bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home‐field advantage meets priming effect in root decomposition: Implications for belowground carbon dynamics
Authors: Zheng Jiajia , Li Shenggong , Wang Huimin , Dai Xiaoqin , Meng Shengwang , Jiang Lei , Ma Ning , Yan Han , Fu Xiaoli , Kou Liang 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Home‐field advantage (HFA) states that litter decomposes faster in “home” than in “away” soil, due to the specialization of decomposer organisms in decomposing litter derived from their local plant community. Demonstration of the HFA effect has been overwhelmingly based on aboveground leaf litter despite the fact that roots play a pivotal role in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling.

Labile C input in root exudates and newly shed root litters can enhance the activity of soil microorganisms, which in turn can favour the breakdown of older root litter, also referred to as the priming effect. It remains, however, unclear how the addition of fresh root‐derived inputs affects HFA on the decomposition of absorptive roots (ARs) and transport roots (TRs), which have a different chemical composition.

Here, we conducted a two‐stage (endogenous C consumption versus exogenous C priming) reciprocal transplant microcosm experiment to explore the effects of HFA on the decomposition of lower‐quality ARs and higher‐quality TRs of two subtropical tree species (Pinus elliottii and Cunninghamia lanceolata) and their responses to either labile (glucose) or recalcitrant (fresh ARs) C additions.

Decomposition of lower‐quality ARs exhibited neutral HFA, while decomposition of higher‐quality TRs exhibited positive HFA. The absence of HFA for short‐lived ARs was possibly due to the legacy effect of their chemical defences on decomposition. The neutral HFA for ARs became negative with glucose addition, which was linked to the dissimilarity of fungal community between the home and away soils. Neither glucose nor fresh ARs additions changed the HFA pattern of TRs, implying that these long‐lived roots play a reinforced role in soil C accumulation when they decompose away from their origins.

These results indicate that the effect of HFA on decomposition differs between ARs and TRs, and could be modified by the priming effect induced by the root‐derived C input. In general, our findings highlight that complex “HFA‐priming” interactions on root decomposition should be explicitly considered in the paradigm of belowground C dynamics.

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Bioactive polyphenols separated from hemp seed shells ameliorate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Xu Peng‐Wei , Yuan Xiao‐Fan , Zhao Bing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the present study, we investigated the protection of hemp seed polyphenols on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress injury. Fractions with different polarities were obtained by separating the hemp seed extract using HPD300 macroporous resin‐packed column. The fraction, desorbed by 50% ethanol, is rich in polyphenol (789.51 ± 21.92 mg GAE/g) and has the highest antioxidant activity in vitro. HPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS identified the main polyphenol components in hemp seed shells: 4 hydroxycinnamic acid amides and 15 lignanamides. The protective effects of hemp seed polyphenol against oxidative‐stress injury in HUVEC cells were evaluated by cell viability, intracellular antioxidant parameters, and cell apoptosis assay. After HUVEC cells were precultured with 50 µg/ml hemp seed polyphenols, the cell viability increased significantly from 53.07 ± 2.46% (model group) to 80.65 ± 1.32% (p < 0.01). In addition, the pretreatment of HUVEC cells with polyphenol could substantially increase their intracellular superoxide dismutase activity and reduce their intracellular reactive oxygen species level, malondialdehyde content, and lactate dehydrogenase leakage index. These findings demonstrate the defensive potential of hemp seed polyphenol in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.Practical ApplicationHemp seed shell waste is produced while producing hemp seed kernel and has abundant phenolic compounds. This research showed that hemp seed polyphenol has potent antioxidant activity in vitro and protects HUVEC cells against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury, suggesting that hemp seed polyphenol has the defensive potential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. These results indicated that polyphenol separated from hemp seed shells is valuable for further research and development, which will improve the utilization rate of hemp seed.
