in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Claesson Kristian , Chew Yee Lian , Ecroyd Heath 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe aggregation of proteins into inclusions or plaques is a prominent hallmark of a diverse range of pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. The quantification of such inclusions in Caenorhabditis elegans models of aggregation is usually achieved by fluorescence microscopy or other techniques involving biochemical fractionation of worm lysates. Here, we describe a simple and rapid flow cytometry‐based approach that allows fluorescently tagged inclusions to be enumerated in whole worm lysate in a quantitative and unbiased fashion. We demonstrate that this technique is applicable to multiple C. elegans models of aggregation and importantly, can be used to monitor the dynamics of inclusion formation in response to heat shock and during ageing. This includes the characterisation of physicochemical properties of inclusions, such as their apparent size, which may reveal how aggregate formation is distinct in different tissues or at different stages of pathology or ageing. This new method can be used as a powerful technique for the medium‐ to high‐throughput quantification of inclusions in future studies of genetic or chemical modulators of aggregation in C. elegans.
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Family support person role during resuscitation: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Powers Kelly , Duncan Jaclyn M. , Renee Twibell K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAims and objectivesTo provide guidance to nurses by examining how critical care nurses perceive and perform the family support person role during resuscitation.BackgroundNurses can serve as family support person when families witness a loved one's resuscitation. However, few studies have examined the role of family support person to provide nurses with sufficient knowledge to enact the role.DesignAn exploratory‐descriptive qualitative design with individual, semi‐structured interviews.MethodsSixteen critical care nurses who had served as family support person completed interviews. The data were analysed by thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed.ResultsSix themes were identified: Hard but Rewarding Role, Be With, Assess, First Moments, Explain and Support. Findings explicated nurses’ perceptions of the role and key role activities.ConclusionsNurses perceived the role as hard but rewarding. Role challenges included the need for quick, accurate assessments and interventions to keep family members safe, informed and supported, while allowing them to witness resuscitation. Key role activities included: being fully present and compassionately attentive to family, continuously assessing family members, coordinating the first moments when family presence during resuscitation commences, explaining in simple, tailored terms the resuscitation activities, and supporting the family emotionally and psychologically through a variety of strategies. Nurses noted the high variability in how families respond and the complexity of simultaneously performing the multi‐faceted role activities.Relevance to clinical practiceTo effectively support the growing global trend of family presence during resuscitation, nurses need the knowledge this study provides about how to fulfil the family support person role. Identifying the role activities may facilitate development of clinical guidelines and educational preparation for the role. Nurses can refine the many skills this role requires, building their competence and confidence, to increase opportunities for family members to experience family presence during resuscitation in a safe, and high‐quality manner.