bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of vegetation type and topography on vegetation restoration after pipeline construction in the Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhao Fuwang , Wang Ning , Liu Jun'e , Zhou Zhengchao 
Published: October 2022

AbstractVegetation disturbance during infrastructure construction can cause serious ecological problems, especially in fragile environments. The Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau is an oil industry base in China with a fragile ecosystem. Vegetation restoration on the disturbance area can effectively control soil erosion and ensure the safety of oil pipelines. In the linear disturbance area, surrounding vegetation traits and topography may play an important role in vegetation restoration by influencing propagules and recruitment microsites. This study aimed to reveal the influence of vegetation type and topography on vegetation restoration in the disturbance area along the oil pipeline. The results showed that 89 species were recorded, and they belonged to 30 families and 74 genera. These species were mainly native herbaceous plants, especially perennial herbs. The species number and species diversity index in the disturbance area had a positive relationship with the undisturbed area. The lateral undisturbed vegetation type and species reproductive strategies influenced the vegetation restoration in the disturbance area. The species that produce a large number of seeds or regenerate by rhizome recolonized quickly in the disturbance area. However, the shrubs and arbor species that need seeds for recruitment will take a long time for restoration. The topographic factor had an obvious influence on the vegetation restoration and species diversity in the disturbance areas. On the sunny and steep slopes, vegetation restoration was difficult and slow, and artificial measures were needed to control soil erosion and maintain soil moisture to help seedling recruitment and survival.
Intra‐crown variation of leaf mass per area of Fagus crenata is driven by light acclimation of leaf thickness and hydraulic acclimation of leaf density
Authors: Rooney Rebecca , Ishii H. Roaki , Cavaleri Molly A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn trees, leaf anatomy acclimates to the vertical light and hydraulic gradients within the crown. Intra‐crown trait variation reflects phenotypic plasticity, which is considered a measure of individual‐level acclimation to environmental variation. Here, we compared plasticity of leaf anatomical traits among trees from five regional populations of Fagus crenata and assessed the contribution of these traits to leaf mass per area (LMA). Intra‐crown variation of LMA was larger than variation among trees from different sites, suggesting phenotypic plasticity is greater than genetic variation. After intra‐crown light effects were removed, LMA increased with increasing height, suggesting, in addition to light acclimation, hydraulic limitation drives intra‐crown variation. LMA was positively correlated with leaf thickness and negatively correlated with mesophyll porosity. Leaf thickness accounted for 39% of the variation in LMA, while palisade thickness accounted for 62% of the variation in leaf thickness, suggesting light was the main driver of leaf thickness. Thicker leaves also had denser mesophyll and thicker epidermal layers, both acclimations to low water availability (i.e., hydraulic limitation). Among the traits, intra‐crown plasticity was highest for mesophyll porosity, while there was no difference among trees from different sites in overall trait plasticity. Our results indicate phenotypic plasticity of leaf traits in F. crenata is mainly driven by light availability, while some traits, such as leaf density, may be driven by hydraulic limitation. In regional populations with high phenotypic plasticity, individual‐level acclimation may buffer negative effects of future climate change on growth and productivity of F. crenata.
Circ‐EIF3I facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer via regulating the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through the miR‐1253/NOVA2 axis
Authors: Chen Tao , Feng Guangqiang , Xing Zhisong , Gao Xingcai 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMany studies have shown that circular RNA (circRNA) is an important regulator mediating the malignant progression of cancer. However, the role and mechanism of circ‐EIF3I in lung cancer (LC) development are still unclear. A total 36 paired LC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were enrolled. The expression of circ‐EIF3I, microRNA (miR)‐1253, and neuro‐oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of LC cells were determined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between miR‐1253 and circ‐EIF3I or NOVA2. The protein levels of NOVA2 and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related markers were detected by western blot analysis. Xenograft tumor was constructed to explore the function of circ‐EIF3I on LC tumor growth. Circ‐EIF3I was upregulated in LC tumor tissues and cells. Silenced circ‐EIF3I could suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhance the apoptosis of LC cells in vitro, as well as reduce LC tumor growth in vivo. Circ‐EIF3I could sponge miR‐1253, and miR‐1253 inhibitor overturned the regulation of circ‐EIF3I knockdown on LC cell progression. NOVA2 was confirmed to be a target of miR‐1253, which could reverse the inhibitory effects of miR‐1253 on LC cell progression. Further experiments showed that circ‐EIF3I regulated NOVA2 expression by sponging miR‐1253. In addition, circ‐EIF3I silencing could inhibit the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via regulating the miR‐1253/NOVA2 axis. Circ‐EIF3I might function as an oncogene in LC, which promoted LC progression by the miR‐1253/NOVA2/Wnt/β‐catenin network.
