bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait‐mediated responses to aridity and experimental drought by springtail communities across Europe
Authors: Ferrín Miquel , Márquez Laura , Petersen Henning , Salmon Sandrine , Ponge Jean‐François , Arnedo Miquel , Emmett Bridget , Beier Claus , Schmidt Inger K. , Tietema Albert , de Angelis Paolo , Liberati Dario , Kovács‐Láng Edit , Kröel‐Dulay György , Estiarte Marc , Bartrons Mireia , Peñuelas Josep , Peguero Guille 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe capacity to forecast the effects of climate change on biodiversity largely relies on identifying traits capturing mechanistic relationships with the environment through standardized field experiments distributed across relevant spatial scales. The effects of short‐term experimental manipulations on local communities may overlap with regional climate gradients that have been operating during longer time periods. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies simultaneously assessing such long‐term macroecological drivers with local climate manipulations.We analysed this issue with springtails (Class Collembola), one of the dominant soil fauna groups, in a standardized climate manipulation experiment conducted across six European countries encompassing broad climate gradients. We combined community data (near 20K specimens classified into 102 species) with 22 eco‐morphological traits and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships to track the evolution of adaptations to live at different soil depths, which is key to cope with desiccation. We then applied joint species distribution models to investigate the combined effect of the regional aridity gradient with the local experimental treatment (drought and warming) over the assembly of springtail communities and tested for significant trait–environment relationships mediating their community‐level responses.Our results show (1) a convergent evolution in all three major collembolan lineages of species adapted to inhabit at different soil strata; (2) a clear signature of aridity selecting traits of more epigeic species at a biogeographical scale and (3) the association of short‐term experimental drought with traits related to more euedaphic life‐forms.The hemiedaphic condition would be the plesiomorphic state for Collembola while the adaptations for an epigeic life would have been secondarily gained. Epigeic springtails are not only more resistant to drought, but also have a higher dispersal capacity that allows them to seek more favourable micro‐habitats after experiencing drier conditions. The observed relative edaphization of the springtail communities after short‐term experimental drought may thus be a transient community response.The disparity between macroecological trends and fast community‐level responses after climate manipulations highlights the need of simultaneously assessing long‐term and short‐term drivers at broad spatial scales to adequately interpret trait–environment relationships and better forecast biodiversity responses to climate change.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Thinning the thickets: Foraging of hardy cattle, sheep and goats in green alder shrubs
Authors: Pauler Caren M. , Zehnder Tobias , Staudinger Markus , Lüscher Andreas , Kreuzer Michael , Berard Joël , Schneider Manuel K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Green alder shrubs Alnus viridis increasingly overgrow European mountain pastures but hinder natural forest succession. This nitrogen‐fixing, autochthonous invasive species has numerous negative effects including the loss of biodiversity and landscape aesthetic, eutrophication of soils and downstream waters, and greenhouse gas emission. Over centuries, A. viridis encroachment was impeded by grazing livestock, particularly goats. However, in modern agriculture, livestock numbers decreased on remote mountain pastures and goat farming became unprofitable.

A grazing experiment tested if hardy breeds of the more economically attractive livestock species, cattle and sheep can replace goats as A. viridis antagonists. On a subalpine pasture heavily encroached by A. viridis, space use and debarking (bark foraging) by Dexter cattle, Engadine sheep and Pfauen goats were analysed using GPS tracking and vegetation mapping.

Dexter cattle used space least evenly (Camargo evenness: cattle = 0.39; sheep = 0.52; and goats = 0.47) and preferred flat slopes and open pastures. They spent least time foraging in A. viridis stands (relative presence while foraging: cattle = 0.55; sheep = 0.76; and goats = 0.80). Dexter cattle did not debark any A. viridis, but damaged shrubs by trampling.

Engadine sheep visited A. viridis stands nearly as often as goats, but preferred flat slopes, short vegetation and shrub edges more clearly than goats. This sheep breed debarked significantly more A. viridis branches (average 244 branches per paddock; 7.4% of all A. viridis branches) than goats (45; 0.8%). Goats preferred mountain‐ash shrubs Sorbus aucuparia covering only 2% of the shrub layer.