Curcumin suppresses lung cancer progression via circRUNX1 mediated miR‐760/RAB3D axis
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Chen Hong , Liu Na , Liu Sang , Lin Guanhong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurcumin is a natural chemical component that has an anticancer effect. The aim of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanism of curcumin regulating lung cancer (LC) progression.MethodsThe expression of circRUNX1, miR‐760 and Ras‐like GTPase 3D (RAB3D) was detected by qRT‐PCR. Cell proliferation were determined by CCK8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays. Protein levels were examined by western blot (WB) analysis. RNA interaction was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. LC xenograft tumors were constructed using BALB/c nude mice.ResultsCircRUNX1 was upregulated in LC and its expression could be inhibited by curcumin. Curcumin reduced LC cell proliferation, metastasis, and accelerate apoptosis, while circRUNX1 overexpression reversed these effects. MiR‐760 was confirmed to be a target of circRUNX1, which could reverse the effects of circRUNX1 on curcumin‐treated LC cell functions. RAB3D was a target of miR‐760, and its knockdown reversed the promotion effect of miR‐760 inhibitor on the progression of curcumin‐treated LC cells.ConclusionCurcumin suppressed LC progression via circRUNX1/miR‐760/RAB3D axis.
Incidence of primary hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in Australia pre‐ and post‐unrestricted availability of direct acting antiviral therapies
Authors: Iversen Jenny , Wand Handan , McManus Hamish , Dore Gregory J. , Maher Lisa 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsThe 2016 Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on viral hepatitis aims to reduce new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections by 80% by 2030, including a 30% reduction by 2020. This study aimed to estimate primary HCV incident infection among a national sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) before and after the introduction of unrestricted access to HCV direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy via Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2016.DesignA simple deterministic linkage method identified repeat respondents in serial cross‐sectional surveys conducted among PWID. Two separate retrospective cohorts of HCV antibody‐negative respondents were created, corresponding to the pre‐ (2010–15) and post‐ (2016–21) DAA time‐periods.Setting and ParticipantsThis study took place in Australia. Among 757 PWID retained (376 pre‐DAA, 381 post‐DAA), more than half were male (60%), the majority were heterosexual (80%), the median age was 40 years (interquartile range = 33–46 years) and the predominant drugs last injected were heroin (24%), pharmaceutical opioids (27%) and methamphetamine (41%).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was HCV seroconversion, defined as a negative HCV antibody test result followed by a positive HCV antibody result. Time to primary incident HCV infection was estimated using the person‐years (PY) method.FindingsA total 97 of 376 (2010–15) and 41 of 381 (2016–21) HCV seroconversions were identified. Primary HCV incidence more than halved, from 13.6 per 100 PY [95% confidence intervals (CI) = 11.2, 16.6] in 2010–15 to 5.4 per 100 PY (95% CI = 3.9, 7.3) in 2016–21. The decline was independent of observed differences in demographic and drug use characteristics over the two time‐periods (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.31–0.69, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAustralia has had a 53% reduction in primary hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among people who inject drugs following unrestricted availability of HCV direct acting antiviral therapy in March 2016. Given that PWID are the predominant population at risk of HCV infection in Australia, findings add to the evidence that Australia has probably met its 2020 Global Health Sector Strategy subtarget of a 30% decline in new infections.
