bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction and potential role of summer dormancy to enhance persistence of perennial grasses under warmer climates
Authors: Shihan Ammar , Barre Philippe , Copani Venera , Kallida Rajae , Østrem Liv , Testa Giorgio , Norton Mark R. , Sampoux Jean‐Paul , Volaire Florence 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The persistence of perennial herbaceous species is threatened by increasing aridity. However, summer dormancy is a strategy conferring superior survival to grasses adapted to hot and dry summers. The role of temperature on the induction of summer dormancy was investigated in the perennial grass Dactylis glomerata to analyse the potential expression of this strategy under warmer climates.

We tested seven populations of D. glomerata originating from Morocco to Norway across the same latitudinal gradient in a five‐site experiment. One population of the highly summer‐dormant grass Poa bulbosa was used as a reference. Plants were grown from autumn in pots under full irrigation for 1 year mostly under open‐air shelters. Heading date (ear emergence preceding flowering) was recorded and foliage senescence was assessed from end of spring until autumn. The maximum plant senescence under summer irrigation indicated the level of dormancy expression. Summer dormancy onset, release, expression and duration were modelled as a function of climatic variables.

From north to south, the duration of summer dormancy of the Mediterranean populations of D. glomerata and P. bulbosa ranged from 0 to 122 days, and 79 to 200 days, respectively. P. bulbosa was always completely dormant, while dormancy expression of D. glomerata was positively correlated with the sum of temperatures from winter onset (R2 = 0.57) and with the mean of minimum temperatures in summer (R2 = 0.73). Dormancy onset, release and duration were also positively correlated with thermal time from winter onset, while the duration of summer dormancy was longer as maximum temperatures increased. Mapping the European regions with climates allowing the expression of summer dormancy in D. glomerata showed that the potentially inductive areas for this strategy may expand in parallel with increasing summer aridity under a future climate warming scenario.

Synthesis. The large phenotypic variability of the expression of summer dormancy in D. glomerata was driven by temperature, suggesting that this strategy may have a greater role in higher latitudes to increase plant survival over the predicted hotter and drier summers. Leveraging this strategy for the choice and selection of suitable populations could enhance future adaptation of major perennial grasses to climate change.
Context‐dependent effects of shifting large herbivore assemblages on plant structure and diversity
Authors: Orr Devyn A. , Bui An , Klope Maggie , McCullough Ian M. , Lee Michelle , Motta Carina , Mayorga Isabella , Konicek Kelli , Young Hillary S. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Despite wide recognition of the importance of anthropogenically driven changes in large herbivore communities—including both declines in wildlife and increases in livestock—there remain large gaps in our knowledge about the impacts of these changes on plant communities, particularly when combined with concurrent changes in climate. Considering these prominent forms of global change in tandem enables us to better understand controls on savanna vegetation structure and diversity under real‐world conditions.

We conducted a field experiment using complete and semi‐permeable herbivore exclosures to explore the difference in plant communities among sites with wild herbivores only, with cattle in addition to wild herbivores, and with no large herbivores. To understand variation in effects across climatic contexts, the experiment was replicated at three locations along a topoclimatic gradient in California. Critically, this is the first such experiment to compare cattle and wildlife impacts along an environmental gradient within a single controlled experiment.

Vegetation structure responded strongly to herbivore treatment regardless of climate. Relative to the isolated effects of wildlife, exclusion of all large herbivores generally increased structural components related to cover and above‐ground biomass while the addition of cattle led to reductions in vegetation cover, litter, shading and standing biomass. Furthermore, wildlife had a consistent neutral or positive effect on plant diversity, while the effect of livestock addition was context dependent. Cattle had a neutral to strongly negative effect at low aridity, but a positive effect at high aridity. These results suggest that (a) herbivore effects can override climate effects on vegetation structure, (b) cattle addition can drive different effects on diversity and (c) herbivore effects on diversity are modulated by climate.

