bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed fate in ant‐mediated dispersal: Seed dispersal effectiveness in the Ectatomma ruidum (Formicidae)—Zanthoxylum ekmanii (Rutaceae) system
Authors: Ruzi Selina A. , Suarez Andrew V. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPlants are often dispersal limited relying on passive or active agents to find suitable microhabitats for germination. Seeds of pioneer tree species, for example, require light gaps for growth but have short median dispersal distances and often do not provide a food reward to encourage animal dispersal. Zanthoxylum ekmanii seeds are frequently moved by ants but evaluating the effectiveness of ant‐mediated seed removal requires knowledge of the species moving the seeds, how far they are moved, and the deposition site. To assess the effectiveness of ants as seed dispersers of Z. ekmanii, we utilized the seed dispersal effectiveness framework. We tracked the movement of seeds from caches on the forest floor, revealing that foragers of Ectatomma ruidum moved 32.8% of seeds an average first distance of 99.8 cm with 68.3% of those seeds taken into a colony. The quality of deposition location was assessed using a seedling emergence study where freshly germinated seeds were buried at different depths. Seedlings were primarily able to emerge from the shallowest depths. Wax castings of E. ruidum colonies demonstrated that seeds brought into the colony were deposited in chambers that had larvae present and experienced more damage than seeds unhandled by ants. Foragers, however, did not have a strong enough bite force to rupture Z. ekmanii seeds likely because their muscle morphology is not structured to maximize force generation. Overall, E. ruidum may help fine tune deposition location, incorporating seeds into the topsoil, though few seeds will likely emerge if soil bioturbation is low.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
Recent spread and potential pathways for fire blight in South Korea
Authors: Jik Lee Hyun , Woo Lee Seon , Suh Soo‐Jung , Hyun Ik‐Hwa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn 2020, 744 orchards in South Korea were reported to be infected by fire blight (Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winslow et al.). The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, South Korea, immediately conducted a surveillance study involving 350 orchards to determine the source of the outbreaks, and the extent of its spread and pathway(s). A delimiting survey and sampling surveys were carried out to gather and analyse data during 2020. The attempts to trace the source of the diseased plants revealed a possible pathway. Infected apple trees could have been transported to previously pest‐free regions such as Gwangju and Yangju of Gyeonggido via the purchase of infected materials, e.g. from a domestic nursery. Once established, the disease could readily spread by natural means such as insects and wind into flowers, shoots and growing tips on adjacent trees. This is the likely pathway for entry of fire blight in the new region. Contaminated pruning tools may be another pathway for long‐distance dispersal of this pathogen within South Korea based on data collected through this survey.
E‐traps: A valuable monitoring tool to be improved
Authors: Ascolese Roberta , Gargiulo Simona , Pace Roberta , Nappa Patrizia , Griffo Raffaele , Nugnes Francesco , Bernardo Umberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe increase in the number of non‐native species invading new territories demands the use of more efficient monitoring methods. Among them, remote monitoring is a useful technological tool to integrate traditional pest monitoring techniques. It offers timely data from monitored sites, making the planning of a possible intervention of precision agriculture easier; in addition, it also allows pest biology and behaviour to be studied more accurately. To improve monitoring activities for Grapholita molesta and Bactrocera dorsalis, we tested five types of high‐resolution electronic traps (e‐traps) (Trapview products and iMetos®Scout models by Pessl Instruments). E‐traps can offer real‐time monitoring of catches via a remote connection, allowing a constant analysis of data via apps with different electronic devices. Data collected during the study period showed that not all tested products have fully satisfied expectations due to some malfunctions that caused a lack of catches in the Trapview products and problems in data transmission in Pessl products. According to this preliminary analysis, some improvements are needed to provide more efficient remote pest monitoring.
Effects of phenological mismatch under warming are modified by community context
Authors: Pardikes Nicholas A. , Revilla Tomás A. , Lue Chia‐Hua , Thierry Melanie , Souto‐Vilarós Daniel , Hrcek Jan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractClimate change is altering the relative timing of species interactions by shifting when species first appear in communities and modifying the duration organisms spend in each developmental stage. However, community contexts, such as intraspecific competition and alternative resource species, can prolong shortened windows of availability and may mitigate the effects of phenological shifts on species interactions. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and dynamic simulations, we quantified how the effects of phenological shifts in Drosophila–parasitoid interactions differed with concurrent changes in temperature, intraspecific competition, and the presence of alternative host species. Our study confirmed that warming shortens the window of host susceptibility. However, the presence of alternative host species sustained interaction persistence across a broader range of phenological shifts than pairwise interactions by increasing the degree of temporal overlap with suitable development stages between hosts and parasitoids. Irrespective of phenological shifts, parasitism rates declined under warming due to reduced parasitoid performance, which limited the ability of community context to manage temporally mismatched interactions. These results demonstrate that the ongoing decline in insect diversity may exacerbate the effects of phenological shifts in ecological communities under future global warming temperatures.