Use of Swedish smokeless tobacco during pregnancy: A systematic review of pregnancy and early life health risk
Authors: Brinchmann Bendik C. , Vist Gunn E. , Becher Rune , Grimsrud Tom K. , Elvsaas Ida‐Kristin Ørjasæter , Underland Vigdis , Holme Jørn A. , Carlsen Karin C. Lødrup , Kreyberg Ina , Nordhagen Live S. , Bains Karen Eline Stensby , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Alexander Jan , Valen Håkon 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSmokeless tobacco is a heterogeneous product group with diverse composition and prevalence globally. Tobacco use during pregnancy is concerning due to the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and effects on child health. Nicotine may mediate several of these effects. This systematic review measured health outcomes from Swedish smokeless tobacco (snus) use during pregnancy.MethodLiterature search was conducted by an information specialist in May 2022. We included human studies of snus use during pregnancy compared with no tobacco use, assessed risk of bias, conducted a meta‐analysis and assessed confidence in effect‐estimates using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE).ResultsWe included 18 cohort studies (42 to 1 006 398 participants). Snus use during pregnancy probably (moderate confidence in risk estimates) increase the risk of neonatal apnea, adjusted odds ratio 95% confidence interval [aOR (95% CI)] 1.96 (1.30 to 2.96). Snus use during pregnancy possibly (low confidence in risk estimates) increase the risk of stillbirths aOR 1.43 (1.02 to 1.99), extremely premature births aOR 1.69 (1.17 to 2.45), moderately premature birth aOR 1.26 (1.15 to 1.38), SGA aOR 1.26 (1.09 to 1.46), reduced birth weight mean difference of 72.47 g (110.58 g to 34.35 g reduction) and oral cleft malformations aOR 1.48 (1.00 to 2.21). It is uncertain (low confidence in risk estimates, CI crossing 1) whether snus use during pregnancy affects risk of preeclampsia aOR 1.11 (0.97 to 1.28), antenatal bleeding aOR 1.15 (0.92 to 1.44) and very premature birth aOR 1.26 (0.95 to 1.66). Risk of early neonatal mortality and altered heart rate variability is uncertain, very low confidence. Snus using mothers had increased prevalence of caesarean sections, low confidence.ConclusionsThis systematic review reveals that use of smokeless tobacco (snus) during pregnancy may adversely impact the developing child.
Effect of different antibiotic therapies on the reproductive outcomes of fresh embryo transfer for chronic endometritis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wu Sheling , Wang Zhong‐Kai , Liu Xiaoqiang , Liu Wen , Du Yanbo , Yan Lei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the reproductive outcomes by comparing two kinds of antibiotic schemes for chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women's fresh embryo transfer (FET) cycles and identify subgroups of patients with CE who need long‐term antibiotics treatment.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity‐based reproductive medical center.Patient(s)A total of 492 women with CD138‐positive plasmacytes per 10 high‐power fields (CD138+/10HPF).Intervention(s)Hysteroscopy was performed and endometrial biopsy samples were collected in the proliferative phase. Long‐term or short‐term antibiotics were administrated. After antibiotics treatment, patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and received ET.Main Outcome Measure(s)Ongoing pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, clinical miscarriage rate.Result (s)There were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between patients with CD138+/10HPF 1–4 (low‐grade CE) who received long‐term antibiotic therapy and short‐term antibiotics groups. Among women with CD138+/10HPF ≥5 (high‐grade CE), live birth rate (48.4% vs. 14.7%, p = .001), clinical pregnancy rate (66.7% vs. 35.3%, p = .002) and ongoing pregnancy rate (59.1% vs. 20.6%, p < .001) in the long‐term arm were significantly higher than that in the short‐term arm. The clinical miscarriage rate (21.0% vs. 58.3%, p = .013) was statistically lower in the long‐term antibiotics group, but no statistical differences were found between the two groups in preterm delivery rate.ConclusionLong‐term antibiotics treatment was a sensible choice to improve pregnancy outcomes in women with CD138+/10HPF ≥5 (high‐grade CE). The pregnancy outcomes of women with low‐grade CE only defined by histological diagnosis were not greatly improved after antibiotic therapy. Therefore, we recommended the proper diagnosis criteria were CD138+/10HPF ≥5 pathologically.
Friendly Lobbying under Time Pressure
Authors: Awad Emiel , Minaudier Clement 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLobbyists often target legislators who are aligned with them rather than opponents. The choice of whom to lobby affects both what information becomes available to legislators and how much influence special interest groups exert on policies. However, the conditions under which aligned legislators are targeted are not well understood. We investigate how the pressure to conclude policies quickly affects the strategic decision of whom to lobby. We derive conditions on the cost of delaying policies and on the distribution of legislators' preferences for lobbyists to prefer targeting allies. We show that the use of allied intermediaries has important implications for the duration of policymaking and the quality of policies. Counterintuitively, an increase in time pressure can increase the duration of policymaking and a longer duration does not always lead to better informed policies.