Synthesis. Our results illustrate very distinctive shifts in plant communities between two realistic forms of change in ungulate herbivore assemblages—livestock addition and large herbivore losses—particularly for plant diversity responses, and that these responses vary across climatic contexts. This finding has important implications for the management and protection of plant biodiversity given that over a quarter of the Earth's land area is managed for livestock and climate regimes are changing globally.
Inter‐agency collaboration is associated with increased frequency of research use in children's mental health policy making
Authors: Purtle Jonathan , Nelson Katherine L. , Lengnick‐Hall Rebecca , Horwitz Sarah Mc Cue , Palinkas Lawrence A. , McKay Mary M. , Hoagwood Kimberly E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the self‐report frequency of inter‐agency collaboration about children's mental health issues is associated with the self‐report frequency of using research evidence in children's mental health policy and program decision making in mental health agencies (MHAs).Data SourcesPrimary data were collected through web‐based surveys of state (N = 221) and county (N = 117) MHA officials.DesignThe primary independent variable was a composite score quantifying the frequency of collaboration about children's mental health issues between officials in MHAs and six other state agencies. The dependent variables were composite scores quantifying the frequency of research use in children's mental health policy and program decision making in general and for specific purposes (i.e., conceptual, instrumental, tactical, imposed). Covariates were composite scores quantifying well‐established determinants of research use (e.g., agency leadership, research use skills) in agency policy and program decision making.Data MethodsSeparate multiple linear regression models estimated associations between frequency of inter‐agency collaboration and research use scores, adjusting for other determinants of research use, respondent state, and other covariates. Data from state and county officials were analyzed separately.Principal FindingsThe frequency of inter‐agency collaboration was positively and independently associated with the frequency of research use in children's mental health policy making among state (β = 0.22, p = 0.004) and county (β = 0.39, p < 0.0001) MHA officials. Inter‐agency collaboration was also the only variable significantly associated with the frequency of research use for all four specific purposes among state MHA officials, and similar findings we observed among county MHA officials. The magnitudes of associations between inter‐agency collaboration and frequency of research use were generally stronger than for more well‐established determinants of research use in policy making.ConclusionsStrategies that promote collaboration between MHA officials and external agencies could increase the use of research evidence in children's mental health policy and program decision making in MHAs.
The Donkey Skin Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Change
Authors: Goodrum Frances , Theuri Samuel , Mutua Eva , Carder Gemma 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe use of animal derivatives in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back more than 5000 years. Donkey skins are one such animal derivative, the skins are used to produce ejiao, which is a luxury product and believed by some to have a variety of health benefits. The increasing demand for ejiao is putting the global donkey population at risk. In China between 1990 and 2018 the donkey population decreased by 77 per cent, as a consequence donkeys are largely being sourced from Africa to meet the demand. In low and middle‐income countries donkeys are a valuable livelihood asset. Research has emerged highlighting the potential detrimental impacts of the loss of donkeys on livelihoods. In addition to the impact on communities, the trade presents a number of signifcant health and welfare concerns to donkeys. Methods for raising awareness, reducing demand and challenging and enforcing policy are all needed to reduce the impact of the donkey skin trade. Policy change needs to be bottom up, with local bans in countries where the trade is most damaging and coordinated enforcement of legislation, including the tackling of illegal cross border trade. Partnership across non‐governmental organisations, agencies and government is essential.
Altered fibrinogen level and fibrin clot structure in myostatin homozygous mutant pig
Authors: Choe Hak Myong , Quan Biao‐Hu , Paek Hyo‐Jin , Luo Zhao‐Bo , Gao Kai , Han Sheng‐Zhong , Li Zhou‐Yan , Kang Jin‐Dan , Yin Xi‐jun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObesity is associated with increased serum fibrinogen level. Myostatin (MSTN), a strong inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth, is recognized as a potential target for obesity. However, the effect of MSTN inhibition on fibrinogen is not largely known. The objective of the present study was to explore fibrinogen levels after MSTN inhibition. Fibrinogen levels and the fibrin clot structure of MSTN homozygous knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) pigs (n = 4 in each group) were investigated. The protein expression of fibrinogen in the serum and liver of KO pigs decreased greatly (1.6‐fold loss for serum and 2.5‐fold loss for liver). KO pigs showed significantly decreased gene expression of fibrinogen chains: FGA (fibrinogen‐α; 11‐fold), FGB (fibrinogen‐β; 8‐fold) and FGG (fibrinogen‐γ; 7.4‐fold). The basal transcriptional regulators of fibrinogen, HNF1 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 1) and CEBP‐α (CCAAT/Enhancing‐binding protein‐alpha) were remarkably down‐regulated after interruption of MSTN expression by siRNA (small interfering RNA) in cultured hepatocytes (about 2‐ and 4‐fold, respectively). Compared with WT pigs, KO pigs displayed altered fibrin clot structure with thinner fibers, decreased turbidity and increased permeability. The findings indicate that the inhibition of MSTN could affect fibrinogen levels and the fibrin clot structure.
Impacts of climate and weather on irrigation technology adoption and agricultural water use in the U.S. pacific northwest
Authors: Shi Jian , Wu JunJie , Olen Beau 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this article, we model long‐run responses to climate expectations that are predetermined before the growing season and short‐run responses to weather realizations during the growing season. The model is applied to a climatically diverse region, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and the most comprehensive dataset on irrigation in the United States to estimate the impact of extreme weather on irrigation technology adoption and agricultural water use. Impacts on agricultural water use were driven more by adjustments to irrigated acreage (extensive margin effects) than by adjustments to the water application rate (intensive margin effects). The model captures the two mechanisms for irrigation to mitigate freeze damage to crops: wetting the soil (heat retention) and over‐head sprinkler irrigation (latent heat). Realized late spring freeze caused water use for orchard/vineyard to increase by 3%, but this represents less than a 1% increase in total agricultural water use. Expected spring freeze variability encouraged adoption of sprinkler irrigation technology for some crops.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on medical student placements in rural Queensland: A survey study
Authors: Martin Priya , McGrail Matthew , Fox Jordan , Partanen Riitta , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic has adversely impacted medical students' learning experiences. Students in one Australian Rural Clinical School were surveyed to investigate the impact of disruptions to clinical placements and satisfaction with educational changes implemented as a result of the pandemic.DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingThe University of Queensland Rural Clinical School.MethodsStudents undertaking one or two years of study at the participating Rural Clinical School in November 2020.Main outcome measureA 20‐item anonymised survey with questions on personal health and safety, quality of clinical training experience, response to changes in learning and student environment, and progression to completion of the medical degree.ResultsThe survey was completed by 124 students (76% response rate). Students were satisfied with the changes made to their learning to accommodate the disruptions to health service delivery and placements. Final year students were more satisfied with their learning experiences compared to their third‐year counterparts.ConclusionsThe Rural Clinical School implemented a range of academic and psychological support strategies which appear to have helped with mitigating mental health concerns experienced by students completing rural placements, who are already prone to experiencing social isolation. Strengthening communication between the academic and health service sectors can improve the quality of learning for medical students on placements.
Grassland restoration by local seed mixtures: New evidence from a practical 15‐year restoration study
Authors: Kaulfuß Franziska , Rosbakh Sergey , Reisch Christoph 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimLocal seed mixtures are frequently used to restore species‐rich grasslands. However, it has hardly been tested whether local seed mixtures can actually be applied successfully in grassland restoration practice at larger scales and long‐term. To close this gap, we report the results of a large‐scale restoration study in which grasslands were restored about 15 years ago using different local seed mixtures.LocationBavaria, SE Germany.MethodsTo evaluate the efficacy of the local seed mixtures, we compared the species composition of seed mixtures and current vegetation. We then tested whether restoration success depends on site characteristics such as the size and shape (rectangle or stripe) of the grassland, restoration procedures such as topsoil removal, seed density and land use, or species habitat preferences for light, water and nutrients, and species life span (annual, perennial).ResultsOn average, the current vegetation contained 62.4% of all species that were present in the local seed mixtures. Species from the local seed mixtures made up on average 69.1% of the total cover in the established vegetation, whereby the species composition of the local seed mixture and vegetation differed significantly from each other. The probability that a sown species would establish increased with seed density up to 300 seeds/m². Furthermore, habitat preferences significantly affected species establishment chances, with species requiring full illumination, dry and nutrient‐poor soil being more successful during restoration, reflecting the high proportion of sites with topsoil removal prior to seeding in our study. Annual species had significantly lower establishment chances compared with their perennial counterparts.ConclusionsOur study provides another piece of evidence that local seed mixtures can be applied successfully in large‐scale grassland restoration projects. We provide several practical recommendations of how such practices can be further improved by using specific seed densities and creating new local seed mixtures using species that are ecologically more suitable to the restored sites.
Population pharmacokinetics of tenofovir, emtricitabine and intracellular metabolites in transgender women
Authors: Tanaudommongkon Asama , Chaturvedula Ayyappa , Hendrix Craig W. , Fuchs Edward J. , Shieh Eugenie , Bakshi Rahul P. , Marzinke Mark A. 
Published: March 2022