Synthesis and applications. Green alder shrubs, controlled by goats traditionally, overgrow valuable mountain pasture ecosystems today. Cattle, kept instead of goats, may slow down but not hinder shrub encroachment, because they avoid shrub stands and do not debark green alder. However, this study is the first to show that Engadine sheep are even better suited for green alder clearance than goats. Moreover, if management goals include forest re‐establishment, Engadine sheep outperform goats, because they debark green alder (which hinders forest regeneration), but do not destroy elderberry—a valuable forest pioneer. Hardy breeds are an important tool to maintain biodiverse, open pastures, restore natural mountain forests and mitigate the negative environmental effects of shrub encroachment.
Physical exercise attenuates obesity development in Western‐diet fed obese rats independently of vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Cordeiro Maiara Mikuska , Ribeiro Rosane Aparecida , Bubna Patrícia Biscaia , de Almeida Any Caroline , Laginski Thiago Rentz Ferreira , Franco Gilson César Nobre , Scomparin Dionízia Xavier 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPhysical inactivity, associated with the ingestion of hypercaloric foods, contributes to obesity development. In contrast, physical exercise training (ET) can slow obesity progression. Vitamin (Vit) D, a hormone that regulates adipocyte metabolism, may represent a strategy to reduce obesity; however, it is currently not known whether Vit D enhances the anti‐obesity benefits of physical exercise. We hypothesized that swimming ET may prevent Western diet (WD)‐induced obesity, and that Vit D supplementation could enhance the anti‐obesity actions of ET. Male Wistar rats were fed, from 21 to 90 days of age, on a standard diet, or a WD, in association or not (sedentary control [CTL‐SED] and WD [WD‐SED] groups) with swimming ET for 15 min/day, 3 days a week (exercised CTL [CTL‐EXE] and WD [WD‐EXE] groups). Additionally, at 60 days of age, half of the CTL‐EXE and WD‐EXE groups were submitted, or not, to oral Vit D supplementation (CTL‐EXE‐VD and WD‐EXE‐VD groups, respectively). At 91 days old, WD‐SED rats displayed increased body weight, abdominal adiposity, hypercholesterolemia, hyperleptinaemia and high circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Swimming ET attenuated the increase in abdominal adiposity induced by WD. Furthermore, the WD‐EXE group exhibited reductions in glycaemia, triglyceridaemia, cholesterolaemia, leptinaemia and in plasma TNF‐α concentrations. Vitamin D supplementation, combined with ET, did not provide any additive benefit against adiposity, only potentiating the effects of ET action on the reduction in triglyceridaemia. Exercise training, independently of Vit D, provides a strategy to attenuate the adiposity expansion that is induced by WD, mediated in part by reductions in leptinaemia and TNF‐α levels.
Walking the Tightrope: Private and Public Interests in Conservative Immigration Policy
Authors: Consterdine Erica 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Conservatives have long been ideologically split on immigration between the business right and identity right of the party. Appealing to the social right of its voter base, since 2010 immigration policy has been doggedly restrictive. Yet, lobbying channelled through bureaucratic politics has led to subtle, but important, concessions to appease business interests. The Conservative administrations have legitimised these concessions by making distinctions between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ migrants. In the 2010s, lobbying strategies, while shifting according to the political climate, predominantly consisted of insider lobbying. Yet, with significant labour market shortages induced by the new immigration system and heightened by the pandemic, employers are ‘going public’ with their opposition, placing significant pressure on the Conservatives to perform a policy reversal. Meanwhile, public opinion on immigration has softened and its saliency has dwindled. Politicising immigration may not be an electoral winner anymore; business interests may override the identity wing of the party.