Role of deep learning methods in screening for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator in heart failure
Authors: ElRefai Mohamed , Abouelasaad Mohamed , Wiles Benedict M. , Dunn Anthony J. , Coniglio Stefano , Zemkoho Alain B. , Morgan John M. , Roberts Paul R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionS‐ICD eligibility is assessed at pre‐implant screening where surface ECG traces are used as surrogates for S‐ICD vectors. In heart failure (HF) patients undergoing diuresis, electrolytes and fluid shifts can cause changes in R and T waves. Subsequently, T:R ratio, a major predictor of S‐ICD eligibility, can be dynamic.MethodsThis is a prospective study of patients with structurally normal hearts and HF patients undergoing diuresis. All patients were fitted with Holters® to record their S‐ICD vectors. Our deep learning model was used to analyze the T:R ratios across the recordings. Welch two sample t‐test and Mann–Whitney U were used to compare the data between the two groups.ResultsTwenty‐one patients (age 58.43 ± 18.92, 62% male, 14 HF, 7 normal hearts) were enrolled. There was a significant difference in the T:R ratios between both groups. Mean T: R was higher in the HF group (0.18 ± 0.08 vs 0.10 ± 0.05, p < .001). Standard deviation of T: R was also higher in the HF group (0.09 ± 0.05 vs 0.07 ± 0.04, p = .024). There was no difference between leads within the same group.ConclusionsT:R ratio, a main determinant for S‐ICD eligibility, is higher and has more tendency to fluctuate in HF patients undergoing diuresis. We hypothesize that our novel neural network model could be used to select HF patients eligible for S‐ICD by better characterization of T:R ratio reducing the risk of T‐wave over‐sensing (TWO) and inappropriate shocks. Further work is required to consolidate our findings before applying to clinical practice.
The impact of employee turnover on the financial performance of microfinance institutions: A global evidence
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Halim Hasliza Abdul 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMicrofinance is a preferred development tool in many developing countries around the world; however, the industry has been facing many challenges in recent years, including the attainment of financial sustainability. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of employee turnover on the financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The study utilized unbalanced panel data of 1561 unique MFIs from 2010 to 2018. The data were then analyzed by conventional econometric techniques such as the pooled ordinary least squares, random effects model, fixed effects model, Hausman–Taylor, and the two‐step system generalized method of moments. Considering the linear relationship, it was discovered that employee turnover has a negative effect on the financial performance of MFIs. However, this relationship is dependent on the proxies of financial performance, legal status, location, profit orientation of the MFIs (for subsample analysis), and the technique(s)/model(s) employed in the analysis. Furthermore, the study did not find empirical evidence to support the quadratic relationship between employee turnover and the financial performance of MFIs. The outcome of this study advances important policy implications for concerned stakeholders.
Prevalence of prostate cancer in men with haematuria: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hansen Rasmus Søgaard , Biørn Signe Hedengran , Birk‐Korch Johan Baden , Sheikh Søren Paludan , Poulsen Mads Hvid , Vinholt Pernille Just 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of prostate cancer in men attending evaluation for haematuria, as this could help healthcare providers to determine whether men with haematuria should have prostate examinations performed.MethodsThe study was performed according to a pre‐specified protocol uploaded to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022299383). A systematic search of MEDLINE, Ovid and Google Scholar was performed in December 2021. Two independent researchers evaluated all titles, available abstracts, and full texts. We included studies on adult men (aged ≥18 years) describing haematuria and prostate cancer.ResultsWe screened 4252 titles and abstracts when available and assessed 350 studies in full text. In total, 65 studies were included and 42 was summarised in a meta‐analysis. In total, 18 752 men with haematuria were included, and the pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of prostate cancer was 3.0% (2.0–4.1%). In men with macroscopic haematuria, the pooled prevalence (95% CI) of prostate cancer was 5.9% (2.9–9.9%; n = 265/5373). In men with microscopic haematuria, the pooled prevalence (95% CI) of prostate cancer was 1.4% (0.8–2.2%; n = 71/6642).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the prevalence of prostate cancer is considerable in men attending evaluation for haematuria. Therefore, digital rectal examination and prostate‐specific antigen measurement should become a standard procedure for all men with haematuria, especially for men with macroscopic haematuria.