AimsTransgender women (TGW) have been underrepresented in trials and use gender‐affirming hormonal therapies (GAHT) that may alter renal function by significantly increasing creatinine clearance. Population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models and simulations would aid in understanding potential differences in emtricitabine/tenofovir disproxil fumarate (F/TDF) parent–metabolite concentrations in TGW on GAHT when compared to cisgender men (CGM) not exposed to GAHT.MethodsPharmacokinetic (PK) data from a Phase 1, open‐label clinical trial with directly observed therapy of daily F/TDF consisting of 8 TGW and 8 CGM was utilized for model building. PopPK analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM 7.5.0). Covariates of body weight, creatinine clearance, and gender were evaluated. Final models were subjected to Monte Carlo simulations to compare drug exposure following once daily and on‐demand (IPERGAY 2 + 1 + 1) dosing of F/TDF.ResultsTenofovir (TFV) and emtricitabine PK were best described by a 2‐compartment model, first‐order absorption/elimination with absorption lag time. Parent models were linked to their metabolites by first order formation and elimination. Creatinine clearance was a significant covariate influencing clearance in both models. Simulations demonstrated that at least 2, weekly 2 + 1 + 1 cycles of on‐demand dosing in TGW on GAHT is necessary for TFV‐diphosphate to reach similar exposure after the initial week of on‐demand dosing in CGM not on GAHT.ConclusionPopPK models of TFV, emtricitabine and intracellular metabolites in TGW were established. Dose simulations revealed that TGW should be treated for at least 2 weeks to have comparable exposures to CGM.
Impact of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on melanoma outcomes: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Jobson Dale , McCormack Christopher J. , Mar Victoria , Tam Constantine , Henderson Michael A. 
Published: March 2022