The Political Economy of Housing Investment in the Short‐Term Rental Market: Insights from Urban Portugal
Authors: Jover Jaime , Cocola‐Gant Agustín 
Published: October 2022

AbstractShort‐term rentals (STRs) emerged as holiday accommodations, disrupting the hospitality industry in the decade before COVID‐19. Mainstream explanations for their growth revolved around digital tourism platforms like Airbnb as market disruptors and the sharing economy rationale. At the same time, critical scholars explored the capitalisation of greater rent gaps in urban central locations. However, these explanations are insufficient to explain the growth of STRs. We supplement them by building bridges between the urban political economy and the geographies of financialisation through the cases of Lisbon and Porto before the pandemic. The paper focuses on tourism‐induced housing investment, taking a closer look at the profile of investors in association with STR property managers in the context of the late‐entrepreneurial urban regime. We conclude that tourism development has allowed opportunities for housing financialisation through STR professionalisation, enhancing the allocation of interest‐bearing capital in tourism‐oriented real estate.
Emerging role and therapeutic implication of mTOR signalling in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Chen Hai‐Wei , Zhou Jian‐Wei , Zhang Guang‐Zhi , Luo Zhang‐Bin , Li Lei , Kang Xue‐Wen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), an important cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), is considered the pathological basis for various spinal degenerative diseases. A series of factors, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, autophagy, abnormal mechanical stress, nutritional deficiency, and genetics, lead to reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and accelerate IDD progression. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a vital role in diverse degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that mTOR signalling is involved in the regulation of autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, ECM homeostasis, cellular senescence, and apoptosis in IVD cells. Accordingly, we reviewed the mechanism of mTOR signalling in the pathogenesis of IDD to provide innovative ideas for future research and IDD treatment.
Where have all the lions gone? Establishing realistic baselines to assess decline and recovery of African lions
Authors: Loveridge Andrew J. , Sousa Lara L. , Cushman Samuel , Kaszta Żaneta , Macdonald David W. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAimPredict empirically the current and recent historical (c1970) landscape connectivity and population size of the African lion as a baseline against which to assess conservation of the species.LocationContinental Africa.MethodsWe compiled historical records of lion distribution to generate a recent historical range for the species. Historical population size was predicted using a generalized additive model. Resistant kernel and factorial least‐cost path analyses were used to predict recent historical landscape connectivity and compare this with contemporary connectivity at continental, regional and country scales.ResultsWe estimate a baseline population of ~92,054 (83,017–101,094 95% CI) lions in c1970, suggesting Africa's lion population has declined by ~75%, over the last five decades. Although greatly reduced from historical extents (c1500AD), recent historical lion habitat was substantially connected. However, in comparison, contemporary population connectivity has declined dramatically, with many populations now isolated, as well as large declines within remaining population core areas. This decline was most marked in the West and Central region, with a 90% decline in connected habitat compared with its c1970 extent. The Eastern and Southern regions have experienced lower, though significant, declines in connected habitat (44% and 55%, respectively). Contemporary populations are connected by three non‐core habitat linkages and 15 potential corridors (spanning unconnected habitat) that may allow dispersal and gene flow. Declining connectivity mirrors recent studies showing loss of genetic diversity and increasing genetic isolation of lion populations.Main conclusionsWe provide an empirically derived baseline for African lion population size, habitat extent and connectivity in c1970 and at present against which to evaluate contemporary conservation of the species, avoiding a shifting baseline syndrome where conservation success/failure is measured only against recent population size or range. We recommend priorities for conservation of existing connections to avoid further fragmentation.
Cost‐utility analysis of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes after its addition to the National Medical Insurance System in China
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Gu Shengying , Qi Chendong , Wang Shuowen , Qian Fengdan , Shi Chenyang , Fan Guorong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe main research purpose is to compare the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of semaglutide (SEMA) with that of dulaglutide (DULA) for patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes throughout their lifetime. If necessary, the second aim is to investigate a further price cut for SEMA to provide sound advice for government drug price adjustments.MethodsCost‐utility analysis was performed by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model 2 (UKPDS OM2) from the perspective of health care providers in China. Baseline characteristics and clinical efficacy of SEMA and DULA were sourced from the high‐dose comparison in the SUSTAIN‐7 trial. A binary search was used to identify the scope for further reduction in the price of SEMA. The impact of individual parameters was assessed with sensitivity analyses.ResultsMain analysis (SEMA vs. DULA) revealed a mean difference in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.04 QALYs and costs of $1132.29. The incremental cost‐utility ratio was $26 957.44/QALY, showing that SEMA was a better option compared with DULA. In sensitivity analyses, the discount rate made the greatest contribution to the incremental cost‐utility ratio. In the binary search, there was still scope to reduce the SEMA cost further by approximately 6.83% to be cost‐effective, taking DULA as a reference.ConclusionAfter its addition to the National Medical Insurance System in China, SEMA is expected to be a cost‐effective choice compared with DULA for patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequately controlled from the cost‐utility analysis. However, there is still scope to reduce the annual cost of SEMA further.