Factors associated with federally qualified health center financial performance
Authors: Jung Daniel , Huang Elbert S. , Mayeda Eric , Tobey Rachel , Turer Eric , Maxwell James , Coleman Allison , Saber Jennifer , Petrie Susan , Bolton Joshua , Duplantier Daniel , Hoang Hank , Sripipatana Alek , Nocon Robert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo understand factors associated with federally qualified health center (FQHC) financial performance.Study DesignWe used multivariate linear regression to identify correlates of health center financial performance. We examined six measures of health center financial performance across four domains: margin (operating margin), liquidity (days cash on hand [DCOH], current ratio), solvency (debt‐to‐equity ratio), and others (net patient accounts receivable days, personnel‐related expenses). We examined potential correlates of financial performance, including characteristics of the patient population, health center organization, and location/geography.Data SourcesWe use 2012–2017 Uniform Data System (UDS) files, financial audit data from Capital link, and publicly available data.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe focused on health centers in the 50 US states and District of Columbia, which reported information to UDS for at least 1 year between 2012 and 2017 and had Capital link financial audit data.Principal FindingsFQHC financial performance generally improved over the study period, especially from 2015 to 2017. In multivariate regression models, a higher percentage of Medicaid patients was associated with better margins (operating margin: 0.06, p < 0.001), liquidity (DCOH: 0.67, p < 0.001; current ratio: 0.28, p = 0.001), and solvency (debt‐to equity ratio: −0.08, p = 0.004). Moreover, a staffing mix comprised of more nonphysician providers was associated with better margin (operating margin: 0.21, p = 0.001) and liquidity (current ratio: 1.12, p < 0.001) measures. Patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) recognition was also associated with better liquidity (DCOH: 19.01, p < 0.001; current ratio: 4.68, p = 0.014) and solvency (debt‐to‐equity ratio: −2.03, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe financial health of FQHCs improved with provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which included significant Medicaid expansion and direct funding support for health centers. FQHC financial health was also associated with key staffing and operating characteristics of health centers. Maintaining the financial health of FQHCs is critical to their ability to continuously provide affordable and high‐quality care in medically underserved areas.
Partial reprogramming strategy for intervertebral disc rejuvenation by activating energy switch
Authors: Cheng Feng , Wang Chenggui , Ji Yufei , Yang Biao , Shu Jiawei , Shi Kesi , Wang Lulu , Wang Shaoke , Zhang Yuang , Huang Xianpeng , Zhou Xiaopeng , Xia Kaishun , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin , Li Fangcai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRejuvenation of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in degenerative discs can reverse intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Partial reprogramming is used to rejuvenate aging cells and ameliorate progression of aging tissue to avoiding formation of tumors by classical reprogramming. Understanding the effects and potential mechanisms of partial reprogramming in degenerative discs provides insights for development of new therapies for IDD treatment. The findings of the present study show that partial reprogramming through short‐term cyclic expression of Oct‐3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c‐Myc (OSKM) inhibits progression of IDD, and significantly reduces senescence related phenotypes in aging NPCs. Mechanistically, short‐term induction of OSKM in aging NPCs activates energy metabolism as a “energy switch” by upregulating expression of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) ultimately promoting redistribution of cytoskeleton and restoring the aging state in aging NPCs. These findings indicate that partial reprogramming through short‐term induction of OSKM has high therapeutic potential in the treatment of IDD.
Dynamic regulation of myofibroblast phenotype in cellular senescence
Authors: López‐Antona Irene , Contreras‐Jurado Constanza , Luque‐Martín Laura , Carpintero‐Leyva Antonio , González‐Méndez Paula , Palmero Ignacio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCellular senescence is an antiproliferative response with a critical role in the control of cellular balance in diverse physiological and pathological settings. Here, we set to study the impact of senescence on the regulation of cell plasticity, focusing on the regulation of the myofibroblastic phenotype in primary fibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are contractile, highly fibrogenic cells with key roles in wound healing and fibrosis. Using cellular models of fibroblast senescence, we find a consistent loss of myofibroblastic markers and functional features upon senescence implementation. This phenotype can be transmitted in a paracrine manner, most likely through soluble secreted factors. A dynamic transcriptomic analysis during paracrine senescence confirmed the non‐cell‐autonomous transmission of this phenotype. Moreover, gene expression data combined with pharmacological and genetic manipulations of the major SASP signaling pathways suggest that the changes in myofibroblast phenotype are mainly mediated by the Notch/TGF‐β axis, involving a dynamic switch in the TGF‐β pathway. Our results reveal a novel link between senescence and myofibroblastic differentiation with potential implications in the physiological and pathological functions of myofibroblasts.