The peculiar dermatoscopic pattern of scalp melanoma
Authors: Spyridis I. , Papageorgiou C. , Apalla Z. , Manoli S.M. , Eftychidoy P. , Gkentsidi T. , Bobos M. , Boutis A. , Vakirlis E. , Sotiriou E. , Ioannides D. , Lallas A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMelanomas developing on anatomic sites other than the trunk and extremities have a special pathogenetic and mutational profile, morphologic characteristics and biologic behaviour.ObjectiveBy retrospectively screening the databases of our centres, we aimed to investigate the dermatoscopic morphology of early scalp melanoma, including in situ and invasive tumours with a Breslow thickness up to 1 mm.MethodsThe databases of three specialized centres for skin cancer diagnosis and management in Greece were retrospectively evaluated to retrieve dermatoscopic images of scalp melanomas. Patients' age and sex were recorded, as well as the precise location of the tumour, using 6 possible sub‐locations: frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, nuchal scalp and vertex. The dermatoscopic images were evaluated by 3 independent investigators for the presence of pre‐defined criteria. The dermatoscopic criteria included in the evaluation were selected based on available literature and were categorized in 2 groups: ‘classic melanoma criteria’ and ‘lentigo maligna (LM) criteria’.ResultsOf 38 melanomas, 37 (97.4%) displayed brown colour and 23 (60.5%) displayed additional grey or blue colour. The most frequent dermatoscopic criteria were regression (18/38, 47.4%), grey dots/globules (17/38, 44.7%), atypical network (16/38, 42.1%), obliterated follicles (16/38, 42.1%) and angulated lines (15/38, 39.5%). Of 38 melanomas, 28 (73.7%) displayed at least 1 classic melanoma criterion plus at least 1 LM criterion. Of the remaining melanomas, 8 (21.1%) displayed only classic melanoma criteria, 1 (2.6%) only LM criteria and 1 (2.6%) did not exhibit any of the evaluated criteria.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that early scalp melanoma combines classic with LM criteria in terms of colours and structures.
Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid‐based serum and a peptide‐rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie A. , Wilson April , Nelson Diane B. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundBarrier properties of the stratum corneum inhibit delivery of topical ingredients containing large molecules to desired targets in the skin. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a skincare regimen comprised of a hyaluronic acid‐based serum (InF‐HA) and a peptide‐rich cream (InF‐PEP) containing large molecular ingredients designed to improve the appearance and overall quality of skin.MethodsThis 12‐week study evaluated changes from baseline in skin tone, skin texture, and lines/wrinkles (6‐point grading scale) of twice‐daily application of a two‐part skincare regimen to the face and neck in female subjects with mild to moderate photodamage. Subject satisfaction was assessed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were captured throughout.ResultsSeventeen subjects with a mean age of 52 years completed the study. Improvements from baseline in the appearance of facial skin texture (79%), lines/wrinkles (50%), and skin tone (44%) occurred at week 12. Improvements in neck appearance from baseline were demonstrated in skin texture (68%), skin tone (48%), and lines/wrinkles (36%). No AEs occurred related to the use of study products. All subjects reported an overall improvement in the appearance of their skin and that their skin looked and felt smoother; 88% reported their skin looked more radiant, and 82% reported their skin looked firmer.ConclusionsApplication of a skincare regimen comprised of an HA‐based serum and a peptide‐rich cream led to substantial improvements in skin texture, skin tone, and lines/wrinkles on the face and neck over 12 weeks. Both products were well‐tolerated with a high level of subject satisfaction.
Acne scar treatment using combination therapy: Subcision and human autologous fibroblast injection
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Alavi Shiva , Nouri Maryam , Zare Sona , Mahmoudbeyk Mona , Peyrovan Aisan , Sadati Ashraf Sadat , Behrangi Elham 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcne scar treatment is a problem for both the dermatologist and the dermatologic surgeon. Many therapies have been advanced to improve acne scars over the past years. Nevertheless, they were often related to adverse side effects like hyperpigmentation. These combination therapy using subcision and autologous fibroblast injection can provide a better technique for the acne scar treatment.Material and methodsIn this study, we describe nine patients with the age of 25 to 48 and rolling acne scars (moderate to severe) that were treated with combination therapy using subcision (cannula, 18 gauge) and autologous fibroblast injection. Finally, before and 6 months after the final injection, the patients' biometric characteristics were evaluated by Visioface 1000D and Mexameter and a skin ultrasound imaging system.ResultsThe results show a significant improvement in the acne scars in the patients. The Visioface results showed that the size and number of skin pores and spots were reduced after combination therapy. Also, the results of skin ultrasonography exhibited denser skin layers both in the epidermis and dermis.ConclusionIn summary, the combination therapy of autologous fibroblast injection and subcision can be considered as a new alternative, safe, and useful method for acne scar treatment.