Methods for anti‐factor VIII antibody levels in haemophilia A patients – validation of a multiplex immunoassay and comparability with assays measuring non‐neutralising and neutralising antibodies (inhibitors)
Authors: Martin Myriam , Augustsson Cecilia , Lind Vivian , Al‐Sabti Riam , Lam My Chi , Andersson Nadine G. , Strandberg Karin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe development of neutralising (inhibitors) and non‐neutralising antibodies (NNAs) is a complication to factor replacement therapy in haemophilia. The diagnostic methods available lack standardisation, have high inter‐laboratory variation, and false‐negative as well as false‐positive results may affect treatment. Both functional inhibitors and NNAs may be detected with higher reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity using the immunological Luminex xMAP‐based fluorescence‐immunoassay (xFLI).AimValidation of our xFLI and comparability with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chromogenic Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (CBA) for anti‐FVIII antibodies in haemophilia A (HA) patients.MethodsThe xFLI method was developed with full‐length and B‐domain deleted factor coupled to magnetic beads, optimised and validated for performance characteristics. Comparability with ELISA and CBA was evaluated in HA patient samples (n = 112), serial samples in six inhibitor patients and reference interval and decision‐limits in healthy donors (n = 44).ResultsThe intra‐ and inter‐assay precision (CV%) for the xFLI method was below 6% and detection limit (LLOQ) .084 ng/mL (NovoEight). All ELISA‐positive samples were positive with either Advate or NovoEight. Additionally, 10.7%–14.3% were xFLI‐positive and ELISA‐negative. All but one CBA‐positive sample was above 3SD with xFLI; one was between 2 and 3SD. 29.1% were xFLI‐positive and CBA negative. The overall concordance between xFLI and ELISA was 82.1% and xFLI and CBA 77.9%.ConclusionThe anti‐FVIII antibody xFLI method is adaptable to clinical practice and more sensitive and reproducible than ELISA and CBA. Actual NNA titers are determined to both full‐length and B‐domain deleted FVIII. The xFLI is thus valuable for confirmation of all anti‐FVIII antibodies.
PDE5 inhibitors and male reproduction: Is there a place for PDE5 inhibitors in infertility clinics or andrology laboratories?
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotios , Kaltsas Aris , Zachariou Athanasios , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Tsiampali Chara , Giannakis Ioannis , Paschopoulos Minas , Papatsoris Athanasios , Loutradis Dimitrios , Tsounapi Panagiota , Takenaka Atsushi , Sofikitis Nikolaos 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe objective of this review study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in the amelioration of oligoasthenospermia in infertile males. PDE5is have a beneficial influence on the secretory function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells, the biochemical environment within the seminiferous tubule, the contractility of the testicular tunica albuginea, and the prostatic secretory function. In several studies, the overall effect of sildenafil and vardenafil increased quantitative and qualitative sperm motility. Furthermore, some studies indicate that PDE5is influence positively the sperm capacity to undergo capacitation under biochemical conditions that are known to induce the sperm capacitation process. Additional research efforts are necessary in order to recommend unequivocally the usage of sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil for the alleviation of male infertility.
Porous alkali‐activated material from hypergolic coal gangue by microwave foaming for methylene blue removal
Authors: Li Xinyu , Liu Lei , Bai Chengying , Yang Kun , Zheng Ting , Lu Shuang , Li Hongqiang , Qiao Yingjie , Colombo Paolo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOverall, 100% hypergolic coal gangue (HCG)‐based geopolymer foams were produced by a novel saponification‐microwave foaming combined route. Microwave foaming with and without expired vegetable oil was first used to produce CG‐based geopolymer foams. Macropores were mainly generated by microwave foaming, and mesopores were mainly obtained by the addition of expired soybean oil that underwent a saponification reaction. The effects of the oil content on the density, porosity, pore morphology, compression strength, and methylene blue adsorption properties were studied. High total porosity (85.9–89.0 vol%) and acceptable compression strength (0.46–1.1 MPa) HCG‐based geopolymer foams were produced. Foams with 12.59 wt% oil exhibited the best adsorption properties, with an adsorption capacity up to 9.4 mg/g and high removal efficiency of about 95.3%. These solid‐waste‐based porous components are promising monolithic adsorbents for wastewater treatment.