Genetic differentiation in the threatened soft coral Dendronephthya australis in temperate eastern Australia
Authors: Williamson Jane E. , Gillings Michael R. , Nevatte Ryan J. , Harasti David , Raoult Vincent , Ghaly Timothy M. , Stow Adam J. , Smith Timothy M. , Gaston Troy F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe endangered soft coral Dendronephthya australis faces substantial population decreases in central eastern Australian waters. Despite uncertainty about the cause of these declines, the population genetics of the species has not been investigated. Genetic analysis suggests that D. australis is a single species within the family Nephtheidae, confirming identifications based on morphological characteristics only. Soft coral colonies were distributed from Seahorse Gardens in Port Stephens to Jervis Bay in temperate Australian waters, a distance of some 400 km. Genetic differentiation was observed along this distribution using SNP genotyping. Relatively high levels of genetic differentiation were observed between Jervis Bay and the other sites, indicating limited gene flow between this location and others. Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness, low diversity and heterozygote excess at this southern location suggested that it was subjected to a recent population decline and genetic bottleneck. Colonies at Seahorse Gardens and Ettalong, approximately 150 km south of Seahorse Gardens, displayed greater genetic diversity, making these sites more likely to host ancestral populations and to have acted as refugia. Recent substantial decreases in population sizes at these locations are particularly concerning, and these locations require immediate conservation attention.
Antimicrobial evaluation of polytetrafluoroethylene used as part of temporary restorations: An ex vivo study
Authors: Solomonov Michael , Levy Dan Henry , Yaya Alin , Ben Itzhak Joe , Polak David 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape as the base layer of temporary restorations had gained popularity mainly due to the ease of manipulation. The aim of this study was to assess whether this method changes the potential for bacterial growth and leakage of temporary restorations. The direct contact test and live/dead fluorescent staining were used for comparing Enterococcus faecalis growth and biofilm formation on PTFE, composite, intermediate restorative material (IRM) and Coltosol F. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate E. faecalis penetration through 2 mm of PTFE, IRM or Coltosol F placed on the bottom of the pulp chamber and into radicular dentinal tubules in extracted maxillary third molars. The results demonstrated that E. faecalis grows on and penetrates through PTFE significantly more than it does with IRM and Coltosol F, revealing its comparably reduced overall antimicrobial sealing ability when placed as the base part of temporary restorations.
The Portrayal of Women’s Empowerment in Select Indian Movies
Authors: Thangam Dhanabalan , Vaidya Gurunath Rao , Subramanian Gopalakrishnan , Velusamy Kalyani , Selvi Govindarajan Karthigai , Park Jin Yong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFeminism, the empowerment of women, and gender equality are frequently discussed concepts in contemporary India. The film industry, among other stakeholders, is taking steps to contribute to women’s empowerment. In India, the film industry is seeking to change society by touching on topics that are rarely discussed in public. Contemporary directors have begun to give greater visibility to the problems women face. There is a new wave of women‐centric movies that is bringing about a quiet rebellion in India. This article reveals how women's values are portrayed in select Indian movies.
Disney, Little Women, and Me
Authors: Filoi Rosa 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe search for identity, security, and recognition by the women of Samoa is both a cultural issue and a personal one. This article offers an analysis of the issues facing Samoan women, making use of both social science research and two popular Disney films—Lilo & Stitch and Moana—that deal generally with Polynesian culture and specifically with the kinds of developemental issues facing women. Although Samoan women are facing the social dislocations caused by modernization, the mythic elements in movies that draw upon Polynesian legends can provide guidance. In addition, I draw upon one of my favorite films, Little Women, to reflect on how I continue to navigate emerging gender roles and expectations. As a woman living in Samoa, my own experience serves as a window into our culture, so I draw upon my own personal questions in reflecting on the material presented in fiction that helps us solve the problems that arise as cultures collide.