Lip mesotherapy with dexpanthenol in the treatment of isotretinoin‐induced cheilitis
Authors: Metin Nurcan , Karapınar Tekden , Turan Çağrı 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionCheilitis is the most common mucocutaneous side effect of isotretinoin (ISO). Dexpanthenol (DXP) increases fibroblast proliferation and re‐epithelialization in wound healing. We aimed to investigate the effect of DXP‐mesotherapy in ISO‐induced cheilitis in this study.MethodsThis study was conducted on patients who had been using ISO (0.5–1 mg/kg/day) for at least 2 months. Twenty‐five patients who administered DXP‐mesotherapy (mesotherapy group) and 33 patients without the procedure (control group, only ointment) participated in this study. All patients were prescribed only hamamelis virginiana distillate in ointment form as a lip balm. The efficacy of the treatment was interpreted by the change in lip balm use frequency, quality of life, and Isotretinoin Cheilitis Grading Scale (ICGS).ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in all ICGS‐subgroups scores in the mesotherapy group after 1 month compared with the baseline (p = <0.001), although in the controls, erythema, crust, and fissure scores significantly increased (p = 0.001, p = 0.002).While there was no difference between the groups in terms of ICGS total scores at baseline, there was a significant difference after 1 month in favor of the mesotherapy group (p < 0.001). In the mesotherapy group, lip balms were needed significantly less frequently and there was a significant improvement in quality of life compared with both the control group and at baseline after 1 month (both; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the control patients suffered more from cheilitis and dryness than at baseline (p < 0.001).ConclusionDexpanthenol‐mesotherapy seems to be a safe, and so effective method in management of ISO‐related cheilitis.
Potential application of Spirulinain dermatology
Authors: Ikeda Isadora Kaniak , Sydney Eduardo Bittencourt , Sydney Alessandra Cristine Novak 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSpirulinais an edible cyanobacterium known worldwide for its high nutritional value, and the interest in its biological activity and bioactive compounds, such as pigments, phenolics, peptides, and lipids, has been increasing. Due to the variety of its properties, the potential application of Spirulina in health is wide, including dermatological area. In a context of increasing demand for natural products and actives in cosmetics, this microorganism becomes a great source. This article aims to review what has already been reported in literature about the potential effects of Spirulina or its isolated compounds in skin, for either aesthetic or clinical purposes. In many studies, Spirulina and its components show a good influence in proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, extracellular matrix, and collagen production, as well as exerting antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory action. Thus, they promote a healthy environment for skin's cells and structure, cooperating for the highlighted anti‐aging, photoprotection, and wound‐healing effects. Some compounds of the cyanobacterium also exert a lighting property through tyrosinase inhibition. Its antimicrobial action can also be advantageous to skin contributing to anti‐acne, antibiofilm, and anti‐herpes effects. In face of many attributes and due to its rich composition, Spirulina presents multi‐benefits and shows an improvement in the general aspect of skin. However, some applications are still in need of studying and more clinical evidence is necessary.
Effects of family beliefs and family strength on individual resilience and quality of life among young breast cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tao Lin , Hu Xiaoxia , Fu Lan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Chen Hong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAims and objectivesThis study examines the effects of family beliefs and family strength on individual resilience and quality of life among young breast cancer survivors and determines whether family strength mediates the effect of family beliefs on individual resilience and quality of life.BackgroundFamily beliefs and family strength are meaningful protective factors that help individuals maintain physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored their impact on individual resilience and quality of life.DesignThis study was conducted using a cross‐sectional survey with a three‐stage, stratified, convenience sampling approach following the STROBE guideline.MethodsFrom August 2020 to May 2021, participants completed the shortened Chinese version of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Chinese version of the Family Beliefs Scale, the Family Strength Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast scale. Structural equation modelling and multiple mediation effects test were used to explore the relationships among family beliefs, family strength, individual resilience and quality of life.ResultsThe final model accounted for 44.5% and 78.1% of the total variance of individual resilience and quality of life, respectively. Family beliefs had an indirect effect on both individual resilience and quality of life through family strength. Family strength had a direct effect on individual resilience and had both a direct and an indirect effect on quality of life. Family strength mediated the correlations of family beliefs with individual resilience and quality of life.ConclusionMobilising family resources to establish healthy family beliefs and exert positive family strength will help increase young breast cancer survivors’ individual resilience and improve quality of life.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study confirms the importance for clinical nursing practice to mobilise family resources and develop interventions centred on family beliefs and family strength.