A new approach for professional dental bleaching using a polymeric catalyst primer
Authors: Dias Marlon Ferreira , Martins Beatriz Voss , de Oliveira Ribeiro Rafael Antonio , Leite Maria Luísa , Ortecho‐Zuta Uxua , Hebling Josimeri , Costa Carlos Alberto de Souza 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the influence of a polymeric catalyst primer (PCP) on esthetic efficacy (EE), degradation kinetics of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and trans‐amelodentinal cytotoxicity (TC) of bleaching gels.Materials and MethodsThe following groups were established: G1: No treatment (NC, negative control); G2: PCP; G3: 10% H2O2; G4: PCP + 10% H2O2; G5: 20% H2O2; G6: PCP + 20% H2O2; G7: 35% H2O2 (positive control); G8: PCP + 35% H2O2. To determine EE, enamel/dentin discs (E/DDs) were stained and subjected or not to bleaching protocols for 45 min. To assess TC, the E/DDs were adapted to artificial pulp chambers. The extracts (culture medium + gel components diffused through E/DDs) were applied to odontoblast‐like MDPC‐23 cells. The viability (VB), oxidative stress (OxS), morphology (SEM), amount of H2O2 diffused and the production of hydroxyl radical (OH•) were assessed (two‐way ANOVA/Tukey/paired Student t‐test; p < 0.05).ResultsThe highest EE was found in G8 (p < 0.05), and G4, G6, and G7 did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). In G4, the limited H2O2 diffusion reduced OxS and increased cell VB (p < 0.05).ConclusionsCoating the enamel with PCP containing 10 mg/ml of manganese oxide before applying the 10% H2O2 bleaching gel maintains the EE of conventional in‐office bleaching and minimizes the toxic effects of this esthetic therapy.Clinical SignificanceCoating the enamel with a PCP before applying the bleaching gel may potentiate the EE of the conventional in‐office tooth bleaching and reduce the toxicity of this professional therapy to the dental pulp.
Evaluation of six different one‐step universal adhesive systems in terms of dentin bond strength, adhesive interface characterization, surface tension, contact angle, degree of conversion and solvent evaporation after immediate and delayed use
Authors: Balkaya Hacer , Demirbuğa Sezer 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of different waiting periods on resin‐dentin bond strength (BS), degree of conversion (DC), contact angle (CA), surface tension (ST), solvent evaporation (weight loss) and the characteristics of adhesive interfaces of the current six universal adhesive resins (ARs).Materials and MethodsA total of 216 caries‐free human lower third molar teeth were used. Composite resin restorations were performed by applying six universal ARs in etch‐and‐rinse and self‐etch mode on standardized dentin surfaces after 0, 5, and 30 min waiting time. Then, a micro‐shear BS test, SEM examination and characterization of the adhesive interface were performed. In addition, DC, CA, ST, solvent evaporation of all tested ARs were evaluated.ResultsThe obtained data were statistically anaIyzed. The tested ARs did not show any statistical difference between 0 and 5 min evaluations in all parameters evaluated except for weight loss (p > 0.05). While the weight loss, ST and CA of all ARs increased in 30 min (p < 0.05), the BS, DC, thickness of the adhesive layer and the hybrid layer, resin tag length and number of resin tags varied according to the ARs used. When the ARs were used in etch‐and‐rinse mode, all the parameters evaluated also varied according to the AR used. Higher adhesive layer thickness and lower hybrid layer thickness were found in the self‐etch mode (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAll of the adhesives tested can be safely used up to 30 min. This could also prevent economical loss caused by waste adhesive material.Clinical SignificanceIt is important to know how the bond strength, degree of conversion, adhesion, contact angle and surface tension properties of the adhesive resin waiting in the dispensing cup for a long time during clinical use are affected to make ideal restorations.
A new species ofParotocinclus(Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil, with comments on the sexually dimorphic traits of the nares and olfactory lamellae
Authors: Silva‐Junior Dario E. , Zanata Angela M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA new species ofParotocinclusis described from lower rio Pardo basin, Bahia, Brazil. The new species differs from the majority of its congeners by the presence of a rudimentary or vestigial adipose fin, restricted to one to three small unpaired plates on the typical location of the fin. The new species differs from congeners that lack a well‐developed adipose fin, and also from various other congeners, by a series of features including the absence of unicuspid accessory teeth and abdomen completely covered by plates similar in size.Additionally, mature males of the new species possess hypertrophied and a higher number of olfactory lamellae, when compared to similar‐sized or even larger females. Hypertrophied and higher number of olfactory lamellae in males is shared with the congeners from the north‐eastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion examined to the feature.