Implementing the Power to Kids programme in home‐based (foster) care: Identifying the SAFETY approach
Authors: McKibbin Gemma , Bornemisza Anna , Fried Ana , Humphreys Cathy , Gallois Esther 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSexual abuse and dating violence are chronic problems for children and young people in out‐of‐home care. This study explored the impact of a prevention and response programme Power to Kids, which targets harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), child sexual exploitation (CSE) and dating violence (DV) for children and young people in home‐based (foster) care. Twenty‐eight case managers, 25 foster carers and 13 children and young people participated in a mixed methods study in Victoria, Australia informed by the research question: How does the Power to Kids programme impact the sexual health and safety of children and young people in home‐based (foster) care? The data analysis revealed a SAFETY approach whereby the sexual health and safety knowledge of carers and case managers was enhanced, and carers were given permission to have Brave Conversations with children and young people, who could then apply the new knowledge to their lives. Case managers were upskilled in identifying indicators of sexual abuse and empowered to escalate stalled therapeutic and disruption practice when children and young people were identified as experiencing HSB, CSE or DV.
Management of adults with diabetes on dialysis: Summary of recommendations of the Joint British Diabetes Societies guidelines 2022
Authors: Frankel Andrew H. , Wahba Mona , Ashworth Vicky , Bedi Rachna , Berrington Rachel , Buckley Maria , Chandrasekharan Lakshmi , Doyle Fiona , Duval Deborah , Game Frances , Hamilton Susie , Hussain Sufyan , James June , Jebb Hannah , Karalliedde Janaka , Kong Marie‐France , Kuverji Apexa , Lambie Mark , Main Claire , Price Sara , Wijewickrama Piyumi , Williams Jennifer , Dhatariya Ketan , Chowdhury Tahseen A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiabetes is the commonest cause of end‐stage kidney disease in many parts of the world, and many people on dialysis programmes live with diabetes. Such people are vulnerable to complications from their diabetes, and their care may be fragmented due to the many specialists involved. This updated guidance from the Joint British Diabetes Societies aims to review and update the 2016 guidance, with particular emphasis on glycaemic monitoring in the light of recent advances in this area. In addition, the guidance covers clinical issues related to the management of diabetes in people on peritoneal dialysis, along with acute complications such as hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis, and chronic complications such as foot and eye disease.
Effects of starvation on the fighting ability of invasive and autochthonous ants
Authors: Frizzi Filippo , Balzani Paride , Frasconi Wendt Clara , Masoni Alberto , Carta Elisa , Innocenti Maria Rita , Santini Giacomo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAnts are widespread in all terrestrial habitats, and competitive interactions between species are common. Although redistribution of food within a colony may buffer the negative effects of temporary resource shortages, colony functionality can be compromised when famine is prolonged. One of the possible effects of famine is impairment of the fighting ability of species, with cascade effects on community. Here, we investigated whether food shortage alters the fighting ability of workers of three dominant species in the Mediterranean area: the invasive alien species, Lasius neglectus and Linepithema humile, and one highly polydomous autochthonous species belonging to the Tapinoma nigerrimum complex. We performed laboratory tests of interspecific one‐on‐one aggression and pairwise group contests between species, with all possible combinations of artificially satiated and starved groups. Results showed that starvation had a scarce effect on the individual aggressiveness in all three species. Similarly, the outcomes of the group fights were only lightly affected, but with an important exception. The positions of species in the fighting hierarchies were in most cases clear and linear, with L. neglectus at the top. However, we found that L. humile and L. neglectus showed equal mortality when one of the two species was starved and the other satiated. Although we investigated only one aspect of competition, that is, fighting ability, our results provide a piece of the complex jigsaw of competitive interactions of ants, and suggest that food deprivation can be a determinant that alters the relationships between ants and promotes or hampers the coexistence of dominant species.