Plasma lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein is a biomarker for future venous thromboembolism: Results from discovery and validation studies
Authors: Jensen Søren Beck , Latysheva Nadezhda , Hindberg Kristian , Ueland Thor 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundEffect‐size underestimation impedes biomarker identification. Long follow‐up time in prospective studies attenuates effect‐size estimates for transient biomarkers, while disease category–specific biomarkers are affected by merging of categories. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).Objectives(i) To re‐analyze untargeted proteomic data to identify biomarker candidates for future VTE that differ between DVT and PE and are attenuated by extended time between sampling and VTE. (ii) To perform targeted candidate validation.Patients/MethodsA VTE case‐control discovery study and a nested case‐control validation study were derived from the general population surveyed in 1994–95. Plasma was obtained at study enrollment, and VTE events were registered until 2007. Untargeted proteomic data were re‐analyzed for candidate discovery. Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) was validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsElevated LBP was discovered as a candidate DVT biomarker in women with less than 3 years between blood sampling and DVT. In the validation study, the odds ratio (OR) for DVT was 2.03 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.53–2.74) per standard deviation (SD) increase in LBP for women with less than 3 years between blood sampling and DVT. Adjustment for age, body mass index, and C‐reactive protein attenuated the OR to 1.79 (95% CI: 1.25–2.62) per SD. In the validation study, we observed an OR for VTE of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.28–0.77) for men in the 25th to 50th percentiles when compared to the lowest quartile.ConclusionsWe discovered and validated increased LBP as a predictive biomarker for DVT in women. We found an increased VTE risk for men in the lowest quartile of LBP.
Have a Go or Lay Low? Predicting Firms’ Rhetorical Commitment versus Avoidance in Response to Polylithic Governmental Pressures
Authors: Li Jing , Xia Jun , Zajac Edward J. , Lin Zhouyu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study extends prior research on corporate political behaviour (CPB) and firms’ pursuit of political legitimacy in response to monolithic government pressures by developing and testing a framework for analysis of CPB in response to polylithic pressures. We suggest that traditional forms of CPB may be ill‐suited to polylithic governmental pressures, such as when firms need to navigate between conflicting home‐ and host‐country political worldviews and policies. We posit that in such complex political situations, firms will turn to a more subtle form of CPB (i.e., rhetorical commitment versus avoidance) as a hoped‐for solution to their international political legitimacy challenge. Our contingency perspective also highlights how geopolitical factors (i.e., whether governments of home and host countries are clearly aligned versus misaligned) will influence whether firms express their support for a home government’s foreign policy or avoid any such expression of support. We empirically test the predictive power of our framework by analysing how these political factors led Chinese firms to opt for rhetorical commitment versus rhetorical avoidance vis‐à‐vis the Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We conclude with a discussion of how our framework for analysis and our supportive findings can inform and extend research on CPB and political legitimacy.
Slit guidance ligand 2 promotes the inflammatory response of periodontitis through activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Hui , Li Zhiyuan , Fan Chun , Liu Shuang , Yan Kaixian , Huang Guoqian , Li Shu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and objectivesPeriodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with dental plaque biofilms. Slit guidance ligand 2 (SLIT2) has been shown to guide neuronal migration, regulate the inflammatory response and cancer progression. However, the role of SLIT2 in periodontitis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the expression of SLIT2 in the gingiva of periodontitis and its role in periodontitis progression.MethodsGingiva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected from healthy people and periodontitis patients. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze SLIT2 secretion level. Healthy human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were isolated and the expression of SLIT2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated hGFs was detected. The effect of SLIT2 on inflammation was analyzed using western blot and immunofluorescence. SLIT2 knockdown (KD) and overexpression assays in hGFs were performed to investigate the role of SLIT2 in the LPS‐induced inflammatory response.ResultsGingival tissues and GCF of periodontitis patients displayed higher expression of SLIT2. Similarly, SLIT2 was upregulated in hGFs in an inflammatory environment (LPS treatment). In addition, SLIT2 treatment increased the expression of the inflammatory mediators interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 in hGFs. Mechanistically, SLIT2 stimulated the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling, as well as LPS. Lastly, SLIT2 KD impaired LPS‐induced IL‐6 production in hGFs, while SLIT2 overexpression amplified the inflammatory response.ConclusionSLIT2 may be involved in the aggravation of periodontitis by activating NF‐κB signaling in hGFs.