SummaryWith new, effective treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) the impact of second malignancies is increasingly important. We performed a retrospective case‐controlled study examining the effect of CLL and its treatment on melanoma‐specific survival and recurrence. A total of 56 patients with melanoma with CLL were matched 1:1 to patients without CLL for age, date of diagnosis, gender and melanoma tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) stage. Multivariate analysis found CLL was associated with significantly worse melanoma‐specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–4.74, p = 0.007) and recurrence (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.79–6.63, p < 0.001). Patients with CLL had poor immunotherapy tolerance and prior CLL treatment was not associated with melanoma outcomes.
Knowledge hierarchy and mechanisms of power in environmental impact assessment: Insights from the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project
Authors: Barnard‐Chumik Hannah , Cappe Natalie , Giang Amanda 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDiscussions surrounding the improvement of decision‐making processes like environmental impact assessment (EIA) often emphasize pluralism in the knowledge generation process, in an effort to increase effectiveness. However, empirical research indicates that such attempts to integrate multiple ways of knowing often fall short and significant knowledge conflicts remain. Scholars suggest this may be due to inadequate attention to power in the regulatory arena. The purpose of this study is to examine how power and knowledge influence the process and outcome of EIA in a participatory context. We develop a case study analysis of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project, located in Labrador, Canada. We use situational analysis to analyze documents produced over the course of the EIA and semi‐structured interviews. We find evidence of pluralism in knowledge production in the EIA process, but a distinct knowledge hierarchy in EIA outcome. We argue that this knowledge hierarchy is achieved through depoliticization of the EIA process. In particular, we identify the concept of “project inertia” as a distinct mechanism of depoliticization present in EIA and make policy prescriptions to improve the Canadian EIA process. This research contributes to broader theoretical discussions about pluralism in decision‐making processes.
Optimal management of perioperative analgesia regarding immediate and short‐term outcomes after liver transplantation – A systematic review, meta‐analysis and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Sun Li‐Ying , Gitman Marina , Malik Ashish , Te Terry Pan Ling , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Ramsay Michael ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAdequate pain control is essential for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Multiple analgesic strategies have been implemented during the perioperative period. There is no consensus on the optimal perioperative analgesia management.ObjectivesTo provide recommendations, on the optimal perioperative analgesia management for LT.Data SourcesOvid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using GRADE. Studies describing outcomes, morbidity, mortality, pain scores, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay in patients that received different pain management techniques during and after LT were included (CRD42021243282).ResultsOne thousand nine hundred ten articles were screened, but only two randomized controlled trials, one prospective and six retrospective studies were included. The opioid‐avoidance protocols included, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block, as well as other non‐opioid analgesics, resulted in improved short‐term outcomes. Mortality was reduced in this group versus control cohorts (OR = 0.51; CI 0.14, 1.83; P = 0.350), Time to extubation, and intensive care unit LOS were shorter; pain scores after surgery were lower in opioid‐avoidance group (percentage decrease, 35%, 12%, and 55%, respectively). However, hospital LOS was longer (percentage increase 8%).ConclusionsOpioid‐avoidance analgesia management for LT results in improved short‐term outcomes. (Quality of Evidence; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Weak). Medications such as acetaminophen(paracetamol), gabapentin, ketamine, tramadol and local anesthesia may be used instead of, or as adjuncts to opioids for postoperative analgesia. Overall evidence remains weak and more robust studies are required.