Oral desensitization therapy for peanut allergy induces dynamic changes in peanut‐specific immune responses
Authors: Bajzik Veronique , DeBerg Hannah A. , Garabatos Nahir , Rust Blake J. , Obrien Kimberly K. , Nguyen Quynh‐Anh , O’Rourke Colin , Smith Alex , Walker Alex H. , Quinn Charlie , Gersuk Vivian H. , Farrington Mary , Jeong David , Vickery Brian P. , Adelman Daniel C. , Wambre Erik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe PALISADE study, an international, phase 3 trial of peanut oral immunotherapy (POIT) with AR101, resulted in desensitization in children and adolescents who were highly allergic to peanut. An improved understanding of the immune mechanism induced in response to food allergen immunotherapy would enable more informed and effective therapeutic strategies. Our main purpose was to examine the immunological changes in blood samples from a subset of peanut‐allergic individuals undergoing oral desensitization immunotherapy with AR101.MethodsBlood samples obtained as part of enrollment screening and at multiple time points during PALISADE study were used to assess basophil and CD4+ T‐cell reactivity to peanut.ResultsThe absence of clinical reactivity to the entry double‐blinded placebo‐controlled peanut challenge (DBPCFC) was accompanied by a significantly lower basophil sensitivity and T‐cell reactivity to peanut compared with DBPCFC reactors. At baseline, peanut‐reactive TH2A cells were observed in many but not all peanut‐allergic patients and their level in peripheral blood correlates with T‐cell reactivity to peanut and with serum peanut‐specific IgE and IgG4 levels. POIT reshaped circulating peanut‐reactive T‐cell responses in a subset‐dependent manner. Changes in basophil and T‐cell responses to peanut closely paralleled clinical benefits to AR101 therapy and resemble responses in those with lower clinical sensitivity to peanut. However, no difference in peanut‐reactive Treg cell frequency was observed between groups.ConclusionOral desensitization therapy with AR101 leads to decreased basophil sensitivity to peanut and reshapes peanut‐reactive T effector cell responses supporting its potential as an immunomodulatory therapy.
A novel phenotype‐based drug‐induced liver injury causality assessment tool (DILI‐CAT) allows for signal confirmation in early drug development
Authors: Hermann Richard P. , Rockey Don C. , Suzuki Ayako , Merz Michael , Tillmann Hans L. 
Published: March 2022

SummaryBackgroundDrug‐induced liver injury (DILI) requires accurate case adjudication, with expert opinion being the current best practice.AimWe utilised a novel DILI causality assessment tool (DILI‐CAT), which uses drug‐specific liver injury phenotypes, to examine potential DILI in early phase ximelagatran clinical development.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of liver injury events from four Stroke Prevention using an ORal Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation (SPORTIF) trials, in which patients were randomised to receive oral ximelagatran or adjusted‐dose warfarin. A stepwise process was used with iterative adjustments. The DILI phenotype was characterised by latency, R‐value, and AST/ALT ratio. A scoring algorithm was applied to liver events to assess how closely the liver events matched the Interquatile‐Range for the working phenotype for each of the three parameters.FindingsData from 3115 patients included in the SPORTIF trials as above were available. The initial ximelagatran phenotype was developed based on five liver injury cases from the ximelagatran arm and was then validated against an additional eight cases (5 ximelagatran, 3 warfarin); in these eight cases, there was a statistically significant difference in the total DILI‐CAT scores of the two drugs (p = 0.016) between ximelagatran and warfarin. Together, these ten ximelagatran cases generated a second, refined ximelagatran phenotype, which was validated against an additional 75 cases (53 ximelagatran/22 warfarin)—again with statistically significant different DILI‐CAT ximelagatran vs. warfarin scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionDILI‐CAT, a clinically intuitive, data‐driven, computer‐assisted scoring algorithm, is a useful tool for early detection of drug’s hepatotoxicity in clinical drug development.